A/N: Hello everyone! Thanks for checking out my first multi-story fanfic. I've been a long time reader for years and finally decided to try my hand at writing because I love Quinntana so much. This idea came to me from the TV show Victorious in which the characters are talented performing arts students.
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Los Angeles, City of Sunshine
"Yooo San! Look at the charts. You're in the top 5 and knocked J Bieb's Yummy down to number 6."
Santana Lopez chuckled at her best friend's excitement. She was driving through busy Wilshire Boulevard and finally answered Puck's call after he sent her multiple texts. She'd been running errands all day.
"Seriously Puck, that's not a real accomplishment," she spoke as she stopped at a red light. "The lyrics suck. I was writing better songs than that when I was 13."
"Okay fine Snixx, that's true," Puck said on the other end. "But for real, that's the prince of pop you just beat out. That Dutch guy better send you a fat check for this one."
He was referring to the newest single Santana wrote called "Arcade", which was inspired by her last relationship. She was a songwriter under the stage name Snixx and the song was recorded by an ESC winner and upcoming artist.
"He better. What are you up to?" She asked as she passed some tourists in Brentwood.
"Probably gonna finish up the instrumentals for the song you gave me last week. Why what's up?"
Puck was a gifted producer/DJ and they've been making music together since they met at a music camp when they were 12. It started off as kiddie songs like singing about food and girls of course. In recent years, they both started taking it more seriously when they noticed their potential to make it big. Since then, they've been able to produce a few platinum hits for multiple artists.
"You should pull up to McKinley Arts," Santana suggested, rounding the corner and pulling into the parking lot.
"Rachel invited me to their big showcase. It's their end of year concert thing." She paused trying to recall details of what Rachel said. "I really don't know, I stopped listening after she started rambling on about her hair and makeup for the show."
Puck laughed. "Haha, she must be looking good today then. No doubt, I'll be there soon to see my Jewish princess."
He'd been trying to impress Rachel for a while now.
"Alright see you soon."
Santana parked the car and hung up. Just as she stepped out of her car, her phone started buzzing with Rachel's name across the screen.
"Speak of the devil," she muttered. "What's up Barbra?"
"Santana!" She winced as she held the phone away from her ear. It wasn't on speaker, but it definitely sounded like it was. "Did you bring my skittles? We just did final rehearsal and it feels all out of place! I need my skittles!"
"Yes I have them. I'm walking inside right now geez," Santana replied, walking through the double doors of the high school. "When did you start ordering me around anyway?"
"Since I'm your favorite cousinnnn," Rachel sang-song through the phone. "Oh wait wait I see you!"
Santana turned around and saw Rachel speed walking toward her. Before she could reject the physical contact, the petite brunette wrapped her arms around the Latina, despite the latter's good natured eye roll.
"Thank god you made it on time!"
Santana handed the bag of skittles over to the girl. "Need I remind you, don't hug me in public. I gots my street cred to protect," she said in a ghetto accent. "And relax, you told me it starts at 6pm, you have plenty of time."
It was only 4pm, but she could tell Rachel was already nervous.
"I am going to ignore your poor attempt to be a badass. And yes, but I need my lucky skittles to calm me down. You know my notes can come out a little flat if I don't have them."
"Okay you crazy."
The two walked to the auditorium together and as soon as they entered, Santana noticed a slim blonde in center stage. The girl had her back turned and was talking amongst a group of five or six people. She was wearing a white sundress, a thin yellow belt around her waist and wedges. Even without seeing her face, Santana knew she had to be hot.
"Come on, I'll show you my friends."
Santana nodded as she followed behind Rachel keeping her attention on the blonde girl.
"Hey guys!" They approached the small group. "This is Santana, she dabbles in music too."
All of Rachel's friends greeted her and vice versa, but Santana's focus is captured by stunning hazel eyes.
They continued to lock eyes for a few moments and all Santana could do was stare into the girl's eyes. Damn... she's beautiful.
Rachel gestured to each person introducing their names. "And this is Quinn, she's the head cheerleader here," Rachel introduced.
Their hands met and Santana felt a jolt of electricity shoot up her arm. Quinn was smiling softly at her and she couldn't help smiling back. The girl had beautiful hazel eyes that just drew her in for some reason.
Their eye contact was broken when a teacher came in and started handing out tasks.
"Mike and Brittany, lighting. Tina, programs. Sam and Mercedes, set up the easels." The teacher had a big bald patch in the middle of his head and spoke in a stern voice.
The group scrambled off to do as told.
"Who's the rockstar?" He asked, referring to Santana who was wearing a leather biker jacket.
Rachel gave her expression that read 'yikes'.
"Uh, I'm Santana. I'm here to see the show," she trailed off and the man shot up a questioning eyebrow. "... And help set up I guess."
He nodded. "Good, you can help Quinn and Kurt to clean up wardrobe."
Santana nodded haphazardly and he walked off. A kid with an Afro carrying a notepad followed behind, trying to keep up.
A slender boy standing next to Quinn waved and motioned to come backstage, he was wearing an ascot and beret. Kurt had met Santana before, given that he was Rachel's best friend. He was cool from what she recalled. (On her gay-dar, this guy was capital G gay.)
Santana followed them backstage to many boxes, clothing racks, and outfits all over the place. It was almost comparable to a Forever 21.
"Ah, behind the scenes of the stars getting glammed up," she muttered, picking up clothes scattered on the floor. She heard a giggle and looked up, her brown eyes met with hazel ones again.
"It's not that bad, half of this we aren't gonna use." Kurt piped up. "I'll organize the ones we need and you guys can fold up everything else." He walked over to the clothing racks.
"Yeah that sounds good." Quinn said, holding eye contact with Santana.
Damn her voice... Santana couldn't help, but think it was the best thing she had ever heard. Well, besides the giggle she heard moments before.
"Soo... I'll follow your lead," Santana said, holding the clothes in her hands.
Quinn nodded and motioned to a corner where she sat down and started folding. Santana mirrored the blonde, sitting just a couple feet across from her.
"You know you look kinda familiar."
Santana glanced at her. She couldn't help what slipped out of her mouth next. "Well I definitely would've remembered you if we'd met before."
Quinn bit her lower lip slightly. "How many times have you used that line?" There was a playful tone.
"Okay you caught me," Santana chuckled. "I was in a couple commercials when I was younger. That's where you could know me from."
"So you're a child star?"
"Haha, not really. Acting's cool, but my passion lies with music. What about you?"
"That makes sense. I love and want to pursue acting, but I like to sing too."
You would look great on TV, Santana thought to herself.
"What was that?"
"Uh- nothing," she silently cursed herself for being an idiot around this pretty girl.
Quinn smirked a little. She heard what the Latina had said, she just wanted confirmation. "You know since you're already an actor, you can give me some tips right?"
Santana regained her composure, she never had a problem talking to girls before and she wasn't going to start now. "I'm actually thinking of transferring here, so if you're lucky, that might just happen," she winked playfully.
Quinn felt her cheeks get a little warmer. "Oh cool," the cheerleader distracted herself again with the task at hand, not wanting Santana to see her blush. "Where do you go right now?"
"Well I've been homeschooled since middle school which kinda sucks 'cause I'm bad at it," Santana chuckled a little at her own expense. "I have a year left, so maybe coming back to real school will help me focus."
Quinn smiled at the joke, she loved Santana's honesty. "Well school isn't the most important thing in life. As long as you like what you do," she assured. "But I do hope that I get to see you here."
Santana gave a cheeky smile, she definitely wanted to see Quinn around too. "Same here."
Across the room, Kurt looked over at two girls and saw them chatting and smiling. There was definitely some flirting going on.
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About an hour later, they had finished up. Santana really enjoyed talking with Quinn and was kinda disappointed that their time was coming to an end. Their conversation flowed naturally and the blonde kept up with her own witty remarks. Santana lost track of how many smiles and laughs were exchanged. She never met someone before who clicked with her like Quinn did.
"Quinn, we need you to start getting ready for hair and makeup," the same kid who was following the teacher around earlier popped his head in through the curtain.
Santana raised an eyebrow at the interruption.
"Okay, I'll be right there," Quinn said before turning back to Santana.
"I guess this is goodbye then?" Santana said, looking intently at her new crush.
Crush? Santana Lopez doesn't do crushes.
"Aww you want to spend more time with me?" Quinn had a smile playing on her lips.
Santana smirked. "Well you seem like a big fan of me blondie."
Quinn rolled her eyes playfully as her cheeks colored. Santana took this as a cue to get closer. Santana leaned in until her lips hovered over Quinn's ear. "Good luck with your show."
Quinn, clearly blushing now, cleared her throat. Two could play this game.
She brushed her lips against the Latina's ear. "Thanks, Rockstar."
Quinn stepped back and giggled at Santana who looked stunned. She walked off with an extra sway in her hips knowing that brown eyes were looking after her.
Damn... Santana let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Unconsciously, her lips curled up as she looked after Quinn's retreating figure.
Not a second later, a hand on her shoulder made her jump.
"What's up lesbro," Puck grinned, satisfied he had succeeded in scaring his best friend.
"What the hell Puck," Santana scowled, clutching her chest.
"Oh come on San, you know you love me. Who were you talking to?" The mohawk boy asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
They turned and started walking toward the front where the audience sat.
"None of your business."
"Excuse me," Puck huffed as they both took a seat. "Then how come any moves I make on Rachel is your business?"
"'Cause Rachel is like my family and you met her through me," Santana slapped him upside the head. "It's not the same, buddy."
Puck pouted and rub the part that just got slapped. "Fine, fine. Can you at least tell me if she's hot or not?"
Santana paused for a moment, thinking back to captivating hazel eyes. "She's gorgeous."
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"Ladies and Gentlemen, that was Vocal Adrenaline! Wow! That was phenomenal." The host yelled into the microphone which got the crowd even more hyped.
Santana had to admit, she was thoroughly impressed with the showcase. The last act was a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and it wasn't a question that the students at this school were incredibly talented. Before them was a group called New Directions with Rachel and a tall guy singing most of the solos. Quinn was in the background swaying and harmonizing, they were good too. Not that Santana was shocked, she knew that William McKinley was one of the best performing arts schools in the country. She had high standards for her own music and was just pleasantly surprised when she saw that other kids her age also shared that caliber.
"Our next performance is a group of talented young ladies. Give it up for The Troubletones!" The host announced with great enthusiasm and the crowd cheered.
The auditorium went black for a moment before vibrant lights brightened the stage. Five girls wearing cheerleader uniforms appeared. Their choice of attire elicited a few whistles from the crowd.
Santana's eyes immediately went to Quinn again, who was in the middle this time. She raised her eyebrows, unable to stop herself from checking out the cheerleader. Quinn's hair was now tied back in a high ponytail and her delicate features were highlighted even more. Not to mention the sinfully short skirt put her long legs on display.
Holy cow she looks good...
Puck noticed Santana's change in expression and couldn't contain his laughter. "Dude if I looked up thirsty in the dictionary right now, there'd be a picture of you," he could barely get his joke out in the midst of laughter. They were starting to receive some looks from people seated around them.
"Shut up," Santana muttered, elbowing him for emphasis.
She recognized the other girls on stage as well. Rachel of course, and Tina, Mercedes, and Brittany whom she all met before the show.
The girls on the stage began to clap which is passed to the audience and a solid rhythm is formed. The song started and by the sound of trumpets, Santana recognized the song immediately, too. It's one of the hottest summer singles.
Uh huh!
It's Iggy Iggs!
I got one more problem with you girl
One less one less!
Problem
The black girl, Mercedes, had a good R&B edge to her voice,
Hey baby even though I hate ya!
I wanna love ya
I want you!
And even though I can't forgive you
I really want ta
I want you!
Santana was taken aback by Quinn's voice. It was smooth and angelic. Santana would've guessed from her speaking voice that she was an alto singer, but right now she was singing in an soprano range.
Tell me, tell me baby
Why can't you leave me?
Cause even though I shouldn't want it
I gotta have it
I want you!
The tall blonde with great dance moves, Brittany sang.
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders
I should be wiser
And realize that I've got
Rachel belted the high pre-chorus.
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got one less, one less problem (x2)
During the chorus, the girls broke out into a synchronized dance. It ended with Quinn and Brittany on either side of the stage doing handsprings and somersaults. The crowd went crazy seeing the stunt moves.
The song continued on and in the next verse, about 10 cheerleaders broke out from behind the main girls and started doing an incredible routine.
The students were insanely talented. Santana was thoroughly impressed.
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McKinley Arts
"Thank you all for coming out to WMA's Showcase of the Year!" All the performers lined up on stage and did a final bow before the curtain closed.
"Woohoo! That was lit!" Puck cheered standing up from his seat.
Santana laughed at his antics. It was true, the showcase was better than some concerts she'd been to. And that's saying a lot.
"Let's say hi to Rachel."
They both exited the row and walked toward the stage amidst everyone that was walking out.
Rachel came out of the side stage with a huge smile and gave both of them big hugs. Santana didn't miss the way Puck scratched his head awkwardly after they broke apart. The "Puckassarus charm" evidently was nowhere to be found when he was around the younger Jewish girl.
"You did great Thumbelina," Santana smirked looking between her two friends. "Although you sang Don't Rain on My Parade for the nth time... you did it justice."
Rachel beamed at the compliment. "Thank you San!" She was so excited the show had gone well and that she was one of the main stars, of course.
Puck started talking to her and had the brunette's full attention. Santana decided to step away to look for someone else. She went backstage, but couldn't seem to find the person she was looking for.
Seeing a familiar face, the Latina grabbed the person's arm. "Hey Kurt! Great job. Umm... did you happen to see Quinn anywhere?"
The boy smiled and thanked her for the compliment and pointed down the hall.
Santana said a quick thanks and walked toward that direction.
She didn't see anyone down the hall and wondered if there's any turns she missed. Had Quinn already left?
"Hey, looking for me?"
Santana turned around to see the person she'd been looking for, Quinn had already changed out of her Cheerio uniform and was back in her sundress. The blonde was smiling at her and it made her stomach flutter.
"Hi... uh I wanted to find you and tell you, you did a great job." Santana gave a winning smile, taking a couple steps to lessen the distance.
"Thanks," Quinn beamed.
"You know, I think I'll have to take some cartwheel lessons from you."
Quinn took a step forward so they were directly in front of each other, locking eyes. "Hmm. Really?"
Santana isn't sure if she's imagining it, but the hazel eyes seemed dilated now as she gazed into them. "Really."
Unexpectedly, Quinn leaned in and brushed her lips against Santana's ear, much like she did before the show. "We'll see if you're lucky."
Santana froze at the contact.
A moment later, Quinn pulled back and giggled.
The Latina was about to say something back when they were interrupted.
"YOOOO! Celebration at Breadstix!" Puck's voice rang through the hallway. And probably the whole building.
No wonder Puck liked Rachel. They even screamed in the same decibel. AKA. Loud.
"That's my friend hollering. Do you want to come?"
Quinn tilted her head curiously. "Sure."
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Breadstix
After Puck's yelling invitation, mostly everyone arrived at the Italian restaurant. Not that Santana was looking out for anyone else because she only really cared if she could spend more time with Quinn.
The place was crowded as it should be on a Friday night and it didn't help that so many people from the showcase came over.
Seeing this, Santana pulled one of the hosts aside. She casually slipped him a twenty and whispered the code word. The guy nodded and asked them to follow him. The main group of Santana, Puck, Rachel, and Rachel's friends followed.
They went to the back where the host opened a sliding door to a private dining room. Inside it was a long table with wooden chairs set up on either side.
"Whoa! I didn't even know Breadstix had a VIP section!" A blond guy with big lips exclaimed. Santana recalled his name was Sam.
Everyone else was also amazed that they got a more private space. The walls were covered in vintage signs and posters. The lighting was dimmer than the rest of the restaurant, too.
No one noticed that Rachel narrowed her eyes at Santana and the latter shrugged, putting up her arms in surrender.
A waiter came by and welcomed them to sit down. Santana gently caught Quinn's wrist and they sat at one end of the long table, with a little more space apart from the others.
Quinn's friends Tina and Mercedes noticed and gave each other a knowing look.
After a while, they ordered and were served their food. All were wrapped up in small conversations now, just enjoying their meal.
"Was this your way of getting me to go out with you?" Quinn took a sip of her water looking expectantly at the Latina opposite of her.
Santana let out a small laugh. "Wow I can't get anything by you huh?"
Quinn raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Well I'm not that easy," she said, gesturing to her Penne alla Vodka with bacon. "I ordered the most expensive thing on the menu for a reason."
Santana smiled at how easy it was to banter with Quinn. "Don't worry. When I do take you out, there won't be any third wheels."
"Hmm... what makes you think I'll say yes to going out with you?"
"Just a feeling. We'll see if you're lucky," Santana winked.
Quinn smiled, blushing a little before looking back down at her plate.
The rest of dinner continued on and it was a good time. Santana and Puck got to know Rachel's friends better and they all seemed cool.
Kurt loved fashion and wanted to become a designer. Brittany and Mike were aspiring dancers and have been featured in a couple music videos. Tina was quiet, but funny when she did speak. Puck and her got into a debate of which band was better, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones. Sam did some interesting impressions and his girlfriend, Mercedes laughed louder than anyone else. They were a cute couple. Santana wouldn't mind hanging out with all of them again.
She and Puck ended up paying the bill as Puck insisted that none of the stars that night should pay. This of course was well-received by the others. The mohawk boy got a thank you hug from Rachel and Santana got to pay for Quinn.
The gang stepped out into the parking lot and arranged rides to get home. Santana had walked there with Quinn because it was only a couple mins from the school, so they only had two drivers, Sam and Puck.
Brittany and Tina went with Sam claiming they were spending the night at Mercedes'. Puck jumped at the chance to drive Rachel home and Kurt tagged along with them.
Mercedes bumped shoulders with Quinn and wiggled her eyebrows before walking off with the rest. The blonde bit her lip seeing through what her friends had set up.
"I'll take you home Quinn," Santana suggested. "Mind walking with me?"
Quinn turned her attention back to the Latina. "Sure," she smiled and the pair started back toward the school. "So what was your favorite part of the show?"
"There were a lot of good parts actually. You guys must've worked really hard to make it turn out that well." Santana complimented. "Although I gotta say, you surprised me."
Quinn glanced at her. "What do you mean?"
"Well when you said you didn't mind singing, I think you were being very humble," Santana teased. "You sounded great up there."
Quinn smiled. They walked silently for a few moments before a breeze picked up. The sun had set so it was chillier than it was in the daytime.
Santana noticed her shiver. "Here," she took off her leather jacket and draped it over the other girl's shoulders.
"Thanks." Quinn blushed looking down. Santana grinned.
Smooth move Lopez.
When they got to the car, Santana opened the door for Quinn before hopping in. They chatted a bit on the ride back to Quinn's house. Santana came to a stop when they pulled into the cheerleader's driveway.
"Thank you for the ride and for paying for dinner," Quinn said. "I had fun."
"No problem," Santana reached in her pocket and pulled out her phone, unlocking it and handing it over to her. "Put your number in?"
Quinn added herself as a new contact before handing the phone back to Santana. She bit her lip and leaned over, pressing a kiss on a tan cheek. It was gentle and brief.
"Goodnight," she gave one last smile before leaving.
The soft kiss had almost not registered in Santana's mind, but the tingling sensation it left on her cheek was evident. She watched as the other girl got out of the car and disappeared through her front door.
I'm freakin' screwed.
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A/N: What do we think so far?
Songs referenced:
Yummy - Justin Bieber
Arcade - Duncan Laurence
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen (Glee version)
Problem - Ariana Grande (Glee version)