fic: no wise words are gonna stop the bleeding
title: no wise words are gonna stop the bleeding(4/?)
rating: pg-13
summary: Naya and Mark talk, HeYa cuteness, flashback scene
disclaimer: not mine
note: sorry for spelling and grammar, I got lazy and didn't feel like going over it, so you are warned.
Naya steps up to the trailer door, her hand hesitating slightly before knocking once. They had a half hour break between scenes and Naya wanted to use the time wisely. She knocked once more and then she heard someone move inside, the door opening.
“Oh” Mark says, slightly surprised to see Naya there at his door, thinking she would be spending her free time with Heather. “Hey” He adds as she walks up the steps and he moves aside to let her in.
“Alright” She sighs, sitting down cautiously on the couch, “let’s talk” her back is straight against the couch, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
“You sure?” He asks, taking a seat at the table across from the couch.
“What happened that night, it was a mistake, I was scared” Naya lets out, her eyes casting down away from Mark.
“Yes I know, you were also drunk and confused” He adds as he watches her look back up at him.
“Do you really have Heather’s best intentions at hand, or are you just hoping we break up?” Naya looks him square in the eye.
“What?” Mark spits back, completely shocked she would even think that. “Heather should know that you aren’t sure” He adds, more quietly.
“Wasn’t sure” Her hisses, her voice low with anger. “Mark, I AM sure now, therefore there is nothing to tell her” She pushes up from the couch, but Mark gets up from his spot and pulls her back down, until they are sitting side by side.
“That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a right to know, she confessed so much to you that night and then you went and-“
“I thought you said it was your entire fault, huh?” Naya’s voice gets a bit louder as she pulls her hand away from his.
“If you want me to take the blame then I will, you just have to tell her Naya!” Mark tries to keep calm but his voice betrays him.
“Why are you so set on this? Why do you even care?” Naya gets up from the couch and looks down at him.
“Because I care about you and I know you can’t live with this guilt that you feel” Mark’s voice is full of emotion as he pushes up from the couch, standing only inches away from Naya.
Naya looks up at him, her eyes narrowing and she crosses her arms over her chest before speaking “I don’t feel guilty” She says coldly.
“Yes, you do” Mark reaches out, his hand taking a gentle hold of her upper arm.
“Don’t tell me what I feel” She tries to hold it back but tears form in her eyes, she knows Mark is right.
She steps away from him, walking over to the door, her eyes cast down so that he can’t see her tears. She knows that she needs to tell Heather for the sake of being honest, but she is too terrified that it may tear them apart, so much so that she will not only lose her girlfriend, but her best friend as well.
“If you don’t tell her soon, I will” He pauses for a moment and Naya looks up at him, a few tears flowing freely down her cheeks. “I feel guilty too” he finishes as Naya raises her hand and quickly wipes the tears away.
“I love her” She says just above a whisper. “I love her so much that this is killing me and I’m scared that I will lose her….” More tears stream down her cheeks and she gives up trying to wipe them away. “Forever” she adds as Mark walks over and pulls her into a hug.
“No!” Naya pulls away from him. “It’s because of you I’m in this mess!” She angrily growls, her hand already on the door handle.
“I’m not the one who lied to Heather, Naya” He tries to put a hand on her shoulder but she flinches it away.
“You took advantage of the state I was in, you were the one who offered to drive me home, and you were the one who told me that it was ok to feel angry at Heather!” Naya’s voice raising high and she clenched her free hand tightly at her side.
“I was trying to be a good friend!” Mark shouts back, his own anger building.
“No Mark, you and I can never be friends” She pushes the door open and walks out, slamming it shut behind her.
Naya looks around quickly to see if there is anyone near before she races, head down, to her own trailer. Once inside the safe confines of the small square room she locks the door and leans up against it. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in as fresh tears stream down her face. They feel hot against her skin, leaving wet paths along her cheeks and taste salty when they reach her lips. She makes her way to the bathroom and looks in the mirror, not pleased by the look of her face.
“Great” she mumbles to herself, knowing that she has to be back on set to shoot another scene in ten minutes.
She grabs a towel and wipes her face before splashing water on it and patting it dry with the towel. She steps back out of the small bathroom and takes in a long shaky breath. She grabs a baggy hoodie that had been tossed on her couch, slipping it on over her cheerios uniform and using the hood to conceal her state, before making her way to the makeup trailer.
As she briskly makes a bee line towards makeup, she zips up the hoodie, pulling the sleeves over her hands to fight off the slightly chilly late autumn air. As she does this she notices that the hoodie is not hers at all, but Heather’s. Not only is it Heather’s, but it is her favorite hoodie, one she rarely parts with while on set. As Naya steps up to the trailer, thankfully her emotions unscathed by anyone, and hugs herself tightly, breathing in Heather’s scent before opening the trailer door. She lets out an auditable sigh of relief to see that Chelsea was still there and not on set yet.
“Oh honey” Is all the older woman says, seeing Naya’s tear stained makeup and blotchy eyes.
Naya steps forward, letting herself be pulled into a hug and Chelsea runs her hands up and down her back, trying to sooth her.
“Sorry” Naya mumbles into the woman’s chest.
“Don’t be, here” She pulls back and ushers Naya to a seat. “I’ll have you back to Santana perfect in no time” She reaches over and grabs a large clear zip lock bag filled with random makeup that is labeled ‘Naya’ in large black letters.
“Thank you” Naya says after a few minutes have passed and Chelsea applies a new coat of lipstick.
“For what, dear?” She looks confused as she pops the lipstick back in the bag and slides it shut.
“Not asking why I was such a mess” Naya looks up and gives her a small smile.
“None of my business, I’m just here to make you look good and hand out a few hugs every now and then” She puts her hand on Naya’s shoulder and guides her up from the chair.
“So that’s what they pay you for?” Naya jokes while Chelsea grabs a bunch of large zip lock bags and tosses them into a larger shoulder bag.
“Well” She says as they both head to the door, “The hugs are for free” She smiles down at Naya.
Heather slowly walks up behind Naya as she is in deep conversation with Jenna, most likely talking about food, their favorite thing. She is careful not to make any noise as she creeps closer and closer to the brunette. They had just finished up shooting a few moments ago, most of the cast and crew still milling around in the choir room set.
“Hey” She slips her arms around Naya’s waist and whispers in her ear.
“Oh my God, Heather” Naya jumps, almost clashing her head with the blonde’s, “Don’t do that!” She says trying to sound angry, but ending up giggling instead.
“Hey Hemo, did you see Vampire Diaries last night?” Jenna asks as Heather slides out from behind Naya and takes a spot between her and Jenna.
“What?” Heather asks, feigning shock. “You weren’t talking about food?” She looks back and forth between the two other girls.
“No” Jenna says slowly, trying to understand the tall blonde.
“Oh come on” Heather rolls her eyes as both girls look at her, clearly confused. “You two live for food, you have been on a self proclaimed mission over the past month to find the best sushi place” Heather raises both eyes brows at the girls accusingly.
“That doesn’t mean that is all we talk about, babe” Naya chuckles as Heather just shakes her head. “And like I was trying to tell Jenna before you ever so rudely interrupted, no we didn’t see Vampire Diaries last night” Naya makes quick eye contact with Heather, both of them sharing a knowing glance.
“Oh man, Ian, so hot, so good” Jenna lets out in almost a dream like tone, looking off into the distance.
“I’d hit it” Heather says nonchalantly and receives a slap on the arm from Naya. “What?” She looks over at her girlfriend, “The guy is hot!” She says defensively as Naya crosses her arms over her chest.
“I think that’s my cue to leave” Jenna chuckles, looking between the two girls who are in a stare down, before grabbing her water that is sitting on one of the plastic burgundy chairs and heading over to Lea who is at the piano with Cory.
“You’re cute when you’re jealous” Heather reaches out and takes a hold of Naya’s forearm.
“Not gonna work” Naya keeps her stance firm.
Heather steps in closer to her, her hand sliding up Naya’s arm and coming to rest on her cheek. She leans in, gently pressing her lips against Naya’s before pulling back, her hand still cupping her girlfriend’s cheek.
“You’re smiling” She says quietly and Naya can’t help but smile even more.
“Fine” Naya says, unfolding her arms to reach up and take hold of the hand cupping her cheek.
“Naya!” Brad calls from across the room.
Both Heather and Naya look up, their hands falling from Naya’s cheek and their fingers intertwining.
“Needed at recording” He shouts before turning on one heel and leaving the room.
“I’ll see you tonight then?” Heather asks, swinging their hands between them.
“Actually, I was gonna head to my place after we are done in the studio, Lea’s gonna give me a ride home, my landlord is going to start thinking I was kidnapped” She chuckles.
“Alright, see you tomorrow then? Call me when you are done recording, k?” Heather leans in for a kiss.
“Will do” Naya mumbles against soft lips before kissing back.
“Mmm” Heather moans before pulling away. “I need a good night’s sleep tonight anyways, I don’t know why, but whenever you stay over I am exhausted in the morning” Heather puts her finger to her chin, pretending to think hard.
“Hmmm, I have no idea why that would be” Naya says, playing along.
“I think it has something to do with you and a bed… or a couch… or the kitchen floor, even the shower and um, probably a lack of clothing and then-“
“Naya!” Brad’s head pops back in to the room.
“Sorry, coming” She smiles innocently at the man before letting go of Heather’s hand. “Ok, really got to go, see you tomorrow” She gives Heather a little wave as she backs away.
“Come on you” She hears Lea say, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room, “We have a date with the microphone” Lea smiles at her.
Heather grabbed the small cooler and tossed it into the back seat of Naya’s car and slung the large bag off of her shoulder, tossing it in with the cooler. They were getting packed up for the four hour car drive to Naya’s parent’s place to spend the weekend. Heather was both excited and nervous because they had decided that this would be the weekend to tell Naya’s family that they were dating.
Heather shut the back door, pulling down her sunglasses before checking the time on her cell phone. She let out a sigh and shook her head before heading back up the stairs to Naya’s apartment.
“Nay” Heather yelled, opening the door and leaning against the frame. “We were suppose to leave almost twenty minutes ago, babe” She slipped her sunglasses up onto her head and looked around the empty kitchen. “Naya?” She called out again before she saw a dark head of hair pop out of the bathroom.
“One sec” She said before slipping on her white long sleeve thermal top and stepping out of the bathroom. “Didn’t have time to do my hair, it’ll be crazy fro in no time” She chuckled while running a brush through her still wet hair and putting it up in a messy bun.
“I like your crazy nappy hair” Heather smiled as she watched Naya quickly grab her bag from the entry way table and sling it over her shoulder.
“Oh yeah” Naya chuckled, giving Heather a quick kiss on the cheek, “It’s just gorgeous” She smiles before sliding past Heather and out onto the cement block stairs.
Heather pushes away from the door and steps aside while Naya closes and locks it before they both make their way down the stairs and to her car.
“Cooler is all packed with road trip munchies, IPod is all filled up with road trip tunes, now all I need is my road trip girl” Heather grins across the hood of the car at Naya.
“All set then?” Naya asks as they both slide into the car and close their doors.
Heather doesn’t say anything, instead she leans over the middle consol, resting her hand on Naya’s thigh and brushing her lips against her girlfriend's.
“Rock and roll, baby” She mumbles against Naya’s lips, receiving a smile from the brunette.
Two hours into the drive, Heather is quickly starting to fall asleep, her head bobbing forward and finally coming to rest to the side. Naya glances over and smiles before reaching forward and turning the blaring music down some. She reaches out with one hand and takes a hold of Heather’s hand that is resting on her lap. Heather’s eyes flutter open slightly and she mumbles something that Naya can’t quite make out.
“You’re gonna get a kink in your neck, hun” Naya whispers, shaking Heather’s hand a bit.
Heather opens her eyes fully and blinking a few times before sitting up some to look around, almost as if she has forgotten where she was.
She glances back over at Naya, raising her free hand to rub her eyes then runs it through her tousled hair.
“Morning sunshine” Naya smiles as she watches Heather’s face turn up in disgust.
“I wanna sleep” She mumbles before letting go of Naya’s hand, reaching for the lever and letting the seat fall back as much as it can.
“I was thinking we could make a stop soon, I’m getting hungry, that granola bar at seven didn’t do anything spectacular” Naya looks over to see Heather lay back in the seat, curling up on her side.
“mmhmm” Heather says before reaching out to take hold of Naya’s hand with both of hers and pulling it up close he chest.
Naya can’t help but grin and feel a familiar flutter in her chest at the small gesture. It seems lately that Heather can’t seem to sleep comfortable without some contact with the brunette. Whether it is a leg slung over a calf, an arm draped over a waist or simply just a hand pulled in close, the blonde simply just needs Naya there for sweet dreams to take over her.
“Don’t get too comfortable” Naya warns, “I’m gonna pull over at the next food joint I see” and fittingly enough, her stomach growls when she finishes speaking.
Sure enough, Naya spots an old fashion dinner on the side of the road a few minutes later. She gently pulls her hand away from Heather’s grasp and turns the wheel off the back road and into the dusty dirt parking lot. After she puts the car in park in front of the small building and turns the engine off, she shifts in her seat to face the sleeping blonde.
“Hey, babe?” Naya softly coos, trying to wake her. “Food time” she adds before leaning over and kissing Heather’s forehead.
“I’m up, I’m up” Heather mumbles sleepily and before Naya can pull away the blonde has her hand on the back of Naya’s neck, pulling her back down for a kiss.
“Pancakes” Heather whispers against Naya’s lips before pulling away and undoing her seatbelt.
“Tease” Naya shakes her head, her lips still tingling and wanting more. “Big tease” she adds with a pout as Heather slides out of the car and smirks down at her.
She sits in the car, arms folded with a scowl on her face as Heather shuts the car door and races into the dinner. Naya can’t keep it up for long when Heather pauses at the door to turn around and scrunch her nose up at her before entering. Naya laughs and smiles before quickly grabbing her purse and getting out of the car.
When she steps into the small dinner she is happily greeted with the smells of bacon, syrup and caffeine. She looks around to see that there are actually quite a few people, mostly elderly couples, gossiping loudly while stirring sugar into coffee and cutting away at large plates of pancakes topped with fruit. Naya is slightly startled when she feels a warm hand wrap around her own and Heather whispering in her ear.
“Over here” She hears the tall blonde say before she is pulled over to a small table for two by a large window.
“This place is so cute” Naya exclaims while her eyes continue to roam, taking in the old wooden chairs, and picnic table cloth covered tables.
“I know and it smells amazing in here!” Heather says, her mouth practically watering as an older woman in a mint green button up dress, apron and notepad walks towards them.
“Well hello there, hunnies” She gives them a big grin before pulling a pencil from behind her ear. “You two look chipper this morning, what can I get ya’s?” she asks, both Naya and Heather smiling up at her.
“Whatever it is that smells so delicious” Heather says, licking her lips.
“Ah, yes” The waitress slips her pencil back in her ear, “Two famous pancake plates and two coffees coming up” She nods to both of them before heading back behind the counter.
“So” Heather reaches across the table, taking both of Naya’s hands in hers, “I was thinking we should tell them right away, get it out of the way so it’s not on our minds all weekend” Heather states, her thumb gently rubbing the back of Naya’s hand.
Naya takes a deep breath in, letting it out slowly before she nods her head in agreement. She looks out the window and watches as the sun slowly begins to get higher in the autumn sky. Trees in the distance are beginning to turn a lovely hue of orange and red, she smiles before turning back to look into Heather’s ice blue eyes.
“You are going to Phoenix for Christmas, right?” She asks and Heather nods. “You think that perhaps after I spend Christmas day with my family that I could fly out to yours?” She’s a bit hesitant.
Naya has been in relationships before, plenty, yet for some odd reason she has never spent such an intimate holiday like Christmas with her lover’s family. She has always felt the need to spend those few days with those closest to her, with family that she knows that will love her through even the roughest parts in her life, but with Heather it’s different. Heather is family, Heather is that person she can go to no matter what, that person who knows her perfectly. Heather knows Naya and all of her faults yet still loves her.
“Yeah” Heather’s lips slowly turn up into a smile, “My family would love that” She looks across the table, her eyes telling Naya that she is nothing but completely thrilled at the idea of spending the holiday with her.
Naya let out a sigh as her mind wondered back to only a couple days ago when she had that awful conversation with Mark. She would give anything to just tell Heather what really happened that night after they got back from a night of drunken karaoke and Heather confessed her feelings for her. But it was not that simple, Naya does everything in her power to protect Heather from feeling any hurt or emotional pain. Naya has been protective like that since that night on father’s day last year when Heather showed up at her door, tears rolling down her mascara stained cheeks...
“He’s gone” Heather’s voice cracked as Naya reached out ushering the blonde in from the dark night.
“What’s wrong sweetie, what do you mean?” Naya asks, closing the door behind them.
She takes Heather by the hand, leading her over to the couch as they both sit down. Heather reaches up and wipes away the tears with the back of her hand before taking a shaky breath in.
“You know when we went to the beach and you asked me about my tattoo?” Heather began to play with the ring that was on Naya’s finger.
“And I said it was for someone I love, but I didn’t want to talk about it?” She looks down at her hand in Naya’s, avoiding eye contact.
“Yeah” Naya nods, encouraging her to go on.
“You were so good about it, most people bug me until I break down, but not you” She looks up, a fresh set of tears glide almost gracefully down her reddened cheeks.
“I never pressure you into talking, I know you will tell me when you feel the time is right” Naya’s voice is so soft; it feels like a warm blanket is cast over Heather’s whole body.
“It’s for my dad” Her voice quivers slightly before she pulls her legs up next to her, her head landing in Naya’s lap. “He died when I was fourteen from prostate cancer” She explains and Naya’s hands instantly begin to stroke long blonde hair, trying to soothe her friend.
Heather can’t hold it in anymore and when Naya whispers to just let it all out, she clings on tight to the brunette’s sweat pants, suddenly fearing that someday Naya will be gone too.
“I bet he’s the proudest dad up there” Naya’s voice breaks through Heather’s sobs,like a light shone in the dark.
Heather slowly lets her white knuckled grip on the grey fabric of Naya’s pants become looser as she turns slightly to look up into brown eyes. Brown eyes that have suddenly begun to produce tears of their own and Heather can’t help but reach up to wipe a stray tear from the other girl’s face.
“Thank you” Heather says through sniffling. “Just….” Her voice trails off as she turns back onto her side, putting her hands up under her head like a pillow. “Thanks” She says and feels Naya’s hands back in her hair.
From that moment on Naya knew that Heather didn’t deserve anymore hurt in her life, she knew it was next to impossible to keep that from happening, but she tried, oh lord did she try. That was also the moment where something shifted in their friendship, they had become more than just friends, they had become two people who would rely on each other to be there whenever the other needed it, two people who knew that their lives were not only better but somehow almost perfect with the other by their side.
"This looks amazing!" Naya hears Heather's voice bringing her back to the present.
She watches as the waitress sets two large plates stacked with pancakes in front of them, then two coffees by their sides. She looks up at Heather who has already grabbed her knife and fork, digging into the plate of messy go. Naya smiles over at her before grabbing her own utensils and digging in as well. .
rating: pg-13
summary: Naya and Mark talk, HeYa cuteness, flashback scene
disclaimer: not mine
note: sorry for spelling and grammar, I got lazy and didn't feel like going over it, so you are warned.
Naya steps up to the trailer door, her hand hesitating slightly before knocking once. They had a half hour break between scenes and Naya wanted to use the time wisely. She knocked once more and then she heard someone move inside, the door opening.
“Oh” Mark says, slightly surprised to see Naya there at his door, thinking she would be spending her free time with Heather. “Hey” He adds as she walks up the steps and he moves aside to let her in.
“Alright” She sighs, sitting down cautiously on the couch, “let’s talk” her back is straight against the couch, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
“You sure?” He asks, taking a seat at the table across from the couch.
“What happened that night, it was a mistake, I was scared” Naya lets out, her eyes casting down away from Mark.
“Yes I know, you were also drunk and confused” He adds as he watches her look back up at him.
“Do you really have Heather’s best intentions at hand, or are you just hoping we break up?” Naya looks him square in the eye.
“What?” Mark spits back, completely shocked she would even think that. “Heather should know that you aren’t sure” He adds, more quietly.
“Wasn’t sure” Her hisses, her voice low with anger. “Mark, I AM sure now, therefore there is nothing to tell her” She pushes up from the couch, but Mark gets up from his spot and pulls her back down, until they are sitting side by side.
“That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a right to know, she confessed so much to you that night and then you went and-“
“I thought you said it was your entire fault, huh?” Naya’s voice gets a bit louder as she pulls her hand away from his.
“If you want me to take the blame then I will, you just have to tell her Naya!” Mark tries to keep calm but his voice betrays him.
“Why are you so set on this? Why do you even care?” Naya gets up from the couch and looks down at him.
“Because I care about you and I know you can’t live with this guilt that you feel” Mark’s voice is full of emotion as he pushes up from the couch, standing only inches away from Naya.
Naya looks up at him, her eyes narrowing and she crosses her arms over her chest before speaking “I don’t feel guilty” She says coldly.
“Yes, you do” Mark reaches out, his hand taking a gentle hold of her upper arm.
“Don’t tell me what I feel” She tries to hold it back but tears form in her eyes, she knows Mark is right.
She steps away from him, walking over to the door, her eyes cast down so that he can’t see her tears. She knows that she needs to tell Heather for the sake of being honest, but she is too terrified that it may tear them apart, so much so that she will not only lose her girlfriend, but her best friend as well.
“If you don’t tell her soon, I will” He pauses for a moment and Naya looks up at him, a few tears flowing freely down her cheeks. “I feel guilty too” he finishes as Naya raises her hand and quickly wipes the tears away.
“I love her” She says just above a whisper. “I love her so much that this is killing me and I’m scared that I will lose her….” More tears stream down her cheeks and she gives up trying to wipe them away. “Forever” she adds as Mark walks over and pulls her into a hug.
“No!” Naya pulls away from him. “It’s because of you I’m in this mess!” She angrily growls, her hand already on the door handle.
“I’m not the one who lied to Heather, Naya” He tries to put a hand on her shoulder but she flinches it away.
“You took advantage of the state I was in, you were the one who offered to drive me home, and you were the one who told me that it was ok to feel angry at Heather!” Naya’s voice raising high and she clenched her free hand tightly at her side.
“I was trying to be a good friend!” Mark shouts back, his own anger building.
“No Mark, you and I can never be friends” She pushes the door open and walks out, slamming it shut behind her.
Naya looks around quickly to see if there is anyone near before she races, head down, to her own trailer. Once inside the safe confines of the small square room she locks the door and leans up against it. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in as fresh tears stream down her face. They feel hot against her skin, leaving wet paths along her cheeks and taste salty when they reach her lips. She makes her way to the bathroom and looks in the mirror, not pleased by the look of her face.
“Great” she mumbles to herself, knowing that she has to be back on set to shoot another scene in ten minutes.
She grabs a towel and wipes her face before splashing water on it and patting it dry with the towel. She steps back out of the small bathroom and takes in a long shaky breath. She grabs a baggy hoodie that had been tossed on her couch, slipping it on over her cheerios uniform and using the hood to conceal her state, before making her way to the makeup trailer.
As she briskly makes a bee line towards makeup, she zips up the hoodie, pulling the sleeves over her hands to fight off the slightly chilly late autumn air. As she does this she notices that the hoodie is not hers at all, but Heather’s. Not only is it Heather’s, but it is her favorite hoodie, one she rarely parts with while on set. As Naya steps up to the trailer, thankfully her emotions unscathed by anyone, and hugs herself tightly, breathing in Heather’s scent before opening the trailer door. She lets out an auditable sigh of relief to see that Chelsea was still there and not on set yet.
“Oh honey” Is all the older woman says, seeing Naya’s tear stained makeup and blotchy eyes.
Naya steps forward, letting herself be pulled into a hug and Chelsea runs her hands up and down her back, trying to sooth her.
“Sorry” Naya mumbles into the woman’s chest.
“Don’t be, here” She pulls back and ushers Naya to a seat. “I’ll have you back to Santana perfect in no time” She reaches over and grabs a large clear zip lock bag filled with random makeup that is labeled ‘Naya’ in large black letters.
“Thank you” Naya says after a few minutes have passed and Chelsea applies a new coat of lipstick.
“For what, dear?” She looks confused as she pops the lipstick back in the bag and slides it shut.
“Not asking why I was such a mess” Naya looks up and gives her a small smile.
“None of my business, I’m just here to make you look good and hand out a few hugs every now and then” She puts her hand on Naya’s shoulder and guides her up from the chair.
“So that’s what they pay you for?” Naya jokes while Chelsea grabs a bunch of large zip lock bags and tosses them into a larger shoulder bag.
“Well” She says as they both head to the door, “The hugs are for free” She smiles down at Naya.
Heather slowly walks up behind Naya as she is in deep conversation with Jenna, most likely talking about food, their favorite thing. She is careful not to make any noise as she creeps closer and closer to the brunette. They had just finished up shooting a few moments ago, most of the cast and crew still milling around in the choir room set.
“Hey” She slips her arms around Naya’s waist and whispers in her ear.
“Oh my God, Heather” Naya jumps, almost clashing her head with the blonde’s, “Don’t do that!” She says trying to sound angry, but ending up giggling instead.
“Hey Hemo, did you see Vampire Diaries last night?” Jenna asks as Heather slides out from behind Naya and takes a spot between her and Jenna.
“What?” Heather asks, feigning shock. “You weren’t talking about food?” She looks back and forth between the two other girls.
“No” Jenna says slowly, trying to understand the tall blonde.
“Oh come on” Heather rolls her eyes as both girls look at her, clearly confused. “You two live for food, you have been on a self proclaimed mission over the past month to find the best sushi place” Heather raises both eyes brows at the girls accusingly.
“That doesn’t mean that is all we talk about, babe” Naya chuckles as Heather just shakes her head. “And like I was trying to tell Jenna before you ever so rudely interrupted, no we didn’t see Vampire Diaries last night” Naya makes quick eye contact with Heather, both of them sharing a knowing glance.
“Oh man, Ian, so hot, so good” Jenna lets out in almost a dream like tone, looking off into the distance.
“I’d hit it” Heather says nonchalantly and receives a slap on the arm from Naya. “What?” She looks over at her girlfriend, “The guy is hot!” She says defensively as Naya crosses her arms over her chest.
“I think that’s my cue to leave” Jenna chuckles, looking between the two girls who are in a stare down, before grabbing her water that is sitting on one of the plastic burgundy chairs and heading over to Lea who is at the piano with Cory.
“You’re cute when you’re jealous” Heather reaches out and takes a hold of Naya’s forearm.
“Not gonna work” Naya keeps her stance firm.
Heather steps in closer to her, her hand sliding up Naya’s arm and coming to rest on her cheek. She leans in, gently pressing her lips against Naya’s before pulling back, her hand still cupping her girlfriend’s cheek.
“You’re smiling” She says quietly and Naya can’t help but smile even more.
“Fine” Naya says, unfolding her arms to reach up and take hold of the hand cupping her cheek.
“Naya!” Brad calls from across the room.
Both Heather and Naya look up, their hands falling from Naya’s cheek and their fingers intertwining.
“Needed at recording” He shouts before turning on one heel and leaving the room.
“I’ll see you tonight then?” Heather asks, swinging their hands between them.
“Actually, I was gonna head to my place after we are done in the studio, Lea’s gonna give me a ride home, my landlord is going to start thinking I was kidnapped” She chuckles.
“Alright, see you tomorrow then? Call me when you are done recording, k?” Heather leans in for a kiss.
“Will do” Naya mumbles against soft lips before kissing back.
“Mmm” Heather moans before pulling away. “I need a good night’s sleep tonight anyways, I don’t know why, but whenever you stay over I am exhausted in the morning” Heather puts her finger to her chin, pretending to think hard.
“Hmmm, I have no idea why that would be” Naya says, playing along.
“I think it has something to do with you and a bed… or a couch… or the kitchen floor, even the shower and um, probably a lack of clothing and then-“
“Naya!” Brad’s head pops back in to the room.
“Sorry, coming” She smiles innocently at the man before letting go of Heather’s hand. “Ok, really got to go, see you tomorrow” She gives Heather a little wave as she backs away.
“Come on you” She hears Lea say, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room, “We have a date with the microphone” Lea smiles at her.
Heather grabbed the small cooler and tossed it into the back seat of Naya’s car and slung the large bag off of her shoulder, tossing it in with the cooler. They were getting packed up for the four hour car drive to Naya’s parent’s place to spend the weekend. Heather was both excited and nervous because they had decided that this would be the weekend to tell Naya’s family that they were dating.
Heather shut the back door, pulling down her sunglasses before checking the time on her cell phone. She let out a sigh and shook her head before heading back up the stairs to Naya’s apartment.
“Nay” Heather yelled, opening the door and leaning against the frame. “We were suppose to leave almost twenty minutes ago, babe” She slipped her sunglasses up onto her head and looked around the empty kitchen. “Naya?” She called out again before she saw a dark head of hair pop out of the bathroom.
“One sec” She said before slipping on her white long sleeve thermal top and stepping out of the bathroom. “Didn’t have time to do my hair, it’ll be crazy fro in no time” She chuckled while running a brush through her still wet hair and putting it up in a messy bun.
“I like your crazy nappy hair” Heather smiled as she watched Naya quickly grab her bag from the entry way table and sling it over her shoulder.
“Oh yeah” Naya chuckled, giving Heather a quick kiss on the cheek, “It’s just gorgeous” She smiles before sliding past Heather and out onto the cement block stairs.
Heather pushes away from the door and steps aside while Naya closes and locks it before they both make their way down the stairs and to her car.
“Cooler is all packed with road trip munchies, IPod is all filled up with road trip tunes, now all I need is my road trip girl” Heather grins across the hood of the car at Naya.
“All set then?” Naya asks as they both slide into the car and close their doors.
Heather doesn’t say anything, instead she leans over the middle consol, resting her hand on Naya’s thigh and brushing her lips against her girlfriend's.
“Rock and roll, baby” She mumbles against Naya’s lips, receiving a smile from the brunette.
Two hours into the drive, Heather is quickly starting to fall asleep, her head bobbing forward and finally coming to rest to the side. Naya glances over and smiles before reaching forward and turning the blaring music down some. She reaches out with one hand and takes a hold of Heather’s hand that is resting on her lap. Heather’s eyes flutter open slightly and she mumbles something that Naya can’t quite make out.
“You’re gonna get a kink in your neck, hun” Naya whispers, shaking Heather’s hand a bit.
Heather opens her eyes fully and blinking a few times before sitting up some to look around, almost as if she has forgotten where she was.
She glances back over at Naya, raising her free hand to rub her eyes then runs it through her tousled hair.
“Morning sunshine” Naya smiles as she watches Heather’s face turn up in disgust.
“I wanna sleep” She mumbles before letting go of Naya’s hand, reaching for the lever and letting the seat fall back as much as it can.
“I was thinking we could make a stop soon, I’m getting hungry, that granola bar at seven didn’t do anything spectacular” Naya looks over to see Heather lay back in the seat, curling up on her side.
“mmhmm” Heather says before reaching out to take hold of Naya’s hand with both of hers and pulling it up close he chest.
Naya can’t help but grin and feel a familiar flutter in her chest at the small gesture. It seems lately that Heather can’t seem to sleep comfortable without some contact with the brunette. Whether it is a leg slung over a calf, an arm draped over a waist or simply just a hand pulled in close, the blonde simply just needs Naya there for sweet dreams to take over her.
“Don’t get too comfortable” Naya warns, “I’m gonna pull over at the next food joint I see” and fittingly enough, her stomach growls when she finishes speaking.
Sure enough, Naya spots an old fashion dinner on the side of the road a few minutes later. She gently pulls her hand away from Heather’s grasp and turns the wheel off the back road and into the dusty dirt parking lot. After she puts the car in park in front of the small building and turns the engine off, she shifts in her seat to face the sleeping blonde.
“Hey, babe?” Naya softly coos, trying to wake her. “Food time” she adds before leaning over and kissing Heather’s forehead.
“I’m up, I’m up” Heather mumbles sleepily and before Naya can pull away the blonde has her hand on the back of Naya’s neck, pulling her back down for a kiss.
“Pancakes” Heather whispers against Naya’s lips before pulling away and undoing her seatbelt.
“Tease” Naya shakes her head, her lips still tingling and wanting more. “Big tease” she adds with a pout as Heather slides out of the car and smirks down at her.
She sits in the car, arms folded with a scowl on her face as Heather shuts the car door and races into the dinner. Naya can’t keep it up for long when Heather pauses at the door to turn around and scrunch her nose up at her before entering. Naya laughs and smiles before quickly grabbing her purse and getting out of the car.
When she steps into the small dinner she is happily greeted with the smells of bacon, syrup and caffeine. She looks around to see that there are actually quite a few people, mostly elderly couples, gossiping loudly while stirring sugar into coffee and cutting away at large plates of pancakes topped with fruit. Naya is slightly startled when she feels a warm hand wrap around her own and Heather whispering in her ear.
“Over here” She hears the tall blonde say before she is pulled over to a small table for two by a large window.
“This place is so cute” Naya exclaims while her eyes continue to roam, taking in the old wooden chairs, and picnic table cloth covered tables.
“I know and it smells amazing in here!” Heather says, her mouth practically watering as an older woman in a mint green button up dress, apron and notepad walks towards them.
“Well hello there, hunnies” She gives them a big grin before pulling a pencil from behind her ear. “You two look chipper this morning, what can I get ya’s?” she asks, both Naya and Heather smiling up at her.
“Whatever it is that smells so delicious” Heather says, licking her lips.
“Ah, yes” The waitress slips her pencil back in her ear, “Two famous pancake plates and two coffees coming up” She nods to both of them before heading back behind the counter.
“So” Heather reaches across the table, taking both of Naya’s hands in hers, “I was thinking we should tell them right away, get it out of the way so it’s not on our minds all weekend” Heather states, her thumb gently rubbing the back of Naya’s hand.
Naya takes a deep breath in, letting it out slowly before she nods her head in agreement. She looks out the window and watches as the sun slowly begins to get higher in the autumn sky. Trees in the distance are beginning to turn a lovely hue of orange and red, she smiles before turning back to look into Heather’s ice blue eyes.
“You are going to Phoenix for Christmas, right?” She asks and Heather nods. “You think that perhaps after I spend Christmas day with my family that I could fly out to yours?” She’s a bit hesitant.
Naya has been in relationships before, plenty, yet for some odd reason she has never spent such an intimate holiday like Christmas with her lover’s family. She has always felt the need to spend those few days with those closest to her, with family that she knows that will love her through even the roughest parts in her life, but with Heather it’s different. Heather is family, Heather is that person she can go to no matter what, that person who knows her perfectly. Heather knows Naya and all of her faults yet still loves her.
“Yeah” Heather’s lips slowly turn up into a smile, “My family would love that” She looks across the table, her eyes telling Naya that she is nothing but completely thrilled at the idea of spending the holiday with her.
Naya let out a sigh as her mind wondered back to only a couple days ago when she had that awful conversation with Mark. She would give anything to just tell Heather what really happened that night after they got back from a night of drunken karaoke and Heather confessed her feelings for her. But it was not that simple, Naya does everything in her power to protect Heather from feeling any hurt or emotional pain. Naya has been protective like that since that night on father’s day last year when Heather showed up at her door, tears rolling down her mascara stained cheeks...
“He’s gone” Heather’s voice cracked as Naya reached out ushering the blonde in from the dark night.
“What’s wrong sweetie, what do you mean?” Naya asks, closing the door behind them.
She takes Heather by the hand, leading her over to the couch as they both sit down. Heather reaches up and wipes away the tears with the back of her hand before taking a shaky breath in.
“You know when we went to the beach and you asked me about my tattoo?” Heather began to play with the ring that was on Naya’s finger.
“And I said it was for someone I love, but I didn’t want to talk about it?” She looks down at her hand in Naya’s, avoiding eye contact.
“Yeah” Naya nods, encouraging her to go on.
“You were so good about it, most people bug me until I break down, but not you” She looks up, a fresh set of tears glide almost gracefully down her reddened cheeks.
“I never pressure you into talking, I know you will tell me when you feel the time is right” Naya’s voice is so soft; it feels like a warm blanket is cast over Heather’s whole body.
“It’s for my dad” Her voice quivers slightly before she pulls her legs up next to her, her head landing in Naya’s lap. “He died when I was fourteen from prostate cancer” She explains and Naya’s hands instantly begin to stroke long blonde hair, trying to soothe her friend.
Heather can’t hold it in anymore and when Naya whispers to just let it all out, she clings on tight to the brunette’s sweat pants, suddenly fearing that someday Naya will be gone too.
“I bet he’s the proudest dad up there” Naya’s voice breaks through Heather’s sobs,like a light shone in the dark.
Heather slowly lets her white knuckled grip on the grey fabric of Naya’s pants become looser as she turns slightly to look up into brown eyes. Brown eyes that have suddenly begun to produce tears of their own and Heather can’t help but reach up to wipe a stray tear from the other girl’s face.
“Thank you” Heather says through sniffling. “Just….” Her voice trails off as she turns back onto her side, putting her hands up under her head like a pillow. “Thanks” She says and feels Naya’s hands back in her hair.
From that moment on Naya knew that Heather didn’t deserve anymore hurt in her life, she knew it was next to impossible to keep that from happening, but she tried, oh lord did she try. That was also the moment where something shifted in their friendship, they had become more than just friends, they had become two people who would rely on each other to be there whenever the other needed it, two people who knew that their lives were not only better but somehow almost perfect with the other by their side.
"This looks amazing!" Naya hears Heather's voice bringing her back to the present.
She watches as the waitress sets two large plates stacked with pancakes in front of them, then two coffees by their sides. She looks up at Heather who has already grabbed her knife and fork, digging into the plate of messy go. Naya smiles over at her before grabbing her own utensils and digging in as well. .