New to the fanfic world and sharing my creativity with you :) This story was brought to life last week.. please feel to share with me your thoughts, opinions, reviews, etc..
High school. Santana sighed at the thought of finally being able to leave it all behind. For four years she had obsessed over establishing herself to be a member of the elite at McKinley - to be respected, feared, and admired. Not many were willing to cross her path without overwhelming panic that made their knees tremble, be it because of her obvious beauty or ruthless snide remarks. She learned that by displaying a collected demeanor and by never backing down from an aggressor, no one would be the wiser and have the power to break down her walls to see that she was just as vulnerable, filled with emotions, and at times, even fears. She hated admitting that there were a handful who knew that she was capable of showing compassion and vulnerability, but had it not been for members of the New Directions, Santana would have easily left high school without people she could consider as true friends. Sharing the same air as them once made her cringe, but she found great comfort in knowing that they supported her, did not judge her, and gave her an unconditional sense of family. Above all there was Brittany, a simple girl who had always managed to make the darkness give way to light, replacing it with the feelings of lightness, joy, and confidence anytime she found herself sulking in the shadows of doubt and insecurities.
They had all said their goodbyes, shared memories and tears, and reassured each other that they would never lose touch. Santana knew that years down the road they would all have to dig through the depths of their memories to remember each other's name, to recall events in order to attach a name to a face. Santana could not suppress a smile when she knew that in her heart, she would always remember Brittany and Quinn. Collectively they were referred to as the Unholy Trinity. In many ways, scandalous and trying, throughout the years they forged a relationship that was unquestioningly infallible. You cross one, you cross all. They made it no secret that even in their differences, they would go through great lengths to ensure each other's happiness and success.
"Admit it Santana, you're going to miss this place." Quinn winked as she closed her locker for one last time. "It's not like we'll ever have the same experiences again. One day we'll look back and laugh our heads off about the choices we've made, the secrets we tried to hide, and everything related with the New Directions." They slowly made their way towards the parking lot in silence.
"Two months Quinn. Two months and we'll be making our way to the Big Leagues." Santana took one last look at McKinely High before getting into her car. With the closing of doors and the roar of her engine, Santana and Quinn drove out of the parking lot. High School was in the past and there was no way she would let anything get in the way of her dreams.
"Now it's time to celebrate." Quinn turned up the stereo volume, rolled down her window, and grabbed Santana's free hand. "I'm never going to forget you. Through our rivalry, my pregnancy, and adolescent confusion, you've never let me down or abandoned me. Don't mock me, but I love you. Not like Brittany loving you, but you get what I'm saying."
Santana squeezed her hand back, "Hate to admit it, but you're not so bad either."
Santana clicked through her MP3 selection, turned the stereo up a little louder, and tried hard to fight back the swelling pool of tears that were clouding her vision. It was all too bittersweet, but she knew that it was time to start a new chapter in her life.
Quinn released Santana's hand and quickly dabbed at the tears that were falling effortlessly down her cheeks. Both felt a renewed sense of purpose, anticipation, and relief. Deep in thought they silently paid homage to the experiences and lessons they encountered as students and curious teenagers at McKinley, but knew that they were never looking back.
Santana took a deep breath and admired her handy work. She and Quinn alone spent almost two hours preparing Quinn's house for the celebration. The backyard was decorated with red and white streamers, tiki torches, and a handful of pool toys and floatation devices. Quinn had just finished placing the final touches to the decor and plopped down onto the porch swing, her body sinking into the seat cushions.
"What time is Brit coming over?" Quinn called into the house as Santana busied herself with unnecessary rearrangements.
"No clue, she said she had a lot of things to get before the party." Santana smiled inwardly and chuckled as she reflected on their journey so far. Santana made her way to the kitchen and placed the freshly baked cookies onto a tray. The smell made her think of Brittany, her kissable lips always teasingly coated with the delicious flavor of sweet lip balm. She lightly brushed the charm bracelet on her right hand and satisfyingly recounted the heartache, glares, teasing, and obstacles they overcame when they reemerged as a couple. Her daze was interrupted by the ring of the doorbell. She glanced a the clock and noticed it was 7:30pm, "Time to get this party started. Go big or go home." Santana walked to the entrance and greeted the guests warmly.
Quinn had orchestrated a simple party for the New Directions, every member dating back to the first laughable rehearsal. By 8:00pm everyone but Brittany had arrived. She noticed that in subtle ways everyone looked different, all giving off an air of maturity, excitement, and at times sadness. They all gathered in the backyard, everyone in awe of the set up. Puck and Finn chatted over the grill, Artie played honorary DJ, and Quinn and Santana were the graceful hosts who ensured that everyone was having a great time. There was never a dull moment. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as they all enjoyed the food, company, uncharacteristic heat, and swimming pool.
Quinn, looking over to Santana, noticed worry in her eyes. She knew the look of concern all too well. "Don't worry, she'll show. The party just started. Have you heard from her?" Quinn gave Santana a reassuring look.
"I know, it's just that she hasn't returned any of my calls or texts."
"Well, she's probably driving here as we speak. I for one can know that cell phones and driving do not mix."
Santana knew that Quinn was right. There was no reason to worry. Santana just missed her. She was not able to see Brittany throughout the day because Brittany was busy making up several tests and meeting teachers in order for her to graduate. Even if she didn't get to graduate on stage, Santana was so proud of her girlfriend. Brittany kept her promise. Brittany promised that Santana wouldn't leave Lima without her.
It was close to 10pm when Brittany finally sauntered through the backyard doors. A few of them were a little drunk, having taken slips of vodka. Though Quinn had originally told everyone, especially Puck, that her parents only agreed to having the party at the Fabray's residence so long as no alcohol was present, Puck's rebelliousness never failed. Tina, to much of everyone's surprise, had drank the most. She clumsily greeted Brittany, almost knocking over the refreshment table in doing so.
"Thank God you're here. Santana has been such a party pooper worrying sick about you." Brittany glanced over to Santana, who knew that she had arrived but refused to acknowledge her. Santana looked at her half filled cup and drank every last bit before walking towards Puck and quietly signaled for a refill.
"Slow down Snix. Wouldn't want you to do anything crazy. This is your fourth refill." Puck cared deeply for Santana and regretted that their relationship did not work out. He accepted that he wasn't what she was looking for and was more than glad to see that for the first time in her life, Santana got a real taste of happiness.
"Stop it. Don't tell me what to do." Santana snapped back. Puck instinctually gave her a squeeze on the shoulder before pulling her into a hug.
"You have no reason to be mad at her. She's here safe and sound. Don't pick a fight over something so little." Santana knew that he was right and after a deep breath pulled away. Puck complied with her request and poured clear liquid into her cup.
"Thanks Puckerman. You're a great guy. Always pushing boundaries, but I'm glad I can call you a friend." Santana gave him a small peck on the cheek, took another long gulp from her cup, and laughed. "I still can't believe we hooked up. And I still can't believe you fathered a child with Quinn. I'm not shocked to see that you can actually be a gentleman." With the subtle compliment delivered, Santana smiled, turned around, and finished the remaining liquid in her cup before walking away.
What Santana didn't know was that even after being bombarded with embraces and conversation with nearly all of the New Directioners, Brittany never took her eyes off Santana. It wasn't a surprise to her that she started to feel those feelings towards Santana. Brittany remembered when it all began. She was confused by it at first and couldn't quite understand how Santana was able to make her heart race, make her flush red and radiate a burning from her core, or give her the chills.
It started with innocent brushing of their skin, whiffs of her sweet scent, a friendly embrace and, less subtly, longer stares and leering in appreciation of her full yet toned body. Since the moment they met, they inexplicably gravitated towards each other. Santana was the first to admit that they had something more than a friendship.
Brittany politely excused herself from the group surrounding her and made her way towards Santana. Santana was sitting on a lounge chair pretending to be interested in the occupants of the pool. She sensed Brittany's approaching presence but deliberately ignored it. Santana was reserved to thinking that Brittany was inconsiderate of her feelings and did not see any reason why Brittany failed to return her calls or messages.
"Hi baby." Brittany bit her lower lip knowing that it would be a challenge to break through Santana's wall. "I can see that you're angry and I'm sensing that you're probably mad at me."
Santana refused to look at her. "I was so worried. I can't believe you. We agreed that we would meet here at 8 and you said it was enough time for you to finish your errands."
"Tana, I'm sorry. Lord Tubbington hid my phone again. But on my way here he said that your're purrrrr-fect." Brittany gave Santana her most innocent smile and pouted. Santana couldn't help herself. She quickly turned her face and pursed her lips to hide the smile. Brittany knew that it wouldn't be much longer until Santana gave in. Knowing that she had dealt a devastating blow to her defense she moved closer, close enough to ensure that Santana felt her breath and lips gently grazing her check.
"I'm so sorry, please believe me. I just wanted to make sure that I got you a present." Santana shivered and felt the hairs on her neck stand. Brittany noticed the effect she had and playfully nipped at Santana's ear. This solicited a few encouraging yelps from many of the guests. "Get a room!.. Awww.. They are so cute.. Brittany has tamed the Snix.." The comments only encouraged Brittany, who saw opportunity to pounce on the now defenseless Santana. She slid behind Santana, carefully scooting her forward so that Brittany can place her between her legs. She wrapped both arms around Santana's stomach and gently squeezed.
"Everyone told me that you've been drinking because I've upset you." She whispered in Santana's ear. "Tana, please stop drinking. I want you to remember everything." Brittany coyly ran the tips of her fingers along Santana's thighs and was pleasantly surprised to feel Santana's labored breathing against her chest and smiled when she felt that Santana allowed herself to completely relax into Brittany's tender embrace. "We've spent all these years so afraid about what other people would think of us. I'm not afraid anymore. We're free."
Defeated. Santana turned her head to gaze into Brittany's blue eyes and placed her arms around Brittany's, which comfortably rested around her stomach. "I haven't forgotten anything we've been through before. What makes you think I'd forget anything that would happen tonight?"
Santana smiled back knowing that even after all the scrutiny she had gone through with the revelation of her feelings for Brittany, everything has made her a stronger person and solidified their relationship. Brittany and Santana stood against the test of time, hurtful judgement, prejudices, doubt, and uncertainty. She was excited to see how much more she can fall in love with Brittany without the restraints of high school horrors.
Please let me know what you think. New to writing fanfics but I'm going through Glee/Brittana withdrawals (besides, it gives me a great excuse to practice writing again). I would love to get some feedback.