A/N: New chapter of costume ball. To answer some of your questions: Yes! Brittana will definitely happen in this story. The events taking place in this chapter and in the following ones are necessary for the story and for Brittana to happen. And before anyone ask: I don't know if it's going to be a happy ending or not. Just hang in there with me.

3- Encounters

"So babes… It's been a long time since we had a gathering of all the cool people an…" Brittany zoned out of whatever Puck was saying. She was sure he was just being his obnoxious self, making sexual hints or something. Her mind wandered to the past days' events. Two things stood out in her mind: First, the strange behavior of her parents. Her mother was acting very weirdly. She was more anxious and concerned with Brittany's whereabouts, there were way more coaxing, less critics about her clumsiness and school work. Her father was more talkative with her, asking her how she was feeling way too much, trying to give her (subtly) extra money. Overall their behavior had drastically changed within a few days; something was off. But Brittany didn't have the courage, or the will to ask. They would eventually tell her.

Second was Santana defending her in the past few weeks. She didn't know why but after that first incident, she noticed that Santana had been subtly taking her side whenever people would take advantage of her kind nature ('Brittany doesn't mind. She's cool with everything, she doesn't care' they thought) in and outside of classes. A quick menacing glance or even her clearing her throat at the right time would send everybody and the all class quiet. They still barely made eye contact but the latina was now walking side by side with her between classes. It wasn't the cold indifference of before, at least that's how Brittany felt. She glanced to her left and caught a sight of the exact subject of her thoughts. She was, as always, with her girlfriend not paying attention to the outside world. They were goofing around, being playful with each other. It was outrageously adorable and something inside Brittany's heart twitched. Why? She didn't really know and she was confused. She wasn't a relationship person. All the processing, commitment and seriousness of it all, it was boring. So what was this feeling creeping up in her heart? Did she want it after all? At that moment, she found herself staring into deep brown eyes. The intensity in them made her heart skip. She quickly looked away, only to look back and see that Santana had return her attention to her cheery girlfriend. The latina's gaze startled Brittany her heart was beating faster and now she was a little scared. 'What?'

"Isn't it Brittany?" Puck said, a smirk plastered on his face as he faced the blonde, waiting for an enthusiastic answer. She felt many pairs of eye on her.

"Um… what?" her voice was a little rough and she prayed the people around her didn't notice.

Puck raised an eyebrow at her "Great party. This Saturday. My house. 8 PM. All the cool kids"

Brittany blinked at him. She had no idea what he was talking about but played along

"Yeah… Sounds good" she replied in a small voice. Puck made a face at her and resumed his big plans for the party. Everybody turned back their attention to the Mohawked boy. She noticed Santana never turned to look at her during the entire exchange.


She was late for Glee practice and to top all of it, she also had forgotten the combination to her locker. So books in hand, she was fast moving her longs legs through the hallways. She was praying all odds that they didn't start practicing yet. She unfortunately slammed into a jock and fell back loudly on her ass.

"Hey! Watch where you're going" he growled after he regained his balance. He would have never dared talking like that to her other two friends, but of course it was Brittany.

"I swear this girl…" Before he could finish, he was shoved in a nearby locker, the noise making the other students gasp.

Brittany looked up and saw Mike Chang smiling down at her and offering his hand for help. They had hooked up in the past. He even tried to date her but she declined the offer. He really was a nice guy (one of the nicest at school by the way) and for that very reason she didn't want to date him. She thought she would end up hurting him and nice is boring, right? Also he was into another girl.

"Thanks" she mumbled as he helped her stand up. She was about to bent down and pick up her books scattered on the floor when she saw tanned hands beat her to it. She followed the path of the bare toned arms and ended up staring at Santana's eyes. Heart skip again, 'what the hell?'

Santana straightened up and handed her the books.

"You shouldn't run in the hallways like that. With meaty boys taking up all the space and what not" Santana said as he glared at the retreating jock. Her eyes were soon after set on the blonde, her expression serious and unreadable. It seemed to Brittany that it was the facial expression she elicited from the brunette. She would label it the Brittany look later. She took her books from the latina who was still looking intensely at her. She opened her mouth to (finally) say something but she was cut short by Mike.

"C'mon we're already late for Glee" He said as he wrapped his hand around Brittany's arm and pull her toward him. They all headed to Glee with Brittany and Mike chatting away. She was distracted though by the girl next to her. She was stealing glances at Santana who remained silent during the entire walk.

That day, Brittany sat between Mike and Santana in Glee class.


She laid on her bed, letting her tired muscles and her agitated mind rest. Cheerio practice had been hell-ish lately and she was crushing under schoolwork. She needed help in all her classes but couldn't really bring herself to ask for it, in fear of being made fun of. So she just let her grades slowly fall and her parents silently worry. They were still acting weird and nervous around her but they were now also throwing accusatory glances at each other. Her little sister was way too young to notice but Brittany was neither too young, nor stupid enough not to.

Her phone buzzed, signaling she got a new message. It was Quinn. She wanted to know if Brittany was up to a trip at the amusement park with both their sisters. Her parents were going out with her sister later that night but Brittany herself wanted to have some little fun, plus she liked some of the attractions. She sent a text back to Quinn and settle down her phone. She could sleep a little and after get ready for the park.

The air tonight was cool and had that appealing autumn scent. It was good to be outside and for a moment, she forgot about anything that clouded her mind. She let herself be distracted by the bright lights and laughter around her. The amusement park was crowded that night.

She didn't mind though. She liked being in a crowd, getting lost in it. She liked that to feel the crowd's warmth. Quietness made her feel uncomfortable, lonely and sad. Lifeless things were quiet. And she didn't want to be lonely, to be lifeless…

She was brought out of her thoughts by a group of children jostling her. She stepped back a bit to regain balance. She had almost forgotten that she had to find Quinn and her little sister. With her eyes squinted, she scanned the crowd, looking at joyful, smiling faces. She finally spotted her blonde friend. Quinn was a few steps away, standing with her overexcited little sister. It seems like she was talking to someone but Brittany wasn't close enough to make out who. As she got closer, she realized who Quinn was talking to. 'Um… that's weird...'

"Oh! Hi B." The other blonde brightly smiled as soon as she saw her. She hugged Brittany warmly before her little sister squealed and jumped in the taller blonde's arm.

"Hi Brittany! How are you doing?" Santana was wearing a blue skirt and a white shirt who hugged her in all the right places. Her toned legs where on full display to appreciative eyes. Brittany also was appreciative of this view. She eyed the Brunette down and liked her lips before remembering that she was being talked to. Looking up, she blushed in embarrassment

"Um, hi San?" It came out as a question but the blonde was just caught off guard by the smirk on Santana's face. It's not that the brunette never smile, but most of the time, those smiles are not directed at her.

Santana opened her mouth to say something but she was cut short by a squeal coming from Quinn's sister. The little girl was bouncing up and down, showing excitedly an attraction she wanted to do.

"Ok Ok, let's do it! You're coming with us Santana?" Quinn looked at the brunette expectedly

"Please Sanny?" Quinn sister pleaded the latina

"Ok, let's go." Santana added while rolling her eyes but she smiled nonetheless at the little girl enthusiasm. 'It's going to be an interesting night' Brittany thought to herself.

After a few other roller coasters and the heat from being so close to the latina, they took a much needed break walking through all the other stands. They caught sight of Sam in the crowd. Quinn waved at him, a large smile plastered on her face. She practically ran toward him, leaving her sister with Santana and Brittany. After waving back at him, the teenage girls stood in silence while Quinn's sister was babbling about whatever attraction she wanted to do next. Brittany wanted to break the silence between Santana and her but couldn't think of anything to say. She was really intimidated by the latina and she didn't even know why.

She released a pleased sigh when Quinn came back. The relief was short though.

"Hey, do you two mind if Sam joins us?" Quinn asked her friends hopefully

"No, but why don't you just spend the rest of the evening together? You two sure would appreciate some alone time, right?" Santana winked at Quinn who just rolled her eyes.

"Do you mind Brittany?" Quinn asked the other blonde hopefully

"No, not at all! You just do that" she answered with a sincere smile. Quinn smiled back at them before dragging her sister with her away.

"Want some cotton candy?" the latina asked the blonde, a small smile playing across her lips.

Brittany's cheeks turned slightly pink. 'Stop being ridiculous, Brittany' "Yes"

They bought some cotton candy and started wandering around again.

"So, this is how you like to spend your spare time?" the blonde asked but felt suddenly embarrassed by her question. It was maybe a little too intrusive. Santana slightly turned her head to look at her before answering.

"I'm really here for the cotton candy to be honest"

It made Brittany giggle and step closer to the latina. She was surprised the brunette didn't move away and put more space between them. It gave her more confidence.

"Also a cotton candy fan then?" The latina asked, breaking the silence.

Brittany shrugged "I had nothing better to do" she paused "And you can win stuffed animals here" she added while grinning at the teddies in one stand.

Santana looked between Brittany and the stand. She then walked past the blonde and went to the owner. Fifteen minutes later, she had won four stuffed animals.

"WOW you're quite good at this!" Brittany beamed at Santana, sincerely impressed by the girl at that moment.

"Well I had a good teacher..." Santana chuckled as she recalled some old memories.

Brittany noticed the bitterness in her chuckle but didn't have much time to put some thoughts into it. Santana was already staring back at her and she quickly averted her gaze from the brunette.

Suddenly she felt furry dolls being pushed in her hands

"Here take them" the latina said as she handed Brittany two of the dolls she won. Brittany stared at them, then back at Santana. She was shocked by that sudden gesture. Why would the brunette offer them to her? Sensing the other girl's confusion, Santana just looked away and shrugged her shoulders.

"I'll probably give the other ones to Quinn. Tiffany is not exactly a teddy bear lover" she added nonchalantly

Brittany's mind stopped briefly after Santana mentioned Tiffany. She didn't know why she felt less at easy next to Santana now. An unknown feeling crept into her and she felt her stomach tightens.

"How's T.?" She finally asked the latina who was still absentmindedly looking in the crowd

"She's fine! She is with some friends from NY…"

It seemed to Brittany that Santana didn't really want to talk about Tiffany with her. She understood though. Why would Santana discuss her relationship with Tiffany with a girl she barely talks to? She kept looking at the brunette who got suddenly distant and quiet, averting her eyes everytime Santana would look back at her. It's the darker girl who finally broke the silence between them

"I think it's time for me to leave." She paused as she slowly turned her head to set her eyes on Brittany "Do you want a ride back home?"

"Oh no! I think I'll stay around a bit… thanks anyway" Brittany smiled at the brunette who was sporting again that unreadable face Brittany didn't quite like now. Santana was so much prettier when she smiled.

Santana stared at Brittany for a moment before nodding and mumbling something that looked like goodnight to her. She disappeared rather quickly in the crowd of people, leaving Brittany with her two furry dolls in hands.

After staring in the general direction in which the latina left, Brittany sighed and looked down at her hands. She smiled at the teddy bears especially the porcupine one.

It was a really weird night. Really weird but she felt good. She had fun at least.


The music was blasting from the speakers. She felt warm, sweaty bodies pressed against her as she moved in sync with the rhythm. She always liked to dance. She felt free when the music was vibrating through her body and guide her body. It was natural for her, it was essential for her mind, it was vital for her soul. She could express herself, get lost and find her way back, impress others, shine and mesmerize. This was the reason why she joined glee club. She maybe wasn't the brightest girl with words but her body expressed so much more, gave so much more to her…

She felt the music slow down as the track changed and took the opportunity to take a much needed breather. She knew she shouldn't be drinking that much but she didn't care. The best thing about Puck's parties is that he always managed to have a big supply of alcoholic beverages. 'Why not take advantage of that?' Brittany mused as she poured herself another drink at the bar. Sipping her drink and relaxing, she allowed her gaze to wander through the crowd. Most of the jocks and cheerleaders were at the party and everybody seemed slightly a little buzzed by the alcohol. She saw Puck, standing in the corner of the room, a drink in his hand, his gaze dark and focused on something across the room. Brittany followed his gaze and that's when she saw the small laughing group on the larger couch in the room.

Sam, Quinn, Tiffany and Santana were all huddled against each other. They were all laughing at some of Mike's dance moves, trying to imitate him. At every round of laughter, Quinn was leaning into Sam, burying her face into his chest. It was no secret now at McKinley high that the two of them were dating. People labeled them Ken and Barbie, as they were the symbolism of the perfect white hetero couple. They really were a great match. They were genuinely happy with each other and Brittany thought that it was time Quinn found someone who cared about her and respected her choices. This brought her mind back to a sulking Noah Puckerman. As much as the boy liked to put on a player front and blab about his conquests, Brittany knew all too well, that Puck wanted the only girl at Mckinley he couldn't have. But she also knew all too well what Quinn felt for Puckerman… And that was nothing good.

Her eyes then fell on the second couple, unfortunately. Tiffany was all over Santana. She was certainly not a shy girl and always enjoyed those kind of public demonstrations of affection. The fact that Santana had been her amazing self during her team's last game also helped a little. She was almost taking the latina's top off her, nibbling her ear, kissing every piece of skin that fell under her hungry lips.

Brittany closed her eyes feeling a sudden heat in her body. She couldn't quite tell if it was arousal, envy or both…

She didn't have time to dwell on it as she felt someone whispering in her ear and pulling her by the arm outside the house…


The only good things about that party were the booze and her girlfriend. At first Santana was really reluctant at the idea of this party. But after a lot of convincing from her girlfriend, she decided that she would rather be here than alone at home on a Saturday night. She didn't regret it though. So far, she was having fun and everybody seemed in high spirits. She looked over to check on Quinn. The girl seemed at ease with her blonde boyfriend, enjoying each other's company. It took some time for the latina to really warm up to Sam. To the exception of Mike, she wasn't really close to the football players. She either didn't like some of them or was totally indifferent to them but she so how Quinn was happy with him. If she was happy then Samantha was happy and definitely okay with Sam.

"Whatcha thinking about?" her girlfriend's question brought her out of her thoughts. She looked down at the smaller brunette who was looking at her adorably. Santana nodded in the other couple's direction. Tiffany followed the latina's gaze and looked over her shoulder and chuckled at what she saw.

"They are cute together" she said turning back to her girlfriend "But we're fire"

Santana laughed at her girlfriend's lack of modesty.

"What? That's true. We totally outshine them with our hotness" She added turning back again to Quinn and her boyfriend.

"You know what's cool? We can totally go on double dates with them now."

Santana made a gagging noise at the suggestion "Ugh! I don't need to see Mr big lips yapping away up close for an entire night"

Tiffany rolled her eyes and playfully elbowed Santana in the rib.

"Ow! That hurt so much" the latina threw herself on the couch, simulating an awful pain in the rib. She couldn't help but smile at her own bad acting skills.

Taking the hint, Tiffany bent over her, fake concern all over her face. "Oh my god! Does it hurt? Where? I'm sooo sorry" She bent further down and pressed her lips against the latina's side.

"Feel better" The smaller girl asked as she rested her chin against the latina.

"A little… I feel something here too though" Santana replied as she pointed to her neck.

Crawling up, Tiffany reached the spot pointed to her and left a lingering kiss there. Santana smiled

"Yeah… Oh over there too…" She pointed at the right side of her jaw. Tiffany obliged and kissed Santana's jaw, nibbling at the soft skin there.

"You love this, don't you?" Tiffany whispered in her girlfriend's ear.

Santana nodded and once more brought her finger up, pointing at her full lips.

"It's all tingly here…"

Tiffany licked her lips and slowly kissed the latina. The kiss was so soft that Santana even wondered if their lips had touched. But Tiffany was smiling down at her, her head tilted to her left side and her cheeks a slight shade of pink.

"You know I'll do anything for you, right?" She softly whispered to the latina. Santana wasn't even startled by that declaration. She was used to this moment of adorableness with the girl knew how much Tiffany cared about her. Santana just smiled back at the other brunette and brought their lips together but this time around, for a passionate kiss.

They soon pulled away from each other, trying to fill their lungs with air.

"We don't want do give a free show to drunken footballer idiots, do we?" The latina asked

"We don't really care, do we?" Tiffany replied in the same tone

Santana chuckled and brought their lips together again.

Definitely.


His grunts were the only sound filling the car as he was thrusting desperately into her. She felt his frustration as he was trying to pretend she was someone else, as he was trying to make her feel something. Problem is, she wasn't feeling anything at all and was even trying to hide her annoyance. That was just angry and sad sex, and Brittany didn't like that one bit.

It wasn't like that all the time though. She had hooked up with Noah a couple of time and he was far from a bad lay. She even enjoyed some of their occasional hook-ups but tonight wasn't one of those times. It wasn't about arousal or even drunk sex. That was just because he wasn't a man enough and mature enough to talk to the girl he really wanted and pull his shit together. The girl who was in someone else's arms inside the house.

So Brittany just laid there, wishing he would just be done already because the awkward position was hurting her back and she was starting to feel a cramp in her leg.

With one last thrust, Puck came in a strangled groan.

"Oh Fuck Q!" Was the last thing he said before collapsing on top of Brittany.

'Pathetic' that was the only thing that came in the blonde's mind at that moment. She slid him off of her and sat up, readjusting her clothes before getting out of the car.

As soon as she stepped out, she took a long needed breath, filling her lungs with fresh air. She was suffocating in that car mentally and physically. She waited for Puck to get rid of the condom and be done with whatever he was doing in the car that was taking him so long.

Giving up, she started walking toward the house when a sight froze her in place.

Santana was walking in her direction, her eyes down, looking at her phone.

Brittany panicked and seriously looked around for somewhere to hide. For some reason, she felt as if the latina could read on her face what she had done just minutes ago. Unfortunately for her, Santana looked up and saw her. The brunette opened her mouth and Brittany could swear, she saw a smile on her lips. She heard the door of the car open and knew she was screwed. She closed her eyes momentarily and cursed her luck. 'Fuck'. When she opened her eyes, the shorter girl's eyes were looking past her, probably at Puck and darted back on her. Her mouth was now closed and the Brittany face made its appearance. Brittany even thought that her features hardened when Puck made his douchey comment at her. Meanwhile Santana's eyes never left her. Her eyes were intense and it burnt Brittany skin, and not in a good way.

"Hey" was all a pale looking Brittany could muster to the brunette when the other girl got close

"Hey" Santana said back, her tone stern as she brushed past the blonde not even bothering to stop. Brittany kind of knew that was what would happen though but it still stung (and to be honest way more than it should).

She lowered her eyes and sighed deeply. She stayed on her spot for a few more minutes, regaining her composure. She finally looked up and figured out Puck had already made his way back into the party. She looked around and saw Santana standing next to her car with that Jesse st James kid. "Santana…" She sighed again, not really sure what was it about the brunette that was making her feel so… She couldn't even tell exactly what she was feeling. So she gave up over thinking the matter.

She decided she should go back inside and partying it up till she couldn't even remember her name. And that's what she did.

The next morning, she woke up in Quinn's house with a headache and a horrible ache in her heart.