Hey everyone. So I know the last chapter was pretty depressing but we still haven't come out of that little bombshell. I know angsty chapters are not the best but as one of my favourite reviewers said in their review, a great story isn't a great story without a little angst! Thanks for that chick. Awesome. :D Bear with me guys. It'll get better and of course, I promised you a little heat in this next chapter ;) You're gonna get it.

I'm so annoyed with Ryan Murphy right now. I know he said that a lot of the Santana/Brittany storyline was pushed forward by the gay fans but that's not true. I'm not even gay and yet I pushed for it just as much as anyone else did. I love the storyline and want to see it thrive just as much as any other fan would. It appears to me as though he only notices a homosexual's support. Does he not stop to think that there are people out there who aren't prejudice to being gay? That believe love is love! *sighs* Ignore my ranting. Sorry.

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: Sighs, how many times do we have to go through this? I do not own Glee!

Chapter 10 – That's How Much I Care

What with everything that had gone on the day before, Santana was in no mood to see anyone so it was more than a surprise when Hallie Pierce stopped by her classroom during the lunch period.

Everyone seemed to sense that the English teacher's patience was not to be tested. The students of McKinley High were subdued, even well behaved, and those who were foolish enough to push their luck suffered the unforgivable wrath of Miss Lopez. Her fellow teachers avoided her as best as possible. They could see that something had upset Santana and knew better than to bother her or inquire about it. Even the janitorial and maintenance staff kept their distance after the fiery Latina had launched a tray of meatballs at the guidance counsellor after he dared to ask if she were alright.

Now with bright brown eyes staring into her back intently, Santana could not help but feel even more aggrieved, "what the hell do you want?" She growled as she wrote the notes for the next lesson up on her blackboard.

"Hello to you too." Hallie said sarcastically.

Santana didn't know how to reply to her sarcasm. She hadn't slept well the night before but had simply lain in the warmth of her bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had come in short intervals and her dreams had been quilted over in shadows and darkness. She had never been so restless.

"Pardon my language, 'Hallie said cautiously, "but you look like shit!"

Santana chuckled, "you have no idea."

"Oh I do, 'the teen exclaimed, shaking her head, "my sister looks just the same."

"So she told you what happened then?" Santana asked.

"Not really, 'Hallie said. She sat down at a desk towards the front of the classroom, "but when she came home last night in tears the situation kind of spoke for itself."

Santana paused, her heart clenching. So Brittany had been upset by their argument too? Good! At least she wasn't the only one who was suffering.

"So let me get this straight, 'the Latina said, turning to face Hallie, "you came all the way here from – what school do you attend?"

"Carmel High." Hallie answered.

"So you came all the way from Carmel High just to talk about Brittany?"

"No. I came all the way from Carmel High to talk about Brittany and the argument you had with her yesterday." The youngster replied.

Rolling her eyes, Santana said coldly, "I didn't figure you to be the type to stick your nose in other people's business."

"You've met me once so you have no idea what I'm like, 'Hallie said, crossing her arms over her chest defensively, "besides, I'll always get involved when my sisters happiness is on the line."

"Don't act as though this is my fault, 'Santana growled. She couldn't believe she was arguing with a sixteen year old girl, "if Brittany had given you the right story then –"

"Brittany hardly told me a thing. Just that you were incredibly late to her dance class and she had genuinely believed you weren't coming. She wouldn't tell me the rest, 'Hallie cocked her head to the side, blinking curiously, "why did you argue exactly?"

"It's a long story." The English teacher sighed.

"Well I've got time." Hallie said, gesturing for her to continue and encouraged, Santana explained the events of the day before, of her friends argument and how she had set about to resolve the matter. She told Hallie that she had been keeping an eye on the time and how truly excited she'd been to see Brittany again. Hallie looked pretty sympathetic when she spoke of missing Brittany's class altogether. Then she told of their argument and how Brittany had refused to come home with her and how she had ran off, too angry to stay and convince her otherwise. When she was finished she leant back against the wall, cupping her face with her hands, exhausted and waiting for a response.

"Wow, 'Hallie's laugh came out as more of a snort, "that was some day you had."

"One of many that make up the wonderful life of Santana Lopez." The Latina said sarcastically, holding out her arms as though she were presenting herself. Swallowing the lump in her throat and setting her chalk to the side, Santana sat down at her desk, "I really didn't mean to miss the dance class Hallie. What could I do? Ignore my friends? Watch a three year marriage go down the drain for nothing?"

"I understand why you did what you did and I applaud your loyalty, 'Hallie said, "but Brittany...she's vulnerable. She lets people get too close too quickly and when they leave her high and dry she's left broken-hearted."

"But I would never do that to her, 'the brunette explained meekly, "I just got sidetracked."

"Brittany didn't know that, 'Hallie said, "I'm not trying to defend her. She shouldn't have been so quick to judge and she probably should've listened to what you had to say, but please, look at it from her point of view. Everyone that Brittany's ever allowed herself to get close to has somehow slipped back out of her grasp. She's a lot of work and it can be tiring. Some would see her as a burden. Attracting trouble is what Brittany does, even if it's unintentional. She needs help picking out clothes that match in the mornings. She often needs to be comforted at night what with the night terrors and everything. She accidently took all her antibiotics once because she couldn't decipher the Braille on the bottle. She sat in a classroom for three hours completely buzzed out until someone found her. She's always knocking things down because she's not aware of them. She still believes in Santa Clause because she's never been able to see my mother put out the gifts, 'Hallie shook her head, sighing sadly, "we lost her once for seven hours. When we found her she was soaked, muddy and probably caked in people's waste. When we asked where she'd been she told us she'd followed a pigeon into the sewers. Somehow I'm still not sure if I want to believe her. I –"

"Okay, okay I get it, 'Santana said quickly before Hallie could go on, "she's a lot of work but knowing that doesn't make me like the others. I'm not tired of her and I know she can be difficult to deal with at times but that doesn't mean I'm going to leave her. I like her enough to keep coming back."

"You don't get it Santana, 'the young Pierce said resolutely, "Brittany is like a child. Her mind is young."

"I know but you forget that every now and then a very mature side of Brittany comes through, 'Santana thought of the night when they went bowling, when Brittany had set about to comfort Blaine and Kurt and their troubles as a couple. It had been a truly adult thing to say, wise even, "I can see that she's young, 'Santana exclaimed, "but it doesn't change how I feel."

"I just want to know you're up for the job."

"I am." Santana said firmly.

A smile broke out on Hallie's face and she breathed a sigh of honest relief. Standing, she approached Santana's desk.

"You need to find Brittany. You need to tell her what you've told me." She ordered.

"I tried to explain...she wouldn't listen." Santana replied.

"Try again. My sister can be easily swayed if you know how to sweet talk her." It was amusing that yesterday it had been Quinn in Santana's position and Santana in Hallie's. How did she become the one who needed advice?

"I don't know how I'll get her to talk to me. I doubt she's going to answer the phone when she realises who it is." Santana said.

"Come around the house after school. I'll let you in myself." Hallie offered.

"Oh yeah, 'Santana snorted, "because I can really see your mother agreeing with that."

"My Mom will be in work. Come on Santana. You have to try."

Santana bit down hard on her bottom lip, deliberating. She wanted to see Brittany and apologise and explain but another part of her wanted to let Brittany suffer just as she had.

"Please Santana." Hallie pleaded.

"Fine, 'Santana sighed, "I'll come around after school."

Hallie laughed happily, "you won't regret it. Brittany will forgive you, you'll see."

"Good, 'Santana said waving her hand carelessly, "now get out of my classroom." She said with a smile.

Hallie saluted her, heading for the door. She tucked her school bag over her shoulder, looking so young and sweet for someone brimming with intellect.

"Hallie?" Santana called out, "Brittany hasn't always been blind, has she?" She didn't know why she had brought it up but she figured if she didn't ask now she would never ask.

Hallie stopped in her tracks and turned, surveying Santana with a look that was both amused and sorrowful, "no, 'she answered, "she hasn't."

"Then how did it happen? When even?"

Hallie shook her head, "it's not my place to tell you." Santana was disappointed but nodded in agreement. The only person who could tell her was Brittany. It was her right.

"May I ask you something now?" Hallie queried.

"Sure." Came Santana's answer.

"When I was looking for your classroom earlier I stopped a guy to ask if he could direct me, 'Hallie said leaning against the open doorway, "when I was about to walk off I heard one of the other boys ask who I was."

"What did he say?" Santana whispered.

"Probably one of Miss Lopez's fuck buddies."

Santana swallowed the lump in her throat and waited for the question she already knew was coming.

"Are you gay Santana?"

Picking up her chalk, Santana attempted to avoid eye contact, "yeah, I am."

"I knew it, 'Hallie cajoled in triumph, "I got the feeling the second I met you and when I looked out my bedroom window just after I left to finish my paper I saw the way you and Brittany were holding each other. I just knew it wasn't platonic."

Santana was surprised by the teenager's reaction. Most people, small-minded in every way, found the term 'homosexual' to be something repulsive, dirty, sinful! The students of McKinley High had been much the same when it finally came out about their teacher's sexuality. Girls didn't want to be alone with her, boys gawked at her like she was a porn-icon, some parents transferred their children to other schools, not wanting them to be taught by someone who could distort their minds on how a "real" relationship was supposed to be. Santana had taken it all in her stride, dealing with each day as it came but sometimes it was hard not to want to disappear and start fresh somewhere else.

"You're taking it rather well." She mumbled, eying the blonde cautiously.

"Hey you like who you like, right?" Hallie said shrugging her shoulders.

"So you don't mind the fact that I'm into women?" Santana asked.

"Hell no." Hallie laughed.

"What about Brittany? You said you saw how we were holding each other. Do you think she's –"

"Gay? 'Hallie said. She shook her head, "not that I'm aware of. Then again, Brittany's blind. I don't think being physically attracted to someone matters much in her book. If you've got a good heart and you're ready to look after her, she'll fall hard."

Santana smiled, "thanks Hallie. That means a lot."

"No problem. So, we'll see you later yeah?"

"I'll be there."

"Good, 'Hallie said smirking as she headed back for the door, "you promised to check over my English paper, remember?"

...GLEE.

Killing the engine, Santana got out of her car and headed into the Puckerman's garden, whistling under her breath lightly as she did so. She fully intended on keeping her promise to Hallie but not before she visited Quinn and Puck to be sure that her good deed to bring them together had not been performed in vain.

She reached the door and knocked, hoping against hope that Quinn had decided to come home straight from school herself. When no one came to answer she tried again, knocking a little harder. Once again there was no reply.

Santana was about to give up after the third knock. She turned to head back to her car when the sound of the door creaking open stopped her.

"Hi Santana. This is a surprise." It was Quinn. She sounded breathless and her cheeks were flushed, making her look even prettier than usual.

"I just thought I'd stop by and check how you were doing." Santana replied.

"Oh...uh...great...well...do you want to come in?" Quinn didn't look the last bit enthusiastic about letting Santana in. She opened the door wider and Santana smirked as she took in her friend's choice of clothing. Quinn was wearing her soft pink dressing gown...and nothing else.

"Um...I'm interrupting something, aren't I?" She asked, grinning.

"No, of course not." Quinn said shaking her head.

Santana was not convinced and to support her theory was Puck who suddenly appeared, coming down the stairs dressed much the same as his wife.

"Who was it? I – hey Santana."

He didn't look nearly as embarrassed as Quinn who said through clenched teeth, "I told you to stay upstairs." Puck ignored her.

"So I'm guessing you patched things up?" Santana laughed, gesturing between the pair of them.

Quinn giggled, nodding, "yeah. Sorry that you have to see us like this."

"Hey I'd rather catch you having sex than arguing, 'Santana said winking, "it's a real turn on for me." She teased with a whisper.

Quinn rolled her eyes and Puck laughed and high fived her.

"Well I'm gonna head off and let you two get back to your sexy time." Santana said, walking backwards.

Quinn beckoned Puck up the stairs with her hand. He called out a goodbye to the Latina before disappearing as quickly as he had arrived. Quinn walked Santana to the door.

"I'm glad it worked out. Did you surprise him with dinner yesterday like I said?" Santana asked.

"Yeah. I made his favourite, Spaghetti Bolognaise and he brought me flowers and chocolates, 'Quinn wrapped her dressing gown around herself tighter and breathed deeply. It wasn't hard to see how happy she was. Her entire world was Puck and without him she may as well have withered away. Santana was pleased she could've helped them, "and when we made love later, 'Quinn whispered excitedly, "wow. It was...it was for us."

"Good, 'Santana said, "and Quinn, 'she touched her hand to her friends, "giving up a baby doesn't define you as a person, just like having a baby doesn't define you either. Give it time, alright?"

Quinn nodded.

"I've got to go. I'm heading off to see Brittany." Santana said.

"How did her dance class go? Noah mentioned it yesterday." Quinn asked.

Santana smiled, shaking her head, "I'd explain what happened but I might be late again." Before Quinn could say anything more she was running up the garden path. Quinn smiled, shaking her head as she closed the door behind her. Santana heard her laughing but her mind was already fixed on the other blonde woman that needed her somewhere.

...GLEE.

Hallie was sitting on the doorstep when Santana arrived. The younger was propped up against the wall of the house, her laptop set on her knees and a large pair of reading glasses perched on the end of her nose.

Santana hadn't really noticed before but Hallie had something of her big sister in her, a twinkle in her eyes that reminded her of Brittany. Her revelation grew when Hallie looked up at smiled at her in welcome. Yes! She was a mini-Brittany.

"I was beginning to think you weren't going to show." She said.

"We didn't have a specific time for me to be here, 'Santana said shrugging, "just that I was supposed to come after school."

Hallie laughed, "you win, 'she motioned over her shoulder to the door, "go right through. Brittany's bedroom's the third door to the right. We had to move her from upstairs a couple of months after...well...we had to move her, 'she struggled to explain, "she kept falling down the stairs."

Santana nodded, not knowing what else to say. It didn't seem right in her mind that one day Brittany could see and the next, she couldn't. It was probably difficult to come to terms with and simple things like walking down the stairs must've been torture. It seemed petty to think about but Santana was glad they'd moved Brittany downstairs. She would have less to worry about and it would lower the chances of injury.

Reaching the third door to the right Santana hesitated. She wanted to knock but she knew it would diminish her hopes of Brittany letting her in if she told her who it was.

Come on Santana, she tried to psych herself up, eyes shut tight, there's nothing to lose. Just try.

Opening her eyes and breathing shakily, Santana tapped the door twice and before receiving an answer let herself in.

Brittany's bedroom was everything and nothing that Santana expected. The walls, a light yellow colour, were lined with pictures of ballerina's performing the most complex dance moves. The carpet was white and Santana checked her boots immediately in case she had mud on them. A small gold and cream arm chair sat in the corner just beside the window, matching the curtains to perfection. On the furthest side of the room, in between a dressing table and a small bookshelf was a large double bed, the yellow covers glinting in the sunshine. It was there Brittany lay, with her back to the door and a book sprawled out in front of her. Santana watched as her fingers danced over the page, reading the Braille with such dexterity that it was almost impossible to believe that the blonde was in fact taking everything in.

"I told you to leave me alone Hallie." Brittany said quietly, not bothering to turn around.

"It's a good thing I'm not Hallie then." Santana replied and she watched as Brittany jumped at the sound of her voice, shoving her book aside and throwing herself around to gaze across to the other side of the room, blind eyes meeting nothing.

"What are you doing here?" Brittany murmured.

"Your sister let me in, 'Santana said. She took slow steps, not wanting to alarm Brittany anymore than she already had. Gosh she looked beautiful, her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail, strands strayed here and there and still wearing her pyjama's, the most adorable duck pyjama's Santana had ever seen, "I came to see you. I...uh...I like your room."

"Thanks." Brittany whispered.

"How are you? 'Santana reached the bed and sat down timidly, perching herself on the edge, "you don't look very well." It was true. Brittany was pale and there were black shadows under her eyes.

"I didn't sleep much last night, 'the blonde replied, "and I argued with my Mom."

"Why?" Santana asked.

"Because I told her I didn't want to work in Sheets And Things anymore, 'Brittany answered, "it's boring, 'as though realising she was talking to the Latina when they'd had a fall out, Brittany turned her back on Santana abruptly, folding her arms over her chest, "anyway, you wouldn't care."

"Of course I care Britt, 'Santana crooned. She turned and placed her hands on the blonde's shoulders, rubbing them carefully, "I came to apologise for yesterday. I didn't mean to be late for the class. I could come again next week and I promise I'll be there earlier. I'll even drive you myself and sit through the entire class if you want."

She could feel Brittany's resolve already breaking down. The young woman sighed softly and shook her head, "if you're getting bored of me you only have to say so."

"I'm not going anywhere." Santana said firmly.

"That's what the others said." Brittany said sadly.

"Yeah but it's different with me, 'Santana exclaimed, "I really am sticking around."

Brittany wrenched herself out of Santana's clutch and grasping hold of her cane threw herself off the bed and started pacing the floor, the stick tapping away annoyingly.

"I was so ashamed. I told all my dance mates that you were the best person in the world. I told them you were coming to watch me dance and even though I knew some of them were laughing at me behind my back I still told them." Brittany was ranting. It looked wrong. It was wrong.

"When you didn't show up, ugh, I could've cried! I knew what everyone was thinking, 'Brittany hissed and her eyes were now burning with unshed tears. Santana didn't know what to do; she didn't know how to react to this new angry side of her friend, "I could just imagine their thoughts. Oh poor ditzy Brittany has conjured up another imaginary friend again! Stupid Brittany!"

Santana got to her feet and grabbed Brittany's hand, stopping her.

"You're not stupid." She said forcefully.

"You said I was yesterday."

Santana winced. Why did she have to remember?

"I know I said it and I'm sorry, 'she whispered, "I didn't mean to. I was just angry."

Brittany hung her head, looking exhausted, "you didn't show up and I wanted you to."

"I'm sorry." Santana said softly. She tried to take Brittany's face in her hands but the blonde evaded her, pulling away.

"No you're not. You're just like everyone else. You don't care about me." Brittany growled.

"Yes I do." Santana snapped back.

"No you don't. You don't care."

"I do." Santana argued.

"No, 'Brittany shook her head, "no you don't."

"Oh yeah, 'something sparked inside the Latina and suddenly she couldn't help herself. Grabbing Brittany's cheeks, she yanked the blonde towards her and crushed their lips together, 'stubborn child," she crooned against her mouth. For a moment, Brittany was immobilized; her cane fell to the floor forgotten as she squeaked a protest, giving Santana the chance to slip her tongue into her mouth, encouraging her to respond. A moment passed in which Santana's hand reached up to cup the back of her neck, pulling her closer and then Brittany was reciprocating, her lips eagerly meeting Santana's. Her hands slipping around her companion's body, long fingers splaying across her shoulder blades and Santana whined with pleasure as Brittany's fingernails dug into her back. Santana could taste the sweetness of Brittany's breath and the hesitancy in her response but it was beautiful and everything she could ever hope for. Pulling back, she sighed, "that's how much I care." Her voice was hushed but resolute.

Brittany opened her eyes. They were hard and confused and Santana wanted nothing more than to take away all that pain and bewilderment. Reaching for her face again, Santana leant in and brushed her lips against Brittany's. The blonde shoved her away, shaking her head.

"Don't touch me." She whimpered.

"It's alright." Santana said reassuringly.

Brittany bent down, feeling for her cane. She found it and pulled herself up, making her way over to her bed and sitting down, "leave me alone." She ordered.

Santana shook her head, "let's just talk. We can –

"Get out!" Brittany barked shoving her hands over her ears and closing her eyes.

Santana didn't want to leave but she knew she had no choice. She opened the door and turned back to look at the young blind woman, "you know, I never had you down as someone who could just ignore all the good things you have in your life. You're a pushover Brittany, 'she hissed spitefully, "you let people dictate to you."

"I don't!" Brittany argued.

"YOU DO, 'Santana shouted making the blonde jump, "AND YOU ALWAYS WILL UNTIL YOU GROW UP! If you want to leave Sheets And Things then by all means leave. Don't wait for your mother's permission. You don't need me to sit and watch in a dance class to know how great you are! 'she exclaimed, "and you don't need the voice in the back of your head to tell you that what we just did was wrong, 'Brittany licked her lips, looking anxious, "because I know that somewhere inside, somewhere deep down, it felt right."

Brittany was silent.

"You know where to find me when you're ready to accept my apology." Santana said and she slammed the door behind her. Strolling out of the house, part of her begged that Brittany would call her back; tell her she was right but another part of her wanted to be rid of the blasted blonde forever.

"Hey, how did it go?" Hallie called as she ran past her, out of the house.

"Word of advice kid, 'Santana laughed sarcastically, "stick with men. They don't fuck with your emotions because they don't usually want them."

Hallie cried out to her but she didn't answer. Coming back would mean she cared and caring only brought her heartache.

...GLEE.

Santana hissed with satisfaction as the sharpness of the seventh shot of whisky spread down her unsteady body. On the way home from Brittany's house she'd stopped at the store and bought a few bottles, hoping to drown her sorrows and then hopefully, drown out any thoughts of the beautiful blonde who'd torn her heart out.

"Here's to...bumb...bit...berry...no...no...here's to Brittany! 'she slurred, holding up her eighth shot, "you, 'she pointed at her cookie jar shaped like a man in the middle of the kitchen table, "never...meet a...meet a girl. S'wrong. Stupid."

Knocking back the shot, Santana wiped her mouth and sighed, shaking her head. She didn't want it to be like this. She didn't like to drink and yet this seemed to be the only way she could make the pain go away. If only she hadn't kissed Brittany. If she had just stopped when things could've gotten better.

"Stop looking a' me!" Santana growled at the cookie jar. She set her head down on the table, feeling the thrumming of the hangover that was to come. When she finally dropped off to sleep she dreamt of Brittany.

A Brittany that might just have said, "I care about you too."

I know it was depressing again guys. I'm sorry. The next chapter is definitely a good one. Lighter and the girls will make up. I promise.

So what did you think of Hallie? Pretty smart kid, working out that Santana was gay. And my 'heated' scene? Good huh? Please review and let me know what you think. I'm waiting eagerly.