Recipe for Disaster

Chapter 11: A Moment Like This

Moments.

There are certain moments in our lives that truly define the people that we are… the people we become. Since that very first moment when I saw Santana on that TV screen, I knew that my life would be different. At the time, I didn't know how drastically everything would change for me, but the moment our eyes locked inside of her restaurant… I knew.

Since then, I've been experiencing all sorts of emotions with every new moment that includes her. Most of them have been happy, like the first time we hugged, kissed, made love…. Others, however, have been sad and tragic, like learning about the accident and the role my parents played in keeping us apart. Thankfully, the love that I once had for Santana was still buried deep inside of me and allowed me to find my way back to her. After all that we have been through, if possible, I think I love her even more now.


After Santana and I spent the rest of the day re-acquainting ourselves, we fell asleep in each other's arms. It truly is one of the best feelings in the world. The next morning when I awoke, I felt a cool breeze cascade over my body from the lack of warmth provided by Santana's missing body. I didn't panic though, knowing that she wasn't too far away from the aromatic smell of bacon that was wafting through the air.

As I sat up in our bed, I grabbed my phone to check the time. As I scrolled through my new emails, I was surprised to see several Facebook notifications. As I glanced over a few of the snippets from the vast amount of comments my friends had left me, the majority of them were pretty basic, saying "Congrats!" and "It's about damn time!" Having no idea on what I was being congratulated on, I grabbed my computer from the desk and opened it, intending on going directly to my Facebook profile. To my surprise, it was already opened to that page.

As I read over the new story that had been posted on my timeline, I felt my eyes start to water from the happiness inside of me just bursting to escape:

Santana Lopez is in a relationship with Brittany Pierce!

Underneath the headline of the new story was a picture of me and Santana that I didn't recognize. We both looked a little younger so I imagine that it was from our college days, before everything went to hell in a hand basket. In the picture, me and San are just looking at each other with smiles on our faces, while holding hands. It may have looked like just a simple picture, but it conveyed so much love. Attached to that was a caption that read, "After all these years, my world is finally complete again… I love you, Brittany!"

At least now, all of those comments that people were posting made sense.

As I grabbed a shirt and some underwear to put on, I made my way into the kitchen, where I immediately spotted my beautiful girlfriend. I then snuck up behind her and snaked my arms around her waist.

"Morning babe," I whispered in her ear as I nuzzled her neck.

"Mmm, hey baby," she replies as she leans back into my embrace. "How'd you sleep?"

"Wonderfully!" I say with a big smile plastered on my face. "How bout you?"

"Same," she responds as she turns around in my arms. Santana then places a chaste kiss to my lips. "Why don't you have a seat? Breakfast is ready."

I give her a peck on the lips and take a seat at the table. As Santana hands me a plate filled with mouth-watering food, I take a moment to just appreciate where I currently am and how happy this woman has made me.

"So… I see you made a Facebook page..." I state casually. Santana blushes as she looks down at the table. She is so adorable.

"I actually just re-activated my old one," Santana states. "I hope you don't mind the slight changes I made to your profile…"

I smile at how timid Santana is being, thinking that I could actually be upset with her for going onto my Facebook page.

"Not at all…" I state sincerely as I lean over the table to connect my lips with hers. "It was a nice surprise to wake up to."

"Good… I'm glad," she responds, relief washing over her face. Finally, she smiles again and leans in to close the gap between our lips.


As Santana and I enjoyed our breakfast, we caught up on all of the things we had missed, not being in contact with each other for the past few weeks. I told her about the falling out I had with my parents and the ring that I had found with the belongings that Quinn had given me. Santana seemed shocked by this revelation, which rendered her speechless for a few seconds. I assured her that she had nothing to worry about and that I would've most definitely said yes to her proposal, had it not been for the life-altering accident. I also told her about my "Depression for Dummies" playlist that Lindsay so aptly named. Santana got a kick out of that one. I then told her how Lindsay showed me that first video of her singing and how she managed to light a fire underneath my ass so that I would finally end this silence between us. This made Santana smile.

Santana then told me about the fear and anxiety she was experiencing. She told me about my mom's surprise visit on Mother's Day and how apparently her mom slapped her. I'm usually not one for violence, but the way Santana re-told the story sounded pretty freaking hilarious. Anyways, Santana told me everything that my mother had told her and how she wouldn't stand in the way if we got back together. I guess after our falling out, she went out on a limb to finally make things right. After that, San told me about how her mother convinced her to finally sing again. Although she was starting to feel confident again, the nightmares that she started having after that counteracted the courage she had built up to come see me.

In the end, all was forgiven because things between us were good. Even though us finally getting back together took a little longer because of all of these distractions and roadblocks, we eventually landed back in each other's arms.


In the days following, Santana and I traveled back to Lima to pack up the rest of my belongings and ship them to California. Lindsay was a big help and it was nice to see her and Santana interact. Once my things arrived in LA, Puck and company were nice enough to begin the unpacking process while me and San were in Lima. While in town, I showed Santana my dance studio and let her meet some of my students that I would be leaving behind. All of my students were sad to hear of my departure, but were adamantly curious to meet the woman who had "stolen" me away from them. However, once they all met Santana, they all could see how easy it was to fall in love with her. Seriously, I had to tell some of my male students to back off cuz they were trying to get all up in Santana's Kool-Aid. I just simply gave them the evil eye and told them "she's not for you!" I may have also implied that I would give them a swift chop to the neck if they got any closer to her, but that's neither here nor there.

After saying goodbye to my students, Santana and I went to visit her father. I wasn't sure how their interaction amongst each other would be since it had been years since they last saw each other. I opted to stay behind so that they could have their privacy, but Santana wouldn't allow it. I know it was very difficult for her, seeing him again, especially after her parents split. Just from the brief talks that we've had about her father, I know that there's a part of her that still blames him for her mother leaving. Although she was an adult when her parents divorced, I can't imagine feeling like the reason why your family is broken is because your own father picked his career over his wife. For me, it's like what I told Santana before… I love dancing, but I can do that anywhere. In my book, being able to see and hold the woman of my dreams in my arms every day and night wins every time.

After the initial awkwardness wore off, the 3 of us enjoyed a nice dinner at our favorite restaurant… Breadstix! It was nice seeing Santana and her father being able to catch up, although their separation could've been avoided if her father wasn't such a workaholic. Nevertheless, I was happy to be present and hear stories about Santana when she was a little girl. I don't think Santana cared for the stories as much, due to her flushed cheeks from being embarrassed. Again, I found this side of Santana simply adorable. I also got to talk to Mr. Lopez one-on-one for a little bit when San excused herself to go to the restroom. Mr. Lopez told me that the day we met Junior year, he had never seen a bigger smile on his daughter's face. He also said that seeing us now, together again, made him happy, yet envious of the connection that we had because he was foolish enough to let her mother go.

As dinner ended, Mr. Lopez gave me a big hug and said that he hoped to see me soon. As I walked a little ahead of them so that they could have a moment to say their goodbyes, I overheard a fraction of their conversation.

"It was so good to see you, Santanita!" Mr. Lopez stated as he warmly embraced his daughter. As they pulled apart, his hands firmly gripped her shoulders. "I know that I'm an idiot for not fighting for your mother, but please… don't be like me," he paused momentarily. "Don't you ever let that girl go… she really does bring out the best in you."

"You don't have to worry about that papi. I'll never let her go," Santana responds while glancing at me, "… she's the best thing that's ever happened to me!"


Before we ended our mini vacation in Lima, there was one last stop we had to make… my parents' house. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to say to them since it had been a while since I last talked to them. However, I guess after hearing that my mother tried to make amends with Santana after her poor choice of judgment, I felt that there may be hope at a possible reconciliation. Plus, now that Santana and I were officially back together, I figured my parents should know so that they could start getting used to the fact that she wasn't going anywhere… ever.

As we arrived at my childhood home, I hesitated before knocking on the door.

"Hey… you okay?" Santana asks me while tugging on my shirt.

"Yeah, just a little nervous," I reply, linking our fingers together.

"Everything will be fine," she says reassuringly while giving me a quick peck on my lips. I smile in return and finally find the strength to knock on the door.

Lindsay answers the door and leads us towards the kitchen where my parents are. As we get closer, I see Santana taking in her surroundings in complete awe.

"Wow… it's almost exactly how I remember it," Santana breathes out.

"Lopez, I need you to focus," I teasingly whisper into her ear.

"Sorry babe… I'm ready now," she replies, getting her focus back in check.

As we greet my parents and awkwardly sit across from them at the table, I begin our conversation, re-capping the past events and the information I had gathered from Santana from my mom's surprise visit to her.

"Like I told Santana, I know that your father and I can't even begin to make up for our poor decisions, but we would really like to try," my mother states. "We really want to be a part of your life Brittany… yours too, Santana."

Santana and I both remain silent, our hands never leaving each other.

"I'm sorry that by being silent, I allowed for things to get this out of control," my father finally speaks up. "I know that you both probably blame Susan for all that's happened, but I'm just as guilty. We really hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive us and possibly give us the opportunity to be the supporting parents that we should've been back then," he says sincerely.

"I don't know exactly how Brittany is feeling in all of this, but I'd be willing to try," Santana starts off. "Don't misunderstand me… I am still very angry and upset about the pain you caused to me and Britt, but I'm not totally against giving you a second chance," she continues sternly, but calm. "Eventually, Brittany and I will be married and start a family of our own. I don't want our kids to miss out on spending time with their grandparents because they acted like idiots in the past."

I slowly turn my head to look over at Santana. Hearing her talk about our future like that, especially in front of my parents, made my heart swoon. I already knew that I had made the right decision by selling my studio and moving to LA to be with her, but hearing those wonderful words come out of her mouth further solidified it.

"It won't be easy and it will definitely take some time before I can begin to trust that you won't try to come in between Britt and me again, but like I said… I'm willing to try," Santana finishes.

"I agree completely," I start off. "Mom, Dad… if you do anything to try and come between us again, I'm done with you," I state firmly without a hint of sarcasm in my voice. "Are we clear?"

"Yes, we understand…" my mom says as she and my dad both nod their heads. "We were gonna head to the store to pick up a few items for dinner. I know you guys are heading out soon, but would you consider staying for dinner?" my mom asks cautiously.

I look at Santana and receive a slight nod from her.

"Okay, we'll stay."

After receiving their answer, my parents leave the house to head to the store.

"Is it wrong that the entire time you were speaking, all I could think about is dragging you into my old bedroom and christening it…" I whisper seductively into her ear while running my barefoot up and down her leg, "especially when you started talking about having kids and stuff."

I hear how shallow Santana's breathing has become and how she starts to fidget in her seat. I love having that affect on her.

"Yesss… those are v-very bad thoughts to h-have while your parents are in the same room," Santana shakily responds. "And sorry to burst your bubble, but we christened that room a long time ago," she says with a wink, her breathing evening out finally.

"Why are you ruining this for me?" I whined with my adorable pout on full display.

"Babe, as much as I would love to drag you into your old bedroom and have my way with you, your sister is right in the other room," Santana reasons. "Would you settle for a hot and steamy make-out session for the time being?"

I then stroke my chin with my thumb and index finger, pretending to ponder over my options.

"Fine, you've worn me down Lopez…" I state while shaking my fist in the air. Santana laughs at my silliness. "Seriously though… did you mean what you said about getting married and stuff?"

"I meant every word," Santana replies before crashing her lips against mine.

As our lips move perfectly in sync, I swipe my tongue against her lower lip. Just as Santana begins to open her mouth to allow my tongue entrance, we are interrupted by a muffled cough.

"Get a room!" Lindsay snickers before running off into the other room. Santana and I just shake our heads.

"You sure you want to be related to that?" I playfully ask.

"Now that you've mentioned it…" Santana begins. I gasp at her insinuation. "Just kidding, babe…" she says with a wink.


Once Santana and I left Ohio, we headed up to New York for a few days to visit Quinn. It was awesome for the 3 of us to be back together again, just like old times (even though I didn't remember them). It was interesting to see how they interacted with each other, greeting each other by "bitch" or "slut" instead of just using each other's name. It was weird to watch at first, but eventually I grew use to it and had a good laugh about it. While in New York, Santana and I walked hand-in-hand in the park and fed the ducks. We also met up with Lt. Schuester and got to meet his wife and have lunch with them. It was a nice change of pace from our visit to Lima, seeing that we could relax here and enjoy each other's company. Once we left New York, we made a quick stop in Seattle to visit her mom for a couple of days. It was great to see her again, after all of these years. I can definitely tell where Santana gets her feistiness from.

After all of the pit stops were done, Santana and I finally returned to LA and to finish unpacking my belongings. Little by little, Santana's apartment became our home.


6 months later…

After Santana had gone back to her regular schedule at work and I finally had a chance to settle into my new surroundings, it wasn't very difficult for me to find work. I started teaching again at a very popular dance studio not too far away from Santana's restaurant. It actually worked out pretty well cuz whenever I took my breaks, I could just walk to Maribel's and have lunch with my boo. It was great to get back into teaching, although I missed my students back in Lima dearly. The other instructors I worked with at the new studio were all pretty nice and very welcoming though, so that helped a little.

As each month passed, Santana and I continued to live in bliss, still trying to make up for the time we had lost. As the end of the year approached us, we talked about moving out of her apartment and buying a house together. It seemed like the next logical step with the kids we were planning on having in the near future. Plus, with Lindsay being in her Senior year now and her eyes set on UCLA after graduation, we figured that she could stay with us instead of a stuffy dorm room.

At the beginning of September, I got an unexpected surprise. Mike, a fellow dancer and co-worker of mine, told me about this amazing gig that he had just landed. He told me that he had just been hired to be Justin Timberlake's head choreographer for "The 20/20 Experience" world tour. I was so excited for Mike cuz he had become a really great friend of mine since moving here. A part of me was a little jealous because this was the kind of dream job I had always hoped to land before the accident. As I congratulated Mike, he patted me on the back and told me not to look so sad because he wanted me to be his assistant choreographer for the tour. I couldn't believe it!

Later on that night, I told Santana about this amazing opportunity. Although I was super excited to be a part of this experience, the other part of me felt conflicted. At the time, Santana and I had only been back together for a few months. The thought of being away from her so soon and for an extended period of time made me not want to take Mike up on his offer. As I talked it over with San, she stated that she had the same feelings, but didn't want me to pass up on this awesome opportunity for her. I then re-iterated that I would do anything for her. In return, Santana kissed me and told me that I had already done enough and that she would still be here, waiting for me when I got back from the tour.

After I told Mike that I would be his assistant choreographer, we wasted no time hiring the appropriate amount of dancers needed. Then, after an intense 2 weeks of perfecting the steps and making sure that all of the dancers were moving to their correct positions, the tour began. The tour would last for 5 months, traveling through multiple cities and states. I was so excited to be on the road and experience this dream come true. It was also great getting to know Justin and his crew, although it didn't ease the pain of missing Santana. We talked every day through texts and Facetime. Still… nothing compared to having her right in front of me, nestled in my arms.

Once we reached December, the half-way point of the tour, we found ourselves at the Staples Center. I was so ecstatic to finally be back in LA, but more importantly… I couldn't wait to see Santana after being away for almost 3 months.

Which leads me to now…


Didn't have to run, I knew it was love from a mile away
But I had to catch you, been running through my mind all day baby

As Justin's smooth voice echoes throughout the stadium, I catch Santana's eyes as she stands in the pit area, right next to the stage. I know what you're thinking… those must've been some very expensive tickets! Yes… they are indeed. However, when your girlfriend works for the guy who is the main act of the concert, let's just say that I have some pull.

'Cause I'm in love with that girl
So don't be mad at me

As I sing along to the words, directly aiming them at Santana, I see her body sway from side to side. All I wanna do is hop off stage and join her in the pit area, but unfortunately I'm working, so I can't.

So what you're from the other side of the tracks
So what the world don't think we match
I'll put it down like my love's on wax, guess what?

Being the assistant choreographer meant that I participated in a majority of the numbers, but not all of them. Ultimately, it was the perfect position for me, seeing that I'm not as strong nor do I have the same stamina I had prior to the accident. However, with Santana being front and center of the stage, staring at me, it made it that much more difficult to concentrate on anything else.

I'm in love with that girl
And she told me, that she's in love with me


Once we reached the end of the song, I knew that this would be one of those moments that would change my life forever. As me and the other dancers quickly changed our wardrobes, we took our positions back on stage to prepare for the next routine. As the music begins to play, I take a deep breath and ready myself for the performance of a lifetime.

Aren't you somethin' to admire?
'Cause your shine is somethin' like a mirror
And I can't help but notice
You reflect in this heart of mine

As I momentarily break my eye contact with Santana, I try my best not to stare at her again for too long. I don't want to mess up, especially not now.

'Cause with your hand in my hand and a pocket full of soul
I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go
Just put your hand on the glass
I'll be tryin' to pull you through
You just gotta be strong

Of course, I failed… there's just a part of me that can't help but look at Santana whenever she's near me. It's a sickness really, but I don't mind.

'Cause I don't wanna lose you now
I'm lookin' right at the other half of me
The vacancy that sat in my heart
Is a space that now you hold
Show me how to fight for now
And I'll tell you, baby, it was easy
Comin' back here to you once I figured it out
You were right here all along

As the chorus rolls around, I began mouth the words to Santana again. I know that if anyone in the audience was paying attention to me, they would be wondering what the hell I was doing. Luckily for me though, they are all entranced by Justin, which allows me to somewhat serenade my love.

It's like you're my mirror
My mirror staring back at me
I couldn't get any bigger
With anyone else beside of me
And now it's clear as this promise
That we're making two reflections into one
'Cause it's like you're my mirror
My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

I really hope that she gets the message that I'm trying to convey with the words Justin is singing. I remember when I first heard this song, I felt like he had written it especially for me and Santana. The fact that I actually got a chance to work with him and be on this stage right now was just a bonus.

After the second verse and chorus pass, I know that the time has come. As the regular dancers exit the stage, the kids from my studio back in Lima take their places and begin their choreography. I then walk towards the end of the stage and reach my hand out for Santana to take. She looks confused as hell, but I smile at her to reassure her. When that doesn't work, I look over at Justin and she looks as well. Justin politely smiles and throws a wink her way while motioning for her to join us on stage. With a look of utter confusion on her face, Santana hesitantly accepts my hand and allows me to pull her up on stage.

As the instrumental part of the song plays, I walk Santana over to the wooden stool set up at the center of the stage next to where Justin is standing. Once Santana sits down, Justin places a hands-free microphone on my head and begins singing again.

You are, you are the love of my life

"Santana… I could stand here for days and list all of the reasons why you make me happy, but I don't want to bore these people," I start off, taking her hands in mine. "It took me 6 years to find you again, but I'm glad I finally did because you make me happier than I ever imagined I could be."

I see tears starting to form in Santana's eyes as she looks all around, trying to figure out what's going on.

You are, you are the love of my life

"You are everything in this entire world that I could ever need," I continue. "You make me feel beautiful when I can't look at myself in the mirror. You make me feel safe and loved just by the way you hold me, letting me know that you won't let me go. You make me happy when everything else in life feels like it's going to hell. But most importantly… you make me complete. The last few years I spent without you, I was a mess. But then you came back into my life and now… I'm whole again," I say as I bend down on one knee.

You are, you are the love of my life

"Santana Maria Lopez… there isn't a thing that I would change about you. I love you with all of my heart and would gladly spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me," I continue." So, I guess what I'm trying to say here is… will you marry me?"

At this pivotal moment, it feels like time has completely stopped. Santana's eyes are twice their normal size as they flash from my eyes to the ring that's in my hands. Taking into consideration that there are thousands of people in the room, I know that all of this might seem a bit over-the-top and overwhelming, but I just felt that it wasn't an opportunity that I could pass up. I'm sure that hearing Justin repeat "You are, you are the love of my life," isn't helping any, but no pressure… right?

As Santana glances around the stadium again and then back at my former students that haven't skipped a beat in their choreography, she stands up from the stool and removes the microphone from my head. Re-adjusting the mic so that it's now in front of her mouth, she says one simple word:

YES!

As the crowd explodes, Santana drops the microphone and roughly attaches her lips to mine. I get lost for a minute and almost forget where I am until I start hearing Justin's voice again. Once I come out of the daze of Santana's lips being on mine, I quickly slip the engagement ring onto her finger and connect our lips in a passionate kiss.

"Congratulations Brittany and Santana!" Justin's voice bounces off of the walls.

As Santana and I break apart to smile at the crowd, we are engulfed by hugs from my former students. After all of the kids release their death grips on us, I link my hand with hers and walk backstage with my fiancé. Once we reach a quieter area off the stage, Santana finally speaks.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

"Well, I keep a few up my sleeve to keep things interesting," I say nonchalantly.

Santana then raises my left hand and inspects the silver band attached to it.

"You're wearing my ring…" she states with a bit of surprise.

"Yeah… I've been wearing it since I left for the tour," I respond. "Even though you never got the chance to technically give it to me, I wanted to wear it to let people know that I am proudly taken."

A small smile graces Santana's lips before she places a delicate kiss on mine.

"I love you so much, Brittany Susan Pierce… I can't wait to marry you!" Santana says before capturing my lips with hers again.

It's moments like this that will forever be sketched into my brain. It's moments like this that truly take my breath away.


Author's Note:

Holy cow! Guys, I am so sorry about the long delay. Real life has been super busy as of late and really interfering with my FanFic time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter cuz it took a while to write, trying to sort through how I can stretch this story out for an extra chapter or two. In the meantime, I will start to work on the next installment of You and Me very soon (and possibly another one-shot or new multi-fic). Thanks again for all of your continued support and love.

As always, stay classy!

-Kris

Songs Used:

That Girl by Justin Timberlake

Mirrors by Justin Timberlake

(Yeah… I love Justin! Don't judge me )

Disclaimer: I still DON'T own anything.