Okay here's another update. I know it wasn't really fast but at least it didn't take as long as the last. I'm really trying to get these things done quicker.
Thank you to all of you who put this on alert or favorite. I'm really amazed and crazy happy every single time!
Special thanks to crazyfornaya, Ms. , and Snixx22 for reviewing! :)
Oh and I'm sorry for any mistakes but it's 6:30 in the morning and I kind of feel like my proof reading skill is just not working right now.
Disclaimer: Nothing Glee related is mine.
It is official. Santana feels like an ox. She has been working like crazy these past three weeks. She managed to get an appointment in court against Kyle's plea to get into an Asylum. Now that she had a chance to counter his plea she was determined to get through with this. She wasn't sure how everything would unfold once the hearing starts and if she really needed a witness. She had two days until then and her nervousness made her go into overdrive. She lived of coffee and about four hours of sleep every night. She tried to look fine but the bags under her eyes betrayed her. Quinn had been with her almost every night for a few hours to bring her plea to perfection.
Quinn would be with her in court but Santana was determined to bring her plea to the judge and the jury. Quinn was only supposed to intervene when she was losing. Santana had her pride but she would never let it get in the way to make sure Kyle got the sentence he deserved.
Brittany on the other hand was working hard in her own way. Danny had brought home a human sized hug doll to help her initiate contact and deal with her issues of being touched.
At first she laughed at him but she soon realized that she had still a lot of issues to work on. Her first task was to hug the inanimate doll but as soon as she wrapped hr arms around the doll it started to hug her back engulfing her in it's mechanic arms. At one point she wasn't sure if it really happened or if it was the rising panic in her throat but she felt as if the doll had groped her ass that's when she lost it. Before her flashed images of Kyle lying on top her her, she felt helpless cornered and just had to flee. She fought off the doll and sat down on the ground legs pushed up and her arms tightly holding on to them. Danny was by her side immediately "Brittany calm down everything is okay you are safe here. That's just a doll. It can't hurt you." his voice was calm and soothing and helped the blonde to control her fast breathing.
Once she had calmed down enough Danny spoke again. "What's wrong? I thought hugging was okay? I mean you were fine hugging Santana." Brittany looked up at Danny and he saw how disshelved and vulnerable she looked. "I guess it's just that I trust San more than anyone else." She took deep breaths to steady herself.
"It's fine Brittany. No one thought you would just go and jump people after everything. And well that's what I'm here for. To help you get over that. So why did you panic just now?"
"When the doll hugged back there were just all these images of Kyle and me being helpless and trapped beneath him. I just saw red and needed to get away. It wasn't even a real conscious decision. It was just like that time with Santana on the blanket. You know when I lay down with her and snuggled up to her but when she tried to snake her arm around me and grazed my thigh I just lost it and leapt away from her."
Danny nodded understandingly at her. He extended his hand and put it on Brittany's back. When she didn't flinch away he rubbed soothing circles on her back. "Do you mind that?" he asked softly and the blonde nodded her head. No.
"I know these touches can really trigger unwanted memories that we want to bury so deep we'll never find them again. But that's just not how it works. What I can promise you is that when you heal these memories won't be triggered as often and in time they'll vanish and may only surface in extreme situations. And until then I have a task for you. Whenever you hug or touch someone and those images appear take a deep breath and really think about the situation and the person touching you. Try to look past the bad and see how the individual makes you feel. If the feeling is good enjoy it and if not separate as fast as you can. You think you can do that?" His hand was still rubbing circles on her back and he felt that the ragged breathing had stopped and Brittany was breathing evenly again.
"Yeah I guess I mean I basically have to get rid of the bad images and focus on the feelings that are present?" He wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement so Danny nodded his head encouragingly. When Brittany lowered her head again he feared she might be reconsidering but within two seconds the blonde was on her feet smiling down at him. "Come on lazy bones. I want to get my cuddle on." He laughed at her attempt to without a doubt imitate Santana's ghetto accent. Brittany offered him her hand and he gratefully took it. The pair made their way over to the hug doll again. Time for round two.
Quinn was sitting in her office. She had been observing Santana this past week and realized that she looked more tired every day. The bags under her eyes got darker and she looked even more drowsy each passing day. The hearing really was taking it's toll on her. She should know almost every night Santana dragged her over to her apartment for a quick check up on the plea she was about to give. Santana needed a time out. Quinn knew what she had to do. As Santana made her way out of the office at 5:30 Quinn intercepted her.
"Where do you think you are going?" she asked the brunette. Santana really wasn't in the mood to talk to Quinn. She needed to head to the diner she had a shift from six to midnight and didn't want to come in late.
"Not time Q. I have to be on my way." Quinn grabbed Santana's wrist just as she wanted to pass her by.
"Not tonight. Tonight you and me are going to go out." Santana's eyes widened. Quinn could be very persistent when she wanted to take Santana out. She needed to find a plausible excuse. And that fast.
"Q I'd love to but I can't. I have to go to the tire shop you know? Getting the tires changed and stuff." Santana mentally congratulated herself. Her excuse did not only sound kind of on spot but Quinn had no idea about anything when it came to cars. She could tell her almost everything and she would believe her.
"Well take it there tomorrow then. Come on Satan I'm not gonna give up that easily. Go out with me!" Santana sighed. If this goes on any longer she will be late.
"You know I can't. Tomorrow is the last day before the hearing and I have to arrange my stuff and meet up with Mike."
"Santana that's even more reason for you to go out. Try to focus on something else for a change. You need this night off. I mean I can drive you around tomorrow if that helps the whole car matter."
This was getting ridiculous. Quinn would really be her driver for the day just to get her a night off. This whole set up smelled fishy.
"Okay Fabray spit it out. What's really going on here?" Santana looked at her half accusing half challenging.
Quinn never one to back down from a fight countered " Well why don't you enlighten me and tell me the real reason you can't go out with me tonight Lopez?" Santana was shocked for a moment. Quinn couldn't know about the diner.
"What do you mean Q? I just told you I have .." Quinn shook her head, disappointed with Santana
"go to the tire shop." the blonde finished for her friend.
"Do you really think I believe that?"
"Yeah I do because it's the truth!" Santana's face was a light shade of red and she started to bite her lip slightly. A sign that she was lying or at least hiding something.
"For the love of god I know San okay? I know and if you ask yourself if I'm angry and disappointed because you didn't tell me fucking hell I'm furious!" Quin all but shouted at Santana who seemed to have shrunken an inch or two under the blondes furious gaze.
"How did you find out?" Santana squeaked out not meeting Quinn's hazel eyes.
"I noticed that you are always tired and when i cam by your apartment last week you weren't there. The old lady from next door was there and we chatted a bit and she said you have been working like a maniac at your new job." Santana mumbled something that sounded like "that old chattering hag." but Quinn continued. "When I asked her what new job she said something about a diner or a cafe because you always wear a shirt and matching apron or something. That's how I knew something was going on and then all I had to do was follow you to get me t "T-Dog's Diner". Really lever Santana no one would enter that biker diner."
Santana was speechless. She felt embarrassed that Quinn had called her out on her shit like that and angry at herself. When she saw the disappointed look in Quinn's face. Because really beside Brittany Quinn is the person she trusts the most.
"I'm sorry Quinn. It's just that I really wanted to make ends meet for Britt and me. I knew if I told you you would have lent me money or raised my paycheck or something but I wanted to do this myself. What good am I as a girlfriend when i can't even get us through a tough time? You know B is for me my family. And one should be able to provide for ones family." Santana looked up at Quinn ready to face her hard glare but instead she saw soft and teary eyes look down at her.
"You stupid idiot" cried Quinn as she pulled Santana in for a tight hug. "Britt and I we are practically sisters and you are my best friend. Both of you are family to me. So don't think you can't talk to me because I want to make sure that my family is well too. I love you guys so much." Santana was now crying holding Quinn tightly. She couldn't imagine a better friend than Quinn and no one more worthy to be part of her and Britts family. She mumbled "We love you too" into Quinn's neck before separating herself from the blonde.
"But seriously Q if you knew that I have to work today why did you ask me out?" Quinn smirked.
"Well Auntie Q here talked to your boss and convinced him to give you the night off."
"How the hell did you do that? He's pretty strict about that."
"Oh I just might have promised him that you'll show him your boobs. No biggie." To say Santana was shocked was the understatement of the year. Her face morphed. Her eyes were open wide her mouth hung open and her eyebrows were scrunched together. Quinn couldn't contain her laughter at the sight before her.
" You have what? Lucy Quinn Fabray I hope you now that you are dead meat." At the mention of her full name Quinn cringed.
"Chillax Lopez. I just promised him to come back with some female friends another time. Your boobs are safe." Santana's face visibly relaxed. " Seriously don't scare me like that ever again. Who knows what he would have to my girls if he saw them in all their glory." Her face already already sported a smirk again and she hooked her arm with Quinn's.
"So if you made a deal with the devil to get me free for one night we should put it to good use. Let's go get our drink on." she pulled Quinn out by the arm and tried to hail a cab ,"and just so you know you will sit down with me and look over the plea again tomorrow as you are responsible for me slacking off today." Quinn sighed, shook her head and laughed.
"Wouldn't have it any other way Lopez. Now get your ass in gear. I want to have fun tonight."
Two hours later both girls were sitting in a both laughing hysterically. They were both nursing their third cocktail and slightly tipsy. They were at a bar near Santana's apartment. They couldn't even remember the name. It was something like 'Joe's' or 'John's' ? A typical name for a typical bar. The bar was in the far left corner of the bar. There was a small stage with a guy playing soft tunes on his guitar. There were tables littering the floor and some booths by the wall. One currently occupied by Santana and Quinn.
"And seriously" Quinn's laugh getting louder "he called me, you know Puck and said he ended things with Lauren and said I could now handle her like any other of my employees. Though he said I shouldn't fire her just because it's over whatever THAT was but well her work was insufficient and only Puck's protection made me keep her." Santana was now full on laughing. "Let me guess Q you are going to play poacher hunting your white office rhino ?"
That comment made Quinn break out in laughter again. "Well I have something like that in mind." She smiled mischievously and her eyes trail of a little bit to the left of Santana's head. It's just a second but Santana notices the stare and looks over and sees a tall, muscular blonde guy looking over to them staring back at Quinn.
"What's up with you eye-sexing blondie over there Q?" Quinn's head snaps up to Santana her cheeks gaining a rosy color. She was clearly embarrassed for being caught.
"I wasn't eye-sexing him. But he has been looking over for quiet some time and gosh come on Santana I know you are like gay to the point you puke rainbows but you have to admit hat he looks hot." Santana rolled her eyes in typical fashion before shooting back "Well if he is so hot then I have only two things to say to you flatten your belly and push your breasts out." The response was an immediate collision of Quinn's fist with her arm. "Not funny S. And even if he was the hottest guy on earth it's girls night out today I'm not gonna leave you here for blonde underwear model at the bar." Santana had to suppress a chuckle Quinn eyed this guy like she eyed bacon. Kind of hungry. It wouldn't surprise her if she started drooling a little.
"Let me get this straight I'm Santana fucking Lopez not some lame cock blocking friend. So Q swing your snow white ass over there and talk to him. If he is a total douche I'll help you out otherwise rub you earlobe and I'll go home." Quinn still eyed her unsure. "Really Quinn just go for it. You have earned a night of fun and really I'm tired so let me just get to my bad please?" Again still wanted opened her mouth to protest so Santana quickly added " Seriously Quinn how long has it been since you got laid? I bet there are spider webs between your legs so go over there now." When she saw Quinn's eyebrows crunch together Santana knew she had won this round. Quinn just flipped her off and made her way over to the blonde guy.
Santana eyed the two of them talking, throwing shy glances at each other. Quinn was pulling the shy girl. Playing with her her, give him the puppy eyes and sometimes she would look down for a moment as if embarrassed and then focus her hazel Bambi orbs on the guy again. It didn't take long for Quinn to discretely rub her earlobe indicating Santana that she could go home.
Santana took her time finishing her cocktail, paying and making her way outside.
Santana enjoyed the clean air outside. It was a nice clear evening. She briefly thought about hailing a cab which would make her way home faster but at a night as nice as this one she decided to walk home. This little night out with Quinn was really nice. She had for the first time since she took that case not thought of it. She was enjoying herself letting loose. Sure tomorrow the whole anxiety over this case would return but tonight she knew she would sink into her bed and get a good nights rest before life would catch up to her soon enough.
Santana woke up to a steady pounding in her head. Puff. Puff. Puff. Like a pulse it was steady but unlike it it wasn't her lifeline but more of a torture line in her head. She really needed some aspirin. A nice relaxing shower and two aspirins later Santana stood in her bedroom looking over at her phone.
She had three messages. The first one was from Danny telling her that Britt was fine and asking her to call later that day. The second one was from Mike telling her that they would meet at 13.30 in cafe they met last time. The last text made her smile. It was from Quinn: Santana you are a bitch but thank you for pressuring me to talk to Jason yesterday. We had a really good time. Call me later. -Q
Quinn seemed so excited. But for now she had other things to focus on. Her clock read 12:48 so she had to get going. She didn't want to leave Mike waiting. She dressed casually in black jeans, a red hoodie and putting her favorite jacket and a pair of converse on.
She arrived early at the cafe which was quiet busy at the moment. She made her way though the rows to the booth Mike and herself had occupied the last time. She ordered a coffee and waited. She knew she was early but her nervousness made her go come over pretty fast. She really intended to keep Mike out of everything if possible but she knew there was a chance she might need him. The judge or the jury might want to hear from a first hand witness to confirm the psychological attest a neutral psychologist made. And I that case he was crucial to her success. To say she felt bad was an understatement. Seeing Mike so guarded, tense and still kind of broken when he talked about all the things that happened tight knots up her throat. It was just so damn important to have someone to support her plea if possible and Mike was her only hope. She couldn't drag Brittany into this and risk a relapse but she was sure she wouldn't find another person willing to do this. All her hopes rested on Mike Chang.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by a hand on her shoulder. She jumped up and turned around and looked into warm, guarded brown eyes.
"Hey Santana. Sorry for the wait." he said while sitting down opposite her.
"No it's okay Mike. Actually I'm just early so you are perfectly on time." she smiled timidly at him which her returned. It was soon obvious to both Santana and Mike that smiling only got them so far. It was heading into the dangerous awkward direction. One of them had to start and to Santana's surprise it was Mike who spoke first.
"Okay Santana let's just cut the chase. These past days I really thought about our conversation and what you asked of me. I'm really sorry that I called you last minute like this." Santana hung on his every word and quickly replied "No problem. I know I'm asking for a lot." and motioned to him with a small nod to continue. Mike smiled shakily at her.
"Actually you aren't asking for a lot. I mean I have the chance to make sure that Kyle get's his rightful punishment. I know I will feel uncomfortable sitting in the same room and telling random people what happened to me. To the others." To Britt. Santana thinks. " But I should thank you. You give me an opportunity to take action against him. When he came into the studio I was helpless, just another victim. I couldn't do anything. Not to help the others. Not to help Brittany. Hell I couldn't even help myself. But now you give me the chance to stand up to him on fair grounds. To really do something. It might come too late for those who didn't make it but it will give those others relief. And I know I would never forgive myself if I let this opportunity slip by." Santana was speechless so all she did was look at Mike while he continued.
"If you had asked me a few months ago I know I would have been too much for me to handle. That's probably why you want to keep Britt from all of this. But now I'm ready." As soon as these words left Mikes mouth Santana felt as if half of the world had been lifted off of her shoulders. She felt her eyes well up with tears. But not only because she now had her witness. No her heart went out to Mike. He was so focused, loyal and honorable. He wanted to fight. But not only for himself. He wanted to fight for everyone Kyle ever hurt and for anyone who could be victim to him again. Who said you had to watch movies to see strong men fighting against evil masterminds? If Mike wasn't the bravest and strongest guy than who was? Ready to face his nightmares head on. Santana was left speechless, all she could do was stand up and tackle Mike in a hug. He was surprised but hugged back quickly.
After a few seconds she whispered "Thank you so much." against his strong chest. Mike gently pulled out of her grasp to look her in the eyes. He was smiling.
"What are you smiling for?" she quickly went back to her cocky self after she just threw her whole body at Mike.
" No really thank you Santana." The brunette tilted her head slightly to the side confused.
"What exactly for really?"
"For fighting for us." Santana blushed under his gentle gaze. His eyes were less guarded and shone thankful and proud at her.
"Well.. I mean Britt is.. " she stammered until he interrupted her.
"I know you only started this because of Brittany but if you win this case you'll help all the victims. The one's that survived will sleep tight knowing he is behind bars and the families of the one's that died can perhaps start to move on knowing the one taking their loved one didn't get away with it just like that. And just so you know I believe that if one of us got up to you with this case even if Brittany wasn't involved you would have tried to help."
Santana was left baffled. She knew Mike was right. She wanted to become a lawyer to help people and be sure justice was served. But she was really moved that he thought so much of her. It made her chest fill with pride. The only other people who constantly saw the best in her were Brittany and Quinn.
"If you need anything Mike please let me know. Don't hesitate to ask." They smiled at each other again and this time it wasn't timid and nothing was awkward.
"Sorry Santana but I really have to go now. I have to teach a class in 15 minutes. Do you need us to meet up before the hearing or anything?" She contemplated his question for a second. All they could want from him was his witness story and maybe some details how he perceived Kyle before he came to gun them down.
"No just have your story about the shooting and perhaps some things about how Kyle behaved in general ready. But don't worry we'll do a short briefing at court."
"Okay just text me the time again later. I kind of lost the note I made. So I'll see you tomorrow at court." Santana quickly went in to hug him again before he made his way out of the cafe. She needed to call Quinn to go over the plea again but first things first. She sat back down and pulled out her phone and dialed the number she knew by heart by now.
Danny was sitting in the living room. Brittany and him were watching TV and she just went into the kitchen to make some hot chocolate. When his phone rang and he saw the caller Id he answered immediately.
"Hey Santana."
"Hi Danny I got your text what's up?" Danny shifted slightly and looked to the door just to make sure Brittany wasn't here yet.
"Just wanted to ask if everything is ready for tomorrow? Did Mike agree to be witness?" He whispered down the line.
" Yeah he is. I'm so glad he agreed. Why are you whispering?" Danny looked to the door again just to make sure no one was there.
"Well Brittany is in the kitchen. And since this is all about keeping Brittany out of this case I thought it wouldn't be in our interest if I risked talking too loud. But if you would like I could scream down the phone and ask you out about every little detail about the Kyle-Case tomorrow" he smirked a bit.
"Really funny Danny. I know you are right you are only cautious. So I really have to call Quinn now. You know to get together one last time and work on the plea. It has to be waterproof."
"Yeah sure. Santana I trust you that Kyle will get what he deserves so I won't wish you good luck. Just call or text me when it's done." Santana smiled.
"I will." As Danny hung up he turned his head again. He was kind of paranoid that Brittany could hear anything. He didn't see anything and let his body slouch on the couch relived. If he had turned his head earlier he would have seen a wide eyed Brittany standing in the door who wanted to ask him if he wanted any marshmallows in his hot chocolate.
A/N: So Britt knows now? What will happen? A friend of mine had a great idea that I'll try to work in so stay tuned. And please feel free to review :)