A/N - Sorry it took so long for me to update this guys. I didn't mean to do that, but life happens, and other story ideas happen. But, no fear, I haven't given up on this one! Since it's been so long, I feel like it would be a good idea to just skim over the last few chapters, or at least the very last one before reading this one. You don't have to, but it might help, since I suck, and I take so long to update things.
Rachel saw Quinn walking into the bar area out of the corner of her eye. She noticed the roses she was carrying, and smiled. It didn't take long for Cassandra to see that not all of the attention was on her. She glanced over, and rolled her eyes when she saw the younger blond.
"So, I see your girlfriend has brought you some flowers", she mumbled. "How adorable."
Rachel could sense the annoyance in her clients voice, but she knew how to handle it. With Cassandra, it was either telling her what she wanted to hear, or teasing her a little. "Well, you never bring me flowers."
"Yeah, that's because you're above such a meaningless, tacky, little gesture. It's a custom that should have died out right along with Valentines Day", the older blond went on, sipping at her drink. "Besides, I shouldn't have to bring you roses for you to know that you're getting fucked every which way."
Rachel couldn't help but smile. Only because she didn't even have to look back at Quinn to know she was probably glaring in their direction. "That's true, but...it's fantastic to know that anyways."
"I don't know what you're thinking right now, Star...but I will say...those thoughts better not have anything to do with her...".
The tiny woman was amused, and why not, considering Cassandra's nerve. The fact that she believed she somehow had any control over Rachel's thoughts at all was laughable on so many levels. Letting her amusement be known, however, wasn't an option at the moment. "I'm standing here with you, looking at you. Where do you think my thoughts are?"
"You must think I'm an idiot", she smirked. "That I'm stupid, and don't know what you're thinking. Is that it, Star?" Her tone was somewhat threatening, yet, the shorter woman could here the hurt in her tone.
"No, not at all", was Rachel's answer, and she was genuine. "However, I do think you're looking for answers to questions that are better left unasked...".
"Get to the point, little girl...".
"I'm not disrespecting you, I promise. I don't think you're stupid, you're far from it. Regardless of how you feel, this is still a Playground. You're a member, and my client. I know you hate it, but I have a life outside of all of this. Outside of you and I. Only right now, my time is with you. I know you're smart enough to know, that since I'm with you now, the only thoughts you need to know about, are the ones that are about us."
"I get it...you're paid to make me happy. Care to rub it in a little more?"
Rachel sighed. "That's not what I'm trying to do, I really wish you wouldn't take it that way."
"How else am I supposed to-"
"I'm just trying to save you from yourself. I know you, and I know that you tend to over think things, which only results in you pissing yourself off. Let it go for now, because it's about you and I for the time being. Nobody else."
Cassandra smiled, knowing damn well that the two of them were being watched. She leaned in, and kissed Rachel, deeply. Her goal was to make a certain blond jealous at the moment, and she was successful.
"I really hate that woman", breathed Quinn, as she took a seat in between Emma and Santana." She makes my blood boil...I can't stand her. She has this obnoxious fetish for trying to rub her and my girlfriend in my face."
"Don't let her get to you", laughed Sue. "She's obviously trying to piss you off, don't give her the satisfaction."
"That's what she does", said Santana. "I cannot even begin to guess how many enemies that bitch has made throughout her life. The list has got to be up in the thousands at this point. I mean, Jesus. She's a walking, talking reminder that it doesn't always get better."
"Wait, are you guys talking about the blond chick that's with Rachel", asked Bethany.
"Yeah, we are", laughed Santana." Jesus, Detective...welcome to the conversation."
"Screw you", she smiled. "I'm only asking, because she's been brought into my precinct a few times. Not just mine either, she gets arrested all the time. She's got a file that's miles long, and it stretches all over this city."
"Really...", said Quinn. "Interesting."
"What kinds of charges has she faced, Bethany", asked Sue.
"Multiple DUI...assault charges... drunk and disorderly behavior...you know, all the fun stuff."
"Why does that not surprise me", laughed Quinn. "Emma, you're a shrink...what's your professional opinion? Do you think she's stable?"
"Oh, absolutely not", the red head answered, quickly. "She's a bit of a sociopath, and she has control issues that most likely stem from some deep seeded childhood trauma. "The other four just looked at her in shock. "What? You asked...".
"You're never usually very open about sharing your professional views", said Santana. "What the fuck has gotten into you?"
"Don't you mean, who", asked Aly, as she strolled over. "I'm small, remember? I can get into...hard to reach places." All the women started laughing, as Alyson just smiled, and leaned over the bar to kiss the red head. "And it's always just...so much fun...".
"Thanks for that visual, Sage...", said Sue, finishing her drink. "Why don't you go ahead, and top me off. I think I'll go and hang out in the E-Lounge for a bit, sense the twins are on downtime." Alyson, took the Doctor's glass, and got busy refreshing the drink.
"That's right", said Quinn, with sympathy. "You had just gotten started with them...".
"Yes, well...I heard the reason behind their time off, and trust me when I say...it's worth the wait just to see it...".
"You really feel that way", asked Emma.
"She does", smiled the Boss Lady. "And...she's not the first member to say that. Other members that play with the twins are excited for it too. Most of them aren't even pissed that they're on break, they just can't wait to see and experience the piercing."
"Wait, what am I missing", asked Bethany.
In that moment, all any of them could do was laugh.
"I'll explain it to you later", during our meeting," said Santana. "After I get you set up, I have an annoyance to deal with. Speaking of which...where is Puckerman? I know he's here, I saw him come in right after you", she said, looking at Quinn.
"I have no idea...he made a comment about me getting him a drink. I guess he didn't want one very badly, because he disappeared", she answered. "Are we meeting with him in your office?"
"Yeah. As soon as I take care of Bethany, and find the mother fucker, the meeting is on."
"Alright." said Quinn, as she stood up. "Sage, when you get a minute, can you please make me an Evil Step Mother?"
"What", asked Santana.
"Are you sure you're not already drunk", asked Sue.
"Oh, wait... I know this one. It's Chocolate Vodka, Pomegranate Juice, and Chocolate Liqueur right", asked the tiny bartender.
"Right", smiled Quinn. "Make it a big one, I'll be right back. I need to take these roses to Rachel's room quick."
As Quinn walked away, Santana looked over to the tiny bartender. "Okay, since when do you actually know what you're doing behind that counter?"
"Have a little faith in me, Boss. Please? I'm learning, and trust me...I'm fucking heart broken that I might be replaced by the playground original. The man sounds like a genius."
"I wouldn't put it quite like that", laughed Sue, before she grabbed her freshly made drink, and headed for the E-Lounge.
"Neither would I", smiled Emma.
It was almost an hour and a half later when the Latina finally finished setting the detective up. After, she found the former bartender. He was in the Red Light Lounge, chatting it up with a few members that had apparently missed him. She instructed him to get to her office right away, and made her own way there.
When Puck opened the door to Santana's office, and closed it behind him, he couldn't help but smile. There was the Boss Lady, seated at her desk, a drink in front of her. Along with Quinn, who was seated on top of the desk, drink in hand. "Cheers ladies", he smiled, as he held his own drink up for a moment. "Long time no see."
"Oh, your attitude is awesome, Puckerman", said Santana, sarcastically. She clapped her hands slowly, to prove her point. "Fucking awesome."
"What can I say", he laughed, as he sat down in front of the desk. "I haven't lost my touch."
"Not since last night anyway", commented Quinn. "Where did you get that drink? I thought I was supposed to buy you one?"
"I planned on that, but there were lots of members who missed me around here. Shit...this is my sixth drink, and I haven't paid for one drink yet." He made himself comfortable in the chair, and winked at Santana and Quinn.
"God, I hate you", laughed Santana. "Your cocky bullshit never takes a night off, does it?"
"No, but did you expect anything different from me?"
"Of course I did. You can't be doing well, not without me and this place, it's as simple as that. I may not remember all of last night. I know that we had a pretty important conversation, and that I liked you for a little while after that. But I do remember you pissing me the fuck off eventually, as per usual."
"Santana, don't", breathed the blonde. "You two need to end this pissing contest, and you need to end it now." That statement had earned two separate expressions. A surprised one from Puck, and an angry one from Santana. "Look, I'm sorry, I'm not trying to piss you off...trust me. Just know...that the only way we'll be able to work anything out, is if you two cut the shit, and just accept each other one some level here. You know that I'm right...".
Santana did know that Quinn was right. The woman was saying things that she was keeping deep within the back of her mind.
She hated it.
"She has a point...I guess...I mean...we do fight like a married couple..."., laughed Puck.
"Don't flatter yourself, Puckerman. We fight like two fourteen year old girls at a One Direction concert, at best."
"Wow...", laughed Quinn. "Over what?"
"Which one of us Harry Styles pointed at", said Puck, taking a sip of his drink. Him and Quinn shared a quick laugh before Santana spoke up.
"That's pretty elaborate...", said the Latina, with a smirk ."Puck, have you finally started to walk down the man loving side of the street?"
"Fuck you...no."
"Hey, don't get defensive...it was bound to happen sooner or later...".
"Santana, shut up...seriously...it was a fucking joke."
"Alright...stop", warned Quinn. "For the sake of my sanity and this meeting, let's just say you guys fight like siblings, and be done with it. Sound good?"
"Whatever", answered Santana, with a roll of her eyes. "What do you want from me...because if it's your job back, that's gonna' take a whole lot of begging on your part."
"I never said I wanted my job back.", he laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Britts told me you wanted to see me, so I was thinking it was you who wanted to beg me to come back."
"You thought wrong. As you probably noticed, there's a new bartender...and...", she picked her drink up, and sipped it."...she's pretty damn great."
"Well...now, wait Santana. She's good, but she's not great", said Quinn. She looked down at her tablet, and poked around on it a little. "I started a progress chart on her a couple weeks ago."
"You what", asked the Boss Lady."Why the Hell did you do that?"
Quinn was suddenly feeling insecure, but she stood her ground. "Just to get good measure on how she's doing...that's all. You're acting like I did it, just to piss you off."
"Oh my God, Quinn. We don't need a chart to know how she's doing, we have eyes and ears. We can see how she's doing, and she's been a lot better. When she started she was a fucking train wreck, but not so much anymore. Are you blind?"
"Of course we can see how she's doing by watching her, but this chart takes it to an entirely different level. I've got her doing some research on drinks, and I've been asking members their opinions on her service. Now, are you ready to listen to what I have, or should I just not bother?"
Puck couldn't help but smirk at Quinn's attitude towards the Boss Lady. He loved that somebody else was, in a way, putting her in her place.
"You are such a bitch, but...fine. What do you have?"
Quinn took a sip of her drink, before setting it down, and holding her tablet with both hands. "She's at about ninety out of one hundred, one hundred being the highest...".
"Yeah, no shit...anything else, professor Barbie", asked Santana.
"Yes. Popularity wise, she's very well liked. She interacts with the members, has a sense of humor, and is always more than happy to serve."
"Wait.." ,said Puck, leaning forward. "That's all she's got? She laughs at the stupid damn jokes the members tell, and she smiles when she serves drinks? That's not even basic bartending. That's Bartending for Dummies at best, and that doesn't work, not in this place."
"Jesus, feel threatened much?"
"No, Santana...I'm not threatened, I just know these people. Most of them are nice people, but smiles and interaction aren't the only things they want. They don't just want their dumb jokes heard, they need them to be heard. They need somebody to bitch and complain to, they need an open ear for more than just jokes."
"Really...", said Quinn." Are you sure about that?"
"Hell yes, I'm sure."
Santana smirked. "How can you be so sure?"
"Are you kidding me? Name a member, I'll name their fucking drink. Right now, let's go."
The Latina and the blond exchanged looks of amusement, before Santana did just what was asked.
."Holly Holiday."
"She'll drink almost anything but, she likes her wine. She'll drink any kind of wine...but she pretty much sticks to the White Merlot. Next?"
"Blaine Anderson", smiled Quinn.
"Please...Appletini or, the best Pinot Noir available. You gonna' challenge me, or not?"
"Holy shit, you're totally threatened...", laughed Santana, leaning forward in her seat. "This is fucking great. Okay, Super Nanny, what's she like?"
"Water with Lemon, she doesn't drink alcohol. Next."
"Noel Lyndon."
"Red wine, always the dry, heavy stuff. Occasionally, she'll have a Gin and Tonic or a Wild Fire. Is that all you got?"
"Wait...", said Quinn. "Who's Noel Lyndon?"
"A silent partner, and my lawyer...she's not here very often, so don't worry about not knowing who she is", said Santana, not taking her eyes away from Puck. "You knows names, let's see if you know my language. The rich little fuck from France, who thinks his diplomatic immunity can save him from anything."
Puck smiled. "Anything with Vodka in it, but he goes for Jameson or Wild Turkey now and then."
"The cocky bitch, that works for Donald Trump."
"Scotch. Aged scotch, straight, no chaser. Next?"
"Taylor Swift's little opening act, Kayla Rea."
"Cabernet Sauvignon. Highest quality, because with her, Jesus' blood has to be high priced. One time, I even had to go and buy a special wine she asked for, just so God would forgive her for her homosexual secrets," he laughed. "The more the wine cost, the more she would be forgiven."
Santana smiled, and once again, sat back in her chair. He was good, but she wasn't about to admit it. "So, you know member's favorite drinks, that doesn't prove your point."
Puck laughed out of frustration. He knew Santana was trying to push his buttons, and he was more than ready to push her buttons back. "I know their drinks, I know their problems, I know what they like and what they hate. About this place, and life in general. Listen, bartending rules have been the same for centuries. We aren't just drink slaves, we're like therapists. People to let shit out on."
"Yeah, but this place is off the charts busy all the time, especially the bar. It's not like any other bar, Puck", said Santana.
"You think I don't know that already? That's how good I am", he smiled. "You will never be able to replace me, just face it, alright?"
Quinn couldn't help but smile a little, while Santana just laughed and shook her head. "You son of bitch."
"Don't get all pissy. You know I'm right..."
"Well, what do you even want from me", she asked, with a shrug. "You quit, you're the one that doesn't wanna' be here."
"San...", he said, rolling his eyes.
"You walked away from the job, through Kurt, not even talking to me first. After, you looked at me square in the face, not giving a damn, and talked to me like I was a piece of shit."
"Santana...".
"Yeah, I was pissed the Hell off, and yelling at you, but you were shot. Gunshot wound isn't a good look for you, Puckerman."
"Santana!"
"You left me", she snapped, causing Quinn to jump, and Puck to shake his head. "You fucking left me! You acted like you didn't give a damn! After everything I've done for you, every fucking thing we've been through together, you up and left, all so you could sell drugs, and bang mafia daughters!"
"I made a mistake", he yelled back. "Not for taking another job, but for leaving! Yes, I left you, and for that, I'm a mother fucker! I've regretted it from the very minute it fucking happened!" Santana didn't bother to respond, she just looked at him from her seat, and actually listened to him. "I left, because I knew I was hurting you more, by being here! I like selling drugs, I love that part of my life! Not as much as I loved working for you, but still...I love it! I get that you hate it, but it's part of me now! Yeah, I wanna' come back, I never even wanted to leave! Only...I can't work for a so called friend, who does nothing but talk shit about the other work I do! You want me back, you can't even fucking deny it! Just like I can't deny that I wanna' be back! I'll come back, I will...but I want something from you, San! I'm not coming back without it!"
"What do you want", she asked, a bite in her tone.
"Respect! You need to respect me, you need to respect my lifestyle, and you need to stop trying to make me feel like shit, just because I sell drugs! You really think you're any better for what you do, for this place?"
"Hell yes, I do", she yelled back. "I sell sexual fantasies, and pleasure! I don't sell addictions!"
"Oh, you don't? You don't think this place is an addiction for people? Look at Sandy Ryerson, and the shit he pulled!"
"He wasn't addicted, he was fucking crazy!"
"Whatever! I guess we don't agree on that! You want another one? Look at Cassandra! Look at Sue! Look at the members who have been here for years, selling you their souls for a few nights with a secret fucking sexual fantasy! You can't sit here and tell me that the sex these people get, the love and pleasure that you provide, isn't an addiction! Stop being so small fucking minded, you of all people shouldn't be that way! You own a gay sex playground! Your mind shouldn't be so closed! This place, the people that work under you, all an addiction for the members! You know that!"
"Alright, shut up, Puckerman! God damn it, just shut the fuck up", the Latina snapped. She had made eye contact with him, and stared him down. "I'm tired of your mouth!"
The man with the mohawk took a few deep breathes, before looking over at Quinn. "Help me..."
"Well, you're not wrong", the blond said, with a smirk. "However, you do need to calm down."
He nodded, before chugging the rest of his drink.
"You want my respect, Puckerman? You need to earn it."
"I have earned it...I know I have."
"Oh, you had my respect. You earned it, up until I found out how you were screwing me..."
"Screwing you?"
"Yes, screwing me. You were selling to Tina, long after I told you to stop. You were selling ecstasy pills from the bar, to members, and employees. You were off making deals with people that tried to have you fucking killed. That means you were screwing me."
"Fine", he said, defeat in his voice. "I'm the asshole in this who situation. Is that what you need to hear?"
"No, I need to hear that you won't screw me again. You can come back, but there needs to be some rules", said Santana.
"Rules yes, but also...compromises...", said Quinn.
"Damn it, Barbie..."
"Santana, it's the only way. At least, the only way that's fair", said Quinn. "Don't you think?"
Santana looked at Quinn for a moment, before slamming her fist on her desk, and standing up. She placed both hands down on the desk, and leaned forward. She knew it was time to just negotiate. "Back to your regular hours, no selling anything from the bar."
Puck was instantly on game, and ready to fight back. "Regular hours, minus four hours a day to handle my other business, back to selling the pills to just one member, who also happens to be a client of mine."
Santana laughed a little and shook her head. "Three hours to deal with your shit, no selling from behind the counter...you're not selling shit from behind my bar."
Puck thought for a minute, and smiled. "I'll go for the three hours, but I'm not letting up on selling those pills."
"You best be letting up on selling those pills, I'm not having it. If I catch you selling from behind my fucking bar, I will ends you, mother fucker."
"Santana...wait", said Quinn. She could tell just by looking at Puck that he wouldn't be letting the pills go. She stood from the desk, and whispered something into the Latina's ear. When she was done, she backed away, and looked at her." Trust me."
"I hate you", mumbled Santana, before looking Puck square in the eye. "Four hours is back on the table...but that's before we open up. You're not using playground hours for your other business. You can sell the fucking pills from the bar, to the one client, but I want half the profit you make from those sales. Also, you will promise to keep Laine out of the drug shit for the rest of her life, and yours."
Puck smiled, and thought for a few moments. "Deal, but only if I can start selling to more than one member, and if you let me train the newbie chick behind the bar."
Santana wanted to slap him, but instead, she looked to her blond friend, who nodded as discreetly as she could. "Fine. It's a deal, but try not to run your fucking mouth too much about what your selling. Also...", she smiled. "When I need you to put a skanky little pair of briefs on, with a bow tie around your neck, you do it. No arguments, no bitching, or anything. You fucking do it."
The man rolled his eyes, but he decided to just agree. He wanted another drink, and he was tired of the arguing. "Deal." He stood up, and held his hand out. Santana hesitated, but not for long once she felt the shoulder nudge of her blond friend. Eventually, she shook his hand, and quickly tore it away. "San, I won't let you down, woman."
"You better not..."
He laughed, and turned towards the office door. "Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I'm in need of another drink." He opened the door, and lingered for a moment. "It's good to be back. See you tomorrow night, San." With that, he as gone, and the door was closed.
Santana was immediately back in her chair, and sipping on her drink. "What the fuck is your problem?"
Quinn, drink and tablet in her hands, moved towards the couch, and sat down. "What do you mean?"
"Are you fucking crazy? It's bad enough you started a fucking progress chart. Why the Hell did you have to bring it up in front of him?"
Quinn smirked, and set her tablet in her lap. She took a sip of her drink. "Santana, there was never any chart, I promise you that."
"What?"
"Don't you get it? That was a test, I was playing him. I never had any chart on Sage's progress. If you would have looked at my tablet when I was talking about it, you would have seen. I was playing Candy Crush..."
The Latina wanted to scream, but oddly enough, she was too frustrated and confused to do it." What the fuck are you talking about?"
"I knew that if I brought that up, he'd get all bothered, and defensive. He fought for what he really wanted. Now, he's back."
"No...wait a minute. That couldn't have been an act. Before we even came in here, you said some random drink order, and Sage made it. You're drinking it right the fuck now!"
"Alright, yes...I suggested that she do some research on drinks, but, there's no chart. She's actually progressing on her own, believe it or not."
The Boss Lady couldn't help but laugh a little. "Well damn, Barbie."
Quinn smiled. "We have him back. Yes, you had to give into things that you didn't ever want to, but he's back, and we can work with this. Look at this from my point of view?"
"Jesus", laughed Santana. "Has it really come to that?"
"Stop. Just listen to me. You originally hired Sage to be the playground spy, right?"
"Yes, she's being paid to be my little Playground tattletale."
"Okay, but she's been doing more bartending than anything else. She's getting better, but she's not killing it, because she's never had any training. With Puck being back, she can be trained for tending bar, and her skills will get better. She'll get faster, which will give her much more time to do the spying she was supposed to do. She may only have one client, but at least that hides her true purpose a bit more. Now, Puck being back will help with that, and will stop a lot of the complaints from members. This helps, but we really do need to look into another Bartender."
Santana nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I'm on it. I have somebody in mind."
"Who", questioned the blond, one eyebrow raised.
"Jade."
"Jade, from Smashed?"
"Yeah, you're new friend. You are on her Jello Wrestling roster, after all."
"She's hardly my new friend. True, I'm in the league now, but I don't even wrestle for a while. Aside from that, doesn't she run that place?"
"Oh, she runs it", nodded Santana. "She runs it well, did you see the crowd in there? She makes amazing drinks, a lot of which are her own creation. She's popular with people, she's cute, she knows what she's doing. I want her here, and I don't care what I have to do, I'll get her."
"She's a manager, and clearly has her hands full. Do you really think she'll just walk away from all of that? Not to mention, her personal life. Do you even know anything about her daily life?"
"No, but...I've been thinking about that. I have a plan, don't you worry."
"Okay", smiled Quinn. "I won't worry."
Santana drank some more of her drink, and sighed. "God damn it. Puckerman is back." She couldn't help but smile. "That mother fucker is coming home."
Quinn laughed a little. "Home?"
"He belongs here, let's face it. He can't face it directly, so I'll just do it for him."
The blond nodded in agreement. "I'll do that as well. Now, let's talk about some other issues, shall we?"
The Latina rolled her eyes. "Yeah, fine. Let's."
"How did Bethany do with her line up?"
Santana laughed a little. "She was nervous as shit at first. One of the longest line up choices I've ever witnessed, but...twenty minutes later, she made her choice."
"Who?"
"She picked Jewels, which didn't surprise me."
"I thought she might pick her", Quinn nodded. "Jewels is little and cute, and Bethany seems into that type."
"Much like somebody else I know", said Santana, with a wink.
"Oh, shut up...", smiled the blond.
Later, in the early hours of the morning, Rachel walked into her room. She was tired beyond belief, and just wanted to shower, and cuddle with Quinn. When she walked in, the lights were on, but her girlfriend was fast asleep on the bed. Her phone was in her hand, and her tablet was laying on her chest. She had clearly fallen asleep while working on something. The tiny woman couldn't help but smile. As quietly as she could, she headed for the bathroom. After showering, brushing her teeth, and getting her hair tied back, she left the bathroom. She was expecting Quinn to still be sleeping, but she wasn't. She was sitting up, doing things on her tablet. "Hi, baby", she greeted, tiredly.
"Hey", smiled Rachel. "I'm sorry, I didn't wanna' wake you. I was about to curl up next to you." She crawled onto the bed behind Quinn, and wrapped her arms around her. "Come on, you look so tired. Let's get some sleep."
"God, that sounds amazing", breathed the blond. "I hate saying this to you, but...I can't stay."
"What? Why not?"
"The beginning of my week is about to kill me. Mentally, and physically. I wanted to stay, but looking at my schedule for tomorrow, I don't think I can. It would just be easier for me to go home."
"Baby...",pouted Rachel. Trust me, I get that. I have a lot of catch up to deal with. "It's almost four o'clock in the morning. You might as well just stay with me."
"I thought about that...trust me...I did. It just can't work. I'm so sorry, I really am. I have the longest day, and it ends with dinner at my Mother's. I blew her off last night, I feel so damn bad."
Rachel could tell just by the other woman's tone, that she felt really guilty. "Awwww, Quinn. I understand. I'm sure your Mother does too."
"I swear, I'll make it up to you later in the week."
"Oh, so the flowers weren't just a...random gesture", laughed the little brunette. "I love them, by the way, and I did notice that you put them in a vase in my bathroom." She planted a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you, they're simply beautiful."
"You're welcome. I knew you'd love them. Cassandra on the other hand, when she saw me walk into the bar carrying them, I thought she was about to put a bullet in my head."
"Let's not even go there. Screw that...", breathed Rachel. "She was relentless tonight, you'd think I was off for a whole month, instead of one week."
Quinn was instantly annoyed. "Did she hurt you?"
"No, not at all. She was just stubborn, and wanted to torture me a little."
"See, you say...she tortured you. That, to me...it means that she hurt you."
"I didn't mean it like that. You know her, she has a particular kinky sexual preference. Nothing I haven't dealt with before."
"Shit...I knew I shouldn't have brought her up. Can we stop talking about her now?"
The tiny brunette giggled a little. "We sure can." She kissed her on the cheek. "You want me to come home with you?"
"I would love that, but...it would be pointless, baby. The minute I get home, I'm passing out for a few hours. Waking up, showering, and heading for work. I'm not even sure if I'll make it here tomorrow night, because the next day is just as crazy." Quinn was hating herself at the moment. Hearing herself talking about her schedule out loud was annoying her. She knew that she was essentially warning her girlfriend that she would be neglected for the next few days.
"Even if you're planning on passing out, I don't care. Don't you wanna' pass out with me next to you?"
"Oh my God...yes...I do."
"Okay, so let me just go home with you."
Quinn laughed a little. "So when I leave later, what are you gonna' do? You'll be alone in my apartment until you have to come back here to work. What's the point?"
"You just said it, Quinn. I'll be alone, in your place...until...I can't be. Alone for a little while, getting some peace and quiet", she laughed. "Alone."
"Alright, I get it. You'll get some time you need, right?"
"Right."
"Fine", breathed the blond. "You're coming with me."
Rachel slipped from behind Quinn, moved from the bed, onto the floor, and smiled up at her."Not before you...cum...with me..."
Quinn giggled a little, and shook her head. "Oh my God, do not do this to me right now...I have to be up sooooo early..."
"Trust me...", purred the tiny woman, pushing the blonde's dress up, and placing little kisses on her thighs. "What I'm offering you right now is worth it..."
Quinn felt a familiar, wet feeling make itself known, as she let out a slow shaky breath. "Rachel Berry...I could kill you right now...don't get me started..."
"I think it's a little late for that", she smiled." You're already spreading your legs for me...you know there's no going back now."
Quinn moaned a little, and her hips canted forward. "Oh God..."
Rachel smiled again, and moved her face in between her girlfriend's legs. She decided not to tease her. She knew Quinn needed to get home, and get sleep. She placed her hands on her thighs, and licked through her folds a few times, before taking the hard nub into her mouth, and sucking as hard as she could.
"Mmmm...", Quinn moaned, reaching down, and running her fingers through Rachel's hair. She pushed down on her head ever so slightly, physically begging for more." Baby..."
Rachel poked, and licked a little more with her tongue, before moving one of her hands in between her legs, and sticking to fingers inside of her.
"Oh...yeah...baby...that feel so...oh my Goooood..."
Rachel was pumping hard. Moaning softly, as she worked away. She loved the noises her lover made.
Quinn took one hand away from Rachel's head, and started rubbing hard at her own nipple, through the fabric of her dress. She pulled lightly on Rachel's hair, as she felt Rachel's pace quicken. "Mmmm... Rachel baby...keep going. It feels so fucking perfect...mmmmm..."
Rachel stopped licking. Keeping her fingers inside of Quinn, she stood from the ground, and climbed on top of her. She leaned down, and attached her lips to her neck, pumping a little faster, and so much harder. "You feel so damn amazing around my fingers...", she breathed into her ear. She lowered herself onto Quinn's thigh, and started grinding down, hard." Mmmm...I love the way you moan for me..."
Quinn wrapped her arms around Rachel, and held her as close as she could. "Uhh...I'm almost there, Rach...please...please...harder..."
Rachel rested her forehead on Quinn's shoulder, and moaned at the request before moving her fingers as hard, and as fast as she could. Her hand was cramping up, which had always proved to be a good sign. "Mmmmm damn it...Quinn...cum for me..."
"I will...I will...God..."
Rachel moved her hips faster, and harder, matching the pace of her own fingers, and drowning in the sexy sounds coming from Quinn. "Do it baby...cum for me", she moaned. "I'm...I'm...gonna'..."
"Jesus...", whimpered the blond, loudly, as her orgasm hit her hard, and she let go. "Oh my Go-...Rachel!"
The smaller woman let go not three seconds after Quinn did, and lightly bit down on her shoulder. "Mmmmm...yeah."
"I love you...", panted Quinn. "So so soooo much..."
"I love you too."
The next morning, at around eleven o'clock, Santana walked into her office, and slumped into her desk chair. She set her coffee mug down, and pulled her cell phone from her hoodie pocket. It had been a long, yet somewhat productive night. Puck would officially be returning to his post behind the bar. Bethany was a new member. Quinn and her had talked about a lot of different things. There were plans in place, and she loved it, as tired as she was. She wanted to settle in, drink her coffee, and get some file work done. She really wanted that, but she couldn't do it yet. She was antsy, and already bored within the five minutes she had been behind her desk. Brittany was in the E-Lounge, working on some pole routines. She wouldn't be long, but long enough that Santana would be bored without her. Rachel wasn't around, and anybody else worth her time was busy or sleeping. She decided to head to the roof for a smoke.
Once she was up there, and her cigarette was lit, she felt so much more relaxed, and ready to take on the day. The sun was up, in the perfect spot. It wasn't too hot, or cold. It was warm. The early morning sounds of the busy city could be heard below, and it made the Latina smile. Halfway through her cigarette, she decided to call her little sister, and bug her. She dialed her number, and waited for her to answer.
"No...no...what do you want", her little sister said, from the other line.
"Don't even start with me, hermana...I will straight ends your little ass. What are you up to?"
"I had a long night. I put that fake I.D to use...and...shit...it was amazing", she breathed. "I'm not leaving my bed until I have to. Which is actually at five o'clock, because I'm going over Mrs. Collins' place for dinner."
"Oh, are you?"
"Yeah, I was there for dinner last night. San...that woman's cooking is like...asombroso. No shit, it's like the food you see on TV. I'm talking like...Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay type food."
"So, you've been hanging out with Laine a lot?"
"Yeah, she's really cool, I like her. We hung out for a bit after dinner last night, then I left to meet some of my friends at...well...no. I'm not telling you where", the younger sister laughed. "Screw that."
"Look, I got you the I.D...that doesn't mean I need to know what you do with it. As long as you were safe."
"I was. Don't worry, once Mami and Papi get back, I won't go out as much. It was an early night anyway. I'm tired, and need a big greasy slice a pizza or something, but damn...I had fun. I was invited out again, but I said no. I'm gonna' go eat with Laine and Mrs. Collins, after we're gonna' watch a movie. I was invited to stay the night."
Santana smiled. She couldn't help but know that her little sister had a crush on Laine. "That's cute, I hope you have fun. I hope you two are sleeping in separate-" She was cut off when her phone made a noise in her ear. She took it away from her ear, and looked. She didn't recognize the number. "Mia, let me call you back, alright?"
"Yeah, no problem I'm not going anywhere." She knew her big sister was a busy woman.
"Thanks", she said, as she accepted the incoming call. "Start talking fast, I don't know you." She heard breathing, and sobbing, but no talking. "Who the Hell is this? Speak now, or forever hold that peace..."
"Is...she...really dead?"
Santana thought the voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't pin point who it was. Not just yet. "Listen, whoever this is...talk to me, and be specific...I'm already over this call."
"Sunshine...is she really...gone", the person sobbed.
All the Latina knew is that the person on the other line was a female, and crying." Alright, seriously, who the fuck is this?"
"I...was gonna' go back. I did...I did go back...but when I got there...I saw all these cops, and...I got scared."
In that moment, she knew. She knew exactly who it was. "Tina?"
"I...didn't mean to...do that to her. I just...missed her...and she asked to feel like I felt. Miss Santana...I'm so sorry...", she cried.
"Tina, where are you", she asked frantically. "Tell me where you are, right now. Talk to me!"
"Is she dead?"
Santana sighed, and suddenly felt like crying. She stayed strong in that moment. "Yes. Sunshine is...dead. She's gone…"
"Oh no...", Tina cried. "No...I didn't want that...I swear...I just...I...I wasn't thinking..."
"It's alright, Tina. Just...tell me where you are..."
"I was supposed to take care of her...and now...oh God, I'm so sorry Miss Santana."
"Are you with Mike?"
"She...just...wanted to connect with me...and I...I wasn't thinking clearly. I'm a fucking horrible person...it should have been me...not her, she shouldn't be dead. I should be the one who died. I was supposed to look out for her, and I fucking killed her. All because...I'm selfish...and wanted her to be on my level...to understand why I...love the drugs", she cried, into the phone.
Santana was struggling hard not to cry. It wasn't just the phone call that she wasn't expecting. It was also the emotions that she felt hearing the woman's voice. "Tina, stop. I need you to stop talking about Sunshine, and tell me where you are. Please tell me where you are, I will come and get you."
"I can't...do that", she cried. "I...can't face you. Not after how I've...disappointed you...and let you and everybody else down..."
That broke the Boss Lady. "Sweet Lips...please", she sobbed. "I need you let me come and get you..." She had missed Tina so much, and been more worried about her than she let herself believe. The voice on the other end wasn't her Tina, it wasn't her baby. She sounded so broken, and sad.
"I'm sorry...but...no way. I'm sorry, I bothered you Miss Santana. Goodbye..."
"No no no, Tina...Tina...", she cried into the phone." Tina?" It was no use, the line was dead. "Fuck!"
Twenty minutes later, she was walking into the E-Lounge. Her sadness and frustration had turned into pure anger, and the tears wouldn't stop. Brittany was on the stage, stretching along to random music playing over the surround sound. "Babe...", she said, walking onto the stage.
The blond knew immediately that something was wrong, and she was up on her feet." What's wrong, Sanny?" She pulled her into her arms, and let her sob into her. "Whoa...talk to me, why are you crying?"
"Tina...she..she called me...".
"Wait, she did? When?"
"Just now...she called asking about Sunshine, and she was in tears, and blaming herself. She wouldn't tell me where she was...Britts, I begged her. I fucking begged her to tell me, and she wouldn't. She said it...should have been her that died, and...she just hung up. She fucking hung up on me..."
"Okay...Okay...it's alright", she comforted. "Shhh...relax, it's alright. We'll find her." She hated seeing anybody upset, but it was always ten times worse when it was Santana. A few of her own tears fell, but she held the Latina tight to her body, and left a few kisses on her forehead.
After a few minutes, Santana was calmer, but Brittany was still holding her on the stage. "I dipped into the security office before I came down here to see you."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah", she sniffled, a little. "Jacob has the number she called me from...he's gonna' see if he can track her. He's got his creepy computer hacking skills, if anybody can track that number, he can."
"Good! See, we're already on a new path to find her, Sanny. Don't worry, she'll turn up."
"I can't stand the thought of her being out there alone...it's fucking killing me. Last time I talked to Mike, he didn't even know where she was. After she left the rehab center, I wasn't as worried, because I assumed she was with him. Only now, after he called me, saying he has no idea where the Hell she is...what the fuck am I supposed to think? What else can I think but the worst? Especially since she's blaming herself for what happened to Sunshine..."
Brittany shook her head. "Sanny, don't you remember what you told me? That we're all still blaming ourselves for what happened? I'm still so sad for Sunshine, but...I believed that when you said it. We all played a weird part in that, and it's always gonna' hurt. Tina is doing the same thing we're all doing, right?" Santana nodded a little. "Right. So now, we can just count on Jacob finds something. That, and maybe with the info we gave Detective Hayes….she can help us find her too."
"I really hope so. "Santana's anger towards Tina was a thing of the past at that point. She had decided that being pissed off at her wasn't going to bring her back. All that mattered was finding her, and getting her off the drugs before it was too late. A long talk with Rachel had gotten her on that train of thought, and she made the choice to just stay within that thought. "Fuck..."
Brittany kissed her softly on the lips. She didn't like when Santana lost her temper, but oddly enough, she hated seeing her defeated more. Much more than she hated seeing her infuriated. She needed to do something to cheer her up. Something that would cheer both of them up. "Sanny...let's do that song?"
"What babe?"
Brittany held her close, and giggled a little. "You know...the one we've been singing to each other in the suite. The song we dance to."
Santana smirked a little, and rolled her eyes. "No, I dunno' about that right now..."
"No, come on! We have to! I love it, and we have the whole thing worked out perfectly. Nobody's around, it's just you and me. I can go play it right now, and we can dance to it!" She was already heading towards the DJ booth. "Hang on, stay right there!"
"Babe...no...", she argued, through a little laughter. "Not now." It was a wasted effort.
The dancer didn't stop her small journey to where her tablet was hooked up. She stopped the music that was playing. "What's the song called again?"
The Latina once again, rolled her eyes. "It's called Heaven Knows, by Tennessee Chin."
Brittany smiled, and a minute later, the song started to play. She hurried back over to the stage, grabbed Santana's hands, and got into position. "We have to sing, it's the instrumental track. I love when we do this, Sanny. Come on, you'll better after...I promise."
Santana couldn't resist." Alright my perfection", she smiled, as she dipped her backwards, kissed her on the lips, and pulled her back up. They started with simple, basic back and forth steps as she started to sing the song.
Santana-
Heaven knows my heart,
And all that it's been thinking.
I don't know where to start,
But I might as well start speaking.
When I try to explain,
Oh, the words don't come out.
'Cause you're leaving me speechless somehow.
Brittany-
I wish I could show you,
All the ways you make me feel.
Every time that I hold you, yeah,
All of the dreams seem real.
And that's why every little piece of me,
Wants to love on every little piece of you.
And if it don't show,
Heaven knows, heaven knows.
Santana twirled Brittany away, and pulled her back.
Santana-
Here and now,
Can you hear my heart beating?
That's the sound, the sound of my body speaking.
Telling you all, telling you I need it,
Telling you you're the one for me.
Brittany-
I said here and now,
Can you hear my heart beating for you?
Beating for you, beating for you,
Beating for you, for you.
Their steps got a little busier, and they moved about the stage. In perfect sync. It was kind of a contemporary tango, mixed with a simple salsa step. The way they moved together would put most couples to shame. To anybody watching, it would have been easy to tell that they were deeply in love with each other. Neither of them even noticed that they were being watched from the lounge entrance.
Santana-
Heaven knows my heart,
'Cause believe, it's been through it.
So many battle scars, do you love me with these bruises?
There's no way to repay this here love,
Bail me out.
See, you're leaving me speechless somehow.
Their moves were flawless, and Brittany couldn't help but smile lovingly at her girlfriend, when she spun her, and pulled her body back to face her own.
Brittany-
I wish I could show you,
All the ways you make me feel.
Every time that I hold you, yeah,
All of the dreams seem real.
And that's why every little piece of me,
Wants to love every on little piece of you.
And if it don't show,
Heaven knows, heaven knows.
Santana & Brittany-
Here and now ,
Can you hear my heart beating?
That's the sound, the sound of my body speaking.
Telling you all, telling you I need it,
Telling you you're the one for me.
I said here and now,
Can you hear my heart beating for you?
Beating for you, beating for you.
Beating for you, for you.
They moved into a series of twirls, and dips. Their feet and hips moving back and forth perfectly to the rhythm of the song. They moved as if they had been dance partners for life. Each of them knowing exactly where the other one was about to move. All the while, not noticing a certain tiny form, slowly moving closer to the stage, phone in hand, recording them.
Santana-
If the words don't come out right,
Know they're written in the sky.
Beating in my heart tonight.
Brittany-
If the words don't come out right,
Know they're written in the sky.
Beating in my heart tonight.
Santana & Brittany-
Here and now ,
Can you hear my heart beating?
That's the sound, the sound of my body speaking.
Telling you all, telling you I need it,
Telling you you're the one for me.
I said here and now,
Can you hear my heart beating for you?
Beating for you, beating for you.
Beating for you, for you.
By the time the song ended, Brittany had Santana bent backwards, and their faces were so close, they might as well have been kissing. She smiled down at her girlfriend, both of them breathing somewhat heavily. "I love when we do this, Sanny."
"Yeah, I love it too. I'm so lucky to have you…", she said, as she was pulled upward. Once they were standing straight, she leaned in, and kissed her softly on the lips. "You always know how to fix me…"
"I'll always do my best to make you feel better, baby. I love you."
"I love you too, my Perfection."
Fifteen minutes later, the couple was exiting the E-Lounge, and walking through the bar area. Rachel was seated at the bar counter, and her and Alyson were both smiling at something they were watching on Rachel's phone.
Santana was immediately suspicious. "What the Hell are you guys up to", asked Santana, as her and the blond walked over, pinky's linked together.
"Nothing", said Rachel, pulling her phone away from Alyson, and stuffing it into her jacket. "Morning", she smiled, innocently.
"Morning Rachie, morning Aly", smiled Brittany.
"Yeah...", said Santana, eying the two, suspiciously. "Morning..."
"Can I get you ladies an early morning drink", asked Aly, with a yawn. "Bloody Marys?"
Santana took a seat on the barstool next to Rachel, and welcomed Brittany turning around, and leaning in between her thighs. "Yeah, I'll take one."
"Me too please", said the blond. "Rachie...where were you this morning?"
"Quinn's. I left with her early. Sorry I didn't answer your texts, I didn't even see them until I got back."
"Wait, you stayed at Quinn's?"
"Kind of", breathed the little brunette. "She's working now, and I planned on staying there for most of the day, but that didn't happen." She seemed annoyed.
"Why didn't you stay", asked Brittany.
"Monthly building maintenance. They show up, and make sure the apartment is all up to date on safety codes, and everything. I would have waited it out, but the one guy said something about they would be in the apartment for close to two hours, so I just left."
"Fuck that", laughed Santana. "I wouldn't have stayed either."
Rachel smiled. "Good to know."
Alyson popped back over, and placed two tall drinks on the bar in front of Santana and Brittany. "Here you go, Boss Lady, and Blue Eyes."
"Thanks", Santana said, grabbing the drink.
"Yeah, thank you, Aly", smiled Brittany, taking her own drink.
The four of them sat and chatted in the empty bar area for another thirty minutes or so, before Rachel decided to go up to her room. She wasted no time, kicking her shoes off, tossing her things into the couch, and climbing into her bed for a much needed nap. She had just plugged her phone into the charger, when she got a call from Quinn. She smiled, and answered.
"Hey there, beautiful."
"Hi. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, this morning is already making me fucking crazy."
"It's alright, baby. Did you get the video I sent?"
"Yes, and…..oh my God! Who knew Santana could move and sing like that! Did they know you were recording them?"
Rachel laughed. "No way. I had to be a ninja when I recorded that. You needed to see it though. It proves one of your ideas to be a fantastic one."
"What do you mean?"
"You're always talking about how we could do so much more in the E-Lounge. More than just exotic dancing, and stripping. Don't you think that video pretty much confirms it?"
"Wow", said Quinn. "I guess it literally does..."
"So, can we bring it up to Santana, again? Please, Quinn? It could change so much for this place, in the best way possible. I know you said she won't listen to reason...but...can't we please try just one more time?"