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

27

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. Quinn Fabray and Brittany Pierce. 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!

~ Brittany ~

Somehow I had rolled off of Quinn during the night. I flung my arm over my body to feel her next to me, but surprisingly, to me, she wasn't there. I panicked so I yelled, "Quinn!"

The room was empty so I got very lonely very quickly.

I hope I didn't weird her out or pressure her with all my stupid talk about our wedding. I just want her. I gotta let her know that! I thought as I threw on anything I found scattered across the floor and bolted to the door.

"Quinn," I yelled over the banister. No answer. I ran down the stairs to look in the downstairs bathroom.

"Quinn," I said as I swung the door open. No one was in there.

I trudged to the couch and plopped onto it. I pulled my knees into my chest and started to cry.

~ Santana ~

I had heard someone yell something so I disentangled myself from Rachel and threw on my tee shirt. I opened the door and was about to step out when I looked down and saw a note lying on the floor. I picked it up and read:

San,

Went out for a bit. Realized I gotta grow up. Have Britt ready for 12, please?

Q.

I read it and sighed happily. Not totally sure what it ultimately meant, but I was glad to hear that Quinn's taking responsibility.

Then I heard something that sounded like a person crying. I looked over the banister and saw one of my best friends crying on the couch.

"Hey, B," I yelled from upstairs.

"Yeah," she said through tears. She sat straight ahead and didn't turn when she heard my voice.

I ran down the stairs to her and jumped onto the seat next to her.

"What's up?"

"I messed up," she said and fell into my arms.

"Whoa! Slow down. Explain please?" I asked.

"I think I pushed Quinn a little too far," she said and cried harder.

"With the sex?" I asked stupidly.

She looked at me and grinned.

"Nicely done, by the way," I encouraged.

"Haha! Not the sex. We talked afterwards and I asked when she saw us getting married," she replied.

"What did she say," I asked concerned.

"'Soon? A year?' And then she told me everything we needed to finish before," she said, "I'm not that stupid…"

"You're not stupid, Britt," I corrected her.

"Oh, I know. I meant that I know there are things, like school, that we gotta finished, but I just want to take the next step with her," Brittany said and looked into my eyes.

"Oh my God, you honestly love her," I said shocked.

"She's the most important thing to me and to my life. I want to spend my entire life with her."

"Good for you," I said happily.

"But I think I messed up," she said.

"Listen, I think you'll be fine. Come on, it's Quinn we're talking about," I said and smirked.

"San," she said, "Don't do that. Remember when you asked us to stop the nicknames for Rachel, we did. I'd hope you do that for me and Quinn," she asked.

"I'm sorry, I'll stop. I promise."

"Good, so you think we'll be okay," she asked.

"Absolutely," I said, "Do you know where she is?"

"Nope."

"She left me a note," I said and held up the piece of paper. "She had an errand to run."

She punched me in the arm and yelled, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I'm sorry, I should have," I apologized.

"When is she coming back," she asked.

"She said to get you ready by noon," I said.

"Oh, why?" she asked with her signature weird expression.

"She has a surprise for you," I said. I hoped that I wasn't fibbing to my best friend, but I trusted Quinn.

The rest of the morning we had breakfast and decided to go into town for shopping. Everyone got ready at 11:50am.

A little before 12, Becky noticed a stretch limo pull up in front of the house.

"Santana," Becky yelled.

"Yes," I answered her as I walked over.

"Look!" she said and pointed.

We watched as a chunky man got out of the car and held a sign that read "Brittany".

"Hey, Brittany," Becky yelled, "Your ride is here."

"My what now," Brittany opened the door and her mouth dropped open.

"Brittany," the man said as he walked up to the house.

"Yes," she said.

"Come with me," he gestured friendly to the car.

"I don't take rides from strangers," she said honestly.

The guy gave her a weird look, but said, "Quinn sent me to pick you up. Here…"

He handed her his phone that had a video camera on it. He pressed play and immediately Britt's face lit up.

We all came outside and saw what she saw. Quinn videotaped a message to Brittany.

"Hello, my darling Brittany," Quinn said, "If I know you I know that you won't get in the car with anyone you don't know which is a good thing to do. So I made this video so you'd know that it's okay. The driver's name is Tom and he will be taking you to another location. So get in the car. I love you, Brittany!" Before the video ended she blew Britt a kiss.

"Can we make one stop," Brittany asked Tom.

"Of course, now if you will," Tom said as he opened the door. Brittany got in, but before he closed the door she yelled, "Bye guys!"

Tom closed the door and turned to me.

"Santana," he asked.

"Yup."

He handed me a piece of paper and then went to get in the limo. Then they drove away.

I stood there in amazement for a few seconds.

"Santana," Rachel yelled to bring me back.

"Yea, baby," I replied. I opened the note and in Quinn's handwriting it said, "Meet me here at 12:15…all of you. #mylifeisabouttochange."

With that everyone ran back in the house and got ready. We all piled into one car and drove to the location.

~ Quinn ~

That morning would be the morning that would change my life. There was so much to do, but the first thing she had to do was get permission.

I dialed the Pierces and immediately her Mom answered, "Hello?"

"Hi, Mrs. Pierce, it's Quinn!"

"Hey, Quinnie, what's shaking?"

"Um, is Mr. Pierce home? I need to ask you both something important."

"Yea, sure, hold on…"

Within a minute both of Britt's parents were on the line. "Hello, Mr. Pierce."

"Hi, Quinn. Is the house still standing?" he asked and chuckled.

"Yes, yes, it is," I replied.

"Great. So what's up," he asked.

"I wanted to ask you both a very important question that I don't believe I'm asking right now, but I'm askin' anyways. Your daughter, you see, has my heart. And today I'd like to give her my last name. If that's alright with you both."

"You want to legally give Britt your last name, as in marry her, today," he asked.

"Yes, sir!"

"We kinda hoped to be included in your special day, Quinn," her Mom said and sounded disappointed.

"I'd be totally interested in having another ceremony for family and some friends," I said humbly. "Please allow me the greatest opportunity of marrying your beyond wonderful daughter today. I love her and promise you that I'll always love her."

"Well, if you put it that way, sure," he said happily.

I froze.

"Quinn?" he asked and laughed.

"Quinnie?" her Mom asked and giggled.

"Yeah, I'm here. I am totally in your debt. Brittany is my moon and stars. She is the light of my life. I will love her every day for the rest of my life. She is my yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you!"

"Aww, you're welcome. Hey Quinn welcome to the family," her father said proudly.

"I'll make the official marriage certificate and notarize it myself," her Mom said, "It'll be here when you get home tomorrow night."

"Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you," I said overjoyed.

"You're welcome. When you get back we'll talk living arrangements," he said.

"And I'll call your parents," her Mom said.

"They know that I might be doing something like this so they'll be happy," I said as she remembered the conversation they had had.

"You're going to ask Britt to marry you this weekend?" my Dad asked a little shocked.

"Yes, but only if I truly feel it in my heart," I told him.

"That's great, honey, but we want to have a ceremony and little party for you after you get married, okay?" my Mom asked.

"Sure….thank you so much for accepting me and Britt. We are meant to be together." I said with a warm smile.

"We know honey, that's why we're not interfering. We trust that you know what you're doing. But you will continue to go to school and you both will graduate on time," my Dad fatherly demanded.

"Absolutely, the plan hasn't changed. I love her so much. I just want to share my life and our last name with her," I said as I grew emotional.

"We know," my Mom said and pulled me into a hug. My Dad joined in.

"Oh you got the wedding band?"

"Um, I think I'm going to pick that up before going to the church."

"No need," my Dad said as he gave me a black box. I opened it and found a beautiful wedding band that belonged to my grandmother. My Dad inherited it after her passing.

"This'll be perfect," I said as I got emotional again.

"I'm glad you like it."

"Okay, I gotta go to school," I said and ran out of the house that Friday morning.

The next thing was to find a church that was "okay" with same-sex marriages. That would be the hardest thing, but after the first two tries, I found one church which looked like it would be great for us. It was called "Ministry of It Gets Better!" I pulled over and nervously got out of my car. I locked it and started up the stairs to the front door. I pulled it open and immediately my fears and trepidations were put to rest. The atmosphere was light and sunny just like the personality of the love of my life. The building was small, but colorful. I saw a giant, painted rainbow above the entrance.

A young woman walked up to me and said, "Welcome. How may I help you?"

"I would like to get married in your Church today. We're only here until tomorrow night and won't be back for months. My name's Quinn Fabray."

"Well, welcome, Quinn. I'm Chelsea. I am the pastor here. Would you like to go to my office and chat," she asked as she ushered me to her office.

"Please take a seat," Chelsea pointed to the chair.

"Thank you," I said in amazement.

"You seem surprised," Pastor Chelsea commented.

"I am just accustomed to my Church…old and dusty….in all aspects," I said and chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm sure you are. Here at 'It Gets Better!' you can toss everything you've learned in your Church away. We accept all people no matter what."

"Then will you marry me and my girlfriend, Brittany," I asked hopeful.

"Well, tell me more about you two," Pastor Chelsea asked.

"Well, Britt and I have been best friends since childhood. We grew up together and joined the cheerleading squad in high school," I started, and then continued, "One afternoon our friend, Santana, asked Britt to kiss me as a 'Truth or Dare' dare. And she did. That one kiss changed my life forever. That kiss brought me to this Church. I love her with everything I have and I'll continue to love her no matter what."

"And does she feel the same way for you," the pastor asked.

"Oh yes, I presented her with a promise ring which showed her that I intended to marry her one day. She asked me when and I told her soon and maybe a year from now. I honestly believe that she thinks it'll be a year from now. I'll be making arrangement for a limo to pick her up from her parents' summer house to take her here, if you are able to marry us today," I said hopeful.

"Well, given your history and the pure love I see in your eyes…I'd be honored to marry you two," the pastor said happily.

"Great! Thank you," I said overjoyed.

"I'll go get the Church ready."

"May I stay in here to make a few calls," I asked.

"Of course, Quinn," she said, "When you're ready, come back and I'll walk through the ceremony with you."

"Great," I said and then she left.

First I called the limo service and asked them for a driver who had a video camera on their cell phone. Once I got that information, I asked if they were able to retrieve e-mail attachments. After hearing, "Yes, they are," from the dispatcher. I got the e-mail address and made Brittany a video message. I found a piece of wood standing against the wall so I used that as my background and recorded the message. I sent it and got a confirmation very quickly.

Then I called a diner and made reservations at three, thirty for six people. Then I left the Pastor's office and found her in the Church. She and her team quickly made up the Church wonderfully. They had pillars of flowers that stood next to a few pews. They put up an overhang that was adorned in white, yellow, red, and pink roses. That were artificial, but people wouldn't know the difference. They pulled out the white carpet that led from the vestibule to the overhang for Brittany to walk down to me.

"This is remarkable," I said and got emotional.

"Yes, thank you," Pastor Chelsea said and smiled.

"Britt's en route to the Church. Our friends are coming at 12:15 and I would like to greet Brittany outside when the car arrives. Is this alright?"

"This is your special day, Quinn. Do what's in your heart!"

"Thank you," I said.

"Do you have a ring for her," she asked before I walked away.

"Yes, I do. If she doesn't have one for me, I'll get one when we return home," I said.

"We offer some choices for her to look at. We can take care of that after the ceremony if need be," she said and then continued, "If I may? Do you know what you're gonna say to her?"

"Nope…" I said with nervous chuckle.

"Well, I'd take some time to mediate on that. Think about everything your life has now because you've met Brittany," she suggested.

"Ok, I will," I said as I exited the Church. Before I left, I told her that I'd be in my car if she needed me.

I went outside and went to sit in my car. I thought really hard about what she means not only to me, but to my life. Once I thought I had what I felt for her in my head, I saw Santana's car pulled up. I got out of my car and ran to her car.

~ Puck ~

"Fabray, what are we doing at a Church? I don't go to synagogue back home so why would I now?" I said a little disappointed.

"I have a big surprise for Brittany. And it has everything to do with this Church!" Quinn said to me

"Did you buy a Church for her," Becky asked her.

"No, Little B, I didn't. Just go inside and take a seat. You'll get what I mean in a little while." I said with a smile.

"Everyone inside," Santana demanded. Santana and Quinn exchanged a knowing look between each other.

She took Rachel's hand and I grabbed Becky's and we walked into the Church.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed as I entered the building.

"Puck, you're in a Church," Becky yelled at him.

"Sorry," I said and looked up as if I was apologizing to Him.

"Is it okay that we're in a Catholic Church," Rachel whispered to Santana.

"Yes, honey, you and Puck are going to be okay…well, you are…I don't know what to say about him," Santana laughed and pointed at me.

We all walked up to the front, entered a pew and sat down.

~ Brittany ~

The limo driver, Tom, and I arrived at the jewelry store I knew of.

I said, "Five minutes."

He nodded his head and then I ran into the store.

"Hi, can I help you," the salesperson said as soon as I walked in.

"Yes, I'm in a time crunch, but I'd like to buy a gold wedding band."

"Ok, follow me," she said and I followed.

She took me to the section that had the rings I needed.

"Okay," the salesperson said as she took out a tray of bands, "We have several options."

I peered down at them and almost instantly I saw the one for Quinn. "May I see this one, please?"

"Sure," she said and pulled out the ring. I inspected it very quickly and then said, "I like it. I'll take it!" I jumped up and down.

I had gotten a strange feeling that I might need this today. Even if my suspicions weren't right, then I'd hold onto it until they were. I was getting tired of people always telling me to be prepared.

While I was thinking about it, the salesperson took my credit card which I handed her before she even told me how much it cost. Then she returned with the card and the bag that held Quinn's ring inside it.

"Thank you," I called out as I ran out of the store.

"Next destination, Tom," I said excitedly as I got into the limo.

Once we pulled away from the store, I took the box out of the bag and then pulled the ring out of the box. I held it in my hand for a moment. Then I held it up to look at. I imagined me slipping it onto Quinn's finger to show that we were married. I sincerely hoped that I'd be doing that soon like she promised. I've always believed Quinn's promises so I knew that day was in our near future.

Tom made a quick turn that jolted me from my daydreaming. I looked out the window and I saw her sitting on the stairs of an odd looking building. I slid her ring into my pocket just before she opened the door and extended her hand to me. I grabbed it and she pulled me out of the car.

She pulled me into a tight hug.

"I missed you this morning," I whispered into her ear.

"I'm sorry about that. I had a lot to do," she said and stood on her tip toes to kiss my cheek.

"So…Quinn what's going on?"

"Um, I have brought you here because I have a surprise for you inside," she said and sounded totally nervous.

"Yay! I love surprises," I said because I really did.

"Before we go inside, there's one question I need to ask you."

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

"Brittany, will you marry me?" Quinn said and looked up into my blue eyes.

"Yes, yes, yes!"

She pulled me into her arms and we connected our lips together.

Once the kiss stopped, she pulled me into the building and we noticed the doors were shut.

"Um, Britt, will you marry me today?" she asked as she whipped the two doors open. As soon as I knew where we were the guitars started to play.

We stood face to face and held hands. I looked down at her and said, "Yes!"

Quinn froze in her spot. She had a ridiculous grin on her face. I had to poke her out of her trance.

"Ok, um, ok, um," she said flabbergasted. She went to walk down the aisle, but stopped to turn around and kiss me. She then turned and walked down the aisle. I watched her as she walked onto the altar and turned around. Then I noticed a small bouquet of roses so I picked them up and started to walk toward her.

As I passed our friends they all had tears in their eyes, including Puck. He tried to hold it in, but he couldn't.

Then my attention fell to her again. This girl, no woman, who entered my life years ago as a friend, no best friend, has turned out to be my wife. Quinn…five letters to describe a person who is indescribable to me. One syllable for someone who meant the world to me. One person who I promised to live happily with. That's Quinn Lucy Fabray…my love, my now, and my forever.

~ Quinn ~

Once Brittany got up to me on the altar, Pastor Chelsea emerged from a corner of the altar and kind of scared Britt.

"It's okay, honey, Pastor Chelsea is going to marry us," I said to calm her down.

"She came outta nowhere," she said and smiled.

"Hi!" the pastor said.

"Hi and thank you," Brittany said and smiled at her.

"Are you two ready?"

"Absolutely," I said happily.

"Beyond ready," Britt said with another smile.

"Well then, welcome to Quinn and Brittany's impromptu wedding ceremony. When I awoke this morning, I thought this day would be like the others in the sense that nothing out of the ordinary would happen to me. Then I met Quinn and the ordinary rapidly changed into the extraordinary. When she was in my office, I asked her to tell me about Brittany. She then told me everything I need to know about her. It wasn't what she said; it was more how she said it that struck me as loving. They share a solid love for each other. The magnitude of their love is so powerful that I don't think they even know it yet, but they will. So now, I know Quinn would like to share her vows to Brittany," Pastor Chelsea finished, looked at me, and smiled. She took a step back to give us some privacy.

I took Britt's hands in my own, looked into her eyes and said, "Brittany, I thought that by giving you that promise ring that I'd be telling you that I want you and that you are loved immensely by me. I thought you'd just know that you are my forever. But I've learned that I need to show you that I need you forever. And that, my dear, is why we are standing on this altar today in front of our friends. Brittany Susan Pierce, I am so in love with you. I want and need you to be a part of my life until the day I die. I love you that much. Thank you for choosing to live your life with me. And thank you for wanting to be my wife so badly. Those two decisions that you have made have changed my life. And I will never forget it. I promise to love, honor, protect, and guide you as we go along this journey called life. I love you."

I had begun to tear so she let go of my hands to wipe away my tears. Then she immediately placed them back in my hands.

Pastor Chelsea then stepped back up and looked to Brittany. Pastor Chelsea gently encouraged, "Brittany, is there anything you'd like to tell Quinn?"

"Um, yeah, so many things…"

"Well go for it," she encouraged.

"Go for what?"

"Um, tell Quinn what's in your heart."

"Quinn, please forgive me if I fumble my words," Britt said and looked scared.

"It's okay, Britt. Pretend it's just you and me," I said lovingly.

"Well, this morning, when I woke up and you weren't right beside me, I got scared. Like totally scared. I thought that our relationship turned out to be a dream and I wanted desperately to go back to sleep. Now I know that it's not, I am so happy. You make me feel happy and loved and cared for. You see only my strengths and not my weaknesses. You're always telling me how smart you think I am and ya know what? I'm finally beginning to believe you. I can actually see myself through your eyes now. Quinn, I am totally in love with you for that! I promise you right here and now that you will never be lonely. You'll never be afraid. You'll never be without love. For I will be your company. For I will make you feel safe. For I will love you until the day I die. When I do die, I'll always watch you from Heaven. I love you today and for the rest of my life."

I noticed Santana wipe away a tear from her cheek. Puck had a smile on his face. Rachel leaned against Santana and I'm sure they were holding hands. Becky's leaned her head against Puck and smiled up at us.

"So now…the rings," Pastor Chelsea announced.

I dug in my pocket to pull out Britt's ring.

"Quinn repeat after me. 'Brittany, I give you this ring as a token of my devotion to you. I promise to always stand by your side. You are my forever!"' Pastor Chelsea said slowly.

As I repeated her I slid Brittany's wedding band onto her finger. She looked at it and smiled. Her ring finger shimmered in the sunlight that was overhead through a spot in the roof.

I watched as Brittany pulled out a ring and readied herself to repeat after the pastor.

"Brittany, repeat after me. 'Quinn, I give you this ring as a token of my devotion to you. I promise to always stand by your side. You are my forever!"'

As Brittany repeated what the pastor said she slid my wedding band onto my finger.

Then we grasped each other's hands again.

"Now that they have declared their love to each other and given each other rings, I get to proudly say, 'Please let me introduce for the first time, Quinn and Brittany Fabray! Quinn, you may now kiss your bride!'"

Brittany wrapped her arms around my waist and hoisted me up to her height. Then I attached my lips to hers in a sweet kiss. The Church, which only consisted of five people, our friends and a woman who came in to pray, erupted into applause.

Brittany put me back down and grabbed my hand before we walked down the altar.

I made eye contact with Santana and mouthed, "Five minutes?"

She nodded her head in agreement. Then we walked out to the vestibule. I closed the doors behind us. I didn't think she was right behind me so when I turned around to walk to her, I ended up walking into her.

"Whoa, baby," I said, looked up at her, and smiled.

"You, my dear, are full of surprises," she said as she wrapped her arms around me. "But…"

"But what?" I asked in her embrace.

"Was that just for show or…"

"Or?"

"Quinn, was that like real?" she asked hesitantly.

"Well, I only get married once and I'd like to know that it wasn't pretend," I said and smiled at her.

She dropped her arms that were around me and asked, "Did we just get married?"

"Yes, my dear…we did," I said happily.

Immediately I saw her sad expression.

"What is it, Britt," I asked nervously as I ran up to her.

"Our parents…do they even know," she asked as she walked a few feet away from me.

"Yes, Britt they know. I want us to have another ceremony for your parents. Your Mom is making the marriage as we speak. It'll be ready tomorrow when we get home. Oh yeah, baby, we're gonna be living together. Hope that's okay," I said as I playfully lowered my head.

She ran up to me and raised my chin with her fingers. "I have no objections to that," she said.

"Oh, I'm so glad you agree, haha," I said and chuckled.

"So this is real," she again shocked.

"Yes, my Brittany, it is," I said and pulled her to me.

"OMG, -We just got married," she said and jumped up and down excitedly.

"Yea, we did. Surprise!" I yelled and held my hands up and shook them back and forth.

Brittany grabbed me and pulled me into her body. We kissed passionately. We were so engrossed in our kiss that we didn't hear the doors open.

"Um, I think they're going to suffocate themselves," Becky said.

They all laughed. We stopped kissing and turned to look at them.

I felt the need to say something so I coughed awkwardly and then said, "I know this came out of the blue, but I love her. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I figured that if I knew that now then why shouldn't I marry her? I didn't want anyone else to. I just wanted to marry her…"

"You did amazing," Santana said and smiled. "I'm so proud of you, Quinn. I know how much it took for you to let your heart lead you."

Santana walked to us and hugged us each. Then Rachel walked and said with a smile, "Mazel!"

"Thanks," Brittany said.

"Q," Becky said as she ran into Quinn's arms, "That was amazing!"

"Thanks!"

"Yeah, Fabray, you're making me look bad," Puck whispered to me as he hugged me.

"I didn't mean to," I whispered back.

"Yea, yea," he said and smiled as we broke the hug.

"Okay, everyone back in the car," Quinn instructed, "We're going to eat. Follow us."

"Great!" Puck said and patted his stomach.

They all left the Church, but Britt and I found Pastor Chelsea and thanked her for all her help.

"Hope you two aren't strangers," she said as we left the Church.

"Hey, Tom, I got married," Britt said to the driver as we got in the limo.

"Congrats!"

He shut the door behind us and got into the car. He raised the partition.

"So are you happy?"

"Oh my God, Quinn, I'm ecstatic. Can I ask you why," she said in my arms.

"I just realized that I love you and I want you to be with me forever," I said.

"I am yours forever," she said.

"Well, that's good," I said.

Second Author's Note:

I needed to write something happy so I thought this up rather quickly.

The church is totally fictitious. I wish it was a real church, but sadly. It's not.

Please review!