Hello! Thank you for all the lovely reviews, once again! Just to let you know, as the title indicates, there's a little illness in this chapter. I tried not to be vulgar but there are a few slightly more graphic moments. Hopefully nothing too disgusting, I tried to put it all nicely. Thank you for reading, as always!


"Alohaaaa! Happy Birthday!" Brittany hollered, holding up a bottle of alcohol in each hand as Jess followed her out of the door to the roof, matching Brittany's stance.

"Hey!" Quinn grinned, pulling the blonde into a one-armed hug as she carried a tray of dips to the table in the other hand. "Come on, come on!" she gestured for them to follow her, and the girls abandoned their bottles on one of the small tables Santana had carried up to the roof, leaving the presents on the other.

The patio was festooned with Hawaiian flower garlands, fairy lights and bunting adorned with ukuleles and surfboards. A huge inflatable palm tree was stood beside the table, and a tiki door sticker covered the door to the building. Santana was wearing loud, flowery boardshorts and a bikini top, whilst Quinn wore a coconut bra and a grass skirt that swayed as she walked. Both were wearing leis around their necks, although the blonde was wearing four of various different colours, and flowers in her hair.

"Hey guys!" Santana called from the table, where she was setting out burger buns, plates and crockery. Jess deposited a bag full of cocktail shakers, mixers and drink accessories under the table of drinks as Quinn quickly grabbed the stack of flower garlands, passing a lei to each of the girls.

"Hey, how's it going? Need help with anything?" Brittany offered, staring around the patio, "Seems you've got decorations covered."

"Yes we have." Santana drawled proudly, winking at the girl, "We bought every Hawaiian-themed item in the store."

"So, need anything?" Jess raised her eyebrows expectantly.

"Um, yeah you could go down and get the coconut cups from the apartment? I didn't bring them up yet, they're just in a bag by the door, along with some straws. Oh, and a couple of extra chairs." Jess snorted, and Quinn sent her a warning glance, "Don't."

The brunette snickered at the irony as there was a knock on the door to the terrace.

Rachel swung the door open with a beaming grin as Puck, Sam and Summer hovered behind her, "Aloha, guys!"

"Happy Birthday, sis!" Sam shouted over his shoulder as he and Puck carried the barbeque out on to the patio.

Sam and Puck were both wearing bright Hawaiian shirts, although Sam had also teamed his with clashing printed shorts. Rachel wore a straw fedora with a thin Hawaiian shirt hanging open over a white vest, while Summer wore linen trousers and a flowery bikini top with wacky beach-themed sunglasses.

"Hi, nice to see you again." Summer smiled brightly as she followed them out, leaving a present on the table where Rachel had just placed hers. The tiny brunette set down a bag on the table and ran over to pull Quinn into a tight hug, and as soon as the barbeque was set down, Puck and Sam joined them to crush the two girls together.

"Happy Birthday, Q!" Puck dropped a quick kiss to the top of her head, squeezing her shoulders even tighter before letting her go. The blonde wheezed, stretching out her back as she chuckled, and Santana retrieved the flower garlands.

"Hey." She shouted for their attention, nodding her head lasciviously, "Anyone want a lei?" She winked, holding the garlands aloft, hooked over one finger, and Puck immediately scowled petulantly.

"What? That was my line!" He protested, throwing his arms up in the air as he sat down in one of the chairs.

"I know!" The brunette sniggered, throwing one of the leis in his direction. He took it moodily, holding it in his hand as Summer perched on his lap, taking it from him and flicking it over his head with a chuckle.

"I'm so glad she said that before you could." She grimaced awkwardly, shaking her head.

"Oh hey, you guys!" Jess called as she appeared from the doorway, Brittany following behind with a fold-out chair in each hand.

The group began unpacking the various bowls of salad, drink-making accessories and packets of meat, and Puck and Sam immediately went to light the barbeque as Jess began mixing cocktails.

-o-

"Do you think these look done?" Puck frowned down at the burgers on the grill, prodding them with the end of his tongs.

Sam leaned forward to peer over the boy's shoulder, scanning the meat before shrugging, "They look good to me."

"Even Rachel's weird veggie burger thing?" His lip curled as he turned to raise an eyebrow at Sam, who looked over his shoulder again and nodded, before turning back to the sausages he was separating.

"Yeah, it'll be fine."

"So what's this one called?" Quinn frowned, gazing at the colours drink Jess had handed to her.

"Fittingly, it's called a blue Hawaii." The girl replied proudly.

"How long is that food going to be?" Santana called across to the boys, and Sam turned to raise his hand.

"Don't worry, the burgers are done, we're about to put the sausages on!" He grinned widely, passing a plate of sausages to Puck as the mohawked boy passed a plate of burgers back to him. "Here you go, ladies!" He placed the plate on the table with a flourish, and the girl's immediately began helping themselves to salad and burgers.

"Did you make sure my veggie burger was cooked at 160 for at least five minutes?" Rachel demanded, staring evenly up at Sam. He averted his eyes before shrugging.

"Um, I think so. Yeah, I think." He frowned in confusion as Rachel rounded on Puck.

"Puck. Did you make sure my burger was cooked at 160 for at least five minutes?" She called across to him, and the boy looked over his shoulder, nodding confidently.

"Yeah, of course I did, Rach."

"Hey, could somebody put me a plate together?" Sam asked, glancing between the girls as he headed back to the barbeque.

"Yeah, will someone do me one?" Puck called, and Summer sniggered.

"I'll do you…" She nodded, "one." She added as a punchline, and the girls chuckled.

"I'll do yours, sweetie!" Rachel called to Sam. As the girl's began serving food for the two boys, Santana cleared her throat loudly.

"Okay, seeing as everybody has a cocktail, or a beer, or…" She held up her own drink, "pure vodka, I vote it's time for a toast."

"Woo!" Brittany cheered, reaching for her glass as the others followed suit.

"So, here is to my girlfriend. She is amazing fun, a great friend and a good sister. She always has a full heart and without her we would all be miserable pathetic people with a distinct lack of cupcakes in their lives." She grinned at the blonde, who chuckled, shaking her head incredulously, "To Quinn!"

"To Quinn!" The rest chorused, raising their glasses and taking a sip before tucking in to their food.

"Hey, you guys have actually done a good job!" Quinn nodded, impressed, "These don't taste half bad!"

"Well, sausages are now also ready!" Sam announced, carrying the plate over to the table and taking a seat.

"Awesome!" Jess clapped her hands together, leaning forward, her fork poised, "Gimme some sausage!" Puck opened his mouth to speak, but Brittany picked up his burger and thrust it into his open mouth.

"I'll give you some sausage!" She rushed to say, raising her fists triumphantly as Puck banged his fist against the table in frustration, making the cutlery clatter.

"Dammit!" He swore through his mouthful of burger, before pulling it out of his mouth and throwing it down onto his plate petulantly. The group laughed as Brittany sniggered, self-satisfied, and Summer shook her head sympathetically, reaching over to stroke his leg as she held back laughter.

"So, Rach," Santana raised her eyebrows at the small brunet, "Are you nervous for opening night?"

The girl sighed thoughtfully, taking a deep breath before sighing again, "I suppose so." She shrugged, turning back to her veggie burger. Santana frowned quizzically, glancing at the others, whose brows were all furrowed at the girl's unusual silence.

"Well, I'm sure there's nothing to be worried about." Quinn shrugged, watching the small girl for a reaction. Rachel nodded, her head down and eyes trained on her plate. Brittany raised an eyebrow, while Jess took a deep breath,

"So who wants another cocktail?"

-o-

"Oh God." Brittany groaned, "I am so full!"

"Tell me about it." Summer chuckled, "I don't think I've eaten so much in years." She shook her head incredulously, "In hindsight, I feel like maybe I should have said no to the third chicken leg."

"I definitely should have said no to the third chicken leg." Jess nodded, rubbing her stomach.

"I think the fourth sausage was my downfall." Quinn agreed, and Santana groaned self-pityingly.

"My tipping point was putting the third sausage and second burger in a bun together." She pouted, but Puck shook his head, stretching his arms above his head.

"I regret nothing."

"Me neither." Sam shook his head, patting his stomach, "Us men can take our meat."

The girls all stared at him silently as Puck finished his stretch and gazed into the distance thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed slightly. Santana watched the boy for a few seconds before rolling her eyes and reaching out to pat Sam's arm.

"Sam, that's a little gay." She informed him gently, and the blonde boy rolled his eyes as Puck growled.

"You couldn't just give me a little time could you?" He demanded, and Quinn laughed.

"Oh, please. We could all see the cogs working; it would have taken you all day!"

"Santana was putting you out of your misery." Jess added with a snort of derision, and Puck sighed heavily.

"I'm getting another beer."

-o-

"You know? Now that my sausage/burger combo full-ness has subsided, I might be getting ready for some birthday cake." Santana mused, gazing up at the still-bright sky.

"Ugh, I don't think I could handle any." Jess replied, grimacing and rubbing her stomach, "I still feel awful."

"I think I felt better when I'd just finished eating." Rachel snorted, shaking her head.

"I could go some cake." Quinn nodded, "But you know, I don't mind waiting if people aren't ready for it?"

"I think I'll give cake a miss completely." Summer shook her head, watching the smouldering barbeque, "Not only am I stuffed, but I kind of feel a little queasy." She grimaced, and Puck rubbed her back soothingly, "I think I ate too much."

"We've established that we ate too much." Brittany pouted, "I'm gonna go use the bathroom, should I bring the cake up?"

"As long as you wash your hands." Santana replied, her face contorted with disgust.

The blonde pushed herself off her chair, wandering over to the door and making her way downstairs to the apartment.

"I think I need another beer." Jess sighed, crossing to the table of drinks and opening a bottle, "Anyone want one?"

"Yeah, I'll go one, please." Sam raised his empty bottle, and the girl nodded, collecting another.

"Anyone else?" She raised her eyebrows but they shook their heads.

"No way, alcohol could only make me feel worse." Rachel rolled her eyes, and they fell silent as Jess took her seat once again.

Quinn sat and gazed out at the skyline speculatively, watching the lights and listening to the noises from the street. She smiled wryly at how nice it was to be sat watching the sun slowly disappearing behind the buildings, safe in their own little sanctuary. It seemed odd that they had spent the evening eating, drinking and laughing in the peaceful, Hawaiian-themed terrace whilst New York continued so busily around them. She watched as an aeroplane made its way across the sky, tilting her head thoughtfully and wondering whether it was taking off or landing. As she sighed contentedly, the door to the terrace opened and Brittany appeared once again, shaking her head with a groan.

"Oh man. No cake for me." She pulled a face as she placed the cake box on the table and took her seat.

"What's up?" Jess' brow furrowed as she watched the tall blonde sit back, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Brittany shrugged casually, and Jess narrowed her eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I think I just maybe drank too much tonight." She shook her head, "It's nothing."

"Really?" Quinn tilted her head, "If you need to go home, I really don't mind, Britts."

"No. No, really." Brittany insisted, "I'll be fine, I won't let it ruin our night."

"Exactly." Santana nodded firmly, "Puke and rally, B. Puke and rally."

"Nice." Rachel grimaced, staring at Santana with an expression of horror.

"So, check out your cake!" Brittany grinned, changing the subject.

"Okay…" Quinn sat forward in her chair, taking hold of the box lid and sliding it off. Her face immediately broke into a huge grin, and she chuckled as she gazed down at the cake. They had ordered one with two tiers, and her jaw dropped as she took in the details.

The bottom tier was circular, made of blue and white marbled icing with little edible beach huts stuck to the side. The top tier was made to look like a faded, slightly rustic bucket filled with sand, and sitting proudly on top was a tiki mask pulling a grotesque face. A small surfboard stood resting against the cake, whilst the base was covered with brown sugar to look like sand. The edge between the two tiers had icing wrapped around it, made to look like rope.

"It is absolutely incredible." Quinn shook her head in amazement, staring down at the cake, "I mean it, it's absolutely fantastic! I love it! Thank you so much." She shook her head, her jaw hanging open, and Santana, Jess, Brittany and Rachel beamed.

"Oh God, I'm so glad!" Brittany breathed a sigh of relief, clutching her chest, "We figured you chose the Hawaiian theme for your party, so we'd get you a beach-y cake!" She beamed proudly, but quickly closed her mouth with a grimace as she gagged slightly. "Sorry, I'm okay."

"It looks so good." Santana sighed dreamily.

"It really does." Rachel agreed sadly, but I really don't think I could handle any cake."

"Me neither, I'm out." Summer waved a hand to dismiss the cake, turning to catch Santana's eye.

"Hey, do you mind if I go use your bathroom too?"

"No problem, go ahead." The girl shook her head, and Summer nodded, excusing herself with an uncomfortable expression.

-oOo-

"Tonight was awesome, huh?" Santana smiled as they entered the apartment, as Quinn nodded.

"Definitely. It was nice of everyone to stick around and help clean up." She smirked, rubbing her stomach absent-mindedly.

"Yeah it was, especially Brittany." Santana winced, "Girl did not look good."

"I know. It's not like her to suffer from too much alcohol, though." Quinn remarked with a shrug as she dropped onto the sofa with a sigh, her grass skirt ruffling as she sat on it.

"That's true." Santana agreed, sitting beside the girl and placing her almost-empty bottle of warm beer on the coffee table. "So, bed time?"

"Definitely." Quinn nodded, shifting to link her arm through Santana's and resting her head on the brunette's shoulder, "I'm so tired."

"She says, making herself comfortable." Santana chuckled, rolling her eyes, "I thought we just said it was bed time."

"Yeah I know," Quinn nodded, "I'm just psyching myself up."

"Okay." The brunette yawned, "Is it okay if I go to bed?"

Quinn chuckled, tilting her head to look up at Santana, "You can if you carry me."

Santana paused for a second, twisting her mouth thoughtfully before taking a deep breath, "I'll just stay here. You've eaten a lot tonight, there's no way I could lift you."

"Cheeky." Quinn narrowed her eyes in a glare, but chuckled nonetheless. Taking a deep breath, she prised herself off Santana and pushed herself off the sofa. Holding out a hand for Santana to take, she pulled the brunette off the sofa before leading her by the hand down the hall.

"You can use the bathroom first." Santana said through a yawn, and Quinn released her hand to drift off into the bathroom.

Santana made her way to the bedroom, flicking the bedside lamp on. Her stomach gurgled loudly as she perched on the edge of the bed to kick off her shoes and pull her t-shirt over her head, and she frowned. Changing into her pyjamas quickly, she yawned again and leaned over the end of the bed to turn off the main light. Her stomach lurched as she did so, and she sat back on her haunches, rubbing her stomach.

Just as she moved into a more comfortable position, she heard Quinn retching in the bathroom. Her eyes widened immediately and she pushed herself off the bed, striding quickly to the bathroom door and giving a small knock. "Hey Q? Sweetie? Are you okay?"

There was a pause, before the blonde croaked in reply, "I'm fine."

"Really?" Santana grimaced, "Are you throwing up?"

"Uh-huh." Quinn groaned.

"Do you need me to hold your hair?" She winced sympathetically.

"Uh-uh." The blonde managed, before the sound of retching took over once again. Santana winced, backing into the bedroom once again.

A few minutes later and the blonde appeared at the bedroom door, shaking her head. Her complexion was pale, and Santana tilted her head to the side as she entered, "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"I'm great." Quinn replied sagely, and Santana smiled sadly at the girl's attempt at sarcasm.

"Sorry. I'll use the bathroom quick so you can go back in if you need to." She rubbed the girls arm before pushing herself off the bed and wandering through to the bathroom. After quickly brushing her teeth, she retrieved a wipe to remove her make-up, using the toilet as she rubbed at her face.

Quinn took a deep breath to steel herself before standing once again, carefully stripping off her clothes as her stomach turned. She managed to pull on her pyjama shorts and a vest top, grimacing as she sat back on the bed. Laying on her back, she stroked her stomach in an attempt to settle it, becoming increasingly aware of how long Santana was taking.

"Hey, San? Are you okay?" She called from the bedroom, and Santana nodded before shouting back.

"Yeah, I'll be as quick as I can! I'm sorry!"

"You're not sick are you?" The blonde called again, suddenly concerned for the brunette.

"Um…no!"

"Really? Are you just saying that because I'm sick?" Quinn sighed, pushing herself slowly into a sitting position.

"Um…no."

"Santana are you being sick?" She asked plainly, and there was a moment of silence before Santana called back,

"No…other end." She admitted sheepishly, and the blonde made a small 'o' with her mouth.

"I see. Okay. Well, I'll leave you to it." She shouted in reply, nodding her head and turning to lay down once more. As she did so, her stomach lurched. She jumped off the bed, running straight to the kitchen as she felt bile rising in her throat. She made it to the kitchen sink just in time, tears streaming from her eyes as she retched, her forearms supporting her on the counter either side.

"Are you alright, Q?" Santana shouted from the bathroom. Quinn took a deep breath,

"Yeah. You?" She managed to call back, before another round of vomiting took over.

Santana resisted the urge to scream as her stomach muscles tensed involuntarily, "Yeah, I'm okay!"

By five in the morning, they were laid out in the living room. Quinn was a pallid, grey colour, staring at the wall opposite and cradling a large mixing bowl on her lap as she laid stretched out on the sofa. Santana was clammy, hunched in the arm-chair with a hot-water-bottle against her stomach, her eyes glazed as her insides continued to gurgle.

"I feel like death." Quinn croaked, and Santana nodded slowly.

"I don't think so much food has ever exited my body so quickly." She replied stonily, shaking her head.

"Last time I threw up this much, I was four years old and I ate an entire box of chocolates before going on a bouncy castle." Quinn replied, "Never again."

"I don't even have any illness to compare this to. My life is a living hell." Santana deadpanned, and Quinn nodded her agreement before they fell silent again.

-oOo-

"Your phone is ringing." Quinn croaked, gagging on her words and retching into the bowl.

"Oh God." Santana frowned, taking the phone from the arm of her chair, "It's Berry." She sighed before answering the phone. "Hey."

"I am going to kill you." The girl growled.

"Why?" Santana frowned, but her question was soon answered. She pulled the phone away from her ear with a grimace as the sound of Rachel throwing up rang out down the line ,"Oh that's why."

"It's my-" More retching, "Opening night tomorrow. What am I going to do?" She broke off, sniffling as tears began to fall from her eyes.

"Maybe you'll recover by then?" Santana shrugged.

"Santana, I am throwing up literally every six seconds!" She snapped.

"Well I'm sorry! If it make you feel any better, I'm shitting through the eye of a needle!" Santana countered, and Quinn grimaced at the imagery before hurling into the bowl once again.

"But this is my big chance!" Rachel groaned.

"I know, Rach. I know it is." She glanced around the apartment, searching for something to say, "But even if you need an understudy for the opening night, you'll still get to play Amy for the rest of the run?"

"But it's the opening night." Rachel sobbed down the phone, and Santana nodded, her face crumpled with sympathy,

"Yeah, I know. I know it's the important night." She sighed heavily, looking down at her lap. Quinn watched her, her heart giving a pang for the brunette who was clearly blaming herself. Well, she thought it was her heart – it could be anything, her insides felt like they were ripped to pieces.

"This is my dream, Santana." Rachel cried, "What am I going to do?"

"Just calm down, Rach. I know it's bad but just think, the more sick you are now, the faster it's getting out of your system. And maybe it'll just be a twenty-four hour thing?"

"I hope so. I can't stand it, Santana. I can't stand the idea." She began crying again and Santana nodded, taking a deep breath. As she did so, her stomach gurgled dangerously, and her eyes widened with panic.

"I know, Rach. I know it's awful, and I'm sorry, but I really need to go! I'm sorry!" She hung up quickly, pushing herself off the chair and running, half-crouched from her aching stomach muscles, towards the bathroom.

She returned, groaning, and Quinn lifted her head as the girl entered, "Jess has text me."

"Oh God. Saying what?" Santana took her place in the chair again, wincing in preparation to hear the text.

"'I am going to kill Puck. Fully cooked my ass.' Sounds like they're sick, too." She twisted her mouth, shaking her head before abandoning her phone and resting her head on the back of the sofa.

"I don't blame her. I think I might kill Puck, too. And your brother." Santana mumbled, but the blonde shook her head.

"No. No way." Santana pouted but Quinn continued shaking her head, "Sam's mine. I'm killing Sam."

"The way Rachel's going on, I'd imagine he's already dead." Santana remarked, rolling her eyes.

"Well…" Quinn took a deep breath, sighing sadly, "Happy Birthday to me."

"I know. Sorry it ended like this, sweetie." Santana tilted her head sympathetically, but Quinn shrugged.

"It's not your fault. And the guys didn't mean to undercook everything." She replied reasonably, and Santana rolled her eyes, nodding begrudgingly.

"I suppose."

-oOo-

"Okay. I don't want to jinx it…but I think I may be recovering." Jess announced. In the afternoon, Quinn and Santana had made the journey across to the other girls' apartment. Quinn's sickness had almost completely subsided, and Santana only had to rush to the bathroom every now and then. The theory behind all being ill together was to provide moral support for Rachel, who was terrified she would miss her opening night. In reality, they weren't providing that much support, as they were crowded round the living room and Rachel was still shoulders-deep in the toilet bowl.

"What makes you say that?" Quinn asked, her brow furrowed.

"Well, I haven't needed to use the bathroom in hours. The last time I did go, things were…how can I say this nicely? Fairly regular." She replied brightly, shrugging.

"Hm. Alright for some." Brittany harrumphed on the sofa, where she was laid out with an empty bucket. Every now and then she would retch and cough, but it was usually little more than a splutter.

"Sounds like you were right when you said it was a twenty-four hour thing." Quinn pointed out, "We all seem to be recovering okay?"

"Apparently Puck and Summer are both still sick though." Santana told them with a grimace, "He just text me."

"No way, did she actually stay at Puck's?" Brittany croaked incredulously, "Even though they're so sick?"

"They cannot have been together long enough to handle this kind of sickness." Quinn reasoned, but Santana shook her head.

"No, they haven't." She set the record straight, "He's been texting her, apparently she's calling him all of the names we intended to call him, so that's two birds with one stone."

"Wow, poor girl." Jess frowned, "Get wooed in a bar, have sex in an alley, go on a date carrying furniture four blocks, attend a birthday party where your date gives you food poisoning."

"Tough week for Summer." Brittany shook her head incredulously, puffing out her cheeks as she exhaled, her eyes wide.

"Guys?" Rachel attempted to call from the bathroom.

"Yeah?" Santana shot to her feet, "What do you need, Rach?"

"Can I have a glass of water please?" The girl whined, and Santana winced as it became clear the girl was crying. Quinn nodded, standing and heading to the kitchen.

"Yeah, Quinn's getting you one, honey." Santana bit her lip, taking a breath, "Do you wanna let me in?"

"No." Rachel sniffed, but Santana twisted her mouth with worry.

"Really? Come on, Rach. Just unlock the door." Quinn appeared at her shoulder with a large glass of water whilst Jess and Brittany listened in from the living room.

"I have your water, Rachel." Quinn called through the door, and they heard a shuffling noise from the bathroom. Santana gestured for Quinn to pass her the water, taking it from her as they heard the lock slide back, and the door inched open. One of Rachel's eyes was visible through the crack, and Santana smiled kindly.

"Hey, honey. You gonna let me in?" She nodded her head, but Rachel pouted. "Yeah? Come on, just step back a little." She pushed the door gently, and Rachel backed away to allow her entry. Santana gave Quinn a quick nod, and the girl smiled before making her way back to the living room.

"Here's your water, Rach." She passed the glass to the smaller girl, who took it and shifted back to sit by the toilet. She took a sip, immediately lurching forwards, and Santana quickly stepped up to take the full glass from her, "Okay, okay. Just take it easy. Come here." She placed the glass by the sink and dropped to her knees, leaning in to gather up Rachel's hair as it fanned around her face.

"Santana, I can't do it." Rachel sobbed between retching, and the other girl nodded her understanding.

"I know it's bad, but you're doing really well." Rachel sat back, leaning against the wall, and Santana released her to reach up for the water. "Okay, I know your mouth tastes bad but you have to sip it." She handed the glass back to the smaller girl, who took a small sip before resting her head against the wall with a sigh.

"What if I miss opening night?" She asked in a horrified whisper, and Santana swallowed a lump in her throat before shaking her head. "The critics come on opening night to write their reviews. What if I'm not even there? That's worse than a bad review."

"If you have to miss opening night," She struggled for something to say, "I will personally visit every newspapers' theatre critic and make them visit again and write another review. I promise." She lifted her hand to draw a cross over her heart with her index finger. "Promise."

"Okay." Rachel whispered, nodding sadly.

"Hey, I think we need to clean you up a little. I mean…you know." She gestured to the girl's t-shirt, which was filthy from the ordeal. "Just stay here."

She crossed to the door, unlocking it and sticking her head round to call into the living room, "Hey, guys? Can somebody get me a fresh t-shirt and pyjama pants for Rachel?" She glanced back at the girl, "And some underwear, I'm guessing." She raised her eyebrows at Rachel, who nodded pathetically.

"Sure, I'll go." Jess got up and headed for the bedroom, quickly returning with fresh clothes. Santana took them from her with a nod of thanks before turning back to Rachel, who was shaking her head.

"No, it hurts too much every time I move." She groaned, crying quietly.

"No, I'm going to help. I promise we won't aggravate your stomach or anything." She shook her head firmly, "It's going to be fine. Just stay there."

She moved to kneel down in front of Rachel again, lifting the smaller girl's legs to stretch them out in front of her. She prepared the clothes beside her in the order Rachel would put them on, before taking hold of the girl's elbows and leaning her forwards slightly, steadying her with a hand rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"Okay then, all I want you to do is raise your arms. You don't need to move anything but your arms; I'll do the rest." Rachel unwillingly obliged, and Santana pulled the dirty t-shirt slowly over her head, swapping it for the new t-shirt and gently slipping Rachel's arms into the correct holes, pulling the t-shirt over the girl's body.

"You're doing great. Do you feel okay?" Rachel shook her head, and Santana paused, handing the glass of water back to the small brunette, "Remember to sip."

Rachel had another few sips of water before Santana took the glass from her, placing it on the floor by Rachel's hip before shuffling down to the girl's feet. Taking hold of the hem of her pyjama bottoms, she pulled until the pyjamas came clean off. She paused, taking a deep breath as Rachel eyed her pathetically.

"Yeah. Okay. We both know what's coming next." She said evenly, "Let's not make this weird. I've seen it all before, just admittedly not on you."

"This is going to be weird isn't it?" Rachel pouted, and Santana swallowed before replying.

"Can you manage it on your own?" She raised an eyebrow and Rachel lifted herself up on her hands. As she moved her leg to steady herself, she felt a familiar churning in her stomach and rolled her eyes before leaning over the toilet bowl. "Thought so." Santana nodded, pulling the girl's hair back once again. "Okay. Tell you what, you just stay still."

She took a deep breath to steady herself, shifting so she was holding Rachel's hair in one hand. "Quinn?" She called, and the blonde shouted in response. "Um, this will sound weird but do you mind if I take off Rachel's underwear?"

"Nope!" The blonde shouted back brightly, "Go wild."

"Thanks." Santana replied quietly, with a reluctant sigh. She clasped the girl's hair in one hand as Rachel retched again, before hooking her thumb into the waistband of Rachel's underwear and pulling. Staring up at the ceiling and forcing herself to think of anything else, she felt on the floor for the clean underwear, dropping Rachel's hair to slide her feet through the leg holes. She struggled to get the underwear past the girl's knees, but quickly pulled them up into position with a sigh of relief.

"Okay, are you ready to sit back?" Rachel nodded, and Santana supported her as the girl shifted to rest against the wall. Lifting the girl's legs individually, she managed to dress Rachel in the cut-off pyjama shorts. After collecting up the dirty clothes, she exited the bathroom, wandering through to the living room.

"Hey, are you okay?" Quinn asked as she entered, the corners of her mouth quirked up in a wry smile.

"Are they for the laundry?" Jess interrupted, taking the clothes from her and crossing to deposit them in the bedroom.

"Quinn." Santana said plainly, staring evenly at the girl, "I'm really sorry, but you are never having a birthday party again."


Just if anyone was wondering, the ideas for Quinn's birthday cake can all be found on . ?postSubmitted=true

Y'alls should check out them cakes, as they are incredible.
Thank you for reading!