Can You Tell
Title: Can You Tell
Rating: PG-13 (Couple of f-bombs dropped)
Length: 2675 words
Pairing: Santana/Rachel
Spoilers: Everything up to now, just to be safe.
Disclaimer: I own nada still. woo! :/
Summary: Continued from my last fic Run my Mouth which I recommend reading first if you haven't already.
Still loving the reviews, so thanks everyone. :) Sorry I've taken a while to update. This is sort of a filler before I focus a bit more on the whole Quinn situation. Also I'm thinking about eventually upping the rating if people are ok with that? Let me know anyway.
Enjoy!
Santana's eyes fluttered open and she frowned as she tried to work out where she was. The room was dark except for the faint glow of red that came from Rachel's alarm clock and her eyes squinted as she tried to make out the time through her still blurry vision.
“10.45?” She mumbled and groaned as she realised she'd probably have to move and make her way home. She tried to quietly get up so not to disturb the petite girl in her arms but stopped as she heard light whimpering and a small hand grip her shirt.
“Hey.” She looked down and just managed to make out a small pout on the small girl's face. She couldn't help but smile as she used her free hand to softly brush her hair away from her face before gently cupping her chin. She leaned down and pressed a light kiss on the girls forehead.
“It's late, my mom's probably worrying where I am.” Rachel groaned and pulled the taller girl back to her, snuggling into the warm body.
“Stay?” She mumbled and tightened her grip on the cheerleader. Santana stared at the smaller girl for a few moments before she let a small smile break out on her face. She nodded, even though she was fairly certain Rachel wouldn't see, and kissed the top of the girls head before trying to move again, causing another groan to come from the brunette.
“I have to call my mom and let her know, I'll be right back okay?” Rachel sighed and loosened her grip as Santana got up to leave the room. She quietly shut the door behind her and made her way downstairs. As she got to the bottom of the stairs she was met by Rachel's dad Michael who smiled warmly at her.
“Ah, you are still alive up there then.” He winked as he walked into the kitchen and motioned for Santana to follow him. He pulled out a chair for her as he went into the fridge and pulled out two bottles of water, passing one to the Latina as he took a seat at the table across from her.
“I just want to apologise again for what happened over dinner Santana, it wasn't fair of my husband to corner you the way he did.” Santana shrugged as she took a gulp of water.
“It's not like I don't deserve it. I was pretty horrible to your daughter once upon a time.” Michael nodded as he fiddled with his own bottle, picking at the label. There was an awkward silence before Michael spoke up again.
“I can't deny that, and there were many a time when Rachel would come home in tears and I wanted to destroy the person who upset her so much.” Santana winced as she listened to the words of the taller man. He still held a faint smile on his face though which she couldn't help but find reassuring.
“Like I said, people deserve a second chance Santana.” He leant forwards and lightly grasped one of Santana's hands in his. “The past is in the past, just promise me one thing.” She nodded slowly and watched the older man take in a shaky breath. “Look after her.” His normally deep and calming voice was quiet, like he was pleading with her. “I don't know how much more we can take, seeing her walk in just looking completely crushed... and honestly, I don't know how much more Rachel can take either.” Santana felt her heart clench and she suddenly found it hard to breathe. She felt sick, this man shouldn't have to be sitting here asking this of her. He shouldn't have to fear for his daughter as much as he does. She couldn't help but think why the hell had she treated the Rachel that way?
Jealousy?
Fear?
Or was she just a total bitch? She couldn't help but think that if she'd just taken the time to stop and really take a look at the small girl, then maybe things wouldn't have been so bad for her. She wouldn't have had to have faced the humiliation of being slushied. Not have to have walked through the halls holding her head up high as she took insult after insult that had been continuously thrown at her. After a few moments she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and looked up to meet the older man's gaze. He smiled slightly as he noticed the determined look that was clearly showing in the cheerleader's eyes.
“I'll look after her, I promise you. Both of you.” Michael grinned and moved to sit back in his seat properly and took a sip from his water bottle.
“She's a strong girl, don't get me wrong. I just want to know that there's someone in that school who will look out for her a bit, and if you're anything like your father then I like to think you have a fair bit of authority in that school so, she'd be pretty safe with you.” Santana nodded with a small grin and looked at her water bottle. After a few moments, Santana looked up again as she heard the sound of a chair moving across the tiled floor. Michael smiled at her before making his way out of the kitchen. Just as he made it to the door he paused and turned back.
“Oh by the way. Your mother called, I told her you were staying the night.” He winked and said goodnight as he made his way upstairs. Santana blinked and shook her head with a sigh. So that's where Rachel gets her 'sixth sense' from. She eventually made her way back upstairs and quietly opened Rachel's door. She stood in the doorway for a few minuets just staring at the small girl. She couldn't help but think how vulnerable the small diva looked. It was a huge contrast to how she was at school. It scared her slightly. She made her way over to the bed and sat on the edge, reaching over to lightly stroke the girl's hair. Rachel's eyes fluttered open and she smiled and leant into the touch.
“Mmm, that feels nice.” Santana smiled as she locked eyes with small brunette's sleepy ones. Rachel frowned and moved to sit up, rubbing her eyes. “What's wrong? You didn't have another run in with my dad did you?” Santana chuckled and shook her head.
“No, your daddy this time.” Rachel groaned and Santana noticed her expression change to one that signalled an impending Berry rant. “It wasn't a bad thing Rach, don't worry. We just had a chat.” Rachel raised an eyebrow not convinced. Santana moved closer and brushed her lips against Rachel's softly. She pulled back again and both girl's eyes locked. Rachel sighed and leaned into the taller girl, who instinctively wrapped an arm around the diva's shoulders.
“It's going to be hard isn't it.” Santana moved to look at her, eyebrow raised in confusion. “I mean, people are going to find it weird that we're... together.” Santana moved away slightly and looked at Rachel intently.
“Rachel, what are talking about?” She smiled sadly and played with one of Santana's hands, tracing patterns over the palm.
“Despite everything that happened with Quinn and coach Sylvester, you still hold a lot of power in school Santana. What if they turn on you? I mean is this all really worth it.” Santana's face fell and a pained expression fell across her features and Rachel suddenly felt guilty. “I... I didn't mean it like that. I just don't want you to resent me if people start throwing slushies at you and you end up losing more respect around school because of me.” Rachel's head dropped and Santana sighed before reaching forward and gently cupping her girlfriend's chin with both hands and moved her head so their eyes met again. She lightly brushed her thumbs over the small girl's cheeks before leaning forwards and placing her lips to Rachel's. She pulled back again and rested their foreheads against each other's. Rachel couldn't help but shiver slightly at the intimate moment they were sharing.
“Will you be there?” Rachel frowned as she tried to look into her girlfriend's eyes, but Santana still had her hands on Rachel's face and stopped her from moving, a smile still on her face.
“Be where?” Rachel whispered.
“If I get slushied. I want to know if you'll be there to help me get cleaned up again.” Rachel gasped as she got what her girlfriend was saying. She didn't care. She swallowed and nodded her head slightly.
“Of course, but Santana-” She was cut off as Santana pressed her lips to Rachel's again.
“As long as you're there with me, then I don't care what happens Rach. It might be difficult, it might not. You said it yourself I still have power in school, not to mention I'm a total bad ass.” Rachel chuckled which in turn made Santana grin. “As long as we look after each other we'll be fine. Strangely enough I've learnt a lot over the last few days. At first it felt like I'd fallen head first into the twilight zone or something but now... now everything feels right. I haven't felt like this before and I don't want to lose it. I don't want to lose you.”
Rachel smiled and threw herself into Santana who wrapped her arms around her and held her tight. “I don't think we'll have many problems when it comes to school Rach. If anyone makes a single comment or pissy remark, I'll quickly make it public knowledge that messing with us will be this century's biggest mistake.” Rachel chuckled and kissed Santana before they laid themselves back down on the bed and fell asleep in each other's arms.
+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
The next morning, Rachel made her way through the school doors towards her locker. She was in the process of getting her books out for her first few classes before her locker door was slammed shut. Rachel flinched and turned to face the owner of the hand holding the door shut. She fought the urge to whimper as she was met with the cold gaze of the newly reappointed head Cheerleader, Quinn Fabray.
“I need to have a word with you Berry, follow me.” Rachel opened her mouth to speak but was quickly cut off. “It wasn't a question.” She sighed and followed the blonde into an empty classroom. Unbeknown to both girls, a slightly taller blonde was standing close by watching intently at the exchange between the two girls.
Rachel stood holding her books close to her chest, watching Quinn pace back and forth in front of her. Five minutes passed and the blonde hadn't uttered a single word to Rachel, who was becoming less nervous and increasingly irritated.
“Quinn, as much as I truly adore watching you imitate a ping pong match, did you have a reason behind dragging me in here? I mean besides having me witness you wear a hole into the floor.” Quinn stopped and glared at the smaller girl before sighing.
“I can't help but realise you've become pretty close with Santana recently, I wondered if you'd help me with something.” Rachel raised an eyebrow and fought the smirk that was trying to break out on her face. Quinn sighed again and continued. “Look, I realise what happened to her was pretty harsh-” Rachel scoffed and rolled her eyes shaking her head with a bitter chuckle. Quinn frowned.
“That's the understatement of the year I think Quinn, congratulations.” Quinn was taken back at the sarcasm behind the diva's words.
“I want to sort things out with Santana. I may have taken advantage of the situation slightly, but I didn't tell coach about Santana's 'surgery', honest.” She dropped her hands after making air quotes and Rachel fought the urge to roll her eyes again.
“So, you're expecting me to believe that you didn't take information that Santana confided in you with, and use it to get back on top again after you were knocked right to the bottom because you managed to get yourself knocked up by your boyfriend's best friend.” Quinn looked taken aback at Rachel's outburst and stood there in shock. Rachel noticed the shift as Quinn immediately began to put up her defences.
“Pretty rich coming from you man-hands. At least I didn't send anyone off to a crack den because I felt threatened of their voice.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes with a smirk. Rachel smiled sadly and shook her head.
“That's where you're wrong Quinn, you and I aren't that different at all. You felt threatened by Santana, but instead of sending her off to some crack den you trampled all over one of your best friends to get back to into a position of power.” Quinn remained silent. “You know what the saddest thing is Quinn? After everything that happened to you, I actually thought you'd have realised that power isn't everything. That happiness comes from having people who care about you surrounding you, not some stupid cheer-leading uniform. So no, I'm not going to help you get back into Santana's good books because honestly... you don't deserve it.” Rachel left Quinn standing in the middle of the classroom looking distraught. Quinn kept her eyes on the floor as she heard someone else slowly walk into the room. She felt a strong arm wrap around her shoulders and she began to sob quietly.
“It's ok Quinn, everyone will be friends again soon.” She looked up and met bright blue eyes and a warm smile. She shook her head with a bitter chuckle.
“How can you be so nice to me B, I screwed over your best friend for fucks sake.” She felt the grip around her shoulders tighten and allowed herself to fall into the embrace, resting her head against the taller girl's chest.
“You may be head cheerleader again, but you aren't the same person you were at the start of the year. You just need to show that to everyone else.” Quinn sniffed and allowed the steady beat of Brittany's heart to calm her down. The taller blonde kissed the top of Quinn's head and then rested her chin there.
Outside the classroom stood Santana and Rachel. The Latina sighed and rubbed her temples as Rachel wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled in into a hug.
“Was I too harsh?” Santana scoffed and shook her head defiantly.
“She deserved it.” Rachel nodded.
“Any idea what you're going to do about all of this?” Santana sighed. Quinn had hurt her and Santana was still pretty pissed about it all. Then again it's like Rachel had said - everything was just so fucking similar.
“I gave you a chance to explain yourself, I should give her a chance too I guess.” She shrugs and pulled away from Rachel.
“Yeah but, what I did wasn't really relating to you. It's slightly different really.” Santana shook her head.
“Everyone deserves a second chance.” Her voice was barely above a whisper but Rachel heard it loud and clear. She smiled as her girlfriend recited her father's wise words and nodded in agreement.
“I didn't realise you were standing outside you know, otherwise I would've made it even more epic.” Santana chuckled.
“What can I say babe, I'm like a ninja.” She grabbed her girlfriend's books in one hand and a small hand in her other and pressed her lips against Rachel's firmly before they began to walk to their next class. “Besides, I don't think even Quinn deserves one of your 'epic lectures.' ”
Thanks for reading!
Rating: PG-13 (Couple of f-bombs dropped)
Length: 2675 words
Pairing: Santana/Rachel
Spoilers: Everything up to now, just to be safe.
Disclaimer: I own nada still. woo! :/
Summary: Continued from my last fic Run my Mouth which I recommend reading first if you haven't already.
Still loving the reviews, so thanks everyone. :) Sorry I've taken a while to update. This is sort of a filler before I focus a bit more on the whole Quinn situation. Also I'm thinking about eventually upping the rating if people are ok with that? Let me know anyway.
Enjoy!
Santana's eyes fluttered open and she frowned as she tried to work out where she was. The room was dark except for the faint glow of red that came from Rachel's alarm clock and her eyes squinted as she tried to make out the time through her still blurry vision.
“10.45?” She mumbled and groaned as she realised she'd probably have to move and make her way home. She tried to quietly get up so not to disturb the petite girl in her arms but stopped as she heard light whimpering and a small hand grip her shirt.
“Hey.” She looked down and just managed to make out a small pout on the small girl's face. She couldn't help but smile as she used her free hand to softly brush her hair away from her face before gently cupping her chin. She leaned down and pressed a light kiss on the girls forehead.
“It's late, my mom's probably worrying where I am.” Rachel groaned and pulled the taller girl back to her, snuggling into the warm body.
“Stay?” She mumbled and tightened her grip on the cheerleader. Santana stared at the smaller girl for a few moments before she let a small smile break out on her face. She nodded, even though she was fairly certain Rachel wouldn't see, and kissed the top of the girls head before trying to move again, causing another groan to come from the brunette.
“I have to call my mom and let her know, I'll be right back okay?” Rachel sighed and loosened her grip as Santana got up to leave the room. She quietly shut the door behind her and made her way downstairs. As she got to the bottom of the stairs she was met by Rachel's dad Michael who smiled warmly at her.
“Ah, you are still alive up there then.” He winked as he walked into the kitchen and motioned for Santana to follow him. He pulled out a chair for her as he went into the fridge and pulled out two bottles of water, passing one to the Latina as he took a seat at the table across from her.
“I just want to apologise again for what happened over dinner Santana, it wasn't fair of my husband to corner you the way he did.” Santana shrugged as she took a gulp of water.
“It's not like I don't deserve it. I was pretty horrible to your daughter once upon a time.” Michael nodded as he fiddled with his own bottle, picking at the label. There was an awkward silence before Michael spoke up again.
“I can't deny that, and there were many a time when Rachel would come home in tears and I wanted to destroy the person who upset her so much.” Santana winced as she listened to the words of the taller man. He still held a faint smile on his face though which she couldn't help but find reassuring.
“Like I said, people deserve a second chance Santana.” He leant forwards and lightly grasped one of Santana's hands in his. “The past is in the past, just promise me one thing.” She nodded slowly and watched the older man take in a shaky breath. “Look after her.” His normally deep and calming voice was quiet, like he was pleading with her. “I don't know how much more we can take, seeing her walk in just looking completely crushed... and honestly, I don't know how much more Rachel can take either.” Santana felt her heart clench and she suddenly found it hard to breathe. She felt sick, this man shouldn't have to be sitting here asking this of her. He shouldn't have to fear for his daughter as much as he does. She couldn't help but think why the hell had she treated the Rachel that way?
Jealousy?
Fear?
Or was she just a total bitch? She couldn't help but think that if she'd just taken the time to stop and really take a look at the small girl, then maybe things wouldn't have been so bad for her. She wouldn't have had to have faced the humiliation of being slushied. Not have to have walked through the halls holding her head up high as she took insult after insult that had been continuously thrown at her. After a few moments she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and looked up to meet the older man's gaze. He smiled slightly as he noticed the determined look that was clearly showing in the cheerleader's eyes.
“I'll look after her, I promise you. Both of you.” Michael grinned and moved to sit back in his seat properly and took a sip from his water bottle.
“She's a strong girl, don't get me wrong. I just want to know that there's someone in that school who will look out for her a bit, and if you're anything like your father then I like to think you have a fair bit of authority in that school so, she'd be pretty safe with you.” Santana nodded with a small grin and looked at her water bottle. After a few moments, Santana looked up again as she heard the sound of a chair moving across the tiled floor. Michael smiled at her before making his way out of the kitchen. Just as he made it to the door he paused and turned back.
“Oh by the way. Your mother called, I told her you were staying the night.” He winked and said goodnight as he made his way upstairs. Santana blinked and shook her head with a sigh. So that's where Rachel gets her 'sixth sense' from. She eventually made her way back upstairs and quietly opened Rachel's door. She stood in the doorway for a few minuets just staring at the small girl. She couldn't help but think how vulnerable the small diva looked. It was a huge contrast to how she was at school. It scared her slightly. She made her way over to the bed and sat on the edge, reaching over to lightly stroke the girl's hair. Rachel's eyes fluttered open and she smiled and leant into the touch.
“Mmm, that feels nice.” Santana smiled as she locked eyes with small brunette's sleepy ones. Rachel frowned and moved to sit up, rubbing her eyes. “What's wrong? You didn't have another run in with my dad did you?” Santana chuckled and shook her head.
“No, your daddy this time.” Rachel groaned and Santana noticed her expression change to one that signalled an impending Berry rant. “It wasn't a bad thing Rach, don't worry. We just had a chat.” Rachel raised an eyebrow not convinced. Santana moved closer and brushed her lips against Rachel's softly. She pulled back again and both girl's eyes locked. Rachel sighed and leaned into the taller girl, who instinctively wrapped an arm around the diva's shoulders.
“It's going to be hard isn't it.” Santana moved to look at her, eyebrow raised in confusion. “I mean, people are going to find it weird that we're... together.” Santana moved away slightly and looked at Rachel intently.
“Rachel, what are talking about?” She smiled sadly and played with one of Santana's hands, tracing patterns over the palm.
“Despite everything that happened with Quinn and coach Sylvester, you still hold a lot of power in school Santana. What if they turn on you? I mean is this all really worth it.” Santana's face fell and a pained expression fell across her features and Rachel suddenly felt guilty. “I... I didn't mean it like that. I just don't want you to resent me if people start throwing slushies at you and you end up losing more respect around school because of me.” Rachel's head dropped and Santana sighed before reaching forward and gently cupping her girlfriend's chin with both hands and moved her head so their eyes met again. She lightly brushed her thumbs over the small girl's cheeks before leaning forwards and placing her lips to Rachel's. She pulled back again and rested their foreheads against each other's. Rachel couldn't help but shiver slightly at the intimate moment they were sharing.
“Will you be there?” Rachel frowned as she tried to look into her girlfriend's eyes, but Santana still had her hands on Rachel's face and stopped her from moving, a smile still on her face.
“Be where?” Rachel whispered.
“If I get slushied. I want to know if you'll be there to help me get cleaned up again.” Rachel gasped as she got what her girlfriend was saying. She didn't care. She swallowed and nodded her head slightly.
“Of course, but Santana-” She was cut off as Santana pressed her lips to Rachel's again.
“As long as you're there with me, then I don't care what happens Rach. It might be difficult, it might not. You said it yourself I still have power in school, not to mention I'm a total bad ass.” Rachel chuckled which in turn made Santana grin. “As long as we look after each other we'll be fine. Strangely enough I've learnt a lot over the last few days. At first it felt like I'd fallen head first into the twilight zone or something but now... now everything feels right. I haven't felt like this before and I don't want to lose it. I don't want to lose you.”
Rachel smiled and threw herself into Santana who wrapped her arms around her and held her tight. “I don't think we'll have many problems when it comes to school Rach. If anyone makes a single comment or pissy remark, I'll quickly make it public knowledge that messing with us will be this century's biggest mistake.” Rachel chuckled and kissed Santana before they laid themselves back down on the bed and fell asleep in each other's arms.
+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
The next morning, Rachel made her way through the school doors towards her locker. She was in the process of getting her books out for her first few classes before her locker door was slammed shut. Rachel flinched and turned to face the owner of the hand holding the door shut. She fought the urge to whimper as she was met with the cold gaze of the newly reappointed head Cheerleader, Quinn Fabray.
“I need to have a word with you Berry, follow me.” Rachel opened her mouth to speak but was quickly cut off. “It wasn't a question.” She sighed and followed the blonde into an empty classroom. Unbeknown to both girls, a slightly taller blonde was standing close by watching intently at the exchange between the two girls.
Rachel stood holding her books close to her chest, watching Quinn pace back and forth in front of her. Five minutes passed and the blonde hadn't uttered a single word to Rachel, who was becoming less nervous and increasingly irritated.
“Quinn, as much as I truly adore watching you imitate a ping pong match, did you have a reason behind dragging me in here? I mean besides having me witness you wear a hole into the floor.” Quinn stopped and glared at the smaller girl before sighing.
“I can't help but realise you've become pretty close with Santana recently, I wondered if you'd help me with something.” Rachel raised an eyebrow and fought the smirk that was trying to break out on her face. Quinn sighed again and continued. “Look, I realise what happened to her was pretty harsh-” Rachel scoffed and rolled her eyes shaking her head with a bitter chuckle. Quinn frowned.
“That's the understatement of the year I think Quinn, congratulations.” Quinn was taken back at the sarcasm behind the diva's words.
“I want to sort things out with Santana. I may have taken advantage of the situation slightly, but I didn't tell coach about Santana's 'surgery', honest.” She dropped her hands after making air quotes and Rachel fought the urge to roll her eyes again.
“So, you're expecting me to believe that you didn't take information that Santana confided in you with, and use it to get back on top again after you were knocked right to the bottom because you managed to get yourself knocked up by your boyfriend's best friend.” Quinn looked taken aback at Rachel's outburst and stood there in shock. Rachel noticed the shift as Quinn immediately began to put up her defences.
“Pretty rich coming from you man-hands. At least I didn't send anyone off to a crack den because I felt threatened of their voice.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes with a smirk. Rachel smiled sadly and shook her head.
“That's where you're wrong Quinn, you and I aren't that different at all. You felt threatened by Santana, but instead of sending her off to some crack den you trampled all over one of your best friends to get back to into a position of power.” Quinn remained silent. “You know what the saddest thing is Quinn? After everything that happened to you, I actually thought you'd have realised that power isn't everything. That happiness comes from having people who care about you surrounding you, not some stupid cheer-leading uniform. So no, I'm not going to help you get back into Santana's good books because honestly... you don't deserve it.” Rachel left Quinn standing in the middle of the classroom looking distraught. Quinn kept her eyes on the floor as she heard someone else slowly walk into the room. She felt a strong arm wrap around her shoulders and she began to sob quietly.
“It's ok Quinn, everyone will be friends again soon.” She looked up and met bright blue eyes and a warm smile. She shook her head with a bitter chuckle.
“How can you be so nice to me B, I screwed over your best friend for fucks sake.” She felt the grip around her shoulders tighten and allowed herself to fall into the embrace, resting her head against the taller girl's chest.
“You may be head cheerleader again, but you aren't the same person you were at the start of the year. You just need to show that to everyone else.” Quinn sniffed and allowed the steady beat of Brittany's heart to calm her down. The taller blonde kissed the top of Quinn's head and then rested her chin there.
Outside the classroom stood Santana and Rachel. The Latina sighed and rubbed her temples as Rachel wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled in into a hug.
“Was I too harsh?” Santana scoffed and shook her head defiantly.
“She deserved it.” Rachel nodded.
“Any idea what you're going to do about all of this?” Santana sighed. Quinn had hurt her and Santana was still pretty pissed about it all. Then again it's like Rachel had said - everything was just so fucking similar.
“I gave you a chance to explain yourself, I should give her a chance too I guess.” She shrugs and pulled away from Rachel.
“Yeah but, what I did wasn't really relating to you. It's slightly different really.” Santana shook her head.
“Everyone deserves a second chance.” Her voice was barely above a whisper but Rachel heard it loud and clear. She smiled as her girlfriend recited her father's wise words and nodded in agreement.
“I didn't realise you were standing outside you know, otherwise I would've made it even more epic.” Santana chuckled.
“What can I say babe, I'm like a ninja.” She grabbed her girlfriend's books in one hand and a small hand in her other and pressed her lips against Rachel's firmly before they began to walk to their next class. “Besides, I don't think even Quinn deserves one of your 'epic lectures.' ”
Thanks for reading!