A/N: So, here's another update. I'm doing my best to make them quick, to make up for lost time. There's some new face claims/OCs and a time jump. It's not too much time, but time. There will be more of those, just be warned.
There are outfits that go with this chapter. Instead of linking them, I can give you guys a much easier way to see them. Sometimes the linking doesn't work. All you have to do, is go on the Polyvore website, search the use name 'RyotStyle' and you'll see the outfits. The outfits are titled by chapter. I know not everybody is into seeing the outfits, but sometimes it makes it more interesting. There are three new outfits for this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy them, and this update. Thank you so much, I love my readers, you guys are seriously amazing.
New Face Claims:
Noel Lyndon - Catherine Zeta-Jones
Nova Heart - Portia de Rossi
It had been a long time since Santana was feeling the way she was in that moment. Her nerves were all too suddenly scattered, and she was in full on panic mode.
"This cannot be happening right now, it fucking can't", Santana said. She grabbed Quinn's hand, and headed for the elevator."Alright, listen to me, and fucking listen good...because when you meet these bitches, you're really gonna' wish you had stayed at your office tonight."
"Why do I even have to meet them", the blonde asked, frantically.
"They saw you. There's no taking it back...they saw you standing behind me, and you saw them. If I go back in there without you, they won't accept it."
"How bad are they", Quinn asked."I mean I got a pretty icy vibe to be completely honest, and I didn't even make it inside your office."
They got into the elevator, and Santana pushed a button."That's Noel Lyndon, and Nova Heart. They show up downstairs occasionally, but posing as members. The only people who know that they are the silent partners...are me, Brittany, Rachel, Puck, Lauren, and now you. That's it, and it needs to stay that way. Got it?"
"My lips are sealed."
"Okay, real quick, admit that...that's a fucking weird sentence to say in a place like this."
Quinn thought for a moment, and nodded."Whoa, yeah. I admit it, fucking weird."
"Thank you. Moving on….they don't pull a sneak attack on me like this, unless they're unhappy about something. And thank fuck Brittany is on stage right now, because last time they were here, they made her cry. It took me damn near two hours to get her to stop."
"Seriously? That's just awful", frowned the blonde, before mentally backtracking a bit."Wait a minute. Noel Lyndon and Nova Heart? As in...Heart and Lyndon, the law firm?"
"Yeah, that's them."
"Those are your partners", she asked in shock."Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Does it look like I'm kidding, Barbie", she snapped, looking over at her friend."I would have to be ten different flavors of fucked, to make all of this up!"
"Holy shit, excuse me for being a little surprised here, but that's big!"
"I know, and they're ruthless bitches." She looked at Quinn up and down."Oh no. No no no, your outfit is so bad."
"Wow, thank you so much", the blonde snapped.
"No, shut up! Not like that! It's just too casual. They will hate that." The elevator touched down, and the doors opened."You have clothes here, right?"
"Yes, in Rachel's room."
"Good, go change into something classy, doll up, and meet me outside of my office. Fast, Quinn. I mean as fast as you fucking can", she said, as she stepped off of the elevator.
"Right, got it."
Santana as quick as she could, trying not to seem panicked, moved towards the bar. She spotted Puck instantly, and whistled loudly, as she leaned over the bar counter.
"Yeah, what's up", he asked, walking over to her.
"Get me a fresh bottle of Jack Daniels. Green Label. Also, two glasses with ice."
His eyes suddenly went wide. Santana's behavior, along with her request said it all."Wait, are they here? Like right now, they're-"
"Yeah, so hurry the fuck up", she growled.
"Oh shit! Yeah! Okay, I'll….be right back", he said, hurrying away.
While Puck was getting what she needed, she hurried over to the E-Lounge, to check on her perfection. Sam was on stage, and Brittany was just kind of standing in back, doing things on her phone. When she saw her girlfriend, she hurried over to her."Hi beautiful", she bubbled, planting a kiss on her lips.
"Hi", she smiled. She thought she was smiling happily, but apparently she was wrong.
"San, what's the matter", she asked, worry in her voice."You're upset."
"It's nothing you need to worry about", she breathed, looking into her eyes."I just needed to see you before my meeting." She rested her forehead on hers."You doing alright down here?"
"I'm okay. I really wish you'd tell me what's wrong though."
"Noel and Nova showed up in my office." Brittany gasped a little, and her body tensed up."It's okay, it's okay….relax. Quinn and I will handle it. You just stay down here until I come and get you. Okay?"
"Okay."
"I love you."
"I love you more, San."
Once she had the whiskey, and the glasses, it was right back to the elevator. Luckily, nobody was questioning why she was rushing, or why she was carrying an entire bottle of whiskey with two glasses. She was fully prepared to be pissed off at Quinn for not being ready and in position yet. Only, when she stepped off of the elevator, there she was. Sporting a nice black and white dress, with heels. She'd even touched up her hair and makeup."Holy shit, I didn't think you woul-"
"Of course you didn't", said Quinn, with a roll of her eyes."Tell me what else I need to know."
"Noel isn't really as bad Nova, but she can still make you wish you'd worn a fucking diaper. Noel has the dark hair and the soft eyes. Nova is the blonde, that smiles like an evil villain. When they ask you about working for me, tell them that I interviewed you three times before I hired you. Don't tell them that I hired you on a whim, and for the love of God, do not tell them that you're dating Rachel."
"This entire situation is making me nauseous….I think I'm gonna' be sick", groaned Quinn.
"Hold it in. Either do it before we get in my office, or hold it down. Barbie, I'm not even close to fucking kidding. I don't care if you puke all over my desk, as long as it's after they leave. Got it?"
"Okay! God, yes! It's just, this is all happening really fast, and you're making them sound -"
"Fucking awful, I know." They went to the office door, and Santana looked at Quinn."Composed?"
She took a deep breath, and nodded."Let's do this." She took the two glasses of ice from Santana, and straightened up.
The two of them walked into the office, as calm and collected as they could be. The older women had moved from the couch, and were occupying the two chairs in front of the desk.
"Noel, Nova", smiled Santana."It's very nice to see you both."
"Yes, I'm sure it is", smiled Nova.
Noel rolled her eyes."It's nice to see you as well, Santana."
Quinn, noticing that Santana was opening the bottle of whiskey, raised both glasses, and held them as the liquor was poured in. Once they were full, she smiled politely at both women, and handed them their drinks."Here you are, ladies."
"Thanks", Nova said."Who might you be?"
"This is Quinn Fabray", said Santana, before Quinn could speak."She's my new addition." She took a seat at her desk.
Quinn extended her hand to Nova."It's a pleasure."
Nova smirked, and sat back into her chair. She didn't even bother to shake the younger woman's hand."Yes, we'll see about that."
Noel on the other hand, reached over and shook Quinn's hand."Nice to meet you, darling."
Quinn smiled nervously, before walking over to the desk, and sitting on it. She thought both women were stunning. They looked to be in their late forties, and very well put together. Both of them wearing black dresses, and intimidating heels, sitting in the chairs like royalty. One word had floated into the young blonde's mind.
Flawless.
They looked confident, and bold. Quinn remained calm and cool on the outside, but the way she was actually feeling on the inside was the opposite.
She was terrified.
"You look well", complimented Noel, looking at Santana."Beautiful as always."
"Thank you. I can say the same for both of you."
"Tell us, Santana….how did this come to be", asked Nova, motioning towards Quinn."You've got that Brittany managing things around here. Why would you need to hire this little…..puppet?"
The Latina cleared her throat."She was a new member, spent some time with a few of the girls. I got to know her, and I interviewed her several times. As it turns out, she's better off working for me, than she is being a member. She's helped me out a lot, and I am extremely grateful that she's here."
It was then, that the two older women exchanged smirks. Nova sipped her drink, before letting out a breathy laugh."You should probably cut the shit."
"Excuse me", asked a very nervous Santana."I don't know what you me-"
"Stop", snapped Nova."Don't you dare lie to us."
"I'm not lying."
"Oh really", asked Noel."You say you're not lying. I suppose you'll also say that Ms. Fabray here, didn't immediately start playing with Star when she arrived?"
"Are you also going to tell us that, she isn't dating Star now, and that you didn't just bring her on overnight, without consulting us", asked Nova.
It was Santana and Quinn's turn to exchange some looks of their own.
"How did you know-"
"We have eyes and ears here, Santana. Make no mistake about that", said Noel."We know all about Quinn and Star. We know all about Sugar Lips, and how she killed poor little Sunshine with her addiction. The disastrous night off that everybody had."
"What", asked Santana, in shock."Okay, wait. I was going to tell you about all of that. I just needed the right time."
"Nonsense", spat Nova."You weren't going to tell us anything, you never were! You must think we're fucking idiots!"
"No, ma'am...I don't think that, not at all", she defended, nervously."I just didn't think-"
"Exactly. You didn't think", shamed Noel."Santana, we trusted you on this, because we knew you to be a very trustworthy person. We trusted in your vision of this place. Now, we're hearing that things are spiraling out of control. Everything that we hear, it all comes back on you. This isn't just your Playground, it's ours as well. It's not just your money, it's our money as well, and you're putting us all in danger. So, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"The fact that you've gotten away with things for months isn't luck, if that's what you're thinking." That had been Nova, who downed the rest of her drink, before continuing."We've been waiting, giving you the benefit of the fucking doubt. We were hoping that you would come to us, and let us know everything. Confide in us, and let us help you. That never happened, it never would have happened, because you're too fucking stubborn to admit, that you are in over your damn head! Give us one good reason why we shouldn't replace your sorry ass! I dare you!"
Santana just sat behind her desk, wide eyed, feeling like she was about to burst into tears at any minute. Looking like a little girl who had just gotten caught lying to her parents. Quinn noticed, and felt horrible, she had never seen the Latina in that state. She knew it was a risk, and wanted to vomit, but she had to speak up."I can give you plenty of reasons."
Suddenly, all eyes were on her. The older women glaring, and Santana looking like at her, as if she were crazy.
"Is that so", asked Nova.
"Yes, ma'am", gulped Quinn.
"Why don't you go ahead and enlighten us", said Noel.
"Well", she started, grabbing the bottle of Jack Daniels, and standing up. She quickly refreshed their drinks, and set the bottle back down."When I came here, I was very nervous, I didn't know what to expect, and I didn't feel comfortable. Up until I met Santana. She's the one who sold me on becoming a member. I wouldn't be here, had anybody else explained this place to me." She looked at the two of them, expecting at least one of them to interrupt, but neither of them did. They looked intrigued.
"Go on", encouraged Noel, taking a sip of her drink.
Quinn smiled at each of the women. She didn't know them very well, and even though she was scared out of her mind, she managed to work through it. She took a breath, and sat back down on the desk."This place isn't just a getaway for people with secret desire. It's a mindset...a high...another world. One that the members get off on. They get off on the fact that it's secret, and sexual. Santana plays a major part in that. She helps all these people get what they want. Yes, it's true...Star is now my girlfriend, and I have Santana to thank for that. I'm not expecting her quit her job here, I'm just happy that I have her. I discovered the love of my life, all thanks to Santana."
"This place isn't meant to find love", said Nova, who was very clearly frustrated. "It's meant for pleasure. Forbidden, homosexual pleasure...the best kind of pleasure there is, because of the high you were just praising. This place is not a fucking match making service. We're not making money from people looking for love. We're making money from people that have forbidden desire."
"Nova, stop", warned Noel."You know damn well that she's not the only one that has a relationship with an employee. It's not exactly against the rules."
"I know that, you shrew. It's just so damn unnecessary", complained the older blonde.
"How is love unnecessary, and don't call me a shrew, you deplorable gripe! Just because you will fuck anything with a vagina, and refuse to be a with anybody exclusively...doesn't mean it's unnecessary!"
Nova glared at the other woman, and turned to face her."This coming happily married to a man you? How many female personal assistants have you fucked your way through, Noel?"
"That has nothing to do with this conversation, God, you are absolutely ridiculous!"
As the two of them went back and forth, the younger women just kind of watched in astonishment. Quinn absentmindedly grabbed the bottle of Jack, and took a shot straight from the bottle. She than handed it to Santana, who did the same. All the while, just staring at the bickering lawyers that sat before them.
"You know what", said Nova."Let's shelve this for right now, because it's not the time. However, as soon as we get outside, I'm going to slap the shit out of you."
"We'll see about that, you contemptible, God damn harpy." They turned back to Santana and Quinn."Sorry about that. You were saying?"
"Quick question", said Quinn, very cautiously."Are you two sisters?"
"No. We're best friends", answered Nova, casually.
Quinn looked over to Santana in shock, and the Latina simply nodded to confirm. "Alright", she snapped out of her little daze."As I was saying, and Ms. Lyndon was defending, it is possible to find love and relationships here. I know that may not have been the idea at first, but it's that way now. I don't see how that's such a bad thing, regardless, that's not Santana's fault."
"Another reason", said Nova.
""I'm, sorry, what", asked Quinn.
"You said you had plenty of reasons why we shouldn't replace her. I want another one."
"I see, alright. This place wouldn't be what it is if you replace her, it will crash and burn."
"Quinn", said Santana."A little dramatic, don't you think?"
"Are you serious, I'm trying to help you", she said.
"I know that, and I'm happy that you are, but-"
"But nothing, I'm defending you, and you're giving me shit! That sucks, Santana!"
"I'm not giving you shit, what the fuck is your problem! All I said was that you were being dramatic! God, I thought you got laid today?"
"What does that have to do with any of this?"
"Well, usually when people get laid in the middle of the day, it puts them in a good mood! You're being a fucking brat right now!" Realizing that she was arguing with Quinn in front of her bosses, she looked at them, embarrassed. "Shit, I'm sorry."
Nova smiled, snapped her fingers at Quinn, and held her glass out. Quinn jumped up from the desk, with the bottle of whiskey. She than filled Noel's glass, and went back to the desk."So tell me...have the two of you kicked each other's asses yet", she asked, causing Noel to burst into laughter.
"What", asked the younger woman in unison.
"If you haven't yet, you will", stated Noel.
"Actually, I won the last fight", said Santana, in a rather cocky tone.
"Are. You. Serious. Because, why wouldn't you sit there a gloat about a fight that neither of us won? Do I have to remind you about how that fight ended?"
Santana stood from her chair, and leaned forward."You're really gonna' take it there, Barbie? Let me tell you som-"
"Santana, sit", snapped Nova."We need to get back to business!"
Santana did as she was told.
"You're not out of the woods yet", scolded Noel."The situation with Noah Puckerman. What do you have to say about that?"
"Now, that could mean two very different things", said Quinn.
"Are you talking about him selling drugs, or him getting shot", asked Santana.
"Both", breathed the older blonde."What were you thinking letting him back here?"
"He's too hard to replace", said Quinn, with caution."We had very long, obnoxious talk with him. The Playground now benefits from his dealing."
"Really", asked Noel."That must be the bump", she said to her friend.
"It makes sense", she nodded.
"Bump", questioned the Latina.
"We noticed a small, yet substantial increase in Playground income."
"That's why", nodded Santana."If things get out of hand, he's gone for good, and he knows that. Things have been going well since he's been back. We need him."
"What about, Sage", asked Noel."She seems to know what she's doing by now."
"She does, but she wasn't cutting it by herself before Noah came back. He does very well alone, but before and after he left, and Sage got here, we had bar backs on rotation. It helped but it wasn't enough", said Santana."Noah has been training Sage, but she has two clients, and she's a tattle tail. She's basically working three different jobs here. Luckily she never bitches about it, she likes being needed."
"We can't have that", said Nova, shaking her head."Get her out from behind the bar, and find new help for Noah. Somebody that has skills to match his, or is even better."
"I have somebody in mind, she's just kind of unavailable at the moment."
"Get somebody that is available", demanded Noel."Or have Noah train one of the employees that has a lot of down time."
"Yes ma'am."
For the next hour, the four of them sat in the office. The older woman questioning things, and Quinn trying her best to help Santana explain them. Santana found herself feeling less and less nervous as the conversation went on. It was almost like having Quinn in the room with her, made her bosses less terrifying. It was explained how Quinn had helped to get rid of Will Schuester, and how it led to Santana finding Detective Hayes. They explained Tina and Sunshine situation in it's entirety. Eventually, they moved onto the changes that were being made, renovations that were on the rise, and it seemed to make the woman happy.
"So, starting in September, the Playground will be closed every Sunday", Quinn was saying."We know, it seems like a huge loss financially. However, Emma says having the employees work seven days a week isn't exactly ideal, or healthy."
"I'm inclined to agree", nodded Noel."You will need to find a way to make up for that financial loss. It maybe just one night a week, but that's a lot of money."
"We will find a way", said Santana, confidently."We're hoping the new additions will help us in that way."
"Alright", breathed Nova."Is there anything else that we need to know?"
"Aside from what we already do know. Do you feel that everything is on the table as of right now", asked Noel.
The younger women looked at each other, and Santana nodded."It's all on the table."
"Good", said Nova."Then the two of you wouldn't mind stepping outside, while we discuss."
"Not at all", said Quinn, as she stood from the desk.
Santana however, stayed in her chair, but wouldn't make eye contact with the two older women. She knew she needed to get up, but she was frozen.
"Santana, is there a problem", asked the older blonde.
Quinn looked at her, confusion plastered across her face."San?"
"I….I apologize", she said, so softly that it was almost a whisper."I should have confided in both of you. At first, I thought I could fix everything, and eventually...I could tell you, and you'd…..be proud of me. I didn't count on getting scared." She finally looked up, tears in her eyes."I didn't mean to disappoint either of you. If you take this place away from me, I'll understand. I'm so sorry for keeping secrets, and no matter what you decide, I'll always be so thankful for you helping me to bring my dream to life." With that said, she stood up, and hurried out of the office, as fast as she could. Quinn followed her, but before she exited the room, she turned around.
"With all due respect….replacing her would be a huge mistake. Since you have eyes and ears around here, than you will probably know, she damn near had a heart attack, because of this place. Keep that in mind while you think about firing her." She didn't bother waiting for any sort of reaction. She just walked out of the office and closed the door behind her. Santana was standing a few feet away, pacing back and forth, her hand over her mouth. Quinn approached her slowly and cautiously."How are you feeling right now?"
"Are you fucking kidding me", she said, trying to sound pissed. She didn't count on breaking into tears."I'm so fucked."
"No, don't say that….", said the blonde. She went to hug her, but was stopped.
"No. Not now", she sobbed.
"Alright, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm not saying not at all...just not now."
Quinn nodded, and noticed that Rachel was approaching quickly, and she looked worried. She moved towards her, grabbed her and hugged her as tight as could."Oh my God, I needed this."
"Are you okay", asked Rachel."Puck said-"
"I'm fine, and yes I met them", she breathed."We had the meeting, and now they're talking among themselves."
Rachel nodded, kissing her girlfriend on the cheek. She'd met the women before, so she knew how horrible they could be. She looked to Santana."Oh no. Why is she so upset?"
"There was talk of her being replaced", she answered, sadly.
"No….no no, they can't do that to her. They can't."
"It was just talk, baby."
"I know, but….it will kill her, Quinn. You know by now, this place is her life."
It was almost thirty minutes of silent torture. Santana had stopped pacing, and was leaning up against the wall, just outside of her office door. Wanting Brittany more than anything, she waited. Rachel and Quinn knew better to just leave her be for the time being. They stood a few feet away from her, holding each other. They felt so bad for their friend, and were both so worried. Quinn had no idea that Santana was working under anybody. She never could have guessed that that she was. She was especially surprised that it was two women like Noel and Nova. There were so many reasons why she didn't have to feel bad, but she did. She'd never seen the Latina so on edge.
Finally, the door to Santana's office opened, and Noel poked her head out."Ladies, please join us."
Santana wiped some tears away, before looking over at Quinn. Clearly, she wasn't going back inside without her.
The blonde smiled at her, before she pulled Rachel closer, and kissed her on the lips."Why don't you go down to the bar, okay? I'll be down as soon as I can."
"Okay", she nodded."Good luck."
"Thank you, baby." She kissed her once more before following Santana back into her office.
The two of them walked inside, and went back to the desk. Once they were seated, they sat, quietly, waiting for one of the lawyers to speak. It was Nova that spoke first.
"You hid things from us, and tried to lie about it. That's not something that instills a whole lot of confidence or trust. You were right, you did disappoint us, and it's hard not to be very upset with you."
"However", said Noel."You've obviously been through a lot, and you are handling it. Things were out of control, and despite your health issues….you've still managed to get back on track, and help an employee with a very serious drug problem. Hiring Quinn to help you, and hiring Sage as a tattler….very good choices. We believe the Playground will benefit from those choices. Santana, you're a very smart young lady, this place is your baby, but the secrets and lies need to stop. We need to be able to trust you. Do you understand that?"
"Yes ma'am", she said, shakily. .
"Do you understand that we cannot continue to back you, if you keep us in the dark about serious matters", asked Nova.
"Yes ma'am."
"Good", she said, as her and her partner stood from the couch."Stand up, both of you." The younger women did as they were told."Santana, we will not be replacing you. For now."
The Latina smiled, and nodded. She wanted to jump and down, and scream fuck yes at the top of her lungs, but she kept her emotions in check. She'd already let her herself slip too many times.
"Two conditions", said Noel, crossing her arms over her chest."The first….you will stop keeping things from us. We will assume that will be easier for you now that you know, we have our own eyes and ears here. That being said, now that you do know that, there will be know trying to figure out who it is. You will let that be."
"Yes ma'am."
Nova smirked, chugging the rest of her whiskey, and setting the glass down atop Santana's desk."The second condition….is Ms. Fabray here. She's no longer working for you, she now works for us. Congratulations, you're partners."
While Santana and Quinn exchanged looks of shock, the two older women picked up their purses.
Nova laughed a little."Before you go ahead with the new renovations, make sure you add an office for Quinn into your plans. You are now equals."
Seeing that they were heading out, Santana had to say something."Thank you! I won't let….I mean...we won't let you down."
"Make sure that you don't", were the last words heard, before they exited the office, and the door was closed.
The minute the door was closed, Santana let out a huge sigh of relief, and collapsed into her office chair.
"Wow", breathed Quinn."What the Hell just happened?" She looked to her friend, who had taken the bottle of whiskey, and was chugging from it."Shit….San….I didn't mean for this to...I mean, I didn't think that they would-"
"Relax….I'm not pissed."
"You're not?"
"No, I know you didn't intend on them promoting you, how could you have known? It's….alright. And….I'm sorry for going off on you like I did. I know you were just trying to help...I get really fucked up when they're around in case you didn't notice." She was near tears again."I'm really sorry." She held the bottle out to her friend."It's almost gone. Care to finish it off, Boss Lady number two?"
"God….don't even start calling me that….let's not make that a thing", laughed Quinn, before grabbing the bottle, and finishing it off."It was funny when it was a joke, now it's just too fucking real."
"It's the truth now."
"How are you not freaking out right now? I would be if I were in your position."
"Trust me...I'm just as shocked as you. I can't believe that I don't feel like kicking your ass up and down this room."
"Are you seriously alright with this? If you're not...please just tell me."
The Latina closed her eyes, obviously trying to stop anymore tears from falling. "Did you mean what you said about….me being the reason you have Rachel?"
"Of course I did."
"At first...I thought you were just saying that. I thought that you were bull shitting them, to save me", she sniffled."You kept talking about it, you kept bringing love up. It's the first time that….I've ever been labeled as a reason for somebody finding love."
Quinn smiled sadly."How does it feel?"
"Fucking amazing."
"Yeah?"
"Oh my God, yes….it feels amazing. Being the boss….that feels good, it's almost as good as having a super power. Especially when you're in love, and making stupid money", she cried."But...knowing that I'm responsible for making somebody feel the same love that I have for Brittany….that feels better than….anything." She looked up at Quinn from her chair."Fuck...I never thought I'd feel like this."
"You have to know….Santana. Rachel and I….that's not the only love that you are responsible for. Look at Blaine and Kurt? Despite what they've been through, they're together again. Blaine wouldn't have met Kurt if he hadn't of met you. Even Alyson and Emma. Maybe it's not really love with them, but they're together. That's because of you. People fall in love with one another, simply because they have you in their lives. Do you know how beautiful that is? Do you know how fucking amazing that makes you?"
"I guess I do now….."
"I get to be part of that now. Don't get me wrong, I feel guilty as Hell…..but no matter what...I will gladly stand beside you. Yes, they deemed us equals, but that won't go to my head. You are the Alpha, Santana."
The Latina smiled, wiping some tears away."That makes you the Omega."
"Yes, and you know what? I'll take it", Quinn smiled."Only if you let me hug you now."
Santana laughed through her sniffles, and stood up."I hate you." She pulled the blonde into a hug."I really can't fucking stand you."
Quinn laughed, and held her friend."You're the worst bitch that I know. I hate you too."
After a minute, Santana leaned back from the hug, keeping her arms around Quinn. She was having an issue keeping eye contact, but it didn't keep her from saying what she wanted to say."Thank you. If you weren't here with me tonight...I don't think I'd still have my job right now."
"Anytime. You weren't lying about those two. Honestly, I have to pee so bad right now, I did the whole time they were here", Quinn laughed.
"No, I wasn't lying...you thought I was bad?"
Quinn couldn't help but know exactly what her friend was thinking."You're not as bad as them...don't worry."
"Are you sure?"
"I mean...you have your moments, but...you've gotten better. I know you don't like to admit it but...you have softened up just a bit", she laughed.
"You're right, admitting that isn't something that I fucking like at all. It just scared me that...I could end up like that."
"Santana, if you don't let yourself end up like that, you won't. I guess now we'll have to work on that together...and oh my God I have to pee in the worst way."
"Same. Let's do that, and hit the bar. Britts should be done by now."
"Right. Let's go drink with our girls", said Quinn.
"We can talk about adding private bathrooms to both our new offices", said Santana, letting Quinn go, and opening a drawer on her desk. After they composed themselves, fixed their make up, and made sure they look presentable, they were ready to leave the office.
Soon enough, it was the end of September. It had been announced that Quinn would be Santana's partner, and everyone at the Playground seemed to be in good spirits about it. Most of them silently worried that the two boss ladies would end up killing each other. Regardless, they liked the idea of having both women in charge.
The place being closed on Sundays had turned out to be a really good idea. Everybody liked having at least one night that they didn't have to cooped up with their clients. Sure, they went out during the day before the Playground opened all the time. Most of them agreed, it wasn't the same as going out at night.
It was one of those Sundays, around six o'clock, when Rachel and Quinn were sitting down to dinner. The couple had spent the day in Quinn's apartment, watching movies, making love, and doing some online shopping. There was music softly flooding the kitchen, and Rachel had just sat down with two wine glasses, and a bottle of chardonnay.
"This looks amazing", she smiled."Smells good too, I'm excited to try it, oh my God."
"I hope it's as delicious as it seems. My Mother has been on my case to make it for you", the blonde laughed.
"Really?", she asked in shock."Your Mom gave you this recipe?"
"Yes, why are you so surprised", she asked, one eyebrow raised."
"Quinn, it's Portobello Mushroom Pizza. Mushrooms aside, this is pizza. This is just, so not a Judy meal", she giggled.
"I know, but it's Vegan. I guarantee, that's the only reason she's been pushing it."
"Fair enough", she said, handing Quinn a freshly poured glass of wine."Let's dig in." She picked up her own glass, and held it out."Cheers."
"Cheers", smiled Quinn, clinking her glass with her girlfriend's.
A few minutes, and some light conversation later, a song started playing from the iHome that made Rachel laugh."Oh my God."
"What's so funny?"
"The song, it reminds me of Kurt, and it's the only reason why I have it on my iPod."
"Is this from…...South Pacific?"
"Yeah. It's A Wonderful Guy. Not too long after Kurt met Blaine, he was walking around singing this song. Biggest smile on his face, it was amazing."
"That's so cute. Things seem to be a lot better between them since they got back together. I'm starting to think they just needed some time apart", said Quinn, sipping her wine."I mean, it does suck that Kurt slept with Sam, but….Blaine seems have moved on from it."
"So have Kurt and Sam, and I'm proud of them", smiled the tiny brunette, as she grabbed for a third slice of the pizza.
"I guess my Mother was right about this, huh?"
"Oh my God, yes. I already texted her about it, this is so delicious!"
Quinn laughed at her love's enthusiasm. She leaned back in her chair, and held her wine glass close to her mouth, looking at Rachel."I am absolutely in love with that smile. It lights up this entire apartment."
"Baby...that's sweet. I'm in love with your smile too", she giggled."And no matter what...I'll always think that you smile like Marilyn Monroe. It's so perfect."
"You're perfect."
"Will you stop", laughed the shorter woman."How can I eat this, with you staring at me like that?"
"I guess you'll have to starve." Rachel simply laughed a little."Hey, you're off on Wednesday right? Did you still feel like going to see The Lion King?"
"How is that real damn question, Quinn", she laughed.
"It's your seventh time seeing it. I'm just making sure you're not sick of it yet. I can always get tickets to see something else if you'd like."
"No, don't! I can't wait to see The Lion King again!"
"I thought you'd say that", she blonde smiled."Think it will be on Broadway forever?"
"I hope so, it's one of the best musicals of this time. I wish I could be apart of it."
"Maybe you could."
"What?"
"Maybe not that musical specifically, but any Broadway musical. You sing like a star shines, baby. You know those Beatles lyrics….picture yourself all alone on a river?" Rachel nodded. "Well, I picture my love, on a stage, singing her heart out. Mmmmm...it's such a clear picture."
"You're sweet...but I'm not about that life."
"Oh, okay", Quinn laughed, sarcastically.
"What? I'm not."
"You're not about that life? Come on, Rach. You have talent. Real, actual talent, and not just in between the sheets."
Rachel rolled her eyes."What's your point, honey? There has to be one in there somewhere."
"My point is….maybe Temptation Playground doesn't have to be-"
"Stop", she laughed."Are you serious?"
The blonde looked offended."Alright, it's not that crazy of an idea, but that's fine. Laugh at me."
"You find the book. From the Playground to the Stage, and I'll do it."
"What if you wrote that book?"Quinn was somewhat hurt, because she wanted Rachel to think about a future outside of Temptation Playground. One with her in it. She'd been thinking about it for weeks, but wouldn't directly bring it up. She would seem like a hypocrite, since she had been promoted.
The tiny brunette couldn't help but amused, but her laughter was hurting Quinn's feelings and she was starting to feel bad."I'm sorry, I love you for having that much faith in me, but it will never happen. I'm nothing but a dirty little sex monster."
"Monsters can sing too", the blonde laughed."And, no matter what you say, I'll always have faith in you, and your voice. Now, do you want dessert, my love?"
"Of course I do", she exclaimed."Judy made it!"
Quinn grabbed a plate of cookies that was sitting on the edge of the table."I don't know what happened. I can cook like my Mother, except for when it comes to desserts. That's where I fail."
"Yeah, but you don't fail being a yummy dessert for me…", giggled Rachel, moving her eyebrows suggestively.
Quinn's cheeks turned a bright shade of red."Oh my God, I cannot believe you just said that", she laughed.
"It's true!"
"I dunno'...let's see how you feel after you taste one of these." She grabbed a cookie, and handed to Rachel. "Almond butter banana cookies."
After almost the whole plate of cookies was gone, Quinn cleared the table, while Rachel took a call from Brittany in the living room.
"Yeah….okay. Quinn has a meeting at The Pony Bar, so I'll be meeting you guys alone….yeah. She's meeting us later. Alright, see you in a little while. Bye bye, Britts."
"Are we still meeting them at Smashed", asked Quinn, as she walked in from the kitchen.
"Yeah, they're already on their way there."
"Why wouldn't they be", laughed the blonde, taking a seat on the couch. Her tiny lover plopped into her lap."They have girl boners for Jade."
"Is San still pissed that she has to give up on her for bar tending?"
"She will never let it go, but she really should. It never would have happened."
"True, she can't just drop being the manager at Smashed."
"Wait, did I not tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I looked Jade up on Google, and the first thing that popped up was...did you mean Jada Price. Jada, not Jade. Second, a photo of her and her family….on the New York Social Diary. Her Father owns the bar she manages, and a lot of other buildings. He's some kind of CEO. Her Mother runs a bunch of charities, hosts Galas, things like that."
"Come on….", said Rachel, in disbelief.
"I'm serious, Santana was like….shocked. She said Jade never talks about her family."
"Even if she didn't already have a job, if her family is in the spotlight like that, she might not have wanted to work at the Playground."
"I told San the same thing. She told me to shut up, so I did." Rachel just shook her head."Here, look I saved this." Quinn held up her phone, so Rachel could see a photo. It was Jade, her parents, and what looked to be three siblings. She was wearing a sparkly black dress.
"Stop", said Rachel, taking Quinn's phone."That dress!"
"I know!"
"No heavy eyeliner, no piercings….so weird!"
"Isn't it", laughed Quinn."That was taken the same day that you found Tina. Santana says now she knows what she was running late for when they left her apartment. It was that charity ball." Rachel smiled, and shook her head. "She's a pretty girl either way she's dressed but I did not see that coming. Even Puck had no idea, and he's actually known Jade for a while. He's been going to Smashed for a while I guess."
Rachel handed Quinn her phone back." I like her, she is very sweet. Last week, we had a two hour text conversation about the character Mimi, from Rent. I don't think I could do that with anybody else. Not even you."
"Baby, I love you….and I love musicals, but I don't think I could have made it passed forty five minutes", the blonde laughed."Speaking of music….have you picked a song yet?"
"No…", she whined."It's hard Quinn."
"It's a song, and it's you. What about that is hard?"
"You're insane", laughed the tiny woman."I'm singing the first song ever to be sung in the Entertainment Lounge. I have to pick something sexy. That's not easy, trust me!"
"You're right. Awww", pouted the blonde."Would you like me to help you?"
"No, I want it to be a surprise", she giggled."I'll figure it out. There's a blog that I think might help."
Quinn smiled lovingly, before kissing her softly, and passionately on the lips."Mmmmm...you taste like cookies and wine."
"A combination of things that will make me fat, if I don't stop consuming them."
"Oh, shut up", giggled Quinn, before gasping."I bought something for you, and it was delivered yesterday! I totally forgot!"
"You did?"
"Yeah. Well….I bought us something." She lifted Rachel from her lap, stood up, and headed for the bedroom. Not even a minute later, she was back with a necklace box in her hand."I really hope you like this."
"It's from you, so I'm sure that I will", Rachel smiled. Quinn sat down next her, and handed her the box. She couldn't stop smiling, and bit her lip."Baby, wow, you're really excited right now."
"Go ahead, open it."
The little brunette slowly opened the box, to reveal a necklace, with two charms shaped like hearts. They were stuck together, one heart was gold and one was black."Oh, Quinn…."
"It reminds me of us. Do you like it?"
"I love it", she beamed.
"Here, let me put it on you." She took the necklace from the box, and unclasped it."Your heart is the golden one, of course."
Rachel frowned a little."Yeah, but now that I'm thinking about it, why is yours black? You don't have a dark heart, baby."
"I kind of do, but it's not in a bad way." She got the necklace around her neck, and kissed her on the forehead."Trust me." She reached into the front of her blouse, and pulled out her own necklace."
"You got the same one?"
"Like I said, I got us something."
Rachel straddled her lover's lap, and kissed her hard."Mmmmm...I love you so much. Have I told you by the way, how fucking sexy you look in suit pants?"
"Oh really?"
"God yes...in fact your whole outfit is making me all sorts of wet for you. The sexy hair cut, and all."
"I was honestly worried that you wouldn't like it, but Roz's hair girl is kind of out there. She said I needed to go a little blonder, shorter, and waiver."
"She was right", said Rachel, kissing her neck.
"It's too short though, right?"
"No,shoulder length is perfect for you", she answered, backing off of her neck."Is somebody a little insecure since they're Boss Lady number two now?"
"No! Come on, you know that's off limits", whined Quinn.
"I know, but I fucking love saying, why lie", laughed Rachel."In all seriousness though, you look powerful as Hell, and it's hot."
"Thank you, baby."
"We should get going", sighed Rachel, as she climbed off of Quinn's lap."I don't want you to be late."
Alright so yes...there's the update, I really hope that you liked it. There will be another one soon as I can. I love reviews, you guys have given some great ones. I know I've been gone for a st;iwhile, but you don't have to be scared to give me feedback. POSITIVE feedback, and reviews are love. Thanks you guys, mostly those of you that have stuck with me. As always, thank you, love you guys. Reviews and positive feedback will always be welcome. Don't be afraid to let me know what you like. Just be nice.