An update! Yay!
I'm sorry it took so long and I'm pretty sure the next update would take long as well. But, to make it up to you, this chapter is the longest to far!
Songs:
SECRETS - The Architect (Part 2).
Mayday Parade - You're Dead Wrong.
Nick Lachey - This I Swear.
Quinn never felt as scared to go into her living room as she felt that day. She wanted to run, hide, go back in time and change the last few hours. If she could have, she would probably go way back in the past and change a lot more.
She had no choice, she was caught in a lie and had to suffer the consequences. She lowered her head when she saw her parents in the living room, she tried to focus on keeping her breathing even so she wouldn't faint.
Quinn stood in front of her parents and held her fingers tight to stop herself from shaking. It felt like time was moving extremely slow and all Quinn could do was panic, nothing else was in her mind.
"You can't even look at us because you know we caught you in a lie." Judy spat at her.
Russell gave her a look, then turned to look at his daughter, "Do you have any explanation to why you said you'd be in one place, but were in another?" His voice was scarily calm.
"I.. It wasn't-" While Quinn tried to find the words her sister crossed the living room, a sneaky smirk on her face. It threw Quinn off; did Frannie know something? Did she tell their parents?
"I can't even say how disappointed I am with you," Quinn looked in her father's eyes for a split second, "I thought I raised you well, but I was wrong. Lying to your mother? And for what? To be with that girl?" Quinn flinched at the mention of Santana, "I knew I shouldn't have let you be around them all those years. You have such a clean soul and they corrupted your mind."
"Dad, I was at Brittany's and we did practice our routine for the 'Cheerios', only after I went to Santana's to hang out for a little while."
"You can't hang out with them!" Her mother looked disgusted.
Russell glared at his wife and stood up. He took a few steps and rubbed Quinn's arm, "You have good intention, my child, but the world is full of sick people. Those people take advantage of naive girls like you. Our job is to protect you, do you understand?"
How could she understand? Her father was telling her that her love for Santana wasn't real and that Santana was only using her. It made no sense, Santana told her she loved her, that she cared about her, that those feelings she was having were ok.
"I know it's hard for you, but it's for your own good to separate yourself from them and be friends with other people."
"Quinn, everything will be alright."
"How can you say that? What if they know? What if they'll never let me see you again?" Quinn paced nervously in Santana's room; she had to go home and face her parents, but the fear tore her apart inside.
Santana stood in front of her and put her arms around her and Quinn accepted the hug immediately, "I would never let that happen as I won't let anything bad happen to you. You can call me at any time and my home is open for you if you need, remember that." Santana lifted Quinn's face, "And remember that I love you." She gave her a strong kiss, "Let them say whatever they want, it's all lies. You have me, Rachel and Sam and when the time is right, you'll have Britt and Puck. Don't worry about family because you have two; your friends and my family who, I think, love you more than they love me."
"Thank you, Tana." Quinn said quietly.
"I wish you didn't have to, but you better go." When Quinn heard that she only nuzzled further into Santana's arms, "I'm a text or a call away. It will only make it worse if you won't go."
Quinn sighed, untangled herself from Santana and took her things. They walked to Santana's front door and said goodbye.
"San.."
""Hmm?"
"I.. I.."
Santana smiled, "I love you, Q. Now go, before I regret it."
"I've known Santana and Brittany most of my life, they're my best friends. You don't abandon someone just because they're different than you and I care about them, I can't just cut them out of my life." Her friends were strong for her in the last few months, it was time for her to be a little stronger. And of course Santana was the one who gave her that strength. Quinn wanted Santana to be proud of her, she wanted to stop being the victim and take some control over her life.
Quinn noticed how impatient her father became and all she wanted was to be crawled in Santana's arms.
"I don't want to hear about it! It's enough I'm letting you spend time with that Rachel, that poor girl.." He shook his head, "I want the best for you and the best is to stay as far as you can from these girls."
The thought of being away from Santana made Quinn's heart ache. But convincing her father was impossible. How could she stayed strong in front of her parents whilst having such a strong urge to cut.
"We have classes together and the 'Cheerios', I can't just be around them and not speak to them."
Russell thought about it for a moment, "I need to think about it some more. For the time being I want your interaction with them to be minimal and no more lies."
"Russell, you can't-"
"This conversation is over. You can go, Quinn."
Quinn nodded and ran to her room.
She paced in her room. Quinn knew she didn't have much time until everything would blow up in her face if she'd stay on the road she was on. Also, she had one more reason to worry; Frannie knew something, but how? And what exactly? She didn't know the whole deal, or else she would have outed her, so that was something.
Suddenly she stopped, her eyes were fixed to the ground. So much stress, too many things to think about, Quinn felt her life was about to spin completely out of control. She felt hopeless. "I need it; just a little, so I could think clearly." She nodded to herself and was about to make a move, when her phone rang.
Quinn didn't move, hoping the sound would stop and she could proceed with her plan. The phone did stop, but started to ring again. She sighed, knowing she better answer her phone if she don't want to make everything worse.
"Are you ok? Why didn't you pick up? I thought something had happened to you!"
"Calm down, Rach. I'm obviously alive."
"Calm down," Rachel chuckled, "She's telling me to calm down!"
"How did you even know something was wrong? Did you bug my house? Are you a witch? I always knew that!"
"Your sense of humor is so good, you should consider being a comedian." Quinn could've felt Rachel's annoyed face and smiled, "Santana called me and filled me in. Can you come over so we could talk?"
"Santana called you?" That surprised Quinn, but at the same time made her smile grow.
"Not the point. Now can you?"
"My father seemed to be ok with you, so I guess."
"Good. I'll see you soon, bye."
Quinn stared at her phone for a moment; was Rachel acting weird or was she getting paranoid? She shook her head and went to ask her dad if she can go. He hesitated, but agreed, much to her mother's disapproval.
"Rachel, stop groping me!"
When Quinn got to Rachel's house, the diva checked to see if the blonde was hurt in any way. She was relieved to see no harm was done.
"Come on, let's go to the basement." Rachel pulled Quinn and walked her downstairs.
"What's wrong with your room? You're acting weirder than usual, are you sick?"
Rachel stayed quiet and soon they entered the Berry's basement.
"What took you so long?" A voice said.
Quinn's face shined when she saw Santana standing, quite awkwardly, close to the stairs. The Latina had her annoyed face on, but Quinn saw right through it. She skipped the two remaining stairs and landed right in front of Santana, who opened her arms and pulled her into her.
"Hey, you." Santana whispered in Quinn's ear, "missed me much?"
"You missed me more if you came to Rachel to see me." Quinn teased back.
"I'm gonna go, before I'll puke. I have to update Sam that it worked and to be honest, seeing Santana being cute is disturbing."
Santana glared at Rachel and tightened her hold on Quinn, who hummed in approval. Santana watched until Rachel left and cupped Quinn's face with one hand.
"You're fine."
"Now I am."
Santana closed the distance, connecting their lips in a sweet, soft kiss. She laughed when Quinn frowned, not happy the kiss was over.
"Go sit on the couch."
"Why? Where are you going?"
"Nowhere. Just go sit."
Quinn pouted; all she wanted was to be in Santana's arms and the girl made them be apart. She took a seat on the couch, in front of the small stage Rachel's dads had made for her.
With her acoustic guitar in hand, Santana walked on the stage and sat on the stool that was right in front of Quinn. Quinn's eyes watered at the realization. She was mesmerized by the new expression on Santana's face; something between shyness, nervousness and.. Was it love? Something in the way Santana looked at her was different; more intense and raw, she had no mask on.
"I promised you, a while back, that I'd sing to you. I always postpone it, telling myself it wasn't the right time and that I'm not ready." Santana said softly, "I am now." She moved her hands on the strings.
"She's got all my dreams
I've got these broken things
And they always disagree
But if there's one real thing
You would choose to believe
Just don't lose your faith in me..."
Quinn listened carefully as Santana's raspy voice sang. Their eyes were fixed on each other as Santana played skillfully.
"She's got broken things
Where her heart should be
And I keep rolling them over in my head
Make my voice brand new
I'll give it all to you
And I'll never speak again..."
The lyrics and honesty in Santana's voice caused Quinn's heart to melt. She enjoyed listening to the talented girl, but there was much more in it than just singing. Santana wanted to reassure Quinn that she was all in, that she was hers.
"Lord, I've been trading places with the ghost in me
And it's starting to make me sick
But if there's one real thing I could choose to believe
Just a little hope would do the trick.
She's got broken things
Where her heart should be
But I can tell there are moments
When I'm really getting through
Make my voice brand new
I'll give it all to you
And I'll never speak again.."
Quinn didn't recognize the song, but it was perfect. It was like she could feel the lyrics on her skin, sinking in to her body and making their way to her heart.
"She'll be in magazines
With all her fancy things
And all the boys will dream
If you think this was easy you're wrong.."
Tears streamed down Quinn's face uncontrollably and she hugged herself. And right on cue, Santana sang the next verse.
"Ohhhh And now it's time
Ohhhh Let me see you smile
Ohhhh Let me see it
Ohhhh..."
Her voice was lighter and she had a small smile on her face that Quinn couldn't help but mirror.
"She's got broken things
Where her heart should be
And I keep rolling it over in my head
If your heart is true then I'll be with you
'Cause it's you that I adore
And we both know I loved you more."
Santana winked at a very red Quinn and put her guitar on the side. She walked off the stage and sat next to Quinn, who covered her mouth with her hand and with the other brushed the remaining tears from her eyes. Santana kissed Quinn's temple.
"Tana, your voice is just amazing and this song.. So perfect. Thank you."
"No matter how tough our life is going to get, you need to always remember that I'm here" She said and pecked Quinn's salty cheek. She then reached and pulled a turquoise envelope from behind her back and handed it to Quinn.
"You're full of surprises today.." Quinn took the envelope from her, "What's that?"
"Wait," Santana put her hand on Quinn's, "Don't open it here, wait until you get home."
"Nervousness suits you." Quinn giggled and pulled Santana from her neck into a kiss, before the Latina could ruin the moment. She pushed Santana on her back and straddled her, never letting go of her lips. Quinn bit and tugged Santana's lips, earning some moans from the girl under her. Hesitatingly, Quinn's pale hand went under Santana's shirt. She felt how Santana's abs tensed under her touch, Santana's pulse was as quick as hers and their kiss became sloppy. Quinn made her way up, caressing the caramel skin and causing goosebumps all over Santana's body.
"Q.." Santana tried to get Quinn's attention, but instead Quinn cupped Santana's left breast and squeezed it, "Shit!" Santana arched her back into the touch.
"No! That's not why I let you be alone." Rachel's voice startled them and they jumped apart, "You disappointed me, Santana." She said as she walked closer to them.
"Me?! Why are you assuming it's my fault?"
Quinn's arms were around Santana's right arm and she buried her face in the crook of Santana's neck, laughing at the scene.
"You!" Santana tried to sound angry, but failed again, "Everyone thinks you're an angel.."
"Don't try to put the blame on Quinn, Santana. I trusted you to make your romantic gesture, but find you.."
"Can we drop it?" Quinn got embarrassed by the situation, "We're sorry, it won't happen again."
Rachel looked narrowed her eyes and nodded. She moved to the couch and sat on the edge.
"How are you two?"
"Good." Quinn slid her hand to hold Santana's.
"What did your father say?" Santana asked.
"He wants me to stop being friends with you and Britt.." Quinn exhaled heavily, "I tried to convince him to change his mind, he said he'll think about it, but I'm not holding my hopes up. Especially when my mom is so against it, she'd probably won't stop bugging him."
"Ugh, I hate them!"
"I have to agree with Santana, they're taking everything to the extreme."
Quinn shrugged, "That's how things are.."
Rachel and Santana exchanged looks and Quinn couldn't understand when those two became friends.
"We'll cross the bridge when we get there."
Santana nodded and wrapped her arms around Quinn, bringing her closer, "We're here for you, Q."
Quinn took a moment to appreciate what was happening; Santana sang to her, they were together, they were acting like a couple in front of Rachel and it felt right.
They spent another hour talking, actually most of the time Rachel tried to convince Santana to sing the song she sang to Quinn. The blonde was happy to be there; her girlfriend and best friends had overcome their differences just to support her, and despite their act, Quinn knew they didn't hate each other that much.
At some point they agreed it was for the best for Quinn to go home early. It wasn't easy for the couple to separate; they hugged each other tightly for a couple of long minutes before saying goodbye. Quinn thanked Rachel for, once again, being such a good friend and drove home.
Later on that night Quinn pulled her futon over herself and turned on the light on her phone. She opened Santana's letter, enjoying the sweet smell it had.
"Hey, Q.
It's so lame to write a letter to a person you see every day.. And you know how bad I am with talking about feelings and stuff.. But I feel like it's something I should do.
It's so damn cheesy, but you know what? I think I was in love with you the moment I saw you. We were kids and knew nothing about love, but I can swear that the first time I saw you was like my heart was tattooed with your name. Since that day I only fell more and more for you.
It was so hard; I had these intense feelings for my best friend and I felt like a freak. I kept telling myself we're best friends and it's normal to love you like that, but with time I couldn't deny it. I was so scared of losing you so I decided it was better to have you as a best friend than to not have you at all.
It got too much; I never stop thinking of you, looking at you, wanting you. Only when I was with you that I felt complete.
All that pain was worth it because I have you now.
I want you to know in every possible way that I, Santana Lopez, love you. Get it into your pretty head, I love you and I'll never stop.
You're scared and it's ok, nothing is going to be easy, but I'm always going to stand by your side.
For me, we're not just another high school sweethearts. I see us in the future, making our dreams come true together. So if you ask yourself if it's worth fighting for or if is it even serious, the answers are big, huge, Yeses.
No matter how bad things might get, we can get through it together.
There is a happy ending to our story.
'I may not say it half as much as I should
When I say I love you darling that means for good
So open up your heart and let me in
And I will love you 'till forever
Until death do us part we'll be together
So take my hand and hold on tight
And we'll get there
This I swear.
So whenever you get weary
Just reach out for me
I'll never let you down my love'.
You made me corny, but I love being like that with you. Before you ran away, I'm not proposing [yet..], just wants you to know I'm committed and love you.
I have only one request for you, don't give up on us. I don't think I would survive that.
Forever yours,
Santana.'
Quinn took a deep breath. Santana poured her heart out in that letter. For most people, all the things Santana has done and her always saying 'I love you' might be too much, even suffocating. But not for Quinn, she only started to understand just how much Santana cared for her. It was strange to her that someone loved her so deeply despite her defects. She needed that constant reminder that Santana was there, willing to fight for them, willing to help her stay on her feet.
For Quinn it wasn't over the top because she was craving that affection, that pure love and Santana knew it. Not only did she know, she kept showing her that what she was taught was a sin was actually the opposite and their love was real and normal.
Quinn wasn't there yet, she was still torn between the two worlds, but she took baby steps towards Santana.
She pushed the letter under her pillow, wanting to feel close to Santana, and fall asleep.
The next morning, Quinn rushed out of her house. She grabbed toast and ate it as she ran to her car. After she parked her car, Quinn slammed the door and ran into the school, through the halls and into the locker room.
She made her way to her spot and stood there, panting in front of two confused cheerleaders.
"Good morning, Quin. How-" Brittany stopped mid sentence because Quinn snatched Santana's hand and started walking.
"Morning, Britt. We'll be right back!" Quinn yelled as they exited the locker room.
The blonde pushed Santana into the nearest bathroom, knowing it was too early for anyone to be there. They stood in front of each other; Quinn's eyes screamed all the things she wanted to say, but her mouth didn't make a sound. Santana studied her; the fire in her eyes, the way her body was leaning forward and the shaking lips.
Santana opened her arms, "Come here, babe."
They hugged for five minutes, until Quinn felt brave enough to talk.
"I read your letter and it so beautiful," She whispered, still in Santana's arms, "And I'm sorry.."
"Sorry for what, Q?"
Quinn took a step back and looked in Santana's eyes, she reached and held her hands, then spoke, "I like you, I like you so much it hurts. And you're being so honest and brave.. I'm sorry I can't say all those things back, I'm sorry you fell for a little girl who is so messed up and-"
"Quinn, stop-"
"No, let me finish. I'm sorry that everything is so complicated. And I can't promise anything because I'm so damn scared of everything, but I like you, Tana."
"All I wanted was for you to want me back. We can deal with whatever comes and it has nothing to do with you, you're amazing. It's not your fault there are some ignorant people in the world, but let's not think about it right now." She cupped Quinn's face, "I love you."
Quinn closed the distance for the kiss she was dying for since she read Santana's letter.
The rest of the school day went regularly, except glee club and lunch it was even boring. When they ate lunch Quinn giggled and everyone looked at her, like 'what the fuck is wrong with you?', but she shrugged and kept eating. If they didn't see how weird and cute it was that they all sat together, then she wasn't going to ruin it or make it awkward.
After the school ended Quinn drove home, she had some homework she really wanted to get rid off so she'd have the rest of the day to relax and read. She glanced at the living room on her way upstairs and saw her dad sitting on the couch.
Walking towards him with her eyebrows raised, Quinn asked, "Dad? What are you doing home? Is everything alright?"
He didn't look at her, instead his eyes were fixed on the table. Quinn averted her eyes to see what he was looking at and saw a turquoise envelope.
Her heart sank at the realization and her mouth was dry.
He knew.
She couldn't move and barely breath.
He, somehow, found the letter and he knew.
That was so like her, Quinn thought, she makes the smallest progress and life hit her back with full force.
No one said a word.
Father and daughter staring at a turquoise envelope in dead silence.
Quinn ran in her head every line in the letter, she knew it by heart, and it made her legs tremble with fear. As she kept looking at it, she began to see Santana's heart instead of a piece of paper. And she no longer was the only one who got to know what it held.
She wanted to beat herself for being so stupid and reckless; how could she just leave it under her pillow?!
The bigger question Quinn asked herself was why she deserved it. By it she meant to have someone who loves her the way Santana did, but not be able to be with them. Nothing comes without a price, but why hers had to be so huge?
"How long?" Her father's voice echoed in the room. He still didn't look at her and his voice was calm and cold, making the situation ten times more frightening.
"Dad.." Quinn muttered.
"How long?" He asked the same as before.
What was she supposed to say? Did he want to know how long Santana and her had something or for how long she had feelings for the Latina?
"A couple of months." She looked at her feet.
Another long silence.
Quinn thought her heart won't be able to take much longer of it, she was sure she was going to spontaneously combust.
"When I got home after your mother called me, she wanted to drive to your school and drag you home." Oh no, her mother was the one to find the letter, "She told me we need to send you away, to a place where they'd fix you," That was it, the thing Quinn was scared of the most, "She was hysterical. I told her and your sister to go out and come back in a few hours." Quinn was confused, what was her father tried to tell her?
He got up from her couch and looked at her, but Quinn couldn't look back, "I'm not going to spend my money on you. I tried so hard over the years to teach you what's right, but you chose a sinful life." He threw the letter on her, "You're not my daughter anymore. You have fifteen minutes to pack and leave my house. And I advise you to do it fast because they'll be back soon." He moved past her and out of the living room.
Shocked and panting, Quinn stayed still.
Her father knew, her whole family knew.
Did she still have a family?
Her eyes widened as she remembered her father's words. She had to hurry if she didn't want to run into her mother and sister, that would crush her completely.
Quinn grabbed the letter and ran to her room, her phone already against her ear and she prayed the other person to answer.
"Hey, Quinn!" Rachel's cheered voice almost made her jump, she was so focused on what she has to do.
"R-Rach I n-need y-y-you t-to come." She managed to say.
"What's wrong? Did you hurt yourself?"
"N-No time. Be h-here quickly, p-please."
"On my way."
"Wait!" Quinn screamed, "When you get here, s-stay in the car."
"Ok.. I'll be there in five."
Quinn pushed her phone into her pocket and scanned her room. Somehow she turned off all the things she felt and threw some clothes and important things to a bag.
She heard the front door slamming and froze, "Oh no."
"You said she won't be here! I can't have this sin in my home, Russel!" She could hear her mother yelling, "She has a place in hell. Get her out of here."
Quinn gulped and walked out of her room. Rachel texted her that she was waiting, so she had to go downstairs and face her mother.
"You disgust me!" Judy yelled the moment she saw Quinn, "All you ever did was bring shame on this family! I can't even look at you."
Quinn regretted glancing at her family, because the way they all looked at her almost caused her to puke. In silence and with her mother telling her how much of a sinner she is, Quinn went out of the house and ran to Rachel's car.
"Quinn, what happened?" She said in panic.
The blonde sat still and looked straight at the road. Figuring she won't get an answer, Rachel drove back to her home.
Rachel Berry was known as a person who overreacts, but not with Quinn. They were at her house for a good twenty minutes and Quinn hadn't said a word, she was terrified to the bone. Rachel assumed what went down when she saw Quinn's bag, but wanted the blonde to speak.
Quinn rocked back and forward on her bed, her eyes rested on a random spot. She couldn't contain her emotions, it was too much.
"I know what you need. I'll be right back." Rachel walked out and when she got back, after a few minutes, she gave Quinn a glass of water.
The blonde didn't take one sip, she just held it in her arm.
Another ten minutes passed and Rachel walked to answer the door. Leaving Quinn on her bed, still rocking, not saying a word.
When Rachel got back Quinn lifted her head, she smelled her favorite smell and her head moved on its own.
"Hey, Q." Santana approached her as Rachel closed the door, leaving them alone.
Her first instinct was to crush her body against Santana, but the recent words that were said to her made her jump to the other side of the room. She saw the glimpse look of hurt in Santana's eyes, but the brunette quickly replaced it with a loving one.
"Ok, I'll stay here." Santana put her hands in front of her body, trying to calm the girl she loved so much, and stood with her back against one of the bedroom walls.
"Can you tell me what happened?"
Quinn shook her head. Familiar feelings of nervousness, fear and self loath crept back and she felt like she was going to faint.
"Can I guess? Would it easier if I'll be the one saying that?"
Quinn's heart, what was left of it, broke; she was pushing the girl away, she hated herself so much because she loved her, but Santana didn't give up and stayed calm and loving.
She sighed and nodded weakly.
"They kicked you out because of us?" Santana didn't need an answer, the way Quinn looked at her was enough, "Can I come closer?" Quinn blinked and Santana moved slowly to her.
When Santana's hands were finally around her waist, Quinn collapsed. She put her hands around the girl's hips and sobbed into her shoulder. Santana moved one hand to brush Quinn's hair and tightened her hold.
"Let it all out, baby. I'm not going anywhere, you can let everything out." Santana whispered and pulled her broken girl impossibly closer.
After a while, the couple moved to lay on the bed. Half of Quinn's body was on Santana's as she continued to cry on her shoulder. Santana had to stay strong and resist the urge to go kick Quinn's parents. She was pissed off and at the same time wanted to cry with Quinn. But Quinn needed her and that was all that matter at the time.
Santana caressed Quinn's back and from time to time whispered 'I love you' and 'I'm here, baby". She wanted Quinn to relax before she'd start talking about their plan for what was going to happen from there.
The Latina had her own insecurities; sometimes she thought Quinn was better off without her causing a chaos in her life or would Quinn really want to build a life with her.. But she could never give up on Quinn. Since she set her mind on love and protect her forever, Santana couldn't stop. And with Quinn confession this morning, Santana was determined to give Quinn the life she deserved.
So focused on her thoughts and plans, Santana didn't notice Quinn stopped crying and fell asleep. She enjoyed the short peaceful moment, just her and Quinn.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket so she had to, somehow, move Quinn without waking her. When she finally made it, she didn't want to leave because Quinn looked so cute. She thought maybe it wasn't important and she could go snuggle her girlfriend, but it was her mom. Quietly, Santana left the room and answered her phone.
"Sí, mama?"
"No, she's asleep.."
"Yo entiendo. I'll let her sleep a little longer, then I'll talk to her."
"Te amo, bye."
Santana sighed when the call ended and went to find Rachel.
"Santana? How is she?"
She never thought she'd say it, but Santana was happy Rachel was there.
"Cried herself to sleep."
"I always believed they'd overcome their views and accept her, guess I was wrong.."
"You see the good in people," Santana leaned on the kitchen counter, "They're jerks, always were."
Rachel made a note to do a happy dance because of Santana's compliment, "She's such a great person. I don't get any of that; like, how she turned out like that and how can they treat her so badly?"
"Don't think about it, they're just horrible people that somehow gave birth to the most kind and beautiful person in the world."
"You really love her, don't you?"
"You have no idea.." They shared a smile.
Rachel poured them orange juice and they sat around the table, "Why aren't you with her?"
"My mom called, she talked to Quinn's parents and wants us to come. She said there are some things that need to be discussed."
"What more is there to talk about? They threw her out, end of story."
Santana chuckled, seeing Rachel get upset, "She's a minor, it's not that simple."
"So are you going to wake her up?"
"I have too.." Santana took a last sip and got up.
"Santana?"
"Hmm?"
"She's lucky to have you."
Santana was a bit shocked to hear Rachel saying that, but it was exactly what she needed.
"Thank you." She stopped herself and said one more thing, "I'll never admit I said that, but you're a good friend."
"Thank you Santana, it means a lot."
"What does?" Santana winked and went back to Rachel's room.
Waking Quinn up wasn't as bad as Santana's thought; the blonde snuggled into her when she called her name and Santana got to kiss her face several times until she opened her eyes.
"What?" Quinn frowned, "Let me go back to sleep, Tana." she pouted.
"Ugh you're so cute!" Santana pecked her lips, "But I have to tell you something."
"What?"
"My mom talked to your parents and she wants us home so she can tell us what went down."
"I don't want to, S."
Santana pulled Quinn against her, "I know, but it's important that we know where we stand. Leave everything here, we'll talk and I'll drive you back. Ok?"
"Your mom doesn't hate me?" Quinn mumbled.
"Q, she told me she was starting to plan our wedding. No, she doesn't hate you, neither does anyone else from my family."
"They also knew?"
"They knew since we were kids," That got Quinn to giggle, "You're safe with us, Q."
"I'm scared, so many people know and I don't know what I'm feeling anymore." Quinn admitted, clenching her palm around the hem of Santana's shirt.
"I'm scared too, but we're not alone. I'm not saying it's good that your parents know, but it happened. We can't let them ruin it for us, we're going to do whatever's needed to get our happy ending."
When the couple reached Santana's home Quinn needed a little more encouragement to get out of the car and walk in. She was still surprised that Santana had so much patience with her.
"Hello, my darlings!" Victoria smiled brightly at them.
Santana tried not to yelp in pain when Quinn clenched tightly on her hand. She figured it was going to happen a lot that night, so better get used to it.
"Hola, mama."
"Hey, Mrs. Lopez."
The two other women looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "Back to that again, Quinn?"
The blonde blushed, "I don't know.. Now that Tana and I.. I just thought.." She stuttered.
"Nothing changed." Victoria smiled, "Lets sit, I have some important things to talk to you about."
Feeling Quinn's stress Santana offered her a smile and whispered, "It's going to be alright, I'm right next to you." And Quinn smiled back.
"So as you know, I talked to Quinn's parents." Victoria started when they all sat, it was clear from her tone and facial expression that the talk wasn't pleasant, "Long story short, they said either Quinn goes back home, disconnect her connection with everyone and 'get through that phase' or they're sticking with their decision."
"But Quinn is still a minor.."
"You're right. They said they'll take care of the major things, like school, until she'll turn eighteen-"
"What about college?" Santana asked.
Victoria looked at Quinn and saw that the blonde already knew the answer to that. Santana looked between them and got angry.
"No, mom. They can't do that!"
"Honey, calm down. I know it's upsetting, but getting agitated won't help."
She kept her cool long enough, it was the last straw, "So they can just cut her off?! We have to do something!"
"Santana-"
"No, mom! Those people-"
"Tana, please.." Quinn said in a quiet voice.
Santana looked at her and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry. I just.. I'm sorry." Quinn smiled at gave her hand a little squeeze.
"They are so in love, it's beautiful." Victoria thought as she watched the young couple, "I have no doubt you'll make it, just hold on."
"Look, Quinn" Victoria said to get their attention, "The decision you have to make isn't easy and you'll have a lot to think about and consider. I only want you to know that the door to our house is always open for you, you're a part of this family. If you chose not to go back to your parents, we can work everything out."
"Thank you, Victoria."
"But listen to me, the both of you," Her tone was more intense, "Quinn can choose whatever she feels. The two roads aren't easy, so take the time you need and do what feels right to you." Victoria hopped Quinn would chose the stay, but she knew it wouldn't be easy to be apart from your family at such a young age.
"I will. Thank you."
"And you, young lady," She pointed at her daughter, "We're all not Impartial here, just try not to bribe and spoil her too much. Let her make the decision by herself."
The girls blushed, making Victoria smile a victory smile.
"Ok, you can go now. I'll call you when dinner is ready."
Santana jumped to her feet and dragged Quinn up to her room.
They snuggled in Santana's bed, each in her own thought, for a while. The burden of life didn't seem so awful together.
In just a couple of hours, Quinn's life had totally changed. She wasn't sure she'd ever tell her parents, she was just agreed to work on their relationship and now she had to make a choice. It should have been simple; she felt good with Santana, she gained life long friends recently and her parents just kicked her out. Why would she want to go back there? But they were her family and without them she had to say goodbye to college.
The thought of returning made her shiver. How was it supposed to work? They hated her and she knew how much, she hated herself like that before and part of her still did.
On the other side of the hug, Santana was in deep thought as well. She couldn't lose Quinn and what sane person would go back to that house? Yet, Quinn still thought about it and she had to accept her wishes even if it would've shattered her heart. Santana hoped Quinn loved her enough to stay, despite how hard life was going to be for a long time.
Santana scooted closer to her blonde, afraid she'd need to let her go.
"Tana?"
"Yeah?"
Quinn turned to face Santana and pecked her lips, "I love you."
Santana gasped; she was so scared she'd have to live without Quinn that the confession threw her off.
"Q.." She bit her lips, "I love you too."
"I don't know what's going to happen and I'm not sure I could say that again, but I wanted to say it at least once so you'd know."
"All I want is for you to be happy."
They kissed for a few minutes; just short ones, enjoying the closeness of the other and cherished being together.
"Can I stay here tonight?"
"Of course" They smiled at each other, "Call Rachel to bring you your stuff."
"No need, I have some here." Quinn got up and walked to Santana's closet.
"Hey! Come back here."
"I'm going to jump in the shower before dinner." She turned her head to a pouting Santana, "We'll continue our cuddling session later."
"Ugh fine!" Santana grabbed her phone, "I'll call Berry to tell her you're staying here or else she'd kill us both."
"Be nice!" Quinn yelled from the bathroom.
Santana could easily get used to that arrangement. It couldn't have been more perfect; she got to cuddle with Quinn, have the girl shower there and have meals together. She liked less the fact that Rachel and Sam was part of the package deal, but it wasn't that bad.
She only hopped Quinn would chose to stay.
I hope you liked it. You're more than welcome to leave a review or send me a PM :)
For those who'd like to know something about the future of the story, look for it on my Tumblr.
My Tumblr - Lesbianships.
My beta's Tumblr - Shesjustagirl.
'till next time.