A/N: Again thank you for all your support so far, I'm enjoying writing again and your support is keeping that alive!
The doorbell rang. 'Won't be a minute!' yelled Rachel. Santana stood on the other side of the door waiting to take Rachel to James 40th birthday party. Yes, they weren't public about their relationship, but the girls were unaware that whispers were happening around them and the cast were starting to speculate that their on screen romance had become an off screen romance. But the girls were careful not to show their affection in front of anyone. 'Hurry up Rachel, or we are going to be late!' called out Santana. Muttering under her breath Santana turned and faced the door again when she heard it open.
'Santana, I'm pretty sure that's how people look when they've just something amazing, but come on, we have a party to get to!' Rachel smiled. Santana continued to stare at Rachel open mouthed. 'Santana? Earth to Santana?' Rachel frowned. 'Huh? Uhm. Yes, sorry, we have a party to get to.' Santana finally responded. Leaning in she gave Rachel a kiss on her cheek and whispered in to her ear, 'yes, people do look like that when they see something amazing, just like how you are tonight.' Rachel blushed. 'Let's go.'
They had discussed tonight at length. Did they want to turn up together? Separately? As a couple, as individuals. But they had decided that they would arrive together as individuals. They didn't want to take the spotlight away from James and his party, after all tonight was about him and him only.
In the back of the car Santana reached out and her fingertips brushed Rachel's hand and their fingers locked together for the duration of the drive to the party. They sat in a comfortable silence admiring their view as they reached the venue. Letting go of each other as the car drove up and as the door opened they stepped out the car and slipping in to the venue.
3, 2, 1…SURPRISE! The attendees of the party yelled in enthusiasm as James entered the hall. James on the other hand stood still, stunned at the great lengths his wife had went to, to organise this party for him. He seen many faces he recognised from family, friends and colleagues, he was genuinely blown away at the out pouring love that he felt.
'So James, what do you think about the rumours floating about on set?' Enquired Gemma. James looked confused. 'I don't understand Gemma, what are you talking about?' Gemma directed James to look over the hall and he still didn't understand. 'James, I'm looking at Santana and Rachel, do you notice anything different about them?' 'Well, they are dressed up and looking stunning for my birthday party. So yes I notice that.' Gemma let out a frustrated sigh. 'Look how either of them look over their shoulders when they are mingling with other people, like they are looking for one another.' The penny dropped on James then. 'Well Gemma, if you are saying that they are together as a couple off set as well as on, then good on them. I am not going to judge them and neither should you. As long as they turn up to work on time, deliver their lines brilliantly, I couldn't care less if they are a couple. In that matter, neither should you or the other gossip queens on set. What they do privately, is entirely up to them. If I find anyone gossiping about my stars on set on Monday, there will be repercussions. So if you excuse me, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my party, hope you do the same!' James walked off smirking, knowing fine well that what he said to Gemma, will be going round the set on Monday.
James managed to get Rachel and Santana in to a small room off the hall by sending them both a message declaring that he needed to have a quick meeting before everyone was too intoxicated from the birthday celebrations.
Rachel and Santana got to the small room first and were whispering amongst the two of them when James finally arrived. 'Sorry ladies, had to mingle!' James said with a hearty laugh. 'I am going to make this quick as it's a bit of a personal question, but are you two involved with each other off set?' Both Santana and Rachel looked stunned that James asked such a question and was quite out right with it.
'Uhm James, what brought this about? You normally don't ask about our private lives at all?' blurted out Santana. 'Well Santana, it's been brought to my attention that there are a few whispers going about the set, but was brought to my attention tonight of all nights, why they couldn't wait until Monday is beyond me. But I want to know the truth so I know I can deal with the situation accordingly. I know it's impolite of me to ask, but I just berated a staff member about half an hour ago about this.' James leant against the door so no one would come charging in.
'Well, I think if I can speak on behalf of Santana and I James, then yes we have begun a relationship privately, but it's early in the relationship. You knew we had a connection with one another since we went to school together, but we have got to know each other as who we really are before we embarked on a relationship. We didn't want to bring it to attention to anyone on set, but clearly someone has seen something or put one and one together and came up with the correct answer.' Rachel said light heartedly.
'But James, we can assure you, what we do privately, will never ever affect what we do professionally. We love working with you and your team, on the show and we would do nothing to jeopardise that, but...well, where do we take it from here, are we getting disciplined or something?' Santana queried.
'Not in the slightest my darlings! I wanted to be clear and informed and have told the member of staff that quite frankly it was none of their business. I am happy for you both so embrace your happiness; god only knows we only get certain chances in life. You have my support and I will continue to enjoy working with both!' James moved away from the door at this point and gave the stunned women a hug each. 'Don't know about you both, but I definitely want a drink and to enjoy this party, so will see you both out there once you get over your shock.' Laughed James and he slipped out the room.
Silence. The girls didn't know what to say. They just looked at each other and smiled. 'Well, think we are going to be out in the open sooner than anticipated babe, you alright with that?' asked Rachel. 'I was born ready!' chuckled Santana, 'let's get back out there and enjoy the party.'
The disco lights flashed and then there was silence. Rachel and Santana were on stage and giving their speeches in honour of James. Getting James up on the stage to give him his present on behalf of all the cast and crew. James collected his gift and kept his speech short and said thanks and then Rachel came forward to the microphone.
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
(the crowd and then Santana steps forward to harmonise with Rachel)
Happy birthday dear James,
Happy birthday to you!
'Hip pip!' Santana said loudly in to the microphone
Hooray!
'Hip pip!' Rachel then said softly in to the microphone
Hooray!
(they joined hands)
'Hip pip!'
Hooray!
'Let's get this party started!' yelled Santana and pointed to the Dj who automatically started playing a song and the girls slid of the stage.
Next chapter, a little more on the party