Chapter Text
Though it was against her will, Santana Lopez was sitting on the bed of Rachel Berry. The two had been practicing kindergarten word cards that Santana had snuck from one of her baby brothers. Santana would read the word, sound it out, and write it out for Rachel to repeat and do the same. After the most recent word they did, Santana sighs. Rachel gives her a questionable look, “You wanna take a break?” Rachel asks. “I’m supposed to be asking you that, pea brain.” Santana rolls her eyes and gets up. Rachel follows the Latina down the stairs. “What are we doing?” Rachel asks almost nervous, she had a weird feeling in her stomach. “Exploring Rachel Berry’s kitchen.” The girl smirks, opening different cabinets and drawers.
“Just to warn you, you probably won't like anything. It’s all vegan.” She says as if she wants Santana out of her kitchen. “Figures.” The Latina just kept checking for something edible. Rachel stood a distance behind Santana as she scrounges for food. It was quite the sight if she was being honest, but Rachel shook the thought out of her head. “Ah ha!” The voice causing the brunette to look at Santana once again. The girl backs herself out of the cabinet, hitting her head on the way out. “Fuck!” Santana curses. Rachel let out a giggle as the girl rubs her head. “Hey Rachel, just a heads up, fuck you.” The Latina grouches as she held a pack of seaweed snacks.
Rachel’s face scrunches up, “Ew.” “What do you mean ew? These are bomb as fuck.” Santana rips open the package and starts to munch on a few pieces of dried seaweed. “Shouldn't we get back to studying?” Rachel asks, she was nervous around Santana unless she was being taught by the Latina. “Probably. We don't want your big blabbermouth talking about my business at school.” Santana makes her way back upstairs, Rachel following close behind.
The two continued to study for about another hour and occasionally going downstairs to get Santana more snacks. Soon enough the clock was nearing around five and Santana sighs, “I gotta go, gayberry. My Mami is lookin’ for me.” Santana says. “You should be calling yourself that and not me.” Rachel giggles. The brunette had a good time with Santana surprisingly. She was pretty sure that Santana felt bad for her and that's the only reason she was teaching her. Rachel was wrong of course. Santana didn't care about Rachel, she was just being blackmailed. “Yeah well, that would give away my cover wouldn't it?” The Latina then proceeds to get off the bed and starts walking down the stairs. “Why are you following me?” She asks, “Because I'm walking you out.” “That’s stupid.” Rachel rolls her eyes at the girl. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. At school and here.” She smiles. Santana didn't know why Rachel was smiling. “Whatever.” She walked out.
Rachel had a good time with Santana, and she was learning at the same time. Who knew the Cheerio could be so charming? Not that Santana was trying to be. The Latina starts walking home. It was cold and that's when she realizes that she left her letterman jacket at Rachel’s house. “Fuck! Are you kidding me!” She yells at herself. “Whatever…” A mumble slips through her lips during her walk.
When Santana got home, she logged onto her computer. She starts to compose a post, typing, “God, Berry, you’ll be the end of me. Not like you’ll read this. Not yet.” then clicks ‘post’ the entire school would see this. Even Rachel. She just couldn't read it yet. Besides, it's not like anyone else would understand the post like Santana. Only Santana knew her secret. Well, other than Finn.
The next morning Santana woke up and saw her post had been reblogged and shared many times. Comments like, “What are you doing with Rachel Berry?” or “Why are you hanging with losers?” popped up in her feed. When she checked her messages she saw one from Brittnay and two from Quinn.
Brittnay had left a sweet message that said, “You wanna talk about it?” She always knew when Santana needed to talk. It even made the Latina smile. Her and Brittnay were amazing friends and even better now that they had been getting it on. Santana smirked at that thought. She then proceeded to check her messages from Quinn. The first one said, “What are you doing with the hobbit?” Santana was slightly confused on why Quinn would be angry at her for that. She then reads the second message. “Just to let you know, Rachel is on the slushie list for tomorrow.” That's when Santana’s eyes widen. Not because she cares, but because gayberry had her letterman jacket. That's what Santana told herself.
At the Berry household, Rachel got ready for the day like usual and saw that Santana had left her jacket there. “Oh, I should probably return it to her.” But then Rachel stopped. “Hmm.” She thought.
Rachel showed up to school in Santana’s letterman jacket. She wore it proudly and that's when-
Splash. Cold, red slushie ran down her face. What was the point of her beauty routine? The slushie ran down her shirt, she shivers. Rachel hoped that her clothes had been somewhat protected by the jacket. How was she going to explain this to Santana? She stood there, not wanting any more cold slushie going down her shirt until an arm dragged her away. It was Santana.
The two made their way to the bathroom. “Why do you just stand there like an idiot when they slushie you.” It was a rhetorical question. Rachel just shivered. “Okay, I know you think the jacket is going to make you less cold but it's not.” The Latina unzips the letterman jacket and throws it into the sink. “Do you know how fucking pissed I am! That was my letterman jacket!” She looks at the drenched girl. “God, Rachel…” She felt bad, but only because Rachel was covered in the red slushie.
“Rachel are you okay?” Santana asks, the girl taps back into reality. She just shakes her head no and Santana knew what she had to do. Well, she felt obligated to do. She wanted to help Rachel clean up but she was stalling. “Let me help you clean up?” Rachel’s response was a quick, “Really?” She sounded surprised. “This is fight club shit though. Just between us.” Santana turns on the water of the sink and starts to help Rachel clean. Pulling up the girl’s shirt she tosses it off with her letterman jacket. Santana was still pissed about that.
Washing Rachel’s hair and finally drying it off with a small towel she had in her bag, she let the girl go. “Wait, what am I going to wear?” Rachel asks. “You can borrow Brittany's gym clothes. She won't mind, don't worry.” Santana gives a small smile. “Stay here. Go into one of the stalls so no one sees you.” Santana instructs and to Santana’s surprise, Rachel does as she's told.
Eventually, Santana comes back with the blondes gym clothes. “Rachel?” The Latina asks, “In here.” Santana follows Rachel’s voice to the last stall. The brunette opens the door, “You want help?” Santana asks. Rachel nods again. Santana started dressing the girl. Pulling a slightly too big shirt over Rachel’s head. She pulls the girl's hair out of the shirt then proceeds with the shorts. It really gave Santana a look at how long Rachel’s legs were. “You should shave your legs.” Santana says to break the silence, hoping to get a laugh or any emotion out of the brunette.
After Rachel was dressed, Santana looked at her work. Nicely done. She thought to herself. “Thank you.” Rachel says, “And sorry for making you do all the work. I just.. I don't know honestly.” Santana shrugs it off, “It's whatever.” She starts walking before Rachel reaches for her arm. “I’ll see you later?” Rachel gives a smile, “For the tutoring of course, and to give these back.” Rachel almost forgot to add the last part of her sentence. “Yeah. Duh.” Santana pulls her arm away and leaves the bathroom.
The rest of the school day was fine. Eventually, fourth hour came and once again, Rachel sat next to Santana and Brittnay. Santana turns her head to see Rachel, no emotion on her face. The brunette offers a smile, “Thank you again. For earlier.” she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Again, its fight club.” Santana says, turning back to face Mr.Shue.
During the class, Brittnay had locked hands with her. She smiles. It's not like it didn't make her happy, but with Rachel being there it made it almost weird. “Not right now, Britt.” Santana whispers softly to the blonde, her hand retracting. Santana had been distancing herself ever since Rachel started the blackmail. Maybe if she convinced Rachel it was a phase. No, if she convinced herself it was a phase. Everything would be better. ‘I mean, I can't really be gay right?’ the thought runs through Santana’s mind.
Every couple of minutes Rachel would glance at Santana, what was she thinking about? The brunette wondered. Her friend looked so lost in thought. Then Rachel realized she called Santana her friend. “Hmm.” She hums and Santana turns to her, “What?” The Latina asks. “Just thinking.” Rachel shrugs.
Soon after the day had ended and Rachel had been waiting for Santana outside of the Cheerios locker room. She had been standing from a distance so maybe Santana didn't see her because the Latina kissed Brittnay right then and there. Rachel almost felt like a peeping tom watching the two kiss. She just thought, what if I was kissing Santana? But Rachel turned red at the thought. Why would she think about that! She had no reason to. Rachel kept telling herself. Besides, the two had only been hanging out for a couple of days. Santana walks over to Rachel, “Sorry you had to see that,” She starts, “Your gay self probably liked it anyway.” Santana husks against Rachel’s ear. The brunette feels her cheeks burn in embarrassment. It's not like Santana was right. It's not like she was gay. Rachel just shudders, “W-We should get going! Don't you think?” She offers a smile and starts walking.
Santana catches up with her, “Why do you get all... Panicky and shit whenever I get close to you.” She asks, trying to sound like she didn't know. “I think you can figure that out.” The brunette gives a dry laugh. “Well, I was guessing you’re-” “Santana I’m not gay okay? Just because I get a little flustered when I'm around you doesn't make me gay. I just like my space.” Rachel shrugs, she was trying to be honest. Santana didn't respond. It was quiet after that.
The two walked to Rachel’s house, the occasional car going by, scaring Rachel closer to Santana. “Dude. If you jump every time a car comes by then please let me walk closer to the road next time.” Rachel scoffs, “Its like their trying to run me over!” “Maybe if you didn't give them a reason to they’d stop…” The Latina trails off and Rachel scoffs once more, “You’re mean. You know that?” The brunette says. “Trust me, I know.” The two walk again.
Once they reach Rachel’s house, Santana instantly goes to grab a seaweed snack pack. “Do your dads always buy these?” She asks. “They started to ever since someone ate them all in one go.” Santana realizes she was talking about her, “You can't blame me, sorry you weird vegans don't have any other food.” The two go upstairs and start practicing more vocab words and writing. Rachel had at least a first-grade grasp on reading and writing. Santana was quite proud of herself. “I know your learning this fast, but this stuff gets harder.” The Latina says. “I know I know. I’ll be ready.” Rachel was proud of herself too, she was glad to be learning.
“If you ever feel like we need to go over anything again just ask.” Santana says. Rachel was shocked to hear those words coming from Santana. She almost sounded like she cared… It did sound like that! Santana must have cared. Rachel thinks. “So, you want me to go?” No. Rachel wanted to say no. She nods her head, “I suppose. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Rachel says. Santana cocks a brow at her, “You’re not gonna walk me out?” Rachel smiles, “I didn't know you wanted me to.” The Cheerio rolls her eyes, “Calm down gayberry, I was just surprised.” Santana starts making her way to the stairs until she feels hands slip around her waist. “Your jacket.” It was Rachel whispering faintly into her ear. The brunette pulled Santana’s arm into each sleeve until the Latina pulled away. “What the fuck?” Santana looks into Rachel’s eyes, almost in fear. She looked so scared and Rachel didn't understand why. Santana quickly goes down the stairs and leaves through the front door.
Rachel didn't know what she did wrong. Why could Santana make her feel that way but the second Rachel touches Santana she freaks out.
Santana sprinted home. Her excuse was needing the workout but in reality, she was running from the feeling of Rachel’s hot breath on her ear. She was running because the feeling excited her. It was different from anything she felt before, and that scares her.
Once Santana got home she quickly logged onto her computer and messages Quinn. She starts to type, “Put Rachel on the slushie list for tomorrow.” Quinn almost instantly messages her back, “Sure. What flavour? I’m guessing grape, that's the one you always give to her.” Santana types back a simple yes and goes to her bed. What was this? She asks herself. All she wanted to do was look Rachel in the eyes and say, “Fuck you!” maybe another day.
Rachel sat at home and frowns, “Why did she look so scared…” She asks herself. Laying on her back, the brunette stares up at the ceiling. “Hmm.” She hums to herself.
The next day Rachel put a set of clothes on and put Brittany's clothes into her bag to bring to Santana. Once she was at school she made her way to Santana’s locker. The brunette smiles, “I brought Brittany's clothes.” The Latina doesn't give any emotion, “Keep them for today, you’re gonna need them.” “Wait why would I-”
Splash. It was from behind this time. Grape slushie running down her back and seeping into her shirt. Santana just stares at her, “I have to go.” Rachel shivers but she attempts to follow Santana, “You ordered this one! Why?” Rachel needed answers. The Latina doesn't answer her and walks away.
When fourth hour rolled around, Santana found herself sitting with Puck instead of Brittnay. This upset the blonde. Once Rachel walked into the class, wearing Brittany's gym clothes she goes to sit next to the blonde. “Hey Brittnay, is Santana okay?” She asks the ditzy girl. “Um, maybe? You’d have to ask her.” Brittnay starts, “She’s kinda ignoring me.” She says in a whisper which the brunette sighs at.
Mr.Shue starts talking about songs and duets. He pulls out a hat, “Okay, everyone is going to pick from the hat of truth.” Santana rolls her eyes at the silly name. “Rachel, you’ll pick first.” The brunette winces and walks down to the hat. Rummaging her hand through the hat she finally picks a slip of paper. “Santana.” She reads quietly to herself. Will catches it though. “Santana! You’ll be partnering with Rachel!” He says with a wide smile. The Latina scoffs, “Are you serious? That's some bs.” She stays put. “Oh and also, you’ll be working on these duets at home or after school! Next person up is… Kurt!” Rachel was glad to know they were working at home. She wouldn't want to argue with Santana at school.
Once the school day ended, Rachel awaited Santana’s departure from the Cheerios locker room. She waited patiently. Finally, she heard the girl’s voice followed by Quinn’s. “Yeah, I have to go work with the hobbit.” The Latina laughs, “See you tomorrow Q.” She makes her way over to Rachel, “Let’s go, Berry.” Rachel starts to follow the girl.
While they walk, Rachel shivers. Santana noticed this. She would’ve given the girl her jacket, but she was scared to. Every time Rachel borrowed her jacket it always ended up smelling like her. It almost drives Santana mad. She always washed it. She didn't want to smell Rachel all over her jacket. Or did she? Santana shook the thought away and sighs. “Here.” The Latina pulls off her jacket. “Use my jacket.” Rachel smiles, “Thank you.” Taking the jacket quickly, the brunette put it on.
“So, Quinn doesn't think us hanging out is weird?” Rachel asks, looking over to the Latina. “Nah, she thinks we're workin’ on our duet.” She starts, “Oh and also, this isn't us ‘hanging out’ first off, you are blackmailing me. Second off, we're working on school work. Not hanging out.” Rachel almost frowns. Santana didn't seem to consider her a friend. Especially after yesterday.
“You’re not angry about the slushie right?” Santana asks, she doesn't look at Rachel. “Of course not.” Rachel says in an all too perky tone. “Why? You got slushied.” Santana says. “Do you want me to be angry?” Rachel asks. Santana rolls her eyes, “No, and to answer your question from before, I only did it to make it seem like I hate you.” The brunette’s eyes widen, “So you don't hate me?” Santana rolls her eyes, “I mildly dislike you.” Rachel scoffs, “Rude.” “You are blackmailing me!” “But you were going to tell everyone I can't read!” Santana groans. ‘Why does she make me the bad guy.’ they both think to themselves.
Once they make it to Rachel’s house the two do a bit of reading and writing to help Rachel then they move on to the duet. “You should pick.” Santana offers, Rachel just raises an eyebrow, “Because if I pick then you have to read lyrics and we both know you can't read.” Rachel rolls her eyes, “Just read the lyrics to me and I’ll repeat them back. That’s what my dads always did for me.” Santana nods. “Okay well, I was thinking... I dunno. Something Amy Winehouse.” The Latina ponders, “That’s kinda a low octave for me.” Rachel says, “Yeah I figured. We’ll figure it out.” She says.
It was silent for a couple of minutes. Rachel staring at the words in a child's book and Santana using the girl's computer to find a song she liked. “What about JT’s, ‘Until The End Of Time’?” Santana asks. “Can I hear it?” Rachel says, looking up from her book. “Sure.” Santana lets the rather long song play. “We won't sing the beginning part since its different from the main song.” Santana says. Rachel listens to the lyrics and after the song ends she looks at Santana. “Don't you think its kinda slow… And romantic?” Santana rolls her eyes, “You have an issue with slow and romantic?” “No no no, I just- Us. SInging a slow romantic song.” Rachel laughs at what the glee club would think of them singing it. “Okay fine, we’ll sing something else.” “Wait no Santana! We can do it. I just know you don't like labels…” Rachel trails off. “Who told you that?” She asks. “Well, it's kinda obvious but I mean, Brittnay told me directly.” “Of course she did.” Santana groans.
It was quiet again. “Let's do something more upbeat.” Santana suggests. “What about ‘A Thousand Miles’ by Vanessa Cartlon?” Rachel says but is quickly shot down by Santana’s laugh, “I hate that song.” She laughs and Rachel sighs. “‘Love On The Brian’” Santana simply says. “What?” Rachel asks, “Its a new Rihanna song. I think we should do it.” Santana says and plays the song. Rachel listens intently. “I’m fist-fightin' with fire just to get close to you.” Santana sings the song to herself. Rachel watches Santana sing the song in a softer way than its traditionally sung. She could hear the emotion in the Latina’s voice, but from what? Why was she so emotional. After the song draws to a close Santana realizes Rachel is still staring at her. “Calm down gayberry.” Rachel looks away with a faint blush covering her cheeks. “Yeah. Let's do that one.”