A/N: So, here we are, after a million years of waiting.. D: Which, I cannot apologize enough for. You can put the pitchforks and torches up now. I want to thank you guys for sticking with me, and getting on to me about updating this, so thank you, because it actually helps me and has me wanting to write at warp speed. I just wish that I could actually write at warp speed.. Anyhoo, this is what came out of my writers block, so I hope it's okay.
Thank you all for the wonderful reviews/alerts/favorites.
Glee isn't mine.
Enjoy, please? ;P
(Thursday, November 3rd, Santana's POV)
I am standing in front of the hellhole disguised as school with a pout, the building towering over me ominously, and I am scared of going inside. I haven't talked to anyone since last night, not Q, not Riley, and especially not Rachel. I've had a few calls and texts from Rachel, a couple from last night, most from this morning, but I have been feeling too closed off and like I needed time to think and process things. Everything happened so fast yesterday, and at first yeah, I was so gonna gets up on my girl, it's just, I had never ever felt anything like the way Rachel was making me feel, and it scared the shit out of me. She turned me on so much, but it wasn't just that, there was this connection between us unlike anything I have ever experienced, and it both terrified me and made me want to treat her first time better than where we were headed. I mean, seriously, we have not even figured out what we are yet, and no matter how much I wanted to act on those damn primal instincts, I needed it to mean more than just sex.
Rachel means more to me than that, even if she did temporarily scare the badass right out of me by going all, well, primal on me. I wasn't sure if she was going to take a big, meaty chunk out of me or not. I wanted to believe that she would never hurt me, that she was just being possessive and shit, and deep down, under the scared little bitch, I did. And that part of me was turned on more than ever, but I guess the instant fear overrode my 'All things Rachel' instincts, so I let it get the best of me, and more than likely hurt Rae's feelings in the process. Hence the fear of going inside and facing her.
With a deep sigh, I head towards the unknown.
My first destination is my locker, though on the way there, I cannot help but gaze around for Rachel, Quinn, and or Brittany. I freeze mid step, heart stuttering inside my chest as soon as my eyes land on Rachel, who is preoccupied with digging around in her own locker. I swallow, hard, and watch as her body stills, before she turns swiftly around and targets me with wide eyes. We stand there lost in each other, me in the middle of the hallway; her backed up against metal lockers. Everything and everyone else fades away, and it is only us, nothing matters but her and this moment. A pink tongue swipes against pouty lips, making me automatically nibble on my own bottom lip, which in turn causes her to clench her jaws, and then to take a few steps forward.
Aroused, and becoming somewhat… giddy, I stay put, waiting anxiously for the moment she closes every possible inch between us.
"Um, hey, Rachel." You know when an intense moment is interrupted by the sound of a record scratch? Yeah, that just happened.
For reals, that sound effect just came out of Finn's mouth, and now all I want to do is go all Lima Heights on his ass for ruining our Pezberry bubble. Rachel's eyes are closed, she is tenser the tense, and her jaw is clenched in anger instead of the obvious sexual frustration from mere moments ago. It only makes me want to pound the giant into the floor until he is unrecognizable.
"Hello, Finn." Rachel finally acknowledges him, though her voice is anything but welcoming.
"Hi. Here, I thought you might like this." Finn awkwardly shoves some type of flattened flower that may have been pretty at one point in her face, and I roll my eyes as irritation intensifies within me. Rachel attempts not to grimace as she takes what appears to be a daisy, but since I am watching her so closely, I can see how tight her expression is, and Finn of course, is oblivious.
"Finn, this is sweet-"
"I picked it from mom's garden, sorry it's squished though, I uh, set my books on it by accident." He cuts her off, acting all sheepish and shit while running fingers nervously through his hair.
"Like I was saying, it was sweet and thoughtful of you to pick me a flower; however, it was highly unnecessary as well." Rachel, politely as she can, rejects the flower and holds it out for him to take back.
I feel an immature 'Ha! In your face!' welling up, but tampering down on it, I smirk instead.
"But, I wanted to do something nice for you. Don't you like it?" Finn whines, stepping closer and refusing to take the squashed flower.
My smirk turns into a scowl, and I walk over, having had enough of him trying to steal my girl.
"The flower was pretty, Finn, but I am not getting back together with you, so stop courting me." Apparently, I am not the only one who's had enough, because Rachel rejecting him head on is a clear indication that she is done with their conversation. The flower was pretty, that makes me giggle inside. I bet that went right over Finn's oversized walnut passing for a brain.
I move in then, wrapping my arm around her shoulders to let her know I am there, and to show Finntard that she is mine. Not that he would get it, but so not the point. He frowns as Rachel stuffs the flower in one of his caveman hands, and then points a glare at me as if this were all my fault; I just shrug at him and pull Rachel closer against me.
"I don't like this, Rachel." Finn waves his free hand at us. "Ever since you two started hanging out you've changed, you're all mean and bitchy now, just like her!" He yells angrily, first at Rachel, and then turns his focus on me while thrusting thick fingers all up in my personal space.
Puffing myself up to defend Rachel, I slap his hand away with a glare,
"First of all, Rachel is neither mean nor a bitch; she is nothing like me and never will be. And, second, you need to back the fuck up before I smack your giant ass to the ground."
"Whatever, Santana. Why are you even friends with her? She's not good for you, Rachel. All you are to her is a game, and once she tires of you, she's just going to toss you aside like trash." Finn rolls his eyes at me, attempting to act unbothered by my threat, but he backs up anyway, voice lowering.
"Who are you to tell Rachel who is or is not good for her? She is her own person and can make her own decisions, and if being friends with Santana is one of them, then I suggest you deal with it, or Back. Off." Quinn, HBIC, appears out of nowhere, speaking up for Rachel in one of the most angered and icy tones I have ever heard come out of her mouth.
"S, Q, my office. Now." We all startle as coach Sylvester cuts in and strides past us, and then we startle again, when Rachel growls.
Finding the whole growling thing a huge turn on, I shift, pressing against Rachel's side tightly, and the feel of her body heat spiking up has my hip hitting just the right spot as my nose grazes along her cheek. I hear a sharp intake of breath from her, a hum from Q, and Finn's feet shuffling awkwardly, and all of it just makes me grin in shiny brunette locks. I'm glad no one can see my face though, because I am pretty sure I look like an idiot standing here in Rachel's personal space, but she has such an affect on me that I can't seem to help myself around her.
Part of me is scared shitless about the looks we are undoubtedly receiving, but the other part is content right where I am.
"Santana, stop molesting Streisand, we need to talk." Coach speaks up from behind me, grabbing my arm, and then twisting me around and away from Rachel.
I hear another growl, a deep, feral one, and then next thing I know, coach Sylvester is feet away from me with an enraged Rachel seething in her face,
"I don't care who you are, you do not ever pull Santana away from me, in fact, if I ever see you grab at her like that again, you and I are going to have problems."
My jaw is on the floor; Rachel Berry not only shoved coach away, but also told her off in the most vicious tone anybody has ever heard come out of that little body. Coach's face is wound tight, she looks both scrutinizing and taken aback, and I know I am not the only one afraid right now of some type of backlash. I am actually scared for Rachel; she doesn't know how manipulative Sue can be.
Or, maybe she just doesn't care; if she did, she probably wouldn't have gone all-postal. I think I'm in love.
The air around Rachel is crackling with dangerous energy, I can both sense and feel the power radiating from her, and it causes my body to quiver from the intensity.
"Uh, Rach, come on let's just get to class." Quinn bravely yet slowly treks up to them, trying to get Rachel away and out of the hole she is digging.
When both of them move, I step in Q's place, and then even closer, knowing in my heart that Rachel wouldn't lash out at me, "Babe, she's not worth it."
My eyes go wide, and I grimace at what just came out of my mouth, but I don't let that stop me from moving forward or laying a hand on her back. She noticeably relaxes under my touch, though her eyes don't stray from coach's, which tells me that they are having some kind of stand off, neither one of them willing to back down or look away first. Sylvester's left eye twitches, she blinks, and then they dart to me for a split second before landing back on Rachel's. That must have been what Rachel was waiting on, because I feel her energy blast out a series of pulses. Deep, vibrating ones that affect me so much that my knees buckle, and I end having to wrap my fingers around one of her tense arms to keep myself steady. She tilts her head to the side, shimmery eyes locking onto my own undoubtedly blown ones, "You are worth it."
My heart soars, no, not just my heart, everything, and it makes my jaws click shut in an effort not to surge forward and crash into her. I have so many feelings right now that it's not even an once funny. It is real, and raw, and almost more than I can handle, but that look she is still giving me has my feet rooted to the ground, and none of my motor or verbal functions are working at all.
"Now, if you will excuse me, I have a class to attend." Rachel's eyes, now blown pupils and flecks of ember, blink up at me, and I grudgingly remove my grip from her well-defined bicep.
She gives my thigh a gentle, reassuring squeeze, before brushing past me and toward a class that has already started without her. My eyes stay glued to her firm ass, not wavering until she is turning the corner, and I am glad that the hallway is empty, because this once covert badass does not know what subtle is anymore. Rachel is corrupting my skills. I mean, I know I've never been the most subtle girl here, I am too no holds barred for that shit, but I am also pretty sure that my leering has never been this obvious either. At least, not when coach Sylvester was anywhere around and in watchdog mode.
Which is 5 days a week, 8 hours a day.
"Well, it's about damn time. She finally snapped." Coach's voice brings me out of my thoughts, and I turn my head to look at her.
"I can only imagine it having to do with prolonged separation from her own kind." She mutters, eyeing first me then Quinn, who by now has made her way back over to us.
Coach then turns on her heel and marches off. A light touch on my wrist has me peering at Quinn; she nods her head in Sylvester's direction, telling me that we should follow. I sigh, nod, and reluctantly trail behind Quinn as she leads us to Sue's office. I wish Q would not have gone ahead of me, because my mind and body has been through so much in the last hour, that I really need a hand to hold.
I shut the door quietly, and take a cautious seat beside Quinn. I have never felt quite this anxious in here before. Yes, there were many a time when my ass was on the line and I was scared of losing my spot on the squad or even being kicked off. But, when it comes to Rachel, it feels a whole lot more intense and nerve-wracking. If coach has some kind of plan for us to get back at my girl, I will quit here and now without even so much as a second guess. Hell, a first one even, because there is no way in hell that I will ever fuck with her life like we have in the past. That time is over and done with.
"Q." Coach clears her throat to get our attention, nodding her head from Quinn to me. "S."
"Would one of you explain to me when my two best cheerios started fraternizing with that little woodland creature?" She calmly clasps her hands together on top of her desk, though her eyes are pinched, letting us know that she could blow at any given moment. Is she hell bent on revenge now? Or just naturally curious as to what her co-captains have been up to?
With Rachel.
My little woodland creature. She is adorable, I just want to scoop her up and slide her down-
"Rachel has been through a lot since our camping trip from hell, she needed someone, friends actually, so Santana and I stepped up." Quinn's answer stops me mid thought, making me pout on the inside.
"Right, so you took it upon yourselves to nurture smurfette back to health. I had no idea either of you were into interspecies canoodling." Sylvester's faux calm expression changes to irritation as she tries to make sense of what's going on with the three of us, which doesn't surprise me, because it's not as if coach has any soft spots for Rachel.
I don't see that changing any time soon, especially not after Rachel basically threatened her, and in front of us no less.
"Rachel, and feel free not to interrupt me, is a good girl. One of the best actually, she is all heart, soul, passion, and love, and I have known that since day one. I was just too stuck up my own ass to really see her, in fact, Santana and I have been stuck up yours as well, and all you ever did was encourage us. You didn't once say that enough was enough, so, since we looked so highly up to you, we kept on and on, following your every order for status, and in hopes that you would eventually see us. Rachel in no way deserved anything that we did or said to her. So yes, Santana and I are her friends, and nothing will ever change that." Holy hell, that is my first thought as soon as the last word leaves Q's mouth, and then it's holy hell that's twice in one day someone unexpected stood up to Sue Sylvester.
Pride wells up within me. This woman, the one and only Quinn Fabray, is my best friend, and I have never felt more proud of her than right at this very moment.
So proud I could kiss her.
"Look, girls, I'm not about to get sentimental, or start whispering revenge plots in your ears. So Rachel Berry has grown a pair, good for her, it'll help when she makes it to Broadway. My concern is that my captains have been MIA without so much as an explanation. You either show up late or not at all and both of you are aware that if it were anyone else, I would have you kicked off the squad by now." Coach heaves a sigh, before responding, obviously affected by Quinn's words more than she wants to be.
"Rachel-"
"This isn't about the little gold twinkle in your eye, this is about my squad and how my co-captains-"
"This has everything to do with Rachel! She is the reason we've been MIA, she is the reason why we're canoodling, and she is the reason why Quinn and I are, are, whatever we are now." I cut in, yelling out in frustration, coach needs to get the facts straight, and the facts are everything Rachel, she is who shaped us.
If it were not for Rachel, Quinn and I would still be at each other's throats, and now that we're not, I can honestly say - at least to myself - that I cannot see my life without her.
Without any of them.
"What are you girls doing, building a tribe? No matter, tribe or not, I expect my captains to be on the field at 4:30PM sharp. Now get out of my office before a certain woodland creature starts huffing and puffing and blowing my door down." I fight not to blush from Coach taking my words about Q wrong, and when she dismisses us, I don't hesitate to latch onto Quinn, dragging her out.
One can only handle being in there for so long.
*XxXxX*
{4:33PM, Riley's POV}
Cheerios, what an interesting name for a cheerleading squad, I wonder if the Coach was trying to be witty or if she was just really hungry while thinking up names. I don't know, but watching Quinn yell at a bunch of girls who are flipping, twirling, and being thrown into the air has me pretty damn hungry. Makes me want to place some honey nut cheerios all over Quinn's body so that I can eat and play at the same time.
Le sigh
I walk over to the bleachers; phone in hand to reread the SOS text Rach sent me earlier today,
Ri, I need you. I think I'm losing control, I just, she touched her. That vile woman pulled her away from me! ~ Rach
When I had first read it, I was not only concerned, but curious as well. No doubt it was about Santana.
Tell me what happened, little one; are you and Santana ok? Who pulled her away from you, baby? ~ Riley
My first concern was not of the 'vile woman' it was of Rachel and her girl, so first and foremost, I needed to know that they were fine.
Physically, yes, we're ok. But, damn it, I feel so worked up, Riley. Now that the initial anger has faded, there is all damn this tension coiling up. ~ Rach
I chuckle again at that one, though last time, when I first read it, I may have let out a moan...
What you need, is one a hell of a release. Leaving these encounters worked up is not good for your sexual tension; it just grows. You have blue balls. ~ Riley
I had hit send without thinking of Rachel's reaction, and then when I got one; I still regretted nothing.
Riley! I do not even have balls, or a…penis! -_- So, what you're saying though, is that San and I need to have intercourse for my UST to go away? ~ Rach
Reading that last one really had me cackling, I couldn't help it, I love this girl. Still, pictures invaded my mind, and another moan slipped out.
I am aware you have neither of those, doofus. And, yes, that would sate your beast briefly, but let's talk more later; I'll be there to pick you up after school. ~ Riley
She was getting me worked up from these texts, my head conjuring up naughty images, so I changed the subject before I said something entirely inappropriate.
I want you here now, but I guess I'll deal; Q can keep my company so that I don't maul Tana. I plan to watch cheer practice. Join me at 4:30~ Rach
And this is where I am now, at cheer practice, with Rachel nowhere around. I pout, but shrug it off, gazing back out to the field instead, only to find Quinn's eyes boring into me from her spot beside Santana. She beams at me, and her body twitches with the need to bolt over; I can tell that she is fighting not to. Even I know that would not be a very smart cheer captain move.
Attention on the squad at all times.
Quinn squeezes Santana's shoulder while still gazing over here, making the other cheerio tilt her head to look at her questioningly, and then Quinn nods in my direction. Santana turns fully around, a bored expression on her face, one that melts away to a crooked smile. I wiggle my fingers in a small wave, and give out my own goofy smile as they wave back. I catch a familiar scent right before little arms circle my waist, my smile only growing at the comfortable, friendly gesture from Rachel. I slide my arms over hers, squeezing them gently, before twisting around to face her,
"Hey, how are you feeling?"
"I feel like tackling Santana to the ground and ravaging her right on the field." She answers shyly, bottom lip worried between her teeth as her eyes flicker over my face.
"Still?" I tease, knowing how she feels, because I feel the same way towards Quinn.
"Always." She says softly, setting her hand on my arm for leverage to look around me.
"Me too." I admit, giving her side a playful poke.
Her head reappears from behind my other arm, and she peers up at me with scrunched eyebrows, "You think of ravaging Santana?"
Laughter bubbles up within me, and then releases uncontrollably, forcing my head back. Rachel huffs irritably, and plops her head down onto my chest, making the laughter die down to a sigh. My hand cups the back of her head, cradling it, and she hums contently as her arms wrap around me for a hug.
"Come on, let's go watch them lead while we salivate over their dominance." I kiss the top of her head, reluctantly stepping back, and then when we both move to walk up the bleachers; several eyes from across the field avert their gaze. I had felt some of the cheerleaders watching us, but didn't care; I am not ashamed of holding Rachel in front of anyone.
Ignoring the overly curious teens, I tug Rachel up the bleachers, and then gently push her between my legs on the seat below me, so that I can play with her hair,
"It was Coach." She whispers out as my fingers work through her soft, wavy strands.
I don't have to ask 'what was Coach', I already know, and a rage builds up at the thought of that woman wrenching Santana away from Rachel.
"Bitch." I growl, piercing said woman with a deadly gaze.
"I kind of threatened her, Riley, that can't be good. Not when it comes to Sue Sylvester." Rachel goes to nod along, but shakes her head instead, obviously wary of the situation.
"Hey, look at me." I order softly, and wait for her to turn sideways to face me. "You did nothing wrong."
"I know you think otherwise, but Santana is yours, and the protective side of you when it comes to your mate will never go away." I finish in the same tone, attempting to reassure her.
"Tighten your form, Nikki!" Quinn suddenly yelling out to one of her girls has our attention shifting back to the field.
The squad is in a pyramid, a mostly strong held one; all the girls appear calm and the routine effortless. That is except for the top girl, who is teetering dangerously, and could easily cause a domino effect with one wrong move if she does not balance out correctly. Rachel and I watch as she takes a deep breath, before stilling, and then releasing it slowly.
"Perfect! Now do it again, we need to see you flying before practice is over." Quinn nods at the girl, approving, though makes them do it all over again.
For the fifth time.
Apparently, the pyramid needs to be more than perfect so that Nikki can safely fly toward the other group waiting to catch her.
"I could have hurt her, hell, I wanted to hurt her. How can that be normal?" Rachel cuts into the silence, shifting her body to where her head is resting on my right thigh.
Her arm wraps around my calf, and she begins to finger the stringy hole in my pants.
"Like wolves, we're pack animals, a unit, a family, and Santana is a part of that whether she knows it or not. If it comes down to it, packs will kill to protect their own; they are territorial. Santana is not yours in the sense of owning, but of something much more intimate and primal. However, the beast inside of you is not going to stand around while some bitch lady touches her. You immediately thought that she was in danger, so protecting, and 'baring your teeth' at the threat, is your first instinct. What you did was normal, so don't go fretting your beautiful mind over it, okay?" I don't normally make a habit of talking about werewolves in public, but Rachel needs to know things, she is scared and confused, and all I want to do is take it away.
I can't do that though. All Riley Starr is capable of is making this easier, but even then, nothing seems to be 'just easy' for the new werewolf.
"But, Riley, what if I-"
"You won't. I can help you control the initial urge to maim anyone in reach of your girl." I shake my head no, letting out a soft chuckle, and she mock glares at me, before sighing heavily.
"Well, I guess it may have felt good when I told Sue off." She murmurs while looking intently down at her hands, though when she glances back up seconds later, the gleam in her eyes has returned.
"One hell of a rush, right? To exert your dominance over someone, especially when they're the size of a-"
"Hi." We look away from each other, eyes falling on a welcomed face at the end of the bleachers. "You come to watch the HBIC in action?"
I tilt my head, mock contemplating the answer, and then shrug at her nonchalantly, "Nah, we came for the girls."
The response I get is narrowed eyes, crossed arms, and a white tennis shoe tapping unamusedly against the grass, "Funny."
"You know I'm kidding. Rachel texted, told me about her stand off with your Coach, and then she wanted me to come sit with her to watch you and Santana do your thing out on the field." I roll my eyes at her playfully, and explain why we're here, while fighting my will to stand up and pull her to sit with us. I miss touching her, so it is hard only being able to stare because of everyone watching.
"You should have seen Rachel when Coach grabbed Santana and pulled her away, I thought Rachel was going to rip her a new one, it was pretty intense." Quinn's stance relaxes, her arms uncrossing, though as she speaks, her expression is spaced out, as if what went down was replaying in her head.
"I'm sitting right here, Quinn." Rachel pouts, not liking the fact that Quinn is talking about her as if she isn't there.
"Sorry, Rach, I just don't like what Coach did, and I'm still in awe over how you reacted." Quinn replies sheepishly, looking down at her with apologetic eyes.
"Well, she shouldn't have even touched her in the first place, but she had the gall to actually rip Santana away from me, and it sparked a rage I've never felt before." Rachel nods, understanding, though bringing it back up obviously angers her again, as her hardened gaze darts over in the Coach's direction.
"So, you came out here to make sure that Sue goes nowhere near touching distance of Santana." Quinn states knowingly, a smirk quirking her lips up, lips that I want to kiss.
Need to kiss. How long has it been now? It feels like a lifetime since I have felt them against my own.
"Break's up, Q, time to finish this shit so I can get my stix on." Santana comes over, blocking the sun completely out as she stands beside Quinn.
I can hear her stomach rumbling from where I am sitting and it makes me chuckle at her expense.
"Thank God, I thought I was the only one ready to go, I wasn't sure how you felt being out there today, but my hearts just not in it." Quinn releases a relieved sigh, shaking her head, and then bumps Santana's hip, before winking at me and walking off. Santana doesn't move, her eyes are transfixed on Rachel's, and both of them are spaced the hell out.
"Just to let you know, I am fangirling over the both of you inside my head." I tease them, a smirk working onto my face the longer they hold position.
"What?" Santana blinks out of their staring contest first, confused expression locking onto my own amused one. "What does that even mean?"
"It means, Ana, that I feel like a girly teenager watching her favorite couple having a moment. Seriously, you make me want to squeal and yell out 'just kiss her already!'" I wrap my arms around Rachel, playfully squeezing her as I whisper-yell at Santana.
"Lopez, back on the field, this is not a ' now recruiting tribe member's tryout!" Rachel and I both holler out, and I let go of her to cover my ringing ears as she does the same.
Megaphones are not our friend. Fuck, that hurt.
"Shit, your ears, I'm sorry, she yells in that thing all the time." Santana winces, apologizing unnecessarily, and then reacts like she is about to climb up the few benches to rub Rachel's ears for her.
"It isn't your fault, just, go finish up before she comes over here and I end up having to strangle her for calling you out in front of the squad." Rachel urges her on, anger swelling up again as her irritated and frustrated eyes dart from Santana to her annoying, inconsiderate Coach.
I mean really, Rachel's right, what Coach is going to yell at their captain in front of the squad? Santana could lose respect from the girls for that shit.
"Fine, but stay, because I'm going to ride you." Santana's eyes go wide instantly. "Wait, I-I meant take you for a ride." Then they go even wider, before closing as she clenches her jaws.
"Oh for fuck's sake. You, me, and Breadstix. It's happening." Santana practically growls out her words, frustrated, and then turns around, stalking off in a huff.
"That just made you want to ravage her even more, didn't it?" I ask after moments of silence and Rachel staring hard at Santana's retreating form.
"Yes!" She squeaks, and I chuckle, plopping my head down on hers and squishing my cheek against it affectionately.
*XxXxX*
{6:15PM, Quinn's POV}
After calling it a day, I send the cheerios to the showers, and as they all sigh in relief at the chance to get out the cold, I look over to the bleachers. Riley and Rachel aren't there. Pouting, I ponder on where they could have gone, and hope that they didn't leave without saying bye. With a sigh, I follow Santana off the field, and we both head to the locker room for a much-needed shower.
"They better not have left, I told Rachel to stick around for Breadstix." Santana glowers as we peel off our uniforms.
"They probably just needed a break and went to the restroom, or maybe they're lurking around outside." I shrug, trying not to worry about it too much.
Santana wraps a towel around herself, and then yanks out her cell phone, jabbing at the buttons with narrowed eyes.
"Sent a text, if Rachel left, I'ma be pissed." She informs me as if I couldn't already tell that that is what she was doing.
"I don't think pissed covers it." I mumble into my locker while grabbing my shower kit, and then close the door, only to jump when Santana's face greets me from just inches away.
"What was that, Fabray?" She glares at me, crossing her arms defensively.
"San, you're not going to be pissed, you're going to be hurt. Now come one, let's go get clean so we can go find our girls." I grab her hand, tugging her away before she can reply.
I stand under the powerful spray, hot water thudding against my body, both warming me up and soothing stiff muscles. I can tell that it's been too long since I've exercised them, ever since we started taking care of Rachel, I haven't been working out like I should, in fact, Santana and I have been pretty damn lazy lately. Not showing up to practice or showing up late has turned us into couch potatoes or bed potatoes really… not that I'm complaining. Today was the first time we were both out on the field the whole time, doing our co-captain responsibilities, and I have to say that it did not feel very fulfilling. It doesn't feel the same, at least not for me, maybe it's because I found a better path, one that does not include terrorizing everything for my high school reputation.
Whatever the reason, I don't know what the hell I'm supposed to do about it.
"Hey, Q, I'm gonna go meet Rae outside. You good in here?" Santana, once again, scares the shit out of me, and I let out a small yelp, the conditioner in my hand flying in the process.
"Santana!" I yell at her, heart racing and trying to get back under control.
"I'll take that as a yes. Nice ass by the way." She laughs at me, laughs full of mirth and happy, which temporarily puts a smile on my face, before I scowl and throw a washcloth in hers.
"Watch it, Fabray, I'm not above coming in there to kick aforementioned ass." She mock threatens with a playful glare, winks, and then throws it back.
I let it fall, not feeling up to fully flashing her, I think seeing my ass is good enough for one day.
"I'm not afraid of you, Lopez!" I call out as she walks away, though get nothing but silence in return.
No, but I am, however, a little afraid of being in here alone. I hope not all the girls took five-minute showers and then left. I don't hear any other water running though, so I kick it up a notch, scrubbing quickly so that I don't have to be in here any longer than necessary. How long have I even been in here anyway? Was I lost in thought for that long?
Knowing me, it is more than likely.
I reluctantly turn the water off, chills instantly prickling my skin and making me shiver from the cold. Whining, I reach for my towel, but frown when it isn't there. Santana. That bitch. Telepathically, I shoot her an icy glare, hoping that it penetrates and gives her brain freeze. I sigh, cover my parts with cold hands, and then hesitantly step out.
"Hi."
"Ahh!" I shriek, squeeze my eyes shut, and bolt back into the shower stall.
"Oh baby, I am so sorry!" Riley? My eyes snap open.
"Riley?"
"Um, it depends… Are you going to scream at me for scaring you?"
"Yes! What the hell is wrong with you people! Do you want me to go into cardiac arrest?" Heart pounding painfully, I yell at her, more than a little irritated.
"No. I'm sorry, Q bear; I didn't mean to scare you." She replies softly, and I can just picture the expression that matches her tone.
"What exactly did you think was going to happen?" I ask sarcastically, not buying into it whatsoever.
I am now even colder than before, and I shiver again as my hands attempt to rub some warmth into my arms.
"Quinn, you're freezing, let me come in, I have your towel." She has my towel?
"You're the one who took my towel? And no, I'm naked!" I glare even though she cannot see it, mind wondering on what is going through that head of hers.
"I-I did, but I just wanted to-" I hear her start, stop, and then take a deep breath.
The silence that follows has me frowning. Quiet Riley cannot be good.
"Wanted to what?" I ask cautiously, not wanting to spook her.
Good Lord, I can't even stay irritated at the woman for more than five minutes, and now all I can think about are her feelings.
"If I promise not to look, will you come out?" I blush as she ignores the question, and then deflects with her own.
What game are we playing? "Riley…"
"Quinn…" Uh oh, she has now gone from timid to impatient.
I drum my fingers against the cold, ugly white tile, while worrying my bottom lip; this whole situation is insane. What is she trying to accomplish?
"Close your eyes." I order firmly, though not quite believing that I am actually doing this.
Whatever the hell this even is.
"They already are." Riley's voice is calm, yet slightly anxious.
With a 'here goes nothing' deep breath, I tip toe further from my hidey-hole, and peek out suspiciously. Riley, oh-so-beautiful Riley, is standing off to the side, her eyes closed as she holds the fluffy blue towel out for me to wrap myself in. I swallow nervously, heading straight for her, while my eyes dart over her face to make sure that she isn't taking a peep.
I watch her eyes squinch, nostrils flare as if smelling something enticing and her tongue swipe quickly across pink lips, but not once does she attempt to look at me. The feeling of disappointment is shocking and has me stepping into the spread towel, her arms instantly enclosing around me, and with something now separating our bodies, Riley tugs me as close as possible.
"You smell so damn good." She breathes me in as my face buries in the crook of her neck, and I shiver for a different reason than from just the cold air hitting my skin.
"Riley…" I puff out against her neck, a swarm of feelings swirling around and mixing up my emotions.
"This. This is what I wanted." Her palms flatten, fingertips lightly digging into my shoulders, and then she is pulling me flush against her very, very warm body.
My towel flaps open, exposing my whole backside, but all I can do cling to her and hope that she doesn't let me go. Ever.
"Kiss me." I blink when the words escape my mouth. I don't take them back.
She moves fast, her lips colliding into my own with a bruising intensity. This is not sweet; it is needy. I moan, surrendering myself as her teeth take hold of my bottom lip, first nibbling and then tugging, before diving deeply back in. I fist my hands in her shirt, wrinkling the material as she claims my mouth as if it was a piece of rare gold. Curious fingers slip down from my shoulders, drifting lower and lower until they reach the dip of my back, where short, but sharp nails find purchase, scraping random patterns along wet skin. Hips rocking forward at the new sensations, I pant in her mouth, out of breath already, and more than simply aroused. What the hell is she doing to my body? I've never felt like this. Ever. We should probably stop. Right?
I move my head - with effort -, about to suggest that we cool off, but a squeal comes out instead when she grabs, lifts, and twirls me around to push my body against the lockers. This time it is my mouth who claims hers, and when she opens it in surprise, I waste no time in seeking out her tongue for battle.
"Is this what you wanted?" I husk out, pulling back to attack her neck; she groans and a thigh wedges its way between mine.
"Just want you." She admits breathlessly, fingers wrapped in my dripping hair, as her thigh presses into me.
I cry out, head reeling back and thudding against the metal door I am leant against, and Riley seizes the opportunity, nipping the sensitive flesh of my exposed throat. I feel her bend, her kiss-swollen lips trailing south, they play over my collarbone, skim lower, and then lick a heated path down my sternum, causing the towel to slip and uncover the top swell of my breasts.
Body buzzing, my jaw clenches, another moan wanting to pass my lips, but conflicted, I tense up, not sure whether I'm ready for where she's headed or if it's too soon.
"Riley…" Her name spills from my mouth in a whine. She pauses, and then nuzzles closer; my breath catches in my throat.
I say nothing else, the words no, stop, and wait stuck in my throat by lips peppering kisses at the edge of the towel. I tangle idle hands in her dark hair, making the object separating us pool to the floor. A curse is uttered, fingernails scratched down my sides, and then warm lips wrapped around my nipple. Instant fire flares within me, flaming high and sending out smoke signals for help. I hiss, latching onto her hair when teeth scrape along the already hardening bud, before she is biting, and then soothing with soft strokes of her tongue.
"Ohh…" I shudder when she releases her playful grip, the cold air hitting, and then pebbling my nipple until it is a stiff peak.
Riley growls and picks me up with strong arms; my shaky legs automatically lock around her hips, and when my throbbing center brushes against the seam of her pants, instant sparks ignite. A throaty moan rips past my parted lips, and a hand plants on the locker behind me, as my thighs clench and hips thrust forward for more friction, but she steps back, making me whimper at the loss of leverage. I cling to her instead. One of her hands slides to the back of my neck, tugging my head down for a kiss, lips hungrily seeking mine as she easily walks around. Trusting her to guide us, I grant her access, and whimper when her tongue glides the length of my own. Gravity suddenly takes over and I end up in her lap; she shifts, grabbing my ass and squeezing me closer, while lips, tongue, and teeth work along my pulse point.
"God, Riley, what are we doing?" I manage to croak out, my voice deep and raspy with need.
"I'm losing control, fuck, Quinn, tell me to stop." She pleads, sounding desperate and worried under the apparent arousal.
I whine again, not knowing what else to do, she has me on fire, and the power flowing from her body is only intensifying the feeling.
"Fabray." I gasp, jerking my head toward the all too familiar voice. The locker room door is cracked. "I suggest you listen to your girlfriend."
"Oh my God." Horrified, I scramble off Riley's lap, flushing with humiliation and fear.
"Q, I want you in my office first thing, is that clear?" Coach's tone is unreadable, I can't tell if she is pissed, disappointed, or what the hell ever.
I'm scared either way, she could kick me off the team for this, and worse yet, she could find out Riley's age and really ruin what is building between us.
"Crystal." I choke out, quickly throwing panties and sweats on so that I can get out of here.
No time for modesty when all I can feel is dread. My heart is now racing more than ever.
"Quinn, look at me." Riley gently twists me around to face her. "You're okay. We're ok. Don't you dare be afraid of her."
"Don't be afraid? She could get me expelled and you arrested!" I yell, frustrated and scared for us both.
How could we have been so damn stupid? Are hormones really worth the downfall?
"Baby, I'm not going to let anything happen to you or me, and I will be with you tomorrow to make sure of that." I receive a look simultaneously determined and tender, and it affects me so much that my internal question is immediately answered. Yes, it is worth it. Riley is worth it. How could I ever think otherwise? She cares about me.
I love her.
I wrap her in a hug, needing to feel her arms protecting me just as much as her words. She returns the embrace whole-heartedly.
"I still want you." She whispers teasingly against my temple, or, at least I feel teased now that we can't continue where we left off…
I chuckle to cover my pout, hugging her tighter, "Me too."
"We better get the hell out of here before she comes back with that damn bullhorn." Riley laughs along, though I can tell that she is still filled with lingering sexual tension as well.
After making sure I have everything, she interlaces our fingers, and then leads us out the room. The sight of her car when we get to the parking lot is welcoming. I missed her car. Brittany was right, this car makes you want to have sex, and it seriously is not helping my hormones one bit. Now I just want to push her down in the seat and have my way with her.
"Hungry?" She asks me, grinning as the door swings up.
I nod, grinning back, "Breadstix?"
"Breadstix." She confirms, and the last thing I see before she shuts the door is a wink.
*XxXxX*
{Present, Rachel's POV}
My jaw is literally dropped, and I can only blink at the sight in front of me. Santana, Santana and breadsticks, Santana on her - I lost count - breadstick from Breadstix. We've been here for maybe half an hour, her first course was breadsticks with a Caesar salad, her second… more breadsticks with a side of chicken strips. One of my chicken strips. Third course? More breadsticks. I have wanted one, but I am actually somewhat afraid to reach for it, lest she slap my hand away with a snarl. I should not be afraid of her for any reason, yet when it comes to these damn pieces of bread, my fingers tremble.
A beep brings me out of my Santana with her stix fetish thoughts, and I willing check my phone for a distraction.
Hey, Rach, you and San still at Breadstix? ~ Quinn
I smile, even though I am very much enjoying my company, I also would not mind if Quinn and Riley were to join us.
Santana is in breadstick heaven right now and I have no idea when she plans to leave. ~ Rach
Not even a minute after hitting send does a body plop down beside mine, I startle, though relax when I realize that it is just Quinn. Riley takes the empty spot by Santana, who glances at them both in surprise, before eyeing me. I shrug, letting her know that I didn't really have anything to do with them being here.
"Hey." Riley nudges Santana playfully. My heart warms. "Mind if I-"
"Nuh-uh, get your own stix." Santana fixes her with a death glare. My heart freezes. "Now back off before you lose some fingers."
What if that was me? What if I was the one who asked and she snapped at me? I don't think I like this side of her. Riley blinks at Santana, much like I had moments earlier, and takes her hand back. She clears her throat, and then everything goes silent, making the already awkward situation even more awkward. I fiddle with my napkin, unsure what to say to break the ice, no, the iceberg.
I turn my focus on Quinn so that I do not have to look in Santana's direction, "Hi, Quinn."
"Rachel." She chuckles at me. I pout and look away. "I need to use the restroom, come with me?" A graze against my leg lets me know that she is talking to me.
I agree, and we excuse ourselves, leaving our two raven-haired girls to fend for themselves. Alone. Oh, oh no, maybe that is not such a good idea.
"Quinn, maybe we shouldn't leave them-"
"They're fine. So what's up with you?" She cuts me off, changing the subject as we enter the bathroom.
I frown up at her, confused, "What do you mean?"
A raised eyebrow and crossed arms tells me that whatever she means is serious, "Rach, you threatened Coach Sylvester! And, now you're all timid… or something."
I cannot help but grin at the memory; it had felt damn good to stand up for Santana, especially to the woman whom has been controlling her for years now.
"I didn't like the way she grabbed her, Quinn, Santana is not some rag doll or puppet that Sue can pull the strings of to have Tana do her bidding. I will not go for that shit anymore. Santana is mine, and I will protect her in any way that I can, including from the staff of our high school." I puff up, defending my defense of Tana against the one woman who infuriates me the most.
I don't know how Quinn feels about that, but I am not going to stand by and let anyone mess with my girl.
"You know, I have to be honest, I like this side of you. You're kind of hot right now, Rachel." Quinn smirks at me, not at all giving me any negative reactions to what I said.
"However, what about when we came in? Things seemed pretty tense even before I sat down." She loses the brief smirk, replacing it with concern.
I blush. How am I supposed to tell her something so stupid?
"Err; I was wary of the exact reaction Santana had to Riley asking for one of her 'stix'." I admit anyway, no point in hiding anything; I wouldn't want to hurt Quinn's feelings.
She is one of the most perceptive people I know, and is a great bullshit detector.
"You're scared of Santana biting your head off?" I nod, blushing. She chuckles. "I don't blame you; San has been that way since she discovered this place."
"But, Rachel, I don't think she would do that to you. You're different to her. I do not see Santana yelling at you for wanting one of her 'stix'." I feel a protest coming on, but a giggle passes my lips instead, because we are both using 'bunny ears'; she giggles as well and tells me to shut up.
"Come on, I bet if you go out there and take one that she will give you no more than a look." Quinn encourages me along, gently pushing me back out the door.
"Mmhm, well, you do know if you're wrong that I will be getting you back when you least expect it, right?" I warn her before we reach the table, and send a mock glare her way when we sit down.
Riley and Santana appear to be in a comfortable conversation, the tension apparently having melted away on its own. Santana also seems to be on a break from eating her breadsticks for the moment. I stare at them, hungry for a challenge, and just freakin' hungry period. My appetite has expanded so much since turning furry, and those few chicken strips were not enough to sate it.
My first thought is to nab one while her attention is on Riley, but I end up distracted by leering at her and a surge of bravery and arousal has me toeing off my shoe. Once my shoe and sock are lying on the undoubtedly grimy floor, - which I try not to think about - I smile at Quinn, resting my elbow on the table and my head in hand.
She arches her eyebrow, looking at me questioningly.
"You smell good." Shit, that was not what I was supposed to say! Good going, Rachel, flirt with her in front of both of your girlfriends.
Her eyebrows furrow, the questioning look turning into one of skepticism, "Thank you?"
Well, it wasn't a lie; she does smell really, really good. In fact, she smells how I am feeling... horny. What were she and Riley up to?
"Why is your thank you in the form of a question?" I tease her, while lifting my foot and searching for Santana's leg.
When I land on nothing, I subtly shimmy in my seat to reach better, and then my toes wiggle against rough fabric. I try my best to fight the smile wanting to break free; being able to touch Santana without anyone else knowing is quite exciting. I want to giggle and moan at the same time. How the hell am I so turned on? She didn't even do anything. On purpose anyhow.
"I don't know?" Quinn asks more than answers, again. I roll my eyes at her. "I just wasn't expecting you to tell me that."
The knee under my playful toes tenses up, but instead of pulling away, I drag them down, attempting to be seductive, and the smooth skin of a toned calf has my toes curling.
"I simply couldn't help myself." I shrug at her, though shift again to gaze at Santana, my words were mostly for her.
Tana's hand is frozen mid breadstick, her mouth in a small 'o', and her eyes half-lidded. Subtle, Santana, really, really subtle.
"Uh, Ana, are you alright?" Obviously worried, Riley carefully but intentionally touches Santana's shoulder, trying to ground her back down to earth.
I scrunch my eyebrows and extend my hand, ghosting over hers, before resting there. My toes uncurl to caress down, and her hand contracts into a fist in response.
"Tana?" I call her name and thumb over her knuckles, coaxing her to look at me. Her dark and dilated orbs pin me to the seat, and wet heat pools in my panties.
My plan just totally backfired on me. Determined to go through with it anyway, I lick my suddenly dry lips, swallow, and then casually move my hand to grab her last breadstick.
She lets me. In fact, she does not say one word, only continues to stare me heatedly down. I boldly wink at her, and then take a much-deserved bite of my prize. Santana watches me intently, her eyes honing in on my mouth, and then back to my eyes; apparently she cannot choose which to focus on, so she takes in everything that she can. Right now, I wish that we were closer, or that my legs were longer. I want to slip my foot between her legs and wiggle my toes against her underwear, which is all that is separating me from skin on skin contact.
"Yoshi…" My nickname wisps past her lips, targeting my aching center and the sudden caress has me shuddering, and my toe nails digging into the soft flesh of a tanned leg.
"Rachel." Another voice enters into our bubble, our moment, and I growl at the interruption.
"Shit. I swear these two are the most stubborn, horniest girls." I hear mumbling, but can easily pick out every word, and it has me cracking a smirk despite the re-growing tension
"I'm gonna need you to cool off, little one, because if you don't, there will be a repeat of last night right here in this booth." Riley warns in a firm tone, though her touch on my hand is light.
"Hey, Rach, I am going to touch you, okay?" Quinn says this as her hand skims my shoulder, before gently squeezing in what I assume is a reassuring manner.
They are here, and they support the both of us. I sigh happily at the thought, it feels good having friends who are willing to help out when things take a wrong turn. Of course, that does not alter the fact that I am seconds away from jumping across the table and into Santana's lap, where I need to be. I now know that any time I tease Tana, I am only going to end up torturing my own self as well.
Teasing goes both ways, but I am so beyond teased that I have now landed into 'want' 'take' 'have' mode.
Why do I do this to us, when we both know that we are not ready to take it to the final step? We have not even talked about us lately, and I need to know things before I accidentally pull another last night, but with a more permanent outcome. One that I cannot take back. If I somehow trap or force Santana into anything she would later regret. It would kill me.
"Can you take me home?" I ask Riley quietly, not wanting to disturb the awkward balance we have going on around the table.
"Of course, that would be best anyway. I say until you two talk it out, you should not under any circumstances be alone together." She nods, adding in her two cents worth.
Sound advice. I hate it. Nevertheless, what has to be done has to be done, or it could cost me Santana.
It could cost me everything.
"This is totally your fault by the way." Santana grouches from her seat, having moved not one muscle.
"I know. I'm sorry, baby, but we'll work something out, and when that happens, we will both know what the other wants, that way we don't have to stay away from each other like this." I try to comfort her best I can, even braving another hand squeeze, and a kiss on her temple. She needs to know that this is going to work. That we are going to work.
We just need to start communicating before it gets any more out of control. Before I get anymore out of control.
No biting Tana until she is 100% ready.
Probably weird place to stop, but I had to stop somewhere, I need to get this moving along. Soo, after this, I will be dealing with Santana and Rachel's actual date and the talk they need to have, and other things. I'm still trying to figure out how to end this story, but there will probably be some kind of battle or some shit so that it will go out with 'big bang' or something. I dunno, I'm seriously half asleep writing this.