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.
Ok, so word of warning with this chapter – I honestly didn't think I'd get an update out this week so pushing myself to get it done it actually turned out much longer than I expected and I have a feeling that's the way it's going to go from now on with getting all the cars. That being said even though it's long it's got some interesting stuff going on and I will leave you with one word: Brittana.
Thank you to everybody who reviewed the last chapter and everybody who followed etc., you know what it means to me. I'll see you next week so enjoy! :D
Brittany awoke to the sun in her eyes, the light filtering in through the curtains that spanned the length of the bayside window that formed an entire side of the room. Slowly waking up more and more she was alerted to an ache in her shoulders which made her realize just where she was. She recalled the previous night and remembered falling asleep on Santana's couch. It was this realization that pushed her up into a sitting position, immediately regretting the action when pain radiated across her shoulder blades. Reaching up she rolled her shoulders and rubbed at them as best she could before sitting up and stretching. Yawning she rubbed the last of the sleep from her eyes before standing up, walking over to the bayside windows, tugging on the curtain to reveal the view outside. Finishing up with the other side she padded over to the middle and smiled at sight of the city skyline in the distance as she crossed her arms over her chest. The early morning sun was warm on her skin as she simply stood and let herself enjoy the spectacle that this expensive house provided. She used to think that buying a big fancy expensive house in the hills was overrated but she had to admit as she took in the sight of Lima in the distance she was quickly changing her mind. It was beautiful and as much as she loved living in-house with the rest of the crew she had to admit that she wouldn't mind waking up to this quiet view every morning, rain or shine. Santana was a lucky woman.
Ah, Santana.
She knew the Latina would worm her way into her thoughts at some point. It was only a matter of time. Then again she guessed that it was needed. Now stood in the house the other woman now lived in with no distractions, including the Latina, she figured that it would be a good time to try and sort out what was going on in her mind. She wouldn't admit it but she had been putting it off for as long as possible. Ever since that day at the beach she had been confused. She had been so angry when she admitted to Santana exactly what she was feeling and then Santana had kissed her and everything slammed right back into her ten times worse than it had originally. She had managed to flip all of her emotions around as if they were nothing but a light switch and everything she thought she had been feeling she had questioned the moment she got back in her car and left her in that beach parking lot. Then Letty had agreed to her plan and she was thrown for a loop again, not quite knowing just how to handle exactly what it would involve, how and when they would be around each other. She didn't know how to feel about it and Santana had managed to catch her off guard again in a moment when she had been trying to catch her breath and take it all in. For some reason still unbeknownst to her today she had been the one to initiate the kiss this time, no anger in the air but something else that she didn't think Santana understood either.
Then came that moment when they were walking back into the house and Santana had told her about the decision Roz had given her and she remembered asking her what she had chosen and everything changed. Santana had made her choice long before Roz asked her question, it just needed to get out into the open. Now that it was and knowing that Santana had chosen her and the rest of the crew her realization snapped like a rubber band in the middle of her mind. Her eyes widened as she sucked in a breath and a shiver ran down her spine. Now she understood, understood everything Santana had done and as much as a part of her deep down inside wanted to grab at that hate she had once felt Brittany knew that she wasn't that person to hold onto it, wasn't one of those people that kept coming back and stealing bites of a rotten and poisoned apple over and over again. She knew that was toxic and she understood now that she had been holding onto a rotten apple of her own, her soul clutching at it as if she somehow needed it to live.
Brittany had always been a person who saw the good in everyone, she always looked past their flaws and imperfections and focused on what made them good people, it was why she was friends with the crew, but in this moment as she looked out at the expansive view of the city she called home she realized that she had turned into someone other than that person, a person that she didn't like. She had jumped on the same boat as the rest of the crew without really realising it and now here she was regretting ever having acted so out of character. She hated being angry at things, especially people, and the one person she had really loved had hurt her and she had turned her back on her the moment she had.
Sucking in a deep breath she came to the realization that Santana had chosen her. She had been told what to do at every corner from the moment she had been taken in by Cassandra and never given a choice, she had to do it whether she liked it or not but now Brittany knew that as much as she wasn't given any breathing room Brittany was the person she had chose. She had picked her over everything and did it for herself, the woman she was slowly coming to realise was a lot more complex under the surface than anyone Brittany had ever met in her entire life. That was her choice and now Brittany knew that she couldn't hold it back.
She'd spent the past nearly four months clutching at that rotten apple deep down inside her soul as if it was so much more important than who she truly was and she hadn't even realised it. She had been holding onto anger from a situation Santana had never wanted any part in. All those moments Brittany thought the Latina had faked her way through, the family moments, she now understood with clarity were real. Santana had been living a double life on the side but those moments were indeed very real. She wasn't faking them and she wasn't faking her feelings towards her just like she had admitted in that cramped hospital room laying in bed having nearly died from two gunshots.
"No, of course not! Everything we shared together was nothing short of the real thing. I love you, that was never in question..."
"Those moments were real and even if I have to say it aloud you're the best thing that ever happened to me."
Her words echoed in her head and she was unable to stop the tear that ran down her cheek at the realization of her feelings.
"Britt?"
Her body froze at the sound of Santana's voice but it didn't take long for her to spin on the heels of her bare feet, seeing the Latina holding her car keys in one hand along with a pair of Ray-Bans in the other.
"Britt? Why are you crying?"
Santana closed the space between them and came to a stop in front of her, a frown now firmly etched across her face.
"Are you ok?"
Brittany didn't know how to answer as she looked at Santana's face in a whole new light.
"Britt? You're scaring me, say something"
Instead of getting an answer like she had hoped Brittany was wrapping her arms around her neck and pulling her into a tight hug, the Latina having no choice but to hug back (not that she minded). Wrapping her arms tightly around Brittany's waist she held the blonde flush to her body as Brittany shook with sobs. Her heart cracked at the sound of the other woman crying but she didn't know what to do other than hold her as tightly as she could in the hopes that Brittany told her exactly what it was that was causing her this pain. She hoped to God that it wasn't her.
When she pulled away after a few minutes of silence and Brittany's cries were reduced to sniffles she threw her keys and sunglasses down onto the ottoman a few feet away and turned back to the other woman, cupping her face and wiping away her tears that were staining her cheeks. "Brittany? Are you ok?"
Braving her emotions Brittany's eyes flickered upwards and met Santana's. It was now or never. "Santana...I..."
Her thumbs rubbing back and forth over her cheeks Santana smiled reassuringly back at her. "It's ok, you know you can tell me anything right Britt?"
Swallowing thickly Brittany took in a deep breath as she locked her gaze with Santana's. "I'm sorry"
Santana frowned. "What for?"
"Everything"
"But-"
"Don't. If I don't say this now I won't ever get it out" Santana nodded and remained silent allowing her to continue. "I'm so sorry Santana. I was a bitch to you and you didn't deserve it. I avoided my feelings and I clutched onto anger and that's just not me, you know that better than anyone. I jumped on a boat that wasn't for me and now all I can think of was how I was so stupid to do it without thinking. When I kissed you last week and we were coming back in here I knew, I just knew when you told me that you'd already made your choice long before Roz asked you that you weren't lying. I now know that you were telling the truth in that hospital room. You weren't lying about your feelings for me and every moment we spent together was real. I'm sorry for not believing you, I'm sorry for treating you like crap because I couldn't see the truth right in front of my face staring right back at me. God I'm so stupid"
Before Brittany could ramble any more Santana cut in. "Hey, you're not stupid, you're the smartest person I know"
"But-"
"No, you aren't stupid. You're a genius Britt. I always knew that from the moment I first laid eyes on you. You don't have to be sorry, you were hurting"
"I know but I said so many awful things to you"
Leaning forwards Santana placed a kiss to her forehead. "I know but you were upset and you had every right to say it out loud"
"But it's not right. I hurt you in the process and-"
"It stung but I'm past it"
"I'm so sorry Santana." She cried, her head falling to the other woman's shoulder.
"Shush, I know you are. I am too" She replied, pulling her in close.
With her arms wrapped securely around her Brittany felt at ease for the first time in a very long time. She sighed contently as she felt warmth surround her, Santana's arms holding her close by the shoulders. She nuzzled into the Latina's shirt-clad collarbone simply enjoying the feeling of the other woman encompassing her without any of the weight that had been pressing down on her shoulders for so long before.
When she pulled her head away a while later she did nothing but stare at the other woman's face, Santana looking right back at her as if she was the only other person on the planet. It was this feeling that was radiating off the Latina that pushed them forwards, the same feeling that they had both felt the night before whilst sat at the edge of the pool. This time it was stronger but it had a clarity to it, somewhat crystal clear as their eyes never left one another. It was so strong that it didn't take long before their lips connected, their hold on one another tightening as their body's pressed flush together. This time felt different. Ever since Santana had come back it had been one or the other pushing and pulling and even though the kiss the previous evening had been mutual on both ends, much like this one, this felt different. For the first time they felt free as they moved back and forth with their mouths. They grasped deep down inside and touched something that they hadn't felt since before the day Santana had been called to go and drive that stupid R8. They weren't willing to verbally confirm it just now but they were pretty sure that what they had felt for each other before everything went down was still there, it would just take a little time to get back to it. That didn't mean that they weren't going to try though.
"Wow" Santana replied breathlessly as she pulled away when the need for air became too much.
Her face nothing but an inch from the other woman's Brittany chuckled back. "I know"
"What was that for?"
Brittany shrugged. "I don't know but I think I'd like to find out"
Santana couldn't help but beam. "Me too but I do have one thing I wanna say"
"Ok..."
Taking a breath Santana's eyes never left hers. "Everything I ever said I felt about you was real, I swear to God"
Looking right back at her Brittany believed every single word for the first time in months. There was a pregnant pause as Santana looked at her with nothing but complete seriousness and honesty, emotion brimming in her hazel coloured eyes. A smile breaking out across her lips Brittany let her hands cup the other woman's face. What she said next made Santana's heart freeze in her chest.
"I know"
It was like months of pain was lifted from her heart and shoulders allowing her to breathe freely and unobstructed. The conviction in Brittany's voice was something she had never thought she'd hear, never thought she'd see the day when the blonde would be anything but angry at her. The Brittany stood before her today was the Brittany she had fallen in love with, the woman that had amazed her from the very moment she had laid eyes on her. It was this freeing feeling that prompted her to speak up, a question still lingering despite the liberated air that now hung between them.
"Britt..."
"Yeah?"
"What now?"
The way she was unsure made Brittany grin. It wasn't in a bad way but she couldn't help but find the look on Santana's face anything but cute. "I don't know either. Maybe we could see where it goes? I'm not ready for any labels but I know one thing"
Santana studied her carefully as slender ivory fingers stroked back and forth at her cheeks. "What?"
"I don't ever want to be mad at you again"
Coaxing Brittany's chin up with one of her hands her gaze steeled. "Hey, that will never happen ever again. It killed me inside to lie to you. I promise right here right now that wherever this goes I will never lie to you again and I will never put you what I put you through ever again."
Looking at her she saw nothing but the truth and it made her smile. "I know"
And with that she pulled her in for another kiss, this one a lot slower and a lot less heavy. It was light and slow but it said enough. It was enough to reaffirm the fresh start they had agreed on but this time on a completely level playing field with their feelings for each other taking forefront.
When they pulled away Santana pulled Brittany as close as possible and with the blonde's head resting on her chest she pressed a kiss to the top of her head. She heard the blonde sigh against her collarbone and she simply let herself relax, in turn Brittany following as they both enjoyed the feeling of finally being in one another's arms without the heavy weight of pain resting on their shoulders and the warm morning sun streaming in through the bayside window.
When they did eventually pull away Santana stepped back and grabbed the other woman's hand. "Come on, you must be hungry"
Brittany let Santana pull her through the house without any protest due to the fact that she was just realizing how hungry she really was. When they entered the kitchen Santana directed her to the breakfast bar.
"Here, sit at the bar and I'll make you something"
Brittany nodded and let her head fall to her hand as she watched the Latina deposit her phone and iPod down onto the counter before turning to the cabinets to grab the only box of cereal that she owned. Brittany beamed when she saw the familiar box.
"Yay, Lucky Charms!" Santana turned around to place them on the counter with a raised eyebrow. Brittany did nothing but shrug in response. "What? I love them"
"Oh really?"
Brittany nodded as she reached forwards, grabbing the box and slipping her hand inside. Santana watched as she pulled it back out filled with cereal only to pick out all of the marshmallows.
"Please tell me that you aren't just going to eat the marshmallows"
"What? They're my favourite part"
Santana rolled her eyes as she turned back to the cabinets, grabbing two bowls and placing them down on the counter not that far away from the box. Serving breakfast they sat in a comfortable silence next to each other at the breakfast bar until Brittany finally broke it.
"Where were you coming back from this morning?"
"I had a physio session"
"Was it because of yesterday? Did I hurt you?"
Santana shook her head and chuckled at the other woman. "No, don't worry. I scheduled a session last week. I had a feeling I would need it after yesterday. I'm just glad I paid for this one"
"Why?"
"My abuela's been paying for every single one, even the ones I had scheduled after the mandatory sessions stopped."
"You scheduled more?"
"That night I came back I messed it up real bad. It hurt so bad I had to have more sessions to make sure I didn't do any permanent damage."
"So she's been paying for all of your after care?"
Santana nodded as she spooned more cereal into her mouth. "Yep. That's why this time I paid for it"
"Was this like a one time thing?"
The Latina shook her head. "No. I have another one on Monday just to make sure. Really it's just to check up and make sure that I haven't done any lasting damage."
Without responding Brittany placed her spoon back down into her bowl and then reached across, her hand caressing the other woman's shoulder. She could feel the brace underneath her shirt but didn't mention it, instead leaning forwards and placing a kiss to it. Santana smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek just as her phone began to ring across from them on the counter. Sighing she pulled away and reached over to grab it, sliding her finger across the screen and putting it on speaker when she saw that it was Matt.
"Hey Matt, you've got Britt and Santana. What's going on?"
"I got a hit on the RX7"
Santana met Brittany's equally curious gaze before turning back to the phone. "More than just a partial one time flash?"
"Yeah, it's showed up on seven cameras already. I've been following it for a few minutes"
"Where is it now?"
"Uh...still downtown like it has been every other time we've seen it"
"Ok, we'd better make a move on it now"
"Like right now?"
Santana nodded over at the blonde. "Of course. This son of a bitch is slippery. We've got to get him while we have a chance. Matt, keep an eye on him for me. I'm gonna head over to the garage and round up the crew and go from there."
"Ok, will do. I'll call you in five minutes"
"Great." Ending the call she turned to the puzzled blonde. "Come on Britt, I need to get my tranquillizer gun"
"Tranquillizer gun?"
"Yeah, how else am I gonna stop him?"
Shrugging Brittany hopped down off her stool. "I'm gonna go grab my shoes and I'll be ready to go. I'll meet you at your 350?"
"Of course"
And after pressing a kiss to Brittany's cheek she was already heading towards her bedroom. Brittany just shook her head with a smile and headed towards the living room area where her shoes were resting on the ottoman. Once she pulled them on she headed outside and over the pool to rest up against Santana's Nissan. That's how the Latina found her a minute later and now with a gun holster strapped to her thigh, car keys in hand, she smiled over at the other woman.
"You ready to go?"
Brittany nodded. "Of course"
Letty and the others looked up at the sound of a high powered engine quickly approaching. Moments later Santana's Nissan was sliding into the lot, dust from the yard spraying up as she came to an abrupt stop. Both she and Brittany got out of the car and practically ran towards them, the gun strapped to the Latina's thigh telling her it was serious.
"Santana, what's the gun for?"
"It's a tranquillizer gun"
The crew leader raised an eyebrow as her arms crossed over her chest. "What for?"
"Matt just got a hit on the RX7 I had pegged for Rachel. It turned up on more than one camera and it's still there. Matt's calling me any minute now"
"Already? We only got Mia's NSX yesterday. Ok, we need a plan of action"
"Hold that thought" Santana said, holding up her hand as her phone started ringing. Sliding her finger across the screen she put it on speaker. "Matt, what's going on?"
"I've got it heading south. It's racing with another car"
Santana turned to the older Latina. "What do you wanna do?"
"Matt you keep a constant eye on that car. The crew will only need to be small. Santana, Britt, Rachel, I want all three of you on this."
"What about cars?" Brittany questioned from her place beside Santana.
"I want a scout and I want a jump driver"
"So Santana can jump in-motion?"
"Yep"
"So who's doing what?" Rachel asked, now joining Brittany and Santana.
"Rach, I want you driving the orange Raptor and I want Santana in the trunk ready to jump into this car."
"What about me?"
"Britt I want you driving the black Raptor so that you can give Rachel extra back up if that guy he's driving with gives you any problems. That means Santana can get into RX7 without getting hurt. Is there anything else we need?"
Santana shook her head. "We just need to get wired up so that we can stay in contact with each other."
"T, you got that GoPro of yours handy?"
"Of course"
Nodding Letty turned back to Santana. "Good, on the way I want you to put it on the dashboard of Rachel's Raptor so I can see you jump. Let's get moving"
"You get that Matt?" Santana asked.
"Loud and clear S. I've got my eye on the car now"
"Then let's move"
A few minutes later and Santana was just about to get into the Raptor with Rachel when Brittany grabbed her arm, lowering her voice into a near-whisper.
"Britt?"
"Be careful"
Santana nodded and let her hand squeeze the blonde's. "Always"
And with that she was jumping into the pick-up with Rachel and Brittany was doing the same into the black copy of the same car. She let Rachel pull out first and followed her out of the lot.
The heavily modified RX7 weaved in and out of traffic alongside the other car ahead as Santana speed dialled a familiar number.
"Yeah?"
"Matt, I've got him in sight"
"Good, I'll still keep an eye on him from the camera's for you. Be careful Santana"
"I've got this. Thanks Matt"
"Bye"
"Bye"
As she ended the call Rachel looked over at her. "What now?"
"I get in the bed of this truck"
"Are you sure about this?"
Santana nodded as she made sure the GoPro was on and recording back to the garage. She then looked over at Rachel. "Keep it steady until I'm in the back."
"Got it"
By Rachel's confirming nod she waited until it was clear and threw open the door. Immediately she was assaulted by a gush of air as Rachel drove at a fast pace. Across to the right was Brittany keeping up steadily and nothing but a few feet away in case Santana nearly fell. Gripping the roof of the Raptor Santana made quick work of throwing herself into the bed of the truck just as Rachel swerved to avoid an oncoming car. Santana rolled to the other side of the bed at the sudden movement and it had Brittany calling to her through the radio.
"Santana, you ok?!"
Santana sat up as she caught her breath. "Yeah, I'm good."
"What now Santana?"
Kneeling up Santana gripped hold of the roof and peered over the cab at the traffic ahead. "I think I see it. There, the red car up ahead"
"I see it"
"Keep on it Rach. You too Britt."
"What about the car he's with?" Brittany asked.
Santana squinted before frowning and scrunching up her face in disgust. "Is that a bright pink Supra?!"
"Eww. I'm so glad you didn't paint yours that colour S"
"Me either Rach. Ok, step it up a gear. Those two are way too dangerous in all this traffic"
"I agree. I'm moving in now. Britt, you got me?"
"I've got you Rach"
It was then that Rachel put the supercharged engine of the Raptor into action, the brunette weaving in and out of traffic alongside Brittany as they raced to catch up with the RX7 and the Supra. Santana watched as ahead the two racers raced side by side in between traffic and she could tell that the RX7's driver was driving just like every other time she'd seen them. They were reckless and she was about to put her life on the line to try and stop them.
Rachel shifted up a gear and they were about a cars length behind them. "Rach, you have to get on the right side or else I'm not gonna be able to knock him out!"
"I can't! The Supra's there!"
"That's where Britt comes in. Brittany, can you get close enough to force them out to make enough space for Rachel?"
"I don't know but I can try"
"That's all I ask"
"I'm on it"
Both she and Rachel watched from their truck as Brittany surged forward in a boost of speed, the high powered engine being put through it's paces as the blonde neared the back of the Supra.
"They're not letting me through!"
Quickly thinking Santana saw the opening. "Keep on their ass Britt. You stay glued to their rear bumper long enough they'll have no chance but to break away"
Shifting up a gear Brittany pressed closer. "I hope you're right on this Santana"
"Me too"
Santana and Rachel watched with baited breath as Brittany stayed about a foot behind the bright pink Supra, all of her concentration on staying glued to their rear. She had to admit, she was a little wary of Santana's suggestion but it paid off when the car started swerving a little before pulling away.
"Go Britt!"
At the sudden opening and then Santana's yell Brittany kicked it into high gear and was surging forwards into the vacated space from the Supra. Santana watched as Brittany then proceeded to hug the side of the RX7 even though it swerved violently to the left. Rachel kept up exceptionally well as they watched the two cars ahead and it wasn't long before Santana was assessing the situation. Now she had Brittany in place it was time for phase two.
"Ok, Rach it's go time. Britt, stay glued to the side of them. When I say I want you to snap off so that Rachel can break into the freed up space. That Supra is gonna give you hell as soon as you do but keep it steady and keep them away long enough for Rachel to get in position."
"I've got you Santana"
"Good. Rach, you ready?"
"Yeah"
"Cool. We haven't got very much of Main Street left before it ends and I have a funny feeling he's gonna pull a ninety degree turn before that even happens so we've gotta do this now"
"Then let's do it!" Rachel called, Santana still watching Brittany ahead of her.
She watched carefully as the RX7 turned to the left, Brittany staying right next to it as instructed. She could tell by the way the car was moving that the driver was getting restless and she knew if she didn't act now either him or his friend would ruin it and they'd have no chance of getting this car for Rachel. Waiting just a few seconds more she made the call.
"Britt!"
At her signal Brittany quickly snapped to the right, thick tires squealing as she made the space they needed.
"Rach!"
Taking her cue the brunette kicked the pick-up into it's highest gear and streamed forwards, carefully and quickly pulling into the empty space Brittany had given them. To her right Santana saw the pink Supra and it's woman driver staying right beside Brittany trying to get her to move.
"Keep it up Britt. We're almost there"
"I've got you Santana"
"Ok Rach, keep it steady, I'm gonna shoot him"
"Thank God he has his window open huh?"
"Yeah-" She was cut off by a violent swerve and when she righted herself she looked up to see the wide open space between them and the target car. "Rach, what happened?"
"Sorry Santana, I had to avoid a minivan"
"Get it back and we'll try again"
"Already on it"
With a new precision Santa hadn't seen before she watched as Rachel swerved right back to the left, closing the gap that had been created from avoiding a collision. Now back in position Santana knew they could try again at initiating the next part of the plan.
"I'm gonna try and shoot him and get in. Remember that we only have two tries but I wanna get it on the first. Rach I need you glued to his side"
"I've got it Santana. Give me the word when you're ready to jump"
"Will do"
She watched carefully as he looked back at her, anger clear on his face. Knowing that she was going to attempt something completely stupid with a high rate of failure she decided that this was the only option and they'd got this far, all she needed to do was shoot him. Taking a deep breath she reached down to her thigh and pulled out the tranquilizer gun. Grabbing one of the specially made ammo she loaded it and held it up, seeing that Rachel could keep it steady for just a little longer before having to move so that she didn't crash.
Just as she aimed the gun at him through his open window Rachel radioed up to her. "Santana, don't shoot!"
"Why?"
"He's strapped in! You're not gonna get him untied quick enough to get behind the wheel before it crashes. You're gonna have to get around to the other side so that you can unhook his harness once you're in the car!"
"Good point. Get around to the other side"
"Already there!"
Brittany looked away from where she was keeping the Supra at bay to see Rachel pulling behind the RX7 only to latch onto the other side. "What are you doing?!"
Santana looked up and over at the blonde woman who was steering the black Raptor into the space they'd just vacated. "We need to get on the empty side so I can shoot him and get his harness free so that the car doesn't crash. I need to be in the car to do that"
"So when are you gonna shoot him?"
"I've gotta jump first"
"You sure that's a good idea?"
"It's the only way Britt"
Steeling her expression Brittany nodded even though she knew Santana couldn't see it. "I've got your back. That Supra's not getting anywhere near this car"
"That's all I need. Rach, you ready to do this?"
"Second time's a charm"
"Then let's go!"
Rachel moved as close as possible and her gun now holstered Santana knew that she had to get in that car as fast as possible. She knew he would swerve as soon as she moved but she knew that he had nowhere to swerve away to. Brittany was hugging the other side of his car allowing for her to jump without him going anywhere. Knowing this she took a breath and bracing herself she called out.
"I'm jumping now!"
Seconds later she was taking a leap of faith. Just as predicted the guy behind the wheel made to swerve to the right and away from her but he was blocked by Brittany and as the side of her Raptor grazed the side of his car Santana connected with her side of the car. Seeing Santana clutching onto the side of the fast moving car Rachel immediately moved away enough to give her space to open the door. Santana reached down and flung it open and with complete luck and skill she managed to pull herself into the cabin of the RX7, slamming the door shut behind her.
"Hey what are you doing?!"
The Asian guy yelled and struggled resulting in the car swerving to the left as Santana grabbed hold of the nearest harness strap. Rachel managed to swerve along with him and moments later Santana had got the first strap free. He punched out at her as she reached across his lap for the other strap and he only made it harder as he reached down to bat at her hands that were desperately trying to free the clip so that she could knock him out already. Luckily he was weak and within seconds Santana had it done and was pulling herself back into the passenger seat. A look of horror crossed his face as she reached for the gun at her thigh and before he knew it the trigger had been pulled and was looking down at a dart in his shoulder. He suddenly felt woozy and Santana had moments to catch him as his hands left the wheel and he passed out, falling to the left and across the center console. Knowing that this was her chance as the car started steering out of control she quickly managed to climb over him and into his seat, pushing him into her now-vacated passenger seat. Now in the driver's seat and her hands gripping the wheel she had to quickly dodge the oncoming traffic, swerving to the right as she narrowly avoided an oncoming Cadillac.
"Santana, you ok?!"
"I'm good Rach. Britt, what about you?"
"I'm good now that you're ok but I can't seem to shake this Supra. She's not giving up"
"You're gonna have to get rid of her Britt. We can't keep fighting in this traffic for much longer"
"I hear you loud and clear. Give me a minute to think"
"Make it quick B"
"I've got it S, just have faith"
Santana glanced over to her right from behind the wheel as Brittany stayed close alongside of her, the bright pink Supra visible even over the bulky body of the pick-up. In the cab Brittany analysed the changing traffic ahead and looked over at the Supra to her left, the Asian woman showing no signs of giving up just yet and that wouldn't do. She had to get rid of her now. Making a split second decision she shifted down a gear and as predicted the other driver took the opportunity she had given her and for a moment it looked like to Rachel and Santana she was giving up but she had a plan. Up ahead she had seen a potential space and she made sure to get the hot pink car right where she wanted it. Her expression pure concentration she grit her teeth as she shifted up a gear and rushed forwards, steering to the left a little. Luckily Santana saw this and moved to give her room along her to push forwards. Now offset to the rear bumper of the tuner car as she had planned she saw the space up ahead rapidly approaching and in a pure move of utter faith she pressed down on the accelerator pedal and sped up enough to come into line with the left rear tire and a second later she used the bulky front of the Raptor to nudge into the side of it. In a flash the car immediately lost control and as it swerved to the left the driver pulled on the steering wheel to the right to try and gain control but only ended up flying into the wide open space she had predicted. Dodging the destruction she had caused Brittany shifted back up a gear and pressed her foot down on the gas pedal and pulled ahead of Santana. As soon as it was clear she pulled up back onto the right of the RX7 where she had been and heard Rachel and Santana celebrating.
"Britt, that was amazing!"
"Thanks Rach"
"Britt, that was close for a second there, but it was awesome!"
"Thanks San"
Loving the sound of Brittany calling her by her old nickname she let it linger for a few moments before she looked over at the passed out Asian guy in the passenger seat.
"Let's get to Lima P.D. and hand this guy over to Matt and head back to the garage"
"Sounds good to me. Thanks for the car Santana"
"No problem Rach. Let's just finish this up and we'll take this back and pop the hood"
It didn't take long to get there as they were already in the downtown area. Instead of Matt Roz was stood outside waiting for them along with two uniformed officers. They pulled up outside the building and stepped out, Brittany and Rachel helping to get the passed out driver out of the car.
"Well, lookey here, seems we have a new car and a passed out street racer. Well done ladies"
"Santana can take the credit for this" Rachel said.
Roz shook her head. "I'm sure she can't. I'm sure you two girls had an equal part to play in this. In the meantime you got a dangerous driver off the streets and got a car at the end of it. Enjoy it girls"
"Thanks" Santana smiled as they watched the unconscious driver lifted away into the precinct.
"Uh, that traffic accident on main involving a hot pink Supra, I caused that"
The police chief raised an eyebrow at Brittany. "Traffic accident?"
"I kinda hit the person he was driving with. I had to pit manoeuvre her to shake her off of us"
Roz just nodded. "Ok"
Brittany raised a confused eyebrow. "Ok?"
The other woman just laughed heartily. "Yes ok! I can write it off as part of getting this case done. Nice work ladies but I have to get back to work. Have a nice day"
There were a chorus of goodbyes from all three women as Roz turned to leave and Santana laughed over at Brittany, playfully punching her in the arm. "Come on B, we have a car to get back"
"But-"
"You'll get used to it. Come on"
Rachel observed the air between the two other women and could tell that it was different to what it had been since Santana had got back. She couldn't explain it and she definitely didn't want to dwell on it as it was none of her business but she was glad to see the genuine smile back on her best friend's face for the first time since everything had gone down. She was jerked free from her thoughts by Santana calling over to her.
"Huh?"
The Latina smiled. "You wanna drive it back?" She asked, Rachel just noticing the keys dangling from her hand.
It was then that Rachel saw Santana in a new light. She didn't know what it was but for the first time since the truth had come out and she felt anger consume her entire being she felt it lifted. There were still things that needed to be mended, sure, but right now as Santana smiled at her she could see that things were definitely different. Smiling back at the Latina she stepped forwards and pulled her into a hug. She could feel her apprehensiveness but she soon hugged back, her arms wrapping around her as they both let out relieved laughs. Rachel smiled at Brittany over Santana's shoulder and when they pulled away Rachel beamed up at the Latina.
"Thank you"
"No problem Rach"
"You drive it back"
"Really? Don't you wanna be the one to roll it into the yard?"
Rachel shrugged. "A part of me does but I think it would be better if you do. Santana, I don't agree with everything you've done, especially when it comes to lying to our crew, but I want you to know that you're ok in my books. You've got a ways to go but I think this is a good start. Clean slate?" She asked, holding out her hand.
Santana let a smile break across her face as she took it, shaking it. "Clean slate"
When they let go Rachel nodded to the keys in her hands. "I think you have a car to drive back"
Santana looked down at said keys and then back up again. "I guess I do"
The sound of three high powered cars pulled everyone from their current activities and they all gathered at the entrance to the garage as they came to a stop. Santana stepped out of the RX7 to see Letty with a smile on her face.
"Wow, two cars in two days. You really know how to get work done don't you Lopez?"
Santana shrugged as she threw the keys over to Rachel. "What can I say? I had a job to do"
"Repercussions?"
"Other than a hot pink Supra and a pissed of female driver that Britt pit manoeuvred in main street traffic?"
"All in a days work" Rachel finished off.
"Well then, let's pop the hood. Roll it up to the garage entrance"
Rachel did so and with the car in position the hood was opened and they poured over all of the interior workings.
A few hours later when they'd managed to get a list of everything that the car already had in it they were beginning to discuss what would need to be put into it or changed. Mia looked up from that list as she discussed it off to the side with both Rachel and Santana. They were currently coming up with a plan of action.
"So what do we do now we have the list?" Rachel asked.
"We do a parts run once we have a full chosen parts list and start putting them into the car. I have to start getting them in soon or else I won't have time to tweak the tuning before Race Wars starts."
"When will that be?"
"I have to come up with a complete list of what needs to be done and plan it out. I'm gonna need to sit down with you to do that like I did with Mia last night"
"So brand parts and styling etc.?"
"Yep"
"Speaking of" Mia cut in "We need to talk to Quinn about that kit we picked out and the custom wing bracket"
"Already on it and to kill two birds with one stone as she's your girlfriend I think it would be a good place to get started to ask her her opinion on what body kit would be good for your car Rach. I know when I researched it there weren't that many defining kits out there"
"Sounds good"
"Ok then, let's go"
The three women moved over to Quinn who was taking a look at the NSX still parked in the main workspace and Santana caught her attention.
"Quinn, can we talk to you?"
Looking up Quinn eyed her for a few moments before relenting when she saw Mia and Rachel stood either side of her. "Sure, go ahead."
"We have a potential kit for Mia. You heard of the FX-TA1?"
"I've seen it a few times enough to know it's not that well known, especially around here. Mia, you thinking of installing it?"
"More like asking you to. Could you?"
"If we found it some place to order it into Holly's."
"There's also something else..."
"What is it Mia?"
"The wing on the NSX usually goes from one light to the other stock and on most modified NSX's but me and Santana decided that it would be better look-wise if we had it on struts in the middle."
"Ok, sounds like a good idea. More of a racer look too"
"That's what we thought but we figured that most wings made for the NSX are usually made stock to go from one light to the other so we were wondering if you could make a custom set of struts for the center and then fit a wing of my choice on top"
Quinn glanced from her crew leaders girlfriend to the NSX and back again nodding. "I can do that. Is there anything else?"
Santana was the one to answer this time. "Yeah, we were wondering if you could shed some light on the RX7 now that we have it. When I looked into it it was like Mia's NSX. A popular car with common body kits"
"And you wanna know if I know of any unusual ones?" Santana nodded. "Follow me" All three women followed Quinn over to said RX7 and gathered around it. "Ok so from what I can see the current body has a lot of diffusers and carbon parts attached to it, it's why it kinda looks tacky, especially with the bright red 'faded' looks it's got going on. Anyway, as much as I wanna disagree with Santana on this I can't. There are sadly a lacking of body kits for such a popular and good race car so you are right in thinking that I might know of something a little 'unusual'. Like the NSX it's hard to find but if we can order it in we'll be set"
"What is it?" Rachel asked.
Quinn glanced over at her girlfriend. "It's a Bomex body kit. Hold on, I'll grab my iPad" She moved back into the garage and then came back out and tapped at the screen for a minute before turning it towards the three other women. "What do you think?" She asked after a minute.
"It's up to Rach. What do you think Berry?"
Rachel looked over at Santana before looking back at Quinn. "I think it's great"
"You wanna go with that?"
"Yeah"
"Ok, there is a diffuser that could go on the front but you'd have to order that the same time as the kit. Here, take a look"
Rachel looked back down at the screen and then back up again. "I'm not sure but could we order it and see what it looks like and make a final decision from there?"
Quinn shrugged as she took her iPad back. "Whatever you want, it's your car"
"Then I guess it's settled"
"Then we'll order it at Holly's and hope it comes in on time. You need any help with that?"
Santana looked up knowing that the question was directed at her. "Nope. Now that I more or less have everything I'll put the order in the same time as I do Mia's. Then we can do a massive combined parts run when everything performance comes in."
"So all we need to do is sit down and pick out parts?" Rachel asked.
Santana nodded. "Pretty much"
"Would it be a good idea to put in the order for the kits now that we both have them picked out?" Mia asked.
"Of course. You wanna make a run to Holly's now?"
"Sure."
"Rach, you wanna come?"
"Definitely"
"Then let's get moving. Times a wasting."
Tina watched late that afternoon from her cubby hole at the back of the garage as everybody milled about both the NSX and the new RX7. She didn't really trust Santana yet but she had to admit that getting two cars in two days was impressive. She watched as the Latina discussed something with Mia, the shorter woman scribbling something down on her signature clipboard, the two of them then laughing at something.
Shaking her head she turned back to her screen and grabbed her can of energy drink, taking a long gulp before bracing her hands over the keyboard and mouse to get back to her own work.
"Of course. Just hand over the bag and the keys and I'll be on my way to the precinct to rendezvous with police chief Washington."
"What about me? What do I do from here?"
"You hand over the keys to the R8, I hand you the keys to this police cruiser and we can go our separate ways"
"...Then you're free to start you life anew like you had first planned when you arrived back in Lima all those many months ago"
"Then hand over the keys and we won't ever have to see each other ever again"
"There's something much more important stored within it"
"It's nothing you need to worry about. Your job is done Santana, have a nice life"
"Sit up"
"It won't kill you, at least not until I'm done"
"Because what you thought you knew was nothing. I needed to teach you a lesson"
"Are you that transparent?"
"What was really going on Santana. God, do you really not know?"
"Why don't you share with the class?"
"This wasn't about bringing Puck down Santana. It never was"
"I knew about this car a long long time ago and maybe if Shelby paid more attention to better encrypting her emails none of us, including you, would be in this situation right now."
"...especially with me and Shelby's history."
"That's why I spent so much time carefully planning it and I found you: a street racer from the wrong side of the tracks who had left Lima to start a better life."
"...So I watched you before making my move on my plan"
"What the hell is so important about this car?"
"I got word that Shelby and Schue were planning on moving information I needed, very important information"
"What I'm saying is that somewhere hidden in that car is information that, if you say, were to fall into the wrong hands, my hands, would end a six year investigation into a lot of people in our dear sweet Lima Police Department"
"...So that I can finally cover my ass before anybody finds out."
"He's been my eyes and ears on the streets this entire time, telling me from his side of the line exactly what you've been up to when I don't have eyes on you."
"...It's fucking stupid."
"...Why turn my back when the sex is good?"
"Exactly, I simply gave him the extra little added trip"
"Because then Puck would put pressure onto you, causing Shelby to make her mind up about moving that god-damn car over there. I needed him angry at you. I needed a reaction"
"You survived didn't you?"
"That's why you're going to keep this to yourself or else I will come back to finish the job, to put a bullet right between your eyes."
"That's right, I have some interesting information about your mother that I think you'd might want to hear"
"So you felt the need to fuck with my real family too?"
"I do like to have my fingers in a lot of pies Miss Lopez. It's why I'm good at my job."
"I tracked down your mother. It wasn't easy though, she's more fucked up that I thought she would be."
"So when I tracked her down and told her that her daughter, the one she left behind for a life of drugs and unfulfilled highs with your no-good father..."
"...And I'm going to watch the chaos I caused."
"I'm going to watch as your so-called friends learn the truth about who they shared their lives with..."
"I'm going to watch with the utmost pleasure as your precious Brittany finds out that the woman she thought she loved played her like she was nothing but a game."
"You know, I really didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I have..."
"...But when it really comes down to it the last thing I want from you now is to see you suffer"
"...And your emotions were what made you the perfect target, the perfect pawn I could mould into the key to erasing my past"
"...in the end I got the one thing I wanted without getting my hands dirty. Not oil, not grime, not grease, but blood."
"I'm going to reap the benefits of all that beautiful hard work you put in."
"You're despicable"
"Call me what you want Santana but in the end you got the job done. Have a nice life Miss Lopez, it was a pleasure working with you"
There were still a lot of holes but she was getting there, she just had to stick with it especially now that Santana was back. As she had uncovered more and more of it bit by bit no matter how long it took the conversation was turning out to be especially more interesting the more you filled in the blanks. That being said she knew that she was holding this back from the rest of the crew but she wasn't going to present it to them until she had what she thought was the whole thing. Marley was the only other one who knew but she didn't ask questions and Tina was thankful for that. She had to do this on her own with no one lingering over her shoulder but it wasn't as if Marley wouldn't know, she was her girlfriend after all. Anyway, as Tina watched the rest of the crew over the top of her computer screen she sighed before letting her eyes flicker back down to the screen. She wasn't needed right now and she didn't have anything better to do. She just hoped that it didn't take too long to uncover exactly what Santana and Cassandra had been talking about the day the R8 went missing.
Quinn was pacing and she knew it. She didn't know what time it was but she knew it was pitch black outside and the street lamps were going to turn off any minute. That didn't stop her though. She was worrying and it was eating at her from the inside. Unbeknownst to her the bed covers rustled as Rachel woke up and eventually sat up, rubbing her eyes and yawning. She knew Quinn was way too in her head when she didn't hear her and continued to pace.
"Quinn, baby? What's wrong?"
When she got no response she frowned and crawled over the bed to the end, reaching out and grabbing the blonde by the hand effectively making her stop. Quinn looked down in surprise not having even noticed her waking up and moving down the bed.
"Rach?"
"Quinn, what's wrong?"
Quinn's shoulders slumped and she sighed, situating herself down on the end of the bed they shared with one another. She then felt arms wrap around her t-shirt-clad stomach, a familiar head pressing down on her shoulder. Another sigh escaped her lips at the familiar feeling of her girlfriend and some of the stress melted away. Sometimes she wondered why she underestimated the effects of Rachel's arms around her. Taking this in to consideration she reached hand of her own up and covered the one on her stomach, her thumb rubbing over Rachel's knuckles.
"Speak to me Quinn" Rachel coaxed a few silent minutes later.
"Rach..."
"You're letting it eat you alive. Talk to me babe, you know you can"
And she did. She knew it all too well and that's why, the tone in her girlfriend's voice, she knew that it was better to get it out into the open and Rachel was the best person to do so with.
"It's just that I'm worried"
"About what?" Rachel asked, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.
"Santana"
"What about her?"
"We've only got two cars and she's already getting comfortable. It's only been two days Rach"
"I know but why are you worried?"
"Like I said, I think she's getting too comfortable. Both you and Mia seem to have magically forgiven her overnight"
"That's not true"
"Really? Then what is it? It seems pretty obvious to me what it is Rachel"
Having known Quinn for so long plus being her girlfriend added to that Rachel knew that she had to be the bigger woman and not bite back or they could get into an argument and she knew she had to be the level headed one in this conversation. So, sighing she tightened her arm around her waist.
"I haven't forgiven her Quinn, far from it"
"Then what is it?"
"I called a clean slate. I told her up front that we still had a long way to go before I trusted her but we agreed to start on a clean slate. She's really trying Quinn and she managed to get us two whole cars in just two days. That's good in my books no matter what our past with her is"
"But-"
"Baby, I know you're mad but you should have seen her today. She jumped into a moving car for me and knocked a guy out. Brittany was pretty awesome too. Trust me, you may be mad now but by the time you get your car you'll feel differently, I promise"
For the first time Quinn turned her head to meet her gaze. "You're telling the truth?"
"Of course, I wouldn't be doing anything else"
Quinn's body seemed to slump impossibly more and for the first time her lack of sleep was apparent in her entire being, including her voice. "I hate being mad"
"I know, I do too baby"
Turning her head a little bit more she pressed her lips to Rachel's, the two of them letting it linger before they pulled away a few seconds later.
"I love you"
"I love you too" Rachel replied, pecking their lips once more. "Come on, let's go to sleep"
There was no protest from Quinn as Rachel pulled her back towards the top end of the bed, the two of them sliding underneath the covers and snuggling together. Instead of being the one with her arms open Quinn snuggled into Rachel's arms, Rachel happily adjusting to the change in roles. She wrapped her arms around Quinn as she nestled her head into the crook of her neck and it wasn't long before they were finally both falling asleep together.
"Seriously though, that paint makes me feel nauseous just looking at it!"
"I think it's called 'Rum Red'. I don't know, he must have either been wasted or drunk when he picked it out"
"I agree. Just know that I definitely don't want it to be that colour"
"I don't think you'd go wrong with Marley and Kurt painting it, no matter what colour you choose. They wouldn't let you choose something that ugly anyway."
"That's true."
"Do you want a drink?"
"Sure, what do you have?"
"Soda and a four pack of Corona's. I haven't really had a chance to go grocery shopping what with getting these cars and working on the mod lists."
"That's ok, soda's fine. Wait, what kind is it?"
"Dr. Pepper?"
"Then you're on the right track. That's my favourite!"
"No way mine too!"
"Then bring it on Lopez"
"Already done Berry"
A minute later and she was returning, handing Rachel a chilled can from the fridge as she sat down on the ottoman next to the one the brunette was on. It was Saturday night and Rachel had called up Santana to pick her up from Shelby's so that they could go over the list and pick out parts so that they could put in the order at Holly's alongside Mia's.
"You know Quinn's really apprehensive about this"
"I know, I wouldn't blame her. This plan is ambitious I'll admit that"
"I agree it's just that she's been on edge ever since you got back and I know you can't help it"
"I know I can't and I know that I can't change anything either. That's why I have this plan. This plan is to at least give you something to make up for what I did. If anything I just wanted a different way to say sorry. I know I hurt Quinn worse than some of the rest of you but Rach, just know that I will do everything in my power to get her that car and make it the best, to do that for everybody. It's the least I can do."
Rachel reached across and squeezed Santana's shoulder. "I know"
"Thanks"
"So, what's next?"
"Your favourite: interior"
"Yay!"
Santana laughed as she placed her can down by her feet. "Where do you wanna start?"
"Can we talk bucket seats?"
"Sure. What brand? I know you usually go for Bride seats."
"That sounds good. I kinda wanna stick with my favourite brand"
"Understandable. Reclining or bucket?"
"Surprise me"
"Here's what Holly has in stock but if you don't see anything you want we can have her order it in like your body kit."
Rachel took the Racer's Edge catalogue that was open to the racing seats page. "Oh wow"
"Not much of a selection is there?"
"No. How do people get by with similar seats? You can't really make your car unique can you?"
"Exactly. The seats for my Nissan took forever to find"
"Really?"
"Yeah, it wasn't easy. Especially when I'm biased to Sparco seats. The lack of choice to a petrol head like me drove me insane. It took about three months to track those seats down."
"That long?"
Santana shrugged. "Yeah but I'm kind of a perfectionist when it comes to my interior, especially when I'm gonna be spending most of my day inside it. It needs to stack up to my tuning game. It's expected with the work I did back outside of Lima that I have an interior that matched the performance under the hood. You should know, you had to re-upholster the seats for the Supra just because I wanted them to match."
"I do know and I'm just the same. My interior has to stack up to the fact that I'm the trim girl. I guess I underestimated just how hard picking out a seat would be"
"Yeah and it's not like Holly doesn't have everything ready for order. She always has the most up-to-date and hard to find stock so it's not like your getting just a fraction of the brand's catalogue, it's the full thing."
"Yeah, I think we're gonna have to order a seat in after looking online. There's got to be a good unusual one lurking in the deep dark depths of the internet like my body kit"
"I agree"
"So can I go away and do that?"
"Sure"
"Great. Now that's sorted what's next?"
"All the small things. You wanna start with a steering wheel and then work from there?"
"Sounds good."
Dani watched as Santana's gold Nissan pulled up outside of the house across the driveway so that she was parked behind Brittany's RX8. She observed Rachel and the Latina getting out of the car, Santana rounding the back to meet Rachel on the sidewalk.
"So I'll have a look at online for seats and let you know on Monday?"
"Sounds good to me"
"Ok then, thanks for the ride back Santana"
"No problem"
Rachel smiled and turned to leave before turning back last minute. "Santana?"
"Yeah?"
"What I said the other day, when we got my car..."
"Yeah"
"I meant what I said, it wasn't spur of the moment. I meant it when I said that I wanted a clean slate. I know everything didn't go down well between all of us but just know that whatever you need me for with the rest of the cars I've got your back. I don't know if I want to be friends with you just yet but it was cool to hang out tonight and just gush about cars. I haven't done that in a long time"
Santana shrugged. "My pleasure"
Rachel stepped forwards and wrapped her arms around Santana and unlike before Santana automatically hugged her back. The embrace lingered for a few moments before Rachel pulled away and flashed her a grin before turning and heading up the path and heading inside the house. Santana sighed as she bit her lip, fingering her keys and then spinning on her heels. Glancing and smiling at Brittany's RX8 she was so lost in her thoughts of the blonde that she didn't hear the front door to the house open.
"Yo, Lopez!"
Santana froze in her step as Dani fast approached, not daring to turn around and face her.
A learning departure to hell in a heaven
No matter if you're rich or live like a peasant
The nicest guy or the finest girl
Or the toughest gangster with an O.G. curl
"Hey, turn around when I'm talking to you!"
Instead of giving into Dani Santana took in a breath of warm night air and continued onto the street. She wasn't in the mood to destroy her car today and if Dani was so hell-bent on calling her out she was going to make her come out onto the street and do it Lima Height's style.
"Lopez!"
"What do you want Dani?"
"To teach a bitch a lesson about coming in and acting like she fucking owns the place. I see through your fucking pity party Lopez and it's not working on me!"
I live in peace but folks still be testing me
Your best friend today tomorrow, your worst enemy
You never know who's planning to jack
That's why I'm trying to warn you people watch your back
"I don't want fucking pity Dani"
I'm right behind you so you better (uh)
Watch your back!
(watch your watch your watch your back
(watch your watch your watch your back)
(watch your watch your watch your back)
(watch your back watch your back)
Closer than she thought she caught her from behind and grabbed hold of her shirt before pushing. Santana used the momentum to turn on her heels and face the other woman throwing a left hook to the side of Dani's face. Santana stepped back with her fists held up in front of her face but Dani went football style and grabbed her around the waist, spinning her and slamming her into the side of her Nissan.
(watch your watch your watch your back)
(watch your watch your watch your back)
(watch your watch your watch your back)
(watch your back watch your back)
Mia ran to the living room window to see what all the fuss was about and gasped at the sight of the two women fighting. "Shit" Huddled in matching head locks the two of them were pushing each other around in circles in the middle of the street again and again not really going anywhere and it didn't look like either of them were willing to give it up just yet. Turning around she looked over at her girlfriend who was sitting on the floor watching TV with Quinn, Marley, Brittany and Tina. "Jesus Christ Letty, will you get out there? I'm sick of this shit! I'm not kidding Letty, get out there!"
Letty stood up and moved over to her annoyed girlfriend, Mia clearly having had enough of something. Peering over her she saw Santana holding Dani and punching her in the gut repeatedly. "What you put in that sandwich Dani just ate?"
Mia raised an eyebrow up at the other woman. "That's really funny"
"Let!"
"Alright" At Quinn's cut in Letty jumped into action already heading out of the house and down towards the street where the two women were still going at each other hard.
WATCH YOUR BACK!
By now Santana had Dani on her back and was punching her in the face whilst the other hand held her shirt. If Dani was going to play dirty she was going to feel the full effect of being raised in Lima Height's Adjacent. With no regard for her arm or her abdomen Santana continued to punch at her before Dani eventually managed to topple her, the two of them rolling further into the center of the street. Now the one on top Dani was the one to reverse the roles and punched Santana hard in the jaw. Pinned down Santana had nowhere to go and nothing to do but thinking quickly she used all of her strength to topple Dani and when the blonde lost balance Santana grabbed her and pulled her upwards, kicking her in the leg. Dani fell to the tarmac in pain but she didn't give up and grabbed Santana to pull her down. Santana went down to the tarmac hard and as she tried to crawl away Dani growled.
"You're not running away now Lopez, you bitch!"
Dani used all of her strength and caught Santana off guard when the Latina underestimated just how much of it she had. Dani pulled her back and as soon as she was close enough the blonde straddled her waist so that she could begin punching her face again. Santana saw nothing but the blur of Dani's fist and repeated bursts of pain to her face and she was surprised when she didn't take advantage and hit her in the shoulder.
Luckily for her though she didn't have to find out as Letty was already there and pulling Dani off of her, the rest of the crew in tow. Before Dani knew it she was being thrown onto the hood of Santana's Nissan, the crew leader in her face and definitely not impressed. Meanwhile on the floor Santana's breathing was laboured as she remained on her back looking up at the night sky as pain radiated from so many different points on her body she couldn't possibly comprehend exactly where.
"Hey, she deserved it!"
"To hell she didn't! Why are you starting shit Dani?!"
"I'm not starting shit!"
"Obviously you are. She did nothing wrong!"
"She's brainwashed Rachel and Mia, can't you see that?"
"She hasn't done anything"
"But-"
"No, enough! You embarrassed me! I'm tired of your bullshit Dani! At first it was understandable but now you've just taken it to a whole new level. You wanna settle this with your fists then you go to the canyon and you do it behind the wheel instead!" With Dani being held back by Quinn and Tina Letty turned to the ground to see Brittany, Mia and Rachel all crouched around Santana. "She ok?"
Mia looked up at her girlfriend. "She needs cleaning up but she'll live"
"No, I'm good"
"Santana, you're far from it-"
"Mia, I'm fine. Just let me go home"
"You can't-"
"I am"
"Lopez, don't do anything stupid"
"I've had enough stupid for one night" She growled, clutching at her side as she pushed the crew leader away from her car.
Taking the initiative Quinn and Tina pulled Dani away from the car and watched as Santana threw the door open.
"What she did wasn't cool. You two are gonna settle it on the tarmac of the canyon like we always do. You clear?"
Santana nodded as she hesitated getting into her car. "Yeah"
"Good"
Before Letty could say anything further Santana was already getting into her 350z and about to close the door as Brittany called out to her.
"Santana!"
"Britt...not now ok?"
Brittany frowned as they all made room and watched as Santana pulled away in her car. Not taking her brushing her off, especially after the other day she ran into the house, grabbed her keys and was already hopping into her own car. Letty barely got a word in to the blonde before she too was driving off without a word. All she could do was sigh and turn back to where Quinn and Tina were still holding a struggling but injured Dani.
"Get her inside and call Kitty. I have a feeling it's gonna be a long night."
Santana pulled off her jacket and shirt so that she was just in her jeans and sports bra and entered the bathroom. Leaning up against the counter she let the small thin black cross swing back and forth against her chest, her breathing just that little bit painful as she looked at herself in the mirror. She squinted in pain as the hard bright light of the room made it hard to focus, every inch of her bloodied face hurting and aching. Her shoulder her and for the first time in a long time she felt the gunshot wound to her stomach ache. That's how she knew this was bad. She should have gone to the hospital but having been in and out of it for nearly four months straight she was sick of it and she was sure that if she knocked herself out on pain meds she'd be able to deal with it in the morning.
She should have seen it coming. She should have expected Dani to snap. She didn't know what she'd done to royally piss her off so bad but her bad attitude had won out and she had jumped on her for no reason. It came out of left field and she was sure that if she didn't know how to fight Dani would have kicked her ass and she'd be lying in a hospital bed right now probably fighting for her life. Call it dramatic to think that Dani would go that far but the way she had hit her, whether it be punching or kicking, the force behind it told Santana just how angry she really was. Every memory of every kick and punch made her wince as the pain set in and as much as she understood that Dani was mad at her she didn't know it was that much. In the moment she had given into that inner Latina, that inner Santana that she kept locked away and she had reared her head. Snix had come out and the fighter in her had taken over and as she looked at herself in the mirror she couldn't deny that it had felt good. She hated brining harm to other people but her survival instinct had kicked into high gear and Dani had messed with the wrong woman. She had let loose for the first time in a long time and Dani had pushed it. She was pretty sure that she had got some good hits in but as she looked down at her bloody knuckles clutching at the white bowl of the sink all she could feel was guilt. She didn't know why but looking at the woman in the mirror she didn't see herself. All she saw was a similar shadow of the woman who had locked herself away in her motel for three days and nearly broke.
And it scared the shit out of her.
Brittany pulled up into the driveway to see Santana's car parked in it's usual space so knowing that the other woman was there and not off somewhere hurting she immediately jumped out of her RX8 once it was parked and headed into the house. Everything was quiet in the warm night air but Brittany didn't much care. She needed to find Santana – now. Her sneakered footsteps were hurried as she searched the large house, not finding Santana right away. She didn't freak out completely as she knew the Latina was here but it didn't stop her from worrying. Finally she came upon the last room, the bedroom, but didn't find her on sight. Seeing a light on in a doorway next to the walk-in closet she guessed it was a bathroom and when she rushed in she came to an abrupt stop to see Santana leaning over the sink, blood dripping down into the sink below. The red liquid was a stark contrast to the blazing white of the bowl but Brittany was frozen.
"Santana?"
The Latina wouldn't have looked up for anyone else but that voice and when she did she felt her entire body give up. "Britt..."
The broken whisper of her name sparked her into action and she reached forwards, pulling Santana into her arms. Not caring that she was covered in blood she clutched her close to her chest, feeling Santana sobbing against her without control.
"Shush, it's ok San. I'm here"
It soothed her but Santana could feel her body giving way. Knowing that she'd rather spend forever in Brittany's arms now that they'd worked things out between them it didn't stop her pain from winning out. Her entire body was starting to hurt and she knew she needed to do something before she passed out and hut herself further. When she pulled away Brittany could already see the swelling clearly on her torso, her once-perfect tan skin now riddled with large bumps and sure enough what were to become very dark and very painful bruises come morning.
Pressing a kiss to Santana's forehead she smiled at her the best she could despite her worry for the Latina. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up"
There was no protest from Santana as Brittany led her back into her bedroom and placed her at the end of the bed. She then re-entered the bathroom and rummaged through the medicine cabinet and found what she wanted. Clutching the red bag in her hands she made her way back into the bedroom where Santana was waiting for her and despite the winces that she got in return she managed to clean up the cut on her face and some other scrapes before wrapping up her bloodied knuckles.
"Have you got something to change into?"
"Yeah, I'll get you something too. Hold on"
Santana entered her walk-in and grabbed her usual tank top and sweatpants and handed Brittany an oversized t-shirt and sweatpants.
"Sorry, this is all I could find that would fit you"
Brittany handed the sweatpants back to her and kissed her cheek. "Don't worry, it's enough" And with that she was heading back into the bathroom and closing the door behind her.
Taking that as a sign to get changed herself she just managed even with the pain she was in and as soon as Brittany had come back into the room she was giving her pain medication and putting her into bed. Then she slipped under the covers herself.
"What are you doing?" She asked, watching as the blonde got comfortable.
Brittany shrugged. "You didn't think I'd just let you sleep on your own did you? You need someone to watch you"
"Whatever you say Britt"
"Because I'm right"
"Yeah yeah" She mumbled back, already resting her head on the other woman's chest.
Smiling at the closeness Brittany let Santana settle into her arms before wrapping them around her securely and placing a kiss to the top of her head. "Night Santana"
"Night Britt"
Songs used: Benny Cassette – 'Watch Your Back'
TBC