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Disclaimer: I don't own Glee
The week had been uneventful besides the paparazzi plaguing Santana, camping outside her apartment building and trying to bombard her with questions about her mystery lover every chance they got. She was actually glad that she and Brittany weren't dating, unsure of how the blonde would handle the pressure of the throng of reporters that always followed her around. She would sneak off to see the dancer as often as their schedules would allow, well, as often as Brittany's schedule would allow for it since she was currently unemployed. The only way she'd managed to swear Kurt to secrecy was by promising she'd tell Brittany about it soon.
At the end of the week Santana sat in the boardroom waiting for her meeting with Mr Motta. She checked her phone and saw she had two new messages. One from Brittany and one from Kurt.
Britt Britt: Wanna go for ice cream later on?
She replied instantly- Yes :)
Her relationship with the blonde of late had been her rock. She hadn't told Brittany that she had left the company, not till everything was final. They were taking things really slow, hanging out at coffee shops and each other's houses. Santana wasn't ready to share her with the world yet. They rarely touched, because the singer wasn't sure she could control herself. She longed for the blonde like never before but stayed true to her word that she wouldn't push her to do anything. Being just friends took more out of the her than she'd bargained for. Thanks to the nature of their relationship she felt it completely normal to cuddle or hold hands with the blonde, and do coupley things, things that she couldn't do now. It was a bittersweet torture but she endured it, because she'd rather have something than nothing at all.
She scrolled to the next text which was from Kurt that simply read- COURAGE!
He knew she was meeting with the owner of the label and she was a little nervous. Her lawyer had looked over all her paperwork and declared she wasn't in violation of her contract. She'd requested this meeting just between her and Mr Motta, she figured she owed him that.
The door opened and the owner walked in. Mr Motta was a tall impressive man, well built with thick brown hair and piercing green eyes. He dressed tastefully and impressively in a dark blue power suit with a crisp white shirt and deep crimson tie. He could be mistaken for a lawyer or a politician and definitely not the owner of a record label, although there were rumours about him being involved with the mafia. Santana stood up and shook his hand. "Mr Motta, Thank you for seeing me." She said.
"Miss Lopez I hope you understand that I don't generally do this. There is a hierarchy here at this label and it's in place for a reason. That being said, I understand there was a misunderstanding between you and Mr Saint-James at the Grammys." He said in his deep voice as he seated himself behind his desk and folded his hands under his chin.
Santana bristled at that but still managed to keep her composure. "There was no misunderstanding. Jesse is a manipulative, controlling, power hungry publicity whore. He actually told me to hide my sexuality, to hide a part of who I am in order to sell myself to the public. The way I see it, whether I am gay, bi or straight makes no difference to the songs I sing."
Mr Motta sighed, "Look Ms Lopez, we signed you because of your talent. We believe you are very good at what you do and that's why we put in the little extra trouble. These days it isn't just about the music, it's about the attitude, it's about the image. I imagine you must already know that."
"So what? It's not ok for me to see girls but the guys from the Warblers can date other guys? And what about some of the other artists in the label? They're into all sorts of shit" she said angrily.
Mr Motta looked irritated. "Miss Lopez. It seems like Mr Saint-James may have been a little... over-zealous in the way he wanted to brand you, I think he was only doing it for your own good and the sake of your career. Sometimes unfortunately sacrifices need to be made" he said evenly.
Santana looked at him in disgust, "Nothing Jesse ever did was about me! He wanted to further his own career and didn't want to have to deal with the backlash of employing a lesbian singer because it wouldn't look good for him. I'm not stupid! And as for sacrifices, that's a load of horsecrap! You have no idea about the sacrifices I've made, you don't even know anything about me, so don't pretend you do" she said almost yelling now, her defensive side naturally taking over. She hated being backed into a corner and some of the things Mr Motta said made her really mad.
Mr Motta glared at her, "Ms Lopez, I run a record label. I know how this fucking business works. We look at fans and ratings plain and simple, if we think something is not working out for us we get rid of it. You just publicly declared yourself a lesbian, you aren't going to have many offers from labels to work with. But I have decided to offer you a second chance, inspite of the little stunt that you pulled at the Grammy's. So get off your high horse and stop all the self righteous crap you're spewing."
Santana took a deep breath trying to control her breathing. She knew she had the tendency to fly off the handle sometimes and she knew now was not the time to fuck things up. Mr Motta saw her calm down and stood up. "Have your agent call Mr Saint- James and fix up an appointment with him, I would really like to get this over with. And Miss Lopez, this is your career, it's not just about some girl. Give it a nice long think, because you aren't always going to be offered a second chance. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting" he said as he strode out of the room leaving a deflated looking Santana behind.
Santana blinked as fingers snapped in front of her face. She turned her head to see Brittany looking at her in concern, "Where were you? Is everything ok?" she asked softly. Santana smiled and nodded not trusting herself to speak. Her meeting with Mr Motta played on her mind. She was really angry after the way he spoke to her, driving back in a rage and yelling at every unfortunate soul that passed her on the road, but as she cooled down she realized that what he said made sense. She really did have no offers and was for all intents and purposes unemployed.
Suddenly she tensed as she felt hands on her shoulders. Brittany stood behind her and gently kneaded her fingers into Santana's flesh. "Britt, what are you doing?" she asked as she struggled to contain the moan that was about to slip out of her mouth.
"I'm giving you a massage silly. You look really tense and I'm trying to make it better" she whispered as she continued massaging the singer's shoulders. Santana groaned quietly as she dropped her head enjoying the blonde's nimble fingers, cold from holding the ice cream earlier, rub away the tension.
"Talk to me Santana" she said as she massaged lower down her back. Santana just groaned feeling more relaxed than she had felt in a long time as Brittany's skilful fingers worked on her. She was a little afraid to tell Brittany about all of this. Things had been light and easy between them so far, and she didn't want to bring up the stupid record company that had caused all the fucking trouble in the first place. Plus she really didn't want to spend their precious time focussing on her problems. "It's nothing Britt, don't worry about it. Just some..umm.. work stuff" she said. Brittany leaned forward slightly to whisper in Santana's ear causing a shiver to run down her back and goosebumps to erupt on her arms. "Maybe I can help?" Santana's mind went blank as all she could focus on was the delicious puff of air from Brittany's mouth on her skin, a feeling that ended too soon for her liking as the blonde straightened up. Maybe I should just tell her, there's no point in drawing this out. Plus Britt is a genius, she'll know what to do. "I uh... I need to tell you something Britt" she said Brittany's hands stilled and she came around to face Santana, cocking her head slightly to the side as she prepared to listen.
"I kinda quit the record company after I got my Grammy." She said as she looked at Brittany. Brittany didn't react except for a slight tightening around her eyes as she nodded for Santana to continue, knowing that the brunette had more to tell her.
"I don't know whether you even watched it but I basically outed myself in my acceptance speech, and after that Jesse and I.. we kinda had a bit of a yelling match and I told the douchebag that I quit. I'd had had enough of them trying to control me. Anyway I had a meeting with the owner of the label today, Mr Motta, and he gave me another chance to work with them provided I get my shit together. He told me not many people who fuck up like I did get a second chance at working with a major label like his and I should consider it." she said in one big breath.
Brittany paused studying her, "But...?" she prompted gently
"But I don't want to work for them. I don't want to work under that ignoramus douche Jesse who will never know talent even if it kicked him in his non existent nuts. I am really grateful for what they did in launching my career but I want to work with someone who promotes my music and not my looks. Don't get me wrong I know this bod is smoking and helps, but I aint gonna parade myself around on a stage like a fucking stripper. I want... no I need to be taken seriously." She said earnestly.
"Well what do you think your options are?" Brittany asked gently as she moved back behind Santana and picked up from where she left off, massaging her neck.
Santana sighed and her shoulders slumped in defeat as she whispered, "I don't have any other options. Even Will thinks it's a good idea. He says now that the lesbian thing is out of the way I don't have to worry anymore"
Brittany faced Santana and pulled her up off the chair and dragged her to the bathroom. "Where are we going?" Santana asked in confusion wondering why they were going to the bathroom. Brittany let go of her hand and started drawing a bath, adding a few bath salts and bubble bath, she then lit some sort of scented candle and turned to Santana. "This is what you're gonna do. You're gonna soak in a relaxing bath while I make us some dinner, then you're going to get into bed and sleep. You don't need to make this decision tonight. Just for tonight, forget this exists, just relax and tomorrow when you're feeling better you'll go into that meeting and figure things out," Brittany said gently as she pulled Santana in for a long lingering hug. "It's gonna be ok honey"
Ten minutes later Santana sat in the bath with a goofy smile on her face. Brittany had hugged her and called her honey. She'd walked in two minutes ago to check on her and gave her a small kiss on her forehead. Santana was filled with warmth and contentment as she imagined how living with Brittany would be. She saw a tiny yellow rubber duck and entertained herself by dunking it under the water and calling it Commander Quack. She had just finished making absurd quacking noises when she noticed Brittany standing by the door, her expression unreadable. Santana immediately blushed, hoping the blonde hadn't seen or heard anything.
"I got you some sweats that you could change into. Dinner's gonna be ready soon so we can eat or you can soak for a little longer if you like" she said warmly as she perched on the edge of the tub. Santana drew her legs up to her chest and leaned back as she looked at the blonde, "Thank you Brittany, for everything. I really appreciate it." The blonde smiled shyly back at her before getting up and reaching for a towel which she tossed at Santana's face. She giggled at the latina's shriek before yelling "Get yo ass up" over her shoulder as she walked out.
When Santana walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, she found Brittany setting the small breakfast table. She helped her and poured the wine she'd set out before pulling out the dancer's chair for her. "Why thank you ma'am." She drawled as Santana giggled. Brittany had made spaghetti which was one of Santana's favourites. They shared some wine and laughed at random things that had happened during Brittany's day. Santana felt better than she had all day, being with Brittany just eased all her worries. After her second glass of wine, Santana felt her eyes growing heavy. The stress of the day, the massage, the bath had all made her really sleepy and she could barely keep her eyes open. She felt strong arms on either side of her as Brittany helped her up and walked her to her bedroom. "I...sleep.. on couch if you want" she mumbled but Brittany made soft hushing sounds and tucked her into bed. Santana was so groggy that she fell asleep instantly.
She was woken up a little while later by the blonde sliding into bed with her. Santana was surprised, expecting her to sleep in the guest bedroom or on the couch. She sighed absolutely content when she felt Brittany's long arms wrap around her, cuddling her from behind. She snuggled further into her, as the blonde adjusted herself to fit the smaller girl perfectly. Santana was so damn elated that she could have danced if she wasn't so tired. Just before she fell asleep she heard the blonde whisper, "I believe in you Santana. Things are gonna be ok I promise. Goodnight Commander Quack."
The early morning light filtered into the room over the two sleeping figures. Somewhere in the room a soft buzzing started up then stopped, and shortly started up again. Brittany stirred and reached for the phone by her bed, squinting as she tried to read who the caller was. She sighed and whispered while slipping out of bed into the bathroom so she wouldn't disturb Santana. Santana however immediately missed the blonde's warmth and her hand crept on the bed searching for her. She woke with a frown on her face just as Brittany stepped out of the bathroom. She smiled at the sleepy brunette, "Hey San, I just got a call from the studio. I need to go fill in for Joe. I'm sorry, you can sleep in if you want" she said as she started to pull out some clothes from her closet. Santana sighed, disappointed that they were being interrupted by the real world. She pulled herself out of bed as Brittany ran into the shower. She put on the coffee maker, smiling to herself as she thought of how the blonde took care of her the previous evening. She quickly set out some juice and cereal for Brittany just as she came into the kitchen.
"Thanks San" she said bashfully as she picked a piece of fruit from the cereal and popped it into her mouth. Santana smiled, happy she could repay Brittany in some way for the previous evening. She wanted to talk about them cuddling or say something. She so desperately just wanted to reach over the table and link their fingers together, kiss her good morning, but she'd promised that she'd be whatever Brittany wanted her to be and she was trying as hard as she could. Brittany's phone buzzing broke her from her reverie. Brittany answered the phone and picked up her empty bowl, depositing it in the sink. She turned and Santana could see that she didn't want to leave either, her eyes looked almost regretful. Santana smiled as she stood up, "Well.. uhh.. I guess I better go" she said softly as she picked up her mug and walked to the kitchen. Brittany stopped her by the door, "If you're free tonight...we could hang out again?" she asked a little tentatively. Santana smiled in relief, just a moment ago she was wondering when she'd see Brittany again. "Sure Britt, I...uh... I could get dinner if you like?" she asked quietly. Brittany grinned happily, "Chinese?" she asked eagerly then danced a little as Santana nodded her head with a smile. Her eyes clouded over, "I should go now or I'll be late" she said, her tone regretful as Santana moved to let her out the door. "I'll see you later?" she asked hopefully and Santana hated the little waver of doubt that her voice held. She reached forward and squeezed Brittany's shoulder, "I'll be there" she said confidently.
She bounced up the steps to the house smiling broadly when the blonde answered the door and literally dragged her in. They giggled at each other as Brittany held on to her stomach comically, "I'm staaaaaaarving San. What took you so long?" she asked. Santana laughed and apologized, "Sorry Britt. My meeting ran late. Will wanted to talk strategy. Anyway I got you a surprise," she said and pulled out their dinner along with a tub of Brittany's favourite ice cream from her bag. She giggled again as Brittany snatched the tub and held it out doing a happy dance. "You're the best! Yay!" she squealed throwing her arms around Santana's neck. Santana stiffened slightly, their lips really close together. She forced her eyes to look upwards into Brittany's blue eyes instead. The dancer looked conflicted for a minute before moving away, her ears turning red. "Umm... I'm gonna get some plates. Why don't you pick a movie or something?" she said as she disappeared into the kitchen, leaving a very disappointed Santana standing behind.
Brittany stood with her hands resting on her kitchen counter, staring out the small window above the sink. It was so easy to get caught up with Santana, so easy to just forget that she'd basically ripped out her heart. She still loved her so much but she was so damn scared and being friends would help her adjust to this new dynamic they had. But she had almost kissed Santana just now, and the brunette had desperately wanted it. Brittany wasn't stupid, she could see it in her eyes, how she relished each cuddle, each touch and Brittany wanted to give it to her but she was just so wary of having her heart break again. She'd completely derailed after Santana broke up with her the first time. Mike and Kurt had come to visit her and literally pulled her out of her funk. She'd still break down when she'd watch Santana on tv or read about her in the papers. Her heart broke all over again when she saw her dating that disgusting football player David Karoffsky. She was just healing when Santana had shown up on her doorstep. She couldn't say no to her, so she agreed to be friends.
Tan arms circled her waist and a raspy voice whispered in her ear, "Talk to me Britt. What's wrong?" Brittany closed her eyes, loving the feel of the singer hugging her, making her feel better already. "Nothing" she mumbled as she remained still, hoping that the brunette would continue holding her. Santana dropped her hands and gently turned the dancer around till she was facing her, "Hey? Look at me?" she said softly. Brittany looked up and Santana saw the uncertainty swirl in her eyes. She knew what was going on, knew that her being around was difficult for the blonde, all the feelings they always had were still there. They were probably stronger. "Do you want me to go?" she asked hesitantly. Brittany's eyes widened in alarm as she shook her head furiously, prompting a self satisfied smirk from Santana. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around the Latina's neck smiling at the soft sigh that both of them released at the contact. They stood like that till Brittany felt her melancholy disappear, she smiled and gently moved away, smiling at Santana's pout. "Let's eat" she said softly, not wanting to break the spell they were under.
They sat on the couch, eating from cartons of Chinese food, both dipping their chopsticks into the other's meal to pull out a piece of shrimp or pork. The tv was turned on to some reality show that none of them were really watching. They stretched back on the sofa when they were done eating and propped their feet up on the coffee table that also held empty beer bottles and cartons. An advertisement for the Warbler's new album played on the screen and Santana became quiet. Brittany knew she was thinking about Kurt, but was too proud to ask her. "Kurt's been doing good. He's started working at Vogue and is thinking of launching his own fashion label soon. He and Blaine are still together. They're cute." She said simply as she watched Santana for a reaction. The Latina just nodded, although her eyes told a different story. They flashed with pain and then pride before settling back to normal as Santana tried to mask her emotions. Brittany smiled fondly, she always loved the singers eyes. When Santana would sing, whether on stage or sometimes just to her, the emotion and depth in them always sent shivers down her spine. Her eyes are her best feature, well her eyes and her ass, ok her boobs as well and her tongue, oh and her voice and maybe her legs. Wait did she just say something. Shit! Santana was looking at her in concern, "Is everything ok? You look a little flushed" she said raising an arm to Brittany's forehead to check her temperature. Brittany gently grabbed her hand and held it, entwining their fingers while Santana's look of confusion turned into one of uncertainty. Her eyes searched Brittany's for reasons to what she was doing. Brittany just held her hand and moved closer till she was sitting alongside Santana and then she gently snuggled into her side and wrapped her arms loosely around Santana's waist. Santana felt giddy with joy. "I missed this. I like cuddling with you" she murmured into her side. Santana got comfortable and draped her arm around Brittany's back, holding the blonde closer as they turned their attention back to the tv. She really wanted to kiss her, really wanted to do so much more, but right now she would take what she got.
So this was a filler chapter of sorts, just to give you'll a break from the drama and some Brittana interaction.
They both want it, how do you think they should get together? :P
Next chapter- More Brittana and Jesse's back!
Till next time :D