Finally an update. Sorry it has been so long, but I got back from England around two weeks ago and I have been catching up with friends before everyone heads off to college/university. I promise to try and update more frequently, but it does get challenging when you have three fics on the go, so I hope you understand.

Anyways, sorry for any spelling or grammatical errors. They happen :)

Quinn sat against the headboard of Santana's bed as she mindlessly flipped through one of the Latina's numerous magazines. Her muscles ached from the increased number of practices coach was issuing before the holiday season. There were faint marks on her legs, a clear sign of bruising, from when one of the sophomore guys failed to catch her on a toss. There was also a bag of ice on her ankle from when she landed wrong. After practice, Santana though it was best to head back to her house so they could ice the blonde's ankle immediately.

Quinn was brought from her thoughts when the click of the bathroom door grabbed her attention.

"How's the ankle doing, Q?"

"A lot better than it was doing an hour ago."

Quinn made an attempt to get up but Santana gently pushed her back.

"You stay right there. You need to get better and in order to do that you need to keep your ankle elevated. Doctor's orders."

Quinn couldn't help but smile at the caring nature Santana was displaying. When school started, the facade that Santana put up was worn a lot of the time in public. The bitchy, flirtatious cheerleader was always in full force. She could care less about the people around her, much less their feelings. So it was always a welcome surprise when Santana showed her true colours. This is the Santana that Quinn loves.

However, despite Santana's worried nature, she placed the magazine down beside her on the bed and limped over to the Latina.

"Babe, it's just a small sprain. After a couple days of icing it, I will be back to normal."

Before Santana could try and protest, Quinn stepped forward and attached their lips. Santana tensed for a moment before she started kissing back. Soon, attempted protest turned into a lengthy makeout session.

After a few minutes Santana pulled back, panting.

"Just because you are a very good distraction does not mean that you are off the hook."

"Well," Quinn fisted Santana's singlet in her hands. "Would nurse Santana like to help me get back into bed?" she asked in a low, sultry voice.

Santana didn't offer any response before she scooped up the blonde and carried her back to her bed. They both laughed the whole way before Quinn's back hit the mattress and they found each other's lips again. Icing Quinn's foot was the last thing on their minds.

The two laid in Santana's bed, tangled with each other. Quinn's head rested on the Latina's chest, her eyes heavy from the rhythmic beat of Santana's heart. Quinn stared at their intertwined fingers; the contrast of caramel and porcelain. She absently played with Santana's fingers as the Latina looked on with amusement.

"What are you thinking about?"

Quinn looked up, slightly startled, and was met with dark, brown eyes.

Quinn wasn't even aware something was on her mind, until she blurted out, "Thanksgiving."

Santana smiled and nodded her head. Surely Santana's thoughts about thanksgiving were eating as much as humanly possible just to get back at Coach Sue for running two-a-days. Quinn's thoughts, however, were on the opposite spectrum. It was a thought that invaded her thoughts for nearly a week and now was the time to ask Santana.

"I am going to eat so much turkey-"

"What are you doing for thanksgiving?" Quinn interrupted.

"Were you not listening, babe? I am going to eat my body weight in turkey and mashed potatoes."

"No, I mean," Quinn paused. "Aside from eating, what were your plans for the day?"

Santana noted the nervous tone of her girlfriend's voice. Her mood had completely changed from what it was only moments ago. The calm, cool and collected Quinn that was playing with her fingers and falling asleep on her chest had now become a nervous wreck.

Santana did her best to answer, hoping it would calm her girlfriend's nerves.

"I'm probably eating with the family. Well, that's if they aren't called into work. A lot of medical mishaps happen during the holiday season. Accidents with knifes or just extreme family arguments." Santana paused. "Why do you ask?"

Quinn untangled herself from Santana and sat cross-legged facing the Latina. Santana pulled herself up and rested her back against her headboard and faced Quinn, waiting for the girl to speak. Quinn took a breath before lifting her head to look at Santana with her piercing hazel eyes.

"I was wondering...if...um...I-if you would."

"Spit it out already, Q," Santana urged.

"I-if you wanted to come over on Thanksgiving?"

Santana rested her head against the headboard, but her eyes remained on Quinn. To some, this would seem like a simple question and a simple answer. It was only a dinner. However, one has never had a holiday in the Fabray household who was not immediate family or business partners. Holidays at the Fabrays were about keeping up appearances and about playing a role. It was about a picture perfect meal to match the picture perfect family.

A picture that Santana didn't fit into.

Santana had been to dinner at the Fabray's one year during Christmas. It was when the hospital was looking for extra funds to expand the children's wing and Russell was the man that was going to make it happen.

She remembered having to buy a new dress, one that she would normally wear to church, to make a positive impression. She remembered the lecture she got about manners, quickly followed by the idea that it was best not to speak unless spoken to. She remembered how perfect the food and the house looked. She remembered the fake smiles that graced all of their faces. She also noticed the large amount of alcohol that was consumed by Russell and Judy, as well as the sad look in Quinn's eyes.

But looking at her now, she could see the fear and the hope that resided in her girlfriend's hazel eyes, pleading for her to say yes.

"I-I don't know baby..." Santana muttered out.

"Look, I remember that Christmas. I remember you complaining about the ugly dress your mom made you buy and how you looked like a Hispanic me," Santana smiled at the memory. "I know how my family is, trust me, but I would love it if you were there to get me through this holiday. I am so tired of playing the Stepford daughter and 'daddy's little girl.'" Quinn paused. "It would just be a lot easier to endure this holiday if I had you by my side."

"Have you asked your parents yet?"

"Not yet, but I was going to do it tonight. My mom's not really the problem, it's my dad."

"And you really think you can convince him to invite your Latina girlfriend to dinner?" Santana quirked her eyebrow.

"He doesn't know you are my girlfriend, and he doesn't have to. I am not saying we go in waving rainbow flags, we both aren't ready for that," Santana nodded in agreement. "I just need your support."

Santana nodded in understanding. She knew how hard these gatherings were for Quinn. It was hard to play pretend for a night to return to the same crap the next day. Quinn was simply asking that she would be there to soften to blow of reality. She was asking her to be there to be the one highlight to another Fabray holiday.

"Okay," Santana whispered out.

"What?" Quinn had heard what she said, but was shocked that her girlfriend was actually agreeing.

"I will go to dinner, if you get approval."

"Really?" Tears were welling up in Quinn's eyes.

"But you owe me so-"

Santana didn't have time to finish her sentence before Quinn pounced on her and forcefully attached their lips.

"Baby, your ankle," Santana offered as an afterthought.

"Forget about my ankle, I am making it up to you right now," Quinn whispered against the Latina's full lips.

Quinn closed the front door behind her with a soft click. The sound of her mother singing softly in the kitchen could be heard from where she stood in the foyer. She placed her shoes and her bag in the closet before making her way towards the kitchen to meet her mother.

When she entered the kitchen, she could see her mother beginning the prep for tomorrow's meal. Her singing had turned into quiet hums, careful not to disturb her father working in his study.

"Quinn, you scared me," her mother was now facing her, startled.

"Sorry, I just got in."

"How was practice today?"

"It was okay. Nothing I couldn't handle," Quinn feigned a smile for her mother's benefit. Being a Cheerio was anything but easy. But she was a Fabray. There was nothing that a Fabray couldn't handle, or at least they didn't bring light to the fact that they couldn't.

"That's nice to hear, dear. I can see it already. You are a shoe-in to get captain next year, just like your sister," Judy beamed and Quinn did her best to feign the same enthusiasm.

Judy turned back towards the kitchen counter and began chopping various vegetables. Quinn made her way to the kitchen island and sat down. She watched her mother parade around the kitchen, moving effortlessly as she prepped the Thanksgiving feast. As Judy hummed softly, Quinn couldn't help but join in.

"Is there something on your mind?" Judy asked as she turned around once more to face Quinn.

"Why would you say that?"

"Quinnie, I love you, but the only time I ever see you willingly spend time with me is when it is forced or when you want something."

It didn't used to be true, Quinn used to love spending time with her mom when she was a kid. They would gallivant around various parks and playgrounds. They would stop for ice cream after school. They would shop together for new outfits, or give each other makeovers. They would do all of these things when she was little, before there was the added pressure of being a Fabray.; before she was forced to lose weight; before she changed her name from Lucy to Quinn; before her parents started drinking and before they started pretending.

Quinn missed those days. Quinn missed Lucy.

But as her eyes drifted up once more to her mother's face, she realized she was still expecting an answer. Before she had walked through the door, she had a whole speech planned out. But as she sat in front of her mother, all of the words she wanted to say were lost.

"Is daddy having clients over for Thanksgiving tomorrow?"

"Not this year. There were a few men before, but they dropped out of the deal. Why?"

"No reason," Quinn paused, noticing her mother's expression. "Is Frannie coming home from University?"

"No, she is visiting with Dave's parents in New Hampshire. Why are you asking these questions all of the sudden?"

Quinn could feel her heart beating a mile a minute. She couldn't help but pick at her nails and pull at fingers. Her eyes focused on her hands as they seemed to move on their own accord. All while feeling the questioning eyes of her mother burning into the side of her head.

It was now or never.

"I was...well...I was wondering if...um."

"Any day now, Quinnie."

"I was wondering if Santana could come for dinner. I mean, you have such a big, wonderful meal for us all and I would hate to see it go to waste on only the three of us."

Judy paused for a moment and looked at her daughter. She could see the fear in Quinn's eyes as she asked the question. A question that wouldn't be treated as such a big deal in any other household, but this was the Fabrays. There was a reputation to uphold.

Judy turned and placed the knife on the cutting board before facing Quinn once more.

"Honey, you and I both know that's not up to me."

"Why not? You have just as much say as what goes on in this household as daddy does."

Quinn watched as her mother gave her a knowing look, her eyes pleading to drop the subject. Quinn knew well enough that her mother had no say in what happened within their lives. Every decision was made by her father. Herself and her mother were merely pawns; trophies to show off to respective clients.

"I guess I'll go talk to daddy," Quinn said as she got up from her stool.

She made her way towards the entrance of the kitchen before she heard her mother softly call her name.

"Quinnie," her mother paused. "I'm sorry."

Quinn gave a sad smile and Judy returned it. Before Quinn fully walked out of the kitchen, she turned to look at her mother once more. She could see her mother pulling out a wine glass from the cupboard, bottle already in hand. She watched her mother's shaky, nervous hands as she poured a large amount of wine into the glass before taking a generous sip. Quinn had to turn away before she saw any more.

She quietly walked down the hall towards her father's study and stood outside the door. She could hear the bass of his voice echo into the hallway, clearly he was doing business. She waited until he was quiet for a few minutes before she started knocking on the door.

"Come in," he voiced, clearly not in the best mood.

Quinn walked into the study and closed the door behind her, "Hi, daddy."

"Oh, Quinn. Now's not really a good time."

Where her mother used such names as 'Quinnie' and 'Sweetie' her father only used pet names for show. When they weren't around clients, she was lucky if he actually spoke to her.

"I...just came to ask you something."

Her father looked at her and then back to the work on his desk. He let out a large sign before closing his folder, focusing his attention back to Quinn.

"You have exactly two minutes."

Quinn nervously made her way towards the chair that sat opposite her father on the other side of his desk. She clasped her hands and held them in her lap, careful not to pick at her fingers as she had done in the kitchen.

"I was wondering if...if Santana could come for dinner tomorrow."

"Santana? That Hispanic girl?"

"Y-yes."

Russell huffed before standing, making his way towards the bar. He grabbed a tumbler and filled it with ice. He quickly filled the glass with scotch before taking a generous sip, much like her mother did.

"You know the rules about friends coming over on holidays. It is a time meant for family and I am sure she has a family of her own to spend it with."

"She does, but they won't be home tomorrow. I-I just know you don't have any clients coming tomorrow, and it will just be the three of us since Frannie's not going to be here."

Quinn noticed the drop in her father's face at the mention of Frannie. Even though she didn't like to admit it, she knew Frannie was his favourite. The only time she had ever seen her father cry was when Frannie left for Princeton. That's when she stopped being Lucy and started becoming Quinn. Just to fill the void.

"What's in it for me?"

"I'm sorry?" Quinn asked, puzzled.

"I am a man of business, Quinn. I could understand you bringing a young man to meet the family, but what is in it for me if you invite a friend."

"Whatever you want, daddy."

Russell looked at his daughter, taking generous sips until the tumbler emptied. He re-filled the glass before turning back to Quinn, a proposition in mind.

"I will make you a deal. The firm is holding a father/daughter gala next month. I have a lot of respective clients and colleagues attending. I would like it if you went with me."

"That's it?"

"There's a friend of mine, Tom. He has a son. I think it would be wise if you went on a date with this young man after the gala."

Despite using the word 'think,' it wasn't a suggestion. She went to the gala and went on a date, or Santana wasn't coming over. She knew it would hurt her girlfriend, but as long as she explained it to Santana, it shouldn't be a problem.

"Deal," Quinn blurted out.

"Excellent."

Quinn got up from the chair and gave a polite smile to her father. Before she walked out the door, she could hear her father calling out her name.

"Yes, daddy?"

"I would advise you to expand your friend circle. You hang around this Santana girl too much. Eventually, people will start talking. Don't want to carry around the burden of being called a lesbian in this town. This is Lima, Ohio, not San Francisco."

Quinn's heart raced and her mouth dried. Her mind swarmed with a million thoughts, all of them revolving around how her father could have found out. But as she looked at him, she realized he didn't know. He was making a suggestion, one that involved ditching Santana and bringing a good Christian boy home. She nodded and headed out into the hall, closing the door behind her.

Santana tore off her dress in frustration. It was the fifth one she had tried on since Quinn had called her about dinner that morning. It was cleared for her to go to dinner, but now she couldn't be more nervous to go. She loved Quinn, but there was a part of her that was hoping her parents would say no. Hoping she wouldn't have to spend the holidays with Russell and Judy Fabray.

"I liked that one."

Santana jumped before turning towards her open bedroom door. There stood Quinn in a conservative, yellow baby doll dress and a white cardigan.

"Babe, you can't just sneak up on me like that. You almost gave me a heart attack. When did you even get here?"

Quinn slowly sauntered over and gave Santana a soft kiss on the lips. "Sorry, and I decided to walk over. Maybe then you would be a little less nervous," she smiled before looking around at the disaster of Santana's room. "San, what happened? Did a tornado tear through here?"

Quinn beamed and Santana blushed. The Latina was not used to trying this hard. Before, her system was simple. To get with guys, she would wear the shortest, tightest dress possible with a pair of high heels. Parent could care less what she wore. But this was different; this was Quinn. Quinn was the first person Santana tried for.

"Shut up, Q. I was trying to find something nice," Santana said as she reached for her favourite red dress.

"Not that one," Quinn quickly snagged it. "Red, it's the colour of the devil. Stick with pastels."

"Pastels? You do realize I'm not 80, right babe?"

"I do because I'm not really into grandmas."

Santana smirked at the fact that Quinn said 'really,' but decided to leave it alone. She watched as Quinn riffled through the discarded dresses on the bed before moving into the closet to look through the rest.

"Exactly how many dresses did you try on?"

"More than I'd care to admit."

Quinn emerged from the large closet to look at Santana. "You do realize we're not getting married, right? It's just dinner."

"Don't give me that 'it's just dinner' crap. Have you met your family?"

Quinn was trying to play down the importance of the evening, hoping to calm Santana's nerves, as well as her own. She knew how judgemental her parents could be. They expect perfection, even if you weren't a Fabray. As long as you were in association with the family, you were expected to uphold a reputation as well. Not just anyone could befriend or date a Fabray. That is why Quinn continued to rifle through Santana's closet.

It took longer than she thought, but she eventually found a suitable dress among Santana's 'not so family friendly' dresses. She picked out a high waist dress, the top being white and the skirt being black. It was pretty plain, but Quinn found a nice gold necklace to bring out some colour.

"There, we have a winner."

"You still owe me for doing this."

"I thought I we sorted that out yesterday."

"Yeah, that's before I had to dress like you," Santana smirked and Quinn lightly smacked her arm. "Sorry."

"Well, we do have a few minutes before we have to head back to my house."

Quinn squealed as Santana picked her up and threw her on the large mattress. Quinn laughed against the Latina's full lips before quickly attaching them. Her tongue darted out, running along Santana's swollen lips, waiting to be granted access. Santana parted her lips and let Quinn explore. Needless to say, they were going to be late for dinner.

The two had managed to make it on time, but barely. They went through the formalities of introductions and empty compliments. "What a lovely dress, Santana," "It was really no problem, we love having you here."

Russell stayed in his study and Santana couldn't have been happier about that.

Now the four sat around the dining room table. Judy brought in each dish until the table was nearly at full capacity. One would think that they were feeding 20 people instead of 4. Before they dug in, they joined their hands in prayer. Santana was thankful that no one asked her to say grace. The Fabrays had made the mistake of asking her to say it once. Thankfully they had learned.

As Russell ran through the routine prayers, Quinn lightly brushed her thumb over the back of Santana's hand. They two exchanged a look of support while both of Quinn's parents' eyes were closed.

"Amen," they said collectively.

The four dished out various food choices onto their plates and began eating. It was silent among the four of them. The only sounds that were heard were the scraping of utensils against the plates and the odd "could you pass the salt."

Judy noted the silent nature and tempted to break the ice, "So, Santana, how has Cheerios practice been for you? Quinn doesn't really talk about it much."

"It's been okay. Coach has really been pushing us, but it's nothing that we can't handle."

"Champions aren't made from the weak. Only those who are dedicated and strong will triumph. The modern day natural selection," Russell chimed in.

"I couldn't agree more," Santana gave her best smile before returning to her meal.

"So Santana, met any young bachelors yet? Quinn here has always been shy, maybe you can take her out of her shell and find her a nice boy," Judy offered.

"I haven't found any yet. I'm not ready for that kind of commitment. Just keeping my options open." Both Quinn and Santana exchanged a knowing look.

"Well, if you want to get to the top, you have to look the part. If you want to be captain next year Quinn, you might want to find a respectable young man," Russell paused. "Maybe like that Puck fellow. He looks like a strapping young man."

"Daddy, he cleans pools for a living. He also doesn't have the best reputation."

"Cleaning pools means he's ambitious, Quinn. And maybe all he needs is a proper, Christian girl to set him on the right path."

This was turning into a discussion she didn't want to have in front of Santana. She didn't want to be hounded about finding a suitable young man while she was sitting next to her girlfriend at the dinner table. Desperation was evident in her father's suggestions when he brought up the idea of dating Puck. Anyone who has lived in Lima for more than five minutes knows he is the town's man whore. He only truly cleans pools so he can sleep with the various moms of Lima. The idea alone made Quinn shiver.

"I don't think Puck is the respectable young man you would want for Quinn," Santana added.

"Well, if he is bad as you say, why not date that Finn fellow? Sure he may not be the brightest and he may be a little awkward, but he's got a good head on his shoulders. The kind of man you would be proud to bring home to the family," Russell paused to take a sip of his scotch, successfully draining the tumbler. "You know, that Finn boy reminds me a lot of Dave. If you can find a good man like your sister did, that would be wonderful."

"Russell, leave the girls alone to enjoy their dinner. This is a lot of heavy conversation for one evening."

"Nonsense, it's about time these girls start thinking about their futures," he shook his empty tumbler, signaling for Judy to re-fill it.

The night continued on in this manner; Russell bringing up the 'future' and finding a 'suitable young man.' Both Santana and Quinn sat and feign attentiveness, trying to play the part. Every so often they would exchange a look of apology. Both Russell and Judy downed quite a few drinks, their words becoming slurred with each passing hour.

Once the meal was done, both Quinn and Santana helped with the clean up while Russell closed himself off in the study. When the house was spotless, Quinn offered to take Santana home. Really, she just needed to get out of the house.

The two walked down the street, brushing their hands every so often. Wishing they could hold each other's hand, but it was too risky here. People knew them around this neighbourhood. More importantly, they knew their families.

"Sorry about tonight. If I knew he was going to act like that, I wouldn't have even invited you."

"It's okay, Quinn. Whether I liked what he had to say or not, I was there for you. I would go through it all again if you asked me to," Santana smiled and Quinn returned it, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"I can't believe he went off like that. I mean, I hear it all the time, but he is never usually that bad."

"Maybe he noticed that you're a raging lesbian."

"Would you shut up?" Quinn whispered sternly while looking around nervously. "People may here you."

"Relax, babe. I'm sorry."

The two continued on in almost silence, just enjoying each other's company. Every now and then, their pinkys would catch and they would pause for a moment before releasing them. They walked under the glow of the street lights as they weaved through the various streets until they got to Santana's house.

"This is my stop. Do you want to stay for a bit?" Santana asked.

"I would love to, but I have to get going. I'm sure I am already going to get an earful for walking you home." Santana nodded. "Thanks for coming tonight. I don't know how I could have handled that on my own. Just knowing you were there," Quinn paused. "It really means a lot."

"I told you before, I would do it all again. Whenever you need me, I'll be there."

Quinn stepped forward and attached their lips firmly. Santana's hands found the blonde's waist while Quinn's hands tangled in Santana's dark locks. The two could feel their lips bruising, but they didn't stop. It only pushed them forward, exploring each other's mouths with practiced tongues that knew all of the right movements.

The two finally separated, panting from lack of air. They looked into each other's eyes before the same goofy smile fell upon each of their lips.

"I got to get going." Quinn finally voiced out.

"I love you, Quinn."

"I love you too."

Quinn placed one final kiss to Santana's lips before she turned around and starting heading down the driveway towards her home.

So how was it? I think I like it, but I am not 100%. Hopefully things will start to move more quickly within their relationship. I have some ideas for the next few chapters, but I want to see your ideas. Anything you want to happen within the next few chapters? My layout is the gala, Christmas break and New Years and so on. So if you want me to try and include anything, let me know and I will do my best.

Here's my tumblr if any of you are interested: .com

Anyways, enough of me rambling. Until next time.