You guys rock. All of your reviews made me smile- I braced myself for negative ones and they didn't come, so that was a very pleasant surpise. I'll talk later, on with the story.
"I adore you," I smiled shyly.
"I admire you," she replied easily.
"I'm going to puke," Bree said in a faux loving tone.
"I'm about to hurl," Zizes added.
"Screw you guys," Santana flipped them off without looking.
"Seriously, you guys are way too lovey dovey," Tina grumbled. Santana looked at her.
"Finally come up for air, asian persuasion?" She quipped.
"Whatever. We make out. We don't coo at each other."
"You tell her, beautiful," Mike smiled proudly.
"Aw, thanks baby," Tina turned to kiss him. Santana put her index finger in front of her mouth and pretended to gag, so I bumped her playfully.
"Since when did this become the couples resort?" Noah asked. He held up some rolled brown paper. "First?" He asked Santana. I saw her swallow, but shake her head.
"I'm good."
"Whoa!" Mike hollered.
"No, no way. You're fucking with me," Noah smiled cheekily.
"Does anyone have a camera? A phone? This needs documentation," Mike joked. Santana scoffed.
"Fuck you guys," she said. "I uh," she glanced at me, "I don't need it." I smiled lovingly and pressed a kiss to her jaw. It's Thursday. Other than completely avoiding my friends, bar Brittany, ignoring the blatant stares, and having to save JBI from getting his ass kicked by Santana, this week has been golden. Not to mention sex with Santana. I'm pretty sure she's the only person I want to do that with, for the rest of forever.
Noah and Zizes started to make kissing noises at us, so I took them by surprise and said, "Piss off," with a laugh. They hollered louder, saying something about welcoming to the dark side.
Exchanging 'I adore you' and 'I admire you' when we part is another thing. It's mostly whispered, because San wants to keep her "reputation" in tact. We say them like 'I love yous'. But it's too soon. I mean, we just had sex two days ago. Just went public four days ago. But technically, I've been living with her for about a month. So we're a little backwards. I wouldn't change it. But, if I could save my favorite high heels from the fire, I would. So, I'd change a tiny bit of it.
After school, we decided to surprise Rhys and Leo. An impromptu trip to the Zoo sounded pleasant- to the boys anyway. I don't like the stench of flamingos, and Santana doesn't like to be around people. But, since our move is looking very likely, we're giving them as much time together as possible.
"I want to see the birds," Rhys said. "Their wings are awesome! I wish I could fly."
"Not all birds can fly," Leo said to cheer him up, "penguins are awesome too. They swim really good."
"That's true," Rhys tugged kicked the back of my seat gently to get my attention. "Can we see the penguins?"
Santana let out an exasperated sigh. "If the car up front wants to stop being a jackass anytime soon, maybe we'll actually get to the zoo. Use your blinker next time, asshole!" She called out.
"San," I said tentatively.
"Sorry," she mumbled. Just when I thought things were going to get calm, someone behind us honk. Santana promptly rolled down her window and stuck her middle finger out. "Get bent!" She shouted before rolling it back up. She glanced at me and frowned. "Sorry," she said under her breath. Leo and Rhys started to laugh, and eventually, Santana cracked a smile. "I have rage," she shrugged.
"Big time," Leo chuckled.
"Maybe someone should've taught them how to drive-"
"Or maybe, I should drive next time," I smiled teasingly.
Santana was about to say something cheeky, I could see it on her face. But someone completely cut her off, so she slammed her hand on the horn. At least, she meant to. She's kind of small, so only a teeny little beep came out. "La puta que te parió!"
"What'd she say?" Rhys whispered to Leo, just loud enough for us to hear.
"Beats me," the little boy shrugged in return. "San, what's that mean?"
"The bitch that birthed-" Santana replied without missing a beat, but I stopped her.
"Something that should not be repeated," I said sternly.
"I swear on everything, none of these pelotudos in Lima know how to fucking drive," she mumbled.
"I see it! I see the sign!" Rhys said excitedly.
"Just so you guys know, once we've hit the 30 minute mark, we're going home. I'm not going to spend all night looking for a parking spot."
"She's just messing," I said as I turned to face the boys, "we'll stay as long as it takes."
"Whatever," she shrugged. "But we're seeing the lions first," she said with a wink. My face flushed as I sat back in my seat. "Whats up Quinnie?" She practically purred. "Cat's got your tongue?"
"I'm good," I said lowly. She smirked, and I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug little look off of her face.
"Okay, that's it, first one to spot a churro stand gets 20 dollars," Santana said, clearly exasperated. After looking at a few animals, she got a little agitated. That was when I learned something new about her. If she couldn't smoke, and she was having one of her moods, she needed a churro. Or someone would get hurt. And since both of us know that someone wouldn't be me or the boys, we had to find a churro for the safety of others.
"Come on, look harder, we'll split it so we can both get the stuffed monkeys," Leo said to Rhys. Santana unlinked our hands and wrapped her arm around my waist.
"Babe," she said.
"Hm?"
"It smells like shit. We couldn't have taken them to the park or something?"
I laughed. "Come on, grouch, let's find you a-"
"Churros!" Rhys shouted as he pointed his finger. And just like that, Santana's hand was in mine again, her other in Leo's, who was holding Rhys's. Apparently, Leo ran off in the Zoo a few years ago, and it was traumatizing. The kindergarten system soothes Santana's nerves, so we're all linked up. But that doesn't help the fact that she's practically sprinting to the stand, and dragging us along.
"Three churros," Santana said, slightly out of breath.
"Four," I said, knowing that the three were all for her.
"I want one too!" Leo added.
"Me too!"
Santana grumbled something under her breath, before plastering on a fake smile. "Five churros," she said. She let go of our hands to dig into her pockets for her wallet. After she put the money down on the counter, the man handed us all our churros. "Heaven sent," she mumbled after smelling them. I chuckled and rolled my eyes
"Let's find a bench," I suggested. We did so, but Rhys and Leo insisted on sitting on the floor in front of us. Santana and I sat, one of her legs draped across mine. I ate mine slowly, but all of her churros were gone. "I'm glad we came," I smiled.
"Me too," she grinned.
"Pardon," someone said. We looked at the stranger, a random older lady. "You make a lovely family."
I giggled lightly and glanced at the boys, then at Santana. "Thanks," she said genuinely.
"Young love. When did you two meet?"
"High school," Santana continued.
"And you've been together ever since? You can tye the knot now, you know," the lady winked. "My son is gay. He's still in high school. Just came out. I figured with the bow ties and hair gel and what not, it was obvious."
"Oh?" That sounds familiar…
"Brought a boyfriend home and everything," she chuckled. "Anyway, I wish you and your family the best."
"Have a nice day," Santana said, she sounded just as shocked as I was. When the lady walked away, we looked at each other questioningly.
"She thought they were our kids," I said, more to myself than to Santana.
"I'm too young to be a mom," Santana said, her eyebrows furrowed. "You're totally carrying our kids by the way."
"What? No way-"
"Well I'm not doing it, I trust you more," she said honestly. Wait. We're talking about kids? I mean sure, I've thought about kids before. Two story house, picket fence and all, but I haven't thought of that with a girl. Now I have a girl.
"She thought you were mom?" Leo asked, his nose all scrunched. "But moms, like, 40."
"My point exactly," Santana nodded.
Rhys shrugged. "People think Quinn's my mom all the time."
"I, for one, have never met a mother with pink hair," I defended myself, but I wasn't really sure why I felt like I should.
"And I've never met lesbian mothers, but here we are," Santana jested.
"San?" Leo asked tentatively.
"Yes?"
"Can we have that 20 dollars now?"
The drive back was pretty quiet. The boys were asleep in the back, the radio was on low. I held Santana's right hand.
"I fucking love this song," she said as she turned up the radio. "Classic."
They tried to make me go to rehab but I said, 'No, no, no.'
Yes, I've been black but when I come back you'll know, know, know
I ain't got the time and if my daddy thinks I'm fine
He's tried to make me go to rehab but I won't go, go, go
I listened as she sung along, and quickly decided that she has the best voice I've ever heard. When the song was through, she turned the radio back down. Santana hates the word 'fine.' She loves churros. She has terrible road rage. She can sing. I keep on learning new things about her that make me want her even more.
"I think Glee club would be lucky to have you," I told her. She scoffed.
"Damn right they would. Their pet Berry use to bug me about it all the time. Somehow she got into a party and heard me sing when I was drunk," she said. "It just sounds pretty lame."
"Well, I think I'm going to tell Berry that they can sing at the Formal," I said nonchalantly. I saw her eye me for a second before shrugging. "Are you going?"
"I figured I'd just go to watch you get crowned, threaten to kill Sam when they say the King and Queen have to dance, then take you home. Get or mack on," she shrugged. I bumped her arm playfully. "But that's only if you're going."
"I dunno, I kind of want to hear Noah sing."
"We can stop by their club tomorrow. What time do you have practice?"
"Sue's on maternity leave. You haven't noticed?"
"That Dino's having baby?"
"Mhm," I nodded.
"With who's vagina?" She chuckled. "We'll stop by Glee club tomorrow. But don't get any ideas."
"Like I want to be in that club? I haven't changed that much," I assured her.
I cleared my throat. "My name is Quinn Fabray, and I'll be singing So Far Away by Carole King."
...GLEE!
Fucking Noah Puckerman. Santana and I didn't walk in with the intention of auditioning. We should have known when we walked in before us and told us to count to five before going in. They clapped when we walked in, hand in hand.
"What'd you do?" Santana glared at her friend.
He shrugged. "Nothing much."
"Santana, can I just say, I'm so glad that you finally came around-" Rachel started, but Santana held her hand up.
"I'm not joining," she deadpanned. "How do you talk so quickly?"
"But- but Noah said-"
"Noah lied," Santana scoffed. I actually felt kind of bad. They all looked dejected, even Mr. Schuester.
"Actually," I started, and refrained from rolling my eyes when they all lit up, "I was thinking about-"
"Don't think," Mr. Schuester said, "just, go for it." He smiled so hopefully, that this time I just went ahead and rolled my eyes. No adult should be so adamant about some stupid club thing. I looked at Santana, who was eyeing me like I was crazy. I guess I seemed it. Reluctantly, she walked to the front and center seat. I think I know the girl who sits there, something Jones. She's the one who got the tater tots back at Mckinley!
"Um, that's not how things roll in here. We're equal," Mercedes said as she crossed her arms.
"I need to be up front, Aretha," Santana glanced at me and smiled softly. "my girl's performing." After hesitating for a few seconds, Mercedes got up.
"Only because I think it's pretty cool that you guys are out. But that's all," Mercedes pointed. Santana gave her a smug grin before plopping down in the chair and crossing her legs under her like a child.
I smiled and cleared my throat. "So how does the whole music thing work?"
"We usually just start singing and the band gets it," Kurt told me. I nodded, but was still somewhat confused.
And that's how I landed myself here. After the song and applause, Santana kissed me, but told them that she'd stay but wouldn't audition.
"Alright!" Will clapped. "Now that we've got that settled, let's move on with today's lesson-"
"Actually, Mr. Schuester, if you don't mind-" Kurt said with one hand raised in the air. "I have something to say. It's kind of important."
"Of course, Kurt," Mr. Schuester nodded. He stepped back again, and welcome Kurt up front.
"As you all know, I've been struggling with a lot of things. With my dad's health, Finn moving into my house-"
"Wait, since when does Finn live with you?" I asked. He'd never said anything about it before…
"Yeah," Kurt took a breath. "And it's been hard. He didn't really like the idea. But his mom has been nothing but supportive and caring…" He paused, but no one said anything. "Anyway… I've been inspired by a certain love story," he glanced at Santana and I, "and there's something I have to get off of my chest. And I think I'm ready."
"What's up, Kurt?" Mr. Schuester asked when the boy was quiet again.
"I'm- I have a… I'm gay," Kurt said. It was quiet.
"Wait, so you weren't out yet?" Santana asked bluntly. "Wow. Talk about a sparkly gay elephant in the room..."
"I'm sorry?" Kurt asked.
"No offence dude, but it's kind of obvious. No one cares more about fashion than you do," someone I didn't recognize said. Pretty sure he was kicked from the football team last year? Ryder!
"Yeah, but it's not a bad thing," Noah said.
Kurt scoffed. "Try telling my boyfriend that," he mumbled.
"Wait wait wait, hold the hell up," Mercedes stood from her seat. "You have a boyfriend? And you didn't tell me?"
"Or me?" Rachel perked up.
"He didn't want to tell anybody-"
"Best friends don't count!" Rachel pouted.
"He's still not ready," Kurt sighed. "I'm sorry."
"Who is it?" I asked curiously.
"That's the thing," he said as he slumped his shoulders, "I hope was hoping maybe if I did it first, he'd follow. I don't wanna push him out the closet."
"Wish someone said that to this one," Santana nudged me. I entwined our fingers and smiled cheekily.
"Well, if we can help in any way, let us know," I said to Kurt.
"Thank you, Quinn. It means a lot," he nodded. Something in his eyes told me that he'd be needing that help.
The rest of Glee club went smoothly, and when I asked if they'd still like to sing at the dance, it seemed like they were even happier that I'd showed up. Noah still didn't want to sing unless Santana did, but I'm not too worried about that. We left when it hit four o'clock, and I told Santana that I called of practice. At least until things settle a little bit, I don't think it's a good idea was me to be with the squad. When we were walked out of the school, they were waiting for us. The football team stood right outside of the school doors.
"What do you want, Sam?" I asked. I eyed the cups that were in their hands. This has never happened to me before. Ever.
"Really Quinn? First the BJ's, and now the Glee Club?" He asked. His words mocked me, but his eyes were full on concern.
"I've decided to surround myself with people who actually care about me," I said smoothly.
"Care about you? You think they care about you?"
"Yes."
"Right. But as soon as she's done with you, don't come running back," he scoffed. Noah stepped in front of me before Santana said anything, and held his hand up, silently telling her that he'd handle it. But, he didn't get a word out before he was drenched in red slushie. "Thought you could use some school spirit," Sam smiled sarcastically. Then, Santana was drenched. Then Mercedes. And Artie. Everyone but Kurt and I. Blaine was the only one still holding a slushie.
"Do it." Kurt said.
"What are you waiting for?" Sam asked him.
"Yeah, Blaine. What are you waiting for?" Kurt asked. "Go ahead."
Blaine's eyes said he was sorry. I know they did. He eyed me for a second, probably contemplating rather or not he should just throw it at me. But then, he'd have to explain why he didn't just toss it at the boy standing right in front of him. When he tossed it, Kurt didn't flinch. He wiped it from his eyes, and ignored the sting.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "For clearing things up."
"Come on guys, I can get us in the bathroom," I said as I cut my eyes at Sam. This has gone on too long. I know what I have to do- even if I lose the last of my friends. I glanced at the crowd, but didn't find Brittany. They must have known that she'd convince them not to do it. Reluctantly, the Glee Club followed me back into the school. Santana was silent by my side. When we stepped into the ladies room, they immediately started to clean themselves.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," I said to Santana. She shrugged.
"Yeah, is that why you're the only one dry?" Mercedes asked me.
"I didn't plan this-"
"Why should we believe you?" Artie asked. "You randomly join Glee club, and the very same day, we all get slushied."
"This hasn't happened in two weeks-"
"Who do you think told Sam to stop throwing slushies at people every five minutes?" Santana spat at them. "Quinn had nothing to do with this."
"You're just saying that because you're with her," Mercedes scoffed. "I don't trust you. Never have, never will."
"Guys, fighting isn't going to change anything," Kurt mumbled.
"And what was that with you and hair gel?" Santana asked him as she tied her hair up in a bun. "The whole star crossed lovers deal is kind of mine thing."
"He's not my lover," Kurt grumbled. "He's not who I thought he was."
"No, he's exactly who you thought he was," Mercedes said. "A jock. Their all the same."
"He didn't want to," I said. I couldn't have been the only one who saw the hurt in Blaine's eyes.
"No one forced him to-"
"You don't know what it's like. I thought I wanted to be popular. I didn't know it would mean having to be with the person you don't love, having to talk to people you don't even like, and feelings like a god damn toy. Or a ghost, just watching your life-"
"Oh poor you," Mercedes faux cried. "No one forced you to be popular."
"Like you wouldn't if you had the chance," Santana sneered. "Look, this wasn't Quinn's fault. This is trouty mouth, clearly not knowing when he's lost."
"So he lost, but we're drenched in slushie?" Artie asked. "That sounds so fair."
"We'll deal with Sam," Noah nodded towards Mike.
"And I'll talk to Blaine," I said to Kurt. "I don't know if he's he boy that you were talking about- but correct me if I'm wrong, there's something between you guys. Something that he's not ready to… come out about?"
Kurt didn't speak. He just nodded. "I know this wasn't your fault," he said quietly.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"They'll come around sometime. I know they won't admit it now, but they're happy you joined. Besides, we can't go to Nationals without you," he gave me a thin smile, and I returned it. At least he's happy to have me here.
"Babe, can we get out of here?" Santana asked me. I looked at her, and saw she wrapped her arms around herself. Her shirt was a little wet, not completely soaked through, but with this weather, she'd be shivering for sure. I took off her jacket and handed it to her. She'd need it more than I did.
"Sure," I said. "I'd hold your hand, but you're still a little sticky."
"Come here, you ass," she playfully rolled her eyes and grabbed my hand. I tossed Noah the keys. I trust him.
"Lock up when you guys are done?" I asked when he caught them effortlessly.
"Gotcha," he nodded. Santana tugged me through the door.
"If wheezy said one more thing about you, I would've ended her," she told me when we were alone.
"I like her. She says what she thinks," I shrugged.
"You only like her because of the tatter tot thing," she said knowingly.
"Maybe," I smiled coyly. "Guess what day it is?"
"Hm?" She asked as she swung our arms back and forth.
"Our date," I said, though I knew she knew.
"Oh really?"
"Mhm," I hummed.
"I knew that," she chuckled. "How could I forget?"
"Do I have to go?" Rhys asked me. He's never met our grandfather. Like me, he probably assumed that we didn't have one.
"I'm sorry, Rhys," I frowned. His arms were wrapped around my neck, squeezing just tight enough for me to know that he didn't want to let go.
"I don't wanna. And I don't wanna move out. I wanna stay here with Maribel, and Leo, and Santana, and you," he pouted. He let go and stomped his foot. "I'm not going."
"Come on, Rhys-"
"No. I don't want to go with Momma. She can go by herself, and we can stay here-"
"That's not how it works Rhys," I said gently. He crossed his arms and pursed his lips. "Don't be that way," I frowned. "Please? Just go with Momma, and be nice to Grandpa. For me?"
He thought it over for a few seconds, then slowly lowered his arms to his sides. "Alright. But my smile won't be real. I won't be happy."
"I won't be happy with you gone either. But it's only for a few days. And when you get back, Santana and I will take you and Leo wherever you want to go."
"Anywhere?"
"Anywhere." I smiled. Finally, he grinned.
"Fine. But no real smiles."
"No real smiles," I chuckled.
"Come on, Rhys. Your grandfather sent a car," I heard Mom's voice as she came down the stairs.
"Don't leave without a proper goodbye," Maribel said in a playful stern voice. She held her arms open, so he trotted to her for a hug. Then, he hugged Santana.
"Are you sure I have to go?" He whispered to me.
"Two and a half days," I kissed his forehead.
"Let's go," mom said. The two of them walked out, dragging their little bit of luggage with them.
"Wait!" Leo shouted. "Hold on!" He ran to Rhys. "You can take this with you," he said as he handed Rhys something, I craned my neck to see what it was. A little action figure, black with a yellow cape. "Hourman. That way, you know, you don't get bored or anything."
"Thanks," Rhys smiled.
"No problem, bro." Leo patted his shoulder. "Come back, okay?"
"Trust me, I will."
"Even if your abuelo's house is bigger than ours?"
Rhys scoffed. "Even if he has a whole kingdom."
"Rhys, it's time to go," Mom said sternly. Rhys and Leo hugged quickly, and said goodbye one last time.
Maribel shut the door behind them, and exhaled a sigh. "Well, looks like it's us tonight."
"Actually, Quinn and I are going out-"
"What? Not fair," Leo interrupted.
"You can come too," I told him. Honestly, I felt bad for him. He's used to Rhys being here now.
"Quinn," Santana crossed her arms.
"Why is everyone so pouty today?" I chuckled.
"You three go. Leave me alone, with this big house. All by myself… esta bien," she frowned, and instantly I knew who Santana inherited her mischievous ways from.
"Like mother like daughter," I said softly.
"Leo go grab your shoes. Looks like we're all going," Santana rolled her eyes.
"I'll drive," Maribel winked at her eldest, and I chuckled.
"Denny's?" Leo shouted as he ran up the stairs.
"Whatever!" Santana called after him. Then, she looked at me. "You couldn't have said no?"
I shrugged. "I didn't want to." She smiled at me, so I knew she was at least a little happy with us all going out. Besides, the closer I get to Maribel, the better. I can't just surprise her with the whole 'I'm in love with your daughter' Thing.
"Funny face pancakes," Leo said immediately, without looking at his menu.
"You read my mind," Santana smiled.
"And I assume you want the same?" Maribel asked me. I nodded, so she shook her head and chuckled. "We really are going to miss you," she admitted. "Your whole family."
"Quinn's going to visit all the time, you'll be sick of her," Santana nudged me. The two of us were sitting across from Leo and Maribel.
"If I'm not mistaken, just a few short weeks ago, you couldn't stand her. What changed?" Maribel questioned.
"I did," I admitted.
"We both did. But mostly her," she said. She flicked my hair a little.
"Well, I don't mean to sound selfish, but I hope you stick around a bit longer. After all, Santana's birthday is coming so soon-"
"Mom-"
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked her.
She pursed her lips and crossed her arms. "I don't celebrate my birthday."
"Santana doesn't like them. I only remember one time where we threw a party for her," Leo stated. "It was forever ago."
"Why not?"
"Later," she mumbled.
"I was thinking, maybe this year could be the year that changes?" Maribel asked.
"Mom, Quinn doesn't have time to plan a stupid party. She has the Winter Formal to worry about her campaign-"
"You come first," I said easily.
"Wanky," she smirked, just loud enough for me to hear. I felt my cheeks and ears go pink, but ignored it.
"We can have something small. Noah and Bree and the rest of them and come over, I can order a pizza, Britt and I could make a cake-"
"Out of pure sugar? I'll pass," she snapped. "I don't want a birthday party. I don't want anyone even saying birthday, okay?"
"Fine," I muttered. She glared at me, and I remembered. "Okay," I corrected sarcastically.
"Whatever."
Silence took over the table. No one spoke until a blue haired waitress came to the table.
"Hi, my names Dani, and I'll be your server this evening. Can I start you off with any drinks?" I noticed her eyes linger on Santana. Now is really not the time.
"Water," Santana mumbled. If Maribel wasn't sitting right there, I'd do something. Something small that could cheer her up.
"Hot chocolate," Leo grinned. "Please."
"I'll go with the ice tea," Maribel said.
"Just water," I said, "thank you."
"I'll be right back with that," Dani winked. When Santana smiled at that, I put my hand over her's. She looked at me with her eyebrows scrunched, but turned her hand so that her palm would be facing up. Our fingers linked, and for a second, I forgot that we were with Maribel. I couldn't help it. With her being upset, and some girl with blue hair- okay, I admit, she probably just has a flirty personality, but still. I just started with Santana. No one else is allowed to wink at her.
"Is anyone going to explain?" Maribel asked as she flipped through her menu. Santana clicked her tongue, I cleared my throat.
"Quinn and Santana kiss sometimes," Leo said bluntly.
"Leonardo!" Santana hissed.
"What? It's not a big deal," he shrugged innocently. "Besides, you guys didn't look like you wanted to say it."
"Well not like that!"
"Santana, you know what I told you-" Maribel started
"I know mom," Santana sighed. "But… it's Quinn," she said, like that was all the reason she needed. "Besides, you said it yourself, she's moving soon."
"Santanita, you know I support you. And I've been watching you change over the past few weeks, and I have a feeling it has something to do with this one," she pointed at me, then lowered her hand. "I'm proud of you."
"Proud?" Santana asked.
"Ever since what happened with your father…" she trailed off at the end. I knew that was a sore subject- Santana refused to talk about her dad. Always. "I was afraid that you'd taken what he's said to you to heart."
"I did," Santana said immediately. "But I also took Quinn. She helped me. She still does," she gave my hand a squeeze. "Without her, I don't think I'd know who I am."
"I suppose we should go over some rules-"
"Not necessary," Santana shook her head.
"You're both to be sleeping in your own rooms," Maribel went on. "No PDA in the house- I don't want your mother on my case. That woman," she chuckled.
"I know," I gave her a small smile.
"Quinn, I'm glad it's you," she said genuinely. "But if you hurt my daughter-"
"I won't," I assured her. "I wouldn't ever."
"Mom," Santana whined.
"What did you expect?" Maribel chuckled. Then, Dani was back. She gently placed the cups in front of us, then pressed the tray she carried them on to her hip.
"Are we ready?" She asked.
"We are," Maribel nodded. "I'll have the Chicken Avocado Sandwich."
"The funny face," Leo said.
"I'll have the funny face pancakes as well," I smiled as kindly as I could.
"And you, gorgeous?" She asked Santana. My cheeks burned again.
"You should totally get the funny face too, baby," I said, before I could think about it.
"I think I'll do just that. And my pancake is going to be totally badass," she jested.
"Santana," Maribel warned.
"What?"
"Coming up," Dani's smile hardly faltered, but I noticed it all the same. For good measure, I pressed a chaste kiss on Santana's cheek.
"We all know that Leo's is going to beat ours," I giggled. Dani gave us a thin smile, then turned on her heal.
Santana pretended to cough, "Jealous."
"What? No way," I scoffed. I looked up at Leo and Maribel, who gave me almost identical faces of disbelief. "I wasn't," I insisted.
"It's okay," Santana kissed my knuckle. "I like pink hair more than blue."
We got home a little before 9. I'm really going to miss this place. I'm going to miss knowing that I'm only down the hall from Santana. Or rolling over and waking up with her right there, commenting on the way my pink hair resembles a Lion's mane. Santana carried a very tired Leo up the stairs, and Maribel said goodnight to me. I went to my room and slipped out of my day clothes, and into a nightgown.
"Hey," I heard Santana's voice in the doorway a few minutes later. I saw that she'd changed also.
"Come on," I smiled, gesturing for her to join me in bed. She yawned, and dragged her feet until she was close enough, then laid down. Instinctively, I pulled her closer.
"How far away does your grandfather live?" She asked after a few minutes of silence. I shrugged, and she felt it. "You're going to come over after school, right?"
"Of course," I mumbled.
"I don't think your mom likes me very much," she whispered.
"I don't think my mom likes me very much," I scoffed. Then I yawned. "Don't let it get to you."
I felt her shift a little, and opened my eyes. She couldn't have fallen asleep that quickly. "She reminds me of my dad."
"Is that a bad thing?" I asked carefully.
"My dad left days before my 14th birthday. I haven't seen him since." I stayed quiet. "I bet he has another family now. The good one. The kind that he's always wanted."
"Santana-"
"And he has a daughter, probably. One that he just knows won't turn out like me."
"He's missing out. You're amazing, Santana."
"Yeah, well." She didn't continue. When she was quiet for a while, I closed my eyes.
"Goodnight, Santana," I whispered.
"Night. Love you," she slurred. I pursed my lips. Had she just?
I stayed quiet, and listened to the rhythmic sound of her breathing. Santana is… Santana. The first person that not only held my hand, but gave me the urge to take hers all the time. She drives me crazy, but in the best way. I'm falling. I've been falling since I found her making that awful phone call after church. Since we kissed. I love her. I love her more than I thought I could love another person. I let my eyes close, the thought made me content. I love her, and she feels the same way. My door started to creak open, but I pretended to be asleep. I know Maribel was just checking to make sure I was in my own bed- it must be past 11.
"It isn't a good idea," she said. I didn't open my eyes. I respect her. More than I respect my own mother, but that doesn't mean I want Santana to go back to her room. "She's still very unhappy with you." She paused. "She doesn't even celebrate her birthday anymore. Refuses to even touch her gifts." Another pause. "I don't give a damn if you're sorry, Mateo, you hurt her. Neither she, or I, will forgive you anytime soon. If ever." The door closed, but I heard one last muffled thing, "I'll ask, but I doubt she'll want to see you."
I panicked. Silently, of course. But Santana's father. The one who left because Santana thought she might have been gay is going to contact her. What will he do if he knows that she really is? But Santana… she loves him. She wanted to change because of him. But she loves me. She wouldn't- she wouldn't leave me because he's back.
"Why? Why did he do that to me? Why do I have to ask for forgiveness, why isn't he sitting here? I just want it to be how it used to be. I just want my dad back."
"And what is getting in the way of that?" Pastor asked. I rolled my eyes, as if her homosexuality wasn't obviously the answer.
"A girl, obviously. She lives with me now, and it's torture. Why can't I just be normal?" Her voice shook.
"There are many things in the Bible that are considered sins, young lady. I live by the book, but even I can admit that it's outdated. I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't eat pork for dinner last tuesday. But, if you truly believe this, I know what can help you."
Santana paused. I held my breath. "What would that be?" She asked finally. I heard a drawer open, then close. I took a step behind the wall when Pastor Davis's door started to open. He left a few papers on the floor in front of Santana's.
"Consider," he said, "calling the number on these pamphlets."
"Santana," I whispered. "Tana, please wake up."
"Gimme 5 minutes," she mumbled.
"Santana," I tried again. Slowly, I watched her eyes open.
"What's wrong?" She asked sleepily.
"I love you," I said quickly. She smiled, and her eyes closed. "Santana," I shook her a little.
"Hmm, 'm I dreaming?"
I giggled softly. "No. I love you, and I need you to know that."
"I love you too, Quinn," she told me with a sigh. "Now shut up. I'm trying to get my z's on."
I smiled, but it fell almost immediately. Santana's dad is coming back. I can't stop that. I just hope that she doesn't push me away when it happens.
Okay, so I just wanna say that I'm really glad that you guys asked for angst. I kinda wanted to hold off, this chapter was going to be split in half that that you'd only see Quinn joining Glee. In case you couldn't tell, the lady who assumed they were slightly older women with children was Blaine's mom. I threw in a little jealous Quinn, but that's not the last you'll see of her, trust me.
I know that said their "love you's" pretty fast- but this chapter was meant to be split in half. That wasn't going to happen until chapter 19, but I didn't wanna wait.
If you have any questions or suggestions, let me know. 100 favorites? Are you kidding? 100 people liked this story? Gees. I must be doing /something/ right.
Also, I asked about pretty little liars because I still haven't seen the finale, and I was wondering what you thought. No spoilers!
One last thing, be sure to check out The Rose Bar (angeljenz), it's pretty captivating. I'm reading it right now.
If you liked this chapter, I'd love to know what you liked about it. Makes me happy to know that people actually enjoy what I write. If you didn't, I'll try to make it up for you in the next update.
Sooooo, with that said, that you guys, and seeya soon,
(I'm planing on naming the chapters, so if you have any suggestions for them, let me know please)