"You're late, Lopez."

"Well, excuse me. Have you ever ridden the subway during rush hour? Yeah, that's what I thought. You should be glad I even made it to the damn rehearsal considering it was a bitch to get here."

"Whatever. Just hurry up. I don't think you've met our wedding planner. She's the one that's going to give you the play by play."

"As long as I don't have to speak to your fiancé today, I'm ready to go."

Walking with Quinn inside the little reception area I see a woman speaking loudly over a cellphone with a clipboard and pen in hand. I immediately become wary when I see her reach behind her back and pull out a walkie-talkie, barking out orders and shooting off questions to the person on the receiving end.

"And didn't I say not to put the gardenias near the goddamn food? Those vegan meals also better be ready by then or your ass is mine, do you hear me?"

Stepping to the side, Quinn proceeds to converse with the woman for a little bit while I stand and size up the lady in question. So this is the woman I have to talk to in terms of getting shit done around here. I take in the fashionably dressed lady in front of me, her large and in charge attitude already making me feel less stressed about being Quinn's bridesmaid. At least someone around here knows how to organize this mess of a wedding. With Berry in charge and Quinn's whipped ass in the lead, I feared for my own safety at the ceremony.

"You must be Santana. I can finally put a face to the stories Ms. Berry has been telling me every day for the past year and a half."

"Only bad things I hope."

"The worst, but never mind that, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Mercedes Jones and I will be guiding you through the Berry-Fabray wedding."

"Well Ms. Jones, I think we'd get along just fine as long as you keep me away from the dwarf and sit me close to the open bar."

"Ooh I like you already. Come on then, I'll give you the details on the way in. Ms. Fabray, if you could please find your fiancé and practice your lines and dance that would be great. Right this way, Ms. Lopez."

Winking at Quinn and following the wedding planner, I look around, marveling at the grandiose and tasteful venue for the wedding. Marble and drapes seem to be the décor along with modern amenities placed here and there to give it a nice contemporary setting. Various crew members setting up lights and sound equipment skitter about while assistants flitter here and there, touching up and cleaning out tables and windows. The chairs are slowly being placed in order when I jump a little in response to a loud yell from Mercedes at a man who scuffed the floor while moving a grand piano. Of course Berry would want a piano at her wedding, go figure.

"Berry order that monstrosity?"

"You would be correct, Ms. Lopez. Although why she would rent one without even having a pianist is beyond my comprehension. I think she just got it to match the drapes, but don't tell her I said that."

"Lips are sealed and please call me Santana; Ms. Lopez makes me sound super old."

"You shut your mouth girl; you don't look a day over 21. You know what I would give for a body like yours? Shit, you should be grateful."

"Yeah I know, but anyway, so what do you need me to do?"

"Alright, you're the last person to come in so I'm going to give you a run down on what is going to happen that day. Considering you have the role of a bridesmaid for Ms. Fabray, you will be sticking with her for most of the day."

She leads me towards a wide double door and ushers me into a spacious changing room with large mirrors reflecting the image of a plush interior lined with soft carpet and styled like an old French boudoir. I take a seat on one of the reclining sofas and eye the large vanity situated near the window already decked with various make-up and hair accessories. Marveling at Quinn's choice for her venue, I take note of the subtle but prominent items indicating the influence from the other bride to be. Gardenias are the main theme and are stamped on almost every item along with green and yellow ribbons followed by lace bordering every corner. Small stars are visible along with the infamous amount of headbands littering the top of the vanity, screaming the gnome's name and her lasting touch.

"This isn't Rachel's room, is it?"

"No, no, this is Ms. Fabray's changing room. I figured you might want to get yourself familiar with the area first. If you want we can find Ms. Berry's room later on."

"No need, just tell me what I need to know and how best to avoid Rachel on the day of the wedding. God knows if she went missing I'd be the first one up for questioning."

"Yes, right. Okay, well everything you need to know starts here. You arrive first with the Fabray party and help her with her dress and make-up. The wedding won't start until early afternoon so you should sit tight until then. Mostly keep the bride calm, make sure all her needs are met and keep in touch with me to make sure everything is set."

"Got it. Sounds simple enough. What about later?"

"Well the Berry-Fabray event is going to be pretty simple. Walk down the aisle proceeding before both brides, wait with them until it's over and then you can hit the reception area. We will rehearse that all later but you get the gist of how everything is going down, yes?"

"Loud and clear. Make sure Quinn doesn't pull a runaway bride and try not to kill Rachel or fall asleep at the altar. Sounds simple enough."

"We'll be having a little conference later on today before the first rehearsal so stick around for that. You need to be partnered up with one of Ms. Berry's bridesmaids and stick with her throughout the wedding also."

I nod my agreement to the wedding planner and send off a quick text to Brittany, informing her of my whereabouts. Not that she doesn't know where I am but I like to keep her posted, just in case. Who knows, she might be able to get out of her class early and spend the rest of the day with me. That would take the boredom out of re-enacting the Berry-Fabray wedding over and over again. I nod my head and listen on a bit more to the instructions before letting my mind wander, thinking about my beautiful girlfriend instead. Like, along the lines of the dress the woman will be donning for the wedding as my date.

"And then you can just help usher the guests to the reception area. Any questions?"

"Um…no. I guess not."

"Great, now come this way. I need to show you where everything is because God knows someone is always stupid enough to get lost in these halls."

Following her lead, we meander outside the room and through the corridors, passing workers and assistants running in every direction. Seems Q. really is going all out for this wedding. That could only mean two things: One, she really does love the hobbit and is letting her have full reign over everything. Two, there is probably some big deal in the making which means big bucks for both of us. Well played Fabray, well played. Looks like I'd finally have a reason to remodel my apartment or buy that getaway house upstate.

Taking note of all exit doors in the place, I try to plan my escape that day accordingly. No need to stay longer for the wedding than I have to, right? Bridesmaid or not, there is no way I'm staying for the entire reception. I mean honestly, all Quinn wanted was for me to show up and maybe toast them. Hell, I'm even willing to throw in a dance with Britt but after that we are totally leaving.

We finally end up near the ballroom and I see Quinn and her fiancé arguing quite fiercely about something. I hear Mercedes utter something akin to 'Not Again…' before storming forward and clapping her hands loudly.

"Listen here, brides to be. You both either shut up and go along with the program without bickering or I quit and take all my peoples with me. I will not have two bridezillas all up in my face!"

"Ms. Jones, I will not have you talk to us-"

"Ms. Berry, with all due respect. Ms. Fabray here does not pay me enough to stand here and listen to you both argue about where you can fit a crystal chandelier. Now, if you are both done screaming, I have your wedding to finish preparing. So if you please, back into first position and get ready to smile."

Hiding my smirk and deftly stepping to the side when I see Mercedes steamroll by, I lift out a hand to the side and feel a small but definite clap in acknowledgement as she smiles back and continues on out of the big double doors of the ballroom. I clear my throat and lift my eyebrows at the baffled looks on the hobbit and my manager before turning on my heels and walking out to await further instructions.


After going through several rehearsals of walking up and down an imaginary aisle, I already feel my patience waning. My tolerance is tested when Rachel's bridesmaid turns out to be a random young cousin who has been busy texting instead of walking solemnly along in time with another rendition of Streisand's hits in place of the wedding march. I glare at the annoying teeny bopper, vaguely registering some Berry genes in her features before cringing at another loud pop courtesy of her snapping a piece of gum. Resisting the urge to punch the gum out of the girl's mouth, I proceed to straighten up and get the day over with as soon as possible when Mercedes yells for 'all of you' to do it again.

"Let's go people, back to your positions. You can't leave until we get this right! As for you, young lady, pop that gum one more time and I will throw and lock you inside that piano over there. We clear?"

Nodding my thanks to Mercedes again for taking control of the situation, I let my body run automatically to the sounds of Barbra. Wait quietly in the back, watch as the first 2 pairs move forward, wait a bit more, now step in time with midget's cousin to my left, try not to kick her in the shin, reach the stage and then move over to Quinn's side. Watch my best friend walk out first in her tailored suit, accompanied by her mother who is obviously trying to nitpick about something again. Then last but not least, the dwarf herself, marched out by her two doting dads. What a spectacle we all must make. I wonder how much Q. really did pay Mercedes.

We all finally let out a sigh of relief when we are ushered out to a break room to catch our breaths and just unwind from all the mess of the pre-wedding planning. I pour myself a glass of juice before finally checking my phone and smiling to see several missed texts. I walk over to a corner table and sit down, opening up my message box and going through all the ones Brittany has sent me.

'Hey babe. Hope you're having fun. Don't bother Quinn too much now, its her wedding!'

'Hm, guess you're busy. Text me back when you get this.'

'Hey I'm on my break right now. I miss you so much, are you almost done?'

'Might be getting out a bit late tonight. If you want, you can stop by later and pick me up.'

Smiling and deciding to do just that, I pocket my phone and try to get through the pandemonium that is the Berry-Fabray wedding. In a few days everything should be prepped and in accordance to the bride's plan, all I will have to do is show my face and not screw up. Let's hope for an easy day then.


Standing outside a large brick building, I recheck the address on my phone and the number on the door before walking up the uneven steps and squinting at the numbered intercom. Shifting through the names I finally chance upon the one I want. Pressing a quick finger onto the button next to the words 'Dance with Chang Studios', I wait patiently in the cold as the intercom crackles to life and a soft voice filters through.

"Hello?"

"Um…is this Dance with Chang Studios? Is Brittany there?"

"Yes we are. Who, may I ask, are you?"

"Right sorry. My name is Santana. I'm here to meet with Brittany."

"Do you have an appointment with our instructor?"

"Ah well no…I'm just here to see her."

"Sorry but you need to book an appointment with our instructors beforehand. Unfortunately, we're closing now, so if you want to come back another-

Tina wait! Sorry, I forgot to mention it. Santana is my girlfriend. Can you let her up please? Hey San!"

Rudely interrupted from answering back by the intercom, the door buzzes loudly and I scoff at the bad timing of it all before quickly slipping into the warmth of the building. Following the directions on the floor board I opt to take the stairs up three flights to the dance studio. Hopefully I'll see my girl when I walk in. I slap on a winsome smile and pull the door open to only be greeted by a woman sitting at a reception table.

Squinting and stepping through the doors I look more closely at the receptionist and am surprised to see a familiar face. Wait, isn't that the girl from the dinner? The one with the boyfriend who had the tickets to the event and was sitting at my table. Wait, they own this place? Oh, I'm in deep shit now. Quickly pulling up my scarf and pulling my hat down to cover more of my face, I stumble a little forward with my body turned, hoping to avoid detection.

"Oh hey, you must be Santana. I'm Tina. Brittany was just talking about you, she went back to her class but she's almost done. You can wait for her here if you like, just sign in as a guest first."

I look at the outstretched hand presented to me and I quickly shake it before signing in and finding a seat in the far end of the reception area, pulling out a magazine to cover my face for added measure. I peer over the pages every now and then to see Tina looking at me strangely and I self-consciously pull up my scarf before ducking down further into my seat and wishing that Brittany's class will end soon.

"Hey you look kind of familiar…have we met before?"

Pushing the magazine further up, I shake my head profusely and clear my throat loudly to sound out a rough and deep 'No'. Crap, did the woman recognize me? I mean obviously I don't look as fabulous as the time at the dinner party but it's not like a pair of jeans and a large jacket will hide my face. I mean, let's be honest, I have an awesome face! Cowering further into the seat and under the intense scrutiny of the woman behind the desk, I breathe a sigh of relief when I hear a door open and the cacophony of a group of children stream out along with the clear crisp voice of my girlfriend.

Droves of children filter out with their parents in hand listening attentively and trying to fit their overeager kids into their jackets and winter wear. Thankfully distracted by the kids, I watch as Tina speaks to several adults before going back to scheduling and making further appointments. I endure questionable stares from the children before a bold child runs up and taps my camouflaging magazine on the cover.

"What'cha doing?"

"Shh, go away kid. Can't you see I'm busy?"

"Are you sick? My mommy says I have to bundle up lots since it's cold now and I can get sick faster."

"Yes I am. So can you leave me alone, please?"

Making shooing motions with my hands, I urge the inquisitive child back to her mother before shaking my head at what my appearance must look like to others. Hunched over with a large jacket and my scarf and hat still covering half my face, it's a wonder the girl's parents even let her near me. I watch as the children are finally led away by their parents and I catch the girl from before sticking her tongue out at me, so I follow by example and pull down my scarf to send her the same message.

"San, what are you doing?"

"Nothing. Hey babe, how was class?"

"Good, the kids are getting better and better and it's easier for them to follow my instructions now. Why are you still dressed like that, aren't you hot?"

"I umm, just felt cold and decided to keep my jacket and stuff on in case I catch a cold or something."

Suddenly feeling weight on my lap, I drop the magazine in my hand and replace my hold on Brittany's waist instead. Her sudden use of my lap as her cushion reminded me of the day spent in my apartment rolling around in my leather work chair and I smile and pull her a little closer. Burrowing into her neck and bouncing her a bit on my lap, I press a quick kiss to her cheek when I hear her giggle softly. She hugs me close and rubs her cheek affectionately against mine before whispering close to my ear.

"Aww baby, are you sick? Does Nurse Brittany need to take care of you again?"

Shaking my head at her bold but alluring proposition, I shift her a little in my grasp and am about to whisper something equally naughty back when I'm interrupted by the voice of the woman I've been trying to ignore.

"Ahem, Britt. I love you like a sister, I really do, but if you're going to continue your public displays of affection, I might have to consider asking Mike to fire you. I mean come on, we have kids here!"

"Oh whatever, Tina. I see you and Mike suck face all day. Come on San, let me show you my studio before miss bossy pants over here kicks us out for public indecency."

Giggling at Brittany's cheekiness, I allow her to pull me off the chair and lead me down the hallway bypassing the inquisitive look Tina sends my way. I duck my head lower into my scarf when I am pulled past her and breathe a sigh of relief when we reach the door to Brittany's room. I wait patiently for her to open the door, one hand on the doorknob and the other secured tightly around mine easily pushing away the fear of discovery by her friends and replacing it with warmth for the woman in front of me.

The door creaks open and I am pulled immediately into Brittany's world. A place consisting of wall to wall mirrors lining the room, scuffed wooden floors and the lingering smell of sweat and floor wax. Taking it all in and immersing myself into the day to day of Brittany's life, I feel the immense need to understand and embrace something that she loves, thereby making it important for me and our relationship. I feel her eyes watching me intensely and I survey the area, noting the several ballet bars and stereo system on the side. Pulling down the scarf and breathing in a cold crisp breath of air, I notice two open windows to the side and only begin to realize the slight chill in the room, the temperature slowly declining around us as the heat from the many bodies occupying the space from before slips out through the windows.

Turning to the woman that has slowly wormed her way into the black hole where my heart should be, I breathe out slowly, watching the gray wisps of my breath float between us. She smiles and turns our entwined hands over, settling her thumb on one of my palm lines and tracing it to the end. I smile softly back and allow her to continue her movements before noticing that Brittany has yet to change out of her work attire.

"Babe, you're still in your work clothes, aren't you cold?"

"Not as long as you're here with me, I'll always be warm."

"That's cute B., but the windows are open and it's getting chilly. Here, at least take my hat."

Taking off my fur hat and reaching for Brittany's hairband, I release the tight bun my girlfriend has placed her hair into, freeing the long tendrils of golden hair and running my fingers through it softly to shake out tangles. Tiptoeing to reach the crown of Brittany's head, I place my hat snugly atop her, making sure it covered her ears. Aiming to take the rest of my outer layers off to cover her, I am stopped when I reach for my scarf and am pulled abruptly into a soft and supple form, my body unconsciously molding into hers.

"Brittany, you're not going to be warm with just my hat. Let me at least-"

"Shh, Santana. Just let this moment be. Just be with me, that is all I ask."

Shaking my head at my whimsical girlfriend and secretly enjoying our moment of tranquility, I pull her close and rub the sides of her body up and down, making sure to convey my acquiescence to her request while making sure she gleans at least some of my body heat. The sounds of the city and building melt away and I lull into the space where only Brittany and I exist. I don't realize I've closed my eyes until I feel a slight sway in my body and I open them to peer at the blue irises trained on me. I grin when I see the way her eyes squint just a little, allowing her laugh lines to appear and making her youthful face even more beautiful and bright. Laying my head on her shoulder and breathing in everything that is Brittany, I take a moment to press a light kiss to her neck and nuzzle closer, allowing our bodies to maneuver across the dance floor following a silent tune only we know. I finally give voice to the tune only we seem to be following when I begin humming softly, changing pitches when Brittany leads me in a slow and steady dance in her studio. She whispers softly, tickling my ear and I feel the touch of soft lips against me.

"What are you humming, Santana?"

"Our melody, I think. Do you like it?"

"I love it. I didn't know we had a melody, when did you think of one?"

"I didn't, it just kind of seems to always be in my mind when you're around. Even when you're not, all I have to do is think of you and the music just rings out in my mind. I think even Quinn almost caught me once humming it in the bathroom. Is that weird?"

"No. It's super cute, just like you."

I feel her push me out a little and I am led into a small twirl, lifting my own arm up a little higher when I come full circle to allow my girl to do the same. We giggle to ourselves like silly school children and return to our first position, pressed closed together and swaying in time with my melody.

"So tell me, how was work?"

"A little tiring but I love it all the same. The kids are great and are trying really hard to get the steps right. As long as they put in the effort, I know they'll all be great dancers in the future."

"What happens if they become so good they won't need you anymore? You'd lose your job, babe."

"The way I see it, the student has to surpass the teacher one day, and that means I did a great job if they become better than me, right?"

"You, my dear, have a very interesting thought process indeed."

"Yup, it's one of my best qualities."

"All your qualities are great, Britt."

"Flatterer. So tell me, how was the wedding rehearsal?"

I let out a small 'Eep' when I feel myself being dipped but I laugh it off quickly and resume dancing along, thoroughly enjoying our impromptu dance number.

"It was okay I guess. The wedding planner was smart enough to keep me away from Rachel all day, so that was good, and I don't really have to do much except help Quinn when she needs it. I don't think she even needs it. Mercedes Jones, her wedding planner, is pretty much on top of everything."

"Sounds awesome. I can't wait to go with you. What should I wear?"

"Something nice since I assume the dwarf wouldn't want anything less than perfect for her day. If it helps, I think the theme is gardenia flowers, you could find something to match that, I guess. But you'll look beautiful in whatever you plan to wear, babe. Don't worry."

"I'll be sure to live up to their expectations then. What are you wearing?"

"Red bridesmaid dress. It's actually not too bad but somehow I think Quinn had a hand in choosing it for me."

"Hmm red, the color of the seductress. Suits you well, Lopez."

"Are you seduced yet, Ms. Pierce?"

Her reply is interrupted by a knock on the door and I growl under my breath at whoever is interrupting our time alone together. I swivel my head to the door when I hear it creak open and am shocked when I see none other than the other individual from the gala event. Wondering why I'm even surprised, I quickly pull up my glasses and run a quick hand through my hair, brushing it forward, trying to hide as much of my face as possible.

"Britt, I'm closing up now, we need to go. Hey now, who is this?"

"Mike! Meet my girlfriend Santana, she's here to pick me up."

Recognizing the man now walking towards me, I try and shimmy further into my jacket, hiding any part of myself that might give away who I am. I turn my head slightly to the side and quickly stretch out my hand for him to shake before promptly retracting it and stuffing it into my pants. I let out a gruff 'Hello' before shifting back over to Brittany and using her as a shield of some sort. Feeling Mike give me the same quizzical look as his girlfriend, I quickly clear my throat and mumble out a quick word about waiting for Brittany outside before jetting through the door and back into the hallway.

I hear soft voices on the other side of the door and I wonder if they are now talking about my odd behavior. Sighing and just thankful I ran out the room before the man recognized me, I shift the scarf to fully cover my face and attempt to walk back out into the reception area to wait for Brittany. I nod my head when I see Tina again and she shoots me a bemused look before settling down to finish up some paper work. I wait patiently, glancing down whenever I catch Tina look my way until finally I hear voices coming over and I see Brittany and Mike already changed out of their workout clothing. Making my way over to Brittany and relieving her of her duffel bag, I grab her hand quickly before rushing out the front door and down the steps.

"Wait, Santana. Slow down!"

"Nope, time to go. Can't stay."

"But I didn't even get to say bye to Mike and Tina yet!"

"You'll see them tomorrow, right now I just want to go home and spend some time together. I haven't seen you all day and I missed you terribly."

"Well why didn't you say so? Aww you're sweet, but next time you can't be rude like that. Tina and Mike are my friends and I want you all to get to know each other."

Grumbling when I feel her pat me on the head, I scrunch my nose at her gesture and decide to retaliate instead by slapping her butt hard and running off towards the subway, sprinting off down the street when I hear her scream after me.

"You are so going to get it, San!"


We're cuddled comfortably on my bed and listening to my radio play soft music. Brittany is wrapped around my midsection as I read over some of my notes for my new book. I feel slim fingers pushing my glasses back onto my nose as they almost slip precariously off my face and I catch her hand in-between my teeth before they can retract. I nibble lightly on them before chuckling and giving it a light kiss in thanks.

"What'cha reading?"

Her hand has returned to settle on my stomach before deciding to tickle it. I snatch at it before it could do any more damage and fit our hands together instead, pulling it up with me to turn a page. She giggles and I smile at our domesticity and sigh, feeling content in our position. I feel another finger poke me on the side and I stifle my laughter, unable to stop her other hand's advance when I'm still holding onto my notes.

"Come on San, tell me…"

"Just some notes for something I'm working on really, nothing fancy."

"Can I read it?"

"I uhhh, don't really let people read my work until it's finished. Sorry B, it's nothing personal."

"No I get it…I was just curious, that's all. I mean, I don't really read a lot anyway so it's probably something I won't understand. Don't worry San."

I look down towards her head and I sigh before closing my notebook and sliding it back into the drawer. I tap Brittany's arm to loosen her grip a little before shifting my body down until I am face to face with her. I reach over our bodies and pull up the covers, tucking her sides in to ensure maximum comfort. Using my free hand I pull her in for a slow and languid kiss, making sure to convey all my feelings into the touch of our lips.

"Don't say that, Brittany. You understand me better than half the people I know. Never think you're less than you are. I don't mean to make you feel like that and I'm sorry. Sometimes I can be a bit callous with my words, I truly am sorry."

"It's not your fault, San. I know I can't always follow conversations that easily but I'm good at reading people so I get the gist of it."

"Oh Brittany…you are so much more than that and you mean so much to me. I appreciate everything you've done for me and I know I'm not the most forthcoming person on earth, but give me a little more time. That's all I ask."

I pull her into a tight hug, trying to ease her worries and placate my own about the impending mess that is the wedding and Brittany's soon to be exposure to my occupation. Life sure does like messing with me, the cruel mistress that she is. My eyes soon close on their own in my comfortable position and I fall asleep with Brittany in my arms, missing yet another important message from my phone.

Quinn F.
Sent at 10:56pm

Call me ASAP. This is important, it's about the contestants that won that contest, they called back.


Hey so its been awhile lol, it's a short chapter I know but I'm trying to move it along. So how about that useless episode of Glee that just passed? Anyway, I caved and watched the rumor has it/someone like me video...all my evens cannot anymore, spoilers are so fickle tsk. Thanks for being patient and waiting, hopefully next time won't be like this. Maybe haha.