"Gone to help Alice. She apparently got drunk and fell down into a ditch and not a hole this time. Kids and alcohol you know, never a good combo. Thank you for letting me stay last night. I'll text you later :) -Brittany.
P.S: Alice, AKA Tina, just to clarify it ;)"
Santana squinted tiredly while trying to read the note. She was never good at mornings. Waking up early just wasn't her thing, and 10 AM was early in her book. But what can you do when you forget to shut the blinds the night before and the sun burns through your eyelids the next day? First, you roll over and bury your head in your pillow in an attempt to shield your eyes from the bright abomination shining through your window while groaning like a moose giving birth. Once you realize there is no way you are getting more beauty sleep, you pull yourself together and prepare to face reality.
So here she was, standing in her kitchen reading the note Brittany left on the table. Her groggy brain had a hard time figuring out who Alice was until she vividly remembered the blonde mentioning Tina's costume for the party. Makes sense.
"Ugh, shower." Santana grumbled.
She dragged her feet across the floor while making her way to the bathroom, discarding her sleep wear in the process. Minutes later Santana found herself standing under the shower head while it was spewing hot water all over her body. She closed her eyes and relished in the feeling of the water cascading down to the floor of the shower. Once finished she quickly dried herself with a towel and proceeded to her room in order to find something decent to wear. Gotta look good when you're home alone.
A sudden knock on the door caught her attention. She barely got outside her bedroom before whoever was outside the door knocked again, quicker this time.
"Jesus, I'm on my way! Stop knocking! You're going to leave giant imprints of your ugly knuckles on my beloved door!" Santana yelled, in hopes of making her unwanted guest stop their violence towards her door.
The brunette grabbed the door knob and quickly twisted it to reveal the person standing on the other side of the wooden barrier separating her apartment from the hallway. Her jaw hit the floor and her eyes widened while her grip on the knob hardened.
"Well, would you look at that. Mr Douchebag in the flesh! You know what I think? You should totally high five him, Santana. With a baseball bat. In the face. I bet he would appreciate that. I'm sure I would."
"You." Santana growled lowly.
"Me? What about me? Ugh, never mind. I'm here to see Brittany. Tell her I'm here. BRITTANY!" Puck suddenly yelled.
"What the fuck? Stop yelling. She isn't even here."
"What? Yes, she is. Where else would she be? She doesn't have any other friends."
"Puck, I think we should go. I don't think she's here." A voice interrupted the man in front of Santana.
She turned her head to the right as Puck stepped to the side in order to face the man who was addressing him. A tall blonde man who had been obscured by Noah and the doorframe was standing in the hallway.
"Of course she is here," Puck scoffed, "where else would she be? Unless... Unless she's in the car! We haven't checked the car! SAM, GO CHECK THE CAR!"
"Dear lord Puck, I don't even know where you keep your damn car. You go check it."
"Yes! I will check! I'm sure she's there." He grabbed Sam's shoulders. "You stay here. In case she returns."
Santana watched with wide eyes and raised eyebrows as Puck stumbled past his friend while yelling "BRITTANY! MY UNICORN!" from the top of his lungs.
As he turned around the corner to head down the stairs Santana slowly turned to face the lonely man standing outside of her door.
"Fish Lips." she said.
"I'm sorry?"
"That will be your name while communicating with me in any way. Now, why don't head up to the filthy apartment you came from? Your presence is making my breasts ache with rage." The brunette used the hand resting on the door knob to push the door closed. Suddenly her actions were hindered by a hand pushing lightly on the other side.
"I didn't know." The blonde man said.
Santana fully opened the door once more. "Didn't know what? The meaning of life? Well, join the club! Neither do I. Oh, scratch that, I don't want to be in the same club as you. Would you please be kind enough to leave now?"
"I didn't know Puck had a girlfriend."
She stared at him. "Are you being for real right now?
"Yes. I know I've visited them several times before, but he said she was a friend when he introduced me to her. And she didn't object. How was I supposed to know? There aren't really any signs in their apartment that they are dating." His gaze fell to the floor "Well... except maybe for the fact that there is just one bed."
"You know what? I don't care. You boring. You and your stupid explanation bore me. You boring."
Sam took a step forward. "You can't even begin to imagine how awful this situation is making me feel. I had no freaking clue he was dating someone. I never would have initiated something with Puck if I had known. I thought they were just roommates."
"Soooo... there wasn't a single hint your fish stick brain could notice that would tell you that the oaf and Brittany were dating?"
The blonde man took a deep breath before replying. "Please, stop insulting me. You don't even know me. and I am aware that my excuse may sound pathetic and made up. But it isn't. My heart is breaking for Brittany. But what's done is done. I am ashamed of my deeds, but I can't deny my feelings for Noah."
"Oh dear Fish Lips, please stop before I throw up my breakfast I haven't even eaten yet. "
Sam opened his mouth to reply, but closed it again. He turned his head to the side and nervously licked his lips. It was silent for a few moments before he attempted speaking again.
"Whatever, I gotta go."
He turned to leave just as Puck came dashing up the stairs. The men exchanged a few words and Sam squeezed Puck's arm before beginning his journey down the stairs.
Puck walked to Santana's door and resumed his earlier position. "She... wasn't in... the car..." he panted, "shit... I am... out of shape man." He leaned forward and placed his hands on his knees. "And she's... not... picking up when... I call her."
Santana rolled her eyes. "Are you surprised?"
"Hey." Puck pointed at her. "Shut up. But do me... a favor." He stood up straight. "Please contact me if she... returns."
"Yeah... How about no? Leave me out of this. I don't want anything to do with you. Especially not after you told me to shut up."
Puck moved forward and grabbed her upper arm. He leaned in close, his face only inches away from hers "I know I fucked up big time." He said with a frustrated voice.
"Let go of me you asshole!" Santana started prying his hand off, but his grip was too strong.
"But I won't let this ruin what Britts and I have. She will come back to me, I swear."
"And what is it that you two have? All I hear is shouting day and night. Shouting of the wrong kind. Is that really worth trying to save? And what about fish boy who just left? What if Brittany doesn't want you anymore? You're playing a dangerous game here, toying with people's feelings."
He let go of her arm and straightened up. "You don't know anything. Britt will forgive me and Sam and I will find a way to make this work."
"I can't with words describe the hatred coursing through my veins just for you right now."
"Watch what you're saying, chica." He pointed a finger at her. " I'll be back later to find Britt." With that he turned around and began ascending the stairs.
Santana watched him go, her lips curled in disgust. Once he was out of sight she turned back into her apartment and closed the door.
Eating breakfast turned out to be more difficult than she expected. She felt nauseous just looking at her oatmeal. Puck grabbing her arm had really angered her. He had no right to touch her, yet he had invaded her personal space and... touched her. Unexpectedly. He crossed a line the moment he took a step forward towards her. She can still feel his steel grip on her arm, it was now slightly sore and had red stinging imprints.
In order to get her mind on something else, Santana decided to add some finishing touches to the design to Hudson's Heavenly Hamburgers. It was not far from being finished, and she would very soon be able to present her work to the owners of the burger joint who would then be able to properly build the web site with the help of a web programmer.
An hour later, the brunette leaned back in her chair, raising her arms above her head to stretch her tired back and shoulders. She tilted her head to the side and regarded her work. It no longer looked like burger vomit. For once, she was actually pleased. Santana glanced at the clock in the bottom right corner of her screen. 12.37 PM. Time to contact the Hudson family and deliver her work.
Santana reached for her phone in her pocket and pulled it out. She unlocked her screen in order to call her clients when she noticed an unread message. Seeing as the message was from a certain blonde named Brittany, Santana immediately opened it and began reading.
Brittany: Tina is doing well. She wanted to go on an adventure in Wonderland last night, but ended up in the muddy Ditchland instead. Alcohol does weird things to her. I'm going with her to the airport now. Can I come over later?
Santana: ye, ofc u can :) i gotta talk 2 u abt smthg.
Brittany: Oh? Is it urgent?
Santana: nah, not rly, tyt
Brittany: Okay, I'll see you later then. :)
Santana: cya ;
Once their brief conversation was finished, Santana dialed the Hudson's number to tell them she was ready to present her work to them. After four rings someone picked up.
"Carole Hudson speaking." Came a cheery voice.
"Hello, Mrs. Hudson. This is Santana Lopez, I'm working on the design of your new website?"
"Ah, yes! How could I ever forget. Have you made any progress, dear? I am eager to see your hard work."
"Yeah, as a matter of fact. I just finished the whole design and am now ready to present it to you." Santana stated proudly. She had spent countless hours on this job, she had every right to feel satisfied with herself.
"Oh dear, that is splendid! That's such good news! Maybe you can come in on Tuesday and show us what you've done? I can't wait! I'm certain we will be more then pleased." The older woman praised.
Santana couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, sure. Tuesday is perfect, and thanks."
"Well then, dear. I will see you soon. I gotta rush now. Plenty of hungry bellies out there to feed!" Carole laughed.
"Okay, Mrs. Hudson. Bye, and good luck!" Santana said before disconnecting their call. She fist pumped and smiled widely. Another job done. This calls for a celebration.
"PC games, here I come!"
After three hours of chasing and killing zombies there was a knock on the door for the second time this day. Hopefully, it wouldn't be an unwanted troll with the IQ of a broom stick this time.
Santana cautiously opened the door, just in case it actually was Godzilla again, but was pleased to see a familiar blonde standing in the hallway.
"Hello stranger," she greeted Santana.
"Aloha, Blondie," the brunette replied.
"Blondie? That's a new one."
"Well, you are blonde, aren't you?"
"Yeah, at least the last time I checked. Although, I'm feeling a bit brunette today."
"Hm, I know that feeling. It's great isn't it? Makes you feel superior."
"Not really," Brittany said, "it's boring. Blondes have way more fun."
Santana gasped. "Are you saying that I'm boring, Blondie?"
"Perhaps, what kind of person let's their guest stay out in the hallway instead of inviting them in? This is like, the second time we're just standing here? So, yes. You're boring. I would've literally dragged you into my apartment if you had visited me." She grabbed a piece of her hair and held it out. "And I'm blonde. Look!"
"...You're weird."
"Thank you!" The blonde smiled.
"Anyway, would you like to, finally, come inside?"
"I'd like that very much."
Santana stepped aside to let her friend enter. Once the door was closed, both women proceeded to the kitchen where they sat down by the table.
"So, you needed to talk?" Brittany began.
Santana scratched the back of her neck. "Yeah... Mr Ogre and his boy toy came knocking on my door, looking for you."
"What? Why was Sam with him?"
"No idea, to be honest. But I told them you weren't here and Puck got the genius idea you might be hiding in the car. So he ran outside while screaming your name like the moron he is."
Brittany sighed and started drawing patterns on the table. "That sounds like something he would do."
"And then Fish Boy gave me a lame excuse, saying he didn't know you and Puck were dating and that's why he started flirting with the troll in the first place. He thought you two were roommates."
"Well, that is actually quite understandable. Puck just introduced me as Brittany to him. He never said "this is my girlfriend Brittany", and I never really got a chance to talk to Sam. If I "disturbed" them during one of the few occasions Sam was visiting Puck would flip out and tell me to leave."
"That's harsh."
"I know, I got used to it though so eventually it didn't faze me." Brittany lowered her head. "and I guess Puck lied to Sam about our relationship."
"It seems like he did. I guess you haven't talked to him yet?"
"No, I came straight to here after waving Tina off at the airport. I haven't told her about Puck and I yet. She went on a real adventure yesterday and just wanted to go home to Artie now."
"Oh wow. Is she okay?"
Brittany waved her hand. "Oh yeah, of course. She's just ashamed. Apparently she drank a bit too much, gave her precious phone to Bill the Lizard so he could take pictures while she pulled down her dress to flash the whole party while yelling: 'Look! Alice is a big girl now!' So, she went home a few days earlier than planned to try spare herself from more embarrassment."
Santana laughed out loud. "Oh my god, that almost makes me wish we actually went to the party. I would've loved to see that. Are there pictures?"
"No, but a video. Bill the Lizard ran around with her phone, showing the video to everyone. That's why we couldn't contact her. But she eventually got it back."
The brunette wiped away a few tears that fell due to her laughing. "Oh man, poor Tina. But I'm glad she's alright."
"Yeah, same here."
Silenced embraced them as they sat by the table, thinking about the events that had taken place in the last 48 hours. Santana was looking out the kitchen window when she heard a tiny sniffle. Her eyes immediately moved to regard the blonde sitting opposite of her.
"Do I mean nothing to Puck?" Brittany whispered.
"Oh, honey." Santana moved to kneel down next to her friend. "Puck is an idiot who just committed the greatest mistake of his life."
"Yeah but, I mean.. Why did he do it? Did I do something wrong? I don't want to be with him anymore, but I still want to know why and when it all started."
"I wish I had all the answers, I truly do. But there is only one person who can provide you with them." Santana said with a sad smile.
"You're right. It's just... so scary. I know he's going to try to make everything right again."
"Yeah, that's what it sounded like when he was banging on my door earlier."
"Oh god, he didn't try to break in, did he?"
"No, he was just knocking more than he had to. And he grabbed my arm. I hate him even more now."
Brittany's eyes widened and she put her hands on Santana's shoulders. "Did he hurt you?"
"Not really, my arm was just slightly sore for a bit. But it's all gone now."
The blonde let out a breath. "Good. I was worried there for a moment."
"You don't have to worry, I know how to defend myself." Santana winked.
"Good to know. So, does that mean you will never be a damsel in distress who needs to be saved by a knight in shining armor?"
"It depends on who the knight is," Santana placed her hands on Brittany's knees, "if the knight is blonde and blue eyed I might reconsider and temporarily forget how to defend myself."
"Oh? Are you referring to a specific knight?"
"No, I've never met anyone who would fit that description. Can you recommend anyone?"
Brittany rolled her eyes. "You can forget that I will save you now."
"Aaw," the brunette lightly squeezed the blonde's knees, "I'm sorry. I'm sure you would be the greatest knight in the entire kingdom."
"You'll never know." Brittany smiled and leaned forward to wrap her arms around Santana's neck. "Thank you for making me feel better."
Santana put her arms around her friend to reciprocate the hug. "It's my pleasure."
The blonde leaned backwards and let out a sigh. "I think it's time to face Puck and get my answers.
Thank you so much for reading and giving me feedback. I believe I responded to all the reviews from the previous chapter, but I apologize if I missed anyone and for the time it took for me to reply.
Please, do tell me what you think. :)
