A/N- Hey guys! Still Beta searching... all mistakes are mine.
Thank you for all of the awesome reviews, you guys are the real MVP's.
Anyway...on the the story.
Now, let's see why there's a stranger in Quinn's apartment, shall we?
Disclaimer- Quinntana would have shared sweet lady kisses long before Mr.S's wedding if I owned Glee.
Chapter 5: Too numb to give a F*ck
"Why?" Quinn asked. "Why do I need to sit down?"
"Q, it's alright. I'll sit with you," Sugar said. Quinn nodded slowly and sat with her, while Santana leaned against the stair railing, eying Dennis.
"You were unaware of your sisters moving to Paris?" He asked her. Quinn nodded.
"I thought she was still in Lima."
"Well, then this will come as a shock to you. Frannie attended Univerité Paris Descartes to become a Doctor."
"That's what dadd- Russell, that's what Russell wanted her to do. Only, closer to Ohio."
Dennis nodded and scratched his reddish brown beard. "Exactly. I first met her when she needed help with her divorce-"
"No freakin' way!" Quinn shouted. Santana arched an eyebrow at her, then glared at Sugar when she saw how close they were. "But they were in love. They've been dating since Frannie's Freshman year of high school."
"Before the divorce, Frannie's family moved to Portland Oregon. Nicholas started drinking heavily when he found it impossible to get a job, and lashed out on your sister when she brought it up-"
"That ass whole! I'm going to beat his-"
"No need," Dennis held his hand up, "He's currently serving his eighth and final year in prison."
"Serves him right," Quinn huffed. "But what did you want to tell me about Frannie?"
Again, Dennis cleared his throat. "Your sister..passed away one week ago."
Quinn swallowed thickly. Sugar tried to hug her, but Quinn discreetly moved from her grasp. "What do you mean, passed away?" She asked through her teeth.
"She was in a terrible car accident. After being in a coma for three weeks, they pulled the plug." Dennis pursed his lips and waited for Quinn's response.
"Who the hell is 'they'?" Quinn nearly yelled.
"Your parents. Judy and Russell Fabray."
Quinn nodded. Then she started swaying. Then she blacked out.
"Quinn, open your eyes. Come on," Quinn heard someone say.
"Are you an angel?" Quinn rasped. The woman chuckled.
"She's awake," Santana said. Quinn slowly sat up and smiled at Santana.
"I had this terrible dream, San. My sister moved to Paris after leaving her husband, and she got in a car accident and died. Then my dad- that bastard- told the Doctors that it was okay to pull the plug." Quinn yawned, "And that would've been terrible. I haven't seen her in nine years."
"Q, honey, that wasn't a dream." Santana said. Quinn looked around and saw Dennis.
"Oh no," Quinn said. "I think I'm going to be sick," she clutched her stomach. "That fucking bastard!"
"Quinn-" Dennis tried.
"No! Don't fucking talk to me! How dare you come into my home, and ruin my day! Shit! No. She's not gone. I haven't heard her voice in so long..she's not gone," Quinn's tears stained her cheeks. Santana pulled Quinn away from Sugar and held her fully.
"Now you see why I didn't have the heart to tell you over the phone." Dennis said quietly. Quinn looked up at the poor man. She was actually a good guy.
"I'm s-sorry," she sniffled.
"Shh," Santana cooed. "It's alright."
"But, there are important matters to discuss. Starting with the reading of the will-"
"I don't think she's ready for that," Santana hissed.
"No, it's alright," Quinn untangled herself from Santana's arms and wiped her nose. Then, she sat up straight and crossed her legs. "What else?"
"You are aware of your sister having a daughter, correct?"
"I know that. I don't know her name, but I know that when I was thirteen, she refused to give up the baby." Quinn replied. "Oh my god, is she okay?"
"She's fine. She was at school when the accident happened."
Quinn nodded.
"Unfortunately, your parents refused to take her in. Nicholas was emancipated, so it isn't legal for his parents to take her in without going through a full process like any stranger would, even then, then refused."
"What are you saying?" Quinn asked slowly. "Where will she live?"
"That is part of the reason why I am here. Quinn, will you take custody of Mackenzie Boyd?"
Quinn's eyes widened, then the room went dark again.
"Is it your fucking hobby to make people faint every five seconds?" Quinn heard someone say. She smiled. Santana.
"It's fine, I'm fine," Quinn said. "And I'm guessing that part wasn't a dream either. Mackenzie..that's her name. Frannie always wished she could rename herself that."
"It's a beautiful name." Dennis nodded.
"But, I don't think I can do it."
Dennis frowned, "I understand this is sudden-"
"You don't understand a damn thing," Quinn hissed, "call me when a lawyer knocks on your door and says 'Hey, by the way, your sister died a few days ago! Here, have her kid!'".
"Down girl," Santana purred in the blondes ear. Sugar glared with envy as she watched Quinn visibly relax.
"Sorry," Quinn muttered. "But I'm not financially stable at the moment-"
"Not a problem. Your sister was a very successful doctor in Paris, a monthly check will be sent for basic necessities, maybe a little extra. Then at age eighteen, Mackenzie will receive a trust fund."
"Okay, then I'm not mentally stable enough for this!" Quinn stated. "I'm sorry."
"It's a lot to take in, no need to apologize. Here, take my card," Dennis handed a small white paper to Quinn. "Call me if you change your mind."
"What happens if I don't?"
"Then Mackenzie will be put into foster care."
Santana winced, but then gave Quinn a reassuring look. This wasn't about her own feelings, this was about Quinn.
"I'll...call you. If I change my m-mind."
"Of course." Dennis said. He put his hands on his knees and stood up. "Have a nice afternoon," he said before closing the door.
"Have a nice afternoon," Sugar mocked.
"I think I need to be alone." Quinn said blankly. Sugar and Santana looked at each other before giving Quinn a small nod.
"See-ya, Q." Sugar said softly. She placed a light peck on Quinn's cheek, then walked out of the house before Santana.
Quinn didn't let Santana out of the hug. "I thought you wanted to be alone," Santana chuckled into Quinn's shoulder.
"I do," Quinn said. "With you."
A few days later...Puck and Santana's first autograph singing/meet and greet.
"Seriously, I'm in love with you. Will you marry me?" A big eyed boy said to Santana. She slightly winced at his use of the word, 'love,' but smiled and shook her head while signing a picture of herself. She slid it across the small table. She bit her lip and wondered why every other person who came up to the table asked for marriage.
"Thank you," she said with a wink. A small familiar blonde approached the table. "Do I know you?"
Kitty nodded as she stepped forward in line. "We met a few days ago at the park," she wiggled her fingers at Puck, he gave her his signature cheeky smile.
"Alrighty then," Santana laughed.
"See you on Wednesday?" Puck asked the blonde.
"Wouldn't miss it." Kitty winked. When she walked away, Santana arched her eyebrow.
"What was that?" She asked Puck.
"A little sum'n sum'n," Puck shrugged.
Santana shook her head with a faint smile. Of course Puck would go out of his way to impress a fan who showed no interest in him.
"I gotta get out of here," Santana said, "I was supposed to meet Quinn at the restaurant ten minutes ago." She stood up and thanked the rest of her fans for coming, then exited through the back door.
"What the hell is this?" Santana said when she saw Quinn. Quinn looked up and cut her eyes.
"You're twenty minutes late."
"What are they doing here? No offense, Rachel, Lady Hummel, but this was kind of a private party. Fours a crowd." Santana took a seat next to Quinn.
"Quinn and I were just catching up. Congratulations on..everything, Santana." Rachel smiled.
"Yes, looks like you've found your dream," Kurt added.
"The talk you guys gave me really- God I'm going to hate myself for saying this- but it really helped. I got my shit together. So thanks." Santana admitted. Kurt and Rachel squealed in their seats. "Olsen twins, could you be any gayer?"
Rachel rolled her eyes, "You're welcome, Santana."
"So, what were you guys talking about," Santana picked up a menu.
"Quinn was telling me about the current situation involving her sister- may she rest in peace- and her niece. Quinn, honestly, I don't think it's the brightest idea." Rachel told her. She reached over the table to touch Quinn's hand. "You said so yourself, you are not mentally stable enough for this. And your job doesn't allow the proper lineage."
"Who said you decide anything, hobbit?" Santana asked. Rachel shook her head.
"No one. She asked for my opinion, and what I would do in her situation. I am a child of adoption, and I know my mother would not have been able to provide proper necessities for me. Quinn, you can do what you'd like. I'm only telling you what the logical decision is."
"Shut it, Berry. The kids loaded, Q will have more than enough to take care of it."
"Her," Quinn said. "It's a her. And I can't take care of her. You're right, Berry."
"Are you sure about this, Quinn?" Santana asked. Quinn nodded slowly.
"I wouldn't be able to take care of a child. I couldn't even keep mine, my goldfish died after a week- I can't do it. I have to call Dennis."
"Hey, Mr. Michaels. I thought about...your offer, and I'm afraid I wont be able to follow through." Quinn sat down on her couch. Sugar wasn't here for some mysterious reason, and Santana wouldn't be there for another forty minutes.
"Are you sure?" Dennis asked.
"I can't. But, best of luck to you. And her."
"Frannie's funeral is in two weeks. Will you be coming to Paris to attend?"
"I don't think so," Quinn said. "There's no way I can afford a round trip."
"Free of charge. You're her only family. Besides, Mackenzie could use some more support."
"I'm sorry." Quinn hung up the phone.
About a half an hour, Quinn was sitting on her couch waiting for Santana to knock on her door. She was wearing a tight, dark purple dress with black pumps (courtesy of Santana). She wanted to top it off with her favorite lipstick, but couldn't find it anywhere. Soon enough, there was a knock on the door.
"Hey, good lookin'." Santana greeted.
"I see you're not wearing gym shorts. Does that mean we're actually going out?" Quinn grabbed her hand bag.
"Hardy har har," Santana laughed. "Lets get out of here." Quinn took a moment to look at Santana. She wore a short, red dress and nude stilettos. Her hair looked curled, but it was under a rather large sun hat, and sun glasses covered almost all of the top half of her face. "Like what you see?" The hat kind of clashed with her black leather jacket, but the Latina was pulling it off pretty well.
"Just wondering why you look like it's not ten at night." Quinn teased.
"You want people to see me? We'll never make it to the club."
"They'll recognize your curves anyway," Quinn shrugged.
"I'm taking that as a complement." Santana said. Quinn crossed her arms when Santana approached a white motorcycle.
"Hell no." Quinn said.
"Come on Q-"
"Santana, I'm wearing a dress. I'm not getting on that thing. Do you know how long it took to do my hair?" Quinn crossed her arms.
"Then you can keep your legs on one side," Santana shrugged. "I have spandex on, so I'll be okay."
"Fine," Quinn sighed. Then she stepped closer to Santana and rested her hand on the Latina's shoulder. "But I'm not wearing any underwear."
When Santana and Quinn pulled into the parking lot, there was a crowd waiting for them. Or, just waiting for Santana.
"How did they know I'd be here?" Santana grumbled. Quinn bit her lip. "You didn't. I told you not to!"
"I'm sorry! She was just asking so many questions and wouldn't leave me alone-"
"You know Sugar hates when I take you out. She knows that means I'm gonna get my mack on. That bitch is pure evil." Santana said. The crowd started walking towards them, shouting Santana's name. Those weren't any ordinary fans...were those.."Paparazzi?" The cameras surrounded them in almost an instant.
"San.." Quinn tightened her grip around Santana.
"Lets get out of here," Santana said. "Move it! I don't want to run you over!" She sped through the crowd. Santana let out a sigh of relief when she saw that no one was following them. "I didn't feel like dancing anyway."
"So this is Hotel Del," Quinn said as she admired Santana's hotel room. It was almost larger than Quinn's apartment.
"Uh huh." Santana said. Quinn pointed at Santana's small guitar collection.
"Those are nice." Santana nodded in return, then grabbed one of the three stringed instruments.
"Want to hear something I was working on the other day?"
"Of course." Quinn sat on Santana's bed and waited for Santana to join her.
"No laughing." Santana pointed. Quinn held her hands up in defense. "Okay." Santana strummed the first chord, then glanced up at Quinn. She decided to just lock her eyes on the guitar strings.
"Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love 'cause I'm just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?"
Quinn immediately knew that this song was for her. As for as she was concerned, what she and Santana had was a series of one night stands with the occasional new kitchen appliance. She wanted more, but with Santana, she'd take what she could get.
"Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But darling, stay with me
Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt."
It took everything Quinn had to not stop Santana. She knew they could work, but neither of them had the emotional capability to try. What they had definitely wasn't platonic.
"Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But darling, stay with me."
Santana looked up at Quinn. Quinn knew exactly what she was going to say. Or what she meant to say. She meant to say, 'I love the way you play guitar,' but it came out as, "I love you."
"Um...Quinn, I-" It was a song about her not being in love. Why would Quinn say that when the message was so clear? "I don't- I mean as a friend I do- but I'm not...in love with you," Santana said slowly. Quinn nodded.
"I know that. But I'm in love with you. And it should hurt me that you don't love me back, but honestly, I don't care. I've been through so much over the past few days. My sister. My da-Russell. I have to live with the fact that Mackenzie might not ever have a stable home, all because of me. I'm numb, Santana. I love you, but I don't need your love." Quinn looked right into Santana's eyes. Everything was going through her head so fast, she thought she might faint again. Mackenzie. She didn't even know what the girl looked like. Did she have Frannie's blue eyes? Was she blonde or maybe brunette? She found herself wanting to know what the little girl's favorite color was. Quinn shook her head at the thought.
"That's what I've always wanted," Santana said quietly. " A lover that I don't have to... love."
"Congratulations. You got what you wanted." Quinn stood up. There was no way she'd let Santana see her cry. Not after she just told her that she didn't need her. Not after she just lied through her teeth.
"Where are you going?"
"Just...to get some air. I'll be right back."
"Be careful," Santana said tentatively. Quinn nodded and left the room. As soon as she was out of the hotel, she pulled out her phone.
"Hey," she said. "Am I too late?"
"No. I'll have you on the next flight," Dennis told her.
To be continued...
I know that I should, but I didn't even bother to proof read this. Please forgive me! I know I'll spot the mistake when I read it, I never see them before I post. Sorry! Beta hunting is harder than I thought. Until next time! -Kp (Please Follow, Favorite! It makes me feel special. If you want to me explode with happiness, drop a little review (:
Song- Stay With Me by Sam Smith