Trying this again. Thanks to ritagarcia45 for the heads up.
Chapter Title: The Icing on the Cake
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Puck
Rating: PG
Summary: Santana and Puck want to make sure Rachel has the perfect birthday.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~5,850
Spoilers: References previous parts.
A/N: I apologize for putting so many songs in this fic. All songs are listed at the end.
"Hey babe?"
Santana is currently stretched out on Rachel's bed trying to care about Calculus while Rachel reads The Tempest.
"Yes?"
"Did I tell you how awesome your duet with Artie was today?"
Rachel smiles. "You did."
"Good."
Rachel waits a moment before asking, "Is that it?"
"Well now that you mention it, I do have one more question."
Taking note of what page she's on, Rachel closes her bed and sets it on the bed. "Okay."
"Your birthday is coming up."
"It is," Rachel nods. "Was that the question?"
"Uh, no. I was just wondering what you wanted to do this year. I mean last year we had that surprise party, but I wasn't sure if you wanted that again."
"What makes you say that?" Rachel asks.
Santana rolls over and sits up. "I don't know. I guess it just feels like there's moregoing on. Maybe I'm just projecting, because I sometimes feel like I'm surrounded by chaos."
"I don't want to sound like Noah, but it is our senior year," Rachel says. "I believe it's mandatory."
"Okay, which brings me back to my original question. What would you like to do for your birthday?"
"Well I don't need a big surprise party this year, if that's what you're worried about."
"All right."
"Is it lame that I just want to spend the weekend with you? I feel like I've barely seen you lately."
"Me too, babe." Santana can't help but lean in for a kiss. And though she'd really like to just push all the books off the bed and have her way with Rachel, she has a test coming up that she's definitely not ready for. She pulls away with a sigh.
"I gotta get back to this."
"We'll celebrate when you get an A," Rachel tells her.
…
A week later, at the end of the day, Puck stops by Santana's locker.
"Lopez."
"Puckerman."
"So my bro's birthday is coming up," Puck says.
"Congratulations, you can read a calendar andremember a piece of information."
"I figure you get Saturday and Sunday. But I still get Friday right?"
"I suppose that's up to Rachel," Santana replies.
"Yeah?"
"She doesn't want a party," Santana explains. "So it's just going to be me and her. But if she wants to spend Friday night bro-ing it up, that's her choice."
"All right. I'll talk to her," Puck says. "Later S."
…
Six days later, Santana is in the music room with Tom, bright and early.
"Nice job, Santana," Tom says. "I think you've got it."
"Thanks Tom."
"Now it's time to try it without the music."
"What? Not possible," Santana replies. "I mean I only have a couple days."
"So?" Tom counters. "I don't know if you realize this, but you're not using the sheet music as much as you think."
"I appreciate it the vote of confidence, Tom, really," Santana says. "But this song has to happen perfectly. That's even more important than the presentation."
"Personally, I think they're equally important," Tom tells her. "Just try it once. If you completely fuck up, I'll drop it. I swear."
"Swear on this ridiculously expensive baby grand piano," Santana says.
Tom place his hand on the open lid. "I swear."
"All right. One time."
Sitting back down on the plastic chair he'd grabbed from the corner, Tom closes his eyes and listens. He feels confidence that Santana won't look at the sheet music since doing so would mean Tom not dropping the idea.
Once Santana's finished, he can't help but clap. "That was excellent."
"What are you talking about?" Santana asks. "I made like five mistakes."
"Five tiny mistakes," Tom tells her. "We can definitely fix those before Thursday."
"Fine," Santana replies. "But I reserve the right to change my mind."
"I wouldn't dream of disagreeing with you," Tom says with a smile. "Want to try it again?"
…
Puck's spent the last week coming up with possible ideas for Rachel's birthday. He knows if he goes to her without ideas, they'll end up sitting on the couch drinking. And that is nothow his bro should celebrate her birthday.
"So bro," Puck says when he finds Rachel at her locker. "We're going to have to live it up this Friday, right?"
"It depends on what you mean by that, Noah," Rachel replies. "And why?"
"Uh, for you birthday, of course," Puck tells her. "I mean, it's our senior year. I may have mellowed a bit, but there are still some key moments that need to be properly celebrated."
"And my birthday is one of them?"
Puck nods.
"Let's hear your ideas then," Rachel says.
…
Thursday afternoon glee runs normally. They go through a possible group number for regionals, trying to stay focused, despite having only a week before winter break start.
"Okay," Mr. Schuester says. "We have one more song to perform before I dismiss you. Santana, uh, has requested to sing a song. So let's give her a round of applause."
Everyone claps as Santana stands and walks to the piano.
"So on Sunday it's my amazing girlfriend's birthday. And so this is the first part of my gift to her."
And then to everyone's shock, Santana sits down as Brad stands.
Rachel can only stare as Santana begins playing.
I don't wear designer clothes
I don't go to the finest schools
But, I know I ain't no fool baby
I may not be a star
I'm not driving the sickest car
But, I know I can make you happy baby
I don't know what you been used to
Never been with a girl like you
But, I can give you a love that's true to
Your heart, not material things
I'll give you my song
These words to you
Sing you what I feel
My soul is true.
I don't have the world
Can't give it to you girl,
But all that I can do
Is give this song to you
Nah Nah
Nah Nah
Nah Nah
Yeah I know that you are blessed
But there's something you're missing yet
Your own melody... oh baby
I don't know what you been used to
Never been with a girl like you
But, I can give you a love that's true too
Your heart, not material things
I'll give you my song
These words to you
Sing you what I feel
My soul is true
I don't have the world
Can't give it to you girl
But all that I can do
Is give this song to you
I'll give you my heart, my song, my words baby
What I can say, I'll sing it.
Oh, Oooh, Oooooh
I'll give my song an the rest to you baby, baby
Sing you what I feel, my soul is true
I'll give you my song
These words to you
Sing you what I feel
My soul is true
My soul is true
I don't have the world
Can't give it to you girl
But all that I can do
Is give this song to you
There's a moment of stunned silence when Santana finishes. She stands nervously as everyone begins to clap. Rachel stands slowly and walks over to Santana.
"That was incredible," she whispers, wrapping her arms around her.
"I'm glad you liked it," Santana whispers back.
"I didn't know you could play the piano, Santana," Mr. Schue says.
"I can't," Santana replies. "I just learned that song."
"Impressive."
Rachel kisses Santana chastely. "You are so amazing."
"Well that's all for today guys," Mr. Schue says. "See you next week."
Puck is the first to reach Santana. He smacks her on the back. "Not bad, Lopez."
"Whatever, dude," Santana replies. "I don't need your approval."
Puck elbows her as she accepts the others' praise. Her other hand stays firmly intertwined with Rachel's, who can't stop gazing adoringly at her girlfriend.
…
"You'd tell me if you didn't like it, right?" Santana asks Rachel as they drive to her house.
"Of course I would, San," Rachel replies. "But you should really know that singing me a song is never a wrong move."
"Oh I know that," Santana says. "But there are other factors to consider. Song choice, instrument choice, uh…"
"Well, I thought it was perfect, just the way you did it," Rachel tells her.
"You deserve perfection."
"Who knew Santana Lopez was such a romantic?" Rachel muses as they pull into her driveway.
"Don't say things like that out loud," Santana tells her as they climb out. "Or I'll be forced to take you inside and ravage you."
"How is that a bad thing exactly?" Rachel asks, unlocking the front door.
"Maybe I use the handcuffs."
"Considering what happened the last time we used handcuffs, that is a threat," Rachel teases. "I thought we were going to stick to scarves?"
"Fine, I'll use the scarves then," Santana says. She slaps Rachel's ass. "Now get your ass up to your room and strip."
"Bossy. I like it."
…
"So are you finally telling me what we're doing tonight?" Rachel asks.
It's Friday night and she's sitting in Noah's truck as they drive somewhere. He's been unusually secretive about the whole evening, which makes Rachel nervous. If Noah's being secretive, the past has shown Rachel that she has reasons to be concerned.
"You know what surprises me the most about you bro?"
"Do I want to?" Rachel questions.
"I figured for sure, as someone who is a fan of big romantic gestures, that surprises would be a good thing."
"They can be," Rachel replies. "In the right context."
"The right context?" Noah questions. "Boring."
"So where are we going?"
"This bar I know," Noah answers. "It's a little out of the way, but I'm sure you'll love it."
"If this is a gay bar-"
"It's not. Well, I don't think it is. And if it is, that is not the reason we're going there."
"All right," Rachel says. "How much longer?"
"Ten minutes maybe?"
"But you're not going to tell me whywe're going there?"
"Nope."
…
Rachel doesn't feel much better when Noah pulls into the dirt parking lot of Pete's. It looks like a decrepit old shack in the middle of the woods. Noah's truck fits in perfectly as he parks between two other well driven vehicles.
"Thank you for telling me to wear jeans," Rachel says as they walk inside.
Noah just smirks.
Inside isn't what Rachel expected. There's a bar against one wall and a stage in the corner. It has two stools, two mic stands and a small TV on it. Next to the stage is a woman in her late twenties apparently setting up karaoke.
"Karaoke?" Rachel asks.
Noah nods.
The rest of the bar is filled with small tables and chairs. There's a jukebox in another corner next to signs directing people to the restrooms. The place isn't that full. There are five or six people at the bar and maybe eight people sitting in the audience, obviously waiting for the karaoke to start.
"Go grab a book and a table," Noah tells her. "I'll get us drinks."
"Noah, don't-"
"Soda, Rach," Noah interrupts. "I swear."
"All right," Rachel nods.
…
Noah hands her a bottle of water when he returns.
"It's probably the only thing here vegan," he explains with a shrug.
Rachel smiles. "We're doing a duet, right?"
"Of course," Noah replies. "Though I reserve the right to veto your choice."
"That seems fair," Rachel says. "I'm going to go hand in my first song." She stands. "You're singing, right?"
"You got it, bro."
…
"Okay, our next singer is Rachel and she'll be singing, All That Jazz," the woman who is running the Karaoke, whose name is Natalie, announces.
Rachel jumps up and hurries onto the stage. She accepts the mic with a slight curtsey and waits for the music to start.
…
"I've found the perfect duet for us," Rachel says. "You Don't Bring Me Flowers."
"Seriously, Rach? I mean, I know you love Barbra, but it's so…"
"But it's Barbra, like you said. Plus, Neil Diamond. You like him, right?"
"I suppose." Noah sighs. "Fine. But then I get to pick a duet for us of my choosing."
"I get veto power right?"
"You do," Noah replies. "But you'll have to argue your case well."
"Very well," Rachel says. "I accept your challenge."
"All right, next up we have Noah singing Last Christmas."
The audience applause is sporadic at best as Noah walks up to the stage. He grabs the mic and says, "I know it's cheesy to pick a Christmas song, especially considering what happens in about a week, but I don't consider this a Christmas song, not really, anyway. So yeah."
Noah doesn't have to start singing for almost a minute after the music starts. He uses this time to prance around stage in a manner that makes Rachel reach over and sniff his drink to make sure it doesn't have liquor in it.
When he finally starts singing, Rachel can't help but grin. Despite the time of year, she approves of his song choice.
…
As time passes, more people arrive and so the wait between their songs increases. Rachel doesn't mind. She still can't believe Noah brought her here without any prompting or begging. And the fact that he's going to sing a Barbra song with her is like icing on the cake.
Therefore when their names are announced, Rachel practically bounces up to the stage. She does a few jumps once they're on stage and Puck's worried that she's going to vibrate off the stage because she's so excited. However, once the music starts, she calms.
You don't bring me flowers
You don't sing me love songs, Rachel sings.
As Rachel lowers her mic, Puck starts, You hardly talk to me anymore
When you come through that door at the end of the day...
Rachel turns to face Puck as she sings. I remember when you couldn't wait to love me
Used to hate to leave me
Now after loving me late at night
When it's good for you, babe
And you're feeling all right; Puck sings back.
Rachel seems to be channeling Barbra Streisand as she sings, When you just roll over and turn out the light...
And you don't bring me flowers anymore
It used to be so natural, Puck sings.
Rachel sings back, It used to be...
Puck is starting to get into it, To talk about forever
Mmm... Rachel half sings, half hums.
Puck grabs Rachel's hand as he sings, But used-to-bes don't count anymore
They just lay on the floor
Till we sweep them away
Rachel smiles sweetly as she sings back, And baby I remember all the things you taught me
Dropping her hand, Puck has his hand on his chest as he sings, I learned how to laugh and I learned how to cry
Rachel mirrors his action as she sings back, Well, I learned how to love and I learned how to lie
Puck looks right into Rachel's eyes as he sings, So you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
Rachel is staring back just as intently. So you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
You don't bring me flowers any more...
As they link hands, they both sing, Well, you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye...
Puck turns to face her. Cause you don't say you need me;
Rachel faces Puck as well. You don't sing me love songs;
They both face the audience as they sing the last line. You don't bring me flowers anymore...
The audience claps loudly as they bow and hand the mics back. Rachel skips back to her seat and trying to hide his smile, Puck follows.
…
After getting them another drink, Puck sits down and starts going through the book looking for a good duet.
Rachel twists open the new bottle of water and tries not to cringe at the singer on stage who is butchering My Heart Will Go On.
When Puck eventually looks up, he sees a guy jumping around on stage singing, Without Me.
"Found it," he says.
"Oh?"
"Yep," Puck replies. "Perfect duet for us." He writes all the information down on the slip and slides it over to Rachel, so she can read it.
Rachel nods thoughtfully. "All right."
"Next up, we have Rachel," Natalie announces. "And she'll be singing, Being Alive."
"Hand that in, will you?" Puck asks.
Rachel nods and prances up to the stage. She hands Natalie the slip of paper and eagerly accepts the mic.
…
Because the bar is pretty full, Puck is worried that they won't get to the duet before the night is over. He supposes he doesn't mind, since this night is supposed to be all about Rachel. But he does enjoy singing with his bro and he'd like to sing a song of his choice.
"All right everyone that was Jason singing Live and Let Die," Natalie says. "We have time for one more before we call it a night. So let's get Noah and Rachel up here to sing Under Pressure."
Accepting a mic, Puck looks over at Rachel. It's obvious that she enjoys being on stage, no matter what song and he can't help but smile.
Rachel starts first, Mm ba ba de
Um bum ba de
Um bu bu bum da de
They both start singing, Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure
Rachel takes over, that burns a building down
Splits a family in two
And then Puck adds, Puts people on streets
Bouncing slightly, Rachel sings, Um ba ba be
Um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da - that's okay
Then Puck starts, It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming
They both sing, Let me out
Rachel sings Pray tomorrow - gets me higher
Puck joins in, Pressure on people - people on streets
Dancing slightly to the music, Rachel sings, Day day de mm hm
Da da da ba ba
Okay
Chippin' around - kick my brains around the floor
These are the days, it never rains but it pours
Ee do ba be
Ee da ba ba ba
Um bo bo
Be lap
People on streets - ee da de da de
People on streets - ee da de da de da de da
Puck then takes over, It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming
They both sing, Let me out
Rachel sings, Pray tomorrow - gets me higher high high
Then Puck sings, Pressure on people - people on streets
They both sing, Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
And then Rachel stops as Puck sings, Keep coming up with love
but it's so slashed and torn
Rachel sings, Why - why - whyyyyyyyyyyyy?Holding the last note for almost fifteen seconds.
As she holding the note, Puck sings, Love love love love love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Rachel sings, Can't we give ourselves one more chance
Why can't we give love that one more chance
Why can't we give love give love give love give love
give love give love give love give love give love
Puck takes over, Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people
on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
They both finish the song, Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
Everyone starts clapping as the music ends and they both give a half bow before Rachel hops off stage and Puck follows, sauntering after.
…
The drive home is filled with Noah blasting the radio and singing loudly, no matter what the song. Rachel can't help, but join in, though she's laughing more than singing. His rendition of Come Sail Away is almost too much for her to handle.
When they reach her house, Noah pulls into the driveway, but doesn't shut off his truck.
"You're not coming in?" Rachel asks.
"Naw," he replies. "I mean, I'm not drunk and I'm sure Santana will be over here bright and early tomorrow. It just makes sense for me to go home."
"Oh. Well thanks for tonight. I had a great time."
"Me too," Noah says. "Oh hey." He reaches into the space behind the seats and pulls out a paper bag. "Since you're not having a party this year, the guys gave these to me to give to you tonight."
"What is it?"
"It's birthday presents," Noah tells her. "From me, Britt, Marisa, Mike, Artie, Tina and Quinn."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"But… really?"
He nods.
"Thank you." Rachel accepts the grocery bag. "Will you at least come in while I open yours?"
"I think I can do that."
Once they're inside, Rachel sits on the couch and digs through the bag. She pulls out a box wrapped in gold paper.
"Too much?" Noah asks, gesturing to the paper.
"It's sweet," Rachel assures him.
"I had someone else wrap it," Noah says. "Otherwise, it would probably be more tape than paper."
Nodding, Rachel slowly opens it, careful not to tear the paper. She then opens the white box, not sure what to expect. She lifts some tissue paper to find a framed picture of her and Noah. It's of the two of them, singing together last year; someone must have snapped it during glee.
"Cheesy, I know," he says.
"It's perfect," Rachel replies.
"There's more," Noah grins.
Rachel nods again and pulls out the tissue paper. "Seriously, Noah?" she asks, holding up a packet of edible underwear.
"They're chocolate flavored," Noah tells her, smirking. "I was going to get the berry flavored one, but I thought that might a little too spot on."
Shaking her head, Rachel sets them back in the box and stands. She pulls Noah into a hug. "Thank you."
"You like it?"
"I do," Rachel replies. "It's so… you."
"As your bro, it's my job to encourage your sex life."
"Thank you, I guess."
"All right, bro," Noah says. "I'm gonna go. I'll see you Monday."
"Good night, Noah."
…
After she walks Noah out, Rachel is left alone with a bag of presents. She knows she should wait, but she can't help it; she's curious. She sits back down on the couch and pulls out a present.
It's a CD case with a bow on it and a small card that says, Happy Birthday Rachel Artie
It's a mix CD. She recognizes some of the names on the track list, but there are enough that she doesn't. She and Artie have ended up talking about music a lot lately and he always teasing saying that he needs to introduce her to hismusic.
The next thing she pulls out is white envelope. She carefully pulls it open and pulls out the card. The front has about half a dozen pink yard flamingos looking down at the camera. In the top left corner it says, If this is the first thing you see the morning after your birthday celebration, you may want to ask yourself these important questions: She opens the card and can't help but laugh: Am I naked? Is this my front yard? Who are these people and why are their necks so long?
Then under that in her precise penmanship is a short note from Quinn. Berry, don't let Puckerman or Lopez get you into too much trouble this weekend. You create enough of it by yourself. Just a little something from Alyson and me. Happy Birthday. Quinn
There's an iTunes gift card taped to the other interior side of the card.
It makes Rachel smile. She hadn't been expecting anything from either of them. It's a pleasant surprise.
The next card is from Tina. Happy birthday, Rachel Tina There's a gift card from Between the Sheets.
Mike's gift is three books: Vegan Cooking for Those Who Aren't, How to Fix EVERYTHING and Hello Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand.
The final gift is the largest and is from Brittany and Marisa. Rachel reads the card first.
Rachy, Somethings I thought would be fun for you and San. Britt
Happy birthday, Rachel. These were Brittany's idea. I'm just along for the ride. Marisa
Rachel chuckles after reading Marisa's part. That's probably the perfect description of their relationship.
The paper is pink with white polka dots. She unwraps it and laughs. It's Hungry, Hungry Hippos. Rachel has a vague memory of Britt saying that it's her favorite game. She lifts the game box to see what the second box is and just shakes her head. The second box is also a game, called The Bedroom Game. It also proclaims that it's guaranteed to spice up her sex life.
It's just so Brittany, Rachel laughs. She can't wait to see what Santana thinks of it.
…
When Rachel wakes up bright and early Saturday morning, she's surprised to find Santana spooning in bed with her. What amuses her is that Santana is naked, despite Rachel's own sleepwear choice of flannel pants and a tank top. Rachel wonders why if she's cold, though considering how tightly she's wrapped around Rachel, maybe she is.
"San," Rachel whispers. "San."
"Mmmm. Sleeping."
"San, when did you get here?"
"Sunrise," Santana murmurs, inching closer and tightening her grip around Rachel.
"Okay," Rachel says as she closes her eyes and relaxes into her girlfriend's embrace. "Sleep then."
"Yay," Santana mutters, already sleeping again.
…
When Rachel wakes up, it's definitely later. This time when she tries to wake Santana, it's easier.
"Hey babe," Santana smiles.
"You're here early."
"Couldn't sleep."
"You are too adorable," Rachel tells her.
"Don't look at me like that," Santana says. "We have finals this week and then it's Christmas and then Alyson will be around and then we'll be back to school. This weekend is gonna be just you and me because it won't be for a while."
"You're such a sap."
"Oh hush, you love it."
…
Rachel doesn't get a chance to bring up the gifts until after lunch. Santana asks, noticing the grocery bag sitting by her desk.
"Oh Noah gave me a birthday gift," Rachel explains. "And I guess the others decided he would be the best delivery guy."
"Oooh, what'd you get?"
Rachel feels Santana needs to experience the ridiculous for herself, so she gestures for her to look.
Santana hops off the bed and grabs the bag. She sits back down on the bed with so much enthusiasm, Rachel almost thinks it's Santana's birthday.
"Seriously Puckerman?" Santana mutters, holding up the edible underwear.
Rachel just shrugs.
Mike's book choices make her smile. "Chang's a good guy."
Brittany and Marisa's gift gets a laugh when Santana sees Hungry, Hungry Hippos.
"Britt and I used to play this all the time until I broke it from pushing down too hard."
Rachel chuckles. She can imagine how competitive six-year-old Santana was.
"Really B?" Santana says, looking at The Bedroom Game.
"At least her intentions were slightly better than Noah's," Rachel says.
Santana is shaking her head. "I don't know if I should be insulted because she's insinuating our sex life needs spicing up or amused because she wants us to spice things up in the bedroom."
"I'm going with the second one," Rachel tells her.
…
Saturday is spent in bed, which is something they haven't done in a while. Santana feels like it's been weeks since she's had a proper amount of time with her girlfriend. Nonetheless, she can't help but ask, "Are you sure you don't want to do anything else?"
"I told you, San," Rachel replies. "All I want to do is spend the weekend with you."
"Yeah, but-"
"You and I against the world, remember? I never thought that randomly hooking up with you would change my life so dramatically," Rachel tells her. "All the good things in my life? They're because of you."
"That's not true."
"You stopped the slushies, the bullying, I get to have family dinners every Sunday and I have an amazing girlfriend," Rachel says. "All because of you."
"Yeah, well I have an awesome, badass girlfriend who pulls pranks, outsmarts the administration and can still belt out a song on a moment's notice," Santana counters. "I say we both got a good deal."
"I suppose I can agree to that."
…
"Why do you keep looking at the clock?" Rachel whispers as she and Santana cuddle.
"Because," Santana says. "It's your birthday now, so I wanna be able to give you your gift."
"San."
Santana rolls over slightly and grabs a metallic pink gift bag from the floor. "Happy birthday, babe."
"Santana, you didn't have to," Rachel says. "The song was-"
"Don't even," Santana interrupts. "It's my girl's birthday, she gets gifts."
Rachel just nods shyly, pushing aside the tissue paper. She pulls out a mace keychain. She looks at Santana.
"The theme is things you're going to need for New York."
Rachel grins and reaches back into the bag. She pulls out a small black book, NFT: Not For Tourists Guide to New York City. The next thing she pulls out is a CD case.
"I know a mix CD is cheesy, but," Santana shrugs. "They're songs that say how I feel about you."
Rachel's grin gets larger as she leans forward and kisses Santana softly. "You know I love it."
Rachel pulls out a T-shirt next. She unfolds it and chuckles. It's two people with silverware chasing a bowl of, what Rachel assumes is, tofu. And then under it says, Vegans Gone Wild.
The final item in the bag is a small, rectangular white box. Rachel pulls it out slowly and opens it. Inside is a white gold heart that has two diamonds in prong settings in the center of the heart.
"Oh, Santana, it's beautiful."
"It's a Duo heart pendant," Santana says, trying not the blush. "Duo Jewelry is supposed to be designed to celebrate a couple's love."
"It's perfect," Rachel says. "I'd ask you to put it on me, but considering my state of undress, it might give me Titanic flashbacks."
Santana laughs. "That's fine. My drawing skills aren't that great, anyway. I'm just glad you like it."
"I love it," Rachel assures her. "I love it all. This might be my best birthday yet."
"Even better than last year?"
"You make every birthday special, tiger."
"I'm just trying to make the day as special as you," Santana smiles.
…
Sunday morning, Rachel wakes up to the smell of coffee and… waffles. She's also alone in bed. Looking at the time, she sees it's still early. She is impressed that Santana's awake and functioning since they didn't fall asleep until just a few hours ago.
She's debating whether or not to get up when she hears Santana coming quietly up the stairs. Since the decision has been taken from her, Rachel closes her eyes and pretends to be asleep. She feels Santana's gentle presence on the bed and tries not to smile.
"I know you're awake, babe," Santana whispers.
"No I'm not," Rachel whispers back. "I'm sleeping."
"You're awake."
"No, see, my eyes are closed."
"But you're talking to me."
Rachel opens her eyes and finds her girlfriend sitting in front of her with a single rose.
"Happy birthday, Rach." Santana holds out the flower. "It's almost as beautiful as you."
"You are ridiculously sweet," Rachel says, sitting up. "Come here." Rachel pulls Santana in for a kiss and lets herself fall back onto the bed.
Kissing back, Santana straddles Rachel, letting her hands enjoy all of Rachel's exposed skin. When Rachel tries to push Santana's pajama pants down, Santana reluctantly stops her.
"As much as I loved to let you have your wicked way with me, babe," she says. "I have breakfast ready for you downstairs and it's probably getting cold."
"It's your fault for coming in here all sexy," Rachel pouts.
Santana looks at her red and white striped pajama pants and wife beater. "I think you might be biased."
Rachel just smirks as she grabs her clothes off the floor.
…
When they reach the bottom of the steps, Santana makes Rachel cover her eyes. She leads her to the kitchen table and has her sit.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now."
On the table sits a stack of waffles, a bowl of fresh, cut up fruit and another rose in a vase. Santana sets a mug of coffee in front of Rachel.
"Well dig in."
"Oh my god, Santana," Rachel groans after taking a bite. "These are amazing."
"Your recipe," Santana smiles. "I just followed 'em."
"Good. That means you can make breakfast more often," Rachel replies.
"Anything for you, babe."
"You are getting so many orgasm for these waffles," Rachel says between bites. "I mean, you were already getting them, but now… now, it will be my singled minded focus."
Shaking her head and chuckling, Santana just piles some fruit onto her plate.
…
"Good birthday?"
"My favorite so far," Rachel replies.
"And you don't mind still going to Sunday dinner?" Santana asks.
"You know I enjoy spending time with your parents, San," Rachel says.
"Good because mom is all excited about this new vegan lasagna recipe she found. Eggplant, I think."
"Oooh, sounds tasty."
"I don't know," Santana says. "I don't think food should be purple."
"What about grape?" Rachel asks.
"That's a flavor," Santana replies. "That's different."
"Any other colors you hate?"
"I don't hate the color purple," Santana insists. "We just don't always see eye to eye."
Since Santana is driving, Rachel is free to stare at her in disbelief. "Is my quirkiness rubbing off on you? Or have you just stopped trying to hide it?"
"Probably the second one," Santana says. "Don't pretend you don't find it adorable."
"Don't worry," Rachel assures her. "I won't."
"Good. Because we're here."
The moment the car is off, Santana is hoping out and opening Rachel's door for her. "M'lady."
Giggling, Rachel steps out. "Thank you."
"Anything for you babe, you know that."
Rachel stops their stroll towards the front door. She pulls Santana into a soft kiss. "I do," she says when she pulls away. "It's one of the many reasons I love you."
Santana smiles brightly. She never gets tired of hearing Rachel say that. "I love you too."
"All right you two. Stop giving the neighbors a show and get in here."
Groaning, Santana replies, "We're coming mom."
"At least I get to sleep over, right?"
Santana nods. "Thank goodness for small favors." She offers Rachel her arm. "Shall we?"
Nodding Rachel accepts. "We shall."
Songs
-Santana's song is "Song to You" by Leon Thomas III
-Rachel's first song is "All That Jazz" from Chicago
-Puck's song is "Last Christmas by Wham
-Rachel and Puck's first duet is "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond
-Rachel's second song is "Being Alive from Company
-Rachel and Puck's second duet is "Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowe
-"Live and Let Die" is by Paul McCartney and Wings
-"My Heart Will Go On" is by Celine Dion
-"Without Me" is by Eminem
-"Come Sail Away" is by Styx