To the readers and followers of this story: Thank You.
Chapter 14 is the longest chapter so far.
Chapter Title: Sam Hunt / Album: Montevallo (2014)
Trigger Warning: Dave gets into a fist fight with one of the guys, so when Britt and San get into the hot tub, stop and scroll down to 'A Moment' section. For the record, I don't condone violence
Chapter 14 –House Party
On Saturday, Brittany drove out to the mansion after getting the party details from Quinn on Friday. She pulled behind Kitty's white Kia Soul, as it was the last car parked along the circular drive. Grabbing her canvas bag from the back, Brittany strode up to the front door out of habit she started adding together the numbers from each license plate she passed. Unlike they'd done at the pool party Quinn had told her, she could use the front entrance, no need to ring the bell or knock, just walk in. As she entered the foyer, Brittany remembered from Santana's tour the main staircase from the second floor, the wine bar, beyond that a living room with floor to ceiling windows. Before she could take in more, Dave with Blaine in tow came from around the staircase. Both said 'Hi' Dave directing her to the back where the guests had gathered. Dave and Blaine were going up the stairs. Brittany remembered regardless of what room her and Santana had walked through all the windows to the rear of the house looked over the pool area.
Like the pool party, Brittany exited the house from the family room. She paused for a second to take in the view. It was spectacular, the house set on a natural hill above a river valley. Even though it was mostly farmland beyond the river, she was able to pick out the red barns, white houses, silos, roads, and wooded areas from a distance. It reminded her of some of Grant Woods paintings, his home in Iowa during the 1930s. She couldn't imagine Santana in such a rural setting.
Brittany saw Kurt, Mercedes and Unique sitting at one of the patio tables, with Rachel and Quinn
After exchanging pleasantries, Brittany went with Quinn to where Puck tended bar.
"Hey, there's my baby mama." Puck directing the comment to Quinn
"Quinn rolled her eyes, casually saying, "It's best to ignore him."
"Good seeing ya again Brittany. What can I get you, ladies? I make a mean Manhattan."
"I'd stick with the Margaritas Brittany Puck just wants you drunk on your ass to take advantage of you later."
"Those were wine coolers, and that was years ago." He replied defensively. "Speaking of which where's Beth?"
"She's with your sister for the night."
"Cool!" Puck said as he sat three margaritas on the bar, sliding a lime slice on the lip of each red solo cup.
Returning to the table "So who's all here?" Brittany asked
"Well there's us, Tina, Marley, and Kitty, are lounging by the pool. Then Sam, Mike, Ryder, Spencer, and Jake are the volleyball players." Mercedes answered
"Lauren will be here when she gets off work," Unique added.
"Hunter, Sebastian, and some guy named Nick aren't here yet." Rachel volunteered.
"I know Trent said he wouldn't make it his grandmother is in the hospital, so he went home to visit her," Mercedes added from a conversation she'd had at work yesterday.
"Where's Santana?" Brittany asked looking out toward the pool for the Latina.
"Santana took Zee upstairs to Dottie. Dave and Blaine are inside, trying to get the music started, which they'll mess up." Mercedes chortled knowing from experience Dave didn't know how to use the house-wide stereo system.
As if on cue, they heard AC/DC's 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' blare through both the in house and outdoor speakers at maximum volume, then it stopped. Mercedes held up her forefinger. A few seconds passed then they heard Santana screaming on the house intercom system 'God Damnit, Dave! Just fucking leave, it!' causing everyone at the table to burst into laughter, Mercedes slapping her hand on the table "I knew it. Never fails!"
Dave humbled came out a few minutes later carrying Elle's playpen placing it near the table, leaving with Blaine and a refreshed beer to head toward the volleyball net. Brittany finding it odd to see Dave in swim trunks, tank, and flip-flops, so accustom to seeing him in his work khaki's, long sleeve shirts and loafers
Santana showed up a bit later with Elle, in a loosely fit boyfriend shirt covering her two-piece swimsuit, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Brittany knew she was staring. It was hard not to, full breasts and toned abs were just a little of what she could see with the open shirt. Brittany felt someone kick her leg, taking her eyes off Santana it was Rachel grinning at her. Brittany felt her face flush. Embarrassed at being so obvious. Kurt noticed too smiling at her.
Quinn reached for the infant, Santana tossing the drool rag on the table in front of her, saying she may not need it. Brittany turned her eyes to Elle watching as Quinn gingerly held down Elle's bottom lip to see the two tiny white teeth had emerged from her bottom gum. Elle stared at her trying to decide if she knew the woman holding her and if she should cry or giggle. Elle chose to giggle with delight. Quinn cooed at the infant as she gently placed the pacifier back in the infant's mouth.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to turn the music back on, if Dave and Pretty Pony, haven't f'd it up again."
"Brittany maybe you would like to help Santana, you're surely familiar with stereo systems." Rachel said. Brittany felt Rachel's hand on her knee nudging encouragement.
Santana looked at the two, "Sure" she responded, smirking at Brittany.
Brittany hadn't spoken to Santana since she'd gotten back. She'd received a few texts, after their call on Monday, nothing more than 'Hi, how are you?' or 'Hi what are you doing?" Her responses hadn't generated any responses back, or if they did, they were short saying she was shopping or taking Zee to one of the activities she'd told her on the call.
Brittany followed Santana into the house pass the kitchen to the back stairs to the second floor, unable to keep her eyes off Santana's backside. They went down a hallway to an open area lined with books and a couple of chairs to the media room. That room had four rows of three recliners; a flat screen dominated one wall, wireless speakers around the room, a bar on one side, with a table-sized popcorn machine. On the other side of the wall, a built-in cabinet held the stereo devices. Santana pushed a few buttons Brittany watching over Santana's shoulder saw the system included a turntable. The LPs must be stored in one of the cabinets she thought to herself.
Santana typed on her cell, a few seconds later she announced, "Done" as she turned around to look at Brittany.
Dropping her guard, Santana moved closer to Brittany, "I missed you" she whispered, "I didn't think I would, but I did."
Brittany reached over placing her hand on Santana's bare arm, rubbing it with her finger pads "I missed you too." Taking a step closer Santana's boyfriend shirt touching Brittany, she slowly advanced her hand up and around Santana's shoulder until it rested on the nape of her neck, Santana titling her head upward Brittany ghosted her lips next to Santana's lips. Santana responded, leaning in their mouths met in a kiss that was leisurely not at all desperate or fiery but sensual, as they discovered each other for the first time. Brittany felt Santana wrap her arms around her waist pulling her in their body's melding together, a perfect fit.
Santana broke the kiss, resting her forehead on Brittany's shoulder. "That was a bad idea" she whispered
"Why?" Brittany breathed into Santana's hair.
Looking up into Brittany's eyes "Because …" Santana didn't finish instead Brittany felt her lips on hers, their tongues eagerly exploring. She felt Santana's hands on her back, moving to her waist, to her ass.
As if on cue, Dave's voice came over the intercom "Mama Bear! Where are you? It's your party."
Santana sighed, "I wish to fuck I'd never bought that book!" She growled breaking their embrace resting her head back on Brittany's shoulder.
"No, it's ok." Brittany soothed her by rubbing her arm. "It is your birthday party, and Quinn has gone to a lot of trouble for you and your guests."
"Yeah, I guess," Santana said dejectedly.
Descending on the back stairs once on the landing Santana glanced around to see if anyone could see them, taking Brittany's hand she pulled her into the back entrance to the kitchen stopping in the pantry. Reaching up she gave her one last peck on the lips.
Brittany had to admit it was an odd party at first. It seemed at times as though two different parties were going on. The men were staying away from the women, interacting when they needed to refresh their drinks or grab some food from the tables. Puck and Lauren were the only straight couple in the group until Finn and his wife, Kristi showed up. Dave clung to Spencer as close boyfriends holding hands, an arm slung over a shoulder, refilling each other's drinks, kissing even in front of Santana who didn't seem bothered by it at all. For her part, Santana didn't stray too far from Brittany. At one point linking pinkies, getting a look of surprise from Kurt.
As the afternoon evolved, Brittany watched as Dave and Santana interacted with each other. When Zee tripped as he ran, scraping his knees on the concrete, Dave rushed over to him. Picked up his son to comfort him, as he walked over to Santana, who held their boy in her lap, hushing him as he cried until he calmed down. Dave offered to take him inside to get a band-aid to make it feel better. When they returned, Zee sported not one but four Spiderman bandages only one on his wounded knee. Responding to Santana's questioning look, Dave shrugged his shoulders saying "Found more injuries." Santana shook her head as she smirked. At times they'd whisper something to each other, resulting in a task being completed, like Dave going down to the basement to change over to a new keg. Or Santana, changing the stereo playlist. Zee seemed to revel being with the older men. In the pool as the men played with him, Santana watched reminding the guys to be careful, Dave responding "He's got his life jacket on." Then telling his friends to be more careful, "Mama Bears claws are coming out." Santana in the water with Elle who floated in her baby sized float, Dave coming up behind Santana scaring her than reaching around to spin Elle. Santana yelled at Dave to 'Stop that!' then laughing at her daughter's delight. Dave handing over Elle to Santana telling. her, 'Not my job' Santana responded 'Wuss.' Santana, taking Dave's t-shirt over to him while he played volleyball, telling him to put it on before he burns.
In all respects, they seemed like an average family. Except for the fact they weren't ordinary, typical, or average. Though Dave didn't display affection to Spencer with Zee around, he still didn't keep his hands from him either. Shoulder slap, butt pats, roughhousing with him in the pool. But then when Zee came around his mother, Santana wouldn't necessarily avoid touching Brittany either. It seemed to be an appealing contrast that Zee was being exposed too with relationships and friendships.
The Talk
After handing over the kids to Dottie for a nap, Santana asked Brittany "Do you want to go for a walk?"
"Uh … Sure" Brittany answered as she got up from the chaise she laid in next to Kitty.
Kitty snarking "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Followed by a smile.
Together they walked to the front of the house, neither saying a word, passed the front garden to a line of trees where a small wrought iron bench sat. Santana, spread out the towel she brought, sitting down first patting the spot next to her for Brittany. "Uhum … we need to talk." She said.
"Yeah, I guess we do." Brittany murmured.
"When I tell you, I can't give you a 100% it means I have obligations. To Dave. My children. My parents. My in-laws."
Brittany bowed her head nodding "I understand that." Pushing her hair back that had fallen forward as she lifted her eyes to meet Santana's.
"Do you?" Searching Brittany's clear blue eyes for a sign that she did. "It means I can't give you Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. New Year's Eve, 4th of July, or Halloween parties. I can't even spend my birthday with you."
"But isn't this your birthday party?" Brittany asked confused.
"Yes and no. My birthday was ten days ago. I visit my parents on my birthday, well except for the year Zee was born and they delayed it."
"OK"
"Britt, we can't vacation together either. Maybe a weekend in Chicago on the pretext of shopping. But, when I go to my homes in Florida or New York, Dottie and my children are always with me."
"Alright" Brittany nodded.
"We can't do overnights at your house, what if the kids need me? Dave is useless if they get sick in the night. If they have a bad dream and want to crawl into bed with me or read them a bedtime story, I won't be there for them. And I can't have you stay here, cos well Dave and I do share a bed. And yes, we have sex with each other."
Brittany just nodded as she listened to Santana.
"Dave does spend weekends now and then with his boyfriends, but I don't think you'd want to sleep in the same bed that we share. I mean Zee thinks his daddy is on a business trip on those weekends. How do I explain a woman in my bed when his Dad is away?" Santana saw Brittany shake her head, shrug her shoulders "No, he probably won't ask now, but he turns 4 in 10 days, soon he's going to start to realize that." Santana waited for another nod or sign of understanding from Brittany. Instead, Brittany just looked at her. She wondered if those blue eyes were seeing into her soul and how much she wished she didn't have to tell her the facts of her life. How much she wished it could be different, but it wasn't. "Dave doesn't care who I date, but he does care about KEI. You work with him. I'm a company owner too. That's awkward as it is. You can't expect preferred treatment from either us. And if Dave makes a decision that you don't agree with, you can't take it out on me. If you want my help on something that would benefit KEI, yeah I'll help, but if it only benefits you, I can't."
"I wouldn't do that … expect special favors from either of you." Brittany whispered.
"No. No, you wouldn't. But still even at the year-end holiday party, we can mingle, share small talk, but we can't touch beyond greetings. We can't dance together like the Faberry's did at the street party in May. That holds true whenever you see Dave and me as a couple in public."
"Scandals, everyone is welcomed there and be with whoever they want?" Brittany quietly asked.
"Yes, there is Scandals or any other gay bar within driving distance. But is that what you want?" she furrowed her brow searching Brittany's face to see if she understood how limited their relationship would be. "We'd be in an affair of stolen moments, knowing glances, smiles instead of words. And inevitably you'd tire of that. Then anger. Backstabbing. Calls or texts ignored. Subtle innuendo in front of my friends or Dave." Santana reached over to take Brittany's hand. That same familiar, easy tingle, the warmth that made her quiver raced through her, diminishing Santana's inner fear and angst.
"So, you can't go on a date with me?" Brittany murmured. "Is that what you're saying?"
"No, it's not that I can't or don't want to. It's because … because I'm afraid one date will lead to another then we'll fall into a spiral that eventually we can't stop until we crash. Hurting both of us and the people around us. I don't want that. Not for me. Not for you." Santana's eyes were blurring. "I get what you mean, Brittany when you say DeJaVu, we're meant for each other. But maybe this time around grandma and grandma need to be stubborn." Santana smirked seeing if Brittany remembered her reference of their first date. Instead, she saw tears appear from Brittany's blue eyes. Slowly they streamed down her face. Santana using her thumb to wipe them gently away.
Brittany sniffed, taking a breath, wiping her tears from her face "You're saying you don't even want to try. You've closed the book, locked the door on us." Taking both of Santana's hands in hers a look of innocence on her face she said "It feels like you're hiding who you truly are. You're in a castle with an electric fence as a defensive perimeter. Your marriage … you use Dave, a man you admit to not loving, as a guardian to keep you safe." Brittany paused to look into the deep brown eyes, staring back at her. She saw unease, anxiety, even acceptance that on some level she was touching a private key to this beautiful woman's heart. "You use negative connotations like a lizard to keep yourself away from people. When things get scary or people to close you hop in the jet and leave town." Santana turned to look away from Brittany, closing her eyes biting down on her bottom lip to hold back the tears that were forming. Brittany reached over with her hand gently turning Santana's face to look back to her "San you're the butterfly trapped in the cocoon you've spun for yourself. You don't seem to understand that you have the choice to leave it. To be with someone who will love you. And someone you can love in return."
Closing her eyes, Santana could feel her heart beating in her chest. She remembered the last time she saw Dani her words that she didn't 'have to live by anyone's rules,' That Dani wanted 'a real relationship,' to 'hear someone say I love you.' Dani had said her words in anger. Brittany was saying much the same only her words were perceptive, her voice soft, her touch loving. She wasn't in love with Dave, nor had ever been. He was a comfortable fleece jacket that Santana was reluctant to give up. "Brittany I uh" her voice cracked opening her eyes to looking into Brittany's blue ones "I uh … still can't be with you 100% of the time."
Brittany nodded "I know. And that's OK. We'll work something out." Brittany let go of Santana's hands, she encircled the Latina, drawing her close. Santana responded to embrace to be held protectively by the blonde. "We'll be OK San."
Santana let out a sigh "Butterfly huh? I've gone from a lizard to a butterfly."
Brittany smiled, as she released Santana from the embrace, holding her now, so Santana's head lay, on her shoulder, she softly rubbed Santana's arm. Brittany explained, "Trina Paulus in her book Hope for the Flowers, where Yellow a young caterpillar asks the old grey caterpillar who's spinning his cocoon what a butterfly is, he says 'It's what you are meant to become. It flies with beautiful wings and joins the earth to heaven. It drinks only nectar from the flowers and carries the seeds of love from one flower to another. Without butterflies, the world would soon have few flowers.'"
Sleeping Arrangements
By the time they got back to the house, preparations for dinner were in progress. Puck was at the grill something Brittany hadn't even noticed that along with the bar a complete cooking area was part of the patio. That area included the gas grill, two spare burners for pots, cabinet storage, and built-in mini-fridge. She followed Santana into the kitchen, where she joined Quinn in a conversation with the caterer a man named Alistair. The meal was to be grilled sweet corn, creamy coleslaw, roasted sweet potato wedges, a grilled zucchini salad, mushrooms kabobs, orzo salad, fresh fruit salad, and grilled pineapple wedges, along with the choice of Bison steaks, marinade chicken breast, or Salmon fillets and one person was dining on Lobster tails. A vegan meal for Rachel would also be prepared, by Alistair. Back outside, it was orderly chaos as she watched patio furniture moved to make room for the rectangular tables so everyone could sit together and a smaller gas grill had appeared for any overflow.
During the meal, she sat by Santana across from Spencer and Dave. Watching everyone, it was like boarding house reach, not everyone politely asking for a dish to be passed, in some cases, people just got up with their plates to go to the bowl that had what they wanted reaching over the people sitting next to it. It reminded her of holiday meals with her family. The conversation encompassed everything from politics to music. She discovered the lobster tail was for Santana who offered Brittany a bite. That was the one thing she noticed even the couples invited their partners to try something off their plate, except for Dave who just reached over the table, with his fork to stab items off Santana's plate or put something from his on her plate. Not something, he tried with Spencer. It irked her, yet Santana didn't seem bothered by it so it must be something they did every meal. Dottie came down with Zee and Elle joining in the evening meal, sans alcohol for her. Zee seemed to recognize everyone, calling a few Tia or Tio. Marley immediately snatched Elle from Dottie. Zee ended up sitting on Santana's lap where he wolfed down his hot dog that his mother sliced both length and crosswise along with pineapple and sweet potato, trying a bite of lobster, refusing to try the zucchini or mushrooms.
Nick agreed with Zee, calling the zucchini and mushrooms "Slimy shit" as he laughed at the boy. Zee, not understanding repeated what Nick said shouting out 'slimy shit' as he nodded his head in agreement. A few people around the table laughed. Finn elbowed Nick telling him to 'be careful with the language, man' while Santana whispered in Zee's ear. Zee said 'oops sorry' to those around him. Santana followed it up with an angry stare at Dave, who mumbled 'he's new it was a slip' defending the man who was a friend of Sebastian's.
At the end of the meal, after Dottie had taken the children back upstairs, Puck sat a bowl with slips of paper it on the table. Not wanting their guest to travel back to their homes after a day of drinking, the hosts offered sleeping spaces for their guests. The beds for the night determined by a draw, the lucky couples would get one of the five spacious bedrooms the not so lucky ones would have to settle for the sleeper sofa or rollaway beds. One person drew for each couple.
"Rules" Puck said as he tossed the slips of papers in the bowl to mix them "trading rooms acceptable, trading partners acceptable as long as your better half agrees. Two bedrooms share a bathroom remember doors closed if you're using it. Zee's bedroom and the Master Suite both occupied. If you don't get a bedroom, you're responsible for making your bed, linens provided and cleaning up before you leave in the morning. Got it?" Looking around to see everyone in agreement, he offered Unique the first draw. Unique declined due to a previous engagement that evening, saying she'd be leaving soon. Instead, Kurt had the draw first.
Kurt pulled a slip of paper reading it a massive grin of joy crossed his face "Bedroom # 6. Which one is that?"
"Off the living room." Dave replied "Next?" Kurt handing the bowl to Quinn
"#4" Quinn announced
"Isn't that the one with the Jack and Jill bathroom?" Rachel asked
"It is, you'd better hope one of your girlfriends gets bedroom 5," Dave laughingly said followed by "Next."
Mike took the bowl from Quinn, selecting a slip, reading it "Office." Jake unfamiliar with the house layout asked where the office was.
"Lucky you that's part of the master suite," Kurt said, "Word of warning, don't get too loud in their boys unless you want to see the Fury of Satan."
Santana shot back "Wrong Porcelain, its the office off the foyer."
Next Marley drew her slip of paper announcing "Bedroom #7" Kitty her hands clasped as in pray said, "Thank you, Jesus."
Lauren, drew the man cave in the basement, "At least it's close to Dave's private stash, Puckerman."
"Don't count on it. I'll make sure it gets locked up tonight!" Dave replied laughing.
Handing the bowl to Kristi who drew "Playroom."
Followed by Ryder who drew #3 seemingly happy with that selection, he handed the bowl to Tina.
"Well we know what's left," she said as she grabbed the last slip of paper "bedroom #5."
"So where are Brittany and Spencer sleeping?" Mercedes asked, "Or are you two going back to town with Unique or Sebastian and his posse?"
"Uh …" Brittany uttered, taken by surprise.
Santana responded, "Uh … No … um … Spencer can sleep on the sofa bed in the family room, and Brittany can sleep in the suite's office, we don't use it anyway, that is if you don't mind a blow-up mattress and sleeping bag?"
"Or waking up to the sound of a screaming baby," Hunter scoffed
Sebastian adding "Or share a bathroom with Dave. He doesn't always pick up his tighty whities."
"She won't wake you Brittz," Santana said reassuringly. "Promise."
"Nah, she sleeps through most of the night these days." Dave agreed "I can use Santana's bathroom. Cleaning service came in this morning and took care of the bathrooms anyway. Should sparkle in there."
"Yeah, that'll be fine," Brittany responded, more concerned with being that close to Santana and not a restless baby.
As Alistair and his crew cleared up from the meal, Dave corralled some of the men to help move the rollaway beds to the various rooms, Santana sorting out the linen, Brittany acting as a helper, while the rest retrieved their luggage from their cars.
Once all the sleeping arrangements were sorted the men retired to Dave's man cave to play poker, pool, or arcade games he had, smoke cigars and continue to drink. The women started their own poker game. Others just stayed outside knowing that cooler days of autumn were just weeks away.
When Santana received a text, she asked Brittany to follow her into the kitchen once there she stopped to grab a stick of gum out of a drawer to chew glancing around to see no one followed them she led her back up the stairs.
"Where are we going?" Brittany asked
"Put my babies to bed."
Brittany pulled on Santana's arm, stopping her "Wait! Isn't that something you should do? Like you and Dave or just one of you?"
Santana looked at Brittany "Britt, it's ok they're not going to bite."
This decision was a do or die moment. Brittany had finally gotten to kiss Santana, embrace her. Now she was going to wish her children goodnight. Yes, Brittany knew that regardless of whatever future relationship they'd have together, her children would always come first, that's how it's supposed to work. She knew Santana was sober; she'd seen her drink one margarita the entire day. Even though alcohol had been available all day to everyone, and some were starting to act intoxicated, no one was bombed entirely yet. Hell, she felt more relaxed than when she'd arrived, but not Santana. No Santana was serious, and any more hesitation on her part could send the wrong message. "I just thought that this is one of those close, cozy moments with them, why would you want me, a stranger, to tag along. That's all."
"Elle is too small to notice. If he asks, I'll tell Zavier that you wanted too."
"Ok so is this like an audition where I'll join the choir or take a seat in the audience?"
Santana bowed her head for a moment looking back up directly Brittany's eyes "I've never introduced any of my girlfriends to Zee. Quinn and Kitty don't count."
"Just so you know the last time I put anyone to bed was my five-year-old sister, I was fifteen. I let her fall asleep on the floor watching Dumbo then I carried her up to bed. I'm a little out of practice."
"Don't worry genius. I can bring you up to speed."
Santana opened the door to the game room, the rollaway off to the side, the bedding laying on top. Zee, dressed in pj's with a baseball bat, glove, and ball, immediately ran over to his mother. Santana ran her fingers through his long curly hair still damp from his bath. Dottie brought Elle over to Santana, who confirmed that the baby had her bottle and that she'd read a story to Zee, Santana than excused the nanny for the night. Santana asked Zee what story Dottie read to him he replied "Snail and Whale" his mother saying, "That's a favorite, huh?" the tired boy nodded. Together they walked across the hallway to Zee's room. He got into bed himself. The bed already turned down. She looked over to Brittany, who confused for a second, stepped over to the bed to wish Zee sweet dreams, "Do you mind?" Brittany realized that Santana wanted her to take the sleepy infant she complied carefully taking Elle, who rested her head on Brittany's shoulder, Brittany placing her hand on Elle's back for support. Santana knelt to give Zee a hug and kiss, saying 'te amo mijo' pulling his blanket up by his chin. Getting up she checked that his iPad monitor was on, turning off the light, the two left.
Once out of the room Santana took Elle back, carrying her to her crib in the master bedroom. Placing the infant in her bed, Elle fussed briefly, Santana rubbing her tummy, shushing to comfort the infant saying 'te amo mija.' Satisfied she would fall asleep shortly, Santana verified her iPad monitor was on. Using her iPhone to verify she could receive both Cloud signals from the respective monitors. Taking Brittany's hand, Santana walked her toward the sitting room, turning down the short hallway to the office room. Santana flipped on the light she saw that Dave had inflated the bed, and Brittany's bag was on the floor.
Smiling at Brittany, Santana asked, "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
Brittany chuckled, "I went into panic mode holding Elle."
"No, you're a natural" giving the blonde a peck on the cheek "Are you going to be okay with Dave's sleeping bag or do you want real sheets?"
"It's Dave's?" Brittany wrinkled her nose.
Santana chuckled, "I'll get sheets, you wait here." It took only a few minutes before she returned with the sheets and pillows. "I use these on my bed, they're softer than what goes on the other beds." Tossing them in a pile on the air mattress, Santana sure, that if she offered to help make up the air mattress temptation would get the better of her and they'd never make it back downstairs.
An Evening with Friends
Returning to the party, Kurt had joined the 'girls' having been driven out of the man cave by the smell of cigar smoke, even with the air exchanger running. The game was still going Lauren looked to have the most substantial winnings, Marley the least. Those not playing were spread out around the family room watching a rom-com. Santana stopped to ask if anyone needed anything refreshment wise, feel free to take it.
"If you don't mind me saying, Lopez … you really fucked up with the design of this house," Lauren stated.
"Why what's wrong with it?" Santana asked startled that anyone found something wrong with the house except for the size. Which hadn't been her choice either, but Paul had wanted something 'substantial,' even though he didn't plan on living in the home.
"Well for starters, the game room is daycare, and the man cave has all the games and the liquor," Lauren responded as she collected the cards for the next deal.
"It's Dave's man cave. It's where he keeps his games, where he entertains his friends." Shrugging her shoulders not understanding the problem.
"Yeah, Dave decided without asking you first." She cackled as she shuffled the cards. "It never occurred to you that women play pool, darts, pinball, foosball or like to drink scotch?" looking at Santana "No thought so." Lauren started to deal out the cards to the women at the table.
"Lauren does have a point, Santana," Kitty said taking the cards in her hand.
"Well, I think Santana did a wonderful job on the design. Why the accouterments alone…"
"Not the point Rachel." Mercedes interrupted from the couch getting up she walked over next to Santana "Correct me if I'm wrong here Lauren, who's stopping you from going downstairs?"
"Or upstairs to the media room to drink?" Santana added, "The two bars are stocked the same." Lauren a look of surprise on her face, "No, you didn't know that. … And you're welcome to go out to the fire pit to smoke a cigar." Santana shrugged her shoulders "I've done that."
Surprised Brittany asked, "You're a smoker?"
"You should've heard Satan sing 'Back in Black' after a cigar." Kurt, next to Brittany, spoke nostalgically, "You would've thought it was Amy herself."
"I know. Why don't we go down to the studio and sing? Not that the karaoke hasn't been fun, but we have so many talented singers, and we have Finn and Ryder for drums, Sam and Puck with guitars, or maybe Puck on bass and Finn on guitar, Tina on the keyboards that would be fun." Rachel enthusiastically offered as a compromise.
"There's a studio in this house?" Brittany asked no one in particular.
Kurt realizing no one was answering the blonde next to him he replied "You didn't know?
"Know what?"
Satan has a professional recording studio downstairs. She euphemistically refers to it as a wine cellar."
"So, there isn't a wine cellar?"
"Semantics, no there isn't a wine cellar, there is a wine room, it's off the foyer as you come in." Brittany gave Kurt a blank stare as she tried to absorb everything that Chez Karofsky had to offer if it could be called that, more like Hotel Karofsky. "I take it you haven't been downstairs?"
Brittany shook her head 'no.' "That wasn't part of the tour when I first came out here."
"They have the man cave, the studio, mechanicals for the house and pool, storage areas. Then an open area approximately below the living room that has Zee's toys too big for the game room, I'd say about half of the space down there isn't utilized at all."
"Well, I've lost everything to Lauren, so I'll second Rachel's suggestion." Marley tossed her newly dealt hand on the table.
"Thank you, Marley," Rachel said appreciatively. "We need a quorum, who else is in? How about you Hun?"
"Yeah, I might as well get out of this game too, at least leave with some dignity," Quinn answered her wife, laying her cards on the table in front of her.
"Same here," Tina adding to her hand to the table, "I couldn't bluff my way to a win tonight even if my life depended upon it."
"No asking me twice to spend time in a studio." Mercedes became number five to back Rachel's suggestion.
"One more, makes a simple majority, who's it going to be? Kurt? Brittany? Kitty? Anyone?"
Kurt said as he raised his hand, "I'm in."
"No! Seven is not a simple majority. There are twelve men downstairs that need to be included" Santana not wanting to have a horde of people crawling all over her studio, trying to increase the odds in her favor.
"Yeah Puck won't leave a poker game, not if he's winning," Lauren said
"We all know Dave won't sing. Finn was looking out of it anyway. Hunter and Spencer were groping each other outside the man cave last I saw them" Kurt glancing at his watch "But it's been over twenty minutes, they could be done."
"You had to say that, Kurt? My children are asleep upstairs." Santana warned
"Santana you invited 24 people to your home, with an open bar, to stay overnight and think there won't be any sex tonight? How naïve are you? Seriously just because you think of your home as the Virgin Estate, doesn't mean it won't be christened tonight."
"I think it has, Kurt" Quinn grinned as she looked over to Santana. "The proof of the christening is asleep upstairs."
"I'm sleeping alone, so I won't be having sex." Brittany deadpanned.
"In this group, masturbation counts as sex, Brittany," Kitty said as she tossed her cards onto the table, taking a drink out of her bottle of beer.
"Now that we've established that there will be a girl on girl, boy on boy, girl on boy, and just solo girl sex tonight, what about the studio? How many more do we need for a quorum?" Rachel pleadingly asked.
"Let's see …" Mercedes started tapping her fingers to count it out.
Before she could answer Brittany did "You need 9 for a simple majority, that assumes the variables that Kristi and Dave won't vote, Finn is too drunk. We don't know if Nick sings, Puck is winning, although that could be moot if he doesn't have anyone to continue the game. Than Santana who doesn't appear wants to participate, and I follow the decision of the birthday girl."
"Uh… Yeah OK," Rachel slowly said stunned again by Brittany's math proficiency "That's doable! Let's go talk to the guys!"
"Wait, Rachel, it is Santana's studio, what you're proposing is no better than the Michigan–Ohio War, and we all know what that led too, frostbite, Toledo, and war, that is still fought today." Brittany rattled off.
Santana, scrunching her brow listened to Brittany's confusing nonsense about a war she'd never heard of, looking over to Quinn who looked as confused as she felt, "You know anything about a Michigan – Ohio war, Q?"
"Oh god state history was in sixth grade. … I don't know, let me think …"
"What the hell is she talking about?" Kitty leaned over to ask Lauren still seated at the table next to her.
"I haven't a clue."
Quinn finally answering "I think there was a border dispute that involved Toledo."
Santana thought about Brittany's words again. She'd lived in Ohio long enough to know Toledo was often listed as one of the worst cities to live in. A war fought today, that could be the football rivalry between OSU and Michigan. Frostbite, that's cold she thought, painful at times too. Santana smiled, she got it, what Brittany the genius was saying. "Brittany is right, it's my space, and I dictate who has access. Not tonight Rachel, use your Karaoke." Putting her hand up to stop Rachel from arguing, "I'm not going to fight about it. Q if you want to take Lauren upstairs to get a bottle of whatever she wants, it's fine with me. Lauren if you want a cigar fine just smoke it at the fire pit," turning to Brittany "Would you care to join me in the hot tub?" She grabbed the iPhone off the kitchen counter as she passed Brittany.
Feeling a bit smug that Santana had caught on Brittany replied with a smile "Sure."
Stopping at a cabinet Santana took a couple of towels, handing one to Brittany, she strode over to a table near the pool, sitting the monitor down Santana started to unbutton the boyfriend shirt she'd worn since dinner, slipping it off before she got to the tub. Maybe the hot tub hadn't been such a good idea Brittany thought as she watched the Latina step into the warm water. The sudden physical desire to be close to Santana welled up inside of her. A need to hold this beautiful woman in her arms again, not to comfort her in a platonic way but to touch her, arouse her, taste her lips, their softness on hers, exploring her body with her hands her tongue.
"What are you waiting for?" Brittany heard Santana ask.
"Uh … nothing." Taking off her oversized t-shirt, she'd worn since dinner over her suit, Brittany slipped in across from Santana. Brittany closed her eyes leaning her head back, as she was starting to relax surrounded by the warm water, the rumble of the jets came on whipping the water into a bubbled froth, startling her.
Santana laughed, "Caught you."
"Never" Brittany replied closing her eyes again her head back stretching out her legs, moving lower into the tub. Soon she felt Santana foot rub up against hers "Playing footsie in the hot tub?"
"Never" she heard Santana say, not moving her foot relaxed in just having it next to Santana's.
"Mind if we join you?" Brittany opened her eyes to see Rachel and Quinn standing above them, taking a double check at Rachel, 'Wow she looks sexy in a swimsuit, too, who would have thought it?' Thinking to herself. Maybe she was drunker than she thought. Or just horny.
"Sure" she heard Santana say, sliding over toward Brittany, not that she needed to the hot tub could easily fit ten people.
"What happened to karaoke, Rachel?" Santana asked
"It lost its appeal without a stage." Rachel sighed disappointed that she'd been denied her real pleasure in life aside from sex with her wife.
"Honey that's not true … the real reason is what?" Quinn elbowed her wife.
"Ok, they claim not to be drunk enough," Rachel confessed though she didn't believe any of them.
"And?" Quinn elbowed her again.
"Dave came upstairs and told me to shut the fuck up then took it downstairs with him." Brittany eyed Rachel a sad pout on her face. "I realize it's his and your home Santana, but I do expect an apology from him."
Both Santana and Quinn stifling laughs, finally Santana spoke "Don't worry I'll talk to him. He'll give it back, and he'll apologize … like he always does."
Quinn looking over to Santana "He called her Yentl she was singing 'Papa Can You Hear Me.'"
Santana snickered "Rachel, look at it as an improvement, last time he called you Grizabella when you sang Barbra. At least he's getting to know which songs go with which movies."
"True. You and Blaine must be enlightening him on the magnitude of Barbra Streisand's musical contributions to film, stage, and song. So, for that, I must thank you, Santana."
"Don't thank me. I haven't said a word. I'm still trying to get Dave to listen to something other than the country in the car." Santana replied. "You know it's getting a little hot in here for me, think I'll get into the pool. Want to join me, Britt?"
"Sounds good to me," Brittany said as Santana moved to the ledge that separated the pool from the hot tub, sliding into the cold water.
Brittany followed over the wall ledge and into the pool, the cold water shocking her system "Oh my god! It's like an ice bath in here!"
Santana laughed, "You'll warm up." She disappeared under the water. Brittany following her form, as she glided beneath the water to the other end. Coming up with head back to keep her wet hair out of her face "You need to move, to warm up." She shouted back to Brittany.
Brittany slipped under the water to follow her to the other end of the pool. It soon evolved into a game of catch me. Santana always returned to the opposite end before Brittany reached the other end. Brittany finally swam to the middle, surfacing she moved to the side, waiting for Santana to glide beneath the water toward the other end when she got to the midpoint Brittany went back under coming up behind Santana as she emerged from the water. Santana turned not expecting anyone would be behind her "Oh Shit! You scared me!" she cried out.
"Really?" moving closer to the dark-haired woman, who stepped back, knowing she couldn't slip beneath the water in the shallow end of the pool. "I didn't mean to," another step closer, another step back "but you swam away from me," one more step forward, one step back "after inviting me into the pool," Brittany now so close she could feel Santana's breathe on her. Santana could feel Brittany's warm breathe on her cool skin, chilling her. "You didn't want me to catch you?" Brittany whispered.
"You caught me, though." Santana enticing Brittany, feeling the cold water dripping from Brittany's hair onto her shoulders sliding down her breast.
"I did. You're trapped now with no way out." Brittany leaned in their lips touching, Santana not resisting, just as eager to feel Brittany's mouth on hers, her hands-on Brittany's waist mere fractions of space separating them, the light from the pool the shimmering water. For a brief few minutes, they were alone in their incredible world.
"Whoo hoo what do we have here? A little lady on lady action" Puck shouted followed by a drunken barbaric laugh. "Oh, don't mind me, ladies, I just want to watch." Cupping his hands around his mouth, he shouted, "Hey Karofsky, your old lady found somebody better to fuck!" Turning back to the two women in the pool "Course I've heard he sucks in bed if you know what I mean," Puck laughed "is that true Lopez? I mean that's why he goes on the down low. You don't blow, am I right?" When he didn't get a response "Course if fingers aren't keeping you happy," wiggling the fingers on one hand "the Pucksoraus would be happy to oblige." With his other hand, he grabbed his crotch. "You too," pointing at Brittany "Ménage a trios?"
"You motherfucker, apologize!" Dave, came up from behind, shoving Puck, sending him a few steps forward. Dave stepped closer to Puck as he spun around to face his attacker, "I said to apologize to my wife, you fucking asshole!" shoving the man with both hands against his chest.
Puck steadying himself "Hey its cool man, just a little fun with the ladies." Puck putting his hands up defensively in front of him "No harm done."
Enraged, Dave lunged at Puck, "You want fun? I'll show you fun!" tackling him. Puck punched randomly, his blows landing on Dave's head and shoulders. Dave released him. Puck staggered back, then Dave swung his fist into Puck's jaw, stunning him for a second, "Alright … you wanna fight over your lesbo bitch and her toy boi." Puck charged forward tackling him, both going to the ground, both rolling until Puck managed to get the leverage to stop them, pinning Dave. Puck enraged straddled his host, punching him with all the force he could muster in the face. Dave arms flailing as he attempted to strike his blows while trying to protect himself.
Santana got out of the pool, screaming to her guests who'd gathered around the two men "Get him off! Somebody fucking help!" As she tried to grab Pucks swinging arm to no avail. Sam, Ryder, Jake, and Mike responded to Santana's plea, running over to pull Puck off Dave. "I got more you faggot!" Puck screamed at Dave who still lay on the ground Santana squatted down next to him looking back up to Puck. "Get him the fuck out of my house! Just leave! NOW!" The four men surrounded Puck, holding him back should he decide to return to finish his work, they escorted him to the house. Those who had come out from the house to witness the excitement, creating a pathway. Puck shrugged them off angrily saying, "I can leave on my own. Lauren! We're leaving! Now!"
Santana felt a towel placed over her shoulders, looking back it was Brittany. She held it there, as Spencer and Blaine helped Dave to his feet. Walking him to a chair, Marley appeared with a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel in her hand, pausing as Santana adjusted her towel over her shoulders, Marley handed it to the Latina. Carefully she placed the vegetable wrap on Dave's face he grimaced, glancing over to Spencer who took Dave's hand in his.
"Is anything broken?" Spencer asked
Dave opened his mouth, moving his jaw to check "No, I don't think so."
"Human bones are stronger than steel, ounce for ounce. Scientists at Wayne State found that a Boxer's punch can generate 5,000 newtons of force that's more than a half ton, kicks, generate 9,000 newtons or a ton of force." Brittany, explaining the science of a punch "The jaw is the largest and strongest bones in the human skull since Dave can move it unless he's missing molars, he'll probably be ok."
Spencer looked up at Brittany confused, "Uh … yeah … well, thanks for the information."
"An injury to the orbital bone would be of more concern … it was a fist fight." She added
Marley stepped in front of the chair where Dave sat, asking him. "Open your eyes for me, Dave. How's your vision?" Checking his eyes, she asked him to move them, to follow her finger; she touched his cheek where most of the blows landed, requesting Kristi, an orthopedic nurse, her opinion both women concluding "Just a good shiner to brag about tomorrow."
"I think it's time for you to call it a night, Dave." Santana decided, glancing at Spencer who nodded his agreement.
Dave looked at her "You didn't get your cake yet, or the present from the kids, Bear."
"They can wait." She answered, adjusting the ice pack, so a colder part of the bag touched his face
"No." Digging into the side pocket of his cargo shorts, he pulled out a box with Tiffany & Co. on it, handing it to her. "Happy Birthday, from Zee and Elle. Sorry, no card and I couldn't find the comics to wrap it."
Santana chuckled at Dave's silly tradition of wrapping her presents from the kids in the pages from the Sunday's paper comic section. "Thank You. Do you want me to open it now?" Santana felt uncomfortable, an audience watching over her at what felt like an emotionally intimate moment between the two.
"Yeah" he answered, Spencer, moving over to take the ice pack, holding it against Dave's face, freeing up Santana's hands.
Clutching the box, she felt nervous, Dave never intentionally bought jewelry for her. Their wedding rings had been purchased weeks after the ceremony at the courthouse. Dave's usual style was gift cards wrapped in a shoe or shirt box, unless it was something big, like the ski-doo, that he'd bought her as a gift from Zee even though Zee wasn't born until 20 days later. "How about I wait until they're awake?"
"Sure, but I told Zee you'd have it on when he woke up tomorrow." Wincing as he spoke.
Santana looked up, at those gathered around. Instinctively they started to disperse, sensing Santana's desire for privacy. Understanding, some for the first time, that the couple did care more deeply for each other than what they typically displayed. Slowly they returned to the house, others to the bar, leaving Spencer and Brittany whose hand Santana felt on her back.
"Can't disappoint him." When she opened the box, it held a necklace a gold pendant of the word 'Love' written in a script, tiny diamonds covering each letter. "Oh my god, it's beautiful." Santana surprised at Dave's gift choice.
"Zee helped pick it out." Dave winced again looking at his wife. A silent understanding that Zee had no interest in jewelry, that he'd only been with his father when Dave went to the store.
Taking it from the box, to examine it "He must have broken open his piggy bank." She joked about relieving her emotions.
"Told him he could pay me back when he got a real job." Dave smiled knowing he'd outdone himself for once.
Brittany reached her hand around Santana, "Do you want some help putting it on?" she asked. Taking the necklace, unclasping it as Santana moved her hair out of the way, she brought it around the front of Santana, dividing the chain she wrapped it around her neck, closing the clasp, giving it the slightest of a tug to make sure it was clasped than padding it down against Santana, nape. Brittany watched as Santana squeezed Dave's hand, he rubbed his thumb on her hand as she said, "Thank you, Dave." With her free hand, she gently wiped under her eyes saying to him, "Uh … I think it would be a good idea if you go up to bed and rest." Looking over to Spencer she asked, "Do you want to take him upstairs or me?"
"I'll take him up." Standing he reached out his hand to help the injured man up from the chair "Come on Dave." Once out of the chair Spencer took Dave's free arm laying it over his shoulder wrapping his own around the bigger man's waist. Dave complained, "Geeze, I'm not an invalid." Spencer replied, "Just let me help you, ok? You can go back to being alpha dog tomorrow."
With her elbow on the table, Santana rested her head in her hand "Guess it wouldn't be a party without a fight." She said clasping the necklace between her fingers of her free hand to hold it gently.
"Puck was out of line," Brittany said, sitting down next to Santana, her hand stroking Santana's hair.
"And I gave him a reason to say what he did." Santana sighed.
"Seriously Santana? Dave and Spencer have been all over each other all day, why didn't he say anything to them? Why us?"
Mike came back interrupting asking if it was ok to build a fire in the pit and to tell Santana that Spencer had taken Dave down to the man cave for the night. Santana nodded her head, not bothering to look up at him, murmuring "sure whatever you want" She answered Brittany's question "Cos he's an ass, Puck plays a good game of being a gentleman, but the only woman who he hasn't mistreated is Lauren. And to answer your next question, Puck, Finn, and Dave have been friends since grade school. Sometime this week, one will call the other, just to talk shit, as though tonight never happened." Santana sat up, turning to look at Brittany, "and flowers delivered to the house, no card, no acknowledgment, nothing, just my name."
"Puck?"
"It's his M.O., me, Kitty, Q, Rach, even Kurt we've all gotten flowers delivered after an altercation with Puck." Santana said, feeling Brittany's hand now on her shoulder, squeezing it gently, "Listen if you want to take the sofa bed in the family room now that Dave and Spencer are downstairs, it's fine with me. I'll understand."
"No, remember when you showed me around the house the first time, I said I'd get lost without a map, and you told me to stay close, you wouldn't let me get lost." Smiling at Santana who grinned back at her.
A Moment
As Brittany left the 'his' bathroom of the master suite in the early morning hours after a quick shower, to wash off the smell of the alcohol, cigar smoke, smoke from the firepit, and what seemed like an endless supply of joints that had been passed around, she heard Santana's voice. Unable to make out the words, she walked into the sitting area of the suite, there she saw Santana, rocking Elle who must have awoken. Now able to make out the words, it was her, Santana the mother, singing to her baby daughter a lullaby.
Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head, close to my heart,
Never to part, baby of mine.
Little one, when you play,
Pay no heed, what they say.
Let your eyes sparkle and shine,
Never a tear, baby of mine.
If they knew all about you,
They'd end up loving you too.
All those same people who scold you,
What they'd give just for the right to hold you.
From your head down to your toes,
You're not much, goodness knows.
But, you're so precious to me,
Sweet as can be, baby of mine.
Brittany stayed to listen until Santana had finished, getting up from the rocker to put her sleeping daughter to bed. After Santana finished, she quietly left before Santana noticed her, as she walked back to the office, Brittany wiped away the tears she felt stream down her face.
- Trina Paulus, Hope for the Flowers (1972) is a fable written for kids or adults. To me, it seems like something Whitney would have read it to a toddler Brittany or Brittany found it on her own.
- Julia Donaldson, The Snail and the Whale (2006) – Zee shortened the actual book title.
- The lullaby Santana sings is 'Baby Mine' it's been covered by numerous artists since introduced in the Disney animated film 'Dumbo' (1941). Bette Midler sang it in 'Beaches.' (1988)
- Britt's MI-OH war analogy. For a territory to apply for statehood, establishing of boundary lines was critical. Unfortunately, both state and federal laws were confusing, often misinterpreted and there was little understanding with regards to the geography of the Great Lakes at the time. Because of that, there was a bloodless war between the two states in 1835-36 over the boundary lines which included Toledo. Pres. A. Jackson could have settled the dispute but didn't. During the winter of 1836-37, the Frostbitten Convention (named for the bitterly cold winter) was held that gave OH Toledo & MI the Upper Peninsula. Some say the football rivalry between UM - OSU is a continuation of that war. MI got the better deal the UP turned out to have an abundance of copper ore & timber. Frostbite is a reference to Rachel who 'may' hold animosity over the Quintana affair, & Santana or Rachel shouldn't do anything to antagonize each other, i.e., get frosty/go to war. Santana as the homeowner needs to settle this discussion, i.e., act presidential. My feeble attempt to think like Brittany, (who must be the most challenging character to write.)
- Apology for the Spanish translation – Knew what I wanted to say in English, then got to thinking about formal vs. informal Spanish, decided the translator was giving me a hacked up formal version. Shortened the line to keep it simple. The sentiment, hopefully, remains intact.
- Yeah, the joints were a subtle reference to Stoner Brett. Had I written a firepit scene: all of them would have worn warmer clothes. Extra chairs would be foldable, lawn or sand chairs or a blanket though noseeum bugs could prevent that. Sam and/or Finn had their guitars at the firepit. No songs as a group, maybe Blaine would quietly sing a song or two. Conversations as a group or smaller groups sometimes loud with laughter and periods of silence. Cuddling going on between the couples. Including Brittana. Kurt would protest about being outside. They would have eased up on their alcohol consumption. The partiers would have slowly excused themselves to go to bed. Or a sudden rain would send them all hurrying into the house.
- For those who skipped over the fight scene: Dave fights with a drunken Puck who insulted Santana and Brittany. Puck & Lauren leave after being told by Santana to get out. Dave is administered to by Santana, Spencer, Marley, & Kristi. Dave gives Santana a present he tells her is from the kids. The gift is a necklace.