Chapter 7: Ruin the Friendship

Once I am safe behind the door, out of Brittany's sight, I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. Why didn't she kiss me? We were finally alone, no interruptions. I mean, we were definitely on the verge of kissing in the club when we were dancing, so why wouldn't she now? My mind races of thoughts of what-ifs as I drift to sleep.

I wake up earlier than I would like considering the night we had and the amount of alcohol I consumed, and after spending a half hour rolling around in bed, I decide to get up and start the day which isn't the worst thing since we only have a few hours before we head out to London. Not even worrying if anyone else is awake, I take a quick shower and put on a t-shirt and shorts and leave the hotel to get something to eat. Traveling in a group has been an amazing experience and I feel myself coming out of my shell more and more as the days go on, but I still enjoy having time to myself, whether that involves spending time in my room or, in this case, exploring a new country. I never thought I would learn so much about myself when I was convinced, which to be honest did not take much, to go on this trip.

I find a café and sit at a table, ordering coffee and a croissant and really taking this time alone to think and reflect on my trip so far. I think about the new friendships I've created with Puck, Sugar and Brittany. Especially with Brittany. As cheesy as it is, I think we have all established a bond with each other that could last a lifetime. I would have never been friends with Sugar in high school, her being so outspoken and me being extremely introverted but I love the connection we've made. I can just imagine how well she would get along with Quinn. Puck is like the brother I never had. He's a big dork but deep-down cares so much about his friends and their well-being. He really is the jokester of our group dynamic. And then there's Brittany. I don't even know what to think about her. It feels like we have been friends since birth and I know there is so much more to learn from her but I can't help but smile and be thankful for everything she has done for me. I've really moved out of my comfort zone, all thanks to that girl. I know we still have over a week left of this trip, but I already feel sad at the thought of not seeing them every day.

I look at my watch and notice I've been gone for a while and know I should head back to pack my bags. As soon as I enter the lobby I hear my name being called.

"There you are!" Sugar says as she gets closer. "Where've you been? Brittany was knocking at your door for forever and was worried about you."

I don't even try to hide the smile that creeps on my face thinking about Brittany worrying about me. "I just went to get some coffee and breakfast. I was up early and figured you guys would still be asleep so I didn't want to bother anyone," I shrug.

"Oh. Well, we're all packed up but we don't leave for another two hours," she says. "I was just on my way out to pick up something to drink for the others."

"Okay. I'm gonna go to my room and finish getting my things together."

"Sounds good. I'll let Britt know you're okay," she tells me and we go our separate ways.

Packing doesn't take too long so I figure I can get some studying done since we don't have anything planned before we leave. I type out a quick email to Quinn giving her a little update about my trip and of course my lovely night out at the club, I'm sure she's going to freak out, and also send an email to my parents, letting them know I'm good and that we are headed to London. I'll have to give them a call when we get there.

The train ride is pretty smooth and the time flies by as we all talk about the previous night and how much fun we all had. I notice Brittany's eyes looking at me every so often and can see the softness behind them which I return with a small smile, trying not to blush. We all settle into our rooms and are now just hanging out in Sugars room figuring out what to do since our tours don't start until tomorrow.

"Hey," Brittany whispers next to me. Sugar and Puck are looking up things to do in the booklet that is left in the hotel on the couch and Brittany and I are on the bed watching TV. "I'm bored."

I raise my eyebrow at her and laugh. "Okay. How can we change that?"

She gives me a smirk. "Let's get out of here."

"Okay. Should we see what they 'd be up to do?"

"No." I look at her, confused. "Just me and you."

My heart skips a beat at her suggestion and I slowly nod which she returns immediately with a smile and jumps off the bed.

"Me and San are gonna go walk around a bit," she tells the other two who pop their head up from the book they're looking at.

"Oh! Where are we going?" Puck asks. I give Sugar a quick look, hoping she understands that Brittany wants to do something without them, and she definitely gets it. Did I mention how thankful I am to have Sugar on this trip?

"I could use a drink. Puck, let's find a pub and leave them to whatever boring thing they're gonna do," she quickly says and thankfully Puck goes along with it.

"So, what do you want to do?"

"How about the London Eye?" She suggests. I'm hesitant at first since I know that's a giant Ferris wheel and I am not the biggest fan of heights but I know that I won't be able to say no to her.

"Sure. Let's do it."

We get to the London Eye and I look up to see how high it really goes when my hands start to clam up but when I look over at Brittany, the excitement that is exuding from her calms me down a little and I start to feel excitement mix in with my fear. After standing in line for quite some time, it's finally our turn and we are directed into one of the pods with another group. She immediately grabs my hand and walks me over to the edge so we can have a view of the whole town as we lean against the railing. As we get higher and higher I can't help but feel the panic start to take over as try to avoid looking down at all costs and remembering to keep breathing. A hand on my lower back breaks me from my impending panic attack and when I focus my eyes up, I see Brittany standing extremely close to me with the softest reassuring smile. "It's okay. I'm right here," she whispers and as crazy as it seems, I immediately feel safer.

"You're really cute when you're nervous, you know that?" She tells me once we reach the top.

I roll my eyes and nudge her. "Yeah. It's so cute when I'm freaking out and sweating profusely because I'm afraid of heights."

She just shrugs. "Well, I think it's adorable," she says and wraps her arms around my waist pulling me closer to her as we both look out at the gorgeous view. It's as if my body has a mind of its own, and I feel myself relaxing further into her embrace and go to rest my head on her shoulder, letting out a sigh of relief. Damn, this feels good, so good and what's even scarier? It feels natural like it's something we've been doing for years. I know it's a simple gesture, but somewhere deep inside of me, I know it's so much more than what it seems.

"Hey, San?" I hum out a response, not wanting to move my head from her. "I'm really happy you decided to come on this trip."

"Me too, Britt."

After our moment on the London Eye, I can feel a lightness in our steps as we continue to roam the streets. We are just walking down random streets when Brittany stops and starts to make her way to a small pub.

"Look," she points to a sign at the entrance.

"You want to sing?" I ask, a little confused as to why she is excited about a place that has open mic nights.

"No…," she drags out. "But I would love to hear you sing," she says with a sweet smile. My eyes go wide as I immediately start to protest, shaking my head like a mad woman.

"Please! Please, San!" She begs as her lip pokes out and she gives me her best pout. Ugh, this girl and that pout. I can already feel myself cracking.

"I don't know, Britt. I haven't sung in front of a crowd since High School. I'm a little out of practice."

"Not possible. Please! This is the best place to do it! No one even knows you here, plus, I doubt you could be bad."

I think about it and even though I am nervous to sing again, I really do miss it and can't think of a reason not to. "Fine," I roll my eyes, pretending I'm annoyed.

"Yay!" She screams and pulls me into a tight hug, practically lifting me off the ground. "Let's sign you up!"

After signing me up, still feeling a little reluctant, we start to walk back to the hotel. Brittany is beyond excited and is practically running back to tell the others, dragging me along with her.

"Guys, guess what!" Brittany blurts out as soon as Sugar opens her door. "San signed up for an open mic tomorrow night!"

"What? Really? That's awesome! What are you going to sing?" Puck asks.

"I'm not sure yet. I have a couple of options." They all stare at me waiting for me to tell them what those options are, but I'm going to keep it to myself.

"So...," Brittany drags out. "What are your options?"

"It's a surprise," I shrug.

"Aw come on, San!"

"Nope. Sorry! Gonna have to wait and see," I tell her with a wink. "Speaking of, I'm gonna head to my room to practice and get some studying in. See you guys in the morning."

In truth, I have no idea what I'm going to sing. I start going through all the songs we sang in Glee Club but none of them seem appealing to me and I really want to impress Brittany and the others. Quinn will know. I'll have to give her a call in the morning for some help. I order room service and get to studying while I eat, trying not to think about tomorrow night. After a couple hours, I take a quick shower and get comfy in bed, flipping through the channels on the TV and end up falling asleep.

When I wake up I feel refreshed, glad that I was able to sleep in. I get some studying done before looking at the time to call Quinn.

"Bitch!"

"Well, hello to you too, Q."

"You haven't called and the last thing I get from you is an email about an almost kiss. What the heck, S! It's rude to leave a girl hanging."

"Sorry, I wanted to but we were on a train and then Brittany wanted to explore London and then this open mic thing kind of happened and..."

"Open mic?"

"Yeah. That's why I'm calling. I need your help."

"That's awesome, San! But, wait, before I help, can we back up to the almost kiss?"

I roll my eyes. Of course. I knew she wouldn't let me off the hook and of course, I want to talk to her about it but I'm kind of freaking out about tonight and I don't even have a song picked out yet. I tell her all about the night at the club, in detail, since I wasn't able to give much in my email and I just hear her squealing in the background the more I get into the story.

"She so wants you!"

"I don't know, Q. Maybe it was an 'in the moment' thing and we were drunk. But that's not important right now. I need you to help me pick a song to sing tonight."

"Yes. Okay. Do you want something upbeat? Or something soulful. I mean, anything you sing is going to sound amazing. Your voice is incredible."

"Thanks, Q. And I don't know. I thought about doing a song we've done in Glee, but they weren't that great and I'm definitely not singing any show tunes."

"What, you mean you don't want to sing Journey?" She laughs.

"Ha. Funny. No Journey. I have a song in mind, but I don't know if it is too much."

"What song?"

I tell her the song choice I was thinking about and she absolutely loves it and convinces me it's the right choice. Now I just need to practice since I've never sung it before. I end up telling her about our day in London and how she was practically holding me while I completely lost it on the Ferris wheel and she is freaking out for me. She tells me about her summer in Lima and how much she misses me and can't wait to see me when I get home. After our phone call, I take a shower and hang out in my room, going over the song a few times till I think I have it down. We had a mid-day tour planned around London and the plan was to come back, freshen up and go to the pub for the open mic to have dinner and drinks.

I decide to go with something simple, as I pull on a pair of dark skinny jeans and couple it with a loose fitted top and comfortable flats. I leave my hair in its natural curls and apply light makeup. As the time approaches, I feel anxious and more nervous. I keep second guessing my song choice but know it's a little too late to change it now. We meet up in the lobby and start making our way towards the pub. We are seated at a table and order some drinks and food while we wait.

"You nervous?" Brittany whispers from her seat next to me. I look up to see Sugar and Puck lost in conversation, arguing about who can chug their beer faster. I turn my attention back to Brittany and just shrug.

"A little."

"Don't be. If you feel nervous, just look for me in the crowd and focus on me," she suggests sweetly with a warm smile, placing her hand on my thigh under the table, reassuringly.

"Thanks."

After we finish our meal, the owner of the pub comes up to me and lets me know that I'll be going last, out of the seven people who have signed up. Great. That means I get to sit here and freak out as each person gets up to sing before me. The first two are actually really good, the first singing an acoustic version of 'Crazy In Love' by Beyoncé and the second a song I hadn't heard before. I grab another beer from the bar to try and calm my nerves down as the next few singers perform on the little stage in the center of the room. Time is flying by as the last performer is introduced. Fuck, I'm next. I don't even pay attention to them singing, getting lost in my head, going over the song over and over, considering just running out the front door and never coming back. I'm about to get up to use the restroom when I hear the crowd applaud the final performer. Shit. My turn. Here goes nothing.

"Joining us from America, we have our last performer of the night. Before I introduce her, I would just like to say a huge thank you to those that have signed up and don't forget next week, same time, for those who are interested! And now, Santana Lopez!"

I stand up on wobbly feet and make my way to the stage, which has a stool, microphone, and guitar set up for those who wanted to play. I hear Brittany, Sugar, and Puck cheering and clapping as my name is announced. Not really hard to spot them at our table, seeing as the place has a total of maybe ten tables.

It's funny, after performing with the Glee Club for four years, you would think I wouldn't get stage fright but to be on stage alone in an intimate setting is completely different. I take one last sip of my beer before setting it down on the small table behind me and go to adjust the mic stand so it fits my height as I take my spot on the stool. I clear my throat before introducing myself.

"Hi, everyone. My name is Santana. Hope you guys enjoy!" I say, my voice shaking a little at the end.

Breathe.

"Put down your cigar and pick me up
Play my guitar, that song I love
Thirsty for your love, fill my cup
I got only good intentions, so give me your attention"

I sing the first verse and with each line, I feel my voice getting stronger and surer of itself. I haven't looked over at our table yet, not feeling bold enough to make eye contact with any of them to see their reaction.

"You're only brave in the moonlight
So why don't you stay 'til sunrise
Your body's looking good tonight
I'm thinking we should cross the line
Let's ruin the friendship, let's ruin the friendship
Do all the things on our minds
What's taking us all this time
Let's ruin the friendship, let's ruin the friendship"

I finish the chorus and take a breath before continuing the songs' next verse.

"Baby, you and I got history
And we can't deny our chemistry
So why the fuck are we a mystery?
Let's just go with the connection, give me your affection

You're only brave in the moonlight
So why don't you stay 'til sunrise?"

At this part, my gaze wanders to Brittany and our eyes lock and I can't seem to get a read on her face. I start to panic, knowing this was a bold choice of song and should have never let Quinn convince me to sing it. Why do I always listen to her? I know I'm freaking out, but I need to finish the song, I can't embarrass myself and honestly, besides the look on Brittany's face, I know I sound good and the feeling of being on stage and singing again feels amazing.

"Your body's looking good tonight
I'm thinking we should cross the line
Let's ruin the friendship, let's ruin the friendship
Do all the things on our minds
What's taking us all this time
Let's ruin the friendship, let's ruin the friendship"

As I finish the song, I feel my heart pounding, the adrenaline pumping through my body, the same feeling of satisfaction coming over me that I've missed so much about performing. I open my eyes and look out into the crowd, "Thank you."

Everyone is clapping and I hear a loud whistle, looking toward our table and of course, there's Puck, cheering me on along with the others. I give them a huge smile and let out a sigh of relief, happy that everyone enjoyed it. I make my way back to the table and am immediately wrapped up in a hug by Sugar.

"That was so awesome! Great choice, by the way," she praises me as she speaks in my ear through the hug and pulls away giving me a knowing smirk.

"Seriously. That was a hot song, Lopez," Puck adds and gives me a high five.

"Yeah. You were incredible, San," Brittany finally speaks, her face looking a little flushed.

"Thank you," I respond shyly. "I really need a drink! The adrenaline of being up there has my body buzzing," I chuckle and look toward the bar. "On me!"

We enjoy the rest of the night, still getting praise from the others about my performance. I keep sneaking glances at Brittany, since she is quieter than usual and I see her playing with the straw in her drink, looking deep in thought. I want to ask her what she's thinking about but don't want to draw attention to her with the others still with us. The walk back to the hotel is nice and I still feel the high, not sure how I'm going to fall asleep tonight. We all say goodnight and head to our rooms, immediately hopping in the shower. I put on sweats and a t-shirt, throwing my hair up in a messy bun when I send Quinn a quick email letting her know that the song went perfectly and that I would call her the first chance I got. Turning on the TV, I get cozy in bed and let my mind wander back to tonight. Singing again just solidified how much I love music. I just wish I could tell my parents that and switch my focus to music instead of Med School. Don't get me wrong, I still love medicine but I don't know if that is going to make me happy for the rest of my life. I sigh, thoughts of my future running through my mind when I hear a knock at my door. I look towards the sound, eyebrows raised in confusion of who it could be.

I open the door and standing in front of me is Brittany, looking a little flustered and surprised, which I found out since she's the one who came to my room.

"Hey, Britt. What's up?"

She doesn't respond immediately, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, with a contemplative look on her face. She makes eye contact with me, takes a deep breath and surges forward taking me by surprise. Cupping my face, she pulls me into her and latches her lips onto mine. Her sudden action causes the air to rip out of my lungs and it feels like I can't breathe, my eyes wide in surprise. Her lips are on mine and the shock takes over as I stand there frozen. It only takes a second for my brain to catch up to what's going on, as I close my eyes and start to move my lips against hers. As quick as her lips are on mine they are gone, her hands still holding my face in place. Our eyes move from one to the other, hers searching for any sign of regret in mine. I will my body to move, speak, anything to let her know that I am definitely okay with what she just did and want more when I feel that adrenaline I was feeling from earlier rush through me, so I do the only thing I've been craving to do for the last few weeks and crash our lips back together.

We are moving in perfect unison, and I can't help but think that this is the best kiss I have ever had, like literally, best kiss ever and damn, I never want it to end. My hands go to her hips to hold myself in place, feeling like I'm going to pass out. She tilts her head to the side slightly parting her lips, inviting my tongue in to massage hers and the second they touch, a moan escapes from my mouth. Holy shit. She tastes amazing. I can't believe this is happening right now. I don't even know what is happening, my mind is so jumbled but I don't even care, because this kiss, well, this kiss is everything.

Our bodies start moving past the entrance and further into my room, our lips never parting for a second, our hands still locked on each other. We bump into the dresser that is off to the side that holds the TV, but neither of us seems to notice and I feel her guiding my body when the back of my legs hit the bed, making me squeal in shock. Brittany hears this and pulls away, staring deep in my eyes, again searching for any sign that would indicate I want this to stop. Absolutely not! I give her a reassuring smile, not finding the need for words because at this moment it seems like everything is being spoken through our eyes and touch. She throws a smirk in my direction and lightly pushes against my shoulders, silently asking me to sit on the edge of the bed. I sit and I see her hands move to the edge of her shirt, her actions becoming surer as she pulls it over her head in one swift motion. My eyes bulge out of my head at the sight in front me, her perfectly toned stomach and smooth skin that I can't wait to explore, exposed for me. "Brittany," I sigh and look up at her. I can't wait any longer and grab her hand pulling her down so she is face to face with me, reconnecting our lips for a much-needed kiss, this one becoming more and more heated as our lips glide against each other, tongues moving in and out.

She moves to straddle my hips, my hold on her never weakening as her kisses move from my lips to my jaw and down my neck. God, this feels fucking amazing. The feel of her warm skin under my fingertips makes the heat rise in my body and I want more, I need more. I pull my hands away from her body, moving them to the edge of my shirt and pull it off. I see Brittany looking down and taking in the sight in front of her, her eyes turning a deep blue as I realize my chest is bare, never bothering to put on a bra on earlier. Her movements stop, eyes quickly moving between my face and my chest, hers rising and falling with every breath and eyes filled with lust. I giggle and she shoots me a look, knowing she is caught leering. This girl is so fucking cute and sexy at the same time!

I slowly drag my fingers across her rib cage and wrap them behind her back, keeping my gaze on her the entire time as I unlatch her bra clasp and slowly slide each strap down her arms, letting the material fall from her body exposing beautiful pink nipples. How is she so perfect? I let out a soft groan as I hungrily latch on to her chest, licking and sucking as if my life depends on it. Her skin tastes intoxicating, a mix of vanilla and sweat swirling around on my tongue every time I take her pert nipple into my mouth. A moan escapes her swollen lips as her head falls back in pleasure. I have never heard such a delicious sound in my life and continue to lavish her chest, just to hear it over and over again, her hands moving and pulling against my hair. But I can tell she wants more as well, moving one hand to my chest and pulling my head closer to hers with her other as she grinds down into my lap.

In one swift movement, I grab ahold of her hips and pick her up, her legs wrapping around my waist as I turn and lay us on the bed, my body finding its place on top of hers and my lips latching on to her neck, kissing all available skin with open-mouthed kisses.

"Ungh," she moans breathlessly, pushing me to continue my assault on her neck, sucking lightly on her pulse point. I am so turned on right now and need a little relief, not wanting to explode before I even have a chance to get her completely naked, so I grind my hips into hers, our clothed centers rubbing together as I move my kisses to her collarbone, then between her chests. I start trailing kisses down her body as I loop my fingers into the waistline of her leggings and start to tug them down her long legs, continuing to leave a path of kisses down her exposed thighs all the way to her ankles. After I have rid her of her pants, I stand up at the edge of the bed swiftly ridding myself of mine and quickly resuming my spot on top of her now mostly exposed body.

She immediately wraps her legs around my waist again as I settle further between her, and in one motion is flipping our positions so that I am on my back. I let out an involuntary squeak, shocked at her strength as our chests make contact again. She starts kissing down my body at a painfully slow pace and reaches the spot right below my belly button so close to where I crave her most. Lips never detaching from my skin, she drags the last remaining layer of clothing left on me as I lie completely exposed, her eyes widening and softening immediately.

"So hot," she lets out as she takes her lower lip between her teeth.

She kicks off her underwear and is back on me, both of us finally completely exposed as we start moving perfectly together, hands wandering, desperate to touch every part of each other's bodies. My legs naturally part wider as her fingertips drag from my knee, up my thigh and so close to exactly where I need her.

"Ugh, please, Britt." I moan and she gives in, as I feel her finger graze over my sensitive center, making sure to pay close attention to it as she circles it over and over, adding more pressure each time. She moves further down parting my folds as she gathers the wetness but never low enough to reach the one area where I desperately yearn for her to enter.

"You're so wet, San," she breathes seductively into my ear as my hips buck up into her hand.

"Mmmm," I groan out in response as my nails dig into her back. Her fingers continue their journey, as she lifts her head to look into my eyes, smiling warmly, our breaths uneven, as she slowly enters me with a single digit and I swear my eyes roll in the back of my head. She moves in and out a few times before adding a second finger as she latches onto my erect nipple, her other arm holding my body close. I already feel like I'm going to explode because this is literally the best feeling, her fingers so slender and long reaching the perfect spot deep inside of me.

"Yes, uh, right there," I moan out.

I hear her groan out from her spot on my chest as she continues to move inside me, my hips meeting each thrust. Her kisses move further down my body until her lips are sucking on my clit, her rhythm never wavering, curling her fingers and oh God, I know I'm not going to last much longer.

"Oh, uh, Britt," I barely get out. "Ha-harder, please." And she does. She is pumping in and out of me hard, hitting that spot deep inside perfectly each time as I feel my impending orgasm just seconds away from exploding all over her hand.

"Don't stop. Do-don't stop." And she doesn't and then it happens. My body starts to shake below her as her movements never cease, helping me ride out the most intense orgasm I have ever experienced. Her fingers slip out as she moves her tongue up and down my folds, lapping up all that my body offers as I finally start to come down. My eyes are still closed as she stops and makes her way up my body, not even hesitating to take my lips in hers.

"Ungh," I moan, tasting myself on her tongue for the first time. Our kisses are slow as we catch our breath.

"Wow," is all I can say when she pulls away, eliciting a giggle from the blonde who just, literally, rocked my fucking world.

"Mhm, wow is right," she adds, still giggling softly as I join in, moving off of me and lying on her back in the spot next to me. I turn my head to the side to meet her gaze and let out a satisfying sigh. What an incredible night, and even though she wore me out, I can't wait to return the favor. I quickly muster up any remaining energy, still very much turned on and flip so that I am on top of her, giving her a quick smirk. "Your turn," I husk as I crash our lips together.

Review, review, review! :P

Also, currently working on a sequel! :0