fic: Green is Not Your Color - Part Five
Title: Green is Not Your Color - Part Five
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Brittany, Puck, Marisa, Mike, Quinn, Will, Sue
Rating: R
Summary: Santana gets jealous. Rachel does not approve of her coping methods.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~3,900 (this part) / ~27,600 (total)
Spoilers: Just the previous stories in this series
A/N: Follows Everything's Different, but Nothing's Changed. Apologies. I know it's been over a month. But at least it's the longest thing I've written yet. I'd promise next time it'll be better, but that might be a lie. However, I do have several stories still floating around, so I'm not giving up on this series. I'd actually planned on the next part being part 2 of the Ambitions trilogy to be next, but then a comment from darcelynn was the missing piece I needed for the next fic, so here we are. So yeah, hopefully this was worth the wait.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
A night of drinking and talking both clarified the situation and yet helped Rachel decide nothing. Despite the numerous drinks she downed the night before, Rachel still manages to wake up quite early. She looks over at Noah, laying on his side and snoring lightly and wishes it was Santana next to her.
She climbs out of bed and quickly gets ready. She leave a note for Noah and then jumps into her car.
The drive to the Lopez residence goes quick, despite her cautious driving. She parks in front of the house and is relieved to see Santana's car in the driveway. She was afraid she might have spent the night at Brittany's or Quinn's.
Rachel knocks on the door, hoping the elder Lopezs are there to let her in. She's both relieved and nervous when the door swings open to reveal Tomás.
"Rachel," he greets jovially. "Come in."
"Good morning, Tomás. Thanks."
Once she's inside and the door closed, Tomás sweeps her up in a hug. "It's nice to see you again."
"So I gathered," Rachel replies when her feet are firmly back on the ground.
"You and Santana have made up, I take it?"
"Not yet, actually," Rachel tells him. "I was hoping to talk to her about just that. I know it's a bit early, but I couldn't wait any longer."
"Well, she's upstairs asleep, of course," Tomás says. "Why don't you come into the kitchen, have a cup of coffee and say hello to Clara first?"
"That sounds lovely."
"Guess who's here," Tomás says, entering the kitchen.
"If it's that non laundry doing son of yours, I don't want to hear it," Clara replies.
"Hello," Rachel says.
"Rachel, darling," Clara greets. "It's lovely to see you."
"And you as well."
They sit at the kitchen table as Tomás sets a cup of coffee in front of Rachel.
"I hope black is okay," he says.
"It's fine. Thank you."
"I didn't realize you and Santana were back together," Clara tells Rachel. "That daughter of mine--"
"Actually, we're technically not," Rachel interrupts. "But I'm hoping to rectify that situation shortly."
Clara smiles. "I'm glad. She's been in a mood for too long now."
Rachel smiles in return. "I've felt similarly, I'm sure."
"Well if all goes well, then I expect you for dinner tomorrow night."
"Of course," Rachel replies.
…
When Rachel reaches Santana's room, she realizes she doesn't really have a plan. She figures she's come this far, she might as well just improv.
She opens the door slowly to find Santana sprawled out in bed, still asleep. Considering the time, that isn't too much of a surprise though.
Not knowing what else to do, Rachel strips off her jeans and shoes and crawls into bed with Santana. Rachel's instantly enveloped by the warmth that is a sleeping Santana and she doesn't mind one bit.
It's been too long and all too soon Rachel is asleep as well.
…
Puck's bladder wakes him up before he wants to. He stumbles into the bathroom to pee and then flops back into bed. He then notices that he's all alone. He listens and doesn't hear the tell tale signs of Rachel, but that doesn't mean anything.
He then notices the note pinned to his t-shirt and wonders how the hell he missed that. He rips it off and unfolds it.
Noah, I decided a direct approach is the best with Santana. So I'm off to talk to her. I don't know when I'll be back, but thanks for all your help. R
Puck smiles. He's glad. The sooner this hold break up thing is over, the fast things can get back to normal. He figures he better make himself scarce just in case they come back to celebrate their reunion. Normally, he'd want to stick around to tease them, but he doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize the reunion.
He dresses quickly and is out the door, driving home before he even realizes. He can sleep more when he gets home.
…
Santana wakes up more content than she's been in a while. She feels warm and safe and she really doesn't want to open her eyes and ruin it.
And then she realizes she's not alone in bed. She doesn't remember falling asleep with Britt. She racks her brain; did she drink last night? Not even a little. Who could be in her bed?
Cautiously, she opens one eye and then the other to find Rachel curled against her, arms wrapped around her. Confused, Santana pinches herself to make sure she's dreaming.
"Ow." She's not.
"What's going on?" a sleepy Rachel asks.
"I could say the same of you."
"Oh. Morning, San."
"Morning Rachel," Santana replies. "Why are you in my bed?"
They both sit up.
"You look mad," Rachel observes. "Don't be mad."
"How am I supposed to react when I wake up being cuddled by my ex-girlfriend."
"I wanted to talk, but you looked so comfy, that I didn't want to wake you," Rachel explains. "And then you looked so lonely, so I figured I'd fix that. I didn't mean to fall asleep. It's just so nice to be wrapped up with you again."
"So what?" Santana asks. "I want to get back together, so I plan a romantic gesture and you reject me. But when you want to get back together, it just takes crawling into bed with me?"
"Yes."
"What? No way."
"Why?"
"Because. Because it's not fair," Santana protests.
"I could offer the simple argument that life's not fair, but I won't."
"Don't try your crazy Berry logic on me," Santana tells her.
"San, listen, I'm sorry," Rachel says. "I miss you and I was wrong to rebuff your attempts at reconciliation. I apologize."
"Well…"
"I'm still a bit miffed about how you handled your jealousy, but I accept some of the blame for that," Rachel continues. "Obviously I'm giving you some sort of sign that implies you can't trust me."
"What? No way, babe, that's not it, at all."
"Really?"
Santana sighs. "I admit I over reacted and I shouldn't have slushied Marisa. I'm sorry for that."
"You'll have to apologize to her as well."
Santana sighs even louder. "Fine. I will Monday. But I'm still not totally okay with her."
"That is completely understandable," Rachel agrees. "Though if it helps, I've made it abundantly clear that she and I have no future as a couple."
"It helps a little."
"Excellent."
"I suppose my parents let you in," Santana says after a moment.
"They did, indeed."
"They really do like you better," Santana grumbles.
"While I'll admit, they were pleased to see me, I'm not sure that they like me better. Perhaps they like me better than your previous dating choices, but that is all."
"Maybe."
"Ah, don't be sad, tiger," Rachel coos. "I love you best of all."
Santana can't help the grin that spreads across her face. She feels like a complete sap, but finds, at this moment, she just doesn't care.
"I love you too, babe."
…
Santana knows she should be more weirded out that her parents are basically giving her permission to go have sex, but she's so glad that everything seems back to normal that she can't make herself care.
She'll even put up with her parents making them eat lunch first and ask insistent questions.
"Shakespeare?!" Clara exclaims. "My little Santana memorized Shakespeare?"
"Yeah, mom, I did," Santana says.
"How romantic."
"Yeah, well too bad it didn't work," Santana grumbles.
"Well considering the fate of Romeo and Juliet, can you blame me?" Rachel asks.
"You would have preferred King Lear? Titus Andronicus?" Tomás questions.
"No, but what about The Taming of the Shrew or Much Ado About Nothing?"
"Congrats you guys," Santana interrupts. "You know more Shakespeare plays than I do."
"Ah, sorry, San," Rachel says, scooting her chair closer to Santana. "Are you feeling left out?"
"How come they like you better than me?" Santana whispers, leaning against Rachel.
"Don't be ridiculous," Rachel whispers back.
"Girls, save the secrets for when you're alone," Clara says.
"Tell her you don't like me better than her," Rachel tells them.
Santana elbows Rachel.
"Santana be nice," Clara says. "Of course we don't like Rachel better than you, darling."
"The jury's still out for me, actually," Tomás teases.
"Papa."
"That might be our cue to leave, Tomás," Rachel says, standing.
"Well I expect the two of you back here for dinner tomorrow night," Clara replies.
"Of course," Rachel smiles.
"Conspiracy," Santana grumbles.
…
"So," Santana says when they're safely ensconced in Rachel's bedroom. "Should be talk about this?"
"We could," Rachel says. "Though you sound a bit reluctant."
"So do you," Santana accused.
"Because I am," Rachel admits.
"Why?"
"It's possible I reacted rather hastily," Rachel starts. "Instead of arguing right there, we should have both went our separate ways and calmed down a bit."
"Maybe."
"We tend to both react rather… passionately about things. And each other it seems."
Santana nods.
"So perhaps next time it'd be more prudent to just walk away."
"You're being awfully logical about this," Santana points out.
"I've had a lot of time to think about it," Rachel replies.
Santana nods. "Me too."
"And you disagree with my analysis?"
"Well, no," Santana replies. "It's just this whole thing started because you were being too calm about your dads rejecting you."
"Right. Yes, that."
"That's all you have to say?"
"I had an emotional breakdown over the issue," Rachel informs her. "If that's what you're worried about."
Santana looks surprised. "You did?"
Rachel nods. "Last Sunday in fact. I was laying here feeling alone and missing you and it just sort of happened. I may have cried myself to sleep."
"Because of your dads?"
"Because of everything," Rachel answers. "My dads, you, me, just a good emotional breakdown."
"Well, I'm glad, I guess," Santana says. "Though I wish you didn't have to go through that alone."
"I agree that it would've been nice if you'd been here, but I'm not sure it would have happened if I hadn't been feeling so alone."
"Yeah that makes sense."
"Good," Rachel says. "Now we can move onto more pleasant activities."
"Whoa," Santana says. "What if I just want to take it slow? Start all over."
Rachel is now straddling Santana. "Hmmm. I suppose I can see that. A symbolic new beginning. All right. No sex. But you're still spending the night. I've missed you."
"Wait a minute," Santana replies. "No sex? I was kidding. I wanted to see your reaction."
"Oh. Well, then, was it what you wanted?"
Santana thinks about it for a moment. "Actually, yeah, it was."
"Good. I'm glad. Now can we move onto more pleasant activities?"
…
Sunday morning, Rachel and Santana are reading the New York Times in bed like usual and Santana has to marvel at how quickly they were able to fall back into routines. She's not complaining; it's nice. But she'll also admit she's not completely at ease.
"You're restless," Rachel says.
Apparently it's difficult to miss.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Everything's back to normal."
"Agreed."
"Doesn't it seem sudden to you?" Santana questions.
"It does," Rachel agrees. "However, I expected it to happen that way."
"You did?"
"I did, indeed," Rachel says. "We have a pretty set routine, San. It makes sense that after all this turmoil, we'd fall so easily back into it. It's comforting."
"You're making me feel old."
"I apologize. That was never my intention."
"Seriously," Santana continues. "You make us sound like an old married couple."
"I have no problem with that," Rachel replies.
"You wouldn't."
"Would you like to talk about it?"
"Maybe later."
…
Brittany's in her room trying to levitate her cat, because it sounded like a good idea when she thought of it, when she hears her mom yell, "Britt, honey, Santana is here."
A moment later, the door swings open to reveal Santana, who immediately flops on the bed.
"How come you look happy and sad at the same time, San?" Brittany asks.
"Rachalniareackoogether," Santana mumbles into the bedspread.
"You are?" Brittany asks. "That's great! Right?"
Santana rolls over on her back. "I just woke up yesterday morning and she was in my bed. And suddenly we're back together. No song or pleading or even asking; we just were."
"And you're annoyed cause you had to sing a song and recite Shakespeare?"
"Hell yeah."
"Well she was the injured party," Brittany says.
"She broke up with me, Britt," Santana replies.
"I know."
"So I should be the injured party here," Santana continues.
"You were the one acting like a dolt," Brittany replies.
"I'll admit I didn't make the best choice," Santana allows. "But my intentions were good."
"That could be said about a lot of people, San," Brittany replies.
"So? Like who?" Santana asks.
"Hitler for one."
"Did you just compare me to Hitler?!"
"Of course not," Brittany replies. "But you asked for examples."
"Well I didn't mean the guy that started World War Two."
"How about Pol Pot?
"Who?" Santana asks.
"Saloth Sar. The leader of the Khmer Rouge?"
"Oh sure. Him. How is he better than Hitler?"
"Better than Hitler? Oh. I was just giving another example."
"Can we get back to my problem?" Santana asks.
"Sure. What is it again?"
"Shouldn't I make Rachel do something more before we get back together?" Santana asks, exasperated.
"No."
"That's it?" Santana questions.
"What else do you want me to say?" Brittany asks. "You wanted my opinion and now you have it."
"I was looking for some best friend support."
"S, you and Rachel need to be together. You're miserable apart. It's really that simple."
"Well I was miserable."
"Rachy was miserable too, San, trust me," Brittany assures her.
"So I should just welcome her back with open arms?"
"Basically," Brittany replies. "But you two should do some talking. Serious talking."
Santana sighs. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Of course I’m right," Brittany smiles.
…
Santana pulls into her driveway as Rachel parks on the street. She'd gone back to pick her girlfriend up, but was reminded Rachel still needed a way home.
"Why?" Santana asks. "I bet the folks would let you spend the night."
"Yes, well, I'd rather not push it," Rachel replies. “Plus, who knows what sort of reception I’ll be receiving.”
“Better than I’m going to get,” Santana grumbles. "Besides, we already know what their reaction is."
"I'm not spending the night," Rachel insists.
Rachel receives a hearty hug from Tomás when she steps inside before being led to the kitchen and receiving another hug from Clara.
"Sheesh," Santana groans. "And you guys wonder why I think you like her better."
"We don't wonder that, darling," Clara replies. "We know."
"We're just so pleased the two of you patched things up," Tomás adds.
"I’m rather delighted about it, myself,” Rachel replies.
“Santana’s been rather mopey without you,” Clara informs Rachel.
“Has she?” Rachel asks.
Santana groans.
“Well, I haven’t been my usual sunny self, so I guess I can understand that,” Rachel continues.
Santana smiles.
“And of course we expect to see you around plenty, dear,” Clara says.
“Well, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Don’t let sourpuss here deter you,” Tomás adds.
“She’s just embarrassed how much she missed me,” Rachel tells them.
“Most likely,” Tomás agrees.
“Which is silly,” Rachel continues. “Because I was rather lost without her.”
“Awww,” Clara coos. “That is so sweet.”
“Can we please just eat already?” Santana asks, exasperated.
“Of course, darling,” Clara replies. “I wouldn’t want to make you feel too uncomfortable.”
“Thank. I guess.”
…
Trying not to be a complete girl, Puck hasn't called Rachel to check up on her, even though he's very curious about her and Santana. He finally gives in Sunday night and calls her.
"So are you back together yet?" Puck asks when Rachel picks up.
"Yes, we are," Rachel replies. "I just returned from having dinner there."
"Yeah Sunday night dinner. You guys are so domestic, it hurts," Puck says. "Thank god you guys do it at school or I'd have to give Lopez a lot of shit."
"Yes, well, you'd have to deal with me then," Rachel replies.
"Good for you, bro," Puck says. "I'm glad this whole break up thing is over and we can get back to normal.
"I had similar feelings about the matter," Rachel tells him.
"So can we pull a different prank soon?" Puck asks. "No more flour?"
"Fine. No more flour."
"Cool. Later bro."
…
Rachel is walking into McKinley Monday morning when she’s engulfed by Brittany in a hug.
“Hi Rachy,” Brittany greets.
“Hello, Britt.”
“You’re back with San.”
“I am,” Rachel nods.
“Yippee. Now things can go back to normal,” Brittany says.
“I’m relieved as well.”
“And now we can all hang out again,” Brittany continues.
“That’s true,” Rachel agrees.
“Okay. See you later?”
“Of course.”
Rachel watches Brittany skip away.
…
Rachel is at her locker when Michelle Jamieson walks up.
"Word is that you and Lopez are back to singing duets together," she says.
Rachel nods. "We have reconciled, yes."
"I'd say congrats, but I worry you wouldn't think me sincere."
"And I'd be correct, wouldn't I?"
"You know I've never been a fan of Lopez," Michelle replies.
"That is definitely true," Rachel agrees. "But I'm not sure what purpose our morning discussions have."
"Are you kidding?" Michelle asks. "Even if Lopez isn't here to see, someone is bound to tell her we're talking. It happened plenty the past month."
"Hmmm. I'm mildly disappointed in myself for not noticing."
"You were distracted," Michelle offers.
"I suppose that's true."
"Anyway, see you around Berry."
"Bye Michelle," Rachel replies, distractedly.
…
"I hear congratulations are in order or whatever," Quinn says sitting down to lunch.
"Don't sound too sincere, Fabray," Santana replies.
"Whatever. As long as you're done whining for a while," Quinn tells her.
"Yeah, it was kinda sad," Brittany adds.
"Thanks for the support, guys," Santana snaps.
"Well, it's true," Quinn says. "So how much begging did you end up doing? Because I know your re-wooing attempts didn't work."
Santana glares at Brittany.
"She asked," Brittany tells her.
"Believe it or not, Lopez, I do care," Quinn says. "Sort of."
"How about we just stop talking about it?" Santana asks.
"So touchy," Quinn observes. "You'd think getting Berry back would make you more relaxed."
"S doesn't want anyone to know she's sensitive," Brittany whispers loudly.
Quinn nods.
"Guys."
…
Rachel goes to the choir room for lunch on Monday and is pleasantly surprised to find Marisa already there. Marisa gives Rachel a small hesitant smile but doesn't say anything.
As Rachel chews, she find she doesn't mind. It's just like their lunches originally were; enjoying the peace of solitude without being alone. At least that's how Rachel sees it.
But at the same time, she knows Marisa's silence is mostly like more due to Rachel's rejection than anything else. And then suddenly she's struck by a thought.
"Did you want to be alone?" she asks Marisa.
Marisa shakes her head. "If I did, I wouldn't have come here."
Rachel sighs in relief as she nods.
They eat finish eating and when the bell rings, Marisa leaves first, giving Rachel a small wave.
…
“So you took her back,” Mike greets Rachel as she sorts through her locker after lunch.
“I had to,” Rachel replies.
“You had to?”
“We belong together,” Rachel shrugs.
“If I hadn’t seen it work with my own two eyes, I’d think you’re delusional,” Mike tells her. “But I agree, you guys just work.”
“I know. It’s odd. Right?”
Mike nods. “But then again, so are you.”
“True.”
“Does this mean you won’t be able to help me out with any more dance classes?” Mike asks. “I’d hate to have the wrath of Santana after me.”
“I don’t think so,” Rachel replies. “It’s teaching dance to a bunch of kids. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
“You do have the wicked knife throwing skills,” Mike agrees. “I think you should protect me from all unsavory elements.”
“I could if you really want, but I may have to start charging.”
“Well then maybe just for emergencies, then,” Mike replies.
“What about your crazy Asian, ninja skills, Chang?”
“I have to save those for national security or zombie attacks,” Mike answers.
“I suppose I can be your emergency muscle then,” Rachel allows.
“Cool. See you around? Just cause you’re back with Lopez, doesn’t mean we can’t hang.”
“We will.”
“Awesome. Later, Rach.”
“Bye Mike.”
…
"So I got permission to skip practice and spend the night," Santana tells Rachel after school.
They're walking through the parking lot to their cars.
"You got permission to skip practice?"
"Coach says I'm been so pathetic lately, that I get one day off to fix it," Santana replies. "I think it's more for your benefit than mine."
"Yes, well, I'm sure it's because she enjoyed my flour bombing her colleagues."
"Probably."
"You know, if you told her you were slushing Mr. Schue, you'd probably take the top spot in her affection," Rachel says, stopping by her car.
Santana leans against the driver's side door. "Well sure, but no one knows I'm doing that--including you, actually. Did Britt tell you?"
"You just did, actually," Rachel smirks. "It just makes sense that it was you."
"Well I suppose you're proud of yourself for figuring it out," Santana grumbles.
"I think it's very sweet, actually," Rachel tells her.
"Yeah, well he deserves it. I suppose you're going to make me stop."
"My conscious thinks you should," Rachel replies. "But the petty part of me, the one that enjoys making our classmates look foolish with pranks thinks it's hilarious."
"Okay…"
"So why don't we pretend I never brought it up," Rachel finally suggests.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously," Rachel confirms. "I can't decide how I feel about the issue, so I'm going to pretend that I never brought it up."
"All right," Santana replies. "But if this is some crazy test, I'm going to be really pissed later."
Rachel nods. "I know. Which is why it isn't a test. I apologize for even bringing it up."
"Rach, I'm serious."
"So am I," Rachel replies. "Now let's go back to how you got permission to spend the night. Your parents really agreed to that? They don't think you're going to be at Brittany's?"
"I told you they like you," Santana says.
"Apparently I vastly underestimated that."
"I don't see how this is any different than my spending Saturday night," Santana comments.
"Because Santana," Rachel replies. "It's Monday. It's a school night."
"Yeah so?"
"If I didn't know how intelligent you are, I'd think you didn't care about school."
"Hey, I can be smart and not like school," Santana replies. "Especially McKinley."
"Yes, that's certainly true. I certainly fall under that category."
"Look if you don't want me to stay over, I won't," Santana says. "But I was kinda looking forward to it."
"You better keep your voice down," Rachel replies. "Otherwise everyone here is going to realize you're a big old softie."
"You take that back, Rachel Berry," Santana growled.
"Never! Because it's true," Rachel says. "And if you want to stop me, well, you better catch me." And before Santana can react, Rachel is in her car and reversing out of the parking lot.
Santana shakes her head. "Unbelievable." She quickly finds her car and climbs in so she can chase her girlfriend home.
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Brittany, Puck, Marisa, Mike, Quinn, Will, Sue
Rating: R
Summary: Santana gets jealous. Rachel does not approve of her coping methods.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~3,900 (this part) / ~27,600 (total)
Spoilers: Just the previous stories in this series
A/N: Follows Everything's Different, but Nothing's Changed. Apologies. I know it's been over a month. But at least it's the longest thing I've written yet. I'd promise next time it'll be better, but that might be a lie. However, I do have several stories still floating around, so I'm not giving up on this series. I'd actually planned on the next part being part 2 of the Ambitions trilogy to be next, but then a comment from darcelynn was the missing piece I needed for the next fic, so here we are. So yeah, hopefully this was worth the wait.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
A night of drinking and talking both clarified the situation and yet helped Rachel decide nothing. Despite the numerous drinks she downed the night before, Rachel still manages to wake up quite early. She looks over at Noah, laying on his side and snoring lightly and wishes it was Santana next to her.
She climbs out of bed and quickly gets ready. She leave a note for Noah and then jumps into her car.
The drive to the Lopez residence goes quick, despite her cautious driving. She parks in front of the house and is relieved to see Santana's car in the driveway. She was afraid she might have spent the night at Brittany's or Quinn's.
Rachel knocks on the door, hoping the elder Lopezs are there to let her in. She's both relieved and nervous when the door swings open to reveal Tomás.
"Rachel," he greets jovially. "Come in."
"Good morning, Tomás. Thanks."
Once she's inside and the door closed, Tomás sweeps her up in a hug. "It's nice to see you again."
"So I gathered," Rachel replies when her feet are firmly back on the ground.
"You and Santana have made up, I take it?"
"Not yet, actually," Rachel tells him. "I was hoping to talk to her about just that. I know it's a bit early, but I couldn't wait any longer."
"Well, she's upstairs asleep, of course," Tomás says. "Why don't you come into the kitchen, have a cup of coffee and say hello to Clara first?"
"That sounds lovely."
"Guess who's here," Tomás says, entering the kitchen.
"If it's that non laundry doing son of yours, I don't want to hear it," Clara replies.
"Hello," Rachel says.
"Rachel, darling," Clara greets. "It's lovely to see you."
"And you as well."
They sit at the kitchen table as Tomás sets a cup of coffee in front of Rachel.
"I hope black is okay," he says.
"It's fine. Thank you."
"I didn't realize you and Santana were back together," Clara tells Rachel. "That daughter of mine--"
"Actually, we're technically not," Rachel interrupts. "But I'm hoping to rectify that situation shortly."
Clara smiles. "I'm glad. She's been in a mood for too long now."
Rachel smiles in return. "I've felt similarly, I'm sure."
"Well if all goes well, then I expect you for dinner tomorrow night."
"Of course," Rachel replies.
…
When Rachel reaches Santana's room, she realizes she doesn't really have a plan. She figures she's come this far, she might as well just improv.
She opens the door slowly to find Santana sprawled out in bed, still asleep. Considering the time, that isn't too much of a surprise though.
Not knowing what else to do, Rachel strips off her jeans and shoes and crawls into bed with Santana. Rachel's instantly enveloped by the warmth that is a sleeping Santana and she doesn't mind one bit.
It's been too long and all too soon Rachel is asleep as well.
…
Puck's bladder wakes him up before he wants to. He stumbles into the bathroom to pee and then flops back into bed. He then notices that he's all alone. He listens and doesn't hear the tell tale signs of Rachel, but that doesn't mean anything.
He then notices the note pinned to his t-shirt and wonders how the hell he missed that. He rips it off and unfolds it.
Noah, I decided a direct approach is the best with Santana. So I'm off to talk to her. I don't know when I'll be back, but thanks for all your help. R
Puck smiles. He's glad. The sooner this hold break up thing is over, the fast things can get back to normal. He figures he better make himself scarce just in case they come back to celebrate their reunion. Normally, he'd want to stick around to tease them, but he doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize the reunion.
He dresses quickly and is out the door, driving home before he even realizes. He can sleep more when he gets home.
…
Santana wakes up more content than she's been in a while. She feels warm and safe and she really doesn't want to open her eyes and ruin it.
And then she realizes she's not alone in bed. She doesn't remember falling asleep with Britt. She racks her brain; did she drink last night? Not even a little. Who could be in her bed?
Cautiously, she opens one eye and then the other to find Rachel curled against her, arms wrapped around her. Confused, Santana pinches herself to make sure she's dreaming.
"Ow." She's not.
"What's going on?" a sleepy Rachel asks.
"I could say the same of you."
"Oh. Morning, San."
"Morning Rachel," Santana replies. "Why are you in my bed?"
They both sit up.
"You look mad," Rachel observes. "Don't be mad."
"How am I supposed to react when I wake up being cuddled by my ex-girlfriend."
"I wanted to talk, but you looked so comfy, that I didn't want to wake you," Rachel explains. "And then you looked so lonely, so I figured I'd fix that. I didn't mean to fall asleep. It's just so nice to be wrapped up with you again."
"So what?" Santana asks. "I want to get back together, so I plan a romantic gesture and you reject me. But when you want to get back together, it just takes crawling into bed with me?"
"Yes."
"What? No way."
"Why?"
"Because. Because it's not fair," Santana protests.
"I could offer the simple argument that life's not fair, but I won't."
"Don't try your crazy Berry logic on me," Santana tells her.
"San, listen, I'm sorry," Rachel says. "I miss you and I was wrong to rebuff your attempts at reconciliation. I apologize."
"Well…"
"I'm still a bit miffed about how you handled your jealousy, but I accept some of the blame for that," Rachel continues. "Obviously I'm giving you some sort of sign that implies you can't trust me."
"What? No way, babe, that's not it, at all."
"Really?"
Santana sighs. "I admit I over reacted and I shouldn't have slushied Marisa. I'm sorry for that."
"You'll have to apologize to her as well."
Santana sighs even louder. "Fine. I will Monday. But I'm still not totally okay with her."
"That is completely understandable," Rachel agrees. "Though if it helps, I've made it abundantly clear that she and I have no future as a couple."
"It helps a little."
"Excellent."
"I suppose my parents let you in," Santana says after a moment.
"They did, indeed."
"They really do like you better," Santana grumbles.
"While I'll admit, they were pleased to see me, I'm not sure that they like me better. Perhaps they like me better than your previous dating choices, but that is all."
"Maybe."
"Ah, don't be sad, tiger," Rachel coos. "I love you best of all."
Santana can't help the grin that spreads across her face. She feels like a complete sap, but finds, at this moment, she just doesn't care.
"I love you too, babe."
…
Santana knows she should be more weirded out that her parents are basically giving her permission to go have sex, but she's so glad that everything seems back to normal that she can't make herself care.
She'll even put up with her parents making them eat lunch first and ask insistent questions.
"Shakespeare?!" Clara exclaims. "My little Santana memorized Shakespeare?"
"Yeah, mom, I did," Santana says.
"How romantic."
"Yeah, well too bad it didn't work," Santana grumbles.
"Well considering the fate of Romeo and Juliet, can you blame me?" Rachel asks.
"You would have preferred King Lear? Titus Andronicus?" Tomás questions.
"No, but what about The Taming of the Shrew or Much Ado About Nothing?"
"Congrats you guys," Santana interrupts. "You know more Shakespeare plays than I do."
"Ah, sorry, San," Rachel says, scooting her chair closer to Santana. "Are you feeling left out?"
"How come they like you better than me?" Santana whispers, leaning against Rachel.
"Don't be ridiculous," Rachel whispers back.
"Girls, save the secrets for when you're alone," Clara says.
"Tell her you don't like me better than her," Rachel tells them.
Santana elbows Rachel.
"Santana be nice," Clara says. "Of course we don't like Rachel better than you, darling."
"The jury's still out for me, actually," Tomás teases.
"Papa."
"That might be our cue to leave, Tomás," Rachel says, standing.
"Well I expect the two of you back here for dinner tomorrow night," Clara replies.
"Of course," Rachel smiles.
"Conspiracy," Santana grumbles.
…
"So," Santana says when they're safely ensconced in Rachel's bedroom. "Should be talk about this?"
"We could," Rachel says. "Though you sound a bit reluctant."
"So do you," Santana accused.
"Because I am," Rachel admits.
"Why?"
"It's possible I reacted rather hastily," Rachel starts. "Instead of arguing right there, we should have both went our separate ways and calmed down a bit."
"Maybe."
"We tend to both react rather… passionately about things. And each other it seems."
Santana nods.
"So perhaps next time it'd be more prudent to just walk away."
"You're being awfully logical about this," Santana points out.
"I've had a lot of time to think about it," Rachel replies.
Santana nods. "Me too."
"And you disagree with my analysis?"
"Well, no," Santana replies. "It's just this whole thing started because you were being too calm about your dads rejecting you."
"Right. Yes, that."
"That's all you have to say?"
"I had an emotional breakdown over the issue," Rachel informs her. "If that's what you're worried about."
Santana looks surprised. "You did?"
Rachel nods. "Last Sunday in fact. I was laying here feeling alone and missing you and it just sort of happened. I may have cried myself to sleep."
"Because of your dads?"
"Because of everything," Rachel answers. "My dads, you, me, just a good emotional breakdown."
"Well, I'm glad, I guess," Santana says. "Though I wish you didn't have to go through that alone."
"I agree that it would've been nice if you'd been here, but I'm not sure it would have happened if I hadn't been feeling so alone."
"Yeah that makes sense."
"Good," Rachel says. "Now we can move onto more pleasant activities."
"Whoa," Santana says. "What if I just want to take it slow? Start all over."
Rachel is now straddling Santana. "Hmmm. I suppose I can see that. A symbolic new beginning. All right. No sex. But you're still spending the night. I've missed you."
"Wait a minute," Santana replies. "No sex? I was kidding. I wanted to see your reaction."
"Oh. Well, then, was it what you wanted?"
Santana thinks about it for a moment. "Actually, yeah, it was."
"Good. I'm glad. Now can we move onto more pleasant activities?"
…
Sunday morning, Rachel and Santana are reading the New York Times in bed like usual and Santana has to marvel at how quickly they were able to fall back into routines. She's not complaining; it's nice. But she'll also admit she's not completely at ease.
"You're restless," Rachel says.
Apparently it's difficult to miss.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Everything's back to normal."
"Agreed."
"Doesn't it seem sudden to you?" Santana questions.
"It does," Rachel agrees. "However, I expected it to happen that way."
"You did?"
"I did, indeed," Rachel says. "We have a pretty set routine, San. It makes sense that after all this turmoil, we'd fall so easily back into it. It's comforting."
"You're making me feel old."
"I apologize. That was never my intention."
"Seriously," Santana continues. "You make us sound like an old married couple."
"I have no problem with that," Rachel replies.
"You wouldn't."
"Would you like to talk about it?"
"Maybe later."
…
Brittany's in her room trying to levitate her cat, because it sounded like a good idea when she thought of it, when she hears her mom yell, "Britt, honey, Santana is here."
A moment later, the door swings open to reveal Santana, who immediately flops on the bed.
"How come you look happy and sad at the same time, San?" Brittany asks.
"Rachalniareackoogether," Santana mumbles into the bedspread.
"You are?" Brittany asks. "That's great! Right?"
Santana rolls over on her back. "I just woke up yesterday morning and she was in my bed. And suddenly we're back together. No song or pleading or even asking; we just were."
"And you're annoyed cause you had to sing a song and recite Shakespeare?"
"Hell yeah."
"Well she was the injured party," Brittany says.
"She broke up with me, Britt," Santana replies.
"I know."
"So I should be the injured party here," Santana continues.
"You were the one acting like a dolt," Brittany replies.
"I'll admit I didn't make the best choice," Santana allows. "But my intentions were good."
"That could be said about a lot of people, San," Brittany replies.
"So? Like who?" Santana asks.
"Hitler for one."
"Did you just compare me to Hitler?!"
"Of course not," Brittany replies. "But you asked for examples."
"Well I didn't mean the guy that started World War Two."
"How about Pol Pot?
"Who?" Santana asks.
"Saloth Sar. The leader of the Khmer Rouge?"
"Oh sure. Him. How is he better than Hitler?"
"Better than Hitler? Oh. I was just giving another example."
"Can we get back to my problem?" Santana asks.
"Sure. What is it again?"
"Shouldn't I make Rachel do something more before we get back together?" Santana asks, exasperated.
"No."
"That's it?" Santana questions.
"What else do you want me to say?" Brittany asks. "You wanted my opinion and now you have it."
"I was looking for some best friend support."
"S, you and Rachel need to be together. You're miserable apart. It's really that simple."
"Well I was miserable."
"Rachy was miserable too, San, trust me," Brittany assures her.
"So I should just welcome her back with open arms?"
"Basically," Brittany replies. "But you two should do some talking. Serious talking."
Santana sighs. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Of course I’m right," Brittany smiles.
…
Santana pulls into her driveway as Rachel parks on the street. She'd gone back to pick her girlfriend up, but was reminded Rachel still needed a way home.
"Why?" Santana asks. "I bet the folks would let you spend the night."
"Yes, well, I'd rather not push it," Rachel replies. “Plus, who knows what sort of reception I’ll be receiving.”
“Better than I’m going to get,” Santana grumbles. "Besides, we already know what their reaction is."
"I'm not spending the night," Rachel insists.
Rachel receives a hearty hug from Tomás when she steps inside before being led to the kitchen and receiving another hug from Clara.
"Sheesh," Santana groans. "And you guys wonder why I think you like her better."
"We don't wonder that, darling," Clara replies. "We know."
"We're just so pleased the two of you patched things up," Tomás adds.
"I’m rather delighted about it, myself,” Rachel replies.
“Santana’s been rather mopey without you,” Clara informs Rachel.
“Has she?” Rachel asks.
Santana groans.
“Well, I haven’t been my usual sunny self, so I guess I can understand that,” Rachel continues.
Santana smiles.
“And of course we expect to see you around plenty, dear,” Clara says.
“Well, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Don’t let sourpuss here deter you,” Tomás adds.
“She’s just embarrassed how much she missed me,” Rachel tells them.
“Most likely,” Tomás agrees.
“Which is silly,” Rachel continues. “Because I was rather lost without her.”
“Awww,” Clara coos. “That is so sweet.”
“Can we please just eat already?” Santana asks, exasperated.
“Of course, darling,” Clara replies. “I wouldn’t want to make you feel too uncomfortable.”
“Thank. I guess.”
…
Trying not to be a complete girl, Puck hasn't called Rachel to check up on her, even though he's very curious about her and Santana. He finally gives in Sunday night and calls her.
"So are you back together yet?" Puck asks when Rachel picks up.
"Yes, we are," Rachel replies. "I just returned from having dinner there."
"Yeah Sunday night dinner. You guys are so domestic, it hurts," Puck says. "Thank god you guys do it at school or I'd have to give Lopez a lot of shit."
"Yes, well, you'd have to deal with me then," Rachel replies.
"Good for you, bro," Puck says. "I'm glad this whole break up thing is over and we can get back to normal.
"I had similar feelings about the matter," Rachel tells him.
"So can we pull a different prank soon?" Puck asks. "No more flour?"
"Fine. No more flour."
"Cool. Later bro."
…
Rachel is walking into McKinley Monday morning when she’s engulfed by Brittany in a hug.
“Hi Rachy,” Brittany greets.
“Hello, Britt.”
“You’re back with San.”
“I am,” Rachel nods.
“Yippee. Now things can go back to normal,” Brittany says.
“I’m relieved as well.”
“And now we can all hang out again,” Brittany continues.
“That’s true,” Rachel agrees.
“Okay. See you later?”
“Of course.”
Rachel watches Brittany skip away.
…
Rachel is at her locker when Michelle Jamieson walks up.
"Word is that you and Lopez are back to singing duets together," she says.
Rachel nods. "We have reconciled, yes."
"I'd say congrats, but I worry you wouldn't think me sincere."
"And I'd be correct, wouldn't I?"
"You know I've never been a fan of Lopez," Michelle replies.
"That is definitely true," Rachel agrees. "But I'm not sure what purpose our morning discussions have."
"Are you kidding?" Michelle asks. "Even if Lopez isn't here to see, someone is bound to tell her we're talking. It happened plenty the past month."
"Hmmm. I'm mildly disappointed in myself for not noticing."
"You were distracted," Michelle offers.
"I suppose that's true."
"Anyway, see you around Berry."
"Bye Michelle," Rachel replies, distractedly.
…
"I hear congratulations are in order or whatever," Quinn says sitting down to lunch.
"Don't sound too sincere, Fabray," Santana replies.
"Whatever. As long as you're done whining for a while," Quinn tells her.
"Yeah, it was kinda sad," Brittany adds.
"Thanks for the support, guys," Santana snaps.
"Well, it's true," Quinn says. "So how much begging did you end up doing? Because I know your re-wooing attempts didn't work."
Santana glares at Brittany.
"She asked," Brittany tells her.
"Believe it or not, Lopez, I do care," Quinn says. "Sort of."
"How about we just stop talking about it?" Santana asks.
"So touchy," Quinn observes. "You'd think getting Berry back would make you more relaxed."
"S doesn't want anyone to know she's sensitive," Brittany whispers loudly.
Quinn nods.
"Guys."
…
Rachel goes to the choir room for lunch on Monday and is pleasantly surprised to find Marisa already there. Marisa gives Rachel a small hesitant smile but doesn't say anything.
As Rachel chews, she find she doesn't mind. It's just like their lunches originally were; enjoying the peace of solitude without being alone. At least that's how Rachel sees it.
But at the same time, she knows Marisa's silence is mostly like more due to Rachel's rejection than anything else. And then suddenly she's struck by a thought.
"Did you want to be alone?" she asks Marisa.
Marisa shakes her head. "If I did, I wouldn't have come here."
Rachel sighs in relief as she nods.
They eat finish eating and when the bell rings, Marisa leaves first, giving Rachel a small wave.
…
“So you took her back,” Mike greets Rachel as she sorts through her locker after lunch.
“I had to,” Rachel replies.
“You had to?”
“We belong together,” Rachel shrugs.
“If I hadn’t seen it work with my own two eyes, I’d think you’re delusional,” Mike tells her. “But I agree, you guys just work.”
“I know. It’s odd. Right?”
Mike nods. “But then again, so are you.”
“True.”
“Does this mean you won’t be able to help me out with any more dance classes?” Mike asks. “I’d hate to have the wrath of Santana after me.”
“I don’t think so,” Rachel replies. “It’s teaching dance to a bunch of kids. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
“You do have the wicked knife throwing skills,” Mike agrees. “I think you should protect me from all unsavory elements.”
“I could if you really want, but I may have to start charging.”
“Well then maybe just for emergencies, then,” Mike replies.
“What about your crazy Asian, ninja skills, Chang?”
“I have to save those for national security or zombie attacks,” Mike answers.
“I suppose I can be your emergency muscle then,” Rachel allows.
“Cool. See you around? Just cause you’re back with Lopez, doesn’t mean we can’t hang.”
“We will.”
“Awesome. Later, Rach.”
“Bye Mike.”
…
"So I got permission to skip practice and spend the night," Santana tells Rachel after school.
They're walking through the parking lot to their cars.
"You got permission to skip practice?"
"Coach says I'm been so pathetic lately, that I get one day off to fix it," Santana replies. "I think it's more for your benefit than mine."
"Yes, well, I'm sure it's because she enjoyed my flour bombing her colleagues."
"Probably."
"You know, if you told her you were slushing Mr. Schue, you'd probably take the top spot in her affection," Rachel says, stopping by her car.
Santana leans against the driver's side door. "Well sure, but no one knows I'm doing that--including you, actually. Did Britt tell you?"
"You just did, actually," Rachel smirks. "It just makes sense that it was you."
"Well I suppose you're proud of yourself for figuring it out," Santana grumbles.
"I think it's very sweet, actually," Rachel tells her.
"Yeah, well he deserves it. I suppose you're going to make me stop."
"My conscious thinks you should," Rachel replies. "But the petty part of me, the one that enjoys making our classmates look foolish with pranks thinks it's hilarious."
"Okay…"
"So why don't we pretend I never brought it up," Rachel finally suggests.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously," Rachel confirms. "I can't decide how I feel about the issue, so I'm going to pretend that I never brought it up."
"All right," Santana replies. "But if this is some crazy test, I'm going to be really pissed later."
Rachel nods. "I know. Which is why it isn't a test. I apologize for even bringing it up."
"Rach, I'm serious."
"So am I," Rachel replies. "Now let's go back to how you got permission to spend the night. Your parents really agreed to that? They don't think you're going to be at Brittany's?"
"I told you they like you," Santana says.
"Apparently I vastly underestimated that."
"I don't see how this is any different than my spending Saturday night," Santana comments.
"Because Santana," Rachel replies. "It's Monday. It's a school night."
"Yeah so?"
"If I didn't know how intelligent you are, I'd think you didn't care about school."
"Hey, I can be smart and not like school," Santana replies. "Especially McKinley."
"Yes, that's certainly true. I certainly fall under that category."
"Look if you don't want me to stay over, I won't," Santana says. "But I was kinda looking forward to it."
"You better keep your voice down," Rachel replies. "Otherwise everyone here is going to realize you're a big old softie."
"You take that back, Rachel Berry," Santana growled.
"Never! Because it's true," Rachel says. "And if you want to stop me, well, you better catch me." And before Santana can react, Rachel is in her car and reversing out of the parking lot.
Santana shakes her head. "Unbelievable." She quickly finds her car and climbs in so she can chase her girlfriend home.