WHAT! two chapters in one week... :)
Thanks for your reviews, messages etc. I do get inspired by a lot of them.
Any mistakes are of course my own.
ENJOY
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"So on a whole we weren't treated too badly, we were able to make our own food and had a relatively large space to be in."
Santana had explained to Quinn various details of the past few days.
"Well I guess that's a small bonus in an awful situation and at least you weren't alone."
"To be honest Q the whole thing may have been very different if Shelby wasn't there."
"In what way?"
"I flipped out she kept me calm, I got upset she comforted me and when she flipped or freaked it gave me something to focus on."
"Your history probably helped."
"What do you mean?"
"She knew you well enough to bring you down not everyone could do that San."
"Yeah I guess you are right."
"Past feelings I had about her aside I'm glad she was able to be there for you."
Those damn pictures flashed before her eyes once again.
"If it's ok with you I'd like to keep in contact with her over the next few days. She doesn't really have any one around at the moment."
"You don't need to ask my permission."
"I just don't want you to be uncomfortable in any way. You are my priority Quinn."
"You both probably need each other."
"Maybe in a way….there's um…there's something else I need to tell you."
"Ok."
"Please can you try to listen to all I have to say before…."
"Before what?"
"Before you get upset or angry."
Quinn knew what was coming and part of her wanted to save Santana the anguish but she also knew her brunette beauty likely needed to get it off her chest.
"Ok sure, I'll try."
Santana took her hand and began to tell her about Lucas, about his constant leering and disgusting behavior, about him grabbing her and Shelby defending her and of course about what happened in the hour or so before they were found.
"It seemed like the only thing we could do. I'm so sorry Quinn."
Quinn took a deep breath in and allowed everything Santana had just said to process in her head properly and of course she now had to tell Santana that she had witnessed first-hand some of what she had just described.
"I know you both got intimate."
"Well I wouldn't exactly call it inti…wait what do you mean you know?"
Quinn reach for her phone and moved her thumb to the message from Luke.
"Sorry intimate wasn't the right word to use…I received this yesterday."
She handed the phone to Santana who gasped when she saw the image on the screen.
"Quinn…"
"It's ok."
"Hardly."
"It is."
"You believe me right? I didn't feel anything for her it was a means to an end."
'There is another one."
"I don't need to see another one."
"I got it the day before."
Santana was confused now, how could she have a picture before it even happened? She scrolled down to the other message and opened the photo of her in Shelby in each other's arms asleep.
"Fuck…..we were sleeping that's it….. I know it looks bad but it really was innocent. It was comforting and the first time we felt somewhat safe and we were exhausted…and….Quinn I promise nothing…"
"Santana stop."
Quinn knew Santana was beginning to panic and that wasn't her intention.
"I don't have the words to explain. I know I cheated on you but please forgive me Q I can't lose you."
Pent up emotions began to forcibly escape Santana's body.
"Baby shhhhh." Quinn's arms wrapped tight around her trembling body and pulled her as close as possible.
"San…..honey just relax ok. It's ok….it's going to be ok…we are going to be ok."
"I'm so sorry." Santana clung to her like her life depended on it.
Quinn held her and let her release as much as she could, it was something that needed to happen for Santana to take the necessary steps forward. Once her sobs lessened and the tears became few Quinn took her face in her hands and looked deeply into her eyes.
"You don't have to be sorry. It was the only option you had…the alternative doesn't even bare thinking about. You one hundred percent made the right call and as difficult as it was seeing those pictures I would see hundreds more if it meant that slimy prick didn't put one finger on you "
Santana nodded and wiped the last few tears from her stained cheeks.
"I can't believe that sick fuck sent you those photos."
"I can, he is one majorly messed up individual."
"Yeah he is."
"Ok let's talk about something brighter."
"Sure thing." Santana adjusted herself in the seat.
"Not that I'm trying to stop the talking thing coz that is super important but I just feel we need to balance the not so good with a bit of good."
"I totally get it, so what do you want to talk about."
"Well actually it's something pretty serious."
"Should I be worried?"
"San I just told you it would be brighter didn't I?" Quinn rolled her eyes playfully.
"You're right you did." Santana grinned and took Quinn's hand in her own.
"So…ok…I know we haven't been together very long in the whole grand scheme of things but when a girl knows she just knows so I was wondering and hoping that…."
Quinn slid from the sofa onto the floor and knelt in front of Santana.
"Quinn what are you doing?"
"Santana Lopez I was wondering if…." She fumbled as she struggled to get her hand in her jeans pocket, why did she have to wear such tight jeans today.
"Santana would you please….."
"Shit Quinn you can't beat me to this I have plans and….." Santana stopped when Quinn pulled out a key from her pocket.
"Move in with me…please."
"Wait what?"
"I know we plan on getting our own place but until we do move in with me, or I can move in with you…..it doesn't matter as long as it means we will be together."
"You know I already have a key to this place right? And you have mine."
"Jesus Santana I'm trying to do a big gesture here just humor me for goodness sake."
"Sorry baby….yes of course I will move in with…..."
Quinn crashed their lips together in a passionate kiss before Santana could get the last word out.
"You seemed surprised." Quinn mentioned few mins later as they lay lazily kissing on the couch.
"It was a surprise."
Quinn sat up and looked down at her.
"But hang on only seconds before that you told me I wasn't allowed to beat you to it."
"Oh right yeah…I was going to ask you the same thing."
"So why the wait what comment?"
"Let it go blondie."
"What did you think I was going to ask?"
"Truly?"
"Of course."
"If I wanted steak for dinner."
Santana burst into laughter as Quinn slapped her arm.
"Don't think this is over Lopez."
"It is for now Fabray." Santana hooked her finger through the chain on Quinn's neck and pulled her back down to meet her lips.
V
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V
"Detective Coles is it true you arrested Luke Corcoran on a variety of charges last night?"
"Is Luke Corcoran in custody?"
"Is it true he arranged the kidnapping of his ex-wife and her girlfriend?"
A large contingent of media were throwing a barrage of questions at Scott as he made his way into the station.
"The only comment I am prepared to give you is to confirm that yes Luke Corcoran is currently in custody. No further comment will be made at this time so if you could all go back to doing something that doesn't' involve you standing in front of my station I would appreciate it."
Shelby smiled as she turned the TV off, knowing that Luke was in custody was certainly a relaxing notion
A quiet knock at the door made her heart feel like it had jumped into her throat. Maybe she wasn't quite as relaxed as she hoped.
She made her way to the door and to look through the peep hole. She couldn't see much apart from some blonde hair, whoever it was was standing extremely close to the door. She made sure the chain was securely fastened before turning the lock and handle at the same time. The door jolted back with a sudden burst and a thud was heard from the other side.
"Fuck me." The visitor moaned.
Shelby pushed the door closed and released the chain, quickly swinging it open once more.
"Dani what the hell?"
Dani looked at her sheepishly and rubbed her head. She had been leaning against the door convinced Shelby was likely sleeping when it was suddenly opened and she fell back against it banging her head in the process.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you."
"How on earth did you get up here?"
"The door man from last night was on, he recognized me. I convinced him not to call you in case you were asleep."
Shelby wondered if she had left something in the blonde's car.
"I just wanted to check you were ok." She smiled as if knowing what Shelby was thinking.
"That's nice of you thank you."
A few seconds passed as they stood silently staring at each other.
"Ooookay I guess I will be heading off then."
"No wait! Shit I'm sorry did you want to come in for a coffee or something?"
"A coffee sounds good." Another smile that made Dani's eyes sparkle.
Shelby shook her head as she stepped back and motioned for Dani to enter her apartment. This was one woman she should not be admiring the beautiful smile or sparkly eyes of.
Dani looked around in amazement, the night before Shelby's apartment had been dark and seeing as she didn't want to impose she had left after a couple of minutes.
"Your place is great!"
"Thanks, there is still a few things I want to do but it's nearly there."
Dani could tell music was the woman's total passion the evidence was all over the place.
"Do you sing as well as teach?"
"I haven't sung in quite some time."
"That's a shame."
"How do you know? I might be awful…as the saying goes those that can't teach or something like that."
"I guess I don't know…..but you have a really nice tone to your general speaking voice so I'm just assuming you can sing."
Shelby blushed lightly from the compliment.
"How do you take your coffee?"
"Strong and sweet please."
"You know they say a lot of people's personalities match how they take their coffee."
Shelby cringed at the cheesiness of her comment.
"Who says that?" It was Dani's turn to blush this time.
"Cosmo or something." Shelby chuckled and walked to the kitchen to hide her embarrassment.
"How do you take yours?" Dani called out.
"Extra creamy."
"Oh my god." Dani groaned this whole not getting any action for a while was majorly screwing with her libido and her ability to not turn every single thing sexual.
V
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V
"You know you have perfect hands." Quinn traced her finger tips over tanned hand on her thigh.
"They are pretty skillful."
"Maybe we should insure them."
"Let's do my tongue whilst we are at it as that has just as many talents."
"You are so naughty I was not meaning anything sexual at all."
"Yeah whatever." Santana tightened her grip on Quinn's thigh making the blonde squirm.
"Ok ok stop….. Maybe I was."
"You are just as dodgy as me sweetheart."
"I'm not sure that is possible."
"You are probably right." Santana swung her legs up onto the sofa and lay her head back on Quinn's knee.
"What time were the police coming?"
"I'm not actually sure he just said sometime today."
"You want to come and take a nap with me? I'm exhausted."
"I'll be up shortly I promised Mami I would call her and then I thought I would check in on Shelby and then of course I had better call Steph and Kurt."
"I can wait with you."
Quinn wasn't quite ready to let Santana out of her sight.
"Honey go and rest I'm not going anywhere I swear."
"Ugh I feel like a needy child."
"You aren't and it's perfectly natural, Go on I will be up soon."
Quinn placed a tender kiss on Santana's forehead as she slipped a pillow where her knee had just been.
"Love you."
"Love you more mi princesa."
V
V
V
"It's Santana." Shelby stated as she glanced at her ringing cell.
"So are you going to answer it?" Dani asked a little bemused.
"Does she know you are here?"
"No."
"Do I tell her you are here?"
"That's up to you." Dani had nothing to hide and would tell Santana and Quinn when she returned home anyway.
Shelby rolled her eyes before swiping the screen.
"San hey."
"Hey just checking in to see how you are."
"I'm doing ok. How are you?"
"No complaints here. Is your cheek ok?"
Shelby instinctively touched her cheek, there was some bruising but thanks to Dani's distraction for the past hour or so she hadn't thought about it much.
"It's a little sore but the bruising has come out."
Dani's eyes flicked up and she saw Shelby's finger tips ghost over her cheek, she thought it had looked bruised.
"You sure you don't need an x-ray?"
"I don't think so the EMT cleared it."
"Ok just keep an eye on it though, have the police been to see you today?"
"I will. Not yet but I did see on TV that Luke is definitely in custody."
"Good riddance I hope he gets comfy as it's going to be a long time till he is a free man again."
"Do you think we are going to have to testify?"
"I'm sure they will need us to."
"Great." Shelby sat back heavily into the chair and rubbed her temple.
"I'm sure they can set it up so you don't actually have to be in the room with him."
"I'm not scared of seeing him it's just court cases take heaps of time and can be super stressful."
"It will all be worth it in the end if our testimony gets him more time."
"That's true."
"Ok well I just thought I'd check in give me a call if you need anything."
"I will thanks San."
"Talk soon."
"Ok bye."
Shelby ended the call and glanced back up to her visitor.
"So you chose not to tell her."
"Nope."
"Chicken." Dani grinned and placed her coffee cup on the glass table in front of her.
"I'm not a chicken."
"You are just a little bit." Dani stood from her chair and moved in front of Shelby, she gently placed her fingers under her chin and turned her face to the side.
"Did you ice this?"
"Yeah for a little bit when the EMT were checking us out and again last night when I got home."
"Ok you want to increase the blood flow now to help with the bruising, so you need warmth. Do you have a face cloth?"
"In the bathroom."
"And that is?" Dani got to her feet waiting for Shelby to point her in the right direction.
"Down the hall first left."
Dani made her way as instructed and quickly found the large sized bathroom, it was classy and elegant. Shelby had some amazing taste maybe she missed her calling as an interior designer.
She opened a couple of drawers before finding what she was looking for and turned the faucet on to the right temperature.
V
V
V
"Ok normally you need something reasonably hot and for it to stay on the bruise for 20 minutes at a time four or five times a day but seeing as your face is sensitive just run this under hot water not scolding and put it on till it cools once every couple of hours."
Dani was holding the cloth against Shelby's cheek, the older woman was completely capable of doing it herself but Shelby was also enjoying being taken care of.
"How do you know all this stuff?"
"I trained as a nurse but now I run a kids programme."
"Really?"
"Yeah….. Is that so surprising?"
"Well yeah but only because I had no idea…now I come to think of it you totally have the nurse vibe."
"Nurse vibe?"
"You care, you're attentive… you know all of those good qualities."
"I guess I revert back to my training instinctively."
"And there I was thinking you were just being super nice."
They held eye contact a few moments longer than normal before Dani cleared her throat and took the cloth from Shelby's cheek.
"Do it again in a couple of hours ok?"
"Sure."
"I had um…I had better get going."
"Of course sorry if I have taken up too much of your time."
"I came here remember, I chose to be here."
"That's true…..well in that case thank you for taking the time to drop by."
"It's no problem I just wanted to make sure you were doing ok and I don't have your number or anything so I thought the direct approach would work."
"I appreciate that."
"So to save you the hassle of having to put up with me again perhaps I could give you my number and then you can text me if you need anything."
"I don't think that will be necessary."
"Oh ok." Dani was a little saddened by that response. She liked Shelby, the woman was extremely charismatic and the urge to get to know her was extremely high.
"I think I prefer the house calls and if swapping numbers stops those then I don't think it's a good idea."
A wide smile spread across Dani's face.
"If it doesn't stop the house calls?"
"Then please go ahead."
Shelby handed the blonde her phone who proceeded to enter her number.
"Ok all done."
"Great I will send you a text later then."
"I look forward to it."
Dani waved and made her way down the corridor, once she turned the corner she stopped and backed against the wall.
"I look forward to it….why the hell can't you say something cool you idiot." She muttered under her breath.
Getting to know Shelby better had now become her new favorite plan just as long as her cousin and Santana didn't totally flip out at the idea.
A/N - Keen to know your thoughts on this developing relationship...Dani is a few years older than Santana but obviously still a fair bit younger than Shelby.