I'll Defend You If You'll Defend Me?

5

Summary: Becky Jackson is trying to survive high school the best that she can. While Santana Lopez is struggling to accept herself and be proud of the person she has become. Can these two people become friends and help each other succeed?

Pairings: Santana Lopez and Becky Jackson. Other pairings: Rachel Berry and Santana Lopez. Brittany Pierce and Santana Lopez. Also other characters have small parts.

It's important to note, that I do not have Down syndrome, but I am "different". I know what it feels like to feel unworthy at time and like no matter what I try to do it's useless.

I hope you enjoy!

~ Becky ~

I had been thinking about him ever since he and Karofsky decided to tease me. I knew that the incident wouldn't have gone any further because deep down inside, Puckerman liked me. Before and even now after the incident I still liked him. I wanted to ask him out so badly, but I knew that if I did out of the blue, he'd laugh in my face, which to me is the worst type of rejection.

So I called her. I totally expected to get her voicemail because it was late at night.

"Hi, Santana, it's Becky…Becky Jackson, um I'm calling to ask you a favor. I know that you have a lot going on with Rachel, but I'm hoping you could help me. I don't want to ask over the phone. I gotta go. Um, can we talk tomorrow? Good night…"

Then I turned off the phone and turned off my light and went to sleep.

The next morning while I was getting ready for school, my Mom knocked on my door.

"Come in?"

"Honey, there's a Santana Lopez downstairs and she said to hurry up or you'll be late for school. I guess you don't need me to take you," my Mom said.

"Um, guess not. Thanks Mom. Please tell her I'll be right there," I said as I hurriedly packed my bag up and checked my hair and my Cheerios uniform. Then I bolted downstairs. My Mom followed, waved hello to Santana, and went into the kitchen.

"You're on the squad too," my Dad said as I was coming down the stairs.

"Yes, sir," I heard her say.

I coughed and my Dad said, "There she is! All ready?"

"Yes. Hey Santana…Bye Mom," I yelled.

"Have a good day. See you after school," my Mom yelled back.

"Nice to meet you, Santana, drive carefully," my Dad said as we left my house.

We walked to her car, threw my stuff onto the back seat, and got it.

"So I see you got my message," I asked her and smiled.

"Yup. And by the way you don't have to fully introduce yourself every time you leave me a message, Becky. I know who you are!"

"Ok," I said.

"So how can I help you?" she asked as she pulled onto the street. She sped up a little. Not too much, though. She was keeping up with the flow of the other cars.

"I'd like you to tell Puck that I will be asking him out," I said nonchalantly.

She stopped short.

"Whoa!" I said as I flew forward a little. She did the "soccer Mom" move where she put her arm out in front of me so I wouldn't fly too far.

"Is that a good idea, Becky?" she asked me sincerely. Her face held a look of concern.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I've been thinking about it…about him for so long. I know he took part in teasing me. I'm hoping if it's just me and him I could get to know him…"

"Becky…" she started to say.

"Santana, I appreciate your concern, really I do. I just…I just want to be considered 'normal' to everybody. I know I'm not. Please don't tell me I am cuz I know…"

"I wasn't going to, but do you need him to be looked at as 'normal'?" she asked and smiled.

"Please?" I asked with a doe face expression on my face.

"Ok, if I do this for you, you have to promise me something…"

"Anything," I said quickly.

"If he does anything that is disrespectful to you, you come to me the second after it happens. I don't care if he looks at you the wrong way, you come to me, okay?" she asked as she held out her pinky. "Pinky swear?"

I said, "Ok. Pinky swear." Then we interlocked our pinkies together.

After she looked both ways first and then pulled back onto the street.

"I can't help it! I'm attracted to the bad boys!"

She laughed hysterically at my comment. "I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing at what you said."

"I know. That's why I said it!" I said and smiled.

We got to school and went our separate ways.

~ Noah Puckerman ~

I was walking down the corridor of the school with a sense of coolness about me when all of a sudden Santana Lopez grabbed me and pulled me into an empty classroom.

"Whoa, Santana, you want a pick of this," I said rudely.

"Eww…never in a million years, but I do need a favor."

"What?" he said more angrily now.

"When Becky Jackson sees you she's going to ask you on a date, and I want you not to be an ass about it when you turn her down," Santana demanded.

"Slow down, Chica, who said I'd shoot her down? I actually like Jackson. Always have. Been meaning to apologize to her…" I said.

"This isn't a game," Santana said angrily.

"I'm not playin'!"

"Um, okay, just try not to be an ass," she said before she left the room with a big paper bag like one you'd find in a card store.

~ Santana ~

I pulled out my phone and texted Becky.

TO BECKY: go for it. Good luck. Details later, pls.

~ Rachel ~

I was at my locker getting the books I'd need for class when I felt someone tap me on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Santana standing there. She smiled at me so I smiled back at her.

I didn't realize that she was holding a present for me.

"Santana, you shouldn't have," I said genuinely.

"Yes, I should have…and I did!"

I grasped the tiny box and card from her and asked, "Do you want me to open it now?"

"I don't know…"

I gave her a weird look.

"I'm sorry. I do, but I'm afraid…"

"Of what," I asked with a small smile.

"You not liking it," she said.

I patted her shoulder and as soon as my hand made contact with her shoulder she place her opposite hand on top of my hand. We stayed like this for a few sweet seconds. Then she let go. Before she could say anything, the bell rang for the next period.

"I'll open it in class!" I said excitedly.

"Yes, please," she replied.

"What period do you have lunch?" I asked hopeful.

"Um, 6th period, you?" she asked rushed.

"7th!"

"What about after school?" I asked.

"I'd love to, but I can't miss another practice, but do you think you'd wanna watch and then we can talk?" she asked.

"Sure! Coach isn't going to have a problem," I asked.

"No, leave that to me," she said. Then she grabbed my hand and kissed it.

~ Finn Hudson ~

I was coming around a corner when the scene before me made me stop dead in my tracks. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Did Santana Lopez just kiss Rachel Berry's hand? I know there aren't a lot of people in the hallway, but still. Are Santana and Rachel a couple? Are they gay?

Santana turned around and walked in my direction. I tried to blend in, but a person of my height has trouble with that.

I'm gonna figure this out!

~ Rachel ~

I usually sat in the front of the classroom for every class, every day, but that day I opted to sit in the back. As the teacher talked about some useless Mathematical equation, I tried to unwrap my present quietly. I got some pointed stares from the other students in the classroom, but I didn't care. I decided to open the box first and the card last.

I opened the box and pulled out the star shaped jewelry box.

"Oh my God," I whispered to myself, "It's beautiful."

I gently placed it down and opened the card next. As I read it, my eyes began to water with tears. This was the most beautiful card I had ever received. It was heartwarming and touching. It simply described exactly how she felt about me.

I pulled out my cell phone and texted my Dad, Hiram.

TO DAD: Going to be late today. Not sure how long. Have dinner without me. Btw, Santana's feelings are real towards me.

I sent the text and in a few minutes I received one back.

TO RACHEL: I figured her feelings were real. Be careful and call us on your way home.

I gently put the box back into the bigger box and I tried to concentrate on the lesson.

My phone, which sat between my legs, because I didn't think it would go off again, vibrated and I jumped a little. I pulled it out and read the text.

TO RACHEL: did you open it? :-)

I smiled and thought of her.

I texted back.

TO SANTANA: I did, but my full appreciation cannot be accurately expressed through a text message unfortunately. I wish it could. C you ltr.

I placed it down, smiled, and picked it up a few seconds later.

TO RACHEL: I'm counting the seconds.

Throughout the rest of the day, I kept my eyes peeled for Santana, but I didn't see her. Then finally I found myself on the bleachers about to watch the Cheerios have their practice.

~ Santana ~

"Taco!" I heard Coach Sylvester yell through her megaphone. She flagged me down and motioned me to come to where she was standing.

I ran over and asked, "Yeah, Coach?"

"Is there any reason why Rachel Berry is sittin' on the bleachers," she asked.

I looked at the bleachers and saw Rachel sitting there and watching. I waved.

She waved back.

"We're friends and I asked her to come," I replied. It was true, we were friends, but I didn't dare tell Coach any more.

"Is that a problem?"

"Is that a problem," she imitated me. "Yes! It's a problem."

I started to get angry when Becky walked over.

"I like having Rachel here, Coach. It gives us an audience to practice in front of," Becky said and smiled that sweet smile up in Coach's direction.

"Well," Coach thought and said, "You're right, Jackson. She can stay only for this one practice!"

Becky smiled again and walked away.

Before I walked away, Coach grabbed my arm and whispered, "Just because I let it slide for Becky doesn't mean that I am supportive of it or your friendship…"

Then she walked away.

"Bitch," I muttered under my breath, put on a winning smile, and then walked away.

~ Finn Hudson ~

I was at football practice on the same field as Santana and I noticed Rachel sitting in the bleachers.

Why is she here? This doesn't interest her! There's something going on.

"Hudson!" someone yelled too late.

"Wha-?" I started to say before I got hit with a football.

~ Rachel ~

After the grueling two-hour practice, Coach Sylvester dismissed the Cheerios. Santana and I walked to the locker room, but she asked, "Could you hang out here for a few minutes? I just want to freshen up and then I'm all yours."

"Sure, I'll be sitting on that bench," I said as I pointed.

She ran inside while I walked to the bench and sat down. I didn't pull out homework or a book. Instead I thought. I thought about Santana, I thought about Santana and me, I thought about the future and what it held. I was so deep in thought that I didn't hear Santana yell my name. She sat next to me and put her hand on my thigh. That was when I jumped a little and looked startled.

She chuckled a little and said, "Wow! Where were you cuz you certainly weren't here?"

"I was thinking…."

"About what?" she asked.

"Honestly," I said, "About you."

She smiled instantly. "Well, I like that idea a lot."

She leaned back fully on the bench and wrapped her arm around my body. I laid my head on her shoulder. This position just felt…right. I couldn't describe it any other way.

"Oh, thank you so much for my beautiful jewelry box and amazing card. I love them," I said and smiled.

"You're very welcome. There's more to come," she said.

"Santana, I wanted to talk to you about that," I said apprehensively.

"Shoot!"

"Well, um, I was 'told' not to have you go crazy," I said.

"By whom?" she asked.

"My fathers. See I told them about what happened yesterday in the auditorium and they helped me figure this out. However, the ultimate thing that solidified that your feelings for me were, are, real was your last text before I went to sleep. Who would write that if it was all a joke?"

"I see. That's great. And just so you know, I have Quinn totally ready to tell you that this isn't a joke or prank." Santana said and sighed.

"Good to know," I said as I placed my hand on her thigh.

~ Finn ~

I walked out of the locker and I noticed two people sitting on the bench in the distance. I walked over in their general direction and saw Santana and Rachel sitting awfully close to each other. I timidly walked slower and pulled out my cell phone. I wanted to videotape this interaction on my phone because it, I thought, would give me the definite answer I wanted.

I moved a little closer and pressed play.

~ Santana ~

"Guess what I did last night after going to the card store!" I said and smiled.

"Um, thought of me," she joked.

"I always think of you, baby!" I replied honestly.

"Aw," I turned my head and smiled at her. Then I asked, "Okay what did you do?"

"I came out to my Mom," I said proudly.

"Came out, like, told your Mom you're gay?"

"Yup, I did," I looked down a little and kissed the top of her head.

"Santana, while I applaud you for your bravery the obvious question is, did you do that for me?" she asked me a little nervously.

"Rachel, I did it in part for you…"

She started to interject.

"If you'll allow me the chance to finish I'll elaborate," I said to cut her off. She remained silent.

"I did it in part for you and in part for myself. Mostly for myself. I had Quinn there for support, but it turned out it was not needed. My Mom knew," I said happily.

"Bravo!" she said and clapped her hands. After the applause she got quiet, but then said, "Santana, what happens if we don't work out?"

~ Finn ~

I was shocked that I was listening to this type of a very private conversation.

You should go! My inner voice told me.

Who listens to their inner voice these days?

So I stayed.

~ Santana ~

"Well for right now we are enjoying each other's company. I want to learn everything about you."

And I want to learn everything about you too," Rachel agreed.

"So for right now, that's where we are. I am totally into you, Rachel," I said honestly, "But if you don't want this and what we could build and have in the future, you gots to tell me right now!"

Rachel was silent for a few minutes.

"Rachel, did you fall asleep," I asked after the first minute and a half.

"No, no, before I decide to embark a new experience, like this one, I take some time to fully be aware of all of the consequences and things…"

"I understand. There's no set timeline here. No outline, no diagram, nothing like that," I said with clarity.

"Oh, I know that," she said and smiled.

"I don't want it to seem like I'm putting you on the spot or anything, but what do you say? Be my girlfriend?" I asked hopeful.

She picked her head up and looked at me…really looked at me.

"Yes," she said and looked deeply into my eyes.

I wanted so bad to kiss her on her lips, again, but I opted for her cheek.

"I decided not to get my mack on right now with you because we're not ready to," I said as I looked at her again.

"Agreed," she said and smiled that beautiful smile.

"But, when we are…Hold on tight!" I said and chuckled.

~ Finn ~

Oh my God! I just hit the mother load. I'm gonna be king of McKinley! I gotta go before they see me.

I ran all the way to my car and saw Brittany waiting for me.

"Finn, where were you," she asked impatiently.

"Nowhere," I replied hastily.

"Oh, okay, take me home please," she asked and got into my car.

Before I got in I e-mailed the video to myself with the note to edit it a little.

~ Rachel ~

Santana and I stayed on the bench until the sun began to set. We discussed almost everything there was to know about each other. And we got into some deep and intimate discussions. The conversation flowed superbly and there was a lot of laughter too.

As we were walking back to our separate cars, I whined, "I don't want to leave you right now!"

"I know, baby, I know. I feel the same way. Would you do me a favor?"

"Anything!" I said and smiled up at her.

"Write me a letter," she said.

"You really want me to," I asked surprised.

"Yes, that's why I asked," she said and smiled at me.

"Ok, I will," I said as I opened the door to my car. I kissed her cheek and then I got in. She closed the door once I was settled. Then she tapped on my window as I put my key in the ignition. I looked up at her and she blew me a kiss. I pretended to catch it and smack it on my cheek. She laughed and I chuckled.

Then I drove off. I texted my parents at the corner of the street as instructed.

I had dinner and did my homework. I also wrote her a letter that I knew she'd enjoy. She was on my mind a lot so I decided to text Santana before I went to sleep.

TO SANTANA: good night, my dear, sleep tightly.

I sent it.

~ Santana ~

I heard my phone buzz so I flipped over and grabbed it. I opened it up and found a text from Rachel.

I smiled as I read it.

I texted back.

TO RACHEL: thank you for wanting to be with me. Your saying "yes" was the best news of my entire life.

I sent it and then fell asleep immediately.

The next morning, I got up chipper and before my alarm, which never happens. I showered and got dressed into my Cheerios uniform. I wished Coach let us wear street clothes more often. I'm tired of the same uniform all the time. I was grateful to be a Cheerio, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it got old.

I grabbed a cereal bar, said, "Good-bye"" to my Mom and headed off to school.

When I got there, I saw Becky first.

"Hey, Jackson," I said excited to see her.

"Hey, Lopez," she replied.

"Did you do it yet?" I asked.

"No, not yet. I haven't seen him. Maybe today," Becky said hopeful.

"Good luck and I want to know everything, k?" I said.

"Ok,' she replied and gave me the thumbs up sign.

Next, I went to my locker and got my books and then headed to homeroom.

When I got there, Brittany was there with a seat for me.

"Hey, B," I said and hugged her. No one questioned it cuz yeah it's Brittany.

We both sat down and soon our school's television station came on with the morning announcements.

"Breaking News," the pimply reporter said, "Is it for real or is this fake?"

Then the scene from yesterday began to play on screen.

"Hey, S," Brittany said, "Look up!" She pointed to the television screen.

I looked up and saw what was supposed to be a very private conversation between me and Rachel being broadcasted on screen for the entire population, both faculty and students, to see.

I grew totally angry in a matter of seconds.

"Who?" I said and spun around. I evilly looked at each person in the room and that made their whispers and smirks towards me stop for the time being.

"Who?" I asked angrily again.

"Wait," Brittany said. I didn't speak for a few seconds.

"I know that heavy breathing," she said sadly.

"Is it Finn?"

"Um…"

"Brittany, is it Finn," I demanded.

"Yes," she said and hung her head down in disappointed for her boyfriend. She thought Finn was better than this.

"He's a dead man," I yelled and started to charge for the door.

"Santana, be reasonable," our teacher tried to interject.

I stared her down. She cowered in front of me and I ran out.

"Santana," Brittany yelled after me and I slowed down my pace a little.

Quinn ran out of her homeroom and found us.

"Santana, calm down," she tried to stop me.

"I'm gonna tear his big, giant head off his head," I yelled, "Britt, where is he?"

"Quinn, get Rachel," Brittany commanded, "Now!"

Quinn jumped into action and ran to find Rachel.

"San," Brittany said to me.

"I know he's your boyfriend, but you do know he disrespected Rachel and me, right?"

"Of course," she said, "Let me handle him?"

"No! Are you serious? He's going get away with a warning and his punishment will be you withholding sex for a week…" I screamed.

"Santana, stop yelling at me," she screamed back, "And you're totally wrong," she said.

She proved her loyalty to be when she said, "He's in the last classroom on the right."

I turned and charged to the room. I swung the door open and ran in.

"Excuse me, you're –," the teacher tried to intervene.

I totally disregarded him and beyond angrily walked up to Finn.

"Hudson, how dare you?"

"Hello, Santana, how are you today?" he asked snidely.

"Don't piss me off more!" I said angrily.

"Whatever do you mean?"

I pointed up to the TV screen in the classroom and yelled, "That!"

"Oh that. That's nothing," he said and smiled.

Nothing," I yelled at him, but it sounded like a question.

"That's right…two nothings!"

I got up close to him or as close as possible and looked down at him a little because he was sitting down.

Snixx had wanted to come out and I finally allowed her to.

"In the hallway now!"

"I don't have to go anywhere with you," he replied.

"Oh, really, hey, Britt, come here," I beckoned into the hallway.

"You leave her out of this," he demanded as he shot up from his chair and walked with me out into the hallway.

Once we were in the hallway, Brittany walked up to him and slapped him hard against his cheek.

"How could you, Finn? They've never done anything to you."

"I did it because I could," he replied coldly to her.

"Well, I'm doing this cuz I can we. are. finished." Brittany stated boldly.

"No we're not," Finn said.

"Hey, Frankenteen, didn't you hear her, you're done," I said.

"Mind your own business," he said meanly, and then he turned to Brittany, "Britt, are you serious?"

"Absolutely, how could you think I'd be okay with this, Finn? She's my best friend, of course I'm gonna stick up for her," Brittany said with a sad frown towards him.

Just then Rachel and Quinn ran to join our group.

Rachel walked quickly up to Finn totally in her "Diva mode" and punched him in the stomach. "You're an asshole, Finn!"

Finn toppled over in pain and shock.

I jumped up and down. "Good hit, baby!" I said as she ran to me.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine now…are you okay? I'm totally angry not because of me, but totally because of you and your feelings. I couldn't give a crap about who knows about me. My main concern, right now, is you," I said totally concerned.

"It was shocking, ya know, to see yourself on the screen while having a private conversation. I've expected to see myself on screen, but in a fictional, made for TV movie, type of way…definitely not in 'real life'. This changes everything," Rachel said honestly.

"Yes, Ms. Berry, indeed it does. You still wanna go on this ride with me?"

"Yes, Santana, I still do," she said and then handed me a folded letter from her pocket.

I grabbed it from her a bit happier and said, "I'll read this later, much later, after I've calmed down tremendously."

Finn was still lying on the floor, so I took my opportunity to kick him in the stomach.

"Ow!" he screamed just as the bell rang and students and faculty began to flood the hallway.

Second Author's Note: I am sorry for the length of this chapter. I didn't mean for it to be this long, but I promised a reader that Finn would only be in one chapter and I've tried to honor that. The rest of the story needed to be told to lead up to this last scene.

Please read and review. I love hearing from my readers. I hope you enjoyed it.