About two and a half bottles of wine later, Quinn and Jess were still in Jess' room watching old competition videos from high school. Quinn proudly showed her roommate videos of Santana singing, her favorite by far being Edge of Glory. Jess enjoyed every video, pointing out every single different haircut Quinn had.
"I told you, I went through many phases. That short hair was my least favorite though, I missed my long hair."
Quinn watched as she danced a few rows behind Santana during Edge of Glory, her girlfriend hitting every note with ease. She had questioned herself a few times, wondering how she never caught feelings for Santana before. But whatever it was now? It couldn't have come at a better time.
"Why didn't your teacher use Santana for more competitions? It doesn't make any sense. She's so good." Jess said as she watched Edge of Glory come to an end. "And you danced to this, after being in a wheelchair? Why didn't you tell us about that before?"
"It's embarrassing- texting and driving? That's something I'll never do again." Quinn replied. "It was a dark time for me. But here."
Quinn typed in Take My Breath Away with her name following, and the video of her and Santana singing at Senior Prom popped up.
"I never show anyone this video, because I was still in the chair."
"You're voices sound so good together. Wow." Jess watched as in video Quinn grabbed onto the microphone stand and stood up. Santana scooted closer, placing her hand around her waist to give her some support. "Quinn.."
"That was the first time I stood up in front of them."
"Damn.." She replied. "This was, wow. Quinn."
"No, don't do that. I'm okay now."
"I know, but- you've been through a lot. Seriously." Jess closed the window and turned her monitor off. "Let's go smoke."
They grabbed their glasses of wine and headed outside. It had been a few hours, Santana texted Quinn to let her know that she was at her team dinner and Quinn told her to call her when she was finished. It was still early in the night so Quinn wasn't worried.
The two girls enjoyed cigarettes on the patio, exchanging stories about their past. Quinn felt good finally opening up a bit to Jess. They talked as Quinn waited for Santana to call.
The team dinner was going incredibly well. Santana's coach gave out gift cards as awards for each person. She received one for most improved. Even though Santana's flying skills were above par, Louisville's team was incredibly advanced and she had a little ways to go at the beginning of the season. Everyone agreed that Santana was talented and were glad that she was on their team.
Santana was glad that the team dinner was tonight because it helped take her mind off of the fact that Brittany had shown up to Caitlyn's apartment that afternoon.
Once the dinner was over, Caitlyn and Santana walked back to her car and got in. A song was playing on the radio, which Santana told Caitlyn to write the title down. It was perfect.
When they got back to her apartment, Santana changed out of her clothes to something more comfortable. She was excited to call Quinn, to see her beautiful smile.
When Quinn answered, the two girls were laughing up a storm in the living room watching a cheesy comedy movie.
"Hey baby." Quinn finally said when she calmed down. "How was the dinner?"
"Coach gave me a $50 gift certificate to BreadStix. She knew I was going back to Lima during the summer. Looks like we got our first dinner at home covered."
"Sweeet. I haven't been to BreadStix in so long." Quinn was almost drunk now, the girls having finished their last open bottle of wine. "Can I tell you something San?"
"Yeah babe, go ahead."
"You know, I've been thinking about you all day. And that's how most of my days go you know? I miss you. And long distance is only hard because I don't get to be with you 24/7 like I want to." Quinn got up from the couch and began walking to her room. "I just can't stop thinking about kissing you again. It makes me feel, complete. You know? Like I have no where else in the world I belong other than with you."
Santana's stomach fluttered. "I know how you feel baby. But a week and we'll be together again. Then we have the whole summer together."
Quinn laid on her bed, a little dizzy. The room was spinning but she was completely still. A feeling she knew all too well- she was drunk.
"Get some sleep baby. Call me in the morning okay? Caitlyn and I are gonna jam for a little while." Quinn nodded, her eyes closed. "Bye baby."
Quinn smiled, and Santana ended the FaceTime call.
She walked outside to see Caitlyn sitting on the couch with her bass in hand.
"Alright. So what song was it that you wanted to learn? We got a week before your showcase. And I want you and Quinn to win."
The week went by quickly, and before either of them knew it- Quinn was on her way to Louisville. They decided that they'd meet up there then head to Lima together. Quinn and Santana practiced the song Santana heard on the radio the night she headed home from the team dinner.
The song was perfect, and summed up the feelings they had for each other too perfectly. Santana learned it on guitar and they planned on performing it while she played.
"Cait! You sure I can take the Fender? It's your most expensive one."
Caitlyn walked out of the bathroom brushing her teeth. "Yeah I'm sure." She said before she rushed back into the bathroom. "I know you'll take care of it."
Santana placed the guitar in the case. "Quinn should be here soon. You sure you don't want to come with us? It'll be fun."
"I'm sure. You guys haven't seen each other since Daytona and I want you two to have some alone time."
"Okay. When we get back from Lima we should all do a road trip or something." Santana said. "I think that would be fun."
"Sounds good to me San. Take care of my baby. I'll see you when you get back okay?" Caitlyn was heading to the mall. "Tell Quinn I said hello. And lock up yeah?"
"I will. Bye Cait. Thanks again."
About thirty minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Santana opened it and there stood Quinn. Smiling, wearing her Louisville jacket as always. It became a permanent piece of her wardrobe accompanied with tights, Timberlands and her beanie. Santana smiled finally pulling her girlfriend in for a hug.
Quinn smelled like fresh flowers in the spring and it enchanted Santana every single time. When they released, they kissed. And it was like fireworks going off. Santana smiled into it and kissed her again, this time for much longer.
"I've missed you babe." She told her. "You wanted to rest before going? Or did you wanna just head to Lima?"
"I'm okay. I drank a Bang on the way here, so I'm pretty wired. It's super good, I'm glad I listened to you." Quinn said as Santana went to grab her bag and the guitar. "Purple pear guava. Who would've thought it was a good combo?"
Santana walked over to Quinn, bag slung over her shoulders guitar in hand. She stuck out her free hand and Quinn took it.
"My car or yours?" Quinn said as they walked towards the parking lot.
"We can take mine," Santana replies. "I'll drive."
They walk over to Santana's Honda Accord and Quinn goes to her car to grab her bag. They place their things in the trunk and start the drive to Lima.
The three hour drive was nothing compared to the thirteen that Quinn had from New Haven. On the drive they practiced their song, talked. They held hands the entire time, enjoying each others presence. It had only been a few weeks since Daytona but it felt as if the days were moving slower as time went on.
"We're gonna win the showcase, San."
Santana turned to her girlfriend who was smiling at her. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just so beautiful." Quinn leaned over and placed a kiss on Santana's cheek.
Santana's cheek turned a shade of pink quickly, her head turning back to face the road.
Once they were in Lima, the girls stopped at Santana's house and put their things in her room before heading over to the school.
The showcase was always on the last day of school, and the entire student body was always invited. Most of the Glee Club alumni's were already there so they all decided to meet up in the parking lot before going inside.
The girls pulled into the parking lot and parked next to Mercedes. They all got out and greeted each other.
"Yes. The two I have been excited to see!" Mercedes pulled both of them in for a hug at the same time. "How is the happy couple?"
"Good. How have you been Mercedes?" Santana asked.
Quinn listened as they got into conversation. She was a little nervous for today, because she had a feeling that there would be some kind of drama. Either way, she knew that together? They would be able to handle it.
Rachel was showing up with Kurt now, her baby bump showing a little through her shirt. Her eyes met Quinn's, and danced downwards- spotting her hand holding Santana's. Rachel immediately turned away. She says something to Kurt and then heads inside. Kurt heads towards the girls, greeting them and joining in on the conversation.
Mercedes looks at the time on her watch. "Hey. We should head inside. Showcase is about to start."
The group walked in together, with Santana and Quinn walking in the back to avoid hitting anyone with the guitar case.
The auditorium was full, students and faculty filling each seat. Even though the Glee Club still wasn't the most popular club to be apart of, the showcase was something that everyone attended. Everyone was backstage. Santana walked over to the stage crew to make sure she had the right plug ins for the amps they had.
Quinn was left by herself, looking over the lyrics to her song on her phone one last time. They were up first, being that Santana was the winner of last year's showcase. She sang One and Only by Adele last year and it absolutely brought the house down. She got the standing ovation, something that Rachel was used to getting but surprisingly- didn't get last year. Sadly Quinn didn't have any video of last years performance, and she beat herself up for it.
When she looked up from her phone, Brittany was walking over to her. But before they could say anything to each other, Mr. Shuester announced their names and Santana ran over so they could go on stage together. Santana's eyes met Brittany's. She waved and Brittany returned the gesture.
"Come on babe." Santana said as she held out her hand. "It's time."
When they walked on stage, Quinn looked out into the crowd and back at Santana. "I'm nervous."
Quinn normally didn't perform at the showcase, the last time she sang in front of a crowd like this was during High School.
"Hey." Santana walked over to her. "It's gonna be okay. Just pretend it's just us."
Quinn looked past Santana to see Brittany standing just behind the curtains watching from the side.
"Okay. Okay. I'm ready."
Santana turned back towards the crowd and began to play.
I'm not one to stick around
One strike and you're out, baby
Don't care if I sound crazy
But you never let me down, no, no
That's why when the sun's up, I'm stayin'
Still layin' in your bed, singin'
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Got all this time on my hands
Might as well cancel our plans, yeah
I could stay here for a lifetime
Santana looked over at Quinn, who was already looking at her lovingly. Quinn was in a trance, Santana's voice tended to do that to her. Her voice was perfect for this song. She only hoped that she could sound as good as her girlfriend did. Santana smiled at her, before turning back to the crowd.
So lock the door
And throw out the key
Can't fight this no more
It's just you and me
And there's nothing I, nothing I, I can do
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
So go ahead and drive me insane
Baby, run your mouth
I still wouldn't change being stuck with you
Stuck with you, stuck with you
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you, baby
Quinn got ready to sing her part. They had practiced hundreds of times, and she knew that they had the competition in the bag. But she hadn't sang in front of anyone other than Santana in a long time. Santana turned towards Quinn, and nodded knowing that her girlfriend was still nervous. Quinn took the microphone off the stand and began to walk towards Santana.
There's nowhere we need to be
No, no, no
I'ma get to know you better
Kinda hope we're here forever
There's nobody on these streets
If you told me that the world's ending
Ain't no other way that I could spend it
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Got all this time in my hands
Might as well cancel our plans (yeah)
I could stay here forever
Quinn was walking around Santana as she played, Santana's eyes following her every move. The crowd was loving the fact that Santana was playing the guitar, something that was new for everyone to see.
So lock the door
And throw out the key
Can't fight this no more
It's just you and me
And there's nothing I, nothing I, I can do
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
So go ahead and drive me insane
Baby, run your mouth
I still wouldn't change being stuck with you
Stuck with you, stuck with you
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
Their voices sounded perfect together. The crowd was on their feet, phones in hand with their flashlights- arms swaying in unison like they were holding lighters.
Whoa, whoa, oh
Baby, come take all my time
Go on, make me lose my mind
We got all that we need here tonight
I lock the door (lock the door)
And throw out the key
Can't fight this no more (can't fight this no more)
It's just you and me
And there's nothing I, nothing I'd rather do
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
So go ahead and drive me insane
Baby, run your mouth
I still wouldn't change
All this lovin' you, hatin' you, wantin' you
I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you
Santana went into a little guitar solo and then the song ended. The crowd roared, an overwhelming response to their song. Quinn hugged Santana and they ended with a kiss.
They walked backstage together, excited about their performance. Everyone was congratulating them, when Quinn felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see that it was Rachel.
"Hey, can we talk for a minute?"