It was the next evening, and Quinn decided to start her walk a little earlier, in hopes of spending some more time with Santana.
She felt her anticipation build, as she rounded the curve that led to the pond. She hesitated as Santana came into view. She felt slightly awkward for some reason. Sure, she and Santana had known each other their whole lives, but the current vibe between them was new.
Quinn started walking forward again and approached Santana, who was in her same spot as yesterday.
"Hi," Quinn said softly as she sat down next to her. Santana looked up and smiled softly at her, a genuine Santana smile-not the fake smiles she flashed in the halls of McKinley.
"Hey. How's it going?"
"Pretty uneventful-this is the most exciting thing I've done lately." Quinn said, playing with a blade of grass.
"Same here, you are about the only company I can stand in this town." Santana said with a huff.
Quinn paused and bit her lip before approaching a touchy subject.
"Are you not even hanging out with Brittany?"
"No. She and Artie are back together." Santana said stiffly, avoiding any eye contact.
"I'm sorry." Quinn said, and Santana shrugged.
"With Brittany it's always either really intense...or nothing. I can't have the calm, in between times with her. Not like I can with…." Santana trailed off.
"Rachel?" Quinn jested, and Santana rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, right. Not like I can with—you. I mean I know we have had our bumps, but I have missed these days—where we just hang out. It's uncomplicated."
"What is it like—kissing a girl?" Quinn asked abruptly and Santana's eyes widened.
After a pause, Santana took a deep breath, and Quinn thought she might have seen a hint of a blush.
"It's soft and yet passionate, and there is more depth to it, than any guy I have ever kissed. It's a totally different kind of connection." Santana said dreamily.
Quinn was feeling slightly uncomfortable, as she had felt her body heat rise as Santana talked. Where did all these thoughts and feelings come from? She stood up quickly.
"I've got to run-I forgot I told my Mom I would pick up some things from the store." Quinn said the first thing that came to her mind, while Santana looked at her puzzled.
"Did I make you uncomfortable-I'm sorry, I thought I was just answering your question." Santana said looking concerned, and rose to her feet.
Quinn backed a step away and Santana froze.
"Do you think I'm contagious or something? That I am going to affect you with 'my affliction'?" Santana asked. She didn't appear mad, just hurt.
Quinn shook her head no. "I just….I just can't be around you. It hurts to breathe and I feel like I'm out of my mind." Quinn said and turned, jogging off. She missed Santana's face softening and the sparkle that appeared in her eyes.
"Quinn, wait!" Santana called, but Quinn only ran faster.