Chapter 9 ~ Santana's POV

"Sorry about that; my partner at work doesn't have much common sense. Apparently the only logical answer to all his problems is: Call Santana."

I pull my chair out and our little group goes back to eating presently. The simple spaghetti and meatballs I ordered is wonderful if not some of the best sauce I've ever had. I notice that Brittany seems unusually fidgety and keeps halting mid-bite. I haven't known her long but I can tell she's anxious about something.

Worried that I may have caused her apprehension, I ask:

"Is there something up, Brittany?"

"Oh, no, Santana, I just was wondering if maybe, erm, I could get your phone number again because- you see –I had it from before, you know. That time I gave you directions? But I didn't put it in my phone, only on the piece of paper you wrote it on and, and I uh, lost that. Yeah."

Oh my god, she is so adorable. I'm laughing as I hold my hand out to her.

"Okay, well how about I put it directly in your phone this time, okay?"

"Yes! Awesome; okay." The blonde retrieves her phone from her yoga pants and merely unlocks it before handing it over. It's a rather simple device. Not one of those new, fancy talk-back-to-you kinds or anything, but I feel it reflects the girl well in its Brittany-esque way. That and the unicorn background, I suppose.

It takes me minimal time to find her contacts and add my own information but I can feel her eyes on me as I do so. As I return the phone to its owner, her fingertips slide across my palm and I feel a blush rising.

"Thanks, San-tan."

"No problem, Britt-Britt."

And just like that we've got nicknames.

My cheeks still feel warm when Rachel's voice cuts in.

"Well, seems like we're all done here so I guess I'll just hail a waiter; if we're all set?" The petite women skates her gaze over the two of us with a scrutinizing, unidentifiable something in her eyes. I'm just starting to feel physically uncomfortable when my personal hero, Brittany, steps in.

"Okay Rachel, I think we're all good. Unless you want dessert, San?"

"No, I'm good, thanks. But you really should let me pay today seeing as you did last time."

"No way silly, that was thanks for driving my sorry butt home." Brittany playfully swats at my arm and I feel the pleasant warmth returning a little. "We'll just go Dutch this time; keep it easy."

My grin is all that's needed for agreement and a few moments later our diva has caught a waiter and in no less than thirty words asked for the receipt.

"So, we should do this again..?" It's an open-ended invitation but I wonder if the dancer means just the two of us or our trio.

"Sure, I'm probably free whenever as long as I get a few hours' notice." I push my camera bag strap higher onto my shoulder and adjust my hat to fit more tightly as its gotten a bit windy while we were dining. "So I guess I'll be seeing you again soon, I hope. It was nice meeting you, Rachel."

I've already turned around and taken a step before I feel a tug on my jacket sleeve and I turn back only to be engulfed in a tall mass. Brittany's arms encircle my back completely even with the shortness of the hug and I can't help but admire the harmonious way our bodies fit. She pulls back with a cute, but shy smile and mumbles something about calling me soon.

I'm grinning like a dork as I continue walking; feeling like I just won the New York marathon. Little did I know, but Rachel was watching the both of us with an amused yet pleased expression.

Ah derp, had to fit the cuteness in at the end. So this is a really short chapter, and San WAS going to put two and two together during it, but ugh, I'm being lame and putting off writing any angst that may bring about until later this week. I'm just feeling fluffy right now. (maybe it's got to do with the ice cream I'm eating?).

Again though, thanks for all the story alerts and favorites! I'm going to make it a personal goal the get the next chapter out before or on this coming Friday and if I don't you have permission to bully me via PM until I do ^.^