A/N: Thanks for you all of your alerts and reviews. I've reached 100 alerts! I'm kind of happy about that. :: Naya dance::. I'm actually happy about every review and alert. I really appreciate all of you. You all are incredible! 3
A/N: WARNING! If you're prepared for awesomeness of the most epic proportion, I suggest you read this chapter. If you're not, ready it anyway. : )
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Glee'.
Enjoy!
SHIFT
Santana was sitting at her desk reading over a contract. Lately she had been emotionally drained. Since her talk with Rachel a few weeks ago, she has been completely off track. Her friends are concerned. Jess wants to know what's going on. Quinn really wants to punch Rachel in the face. Santana doesn't feel like talking.
After reading over the same line a dozen times, Santana gives up. She'll read over it later with Quinn. Flustered, Santana swivels her chair, closes her eyes and takes a few moments to relax. She suddenly hears the door creak. It could only be one of two people who never knock on her office door; since Quinn is in a meeting the only person it could be is—.
"San. Let's go. I'm tired of you sitting on your perfectly round ass. Time for lunch."
"Seta, I'm not really in the mood. And since when have you been checking out my ass?"
"Santana, I'm straight-ish, not blind. Anyway, I've told you about Mari. She was just so beautiful. Oh. I miss the 80s. The drugs. The music. But Mari, she was perfect. She had the best pu-."
"Ok. Seta. Gross. Seriously, you're like my mother, please, just don't."
Seta rolled her eyes at Santana. "Prude."
"Definitely not."
"Uh. Definitely are."
"Whatever."
"You can whatever me down to the car. Let's go."
"Fine. Where are we going?" Santana asked getting up from her desk.
"That little spot in West Hollywood."
"Cool. Hold on a sec let me set the alarm." Santana had the utmost respect for her staff, but she would never leave her company vulnerable to anyone. She had learned a long time ago that "friends" are hard to come by in this business.
"So, which of your morenas pequenas has you in a pickle?" Seta asked as they walked to the elevator.
"Yo no tengo ningún morenas pequeñas."
"¿De Veras?"
"Si."
"Yo no te creo."
"Whatever."
"Aww. Mi pequena bebe. Tell mama Seta what's going on."
"There's nothing going on. Just have a lot on my mind."
"Free your mind and the rest will follow." Seta began singing the En Vogue hit as a way to cheer up Santana. But with her accent and tone deafness, she just sounded a hot mess.
"Oh God. Please don't."
"Be color blind. Don't be shallow."
"I will literally do anything if you stop."
"Anything?"
"Anything."
"How about a raise?"
"What? I already pay you more than what most people in your position do. Wait, what exactly do you do again?"
"I take care of you."
"So, I basically pay you to annoy me." Santana said as they exited the elevator and walked through the lobby to a black escalade waiting for them. Santana allows Seta to enter first. She's a total gentlewoman.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Will you leave me alone after?"
"Probably not."
Santana rolled her eyes.
"Your eyes will get stuck like that one day."
As they were driven through downtown LA, Santana checked her email and updated her schedule with Seta.
"So. Are you going to tell me what's going on?" Seta asked as they stopped in front of Sushi Go 55. Santana loved Sushi. It was her go to food when she wasn't in the best of moods. Seta knew her too well. It was also a good place to meet a potential artist.
"I'm still trying to wrap my mind around everything."
"What are you trying to wrap your mind around?"
"Rachel an—"
"Santana."
"No. For so long, I've just ignored everything. I built my life around her and look what happened."
"San, you had no control over that."
"I know."
"Did you expect her to wait for you?"
"No. Yes. No. Ugh. I just thought, maybe just maybe, we'd find our way back."
"You both found your way; just not to each other."
Santana did not like where this conversation was going. She wished she hadn't even brought it up. She knows Seta means well, but she just wants to relax and not think about things. She's not avoiding, there are just other things that require her attention. Like the new artist she and Quinn are trying to sign. The girl is really talented. She reminds Santana of Joss Stone; soulful and sultry.
Santana wanted to meet with Amanda in a non-formal setting. She wanted to be away from conference rooms and contracts. She wanted to just talk with potential artists to see what they were about. She wanted artists who were more than music; of course she wanted talent and skill, but she wanted those who connected with something deeper.
Santana sat at the table circling her glass. If only things could be this smooth. She thought to herself. She looked into her half full glass. She could have sworn she had drunk much more. But she was glad she hadn't. Santana savored flavor. She actually savored a lot of things: love, life, music. She didn't take things for granted. Yes, she was passionate and sensual. She loved women, but she didn't abuse her power—to much.
This is some of what she also looked for in potential artists—they didn't have to love women in the way that she did, but they had to embody and embrace whatever they thought it meant to be a woman. She wanted honesty and integrity. She knew how difficult it could be in the business—especially for those women who don't objectify themselves to men's standards.
"So, this girl looks good on paper. Where did you say you met her?"
"She was singing at a longue in Philadelphia of all places."
"I see."
"She's really talented. I mean she has something special. She'll go places."
"And you'll see to that I'm sure."
"Eww. Seta. I don't deal with my artists."
"So you say."
"Ok. Liz wasn't one of my artists; she did backup vocals for like two songs."
"Technicalities."
Santana giggled at Seta's pronunciation of the word.
"Don't make fun. You know my English not so good."
"Besides, I hired you because you have a nice rack."
Seta swatted Santana's arm.
"Ouch. Geez. I was kidding."
"Mmhmm. Says the mujer who doesn't objectify women."
"Come on. I'm kidding." Santana chuckled.
"So, what else has been going on? How's Jess?"
"She's good I guess. We've both been busy, so it's hard to spend any time together."
"You could always visit her."
"I know. There's just so much going on right now."
"Make time for what's important."
"I always do."
"I mean like now. Go to Arizona. Spend a few days with her."
"I've been planning on it, but since my talk with Rachel I've been out of whack."
"I knew it. What happened with you two?"
"Nothing. We talked. We cuddled. She held me. We cried. I woke up the next morning and she was gone. I haven't talked to her since."
Seta looked at Santana for a moment. Santana was the closest she had to a daughter and she enjoyed their relationship. She didn't like seeing her hurting. She knew that she and Rachel had a complicated history—and she loves Rachel to pieces—but she also couldn't help be a little disappointed in the younger woman. When she found out that Rachel was dating Nicki her heart broke—for both women. When they married about a year and a half ago her world changed—mostly because Santana's world changed. She had been by Santana's side since the beginning of career, so she knew Rachel Berry very well. Rachel wasn't a careless, callous person. She was kind and thoughtful. She loved Santana—and knows that she still loves her.
She really thought they even though they were young they were it for one another. Seta loved that Santana wasn't a hateful, vengeful person—especially to those she held close. She put Rachel on a petal stool. That girl didn't want for anything. Santana took care of Rachel all through college; even after they had broken up. That 5,000 Sq. Ft. Condo lived in during college was a present from Santana—which was her first major purchase. Because Santana's flame was burning, she wanted them to have their privacy whenever they spent time together; also, to ensure Rachel's anonymity and comfort. Santana wasn't ashamed, she just wouldn't be around to protect Rachel all the time and the thought of people harassing her made her sick to her stomach. Santana didn't shy away from making known that she wanted to take care of Rachel.
After Italy, Seta noticed how things between the young women changed. Rachel moved to LA. Santana was touring and making appearances. They drifted apart. She observed that Santana had connected to something deeper. To this day, Seta still doesn't know what happened on that trip, but whatever it was did nothing but ignite passion in Santana.
Seta understands that Rachel is married and Santana is married work, but she can't help but feel that there's so much more to them then they realize. She doesn't condone cheating, but these girls are blind if they can't see just how much they need one another. It's inevitable that someone's heart will break, but her girls need to figure it out and move forward.
"I see. Have you tried contacting her?"
Santana shook her head.
"You do realize that she had an intimate moment with her ex-lover while her wife is 7000 miles away saving lives? She's probably taking time to sort things out."
"I know. I don't want to complicate things for her, but I miss her. Forget about our relationship; I'm ok with that, but I cannot lose our friendship, again. She means too much to me."
"I know. You two will figure it out."
Santana was looking over her menu when she looked up and noticed a beautiful blonde walking toward their table. She immediately stood to meet the young woman.
"Amanda. Hello."
"Hey, Ms. Lopez."
"Ugh. Ms. Lopez is my grandmother, please call me Santana."
"Hey, Santana."
"This is my assistant/lifeline, Seta. Seta this is Amanda."
"Hola."
"Hello."
"Amanda, how is LA treating you so far?"
"It's been pretty good. Traffic is horrible."
Santana chuckled. "Yeah. Nothing like LA rush hour."
"I'm not used to driving everywhere. I kind of miss my bike."
"Bike?" Seta asked.
"Uh. Yeah. We kind of ride bikes everywhere on the East Coast."
"Gotcha. Hipster."
Santana chuckled. "I don't think Amanda is a hipster."
"You're a bit of a hipster, San. You and Quinn. What is up with the youth of today?"
"Seta, Quinn and I are not hipsters."
"Sure you aren't." Seta rolls her eyes. "Says the girls wearing skinny jeans and Supers."
Santana mumbled something about not being a fucking hipster because and Seta's old ass not really knowing what a hipster is. And they're Supras not fucking 'supers'.
Amanda chuckled. "You two are funny."
"Well, we are here to entertain." Seta said.
"Yes. And hopefully you're interested in entertaining as well." Santana said switching gears from friendly musician to serious business woman. "I'm going to be honest with you Amanda, you're really talented and you have an incredibly bright future ahead of you. That's if you want it."
"More than anything."
"Good. Because this won't be easy."
Amanda nodded.
"There will be long sleepless nights. Sometimes you won't have time to eat. People are going to be cruel and try to break you. There are a lot of snakes in this business, but I am not one of them. Sure, I want to make money and I have a bit of an ego, but I also believe in talent. I believe in pure, unwavering talent. I don't put my name on anything unless I'm sure they're willing to go the distance. From what I know about you already, you're more than prepared. You won't be alone in this. All I ask is that you be honest with me." Santana looked Amanda in the eye. The young woman flinched and then very quickly pulled herself together. "Now, I ask you again, are you sure this is what you want?"
"I am sure this is what I want."
"Good. On Monday, I want you to meet with me, Quinn and the rest of our team to go over contracts and all that. Today and the rest of the weekend, I want you to relax. Just enjoy yourself because you'll be pretty busy for the foreseeable future."
Santana found herself at GoldStar Productions; where had been every day and night since they signed Amanda a few weeks ago. She had a few things to look over. She wanted to be involved in building her business. She trusted her team, but she trusted herself more—she had the final say. She appreciated her office. It was her home away from home. She wanted it to be comfortable with a relaxing ambiance. She was specifically not to be disturbed for the next three hours—no matter who it was.
So she was more than peeved when she looking out of the window at the Los Angeles Skyline and she sense a presence she turned to—in the most polite way possible—tell her intern, Kat, to fuck off.
"What the fu-." Santana immediately stopped her rant before it began. "Rachel? What are you doing here?"
"I was in the area and thought I'd stop by." She said twirling the edges of her scarf. "Nice office."
"Thanks. Um. How are you?"
"I'm well, thank you. How have you been?"
"Busy. I'm sorry. Please, sit." Santana said motioning Rachel over to the couch. They sat and stayed silent for a moment.
Rachel thought this couch was much more comfortable than the one in the conference room.
"So, what uh, what have you been up to?" Santana asks running her hands over her thighs.
"Not too much. I've been prepping for the 'Dorothy of Oz' premiere; Interviews; Photo-shoots; the usual."
Santana nodded.
"You seem very busy. I could come back another time."
"Don't be silly. You're always welcome here. Whenever."
"Ok." Rachel said looking down at her cell phone. She had received an encouraging text message from Jen. "I'd like to apologize."
"It's fine."
"No. I should not have left like that."
"You're fine. I understand."
"No. Really, I should've woken you up or called. I just-."
"Rachel, you don't have to explain anything to me."
Sensing some tension building Rachel decided to change the subject. "I knew you'd be a superstar, but this is amazing. What you've amassed in five year is incredible."
"Well, someone once told me there were no limits to what I could do."
"Very wise person."
"The wisest."
"Could this wise person give me any advice?"
Santana looked down at her wrist. "I could think of a thing or two."
Rachel noticed what Santana was looking at. "I remember when we got these." She said running her index finger across her gold star tattoo. "That was a good day."
"Yeah. We were really in love."
"We were young."
"We were reckless. We had only been dating a few months when we got these." Rachel chuckled at the memory.
"Time didn't matter."
Sensing the tension increasing, Rachel decided to continue the previous conversation. "How many do you have now?"
"16. You?"
"Wow. Really? I have nine."
Santana nodded. "Cool."
"Do you still have the one on your hip?"
"Yep."
"You didn't get it covered?"
"Nope."
"I thought you would have."
"Why? I have very few regrets."
"I just assumed after everything-."
"Just because you can erase something or cover it up doesn't mean you should."
Rachel nodded her head in understanding at the double meaning. "Right."
"So, what brings you here other than being in the area and stopping by my office?"
"I wanted to see you. Make sure you're all right."
"Ok…"
"What? I can't visit a friend?"
"Of course you can. Like I said, you're always welcome here."
"Wh—."
They were interrupted by Santana's phone. Santana looked at her phone and then at Rachel.
"Hey, babe." She answered.
"….."
"Yes."
"….."
"Soon."
"…."
"Working."
"…."
"I miss you too."
"…."
"I will."
"…."
"Babe, I'll eat. I promise."
"…."
"Later." Santana said the sat her phone on the arm of the chair.
"Was that Jess?"
"What? Oh. Yeah."
"I take it things are progressing well?"
"Things are good."
"I'm glad."
"Yeah."
"So."
"So."
"You look nice."
"And you look beautiful—as always."
"Thanks, San."
"Like really beautiful. I could never forget how beautiful you are."
Rachel smiled. "Thanks."
Santana moved closer to Rachel. Rachel grabbed Santana's hand; pulling her in just a bit before they were unceremoniously interrupted by Seta and Quinn.
"I just love Amanda she's so pretty and smart." Seta says as she walks in with Quinn trailing.
"I know San sure does know how to pick 'em."
"San, you really know how to—Oh. Hola Raaachel. San."
"Hello Seta. Quinn."
"Hey Rach."
"Q. Old Lady. What's up?"
"Oh, nothing." Quinn said looking between Rachel and Santana. "What's up with you two?" Her gaze was fixed on their clasped hands.
"Uh. Nothing." Santana said following Quinn's gaze realizing that she and Rachel were still holding hands. She squeezed Rachel's hand quickly and let go. "What are you doing here?"
"We actually came to discuss Amanda, but as we can see, you are a little busy, so we'll just come back later."
"You guys don't have to leave on my account." Rachel said looking from Santana to the women standing in front of them. "Please stay and discuss what you need to with Santana."
"It's really no problem, Rach."
"No. It's fine." Rachel redirected her attention to Santana. "We'll talk soon, San?"
Santana nodded.
"All right, I'll see you two later." Rachel said hugging Seta and Quinn.
Santana knew that once Rachel was gone they'd give her the third degree.
"San, what the hell was that?" Seta asked as she walked closer to Santana.
"Nothing."
"Sure as hell didn't look like nothing." Quinn said.
"Seriously, it was nothing. Can you please drop it?"
Quinn nodded.
"For now." Seta said.
"Ok.
"So what about Amanda?"
"San, that girl is a genius."
"Of course she is; I discovered her."
"Anyway." Quinn said rolling her eyes. "She's special."
"Very." Seta said.
"I know. I know. I'm trying to figure out how to market her. We have to get her a PR team. I have to call Mitchell so he can get a feel for her and she where we can take her. I also need to call Marcus so that I can—"
"Santana, that's my job." Seta interrupted. "I can do all of those things. Besides you have a couple of other artists who probably need your attention."
"I know, but I want to do right by this girl; she's had it pretty rough."
"I understand, but you have all of us for a reason."
"San, your schedule is crazy enough, let me help with Amanda."
"I've got it Q." Santana snapped.
"Fine, but you don't have to handle it on your own."
"Thanks, Q."
"Anytime."
Over the next few weeks Santana did just that—she let her staff do the jobs she and Quinn hired them to do. She definitely felt that a weight had been lifted.
She found herself taking a drive through LA one Saturday morning. She just felt like getting out and taking her 1969 Camaro convertible for a spin.
As she was switching playlists on her ipod her phone rang. Luckily she had her Bluetooth in—otherwise she'd be in a shit ton of trouble.
"Hello." She said answering her phone.
"Good morning, Santana."
"How are you, Rach?"
"I'm well thanks. How are you?"
"Pretty good. Going for a drive."
"I see. What are you plans for today?"
"Free as a bird."
"Ok. Would you like to hang out?"
"Sure. Um, text me you address. I'll be there in twenty minutes."
"You know I won't be ready then."
"It's fine; I have no problem waiting."
Thirty minutes later Santana was parked in front of a very beautiful two-story, contemporary Spanish home at the end of a cul-de-sac—that took her forever to find. She was impressed. She wasn't surprised that it wasn't a newer home—Rachel was obsessed with the Hollywood "Golden Era" (1950s). The structure definitely spoke of the time. But there are also new postmodern features to the house.
Santana sent Rachel a text informing her she was outside. Rachel instructed Santana to drive around to the side of the house, park outside of the three- car garage and see herself in. When Santana reached the top of the dive way she saw a teenaged boy hosing down a black Prius. There was also a red BMW crossover and a black Range Rover. Santana didn't want to keep in the kid's way, so she parked over to the side.
The boy must have forgotten what he was doing because as soon as Santana stepped out of her car the water hose nozzle was facing his pants making it seem that he had wet his pants.
Santana chuckled. Teenaged boys.
"Hey."
"H-hello."
"How are you?"
"P-pretty good. Uh, you?"
"I'm well, thanks."
"Uhhh."
Santana smirked. "What's your name?"
"Richard Mi-milbourne."
"Nice to meet you, Richard, I'm Santana."
Richard nodded.
"Good job on the cars; they look pretty good."
"Thanks."
"Well, see ya."
"Yeah. Bye." Richard watched as Santana walked away.
Santana rang the doorbell. It was answered by a very beautiful red-head. Santana wondered if she was at the right house.
"Hey." The girl said opening the door for Santana to enter. "Rachel said to wait for her in the den. I'm Alex. Follow me."
"Thanks. I'm Santana." Santana said following Alex.
"Nice to meet you, Santana."
"Likewise."
Santana admired the house. It was perfectly Nic and Rach. It was modern yet elegant. The perfect balance of light and shade. Somehow they did an excellent job at hanging Picassos and Pollacks in the same space. It was very comfortable. Santana didn't like that feeling. She could easily pick out which pieces she thought represented Rachel's personality. She looked on the walls admiring all of the paintings and photographs. Her gaze led her to something that made her stomach twist in knots: a wedding portrait of the couple. It was black and white. Taken on a beach. Rachel looked so beautiful and happy. Her dress was gorgeous. Her hair and makeup were flawless. She was glowing. Nic was wearing a white tailored suit. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders. She was holding Rachel from behind in a very intimate, protective way; the way you would hold a lover. Rachel was leaned back into her—she looked relaxed. Nic's eyes were closed placing a kiss on Rachel's temple (her eyes were also closed).
"Aren't they a beautiful couple?" Alex asked as she entered the den holding Marley.
"Huh? Uh, yeah. They are."
Marley started yapping and wiggling from Alex's embrace. Santana smiled. It had been so long since she had last seen Marley. She had bought him for Rachel just before they went to Europe. Unable to contain his enthusiasm, he freed himself Alex's hold and ran over to Santana. Santana took the hint and bent down meeting him half way. He began licking her as soon she picked him up. She kissed his forehead and he licked all over her face. It had been years, so she was surprised that Marley remembered her.
"That is a sight to behold. That's definitely stamped in my memory bank."
Santana smiled at the familiar voice. She looked over to the smaller woman. "Well, I tend to have that effect on people."
Rachel returned a beautiful, wide smile. "I'm sure."
What Alex witnessed was an unmistakable connection. For the first time since she's known Rachel there was fire in her eyes. There was unbridled, undeniable passion. She knew Rachel and Nic very well; Rachel had never seen her look at her wife the way she was looking at Santana. It was almost too obvious in the most innocent way possible. There wasn't lust. There was longing. There was love. It was the way her mother looked at her father. Santana was a bit more obvious. Her demeanor had changed once the other woman entered the room. Yes, she exuded passion and sexuality, but there was softness to her. If Alex had to guess, there was something way above her pay grade going on to figure out.
"Alex, are you listening?" Rachel asked breaking her from her reverie.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I said; don't let them give him the spa water to drink. He didn't react to it well last time, so I put some of the water he likes in his bag."
Alex nodded.
"Good." Rachel walked over to Santana and took Marley from her. "I see he's still obsessed with you."
"My power transcends species. I attract animals and humans alike." Santana smirked.
Rachel chuckled. She put Marley on the floor and he ran back to Alex.
"Hi." She said looking up at Santana.
"Hey back." Santana said.
Rachel reached up and touched Santana's hair. "You're growing your hair out." Santana nodded. "It looks good. I like it really long."
Santana blushed.
Rachel smiled.
"So are you ready?"
"Yeah. Let me just say goodbye to Marley." Rachel walked over to Marley—who was again cradled in Jen's arms—and scratched his head. "Are you going to behave for Alex and Jeff? Huh? The last time you ran all over the salon and they couldn't catch you. You'r e such a good boy—yes you are. I know you are. Behave from them how you behave for your mommies." Rachel didn't notice Santana cringe. "You're so handsome. Yes you are. I love you so much. Yes, I do." Rachel said, kissing his head.
"Mother and son bonding time is always fun, but we have to roll." Alex said interrupting their moment. Rachel glared at her. "What? We don't want to be late. And I need coffee."
"Fine. Remember, he can't have that water."
"Gotcha. See you later, Rach. Nice meeting you Santana."
"Same here." She said to Alex before she and Marley left the de.
"So, what would you like to do?"
"I have some ideas. How much time do we have?"
"Time is not an issue."
"Ok."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
Forty minutes later the women were just outside of LA at a small airfield.
"What are we doing here?"
En route to Rachel, Santana had called Jack and asked him to get everything ready in case Rachel agreed to go with her. "Going on an adventure. Is this ok?"
"Yeah. Where are we going?"
"Where would you like to go?"
"Anywhere."
"Don't tell me that; because we'd totally fly to like Idaho." Rachel chuckled. "Seriously, we can go anywhere—well, almost anywhere."
"Surprise me."
"That I can do."
Santana and Rachel pulled up onto the strip. Santana got out of the car and walked over to the passenger side to let Rachel out. Santana handed her keys to a young woman and they walked toward a small building. Before they reached the door they were met by a middle-aged man.
"San, so good to see you."
"Likewise, Jack. Rachel this is Jack. Jack this is my friend Rachel."
"Yes, Ms. Berry, I am a huge fan."
"Thank you."
"Rach, Jack here owns this airfield. He's a good friend of my dad's."
"Yeah, I've known little Inez since she was a precocious, sassy eight-year-old." Santana glared at him. Rachel laughed.
"Lighten up Inez." Rachel teased. "Nice to meet you, Jack. This is a really beautiful place."
"Why, thank you."
"So, will you be taking us up?"
"Actually, I will?" Santana answered.
"What?"
"I'm taking us somewhere."
"Are you serious?"
"Very."
"Can you fly this? I mean I know you love planes and all, but can- are you really going to fly a plane?"
"Yes. I've had my wings for like two years."
"Ok." Rachel said unsure.
"Do you trust me?"
More than anything. "Yes."
"Well then let's go."
Rachel stayed behind admiring the fleet of aircrafts as Santana and Jack did final inspections of plans. Santana never fails to surprise me. She thought to herself.
"So, you're friends with Rachel Berry? I had no idea." Jack asked as he checked the engine—for the fourth time.
"Something like that. We went to high school together."
"I didn't realize that Ohio produced so much talent."
"Obviously." Santana chuckled.
Jack nodded. "Quinn's the only other person you've brought here. How is she?"
"She's good. Busy. We've been doing a lot lately. I don't know what I'd do without her."
"She's a good kid. Too bad things didn't work out for you two."
"Yeah, but we're better as friends."
"So, have you decided where you're taking Ms. Berry?"
"Seattle."
"Sounds… nice."
"I'm taking her to an art and music event; lots of awesome bands and art. It's low key and relatively normal."
"Sounds like a date."
"Definitely not a date."
"This is something we used to do. Just hang out, you know?"
"Yes, I know. So no sexy, sultry moves."
"That shit doesn't work on Rachel. She knows me to well."
"Sounds like there's some history there."
"More than you might think. We dated for a few years in high school and while I was breaking into the business."
"You two will figure it out. You know she's into you, right?" Santana didn't want to respond. She wanted to acknowledge the shift in their relationship, but she wanted to keep that in the deep recesses of her mind. Saying yes would make it real and unbearable. She didn't want to deal with what that would mean. "Like, she's completely smitten. I can see you two rekindling the old flame; reigniting the passion of lost love found. She's the one. I know these things."
"She's married."
"Who isn't?" Jack teased.
"To my cousin."
"Which cousin?"
"Nic."
"Nic? Rachel is the amazingly talented, beautiful young woman she married? I knew she had married a Rachel, just not Rachel Berry. You know I don't pay much attention to the media and pop culture."
Santana nodded.
Jack saw the uneasiness appear on Santana's face. He cared for Santana and didn't want to see her hurting. Not one to beat around the bush, Jack needed answers, "Why is Nic married to your ex-girlfriend?"
"They fell in love."
"Bullshit."
"Jack. Please, don't."
"I don't know the nature of their relationship, but I know true love when I see it. And she, my sweet girl, has it written all over her face."
"I know don't." Santana said unsure of how else to respond. She looked down to the ground.
Jack had never seen her so vulnerable. "Look, just relax. Things will work out." He said trying to encourage the young woman. "You never know where life will take you."
"I don't want anybody to get hurt."
"Unfortunately my dear, someone always gets hurt in these situations." Jack said placing his hand on Santana's shoulder. "Go, take her for a glide and enjoy yourself. No pressure. Just have fun. Don't worry."
"Thanks, Jack."
"Safe flight."
After her tour of the fleet Rachel met up with Santana at the strip.
"You ready?" Santana asked.
"Yes. I'm excited."
"I'm glad."
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"No."
"Can I guess?"
"No."
"Can you give me a hint?"
"Fine. It's a place you've never been, but I know you'll love."
"That's not much to work with."
"Deal with it, Rach." Santana said opening the door for Rachel.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Santana walked around the nose of the plan and sat in the pilot's seat. "Buckle up. And put this on." Santana gave Rachel a headset. "This way we can talk and you can tell me how much you love what you're about to see." Santana winked.
Santana turned on various switches. She called Jack to let him know they were ready for takeoff. She revved the engine. Once Jack gave the ok, Santana put the plane in gear and started for the runway. "Hold on, Rach." She said as they plane ascended.
Once they were up in the air, Rachel couldn't help but admire the view. It was breathtaking: the deep blues of the ocean; lush green patches of trees; deep brown of the mountain ranges. Everything was small, but it expansive. It was really a sight to behold. Rachel had flown hundreds of times, but something about this experience was very fresh. It was as if she was seeing everything through new eyes. It was almost too much to take in.
Every once in a while Santana would glance over at Rachel. She admired Rachel admiring the view. Santana could honestly stare at Rachel for eternity; she was really that beautiful. She laughed to herself when Rachel pulled a camera from her bag and began taking pictures. Santana had tons of scrapbooks of photos from the adventures they had taken while they were together. Though the thought made her smile, it also made her a little sad. But because the 'show must go on', she put on a smile and decided to heed Jacks advice and enjoy herself.
"So you're still not going to tell me where we're going?"
"Ok. I'll answer one question." Rachel went to say something, but Santana interjected before she could. "But I'm still not telling you where we're going."
Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Take it or leave it, shortie."
"Fine. What are we doing?"
"We will be participating in an amazing cultural experience."
"Wow. That's really vague."
Santana shrugged her shoulders.
Rachel returned her attention to the aerial view and her camera. She was engrossed in the experience.
Santana didn't fly often; she didn't have much time to, but whenever the opportunity presented itself she took advantage of it. It was the ultimate therapy.
It was a surprisingly clear day in Seattle. Santana appreciated this because she would hate for event to get rained out.
Rachel was excited to be in Seattle. In all the years since she had told Santana about her desire to visit, she had never been. It was on her to-do list. So for Santana to surprise her with this trip meant a lot.
The two young women spent the day walking through downtown Seattle admiring its rich culture. The crowd was respectful of Santana's desire for privacy. Every now and then people would ask for their autographs, but they were generally left alone; except for a few people who wanted pictures, but they politely said no. A couple of people even tried to give Santana their demos, but she wasn't there for that. She was just spending time with an old friend.
Rachel liked a few of the pieces and took a few business cards—she made a mental note to order a few paintings once she got home.
Rachel and Santana were so comfortable with each other. They barely touched, but they were so close. Passersby assumed they were a young couple in love who didn't have to be all over one another to prove something.
Near the end of the event, it started raining.
"Just our luck." Santana said texting her driver to meet them where he dropped them off.
Rachel chuckled. "Relax, San. It's fine."
Santana looked over at Rachel who looked like a cute little wet puppy. Without hesitation Santana off her jacket and gave it to Rachel.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Come on, Keith's waiting for us at the other end." Santana said as she put her arm around Rachel's shoulder and pulled her in. Rachel immediately felt warmth from Santana's touch. They barely touched since they fell asleep together a couple of months ago. Santana's embrace was comforting. "You ok?"
Rachel nodded.
"Ok. We'll be there in a few minutes."
Keith was waiting for them at the entrance with an umbrella. "You ok Santana? Rachel?" He asked.
Santana cringed. "We're fine." Santana answered
"Ok. I had to park a block away."
"That's fine. We're already wet." Rachel said.
"Keith could you please take us to the closest hotel?"
"Is Hotel Monaco Ok?"
"Yeah. I stayed there the past few times I was here."
When they arrived at the hotel a few minutes later they were informed that there were only a handful of rooms available—due to the event and a convention. The downside is that they were all one bedroom. So Santana chose the suite with the most space; the Ambassador suite. She'd take the couch.
"Looks like you're stuck with me." Santana said nudging Rachel's shoulder.
"I'm sure I've been in far worse company." Rachel smirked.
Santana and Rachel waited about a minute in the lobby before a bellhop came to take them up to their suite.
Santana was impressed with the suite. Whenever she stayed at the hotel she was usually in the King suite. She was usually only in town for a few days on business, so she didn't need that much space. There was more than enough space for her and Rachel.
"Why don't you take a bath to relax and I'll order room service and get us some clothes." Santana said after about twenty minutes of going back and forth about what to do about clothing.
"Santana you're soaked. Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm going to order food and then go buy us some clothes. I won't be gone long."
"Fine, but hurry back."
"Yep. I'll see you in a bit."
Once Santana left the hotel with Keith the rain started coming down harder. So she decided to go to the closest store open: Nordstrom. It wasn't her favorite place to shop, but she couldn't be too picky. She had spent nearly an hour in the store. She bought a bunch of different things. You can never be too sure because just as she completed her purchase the power in the store went out. She immediately called Rachel, but her attempt failed. Apparently, all circuits were busy.
She and Keith waited in the store for another 30 minutes to see if the weather would change. It didn't. After fifteen more minutes she decided to chance leaving. She didn't want Rachel by herself.
The power outage affected the street lights, so it took them more than an hour to drive the five miles back to the hotel.
Once they got back to the hotel Vincent, the concierge informed them that most of the city was blacked out and would be for a while. The hotel still had most of its power because of their super advanced generators. He had given them the weather report for the next two days. Apparently storms lasted for days at a time.
When Santana got back to the room Rachel was in a fluffy white robe asleep on the couch. She tried not to leer; she couldn't help it. Rachel was perfect. She looked over to the table, there were two platters: one with a lid on and the other with the lid off. She lifted the lid and saw that it was a Kobe beef burger and a salad. She remembered quite clearly that she had only ordered Rachel food. She smiled at the thought of Rachel making sure she was fed. The burger was at room temperature, but she ate it anyway. For some reason it was the best burger she had ever eaten.
She didn't want to wake Rachel, so she put the clothes in the bedroom and took a shower. The water was perfectly hot. She stayed in the shower too long because she started getting lightheaded.
After she dressed she went back out into the common area, Rachel was still asleep. Santana decided to wake her up. She didn't want her sleeping on the couch.
"Rachel, wake up." Santana leaned in and whispered as she pushed damp hair from Rachel's face. Rachel stirred a bit. "Come on sweetie, get up."
What happened next couldn't be easily explained. Rachel turned into Santana and somehow their lips connected. Santana's eyes widened at the connection. The kiss was chaste and soft, but it shook her to her core. Rachel wasn't completely awake, but she started moving her lips against Santana's. Santana fought so hard to stop it; she gently pushed Rachel away.
Rachel thought she had been dreaming until she was much more awake and realized just how close she was to Santana. She looked into Santana's eyes and saw something she hadn't seen in a long time: passion. She saw love and uncertainty. She also saw fear. Santana had never been this vulnerable. She had the urge to just kiss it all away, so she did.
When her lips connected with Santana's again she felt like she was floating. She could never forget those soft, full lips. Rachel pulled Santana in as close as possible and deepened the kiss. Santana responded. It was a battle.
Santana began grinding into Rachel. Rachel's moans set her on fire. Rachel matched Santana's thrust. It was beginning to be too much for both women. The intensity was building. There was no turning back. Just as Santana loosened the belt of Rachel's robe the room phone rang.
Suddenly realizing what they had been doing, Santana jumped up and ran to the phone—tripping over a chair along the way. It was the front desk checking in on them. She assured them they were fine and they would call if they needed anything.
Santana took her time walking back to the common space. "It was concierge checking up on us."
Rachel nodded.
"Look, Rachel I—"
"I'm going to bed. Good night."
"I—." Santana sighed. "Good night."
Santana fell back onto the couch. She couldn't hold back the tears.
In the bedroom, Rachel changed into boy shorts and a t-shirt. Santana had bought everything she needed. She smiled. Santana had always taken care of her. Alone with her thoughts, she wondered when their relationship had shifted. If she was being honest with herself everything changed the night of Nic's going away party.
Nic.
Her wife.
She had just cheated on her wife—with her ex-girlfriend who happens to be her cousin. She cried at the realization.
That night neither woman slept. Their minds were inundated with total understanding of the weight of their actions.
Both women silently agreed there was no turning back.
PEZBERRY IS ON! YAAAAY!
A/N: I don't know much Spanish, so I used Google Translator. Seta's pretty much asking Santana about her little brown haired women— Rachel and Jess.
Review. How was this chapter? I got a little carried away. I just couldn't stop writing. All criticisms and suggestions are accepted.