''Trixie Mattel is the Beyonce of Drag Race, Santana!''
''Are you trying to get me to punch you? Is that what you want? For me to punch you, Hummel? Trixie Mattel can't be the Beyonce of Drag Race because Shangela is the Beyonce of Drag Race. Trixie Mattel is the Taylor Swift of Drag Race.''
''How dare you!''
''How dare me?! How dare you?''
He tutted. ''I don't think you get Trixie's cerebral comedy like I do.''
''What you're about to get is the back of my hand!''
Brittany sighed as she sat between a squabbling Kurt and Santana.
Season 7 was upon them and tensions were high in the New York loft.
Season 6 was over, and so was high school for that matter.
Over their senior year they had watched Bianca Del Rio get crowned and in a roundabout way having one of their mutual favorite queens win the season had given all of them just enough fuel and enthusiasm to make it through the last several months at Mckinley.
Brittany campaigned with promises of topless Tuesdays and root beer water fountains and as predicted she was voted in as senior class president and began a reign no like no other. She had hooked people in and it was then that she set out to do what she really wanted to do. Kurt had of course lost the race but after the fact Brittany had came to him and in a show of respect had asked if he would be interested in working alongside her during her term. He had agreed and Brittany had deemed him her Chief Gay Advisor.
McKinley was never going to change over night, that they knew, but while they were there they did their best to implement a few directives that could in the future steer the school as well as the community in a new direction. A better direction.
They started and maintained the school's first ever GSA. They pushed Figgins and the school board to implement a zero tolerance policy on bullying. Brittany and Kurt weren't always successful and sometimes they butted heads with people opposed to what they were trying to do - make McKinley a more progressive place - but it was a start and a challenge that they were glad to take on. Kurt felt a sense of pride in what they were doing. When nothing and no one had stood up for him there he was on his own two feet standing up for himself.
It had also given Brittany a burst of confidence. She was doing things, moving things, challenging people and the school as an institution and she wasn't doing it with her body or with silly campaign promises, she was doing it all with her brain, with her heart. She had done something that no one in that school or town had ever expected - she had made an impact.
In a funny way it gave her hope. Enough hope to think that if she really applied herself going forward she too could make it in New York. As class president she had a lot of responsibilities and she had learned that she was just capable and driven and smart as everyone else. Kurt and Santana had always gone on and on about New York and their plans to take the city and Brittany had always sort of felt like she was simply going along for the ride for the most part. But becoming class president during their final year and being the one everyone turned to for opinions and answers, well, it made her believe that she could get stuff done, that she could handle herself. Maybe that meant she could even handle New York she thought.
Of course in between all of that they did take their time to have a bit of fun before they left. For instance for their senior yearbook they all decided that they were going to use iconic Drag Race lines for their senior quotes. Drag Race had in its own way opened up their world and it was a way of honoring the thing that had bonded them together one last time before leaving it all behind.
Brittany had considered a classic Tammie Brown quote simply because she knew that using 'I don't see you walking children in nature' as her yearbook quote would stump and confuse her classmates but in the end she decided to use 'don't be jealous of my boogie' under her senior photo because she felt it as a phrase and a song perfectly summed up her existence. Santana on the hand was really set on using a Willam Belli quote but it was pretty hard for her to narrow anything down seeing as how Willam's humor wasn't exactly 'family friendly' and wasn't likely to be approved. She eventually decided to go with 'see me with them hands' under her photo because she liked that it had multiple meanings. One could read it as wanting applause, wanting to fight or wanting to feel someone up which sort of worked perfectly for Santana. Kurt however had dragged his feet the most, wanting his quote to be especially meaningful and perhaps even use the opportunity to give that school one last 'screw you' before they all departed it. After several nights of contemplation he said it came to him, the one simple short concise sentence spoken by the legendary Shangela in Season 3. 'You'll never be glamour'. In a way it was like giving the middle finger to McKinley and telling it and the people inside of it who had tried to drag him down through the years that they would never be at his level, they would never be on his level of glamour and fabulousness. It was his special way of saying they would never lead a life as grand as he was going to make for himself one day.
When the time came for them to say goodbye to McKinley and Lima though it wasn't some painful bittersweet thing. None of them shed any tears or shuttered with emotion when it came time to walk away from those hallways, they were all ready to graduate, not just from McKinley, but into adulthood.
And adulthood for them meant New York.
Unfortunately adulthood also meant jobs and school and bills and stress and wonky sleep schedules.
Being an adult was simply, a lot.
Brittany's parents knew that she was unique and different and would never be the kind to fall in line. Brittany marched to the beat of her own drum and they had encouraged her to seek out her dream of dance, assisting her financially as she earned a spot at NYADA alongside Kurt. It was there that she found herself and her body being challenged more than it had ever been before which in itself was refreshing. Running for senior class president had been a tiny first step towards using her voice and becoming more independent and now she going a step beyond. She had always been the best dancer in the glee club and often times she could even do their routines in her sleep but NYADA was on a whole other level.
NYADA and New York as a whole were pushing her to evolve and become more independent, more confident. For the first time in her life, Brittany was excited to wake up and go to class because in this class they spoke her language: dance. Her teacher, Cassandra July, was kind of a bitch and within the first several weeks of class she had watched as Ms. July's harsh words had pushed students to quit or break under the pressure but Brittany was able to escape all of that.
Brittany chalked that up to the fact that her own girlfriend was the bitchiest bitch to ever bitch, in comparison she didn't think Cassandra held a candle to Santana in that regard. Cassandra July didn't often chastise Brittany but even when she did Brittany took the criticism, used it and shrugged all the other nasty words off of her. She had years of dance classes under her belt and had known plenty of bold and merciless teachers. Cassandra was tough sure but Brittany had learned a long time ago that you couldn't take that home with you. It wasn't personal, it was dance.
That wasn't to say she hadn't encountered a few speed bumps here and there in adjusting to life in the big city but she was doing it and in her own way, she was proud of herself for taking the chance and making it happen for herself.
As for Kurt, he had busted his ass getting into NYADA and even finessed his way into an internship at Vogue. He had plenty on his plate running between the two but he was insistent that he not close the door on any opportunity. It made for some grueling evenings and bleak mornings as he juggled all of his combined obligations but he was managing it. Work and school were challenging but the hardest part for him about adjusting to his new life in the city was finding the energy and the time to keep things alive with Blaine.
Keeping his relationship afloat was proving to be even more work than his actual work but with frequent Skype chats and phone calls they were making due. He knew Santana still had her reservations about his relationship, and he even suspected Brittany had a few of her own but he still believed in Blaine and their love. He wasn't about to wave a white flag any time soon.
Santana meanwhile didn't have to worry about being away from Brittany since they were taking on New York together, that was one very big positive thing about them moving to the city. Her school load on the other hand was kicking her in the ass.
She had looked into NYADA initially at Kurt's urging but her parents had insisted that she not focus on the arts, they didn't see it as a viable career. The Lopez's were professionals, they were lawyers and doctors and such. To be a Lopez was to be nothing short of remarkable. They told her that they would love and support her no matter what but that they thought she was too strong and too brilliant to waste away her skills and mind on chasing some pop star dreams. She knew they weren't trying to stifle her intentionally but it felt like it all the same.
Eventually she caved under the pressures, reasoning to herself that she was their only child and had a responsibility to carry on the Lopez name and tradition of success and in order to do that she had to become a reasonable proper student at a reasonable proper university so that she may one day have reasonable and proper career. Her parents were appeased when she decided to take some pre law classes, and Santana figured it wouldn't be such a horrible occupation. When you got down to it, she reasoned to herself that practicing law would be like getting paid to argue with people.
While she knew being accepted into Columbia was the dream for so many others, it wasn't particularly hers especially since her time there would be stacked with classes she truly had no interest in. It would be one thing to come home from a long and frustrating day with the knowledge that she was working towards her ultimate goal, but the fact was she was exhausting herself chasing someone else's goal. Someone else's dream.
The three of them were all taking to school and New York in different ways, and it wasn't always smooth for everyone equally.
It didn't help that Drag Race Season 7 was turning out to be more or less a shit show.
They were all in agreement that even the worst season of Drag Race was still better than ninety five percent of what was on television but it still somehow felt like a chore as they made their way through the episodes. Sure there were a few queens they enjoyed. Kurt loved Ginger Minj and Trixie. Santana loved the queen of jush Jasmine Masters and she could even appreciate Violet Chachki on a strictly bitchy level. But on the other hand it was hard not to fall asleep when Pearl was giving a confessional, and every time Miss Fame made chicken noises it would make Lord Tubbington yowl which was super unpleasant for everyone in the loft. Kurt and Santana just didn't find it to be a particularly exciting season of the show.
When it came down to it Brittany was the only one who really looked forward to each episode and that was mostly because she had finally found the queen that spoke to her soul and that queen was the one and only Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova otherwise known simply as Katya. In Katya Brittany had seen a kindred spirit in that much like herself Katya was a complete and total weirdo. Katya spoke to Brittany's own brand of strange. If Kurt was a Jinkx and Santana was a Willam then Brittany had decided that she was most definitely a Katya.
While Kurt and Santana had celebrated the fact that Brittany had finally found her queen there was no denying that overall Season 7 was otherwise a lackluster season. It was perhaps that as well as a mixture of other things that led to Santana and Kurt squabbling over who each of them deemed the Beyonce of the Drag Race universe. Kurt had blurted out Trixie because he was a tiny bit infatuated with her life sized Barbie aesthetic but Santana had taken offense to such a claim.
''I know white twinks are all about Trixie this season okay but in this loft we stan Shangela!'' Santana hollered.
She then stood up, stomped her way to her and Brittany's sleeping quarters and proceeded to ''slam'' the partition curtain behind her. It was meant to be aggressive but it looked and sounded more comical than anything.
Kurt and Brittany exchanged a glance once they were alone together in the sitting area.
''Okay for real, what is going on with her?'' Kurt asked quietly as he muted the TV and turned to her. ''She's been in a mood for weeks. Tonight she's been nothing but snippy.''
''School is stressing her out.''
Kurt softened at that. ''I still don't understand why she's forcing herself to do something just to make her parents happy.''
Brittany sank into the cushions and mirthlessly fed herself a handful of popcorn. ''It's just how Santana is. She wants to be the best at everything. I told her she has to do what's right for her but she has it in her head that she somehow owes it to her family to follow tradition. She's their only daughter so she wants to be the best daughter.''
''She's making herself miserable, that's her choice. I wish she didn't feel the need to make everyone around her just as miserable.''
''I know, but it's Santana,'' Brittany reasoned, feeling the need to defend her girlfriend. Santana wasn't just being difficult to be difficult. She was doing her best. She was figuring it out. ''She has to realize all of this for herself in her own time, until then she's not going to hear it. Not from you, not from anyone else, not even me.''
Kurt exhaled. He knew Brittany was right. Santana was having an especially hard time adjusting to her new life in New York and until she got out of her own way that wasn't going to change.
X
''You need to do something nice for Kurt.''
''Why?''
Later that evening Brittany had made the helpful suggestion as they got ready for bed. Brittany was pulling out her clothes for the next day and setting them out for herself while Santana had meanwhile crawled beneath the sheets.
''Because, I don't know if you've noticed this but you've been extra grumpy lately, especially towards him,'' Brittany continued. ''I know you two have a special friendship and everything but that doesn't mean you can just act out and expect him to take it.''
''I'm not, I just-'' Santana immediately went high pitched and defensive before her excuses got caught in her throat. ''Fine. Alright, maybe I have been a shade more bitchy than usual. I'm sorry.''
''I'm not the one you should be saying sorry to, you never bite my head off.''
''I know...I know,'' Santana sighed, frustrated. ''I'll do something okay? I will. I'll make it right with him and I promise to stop being as irritable around the loft.''
''Thank you.''
''So who went home tonight?''
''Huh?''
''On Drag Race,'' Santana clarified.
''Oh Mrs. Kasha Davis. Kurt and I had a cocktail in her honor.''
Santana mumbled noncommittally.
''You know I was thinking…'' Brittany started as she began crawling up to snuggle into Santana's arms. ''We have this big huge loft now. One of these days we should have a proper Drag Race viewing party.''
''How do you mean?''
''Like, we should make it a thing and invite people over to watch. Kurt can invite people from Vogue and I've met some cool people at NYADA and, you know, you can invite some of your classmates too. We can get to meet each other's new friends and it'll give us a chance to have a party here. Could be fun.''
Santana scrunched up her face. ''I dunno.''
"And it would also give me an excuse to wear that tiny black cocktail dress you love my ass in."
"Well when you put it like that…"
''Think about it?''
''Think about it,'' Santana agreed.
Brittany kissed Santana's cheek and pulled the sheets up over their hips.
X
''What is this?''
''A cronut. I've never tried them before but when I asked the guy at the pastry shop what all the dumbass hipsters are ordering these days he told me about 'em. I figured they'd be right up your alley.''
It was the next morning that Kurt woke up to find breakfast waiting for him on their kitchen table. Coffee, juice, fresh fruit, several different kinds of pastries. Santana had went all out and he was a little confused. Santana offered him a plate full of food and then with a flourish of her hand pulled out a chair and motioned for him to sit.
''I'm going to overlook the fact that you basically called me a dumbass hipster and simply ask, why.'' He took a seat, intrigued by her sudden change of attitude from the night before.
Santana went around and sat in the chair on the opposite side to face him. ''Why what? Can't I just do something nice for my roommate?''
''No,'' he laughed.
''Well,'' she began almost mournfully. ''I knew you had your morning free and I guess I wanted to do something to make up for stomping away in the middle of Drag Race. And to also say I'm sorry for being a bitch last night. And the night before that. And like, the entire week before that. I'm still settling in to all of this and my classes have been kicking my ass. I've been taking it out in some super unhealthy, unproductive ways. I'm sorry if I haven't been the best roommate or friend or whatever.''
''You haven't.'' He dipped his head, thankful for apology. ''But I get it.''
''So consider this a gesture.'' She nodded down at the food. ''Brittany already took off for the day so eat up.''
Kurt bit into something glazed and hummed in approval. He couldn't reject her apology when it came with cronuts. Pleased that he was enjoying himself Santana began to eat as well, although she did so with a sullen far away look, joylessly taking a bite out of dry toast.
''I've been a bitch lately because...to be honest...New York is harder than I thought it would be,'' she said eventually, sharing what was really at the root of her crabby mood lately. ''I love the city, I love the vibe and I know this is where I'm supposed to be but-''
''-but you don't want to be a lawyer,'' he said gently, finishing her though.
She nodded. ''I want to be on stage.''
''Then do it.''
''It's not that simple. I can't do that to my parents. I want to be something for them.''
''What about you? Why can't you be something for you?'' he asked.
All she gave him in response was a defeated shrug. She didn't have an answer to that. All she could offer him at the moment was an apology breakfast. ''So are we good? Do you accept my apology?''
''Of course I do,'' he assured her. ''But if you ever bad mouth Trixie Mattel again it's gonna be a full on catfight.''
''I'd win.''
''Probably.''
''So how have you been dealing,'' she asked. ''I haven't been the most present lately. What's been going on with you?''
He bounced his head side to side as he tried to find the words while he simultaneously tried to feed himself a slice of banana. ''It's nothing I can't handle. NYADA is different but I'm learning a lot, about myself and performing, and Vogue is exciting. Finding a balance has been tough but I think I got the hang of it now.''
Santana squinted and observed him for a few moments in silence. Kurt on the surface seemed to be fine and in generally good spirits but she knew him well enough to know there was something there, something underneath his weird ass nearly translucent complexion that was itching at him.
''Mmm.''
''What?''
''Nothing.''
''You don't believe me?'' he asked.
''What, I totally believe you. If you say things are great, that's great,'' she said but then pensively spook out of the side of her mouth, ''but you know if something was bothering you...''
He seemed to consider this as he took a sip of juice. ''I don't know if it's something I could talk to you about.''
''Why?'' she laughed. ''Come on, if something's got you twisted up, spill it. You gotta give me something, Kurt. I'm like barely running on fumes nowadays, it would help me to know that I wasn't the only one struggling with something over here.''
''Okay if I tell you, you have to promise not to start in on me,'' he warned. ''I'm not in the mood for an argument.''
''Who says I'd start in on you?'' she scoffed but relented anyhow. ''Fine, whatever, I promise not to judge you. Out loud anyway. Talk.''
''Something is eating at me. If I'm going to be honest it's not Vogue or NYADA that's stressing me out. It's the distance.''
''The distance?''
''Between Blaine and I.'' Kurt looked down and speared off a piece of a cronut.
''Oh.'' Santana still had some very complicated feelings about that relationship.
''You don't have to listen if you don't want to.''
''No, I know. Look I'm not exactly a fan of his but...I'm ears here.''
Kurt looked relieved for the chance to vent. ''You're sure?''
Santana poured herself a cup of coffee and loaded it up with sugar. She was gonna need to be caffeinated for the rest of this conversation she knew. For the next half hour she sat and listened and made a thoughtful noise when she thought it was appropriate.
''...It's like we talk almost every day but five minutes here and ten minutes there isn't nearly enough. I almost want to be angry at someone or something but I can't because there's no one and nothing at fault. Blaine's doing what he needs to do and I'm doing what I need to do and we just have to accept the distance between us.'' He ended his little spiel by sinking his shoulders in sadness and defeat. ''I knew it was going to be difficult being away from each other...I just didn't think it would be this painful. Or lonely.''
Santana didn't really have anything to say in return to that. She didn't like that Kurt was in distress but she didn't have a solution or any handy advice in how to deal. Brittany was here with her and as challenging as New York was proving to be for Santana at least she and Brittany were together. She had a girlfriend to come home to every night, to kiss and hug and comfort. She couldn't imagine doing all of this on her own without the person who mattered most to her.
But here Kurt was, in a huge new city, with a new job and a new school, hundreds of miles apart from the person that was most important to him.
''That sucks,'' she said simply.
''I have so many things going on in my life and a lot of them are turning out to be pretty wonderful but I almost guilty for wanting to talk about them with Blaine. I have my life here and he's still stuck in Lima.''
''You can't feel guilty though, this is where you want to be and you're doing it and…'' she sighed and shifted in her seat. ''If Blaine really loves you he'd want you to be happy and to be the best you that you can possibly be and that means enjoying your new life. He wouldn't want you to hold yourself back.''
''Yeah,'' Kurt said, not sounding entirely convinced but not ready to dwell on the matter he turned the topic of conversation towards her. ''What about you?''
''What about me?''
''If we're talking about holding ourselves back, well then...are you sure you know what you're doing?''
''I've been through this,'' she moaned. ''With you and with Brittany. Is this what I wanted for myself? Not exactly but I'm getting a great education and hopefully one day with a lot of hard work I'll be in a position to have all the power and money I want,'' she finished her thought off with a weak laugh as if to make light. ''Who cares how I get it?''
''But coming to New York was never about chasing power or money,'' he reminded her. ''It was about finding our place. You said it yourself, you want to be on stage.''
''Yeah but that want doesn't come with any guarantees or safety nets. I'm being a realist here. It's a nice dream - singing - but that's all it was ever gonna be. I'm glad you and Brittany are chasing your own, but this is just what I have to do.''
He bowed his head, accepting her words for the time being. There was no point in going in circles with her. Like Brittany said, Santana would have to figure it out for herself in her own time.
''Well regardless, I appreciate the breakfast,'' he said kindly. ''But if you don't mind I think I'm going to take a plate of this into my room. Blaine and I have a little breakfast Skype date in like fifteen minutes.''
She smiled and nodded for him to go on. ''Take your dumbass hipster cronuts with you.''
X
As weeks turned into months things began to smooth themselves out or at the very least be more bearable.
Santana's classes were still draining the life out of her and making her miserable but she was extra careful in how she channeled that frustration. She knew Brittany was right in that she couldn't just bring that home with her and use the laundry or dirty dishes or the cable bill as an excuse to vent out petty snide remarks to her roommates. That wasn't fair to anyone.
She initially formed a routine of coming home before anyone else and punching her pillow into submission while grumbling out expletives. It would usually tire her out within fifteen minutes and then she would take a nice long rage nap, of course she would always wake up from them in the evening feeling and looking like a zombie. She could only keep that up for so long before it messed her sleep schedule up which would then in turn affect her ability to be alert in class which made them all that much harder to get through.
When it was clear she couldn't keep that up she thought maybe she would occupy herself with working out. For awhile every day after she finished with her classes she would take a nice long jog. She would find herself running for hours and while it was a healthier way to cope Kurt and Brittany had gently urged her to take it easy. For one they didn't want her to overexert herself physically and for two, neither of them liked the idea of Santana out jogging alone in the evening. To quiet them Santana joined a gym so she could work out in a safely lit environment. And that actually really worked for a good chunk of time. She would work out after school and get some kind of mental and physical release there so that by the time she went home to the loft all of her frustration and discontent would be worked out, if temporarily. She wouldn't need to snap or bitch over small trivial things.
Yeah she still wasn't happy with her situation, sure she still dreaded waking up every day because she knew she was going to have to sit through several different classes that didn't excite or interest her creatively, and yeah she kind of felt a little dead inside about the fact that she had years of this to look forward to but she was handling it. Mostly.
And then one day she walked into the loft and found Brittany, clad in a sports bra and crazy tight workout leggings, bending over to do some elaborate stretch.
And it was then like some kind of spark went off in Santana's brain.
She had gone to Brittany and in a matter of seconds they were crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Brittany had laughed into the kiss at first, taken by surprise, but the speed and urgency that Santana moved with made it known this wasn't going to be a fun silly playful roll in the hay. No, Santana needed something else. She needed fast and hard and dirty. She needed to smother Brittany in kisses, she needed her hands everywhere, she needed to feel in charge, she needed to feel Brittany fall apart for her. She needed to take Brittany's breath away.
And she did there in the middle of the loft in the late afternoon light. Santana had forgotten all about her planned session at the gym in order to take Brittany. It wasn't just once or twice either, it had turned into a heated little marathon that they only stopped when they heard Kurt on the other side of the sliding door searching for his keys. They had grabbed their clothes and whisked themselves away to their bedroom where they collapsed on top of the mattress.
''What was that?''
''I have no idea,'' Santana answered between pants. ''It wasn't like, too much was it?''
''No that was...you were…'' Brittany struggled to find the words through exhausted laughter. ''You were like one of those cute wind up toys that you crank and let go of, except you kept going and - wow. Wow-wow.''
''I just saw you and had to have you, that's all.''
''I hope you rehydrate after that if you plan to go to the gym tonight.''
Santana shook her head in the negative and propped herself up with one of her arms, hovering slightly over Brittany. ''Nah, no gym for me tonight. I think I rather get my cardio in right here with you.''
''Oh? Again?''
''Mmhm.''
And that was that.
It sort of became a common occurrence, or rather more like a new normal.
Every day Santana would go to class and go through the motions, take notes, pretend to care, do what she had to do, do what was required of her, but then, then she would come home, blood boiling, frustration running through her veins, aggravated beyond words, fired up. It was just a given that if Brittany was home before her (and Kurt was out which he usually was) that sex would take place almost immediately. The second Santana tossed her bag down she would need Brittany.
She needed Brittany on the coffee table and on the couch and against the kitchen sink and Kurt's desk and in the shower. She needed Brittany on her side and on top of her and on her knees.
She needed Brittany every which way.
It wasn't rough sex exactly but it was definitely more intense than their usual lovemaking. Either way however it went down or where ever it went down it was inevitable that they would end up sweaty, sore and sated and gasping for air. And afterwards, Santana would be able to exhale with a kind of relief, with release she found just a little bit of peace, a little bit of comfort, but also a feeling of control. Even if it was just momentary.
Every day she went to class and felt like she was selling her soul but touching Brittany was her way of forgetting all of that. Touching something real was her way of bringing herself back. Everything else about her life was up in the air but this - sex - was something she knew how to do and knew how to do well.
And Brittany, well Brittany certainly didn't have a reason to complain.
On her own end Brittany was more than a little excited by Santana's sudden fixation on their sex life. It had always been lively and interesting between them but now it was like Santana had some laser beam focus on achieving as many orgasms as humanly possible. And Santana certainly gave as good as she got, in fact Brittany often felt that if anything Santana gave even more than she got. It was almost like getting Brittany off in turn got Santana off.
It was like some insatiable switch had been turned on inside of Santana.
It was like Santana couldn't keep her hands off of her and it didn't matter if Brittany was folding laundry or talking to her mom on the phone or trying to make dinner, when Santana gave her that look she just knew headboards would be banging soon. Anything and everything would be dropped in favor of each other.
Brittany became Santana's favorite stress relief after a long day of classes. They would bang their way across the loft until Santana tired herself out and they both collapsed, spent and sleepy.
There were a few times Kurt had caught them in the act but it appeared that he was preoccupied with his own work or love life to make a big stink or scene about it. Nowadays he barely even reacted when he, say, found Santana's bra on the kitchen table or accidentally caught a glance at Brittany's bare bottom as she made a run for it after being caught in the act. Kurt had become downright blase about it.
The sex had always been hot but things had definitely went up a few degrees.
There was one especially steamy night Brittany recalled when weeks later the three of them finally agreed they should have a party at the loft to celebrate surviving their first few months in the city. The plan was for all of them to invite a handful of people they had met through work or school for a little dinner, wine and Drag Race. It was nothing too elaborate, just a small quiet get together where they could all mingle with each other's new friends.
Kurt had brought several stuffy people from Vogue who were polite enough but eyed the loft as if it were some archaic art exhibit with its exposed brick walls and eclectic furniture. They seemed to be treating the excursion as a sort of trip to the zoo to see how the lesser thans lived. All they did was sip their drinks and squawk about fashion and the office and go on and on about how something called 'thong jeans' were going to be the next big trend of the season.
Brittany on the other hand had invited a couple of dancer friends she had made. In comparison to Kurt's coworkers they were a lot more relaxed and friendly and approached Santana with ease once they were ushered inside. Brittany made introductions as she took her classmates coats.
''So this is the Santana huh?'' a statuesque redhead who Brittany had introduced as Alison extended her hand to Santana. ''I've heard so much about you.''
''All horrible things I hope,'' Santana said with a chuckle.
''Are you kidding?'' said another dancer, a wiry yet dark and dashing man named Ezra. ''This one...'' he motioned to Brittany. ''Never stops going on about how wonderful you are.''
''And I wish she would,'' Alison laughed. ''All I ever hear about is how she gets to go home to the best girlfriend in the world, meanwhile I get to go home alone to my cat.''
''Yeah well…'' Santana nodded along at the compliments. ''That's me. It's nice to put some faces to the names though, Brittany's talks about you two whenever I ask her about class.''
''Cassandra July can be a brutal instructor,'' Ezra admitted. ''But it's a little easier to survive her class when you have a couple of other people in your corner. The three of us keep each other sane when Cassie goes on an especially savage tirade.''
''Come to think of it.'' Alison pointed a finger in Brittany's direction. ''It's Brittany here who's kind of become the leader of our little rag tag trio.''
''Has she?'' Santana pulled Brittany into her side affectionately.
''Oh yeah,'' Ezra went on. ''Like, she's definitely the one who calls the shots and gets our head right when Alison and I feel like we've already been pushed to the limit.''
''It also doesn't hurt to be friends with one of the best dancers in that school,'' Alison added. ''Your girlfriend is crazy talented.''
''She is.'' Santana placed a chaste kiss on Brittany's lips before turning to their guests. ''Well I'm glad you could come. Any friend of Brittany's is a friend of mine. The show hasn't started yet so why don't you two make yourselves comfortable in the sitting area while Britt and I get you some drinks?''
''Relax, mingle, help yourselves to the snacks on the coffee table,'' Brittany added to the pair. ''And if someone asks your opinion on thong jeans, just, like, go with it.''
Alison and Ezra nodded and began to drift off towards the seating space to mingle with Kurt and his coworkers. Brittany and Santana went and made themselves busy in the kitchen. Brittany pulled out several wine glasses and a serving tray while Santana decided on a bottle.
''They're nice,'' Santana said kindly.
''They're pretty cool people.'' Brittany beamed, proud of her new friendships. ''Like Alison and I are totally working on this plan to play matchmaker for LT and her cat, Missy, because we both want grandkittens. And Ezra and I have made a pact that when we're both 30 we're each going to get a tattoo that says 'Britney Spears is my Lord & Savior' because other than myself he is the biggest Britney fan I have ever met.''
''They really seem to love you.''
Brittany shrugged in a sort of dismissive way.
Santana wasn't going to let her downplay it. ''They said that you were the leader in your little group.''
''I guess.''
''You're like their own dancing queen bee.''
''Not really.''
''You are and hey, you should be proud of that.'' Santana bumped her hip against Brittany's in playful encouragement. ''Britt, you're shining out there and it makes me happy to see that other people can see that too.''
''It is kind of cool,'' Brittany admitted with a bit of reluctance and a grin bloomed on her face. ''They're not ass kissers or anything but, they do look to me in a weird way. It's different.''
''How so?''
''Like in high school Quinn ran the show in the beginning and you and I just kind of followed in her footsteps, then then for awhile it felt like you were the leader...and I guess I got used to that. I got used to looking to you or Quinn to lead the way. But at NYADA and in that class...that person is me now.''
''You deserve it, babe.''
Santana pulled out a bottle opener and Brittany watched as she toyed with the thing uselessly, unsure of how to place it. Santana wasn't very handy when it came to things like this. Brittany smiled at her adorable girlfriend for a few moments before gently taking the bottle and the opener from her and in a swift little move, popping it with finesse. She started to fill glasses and Santana was quick to claim the first one as her own.
''So who did you invite tonight?'' Brittany asked as she continued to pour.
''Hm?'' Santana played dumb with a mouthful of wine.
''Tonight. Who did you invite? You never talk about school or your classmates. I want to meet some of the new people in your life, plus I totally want to know how much you brag about me.''
''I could brag about you all day.''
Brittany glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. ''Maybe you should call your friends then and make sure they're okay. If they're not here already maybe they got lost on the way or something. I live here and I still totally do sometimes.''
''Yeah I don't think so.''
''Why?''
Santana winced and shirked away from Brittany. She was suddenly fascinated with Kurt's teacup collection. ''Because I didn't ask anyone over tonight.''
''What?'' Brittany stopped pouring and held the wine bottle in both of her hands.
Santana frowned and took a long sip. ''I hate my classes and from the second I walk into each of them I'm counting down the minutes until I can leave. I didn't want to ask anyone over who would just remind me of how much I dread that place. And anyways I'm not even friendly with anyone there. Not like you are with your dance peeps or Kurt is with his fellow Vogue gays.''
''It can't be that horrible. There has to be some cool people there.''
''Maybe. I wouldn't know. I don't really talk to anyone in my classes if I can help it.''
''You're telling me you don't have any friends in any of your classes?''
''There's a girl I sit next to sometimes that wears some serious shoes. Last week I told her I liked her red bottoms.''
''Why were you talking to her about butts?''
''No, Britt. Louboutins have actual red soles painted on. Red bottoms. It's a shoe thing.''
Brittany blinked. ''Okay, so wait. You're telling me that the most meaningful interaction you've had in any of your classes was about, what, shoes?''
''So?'' Santana sounded defensive. ''I'm not interested in any of my classes okay and I sure as hell don't give a crap about the people I take them with. Why should I? I have you and Kurt and…'' She moved back towards Brittany, took the bottle of wine from her and placed it on the table in order to pull Brittany's hands up and around her neck in an embrace. ''Come on. Who cares? We have plenty of people here to have a good time alright? Now let's pour the rest of the glasses and go enjoy ourselves okay?''
Brittany melted when Santana got all up close and cuddly-like like that and she didn't have it in her at the time to explain that it wasn't about needing more bodies for a bigger party. Brittany had wanted Santana to bring people so that she could get a sense of how Santana was taking to school and adjusting to everything. She wanted to meet the people Santana had to work alongside week after week because Santana so seldomly shared anything about that part of her life with Brittany anymore. She had hoped to get a glimpse of it even if it had to be through a third party.
Santana not caring enough to invite anyone when that was the whole point of the evening made Brittany feel like her girlfriend was hiding something.
What, she wasn't sure of.
They eventually walked out of the kitchen with drinks for everyone and began the festivities.
Drag Race Season 7, it turned out, was more enjoyable to watch with a bigger crowd. There was something electric in the air when you had a room full of people focused intently on the outcome, it made every challenge and every critique and every lip sync so much more dramatic. There were shouts and cries and gasps from everyone in the room. It was like watching an opera. Except with tongue pops and occasional twerking.
Everyone looked like they were having a blast though Brittany noticed how Santana was quiet for most of the evening and tended to sink into the background. She mostly sat back and watched Kurt and Brittany hold court during commercial breaks when there were bursts of conversations. It was their group of friends after all. Every so often she would send Brittany a smile or wink when someone seemed especially interested in asking Brittany questions about dancing or her goals after NYADA.
By the end of the show things had gotten lively in the loft. Everyone was feeling good and loose and comfortable, so comfortable that someone had turned on some music to chill to. Everyone was sitting around holding various conversations and a couple of people had even hopped up to sloppy dance in the middle of the room much to the rest of the group's amusement. Brittany was watching Kurt do his one shoulder shimmy dance move when she realized Santana had disappeared somewhere.
While the others continued to entertain themselves Brittany slipped away. Dancing was fun, but dancing with her girlfriend was the best and she wanted to show everyone up with Santana.
She checked the kitchen and bathroom, then their bedroom and even Kurts. She was nowhere and Brittany was stumped for a few moments until she remembered how LT had gotten outside last week when someone left the window to their fire escape open. She circled back to their bedroom and went to the window which was cracked open with a book. She pushed it up and poked her head out and it was there on the fire escape that she saw Santana standing at a railing, her hands dangling over the side as she nursed a mixed drink in a party cup.
''What are you doing out here?'' Brittany pushed the window up and crawled through to join her outside.
''Nothing. Getting air. How's it going inside?''
''Everyone's still having a good time in there. I think I even heard someone say charades-''
Santana laughed and discarded her drink. ''Gross. Then it's a good thing I made my escape when I did.''
''I was missing you.''
''Yeah?''
''I'm sorry if everyone else has monopolized my time tonight. It just sort of happened. Being a host is fun but like, work.''
''No,'' Santana hushed her. ''Don't be. Everyone loves you. As they should. Anyway I liked watching you dazzle everyone.''
''Still I kind of feel like I've been neglecting you.''
Santana rubbed at her chin as if she were a cartoon character in thought. ''Hmmmm, I guess you'll have to find some way to make it up to me.''
''Oh yeah? Hmmm.'' Brittany hummed and played along. ''I wonder how.''
''I'm sure you can think of something.''
Brittany pulled Santana to her and placed a single warm kiss on her lips that left her humming. ''Tell you what then. As soon as everyone leaves I'll take you to bed and make sure to give you all of my undivided attention. How does that sound?''
''Sounds nice, although I don't know…''
''Don't know what?''
''I don't know if I can wait till then.''
Santana tossed a nod to the window, indicating the party still going on inside. Brittany peeked in and could see just beyond the curtains, past the bedroom and straight into the living area. There was movement and laughter taking place inside and it didn't look like it was going to die down any time soon. With all of the extra bodies the loft was buzzing with energy and people.
''I mean who knows when this viewing party will end,'' Santana sighed with mock devastation.
Brittany put two and two together quickly. She knew what Santana was playing at. ''Here?'' she asked and looked around at the sky, not to mention the surrounding buildings several of which had signs of life. ''On the fire escape?''
''Why not?'' Santana gently nudged Brittany backwards until her rear came up against an opposite railing.
Brittany licked her lips. She didn't exactly have a reason to deny her girlfriend, especially since her girlfriend had such a super sexy hungry look in her eyes. Brittany always thought it was so hot when Santana got all take-chargey.
''I love this dress you're wearing.''
''I know.'' Brittany wore it for that fact alone. It was a simple but fashionable little black number that showed off her legs, long and lean and defined. Santana never failed to go nuts for them when they were on display. She had apparently been driving her nuts the entire evening having to watch Brittany from afar. Now that they were alone and away from the guests Santana looked ready to pounce.
''I love how high it is,'' Santana's voice went even more raspy. ''I especially love watching you sit in it. The way you cross your legs. Mm. How it creeps up your thighs.'' The hand on her hip moved and Santana's fingers began to dance up those very thighs until she reached the tiny piece of fabric she was in search of. With a smoothness Santana slid a finger inside, hooking Brittany's panties and gently pulled them down.
Brittany shivered a bit and then almost as if it was a reflex, she parted her legs, inviting Santana to step between them further.
''You're already wet,'' Santana said in that cocky way of hers.
''Shut up.''
Santana started running kisses up and down Brittany's pale neck. ''Now is that any way for a hostess to talk to her dinner guest?''
''If you don't do something in the next two seconds I'm putting my panties back on and going back to the party.''
Santana laughed into Brittany's hair, clearly she didn't buy that for a second. Not with the way Brittany was vibrating with want.
''You're so going to pay for this later,'' Brittany said with a wicked stare.
''Oh I hope so.''
And then with a throaty little groan Santana sank into her. Brittany's breath hitched and she wrapped an arm around Santana's neck to keep herself steady as her girlfriend started working her fingers between their bodies.
''Is this what you needed?''
Brittany nodded and let out a faint squeak of pleasure.
''Uh uh yeah,'' Santana muttered, delighting and marvelling at just how easy it was for her to move in and out. Brittany had been more than ready. ''It's what I needed too.''
Brittany closed her eyes and all she could hear was the city around them and the sounds of Santana's heavy breathing in her ear with each small but focused thrust. Every once and awhile she could make out Santana mumbling sweet nothings but she could never quite hear them clearly. While Brittany couldn't make out the words exactly, she could on the other hand decipher something in Santana's voice. She heard all the usual stuff, the lust and want of course, but there was something else there underneath that. Something that sounded almost desperate.
It was hard to dwell on that though when Brittany came shuttering against Santana who held her as those pleasurable waves rolled through her body. When she opened her eyes Santana was standing there, a look of peace and calm had since washed over her features.
After a few moments Brittany caught her breath and started to gather herself, making sure her hair and dress were presentable. ''...when we go to bed tonight, it's your turn but, we should get back to the party. Everyone's probably wondering where we went off too.''
''Yuh-yeah,'' Santana said and shook her head as if coming out of a daze.
Brittany studied her. ''You okay?''
''Me? What-yeah. I'm more than fine…'' Santana swallowed. ''I just, I wish I could stay inside of you forever, Britt.''
It went on like that for awhile for several weeks. Near constant lovemaking.
Every time Brittany asked what had gotten into her, Santana would chalk it up to being really excited about being together out and open in New York. They were young and they were hot, why shouldn't they be doing it every chance they got Santana would say to her. Brittany didn't really question it too much, Santana made a lot of sense. Plus all the orgasms tended to make her brain a little foggy.
As far as she was concerned they were living the dream together.
X
''Did you get the package I sent?''
It was several days later and Kurt was pacing around his bedroom on the phone, dancing with a sort of delight and eagerness as he spoke to Blaine.
The distance was definitely tough but Kurt was nothing if not determined to make the effort. They had touched base a few times within the past week but were still continually just missing each other here and there with their schedules so out of sync.
Luckily Santana's gesture of giving him a bountiful breakfast had given Kurt an idea.
He was getting so wrapped up in his life here, seeing and exploring so many new things and the person he wanted to share it with was so far away. If Blaine couldn't be in New York just yet then Kurt was going to bring New York to Blaine.
It took him awhile but Kurt had constructed the most perfect care package. In it he had stuffed it with a few fun tiny trinkets, like a Statue of Liberty keychain, a toy Taxi and even one of those I HEART NY t-shirts that he knew Blaine wouldn't be caught dead in but it was the thought that counted Kurt figured. He had also sent along a map of the city and drawn on it, highlighting all of Kurt's favorite places and neighborhoods he had discovered since arriving. He couldn't walk them with Blaine just yet but this was his promise that one day soon, they would. He even sent along a box of cronuts. Overnight shipping be damned. But the best part of the box of course, Kurt thought, was what was inside the single envelope buried at the bottom.
A ticket.
''Yes, I got it,'' Blaine chuckled. ''The cronuts were delicious by the way.''
''Yeah yeah, who cares about the cronuts?'' Kurt squealed. ''Did you find the ticket?''
''I did and Kurt...I don't know what to say.''
''Say you'll come?''
''Of course I'll come. I already talked to my parents and worked it out. It'll be amazing.''
''I want you to know that even though it seems like I'm hardly ever around, you're always on my mind. I've gotten carried away with my life here, but you're still a part of that. A part of me. You know that right?''
''I do,'' Blaine said faintly.
''One day we're going to walk to all of those places I marked on that map together.''
''I miss you so much.''
''Me too. But in three weeks time you'll be here and we'll have three solid days together.''
''Thank you and again, I can't wait.''
Kurt was beaming. A visit wasn't going to solve everything but it was a start, they just needed to touch base with each other again and be reminded of what they had and what they working towards.
''Okay I hate to scram but I have to, I have food in the oven that needs my attention but I'll be thinking of you tonight.''
''Okay, text me later.''
''Will do. Love you.''
''I love you too, Kurt. No matter what.''
Kurt did a happy little hop as he ended the call before twirling himself around and jogging towards the kitchen. He grabbed a glove and popped open the oven to pull out a pizza. It was just the perfect amount of crispy he decided as he placed it on the table top. He picked off a piece of pepperoni and tossed it into his mouth. He had just finished going at it with a pizza slicer when Santana and Brittany arrived home from their respective day.
''That smells delish.'' Brittany was practically drooling at the cheesy goodness. ''I'm gonna hop in the shower. Save me like the biggest slice will you?''
''I got you covered,'' Kurt said as he watched her skip off. Since becoming roommates he'd learned that after especially long dance sessions Brittany could and would eat like a footballer. He was always happy to make her a huge plate that would be ready and waiting for her after she got cleaned up in the bathroom.
Once Brittany had toddled off it was just Santana there standing with him.
''I have a surprise for you,'' he announced grabbing a small basket with a cloth over it from the table and handing it off to her.
Santana took it and peeked underneath the covering. ''Is this what I think it is?''
''Homemade breadstick.''
Santana let out a long throaty moan that Kurt usually only heard from across the loft when Santana and Brittany were having their 'special time' together. ''Ah hell yeah,'' she said, grabbing one and tearing into it with relish.
''Good?''
Santana grunted in approval as if she were a cavewoman. Kurt made to take one himself but Santana just swatted his hand away. He watched her walk away with the basket and fall back onto the couch as she continued to chew. ''So what do you want?'' she asked.
''Who said I want anything?'' he laughed weakly. ''It's Drag Race night and I was heating up pizza for dinner and I thought you'd love a little something that reminded you of home. I know you miss Breadstix.''
''I know your squirrely little face, Kurt. You're not fooling me, mmm, fuck these breadsticks are legit.''
''Okay,'' he said because the matter needed to be dealt with sooner or later. Best to do it while she was distracted by her favorite carby snack. ''So there is something. In a couple weeks Blaine is going to visit and he's going to be staying here and I want to make sure that when he gets here we won't have a situation on our hands.''
''What do you mean by that?'' Santana asked and stuffed another piece of bread into her mouth.
''I mean I'd like it if when he went back to Lima he was still in one piece.''
''What?'' she scoffed with her mouth full.
''I'm just asking you to put your differences aside for one weekend so he and I can actually get some quality time together.''
''Hey I can be on my best behavior. You just tell him to keep his greasy troll ass away from me and to not talk to me unless it's completely necessary.''
''What does that mean exactly?''
''It means I'll sit at a dinner table with him but that doesn't mean I'm gonna talk to him or even look at him.''
Kurt exhaled in defeat. This. But considering it was Santana he was dealing with, he could work with it. ''Fine. That's good enough for me. Just no confrontations please?''
Santana continued to eat and just waved him off so she could munch in peace. She was on her fourth stick when her phone began ringing.
''Hello,'' she said with her mouth half full.
''Santana.''
''Mom, heyyyyyy.''
''I'm not calling you at a bad time am I?''
Santana sat up and dusted herself off, tossing her basket of breadsticks onto the coffee table. She left Kurt to finish up in the kitchen and bypassed him on her way to her and Brittany's bedroom.
''No, no, not at all,'' Santana answered. ''What's going on?''
''Nothing,'' her mother, Maribel, laughed warmly. ''I just wanted to hear my baby's voice and check up on you. Other than your Facebook statuses I haven't really heard much from you in the last few weeks.''
''I….I've just been busy.'' Santana stammered as she walked in short tight circles. ''With school. Some of my classes are really intense.''
Maribel let out a soft sympathetic sound. ''I'm sorry to hear that. You've been taking care of yourself though, yes?''
''Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry I haven't called in awhile. After I finish my classes and drag myself home and get to my homework, most nights I just want to turn my brain off.''
''I know you're working very hard and what you're doing with your life now isn't what you planned but your father and I are very proud of you, and the choices you've made...''
Santana found herself looking at her reflection in the mirror above her and Brittany's dresser. She couldn't say the same, unfortunately. She was making her parents proud but she wasn't exactly feeling any sense of pride in herself or her choices.
Being a Lopez meant being successful, and this was the only way her parents thought that was possible. Going to school and getting a 'real' education was the most logical thing to do but each day Santana couldn't help but feel a little more empty and lost. She didn't give a shit about learning what the hell civil procedure was, or the ins and outs of the constitution, she wasn't interesting in debating legal methods. All of those things existed for a reason and had a purpose in this world. But her purpose, she knew deep inside, wasn't to examine or enforce them. She didn't care about law. It didn't set her soul on fire. It didn't live in her veins, not like song did.
Not like song had more like.
Because as the days had gone on, as the classes and the curriculum began to wear her down she felt like she was losing herself. Her real self.
And worst of all it felt like she couldn't admit defeat. She couldn't tell Brittany or Kurt, and she certainly couldn't tell her parents. So she went through the motions as best she could. Because another thing Lopez's did was suffer in silence.
''Life is great though,'' Santana lied to her mother on the other end of the phone. ''Columbia is great, mommy. You and dad were right, it's where I should be.''
X
''Cassandra July hates me,'' sighed Rachel.
''Cassandra July loves me,'' laughed Brittany.
It was after hours and Brittany and Rachel were sitting around and catching their breath in Ms. July's empty dance studio.
Rachel, who had been accepted into NYADA alongside Kurt and Brittany, had been struggling to keep up in dance and it didn't help that her teacher, Cassandra July, had it out for her. Determined to prove her ability Rachel had asked Brittany for some extra help so for the past month at least a couple times a week Brittany would stay late to help Rachel with her moves.
It was a strange turn of events because Rachel had only ever excelled in the classroom and Brittany had only ever struggled but now the tables had inexplicably turned. Brittany had to admit it took awhile for her to come around to the girl but now that she had, it did feel nice that Rachel was looking to her for help and guidance. It meant that Rachel considered her to be more knowledgeable in the matter. It felt good.
''For real though you need to stop caring about what other people think of you,'' Brittany continued in a more serious tone once the two had finished up and sat down to have a chat. ''Who cares if Cassandra July hates you, okay? All you need to worry about is getting her to respect you.''
''Yeah I don't see her respecting me any time soon,'' Rachel said.
''Yeah well why would she when every time you open your mouth in class is to talk back and challenge her.''
''I challenge her because she has a horrible attitude.''
Brittany rolled her eyes. ''Uh yeah, she's a total mega bitch...and that's coming from me and we all know who my girlfriend is but Cassandra also knows her stuff. Look the only way to show her up and get her off your back is to be better, so put in the work and be better.''
Rachel frowned and began to dig in a nearby gym bag. She pulled out a bottle of water and took a weirdly aggressive sip before tossing it back down with force like a petulant child. ''I shouldn't have to be better just for her to respect me. At McKinley when we were in Glee club Mr. Schue would never-''
''Rachel, this isn't McKinley and Cassandra July isn't Mr. Schue, this is New York.''
''I get that.''
''Do you?''
''I certainly didn't come to New York expecting everything to be handed to me but…'' Rachel stammered off into silence as a quiet kind of sadness washed over her features. ''I guess I didn't expect to have to work this hard either.''
Brittany nodded supportively.
Rachel waved a hand around, as if trying to shoo away her own self pity. ''I'm sorry. I shouldn't be telling you this. I asked you for your dancing expertise not for a therapy session.''
''It's fine.''
''No, it's not,'' Rachel said. ''I really appreciate what you're doing. Taking the time to help me and all.''
''It feels good,'' Brittany admitted with a proud glimmer. ''Being the one that's able to help. I'm usually on the other side of it. Besides...I think you and I, like, might be turning into friends.''
Rachel's eyes lit up with mirth. ''Really? You'd call us that.''
''Sort of.''
Rachel made like she was about to hug Brittany but Brittany just chuckled and shut that down, holding a hand up to halt the other girl.
''We're friends, but we need to work up to physical contact,'' Brittany laughed.
Rachel took it on the chin. She still looked pleased and smug that they had at the very least achieved friend status. ''We'll work up to hugs.''
''I know we were never all that close in high school but I'm glad you're here,'' Brittany admitted. ''Like I totally have Santana and Kurt, but it is kind of nice having another familiar face around too.''
''Sometimes I must admit I'm a tad jealous of the three of you. Don't get me wrong I enjoy my space and having my own apartment is a luxury I'm thankful for but it would be comforting to go home to a roommate, a friend. I feel like I'm missing out on the hijinks that come with cohabitation.''
''One of these days you should come hang out with us then,'' Brittany offered. ''We have our weekly Drag Race night which you're always welcome to. Price of admission is a bottle of wine.''
''Really?''
''Sure.''
Rachel beamed, touched. ''I've never watched Drag Race but one of these days I may just take you up on that invitation.''
''Take her up on what invitation?''
Rachel and Brittany turned their attention to the doorway where they found Santana standing confidently. With a smile she started sauntering in their direction. Brittany scrambled up to greet her with a peck on the lips.
''Brittany here just invited me to join you on your next viewing of something called Drag Race,'' Rachel explained.
''Did she now?'' Santana asked.
''Be nice,'' Brittany urged.
''What, I am nice,'' Santana insisted. ''Rachel and I are cool now. We worked our stuff out during senior year. Right Berry?''
''Absolutely.'' Rachel stood up to join them. ''You know what, if anything I should be thanking you, Santana. I've been occupying a lot of Brittany's free time. Your girlfriend has been working really hard making sure I'm keeping up in dance class. Brittany's incredibly talented not to mention bizarrely flexible.''
''Oh believe me I know,'' Santana sassed.
''Right well I think I'm going to head out now.'' Rachel made a show of looking at her wristwatch. ''I need to get home and get cleaned up, I'm exhausted. By bathtub is calling to me. I'll catch you tomorrow, Brittany. Santana.''
Rachel grabbed her bag and wrapped a towel around her neck and then made her exit from the studio. The sun was slowly setting and it left the room dimly lit. It was definitely getting late in the evening.
''So,'' Santana started as she looked up and around, absorbing the space. The large open area, the tall mirrors, the bars, the gorgeous wood. It was an interesting room and the low light added a sort of serene ambiance to it. ''This is where it all happens huh?''
''Yeah.''
''You always talk about this place but this was so far away from what I pictured it to be.'' Santana turned in place, marveling at the chandeliers above them. ''It's huge, it's...beautiful.''
''You think so?''
Santana didn't answer, instead she went to look out and admire the many windows lining the room. She looked taken.
''I'll be ready to go in a minute,'' Brittany said looking around. She had a couple of towels, a hoodie and an extra pair of shoes to pack up before she could leave.
Santana however had other ideas when she stopped studying the room and came up behind Brittany, wrapping her arms around her waist and burying her nose in Brittany's neck, inhaling her.
''I stink,'' Brittany laughed lightly.
''No you don't. You smell like you,'' Santana assured her and placed a kiss against her slightly damp skin.
''What are you doing?'' Brittany laughed again.
''Nothing,'' Santana said. ''You just look really hot that's all.''
''I'm gross right now, baby.''
''No you're not.'' Santana pulled her head back to examine Brittany and her body. She was wearing grey tights that hugged every inch of her bottom half including her crazy cute butt. And on top Brittany wore nothing but a simple black sports bra. On anyone else it might've been typical but on Brittany, it was something else. Santana reached around to run a fingertip across her girlfriend's abs. ''Definitely not.''
''Santana…''
''What?'' Santana asked innocently as her hands started to touch in some not so innocent places.
''People use this studio all the time.''
''So.''
''Someone could walk in.''
Santana looked around. ''The place looks plenty empty to me.''
''We shouldn't,'' Brittany groaned. She was conflicted. One of Santana's roaming hands had found its way underneath her bra and had begun to massage one of her breasts while Santana's other hand rested flat across Brittany's stomach. It felt good, too good.
''When I walked in and saw you looking all tight and toned and sweaty I just wanted to take a bite out of you.'' Santana spoke as she trailed kisses on top of Brittany's exposed shoulder now, almost humming against her skin.
''Yeah?''
''You look so damn yummy.''
With a tiny burst of self restraint Brittany turned around, inadvertently pulling Santana's hand out from her bra.
Brittany bit down on her bottom lip as she weighed her options. On one hand while Cassandra July did not have it out for Brittany the way she had it out for Rachel, Brittany knew Cassandra would not take to kindly if she found out her precious studio had been violated in such a way by one of her students. On the other hand, orgasms.
It was a tough choice and she knew there was tiny bit of risk involved, but maybe that was part of it. Brittany chose orgasms.
It was quick and a little sloppy but it was also wildly hot as Santana took her in front of one of the giant mirrors within the studio. It was a turn on to watch their reflections shutter and grind. In the end they were both a mess and Brittany was at a loss for words as Santana moved in an almost frenzy. When she wasn't drowning Brittany in kisses she was speaking heatedly in her ear about how she wanted Brittany to remember this, to think about this every time she walked into class, every time she danced across the floor, every time she practiced at a bar, she wanted Brittany to remember this here always she said.
After that they had made a blanket of their clothing on the floor and collapsed onto it in a messy heap together. Santana still insisted on being in charge. In being on top. It was like something overtook her and she needed to lose herself or find herself in Brittany and didn't want to stop until she did one or the other.
''Wait,'' Santana whispered after some time, halting her movements. Her voice deep was deep as she pulled back slightly.
''Wuh-don't stop.''
''Don't worry, I'm not. But I want you to put this leg up. Over my shoulder.''
Santana stroked and guided one of Brittany's smooth legs up and hooked it over herself, affording her the most delicious, obscene view.
''Is this okay?'' Santana asked, because as spirited as things got she always made sure Brittany was comfortable and okay with whatever they were doing.
Brittany nodded as Santana wiped a sweaty blond tendril of hair away from her face. ''Keep going.''
''Oh I will.'' Santana resumed touching her girlfriend, first gently and softly before slowly building up in speed and finding her rhythm again. ''I love seeing you like this.''
Brittany could barely speak properly. ''Luh-like wha?''
Santana answered by leaning down and placing a searing kiss against her lips.
And after when they had both finished Brittany was the first to move. Or it was more like Brittany was the first to attempt to move. Santana was gently laying on top of her, essentially trapping her in place.
They couldn't really just lounge around exposed in the middle of the school, what they had done was risky enough. What they needed to do was throw on some clothes and head home but Santana...Santana looked like she was somewhere else. On top of Brittany and still inside of Brittany she had closed her eyes and looked like she was a million miles away.
''Hey,'' Brittany said and brought a hand up to cup her cheek. ''Everything okay?''
''Huh?'' Santana blinked hard once before opening her eyes which were slightly dazed and watery.
''Are you okay?''
Santana forced a satisfied smirk. ''Of course I'm okay. I just came like super hard.''
''No I know but….for a second there you just...you looked…''
''What?''
''You looked sad.''
Santana took a gulp of air and slowly and carefully pulled away from Brittany. ''I'm just tired. That was hot.'' It was then that it looked like Santana shook herself alert. She made to grab for both of their clothes and handed Brittany's off to her. ''We should get dressed and get out of here.''
Brittany studied Santana's face in concern. ''Yeah we should,'' she said absentmindedly.
Brittany knew her girlfriend in and out and it was the first time since they had gotten to New York that Brittany had seen a flash of something that looked like despair.
Maybe it was possible for Santana to hide that throughout her day, over breakfast and during Drag Race, but she couldn't hide it here and now when her face was bare and open and reveling in the aftermath of their lovemaking. Santana couldn't hide that something was definitely wrong when she was in her most exposed, vulnerable state. Maybe it was something to do with the time of day, or perhaps it was something to do with being in that huge open room filled with wonder and dreams.
Brittany didn't know what it was exactly, but she saw that something somewhere was hurting Santana's heart.
''You coming?'' Santana asked. She was fully dressed while Brittany was still sitting, holding her clothes to her front. ''Come on.''
She held her hand out and took it, pulling Brittany up. Santana's perfect mask was back in place, perfectly hidden and whatever sadness Brittany had witnessed was now pushed back and down under the surface. Santana helped Brittany get dressed and then gather her things into her gym bag. Hand in hand they walked out but instead of dwelling on the amazing orgasms they had just had or how passionate her girlfriend had been during their lovemaking, all Brittany could think about was the hollowness she had seen and heard in Santana.
She wasn't sure how but as she tightened her grip and pulled Santana's hand up to kiss the back of her palm, Brittany told herself she was going to figure it out. Even if it was on her own, after all it was the great poet Katya Zamolodchikova who once said 'the key to a swollen vagina is courage'.
And Brittany had finally felt like she had found hers in New York.
Courage that is. Not a swollen vagina.
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A/N: okay this is a weird chapter and I hope people don't hate it. We kind of time-jumped a bit but I felt it was needed. I also wanted to go against expectation and not make everyone's transition to NY a happy smooth one. Kurt and Santana are being challenged in different ways. They built NY up in their heads thinking that it would be smooth sailing as soon as they got there. But that's just not how adulthood works. I also thought it would be interesting to in turn show that out of the three of them, Brittany was the one adjusting the best and finding her groove. Again I wanted to go against the grain. I thought it would be different and refreshing to see Brittany bursting with confidence in herself.
As far as Brittany and Santana's relationship, I'm doing something really specific with this storyline here. It makes sense in my head and hopefully as we go further in it will to you the readers as well. If you have a hunch about what I'm trying to convey with their story here I'd love to hear it in a review!
Also before anyone jumps down my throat and calls me a hater I'm a Trixie fan and a Shangela lol. I love Trixie and I'm not trying to like disparage her in any way but Santana's right. Shangela is the Beyonce of Drag Race and Trixie is the Taylor Swift. It's true and Santana should say it!
