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Chapter 11:

A few hours later, Kurt and Rachel reappeared from their rooms and found Santana and Brittany curled up on the sofa under a duvet, Santana's head resting on Brittany's shoulder.

"Aw, aren't you guys cute." Rachel cooed, obviously feeling slightly better than earlier but still looking a sight for sore eyes.

"Call me cute again, Berry, and I will ends you." Santana glared at her roommate, lifting her head from Brittany's shoulder and turning off the TV.

"But you are cute, Santana." Brittany giggled beside her.

"Fine. But only you are allowed to call me cute." She replied with a smile and a playful nudge.

"Why does Brittany get to call you cute and I don't?" Rachel whined. Santana hated her whining. "That's so not fair." She slumped down on the other sofa, followed by a clearly still very hung over Kurt.

"Because, Hobbit, unlike you, I don't want to scream every time Britt-Britt opens her mouth. Your voice makes me want to rip my arm off, just so I'd have something to throw at you." Santana settled back against the sofa with a smug grin, pleased with herself for another well-executed insult. She would have to write that one down. Rachel huffed and crossed her arms.

"Hey, don't be mean." Brittany poked her ribs and pouted adorably. Holy shit, that pout. Santana rolled her eyes and smiled, before turning back to Rachel.

"Fine. Berry, I'm sorry." Rachel and Kurt both snapped their heads up, eyes wide in amazement. Jesus, she'd actually sounded like a relatively nice person. Gonna have to remedy that. "I'm sorry that you have to shop in the kid's section of the mall so you can find clothes to fit your midget body. I'm sorry your moustache is getting thicker by the day, and that the bleaching kit I got you for your birthday clearly isn't having the desired effect. Oh, and I'm sorry I used all your blueberries this morning." She smirked and Brittany shot her a glare, but Santana could tell she was trying not to laugh. Kurt rolled his eyes and Rachel just sat there, mouth ajar and looking thoroughly offended.

"I think that's the best apology you're going to get out of Satan, Rachel. I'd count yourself lucky, most people don't even get that much." Rude. "So, subject change…" He said, eyeing Rachel who looked like she might be about to cry. "Did you guys get lucky last night then?" Santana's heart stopped. She couldn't breathe and she thought she might faint. OhmygodOhmygodOhmygod. She looked to Brittany whose eyes were wide and a hint of pink was appearing on her cheeks and at her ears.

"No!" The blonde squealed and Santana echoed her. "W-what do you mean?" She stammered, shifting awkwardly next to Santana on the sofa.

"Well I just assumed," He began, grinning at the embarrassment of his friends. "Because you disappeared for so long, that you'd both found yourselves some poor, unsuspecting men to play with?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. Santana breathed again. Phew.

"First of all, Lady Hummel, play with? Ew. And second, why the fuck would you just assume I was off banging some sleazy guy in the restroom? That's just rude." Santana folded her arms again and glared at her friend.

Kurt and Rachel both scoffed, which Santana found most offensive, and Kurt looked at her with a face as if to say you're kidding right?

"Oh, come on, Santana. You're not exactly, inexperienced shall we say, are you?" He chuckled, watching the red spread over his friend's cheeks.

"Yes, the walls are pretty thin you know, Santana?" Rachel chimed in, a mischievous grin on her face. "And let's just say, whoever it is always seems to be very appreciative. Brittany, did you know Santana's apparently like, the Queen of sex?" She turned to Brittany and giggled, enjoying doing the teasing for once. The Latina's cheeks were growing hotter and she felt Brittany tense next to her. "I'm being serious. As in I genuinely once heard a guy shout that after, you know, in her room." Santana groaned and the others burst out laughing. Not cool, Berry. That was one time… and she'd kicked him the hell outta there straight after.

"That is so- urgh, whatever!" Santana blushed even more and shoved Brittany playfully for laughing.

"I'm sorry- I just… That's amazing." Brittany managed to say in the midst of her giggling.

"Yes and remember, Santana, we all went to high school with Puck." Kurt continued, clearly not done with the teasing. His grin was now enormous and he shuffled himself further forward in his seat. "We've heard the stories. We know all about your... skills." He wiggled his hands in a sort of jazz hand motion. Gross.

"Oh fuck off, Hummel!" She shot a playful glare in his direction. Santana froze suddenly when she felt a cool hand squeeze her thigh under the duvet. Holy shit. She whipped her head round to look at Brittany, whose blue eyes were twinkling mischievously and a tiny smirk was tugging at her lips. Her hand began to trace slowly over Santana's bare skin, and, as a finger brushed higher, dangerously close to the hem of her shorts, she felt her whole body tingle in excitement. Brittany's finger continued its slow, gentle movements, tracing circles on her inner thigh ever so lightly. Santana shuddered with pleasure. Fuck that felt incredible. Somewhere in her lower abdomen twinged and she could feel her centre heating up. This was just as hot as when she'd done it before in Lola's, but there was something about being in her living room, in the middle of the day, and hidden by the duvet which made this even more exciting.

"Yes, our little Santana's quite the people-pleaser." Kurt continued.

"I bet." Brittany winked at Santana as she brushed her finger over her thigh again, this time just under the material of her shorts. Holy mother of-

"Hello children!" Quinn sang as she burst through the door to the apartment. "I'm all done studying and so I thought I'd come and hang out here." Brittany's hand retreated from its place on Santana's thigh as Quinn dumped her bag by the door and sat down on the sofa next to Rachel. "What are you guys doing?"

"Oh, you know. Just telling Brittany here how Santana's apparently a beast in the bedroom." Kurt grinned and Quinn laughed heartily.

"Oh, I've heard." She said with a smirk. "I believe Puck's exact words were sex machine?" Santana blushed again and the others laughed.

"Didn't you guys have sex in the choir room once? Or was that just a rumour?" Kurt asked still grinning.

"Totally true, ladies and gents. Actually scrap that, just ladies." She stuck her tongue out playfully at Kurt. "At least I didn't have sex in a hammock in my back yard, whilst my parents were still in the house." She looked pointedly at Quinn. A series of Ews and Gross went around the group and Quinn blushed.

"Wasn't that kind of… tricky?" Brittany asked, chuckling.

"Actually, I'll have you know the swing of the hammock allowed quite a good momentum." She quipped and everyone laughed. "Okay then. Rachel, where's the craziest place you've had sex?"

"Um… Well, I once had sex not under the covers, which was pretty weird. And with the lights on." She said, scrunching up her nose in disgust. The others fell silent, before erupting into laughter.

"Lame." Santana snorted. "Kurt, go."

"Senior year, in the back of Blaine's car in the parking lot at Wendy's." Everyone chuckled again.

"Britt?" Santana turned to eye the blonde, very intrigued to hear her answer.

"Last year, Disneyland." Brittany said completely casually and everyone laughed loudly. "What? There was a long queue. I got bored." Santana couldn't help but think right then that this girl was the most awesome person ever.

"That's priceless!" Quinn giggled. "I love this game! Let's ask more questions." Brittany and Santana exchanged a glance and smiled at the memory of their own game the previous night.

"I have a better idea!" Rachel squealed, bouncing in her seat. Guess her hangover's better then? Drama Queen. "Let's all ask Brittany questions. It'll be a fun way for us to get to know her better." The others agreed enthusiastically.

"What? No fair." The blonde pouted and Santana's heart did another one of those flutters.

"Sorry, Britt. Gonna have to agree with Gay Berry over there." Santana grinned and adjusted herself so she was sitting cross-legged on the sofa. "Okay. Aunty Tana will decide the rules. Rule number 1: Britt, you have to answer completely and utterly truthfully. No fibbing." Her eyes narrowed on the blonde who giggled. "And rule number 2: No lame questions. Berry, I'm talking to you." Santana quirked an eyebrow and pointed at Rachel who rolled her eyes. "Punishment for any lame questions will be in the form of making me breakfast tomorrow. Vegan recipes are not allowed. Got it? Good. Quinn, seeing as you're Britt's roommate, you can start."

"Okay… Weirdest sexual dream?" Brittany furrowed her brows in thought.

"Um… I had a dream about my friend's dad once. That was kinda awkward when I went round for dinner the next night." She grimaced and everyone chuckled.

"My turn!" Rachel shrieked. "What qualities do you usually look for in a partner?"

"Berry, what the fuck did I just say about lame questions? You owe me breakfast. I like bacon, thanks." Santana smiled as Brittany chuckled next to her. She glared at Rachel who was looking very disheartened.

"It's fine, I don't mind lame questions." Brittany said sweetly, returning the grin to Rachel's face. "I usually go for people with tanned skin…" She began and Santana felt her hand return to her thigh and smirked. "I like dark hair, brown eyes. The whole exotic thing is such a turn on." Her hand squeezed the Latina's leg and she felt her whole body heat up. Woah. "Next."

"Worst sexual experience." Kurt stated, raising an eyebrow at the blonde.

"Oh I have a really good one. Well, not good, awful actually, but- you know what I mean!" So goddamn cute. "So anyway, I had sex with this guy once, and he cried afterwards because he said he was so happy." Her nose scrunched up at the memory and various gasps and poor you's were muttered around the room.

"Shit you must be so good!" Santana blurted out. Her face instantly reddened. Fuck. Did she just say that out loud? Everyone laughed and Brittany tightened her grip on Santana's bare thigh, sending even more colour to her cheeks. Holy shit.

"Looks like we've got two sex machines in the group!" Kurt smirked and this time Brittany blushed.

"Ha ha, very funny. Next question!" Brittany said, looking around at the others expectantly, her eyes pausing on Santana.

"Biggest turn on." The Latina said slowly, holding Brittany's gaze. She could see the tiniest of smirks tugging at her lips.

"Saying stuff in a foreign language. I think it's so sexy." The blonde said, her eyes not leaving Santana's. Duly noted. "What else ya got for me?"

"Brittany's the best." Rachel chirped from her seat next to Santana. It was Monday morning, and that meant that she was forced to endure an entire hour of Rachel Berry for their vocal theory class. She loved Berry really, in a she's so fucking annoying but she's my friend and I wouldn't have her any other way kind of way, but having to spend a whole hour with her, trapped in a music room at NYADA and forced to listen to her bang on about pitch and tone and fuck knows what else, was a little much. In fact, Santana was sure she was about one more I think you need to adjust your breathing on that part, Santana away from lunging across and throttling the girl. So it took Santana a little by surprise when she mentioned Brittany.

"Yeah, she's pretty awesome." She was more than pretty awesome, but Santana didn't want to seem too obvious.

"Like, she's really pretty and funny and so sweet. And she's so talented! I mean, Quinn said she's the best dancer she's ever seen. And you know Quinn, she doesn't say those kinds of things lightly. Plus, she sings too. Did you know that?" Santana shook her head. She didn't know that. Interesting. "And she can do all these awesome things like rap, and beat box. How cool is that?" She gushed with a large smile.

"Jeez, Gay Berry. It's starting to sound like you've got yourself a little girl crush on Britt-Britt." She said, half teasing half serious because hell no. She was the one with the crush on Brittany.

"Oh grow up." Rachel chuckled and shook her head before looking down at the sheet music they'd been asked to study. "You guys are pretty close, huh?" Close. That's one way you could describe it.

"Uh, sure. I- I guess." Santana replied a little nervously. She wasn't sure where this was going.

"I think that's great, Santana." Huh? "It's just… I don't know, it's nice seeing you like this again. It's really good that you have someone who you can open up to. I've never seen you warm so quickly to anyone the way you have with Brittany. Even you and Quinn aren't anywhere near that close." Rachel said with a warm smile. She was right.

"Um… yeah, well. I've known Britt forever, Berry." She said quickly, trying to shrug off Rachel's comment. "I guess… I don't know, she's just… different, you know?" Rachel nodded.

"She is. In a great way. I think she fits into our little family perfectly! I'm happy for you." She beamed before returning her attention to the music. Okay, that was weird. Santana felt her phone buzz in her pocket and reached down to get it, glancing up quickly to check their singing teacher, Miss Holliday, wasn't watching. Not that she'd care, that woman was a fucking legend.

Café. 12 o'clock. – Quinn

Shit.

Something was definitely up. Santana had known Quinn for a long time and she knew that short, to the point messages like that from her meant something was up. What the fuck could it be? Did she know about her and Brittany? Could she tell from yesterday? Shit, shit, shit. Okay, she needed to calm down. Quinn couldn't know anything for sure. It would be fine. If in doubt, deny everything.

Santana pushed open the door to the café she and Quinn always went to and spied the blonde sitting at a table in the far corner flicking through a text-book. Okay, calm. Deep breaths. Act normal.

"Yo, Fabray." Santana said in her most causal tone and took a seat opposite her friend. Quinn didn't look up but instead kept her eyes fixed on her book. "Earth to Quinn? What the fuck's so interesting in…" Santana grabbed the large book in front of her and read aloud the title. "The Philosophy of Politics. Fuck, your life's boring." Quinn snatched the book back and looked up at the Latina.

"Hi. Sorry, I'm cramming. Exams next week." She said, taking a sip of her latte.

"Gay." Santana snorted before turning and waving the waitress over. "So, what's up? What is it you want to lay into me for this time?"

"What makes you assume I want to lay into you?" She asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"I know you Q. And I know something's up. Besides, my Mexican third eye is never wrong. So either we can make bullshit small talk for an hour first and then you tell me, or you can just come right out with whatever it is. Preferably the second option 'cause I's gots places to be."

"Well. I'm worried about you." Oh Jesus. It was never good when Quinn said that."I just… you seem, different." She continued slowly, her eyes studying the Latina.

"What the fuck are you on about Q?" She snapped, irritated the blonde seemed to be totally wasting her time. She could be back at home by now, curled up on the sofa and watching TV. Or probably thinking about a certain other blonde if she was being honest.

"I don't know, I guess… Look, I know you, Santana, and I can tell there's something going on with you. You just seem so… not yourself." Her eyes narrowed, presumably trying to decipher exactly what it was, before sighing and taking another sip of coffee.

"Look, Q. I don't know what kind of drug they've put in your latte, but could you please stop acting like a whack-job and tell me what the hell's going on?" Quinn was the one acting weird, not her.

"You're just so happy at the moment." Quinn replied, studying Santana's features as if she would find some answers there. Santana stared back at her with wide eyes.

"And that's a problem because…?"

"Because you're never happy, S." Harsh, but possibly true. "I haven't seen you properly happy in years, not since… anyway, I'm just- I'm just worried because I know what you're like. I know how you bottle things up and pretend everything's all la-di-dah when it's not. So what's going on?" Quinn said, a little more frustrated. Santana briefly thanked the waitress who'd just come back with her coffee, before crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair.

"Do you realise how completely insane you sound right now? Everything's fine. I'm fine. Things are just good at the moment. Is that allowed?" She asked, eyeing the blonde with confusion. What the fuck was she on?

"Listen, S. I'm just trying to look out for you. I remember how you were when your dad left. You seemed like everything was fine and then-"

"I know, Quinn." Santana cut her off with a sharp tone. "I was there. I do vaguely recall the whole thing. Thank you so much for reminding me." She snapped, her voice laced thick with sarcasm.

"I know, I just…" Quinn trailed off with a sigh and warmed her hands around her coffee mug. The girls sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, before Quinn looked up again. "You and Brittany…" Oh god, here it comes. "I can't help but feel like you've been different ever since she moved in. You've gotten pretty close, haven't you?" What was up with everyone asking her that today?

"Sure. I mean, you know how close we were when we were kids." Santana said with a shrug.

"I know, but… it's not the same. You're different now. And you never let people in, ever. Hell, you hardly let me in, so I just... I guess I'm just finding it hard to understand how someone you've had back in your life for two minutes has had such a change on you. It's… strange that's all."

"Quinn, she was my best friend. I was my best when I was with her, before she left and everything else in my life started turning to shit. Can't I be happy now that she's back?" Santana blurted without thinking. She hadn't really intended on sharing so much. "You're sounding a little jealous I'm not gonna lie." She added hastily.

"I'm not jealous, Santana. Don't be so immature. And of course you're allowed to be happy, but like I said, things are different now. You're different now. Brittany's so innocent and gullible and"-

"She's not stupid, Fabray." Santana snapped.

"I know that. I'm just saying what I told you before. Don't take advantage of her. She's my roommate, and I kind of like having her around." Quinn said only half-seriously, forcing a smile.

"I don't know what the fuck you're on about Quinn, but Britt's a big girl. She can take care of herself." What the hell was Quinn implying?

"I know, I know." She chuckled. "Just please don't go corrupting her. We don't need two Santana Lopez's running around this place. One is already more than enough thank you." She smirked and Santana rolled her eyes.

"Anyway," Santana decided to change the subject, glad that Quinn's sour mood seemed to have lifted. "Now that you've stopped spewing crazy, let's talk about something that's actually interesting. Party. My place. Wednesday. I'll finally be done with my dance exam piece so I wants to celebrate." Quinn's eyes widened with excitement and she let out a little squeal. "Calm your tits, Fabray. It'll just be a chilled one. Us, Lady Hummel, Berry, Brittany – if I'm still allowed to talk to her that is?" She added and Quinn stuck her tongue out. At that moment her phone vibrated on the table and her eyes lit up as she saw who it was from.

Guess what tonight is? Date night! I'm coming to get you at 8.

Ps. Missing you today – Britt-Britt

Heart. Officially. Melted. "Speak of the blonde devil. That was Britt."

"And what's she said?" Quinn asked coolly, looking up over her mug.

"Just seeing if I wanted to grab dinner tonight." The Latina shrugged casually but she could feel a stupid grin plastered on her face. "No big deal."

"Oh, she didn't tell me she wouldn't be home." Quinn looked a little deflated.

"Oh don't be pathetic Q. Go and gay it up with Lady Hummel and Grandma Berry. You guys can all knit or play Bingo or something." Santana laughed as Quinn shot her a mock glare, and she began to get up from the table. "Anyways I gots to go. Need to get some more practice in for Wednesday. Invite Chang 1 and Chang 2 to the party as well if you want. See ya." She waved and made her way out of the café, still grinning from ear to ear because tonight she was going on a date with Brittany.

She was going on a date. With Brittany. Tonight.

Woah.

Now that Santana was back at the apartment and showered after a good hour's dance practice, she was standing in her bedroom in a towel and trying desperately to decide on an outfit for her date. Date. That sounded so weird.

After she'd left Quinn she'd replied to Brittany asking what they were doing but she'd simply responded that it was a surprise. Santana didn't like surprises. The last surprise she'd had was last year when she'd come back to the apartment to find that Kurt and Rachel had sold their stereo and bought a karaoke machine instead. A karaoke machine. Let's just say it did not go down well.

"A karaoke machine? Are you freaking kidding me?"

"Rachel and I thought it would be fun, Santana!"

"But you sold our fucking stereo! A stereo which I paid a third for thank you very much! Is there zero brain activity going on below that stupidly quaffed hair of yours or is this some kind of sick joke?"

"Santana, just try to calm down. Kurt and I know you'll absolutely love it! We can host karaoke parties, have sing-offs, maybe even-"

"Tell me to calm down ONE more time, Berry, and I swear to god, I'll shove that microphone so far up your ass your colon will be belting out god awful Broadway tunes!"

Yeah… definitely didn't go down well. Santana shuddered at the memory and turned her attention back to the heap of clothes on her bed. Okay, she might not like surprises, but any surprise from Brittany couldn't possibly be bad, right? The only problem was that because Santana had no clue about where they were going or what the hell they were doing, she had no idea what to wear. Were they going to a fancy restaurant and if so should she dress up? But what if they were just headed to the movies and she arrived completely overdressed? And then what if she turned up causal and Brittany turned up in a ball gown or something and she looked like a total loser? Fuck, dates were stressful.

Santana decided she should go for a middle option. A tight black skirt, a sexy top and her heeled boots. Perfect. But wait- Shit. What about underwear? She wanted to wear nice ones because, well, you know. But then she didn't want Brittany to think she was expecting something. Not that she was, they'd been over that, but still. Oh for fuck sake, Lopez. Get a bleeding grip. She pulled on some black lace panties and a sexy red bra – they were hot, but not matching so still said causal – and threw on her outfit, before admiring herself in her long mirror. Nailed it. She glanced at the clock and saw it was 7.45 – holy shit. Fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes until Brittany arrived. For her date. With Brittany. A girl. Who she really liked. Fuck- why was she so freaking nervous? She quickly did her make-up – sexy but not too heavy – and pulled on her boots before grabbing her purse and making her way out of her room.

"Look at you!" Kurt chirped from the sofa as Santana strutted into the living room. "You look gorgeous. Hot date?" He put down the book he'd been reading and looked the Latina up and down.

"Just having dinner with Britt." She replied with an air of composure, something she was definitely not feeling right now.

"Oh really?" He said mischievously. "I see." Damn Kurt and his probably bang on gaydar.

"You look lovely, Santana." Rachel glanced up from her seat next to him where she was looking over some sheet music. "Where are you two off to?"

"I don't know. She won't tell me. She says it's a surprise." Santana said with an eye roll.

"Ooh I love surprises!" Rachel squealed, jumping up from her seat and rushing over to Santana.

"Oh, I know you do, Berry. Don't think I've forgotten about the karaoke machine incident." Santana glared at Rachel who hung her head.

"I still think it was mean of you to smash it with a baseball bat. I didn't even know you owned a baseball bat." Santana smirked at the memory. She may have gone a little overboard there, but fuck it was satisfying.

"Yeah, well. You still owe me money for that." She huffed and walked over to the kitchen area where she began to adjust her hair in the reflection on the microwave.

"But you broke it!" Rachel squealed, rushing after her.

"Whatever, midget. Now please leave me alone. Your whining is making my breasts ache." Santana smirked and Rachel retreated back to the couch looking very disheartened. "So when's Fabgay coming over and joining this wild party?" She asked, shaking her head at the sight of Kurt reading and Rachel buried in sheets of music. Before anyone could answer there was a knock at the door and Santana's heart leapt. She smoothed out her skirt and glanced once more at her reflection in the microwave before stepping slowly over to the door. Keep it cool.

"Hey." Wow. Brittany stood in the doorway smiling the biggest smile Santana had ever seen. Her long hair was pulled back in a high pony tail, she was wearing tight black jeans that made her legs go on for miles and a sexy grey top with a low-cut neckline which dipped right down between her breasts. Double wow.

"Hey you." Santana replied when she realised her eyes had lingered a little too long on her cleavage. The blonde smirked.

"You look amazing." Brittany whispered, and the air caught somewhere at the back of Santana's throat because just… Brittany. Before Santana could return the compliment, because she sure as hell looked amazing, Rachel squealed and came sprinting up behind her, almost knocking her over as she flung her arms around Brittany.

"Brittany! You look amazing!" Way to steal my line, Berry. "I hear you've got a surprise for Santana. I love surprises! Santana, on the other hand, doesn't." Shut. Up. Right. Now. "But I'm sure she'll love wherever you're taking her. Just make sure she doesn't have any weapons on her. Sharp objects, baseball bats, that kind of thing and you should be fine!" She giggled and stuck her tongue out at Santana who simply glared back at her.

"Um… okay, thanks, Rachel?" Brittany said, clearly a little confused but the large grin was still plastered on her face.

"Alright midget. That's enough of you. Why don't you give Britts here a little room to breathe and get back to the gay-fest you guys have planned for tonight?" She shooed Rachel away with her hand who reluctantly obeyed.

"Have fun kids! Stay safe!" Kurt shouted from the living room.

"Let's get the hell away from this freak show." Santana whispered to Brittany who giggled and turned back into the corridor. "Adios losers!" She shouted before grabbing her purse and closing the door behind them. Thank fuck for that.

Brittany said hey again as she turned to face Santana and pulled her into a tight squeeze. Santana couldn't help but notice she smelt amazing; kind of fruity and sweet. "I missed you."

"Britt, I saw you yesterday." Santana giggled as they broke apart. "But, fuck it, I really missed you too." Brittany beamed back at her before pressing the button to the elevator.

"You excited?" Brittany asked as they made their way outside the building.

"I'd be a lot more excited if I knew where they hell we were going." Santana responded with a grin.

"Well I can't tell you because that would ruin the surprise." Brittany stated matter-of-factly, her face scrunched up in an attempt at seriousness which Santana thought was adorable. Santana rolled her eyes playfully and watched as Brittany got out her keys from her purse and unlocked her car. "Okay, roof up or roof down?" Holy mother of-

"Britt, this is your car?" Santana exclaimed, eyes wide and mouth probably hanging open very unattractively. The blonde nodded shyly and walked over to hold the passenger door open for her friend. It was a shiny, baby blue convertible and it was freaking awesome. Santana climbed in and grinned as she stroked the cream leather interior. "This is like, the coolest car ever! And definitely roof down." Brittany chuckled at Santana's excitement and turned the key in the ignition.

"Thanks. My parents gave it to me as a present when I finished high school. No one thought I would actually graduate – I wasn't exactly the best student – so it was kind of a miracle. That's how they described it anyway." She said with a small smile which Santana couldn't help but feel wasn't genuine.

"Yeah, I wasn't big on the whole studying thing either." Santana agreed as she did up her seat belt and Brittany pulled out from the parking space. "I was more into the partying. I loved Cheerio's, and I mean glee club turned out to be pretty cool but studying? Not so much." Brittany giggled.

"Yeah I totally loved the partying too. But I just found classes really tricky. I always got confused and kind of spaced out a little. My teachers always said I was stupid." She kept her eyes in front and shrugged as if it was no big deal.

"You're not stupid, Britt-Britt." Santana said in a firm tone and turned to Brittany, whose eyes left the road for a second to look at the Latina. "You're like the wisest person I know. Always have been." She grinned and the blonde smiled back, before turning back to the road. It was true. Even when they were kids, Brittany just had this whole different attitude to life; she saw the world so differently to everyone else, and she had missed that. Santana's grin grew wider as she felt Brittany's hand reach across to take hers and interlace her fingers with her own. For the rest of the journey, they chatted happily about how their days had been and various other things, Brittany's hand only leaving hers every now and again to change gear, before returning and taking Santana's again.

Santana thought she wouldn't have mind staying like that forever, Brittany's hand in hers, cruising through the city with the roof down and feeling the cool breeze against her skin. So when Brittany eventually pulled over and removed her hand from Santana's to put the car into park, she couldn't help but pout a little. "Are we here already?"

"Yeah, it's just around the corner." Brittany replied, closing her door and locking the car. "You'll like it I promise." Santana made her way around the car to join her and she looked around as they started walking along the pavement of a quiet street. She didn't recognise the part of town.

"Are you going to tell me where we are yet?" Santana asked, eyeing her friend suspiciously who just chuckled. "Or is this the part of the date where you kill me and cut me up into tiny little pieces?" Not that she thought Brittany was capable of hurting a fly. The blonde snorted and shook her head.

"You'll just have to wait and see, Santana. And I kinda like hearing you say date." She smiled sweetly and interlaced her fingers with Santana again, who felt her heart flutter.

"I kinda like saying it." She replied with a grin, because, however much it surprised her, it did feel good to say. They rounded the corner and Brittany stopped which forced Santana to look up at the restaurant they were now stood in front of and she froze. "No. Freaking. Way." She felt Brittany squeeze her hand and Santana turned to look at her with eyes widened.

"Good surprise?" Brittany was beaming from ear to ear and Santana was sure she was doing the same because-

"Best. Surprise. Ever!" The Latina squealed. She probably sounded about five years old right now but she couldn't care less. "Breadstix! Are you fucking serious? I didn't even know there was one in New York!"

"Neither did I!" Brittany was still grinning, obviously very pleased her surprise had gone down so well. "My mum told me. She's friends with the guy that ran the one in Lima and he said they're opening restaurants all over the country! There's one in Chicago too now, I think. Maybe we should go there for our second date?!" She added and Santana giggled. Hearing Brittany say second date made her insides feel all warm and fuzzy. "Come on, let's go in. I wanna see if it looks the same as the one in Lima." Santana followed eagerly, her hand still gripping Brittany's tightly. They pushed their way through the double doors and Santana felt her heart do a little leap. She turned to Brittany who was beaming back at her because although the place wasn't exactly the same, it was pretty damn similar. Tables and booths with brown leather seats were scattered around the room, separated by wooden partitions, and cool pictures hung on the wall. There was even a little stage at the back like at the one back home. Santana sighed as memories from when she was younger flashed through her mind; how she and Brittany would go there after school and chat and giggle for hours about anything and everything. She remembered once how they hadn't even ordered food and instead had forced the poor waitress to just keep bringing them an endless supply of breadsticks. Something like sadness twinged in her stomach, but she couldn't dwell on it for long because Brittany was tugging her towards a booth in the far corner.

"I am so getting the shrimp!" Brittany squealed and Santana's smile returned wide. "What are you gonna get, Santana? That chicken thing you always used to have?" The Latina's heart melted at how Brittany had remembered her order and she sat down opposite the blonde.

"Ooh I do loves me some chicken, Britt-Britt. I'm mostly thinking about those glorious breadsticks right now though." She licked her lips and Brittany giggled. "Thank you, Britt. For this, for taking me here. Seriously, this is awesome." Brittany looked down and smiled bashfully. A nerdy looking waiter came over and Santana reeled off both their orders and asked for a jug of water. "Oh, and me and my girl, Britt, here really like us some breadsticks, so keep 'em coming, okay four-eyes? If I see that bowl so much as nearly empty, I will march on over there and tell your manager that his nerdiest employee has been ogling at the twins here-" She motioned to her cleavage and immediately the weedy guy shot his eyes back up to Santana's face. "-and have you fired for sexual harassment. Comprendes? Good." She shooed him away with a wave and turned back to Brittany, who was looking at her with a half amused, half impressed expression on her face.

"Wow. That was uh… quite something." The blonde said with a giggle and Santana smirked.

"A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, Britt-Britt." She shrugged and Brittany laughed again. "I wants me those breadsticks." The girls chatted nostalgically for a little while about memories of Breadstix and Lima, before the now terrified looking waiter reappeared with their meals and a very large bowl of breadsticks. The two girls glanced at the bowl and back to each other, before bursting out laughing as the waiter scurried away.

"Last weekend was so much fun, Santana. I love your friends." Brittany began, taking a mouthful of her shrimp and giving a thumbs up to let Santana know that it was good.

"Lady Hummel and Grandma Berry? Really?" Santana replied with arched eyebrows.

"Oh I know you love them really." Brittany said with a grin. "I know you put on this act and pretend not to, but you don't fool me." Busted. It felt kind of nice to know how much Brittany really got her though.

"Fine. Maybe a little." She shot Brittany a mock glare. "Berry may have the world's loudest voice for such an abnormally small person and a horrendous taste in tights, but she's actually a really loyal friend. And Kurt is pretty cool, he's just too gay for his own good sometimes." She said with a smirk and Brittany nodded.

"I liked the question game last night. It was cute that everyone to want to get to know me." She said is the sweetest voice and Santana beamed before remembering something that she'd been meaning to ask Brittany. Her eyes narrowed and her smile became mischievous.

"That reminds me, Britt. I guess I'm your type huh?" Brittany's cheeks turned ever so slightly pink and she looked questioningly at Santana. "Last night, you said the things you're normally attracted to are: tanned skin, dark hair and brown eyes. I'm pretty sure you also used the word exotic, if I'm right?" Brittany blushed harder this time and Santana smirked, enjoying her teasing. "Couldn't have really described me better myself, Britt-Britt."

"Don't be mean." She shot Santana a mock glare and prodded her with a breadstick.

"I'm kidding. I kinda liked hearing it." Santana smiled and took a bite of her chicken. So. Freaking. Good. "Oh and the whole hand on the thigh thing? So not fair." She grinned again and Brittany's eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. I think it was hearing you being described as a sex machine. I was kinda… intrigued." She quirked an eyebrow and Santana's stomach clenched.

"I'm not the one who produced tears they were that good in the sack." She quipped with a flirtatious wink. Brittany giggled and rolled her eyes.

"That was one time!" Santana couldn't help but smile. Dates weren't scary. At least this one wasn't.

"I'm really glad we're doing this, Britt-Britt."

"Me too." Brittany reached over and placed her hand gently over Santana's. Her breath caught for a second and she glanced nervously around the room, before returning her gaze to the blonde. She instinctively whipped her hand away and turned back to Brittany, who was looking at her with a little confusion. Sure, no one in here knew her, and probably couldn't even see, but they were still in public, and Santana had never done this kind of thing before. "Britt, can I ask you something?" She said in a small voice and the blonde nodded. Her eyes were looking at her questioningly but she was still smiling sweetly, so Santana continued. "It's just… You're so okay about all of this. It's still all so new to me and I'm terrified of the looks and what other people might think… I know I shouldn't be but, it's just- How do you find it so easy?" Santana wasn't sure she was even making sense, but she wanted to know how Brittany didn't let any of it get to her. Santana hated the idea of idiots judging her and labelling her, but Brittany just didn't seem to care and she admired her so much for it.

Brittany's face softened and she took a sip of water before speaking. "I don't know, I guess I just don't really think it's anybody's business, you know? I like who I like and who are they to judge? I know it's more difficult for some people and I completely understand that." She smiled sweetly and Santana felt herself relax a little. "I like you because of who you are, Santana. It's not about being a boy or a girl, it's you that I care about. And people might say stuff or judge or whatever but let them. Besides, if anyone was ever mean to you, Santana, you'd either kick their ass or slash them with your vicious, vicious words." She grinned bigger and Santana couldn't help but smile back. How did she always know exactly the right thing to say? Santana took a deep breath before sliding her hand across the table to find Brittany's again and she watched the blonde sigh contentedly as Santana interlaced her fingers with the blonde's.

"Thanks, Britt-Britt. You always make me feel better. I'm sorry for being such a fucking mess." Santana looked down at her plate but Brittany squeezed her hand, lifting her eyes back up to meet blue.

"You're not a mess, Santana. It's hard and I get that and I don't want to pressure you to tell anyone because you should be the one to decide when you're ready. But I do think that when you are, your friends are gonna love you just the same. They're pretty great." Santana sighed.

"I know, but…" She trailed off and searched the blue eyes in front of her.

"And until then," Brittany continued with a beaming smile. "I get to have you all to myself, which I'm more than okay with." Heart. Melting.

"Okay." Santana smiled and stroked the back of Brittany's hand with her fingers. "You're kinda great, you know that?" Brittany shrugged and pretended to dust off her shoulder.

"What can I say?" They both giggled before returning to their food. Santana was glad to have got that off her chest but she was grateful for the now lighter mood.

"So," Santana started after a mouthful of fries and eyed the blonde with a playful grin. "I hear you beat-box? And rap? How the hell did I not know this?" Brittany chuckled and rolled her eyes before laying her fork down on her plate.

"I don't know, I don't just go round telling people. 'Hi, my name's Brittany S. Pierce and my special talents include beat-boxing and rapping. What's your name?'" They both laughed.

"You so should do that, Britt. Beat-boxing is like the coolest thing ever. You have to do it for me!" Brittany pouted adorably and shook her head. "Oh please, Britt-Britt. For me?" Santana looked up pleadingly and stuck out her bottom lip in her best pout.

"Oh, no. Those puppy dog eyes aint gonna work on me, Lopez. Very cute though." She smiled and tapped the end of Santana's nose with her finger. "I'm going to need a large amount of alcohol in me before the beat-boxing comes out!" Santana laughed.

"Fine. But can I at least hear you sing? Apparently you've got a good set of pipes on you too." She grinned evilly at the blonde whose eyes were wide and her cheeks a little pink.

"Where are you getting all this info? Did you google search me, 'cause I'm not gonna lie that's a little creepy, Santana." She pointed at the Latina, her eyes narrowing.

"God no." Santana said with a chuckle. "Berry told me. Apparently she's your number one fan."

"Oh, right. Well sorry, that's not going to happen either. I don't really sing for people – I'm a dance major remember?" She looked up at Santana sheepishly and her heart did its little flutter thing again.

"Okay. I will strike a deal with you, Miss Pierce. You watch me dance and I get to hear you sing." Santana said triumphantly and stuck out her other hand for Brittany to shake. The blonde eyed it cautiously.

"But I've already seen you dance." She said with a wink and Santana blushed at the memory of them making out against the wall in the studio. Brittany smirked.

"You saw me dance for like two seconds. That doesn't count. I want you to come to my exam performance on Wednesday. Will you come?" Santana asked in a hopeful voice. She was actually a little nervous about it and she really wanted Brittany there.

"Hmm… Okay, Santana. You've got yourself a deal. I watch you dance and then I'll serenade you with my magical voice." The girls shook hands and grinned. "Are people allowed to come and watch your exam piece though?" Her face scrunched up in confusion. She was too cute when she did that.

"Sure. At NYADA, the exam performances are like proper shows. Loads of people come to watch and cheer you on. It's pretty cool actually. Kinda nerve-racking though."

"You'll do great, Santana. And I will definitely be there to cheer you on!" Santana's insides warmed as Brittany tightened her grip around her hand.

"Good, because it gets better. Party at casa di Lopez on Wednesday night to celebrate." Brittany gasped with excitement and grinned widely. "And even better still, there will be copious amounts of alcohol, definitely enough to justify beat-boxing." She winked at Brittany who just laughed.

"Okay you win. So, can I ask you a question?" Santana dipped her eyebrows but nodded all the same. "Can I be your secret date to this party?" She said it in the cutest of voices and with the sweetest of smiles that Santana just looked back at her with affection.

"Of course, Britt. There is no one else I would rather take as my secret date." She winked before biting her lip in thought. "But what exactly does a secret date do?" Brittany scrunched up her brow and thought hard for a second.

"Well first of all," She began, holding up one finger. "It's the job of the secret date to look super-duper sexy." Santana grinned, partly at the image of Brittany dressing up sexy and partly because only she could get away with saying super-duper and sexy in the same sentence. "Second of all," She held up another finger. "I have to pay you loads of attention and flirt with you all night - secretly of course. And thirdly, you hold the right to drag me to another room and make out with me whenever you want during the course of the evening." Santana could feel the smile on her lips getting bigger by the second because fucking hell that sounded like the perfect evening. Wednesday could not come soon enough.

"I see." Santana replied, pretending to stroke an imaginary beard. "Very interesting. And what do I have to do in return?" She asked, eying the blonde playfully and stroking light circles on the back of her hand.

"Oh, you know. Just look super hot." Brittany shrugged. "So nothing you don't normally do." She grinned and lifted Santana's hand to kiss her palm.

"I think I like this plan, Britt."