I'll Defend You If You'll Defend Me?
34
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 ~
"One of my best friends is getting married today," I exclaimed right at eight in the morning.
"What the hell?" Quinn asked her groggily, "Britt, do you remember our conversation about not doing that?"
"Yes, but I'm excited. Sue me!"
Then we heard Rachel cackled from her spot on the floor. "Haha! I know Britt, I'm excited too!"
"Well, shit, I hope so," I replied.
We all laughed at that.
"Okay, since we're all awake now thanks to Britt," Quinn started.
"Welcome," I said quickly.
"Who wants coffee?" Quinn asked.
"Yes, please," Rachel said.
"Um, Quinn," I said as she was getting out of bed.
"Oh, sorry, baby," she said and turned to face me.
"I love you for today and for the many days to come," Quinn recited.
"I love you for today and for the many days to come," I said back.
Then we kissed each other. It wasn't a total make out kiss, but it had meaning behind it.
When we broke the kiss, Rachel's head was tilted in amusement.
"We do that every morning. It's kinda like my coffee before I have coffee," I said and smiled as I caressed Quinn's cheeks with my bent knuckles.
"It's adorable," Rachel commented.
"And it stays within these four walls," Quinn hoped.
"Absolutely," Rachel said and smiled.
~ Rachel ~
We all got up and had breakfast.
"Okay, I'd like to go home and change for my wedding, is that amendable?"
Quinn nodded her head. When I looked to Brittany she had a confused look on her face.
"Is that okay," I restated.
I saw her expression changed as she nodded her head and smiled.
"I'm going to call my Dad," I said.
"I'll drive you home," Quinn volunteered.
"No, no, you should stay here and get ready," I said and called home.
I had a conversation with my Daddy. He told me to look outside the apartment. Lo and behold, my Dad was waiting in the car outside.
I gathered my belongings and hugged both of my friends.
"Thanks for a great time," I said emotionally.
"Oh, Rachel, don't cry. It's a happy day," Brittany said as she ran up to me and engulfed me in a tight hug. Quinn walked over and threw her arms around us.
"See you later," I said and ran out of their home to my Dad.
~ Becky ~
When I woke up the next morning, I found myself still lying against Santana. She didn't look too comfortable.
"San," I said as I shook her shoulders gently.
"What," she asked groggily as she rubbed her hands over her eyes.
"It's time to get up. Somebody's getting married today," I said happily.
"I know," she yelled as she tickled my sides. I couldn't stop laughing.
Then there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," I said between laughing fits.
"Good morning, girls," my Dad said.
"Hi, Dad."
"Breakfast is ready and Noah's already here, Becky," he told us.
"Oh ok, we'll be down in a few minutes," I said happily.
He closed the door as he left.
"Ok, get dressed," I instructed.
She bolted up and saluted, "Sir, yes, sir!"
I smirked at her and said, "At ease!"
Then we got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. Santana walked down the stairs first and then I did. She stopped at the end and I knew she saw Noah's reaction as I came down the stairs. His eyesight never left me as he extended his hand to me. I love when he did that because he made me feel special.
"Aww!" Santana teased to get me out of my trance.
"What?" Noah asked and looked at her.
"Alright, alright," my Mom told us.
We sat down and ate. Then Noah offered to give Santana a ride home. She grabbed her things and said, "Good-bye" to my parents.
"Walk with us," she said to me.
"Sure."
We walked to the door and she pulled me in for a hug. "I had fun!"
"I had fun too. Thanks for letting me sleep on you," I said and smiled.
"No worries!"
Just before they left, Noah bent forward and kissed me. "Be ready for twelve," he asked.
"Of course," I said.
Then they walked to his car.
~ Rachel ~
I got home and flew upstairs to my room to shower and get ready. While in the shower, I practiced my vows and then thought for a few minutes about what today meant to my life. It short…it meant the absolute world.
Ask me if I was nervous?
Um, Rachel, were you nervous?
Absolutely not. Why would I need to be? I know Santana inside and out. I know everything about her and whatever else we learn about each other will just be icing on our cake!
I turned off the faucet and grabbed a towel. Once I got back into my room, I looked at my cell phone and saw I had a text.
TO RACHEL: we're almost there. I love you so much. See you at the front of the altar. I'll be the one with the huge grin on my face! I love you, S.
I jumped up and down. If I wasn't excited before I definitely was then.
I quickly sent her a text.
TO SANTANA: 1. I love you. 2. Yes we're almost there, my love. 3. Try to conserve your energy.
As I sent the message, I could only imagine her reaction to number 3.
Throwing my phone on my bed after a few blissful seconds, I started on my makeup. There was suddenly a knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Your Dads…" Daddy said.
"Hold on, I'll put on a robe," I said and hurriedly to get my robe. "Ok, come in."
They timidly opened the door and saw me sitting in front of my vanity.
"Oh look, Hiram, our little girl is getting ready for her wedding."
"Wow!" my Dad said.
"Did you imagine this day would come?" I asked as I dropped the brush onto the table.
"I never doubted it," my Daddy said, "just didn't know who you'd be marrying."
"You like Santana," I asked suddenly nervous.
"Rachel, calm down, we love Santana," my Dad, Hiram, reassured me.
I took a big sigh.
"We are so proud of everything you've done so far, Rachel," my Daddy said.
"Thank you," I got up and pulled both of my fathers into a tight hug.
"We see Santana as another daughter so we're gaining something here too," my Dad said.
"What time is it?" Daddy asked.
"11:30," I answered and suddenly realized I was getting married in less than two hours.
"Oh my Barbara!" I started to get nervous.
"She's panicking...she's panicking…" my Daddy said crazily.
"I don't need the both of you going crazy on me. Leroy, calm down. Rachel, come sit down," Dad guided both of us.
I sat back down and finished my makeup.
"Not to knit pick, but shouldn't you put your dress on first so not to smudge your makeup?"
I contemplated what my Daddy asked and then said, "Good idea…I have a strapless bra on and you're both gay so it's okay to look…" I disrobed and they both turned their heads away. I grabbed my dress and delicately put it on.
I picked an off white gown with lace capped sleeves. It fell to my ankles so my walking wouldn't be effected. It hugged me tightly around my hips and my bust line. It even showed some cleavage, which I was certain Santana would enjoy. The veil was made from a tiara base and flowed freely,
When I was ready I turned around and looked at my two fathers.
I nervously patted my stomach and asked, "Well how do I look?"
"Ravishing…" my Daddy replied with a choked up tone of voice.
"Simply amazing!" my Dad replied.
"Will Santana like it?"
"Honey, Santana would be okay even if you showed up in a plastic bag," Daddy laughed.
"She's going to love it!" Dad assured me.
I nodded my head.
~ Santana ~
When Puck dropped me off at my house, I rushed in and found my Mom already waiting for me.
"I'm getting married, today," I said jumping up and down.
"I know, mija, I know," she said with a smile.
I bolted up to my room. I flung the door opened and was shocked to see my Abuela sitting on my bed.
"Holy geez, Abuela. You nearly gave me a heart attack." I said as I ran to her and hugged her tightly.
"Well, I wanted to be here when you got dressed. I am very proud of you, Santana," she said.
"So am I!" my Mom said as she entered the room.
We, three generations of Lopez women, stood next to each other and smiled at each other. Then we hugged each other.
"Alright, enough of this mushy stuff," Abuela said, "Santana, go shower…"
I ran into my bathroom and showered.
When I came back out, they had laid my womanly suit out for me. It was a black jacket and black slacks. The white shirt was accentuated by a black bow tie. It almost looked like a regular man's suit, but it hugged my hips and looked prettier. I wore black heels. Not too high, but enough to look respectable.
For my hair, I just decided to go with it down. Rachel always commented that she loved it down. I applied minimal makeup.
"You look gorgeous," my Mom said and got teary eyed.
I walked up to her and grabbed her cheeks with my hands. I wiped the falling tears and said, "Oh, Mom. You know I love you so much, right?"
She nodded her head.
"I wanted to tell you that I appreciate everything you've done for me. I am the woman I am today because of your love and support. Thank you accepting me and thank you for accepting Rachel." I said proudly. "Now please stop crying!"
She kissed my cheek and walked towards the door.
"Can we leave now?" she asked.
You didn't have to tell me twice. I hightailed it outta there so quickly you would have thought my room was on fire!
"Well, my word," I heard Abuela say as I was running down the stairs.
"Come on…come on!" I yelled.
"Keep your pants on," my Mom yelled at me.
They hurriedly grabbed their purses and followed me to the awaiting limo.
As I opened the door, I paused in shock. "What the fu-?"
"Santana," Abuela yelled.
"Sorry, it's huge. Who?"
"Me." Abuela said as she raised her hand up in the air.
"That's cool," I said and got in.
We sped off towards the destination of the ceremony.
Oh, that's right! They did all the planning so we didn't know where we're getting married. It could be a hole in the wall establishment and I wouldn't care. As long as I was marrying my Rachel I could care less.
When we arrived, at the "secret" location, my Mom got out first and then extended her hands to me and pulled me out. My Abuela pushed me from behind.
"I'm coming…Geez!"
When I got out of the car, I looked around and found that we were at the park where Rachel and I had ice cream and kissed for one of the first times. But now, we weren't just at the park. No, no, it had been transformed into a beautiful setting with a big white tent, tables for our guests and everything that we could need. More importantly I saw the altar and white paper carpet that where the love of my life and I would walk down to exchange our vows to each other. Then I noticed that there were two microphones on the altar. Well, one, but it held two microphones attached to it.
"Ok, I gots nervous," I said and gulped.
"Come on, gansta," my Mom joked as she pulled me closer.
"Mom how did you know?"
"I just knew. Someone might have told me sometime…"
After she said that, the music started and I walked proudly, with my Mom and Abuela on either side, to my side where my family sat. Becky and Noah were seated among them. I smiled at her and she smiled brightly up at me. Then I saw Coach Sylvester behind her. I was startled, but she smiled at me a little and I returned the gesture.
By that time, I was in front of the altar. I kissed my Mom and Abuela and they sat down right in front of me on my side of the aisle.
While we waited for Rachel's car to arrive, I practiced my vows to her in a low voice. Happy with what I had chosen I wasn't nervous anymore. I just wanted to belong to her.
Where is she? I thought impatiently.
Then I saw her car pull up where mine did before. I saw her get out and look around in awe like I did. She paused right after she closed the door. She looked around and I tried to follow her gaze, but I was too far away. Instantly her eyesight landed on me and she smiled brightly. Her Daddy was lowering the veil over her face and then he extended his one arm for Rachel to entwine with hers. Her Dad did the same thing and immediately our guest stood up and looked at her.
Then the orchestra music started to play. As I think back I don't recall where it came from. She walked slowly down the aisle I saw her smile at Brittany who smiled back while she held Quinn's hand.
Then Rachel's eyesight then returned to me. I watched her intensely as she made her way to me. As she got closer I smiled wider and wider.
Finally she was standing in front of me. Her fathers removed their arms and they both took her hand and gently placed it in my extended hand.
We all shared a glance and then they went to sit down in chairs on Rachel's side.
Before I lifted her veil from in front of her face, I whispered, "You look amazing."
She smiled shyly.
Then Pastor Chelsea walked up and stood in front of us. Remember her? She did the ceremony for Quinn and Brittany.
This made it extremely easy for me. I smiled brightly at her and she smiled brightly back.
"Welcome to the wedding ceremony of Rachel Berry and Santana Lopez!"
Everyone applauded.
"I see that they recognize me as I presided over Quinn and Brittany's wedding some time ago…"
"I knew she looked familiar," Brittany tried to whisper, but it was louder than she intended it be.
Quinn looked at her sideways and threw her index finger up to her lips. Brittany lowered her head.
"No, worries, B!" I said and looked at her. She immediately smiled.
"Let's begin," Pastor Chelsea said, "So I've heard that Santana and Rachel have written their own vows for each other. Rachel, go first!"
Rachel looked so shy in that moment. But she gathered up her courage, took a step toward the microphone, adjusted it a little, and then grabbed my hands.
She looked into my eyes and sang.
I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn.
Her voice got louder as she continued to sing to me.
And we are lead to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Rachel's range was impeccable. She was able to hit the high notes while still holding my hands. It wasn't overdramatic…it was perfect. Just like her.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you."
The crowd clapped loudly, but her attention was on me and I liked the song. I smiled brightly. As soon as the last clap sounded, she simply looked at me and said, "Santana, you have changed me for good!"
By this time a tear had begun to fall down her cheek. I broke the hand embrace and wiped it away. All the while, I looked deeply into her eyes. I whispered, "I love you!"
"I love you," she whispered back.
"Santana, please share your vows," Pastor Chelsea asked.
I stepped closer to the microphone and cleared my throat. I joined our hands together, took a big breath and began.
Unconditional, unconditionally
I will love you unconditionally
As I sang, I saw Rachel tilt her head in adoration. She smiled shyly. I knew she was enjoying the song that I picked out. This didn't mean that I just sang the song regularly. No, no…this was a Santana Lopez performance. I put every ounce of my heart and soul into the song. It wasn't just a performance. It was a testament of my undying love toward Rachel.
And there is no fear now
Let go and just be free
'Cause I will love you unconditionally (oh yeah)
I will love you (unconditionally)
I will love you
I will love you unconditionally
As I finished the song, I tapped her on her nose. She smiled up at me shyly. The congregation applauded wildly. It took a few seconds for the Pastor to get their attention back.
"Well, Santana and Rachel, that was simply beautiful and heartfelt. Now for the rings…"
I saw my Abuela, out of the corner of my eye, stand up and walk toward me.
"Santana," she said and handed me Rachel's gorgeous ring.
"Wow," I said and smiled as I gawked at it.
"Santana, please place the ring on Rachel's ring finger and repeat after me. 'I, Santana, take you, Rachel, to be my wife. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life.'"
As I repeated those words, I slid the ring onto her finger and smiled at her.
Then Leroy walked up to Rachel and handed her my ring.
"Ok, Rachel, please slide Santana's ring onto her ring finger as you repeat after me. 'I, Rachel, take you, Santana, to be my wife. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life.'"
Rachel repeated the words with passion and nervousness. After she had finished she looked up at me and smiled brightly.
"Now, that Santana and Rachel have expressed their feelings toward each other and have exchanged rings, it gives me great pride to say, 'By the power vested in me I now pronounce you wife and wife. Santana, you may now kiss your bride," Pastor Chelsea said as she stepped back a few steps.
I opened my arms and Rachel walked into a hug. I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her passionately. I pulled as close as I could to my body. We kissed for a good few seconds until air became a necessity.
Pastor Chelsea walked back up to the microphone and said, "I am proud to give you, Mrs. Rachel and Santana Lopez!"
I was about to correct her, but Rachel stopped me by saying, "I love how that sounds. Rachel Lopez. I think I'll keep it!"
Then the crowd applauded as Rachel grabbed my hand and squeezed it. We pulled each other away from the altar to just outside the ceremony space. We were granted a few minutes to take in the magnitude of what happened.
"I love you, Santana," Rachel said as she pulled me toward her. Once I was a mere inch away she connected our lips together for another kiss.
Once the kiss broke, I was out of breathe, but I said, "I love you too, Rachel, so, so much!"
Second Author's Note: The songs used in this chapter were "For Good" sung by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth and "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry.