I'll Defend You If You'll Defend Me?
35
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!
~ Becky ~
Santana and Rachel's wedding was beautiful. They seemed more in love with each than before, if that was even possible.
After the ceremony their guests moved to another tent for appetizers and drinks, while the two of them took photographs. Afterwards, they joined us and sat down at their table. Their parents hired a DJ so she introduced herself and asked for any requests. Then the DJ announced, "Would anyone like to say a few words?"
I bolted up from my seat and ran to get the microphone she was dangling in the air. She politely handed it to me and I tapped it to make sure it was on.
"Um, hi, I'm Becky and I'm proud to say that Santana is my best friend…"
The guests clapped their hands.
I walked over to Santana and stood right in front of her. I looked into her brown eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "I'm always going to be here for you, my friend. You don't have to worry about anything. You got me and you got Rachel! I love you!'
I paused for a second and I saw what I just said finally register with Santana. She smiled. "I had a feeling you were awake," she said and chuckled.
I smiled at her.
Then I looked at Rachel. "Rachel, I want to say thank you for being so cool with me. Thank you for everything you've done for me. More importantly, thank you for everything you do for my best friend, Santana. You are her life and I am very proud to be a part of it," I said and smiled.
Then I simply walked back to the DJ and handed her the microphone back. The people applauded my speech loudly. Noah got up from his seat and gave me a standing ovation. Then he leaned down and kissed me sweetly when I returned to my seat. Santana and Rachel were following behind me so when I was back at my table they pulled me up from my seat and gave me a hug.
"I love you, Becky," Santana said to me. She hugged me tightly.
"I love you too, San!"
"Come here you," Rachel said when Santana and I were finished with our hug.
Rachel pulled me into her arms and hugged me. "Thank you for the kind words," she said.
'Thank you for being in my life," I said and hugged her.
~ Quinn ~
A few weeks later, we all graduated from high school. The night before Becky invited all of us, including Noah, over for a mini party.
"Thanks for coming," she said happily.
"You're always gonna be a part of us," I reminded her. She smiled at me.
"That's actually why I wanted you to come over…"
"Wussup, Little B?" Santana asked as she sat on my couch with Rachel practically sitting on top of her.
"After graduation…will you all still be my friends?" Becky asked super shyly.
We all looked at each other because we didn't know what to say to that. She lowered her head down and I could see her sigh heavily.
"Well, I know one thing," my beautiful wife started, "and that's that I'm not gonna let graduation tell me who I have stop being friends with."
I looked at her sideways and beamed lovingly.
"Huh," Becky asked.
Brittany walked up to her, lifted her chin, looked down into Becky's eyes and said, "You're always gonna be my friend!" She pulled Becky into a hug.
Becky wrapped her arms tightly around Brittany and they just stood there, in the hug for several minutes.
"Thank you, Britt," I heard Becky say to my wife.
Once they broke the hug up, Rachel walked over. "Now, Becky, you listen to me…"
Becky looked at Rachel and tilted her head sideways.
"You're always going to be in my life. It's inevitable because I married your best friend, remember?"
Becky nodded her head. "Sometimes I think that people make fake promises to me so they 'don't hurt my feelings'!"
"Well, you don't have to worry about that with me," Rachel said confidently.
Santana had walked up to them next. "Listen up, I'm just gonna say this once…"
Becky had a fearful expression on her face and I saw her gulp.
"You're always gonna be my best friend, yo!"
"How do you know?" Becky asked hesitantly.
"I'm Santana Lopez, I know all!"
We all chuckled.
"San…"
"No, Becky," Santana started and crouched down. "I am always here for you. I'm just a phone call or a text away. And if you need some 'Becky n Santana' time well then you bring your pretty little butt to NYC. There's nothing more important to Rachel and me than you."
"But NYADA…" she protested.
"NYADA will survive without our talent for a week, right Rachel," she asked and looked over her shoulder at Rachel.
"Absolutely," Rachel said and nodded her head up and down.
"Whew!" Becky said and wiped her forehead.
They stepped back and I immediately ran over to her and hugged her. "And as for me I second what my wife told you. We all…" I said as I looked around the room at the people who have influenced my life immeasurably, "are a family. We support, love, and are there for each other just like a family does. We will always be here for each other, not just for you. Britt and I don't know what we're doing yet and that's alright. I have my thoughts that I need to talk to my wife about, but let's make one thing crystal clear…we are family and family never leaves for a long period of time."
I hugged her tightly, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, "I love you."
I felt her grip around my waist tighten. Then she whispered, "I love you, too!"
"Do you feel better," Rachel asked her.
"Yes, thank you all. I now don't feel all alone…"
"Um, excuse me, what am I…chopped liver?" Puck shouted.
Honestly I forgot he was there.
~ Noah ~
After everyone left and it was just me and Becky, she was leaning against my chest and we were holding hands.
"Am I holding you back?" she asked me shyly.
"Are you what?"
"Holding you back?"
"Honey, no," I replied.
She sat up and turned to face me.
"Noah," she said.
"Becky…" I said.
"I'm being serious," she said.
I sat up to face her because I knew it.
"Becky, you're not holding me back from anything. If anything you give me a reason to get serious about my life."
"Would it be better if we weren't together," she asked.
"Absolutely not," I said with a strong tone of voice.
"I'm not going to get to go far from here. Coach wants me to help her out in the office," she said, "and I thought that you'd want to move on from here and do something big…"
"There's nothing bigger to me than loving you," I said. I suddenly got a sick feeling. "Do you want to break up with me?"
"No," she said without hesitation.
"Then why?"
"Because I thought you'd wanna do something after graduation and I was going to let you go no matter how much it hurt me…"
"Becky, I love you," I said, "My life would be horrible without you. We will have years together and ya never know we may even get married in the future, if you want that."
She nodded her head up and down and said, "I'd love that."
"Good," I said and kissed her forehead. "Give me a year?"
"Noah, I didn't ask you because I wanted to see how long it would take to get to the next level. I was afraid that you'd want to leave and I didn't want you to feel like you had to stay cuz of me."
I nodded my head in understanding. Then I kissed her forehead.
"You and me, baby!" I said and she smiled at me brightly.
~ Santana ~
It's been two years since we've all graduated. In that time, I've gone home a lot to hang out with Becky and Puck. And when she can get away, I drag Becky back with me to NYC.
This one time, there was a knock on our apartment door.
"San, door," Rachel yelled.
"Yes, my dear, I hear it," I commented as I ran to see who it was.
"Hi, San…Surprise!" Becky said with an overnight bag slung over her shoulder.
"Becky?!"
"Yea," she said and pulled me into her arms.
"Honey, it's Becky…Come in! To what do we owe this pleasure?"
Then she triumphantly held up her ring finger. "He liked it so much he put a ring on it!"
"Rachel!" I yelled as I yanked her hand closer to me. Rachel came running.
"What?" she said as she looked at me strangely. I nodded my head to Becky who held her ring in the air.
"Oh my Barbara!" she said as she gawked at the ring. "How'd he do it?" Rachel asked as she yanked Becky into our apartment.
"Whoa!" Santana laughed out. "Take it easy with my BFF!"
Becky smiled at that and then plopped herself on the couch.
"Well, it happened when we all, my parents, his Mom and brother, went out to dinner together for the first time. Our families were getting along famously…"
~ Flashback…Becky ~
His family and my family were really hitting it off. I guess that he wanted to propose soon or else he would chicken out for a while. So he hit his glass with his fork to get everyone's attention.
He stood up from the seat and said, "Thank you for coming out to dinner tonight. Becky and I appreciate your support. And now, I have a surprise for my wonderful girlfriend…"
He looked down at me and I looked up at him and smiled brightly. He pulled his chair out of the way so he'd have enough room.
"I have loved you, Becky, for a very long time. It seems like forever and I would like forever to last just that long. So," he said as he began to kneel in front of me. "Would you make me the happiest man alive by becoming my wife? I'll love you forever!" He opened the box and held it forward.
Everyone gasped at what they saw. I knew that they knew that this was coming for us, but they didn't know when.
I looked up at him with tears in my eyes. "Yes, Noah, I'd love nothing more!"
He leaned forward and kissed me sweetly. Once our kiss was over he took the ring out of the box and slid it onto my left hand, ring finger.
My mother and father immediately got up and walked over to us. My Dad extended his hand and said, "Welcome to the family, Noah!" He proudly shook his hand and smiled at my Dad.
His Mom got up and walked over to me. I stood up and his Mom hugged me. Our relationship got better and we were now friends, which was great.
"Congratulations! We're excited to have you in our family, Becky!"
"Yep, we are," Jake said and high fived Becky.
~ Santana ~
"And that is how you do it!"
"Was his proposal everything you wanted, Becky?" Rachel asked.
"Yes, cuz it was him totes," Becky said happily and looked at her ring.
"Speaking of him, how'd you get here?"
"He dropped me off at the train station in Lima. Don't worry, San, I didn't run away. But I should call and let him know I'm here," Becky said.
"We'll be in the kitchen area," I said and pulled Rachel with me. "Oh by the way, how long are you staying? I assume that you are by the overnight bag."
"She's so smart, isn't she Rachel," she teased me.
Rachel threw her hands up in defeat.
"Smartass," I said as I blew her kiss.
She pretended to grab it and smack it on her butt.
"Oh no she didn't…" I said in shock.
Rachel laughed loudly. "You two," she said and held her stomach from laughing.
~ Becky ~
I called Noah after Santana and Rachel left the area.
"Becky," he said after he picked it up on the first ring.
"Hi, Baby, just wanted to make sure you knew I got here safely. Thanks for dropping me off," I said.
"Did you have trouble with finding it?"
"Nope. I wrote the address down and handed it to the cab driver and then held on for dear life," I said and chuckled.
"That's great, honey. Are they excited for us?"
"Hey, ladies, are you excited for us," I screamed to Santana and Rachel who jolted up from the loudness.
"Hellz yeah!" Santana yelled back just as loudly.
"Yes, we are. Do we need to yell though?" Rachel asked pointedly.
"Sorry," I yelled at her.
Santana snickered. And Noah laughed.
Rachel threw her hands onto her hips and pretended to stomp off.
"I love you," I said to Noah.
"I love you too, Becky. Tomorrow when you get on the train let me know and I'll come for ya," he said.
"My hero!"
"Fuck, I hope so," he said and chuckled.
"Noah, language! I gotta go. Love you to Reese pieces," I said, blew him a kiss over the phone, and hung up.
~ Rachel ~
"I gotta go, I have a summer class. Becky, I leave you in…capable hands!"
"Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence…" Santana said. I kissed her on the cheek.
"Have fun…and don't worry we won't burn down the apartment," Becky teased to which Santana cackled.
"Oh boy," I said as I closed the door.
~ Santana ~
"What cha wanna do," I asked Becky.
"I know it's the middle of summer, but I could go for a hot chocolate," she said and smiled.
"Grab your stuff and let's go then," I said as I ran to get my purse and then headed to the door.
Once we got to Rockefeller Center we found a coffee shop and went inside. Once we ordered and took a seat, she took a sip and said, "Wow! That's hot!"
"Why thank you," I said and smiled.
"Haha!"
"Hehe! I know what you meant," I said.
She put the cup down and asked, "Hey, San…"
"Yeah, babe?"
"I'd like you to be my maid/matron/whatever of Honor, if you're cool with that," she said shyly.
I placed my cup down, got up, and started to do a happy dance.
"Um, why are you dancing," she said through her smile.
"Cuz I'd love to do that for you," I said excitedly. Then I walked over to give her a hug.
"Oh, that's good," she said.
"Who's the boy pickin'?" I asked.
"You better sit down for this one…"
I immediately sat down.
"Karofsky!"
I had taken a small sip and when she told me who Puck had chosen I spat the liquid out.
"Karofsky?"
"Yeah," she said.
"Are you okay with that?"
"Yea, I actually am. They made up a few days after Graduation. More importantly, Karofsky apologized to me, which was all Noah wanted anyway," she said with a sincere smile.
"Wow. I guess that's cool. When is it?"
"The end of the month," she said.
My head shot up and I asked, "This month?"
"Yes, this month," she said and smiled, "We're going very casual. Bring your own dress whatever you have in a solid color and your own shoes. Santana, I just want to marry him, and I don't care where we get married. Oh that's gonna be at City Hall."
"Can I help chip in?" I asked sincerely.
"I could never ask you to do that," she said.
"You didn't ask," I pointed out.
"Santana, all I'm asking from you is your love, support, and a listening ear," she asked.
"You've got it," I said as I reached across the table and grabbed her hand, "Always!"
~ Noah ~
I fixed my tie for about the tenth time that day. It just didn't look right. I also combed my hair as I tried to get it just right. Boy, I'm turning into a girl so quickly. Hey, who could blame me when I was about to marry my best friend. On top of that, I have four female friends who I knew I could count on no matter what.
I was so excited for that day. I wasn't nervous at all because I knew that I'd be able to provide and be the type of husband that Becky deserved. I promised myself that I'd always take care of her and that she'd never have to worry about anything.
Some people might have thought that I took on something I couldn't handle…a woman with "special needs". Even though I've always known that Becky's "different" I've never seen her like that. And that is most likely why she agreed to be my wife. I don't see her short comings. Becky has always been and will always be the prettiest woman in the world to me.
Just then there was a knock on the private room in the courthouse. My Mom opened the door and walked in. she saw me standing there in my suit and tie.
"You look so good," she said as she walked up to me and readjusted my tie.
"Thank you, Mom." I said and kissed her cheek.
"I am so proud of you, Noah," she said, "You ready?"
I didn't answer her. I just walked to the door and held it open for her. Once we got to the room where my wedding ceremony would be held, I walked with my Mom on my arm down the little aisle that was made. Everyone's attention was on me. I saw Brittany and Quinn smile in my direction. I even noticed a little baby bump on Quinn. This made me beam with happiness at her. My brother sat in the front row on my side and took a photo of my Mom and me walking down the aisle.
I looked at the other row of chairs. I saw Becky's Mom wipe away a falling tear. I smiled at her and she returned the smile. I saw Rachel sitting in the row behind her. Rachel gave me the thumbs up sign. Then I saw Coach Sylvester give me a grin which surprised me somewhat. When I got up to the judge he smiled at me. He looked like he remembered me from a long time ago. Instead of his usual frown he grinned widely at me. Then I saw Dave Karofsky. It's funny; ya know…sometimes you wanna hurt people who hurt you or the person you care for. But if you give the person who was wrong an opportunity to explain things can be resolved. I'm so very glad that we talked after Graduation.
My Mom removed her arm from mine and I kissed her cheek again. She then went to sit down next to my brother.
Dave walked up to me and shook my hand. He gave me that "man hug" which was a high five and half a hug. He quickly whispered, "Thank you!" I smiled at him.
All of the sudden the loudspeaker began to blast an instrumental wedding march. The door opened and Santana began to glide down the aisle. Once she got to me, she smiled and said, "Treat her right!"
I nodded. She then stood off to the side as everyone stood up. That was when I saw my wife, Becky, walk down the aisle with her father. Becky looked radiant with her blonde hair and sparkling green eyes shone brightly as she confidentially walked to me. There was no hesitation in her step or frown on her face. I'll always love her for that.
~ Santana ~
As I watched one of my best friends get married to her high school sweetheart, I thought back to when we became friends. Becky has taught me so much about life. She taught me how to be a good person to those I care for. She's taught me perseverance and that it's okay to fall down as long as you pick yourself up. Becky's friendship meant the world to me. I guess it's just the type of person she is, warm, caring, friendly, and positive. She may have limitations, but she doesn't see them as that.
When she needed Noah's ring, I handed it to her with a smile. I was happy for them both. It goes to show that you can't judge a book by only its cover. It's important to look inside and see who the person really is.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Noah you may now kiss your bride," the judge announced.
Puck got closer to Becky, picked her up, and kissed her happily. Then he spun them both around a couple of time.
Once he put her back on the floor, the judge said, "Help me welcome for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Puckerman!"
With that the room exploded with applause. Noah and Becky held their hands up triumphantly as they walked out the courtroom with Karofsky and I following behind.
Quinn, Brittany, Rachel, Becky, and Puck will always defend me because I'll always defend them!
Second Author's Note: Thank you for reading "I'll Defend You If You'll Defend Me?" I truly appreciate all of the favorites, follows, and reviews this story got. It was a labor of love that helped me sort out my life in ways. I hope you enjoyed this final chapter. Please let me know what you liked about the entire story or just about your favorite chapter, if you had one.
Please keep an eye out for my next writing endeavor! Thank you.