Santana POV
I'm staring intensely at the two girls seemingly arguing a bit in the corner of the room. Before I could even reply to the blonde's question of me coming along with them, she got pulled away into the corner by her friend. I'm guessing she wasn't too happy about the offer.
My normal immediate response would have been, hell no, to two strangers asking me to come along into an RV with them. Don't we all know that's the perfect recipe for murder. Driving off with two strangers who can just kill me and dump me somewhere along the side of the road. Ha, as if they could ever overpower me. I know it was a ridiculous thought, there was something so strangely comforting and innocent about the girl with the piercing blue eyes. I didn't get a word out before her friend pulled her away. I must have been staring at her with complete shock. I might have even been smiling? Weird. Santana Lopez doesn't do smiling to strangers. Only if I have to.
The girl had absolutely no reason to be kind to me but she was. She already surprised me because she didn't seem to care who I was, better yet, she didn't seem to have a clue. It's oddly refreshing, but then again, I can't really trust anyone. They might be working for the paparazzi and just trying to get some information out of me. It seemed ridiculous, but unfortunately that was exactly the life I was escaping from. I should go, this is a crazy idea.
As quietly as I can, I make my way to the exit. The man behind the counter is looking at me with raised eyebrows. Fuck him, he's the reason of this mess anyway. I open the door and for a second I thought I was being blinded by the sun, but the all too familiar sounds of cameras and paparazzi shouting, quickly makes me realize all the flashes that are going off. How the hell did they know I was here.
"Santana! What are you doing here? Should you not be in the studio for your new album? Why were you acting so strange after the Grammy win last night?" Multiple men shout.
"Get the fuck out of here!" I shout back as I'm trying to make my way through them to the exit of the rental park. There were so many that I couldn't see where I was going.
"Santana, where are you going?" One of them shouted. "Ms. Lopez, are you on drugs?"
"I'm surprised I'm not, with assholes like you always chasing me." I reply back angrily.
It was getting harder and harder to make my way through them. The cameras flying around me like stones, the questions screeching like nails on chalkboard. It was too much, I stopped walking to try and make sense of where the exit was, which gave them even more opportunity to enclose me between the flashes. I was about to go all Lima heights until suddenly, a strong hand linked into mine and pulled me along. My initial reaction was to try and pull my hand loose from whoever was holding it, but when I saw that familiar blonde hair and the two ocean blue eyes giving me a quick soft look, I let her pull me along.
"Santana, is that your new girlfriend?" Another one shouts.
I look back to see the blonde's friend bump into him intentionally as she follows us as well.
"Go in here." The blonde says as she opens the door of the RV and nodded her head.
I'm so desperate to get away from the hoard of camera zombies that I quickly went into the RV, followed by the two girls. I immediately let myself fall into the small couch and let out a sigh of relief. I close my eyes for a minute as I'm running my hands through my hair. The shouting slowly fading away outside, even though they are probably still there.
"Are you okay?" A soft voice says, a lot clearer than the echoes from the outside. I suddenly remember that I'm not alone and shoot up on the couch. "I'm sorry, it looked like you needed some help out there, so I just thought this was a good solution."
I'm still feeling on edge from what just happened outside, but for some reason I calmed down. Again. What a strange power this girl has over me. It was making me uneasy.
"Look, thanks for helping me out there, but I don't need your help. You two can have the RV okay, I can easily get my own if I really wanted to go away in one, not sure what I was doing here in the first place. I'll be out of here in a few minutes when they leave." I nod towards the window where the cameras are now strategically placed. "Plus, I'm not going on a road trip with two strangers, if that's what you're thinking, no offense." I say sarcastically.
"That's a bit rude, didn't think we looked like serial killers." She says as I shrug my shoulders. I can't really remember someone else standing up to me other than Kurt. Feels weird. Most people kiss my ass every chance they get. And I also mean that in the wanky way.
"Well my name is Brittany and this is my friend Quinn" as she points to the girl next to her. Seemingly unfaced by my attitude.
The Quinn girl clearly does know me, I recognize that star struck look from miles away. I still don't see it with Brittany though. "Now we're not strangers to you anymore." She smiles.
"Yeah look, it's probably a crazy idea. But we're all here for a reason and you seem like you could use a break. The offer still stands." Quinn says.
I look back and forth between the two of them, trying to scan them for any untruths, as I can still go all Lima heights then. But the fact that they just saved me out there, speaks volumes. They definitely don't work for the media.
"You know what…" I start but suddenly remember Kurt's words You have to be nice to make new friends. I swallow the rest of my sentence back in as it was not going to be a very sweet reply. Brittany's eyes are still fixated on me and instead of still feeling uneasy, it gives me comfort.
"Are you going to introduce yourself to us, so we're officially not strangers anymore." she chuckles.
"You still don't know who I am?" I say slightly surprised.
"Sorry no, I only heard very uhm.." She starts as Quinn bumps into her side with a concerned look. "..nice things from Quinn when I saw you on the television last night. Congrats with your award. Your name is Serena right?"
Wow, how strange. Why is she so casual about it. I mean, not to sound arrogant but most people fall at my feet when they meet me. On top of that, I'm slightly offended she got my name wrong.
"It's Santana, and thanks." I say a bit harshly, shaking off the slight offense. "Where are you girls planning on going anyway?"
"We're not really sure to be honest, we have a few places we definitely want to hit like Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Other than that, really just where we feel like going on the way." Quinn says as she puts her bag on the kitchen counter.
"Are you in?" Brittany smiles.
How can she still be so nice to me and. Oddly enough it makes me feel uncomfortable giving her the usual rude Santana treatment. Damn, that smile again. It was starting to become addictive and I only just met her. It's somehow releasing the soft side in me, the side I haven't felt for a long time. I look around as if to seize up what is lying ahead of me. There was a nice small kitchen, big enough to cook food in. A small dinner table with a couch curled around it, pretty comfy as I bounce up and down slightly, a big bed at the back of the RV, another small door, which is probably the door to the bathroom and a little TV above where the two seats in the front were. It's definitely miles away of what I'm used to, but it seems to be the perfect place to detox from the fake picture perfect life.
"We can also just drop you off at your home if you don't want to come. You just seemed pretty adamant in there to go." Brittany says as she shakes me out of my thoughts. I can't believe I'm about this say this, but fuck it.
"You know what, I'd be happy to come along if I'm still welcome. Our first meeting probably wasn't the best way to start things off, but I promise I can actually be nice to people." I
say with a cheeky wink.
"Can I just have a quick chat with you Santana?" Quinn says as she nods towards the back of the RV.
A little bit confused, I follow her along. Shooting a quick smile at Brittany on the way there. I could swear she was blushing for a second when I did that. Why is this girl so cute.
I cross my arms as Quinn turns around at me. Looking at Brittany with a smile and then back at me.
"Look, my friend Brittany has been going through a tough time and this was supposed to be a road trip to cheer her up. I don't know you personally, but I obviously do read the news and what they write about you. You're a pretty smooth talker with the ladies as well, so I just want to make sure that you're not going to make this trip difficult or hard for Brittany. She doesn't deserve that and she doesn't need it right now."
A part of me wanted to shoot back a quick witty insult at her for assuming all those stories they write about me were true, but at the same I could understand her sense of protection towards Brittany. Brittany seems like she wouldn't even hurt a fly, or if she did accidentally, she would be sad about killing it. So, I guess I can only respect that Quinn is sticking up for her. Only good friends do that, which I don't seem to have too many of.
"I'm not here to cause any sort of difficulties. I know I have a bad reputation when it comes to… well a lot of things. But I do really appreciate it that I can come along. I hate to admit it, but I need this as well." I say as I uncross my arms, trying to come across more approachable.
Quinn looks at Brittany and then back at me. She nods as she lets out a relieved sigh.
"Okay cool, by the way, your songs are okay I guess." She says casually as she walks back the other way.
"Thanks" I chuckle at her attitude as I follow her back into the other side of the RV. Back to Brittany.
Brittany POV
"Everything okay?" I ask a bit unsure as I see Santana and Quinn walking back towards me.
They look at eachother with a smile and nod towards me.
"Let's get this bad boy on the road shall we! I'll drive first. If we stay any longer, I'm pretty sure they will break in or try to climb through the window" Quinn says as she brushes passed me to sit in the driver's seat.
"Please hit one on the way out. One wheel over the toes does the trick normally." Santana sighs.
I look at the window to see the cameras still flashing, desperately trying to get a glimpse of Santana. It seemed to make her even more uneasy as she flips them off before closing the curtains. It made me laugh, it seemed odd to me that such a delicate looking girl could have such a fiery side to her. She definitely seems like someone you don't want to have on the wrong side of you.
Quinn was pretty hesitant about bringing Santana along with us. I know she thinks it's super cool to have a celebrity here, especially someone as famous as Santana, but she seemed to worry about me. I guess she could tell I already have a soft spot for the Latina. I don't always just offer strangers to come along with me on a road trip, but I could feel Santana needed to be here just as much as me. If Quinn didn't tell me about all those crazy stories about her, I'm sure I wouldn't even have the slightest idea that she might not be the nicest person out there. So far all I see is kindness and comforting smiles from her. The rude side seems to be just a façade or a defense mechanism. I hope I'm right at least, otherwise this is going to be a long few weeks.
A few hours later we were driving through the Death Valley desert, meaning we were nearly in Vegas. Looking around, all you can see is sand, rocks and the occasional little dry bush, with mountains in the distance. It was beautiful and relaxing to drive through. No one would guess that this was a road leading to Vegas. Yes, it's a city that lies in the middle of the desert, but with the chaos and the hustle and bustle of a big Casino city, the road leading up to it is surprisingly extremely peaceful. I looked back to see Santana still on the phone, looking stressed and seemingly arguing with someone on the other end of it. I don't think she has sat down for one minute since we left, her life must be so stressful. I do wonder what she actually is doing here and I was getting more and more curious and itching to know more about her. I was shifting uneasy in my seat, trying to get comfortable as Quinn turns her head at me.
"Britt, you haven't sat still since we left." She chuckles. "Why don't you go lie down for a minute. I'm fine with driving for now, there's barely any traffic here. I will pull up to an upcoming bar soon anyway, so we can grab a bite to eat. Vegas is still roughly an hour away."
"Are you sure?" I say hesitantly.
"Yes, I'm sure. Go see if Santana hasn't broken the place down yet." She smirks. I think she knows I was dying to talk to the Latina.
I walk over to Santana, carefully sitting down opposite her on the couch. She looks up at me from her phone and smiles. It makes my heart flutter every time she does that.
"Don't worry too much monkey face, I'll be fine. I need to go now, okay? I'll check in with you in a few days. Call me if there are any issues… Kurt stop stop, I really do have to go now." She says as she hangs up the phone. A big sigh leaves her mouth and I can't help but stare at her beautiful big lips.
"Hey Brittany." She smiles as she puts the phone in her bag. A very expensive looking bag.
"Hi, Santana" I smile back. We both awkwardly turn away slightly before looking back into each other's eyes again. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just work stuff. My publicist Kurt is going a bit insane and everyone seems to think I'm crazy that I'm doing this." Santana chuckles.
"I don't blame them. It is kind of crazy." I say as we both burst out laughing. "Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we're close to Vegas. Quinn will stop soon though so we can grab some food. I think there's a restaurant coming up at some point down the road. Are you hungry?"
"I'm starving, haven't really eaten much yet today. I could eat a whole baby!" Santana chuckles as she sits back more relaxed. It's nice to see her laugh. The sound of it was even more infectious than the look of her smile.
Before my mouth caught up with my brain, I blurt out "Is it true that you dropped a fan's baby once because you didn't want to be in the picture?"
Santana stops smiling for a second as she raises her eyebrow in confusion. I could see I hurt her with that question and immediately regret it. "I'm sorry, I'm so stupid. I didn't mean to.." Before I could finish my apology, Santana's hand reached out to mine and soon I felt the warmth of our skins melting together. It felt as if a lightning bolt just rushed through my entire body, making me feel warm and energized at the same time. My heart started racing a 100 miles per hour as I try to make sense of what is happening to me. I could tell Santana was taken aback as well; did she feel it too? She quickly pulls her hand off of mine as a smile replaces the worried look on her face again.
"You're not stupid Brittany. It's just annoying to hear that those sorts of rumors are out there apparently. They make up anything nowadays to sell stories about me. I just never heard that one before, so it caught me by a surprise a bit. But no, that's not true. It is true however that I'm hungry enough that I could eat one now." She chuckles. Instantly making me feel better that I didn't seem to have offended her.
"I'm sorry that they say such mean things about you. It must be hard to always have to have such a thick skin and be so defensive to people all the time."
"Yeah, it's hard sometimes. I wish people could see passed the fame and just see me as me. You know?" She says as I can see that hint of sadness come back. The same thing is true for me, if my parents could only see past that side of me that they were so shocked about, they could see that I am still the same person.
Santana looks so vulnerable and that overwhelming sense of wanting to give her a hug came rushing back. Instead I opted for placing my hand over hers this time. I notice that it startles her a little bit, but she doesn't move her hand.
"You're not alone Santana. I know me and Quinn seem like we have nothing in common with you, but you'd be surprised. I know the feeling all too well. I mean, not with being famous of course. The only thing I could be famous for are my Youtube videos with my cat Lord Tubbington. Fondue for two. We basically sit there and eat fondue together and discuss the latest news. I don't really have social media, so I think we're running behind with a lot of topics. Although I never get recognized outside, Lord Tubbington seems to have turned into a bit of a diva lately. Only wants to eat soft wet food and pizza. I'm pretty sure he sleeps in my bed when I'm not there as well. I'm also pretty sure he has been reading my diary." I feel myself ranting on, getting more and more nervous by the intense gaze in Santana's eyes and the smile tickling around her lips. I realize my hand is still lying on hers and quickly pull it away as she starts speaking.
"That sounds like a great concept, eating fondue with your cat and talking shit. Maybe I could be a guest some time, give you some more updated stuff to talk about and probably some high ratings. Fondue for three." She chuckles and shoots me that cheeky wink again.
"What are you two laughing about?" I look up to see Quinn leaning against the wall with a knowing smile.
"Santana said she will be part of a fondue for two video." I say excitedly as Santana giggles behind me.
"Well, anyone up for a fondue for four? I just parked out front a bar and I think we can all use something to eat." Quinn says as she nods towards the door.
Santana POV
An hour and some hamburger and fries later, I lean back in an uncomfortable chair. The bar Quinn found wasn't anything fancy, most of it made of wood. Some old roulette tables hung up against the walls as a vague reminder that we're not yet in Vegas but getting close. A small wooden stage on the side with microphones, a guitar and a piano at least gave it some more atmosphere. It was just missing the band playing them. The bar was luckily pretty much empty except for a young couple in the back. They've been giving me the whisper and stare treatment, like I'm some sort of circus animal. Luckily, I'm too distracted by Brittany and Quinn to pay much attention to it. Although I think I spoke too early, in the corner of my eye I see the guy walking up to me. I let out a big sigh and prepare for what is to come.
"Hey, uhm, sorry to disturb you, but aren't you Santana Lopez?" The guy asks hesitantly.
"Nope, sorry dude. Got me confused with someone else." I say as I try to avoid eye contact.
"Well, I'm here with my girlfriend and she is like a massive fan of yours. It would mean the world to us if you could play a song? If you don't mind? I plan on proposing to her when we get to Vegas and this would make our experience so much more memorable." He says with a bit more confidence now.
"I told you, I'm not Santana Lopez." I say more impatiently this time.
"Oh come on, Santana, please!" I hear Brittany suddenly say. Why did she have to blow my cover. "I really want to hear you sing as well! You too, right Quinn?"
Quinn looks at Brittany and then back at me. "Uhm, well it would be cool Santana. Maybe just one song?"
Brittany is bouncing up and down in her chair of excitement, giving me a pout and a sulking face. How can you ever say no to a face like that? Is that what people mean when they say they can't say no to a puppy asking for food? I feel a small smile creeping on my lips again as Brittany's smile grows wider.
"Please. I want to hear you sing." She says more softly.
"Ugh, fine. But I'm not going alone! You will have to sing with me." I smirk as I pull her up from her seat.
"Thank you so much, Ms Lopez." The guy says excitedly as he walks back to his girlfriend. Little does he know that the only reason I'm doing this is to not disappoint Brittany.
Brittany and I make our way to the stage as the guy is getting someone from behind the bar to turn the sound and the lights on. I pull out my phone to take the lyrics of a new song I wrote so Brittany can sing along. Maybe a good place to try out if it works or not anyway.
"Here, just read along okay. I will sing the first verse and you the second etc." I smile as I give Brittany the phone.
"I can't really sing Santana, I might ruin the moment for his girlfriend." She says with a small pout.
"Who gives a shit about them, let's make this a fun experience for us." I chuckle as I grab the guitar. I see Brittany's cute smile return as she nods at me. "Besides, not a lot of people can say they shared the stage with me." I say with played arrogance which makes her smile even wider. Again, I could swear she was blushing.
I grab the microphone and step forward a bit with the guitar hanging around my shoulder.
"Okay, here's a special request for the special couple over there. It's a song that I haven't released yet so you're getting an exclusive." I say as I nod towards the couple in the corner.
The girl is already freaking out as a proper fangirl and I haven't even sung a word yet. I look at Brittany to make sure she is ready and start playing the new song and start singing something very personal to me.
Tell me somethin', girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin' else you're searchin' for?
I'm falling
In all the good times I find myself
Longin' for change
And in the bad times I fear myself
I look at Brittany to give her the sign to start. The look in her face as she's watching me startled me. Almost as if I was the only person in the world she could look at. I'm used to seeing fans being completely mesmerized by me, but this feels different. I repeat the same melody on the guitar as I nod again to give her the sign to start the next verse. Instead of looking at the lyrics on my phone in her hand, she starts singing something else in the same melody.
Tell me something, girl
Aren't you tired tryin' to fill that void?
Or do you need more?
Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?
I'm falling
In all the good times I find myself
Longing for a change
And in the bad times I fear myself
Her voice actually sounds really good. As angelic as you would expect from a face like hers. But wat shocked me the most is that she just changed the lyrics like that on the spot. They seemed to be aimed at me, more personal. Instead of questioning it, I try to regain my composure and start singing the chorus.
I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now
I nod to Brittany as she joins in again.
In the shallow, shallow
In the shallow, shallow
In the shallow, shallow
We're far from the shallow now
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Whoah
I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now
In the shallow, shallow
In the shallow, shallow
In the shallow, shallow
We're far from the shallow now
Clapping and cheering in the background sounds like a vague different instrument as I stop playing the guitar. I didn't seem to hear anything clearly as I'm still looking at Brittany. She is still looking at me at me as well, as if our eyes were locked in chains.
"Wooo." An exceptionally loud cheer coming from Quinn shook me out of it as I break the intense eye contact with Brittany.
"Thanks. Give it up for Brittany as well everyone, a songwriter in the making!" I chuckle into the microphone as I clap as well without looking at her again. The feeling from looking at her is too overwhelming. She is getting too close, way too fast. I need to break away from it.
Song used: Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - Shallow.
Please review guys and keep your thoughts coming so we can experience the story all together! It's going to be a fun ride.