CHAPTER 20

Aria hasn't seen Emily lately, or any of the girls for that matter. She'd been busy with school because exams are coming. She couldn't visit them at the engineering building even at lunch, because she had a thesis that needs to be done too.

She was actually doing her thesis at the student center when she saw Toby.

"Toby? What happened to your face?" Aria asked with concern when she saw a bruise on Toby's right eye.

Emily was at loss the day before Spencer had confessed to her.

"Why don't you ask your best friend?" he said, obviously still pissed off.

"Spencer?" the girl asked curiously, assuming it was Spencer, because seriously; it's Toby.

"No. Emily." He simply answered.

"She did that to you?" the girl was quite shocked, but she's more curious as to what pushed Emily to do such thing. "What did you do?"

"Why did you assume that I did something?" Toby tried to dodge the question but Aria just glared at her, then he sighed. "Okay, it was my fault." He admitted, but he wasn't planning on telling Aria what he'd just done, at least not yet.

"What did you do?" Aria inquired again.

He sighed. "Just ask Emily."

Aria furrowed her brows. "I can't."

"Why, not?" he asked. "Are you on a fight or something?"

"No." Aria said truthfully. They weren't in a 'fight', but they were on 'something', she guesses. "Just tell me what happened." She demanded.

"I'm sorry. I need to go, Aria. Just ask you friend." By that he walked past Aria; avoiding any questions that the girl might ask him.

Spencer spent the next few days avoiding both Emily and Toby; but mostly Emily because Toby doesn't dare talk to her or go near her. Emily on the other hand, has been trying to reach out on her but Spencer refuses to give the girl a chance to do so.

But one afternoon after school, Emily decided to go straight to Spencer's house where Rachel said she'll be after school, meaning that Spencer's going to be home and she couldn't use the excuse that "she'd 'gone out'."

She rang the doorbell and Rachel immediately answered the door. As always, Spencer's parents aren't home and so is her sister, so it didn't surprise Emily when Rachel was at the other side of the door.

"Em." Rachel greeted, a little louder than usual.

"Hi, Rach. Can I come in?" Rachel just smiled, unsure of what to do.

"Rach, who is it?" Spencer said as she reached to the door. "Oh." She said when she recognized who was standing at her doorstep. She wanted to go back and unsee herself from the girl but that would be too obvious that she's avoiding her although she's quite sure Emily knows that she's trying her best not to have any interaction with her.

"Can we talk?" Emily didn't wait for her to be invited in; she stepped inside closer to Spencer.

"No." Spencer forced out. "We can't."

Spencer looked at Rachel like she's searching for some kind of help but Rachel just stood there; she didn't dare to interrupt.

"Why?" Emily questioned.

"Because I don't want to." She raised her voice unintentionally.

"I think I should leave the two of you-" Rachel tried to excuse herself but Spencer was quick to disagree.

"No! You're not leaving." Spencer glared at Rachel, and then her face turned soft like she was pleading through her eyes.

Rachel almost didn't want to leave, but Emily looked at her too, and Rachel knew it was for the best if Spencer would just deal with it right now rather than to prolong the issue; avoiding Emily wouldn't solve anything.

"Sorry, Spence." Rachel said looking straight at Spencer's eyes apologetically.

Spencer could only sigh as the girl grabbed her bag and left. She crossed her arms and looked anywhere but at Emily.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Emily asked as soon as Rachel left, and she almost cursed herself for asking a stupid question.

"I'm not." Spencer answered unconvincingly, even she didn't believe herself.

Emily sighed. "Look, I'm sorry I kissed you."

Spencer flinched at how casual Emily said it, like it wasn't a big deal; it just showed how insignificant it meant to Emily.

Emily didn't fail to notice Spencer's demeanor. "I…" Emily tried to say something to comfort the other girl but she was unsure of what to say.

"You're special to me, Spencer. And at that time, I thought kissing you was the right thing to do, but I'm wrong and I'm sorry."

Spencer liked what Emily did, but what it meant to her was very different from what it meant to Emily and that was what she didn't like.

"I'm in love with you." The truth was out. Spencer realized that was the first time she ever said that to anyone. She knew she couldn't take it back, and it isn't like she wanted to. She clutched her hands tightly while waiting for Emily's response.

To say that Emily looked surprised was an understatement. She didn't know what to say.

No one knew what to say after that.

Spencer didn't notice that she was biting her lip too hard; it's already bleeding.

"Spence." Emily exclaimed that brought Spencer out of her trance. "You lips are bleeding."

"What?" she touched her lips and looked at the blood on her fingers. Emily offered her a handkerchief but she's more concerned on how Emily took her confession, so she didn't took it.

Emily sighed again. "Spencer, I don't know what to say to you." Emily looked at her apologetically.

"I know. It's okay." She nodded. "I didn't say I love you because I want to hear it back, I said it just so you know."

Emily cupped the other girl's face with her hands. "Look at me." She said and so, Spencer did.

Spencer could feel her heart melting at the way Emily looks at her. Emily's eyes were telling her what the girl couldn't verbalize; of course Emily cares about her. "Can this be your first kiss instead?"

Emily was going to kiss Spencer again, and she knew that she was going to regret it somehow but she couldn't bring herself to care at that moment.

Spencer didn't realize that she nodded before she could even think it through; she didn't even know if she wanted to think anymore.

There was no hesitation in Emily's eyes. This time she knows what she's doing. She knows what it meant. But she's going to do it anyway, because it's Spencer. Spencer has always been special to her and she deserves this, even if it's just for this night.

Spencer felt Emily's lips on hers and it felt magical. She's treasuring every second of the kiss because she knows that this might be the first and last time she could be able to kiss Emily, but she's thankful. It was enough. This is the first kiss that she would remember for the rest of her life.

When Emily broke the kiss, Spencer couldn't help but smile shyly. Emily tucked the strands of Spencer's hair behind her ear. They didn't say anything after that. There was silence, but it was the kind of silence where a lot was said.

Hanna's bags were packed when Emily arrived at their house. Since Hanna had a confrontation with her dad, she had been staying often at the Field's residence. Emily even gave her a space in her cabinet for her things.

The blonde was sitting at the sofa, obviously contemplating too deep to notice that she was already home. Hanna's hands were clasped together between her legs, and; a sign that something's bothering her.

"Han…" she said, and the blonde finally acknowledge her presence. Emily quickly sat beside her girlfriend, and asked her with a concerned look. "What's going on?"

"Mom's going to pick me up." The blonde informed Emily.

"What?" The brunette furrowed her eyebrows. "Then why are you bringing all of your things?"

The blonde just shook her head. Emily noticed that Hanna was holding back her tears. They both knew what was happening but Emily was in denial. She isn't ready for this.

"Let's talk about this first, shall we?" Emily kneeled in front the blonde whilst holding her hands. "Please?"

But that's the thing; there's something jaded about their conversations; there's something holding both of them back from saying what they want to.

Hanna bit her lip. "I can't do this anymore. We can't do this anymore."

"Hanna. Don't give up on us just yet." Sure, Emily is scared. She doesn't want to lose Hanna. "I love you." Maybe she's feeling something for Aria, but it didn't make her love Hanna any less. She didn't want to let go of their relationship.

"I'm not." The blonde replied as quickly as she got the chance. She didn't want Emily to think for one second that she has given up on her. "I won't."

"Then don't leave like this." Emily knew somehow that she is being unfair. She knew Hanna is hurting but she isn't ready to let her go.

"I have to. We need space." Hanna tried to reason.

"Why? It's not like we can solve anything if we're apart." Emily countered.

The blonde shook her head. "This isn't fair for us anymore; not for you, and not for me."

"Hanna, I love you." She said with an emphasis on every word, like it should be enough; but they both knew it isn't.

"And I love you too." The blonde sighed. "That's why I'm letting you go in the first place." It's true; if she's going to be selfish she wouldn't let Emily go. She would keep her to herself, but it wouldn't work anyways. She's scared that Emily might realize that she doesn't love her as much as she thinks she does, and that scares the hell out of Hanna.

"I don't understand." But Emily understood; she's just being stubborn.

"I know what I want, Emily." The blonde looked at Emily straight in the eyes. "And I need you to know what you want too."

That left Emily speechless, because she didn't know what exactly she wants.

There was silence surrounding the both of them until the doorbell rang.

"That's what I thought." Hanna said as she stood up. She assumed it was her mom, she grabbed her bags and opened the door; it's her mother.

Mrs. Marin immediately noticed the vibe surrounding the room, but she kept quiet and flashed a sympathetic smile at Emily instead.

That's when Emily decided to stand up and walked to where Hanna and her mom were standing. "Hi, Mrs. Marin."

"Hello, Emily." Ashley greeted the brunette before looking back at her daughter, "I'll wait for you in the car, sweetie."

Hanna smiled at her mom and nodded.

The blonde didn't know what to say to her girlfriend anymore. Or should it be ex-girlfriend? It hurts her just thinking about it. But she figured she should be used to it by now.

Before she could think of anything to say she felt Emily hug her tightly. "I'm sorry." The brunette whispered as a tear fell in her eyes.

Hanna couldn't hold back her tears either. She hugged the brunette tightly as possible too. "Please be quick." She wondered if Emily understood what she meant by it.

But of course, Emily did. She wants her to know what she wants as soon as possible because it's painful; to wait for something that you are unsure of.

Hanna is just as scared as Emily is, because she's pretty sure she's letting go of the person that she knew was the best one for her. She can only wish for Emily to come back.

When Spencer woke up the next morning, she was suspicious if what happened the night before was just a dream.

She couldn't make herself believe that it had happened, but when she arrived at the university all Rachel could as about was what had happened last night.

Spencer couldn't seem to answer. If it were up to her she would shout to the whole world that Emily had kissed her, but she was living in reality; a reality where Emily have a girlfriend and a reality where she couldn't say anything about it to anyone.

"We talked about what happened." Spencer answered Rachel. She told Rachel about the whole Toby and Emily affair, even their first kiss, but it was only because she was hurt. The kiss Spencer and Emily shared the first time was wrong too, but it was somewhat understandable; it only meant something because Spencer had feelings for Em, but other than that, it was something that Hanna could take if ever she knew.

But last night was different; Spencer knew that it meant something. It felt very special yet it was wrong too. And she's not ready to tell anyone yet that she has made a terrible thing and she enjoyed it.

"You don't look okay though." Rachel stated. "In fact, you look flushed." Rachel arched her eyebrow in suspicion. She looked at the taller girl keenly.

"Hey Rach!" Santana greeted. Spencer sighed in relief as she was saved by the bell. "Hi, Spence."

"Hi, Santana." Spencer grinned. "Aren't the two of you planning to go to class?"

"You're early." Rachel stated, ignoring Santana's question.

Santana gasped feigning hurt, but when Rachel didn't show any interest the Latina rolled her eyes, "I'm in the mood for learning." She shrugged.

"Do you know something I don't?" Rachel questioned as she narrowed her eyes on the girl.

Santana looked at Spencer and Rachel. "No. But you clearly know something that I don't know."

"Don't mind her." Spencer told Santana, referring to Rachel. "Can we just go to class now?"

"But it's still early." Santana replied with a smirk, enjoying the panic in Spencer's face.

"I'm sure Emily will tell you soon." Rachel said that made Spencer glare at her and caused Santana to smile.

"Rachel!" Spencer yelled in a warning tone.

"What?" Rachel asked, "Santana will surely find out about it sooner or later. We might as well tell-." Rachel was interrupted when Spencer tried to stop Rachel from talking.

But Rachel still manages to speak and Santana could still understand what she was saying. "Spencer's planning on telling Emily that she likes her." She mumbled after checking if anyone else would hear them.

Spencer sighed in defeat, internally thanking Rachel for not spilling the beans.

Santana feigned surprise although Spencer has already spoken to her about it. She was a bit disappointed because she thought she was going to hear about something she doesn't know yet.

"I actually did." Spencer said that surprised both Rachel and Santana.

"You what?" Rachel asked, trying to confirm if she heard it right.

"I told her last night." Spencer mumbled.

"What did she say?" Santana asked in almost an instant.

"Nothing?" she said, but it sounded more of a question.

"Nothing?" Rachel asked. Spencer couldn't possible have settled for nothing. "She must've said something to you."

"Well…" Spencer didn't want to lie, but if she didn't then she would have to tell them about the kiss and she wasn't ready for that. "She said she didn't know what to say." So Spencer just omitted some events.

"And then?" Santana couldn't believe that's all Emily said; that would make Spencer feel terrible, and she doubts that Emily would ever let her feel that way.

"Can we not talk about it?" her eyes were pleading the both of them, enough for the two to stop pressing the issue.

Sam finds this day tiring. There was tension filling the air the whole time and no one seemed on planning to acknowledge it. He felt like they were playing basketball and he's sitting on the bench while his friends were playing on the court, struggling for the big win.

He felt out of place especially this day. Being the only boy doesn't bother him much more until now. He thought that maybe it's because he isn't allowed to join the 'girl-talks'. He didn't know what was exactly going on between his friends.

He only knew about who's with whom. But he isn't even sure if he's sure, because Hanna is M.I.A. and Emily doesn't want to talk about it. Maybe they're in a fight, but he doesn't know that either. All he knows right now is that there's something going on and he's not included.

They were sitting in the cafeteria and their table is silent compare to the other groups, which is beyond unusual.

If it weren't for Santana and Rachel bickering, he's pretty convinced the silence would make him deaf.

Sam's POV:

"Right, Sam?" Rachel asked me and I answered 'yes' even though I didn't really heard what she just asked me. "Told you." she said before crossing her arms.

"I look fat?" Santana sounded offended.

You know they're talking for the sake of talking when they're arguing about Santana's size; this girl is as skinny as she could possibly be. Maybe I'm exaggerating but it doesn't change the fact that she's in the right shape.

"Would the two of you stop it?" Spencer said finally giving us some attention instead of the book she's reading.

"Spencer, I didn't know you were here." Santana teased, and I chuckled because I was about to say it too.

"Why are you still reading that anyway?" Rachel questioned. "I thought you were done reading that three days ago."

"I just want a recap." Spencer reasoned lamely.

I can't help but notice Spencer glancing subtly at Emily every chance she gets.

"Are you two on a fight?" I didn't hesitate to ask. Maybe if I ask I wouldn't be so out of place.

Emily and Spencer almost jumped out of their seats.

"Me?" Emily asked.

"Yeah." I confirmed. "You and Spencer."

Rachel and Santana looked very much interested because they both stayed quiet and looked at the two of them intently with smirks on their faces.

"No." Emily said defensively. "We're not." She let out a nervous chuckle. "Right, Spence?"

"Yeah." She smiled. "What made you think that?" she asked me.

"You kept on looking at Emily but you won't talk to her." I said casually, and she looked flushed.

She was obviously embarrassed, and I should feel guilty but I'm enjoying this too much to stop. They were giving me answer for once.

There was a subtle smile on Emily's face.

"Is that right?" Santana asked me instead of Spencer.

Spencer didn't even bother denying, but covered her face with her hands instead.

Emily stood up from her chair and went behind Spencer to wrap her arms around Spencer from behind.

"See? We are not in a fight." Emily pointed out.

"Still doesn't explain why Spencer kept looking at you." I said.

I, then heard someone clear his/her throat from behind me, and considering the expression on Emily's face and the way she removed her arms from Spencer immediately; I'm betting it was Hanna; and I was right.

She looked indifferent but her eyes gave her away.

"Hanna." Emily smiled nervously. "I thought you were going to be absent for the whole day."

"You obviously thought so." She said flatly.

Emily ignored the shade in Hanna's remark. "Have you eaten yet?" she asked, holding out a chair for her girlfriend.

"Yeah." She said as she took the seat, and Emily sat beside her.

I couldn't quite understand their interaction. From what I'm getting, Hanna's mad at Emily, and Emily knows it but she acts like nothing's wrong.

"Is it just me or it got colder in here." I remarked and Hanna slapped me in my left arm. "Hey! Stop the violence."

"Shut up." Hanna mumbled.

"What's with you too?" Santana asked frankly, she asked what the three of us couldn't ask.

"Nothing." Emily sighed, not even trying to sound convincing, but I guessed she didn't want to explain either.

"We're…" Hanna started but paused before looking at Emily for some sort of permission; Emily gave her a small nod. "We broke up."

"What?!" Rachel, Santana, Spencer and I said in unison.

"Are you serious?" Rachel asked although Hanna couldn't sound more serious than she already did.

"Why?" Spencer asked in confusion.

"Since when?" I asked, they were bombarded with questions but none of them were answered.

"Can you guys keep it down?" Emily requested. "We'll tell you, just keep it down."

"Sorry." We all said in chorus.

Hanna covers her face with her right hand, obviously uncomfortable with the situation. Hanna had relationships before and she's always been casual on telling us how they broke up, but I guess it really is different with Emily.

"We broke up last night." I noticed Spencer stiffened when Emily said that. "That's all I'm going to tell you."

We turned to Hanna. "I'm not going to tell you anything."

None of us complained. Both of them obviously haven't let it even really sink in just yet.

I guess we just have to ask them when one of them isn't present.

A/N:

Thanks for reading!

I've been busy lately with school activities so I wasn't able to post this chapter earlier...

Anyways, I hope you like it.

Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment...please?

So yeah...This is clearly a Quinntana endgame but Hannily? Emaria? Spemily? (not so sure as I was before...)