Lean On Me 8/??
Fandom: Glee
Title: Lean On Me
Author: jt4702(JT)
A/N: All italics denotes spoken Spanish.
Chapter 8
Quinn stops her conversation with the other Gleeks once she notices Santana enter the cafeteria with her arms around a smiling Rachel. Brittany follows Quinn’s line of sight and smiles when she sees the two brunettes approach them. The others just keep staring and trying to get used to the idea of the Head Cheerio being so openly affectionate with the school’s diva.
“You were right Q. They worked things out and now they’re both happy again.” Brittany chirps happily beside Quinn, nearly bouncing with excitement at the sight of the two brunettes seemingly lost in their own world.
The brunettes in question just offer a passing wave to the others, as they get closer to the table. When Quinn notices no one is making room for them, she glares at the poor unfortunate soul who happens to be sitting beside her and after swallowing hard, Puck actually scoots over a few seats so now there is space between Quinn and Brittany for Rachel and Santana to join them.
“Everything ok?” Quinn asks as Santana sets down their shared lunch tray and gently guides Rachel to sit on her lap at the space Quinn had cleared for them.
“Yeah. Just a misunderstanding.” Santana says as she wraps her arms securely around Rachel. The diva, for her part, shifts her body slightly so she can wrap her arms around Santana’s torso and snuggle as close to the Latina as possible.
Everyone in the cafeteria stares openly at the girls. Quinn and Brittany with fondness and happiness, while the rest still continue to question their eyesight and sanity.
“Preciosa, are you ok with all the losers staring at us?” Santana asks gently once she feels every set of eyes on them. “No offense, by the way.” She adds in Quinn and Brittany’s general direction.
“As long as I’m with you, I’ll be ok.” Rachel whispers back, still holding on for dear life, causing Brittany to go ‘awww’.
“None taken.” Quinn replies with a smirk.
“Ok Preciosa, you promised me that you would try and eat something.” Santana says as she opens two containers of yogurt. She hands one of them to Rachel, who reluctantly unwraps her arms from the taller brunette’s torso and slowly starts to eat.
“All right, you insensitive jerks. I’m sure watching someone eat yogurt is the highlight of your day, but eyes back to your own business. You’re making me queasy all over again, and I don’t appreciate this feeling now that I’m done with the ‘morning sickness’ part of my pregnancy.” Quinn says in her ‘Head Bitch In Charge’ tone and attitude. “Unless you want to deal with me vomiting all over you, I suggest you turn around and stop staring.” She adds when she feels the reluctance of some to look away.
“I’d do that if I were you. She once puked all over Finn because he wouldn’t believe her.” Brittany adds, causing everyone to look away with their faces tinted a slight green at the mental image.
“Thanks Quinn. Thanks Brittany.” Rachel says shyly, still enjoying the solid feel of Santana all around her.
“You are welcome.” Quinn says just as soft. She wants to ask more, but for now refrains in the hopes of not scaring the girl further.
“Welcome back Q. I was wondering where your ‘tude went.” Santana says with a smirk as she begins to eat her own yogurt.
“Yeah, well, this little one keeps me pretty mellow.” Quinn says rubbing her growing abdomen.
The remainder of the day passes without much incident. Santana once again escorts Rachel to every one of the classes they don’t share, and always makes it in time to meet the diva once a period is over. Everyone still looks on as if they are seeing things because really, one weekend isn’t enough to get used to such a shift in behaviour from the new Head Cheerio. Thankfully, there is the matter of the attack on the jocks. There is a wave of excitement and fear when they repeat the story, the mere thought that a gang such as Hells Angels would pass through their loser town too much of a gossip magnet to just let up. Everyone wonders what the three stooges might have done to piss off the motorcycle gang, and leave Santana and Rachel alone for the most part.
Things take a decidedly turn downwards when Rachel and Santana try to make their way to the choir room. They come face to face with the three jackasses and Santana immediately sees red when she notices the slushy on Tony’s hand, the only of the three with no lasting injury aside from a slight limp. He is about to throw it in Rachel’s and therefore Santana’s general direction when he suddenly finds himself doubled over after a punch in his lower back and fuming Cheerio holding him up by the scruff of his neck.
“You were not just about to slushy Rachel here, were you?” Santana asks through gritted teeth, her other first clenched, ready to strike at any moment. She reminds Rachel of a lioness ready to pounce on her prey.
Santana doesn’t even give him a chance to recover or to reply. She just grabs the slushie still clinging to his grip and dumps it on his head, followed by an uppercut to his jaw. “I already warned you three jokers about being near Rachel. I guess you really do wish to push your luck.” Santana says in a harsh whisper as she knees him in the groin, causing him to drop to the ground, once again squealing like a pig. She proceeds to place the heel of her sneakered foot over his groin and applies enough pressure to remind him to stay as stationary as possible. “I so much as catch you looking in her direction, and what you just went through will be the least of your worries, because I will finish what that gang started.” She says loud enough for everyone in the hallway to hear. She steps a little harder on Tony’s groin just for added emphasis. “Do I make myself clear?” She hisses at the three jocks still there. They all mutely nod at her.
All the while, Rachel just stands behind Santana, trying to get her breathing under control. The moment the three boys slither away, Santana quickly gathers a shaking Rachel in her arms and gently guides her to the choir room. She sits down on one of the plastic chairs towards the back of the room and pulls a silent and scared Rachel to her lap.
“There is nothing to worry about. I am right here. They won’t dare come near you again. Tony might have been stupid enough to try to slushy you, but after today, they will rethink coming within ten feet of you.” Santana says gently as she holds Rachel close to her.
“I know. Thank you. It’s just hard not think of what they might have done had you not been there the first time.” Rachel says in a broken voice, snuggling as much as possible to Santana.
“Shh. It’s ok, Preciosa. I have you. I will always have you.” Santana says as she presses her lips to Rachel’s temple.
“Thank you Santana.” Rachel says as she places a soft kiss on Santana’s lips as she disentangles herself to sit down on the chair beside Santana. “I don’t think I will be able to pay attention to Glee if I stay there.” Rachel says slightly calmer. “I would have a really hard time resisting those lips, and I don’t feel like another inquisition by the others.” Rachel adds as she places another longer kiss on Santana’s lips. At the same time, she reaches over for Santana’s hands, threading their fingers together and resting her head on Santana’s shoulder.
Santana smiles lovingly at her as she lifts their joined hands and places a kiss on Rachel’s knuckles just as the other gleeks start to trickle their way in, garnering a few raised eyebrows. Everyone so far, knows to stay quiet when they see the withering glare Santana throws their way. Quinn and Brittany come in last and smile at the sight of Santana and Rachel holding hands, and quickly sit beside the two girls, flanking them on each side. When Finn makes his entrance, he just glares at Santana and gives Rachel a wounded puppy eye look before he sullenly sits a few rows ahead of them. He is still convinced Santana is up to something. Thankfully, though, Mr. Schuester walks in before Finn has a chance to say or do anything.
“All right everyone. I understand that Finn has a little something prepared for us.” He says to the chattering students. “Ok, Finn, the floor is yours.” He says as everyone settles for practice.
Finn gets up and looks around the music room until his eyes focus on Rachel. He is annoyed that instead of the usual seat up front, Rachel is now in the back row, holding hands with Santana. He clears his throat to get everyone’s attention, and feels his annoyance increase when he fails to get Rachel’s undivided attention on him, the way it used to be at the beginning, before the whole baby drama, Jesse and now Santana.
When everyone is waiting for him to start, he signals the band members and Brad, the piano guy to start the music. Soon enough, he is starting to sing Enrique Iglesias’ ‘hero’. As the song progresses, it becomes clear to everyone but the two brunettes huddled in the back row that he is singing this for Rachel. Halfway through the song, Finn, along with everyone else in the room notice that the target of his song still isn’t paying any attention to him. Instead, Rachel is focused intently on whatever Santana is whispering in her ear. They notice that the young diva plays absently with Santana’s fingers with her eyes closed. They all try not to chuckle at Finn’s failed attempt at serenading the diva, because said diva is completely lost in whatever world Santana is weaving for her.
Quinn, sitting directly beside Rachel, notices that Rachel isn’t really relaxed or even enjoying herself. She can see how Rachel is concentrating hard on whatever Santana is saying to her and trying to even her breathing to match that of Santana’s.
“You’re doing great, Preciosa. Remember, no matter what, I have you.” Quinn overhears Santana say as the Latina places their entwined hands over her chest. She sees how Santana makes a point of taking deep breaths in and out, and slowly, Rachel starts to relax and to slow down her own breathing to match that of Santana’s.
When Finn is done singing, Mister Schuester praises him for his effort, while the others applaud politely. He sits back fuming when he notices that Rachel is still lost in whatever world she has been in since he came in the practice room.
The time usually spent singing and dancing is spent talking about songs for their new Regionals set list. They can’t risk a repeat of what happen during Sectionals, after Jesse’s betrayal. Most of them are so caught up with their suggestions that they fail to notice that the usually vocal Rachel has barely said a word. Not even when Mr. Schuester gives them all the option of working on something for next practice, either on their own or in groups. The only ones who notice this strange behaviour are of course Mr. Schuester, Quinn, Brittany and Finn, and only because the latter hasn’t been able to tear his eyes from Rachel.
Quinn is surprised when Mr. Schuester decides to dismiss them a lot earlier than usual, saying he wants to give them extra time to think about their song selections. It’s not even four-thirty in the afternoon. By all calculations, they have been there less than an hour, but judging by how distress their lead female is, Quinn imagines it’s a blessing in disguise.
“Santana, may I have a few words with you? In private.” Mr. Schuester says as the girls are about the leave.
“Yeah, sure Mr. Schue.” Santana says eyeing their faculty advisor suspiciously. “It’s ok, Preciosa, I’ll be right with you. I’m sure Q and B can keep you distracted until I’m done with Mr. Schue.” She adds when she feels Rachel stiffen beside her at the mention of being separated, even by such a short period of time. She quickly places another kiss on the hand she is holding before she gently pulls their hands apart. They both feel like someone has kicked them in the gut at the loss of contact. Santana wants to smack Mr. Schuester for his timing.
“Of course we can. Come on Rachel. We can wait for Santana just outside, ok?” Quinn says as she gently guides Rachel to the hallway.
“Ok.” The diva says barely above a whisper, as she follows the two blondes.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Schuester?” Santana asks getting straight to the point.
“Santana, Rachel has been through enough ordeals already, especially after the incident with Jesse and Vocal Adrenaline. As strong as she is, I don’t think she can take whatever it is that you have planned on doing to her.” Mr. Schuester says just as blunt.
“With all due respect, sir, you have no idea what is going on between Rachel and me. I expected this kind of behaviour and paranoia from the other students, but never from a faculty member. Not even Coach Sylvester is accusing me of anything evil.” Santana says in a barely controlled voice, fists clenching and unclenching by her sides.
“You have to admit that this sudden interest in Rachel is highly suspicious, especially when your past interactions are brought into consideration.” Mr. Schuester says slightly flustered now, surprised by the revelation about Sue Sylvester.
Santana visibly takes a few deep breaths to calm herself down as much as possible before she replies. It would do no good to get expelled for striking a teacher, however much he deserves it. “Since we are bringing up past behaviour here, have you seen or heard me do or say anything mean to Rachel since Sectionals took place? Because other than not really talking to each other, I have had no interaction with her until recently.” Santana manages to get out in the same, controlled tone of voice as before.
Before Will can say anything, they hear a loud crash outside, and then they hear Quinn raise her voice at someone to back off from Rachel. Santana immediately sprints outside to check on Rachel, followed closely by Will Schuester. Will’s eyes nearly pop out of his sockets by what he sees when he gets outside. He holds on to Santana on instinct when he sees her about to charge Finn.
“Why can’t you see that she is just playing you? That all Santana is doing is following whatever orders Coach Sylvester has given her to ruin Glee. All I’m trying to do here is help you see the truth. I care about you Rachel. Why won’t you believe me?” Finn shouts as he slams his fist on the lockers near and above Rachel’s head as said diva is cowering on the ground with Brittany doing her best to soothe the distress.
“Please, just leave me alone and don’t come near me Finn. I don’t want you near me. I don’t want you to touch me. Just no. I just want Santana to make it all stop.” Rachel says in a broken whisper, tears streaming down her face as she struggles against Brittany’s hold on her.
“Finn, you insensitive jerk. Can’t you see that Rachel doesn’t want to speak to you and that you are scaring her? Are you that stupid and selfish that you are ignoring her plea to be left alone?” Quinn says in her deadliest tone, the one reserved for those she truly hates.
Before anyone can say or do anything, Santana finally manages to break free of Will’s hold and tackles Finn way from Rachel. She then shoves him hard against the lockers on the other side. The only thing that is preventing her from killing Finn on the spot is the sight of her Rachel cowering on the floor, struggling against Brittany’s hold while she keeps repeating “I just want Santana” over and over.
Santana instantly drops to the floor, and gathers Rachel in her arms. At first, Rachel stiffens at the feel of a new set of arms around her, but she instantly relaxes when she smells Santana’s familiar scent. “Please make it stop. I don’t want to see them anymore. I don’t want to hear their voices or their laughter anymore. I’m sorry Santana. I tried not to panic, but he just wouldn’t leave me alone and I asked him to and now they won’t leave me alone.” Rachel mumbles into the Latina’s neck.
“Shh. Calm down Mi Cielo. I’m right here. I’m so sorry. I should have never left you out of my sight. Just focus on my voice and the feel of my hands. I’m here now. I won’t let anything else happen to you now.” Santana whispers to Rachel, placing soft kisses all over Rachel’s face and head as she pulls a whimpering and sobbing Rachel to her lap.
Quinn sees the scene unfold in front of her, and she automatically pulls Brittany beside her to step in front of the two brunettes as a way to give them some privacy.
Finn is about to make his way back to the girls when he is stopped by Will.
“No Finn. Rachel made it very clear she doesn’t want you around. Can’t you see that your presence is only upsetting her more? Cool off.” Will says in a stern tone and coming physically between him and the girls on the ground and pushing him further away. He can see the two blondes trying to shield the girls from them. “What happened? It’s ok, Quinn. Just be honest. You’re not in trouble.” He asks turning slightly to Quinn.
“We were just here, talking about the song assignment. Brittany was joking around, saying we should do something similar to the ‘halo/walking on sunshine’ mash-up, but this time without the Vitamin D, when Finn came over saying he wanted to speak to Rachel alone. She said whatever he needed to say, he could do so right here because she was waiting for Santana. He said something about it being a private conversation while he was looking at Brittany and I. Rachel just said that if he had a problem with us, then there was nothing to talk about. That’s when he started to accuse Santana and us of plotting something to hurt her. Rachel just told him to stop being so paranoid and to leave her alone, and he lost it. You saw the rest.” Quinn says softly, hands rubbing her abdomen.
“Finn, in my office. Now.” Will says in a stern voice as he sees Finn about to try to get past him.
“But Mr. Schue…” Finn starts to say, only to be interrupted again.
“No buts. Finn. Go. Rachel has made it very clear she doesn’t want you near her.” Will says in the same stern voice, and Finn finally relents and walks to his office.
Will looks at the scene playing out in his periphery vision. Santana has Rachel cradled lovingly in her arms as she whispers softly in the diva’s ear. She gently wipes the falling tears, and every once in a while, places loving kisses on Rachel’s face. Then Santana’s earlier words hit him like a freight train at full speed. Since Sectionals, Santana has been doing her best to stay out of Rachel’s way. He feels ashamed and the size of a microbe when he realises he has been very unfair to the Latina. He is always telling his kids to let go of the past and to see past mistakes as just that, but he has been judging Santana based on her past actions, and the rumour mill circulating around school. He accused Santana of plotting something against Rachel with absolutely no proof. When he realises he did what Finn was doing he feels disgusted with himself, and like the biggest hypocrite on the planet. He actually looks down on the floor in shame.
“Quinn, could you please let Santana know I am very sorry for my earlier behaviour and that I will apologise to her in person tomorrow. I’m going to check on Finn. See you tomorrow girls. Just make sure Rachel is ok.” Will says to Quinn in a voice thick with regret and guilt. He knows that if he tries to approach Santana, he will just end up making things worse.
“Sure Mr. Schue.” Quinn says distractedly as she watches him walk away.
Santana eventually manages to get Rachel to stop crying and to finally calm down enough for them to head home. She absently notices that neither Mr. Schuester nor Finn are there, a thought that sends a wave of relief through her because she isn’t sure she could have been able to exert enough control to not kill Finn on the spot.
“Hey Q, could you do me a favour and drive my car over to Rachel’s? I really don’t want to leave my car overnight at the parking lot again. We’ll explain everything once we get back to Rachel’s.” Santana asks softly as she pulls Rachel to a standing position.
“Of course. I’ll have B follow me in her car. Do you need me to do anything else?” Quinn asks just as soft.
“No, that’s all. Thank you girls for being here for Rachel.” Santana says handing Quinn her car keys.
“You are welcome. We are just glad we were able to help. Is Rachel ok?” Brittany asks worried.
“She will be. Come on girls. It’s getting late, and we have a lot to talk about.” Santana says as they start to make their way to the student parking lot.
Rachel and Santana make it to the Berry household first, and after some quick deliberation, they agree that it is best to tell Quinn and Brittany everything. They both know that with Quinn witnessing Rachel’s breakdown in the hallway, the blonde will eventually figure things out on her own, and it will be better if she is told exactly what has happened. Santana assures Rachel that everything will ok, and that everything will work out in the end. Santana tells that Brittany might be a bit flighty but she is trustworthy when it comes to keeping her mouth shut.
Quinn and Brittany arrive a few minutes later, and they all settle in Rachel’s bedroom. The last thing they want is to have either one of Rachel’s dads walk in on that conversation. Rachel quickly sends a text to her dads letting them know they will be having guests for dinner tonight because they are working on a Glee assignment to help them get ready for Regionals.
“Do you, uh want anything to drink?” Rachel asks in a near whisper as she leans into Santana’s body by the headboard. She almost melts into Santana’s arms. Quinn quietly settles on the other side of the bed, and Brittany takes the foot of the bed by lying on her stomach and leaning her chin on her hands as she uses her arms to prop her head up.
“No thanks.” Brittany answers just as soft. She might not be the smartest person in terms of school, but Brittany knows human nature, and she knows something is seriously messing with Rachel and that the small diva needs friends, now more than ever.
Quinn shakes her head no, and once again, the bedroom, usually so full of sound, is filled with a silence to strong that it almost feels like a physical entity.
After what seems like a lifetime to all four, Rachel takes a deep breath and tells them everything that has happened to her since last Thursday. She goes in startling detail, describing her feeling of panic at being late for her piano lesson to being cornered by the three jocks. She tells them about the annoyance and acceptance she had felt thinking it would be just another slushie attack. She tells them in vivid detail how her heart sped up so much, she thought that it would either beat out of her chest, or she would just have a heart attack, when she realised what those boys were going to put her through. She tells them about her decision to fight for as long as she could because she wouldn’t just make it easy for them.
Santana takes over after that, recounting once again, her reasons for following Rachel. She tells them at first she had felt amusement when she heard what Rachel told them. She tells them the sickening feeling that came over her when she realised what those jocks were about to do. She tells them that she hadn’t prayed as hard in her life as that one late afternoon, and the relief that washed over her when she made it back with the baseball bat just in time. She tells them about everything in vivid detail, from what the jocks went through physically, to the words that were exchanged.
Rachel and Santana share with the two stunned blondes the nightmare Rachel had that first night, how they ended up getting so close emotionally, and Santana’s admittance of guilt for not being fast enough to prevent the injury to Rachel’s wrist. Finally being able to talk about this openly with someone else is liberating to both brunettes, but especially Rachel. Santana can feel the tiny diva being more at ease than she has in days.
“Oh my god! That’s why you were freaking out when I asked you about the injury last Friday.” Quinn says horrified. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t trying to be insensitive. I just saw how Kurt and the others were acting and how stressed Rachel was getting. I thought talking about other stuff might take her mind off of the Jesse and Vocal Adrenaline incident.” She apologises to the girls.
“Don’t sweat it, Q. You had no idea, and I appreciate the way you have been slowly sticking up for Rachel.” Santana says kindly.
“I still don’t understand why you won’t go to the police.” Brittany says finally.
“Because I don’t want to risk anything happening to Santana. What she did to those parasites went beyond personal defence. It borders on assault and battery. I don’t want to relive this any more than I have to. I don’t want the rest to know. All I want is to put it behind us. I’m sorry for burdening you with this information.” Rachel says quietly.
“Don’t. It’s a lot to take in, but none of it is your fault. I understand because I wouldn’t want anyone to know either. Thank you for trusting me with this. I promise you that your trust will not be misplaced. And Rachel, I, uh, also want to apologise for everything I have done to you in the past. I had no excuse and I am really ashamed for my past behaviour.” Quinn says softly, her voice cracking with emotion.
Rachel pulls out of Santana’s embrace slightly to grab one of Quinn’s hands in hers. “I know you are. I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago. My offer of friendship still stands.” Rachel says gently.
“Thank you. I don’t deserve it, but thank you so much.” Quinn says crying freely now. “God this is so messed up. Here we are, with our roles reversed again. We’re here trying to make you feel better, and you’re comforting me instead.” Quinn adds through her tears.
“It’s probably the hormones.” Santana says in the hopes of lightening things up a bit.
The comment does its trick, and all four girls smile and giggle eventually. They spend the next few hours getting to know each other better while eating a quick dinner with the Berry family. They talk about Glee and their assignment, and during dinner, they bounce ideas on possible song choices that go from the absurd and ridiculous to actual possibilities.
Rachel’s dads are at first apprehensive that their daughter is suddenly friends with the very same girls who had spent years tormenting and torturing her, but soon relax when they see the easy going banter between the girls, and how at ease their little spitfire is around the trio.
The girls resume their conversation back in Rachel’s room after dinner, only this time, music fills the room, and the overall atmosphere is a bit more relaxed and definitely a lot calmer.
“I hate to do this, but it’s getting really late and we all have school in the morning, and we have another early practice. Not to mention, Quinn is tired enough to fall asleep on her feet.” Santana says with a slight giggle at the sight of the dozing girl mumbling something or other about feet smell and Puck.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. If it wasn’t a school night, I would suggest for all three of you to just stay.” Rachel replies sadly. It is almost eleven p.m. and she knows they should have called it quits a while back.
The girls who are still awake smile at the idea, and actually make plans for a slumber party for the weekend. Rachel’s eyes instantly light up at the idea, and the grin she has in her face lets Santana know it was a great idea. Santana and Brittany’s enthusiasm only get dampened slightly when Rachel mentions that will be her first ever slumber party. They push their guilt aside, and instead, focus on making it the best ever for Rachel. Eventually, they manage to wake the sleeping blonde and manage to all leave just a little after eleven with Brittany going straight home and Santana agreeing to drive Quinn back to Puck’s place.
“I’ll call you when I get home.” Santana says as she pulls a very willing Rachel for a long and lingering goodnight kiss. ‘I love you’ Santana thinks as they pull apart.
“Ok. Drive safe and I’ll talk to you soon.” Rachel says smiling. Glad she manages to hold back the ‘I love you’ that nearly escaped her lips after that kiss.
Rachel thinks over her feelings for the feisty brunette, as she gets ready for bed. All in all, she should be freaking out more over how intense her feelings are. Try as she might, Rachel can’t fight the sappy smile when she remembers strong tanned arms holding her close, or the sound of Santana’s voice as it washes over her and sends shivers of pleasure and something more travelling up and down her entire body. Rachel is almost knocked down to her feet when she realises that it has never felt this right with anyone before.
Finn was her first obsession. He had the voice and was popular, and being with him was more a whim and a desire for being popular than anything else. He definitely lacked in the intellectual department and she found herself getting bored with the boy because he could not manage to keep up with her during their conversations. Noah was just a mistake. He was dangerous and unknown, the typical bad boy and rebel. The little thing they had made her feel adventurous and daring, but in the end, they had both realised they were using each other to make the object of their affections jealous. Jesse was the most intense and her biggest mistake to date. He had the intensity and the leading man qualities she had always craved. She had been so attracted to his voice and this air of mystery that always surrounded him, and unlike Finn, Jesse had no problems having their relationship out in the open for the world to know. He was like the perfect blend between Finn and Puck, and when the betrayal came, it was one of the hardest things she had to deal with.
Santana though, this girl is in a class of her own. The girl is gorgeous and knows it. She carries herself with a self confidence that makes Rachel weak in the knees. She is intelligent and smart. But it is the hidden vulnerability and sensitivity Santana shows that truly melts Rachel’s heart and makes her soul sing with happiness. The smiles, looks, and caresses that are only reserved for her, and of course, Santana’s willingness to risk her popularity in order to just be with her have Rachel swooning nearly every time they are together. Whenever Rachel feels a sudden wave of fear that what they share is too intense or too sudden, all she has to do is remind herself the sense of total acceptance and safety she feels whenever she is wrapped in those long tanned arms, or the intoxicating scent that makes her think of an early spring day. And it strikes her right then and there that this feeling of safety and belonging is something she never felt with the other boys or anyone.
Rachel is so lost in her head that when her phone finally goes off with Santana’s familiar ringtone, she almost misses it. She sighs in relief that she manages to connect the call just before it goes to voicemail. Soon enough, both girls are sharing more of their lives and by the time Rachel falls asleep, Santana realises that even after the earlier incident with Finn, Rachel managed to fall asleep faster, and with less fears of nightmares waking her up in the middle of the night. Maybe talking about it to someone else, even if it was just their friends has nudged Rachel in the road to moving past ‘the incident’ that much faster. Santana falls asleep soon after she makes sure Rachel is really asleep before she whispers a soft, barely there “I love you Mi Cielo.” before she disconnects the call and surrenders to sleep.
TBC…
Chapter 9
Title: Lean On Me
Author: jt4702(JT)
A/N: All italics denotes spoken Spanish.
Chapter 8
Quinn stops her conversation with the other Gleeks once she notices Santana enter the cafeteria with her arms around a smiling Rachel. Brittany follows Quinn’s line of sight and smiles when she sees the two brunettes approach them. The others just keep staring and trying to get used to the idea of the Head Cheerio being so openly affectionate with the school’s diva.
“You were right Q. They worked things out and now they’re both happy again.” Brittany chirps happily beside Quinn, nearly bouncing with excitement at the sight of the two brunettes seemingly lost in their own world.
The brunettes in question just offer a passing wave to the others, as they get closer to the table. When Quinn notices no one is making room for them, she glares at the poor unfortunate soul who happens to be sitting beside her and after swallowing hard, Puck actually scoots over a few seats so now there is space between Quinn and Brittany for Rachel and Santana to join them.
“Everything ok?” Quinn asks as Santana sets down their shared lunch tray and gently guides Rachel to sit on her lap at the space Quinn had cleared for them.
“Yeah. Just a misunderstanding.” Santana says as she wraps her arms securely around Rachel. The diva, for her part, shifts her body slightly so she can wrap her arms around Santana’s torso and snuggle as close to the Latina as possible.
Everyone in the cafeteria stares openly at the girls. Quinn and Brittany with fondness and happiness, while the rest still continue to question their eyesight and sanity.
“Preciosa, are you ok with all the losers staring at us?” Santana asks gently once she feels every set of eyes on them. “No offense, by the way.” She adds in Quinn and Brittany’s general direction.
“As long as I’m with you, I’ll be ok.” Rachel whispers back, still holding on for dear life, causing Brittany to go ‘awww’.
“None taken.” Quinn replies with a smirk.
“Ok Preciosa, you promised me that you would try and eat something.” Santana says as she opens two containers of yogurt. She hands one of them to Rachel, who reluctantly unwraps her arms from the taller brunette’s torso and slowly starts to eat.
“All right, you insensitive jerks. I’m sure watching someone eat yogurt is the highlight of your day, but eyes back to your own business. You’re making me queasy all over again, and I don’t appreciate this feeling now that I’m done with the ‘morning sickness’ part of my pregnancy.” Quinn says in her ‘Head Bitch In Charge’ tone and attitude. “Unless you want to deal with me vomiting all over you, I suggest you turn around and stop staring.” She adds when she feels the reluctance of some to look away.
“I’d do that if I were you. She once puked all over Finn because he wouldn’t believe her.” Brittany adds, causing everyone to look away with their faces tinted a slight green at the mental image.
“Thanks Quinn. Thanks Brittany.” Rachel says shyly, still enjoying the solid feel of Santana all around her.
“You are welcome.” Quinn says just as soft. She wants to ask more, but for now refrains in the hopes of not scaring the girl further.
“Welcome back Q. I was wondering where your ‘tude went.” Santana says with a smirk as she begins to eat her own yogurt.
“Yeah, well, this little one keeps me pretty mellow.” Quinn says rubbing her growing abdomen.
The remainder of the day passes without much incident. Santana once again escorts Rachel to every one of the classes they don’t share, and always makes it in time to meet the diva once a period is over. Everyone still looks on as if they are seeing things because really, one weekend isn’t enough to get used to such a shift in behaviour from the new Head Cheerio. Thankfully, there is the matter of the attack on the jocks. There is a wave of excitement and fear when they repeat the story, the mere thought that a gang such as Hells Angels would pass through their loser town too much of a gossip magnet to just let up. Everyone wonders what the three stooges might have done to piss off the motorcycle gang, and leave Santana and Rachel alone for the most part.
Things take a decidedly turn downwards when Rachel and Santana try to make their way to the choir room. They come face to face with the three jackasses and Santana immediately sees red when she notices the slushy on Tony’s hand, the only of the three with no lasting injury aside from a slight limp. He is about to throw it in Rachel’s and therefore Santana’s general direction when he suddenly finds himself doubled over after a punch in his lower back and fuming Cheerio holding him up by the scruff of his neck.
“You were not just about to slushy Rachel here, were you?” Santana asks through gritted teeth, her other first clenched, ready to strike at any moment. She reminds Rachel of a lioness ready to pounce on her prey.
Santana doesn’t even give him a chance to recover or to reply. She just grabs the slushie still clinging to his grip and dumps it on his head, followed by an uppercut to his jaw. “I already warned you three jokers about being near Rachel. I guess you really do wish to push your luck.” Santana says in a harsh whisper as she knees him in the groin, causing him to drop to the ground, once again squealing like a pig. She proceeds to place the heel of her sneakered foot over his groin and applies enough pressure to remind him to stay as stationary as possible. “I so much as catch you looking in her direction, and what you just went through will be the least of your worries, because I will finish what that gang started.” She says loud enough for everyone in the hallway to hear. She steps a little harder on Tony’s groin just for added emphasis. “Do I make myself clear?” She hisses at the three jocks still there. They all mutely nod at her.
All the while, Rachel just stands behind Santana, trying to get her breathing under control. The moment the three boys slither away, Santana quickly gathers a shaking Rachel in her arms and gently guides her to the choir room. She sits down on one of the plastic chairs towards the back of the room and pulls a silent and scared Rachel to her lap.
“There is nothing to worry about. I am right here. They won’t dare come near you again. Tony might have been stupid enough to try to slushy you, but after today, they will rethink coming within ten feet of you.” Santana says gently as she holds Rachel close to her.
“I know. Thank you. It’s just hard not think of what they might have done had you not been there the first time.” Rachel says in a broken voice, snuggling as much as possible to Santana.
“Shh. It’s ok, Preciosa. I have you. I will always have you.” Santana says as she presses her lips to Rachel’s temple.
“Thank you Santana.” Rachel says as she places a soft kiss on Santana’s lips as she disentangles herself to sit down on the chair beside Santana. “I don’t think I will be able to pay attention to Glee if I stay there.” Rachel says slightly calmer. “I would have a really hard time resisting those lips, and I don’t feel like another inquisition by the others.” Rachel adds as she places another longer kiss on Santana’s lips. At the same time, she reaches over for Santana’s hands, threading their fingers together and resting her head on Santana’s shoulder.
Santana smiles lovingly at her as she lifts their joined hands and places a kiss on Rachel’s knuckles just as the other gleeks start to trickle their way in, garnering a few raised eyebrows. Everyone so far, knows to stay quiet when they see the withering glare Santana throws their way. Quinn and Brittany come in last and smile at the sight of Santana and Rachel holding hands, and quickly sit beside the two girls, flanking them on each side. When Finn makes his entrance, he just glares at Santana and gives Rachel a wounded puppy eye look before he sullenly sits a few rows ahead of them. He is still convinced Santana is up to something. Thankfully, though, Mr. Schuester walks in before Finn has a chance to say or do anything.
“All right everyone. I understand that Finn has a little something prepared for us.” He says to the chattering students. “Ok, Finn, the floor is yours.” He says as everyone settles for practice.
Finn gets up and looks around the music room until his eyes focus on Rachel. He is annoyed that instead of the usual seat up front, Rachel is now in the back row, holding hands with Santana. He clears his throat to get everyone’s attention, and feels his annoyance increase when he fails to get Rachel’s undivided attention on him, the way it used to be at the beginning, before the whole baby drama, Jesse and now Santana.
When everyone is waiting for him to start, he signals the band members and Brad, the piano guy to start the music. Soon enough, he is starting to sing Enrique Iglesias’ ‘hero’. As the song progresses, it becomes clear to everyone but the two brunettes huddled in the back row that he is singing this for Rachel. Halfway through the song, Finn, along with everyone else in the room notice that the target of his song still isn’t paying any attention to him. Instead, Rachel is focused intently on whatever Santana is whispering in her ear. They notice that the young diva plays absently with Santana’s fingers with her eyes closed. They all try not to chuckle at Finn’s failed attempt at serenading the diva, because said diva is completely lost in whatever world Santana is weaving for her.
Quinn, sitting directly beside Rachel, notices that Rachel isn’t really relaxed or even enjoying herself. She can see how Rachel is concentrating hard on whatever Santana is saying to her and trying to even her breathing to match that of Santana’s.
“You’re doing great, Preciosa. Remember, no matter what, I have you.” Quinn overhears Santana say as the Latina places their entwined hands over her chest. She sees how Santana makes a point of taking deep breaths in and out, and slowly, Rachel starts to relax and to slow down her own breathing to match that of Santana’s.
When Finn is done singing, Mister Schuester praises him for his effort, while the others applaud politely. He sits back fuming when he notices that Rachel is still lost in whatever world she has been in since he came in the practice room.
The time usually spent singing and dancing is spent talking about songs for their new Regionals set list. They can’t risk a repeat of what happen during Sectionals, after Jesse’s betrayal. Most of them are so caught up with their suggestions that they fail to notice that the usually vocal Rachel has barely said a word. Not even when Mr. Schuester gives them all the option of working on something for next practice, either on their own or in groups. The only ones who notice this strange behaviour are of course Mr. Schuester, Quinn, Brittany and Finn, and only because the latter hasn’t been able to tear his eyes from Rachel.
Quinn is surprised when Mr. Schuester decides to dismiss them a lot earlier than usual, saying he wants to give them extra time to think about their song selections. It’s not even four-thirty in the afternoon. By all calculations, they have been there less than an hour, but judging by how distress their lead female is, Quinn imagines it’s a blessing in disguise.
“Santana, may I have a few words with you? In private.” Mr. Schuester says as the girls are about the leave.
“Yeah, sure Mr. Schue.” Santana says eyeing their faculty advisor suspiciously. “It’s ok, Preciosa, I’ll be right with you. I’m sure Q and B can keep you distracted until I’m done with Mr. Schue.” She adds when she feels Rachel stiffen beside her at the mention of being separated, even by such a short period of time. She quickly places another kiss on the hand she is holding before she gently pulls their hands apart. They both feel like someone has kicked them in the gut at the loss of contact. Santana wants to smack Mr. Schuester for his timing.
“Of course we can. Come on Rachel. We can wait for Santana just outside, ok?” Quinn says as she gently guides Rachel to the hallway.
“Ok.” The diva says barely above a whisper, as she follows the two blondes.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Schuester?” Santana asks getting straight to the point.
“Santana, Rachel has been through enough ordeals already, especially after the incident with Jesse and Vocal Adrenaline. As strong as she is, I don’t think she can take whatever it is that you have planned on doing to her.” Mr. Schuester says just as blunt.
“With all due respect, sir, you have no idea what is going on between Rachel and me. I expected this kind of behaviour and paranoia from the other students, but never from a faculty member. Not even Coach Sylvester is accusing me of anything evil.” Santana says in a barely controlled voice, fists clenching and unclenching by her sides.
“You have to admit that this sudden interest in Rachel is highly suspicious, especially when your past interactions are brought into consideration.” Mr. Schuester says slightly flustered now, surprised by the revelation about Sue Sylvester.
Santana visibly takes a few deep breaths to calm herself down as much as possible before she replies. It would do no good to get expelled for striking a teacher, however much he deserves it. “Since we are bringing up past behaviour here, have you seen or heard me do or say anything mean to Rachel since Sectionals took place? Because other than not really talking to each other, I have had no interaction with her until recently.” Santana manages to get out in the same, controlled tone of voice as before.
Before Will can say anything, they hear a loud crash outside, and then they hear Quinn raise her voice at someone to back off from Rachel. Santana immediately sprints outside to check on Rachel, followed closely by Will Schuester. Will’s eyes nearly pop out of his sockets by what he sees when he gets outside. He holds on to Santana on instinct when he sees her about to charge Finn.
“Why can’t you see that she is just playing you? That all Santana is doing is following whatever orders Coach Sylvester has given her to ruin Glee. All I’m trying to do here is help you see the truth. I care about you Rachel. Why won’t you believe me?” Finn shouts as he slams his fist on the lockers near and above Rachel’s head as said diva is cowering on the ground with Brittany doing her best to soothe the distress.
“Please, just leave me alone and don’t come near me Finn. I don’t want you near me. I don’t want you to touch me. Just no. I just want Santana to make it all stop.” Rachel says in a broken whisper, tears streaming down her face as she struggles against Brittany’s hold on her.
“Finn, you insensitive jerk. Can’t you see that Rachel doesn’t want to speak to you and that you are scaring her? Are you that stupid and selfish that you are ignoring her plea to be left alone?” Quinn says in her deadliest tone, the one reserved for those she truly hates.
Before anyone can say or do anything, Santana finally manages to break free of Will’s hold and tackles Finn way from Rachel. She then shoves him hard against the lockers on the other side. The only thing that is preventing her from killing Finn on the spot is the sight of her Rachel cowering on the floor, struggling against Brittany’s hold while she keeps repeating “I just want Santana” over and over.
Santana instantly drops to the floor, and gathers Rachel in her arms. At first, Rachel stiffens at the feel of a new set of arms around her, but she instantly relaxes when she smells Santana’s familiar scent. “Please make it stop. I don’t want to see them anymore. I don’t want to hear their voices or their laughter anymore. I’m sorry Santana. I tried not to panic, but he just wouldn’t leave me alone and I asked him to and now they won’t leave me alone.” Rachel mumbles into the Latina’s neck.
“Shh. Calm down Mi Cielo. I’m right here. I’m so sorry. I should have never left you out of my sight. Just focus on my voice and the feel of my hands. I’m here now. I won’t let anything else happen to you now.” Santana whispers to Rachel, placing soft kisses all over Rachel’s face and head as she pulls a whimpering and sobbing Rachel to her lap.
Quinn sees the scene unfold in front of her, and she automatically pulls Brittany beside her to step in front of the two brunettes as a way to give them some privacy.
Finn is about to make his way back to the girls when he is stopped by Will.
“No Finn. Rachel made it very clear she doesn’t want you around. Can’t you see that your presence is only upsetting her more? Cool off.” Will says in a stern tone and coming physically between him and the girls on the ground and pushing him further away. He can see the two blondes trying to shield the girls from them. “What happened? It’s ok, Quinn. Just be honest. You’re not in trouble.” He asks turning slightly to Quinn.
“We were just here, talking about the song assignment. Brittany was joking around, saying we should do something similar to the ‘halo/walking on sunshine’ mash-up, but this time without the Vitamin D, when Finn came over saying he wanted to speak to Rachel alone. She said whatever he needed to say, he could do so right here because she was waiting for Santana. He said something about it being a private conversation while he was looking at Brittany and I. Rachel just said that if he had a problem with us, then there was nothing to talk about. That’s when he started to accuse Santana and us of plotting something to hurt her. Rachel just told him to stop being so paranoid and to leave her alone, and he lost it. You saw the rest.” Quinn says softly, hands rubbing her abdomen.
“Finn, in my office. Now.” Will says in a stern voice as he sees Finn about to try to get past him.
“But Mr. Schue…” Finn starts to say, only to be interrupted again.
“No buts. Finn. Go. Rachel has made it very clear she doesn’t want you near her.” Will says in the same stern voice, and Finn finally relents and walks to his office.
Will looks at the scene playing out in his periphery vision. Santana has Rachel cradled lovingly in her arms as she whispers softly in the diva’s ear. She gently wipes the falling tears, and every once in a while, places loving kisses on Rachel’s face. Then Santana’s earlier words hit him like a freight train at full speed. Since Sectionals, Santana has been doing her best to stay out of Rachel’s way. He feels ashamed and the size of a microbe when he realises he has been very unfair to the Latina. He is always telling his kids to let go of the past and to see past mistakes as just that, but he has been judging Santana based on her past actions, and the rumour mill circulating around school. He accused Santana of plotting something against Rachel with absolutely no proof. When he realises he did what Finn was doing he feels disgusted with himself, and like the biggest hypocrite on the planet. He actually looks down on the floor in shame.
“Quinn, could you please let Santana know I am very sorry for my earlier behaviour and that I will apologise to her in person tomorrow. I’m going to check on Finn. See you tomorrow girls. Just make sure Rachel is ok.” Will says to Quinn in a voice thick with regret and guilt. He knows that if he tries to approach Santana, he will just end up making things worse.
“Sure Mr. Schue.” Quinn says distractedly as she watches him walk away.
Santana eventually manages to get Rachel to stop crying and to finally calm down enough for them to head home. She absently notices that neither Mr. Schuester nor Finn are there, a thought that sends a wave of relief through her because she isn’t sure she could have been able to exert enough control to not kill Finn on the spot.
“Hey Q, could you do me a favour and drive my car over to Rachel’s? I really don’t want to leave my car overnight at the parking lot again. We’ll explain everything once we get back to Rachel’s.” Santana asks softly as she pulls Rachel to a standing position.
“Of course. I’ll have B follow me in her car. Do you need me to do anything else?” Quinn asks just as soft.
“No, that’s all. Thank you girls for being here for Rachel.” Santana says handing Quinn her car keys.
“You are welcome. We are just glad we were able to help. Is Rachel ok?” Brittany asks worried.
“She will be. Come on girls. It’s getting late, and we have a lot to talk about.” Santana says as they start to make their way to the student parking lot.
Rachel and Santana make it to the Berry household first, and after some quick deliberation, they agree that it is best to tell Quinn and Brittany everything. They both know that with Quinn witnessing Rachel’s breakdown in the hallway, the blonde will eventually figure things out on her own, and it will be better if she is told exactly what has happened. Santana assures Rachel that everything will ok, and that everything will work out in the end. Santana tells that Brittany might be a bit flighty but she is trustworthy when it comes to keeping her mouth shut.
Quinn and Brittany arrive a few minutes later, and they all settle in Rachel’s bedroom. The last thing they want is to have either one of Rachel’s dads walk in on that conversation. Rachel quickly sends a text to her dads letting them know they will be having guests for dinner tonight because they are working on a Glee assignment to help them get ready for Regionals.
“Do you, uh want anything to drink?” Rachel asks in a near whisper as she leans into Santana’s body by the headboard. She almost melts into Santana’s arms. Quinn quietly settles on the other side of the bed, and Brittany takes the foot of the bed by lying on her stomach and leaning her chin on her hands as she uses her arms to prop her head up.
“No thanks.” Brittany answers just as soft. She might not be the smartest person in terms of school, but Brittany knows human nature, and she knows something is seriously messing with Rachel and that the small diva needs friends, now more than ever.
Quinn shakes her head no, and once again, the bedroom, usually so full of sound, is filled with a silence to strong that it almost feels like a physical entity.
After what seems like a lifetime to all four, Rachel takes a deep breath and tells them everything that has happened to her since last Thursday. She goes in startling detail, describing her feeling of panic at being late for her piano lesson to being cornered by the three jocks. She tells them about the annoyance and acceptance she had felt thinking it would be just another slushie attack. She tells them in vivid detail how her heart sped up so much, she thought that it would either beat out of her chest, or she would just have a heart attack, when she realised what those boys were going to put her through. She tells them about her decision to fight for as long as she could because she wouldn’t just make it easy for them.
Santana takes over after that, recounting once again, her reasons for following Rachel. She tells them at first she had felt amusement when she heard what Rachel told them. She tells them the sickening feeling that came over her when she realised what those jocks were about to do. She tells them that she hadn’t prayed as hard in her life as that one late afternoon, and the relief that washed over her when she made it back with the baseball bat just in time. She tells them about everything in vivid detail, from what the jocks went through physically, to the words that were exchanged.
Rachel and Santana share with the two stunned blondes the nightmare Rachel had that first night, how they ended up getting so close emotionally, and Santana’s admittance of guilt for not being fast enough to prevent the injury to Rachel’s wrist. Finally being able to talk about this openly with someone else is liberating to both brunettes, but especially Rachel. Santana can feel the tiny diva being more at ease than she has in days.
“Oh my god! That’s why you were freaking out when I asked you about the injury last Friday.” Quinn says horrified. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t trying to be insensitive. I just saw how Kurt and the others were acting and how stressed Rachel was getting. I thought talking about other stuff might take her mind off of the Jesse and Vocal Adrenaline incident.” She apologises to the girls.
“Don’t sweat it, Q. You had no idea, and I appreciate the way you have been slowly sticking up for Rachel.” Santana says kindly.
“I still don’t understand why you won’t go to the police.” Brittany says finally.
“Because I don’t want to risk anything happening to Santana. What she did to those parasites went beyond personal defence. It borders on assault and battery. I don’t want to relive this any more than I have to. I don’t want the rest to know. All I want is to put it behind us. I’m sorry for burdening you with this information.” Rachel says quietly.
“Don’t. It’s a lot to take in, but none of it is your fault. I understand because I wouldn’t want anyone to know either. Thank you for trusting me with this. I promise you that your trust will not be misplaced. And Rachel, I, uh, also want to apologise for everything I have done to you in the past. I had no excuse and I am really ashamed for my past behaviour.” Quinn says softly, her voice cracking with emotion.
Rachel pulls out of Santana’s embrace slightly to grab one of Quinn’s hands in hers. “I know you are. I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago. My offer of friendship still stands.” Rachel says gently.
“Thank you. I don’t deserve it, but thank you so much.” Quinn says crying freely now. “God this is so messed up. Here we are, with our roles reversed again. We’re here trying to make you feel better, and you’re comforting me instead.” Quinn adds through her tears.
“It’s probably the hormones.” Santana says in the hopes of lightening things up a bit.
The comment does its trick, and all four girls smile and giggle eventually. They spend the next few hours getting to know each other better while eating a quick dinner with the Berry family. They talk about Glee and their assignment, and during dinner, they bounce ideas on possible song choices that go from the absurd and ridiculous to actual possibilities.
Rachel’s dads are at first apprehensive that their daughter is suddenly friends with the very same girls who had spent years tormenting and torturing her, but soon relax when they see the easy going banter between the girls, and how at ease their little spitfire is around the trio.
The girls resume their conversation back in Rachel’s room after dinner, only this time, music fills the room, and the overall atmosphere is a bit more relaxed and definitely a lot calmer.
“I hate to do this, but it’s getting really late and we all have school in the morning, and we have another early practice. Not to mention, Quinn is tired enough to fall asleep on her feet.” Santana says with a slight giggle at the sight of the dozing girl mumbling something or other about feet smell and Puck.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. If it wasn’t a school night, I would suggest for all three of you to just stay.” Rachel replies sadly. It is almost eleven p.m. and she knows they should have called it quits a while back.
The girls who are still awake smile at the idea, and actually make plans for a slumber party for the weekend. Rachel’s eyes instantly light up at the idea, and the grin she has in her face lets Santana know it was a great idea. Santana and Brittany’s enthusiasm only get dampened slightly when Rachel mentions that will be her first ever slumber party. They push their guilt aside, and instead, focus on making it the best ever for Rachel. Eventually, they manage to wake the sleeping blonde and manage to all leave just a little after eleven with Brittany going straight home and Santana agreeing to drive Quinn back to Puck’s place.
“I’ll call you when I get home.” Santana says as she pulls a very willing Rachel for a long and lingering goodnight kiss. ‘I love you’ Santana thinks as they pull apart.
“Ok. Drive safe and I’ll talk to you soon.” Rachel says smiling. Glad she manages to hold back the ‘I love you’ that nearly escaped her lips after that kiss.
Rachel thinks over her feelings for the feisty brunette, as she gets ready for bed. All in all, she should be freaking out more over how intense her feelings are. Try as she might, Rachel can’t fight the sappy smile when she remembers strong tanned arms holding her close, or the sound of Santana’s voice as it washes over her and sends shivers of pleasure and something more travelling up and down her entire body. Rachel is almost knocked down to her feet when she realises that it has never felt this right with anyone before.
Finn was her first obsession. He had the voice and was popular, and being with him was more a whim and a desire for being popular than anything else. He definitely lacked in the intellectual department and she found herself getting bored with the boy because he could not manage to keep up with her during their conversations. Noah was just a mistake. He was dangerous and unknown, the typical bad boy and rebel. The little thing they had made her feel adventurous and daring, but in the end, they had both realised they were using each other to make the object of their affections jealous. Jesse was the most intense and her biggest mistake to date. He had the intensity and the leading man qualities she had always craved. She had been so attracted to his voice and this air of mystery that always surrounded him, and unlike Finn, Jesse had no problems having their relationship out in the open for the world to know. He was like the perfect blend between Finn and Puck, and when the betrayal came, it was one of the hardest things she had to deal with.
Santana though, this girl is in a class of her own. The girl is gorgeous and knows it. She carries herself with a self confidence that makes Rachel weak in the knees. She is intelligent and smart. But it is the hidden vulnerability and sensitivity Santana shows that truly melts Rachel’s heart and makes her soul sing with happiness. The smiles, looks, and caresses that are only reserved for her, and of course, Santana’s willingness to risk her popularity in order to just be with her have Rachel swooning nearly every time they are together. Whenever Rachel feels a sudden wave of fear that what they share is too intense or too sudden, all she has to do is remind herself the sense of total acceptance and safety she feels whenever she is wrapped in those long tanned arms, or the intoxicating scent that makes her think of an early spring day. And it strikes her right then and there that this feeling of safety and belonging is something she never felt with the other boys or anyone.
Rachel is so lost in her head that when her phone finally goes off with Santana’s familiar ringtone, she almost misses it. She sighs in relief that she manages to connect the call just before it goes to voicemail. Soon enough, both girls are sharing more of their lives and by the time Rachel falls asleep, Santana realises that even after the earlier incident with Finn, Rachel managed to fall asleep faster, and with less fears of nightmares waking her up in the middle of the night. Maybe talking about it to someone else, even if it was just their friends has nudged Rachel in the road to moving past ‘the incident’ that much faster. Santana falls asleep soon after she makes sure Rachel is really asleep before she whispers a soft, barely there “I love you Mi Cielo.” before she disconnects the call and surrenders to sleep.
TBC…
Chapter 9