I'll Defend You If You'll Defend Me?
7
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 ~
The first time I saw him the next day, I walked up behind him and reached up to tap him on his shoulder.
"Hmm," I cleared my throat to get his attention.
He coolly turned around and looked down. "Hey Jackson!"
"Hi…hi…Puck! Can I talk to you?" I asked shyly.
"Sure, I'll walk you to your next one," he said as he began to walk. I quickly caught up with him because I was shocked that he wanted to walk with me in the hallway at school.
"What's on your mind?"
"I, um, I, um….wanted to ask you out," I said as I suddenly lost my courage.
"You want to go out with me even though I picked on you," he asked.
"Yes, I do. I know that we respect each other so I knew that you'd stop it at some point if Santana hadn't," I said and smiled up at him.
"Yes, Jackson, I would have. I am sorry," he said sincerely.
"No worries, Puckerman," I said and patted him on the back.
"So, you still wanna go out with the Puck-ster?" he asked cockily.
"Yes, I do," I said and totally expected his bravado since we were in public at school.
"I'd like to, but on one condition," he started.
"Santana's gay, Puck," I guessed.
He laughed out loud. "Oh, Jackson, you kill me. That's not it…"
"What then?"
"You call me Noah. Not Puck, not Puckerman, or anything else they happen to call me…Just Noah, do ya think you can handle that?"
"Yes, Noah, I can!"
"Then I'll see you on Friday night around 7. I'm looking forward to it," he said and jogged away.
I froze where I stood. Did Puck…Noah just accept my date? Holy geez…
I pulled out my cell phone and texted Santana
~ Santana ~
Rachel and I walked hand-in-hand to most of her classes. I wanted to make sure that she wasn't subjected to anything cruel. The stares we received were not shocked stares. They were almost pity stares like the students and faculty felt horrible that Hudson did that to us. Always the star, Rachel smiled brightly and occasionally kissed my hand, which I didn't mind at all.
"Oh, my phone buzzed," I said as I pulled out my cell, "Oh my God, Becky and Puck are going out on Friday! He wants her to call him Noah."
"Really? Oh, I never asked, but I heard that you rescued her from Karofsky and him, is that right?"
"I don't know if I rescued her, but yeah I helped her out in that situation. Ever since she's become a great friend…first person I came out to. She called me last night to apologize for not getting out of her homeroom yesterday when stuff went down."
"Aww, that's sweet. I'll have to thank her," Rachel said.
"Yes, she's really interested in helping us," I added.
"Hmm, thanks for the info," she said, stopped and kissed me on the cheek, "You're my hero!"
"I can't wait to kiss your lips," I whispered to her as I stopped walking and pulled her close to me.
She blushed so much and then said, "When we go out that might happen!"
"When are we going out," I whined.
"What about Saturday," she asked.
I jumped up and down and said, "Yess!"
"Ok, let me plan it?" she asked.
I nodded my head.
Then she said, "Thanks for walking me to class. I see Becky's in there so I'm going to sit next to her. See you later?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I said and kissed her forehead. I heard her sigh happily.
Then I watched her walk into the classroom and ask Becky if she could sit there.
~ Rachel ~
"Hey, Becky," I said as she looked up at me, "May I join you?"
"Sure Rachel, park it," she said and pointed to the seat.
"Thank you," I said and then added, "Mazel on getting a date with Puck! Santana told me. You excited?"
"More nervous than anything, but Santana said to tell her if he turns into a pig."
"I fully advocate that statement," I said and smiled, "Good luck!"
"Oh, good, glad you approve!" she said and smiled.
"Hey, Becky…"
"Yes, Rachel?"
"I'd totally understand if you're unable to, but would you like to assist me with planning the perfect date for me and Santana to venture out on?"
"Geez, you use a lot of words," she said.
I sat there and blinked my eyes at her while I waited for a response. I was totally oblivious to her jab at me.
"Sure, I'd be happy to help," she said, "Hold on a sec?"
~ Becky ~
I pulled out my cell phone. I had excitedly texted my Mom to tell her about my plans on Friday night.
TO BECKY: Dad and I talked and we don't think it's a good idea.
I got upset and Rachel noticed. "What's wrong Becky?"
"My Mom and Dad said I can't go out with Puck!" I said sadly.
Instantly Rachel pulled me up and into the hallway. Seeing that it was still crowded she pulled me into the first girls' bathroom she saw.
"I'm sorry," she said as she bent forward to look me straight in the eyes. Then she got excited. "I think I have a solution to your little predicament. Would your parents permit you to go out with him if we went out on a double date? You and him. Me and Santana."
"I don't know, I'll ask," I said as texted my Mom.
While I did that Rachel texted Santana.
~ Rachel ~
TO SANTANA: I miss you already. You have no idea. Listen, Becky's in a pickle. Her parents aren't allowing her to go out with Puck just the two of them. I suggested doubling. And we'd still have our more romantic date the following night. Is this agreeable with you?
"Ok, I just texted Santana. Give her a sec-!"
TO RACHEL: Of course, that's brilliant. Becky really wanted this to happen. You're a great person, you know that? That's why I adore you! I'll find Puck. P.S. I miss you more.
"Santana's in! She'll talk to Puck!"
~ Becky ~
"My parents said, 'yes'!" I said and jumped up and down. "Thank you very much, Rachel," I said and hugged her tightly.
"Aww, you're very welcome Becky. You helped my girl out a lot so it's the least I could do," she said and hugged me back.
"What do you say we get outta here," I asked.
"I am all for that," she said.
"It smells kinda funky in here!"
"Agreed," Rachel said as pinched her nose.
We both walked quickly out of the bathroom and back to class.
"We'll talk about your date in study hall?" I asked.
"Absolutely," she said and smiled.
~ Santana ~
The rest of the week flew by and suddenly it was Friday. I told Puck to meet me and Rachel at my house and we'd go pick up Becky.
My doorbell rang and since my Mom wasn't home Rachel answered it. She opened it to reveal Puck standing there. He was in a button up, short sleeve shirt with a red tie attached to it. He also wore his usual jeans and sneakers. But the cutest and most visible thing was his hairstyle. He had ditched the Mohawk and had combed his hair normally. He held a red rose in his hands.
"Santana!" Rachel yelled when she saw Puck.
"What's wrong," I asked as I ran to the door. I was looking at her so when she motioned with her head toward Puck I jumped into the air.
"Puckerman," I asked shocked and then chuckled.
"Hi, Lopez, try not to smile a lot. I'm doing this for Jackson. I know I was a tool to her and I want to make up for that," he said sincerely.
"Maybe you are a good guy after all, Noah," Rachel said and invited him inside.
We finished getting dressed and we all piled into my car. I drove them to Becky's house. Just as I was about to honk the horn, Puck yelled, "No!"
He got out of the car and walked up to her doorstep.
~ Puck ~
I nervously rang the doorbell and waited a few seconds.
The door opened and her father was standing there with a grin on his face. "Noah?"
"Yes, hello, sir, how are you this evening?" I said and extended my hand.
"I'm well, come in," Mr. Jackson invited. Mrs. Jackson walked up to the group.
"Hello, Mrs. Jackson, nice to meet you," I said and extended my hand again.
"Hi, Noah," Becky said as she walked down the stairs.
My face lit up with excitement. "You look pretty," I said and smiled. I extended my hand to guide her down the last few steps and then handed her the rose.
"Thank you…What did you do to your hair?" she asked and smiled.
"I brushed it," I said and winked, "You ready? Santana and Rachel are in the car."
"Two girls?" her Mom asked quietly to herself, but I heard her. I didn't say anything.
"Yeah, let's go," Becky said as she accepted my arm to walk out of her house.
We were halfway down the walkway when I realized something. I turned around quickly and asked, "Oh, Mr. Jackson, does Becky have a curfew?"
He smiled and said, "Midnight. Have fun all of you!" Then he waved.
"Midnight? Really, hon," I heard Mrs. Jackson question.
"What? He seems nice," her husband replied.
I chuckled.
Then he closed the door.
I walked Becky to Santana's car and opened the car door for her.
~ Becky ~
"Hello, ladies," I said as I climbed into the backseat with Noah on the other side.
"Where are we off to," Rachel asked.
"Well, I've made reservations…" Noah started.
"Where?" Santana yelled excited.
"Where do you think, Lopez!" Noah quipped.
Santana didn't answer. She revved her car and sped off.
Five minutes later, we arrived at Breadstix.
We got out of the car and as Rachel walked to Santana, Santana grabbed Rachel's hand and squeezed it as they walked into the restaurant.
Should I try? Be courageous, Jackson.
I walked as close to Noah as possible and gently slipped my hand into his. He looked down, but didn't say anything. I took a huge sigh of relief. He looked at me and smiled. We continued to walk behind Santana and Rachel.
"Hi, welcome to Breadstix. Table for four?" the hostess asked.
"Actually table for two separately," Noah said, "You don't really think I'm payin' for all of your meals, do you?"
"Crap!" Santana yelled. Rachel looked and poked her.
"Enjoy your dinner, you two," Rachel said as the hostess escorted them to their table.
Then Noah and I were seated. Before I sat down, he pulled out my chair for me.
We realized we were sitting next to Santana and Rachel. I noticed Santana's smirk as she saw what he did. I smiled at her.
We looked at the menu and he said, "Order whatever you want, Becky!"
"You're gonna regret that," I joked and he laughed.
I figured out what I wanted as the waiter came to our table.
"What can I get for you?" he asked.
"Becky," Noah insisted.
"I'll have the cheese ravioli and may I have a meatball," I asked.
"Um, the meatball doesn't come with the dish, but…" the waiter said, but was interrupted.
"If the lady wants a meatball, give her a meatball," Noah championed for me.
"Very good, sir. And for you?" he asked.
"Actually that sounds good, I'll have the same," Noah said as he handed the waiter his menu, "One more thing, keep those breadsticks coming!"
Santana laughed heartily at our interaction.
"Hey, Lopez, concentrate on the hot brunette you have sittin' across from you," Noah egged her on, "And I'll get to know the pretty blonde sittin' in front of me!"
The way he said that made me believe he meant it.
"Do you believe that," I asked as our breadsticks arrived.
He dove into them and gnawed at one before he answered, "I don't accept dates from 'uglies', ya know. You're cute and pretty and kinda adorable."
I looked at him shocked.
"What? Is this news to you," he asked.
"Um, duh," I said and chuckled, "When a person has Down syndrome, you don't feel pretty. I don't feel pretty partly because of what I see in the mirror…"
"Well, maybe I'll get you a new mirror, Becky," he said honestly.
"Noah, what are you doing?" I asked suddenly, "Why did you accept this date?"
"Honestly," he asked.
I nodded.
"For a few reasons…first off, I want to get to know you. Then, I am sorry for bullying you. You didn't deserve that. And…"
"Do you feel sorry for me," I asked.
"I did at first, but now I know you have huge ones that has changed," he said and laughed out loud.
"I try to act like I do, but deep down inside, I'm afraid," I said honestly.
"You know what, Becky? Everybody's afraid at one point or another. Look over at Santana and Rachel who are holding hands," he said and paused in a perverted trance.
"Get a room!" I yelled over at them.
Noah laughed uncontrollably.
Santana said, "Hey!" and smiled. She immediately went back to holding Rachel's hands.
"Anyway I'm glad that Puck's still here," I said and smiled.
"Yeah, well, like I was sayin'. You know firsthand that it took Santana to be comfortable with herself first in order to get Berry, right?"
"Yes, I do," I said and smiled.
"And you were afraid to ask me out, right?"
I nodded.
"See we all are afraid of something, but we try not to let that stop us from going after what we want," he said and smiled.
"Puckerman," I asked shocked. I didn't know what to think.
"Yes, Jackson, it's me! Look…I'm here cuz I wanna be here with you hangin' out, eatin' breadsticks," he said as he held his up and I held mine up. We banged them together like we were toasting.
"Ok, Noah, treat this like any other date you'd go on," I said.
"You want me to basically ignore you and then try to get into your pants after making you pay for the meal," he asked and scratched his head.
"Um, okay, maybe not. Ah, I know. Treat me like any other girl," I said satisfied.
"Um, I already do. I treat you like any other girl…that I like," he said and looked at me.
We made eye contact and both smiled.
"You like me?"
"Of course, I do," he smiled widely with a mouth full of breadstick.
"Haha. You're still a pig," I said and smiled.
"Oink, oink, babe!" he said and laughed which in turn made me laugh.
After that we continued the conversation easily. We had many things in common. When we had desert and the bill came he swooped in and grabbed.
"Let's split it?" I suggested.
"A pretty lady doesn't pay for her meal," he said and winked at me. He took out some bills and gave our waiter a generous tip.
"Thank you, Noah!"
"You are very welcome, Becky," he said and smiled at me.
We got up from the table and we walked over to Santana and Rachel.
Santana looked up at me and asked, "Do you have a nice time?"
"I did!" I answered and smiled.
"That's great," Rachel said and smiled.
Pretty soon we were heading out of Breadstix and to Santana's car. Noah opened the door for me again and I smiled. While Santana drove us back to my house, Noah reached for my hand to hold. I gasped, but smiled at him. He just winked.
When we arrived at my house, I said, "Good luck tomorrow, Rachel!"
"Thank you, Becky," she said and winked at me. Santana looked at our interaction with a strange face, but didn't say anything.
Noah had come around to my side of the car and extended his hand to me. I grabbed it and he helped me out.
As we were walking up my walkway, I said, "Thanks for taking a chance on me!"
He stopped so I stopped walking. I looked up at him and he looked at me.
Then he said, "I should be saying that!"
"I've wanted to ask you out for a long time, Noah. I'm glad I finally did," I said and smiled.
We had begun walking up to my house. When we got to the front porch, I put my key in the keyhole and let it hang there.
"Hey, Becky," Noah said as we kept our eyesight on each other.
"Yeah, Noah?"
"I'm glad you asked me," he said as he bent forward and kissed me on the cheek.
God he smells good!
"Um, I'll see you 'round," I asked nervously.
"Definitely," he said as he started to walk away.
I watched him walk for a few seconds and then I entered my house.
I closed the door quietly. Then I leaned against it and gently rubbed my cheek where he had kissed me.
"Wow!" I whispered.
Then I went upstairs to my room and pretty much went to sleep.
Second Author's Note: I am so very sorry this took me so long to put up for you. I hope you haven't lost interest in this story because I haven't. I just had some stuff on my mind.
I am terribly sadden and shocked by the passing of Mr. Monteith. I thought it was a joke that people sometimes play on the Internet, but sadly it isn't. I've decided not to change Finn's part in this story. I hope that doesn't make me a "bad" person. Even though I didn't really "understand" the character of Finn Hudson, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, Ms. Michele, and the entire GLEE community. May he rest in peace with the knowledge that he brought happiness to those who he loved and to those who loved him.
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Santana and Rachel's date is the next chapter.