I love you guys so much right now! Over 100 reviews! That's amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you for getting me there. To really show my appreciation I tried to update as soon as possible. Let's see if we can get another 100 reviews over the next seven chapters. :) If you guys keep reviewing then I'll keep updating!
SQUEALS! Brittana on the 'Sexy' episode was just omg! I had to search for the episode online because I live in the UK and we won't see it for ages. I cannot believe Brittany is still with Artie. I would've dropped that boy in a second for her and I'm straight lol!
I'm glad Santana confessed her feelings for Brittany though and hopefully, the girls will be together eventually. Let's hope Ryan Murphy doesn't decide to mess us around. Brittana is on its way people!
There is some Spanish in this chapter but I've put the translations in brackets next to the words so you know what is being said. As for whether the translation is right or not, I can't be sure so please don't all be chastising me if it's wrong. I went on a Spanish translation website to get what was required. So forgive me if it's not right, I'm Welsh after all and well, we're not the smartest of folk when it comes to other languages! :P
Summary: When moody, guarded Santana Lopez meets perky blind girl Brittany Pierce, she is forced to learn that seeing and loving are the same thing! You just have to open your eyes to a world of possibilities.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee but kind of worship it, hence the Brittana story here.
Chapter 7 – I Can Feel That You're Beautiful
Three days had passed since the bowling night and Santana was sorely missing the company of one certain attractive young blonde. It was Friday afternoon and she was more than happy to be finished with school for another week.
She'd been pretty busy since she'd arrived home. She went to the store to buy the ingredients for the Paella that she wanted to make for tonight. It was one of the only things Santana actually felt confident making though she often needed help to pull it off. She'd emptied her purse buying expensive drinks at the local wine connoisseur and had even popped around to Quinn's and Pucks to see whether they had any spare scented candles since the store had completely run out.
When all of that had been arranged she'd headed upstairs to pick an outfit for the night. Not something that screamed 'this is a date' but comfortable enough to wear and make her feel good and attractive, even if Brittany couldn't see her.
The sound of the phone ringing erratically downstairs alerted her senses back to reality just after she'd picked out a nice pair of dolly shoes to go with the dress-top she was planning on wearing. Glancing quickly at the clock on the bedside cabinet (it was 5:27pm) she headed on down, picking up the phone as she made her way into the kitchen to start sorting through her ingredients.
"Hello?"
"Santana Maria Lopez, why haven't you called me?"
Santana snickered under her breath as the sound of her mother's anxious voice sounded down the phone.
"Hello Mama." She said. Pulling the bag that she set on the counter towards her, Santana rifled through the bag and began to set some of the ingredients out.
"Is that all you can say to me? 'Anita Lopez scolded, "hello Mama. We haven't heard from you in quite some time. Tu padre y yo te extraño tanto." (Your father and I miss you so much.)
"I know, 'Santana replied, "and I'm sorry I haven't called but I've been busy."
"Doing what, exactly?" Anita asked.
"Uh, working, 'Santana retorted, "I do have a job you know?"
"I know and no one is prouder than I am that my beautiful daughter is out there providing for herself but still, it would be nice to get a phone call every once in a while."
"I'm sorry." Santana sighed. Her mother was truly exhausting. An overenthusiastic burst of energy closed into one body, Anita Lopez was nothing like her daughter. Santana took after her father in the way she behaved, in her seriousness and daring and the way she took on the world with an iron fist.
"Well I forgive you but see that you call me more often. The house is still so quiet without you, 'Anita sighed sadly, "you've been gone years and years and yet I still get up some mornings and head into your bedroom to wake you up for school. Seems like only yesterday that –"
"I don't mean to sound rude Mama, 'Santana cut in, "but I'm kind of busy right now. I'm going to cook Paella for dinner tonight."
"Nuestra familia receta? (Our family recipe?) What's the special occasion?" Anita queried curiously.
"Nothing, 'Santana answered. She sat herself down in the living room, deciding to take a small break and actually talk to her mother, "I'm just having dinner with a friend tonight. She'll be here in a few hours time."
"Usted conoció a una chica. Eso es maravilloso, (You met a girl. That is wonderful.) 'Anita cried excitedly, "come on then, what's her name?"
"Calmate. (Calm down) It's just dinner. It's not even a date." Santana muttered.
"Regardless, I want to know her name." Anita ordered.
Sighing, Santana said, "her name is Brittany Pierce and we've been hanging out for a little while now."
"Is she pretty?" Anita queried.
"Beautiful." Santana answered, smiling softly.
"Ah, 'her mother crooned, sounding a little spellbound, "perhaps one day there'll be wedding bells."
"Let's not get too carried away Mama." Santana laughed.
"If I don't get carried away you most certainly won't, 'Anita answered, "besides, a mother can hope can't she? I'm still waiting for the day you'll bring me a darling little grandchild to cuddle to. Time is ticking sweetheart."
"One day maybe." Santana rolled her eyes.
Anita squeaked in excitement over the other end of the phone before saying, "well, I'd best let you get on with what you're doing. Be sure to call me and tell me how everything went with Brittany though."
"I will." Santana answered robotically.
"Good girl. Have a good time tonight."
"Gracias. (Thank you) Bye Mama."
"Goodbye." Anita said.
Setting the phone down on the sofa, Santana looked around the apartment, forgetting her mother instantaneously as she inspected it. Perhaps a little clean up was in order. Paella didn't take all that long to cook so she could prepare it just in time for when Brittany arrived.
Standing up, she rubbed her hands together, wondering where to start. Everything had to be perfect for tonight.
...GLEE.
Only a few more minutes until Brittany arrived and Santana was beginning to feel the pressure. The Paella was almost done and the brunette was constantly running back and forth to check and stir it whilst trying to fix her earrings into place and apply her perfume and make up.
The apartment was spotlessly clean from top to bottom. An hour's worth of work had really paid off, mopping the kitchen floors, polishing the mantelpiece, putting things away, shoving her shoes into the cupboard under the stairs. It was small work but it made every bit of a difference. Dimming the lights and arranging the candles here and there, the place looked brand new.
Turning to the food in the saucepan, Santana stirred away, her thoughts constantly turning. Had she bought enough wine? Was she appropriately dressed? Did Brittany even like seafood Paella? It was enough to make her crazy but there was no going back now. She'd done all she could.
There was a knocking at the apartment door and removing her apron, she brushed down her outfit and heading out to the passageway, reaching the door, unlatching and opening it. There Brittany stood, looking stunning in a pair of light blue skinny jeans, a white top that kind of resembled a corset and a black jacket. Her hair lay sprawled around her shoulders in pretty little ringlets and she smelt simply divine, her perfume hitting Santana like a smack between the eyes.
"Hi." Brittany whispered.
"Hi, 'Santana said. She stepped back to let the blonde through, "come in. You look lovely."
"Thank you." Brittany said bashfully.
She stepped over the threshold, looking nervous and waited for Santana to close the door.
"I'm not quite sure where everything is, 'she admitted, sounding embarrassed, "I'm frightened I'm going to knock into something and make a fool of myself."
Santana chuckled and took Brittany's hand in her own, "you'll be fine. I've got you." She exclaimed, pulling the blonde through into the living room. Brittany linked their fingers together and when Santana looked at her she was smiling like the happiest person alive.
"Santana, is your food still cooking?" The blonde asked curiously.
"Yes, why?" Santana frowned.
"Because I can smell burning."
Santana inhaled deeply and sure enough, intermingled with the sweetness of the candles was the faint tinge of burning.
"Oh no, 'she muttered under her breath. She led Brittany to the sofa and watched as the blonde sat down, relaxing a little more now that she knew where something was, "just wait here while I go and check everything's okay?" She said.
Santana scurried into the kitchen, cursing under her breath as the unbearable aroma of burning food wafted in the air. She approached the oven and tutted angrily, shaking her head as she gazed down at the Paella that now practically resembled charcoal.
"Shit!" She said to no one in particular. Maybe the under layer of the meal could be salvaged. Picking up the ladle she'd been using to stir the concoction, Santana dipped it into the saucepan and lifted out a great lumpy spoonful. It was burnt all the way through.
Switching off the oven, Santana headed back into the living room wondering what she could do to try and save the night which was beginning to look dismal before it had even begun.
"Everything alright?" Brittany asked her, sensing her arrival.
"Not really, 'Santana murmured, "I kind of burnt dinner."
Brittany chuckled, "is it edible?"
"Most definitely not." Santana said shaking her head, "and I don't think I could rustle anything else up in such short notice."
"Then what are we going to do?" Brittany mused.
"Do you like Chinese takeaway?" Santana asked hopefully.
Brittany nodded.
"Maybe we could order some. It's the best I can do really." She said. She felt awful, having ruined what should've been the perfect evening.
"Takeaway is fine with me." Brittany told her.
"Okay, 'Santana muttered anxiously, "I'll get the phone and we can order and then we can pick a film to watch while we wait, 'she made to head out of the room again but paused and turned around to face Brittany, "are you sure you want to do this whole movie thing? I mean, I feel kind of bad being able to watch it while you can't."
"Its fine, 'Brittany laughed, "I can listen to the movie. It's like any other person listening to the radio. I can make up all the images in my head."
"Well so long as you're good with it."
"Santana, 'the blonde said in a 'be quiet' tone of voice, "stop worrying and go get the phone."
A smile spread across the Latina's face and her body tingled with pleasure at the order, "yes ma'am." She said, saluting Brittany and doing as she was told, she hurried out of the room to find the phone.
...GLEE.
"So, what kind of movies do you like?" Santana asked, rifling through her small collection of dvds.
"I don't mind really, 'Brittany shrugged, "anything but a horror film. The noises and music scare me."
"No horror films." Santana agreed, relieved because she wasn't much of a horror person herself and she didn't have any to watch anyway.
Pulling a few out of the cupboard, she mused on whether they should watch a romance genre or a comedy. Santana would never admit it to anyone but she was a sucker for a romance movie but at the same time she didn't want to freak Brittany out by bringing forth the idea that this was a date, despite the candles and wine and ruined dinner.
"Hey, do you like comedies?" She asked, looking at the blonde from over her shoulder.
"Sure. What have you got?" Brittany answered.
"Uh...Get Over It, The Hangover, What Happens In Vegas –"
"Ooh, can we watch What Happens In Vegas please? 'Brittany chirped excitedly, clapping her hands, "I've heard it's really good."
"Okay." Santana said shrugging her shoulders. She put the other movies away and turned to her television, switching on the dvd player and opening the case, popping the disk inside, "do you want something to drink? I've got wine."
"That would be great." Brittany said with a smile and Santana went through to the kitchen, snatched up one of the bottles of red wine, glared at the mess that was her Paella and retrieved two wine glasses from the cupboard before heading back into the living room where Brittany sat waiting patiently.
The advertisements were already flashing up on the screen. Setting herself down beside the blonde, she tried not to sit too close but her body was already reacting against her. There were a mere few inches between them.
"Let's get this show on the road." Santana chuckled and she opened the wine and poured Brittany a glass.
"Thanks." Brittany mumbled, her gaze focused on the screen. Santana felt her heart constrict for although Brittany looked, she would never see, and it filled her with an aching confusion, a pain that just kept on growing and growing, "oh lets toast to something, 'the young woman cried out, making Santana jump and nearly spill her own drink, "I've never done it before."
"What do you want to toast to?" Santana chuckled, placing the bottle of wine onto the coffee table in front of them.
Brittany paused to think, her face scrunching up in excitement and anticipation.
"Hmm, how about, 'she said holding up her glass, "to us, because we were lucky enough to find each other and hopefully, smart enough to never let each other go."
Santana blushed and nodded in agreement, "to us." She said softly and she tapped her glass to Brittany's before taking a sip.
A few seconds of silence passed before: "what's the difference between making toast and making a toast?"
Santana laughed. It was just another Brittany thing to say!
...GLEE.
"How did you even get here Brittany?" Santana asked, half way through the movie. It had been playing on her for some time and though part of her was content on staying quiet and just watching the interactions between Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher on screen, another part of her was desperate for some sort of conversation.
Brittany didn't turn to look at her. She was sitting up with her eyes closed, just listening intently to what was going on in the film, "my mom brought me on her way to work, 'she answered, "and I kept some money back from my pay check to get a taxi home."
"Oh, 'Santana muttered. She leant on her arm and tucked her feet up, trembling when she brushed against Brittany who either didn't notice or didn't care, "you could stay the night if you wanted?" Realising how intimate she sounded, Santana struggled to revert her words, "I meant...you could sleep in my bed...I meant...I'd sleep here...on the sofa. You could sleep in my bed...on your own."
Brittany giggled, "thanks. I'll think about it."
Santana relaxed, "okay." She answered shortly.
"Santana?" Brittany said, hesitant.
"Yeah."
"Can you tell me what you look like? 'Brittany asked, flushing pink, "I've been trying to work it out in my head but I can't and I really want to know."
Santana smiled, "well, there's not much to talk about. I have black hair or perhaps it's really dark brown, 'she said reaching to touch her soft curls, "and brown eyes and I've got dark skin, Hispanic like - because of my Spanish heritage, and – "
"Santana?" Brittany cut her off.
"Hmm." The Latina replied.
"Sometimes blind people like to feel the faces of people, you know, to feel how they look, 'Brittany sounded nervous and she was twisting her hands together in her lap as she spoke, her gaze cast downwards, "do you think...do you think I could try that?"
"Try feeling how I look?" Santana asked, bewildered.
Brittany shook her head, losing her nerve, "It's a stupid idea, forget I said it."
"No, 'Santana said, catching hold of her hand to stop her. Brittany's sightless eyes fell upon their hands and the brunette pulled back, blushing, "sorry." She said quietly, "it's just...it's not a stupid idea. I want you to try it. If it'll help."
Brittany smiled and nodded. Santana felt her words catch in her throat as the blonde shuffled closer. She licked her lips and breathed deeply, reaching her hands out.
"Can you guide me, 'Brittany whispered, "take my hands."
"Sure." Santana muttered. She took Brittany's hands in her own and brought them up to her own face. The second she felt those fingers against her skin was the second her body spiralled into a crescendo of pleasure
She dropped her hands to her lap and allowed Brittany to do what she wished. The elegant fingers caressed the line of her forehead, curling up and into her hair, taking the time to dwell in the softness of the beautiful Latina. Santana closed her eyes and moaned gently. Brittany moved on down Santana's face, sweeping over her forehead again and brushing her thumbs over her eyebrows before gently feeling her eyelids and trailing down to her high cheekbones. Brittany took great care in her petting. She was incredibly gentle, every touch transcending into the next with such delicacy as though she were frightened of hurting her companion.
Santana could feel the warmth of Brittany's breath against her face. It was wonderful to be experiencing this, to feel the touch of someone and actually wanting it. She shivered helplessly as Brittany's fingers brushed against her lips, lingering there. She opened her eyes and found the blonde smiling at her, as though lost in some good train of thought.
Feeling brave, the Latina lifted her own hand and cupped Brittany's cheek. She felt the young woman lean into her and her joy was boundless, her heart skipping a beat and then another.
"I can feel that you're beautiful Santana." Brittany said in a hushed voice. She was still touching Santana's lips, moving her thumb back and forth.
Smiling, Santana said, "thanks. You're pretty beautiful yourself."
"Thanks, 'Brittany said. She pulled back her hand and sighed, "I'm glad you let me try this. I was worried you would be freaked out by it all. I just had to know what you looked like."
"And have you worked it out?" Santana asked, dropping her own hand.
Brittany nodded, "I'll never forget how you look in my mind now, 'she crooned, "never."
Santana leant forward, catching Brittany's cheeks again and pulling her close. Brittany seemed to sense what Santana wanted. She looked alarmed but didn't fight. She allowed herself to be pulled forward and closed her eyes. Santana could feel how near she was, could taste the blonde's breath and feel the sweetness of her. Their lips were not even inches apart and the room had gone still with anticipation. Santana felt Brittany's lips just above her own when the phone buzzed beside her.
Jumping back in alarm, she swore under her breath and snatched it up, pressing it to her ear, "what?" She snapped.
"Oh, now it sounds like I've interrupted something." It was Mercedes.
"You can say that again!" Santana growled darkly, "What do you want?"
"I'm just calling to ask about the next group get together. Quinn said it's your turn to pick what we do."
"Can't we talk about this tomorrow, 'Santana stood and made her way into the passageway. She leant against the wall and ran a hand through her hair, sighing and letting all that pent up frustration out, "I'm busy at the moment."
"Brittany's there huh?" Mercedes asked.
"How the hell did you know that?"
"Just a hunch, 'Mercedes chuckled, "look, I'll leave you tonight but I'll be phoning you bright and early in the morning."
"Not too early biatch!" Santana scolded.
Mercedes laughed, "night."
"Night." Santana said and she put the phone down on the cupboard beside her.
Walking through into the living room, she hoped to pick up where she and Brittany left off. She stopped; frowning as she took in the scene that greeted her upon her arrival. There was Brittany, standing up and fiddling with her bag. The blonde looked nervous and out of place and this upset Santana for she didn't like to see Brittany looking so uncomfortable.
"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked.
"I think it's time I got off home, 'Brittany mumbled, "it's late and I'm kind of tired."
"But the takeaway hasn't even arrived yet." Santana realised how whiny she sounded but she couldn't help it. She was so desperate for Brittany to stay.
"I know, I'm just –"
"Please Britt, don't go just yet. We haven't watched the rest of the film either." Santana exclaimed. She must've unnerved her, trying to initiate a kiss.
"It's late." Brittany said.
Santana approached her and took hold of her hand, stopping her in her tracks. Brittany glanced up, biting her bottom lip as she allowed Santana to bring her close.
"Please Brittany, 'she said urgently, "stay."
Brittany sighed and looked as though she really didn't want to. It annoyed Santana but she couldn't force the girl to stay. She opened her mouth to say she would call a taxi when Brittany said, "okay," in a soft voice.
"Really? 'Santana said, surprised and delighted, "you'll stay?"
"Just for dinner and to watch the movie, then I really have to go."
The Latina nodded, clearly aware that her friend couldn't see her reaction. She tugged Brittany towards the sofa again, smiling when the blonde allowed herself to be sat down. Brittany kept her distance throughout the rest of the movie, but not enough that Santana could argue that she didn't want that kiss.
...GLEE.
The movie was coming to an end and Santana was more than ready for it. Dinner had been great and she had to admit that a takeaway was probably better than her homemade Paella which was still lying forgotten in the kitchen.
Brittany had been pretty quiet throughout the remainder of the evening. She hadn't said much, only making comments here and there about the storyline and characters. Santana guessed that she was still uncomfortable about what had happened earlier. It was annoying that Brittany had started all the touching but when Santana had tried it had been almost too terrifying for the blonde to handle.
"Do you want me to call a taxi?" Santana asked as the credits appeared on the television screen.
There was no answer from the blonde.
"Brittany, 'she said again, "do you want me to call you a taxi?"
Once again there was no answer. Santana sat up and leant over to look at the blonde. She smiled as she took in the calm face of the sleeping blind woman. Brittany was out for the count, her eyes closed, her breathing even and a small smile gracing her beautiful lips. No wonder Brittany had grown so quiet. She hadn't been upset at all, she'd just been tired.
Nudging the blonde, Santana said, "Brittany, come on. Wake up."
Brittany mumbled a protest.
"Come on."
"I don't want to, 'Brittany whispered, "too tired."
"Well if you'll let me, I'll get you upstairs to bed." Santana told her.
"M'kay." Brittany murmured.
Santana slipped her arm around Brittany's back, hoisting her up. The young woman mewled a little in confusion but a second later her entire body slumped into Santana's, absolutely exhausted.
"I really enjoyed tonight San." She said, her head lolling onto Santana's neck as the brunette lead her through to the passageway and then up the stairs.
They took their time, taking each step as it came. Brittany didn't do much work, she staggered and stumbled and laughed once or twice. Santana decided there and then that she would never try and get the girl drunk. A drunken Brittany would be too alarming for words.
"Almost there." Santana said with relief. She imagined that Brittany would be really light but being half asleep, Brittany's body was dead-weight and this was a bit of a problem.
"You're so good to me, 'Brittany muttered, "most people would've probably sent me home by now."
"Nah, I like having you." Santana said, tapping her door open with her foot and pulling Brittany inside, 'here let me help you get your shoes off. Do you want to borrow some pyjamas or something?"
Brittany was more alert now she'd been dragged up the stairs. She opened her eyes and smiled lazily, "I'm good like this. Besides, I'm too tired to change myself."
"Suits me." Santana said shrugging as she set Brittany's shoes by the door, along with her jacket which she hung up. She came back over and pulled the blankets up. Brittany climbed into bed and rolled over onto her side, breathing deeply.
"It smells like you." She said tenderly.
Santana chuckled, "just get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
"Santana?" Brittany's voice was small and timid from the other side of the room but Santana heard it nonetheless. She turned around to face the blonde who hadn't even turned towards her.
"Can you stay here until I fall asleep? I always get creeped out when I'm in a new place for the first time. The lack of sight doesn't help I guess."
Santana grinned, "sure." She wandered over to the bed and crawled in beside Brittany. She lay as far away from her as possible and Brittany made no move to come to her. It was good, having someone in the bed with her, even if it was all platonic.
"This is nice, 'Brittany said, "I'm always cold in my own room...no one's there to keep me warm."
I'll keep you warm, Santana thought. She turned to Brittany and slipped an arm around her waist, bringing her body in to press against her own. Brittany whimpered at the contact but Santana knew she wasn't frightened. Merely not expecting it.
"Night Santana."
"Night Brittany, 'Santana said, "sweet dreams."
They lay there for some time, in the darkness but Santana only drifted off when she felt Brittany's fingers gracing her hand. It was nice, inhaling the beauty of the woman beside her and Santana was sure she'd never feel safe in her bed again, not unless Brittany was there with her.
It feels finished so I've finished it here lol. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It took quite some to write and then re-write again. Let me know what you think please. I love long reviews so don't be too mean with the short reviews guys :P x
I'll update soon.
