A/N - A lot going on in this chapter, readers. Again, I'm sorry for taking my time, I promise I'm trying to get back to fast updates. Also, I know my grammar and spelling is perfect, and I'm sorry for that, but it never will be perfect. Trust me, there are fics out there with much worse grammar then mine. :-)
When Santana opened her eyes, for some reason the sound of Brittany screaming was still echoing inside of her head. At first, her vision was blurry. She felt like she had been sleeping for a week straight, and confused wouldn't begin to describe her current state of mind. Once she could see straight, she found that she was looking up at the ceiling of her bedroom. She slowly started to clear her thoughts, and let what had happened sink in.
Puck. He was bleeding and...shot. Is that why she was screaming?
She was getting so frustrated with herself. Her mind was telling her to move, but she couldn't. Not just yet. She needed to figure it out.
No, she screamed my name. She was scared, I've never heard her scream like that before.
She had no idea why the only two thoughts in her head were her girlfriend screaming, and Noah Puckerman getting shot.
Come on Santana, think...think...okay. Puck...he got shot then showed up. Sue patched him up. I yelled at him, and he left. He left...he's gone. Puck is gone.
And just like that, everything came flooding back at hit her like a brick wall.
Puck Quit.
"Oh god", she gasped, as she shot straight up. Her heart was racing almost as fast as her mind was. She immediately felt the need to be Boss Lady, even though she was totally aware of her own surroundings. Sure enough, she was in her own bed, inside of her and Brittany's suite."What the fuck!"
"Baby", she heard Brittany say. She looked up to see her blond perfection flying into the room."San...it's okay baby, it's okay."
"No...", the Latina defended."...everything is far from okay Britts!"
As the the blond made her way onto the large bed, tears streamed down her face. She tried to pull Santana into her, but failed miserably.
"Where the Hell is that ass hole!"
"Santana, baby...you have to calm down! You have to relax or it's gonna' happen again", she cried, desperately. She didn't just want to make Santana understand, she needed to."Please, calm down."
"God damn it", snapped Santana, as she pulled her covers off, and got out of bed."I need to know what the fuck is going on, and I need to know now!"
"No no no, get back in bed, oh my God", cried Brittany. She had to give up. She just stayed on the bed, and cried her eyes out. Santana was on her feet when Rachel and Sue came into the room. The two of them took one look at the anger and confusion on the Latina's face, and one look at her desperate sobbing girlfriend on the bed.
"Alright Santana, it's time to relax. You need to let me explain what's happened to you. That way, you'll understand why it's very important that you do not act crazy right now", said Sue.
"Fuck that! I don't have time to relax, I need to go find Puckerman, and tear him yet another ass hole!"
"Santana, you need to knock it off", said Sue, who was already tired of the fiery attitude she was getting.
"Whatever", scoffed Santana, as she headed towards her walk in closet. Rachel took one more good look at Brittany's state, and frowned. She had for sure had enough.
"Santana Lopez, you cut the shit!"
The other three women in the room couldn't help but stare at the tiny diva.
"I'm sorry that you don't get what's happening, but before you continue on your selfish little anger fit, maybe you should take a look at your girlfriend for a minute!"
Santana wanted to slap the girl, but she took a deep breath, and glanced over at Brittany. She had her face buried into a pillow, and her entire body was shaking. It broke her heart, and she took a few more deep breathes before she looked to the floor."Now, you being my big bad boss aside for a minute, it's time for you to listen other people for once in your life! Now, you are gonna' sit your ass down, shut your damn mouth, and listen to Sue explain why you collapsed!"
Santana couldn't believe the nerve of her best employee at the moment, but she chose to just listen. She knew Rachel wouldn't be going off on her like she was unless she had a good reason. That, and she couldn't stand listening to Brittany's crying anymore. Suddenly the wall of confusion turned into a wave of guilt, and she wanted to vomit. She crawled back onto the bed, and wasted no time pulling the dancer into her arms, and holding her.
"I'm sorry, baby. I'm so sorry. Shhhhh...I'm sorry", she cooed. Brittany just clung onto her for deal life, and tried to calm herself down. Once she was crying less, and and her panic was gone, Santana looked up at Sue, and nodded her head.
"Alright well, in case you haven't realized by now dear, you need to chill the Hell out", said Sue.
"Did I just have a fucking heart attack?"
"No, you didn't but it wasn't far off. Your anxiety mixed with your panic caused you to have a tiny little stress stroke. Again, to put it simply...you need to calm down. You are just damn lucky I was still here when you went down."
The Latina rolled her eyes, and started to snap."Yeah yeah, alright already just cut to the fu-"
"Santana", snapped Rachel."Deep breathes."
"My bad, God", she breathed. She was trying her best to stay calm, but it wasn't easy for her given the circumstances."Can you please cut to the chase, and just tell me what I have to do in order to get back to work? And if you say bed rest, I will ends you."
"Bed rest for the rest of the tonight, and tomorrow. After that, you need to just relax for about a week", said Sue, with a small smile on her face. She didn't think it was at all funny, but she did care about Santana, and knew her all too well. The fact that she had no choice but to relax, and not work so hard for a week was somewhat amusing to the Doctor.
"Are you serious", she whined."Sue, that's bullshit, I got upset and fainted."
"No, you reached your peek. Fainting from stress is your bodies way of telling you it's had enough. Now I know you hate this, but I couldn't care less. I'm pretty sure that about another day or two more of your stress level, and your nerves would have attempted to escape back across the boarder."
Rachel, and even Brittany had to smile at the comment.
"You are such a bitch", said Santana, shaking her head.
"I'd rather be a bitch then a glorified illegal alien prostitute", Sue shot back.
"Do you really wanna' take it there", asked the Latina.
"I'm sorry, were you not here a second ago? Because I'm positive that I just did take it there, Chiquita Banana."
Rachel and Brittany continued to smile and giggle softly, because they both understood that the banter was all in good fun, and it was lightening Santana's mood.
"Oh it's so on. You look like Big Bird took human form, you tall, lanky lesbian of a man bitch."
"Is that so? Well, boarder patrol called. They wanted you to know that you left your real tits behind, and they're holding them for you."
No longer able to keep a straight face, Santana burst into subtle laughter. It helped that the other three were laughing as well."Alright, Jolly Lesbian Giant, you win."
"Of course I won, and since I did, you need to stop acting like a Mexican jumping bean, and take the week off. Your blood pressure is too high, so you will be taking some meds. However, you most likely will not have to refill. I guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it."
"Do you really expect me to not work for a while week? Like do you even know me?" She could feel Brittany, who was still clinging to her, shift a little in her arms. Oddly enough, it was keeping her from loosing it at the moment.
"Well, it's not that you can't do any work at all", warned Rachel."You just need to suck it up, and accept some extra help for a little while."
"How would you know", shot Santana."You ain't the doctor, Tiny Terror."
"I took the liberty of filling them in while you were out. It only seemed right, considering that you are stubborn as all holy Hell. I figured if other people around here knew what was going on, there would be no way for you to argue about taking it easy. I win again", smiled the tall Doctor.
"Well that's a big fuck you" snorted Santana."So now what, I literally have to stay in bed all today and all day tomorrow?"
"Pretty much. I'll be back in two days, and we'll go from there."
"Fine", breathed Santana, looking down at her girlfriend."Sue, have I mentioned how much I hate you?"
"Not in the last minute or two, so thank you for reminding me. Clearly I needed a reminder. Oh, and before I forget, no alcohol or caffeine."
"Oh my God, you cannot be serious", whined the Latina.
"At least for the first week on the medication."
"Well damn. Why don't you just cut out my heart all together?"
"No...don't say that", whined Brittany."Don't talk like that San."
"I'm sorry baby", she smiled."I was just joking."
A few minutes later, everything was out in the open and Rachel left the suite to walk Sue back downstairs. There was a few moments of awkward silence in the bedroom before anything was said. Brittany was almost the first one to speak. She was still laying in the woman's lap, and had managed to stop crying. She glanced up, eyes red and puffy from crying. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She was afraid that if she said anything about what had just happened, she would breaking into tears all over again.
"It's alright, my perfection...", said Santana, and she stroked the side of her face."You were right, and I was wrong."
"Santana...I...I was so scared. Promise you will never sca-"
"I will never ever scare you like that again."
About thirty minutes later, the two of them were still in their giant bed, when there was a knock on the door.
"Yeah, come in", yelled Santana.
Rachel opened the door, and slowly slipped inside.
"Somebody to see you Boss", she smiled, as Quinn followed behind her.
"Oh God...", breathed Santana."What the Hell are you doing here newbie?"
"Hey, be nice San...she skipped out on a meeting to come see you", pouted Rachel.
"Yeah, I'm not trying to bother you or anything, I just...heard what happened, and wanted to make sure you were alright", said Quinn, calmly.
"Ask me again in a week", joked Santana."This sucks so damn bad, there is nothing Wanky about this at all."
"Would you stop, it's happening, get over it", said Rachel."It's only a week."
"Are you joking me, Tiny Terror? It's about to be a week of pure boredom, and torture!"
"No San, you shouldn't think about it that way", warned Brittany."You should be thinking about it like a mini vacation." Santana simply rolled her eyes."I'm serious baby, this is gonna' be good for you."
"She's right", agreed Quinn."In a way, I think this is the universe coming down on you for working yourself too hard. At least it wasn't an actual heart attack. You're way too young for something like that."
Rachel smiled at her lover."Excellent point."
"I think so too. San...there is no point in you being so stubborn about this. If you're really that bothered by it, why don't we just sit here and figure out a way that we can do the work for you", said Brittany."Please?"
A skeptical, yet thoughtful expression crossed the Boss lady's face."I'm still calling the shots."
"Like it would be any other way", laughed Rachel."It's only right, but remember San...you did claim Quinn as number three. You can't argue that this isn't perfect timing for that particular number to step in."
"Yeah...and if I'm gonna' be dancing and managing things for the week...I could use the extra help baby...", said the taller blond in the room.
"Fine", the Latina deadpanned."Let's get this shit over with."
Eventually some time, a bunch of snacks, and a few dozen tiny arguments later, all four woman were sprawled out on Santana's huge bed. They had pretty much settled how things were going to be until Santana was able to work full force again. That was until it was reported that two female employes, as well as one male quit the playground out of fear. Just like that, within fifteen minutes time, they were down three people. Santana had started to rant on in Spanish, until Quinn suggested that she start counting until the anger died down.
"One hundred seven...one hundred eight...one hundred nine...one hundred mother fucking ten". She was infuriated, and wanted nothing more then to punch somebody square in the face.
"Alright, I think it's pretty safe to say that the whole counting thing was a bad idea", Rachel deadpanned.
"Well, I tried", laughed Quinn.
"Sanny...it's alright, we'll get new people", said Brittany."We've never had a problem with it before."
"Baby, that's only because we've never had so many people quit in such a short period of time. God, I could shoot Puckerman myself for this!"
"I don't see why they think they're in any danger of getting shot", said Quinn, shaking her head."I mean unless any of them are involved with his little drug business."
"Oh my God of course", said Rachel."That's it. They saw what happened to Tina, put that together with him getting shot, and decided to get away from the situation all together."
Santana and Quinn seemed to understand, but Brittany was clearly confused."What do you mean, Rach?"
"Puck must have been selling to them. Either that or they are afraid that Puck was followed here after his little confrontation, and somebody might show up here and start firing a gun."
"If that's the case, boy better watch his nuts, because he knows damn well that the only thing he's supposed to be selling around here is the pot. Nothing else. I will be getting to the bottom of that", growled Santana.
"No, we will be getting to the bottom of that", warned Quinn.
"Son of a bitch, I still really hate this", snapped the Latina."I've been the picture of health since I was a baby, this is bullshit."
"Says the Boss Lady, who chain smokes when stressed, and drinks as if alcohol is going out of style", laughed Rachel, not paying any attention to the look of death she was receiving from said Boss Lady.
"Wait a minute, San...I thought you quit smoking", asked Brittany, with a frown.
"Thank you, Rachel. Anything else you wanna' help me with", asked Santana through her teeth.
"Actually no, not really. Sorry...".
Santana looked over ant Brittany, and smiled. Sure, it was a beautiful smile, but her guilt shown through."I did quit for a while my perfection but...I started again."
"That's a seriously nasty habit San...", warned Rachel."I'd get into why, but I'm pretty sure you'd rather hear anything else right now."
"Ouch", laughed Quinn."You don't like smoking?"
"Yes! Little Miss flawless photographer smokes too", laughed Santana."That's awesome! Oh God, that just made my day!"
"I do, but not too often", admitted the shorter of the blonds."Please Rachel...don't hate me."
"You know what, sweetie? I've smelled it on you before, but I've never tasted it when I kiss you. So, you're obviously doing something right. Smoke away...", laughed the tiny woman.
"Alright, I'm not sitting here in my own room, in my own bed, listening to you talk about what you taste when you kiss each other. We're done with this shit, I'm over it. You best be moving your asses out that door, and tending to some things. Out", said Santana, pointing towards the door.
"What about me", pouted the blond dancer, as the other two woman stood from the bed."Do I have to go too?"
"No, not just yet baby", smiled Santana.
"I'll come check on you later, Boss. Don't you move from that bed", warned Rachel.
"Rachel, just your face...out!"
The couple just laughed as they exited the room.
Once the other couple was alone, they started making out like two teenagers. Brittany seemed to get into it rather quickly, and Santana almost couldn't handle it."God baby...", moaned Santana, as she let her blond perfection straddle her lap."What's gotten into you?"
"I dunno' San, should I stop...", she asked as she sat herself up.
"Hold that thought", breathed Santana, as she grabbed her cell phone from the night stand. She went into her contacts, and found who she was looking for. As she put the phone to her ear, she felt Brittany's hips push into her, and let out a long, slow breath. As she waited for somebody to pick up the other line, she reached forward and ran one hand down the side of the dancer's body.
"Hello...yeah Sue, can I have sex", asked the Latina, not wasting any time. The question was followed by a nod."Good to know, see you in a couple days." With that she hung up the phone, and pulled her girlfriend down on top of her, smashing her lips into hers. She was starting to think that having to stay in bed all day wasn't going to be such a horrible thing.
After Quinn and Rachel left the suite, they ended up in Rachel's private room. Quinn had never seen it before, which made the tiny woman's excitement even greater.
"Very nice", giggled Quinn, as she looked around. The wallpaper was black with a gold star pattern. The room had a theme for sure, which was just that. Black with gold stars. There were a posters hung here and there, and photos that were clearly from the girls personal life. The room smelled of lavender, and Quinn loved it.
"Do you burn a lot of candles in here", she asked, as she took a seat on the bed.
"Incense actually. I never used to, but last year I started reading this blog. This girl that writes it, she talks about burning incense constantly. At first, I didn't really see the appeal, but I decided to just give it a try. She was right about it, when you burn it, you're sense of smell takes over in a way that you'd never think possible."
"That's pretty insightful. I can't say I took for a blog reader", smirked Quinn.
"I'm very picky about which ones I read, but yes. I do enjoy reading other people's thoughts", she answered, with a confidence that Quinn couldn't help but smile at. She glanced over at the nightstand, and noticed a photo of Rachel standing with two men. She leaned over, and grabbed it. She looked at it, and couldn't help but know that the men in the photo had to be family.
"Who are these two handsome gentlemen?"
"Oh, those are my Dads."
"Dads? As in...you have two of them?"
"Yeah", answered Rachel."I didn't really have a mother growing up. Just my Dads."
"Interesting. So, what was that like? I mean, I have nothing against that...obviously. I guess I just feel like that might have been slightly difficult to deal with when you were younger."
"I got picked on a little, but I didn't let it get to me very often. During high school, people always just kind of assumed that I was gay. All because I have gay parents. Of course back then, I wasn't mature enough to even think about the possibility that I might be. I brushed it aside", breathed the tiny woman, as she took a seat next to Quinn on her bed."Deep down I knew, but me being the age I was, and the attitude I had...I forced myself not to pay any attention to the feelings. I was awkward enough as a teenager, you know?"
"I get that", nodded Quinn."I chose to to hide behind a giant wall of ignorance, and hate. I treated people like shit, and the way I was raised didn't help. My Dad...he made me think it was alright to treat people who were different with nothing but disrespect. It's funny, because now that I think about it...my life used to be so up and down, and there were so many secrets. It's no wonder I never really had time to discover certain things about myself. Liking girls especially."
"Well, I'm happy you discovered your love for the female form", laughed Rachel, kissing the blond on the cheek."I wouldn't have met you otherwise."
Quinn smiled, and looked right at Rachel."Even if I would of had a time machine, or access to anything able to give me a peek into my future back then...I never would have anticipated something like this."
"This?"
"You", smiled Quinn."Somebody as beautiful and amazing as you."
Rachel smiled lovingly, and leaned in. They kissed passionately for a while, before Quinn gently pushed Rachel on her back, and rested herself on top of her. She looked down into the smaller woman's eyes, and took a deep breath.
"Penny for your thoughts", asked Rachel.
"No pennies. I'm falling for you fast...no charge for that thought. But, you did need to know."
At that moment, Rachel felt a warmness inside. She couldn't have described it even if she tried. She wanted to cry."Do you really mean that?"
"I never say things like that unless I really mean them. It's like...whenever Santana refers to Brittany as her perfection...my mind always goes to you. I feel like that's one of very few things I can relate with her on. The way she looks at Brittany, they way she talks about her. How much she softens up whenever she's around...it's beautiful. I know we don't know each other the same way they do...but it's just one of those things I guess, Rach. I've had a feeling about you since the first time I met you...it hasn't gone away since."
Rachel smiled, and let Quinn wipe some stray tears from her cheeks."Does it feel like butterflies?"
"In a way, yes...it feels just like butterflies", the blond answered.
It was true. Rachel had developed somewhat of a thick skin over the years. Especially since she had started working at The Playground. Her guard had been up for quite some time, but with Quinn, it was so much different. She couldn't hold that in any longer."The night I met you...after I had seen you for the first time...I was first date nervous. Disappointing you wasn't an option, and that feeling hasn't gone away. Not even once. Quinn...you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I adore the Hell out of you, and I can't even begin to think what my life would be right now if you weren't in it."
"I'm never letting you go, so you'll never have to think about what life without me would be like. I'm not going anywhere, baby."
The both of them sobbing, they smiled through it, and started kissing again. It could have been anything. The traumatic things that had happened that day, the very short time away from each other. Even the fact that they were both falling in love, but couldn't bring themselves to say it out loud. Whatever it was, one thing was clear to the both of them. They wanted to spend the rest of their lives together no matter what. No matter Rachel's career in sex, or Quinn's reputation, they wanted to be together forever.
Later that evening, Santana once again woke up confused. The last thing she remembered was a spontaneous sexual encounter with her girlfriend. In fact, there had been more then one. She was on her side, naked, feeling like she had been sleeping for hours. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and things came into focus, she sat up rather quickly, not anticipating the company.
"Jesus...", she heard Rachel's voice say."Cover up, Boss."
Santana's first instinct was to cover up, however, once she saw it was Rachel in the room, she couldn't push away the need to mess around."What's the matter Star Baby...can't handle the hotness", she asked, as she shook her chest.
"Honestly, I can handle seeing your boobs out and about. God...that sounded weirder and weirder like as it came out of my mouth...". Santana just laughed and shook her head."Listen, I'm sorry I yelled at you before, I just...lost it."
"It's fine, I get it", said Santana, as she reached for her bra.
"Do you?"
"Of course I do. You're worried."
"Can you blame me? How many times do I need to remind, San? We were friends before I worked for you. Maybe not the best friends, but you need to face it. Things have changed between us, and I'll be treating you more like a friend then boss." As Santana finished getting dressed under her covers, she shot Rachel a look."Okay, okay...only when there isn't any other employees around."
"Mhm, that's what I thought. I appreciate your concern, especially now."
"Good. Now that's you're fully dressed, I can do this", giggled Rachel, as she jumped forward, and tackled Santana with a hug.
"Jesus...", groaned Santana, as her tiny friend latched onto her."What the Hell has gotten into you?"
"Nobody", breathes Rachel, as she backed off."I'm just really happy that you're alright."
"Right...okay, see...I asked what's gotten into you, not you...and you just said nobody...".
Rachel didn't say a word. She just smirked, and looked away.
"It's her."
"Don't start...".
"Rach...what is going on with you and her?"
"I don't even know. I can't even really describe how she makes me feel. Even if I could, I wouldn't dare explain it to you, San."
"Why not?"
"Are you kidding me? I know you want me to hate her...I know you can't stand what we have...".
"What you have? What's that mean?"
"I don't know."
"Yes you do, but you just don't wanna' say it. Rach...she's a client, and nothing else."
"Don't say that!"
Santana just laughed, and leaned back with her arms folded across her chest."I knew it."
"You knew what?"
"Just be honest with me. Are you like...in love with her?"
"Why would you think that?"
"Well, number one you just answered my question with a question. Number two, you get all defensive when I say she's just a client. Rachel Berry, you have legit feelings for Quinn, and I can't lie...that pisses me off."
"What doesn't piss you off?"
"Again, you still haven't answered my question. I don't get it. What the Hell is so special about her? What is she doing to you?"
Rachel smiled."I ask myself that very question everyday, and you know what? I still don't have an answer. But, I don't care. I plan on having a fairly large amount of time to find out."
Santana could tell just by the tone of her friend's voice that she felt something very strong. Sure, her intention might have changed a little since Quinn was working for her. However, she couldn't shake the very threatening vibe she got from the blond."Do you love her?"
Before Rachel could answer, her phone went off, and she, of course, avoided the question by taking it from her pocket, and looking at it."You have a visitor."
"Wait, what", asked Santana.
"Puck. He's waiting to see you."
Suddenly, the Boss Lady felt short of breath. As angry as she was with the man, she still wanted to see him. She was worried more then anything, but she would never admit it. She'd simply pass off her worry for anger, and try her best to scare him into making sense. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
"You really should talk to him, but not if it's gonna' piss you off...", warned Rachel.
"Yeah, I know. Just...um...send him in I guess", she mumbled."Tell him leave the drugs at the door."
"Alright, I will. Do you want me to stay or...".
"No, just go. It's okay. Just send his sorry ass in."
"San...".
"It's fine. Just send him, okay?"
"If you need me...".
"I know, Rach. Thank you", smiled the Latina."Really. Thank you."
A few minutes later, Rachel had left the bedroom, and Santana waited very impatiently for Puck to walk in. Once he had, she felt something inside of her that she couldn't figure out. She wanted to hate him, she wanted to be mad at him, but she controlled it. She was just so happy to see him. From the moment he had entered the room, he hadn't made eye contact. He just stood a few feet away from the bed, looking anywhere but towards the Boss Lady.
"You alright, Santana", he asked, with real concern."I'm sorry you're heart sick."
"You're blazing a trail on destruction through my club in more then just one way, man. You you're my main guy around here, but...you need to stop taking advantage of me."
"I didn't mean for any of this to happen. You're acting like I planned all this", he said, with a roll of his eyes.
She looked at the sling on his arm, and felt like crying. He was breaking her heart, and he didn't even know it."Why can't you just respect me and this place? You used to, and now that you're deal, things are all fucked up."
"So...", he said, in a very lazy tone.
"What do you have to say for yourself", she asked, quietly.
"Nothing really", he mumbled."I'm really sorry that you gotta' stay in bed and shit, but I'm done with this place."
Santana smirked, and shook her head. She couldn't believe the lack of compassion she was hearing. It really did seem like he couldn't have cared less. Knowing him the way she did, she knew he was probably nervous. However, he chose to act cold to cover it up."Seriously? You're acting like I'm the one who shot you."
"Whatever...I'm done."
He was upset, yet worried. It didn't matter if he quit or not, he was still somewhat freaked out by the woman. Nobody would have blamed him. Santana gave him credit. He knew how to hide how shaken up he really was, that was for sure. However, he was shot after all, and it didn't have to be at all obvious that he was rattled by the whole ordeal.
"Puckerman...you're really leaving me? Really? After everything I've done for you, after all the shit we've been through? You're just gonna' up and quit?"
"Yeah, I guess that's what it is. Why are you making such a big deal about it?"
"Gee, I dunno'...maybe because you got shot today. Or, maybe because you brought that little girl into it...".
"Laine is safe and sound right now. She's fine. This didn't phase her like you think it did, so you can quit trying to make me feel guilty about this. You're just pissed because you aren't getting your way like you always do."
"Oh fuck you", she growled."You're choosing drugs over me! Drugs!"
"Don't even get like that, San. You're turning this into something that it's not."
"Am I though? Puck, you look me in the eye right now, and tell me that you don't wanna' work here anymore. Tell me that the drugs you deal are better then me, and that you'd rather do that then work safe and sound under this roof, and get paid more money then you will ever earn selling that shit. Tell me that you're really okay with having that little Laine chick working for you, knowing damn well you shouldn't."
Puck shook his head at first, but then took a deep breath, and looked straight at her."I hate this place, and selling that shit is gonna' be a hundred times better then working for you."
The Boss Lady suddenly felt like she had just been punched in the throat. She wanted to cry, but she wouldn't let herself do it. At least, not in front of him.
"Get the fuck out, Puckerman", she said, in almost a whisper.
"What?"
"Get out!"
After staring at her for a few more moments, he gained his composure, and stormed out of the room. He flew out of the suite, into the hallway, and towards the elevator. Ignoring Rachel's calls to him. It took all of three minutes for him to exit the building completely, without acknowledging anybody trying to stop him. Once Rachel discovered the Latina had broken into tears after he was gone, she knew she had to take some serious action. She'd gotten Brittany to the suite, and handled some other small issues around the playground, before dragging Quinn from the building. It wasn't until the two of them were sitting inside of Quinn's car outside of Puck's building, that Rachel was fully annoyed with the day as a whole. She just wanted it to be over.
"Are you sure you need to do this now? Maybe you should give him a day or two...", Quinn was saying."I mean, it's been a long day for everybody, but him especially."
Rachel knew better. She knew she was putting her nose where it didn't belong, but she didn't care at the moment. She had other people's feelings in mind."She never cries like that...".
"What baby", asked Quinn, as she reached over, and moved her lover's hair from her face.
"Santana. She rarely cries, or shows certain feelings around others, but when he left...she was crying. The only other time she cries like that is when something happens with Britt." Quinn smiled sadly."I have to fix this."
"What if you can't, baby", questioned the blond.
"I have to at least try", she answered, looking directly at Quinn."I just...have to. You know?"
Quinn nodded, and kissed Rachel on the cheek.
"Stay right here, I'll be back", said Rachel, opening the passenger's side door. Quinn watched from her car as Rachel disappeared into the building.
"I love you...", whispered Quinn. She just wished she would be able to say it out loud someday soon.
Rachel knocked on the door of the apartment as calmly as she could. She was over this nonsense with Puck. She wanted him back where he belonged and out of harm's way. Aside from being pissed off at him for upsetting Santana, she cared about him in her own little way. He attributed their friendship to some kind of Jewish bond but he cared about most of the clubs employees in some way or another whether he wanted to admit it or not.
When the man didn't answer she banged a little bit more frantically before waiting another minute. Soon enough he cracked the door, which still had the deadbolt in place and glimpsed at her small frame through the opening. Upon seeing a little bit of his face, she decided to stay as calm as she could. She'd have to play nice if she wanted in.
"Open up," She gave him one of her best show smiles and approached the door slowly as if he were a gazelle that would retreat if startled.
"What's with the house call," Puck eyed her questioningly. "Last time you were here you said there was too much guy spewed everywhere for your taste."
"Your questionable taste aside, I was hoping to chat." When she saw the doubt in his eyes she held up her pointer and middle fingers and giggled, "Don't worry, I came alone. I even came in peace."
"You say one word about the fight that I just had with that bitch, you're so gone. Hear me?"
"Loud and clear, just let me in", she answered, still holding her peace sign up.
He shook his head at her antics and even let a smile roll over his lips before he closed the door to unhook the chain then once again opened it.
"Welcome back to my humble abode," he said as he stepped aside to let her in.
"Thank you." Rachel briskly walked into the bachelor pad and made her way to the living room area. She took in her surroundings. It was a little cleaner than it had been the first time she had been there. She had been there a couple of years prior when she and Kurt had gone over to check up on him when he was sick with the flu. Santana had said that she wanted to make sure that he hadn't been bullshitting her to get time off but Rachel had known it had been out of genuine concerned for his health. The flu care package she'd sent was proof of as much.
The apartment wasn't as messy as it had been then. There were still clothed tossed about on some of the furniture. There was a video game console hooked up to a flat screen that hadn't previously been there. The couches were leather which she wasn't a huge fan of because she was a vegan for a reason that went beyond dietary preferences. The floor was clear and for that she was grateful. She always thought it was silly that he had a Foosball table rather than a dining room table, but it was his bachelorhood, she supposed.
"So what's this about," Puck asked with a sneaking suspicion.
"You can't quit. It hasn't even been one whole day, and we already miss our favorite bartender," Rachel laughed.
"Look, Rach I love you and all but cut the crap okay. What do you have to say to me," he asked impatiently tugging at the bottom of his black sling. It was clear that he hated having to wear it.
"We need you, Noah. You've been in this for a long time and now you want to turn your back on it because of what? Because you want to be a drug lord or something?"
"Well that's a shit load of obvious," the man chuckled.
"Is all that worth it," Rachel asked, this time with wide expressive eyes. He was sure she had pulled out the eyes just for him. She had a way of using them to get her way.
"Do you ever ask Santana that question," Puck asked as he sat down in the black leather recliner.
"That's not the same thing. You know it isn't."
"Why," he shot in an offended tone. "Why is it different for her?"
"Because she doesn't have people shooting at her for one," Rachel hissed, losing the Bambi eyes and replacing them with heated ones.
"It was one time and I came out on top," he defended.
"You think it was the last," she scoffed. "You really think you're going to swim with the big fish and all is going to be fine and dandy? Wow, you must be dipping into your own stash if you believe that. What happens if whoever the hell it was comes back even stronger, then what? At least at the playground you have security. People can't just get to you like they can everywhere else?"
"You need to quit with the crime dramas, babe." He rolled his eyes at her in annoyance. She made some points but he wasn't about to admit that to her.
"Don't act like this isn't a big deal, Noah," she spat. "You were shot, damn it. You put yourself and that girl in danger. Are you willing to keep doing that?"
"Laine's fine and so am I. Speaking of her, you need to be kinda' quiet, she's sleeping in the spare room."
"She lives with you?"
"For now, but that's not your business, so moving on...".
"God. You know, you won't have access to Sue to pull the bullet out next time. You'll have to go to a hospital and you know the standard procedure for gunshot wounds? It's protocol to call the cops and then what will you do?"
"Rachel you're thinking too hard about this. I can handle it, okay."
Rachel was done with this. No more acting. It was time to be real. "This is far from okay, Noah. This time it was your arm. Next time it could be your head or your chest. It could be Laine's head or anyone that spends time around you. It was one thing working on a small scale but you want to be a fucking kingpin? There is a reason why there are only a few that make it to the top of the food chain. They kill anyone that challenges them. You'll either become a murderer to save yourself, or end up dead in a ditch somewhere."
"Your being a drama queen," the Jewish man deadpanned.
"And you're being an idiot; a huge selfish idiot that apparently doesn't give a damn if he or the people around him live or die." He could see that she was really upset this time. She wasn't playing him. He reached out to comfort her but she turned away from his touch.
"It's gonna' be okay. I'm not gonna be taken out like that," he tried to assure.
"It's funny," she said in one of her most serious tones that came off far from funny. "I'm willing to bet my next two months income that ninety-five percent of the dealers that end up dead, said something similar to at least one other person."
"Come on. It isn't as serious as you make it out to be," he tried once more.
"I hope not," she said looking him dead in the eyes. Her voice took back on vulnerability once more, only it seemed different now somehow. Rachel walked back over to the apartment door, then looked back at her friend. "I'd hate to find out you were locked up or dead one day. I don't know if I'd be able to handle it." She turned the nob and let herself out before allowing Puck to retort. She'd said what she came to say. It was up to him now.
Once she was gone, he shook his head, and bolted the door back up.
"Noah?"
He turned around to see Laine walking towards him from the hallway."What's up?"
"I think she was right."
"Don't you start with me too", he breathed."You know I won't let anybody hurt you. Sorry if what she was saying scared you."
"I know that, but...I don't want anybody to hurt you either. Maybe you should just keep working there. You can still deal, but...why not just stay on the level you're on now", she asked, sitting down on the couch.
"I'm not a fucking chump, I can make it to the top, and I can stay there. This hurt, Laine...I thought you of all people would be on my side with this."
"It's your fault. You were the one who took me to a building full of really hot woman. What kind of girl would I be if I didn't take their side", she joked.
He smiled, and shook his head."Damn teens and their weird lesbo hormones."
Meanwhile, Quinn and Rachel were driving back to the playground. Rachel hadn't said much of anything, and Quinn was concerned, but she chose not to push her in any way. She could only assume the talk hadn't gone well, and knowing how obnoxious the male bartender could be, she understood her lover's mood.
"I hate that I love that ass hole so much", she mumbled."He cares, I know he does, but he's working over time on the douche baggery right now."
"Did he at least listen to what you were telling him?"
"Yeah, he listened, and I know for a fact I gave him a lot to think about."
"Does he feel at all guilty for what just happened with San?"
"Probably, but I wouldn't know for sure. The only way he would let me in was if I promised not to yell at him for that."
"Well, if he doesn't wanna' hear it, that means he feels like an ass hole", smirked Quinn."What a mess."
"You know, he has that girl living with him", mentioned Rachel.
"Laine?"
"Yeah."
"That's a little weird."
"At first, I thought so too. However...even thought he's an ass hole, he would never take it there with her. True, she likes females, but even if she were straight, I think she's like a sister to him."
"Fair enough", said Quinn, nodding her head a little.
"My biggest concern is her being around the drugs. Of course, he's being very hush hush about why she lives with him, so I don't even know", breathed the tony woman.
"Well, we can get to the bottom of it. He may not work at the Playground anymore, but that doesn't mean we can't be up his ass. Hell, we could probably annoy him back into work, if we tried hard enough." Rachel smiled wide at her lover's words."Don't you worry, baby...we'll get his sorry ass back there."
"Quinn...I am loving this side of you", Rachel beamed."Woman, you are sexy when you're being all bad ass."
"Oh man, is that going on your list", whined Quinn."You list is so much longer then mine, baby."
"You better catch up then."
"Well I'm sure I'll have plenty to add after tomorrow tomorrow afternoon...".
"Why is that", asked Rachel, suspiciously."What do you know that I don't, Miss Fabray...".
"We have lunch with my Mother tomorrow", laughed the blond.
"Quinn!"
"Don't yell at me, it was her idea! She thought you were...simply delightful...her words...and she wants to get to know you."
"Oh God", giggled the little diva."She met me for like fifteen minutes. Tell me, is she still under the impression that I'm one of your models?"
"Maybe...".
"Great, so for lunch tomorrow, we're having a nice big helping of awkward, with a side of lying to Mommy dearest?"
"I guess."
"Quinn...you're lucky that I lo-"
Rachel's heart was suddenly pounding hard. She wanted to say it more then anything, but she couldn't. Her mouth went dry, and she wanted jump from the moving car.
"I'm lucky what", asked Quinn, hopefully.
"You're lucky that I like you."
Quinn's heart sank just a little, but she couldn't be angry. If Rachel wasn't ready to say it, she would except it. After all, she wasn't ready herself. However, they both knew that it was only just a matter of time.
A/N - Thanks for reading! Remember, Reviews and feedback are love.