A/N: So I wanted to do a Christmas story, and I've decided to do it with a nice fluffy chapter every day for the month of December about how Brittana celebrate the holidays. Each chapter isn't gonna be long, since it'll be updated daily. But it's set in their senior year of high school, and I'm writing it to balance out the angst of With These Words (which will be updated soon). So I hope you enjoy, and will like to experience the holidays as Brittany and Santana do as official girlfriends.
Chapter One – Two Swans
Santana pulled her math book from her locker before her fingers curled around the cold metal. She pushed it shut as a shiny Candy Cane was shoved in her face. Her eyes found warm blue, an immediate smile tugging at her plump lips. "What's this?" she smiled, grasping the plastic wrapped candy from pale fingers.
"Today is the first of December silly." Brittany giggled, watching as Santana twirled the candy between her index finger and thumb.
"I'm aware." Santana's eyes narrowed on Brittany's, trying to pull the meaning behind the gift from Brittany's bright blues. All she found settled there was pure joy, and her heart fluttered unexpectedly from sheer anticipation.
"That means there's twenty-five days till Christmas. Well technically twenty-four, but you get the idea. And this is our first Christmas together. Like actually together. And Lord Tubbington told me that he hates this time of year because he says all couples act all mushy and stuff in public. But I secretly think he just wants a girl to do that with. Or a boy. Whatever he wants is fine with me…"
Santana watched as Brittany's eyes traveled to the space over her shoulder, completely lost in her own train of thought. If it were possible, Santana's smile grew even wider, her cheekbones rising with renewed love. "Britt." Santana grinned, her free hand dropping to graze Brittany's wrist. "I think there's suppose to be a point in there somewhere."
Brittany looked down at their touching skin, and she allowed herself a moment to cherish that. It was new. Being out. But it was everything. Her eyes found Santana's as her freckled cheeks colored pink. "This holiday season is going to be magical. Because I'm with you."
Santana blushed, her eyes fluttering down the crowded hallway before turning back to Brittany.
"So can we be one of those cutesy couples? Like picking out a Christmas tree together? Baking holiday cookies? Singing Christmas carols? Wrapping gifts? Feeding the poor?" Santana's giggle bounced off the tan lockers, ringing clear in Brittany's ears as her rant faded. "Why are you laughing?" she smiled, her fingers gliding over the bare skin of Santana's arm.
"Feed the poor?" Santana asked, her eyebrow arching up her forehead.
Brittany smiled, lacing her pinky with Santana's. "Yeah," she nodded. "I've always wanted to do that."
They turned down the hall, walking toward fifth period. "Okay," Santana laughed. She tangled the rest of their fingers together as they continued to walk.
"So can we do all that stuff? Please?" Brittany bounced on the balls of her feet, half skipping to class.
"We can do anything you want, Britt." Santana smirked, her fingers squeezing Brittany's hand as they turned to enter the almost full classroom.
Santana leaned against her car door, her white sneaker shuffling against the gravel, the scratchy noise echoing in the empty parking lot. Brittany had to stay after school to talk with Principal Figgins about the senior Winter Formal. Brittany never complained about all the responsibility she now had since winning the election, but Santana could tell she was exhausted most school nights.
Last week, Brittany had to settle an argument between the Chess Club and The Black Student Union because both clubs tried to use the auditorium at the same time. When she stopped by afterward, she fell over the armrest of Santana's couch, mumbled something about racist nerds, and fell into an immediate coma.
But Santana knew she loved it. And whenever Brittany got discouraged, she was always there with a supportive hand or an encouraging kiss.
Santana's eyes lifted toward the back door of the school when the familiar whistle of a Spice Girl's song flew through the winter air. Brittany came skipping through the parking lot, her eyes twinkling and hair whipping, a giant grin plastered on her face.
"Hey," she beamed, leaning in to place a chaste kiss on Santana's lips.
"Hello to you too," Santana smiled. Her hands tightened around the fabric of Brittany's Cheerio's jacket near her hips and pulled her in for another quick kiss.
Brittany giggled, before pulling away and bouncing to the passenger side of the car. Santana got in, thanking herself for the genius idea of starting the car early as the warmth washed over them. "So, what's the plan for tonight?" She asked, pulling out of her parking space and heading toward the exit of the school.
Brittany turned to look out the window, her fingers twirling around one another in her lap. Santana noticed and grinned, the corners of her lips curling as she looked back out the windshield. Nervous Britt always meant she had something in mind, but was scared Santana wouldn't like it. Which usually meant it was something absolutely adorable.
"Britt?" Santana continued as they turned on to Pajabon.
Brittany whipped her head around, her cheeks coloring in the way they do when she realizes she has been spacing for too long. "Sorry." She breathed, her hand reaching over to rest on the top of Santana's thigh. "I was thinking we could stop at that coffee shop on the corner of Main and Cherry. And then we could walk to that little pond by that pizza place and feed the ducks." She smiled bashfully, her eyes pleading up through long lashes.
Santana smiled, a hand falling to cover Brittany's on her thigh. She turned her head as she came to a stop at a red light. "What does that have to do with Christmas?" She giggled, watching as Brittany's eyes lit up with the fact that Santana hadn't immediately put down her idea.
"Not everything we do has to do with Christmas." Brittany rolled her eyes playfully, her hand turning over to lace their fingers together on Santana's lap.
"But you said…" Santana began, her eyebrows hitching in mild confusion.
"The idea of twenty-five days of Christmas just means we do something together to celebrate the holidays. It doesn't necessarily mean what we do needs to be filled with elves and reindeer. Oh San, do you think Lima has reindeer? I'm sure Lord Tubbington would love to meet one."
Her eyes twinkled, growing wide with the possibility of Lord Tubbs riding on top of a flying elk. Santana laughed, her head shaking with utter amusement at the workings of her girlfriend's mind. "I don't know about the reindeer Britt. But I'll try and find you one." She smiled as she turned the car onto Main Street.
Brittany squealed in the seat next to her, her face leaning over the middle console to place a soft kiss on Santana's cheek.
Santana's cheek tingled where pursed lips had lingered. Her hand on the wheel gripped tighter, reminding herself that she had to concentrate so she didn't drive them into a mailbox or something.
"So can we feed the ducks?" Brittany pleaded, her lower lip jutting out in her best puppy-dog face.
Santana's knuckle grew white as she gripped tighter. It was nearly impossible to resist a pouting Brittany. She nodded her head, her lips parting in a small smile. "Yes. We can feed the ducks Britt." She squeezed Brittany's hand, her smile growing when another squeal of excitement left Brittany's mouth.
Santana knew Brittany could get her to do just about anything. It was ridiculously unfair actually. Brittany just had to look at her with a slight tilt of her head, her eyes wide and pleading, her lips in full pout, and Santana would crumble. At this point, she was just banking on the hope that Brittany didn't know she had that affect on her. Because that would be a little embarrassing.
Santana parked in front of The Lima Bean, turning the ignition off with a muffled sigh. Brittany squeezed her hand once more before untangling their fingers and moving to open the car door. Santana let out a breathy laugh before opening her own door, the cold December air clawing at her skin instantly. She hated the cold. Like legit hated it. But when she turned and saw the beaming grin covering pale skin, she knew she would run a marathon through six inches of snow to see that smile every day.
Brittany lifted the warm cup to her lips and gulped back a mouthful of whipped cream. Santana giggled before running her thumb over Brittany's top lip. She moved to retreat her hand before nimble fingers grasped her wrist, holding her hand in place. Santana cocked her head and watched as Brittany licked the cream from Santana's thumb, drawing it into her mouth to make sure she got it all, before releasing it back into the frosty air.
Santana gulped. She suddenly felt a lot warmer than she did three seconds ago.
Brittany smirked, letting Santana's wrist go as they continued to walk down to the pond. Santana's cheeks blushed, her face turning to hide the obvious arousal that sprang from such a simple, but erotic gesture.
"Look!" Brittany cooed, her finger pointing toward the body of water. Santana looked to see what had caught her eye. She half wondered how they were supposed to feed the ducks in December. Didn't they like fly south for the winter because water froze or something. But Brittany had reassured her that some ducks stayed around. And that it was actually pretty warm for this time of the year.
Santana would have questioned how Brittany knew that, but ultimately she understood that Brittany always knew about animals and the environment. That was her specialty.
Wading in the middle of the icy water sat two white swans, one's face ducked beneath the surface as its tail feathers shook in the air. Santana's eyes darted over to her girlfriend, whose legs shook with anticipation, a wide grin stretched across her face.
"Did you know that Trumpeter Swans are monogamous? They mate for life. And when their mate dies, they stay alone the rest of their lives. That's why it's always happy to see two swans together. Cause that means their mate hasn't died."
Brittany's words infected Santana's ears, affecting her more than they probably should. She raised her coffee to her lips to try and distract herself from the meaning behind Brittany's information. Mating for life. Like soul mates. Was she really comparing her relationship with Brittany to a bunch of damn birds?
"San, come on." Brittany called.
Santana shook her head and realized Brittany was already by the water's edge, her coffee cup deposited on the ground below. Santana stood and watched for a minute as Brittany dug in the paper bag from the coffee shop and took out a bagel. She watched as Brittany began to rip small pieces off and throw them into the murky water. She simply watched as Brittany giggled and bounced on the balls of her feet as the swans swam closer.
She would have been content to watch the entire time, but Brittany had different plans.
"Hurry. You're gonna miss them." Blonde hair whipped back around as another piece of bread flew through the air and landed on the water's surface, before disappearing inside an orange beak.
Santana took another sip of her coffee before walking the rest of the way toward the pond. Brittany handed her a piece of the bagel without question. Santana smiled as she ripped off a piece and through it in the water, ripples moving outward at the sudden intrusion.
"You want to make sure they're small pieces so they don't choke." Brittany instructed, her own fingers lifting a piece of bagel into the air to demonstrate.
Santana nodded, her smile growing as her cheeks colored. Her heartbeat was racing, and she felt like a child waiting for Christmas morning. Except it wasn't even Christmas. And she stopped believing in Santa years ago.
But it was the feeling of innocence. The feeling of hope and unbridled love. And it had nothing to do with the holidays. But everything to do with the blonde angel standing next to her, throwing pieces of bread at two birds that would never love another.
"Maybe we can get them to come closer if we throw the pieces nearer to the water's edge." Brittany wondered, her eyes brimming with hope. Santana simply smiled and nodded, happy to do anything Brittany wanted. Including getting a bunch of disease infested chickens to swim closer.
The two bagels disappeared a lot quicker than they thought they would. As the two swans ate the rest of the lingering pieces from the water, Brittany and Santana walked back toward a bench near the water's edge. Santana sipped at her coffee lazily, watching as Brittany continued to gaze at the birds in the water.
"Why do you like ducks so much?" Santana asked, her cup lowering to rest on her lap.
Brittany turned her head, her eyes following moments later. Blue flickered down to Santana's lips before coming back up to rest on Santana's eyes. "What?"
"Ducks. You're always talking about them. You know a lot about them. Well, I guess animals in general. But you really like ducks. I just wanted to know why?" Santana shrugged, her eyes lowering to her lap for a moment to break eye contact.
Brittany chuckled. "Really?"
She made it seem like the answer was obvious and that Santana should have known it years ago.
"Honestly, because they can be so free." Brittany's face went still with sincerity, her brows knitting together in concentration. "They're one of the only animals that can fly, swim, and walk. And their feathers come in all shapes and colors. There's so many different kinds, and they're all unique and special." Her eyes refocused on Santana and noticed she was being watched intently. "I know it sounds stupid but…"
"Hey," Santana breathed, her hand coming up to cup Brittany's chin. "That is most definitely not stupid." Santana smiled, refusing to back down until Brittany returned it. "And I'm so glad I asked." Santana continued, her head nodding to reinforce her point.
Brittany swallowed, her cheeks growing pink. "And why is that?"
"Because this world needs more people like you." Santana breathed, quickly shaking her head in embarrassment at her vulnerability.
Brittany smiled shyly, her hand coming to rest on Santana's thigh.
Those crystal blues locked on her eyes, gluing her in place, and pleading with her for more. Santana sighed, her heart fluttering as if it had been invaded by vibrating bees. "You're so special Brittany. You see the world as this magical place, with brilliant colors and endless hope. You trust people and aren't afraid of what lies ahead. And you love, god Brittany you love unconditionally. And…and I'm just so lucky to have you…" Santana trailed off, her chin tucking into her chest.
A vibrant giggle echoed in Santana's ears, her eyes shifting to look up at her girlfriend. She immediately noticed clouded blue, glossed over with unshed tears. She panicked. "Did I say something wr…"
She was cut off by the crashing of pale lips to her own. She froze, the action catching her off guard, and the quick thought that someone could see them. But the warmth spreading from Brittany to her melted away her insecurities, and her lips moved with Brittany's. Gliding and tasting. Wanting and needing. Loving and caring. And Santana never wanted to be anywhere else.
"Thanks for feeding the swans with me today. I wish there would have been more ducks there though," Brittany sighed. Santana squeezed her hand that was cradled in hers as she walked them up to Brittany's front door.
"I know you do," Santana breathed. They paused as they reached the porch, Santana turning them toward each other. "Thank you." Brittany cocked her head to the side, her eyebrows rising in confusion as to why Santana would be thanking her. "For…" she chuckled at her own inability to sound intelligent when Brittany was looking at her like that. "Do you think it's possible to fall more in love with someone every day?"
Santana's eyes watched Brittany's for an answer. She watched as Brittany's teeth shone bright as her lips parted in a grin that could compete with the Cheshire cat. She watched as Brittany tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, the warmth of her fingers igniting her skin. And she watched as Brittany bent to place a lasting kiss on her forehead, her lips intoxicating and burning.
"I love you too," she whispered against the skin. Santana's eyes fluttered close as Brittany kissed her again before straightening herself.
Santana gulped, her knees almost buckling from the intimacy and the fact that Brittany's family was simply on the other side of the door. She cursed them silently, knowing that if they were anywhere else Santana wouldn't hesitate to take Brittany upstairs and show her just how much she loved her.
She had to settle for something a little more PG-13, standing up on her tiptoes to press her lips to Brittany's. When Brittany's tongue flitted across her bottom lip, she retreated, planting her feet back firmly on the ground. "I'll pick you up for school tomorrow," Santana smiled.
Brittany's chest rose and fell quickly, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She definitely did not want Santana to leave after they were just getting started. But she knew her mother probably had dinner almost ready. So she nodded and smiled. "Happy First of December San," she added before kissing a warm cheek and turning to head inside.
"Wait," Santana called before the door could completely close. "What's the plan for tomorrow? Do I need to like bring a present like you did? Or…" she babbled, her hands playing nervously with each other in front of her stomach.
Brittany giggled and walked back out to her, pulling apart her fidgeting hands and holding them in her own. "There's no rules silly." Brittany squeezed her fingers in reassurance, loving the way Santana struggled with the whole dating thing. It was absolutely adorable, and Brittany had no problem helping her through it. "You're my girlfriend," Brittany began, and Santana's eyes lit up with each word she spoke.
She was pretty sure she could listen to Brittany call her her girlfriend forever and it wouldn't be enough.
"Just do whatever you want to do. Whatever comes natural. It doesn't have to be anything special. Like I said, I just want to spend time with you." Brittany finished with another solid squeeze.
Santana nodded, her throat closing with everything she wanted to say and do. Nothing felt like enough. Brittany deserved the world and then some. How would Santana ever be able to give Brittany everything she wanted when she had trouble simply taking her to Breadsticks without acting like a teenaged boy out on his first date?
"Okay," she managed, swallowing against the lump that had taken up residence in her throat. She nodded again as Brittany let go of her hands and turned back toward her house. "See you tomorrow." She added as Brittany flashed another award winning smile in her direction as the front door closed.
Santana turned and walked back to her car, her heart beating like the bass from the music Brittany listened to when practicing her hip-hop routines in her bedroom. It crashed against her chest, her stomach flipping at the new meaning the month of December had to offer. She had twenty-four more days to prove to Brittany just how much she meant to her. And she was definitely up for the challenge.