Ok don't pass out but this is my 3rd update in a week! this has been a good week for my writing mojo obviously and of course it is helped by the responses I've been getting from all of you :)
So everyone seems actually quite excited by Shelby and Dani becoming a "thing" and to the few that weren't so convinced I'm sorry and understand if you wish to skip those parts or leave the story.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Enjoy
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"You can do this…..there is no need to be nervous…..It's just Quinn and Santana."
Dani was giving herself a pep talk outside the living room where Santana and Quinn were currently watching some gruesome show about women murderers.
"Let's hope they don't get any ideas." She muttered under her breath.
"Hey hon." Quinn cheerily stated as Dani took a seat to their right.
"Hey guys how goes it?"
"We were just thinking about getting some dinner."
"So watching gory hacked up bodies makes you hungry huh?"
"Ravenous." Santana teased.
"You guys have issues."
"Where have you been all day?"
Here goes nothing Dani internalized.
"I've been at work this afternoon and I called in to see Shelby this morning."
"You did?" Quinn raised her eyebrows.
"Yeah she doesn't have any family around and I kinda thought she shouldn't just be left alone in her apartment with no one making sure she is ok."
"I checked in on her." Santana added.
"I know but you have enough of your own stuff going on and I figured she might like to have some company in person."
"Um ok so since when have you and Shelby been friends?" Quinn was really confused by this new revelation.
"We aren't friends…..well we weren't friends….. Just after dropping her home last night and stuff I don't know I just felt like I should go and see if she was ok."
"So you are friends now?" Santana's face was unreadable and it made Dani a little nervous.
"I don't know I guess maybe I'd like to be."
Quinn's phone chose that second to begin ringing and the blonde stood up and left the room to take it. Both blondes relieved for the small distraction. Santana watched as Quinn left the room before picking up a couch cushion and throwing it at Dani. It hit her square in the head which nearly made the Latina burst out laughing.
"Ow what the fuck was that for?" Dani straightened her now disheveled hair.
"Do you know what the fuck you are doing?"
"I'm trying to have an adult conversation about getting to know someone."
"As a friend?"
"Yes."
"I call bullshit."
"I just don't want to keep any secrets."
"Then be honest."
"Ok fine I won't lie Shelby intrigues me, she is a beautiful woman and I am a perfectly functioning sexual being so of course I won't say I'm not attracted to her."
"How do you think that is going to go down with Quinn? Family dinners and my ex is there."
"Ok we are a long way off family dinners and I don't even know if she even likes me….I know this isn't the most ideal situation"
"Big fucking understatement."
"I'm not seeking permission I just wanted to give you guys a heads up."
"Dani I don't want you to be a rebound thing for her."
"Wow are you so far up yourself that no one could eventually get over the oh so amazing Santana Lopez?…..do you want the best of both worlds and have your ex pine over you whilst you shack up with your new love? That's kind of sick and twisted Santana. Shelby did and possibly still does carry some feelings towards you but shouldn't she have a chance at moving on and having some happiness as well or do you need her as a backup plan in case you and Quinn end some day?"
Dani closed her mouth quickly she knew she had overstepped the mark completely.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean that."
Santana stood and took a deep breath to calm herself down, the last thing Quinn needed was for her to lose it and beat the crap out of her cousin.
"I think you should go." Santana kept her tone even and controlled.
Dani leapt to her feet and moved to Santana's side.
"Santana I didn't mean to go off like that I'm sorry ok I just….ugh…. there is just something about Shelby I want to explore and I lost my head for a minute."
"You don't think I know how Shelby can be? I was under that same spell for years. I want you to be careful and not become a rebound because believe it or not I care about you and I know how hard it is to get your heart ripped out by her. I'm not being conceited but only a few weeks ago she was declaring in front of your cousin that she was still in love with me, you just need to be super sure you know what you are doing and be prepared that this could impact your relationship with Quinn."
Dani took a step back from Santana their positions were rather confrontational and that's the last thing she wanted.
"You are right…."
"Dan….."
"No you don't need to say anymore…..Quinn is far too important to me for anything to come between us especially something that might never develop anyway."
"You need to talk to her."
"I don't think that will be necessary." Dani turned and made her way from the room stopping only briefly to say a simple sorry to Quinn as they crossed paths in the doorway.
"I see that went well." Quinn stated to a frustrated Santana. A door slammed upstairs making them both wince.
"It's weird right? The whole thing is just strange."
"I take it you don't want Dani being friends with Shelby? I'm not so convinced myself."
"I don't think it's just friends."
"Wait what? Has something happened between them?"
"No, not yet anyway she is and I quote Intrigued by Shelby." Santana added air quotes when she said intrigued.
"What the hell is it with that woman, does she have the fuck me pheromone seeping from her every pore?"
Santana laughed out loud but stopped when she saw Quinn's face.
"Oh you want me to actually answer that?"
"No….actually yes."
"Q Shelby can be…"
"No…definite no."
"How do you feel about the whole thing?"
"Ha ha how do I feel about the whole thing? Really?...not only do I need to worry about losing my girlfriend to her I now need to worry about losing my cousin?"
"Is that what you really think?"
"Huh?"
"Do you really think you are going to lose me to her? That's fucking great Q." Santana threw her hands up in the air.
"Santana it was a figure of speech."
"You shouldn't even remotely be entertaining those thoughts."
"Look I don't want to fight with you over her."
"Then stop putting her in the middle of us."
"I'm not fucking perfect Santana of course I have some insecurities about her and at times yes jealousy does rear its ugly head. It's not helped might I add when I see you cuddled up in bed with her the way you do with me! And I know that wasn't your fault but it affects me and I can't simply let it go just like that I am only human!" Quinn's voice was raised now, so much for not having an argument.
"You know what fuck this I'm out of here." Santana moved from the room in record time.
"So what you are just going to run away?" Quinn called out to her retreating back.
"Before we both say anything stupid yes, I will be at Kurt's." Santana picked up a set of keys from the bench and walked out the door not even bothering to put on some shoes.
Quinn closed her eyes and tensed her jaw before letting out a frustrated groan.
V
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Dani sat on the bed in the guest room not quite sure how she was feeling. The commotion downstairs reached a fever pitch when she heard the front door slam and Quinn's car starting minutes later. This was all because of her and she needed to fix it.
She quietly made her way down the stairs towards the living room. She wasn't sure who she would find in there but she knew she needed to fix things.
Quinn was standing in front of the large glass doors that led out to a small private courtyard, staring at nothing in particular.
"Q."
"Not now Dani."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause issues between the two of you."
"You didn't, I did a good enough job of that on my own."
"What happened?"
"I said some stupid things you know how it goes."
"And she left?"
"She needs to cool off."
"Look I'm not going to see Shelby again ok."
"What is it about her?"
"What do you mean?"
"What is it about her? She drives me crazy and yet people fall at her feet."
"People?"
"You and Santana."
"Santana years ago."
"What do you mean?"
"You are acting like Santana still falls at her feet but that was a really long time ago. If anything it's Santana that makes women fall at her feet Quinn."
"So what makes you so interested?"
"I don't even know, I never expected this she just looks at me in a way I've always wanted to be looked at."
"Like a juicy red apple for her to sink her teeth in?"
"No you egg! She looks at me like she is truly interested in what I'm saying, she listens and she is intelligent and sexy and…."
"Ok save the details."
"I think you need to ask yourself why she drives you so crazy."
"I guess I feel threatened by her."
"Why? Has Santana ever given you reason to doubt her?"
"No."
"Then you need to sort this out before you let it drive a wedge in the best thing that's ever happened to you."
"You are younger than me you are not allowed to be wiser."
"Meh I'm a more superior human being let's face it."
"So what do I do then oh great master yoda?"
"Let her cool off a bit then talk to her you must." Dani did her best yoda impression.
"I can't believe you just did that…..but you are right this is stupid."
"I will get in line to apologize to her myself."
"Seems like the Fabray name won't be her favorite word at the moment."
"It will be ok. Emotions have been majorly crazy the last few days, having them all blow up at once probably wasn't the best idea but hey it can happen with this many women under one roof."
"Yeah….Dani you need to explore this thing with Shelby."
"Nah I think I'm just going to let sleeping dogs lie."
"Dan I've wanted you to find happiness for a long time. I'm not going to be the reason you don't pursue something that could make you happy all because of my own insecurities."
"I don't want to cause any drama and I can't lose you Quinn you are like my sister."
"I promise to try ok, it might take some time but please don't let it hold you back. I will always be here for you and love you no matter what."
Dani closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around her cousin.
"I don't even know if she is even remotely interested."
"She would be silly not to."
"Thanks Q."
V
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"San you know she is acting like most other normal human beings right?"
"It feels like she doesn't trust me."
"I think it shows more about her own insecurities than not trusting you."
"She shouldn't be insecure! you have seen her he is a freaking goddess she could have anyone she wanted."
"And sometimes the most beautiful people are the most insecure."
"I don't know how we are supposed to get beyond this though it can't keep coming up day after day."
"And it probably won't…just remember she only had you for a short time before Shelby became an issue, almost the whole course of your relationship Shelby has been involved in some way and then of course her ex…However since all this drama with the psycho is now over it should actually give you and Quinn the chance to just be Santana and Quinn."
"Strip it back so to speak?"
"Back to the basics yeah."
"But what if Dani gets involved with Shelby? She is going to remain a part of our lives."
"That may help Quinn, seeing Shelby love someone other than her girlfriend may actually be a blessing."
"Yeah I guess so."
"Will it be weird for you to see Dani and Shelby together?"
"No I don't think so….admittedly there is a lot about Shelby that is familiar but none of it is like it is with Quinn. Quinn can knock the breath out of me with one look or one touch. Her voice gets to me everywhere. Her eyes burn into me. Her lips are just so delicious…..her ass…."
"Ok I get it…. We are going to be here all night if we aren't careful."
"I probably shouldn't have left."
"It was how you felt at the time, you needed to calm down but at least you told her this time where you were going."
"After the last few days it would have been cruel not too."
"That's another thing, all of this crap is a whole lot more heightened because of the last few days."
"It's been a wild ride."
"And it will be for a little while yet my friend but there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Santana's phone vibrated in her pocket alerting her to a text message.
- - - San I know you need some space but please come home tonight. I owe you a huge apology and I'm hoping you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I will wait up for you xxx.
"Quinn?"
"Yeah she wants me to come home."
"One more cup of Kurt's magical hot chocolate and then time to get on your way?"
"Sounds great and thanks for listening Kurt."
"What are friends for?"
- - - I'll be home in about 30mins xxx
Santana hit send and slipped her phone back into her pocket.
V
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- - - Thanks again for today :) the warm cloths have helped with the pain but I now have a large purple bruise to make me look oh so attractive! Shel.
Dani read the text a few times as she tried to think of a reply. She still felt guilty for all of the earlier drama but Quinn had assured her only moments before that Santana would be back soon and they would get things back on track.
"It's Shelby isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"You know getting to know her is actually going to require texting her back."
"I know I'm just not sure what to do."
"What did she say?"
Dani explained the help she have given Shelby earlier and them of course the text she had just received.
"What is your gut telling you to do?"
"Keep the reply short and simple."
"What is your head telling you to do?"
"Tell her that her face would still be attractive bruise or not."
Quinn mimicked throwing up which earned her a slap on her arm.
"And what is your heart telling you to do?"
"Go over there and offer to kiss it better."
"Oh fuck why are we such a sappy family?"
"So what should I do?"
"I can't answer that for you."
"No but what would you do?"
"I'd follow my heart."
"Yeah?"
"Yep."
"Ok I think I'm going to go over."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"Hey I'm a respectable woman I'm not going to stay out."
"You are also one track minded because I simply meant I would likely be in bed when you got home."
Dani blushed scarlet red having been completely caught out.
V
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"Hey twice in one day, I'm going to have to reconsider the security in this place."
Shelby had opened the door to the very blonde who had been on her mind for most of the day.
"Seems Gus put me on the ok to go up list."
"Gus?"
"The doorman from last night and this morning, do you not even know his name?"
"Well no not exactly I know Mr. nice old man who couldn't really stop a fly, I know Mr. 30 something who always checks out my ass and Miss uptight who just needs to chill the fuck out and a couple of others."
Dani physically laughed out loud as she had thought the same thing about the woman down stairs only moments earlier.
"I might have referred to her as Miss needs a shag...out loud." It was Shelby's turn to laugh now.
"So I'm guessing Gus is Mr. nice old man?"
"That's him."
"Good to know, so would you like to come in?"
"As much as I totally dig it out here that would be nice."
Shelby grinned and made her way back into the apartment.
"Damn Mr. 30 something has the right idea." Dani muttered her eyes glued to Shelby's curves.
"Sorry what was that?"
"Oh nothing just mumbling to myself."
"Can you put the chain on when you close that please I'm being extra security conscious."
"Yeah of course." Dani made sure the chain was secure and the door locked properly.
"So to what do I owe the pleasure? Not that I am complaining of course."
"Well I got your text."
Dani moved to only a foot away from the brunette which made a shiver run down Shelby's spine.
"Yeah."
"And I wanted to let you know that the bruising coming out is truly the best thing."
"Ok."
Dani cupped Shelby's cheek gently to take a look.
"And that even with a large purple bruise I don't think anything about you could be unattractive."
Shelby leaned in to the younger woman's hand enjoying the warmth it held.
"That's very sweet of you Dani."
"Hey what's my coffee personality?….strong and sweet remember."
"I guess I will have to wait to see the strong side of you."
"These guns are pretty strong." Dani flexed her arms and Shelby found her fingers instantly drawn to them, her fingers ran along the outline of the defined muscles. She was certain those arms would feel great wrapped around her body.
"So…..um…..Miss strong and sweet can I make you a cup?" Shelby stepped back she was more than a little flustered and needed to some space between them.
"I would love one but how about I make one for you this time?"
"Ok do you want me to show you where everything is?"
"I'm sure I can figure it out I will call out if I can't find anything."
"I'll just put some music on then."
"Awesome."
It was Shelby's turn to watch a retreating Dani this time.
"You like it extra creamy right?" Dani called out once in the kitchen.
"I'd take it anyway it came from you." Shelby replied still in la la land without even thinking.
"What was that?" Dani stepped into view again with a smirk across her beautiful face.
"Extra creamy is great thanks." Shelby smiled widely trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Coming right up." Dani winked at her and returned to the task at hand, she had heard perfectly clear Shelby's comment and it made her feel giddy with excitement.