Skinny Love
Chapter 3
"Here we go again, I kinda wanna be more than friends so,
take it easy on me I'm afraid you're never satisfied"
-Neon Trees
AN: I am so sorry for taking so long to update. Life happened! I'm really going to try my best to update weekly like I previously wanted to but, don't hate me if I don't! Thank you for every follow and review, it means so much and it motivated me to continue with the story. Speaking of reviews, thank you for the people who've reviewed and mentioned that the translations are not accurate, thanks for nothing Google translate. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter, I don't know how I feel about it; the next one will be better.
After retrieving Stacy and Stevie from the Rachel's jeep and setting them up with snacks and a soccer ball, they got to work without any more distractions or hindrances.
After their mile long jog to warm-up they ran through more conditioning drills using the field rather than track in order to help build their stamina and speed. Rachel came up with a drill that had them sprinting up the sideline, doing moving squats across the end zone, jogging back down the opposite sideline, and high knee's across the opposite end zone back to the sideline they originally started at. Every four times around she'd change what they did to get across the end zone but it was always an exercise that she knew would do wonders to help their stamina, agility, and footwork.
"Alight, I think we're good with conditioning for the day; most of our training drills include cardio as well," Rachel said with a nod which, earned her pained groans from both boys.
"Rachel what the hell do they put in vegan food, how is this barley affecting you," Puck asked as he leaned on Sam for support, he wasn't fairing any better.
"I think I have a cramp he said," holding his side and sweeping blond hair out of his eyes. Rachel just rolled her eyes.
"I've wanted to be on Broadway since I was five so, I started a rigorous training schedule when I was ten, between my vocal, dance, and martial arts classes my body is use to intense training. Not to mention my own personal workout regiment," she added as an afterthought. The guys just shook their heads with a mixture of admiration and exasperation knowing they weren't going to receive any sympathy, also knowing it was exactly what they needed. "Look we'll go easy for the rest of the day. I somehow forgot to bring all of the gear we would need, Puck you have football pants for all of us right?" He took a minute to think about whether or not her had any for Rachel before nodding, he had some from middle school that would fit her. "Alright well then on Monday we'll incorporate tackling into our drills. Today let's work on routes and precision." By the time 12:00 p.m. rolled around the boys felt their muscles begging for a reprieve and they were starving.
"Princess Yoda, feed us." Noah grouched, sprawled out across the grass. Sam limped over and collapsed next to him.
"I can't feel my arm." Rachel had created a drill that required him to hit targets she'd set-up. She'd randomly call out which target to hit and whenever it was the wrong one he had to drop down and do five burpees. Rachel and Noah ran routes including, slants, shout-guns, curls, in & outs, and cross routes. Their punishment was the same as Sam's whenever they dropped a catchable ball, and Rachel's version of catchable was questionable.
Rachel bit her lip in amusement before she started digging around in her bag. "Eat these and drink this," she said tossing a couple of items at the boys. Puck picked up one of the things that landed in his lap and looked at the bar in his hand suspiciously.
"Uhh Barbs, what is this?" he asked sniffing at it. Rachel huffed at him.
"It's a vegan bar Noah I made them myself, their perfect post-workout," she said as she took a bite herself. Noah and Sam shared a quick glance. Rachel rolled her eyes and huffed again. "Guys just eat the damn bar," she said with a slight growl in her voice due to her level annoyance. With them sitting and her standing it was kinda scary so they both quickly unwrapped the vegan bars before taking a bite. As soon as they both started chewing they let out moans of appreciation.
"Jew Babe this is damn good." Sam let out a hum of agreement and Rachel's face contorted into a smug smile.
"I know you wouldn't believe half the things that are in that." She got no response in return alerting her to the fact that neither boy cared. Unsurprised she didn't even bother rolling her eyes before digging around in her bag for more bars to give to Stacie and Stevie who were playing tag in the distance. "Drink your chocolate milk and grab the stuff from the drills; just put it in the storage room," she threw over her shoulder before turning and walking away.
Having been acquainted with the girl long enough neither boy batted an eye at being ordered around, the only thing that really registered is that the drink she tossed at them earlier is chocolate milk. After everything was all packed up they headed back to the jeep and began discussing the rest of the day.
"I think we should head back to my house for treatment, I have a small gym connected to my room but, in the recreation wing coach has an extensive gym area equipped with a couple of ice baths and some stuff to help us stretch." Sam and Puck nodded their heads with the little energy they had left. Rachel bit her lip contemplating whether or not now was a good time to tell the boys everything else she needed to tell them. Sighing she realized she owed it to them seeing as they made a pact to never keep things from each other.
"Guys I have to tell you something, and I swear it's the last thing." Two sets of tired eyes were instantly more alert.
"Bruce Wayne really exits and you're his secret daughter," Sam exclaimed.
"No." Rachel deadpanned looking at Sam in the rearview mirror. He pouted thinking it was a reasonable guess, with the way things were happening lately. Puck didn't even bother guessing and just motioned with his hands for her to continue.
Sighing one more time she decided to just get on with it. "The house we're heading to isn't the same one you guys are use to. My dads decided they wanted a house built here last year when it was decided that this town would be home whenever they weren't away on business since I'm graduating here." Noah looked at her thoughtfully.
"Rae, why haven't you guys picked up and left Lima," he asked curiously. Sensing nothing but sincere curiosity she actually had to think about why they hadn't left when they could've truthfully gone anywhere that they wanted to a long time ago.
"Honestly JP, I think that time got away from my dads when we first moved here. My daddy, Leroy, is from a town not too far from here and he wanted to set roots down in Lima so that we could live somewhere similar to his hometown in between restaurant openings and touring for vendors. A lot of the time we weren't here that often which is why I didn't meet you until 6th grade Noah. I had tutors while we traveled which included various language instructors since we traveled to foreign countries so often. My papa's decided that I should go to school in sixth grade so that I'd have friends in middle school and high school." A dark look crossed her face before she continued talking." We had been living in this happy bubble free from judgment for so long that my daddy forgot what it was like living in a small conservative town; he didn't anticipate the backlash I would get for having two gay dads. It was already decided to keep my condition a secret but when the bullying started it was just reaffirmed. My dads argued all the time about leaving or staying, they hated the way we were all treated but at the same time they didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of running us out of town. When Noah and I bonded over our comic book lunch boxes it made things better for me," she said throwing a grin Noah's direction, who puffed his chest out a little more with pride." It helped that our parents met at temple and bonded but becoming friends with Sam and his family in 8th grade was the deciding factor that we'd stay here, and as you both know my friendship with Ducky was basically the cherry on top. They decided we'd spend school years here but during the summer they needed to travel to check on the restaurants and vendors. My madrina retired from coaching arena football around that time and asked for more time with me so, that's when I started splitting my summers visiting with her, traveling with my dads, and spending time in Lima. This is the first summer I'm not since she decided to move here after everything that happened at school, and when the coaching position opened up it seemed like fate." A sad smile graced Rachel's features but when she blinked it was gone as if it was never there, and her facial expression became neutral again." Papa and daddy are going to be gone for a while because we have a new restaurant opening up in Barcelona. With the opening and the rest of tour they'll be gone for a little over a year." Both boys frowned upon hearing the news.
Puck loved both papa berry's but, having been abandoned by his own dad, he didn't like the fact that they were kinda doing the same to his Jewish Princess even though it wasn't to the same extent.
Sam knew Rachel loved both of her dads and was use to them constantly leaving for business trips but he could tell the duration of this one bothered her even if she wouldn't admit it.
"Coach has been listed as one of my guardians since sixth grade so, her moving into the house was kind of automatic; she has her own wing." Since she was rambling she missed the boys incredulous looks at her words. "When you guys see the house I just don't want anything to change between us." As she kept driving the boys noticed that they were entering the nicest neighborhood Lima had to offer, even better than Lima Heights was Shaker Lima, their very own millionaire's row but, even with the latest confession neither boy was perturbed.
"Rach, you live in a mansion, not a castle it's fine." Sam said with a laugh as Noah nodded in agreement. Rachel grimaced at his word choice but chose not to comment on his assumption.
"Well we'll just talk about it more when we get there," Rachel said ending the conversation. Noah didn't like the tension rolling off of Rachel and decided to choose a song off of his iPod to lighten the mood; Rachel's car was frickin' Bluetooth compatible, no way was he passing up the opportunity to DJ. He stopped at a song he knew for sure would change Rachel's mood as he reached for the volume knob to turn the volume up sporting a wicked grin. As soon as the song started to play Rachel's lips twitched, fighting a smile. Sam, who had previously been looking out the window enraptured with the houses they were passing, jerked his head forward sporting a wide grin waiting for Rachel to start the song. When she didn't the boys decided to pick up the next verse instead.
"She was looking kind of dumb, with her finger and her thumb
In the shape of an 'L' on her forehead
Well, the years start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense, not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow"
Rachel bit her lip to keep from smiling but it was getting really hard. Stacy and Stevie really had no idea what was going on but they'd started playing imaginary instruments in the back row of the car. Stevie was playing fake drums with the help of Sam and Stacy started swinging her golden hair everywhere while playing an imaginary guitar.
"Hey now, you're an All Star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a Rock Star, get the show on, get paid"
By the time the chorus was coming to an end, she gave up and started to jam out with everyone else in the car.
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold
It's a cool place and they say it gets colder
You're bundled up, now wait 'til you get older
But the meteor men beg to differ
Judging by the hole in the satellite picture
The ice we skate is getting pretty thin
The waters getting warm, so you might as well swim
My world's on fire how about yours
That's the way I like it and I'll never get bored
Hey now, you're an All Star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a Rock Star, get the show on, get paid
All that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold
Go for the moon
Go for the moon
Go for the moon
Go for the moon
Hey now, you're an All Star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a Rock Star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars
At this point Rachel had an imaginary microphone and had been using the steering wheel as her own drum set, and everyone was dancing in their seat's. It was times like these that she was the happiest and couldn't be upset that her fathers decided to stay in Lima five years ago. She glanced over to Noah who was nodding his head like he was in a mosh pit and smiled.
Somebody once asked, could I spare some change for gas
I need to get myself away from this place
I said, Yep, what a concept I could use a little fuel myself
And we could all use a little change
At a red light she passed the imaginary microphone to Sam to belt out the hook while she played the drums.
Well, the years start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
He passed it to Puck and took over playing the imaginary guitar.
So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow
They all finished the final chorus singing at the top of their lungs, smiling like fools.
Hey now, you're an All Star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a Rock Star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold
When the song came to an end they all burst out laughing.
"Yoda, we have to do that song during one of sets," Noah said smiling.
"True shit," Rachel replied.
"Shit's never been truer," Noah and Sam replied back in unison. It was something they'd been saying since middle school; Rachel is a closet potty-mouth and they love giving her shit for it.
They started talking about more songs to play but when they reached Rachel's driveway the conversation stopped due to anticipation. The tiny diva took one last deep breath before pressing a button on her center console to open the gates.
As they proceed up the driveway they were surrounded by emerald green trees, a mixture of flowers surrounded each trunk. When they reached a certain point they could see gardeners still out trimming the trees and watering the flowers. Sam and Puck had already been gawking at the beauty of the trees but the presence of the gardeners had them second-guessing the modesty of Rachel's new home. After clearing the last two trees, and they knew why Rachel had been so apprehensive about their reactions. Rachel's new home was a freaking mini castle! The driveway eased out into a circle and Rachel bypassed wooden double doors to stop in front of a four-car garage. The car had been completely silent since they entered the driveway but, when Rachel parked her jeep and the motion censored lights flicked on to reveal the other cars in the garage Sam let out a girlish squeal and pressed his face against his window gaping at the 2014 Audi R8 parked next to Rachel's jeep, it was white like the Audi in Iron Man with customized silver rims.
Noah found himself in the same predicament except he was leering at the Shelby GT500 vintage mustang to his right. Rachel tried her best to not laugh but in the end she failed and was bent over the steering wheel with peels of laughter slipping past her lips.
"You guys should see your faces." Noah looked at Rachel, back to the mustang, and then back at Rachel again.
"Jew Babe, I don't even give a shit-"
"Noah! Language," Rachel said inclining her head towards Sam's siblings who were staring at them with blank faces; not really interested in what was going on.
"Rachel," he deadpanned. "You literally said the same word like five minutes ago." She bit her lip and gave him a sheepish smile. She tried really hard not to curse too often but, it's hard when she grew up with Noah and Sam for best friends, not to mention her Italian God Mother; she heard a few things. Noah's voice bought her out of her inner musings. "Tell me I can drive that, and I'll do anything you want for a year."
"Me too!" Sam said finally breaking out of his catatonic state. Rachel bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing before responding.
"I'm sorry guys, I can't." They both deflated instantly so, she hurried to explain why. "The mustang is Bear's. She bought it for herself after she won her first championship like ten years ago. She drove the Cayenne SUV the other day because she knew you guys might be riding with us after meeting up. The Audi is daddy's; it won't be here long. He wants it in Europe with him and papa but he got it at a dealership here in Ohio before they left. If I had a say you guys know I would let you drive them."
The boys let out longing sighs before nodding their heads and actually stepping out of the jeep.
"I bet they'll let you sit in them," Rachel tried. That got her a small smile from both boys, which was better than nothing.
"The Cayenne's missing, where's coach?" Sam asked as he helped his brother and sister out of Rachel's jeep. Rachel shrugged.
"I don't know, she said she had some errands to run." With that they headed towards a door that lead them out of the garage.
When they stepped through the door they entered a small space to remove their shoes before reaching stairs that lead them into the foyer. The walls one both sides of the stairs had pictures of Rachel and her dads at a few car shows over the years. When they reached the top of the stairs Stacy let out a small gasp, and Noah whistled surveying his surrounding's. Sam was just spinning in a circle trying to take it all in.
The ceiling was vaulted starting in the foyer and bleeding out into the living room, family room, and kitchen from what they could see. The spectacular part about it was that each room had a Plexiglas ceiling, which allowed light to shine through naturally; it was fucking beautiful. The sun shining through the glass gave each room a welcoming vibe and took away from the grandiose appearance that appeared on the outside of the house.
"Well Rachel, where are your manners, give us the whole tour," Sam said with a wink. With that Rachel let go of the nerves she'd had been holding onto worrying about whether or not her friends would treat her differently.
"Follow me this way my dears," Rachel said with a faux British accent and a flourish of her hands.
Directly in front of them a few feet away was a staircase that went up and broke off in to two more staircases, each going the opposite direction of the other leading to separate hallways, it was almost like looking at a cross. Underneath the stairs going up there were stairs going down just like the stairs above them, two ways to enter. On one side of the huge staircase was a family room with loungers and some couches. Family pictures adorned the walls and there were modern cabinets that housed a bunch of different board games.
From there she led them about four steps down into the living room that was by far the most beautiful part of the front of the house. The living room was painted a very light blue and charcoal grey. The sunlight coming from the ceiling made the colors appear a smidge brighter than they were which had a sort of calming effect making the environment more comfortable. Their living room had huge bay windows on the back wall, giving you a direct view to a part the backyard. On the wall adjacent to back wall is a brownstone fireplace that had dark stones extending from the ceiling to the floor. Sitting in the corner by the fireplace was a baby grand piano from Rachel's old house. There was an L shaped coach on the back wall with a mocha colored coffee table in front of it. There were two lazy-boys to the left of the couch and a loveseat to the right of the coach. When they turned away to look at the wall opposite of the back wall they were faced with a modest flat screen television and shelves that housed little trinkets from various foreign countries.
"I thought the flat screen would be gigantic," Puck said through a laugh. Rachel grimaced
"The one in the movie room is pretty big," she said with a sheepish smile. Boys both snorted in unison. "I know it's a lot to take in. You guys have honestly been perfect so, I'll give you time to adjust. Just know me casa es su casa you guys are always welcomed here. I have a room connected to mine in the basement for whenever you spend the night.
Both boys beamed with appreciation in their eyes. People who chose to mistreat Rachel would never know how self-less the little brunette could be. Sometimes the boys felt bad for the rest of the glee club but most of the time they didn't because they didn't deserve to have someone so special befriend them when in return they treated her like shit.
"Alright then Princess Yoda, onward with the rest of the tour," Noah said tossing Rachel over his shoulder in a fireman carry. Rachel giggled, something she rarely did these days.
"Put me down you goon!"
"No can do Jew Babe, direct from my shoulder." Giving into Noah's silliness Rachel let herself be carried and directed them towards the kitchen that was off of the living room. Again it was gorgeous. It was painted white with marble accents but it was decorated with a vintage design. The island had a kitchen bar connected it to it and against one of the walls was a customized booth that could easily seat eight people. Above the booth was a blue neon sign in the form of a music note that probably once belonged to an old jazz club. From far away it looked like that one wall also had vintage pictures on it but, the closer they got the boys could see that it was black and white pictures of the berry family. Both boys were pleasantly surprised however to find pictures of them with Rachel from their childhood, along with pictures of them and their families at different Berry Family functions from over the years.
"We left some of the wall undone to be able to add more pictures up until senior year and beyond," Rachel said motioning to the empty spaces on the panorama esque wall.
Noah had to put Rachel down because "something was in his eye," and Rachel and Sam were nice enough to act like he wasn't standing their crying because they understood. In some way they all had deep seeded family issues.
Noah's dad abandoned him, his mom, and his little sister so, he felt like he had to be the man of the house, which was a lot of pressure.
Sam's parents struggled so much he basically had to raise his siblings.
And Rachel. She hated to complain when she had it so good but, sometimes she wondered if her mom would have never given her up if it wasn't for her condition, and sometimes she wonders if she ruined her fathers experience of raising a daughter since they have to have awkward conversations reserved for fathers who have son's.
The one thing they all had in common though, was that when it came to the three of them and the family they created, none of those problems existed. They loved each other no questions asked, everything was unconditional and they felt safe. It was a bond they didn't plan on letting anyone ever break.
Moving on with the tour it was noted that the Berry's appreciated the use of glass and it's ability to allow nature into the decorum of their home. The wall opposite of the booth and adjacent to the kitchen island was completely glass, and you could open it like a patio door to walk out onto a trail that led to various parts of the backyard.
"I promise I'll give you guys the full tour soon but for right now I'm going to take you to the recreation wing so we can do treatment, shower, dress, and relax before work later."
"Sure."
"No complaints here Jew Babe, " Puck said now that he'd had gotten himself composed. Both boys put one the Evans kids on their backs and followed Rachel.
The recreation wing consisted of a game room, the movie room, an indoor basketball court, an indoor pool, and last but not least they gym that was equipped with trainer equipment.
They sat the twins on one of the massage tables and trusted them to sit still with their Gameboys while they ice-bathed.
"So if we stayed over oftennnnnn?" Noah asked hesitantly. In her peripheral Rachel could see Sam eagerly awaiting her reply.
"If you were over here all the time it would be perfectttt," she hissed out as she lowered herself into the freezing water in only a sports bra and compression shorts. She fully submerged herself before she continued. "I really want you guys over as often as you want to be, this house is huge, it's been lonely," she says blushing out of embarrassment since she's been the one avoiding the guys.
"Really?" Sam ask looking hopeful.
"Yes," She said with a laugh and an eye roll. "Did you miss the part about me having a room done for you guys?" At the mention of the room both boys sported almost giddy smiles and leant over to fist bump Rachel in place of a hug.
"Thank you Rae," Noah said bashfully before closing his eyes and resting his head on the back of his tub.
"This makes my balls feel weird," Sam commented studying his lap suspiciously.
"Samuel!" Rachel shouted with a scowl.
"What, it does," he said unapologetically with an impish grin, and just like that the mood was lighter, and Rachel would never admit it aloud but she totally agreed with Sam, her balls felt weird too.
Leaving the track Santana couldn't help but to keep replaying the conversation with Rachel in her head. She always started at point A, and somehow ended up at I've fucked up and insulted Berry again when all she really wanted was a chance to start over with the tiny brunette.
Free of any spectators and their potential scrutiny she finally allowed herself to indulge in a private face palm and self-berating.
"Dios Mio. Why can't you at least be civil when the munchkin talks to? Cause she's freaking gorgeous and you that she makes you soft," Santana grumbled to herself. Releasing a frustrated sigh, Santana pinched the bridge of her nose before tucking her headphones into her ears and continuing her trek home. She knew that when she got home it'd ultimately be her watching her sister for the rest of the day as her father scrambled out of the door with no intention of returning home until the next day when he completed his rotation in general surgery.
He started working longer hours than necessary when her mother left their family four years ago, right after she had her little sister, Luna-Noelle Maria Lopez. Yea that hurt like a bitch, she read everything she could on post-partum depression but it didn't help ease the sting, especially since her mom hadn't left much of a note or tried to contact them sense. It was tough trying to take care of her little sister with no support from friends or family. Her papi told her that sometimes things were only meant for the ears of family so, most of the time she made up excuses about her mother's job constantly needing her to travel and everyone already knew her father was a doctor which meant his absence wasn't questioned as much. The only problem is that both of her best friends had boobs and brains. Brittany had an open way of thinking but she was easily one of the most intelligent people Santana knew, and to be honest the quirky girl probably already knew and was just waiting for Santana to come to her about it. Quinn was scary. Her home life was even more fucked up than Santana's and it transferred over to her social life. Sometimes she was unpredictable and lashed out like a caged animal, sniffing out your weaknesses and then pouncing on them like a predator going in for the kill.
Glancing around her lavish neighborhood she released another sigh, it just felt so fucking empty. She started distancing herself from Quinn and Brittany a few years ago when she realized her baby-sister needed her more. It was one of the reasons Brit was so affectionate at school, the other was because well it's Brittany. She won't lie though. Once upon a time they did hook up, emphasis on once. Ironically enough it was because of Rachel. When she found herself attracted to Rachel she was confused and scared.
Her mom wasn't around so, fuck yourself if you think she was talking to her dad about being attracted to another girl. Brittany helped her explore her sexuality and that was that, they didn't go at it at like bunnies all of the time contrary to popular belief. Before Brittany she did make the mistake of loosing her virginity to Puck, she was foolish and thought it was something necessary in order to cement herself in McKinley's social hierarchy. It was a mistake she never plans on repeating. She's made out with people for appearances sake but she hasn't been with anyone since Brittany, she really didn't want to after she realized Rachel was hers.
She's Santana Lopez so yea she's fucking possessive but that's not the way she means it. Rachel was and still is her awakening. It was during before freshman year. She remeb- "Oomph." Before she can finish her musings a small body collides with her own. "Ana!" Her little sister shouts enthusiastically. She looks down to see Luna peering up at her through thick lashes with a dimpled grin. Quickly adjusting her duffle bag she leans down to scoop her little sister in her arms.
"Niñita, what are you doing out here by yourself hmm," she asks while blowing raspberries on the little girls stomach but, internally her blood is boiling; where the fuck is her father. As if summoned the sound of a trunk closing makes her glance up the driveway.
Her father was rounding the back of his Benz and in the car before she could blink. When she saw his reverse lights come on she shuffled over a few steps to ensure her and Lu were out of the way. He reversed down the driveway until he reached them at the bottom.
"Hola princesa, you enjoy your workout?" Looking at her father she could see the softness in his eyes when he looked at them but it didn't take away from the anger his constant neglect brought forward.
"Si, papi," she answered curtly through slightly clenched teeth. Her father picked up on her tone and let out an exasperated sigh.
"Sani, you need to work on your temper, too much anger isn't good for your health." With that he reached out to wiggle Luna's foot before backing out of the driveway completely, leaving Santana standing mouth agape staring after him incredulously.
"Unfucking believable. I wouldn't have anger problems if you didn't make me angry," Santana grumbled to herself as she started digging around in her bag for her house keys, only to stop when she realized the door was already open, "mierda, I am so done with today."
"It looks like you need someone to play with your kitty San." Before she could stop herself Santana let out an embarrassing yelp before whirling around to face one of the only the people who could sneak up on her.
"Dios Mio Brit! You can't sneak up on me like that, I almost dropped Lu to go all Lima Heights on your ass." While the Latina tried to inconspicuously lower her heart rate, Brittany merely blinked before bouncing on her toes and holding her arms for Santana's little sister or as she liked to refer to her, jelly bean.
During a trip to the mall a conservative couple took it upon themselves to sneer at Santana and Luna. They walked away before Snixx could be released but not before referring to the two Latinas as beaners. The derogatory term slipped right over Brittany's innocent little head, and left in its wake a seed was planted for Luna's nickname. If it was anybody but Brittany calling her that they'd probably have a perpetual black eye. The joke was on those assholes though; they weren't even Mexican, no disrespect to Mexicans, ALL DISRESPECT TO RASCIST PEOPLE.
"I did call your name San but it looked like you were trying to hurt your dad with your eyes, can I hold Jelly Bean?" The question was unnecessary; Lu was squirming in Santana's arm's reaching for her auntie Brit-Brit anyway. Still slightly grumbling Santana handed her sister to Brittany before turning and leading them into the house. "I was serious about your kitty though San," Brittany said with a stern tone.
'Oh fuck' Santana thought with a slight whine.
"Brit I don't want to talk about that stuff." She wasn't shy or anything but, she hated seeming vulnerable and if she had to have one more conversation with Brittany about how she didn't want to have sex again until it was with someone special which, was really just code for Rachel, she was going to have to go out and do something stupid to retain her badass persona.
"Fine, but at least find time to Brooke yourself Sanny the sexy doctor said it releases endorphins that'll make you wanna kill your dad less." The feisty brunette's eyebrows furrowed in discomfort.
"You talk to your gyno about that stuff B?" It was Brittany's turn scrunch her nose up in unease.
"No, Sanny. That's weird," she said looking at Santana confusedly. Before Santana could respond Brittany's phone lit up where she'd set it on the counter signaling a text message. As one of Brittany's best friends Santana knew Brittany's facial expressions pretty well, which is why she was instantly suspicious that someone else was receiving the "Sanny Bear" smile.
"Who are you texting Brit?" Santana asked not even trying to hide her curiosity. Brittany glanced up with a bright smile before answering.
"Little Foot, she wants to surprise me with something tonight. " At that admission Santana was immediately placated. Over the last few years Brittany had mentioned whoever the hell Little Foot is a few times, and Santana knew the relationship between the two was completely platonic.
"Does that mean you're not hitting up the party with me and Q tonight?" Brittany bit her lip pensively before shaking her head definitively.
"Mmmmm no. She's super excited to show me whatever this is. Besides I'm surprised you're going to that party San, Amizmo is throwing it which means Dave will be there and we don't like Dave San," Brittany explained slowly as if she was talking to a child causing Santana let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Yea I know Brit-Brit," Santana mumbled "but my Abuela wants a night with Luna and I just need a night out, you know?" Brittany nodded sympathetically, conflicted internally. She wished she could bring Sanny Bear with her but Rachel said it was an Avengers only invitation, which meant her and the boys. Most people didn't know it but she was totally Thor in a past life; Puck wanted Rachel to name little Ray the hammer after he decided to name mini Puck puckasarus but Ray couldn't because she had totally already given her favorite dildo that name.
Noting the glazed over look in her friend's eyes Santana knew Brittany had checked out on her.
"B, " Santana said snapping her fingers in front of the quirky blonde's face.
"Yea San," Brittany answered, veering away from the inappropriate thoughts she started to have.
"Do you mind hanging with Lu while I shower?" The brunette asked nodding her head in the direction of the living room where here little sister was playing with toys.
"Of course not," Brittany said sliding off the stool she was sitting on but before she reached the living room she turned back around with a somber look on her face.
"What's wrong Brits," Santana asked, eyebrows furrowed in concern.
"Don't forget to Brooke yourself Sanny, the tortoise doctor knows her stuff," and with that she was skipping off to the living room. Santana stood frozen for a second before mouthing 'tortoise doctor' and trudging up the stairs, she learned a long time ago not to question some of the things Brittany said.
Five o'clock p.m. found the three friends piling back into Rachel's jeep and heading off to pick Brittany up, leaving Stevie and Stacie in the care of their coach.
"I'm so pumped Smalls," Sam said from the passenger seat with one of the widest grins Rachel and Puck had ever seen.
"You can say that 2x, I really want to know what this restaurant and bar look like Ray. Are we gonna be rockstars for the summer or what?" Puck asked, and Rachel couldn't help but to let out a little chuckle at the level of excitement her friends were displaying.
"I'm not giving anything away Puck, you guys will all see at the same time," and when Puck legitimately pouted she snorted, mannerisms be damn. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Sam glancing between his phone and her stereo system. Not understanding his hesitancy she gave him the go ahead to dj.
"Ray," Sam said seriously " no matter what I choose to play next just let it happen." Looking at Sam as much as she could while also driving she tried to decipher his facial and expression in correlation with what he just said, and it didn't take long for it to click.
"Sam don't do it," she said sounding desperate.
"I have to Princess Yoda, but don't worry Puck and I will be here for you every step of the way if we loose you again." In the back seat Puck silently agreed with a nod, face grim, and with that Sam pressed play and sound of Nickelback's "Rockstar" started floating through the jeep.
"Have you no mercy?" Rachel cried dramatically as she tried to grab for Sam's phone with one hand.
"Let it happen Ray," Sam said while trying to fight the girl off with both his hands. When Rachel realized her attempts were futile, she gave up and flopped back in her seat. A few beats of silence passed before Sam spoke again. "Want me to start it over so you can sing along Smalls?" he cooed soothingly. Keeping her eyes on the road Rachel replied through clenched teeth, embarrassed.
"Yes…you guys suck," Not being able to hold back any more. Puck and Sam started cackling uncontrollably.
In eight grade, when the song originally came out. For some reason Rachel couldn't get enough of it. They boys loved it too originally but Rachel had taken it to the extreme. Sometimes she even gave herself a fake beard and mustache, which led to renditions around the house when she thought no one else was home, and those led to an intervention.
The rest of the car ride consisted of that song twice, fergalicous, sexy back, and anyway you want it once; their music selection was always a shit show. Their usual shenanigans had them in high spirits until they arrived at their destination and realized who's address it was that Brittany text Rachel. Rachel grabbed her phone to call Brittany but it was unnecessary. The bubbly blond appeared in the doorway a few seconds before she was done unlocking her phone. She set her phone back down in her cup holder and when she glanced back up her breath hitched, her heart fluttered, and her cock twitched in her tight Levi's; she prayed the whimper was in her head and not out loud.
Santana stood next to Brittany in red cheerleading shorts, a white tank top, and her hair was slightly tousled like she let it air dry. She looked gorgeous. As if she knew the affect she was having on Rachel she turned her head and their eyes to met.
"Brit, Rachel knows Little Foot?" Santana questioned, eyes still locked with Rachel's. She hadn't seen Rachel look at her like that, in two years.
"Yea San," Brittany replied absentmindedly as she transferred Jelly Bean over after giving her a hug goodbye.
"Hmmm," Santana replied back as she shifted Luna on her hip. Rachel held her gaze until someone in the backseat leaned forward and said something to make tiny girls jaw clench and face forward. Brittany, who was done saying goodbye to the little tike witnessed the same thing and figured it was time to get to the car.
"I'll see you later Sanny Bear," Brittany said hugging the brunette goodbye. "Be safe, and watch out for Q tonight for me please," she said giving her best pout and puppy dog eyes.
"Uggghhh," Santana said turning her head away from the blonde "put the pout away Brit, I'll watch out for the crazy bitch," she said mumbling the last part under her breath.
"Be nice San," Brittany said before linking their pinkies for a squeeze and giving Santana a kiss on the cheek before turning to leave. Santana just rolled her eyes not even surprised that her friend somehow heard her.
Before she turned to go inside she glanced back at the jeep hoping to see those mocha eyes one more time. She wasn't disappointed. Deciding to take advantage of the opportunity she was being given she gave a warm smile and a wave. She watched Rachel's eyes widen slightly in surprise before she gave a slightly lopsided grin and wave in return. Biting her lip in amusement she smiled one more time before going back in the house.
Back in the jeep things were slightly tense.
"I'm just saying, I hit that once and with a little bit more work I could hit that on the regular." Puck said with a lecherous grin completely oblivious to the effect his words were having on his friend
"Puck, for the last time stop being so fucking crude," Rachel said with a slight growl and tense jaw causing Puck to look at her incredulously.
"Chill out Ray, since when do you care about Slutana?" Puck asked a little put off with his friend's attitude. Before Rachel could respond Brittany slid into the car, and Rachel chose not to respond even though it went against her natural instincts to defend the girl she'd been crushing on for years.
"Did you know sharks don't share food," Brittany started without any preamble "sometimes they even eat each other if they have to," she said matter-of-factly. Puck spared her a blank look, not at all following but Sam quirked an eyebrow in Rachel's direction, which she studiously ignored. "It's easier to be a dolphin, they share food back and forth sometimes if they have to," she continued on. "I love unicorns," she said as if someone asked, "even if they fought to the death for their mates when they had to," she finished, eyes burning holes into the back of Rachel's seat. When she felt her point had been made she returned back to her bubbly self. " I can't wait for this surprise," she said bouncing in her seat a little bit.
"Yea!" Sam said jumping in to try and help ease the tension in the car. "Judd Nelson fist pump, that this is going to be a good summer, and school year when it starts," he said turning in his seat to meet everyone's eyes. Drama momentarily forgotten everyone fist pumped in unison and Rachel finally put the car in drive to head to the restaurant.
It seemed like everything would be fine until Puck spoke again.
"What the hell were you talking about B?" the car got quiet again and Sam closed his eyes in annoyance.
"You're a shark Puck, you'll figure it out," she said effectively ending the conversation.
With that Rachel turned the music back up and let her mind wander back to the moment she first met Santana Lopez freshman year. A moment few know about that's been a catalyst for so many things. Her first kiss. Her first and only crush. The ploy with Finn. The growing fiction between her and one of her closes friends….
Ok so she was a little lost. She'd been trying to stay under the radar and dodge Quinn and the rest of her squad. She had yet to be slushied but she didn't want to test her luck. Somehow though, she got turned around trying to find the back way into the auditorium.
"Fuck," she said trying yet another door only for it to be locked. She had two more options, a door a few feet away and a door at the end of the hallway. "Whelp, never to old for eeny meeny miny mo," she muttered to herself. Landing on the door at the end of the hallway she gave the handle a tug and to her surprise it opened. "Yea chicka yea," she sung to herself as she opened the the door completely. Before making her way to the front of the stage she shuffled around backstage searching for her guitar's hiding spot. "Ah ha," she said spotting her case. With her guitar case in hand she continued making her way to the front the stage but, a few paces away from rounding the curtain separating the front from the back the sound of sniffles stopped her in her tracks. Keeping still to try and pinpoint where the sounds were coming from she estimated someone was sitting on the edge of the stage. Slowly, she rounded the curtain completely and set her guitar case down, an action she regretted instantly when the girl in front of her stiffened before rounding on the spot to look at her.
She froze. Too nervous to move or to speak.
The girl sitting in front of her was breathtaking. Even with the tear tracks and slightly red eyes Rachel had never seen another girl as beautiful. Her slightly round cheeks and almond shaped eyes with pools of chocolate honed in on her own, and she was speechless. Well until Santana spoke to her for the first time.
"What the fuck are you doing in here hobbit," the girl asked with a sneer causing Rachel to wince and snap out of her daze. Finding her feet and her voice Rachel approached the girl, ignoring the glare being sent her way because of said action.
"Did you just call me a hobbit?" Rachel asked rhetorically as she sat down next to the girl she could now identify as a cheerleader making her wince again internally, "because I'll have you know due to my growth spurt they kicked me out of the shire last year," she said with a grin, only to be met with that same glare.
"You're not funny," the cheerleader said with narrowed eyes, not liking that the other girl's grin gave her slight butterflies, or 'maybe it was gas' she thought to herself.
"Is that a challenge," Rachel asked with a slightly raised eyebrow and same crooked grin.
"No, that was a fuck off," Santana said as she discreetly tried to wipe her eyes.
"Hmmm," Rachel said contemplating her options "I'll leave if I can get you to smile."
"Or I could just go all Lima Heights on your ass," Santana replied raising an eyebrow of her own.
"What does that even mean?" Rachel asked perplexed, causing the other brunette to roll her eyes.
"It kinda looses its effect if I have to explain it to you hobbit." She retorted exasperatedly.
"Do I get to pick out a nickname for you too?" Rachel asked amused. Before Santana could respond she kept going "because if I do I choose Hermosa, your beautiful. Even when you're being mean to me," Rachel whispered eyes locked with the other girl. Licking her lips to deliver a snarky retort Santana found she couldn't get anything pass the lump in her throat with the tiny girl looking at her the way she was; she made her feel beautiful and they'd only met a few minutes ago. "Knock, knock." Rachel said once again gaining the cheerleader's attention. With an eye roll she decided to indulge the other girl.
"Who's there?" she asked trying to sound annoyed, not sure how much she succeeded if the smile she received in return was anything to go by.
"Daisy," Rachel responded, eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Daisy who," Santana replied obligatorily, fighting to keep her expression stoic in the presence of such an infectious person.
"Daisy me rollin', they hatin'!"
"Nope, stop it." Santana said, biting her lip to keep from smiling. "I'm going to stop you and that corny joke right there nerd." The pout she received in return made her falter and she found herself wanting to smile at the other girls adorableness; since when the fuck does she say adorableness?
"One more," Rachel pleaded, not ready to end her time with this unknown girl.
"Fine," Santana said with a huff.
"Knock, knock." Rachel started up again.
"Who's there?" Santana deadpanned.
"Urine," Rachel replied biting her lip.
"Urine who?" Santana said scrunching her nose up in disgust.
"Urine secure, don't know what for," Rachel sung in reply, and before she could stop herself Santana's lips quirked up slightly, but enough to make Rachel's face light up and keep singing, "you're turning heads when you walk through the do-oo-or. Don't need make up, to cover up being the way that you are is en-ou-gh."
"Your level of corniness astounds me nerd," is all she got in return.
"And your level of complexity is appealing," Rachel replied not missing a beat, eyes full of sincerity. "Why were you crying," she asked gently, hoping to not overstep any boundaries but, just like that Santana's walls were back up and that signature glare was present.
"Why do you care?" She responded eyes hard face blank. Rachel paused to think for a second before responding.
"Everybody needs someone," she said with a shrug; she made the executive decision to leave out the fact that Santana had her questioning her stance on love at first sight.
The sardonic snort she received in reply took her by surprise but, Santana didn't elaborate any further and she knew not to push. Santana gazed forward instead of at Rachel and for a few minutes they sat in comfortable silence.
"What were you coming in here to do?" Santana asked genuinely curious and effectively changing the subject but Rachel took it for what it was and went along with the subject change easily.
"I usually play during this time," she said motioning behind them with her hand in the direction of her guitar.
"Play something for me?" Santana asked biting her lip shyly. Rachel's eyes tracked the movement and it almost made her moan aloud, she wanted to suck on that lip. Fuck.
"What do I get in return?" She asked playfully. Santana made a noise of contemplation while tapping her chin.
"Hmmmm, how about we stick with me not kicking your eyes," she retorted, eyes shining with slight mirth. Rachel shook her head in amusement if only the other girl knew what she was capable of but nevertheless she went to grab her guitar before returning to her spot next to Santana.
"Any request?" she asked while she strumming a few chords to tune her guitar. Santana shook her head in the negative giving her free reign. Glancing up in to warm brown eyes, she smiled slightly before making her decision. "This is the acoustic version, but the name of the song is "I Know Places", by Lykke Li.
"I know places we can go babe," She sang never breaking eye contact with Santana. "I know places we can go babe. The high wont fade here babe. No, the high wont hurt here babe." Unconsciously Santana found herself scooting closer to Rachel drawn in by the girl's eyes and voice.
"I know places we can go babe.
I know places we can go babe.
Where the highs wont bring you down babe.
No, The highs won't hurt you there babe.
Don't ask me when, but ask me why.
Don't ask me how, but ask me where.
There is a road. There is a way.
There is a place. There is a place.
Santana found herself closing her eyes and just trying to soak up the girls voice and the comfort it offered. "I know places we can go babe Coming home. Come unfold babe. And, the high wont fade here babe. No, the high wont hurt here babe."
Strumming the guitar a little harder Rachel tried to remember to breathe properly while she sang. "So,
Come lay... And wait... Now wont you lay... and wait... Wait on me." When Santana opened her eyes again Rachel found herself drowning in the girls gaze, and she couldn't resist leaning forward a little bit more, pleased when Santana did the same.
"I know places we can go babe." She sang softly. "Coming home. Come unfold babe. I know places we can go babe. Coming home. Come unfold babe." She sang out barley above a whisper thrumming the last chord.
Leaning forward to close the distance between herself and Santana she paused one more time a breath away. Glancing up and reading her own desire reflected back at her she closed the distance.
She wasn't disappointed, she felt Santana everywhere even though their lips were the only thing touching. She felt goose bumps erupt all over causing her to shiver and let out a small moan. She felt so alive; her body had never felt so sensitive, when Santana slide her tongue along her bottom lip asking for entrance, she eagerly granted it. When their tongues met the spark she felt went straight to her dick causing her to whimper and Santana to groan at the sound experiencing the same intensity herself. She knew it couldn't last too long, but she wasn't ready for the bell to ring causing Santana to pull away abruptly, panic written all over her face. Rachel knew it meant she wasn't going to stick around much longer but she didn't expect to feel such a profound sense of lost when Santana hopped up and took a few steps away from her preparing to bolt.
"Wait," she called out, voice rough with arousal. "Tell me your name at least, please?" she practically pleaded. Santana's brown eyes were dark with arousal but she could also see the confusion and longing there. She turned to leave and Rachel hung her head in rejection.
"Santana Lopez," Santana said with her back still to Rachel. Rachel's head jerked up at the sound of her voice and she found herself smiling until Santana spoke again "Hide yourself in the open Rachel, if anyone here finds out that you like girls your four years here will be hell. Change the way you dress," She said glancing over her shoulder at Rachel's Abercrombie jeans, plaid shirt, and all black converse. "Being gay in Lima is bad enough, finding out about your other secret would be worse in this small town." Until she mentioned it Rachel hadn't noticed the bulge that had formed in her pants. "Find a guy to date," Santana said in a slightly strangled voice, confused as to why everything with Rachel felt so intense. "No one can know." Rachel closed her eyes before opening them again.
"Know about what?" She asked, voice even. Santana nodded her head once in approval before turning around again and making her way off stage.
"If only things were different," Santana whispered before pushing through the doors and leaving the auditorium.
"When your ready," Rachel whispered back even though she knew the other girl wouldn't hear her.
The next day Rachel showed up in her Rachel Berry esque attire, and for the first time she was slushied. Her exterior became a little harder and things between her and Santana are more strained than she ever wanted, but the way things went at the track gave her hope.
Closing her eyes at a red light, she can still remember the poem she went home and wrote the night they met.
A multitude of emotions crash into me,
And you become a casualty.
I waver in between the cosmos and fantasies, dreaming of a way to break free from
boundaries,
subtleties,
and
Lies.
Separating us from the purity of
Now.
Bend the momentum of previous fallacies.
Ly with me unburdened,
with abandon
And omit notions.
Let's just be two souls unkempt, until only you
Are with me…
We're free.
'One more time,' She thought to herself as she opened her eyes again. One more time she'd try and at least be friends with Santana and hopefully more. Glancing around the jeep at her laughing friends, she just wasn't sure at what cost.
As usual guys please continue to review, I don't mind criticism but don't be an asshole. Only I can be asshole about my story : p There are some references you may not have gotten!
1. Jimmy Kimmel and Kanye West twitter war (if you can even classify it as that)
2. Rizzoli and Isles
3. The Breakfast Club
4. Superbad
Thank you again for the support. Float On. - modest mouse song.