Fast Lane Chapter 18: Hear Me, a glee fanfic

As much as I would like to own them, all the characters of Glee belong to Fox – I own nothing. All the characters of The Fast and the Furious belong to Universal Studios, I'm just borrowing some of them. All writing belongs to me.

Here you go! I hope you like reading this weeks update and I will be back next week!

Thank you for the continued support and reviews, I love them and the faves! :D

Santana nervously glanced behind her one more time as she closed the door to her car, adjusting the snapback she was wearing before heading for the front door. The last time she had been here she had been recovering from her hospital visit. She didn't want to be here but since she wasn't regularly checking in with her 'handler' she was required to see her and the police chief in person at least once every two weeks. That's why she was now here instead of back at the house lounging around and chilling with her girlfriend.

This just made it all the more real. That life was an illusion, a life she could happily slip into and forget about everything else but she now knew better. She knew with everything going on that she could never truly have that life, where the only things that mattered were friends and driving. Instead this was her life now, she didn't know what the future held but as she walked into the safe house she knew it was becoming and harder to define which one was her real life and which one was the lie.

She pocketed her keys as she entered, seeing Roz and Cassandra sat around talking and pointing to the computer set-up which had various pictures of not only her but the rest of Letty's crew including Puck and his minions. Knowing looking at the pictures would probably make her heart clench in her chest she decided to ignore them and the wall with even more plastered on it behind it and focus on the other two women.

"Ah, Santana. Hi" Cassandra grinned, standing up and walking over to her, a hand outstretched as her heels clicked along the wooden floor along the way.

"Hey" She greeted back, shaking her hand before being met with an identical handshake from the police chief. "So, what am I doing here?" She asked once they had all settled down into their seats.

Cassandra lent forward and crossed her legs, exposing the bare skin of her thighs under her short pencil skirt. Santana briefly ignored the thought that it was on purpose and focused back on the blonde's face. "We think we may have a lead. Direct your attention to the screen on the left. I got a tip from a confidential informant that Puck has something big planned. This picture was taken the day after the cops were called to the canyon race on Monday. From what I've heard about the man he's meeting with, named Phil Lipoff a.k.a. 'Gunshot Slim', a local gang-banger, he's known for organising illegal trades. If we're right and he's planning something with Puckerman we have to move fast and find out what it is he's planning to move."

"So what do you want me to do? I can't just ask him, I'm not exactly on talking terms with Puckerman these days" Santana said, looking at the picture of Puck shaking hands with the 'gang-banger' with the awful nickname.

"That's not what we want, and it's not smart directly approaching him about it. We just want you to pay extra attention to Puck when you see him at race meets. How is that coming along by the way?" Roz asked.

"I have four out of six sets of keys. I'm working on the other two"

"Then you must be close. If we find out what it is Puck's transporting we might just have enough to take him and his crew down for good. One less thorn in my side"

The blonde nodded along with the other woman and turned her gaze to Santana. "Yes. Keep racing against his crew and it might push him to the edge and towards what we want out of him"

"So you just want me to keep racing his crew?"

Cassandra nodded. "Yes. Maybe physically losing to you might be the last straw and break the camels back. It might just be what we need"

"Cool. Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"Yes, oh there is just one thing I would like from you"

"What?"

"The keys to all of the cars you've won once this whole thing is over. I'm sure the impound lot would love to have them added to their vast collection"

Rolling her eyes Santana stood up preparing to leave, knowing it wasn't smart to hand them over, even to the authorities. She hadn't had a good look at them herself yet and she wanted to know what was under the hoods before she handed them away. "I'll think about it. For now just know they're somewhere safe. Anyway, I do have one question"

"Ask away" Cassandra smiled.

"How is my car?"

Not giving the FBI agent time to answer Roz stood up and cut in. "It's safe. I have been keeping a close eye on it, trust me. It will be waiting for you when you're ready"

Deciding to leave it at that Santana nodded and fished her car keys out as she began to leave. With the new information swirling around in her head as she slipped into her Supra she knew this could only end in disaster.

Back in the house the two women heard the roar of the tuner engine pull out of the driveway and speed off. Roz turned to Cassandra and raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms across her chest. "Are you sure she can pull this off?"

The blonde looked up as she clutched a surveillance picture of Puck in her hands. "She has no other choice. She'll do it whether she likes it or not"

Roz took a few moments to study the taller woman as she organized some of the files she had dotted around the room. Despite what Cassandra had to say about the woman she was 'handling' she just hoped for Santana's sake that things really didn't end badly. She had seen the types of things other street racers had done to disloyal members of their crews and she she hoped to every holy spirit that Santana made it out of this with only a few bumps and bruises.

Santana bit into the sub sandwich Brittany had made her for lunch that morning. Despite her protests that she could grab lunch herself the blonde had insisted that she eat something of substance and according to her she was the master of sandwich making. Then again, despite all of her grumbling and protests she couldn't deny the fact that it really was a great sandwich. She swallowed her bite before leaning over and pressing a kiss to the blonde's cheek in silent thanks to which Brittany smiled back and pressed a returning kiss to the corner of her mouth.

It was that very moment that Dani decided to walk past, making a face at the two women who were sat next to each other on the couch by the garage door. "Cut it out you two, the sexual tension between you is almost too much that I want to drive myself off one of the canyon cliffs"

Frowning at the blonde Santana was just about to reply when Marley took a few steps back from where she was working on a Lexus with Tina to slap her around the back of the head. "They're not to blame D, and it's none of our business whether they're sexually frustrated. Kitty must have you on such a short lease that you're not getting enough or any at all."

The next thing the brunette knew she was being tackled to the floor by a very pissed off blonde. Brittany watched the two of them playfully fight for a few moments before turning to see Santana tensed up with a light blush dusted across her cheeks. It wasn't that she was embarrassed, it was the fact that she was denying herself one of the most basic things a couple could partake in when they were together. It wasn't as if she was inexperienced either, she had plenty of one-night stands to hone her skills in that department but the thought of depriving Brittany from something that could be so freeing to the both of them suddenly created a heavy weight in her mind amongst other things. God, she must have come across as a teenager who didn't know what it even was let alone having actually done it before.

Then there was Brittany.

It was the gentle kiss that she pressed to her cheek before looking in her eyes that told the Latina everything she needed to know. Brittany was happy to wait, no matter how long Santana put it off. She knew neither her or the brunette were virgins, that was alone enough to set them both at ease, but ever since they had indeed started dating they just hadn't found the right moment. Sure, the heated make-out sessions in Brittany's room with the door locked was unlike anything they had ever experienced before, but when it came to kicking their relationship up to the next level they had held back.

Brittany grinned at her and let her head rest on the Latina's shoulder as she pressed a comforting kiss to her neck, just above the collar of her garage shirt. "Don't worry. She's just jealous she's getting less action than you are"

Despite the weightiness of the situation Santana couldn't help the laugh that bubbled forth from her lips, making the blonde mirror the action.

"What's up peoples?! I'm looking for a Miss Lopez?"

Santana's laughs died down a little as she stood up at the sound of Holly calling her name, taking a bite of her sandwich as she walked over to where she and Shelby were stood at the mouth of the garage.

"That would be me. What can I help you with today ladies?"

The two women turned in her direction and smiled at the Latina still eating her lunch, Shelby taking control of the coversation. "We were wondering if we could hire your services"

"Oh?"

"Yes, we were wondering if you could find some time in your busy schedule to take a look at our cars. They're in dire need of tune-ups"

Santana took a few moments to eye the older brunette, seeing that she was completely serious despite the light hearted joking between them. She finished the last bite of her sandwich and rubbed her hands together to get rid of the residual crumbs, a bright smile plastering across her lips.

"I'm happy to help. When would you like me to get started?"

"Does now sound good to you?"

"Hell yeah. We'll get this Lexus out of the way and you can put them on the two free lifts at the back of the garage"

Five minutes later and the Lexus back in place and they were ready to begin. Shelby approached Santana, their façade now gone, and fiddled with her purse.

"How much do we owe you?"

Despite the offer of cash Santana shook her head and waved her hand dismissively. "It's free of charge, on the house"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, of course I am. You're street racing legends, I've got you covered"

Shelby waited a few moments, now the one to study the other. She could tell that Letty had picked a good one, a woman who had a lot more respect than a lot of other street racers her age. It was refreshing and in that moment she revelled in the warm feeling flooding her chest. Letting a smile crack across her lips into a full blown grin she wrapped her arm around Santana's shoulders and pulled her close into a one-armed hug.

"Then let's get this started"

Santana adjusted her shirt sleeve as she sat and waited patiently at the kitchen table. She hadn't wanted to dress up too fancy as she was only having dinner with one person but she wanted to look presentable, a big change from her earlier outfit of a dirty garage shirt and jeans. She rubbed at her scar nervously before looking up when she heard the sound of someone entering the dining room.

"Santana, mija, stop worrying. You look fine."

She blushed a little at the comment but brushed it off, sitting up straighter as Alma placed a freshly opened bottle of beer down in front of her. She moved to protest but the older woman held a hand up to stop her. "Don't even go there Miss Lopez. I will allow you to have a little alcohol in my home on this occasion."

"Thanks" She replied, taking a sip of the mentioned drink as she relaxed into her chair.

Alma smiled at the sight of her granddaughter relaxing and when the table was set she turned around and made her way back to the kitchen where she was finishing dinner.

In the time she was gone Santana took the time to take in the familiar dining room. Even in the time she had been back in Lima after being gone so long she hadn't really had the chance to spend time exploring the house she had once grown up in. It was strange, on the one hand she felt as though she should be a complete stranger here due to the fact that she had been gone for so long, but on the other hand the Lopez in her was creeping up inside and taking over, the sense of familiarity melting into her knowing that she had grown up in this house, almost as if she had never left, like what had happened hadn't and she was just enjoying a Monday night dinner with her grandmother.

Then again, despite the warm feeling growing deep within her chest she felt that coldness fighting for dominance accompanied by thoughts that things would never truly be the same no matter how much they tried to get back to some semblance of normality. Santana knew this, not only because of what had transpired between them in the very next room eight years ago but because of what she was doing right now, the thing that nobody but she knew about. She knew that when the truth came out it would probably blow up all in her face and even if she tried to ignore that eating feeling of waiting for that very day she couldn't deny that things had been a fucked since the moment she first saw those red and blue flashing lights in her rear-view mirror as she pulled onto the Lima expressway.

Luckily she was broken out of her rapidly darkening thoughts by her grandmother carrying two fully loaded plates of food into the room. She instantly sat up straighter at the familiar smell of home cooked food and licked her lips. "Gracias"

Alma smiled as she sat down across from her. "Ha sido un placer, disfrute mija."

Santana nodded as they began eating in a comfortable silence. She felt herself easily slip into a familiar warmth as she enjoyed the feeling of eating a home cooked meal for the fist time in a very long time. It was only when they had just started dessert that Santana couldn't wait any more, desperate to ask about something that had been bugging ever since she had first met up with the old woman again, she just hadn't known the right time to do so. Now she felt as if it was the perfect time, considering how close things were getting to taking Puck down, to get the ball rolling. Better late than never.

"Abuela, can I ask you something?"

Looking up she saw the nervous look on her granddaughter's face, prompting her to lean forward and place a comforting hand on her scarred forearm. "Go ahead. Speak what's on your mind child"

Gulping Santana knew it was now or never. "Have you heard from Mom?"

Even though she knew this was going to come up sooner or later Alma hadn't really expected Santana to ask her about the woman who had abandoned them so soon. Nevertheless she had voiced it out loud and she would have to answer whether she liked it or not. Taking a few moments, which felt like hours to Santana, she sat back and considered exactly how to tell her the truth. It wasn't that it was complicated, it was just finding a way to 'soften the blow'. It wasn't exactly an easy subject between them. It never had been.

"I haven't heard from her since just after you got back."

"What did she want?"

"She wanted to know if you had any money. When I asked why she said that she heard you were racing again and making large amounts of money so she figured that you could lend her some until she could pay you back."

"And what did you say?"

She could tell Santana was getting more and more uncomfortable with every passing moment but decided to remain calm in the current situation. "I said that you had visited me but we weren;t really talking and seeing each other. She persisted and then asked if I had any money I could lend her and I hung up. Santana..."

"No...just don't..."

Alma had no choice but to sit back and watch helplessly as a rush of emotions washed over her granddaughter's face. It was then that Santana abruptly stood up, excusing herself.

"Abuela, I'm sorry, I have to go"

Without giving her chance to respond Santana exited the room and grabbed her jacket before fishing out her car keys and leaving. She knew it was probably a bad idea to leave and overreact at something so small and trivial as she had asked the question, especially when it had happened after she had left, but it had stirred up emotions she hadn't expected to have to deal with. The subject of her mother and why she left was one thing, but to come to the family she left behind so long ago to fuel her needs (the need to get high the only reason she ever contacted Santana) had ignited an anger that was growing so rapidly she feared that if she didn't get out now she probably would have done or said something she would regret and with everything including Puck still simmering beneath the surface, messing things up with her grandmother was one less thing to worry about. Then again, she had brought it upon herself.

She growled at herself for being so stupid, her mind swirling with thoughts that only resulted in berating herself for being so weak in the face of a subject she thought she had gotten over a long time ago. Alma watched on helplessly as she repeated the actions of the night she left Lima, this time knowing that all her granddaughter really needed was some space and time to think to herself. She knew she wasn't to blame, she had just told the truth, but her heart ached to comfort the woman she had practically raised, differences or not.

It didn't stop her brows creasing in worry as she watched Santana pull away, the blue Supra speeding down the road and sliding ungracefully around the corner until she was out of sight. Sighing, she decided to let her have the space she needed and come to her when she was ready, rather than pushing her and erasing what little progress they had already made. Shaking her head she stepped back into her house and closed the door behind her, hoping that Santana didn't do anything stupid.

A few days later across town, as the sun was setting two cars sped around corners and bends as they fought for first place.

Rachel glanced up at her rear-view mirror as she watched the yellow Skyline stick to her like glue. She growled, knowing that Quinn wouldn't give up until she had regained first position. However, Rachel wasn't giving up, not by a long shot. She felt as if she had something to prove, ever since warm up day and racing against her girlfriend. Although her team had won she felt as if they could make the team better and the most obvious choice was to request Quinn's help. She knew she wasn't as good as some of the others on the team but she was determined that she was going to make an impression at this years Race Wars and even if that meant frustration right now she was willing to take in everything the other woman was willing to teach her, no matter how much that made her angry.

As soon as Burt had told them to go home for the day the two women had agreed to go out driving together to get a head start before it was too late. It was sort of like a date, but in their own way. That included driving and dinner afterwards. In the meantime Rachel was happy to just bask in unadulterated smugness she was feeling at the sight of Quinn's signature Skyline in her rear-view mirror.

From behind Quinn narrowly dodged a people carrier as she tried to stick close to her girlfriend as she sped around a corner. She expertly kept close to the inside as she carefully studied the way Rachel drove at the same time. The brunette was slightly sloppy in her steering and handling and she could tell she was going way too fast around a corner which meant it left her open to take over and she would come out slow, costing her her earned lead. Quinn didn't take that opportunity though, she wanted to give Rachel a few more minutes to show her what she was doing, especially the way she acted whilst in first place, so that could formulate a way to help her.

She didn't mind though, as much as she wanted to argue with the brunette at how she was being a little more careless than she had to she was happy to let her enjoy the feeling of being out front. She rarely ever got the chance to race and despite the fact that she was sidelined much more than some of the other more prominent members of the crew she had potential to be a really good driver. She just needed to have the chance to prove herself to them that she was ready to step up to the plate.

She could tell as she followed her onto another street in the way she drove that she was determined and it only rolled off in waves onto the blonde, Quinn realising that she had the chance to help the woman she had fallen in love with shine. It would just take time and she was more than ready to embark on that journey.

She smiled as she watched the purple Honda speed around another street and head towards the coastline, the two of them beginning their journey to the place they had agreed to finish at. In the meantime Quinn decided to have some fun with the brunette street racer and as soon as they had pulled onto the expressway she did what she had been itching to do since they had set of from the garage, shifting up a gear as she pressed her foot further down on the accelerator pedal.

Rachel's smirk soon fell from her face as she watched Quinn disappear from her rear-view mirror. She frowned as she tried to work out where she had gone before catching something out of the corner of her eye. Quinn smirked over at her to her left and seemingly laughed before pulling ahead a little. Determined not to let her win Rachel knew the race was on. She had a funny feeling Quinn would try something like this but luckily she was somewhat prepared, enough to allow her to kick her own butt into gear and shift up a gear of her own.

Her Honda growled and rumbled as more power was fed to the engine, Rachel already focusing on the familiar tail-end of the Nissan that seemed to stick out brightly even as it weaved through traffic at high speed. Deciding it was time to give Quinn a lesson of her own she pulled forward as she shifted up a gear, really getting the ball rolling for the first time in a long time.

Although she knew she wasn't appreciated nearly as much as she should be she was a woman with something to prove, the street racer inside itching to make itself known. Despite being raised by two fathers for half of her life she knew that what she had been given from Shelby was a gift, racing somehow passed down through her genetics into her blood and given to her for a reason. She just had to find a way to unlock it and she was pretty sure that now she was finally with Quinn that the blonde was the key she had been searching for for so long.

The late evening sun beat down on the highway road as she pushed even further forward, her Honda showing just how capable it really was in keeping up with Quinn's powerful Skyline. She narrowly slipped through the gap in between an RV and a Cadillac, both drivers causing a grin to pull across her face as they loudly blew their horns in frustration and anger.

Rachel laughed at them before quickly catching up with her girlfriend, both cars now neck and neck as they rapidly approached their destination/finish line. The coastline whizzed past as both cars picked up speed, managing to avoid an oncoming collision as they both focused on the goal of winning this unofficial race.

Rachel's hands gripped her steering wheel so tight that her knuckles turned white as she increased the pressure, her persona nothing else but determined to come in first. She saw the finish line and as Quinn was pulling slightly ahead she pressed down on one of the buttons in the middle of her steering wheel, Quinn watching as the purple Honda flew forward and a burst of speed and Nos.

Before she really knew what was happening Rachel had crossed the makeshift line first and was already slowing down. Doing the same Quinn eventually caught up with her girlfriend and glanced over to see Rachel laughing at her in victory. Rolling her eyes she continued to drive beside her until they reached the place they had decided would be perfect to enjoy dinner away from the rest of the crew for a night.

Quinn pulled up into one of the spaces and Rachel was right behind, pulling up in the empty space next to her before shutting her Honda off. Getting out of the Skyline Quinn watched as her girlfriend exited her own car and smirked over at her.

"I totally won that!"

Rolling her eyes yet again Quinn shook her head and pocketed her keys and walked over to the brunette who was doing a small victory dance. "You may have won that but your corners were sloppy and you were coming out too slow. Your steering also needs work as well as your inside line. You're going way too wide and it's leaving holes which means I could have overtaken you just like that" She explained, clicking her fingers to emphasize her last point.

It should have deterred her but it didn't. Instead Rachel just smiled and looped her arms through Quinn's, leaning up and pressing a kiss to her cheek as they made their way to the entrance of The Blue Anchor. "You're just mad that I won"

Quinn knew it was important for Rachel to understand where she was going wrong but she couldn't find it in herself to bring that happy smile off her face after winning a race. She knew the feeling of being cut down after winning and she couldn't bare to bring the woman she loved down so she just pushed it away and mapped the information for later whilst she led the shorter woman inside. She could let it slide for just one night.

Hear me

You gotta be out there
You gotta be somewhere
Wherever you are
I'm waiting
'Cause there are these nights when
I sing myself to sleep
And I'm hopin' my dreams
Bring you close to me
Are you listening?

Santana blankly stared herself in the mirror of her motel room. She had been here for the past three nights since the incident with her and her grandmother, not having wanted to go back to the crews house as she knew they would be answering questions she really wasn't ready to answer. It wasn't that she didn't trust them, it was just that she would rather keep this to herself. It was something that knew she had to deal with on her own and it was weighing heavily on her mind.

Her cellphone cut her out of her thoughts and padding over to it where it was strewn in the middle of her bed she read the caller ID. Cassandra was calling her for what seemed the hundredth time in as many days and she had to admit she was getting sick of it along with the constant prodding from her crew members. She had cut herself off from everybody so that it was just herself and she was tired of them calling and texting her asking where she was and why she hadn't called them back to let them know she was ok.

Hear me
I'm cryin' out
I'm ready now
Turn my world upside down
Find me
I'm lost inside the crowd
It's getting loud
I need you to see
I'm screaming for you to please
Hear me
Hear me

She knew it was only a matter of time before they came to the motel but when she thought about her disconnection from everything in her life so that it was just her she knew it was what she needed. She knew that she needed time away from everything where she was just her, Santana Lopez, without the burden of lying to a group of people she considered her friends, struggling to reconnect with her grandmother after what she had done to her, and working with a woman who changed moods as fast as she could press the Nos button in the center of her steering wheel. This is what she had needed after Jake had died, it had just been delayed as people wouldn't let her out of their sights.

Hear me
Can you hear me?
Hear me

It was draining, emotionally and physically. It had taken everything out of her and she was feeling the strain of just what she was doing and she knew it wasn't healthy. That's why, other than a few trips outside for food and refreshments, she had locked herself in her motel room to think and ponder just what her life had come to. What felt like years, which in reality was only a few months ago, she was happy. She was doing what she loved and didn't have the stress of lying about a double life she was living. She was content, all until she got that letter from her grandmother convincing her to come back to Lima so that she could apologize for what she had done eight years ago and that thought alone brought her to why she was actually there, the real reason she had just up and left from everything she was trying to balance.

She took one last look at the shadow of the woman she really was in the mirror and headed towards the bathroom, stripping her boxers and wife-beater before stepping under the shower and letting the water cascade over her body. She didn't even flinch as she turned the dial, the water now as hot as she could stand. It would have been painful but in her current state she couldn't care less, the heat of the scalding water somewhat therapy and a hope that it could wash away the troubles that were increasingly clouding her mind like a thick black fog on a stormy day. The statement felt cliché but it felt right and she didn't have the mental energy to find a way to better describe just what was going on in her mind right at that minute.

I used to be scared of
Letting someone in
But it gets so lonely
Being on my own
No one to talk to
And no one to hold me
I'm not always strong
Oh, I need you here
Are you listening?

She felt as if life was clasping down on every aspect of her, every nook and cranny of the woman she thought she was and as she took a deep shaky breath in she felt unrelieved and left as if something was missing even as she breathed out, steam already starting to fill the room as if she were in a sauna. She didn't care though, all she cared about was the fact that she felt herself cracking and breaking under the pressure of absolutely everything. Everything that had gone on since she had arrived in the city she had fucking left for a better life.

Hear me
I'm cryin' out
I'm ready now
Turn my world upside down
Find me
I'm lost inside the crowd
It's getting loud
I need you to see
I'm screaming for you to please
Hear me

It was then that she realised that whenever she was here she could never be the person she wanted to, stupid shit always backfiring on her and pushing her to her limits. Now wasn't any different and if she was truly being honest with herself she had never felt so low in her entire life. She wasn't depressed, per say, but she was finally feeling everything seeping into her bones and she felt it aching throughout her soul. And it scared her.

It fucking terrified her.

In her mind she continued replaying the conversation from the other night, knowing that this time she had brought it upon herself. She wasn't angry at her grandmother but she was angry at herself for bringing it up in the first place. It had felt right in the moment but she hadn't got the answer she was hoping for. Instead she had gotten the one she had wanted to avoid at all costs and what made it hurt more was that her mother didn't want to reconnect with her, the one person a girl would always need the most. All she wanted to do was feed her drug habit, the thing that had took precedence over her own daughter and left their family permanently broken. It made her heart ache and she couldn't stop the sob that ripped from her throat as she slid down to the bottom of the stall, her back against the wall as the water continued to cascade over her tired and aching body.

I'm restless and wild
I fall, but I try
I need someone to understand
Can you hear me?
I'm lost in my thoughts
And baby I've fought
For all that I've got
Can you hear me?

Her heart hurt as she thought about how things were truly fucked up, how they had always been. She found it hard to breathe and realized she had way too much to handle at the same time, her past just as important as her present, and possibly her future. She continued to cry out loud, her whimpers muffled by the sound of the shower gushing down upon her – and she was happy that it did. This outlet of raw emotion was just for her and her only. She needed this, no matter how much it hurt.

It felt like some of the weight had been lifted from her shoulders as the water finally completely cooled down and she stepped out into the small steamy bathroom, wiping away the condensation on the mirror to study herself once again. Her eyes were obviously red but she felt as if she had some breathing space had come back to her. Somehow, she felt just that little bit freer.

Can you hear me?
Hear me
Hear me
Hear me
Can you hear me?
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
Hear me
Hear me
Hear me

"But babe, you drive a Cadillac!"

Kitty sighed and rubbed her temples. She was currently sat in between her girlfriends legs on her bed whilst she car shopped on her iPad. She had initially asked her for help, taking advantage of the fact that her girlfriend was indeed a street racer, deciding that she was the best person to go for when it came to something like this. She had originally been thinking about getting a new car but ever since they had started seeing each other the want to upgrade had taken over her mind so much she decided that she was in fact going to go ahead and do it. She just had to pick a car that lived up to her girlfriend's high standards.

"I know, and that's why I want something different like you suggested. I just don't know what to get"

Peering over Kitty's shoulder Dani took a quick glance at the screen of the iPad. "Well, do you want an old or new one?"

"I don't know"

"How old is your current one?"

"Ten years old"

"And saying it out loud, what does that bring to your mind?"

"That I kinda want a brand new one"

"Then I guess that's decided. Next, what region?"

"I'm kinda swaying to European"

"Ok, let's have a look"

It took a few minutes but they found a list of affordable cars that were new out and decided this was the best list to choose from. Kitty seemed to like all of the cars featured and instead of pushing her to have a badass car, which would have been undoubtedly out of her price range, Dani settled on the idea to let Kitty pick out a car she really wanted to drive. The image that came to mind of Kitty stood next to a sexy-ass car was extremely appealing and nearly swayed her to go the way she really wanted but her rational mind, which was taking main precedence for once, was the one she ultimately listened to. With this decided she pressed a kiss to the space that connected Kitty's jaw to her neck and sighed as she wrapped her arms around her waist tightly.

"You see one you like?"

The smaller blonde nodded, enjoying the warm feeling of Dani's arms around her. "Mmm hmm"

"Which one?"

"Well, I like the BMW and the Audi"

"You know which one I would go for performance-wise"

"I do, the Beamer"

"Exactly, it's in my class, exotics"

"So is the Audi"

"I know but it's the car I would choose, it's more my style" She shrugged. "Anyway, it's your choice"

"I know which one I'm leaning towards though"

"Which one?"

"Can I ask you a question first?"

"Go ahead"

"No matter which one I choose, you'd most probably want me to modify it a little wouldn't you?"

"It depends on what you would want done but yes, I probably would. I kinda want you to have a slightly modified version so that if you ever get in trouble you have a car that can help you get out of it. Plus it's quite a good budget car to modify and it's actually relatively good when you've upgraded it a little. It's perfect for someone like you."

Kitty took a few moments to take in what she had said, smiling as she bent her head to look at the woman who was sat behind her. "You do?"

"Yeah"

"Aww, I didn't know you cared"

"I do when it comes to you. You're my girl now, that means I need to make sure you're safe, in and out of your car"

Instead of replying, which she had no words to formulate a reply anyway, Kitty grinned a little wider and used her free hand to pull her girlfriend into an awkward kiss. When they pulled away she squirmed in delight as Dani squeezed her a little tighter, peppering her neck with kisses.

When she was done Dani made sure to keep her nose nuzzled into the other blonde's neck whilst she resumed their conversation. "So, which one would you choose?"

"The TT"

"You sure?"

"Are you? I know you're picky about these kinds of things"

The older woman shrugged as she pressed a residual kiss to her girlfriend's neck. "I usually am but I want you to be happy about this. It's your car"

"Then I guess it's settled. On to other things though..."

Before Dani could react the other woman had had deposited her iPad at the end of the bed and turned around, already straddling her and pressing so close that their noses were touching. When she had realized what was happening her hands came up to rest on her hips, pulling her even closer as their lips crashed together. Kitty's hands cupped her face and kept her in place as they proceeded to start a make-out session, something far from uncommon between them when they were one their own and away from everybody else.

When Kitty felt Dani's hands reflexively start kneading at her hips, signalling her that she was really engrossed in their current activities she suddenly pulled away, effectively putting everything on hold. Yet again, before Dani could do anything she had jumped off of her, quick-walking over to where her bar shirt was placed neatly on her dresser, picking up her Converses and heading for the front door of her apartment.

Dani shook her head of her daze and sat up, watching as the other blonde stopped by front door to look back at her. "What was that for?"

Kitty let out a chuckle at Dani's frazzled expression. "I have to open the bar"

"So you're just going to leave me like this without finishing the job?"

Kitty shrugged as she opened the door, secretly loving the feeling of playing with her girlfriend. "Something like that"

Dani watched as she exited, closing the door behind her. She turned her attentions back to the bed she was currently sat on and ran a hand through her wild hair, letting out an exasperated breath.

"Fuck"

Shelby had picked up her car the day before as Santana had finally finished her tune-ups after coming back to work from her bender, to which nobody questioned past if she was ok, but now the older street racer was back, pulling Santana and Letty to the side away from the others.

"I have something I need you two for"

"Are you going to tell us what it is?" Letty asked, signature serious look plastered across her face.

"I can't here, I have to actually show it to you"

"Ok, but why me and Santana?"

She shrugged. "Because"

"So you're not gonna tell us anything?" Santana asked, jumping into the conversation for the first time since they had been pulled aside.

Shelby nodded. "Yes. I've talked to Burt and Mia's going to keep a watchful eye over everything whilst we're gone. You've got the afternoon off"

"Right now?"

"Yes Letty, right now. Change out of your work clothes and we should be back by night fall. I'll wait by my car."

She left no room for argument and already started making her way towards the Camaro that was parked near the front of the yard. Letty shot a look at Santana to which the younger Latina just shrugged and they both separated to get ready.

Brittany looked up a minute later from what she was doing with Rachel and watched as she shredded her garage shirt and her t-shirt she was wearing underneath. She was unable to stop the blush as she watched Santana put her work clothes into the trunk of her Supra, taking out two fresh pieces from her small go-bag that she had stored in case she ever needed it. Her blush only served to deepen as her eyes stayed glued to the sight of the Latina she called her girlfriend as she stood in the middle of a garage yard next to a hot car in nothing but a pair of jeans and a sports bra, Brittany unconsciously licking her lips and glancing at her intently as she noticed the Latina's boxers peaking out from the top of her jeans.

She knew that she shouldn't be staring but she was finding that she couldn't help herself. She hadn't really seen the Latina so naked before, despite the fact that they had been dating for quite a while now. She was happy to wait but now knowing what was underneath only served the need to take things further with her. As she continued to watch she pulled on a blue shirt over fresh white t-shirt and she made a mental note to try and get the other woman to consider to take things to the next level because the way she looked right now, topping off her outfit with a pair of sunglasses, her mind was starting to wander and imagine things that really weren't suitable in the current situation.

Santana knew she had been watching her and when she looked over in her direction she winked and slid into her car, Letty now finished and doing the same as Mia blew her girlfriend a goodbye kiss.

Rachel heard them start to pull out of the yard and looked over at her best friend. "Saw something you liked?"

Blushing Brittany only just managed to glare at the short brunette and stick her tongue out at her. "Shut up"

Rachel narrowly dodged a dirty rag to the face as she let out a loud cackle.

They had been driving for a good hour before Shelby finally pulled into what seemed to be a small gas station on the edge of the road that cut through the center of the desert. The sun was hot as she pulled around back, no one but the cashier behind the counter in sight. Letty and Santana pulled their cars up next to her and stepped out, following the older woman towards what looked like a huge storage shed.

Shelby turned to face them as she stopped outside the front of it. "You're probably guessing why I brought you here"

"Well, yeah. You dragged us out into the desert without telling us what we were getting into"

Shelby shook her head at the crew leader. "It's nothing bad. I just needed to discuss something with you without anybody else around."

"Then lead the way" Santana prompted.

Shelby nodded and took a deep breath. "So, Santana, you've probably heard about Schue by now?"

"Yep"

"Then you know me and Holly used to drive under him, much like you do with Letty. Anyway, a few months ago we started discussing this years Race Wars and we've been planning up until now. The main stuff is sorted and there's a few more things we need to plan but the first real thing we came to an agreement on was this years prize, obviously the most important part. I took you two out here because we both finally felt ready to share what it was with someone. Here, take a look."

Shelby turned around and fished a key out of her back pocket and opened the padlock on the front of the large shed. Moments later she was pulling both doors open to reveal a car covered in a large white tarp. She pocketed the keys as Santana and Letty watched her step inside, moving to the front of the car and grabbing the edge of the tarp. Moments later she was pulling it back, both women in awe as they got a first glimpse at a fully modified Audi R8 which was candy red in colour.

"Wow" Santana mumbled as she took a closer look at the car.

Shelby grinned in response. "You like?"

"Yeah"

"How did you get away with this ins secret?" Letty asked, now following Santana's lead and taking a few steps closer to it to get a closer look.

Shelby shrugged in reply and watched as they examined the car. "Me and Schue have been designing it in secret for the past few months. We agreed that when it was finished we'd draft two people to get a look at it"

"But why us?" Santana asked, looking up from where she had been studying the front bumper.

"Because we wanted Letty as she's the crew leader but we wanted a fresh pair of eyes and although Schue has never met you in the flesh he's been impressed with your driving and implementation into the crew. That leads us to right now"

"Ok, so we've seen the car but is that all you brought us out here for?"

Shelby shook her head, her grin growing at Letty's question. "Nope, and I'm glad you asked. Me and Schuester didn't bring you out here just to look at it. We have a job for you. We haven't decided who it will be but closer to the time of when Race Wars starts and we've secured the location we're going to have one of you two deliver it to a predetermined location. We still need time as this is such a sensitive subject, especially as it's this years prize but it is essential that when you get back you keep this between yourselves and don't tell anyone else. Otherwise we can't risk Puck getting his hands on it as it serves as a double purpose"

"What do you mean?" Santana inquired.

"Just know that this car can't be found. If Puck finds it we'll be losing much more than a tournament prize. You two have to promise me that you won't tell anyone"

"You've got me in"

"Santana?"

"Yeah, I'm in too"

"Good, now we can head back. I'll let you know nearer the time when we've chosen who's transporting it."

Letty and Santana both nodded before heading back to their cars. Knowing that she had a feeling that this was much more than what Shelby was letting on to Santana just managed to catch an acceptable picture of the Audi before Shelby closed and locked the doors, effectively shutting it away once again. She now knew she had to call Cassandra. She had a funny feeling this car was certainly much more than a prize and if she was correct she might have just found out what Puck might want to transport.

Song used: Kelly Clarkson – 'Hear Me'

P.S. - If you want to see the design I picked for the R8 at the end head over to my Tumblr shinodafan94 . tumblr . com. And check it out under story extras!

TBC