Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Glee or any of its characters. I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine.
Chapter 15
Santana/Rachel/Quinn/Brittany
The next morning Quinn was the first to wake. She looked over and smiles at San and Rachel. She looks over and smiles bigger looking at a sleeping Britt. Looking down at their bodies they resemble a pretzel. She chuckles quietly, there is no way that she is getting out of this be without waking at least one if not two of the girls. She settles back down for a minute not wanting to disturb her friends. After about five minutes she feels Britt moving.
She looks over her shoulder and watches as Britt stretches and opens her eyes. "Good morning sunshine," Quinn whispers to the taller blonde.
Britt looks over Quinn at the other two girls and whispers back. "Morning, how bout we go down and fix breakfast and let them sheep a bit more. Rachie had a rough week and if San moves she will wake up for sure." Quinn nods and they slowly and quietly slide off the bed and down the stairs.
Once in the kitchen Quinn decides to bake some vegan banana bread and make fruit smoothies. Rachel had said that they needed to eat all the fruit in the kitchen before buying more before what they had went bad. So bananas in the bread the rest in the blender. Brittany started chopping fruit and Quinn started the bread batter. After getting the bread batter complete she puts it in muffin tins and puts it in the oven. She moves over to Britt to see her progress with the chopping.
She's just finishing and looks up at Quinn as she approaches. "Hey this is way too much fruit for four smoothies."
Quinn just smiles, "I know, but we are going to make it all with soy and a little coconut milk and protein powder. Then we will pour four glasses full and put it in the refrigerator to have when the banana bread is done. The rest will go in to bowls that we cover and put them into the freezer for a snack kinda like ice cream for later. Rach hasn't been eating enough and I want to try and get the extra protein and fruit down her today."
Britt smiles happily, "That's a great idea and we get ice cream too." She says clapping then goes back to her last few bananas that need chopped.
As they are finishing up the smoothies, upstairs Rachel is starting to stir. She looks up at San seeing her still sleeping then looks over her shoulder to find Quinn but she and Britt are not in the bed. Her movements are waking Santana and she tightens her grip on the tiny diva too bring her back to her.
Rachel chuckles nuzzling into San's neck. "San, it's time to get up."
San just mumbles sleepily, "No querida, more snuggles and sleep."
Rachel chuckles some more as San pulls her leg over her hips and almost brings her on top of herself. "San, the others have already gotten up. The day's wasting away."
"No. No day is wasted holding you." She says tightening her grip on the leg over her.
Rachel is now starting to realize the close proximity of their bodies. She burrows into San more her mouth accidently rubbing against the girls pulse point at the base of her neck. "San… we really should get up." She says without much conviction her breath ghosting over San's neck.
San gasps and is about to agree to getting up, not wanting to push her in anyway but Rachel's lips on her neck brings her to a halt.
Rachel starts kissing her neck moving up toward her face. When she almost reaches her mouth she looks up into her eyes. "I really want to kiss you right now." She pauses both of their breaths raged. "Can I?"
San really wants to say yes and grab her and never let go. "Are you sure it's not too soon?" At the look of devastation on Rachel's face she continues on quickly. "I want to kiss you carińo. Oh god do I want to kiss you right now. I just want you to be sure. A lot has happened this week, and not all bad. I just don't want you to ever regret kissing me."
Rachel doesn't hesitate a bit, she shifts a little more on top of her. "San, I don't take this kind of thing lightly. I'm not that person who jumps in without thinking about the consequences. I have wanted to kiss you for so long, and now that I know you want that too… I'm not going to let that monster take away anything else from me. So I'm going to kiss you." she stops talking, leans in and takes San's lips with her own.
It was not a hard or demanding kiss by any means. It was a soft brushing of lips. Nothing but a light caress, and Santana was seeing stars. She let Rachel control it keeping her hands settle on her hips not moving, not wanting to scare her. Rachel shifted her head just a little and ran her tongue along San's bottom lip pulling a soft moan from the girl. She raised her head to look into her eyes. She saw the desire in them along with care, compassion and something else she couldn't identify but she was sure it was something she wanted to see.
She had only ever kissed two other people and had never felt anything like this before. She leaned back down to kiss her again and only this time she added more pressure and Santana responded in kind. The kiss was getting more heated and Rachel decided to run her tongue along her lips again only with a little more force. San gasped opening her mouth just enough for Rachel to take advantage and run her tongue along her teeth. This was all the encouragement that San needed. She invited her into her mouth gladly and they started dueling with their tongues. They explored each other's mouths languidly, softly, and lovingly never letting it get out of control. Just enjoying each other. They pulled away slowly when the need for breathing became necessary. They rested their foreheads together trying to catch their breaths looking into each other's eyes.
San noticed a tear fall from Rachel's eye and gently wiped it away. "What's wrong querida? Why the tears?"
Rachel shook her head a little. "Nothing is wrong. I'm just really happy. After this week, hell after the last year and a half, it's good to be happy. That's all, happy tears." She said as she places a lingering kiss to San's mouth, "we need to talk about this but not now, now it's time to get up before the other two come in and find us in a compromising position." She giggles as Santana frowns at this and pecks her lips once more. "Besides, I'm hungry. Let's go find the others and some food." She says this as she rolls off San and pulls her with her out of the bed.
They make their way to the bathroom in Rachel's room to brush their teeth and follow the smell of breakfast down the stairs. As they entered the kitchen they notice Brittany sitting at the counter sipping a cup of coffee while Quinn is standing at the counter by the oven.
Quinn turns to look at them as they enter. "Hey sleepy heads, you're just in time, the banana bread just came out of the oven." She turns to Britt, "why don't you get the smoothies out of the fridge and set the table?"
Britt nods but Rachel cuts in, "I can set the table Britt just get the smoothies, and San why don't you grab us some coffee and we can sit." San nods and they all move to their assigned tasks.
Once they are seated and Quinn places the bread on the table she turns to Rachel. "We used the rest of the fruit this morning. I made the banana bread with most of the bananas. The rest went in to the smoothies Britt and I made with the rest of the fruit. I also added some protein powder to it too. The leftover smoothie we put in the freezer in bowls for an ice cream type snack for later. I hope that's ok?"
Rachel just looks at her in awe. "Of course it's ok. Thank you, but you don't have to cook all the time. I am perfectly capable of making us a meal too. I appreciate it but I don't want you to feel you have to.
Quinn shakes her head. "I don't feel I have to. I enjoy cooking and it seems to make you and San happy to eat what I make so win win." She says with a shy smile.
San cuts in this time. "We appreciate it, and it does make us happy. You are an excellent cook. You'd never know that everything you have made this week is vegan. I've had vegan food at restaurants that tasted like cardboard and I paid a lot for those meals. I'd eat your cooking any day. But I am a good cook as well and tonight I am cooking. We are going to grill out and lounge around. I'm making portabella mushroom burgers and grilled zucchini and squash. Oh and those sweet potato fries you like Britt."
Britt clapped happily, Quinn just nodded, but Rachel looked confused. "How long have you guys been eating vegan food?"
San answered first. "Since the first of the year when you brought all that vegan food to the back to school carry in we had."
Quinn nodded and continued on. "Yep. Sue wanted us all to go on a special diet and after we tasted your food we researched the vegan diet and talked her into that instead of the crazy one she wanted us on."
Britt joined in now, "I can't cook very well but mom does pretty good. I love the vegan lasagna she makes and I like all the stuff Q and San make me, and the stuff you share with me after gymnastics and dance."
Rachel is just shocked but happy with this revelation. "Well in that case we should start taking turns cooking and Britt can help with prep work if she wants." They all nod happily and finish eating.
After breakfast is cleaned up Rachel address the others. "I'm going to go and take a shower and put on my workout clothes, Sam will be here in an hour."
San looks to her. "Ok Hermosa, you can take the bandage off and let it breathe for a while and I will re-bandage it before we start with training. After we will leave it off until morning."
Rachel just leans over and kisses the side of her head. "Ok thanks sweetie." She turns and hugs the other two and heads out to shower.
San watches her go. Once she is out of earshot she turns to the girls. "We have a problem."
Quinn looks alarmed. "What's wrong? Is Rachel alright?"
San just let's out a breath. "She's fine, but I was looking through my Facebook on the way down here this morning and noticed the date. It's the sixteenth."
Britt and Quinn just look confused and speak together. "ookkay?"
San just throws her hands in the air exasperated. "Um guys…the eighteenth is in less than two days. Rachel's birthday is in less than TWO days."
At this they both look horrified. "Oh my god I forgot." Quinn says. "Ok. We can fix this. My mom is out until Wednesday night so my house is empty. We can get Puck to go and decorate it while we are at Cheerio's practice Monday. I will go get a late lunch later and stop at the party store."
San starts to calm a little. "I can contact all the Gleeks and tell them to be there at 7 o'clock for the party." Quinn nods and San picks up her phone sending out a mass group text to all the Gleeks minus Finn.
Santana-Gleeks: We are having a surprise party at Quinn's house on Monday for Rachel's Birthday. Be there at 7 o'clock. Cake and refreshment will be provided. If you want to help with the party just text me or Quinn. It is a surprise, please do not let on to Rachel that it is happening and no alcohol, mama Fabray will have our asses if she finds out we had alcohol in her house.
Kurt-Santana: Will be there with bells on. If you need any party favors or decorations I have tons left over from my party. Dad bought way to much stuff.
Santana-Kurt: Thank you we would appreciate the decorations just get with Puck and he can pick them up or meet you for them.
Kurt-Santana: Will do. Let me know if you need any more help I can show up early and help decorate.
Santana-Kurt: That would be awesome. Get with Puck he will be decorating while we are at Cheerio's.
Puck-Santana: Hey how did it get roped into decorating?
Santana-Puck: Because moron Quinn doesn't trust just anyone in her house when she isn't present and you wouldn't dare anger her or Rachel by letting something bad happen there while we are at practice. Get with Kurt for decorations.
Puck-Santana: Ok, point taken. Will do.
Artie-Santana: I will be there.
Mike-Santana: I will be there too. I can see if mom can make the cake. She owns the bakery on the east end of town and makes vegan cakes there.
Santana-Mike: That will be great Mike Thanks.
Mike-Santana: No problem. I just asked and she said she would make it here at home tomorrow and I can bring it over a little early before the party starts.
Santana-Mike: Awesome. Tell mama Chang thank you for all of us. Oh and if it is ok she likes lemon cake, or chocolate cake.
Mike-Santana: No problem, Will do.
Matt-Santana: I will be there too but I'm not sure what I can do to help.
Santana-Matt: Can you man the grill? We will be having mushroom burgers and regular burgers. We will also have a veggie tray and potato chips. All the food will already be there all you have to do is show up and cook. Puck will explain how to cook the mushrooms.
Matt-Santana: I can definitely do that I am a grill god.
Santana-Matt: lol
Artie-Santana: I just started a new party playlist and will take care of all the music. I can't do much to help but playing D.J. I can do.
Santana-Artie: That is a big help, thanks wheels. And you don't have to do show tunes she likes all music.
Artie-Santana: I got ya, and mom said she will make those vegan cookies you and Britt like. See you Monday.
Santana-Artie: SCORE! See ya then.
Mercedes-Santana: I will try to be there.
Santana-Mercedes: Try hard. She was at yours with an awesome gift.
Mercedes-Santana: Whatever and since when are you all gun ho with the vegan crap?
Santana-Mercedes: Quinn, Brittany and I have been vegan since the beginning of the school year when we tried Rachel's food at the back to school dinner and Sue was making us change our diet. Don't worry guys we will have non-vegan foods too.
Tina-Santana: I will definitely be there. I can bring stuff to make my famous punch that we had at our carry in dinner. It's vegan friendly.
Santana-Tina: That would be amazing I love that shit.
Tina-Santana: lol Ok San will do.
Santana-Gleeks: I think that's all for now. If any of you think of anything else let us know.
Quinn and Britt read the messages with Santana as they came in. "Ok, all set. Now we just have to get all the food picked up and taken to my house without Rachel finding out." Quinn said looking at the other girls. "Oh what about presents. I already have one I bought her the day after sectionals."
San just nodded. "I have one too. I bought it a while back when I saw it online. What about you Britt?"
"Yea, I bought mine months ago. I always get Rachie a present." She said happily
Quinn nodded, "Ok we need to make a list of all the food we need and find a way to get it to Puck with money and a key to my house. That seems like the easiest way. Since I don't need to go to the party store I will have Puck meet me when I go get food and give him cash and the key."
"We can just have him grab our lunch so we don't have to pause practice. I have about two hundred in cash on me. We can give it and the list to him after he gets here. Besides if he doesn't show up this weekend Rachel may get suspicious. If you hadn't noticed they are pretty attached to each other." San reasons.
Quinn thinks this over for a few. "Ok that sounds like a plan, but I will give a hundred and you can give a hundred. I want to help with this too."
San nodded, "ok, I'm going to go up and get a quick shower and change myself before Sam gets here." The girls nod and she heads up stairs.
Once she gets up there she notices Rachel's door partially open. She knocks anyway, "querida?" She looks in and sees Rachel looking out the window. She steps in, "hey" she says as she comes up behind her wrapping her arms around the girls middle. "You ok hermosa?"
Rachel leans back into her. "Yes, just thinking." She pauses for a second and San just lets her take her time to get her thoughts out. "I was thinking of how different my life is now as opposed to last week. Would we be where we are now, me, you and Quinn if Monday hadn't happened?"
San turns her around to face her. "I don't know if we would be exactly here. Monday before I went looking for you, I kicked that hockey player in the nuts for throwing that slushy and threatened him and the rest of the school population telling them that you were off limits and were now on the list of Cheerios protected people. After sectionals and you defending me I spent the weekend thinking of all the times you have stuck up for me. I started to really think about my motivation for being a bitch to you to begin with."
She paused a moment and took a breath. "I was protecting myself from myself. I was in denial that I was gay and you made it hard to deny it, and when I first heard you sing… oh my god I was a goner, but I was scared and lashed out. During the weekend I decided I was going to stop being scared and at least befriend you. I was hoping to earn your trust as a friend and maybe someday you would return my feeling. Then everything happened and kinda fast forwarded my plan. So no I don't think we would be exactly here, but I would have definitely been working toward it."
She placed a soft kiss to Rachel's lips when she finished speaking, then hugged her. "As far as Quinn is concerned. That first night she was here we both woke around three that morning and talked a little while you slept. She told me that after I kicked the hockey prick and she and I had words that she started to think about her intentions and motivations as well. She decided that night that she would befriend you as well. You'd have to ask her for a full explanation"
Rachel held on tight with a few tears slipping free. "Oh San. I don't know what I would have done if your side of this was out of pity. I have always seen the good in you. That's why I defend you and Quinn. I know neither of you are the people you portray at school. I am so glad I don't have to worry about this anymore and I am getting to know you two for real. It's been really bothering me."
"Its ok querida, we are here for you. We want to be here. We want to be your friends first and foremost. Ok? No more worries." Rachel nods into San's chest. "Ok. Well I just came in here to let you know I am going to shower and change real quick. The girls are waiting in the living room to start getting the mats out and wait for Sam."
Rachel straighten out of her hold and kisses her lingeringly but chastely, "Ok. Go get ready, I will run down and help the girls."
They parted ways and Rachel headed down stairs. On her way down the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." She calls into the living room and opens the door. "Hello Samantha. How are you today?" She says stepping aside so she can enter.
Sam just smiles as she enters. "I'm doing good Rachel. How about you? I hear we have a stunt to train for."
Rachel chuckles. "I am doing well thank you for asking, and we do have a stunt to train for. In fact one you already know." She says as they make their way into the living room. "You Brittany and I are going to teach San and Quinn to be the second base set in the stunt I created for our last dance competition. You and Britt will be the first base set just like in dance and the other two will learn the second base set so they can help teach it to the others on the squad. Also watching me will help them train the fliers. It will be done in double for the Cheerio's routine."
At first the girl was gob smacked but steadily became more excited. "Oh my god this will be epic. Where do we practice?" She says looking around, "and where is Santana?"
Quinn beats her to the answer, "she's should be down in a few, she's in the shower." Sam nods
Rachel claps her hand once. "Ok, let's head out to the garage and start getting the mat in the yard and set up." She head toward the kitchen and they all followed.
Once in the garage they noticed that it had a regular garage door at the back leading to the back yard. Sam and Quinn walk toward a very large rolled up mat placed right in front of the door. Quinn looks to Rach. "Hey Rach how do you move this thing? Just roll it?"
Rachel just shakes her head. "I will show you." She says as she opens the door. After the door was opened she walked out with the girls in tow. About twenty feet away from the door was a large area that looked almost like Astroturf, but it was kind of spongy. At the confused looks she tells them, "It's a form of hard rubber. Daddy had it put in so I had a safe practice floor at home. He said that the ground was too uneven and he didn't want me injuring myself. The mat was made to lay on this surface. It fits from corner to corner. There is a motorized lift that we will use to bring it over and then we unroll it by hand." The girls are all in shock but go to help her hook up the lift and help guide it.
Right as they start unrolling the mat, Santana comes out. "Hey guys. What is all this?" as Rachel explains what she told the others as they finish unrolling the mat and get to work. They have been practicing for a few hours when they decide lunch would be a good idea. Quinn texts Puck with an order and tells him about the list and the money. Rachel leads them over to the patio with outdoor kitchen and opens the mini fridge that is fully stocked with water and multiple flavors of Gatorade, offering them a drink. They all chose one and sit around the patio table as Rachel turns on the outdoor heater and just relax with their drinks to cool off from their workout.
After sitting for a few in silence calming down Rachel look to San and Quinn. "So, between last night and today you two seem to really pick up your part and an understanding for the others. Do you think you can help break it down for the squad?"
Quinn answers, "I think so. Doing it and explaining it are two different things but between Britt, Sam, Santana and I, I think we can do it."
Rachel nods, "I thinks so too. So do you want to practice some more this evening or do you want to continue our marathon?"
Santana perks up looking from Britt to Rachel. "Are you two really going to let us pick up where we fell asleep and watch the other movies?" she says bouncing in her chair Quinn in a similar state.
"Of course," Rachel replies. "We told you we would watch them all with you as long as our terms are met." Britt nods her consent as well. San and Quinn high five each other and get up to hug Rachel and Britt.
Sam laughs at this. "What movie marathon are you having?"
Rachel looks to her, "Nightmare on Elm Street. We started last night but it was late and we fell asleep during the third movie." She looks to San and Quinn silently ask the question with her eyes. They look at Sam and back to Rachel nodding. "If you would like to stay the night and join us in our marathon you are welcome too."
Sam looks to her fellow Cheerios and they all nod their ok to her. "That sounds awesome. I love those movies. I will leave after lunch and go home to get a change of clothes and pajama's for the night. Let me text mom and ask." She pauses while asking her mom then looks back to Rachel. "Mom said its fine. I'm lucky she likes you Rach. She doesn't let me sleep over at other people's houses often. She says you are and I quote 'a kind, polite and personable young lady who would be a good influence for me' so I'm in for a gore movie marathon for five." They all laugh at the girl's mother's description of Rachel.
Rachel giggles, "well, then I am glad I made a good impression on her."
About that time Puck text Quinn. "Hey, Puck is here. I'm going to help him bring the food out. Be right back."
Rachel moves to get up. "Do you need help?"
Quinn just waves her off, "no, that's ok Rach. We can get it." With that she rushes off in the house to get the envelope with money and list to give him and help bring the food and some paper plates out since they tend to share. They bring out the food and spread it out in the middle of the table and start passing the cartons around. They share small talk, shop talk and food until they are all over full and contently leaning back in their chairs.
Rachel looks to Puck, "Noah we are going to be watching movies again tonight if you want to join us until bed time?"
He shakes his head, "nope, Tina and I are meeting up at the pizza place again to practice singing together some more."
Rachel just chuckles slightly, "ok, Noah." San looks to her questioningly but she just shakes her head. She knows Rach will explain later.
After Puck leaves Sam does the same so she can get her stuff and get back so they can start their marathon. Once she gets back they go up to the media room and veg out. All five girls piled on each other on the recliner couch. They only pause their movie watching to fix dinner then resume watching. Once they have finished all the movies they decide to go to bed. They spit up with San, Quinn and Rachel in her room, and Britt and Samantha in the guest room.
In the morning after breakfast Sam's mom called and she had to go home the girls decided they would work on their duets.
Rachel heads towards a door they hadn't been through yet. "Ok ladies, let's head down to the basement studio to practice."
San looks at her crazy, "you have a studio? Never mind, of course you have a studio. Ok carino lead the way." She says grabbing her hand and letting Rachel lead her down the stairs.
Once they get down stairs it's like they have been transported to a professional studio. Rachel starts pointing out the features. "Ok, over there is the sound and recording room. Out here I have the piano and other instruments that are all wired into the sound room. There are mics in both areas. Why don't Quinn and Britt take the sound room cause they can play their track in there, and since we are using the piano for our performance we can stay out here. The sound room is sound proof so we will not disturb each other." San and Britt can just nod, blown away at the things around them.
Quinn looks at Rachel. "I gotta tell you Rach. I love your house. It gives me an outline of exactly what I want when I have my own house. It has everything."
"Yep, I think I'll keep it." She takes them into the sound room and shows them how to play their track and record if they choose to. She then grabs San's hand leading her back into the other room closing the door and going to the piano getting out all the things they worked on in glee. They spent the rest of the day arranging their music and practicing only stopping to eat. Later in the evening they settle down around the kitchen table to do homework and then head to bed. They all decide to sleep together in Rachel's room. Britt decided to sleep on Rachel's couch while the others piled into the bed.
Once they are settled Rachel speaks. "Hey guys, I am going to be out of school for most of the day tomorrow."
San looks panicked, "why querida, what's going on?" She and Quinn both tighten their hold on her.
Rachel just rubs San's side and Quinn's arm in comfort. "It's ok. My aunt is picking me up at 9 o'clock to take me to get my driver's license, then we have a court appointment after that. I should be back for last period and Cheerio's practice."
Quinn spoke this time. "What do you gotta go to court for?"
Rachel sighs, "I have filed to be an emancipated minor. My aunt doesn't want the responsibility of being my guardian anymore. She made me file and they set up a court date for my sixteenth birthday. She will drop me off back at school when they rule on it then she will be done with me."
San and Quinn just hold her and rock a little, San speaks. "Do you want us to go with you?"
She shakes her head. "No, that's ok, my aunt would have a fit and I just don't want to deal with her. It will be fine and I have last period with both of you so I will be fine."
San kisses her lips lightly, Quinn kisses the back of her head and they cocoon her as they fall asleep. Tomorrow will be a long day but they have the party to look forward to and it will hopefully cheer up their tiny diva.
A/N: Goodness that was a long chapter, but hopefully a good one. Next time Cheerios, school without Rachel and the party.