* Ahem * ... Hi?...
Sooo, just hope that you're not mad, because I didn't update forr... 6 months? Yerrr, I'M SORRY. University is taking it's toll on me, I mean, university should be one of the best experiences in my life, but it's actually just a tiresome grudge holding on to you for five days a week. Ehh, where do I begin?
Thank you for reviewing everyone, I was supposed to write an Authors Note saying that I'm gonna put this story on hold, but seriously? This is my baby, and I just haven't been feeding it properly for 6 months, I can't let die now that I promised you all to continue it, now can I?
Firstly,
Sending me nagging P.M's about me abandoning the story won't help, really, it wont. It'll just take away all the precious time I could spend typing a new chapter or writing other HP or Glee one shot's, so please, STOP. I DO have a life outside of , you can't judge me for that , can you?
Secondly,
You have a problem with my story and the characters' OCC-ness? Don't read, exit, don't even THINK about it again. I'm sick of flames, I really am. It doesn't inspire me.
…...
Glee quotes of the week; 2x16
1)
Rachel: He chose me over you.
Quinn: And how long did that last for?
Rachel: Why are you being so mean?
2)
Quinn: Prom queens live, on average, five years longer than regular people. Probably because they smile all the time.
…...
© Brittany Pears owns Hairography, Noah Puckerman owns a nipple ring, Mike Chang and Matt Rutherford own their sexiness and Santana Lopez owns her top dogness. I still don't own Glee ); . If I did, Matt would be back, The Inns would reunite and Rachel+Mike would hook up. Puck would have never slept with Quinn, Kurt and Karofsky would start the forbidden romance and Jacob Ben-Israel would get raped and die like a god damn dog…
I don't own the song We R Who We R by Ke$ha
I do not own the song The Last Day On Earth, wither. Kate Miller-Heidke does.
…... …...
Chapter 15: We Are Who We Are Part II
…... …...
Previously on 'Never Take Anything For Granted'
Mike and Rachel were sitting on the sofa after school, listening to the song and silently trying to put together some choreography for tomorrow.
"We need Matt and Brittany. They're one of the best dancers we have." Mike said and pressed his nose in her hair.
"I know. I think that did it on purpose." She said distastefully and went to kiss Mike. He smiled into their kiss and let him self half-lay down on the sofa with her in his lap. Rachel's hands trailed up into his hair, one hand slowly creeping under his shirt. She sighed and laid down beside him, one of her legs throw over his.
He nuzzled his neck and settled her head on his chest, one hand resting over his heart. He closed his eyes, his hand ran through her hair, pushing it behind her ear and leaving his hand on her shoulder.
Tonight we're going hard
Just Like the world is ours
We're tearin' it apart.
You know we're superstars
We are who we are!
We're dancing like we're dumb
Our bodies go numb
We'll be forever young
You know we're superstars.
We are who we are!
…...
Rachel and Brittany stepped out of Santana's mansion and walked towards her car, unlocking it with her key. Rachel turned around just to see Santana curse menacingly at the keys from the house, when they wouldn't fit properly. Sweet Brittany -as always- didn't notice anything particularly wrong with Santana's behaviour, but there was something, judging by the way she hadn't slept all night, didn't eat in the morning (she decided to have a smoothie, and then went for a jog), and there was the time she decided to avoid going into the living room.
Rachel furrowed her brows and grabbed the keys from Santana, effectively inserting the key in one try, and locking the house. Santana rolled her eyes and snatched the keys from her.
"Could have done that myself," She said and walked over to the driver's seat. Rachel's shoulders slumped and she shook her head at her friends behaviour.
Once everyone was safely buckled up, Santana proceeded to drive to the front of the road, and was about to turn when a car quickly strode past, nearly hitting the Latina's car. Brittany gasped when Santana pressed on the brakes, and fell forward, hitting her head on the back of Rachel's seat.
Santana automatically opened her window.
"Watch how you drive, you fucking idiot!" She shouted at the poor driver, and proceeded to accelerate onto the road towards school.
"Santana?" Rachel asked softly.
"Yes?"
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," She muttered, but it sounded like she just wanted to reassure herself. Rachel left it at that, and decided to turn the radio on. Her favourite song by Secondhand Serenade came on and she and Brittany started to sing along. After getting through the chorus, Santana turned the radio off.
"Please, nothing sappy. I'm not in the mood," She muttered and pressed on her gas, turning into the school's parking lot with a sharp squeak. Rachel's eyebrow rose and she shook her head. Once they parked, Brittany quickly got out of the convertible and ran to the group where Matt was standing. The dark guy opened his arms and smiled when she ran into them happily.
"So have you and Mike decided what you're going to do for your date?" Santana spoke calmly as both girls walked towards the group.
"Um, not yet- I mean- I would gladly-" Rachel began enthusiastically, but Santana stopped her.
"A simple 'yes' or 'no' answer would be fine, thanks," She snapped and Puck in for a fierce kiss. Rachel didn't move for a couple seconds and stood astonished.
Why was she the target of Santana anger? What had she done?
She shook her head once again, and tried very hard to send Mike a smile, but it faltered and she ended up grimacing. He winked at her and walked to her slowly, taking his time to take in her body through his eyes.
He smiled at her and pulled her into a hug, bending slightly and whispering in her ear.
"Today will be a hard day for Santana, please don't agitate her,"
She pulled away and searched his eyes thoughtfully.
"Why will it be hard?" She whispered back.
Mike pressed his lips together tightly and Rachel frowned, realising that it was a secret.
'You can tell me,' she mouthed to him but he only shook his head, and Rachel let out a frustrated sigh in annoyance.
Her bad mood was short lived when she felt her boyfriends lips at her forehead. "She'll tell you when she's ready, Sweets,"
"Alright," Rachel answered and pecked Mike on the cheek, both of them entering the schools' hallways. Rachel and Puck left their bags in their lockers and both took their Math's books out, along with some pens and a workbook. She watched Santana storm off into the choir room and peeked a look at Puck, who's face was stone like.
"Wha-"
"Please, don't ask me," He answered quickly and made a beeline for the choir room, following Matt and Brittany. Rachel slowly started walking towards the choir room, and bumped into Sylvia Renedez, who glared at her but didn't say anything.
"Yeah, didn't think so," Rachel muttered to herself, as her narrowed eyes followed the cheerleaders form. She stepped into the choir room and took a seat beside Matt, and waited for Mike to join. He walked into the classroom right behind Finn, but in front of Mr. Schuster.
"Now, class. It's 8:23, 7 minutes before the bell. I want a quick two minute review of your efforts for the Senior Assembly. Brittany and Matt's group?" He spoke quickly and turned to Matt.
"We have some moves put together, we just need to practice," Mercedes interfered instead. nodded and turned towards Rachel.
"The dance moves are coming along great, we just need to keep in sync and stay with the beat," Kurt answered and smiled slightly. Rachel nodded in agreement.
"Oh, that's great. So, off to your home groups then." clapped once and everyone stood up. Rachel waved to Mike and Walked with Brittany and Matt to their class. She entered the class and waited for the bell to go.
…...
When Rachel walked into the class, she was surprised with the sitting plan. She saw three empty seats near her friends but made a beeline for the one beside Santana. She was about to sit down, when a crumpled piece of paper was thrown at her head. She looked at the culprit -Mike- and rose and eyebrow. He quickly shook his pointing finger and tutted at her.
Rachel finally understood.
Right now, there was a couple fight going on, and she would be better off not getting involved. She sat down and he grabbed her left hand, playing with her fingers.
During the whole lesson, Rachel focused on Santana's problem, and how she seemed to distance herself from everyone today. Her first instinct was to actually approach the Latina and ask her, but her confidence level was rather low, and she was not about to go all out and lose her best friend. She watched the back of her friends head, and realised that the secret ran deep, and had to be something personal. Rachel cocked her head slightly to the side, and saw Santana look out the window thoughtfully, probably doing something ridiculous like counting the number of clouds.
…...
Biology came and went, and Rachel found herself wanting to approach her friend, no matter the cost. Santana looked rather worn out now, with the dark circles under her eyes, and the slump in her steps that were usually energetic. She had also very clearly been avoiding all of her friends, and Rachel couldn't help but keep asking everyone what was wrong; she seemed to be the only one not knowing, and it made her feel left out, even thought she knew she shouldn't when it came to personal business.
When Rachel stepped out of the hallway with Mike, she sighed in relief when she saw Santana and Puck chatting calmly at the bleachers. Mike grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze and Rachel gave him a tighter squeeze in return. She walked slowly to the bleachers and offered Santana her grape slushy, which she took gratefully, and proceeded to chunk down the bits in quick swallows. Puck rose and eyebrow at her appetite, but Rachel only shook her head at him quickly. Santana was obviously hungry, as she only had a smoothie for breakfast.
"Are you-umm.. feeling better now?" Rachel asked timidly, and sank to the bleachers. Santana turned to Rachel and she cocked her head to the side.
"I'm feeling just fine,Rachel," Santana answered after a while, and focused her whole attention on Puck, who's thoughtful mask broke and began to listen to the Latina's quick ramble. Rachel observed her friend secretly, pondering around with her options. She either had a fight with Puck- she looked considerably happy right now -, upset because her dad wouldn't be home for another two weeks, or had a squabble with Quinn when Rachel wasn't there to witness it.
She shook her head, of course it wouldn't be as silly as the latter one. Santana and Quinn have stitched up their friendship well. The bell rang for fourth period- in Rachel's case, English with Puck – and both couples stood up.
Rachel stood on her tippy toes and pecked Mike.
"I'll see you at lunch." She said casually and grabbed Pucks shirt. "Let's go." She said, and sent Santana a smile, which she returned.
…...
"Can you tell me now?" Rachel asked as soon as they took their seats.
"No, it doesn't matter now."
"Yes, it does, Noah. She's my best friend, I have every right to know." She replied quickly, forcing eye-contact between them. Puck slammed the book on the table at turned to Rachel fully.
"It is not my place to tell you, Rachel." He snapped at her, and turned back to his notes.
"Is there a problem, Miss Berry, Mr. Puckerman?" The English teacher asked, stopping the roll.
"Not at all, Sir." Puck answered for Rachel.
…...
As soon as the bell rang, Rachel was out of her seat, and made a beeline for the door. She grabbed her bag and practically sprinted outside, and to the Cafeteria. As she was walking, she heard a faint 'Berry, wait up!', but decided to ignore it. When her waiting hands finally hit the hard double door of the cafeteria, she sighed with relief, glad that noother incident awaited her before she reached her destination. She walked towards the still nearly empty line and quickly grabbed a salad and an orange juice. She had Gym next, and really didn't feel like puking her guts out during.
A bag was dropped beside hers at their usual table.
"Hey, Sweets." Was his only greeting and Rachel pecked him on the cheek in return. He turned to her just when he swallowed his chip. His finger trailed down her cheek and Rachel leaned into his touch. "So I was thinking, Sweets. Maybe we could go on that date on Wednesday?"
She turned to him and let his arms wrap around her. "Sure, where would you like to go?"
He winked at her and grinned. "Secret."
She rolled her eyes at him and grabbed a chip from his plate, looking up just to see the whole glee club pile into the Cafeteria, Puck and Santana included. Her face froze when her eyes met Puck's. Rachel's attention snapped back to her boyfriend and she smiled at his confused face.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, blinking the confusion away.
"No," she answered quickly and then smacked her forehead with her right hand. "I mean, yes,"
Mike chuckled at her behaviour and then proceeded to continue eating his lunch.
A tray was dropped beside Rachel's and Brittany's face appeared, along with Matt's and Santana's. Puck sat across from her and opened his mouth to talk.
"Ra-" Was the first thing to leave his mouth, and at this point a few of their friends turned to watch the scene, along with Mike.
Rachel quickly turned around and smacked her lips to Mike's, who obligated with equal softness.
Rachel knew she was being childish about the whole situation, worse maybe. But she didn't like being left out of important things that her best friend visibly struggled through.
Rachel finally pulled away from Mike when she needed to breathe, and then decided that eating was the best thing to do, as their lunch only lasted for another 10 minutes.
"Rachel, don't act like you don't care." Puck said, and then visibly paled slightly. Rachel dropped her fork and swallowed her last bite. She looked up sharply, narrowed her eyes and stood up.
"Excuse me?" She snapped lowly, making everyone from their table turn towards her.
"I-"
She interrupted by slamming her hand on the table. "You think that I don't care?"
"Rachel- just, let me explain," Puck pleaded as he too stood up. The brunette across from him crossed her arms over her cheerleading uniform. Puck looked down and bit the corner of his lip. "I can't tell you anything, it wouldn't be right if you heard from someone else. You know that," He spoke finally and looked up, meeting Santana's eye for a split second. Santana's previous smile disappeared and she looked at Rachel.
"You should mind your own business, Rach," Santana spoke lowly, but softly. She didn't dare raise her voice in the Cafeteria. There was truly no need to cause a scene.
Rachel's face blanked as she stared at her so-called best friend. She picked up her tray and dumped it in the nearest stash, throwing away her salad. The brunette walked towards the double doors of the cafeteria and walked across the school to the gymnasium.
She walked into the locker room and found her locker, putting the code in with a harsh manner. She pushed her bag into her locker and shut it with a loud bang. She grabbed one of the wire skipping ropes from the tack room and walked out into the Gymnasium.
She started warming up, doing criss-crosses and full foot skips and jumps. When she was done, she sat down and grabbed a drink of water from the nearest tank. The bell went just as she swallowed so she decided to sit on the bleachers and wait for everyone else.
When people started to pile in, she didn't say a word to any of them and decided to focus on her routine. After a few minutes, most gave up, Mike including.
…...
As soon as the bell rang, Rachel walked into the locker room and freshened up. She grabbed her back from her locker and walked out of the gymnasium.
She walked into her second English lesson of the day, and quickly went to sit beside Mike. She felt bad for ignoring him all period, but she didn't want to make any exceptions.
"Santana will tell you as soon as she's ready, sweets," Mike said just before the teacher walked into the classroom.
Rachel's book opened with a little too much force than intended. "Don't, Mike. Don't start,"
He opened his mouth to say something else, but decided against it. Instead he took her hand, the one nearest to him, and grazed his fingertips against her knuckles. All Rachel wanted to do was to snuggle up to him, and forget everything, but she was making a point and standing strong with her decision. Without realising, she started drawing patterns with her free hand. Swirls, hearts, circles, anything occupying her mind. She looked up and met Mike's concerned eyes, and she sent him a wary smile. Rachel could feel two pairs of eyes following every swirl of her fingers, but she ignored both people and restarted her book work, head held high.
…...
Rachel walked into the Auditorium and left her bag on one of the seats beside Mike's. Everyone was already stretching for their dance moves, and Rachel went to stand in her rightful place behind Santana. She put her hands flat on the ground and then leaned straight back.
"Okay everyone, let's get started. We have three days to perfect the routine," She walked over to the CD player and pressed play, before running back to her spot. Puck and Mike stood at the front, with Quinn and Santana behind them, as Rachel stood behind Santana, and Kurt behind Quinn.
Hot and dangerous
If you're one of us, then roll with us
'Cause we make the hipsters fall in love
And we've got hot-pants on enough
And yes of course because we're running this town just like a club
And no, you don't wanna mess with us
Got Jesus on my neck-
So far, the routine had gone by without a hitch, until Kurt had accidentally hit Rachel with his elbow, and the brunette went stumbling across and towards Santana. Quinn quickly stopped the music and bit her lip.
A disaster was on the schedule.
Santana got up from under Rachel and pushed the brunette harshly to the floor. "For Fuck's sake, get your coordinations right already, Berry," She snapped, jumped from the stage, and ran to the auditorium door, pushing the double doors harshly, and running out.
"That's it, I'm done being patient.," The brunette currently on floor said, and stood up straight.
Puck grabbed Rachel's arm and pulled her towards him.
"Leave. Santana. Alone." He punctuated every word slowly and menacingly. "Hey," Mike protested, and pushed Puck's hands from Rachel's arm. Puck let go quickly, and bit the inside of his lip. "If one of you gets hurt, it's not my fault," He reminded the group and grabbed his back, taking the opposite and into the choir room. Quinn and Kurt followed Puck and Mike went to pick his bag up. He grabbed Rachel's on the way and handed it to her.
"I'm-"
"Going to see Santana," Mike finished for her and sighed. "Look, just don't say anything stupid," he said shortly and kissed her forehead. She nodded and pecked his lips. He stole another kiss and pulled away.
She bit her lip."Ok,"
…...
Finding Santana wasn't a challenge, Rachel noted, as she stepped into the Gymnasium's locker rooms. She heard her sobs before she saw her, and she sped up her pace when she saw the Latina on the far bench in the room. She ran a hand through her friends hair, and wasn't surprised when Santana threw herself into Rachel's waiting arms. She smoothed her hair back and sighed.
"I'm so sorry, Rachel," Santana said through her cries as she clutched to her best friend.
"Shhh.." Rachel murmured and pulled away. "Do you want to tell me?"
Santana sniffled and rubbed at her eyes. "It's no big deal, really. She's been gone for over three years, yet I can't help but turn into a worse bitch today, every year." She muttered without looking up.
"Who's been gone for three years?" Rachel asked.
"My mother." Santana admitted. "She's been gone for over three years now. She's dead, died in that fire that my little cousin started by accident."
"Oh." Was the only answer that Rachel came up with.
"Yeah."
"Well, now might be a good time to let all that pain go, yeah? I have the most perfect song." Rachel said quickly, already gushing with energy. "Are you familiar with It's..."
…...
Santana and Rachel were standing outside of the choir room, whispering harshly.
"I like the song. I do, Rachel, but it's way too high for my vocal range. Kurt would be luck to pull it off."
"That's why me, Kurt and Quinn are the back up vocals. To help you set the mood and your vocals,"
Santana rolled her eyes but nodded. "Promise?"
Rachel rolled her eyes and pulled her best friend into the choir room, rolling her eyes.
Mr. Schuester was already discussing things with the students, so Rachel and Santana sneaked in quietly.
"...And you need to remember that our performance is on Wednesday instead, so we can have a full day of practising the final performance, got it?" Mr. Schuester finished, and Santana put her hand up. "Nothing sarcastic, please Santana. I'm not in a good mood," The Spanish teacher added, warily eyeing Santana. Santana's eyed narrowed and she dropped her hand.
"Santana," Rachel snapped, and pushed her forward, before grabbing Quinn's and Kurt's hands. The three semi friends went to stand behind Santana, and Rachel muttered something Brad, before starting her ' ooh's ' and ' ahh's '.
Santana started singing.
Look down
The ground below is crumbling
Look up
The stars are all exploding
She started to breathe in harder, and got ready for the chorus.
It's the last day on earth
In my dreams, in my dreams
It's the end of the world
And you've come back to me in my dreams
Between
The dust and the debris
There's a light
Surrounding you and me
She started forgetting about her scenery, and imagined the second last week of her Mom's holiday, and the times they spent together during.
It's the last day on earth
In my dreams, in my dreams
It's the end of the world
And you've come back to me in my dreams
And you hold me closer
Than I can ever remember being held
I'm not afraid to sleep now
If we can stay like this until
Rachel stepped forward to stand beside Santana, and grabbed her hand, giving her as much comfort as she could.
It's the last day on earth
In my dreams, in my dreams
It's the end of the world
And you've come back to me
In my head I replay our conversations
Over and over 'til they feel like hallucinations
You know me, I love to lose my mind
Her voice swivelled into the chorus and Rachel started singing with her. Santana looked into Rachel's eyes with a relief, and a smile through her words.
And every time
Anybody speaks your name
I still feel the same
I ache, I ache, I ache inside
In my head I replay our conversations
Over and over 'til they feel like hallucinations
You know me, I love to lose my mind
And every time
Anybody speaks your name
I still feel the same
I ache, I ache, I ache inside
Santana's and the other's voices started to slow down, to quieten, just as the melody got softer again.
I ache, I ache, I ache inside
I ache, I ache, I ache inside
I ache, I ache, I ache inside
Quinn, Kurt and Rachel let Santana sing the last chorus by herself, with no back up. When Santana finished, the whole glee club stood up and created a big group hug, Finn and Mercedes including. The last bell for 16:00 ran and the whole glee club walked out.
Puck and Santana were the only people left in the choir room.
"Hey," Puck murmured to Santana when she pulled away and dried her cheeks. "Listen, San..."
Santana looked up, and instead shushed him with a soft kiss. "Yeah?"
Puck didn't mean to say it, not that soon. But the words formed themselves before he could take them back. "Iloveyou." He muttered quickly.
Santana didn't move for a couple of seconds only hugged him.
Only one thought registered in his mind;
She didn't say it back.
…...
Oooohh, let the heart break begin?
Anyway, hoped you enjoy, I'm off to get ready for an another Uni day.
Review, please!