Brittany bowed, her blond hair cascading down before her face. Santana stared from her to her mother in disbelief. Her mother took a moment to savor the look on Santana's face. It was not often she saw her daughter in such a disheveled and unprepared manner. Eventually the shock wore off and Santana glared at her mother in distrust.
"What would you ask of me?" She hissed, knowing that there had to be some reason, some benefit her mother would gain from bringing Brittany back.
"Well, now that I have you both here, I suppose I should lay out my conditions." Brittany head snapped towards her. The Duchess had not fully explained why she had brought her back. She simply told Brittany to dress herself properly and present herself when Santana returned. This was the first she heard of any conditions and the thought worried her. Santana did not glance at Brittany. Her eyes were fixed on the Duchess.
"I knew there was something more. You wouldn't have brought her back unless you had some sort of sinister plot..." The Duchess cut her off.
"I simply ask that you carry on as you have for the last year." Her mother replied, faking innocence. When Santana did not look convinced, the Duchess decided to continue on with her explanation. "I do not lie when I say that is all I ask of you. You will carry on as you have for the past year, as if I hadn't brought her back. You will still visit the prince, and if he should ask for you hand in marriage, you will accept."
"And why should I accept?" Santana demanded, her eyes flitting to Brittany. But Brittany understood. She realized what the Duchess's words meant back at her small home. She folded her hands in front of her and looked down at her feet.
"She knows, Miss." Brittany said quietly. Santana regarded her with a look of astonishment. Much like how Brittany reacted, the blood also drained from Santana's face.
"You are too young to understand now." The Duchess remarked. "But for you, there is no choice. You can chose to marry the prince, become the queen and perhaps you will even bear a few of his children." Santana felt disgusted by the thought of bearing one of Finn's children, much less "a few". "And you may take Brittany with you as your personal servant. No one would object, and no one would dare cross the queen. You may choose to carry on your...trysts..." She said the word carefully and the corner of her mouth twitched, betraying her true feelings about the nature of their relationship. "In private. You would both live comfortably."
"And what if I refuse?" Santana asked, though she knew she would not like the answer.
"Then I will do everything in my power to make sure that you never see this girl again." The Duchess answered. "Do not underestimate me, Santana. You are but a child who remains inches from the throne. Should you give it up, or should you lose it, this girl will disappear and no amount of luck will bring you back together. But should you become queen, not even I can control your actions." Santana bit her lip and Brittany's head shot up. She tried to hide the concern the Duchess's words had evoked but Santana could see right through her. Her mother was a woman to be feared, Santana realized now, especially to someone such as Brittany.
"Father would object to you having a hand in who I marry." Santana said defiantly.
"Would he?" The Duchess asked with a smirk. Santana's words fell flat as she remembered what her father had said to her just the day before. "If he proposes marriage to you, you must accept." Santana's gaze fell. "He would also object to Brittany returning. If I recall, he was the one who cast her out. Unless I speak with him, you can be sure that he will do it again."
"I..."
"You can't accept!" Brittany blurted. "You do not love him, why should you marry him?"
"Quiet, girl." The Duchess hissed, silencing her immediately. "This is a decision that Santana must make on her own. You have played your part admirably but Santana must learn that she cannot have everything. She cannot have you and expect to live on as she does without making concessions." The Duchess turned back towards Santana. "You must make a choice, Santana. Do you 'love' this girl enough to make a few sacrifices of your own?" Santana's eyes flicked over to Brittany who silently begged her not to go through with it. But what her mother said rang true. If she married Prince Finn, her mother would no longer have any say over what she did. They would live comfortably in the castle. And Santana needed only to bear one heir, just one. Then she and Brittany could be together and no one would dare say a word. And the alternative...she had no doubt in her mind that her mother would get rid of Brittany in any way possible. She leveled her gaze back at her mother.
"Very well. I accept your offer." Santana said. Brittany's heart plummeted while the Duchess smiled approvingly.
It was late in the evening when Rachel Berry emerged from her room, thirsty and cold. She wrapped a thick wool blanket around her shoulders and stumbled across the icy stone floor in search of anyone who would bring her a glass of water. Most of the guests had retired for the night and the hallways were eerily empty. She could not even find a guard.
"Is anyone there?" She asked. Her timid voice echoed through the halls and no one responded. She pulled the blanket closer and ventured further away from her room. It wasn't long before she did not know where she was. Panic set in and she walked briskly, trying to remember any familiar rooms or paintings. But in the darkness it was hard to see and even harder to navigate.
"Please, anyone, I have lost my way..." She shouted. It was as if the castle had been emptied. She felt a breeze from a corridor to her left. Surely it led outside, and then she could make her way back to her room from the main gate. She quickly ran towards the draft and found herself out in the garden situated near the west wing of the castle. She sighed in frustration. There was only one entrance to that garden, and it was surrounded on all other sides by walls. But at least she knew what general direction to walk when she went back inside.
Just as she turned, a large figure lying in the grass near the west wall caught her eye. She tilted her head, trying to see if the person was hurt or dead. She narrowed her eyes in the dimness to get a better glimpse and gasped when she recognized who it was.
"Your Highness?" She asked. Finn jumped when he heard her voice and scrambled to his feet, leaving an imprint of his body on the ground. "Your Highness! What are you doing out here at his hour? Are you not cold?" Finn colored when he saw who it was.
"Miss Berry, I was not aware that you had arrived. I had thought your father..." He stammered and they walked towards each other, meeting near the large fountain situated in the center of the garden.
"I've been sent in my father's stead. He sends his deepest regrets that he cannot attend but there seems to be violence on his land and he did not see fit to leave without resolving it. I arrived early this afternoon. I fear you were out hunting." She replied. He laughed and scratched his head bashfully.
"If I tell you a secret, would you be kind enough to keep it?" He asked, feeling rather jovial despite the mourning period. Rachel nodded though she felt uneasy about what he was going to reveal. "I did not go hunting. I have been here all day." He admitted. Rachel let out a surprised laugh and Finn joined in as well.
"You jest?" She asked.
"No. Hardly anyone comes this way. I actually despise hunting but I say that when I wish to be left alone." He explained. Rachel took a step back, as if to go inside.
"Do you wish to be left alone now?" Finn leaped forward to stop her.
"No!" He exclaimed and then drew back. "What I meant to say is, I have been alone all day. I would certainly not be bothered by company now." He mentally berated himself for his inability to speak to her. Rachel did not mind. She took a step towards him.
"You must be cold." She said, offering her blanket. He shook his head and refused.
"I am quite used to it. Is the weather more fair where you come from? I have not had the pleasure of visiting the southern countryside. I imagine it to be warmer, and for there to be a full harvest year round." Rachel giggled at the thought.
"Hardly. Our winters are very hard on us." Finn looked up at the sky.
"My father used to love the winter. He took me riding in the snow every winter and we would ride the grounds until our noses froze." His eyes sparkled with unshed tears. Rachel looked up at his strong, square face and admired his strength.
"You must miss him dearly." She whispered. Finn said nothing in return. He kept staring at the sky, as if his father would magically fall from the Heavens. He did miss his father, but he imagined that his father had been reunited with his mother and Finn found comfort in that thought.
"I...I hear tales of your enchanting voice. Not a dinner goes by that I do not hear chatter about how lovely you sing." Finn said, changing the subject to a happier matter. Rachel tucked a lock of hair behind her ear self-consciously.
"I have taken lessons my entire life." She said proudly.
"Would you be kind enough to sing a song?" He suggested. Rachel broke out into a grin. Her parents had already heard more than enough of her singing and any servant who heard her so much as humming ran out of sight as fast as they could. To hear the prince request a song from her brought an immeasurable amount of happiness to her.
"Of course, Your Highness." She said. Finn sat down on the ground and looked up at her as she cleared her throat. She opened her mouth and Finn closed his eyes, listening to the melodious voice that flowed freely, bouncing off the garden walls, wrapping him in comfort. She sang softly and the tune was melancholy but the lyrics hopeful. He pulled his knees close to his chest, losing himself in the song. He had no memories of his mother singing to him and his nannies only sang childish lullabies to put him to sleep when he was younger. Rachel's voice soothed his soul and calmed his mind. He forgot about his father and the funeral, about the crown and his responsibilities. He sat in the courtyard, listening to Rachel Berry sing song after song until she could not remember anymore of them.
Santana could tell that Brittany was angry or at the very least, upset. The way she undid her corset was sloppy and her servant let out a sigh of frustration.
"Brittany..." She began, turning around.
"Why? Why would you agree to that? I don't see how this is any different than Quinn ordering you not to marry the prince." Brittany snapped.
"You left when you found out. Why are you still here?" Santana asked. Brittany was just pulling back the covers of Santana's bed when Santana asked. She paused for a moment to consider her answer and then went about her business.
"I fear the alternative. I do not know if either of us could bear parting from each other again." Brittany replied. Santana reached out and grabbed Brittany's hand. She did not say anything but her eyes spoke volumes. Brittany could see fear in them - fear of her leaving again.
"I do not know what would happen if you should leave me again." Santana said quietly. Brittany brought her other hand up and squeezed Santana's. Her Mistress looked up. "I will think of something. The Prince's mourning period has just begun, perhaps I will...I will find another way. But should it come down to that..." She trailed off. Brittany nodded understandingly. Santana got into bed and retrieved a book from her nightstand. Brittany made a move to leave but Santana stopped her.
"Would you sit for a moment?" She asked. Brittany complied, fetching a chair from the corner and bringing it up to Santana's bed. The night was quiet, save for the small hissing of the candle as it flickered and the sound of paper as Santana turned each page. For the first time in a long while, Brittany finally felt as if everything was what it should be. She pushed the thought of Santana's impending engagement out of her head and just focused on the girl she loved.
She could not describe the warmth that welled up in her chest as she watched her Mistress read. It was simply wonderful, it filled her up, squeezing out tears because there was just so much of it inside her. She took note of everything, the delicate way Santana licked her thumb before turning the page, the way her eyes clicked rapidly as they scanned the words. She could not believe that of all things, that despite everything she'd done, she was sitting once again by her beloved Mistress's side. Santana's eyes rolled sideways and Brittany sat up straight and blinked away her tears.
"Is everything alright?" Santana asked, setting her book down across her lap. Brittany nodded.
"Yes Miss." Brittany replied. "Don't mind me, I didn't mean to disturb your reading." Santana shrugged and closed the book, setting it down on her nightstand.
"I'm feeling rather tired." Santana said.
"Of course." Brittany said, standing up. "It is late, Miss." She blew out the flickering candle and turned to leave. Before she could take one step, Santana's hand shot out and grasped the hem of her dress. Santana tugged and Brittany turned around. Santana's hand dropped her grip on her dress and instead anchored around Brittany's wrist. Her eyes closed.
"Stay." She ordered. Her fingers tightened almost painfully. Brittany sat back down and Santana opened her eyes lazily, as if they could not stay open for much longer. Brittany's mouth opened to speak, to ask if her Mistress was feeling ill but not a whisper escaped her lips. "Or go to your room." Santana quickly amended. She rotated in her bed until her back was turned to Brittany. "Just…don't leave me again." Brittany sucked in air and her pulse fluttered against her skin. Hearing the vulnerability in Santana's voice made her realize just how stupid it was to leave her in the first place. They needed each other, whether as friends or as more, they were so interwoven in each other's lives that it was impossible to rip one away from the other. And she knew, had the positions been reversed, she would've done the same thing Santana had. Brittany stayed with Santana until her Mistress was fast asleep. She stood up and leaned over the bed, planting a small, tender kiss on Santana's cheek before leaving the room.
The morning welcomed a thick mist hovering over the ground, creating dew drops on the grass and trees. When the sun peeked across the horizon, the mist shattered the light, making the ground sparkle for the new day. Brittany lay in her bed, sleeping peacefully when the door burst open.
"I HAVE A MIND TO STRANGLE YOU!" The voice made Brittany scream and leap off of the bed, thinking that someone was about to murder her. She landed on the ground with a thud and scrambled for cover. "YOU RETURN AND YOU SAY NOTHING TO ME?" Brittany peeked over the bed, terrified out of her mind by the shouting. Standing in the door way, her face red with anger, was Noel.
"Noel!" Brittany said standing up.
"You better have a good explanation for this past year." Noel snapped, pointing a finger accusingly. "You disappear into the night and I'm left wondering if you had died or if someone had taken you..." Brittany took two large steps to get to her and embraced her warmly.
"I'm sorry." She said. Noel wrapped her arms around her, trying to hold back the tears.
"You must know how I worried...you can't do anything by yourself."
"You young ones know nothing of respecting elders and their sleep." The ever old, ever present nanny coughed from her bed. Noel pulled away from Brittany and laughed.
"You hardly look a day over forty." She teased. The old nanny rolled her eyes and tried to go back to sleep. Brittany wiped her eyes, feeling as though she'd finally found where she belonged. "Come, you must have many, many stories to tell." Noel ushered her outside and Brittany fell back into the daily routine. She told Noel of where she went, though not why, and how she spent the past year. Noel in turn regaled her with gossip surrounding the estate. Suffice it to say, much had happened while Brittany had been away.
They chatted merrily until the Duchess turned up in the room where they swept. Noel went quiet and looked away but Brittany stared her down.
"Tell Santana I will be at the funeral." She said simply and turned to leave.
"Will Santana not attend?" Brittany blurted. The Duchess looked back with a smirk.
"Don't be silly. A funeral is no place for romance." She replied. "Surely even a peasant like you should know that." And with that she strode out of the house, and disappeared into a carriage. Brittany simmered where she stood, wanting nothing more than to forcefully remove that smile off of the Duchess's face. Instead, the light peal of a bell distracted her.
"Lady Santana calls." Noel noted, rolling her eyes. Brittany kept her excitement to herself as she hurried up the steps. Santana had just woken up and Brittany quickly entered the room and closed the door.
"Good morning, Miss." She said, bowing.
"Don't call me that." Santana yawned. "Santana will do just fine when we are in private." Brittany smiled, looking over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching even though the door was closed and skipped over to her Mistress's bed. She planted a quick kiss on her lips before hopping backwards.
"Shall I draw a bath for you, Miss? There is fresh water below, just brought in.." Brittany asked. Santana frowned at the "Miss" but she nodded. She'd woken up too early and a bath could certainly help her wake up. "Her Grace has left for the funeral. I suspect she will be gone for most of the day." Santana smiled a little at that. After their confrontation yesterday, she wasn't sure she could handle seeing her mother again without feeling the intense urge to deal out her own idea of an "offer". Brittany left the room hurriedly and went downstairs to prepare the bath.
When all was ready, Brittany fetched Santana from her room and led her downstairs. Santana undressed and slipped into the hot water, reveling in the feeling. Brittany watched her, envying her luxury. She had never known the joys of a hot bath, most families were not wealthy enough for that. She watched Santana run her hands up and down her arms, washing away the countless days of grime. Brittany's cheeks flushed suddenly as she caught herself staring too intently. Brittany traced the curves of Santana's body with her eyes as they disappeared under the water. She had seen Santana nude before, it had been part of her daily process and she had never thought much of it beyond her tasks. But as Santana scooped the hot water and gently washed her shoulder Brittany's eyes devoured her figure inch by smooth inch. Brown eyes flicked up and met inquiring blue and Santana's hand dropped down with a splash. Brittany looked away quickly, her cheeks coloring.
Santana stepped out of the small tub and walked over to Brittany, the water trailing down her body and dripping onto the stone floor. Brittany could not help but glance repeatedly as Santana made her way over, not bothering to cover herself. Santana cupped both sides of Brittany's face and kissed her. The water cascaded from her back onto Brittany's clothes but she did not mind.
"Brittany..." Santana said in a low voice that made her servant focus. "Should I..." She swallowed, finding the words difficult to say. "Should I have to marry the prince...should I have to marry anyone..." Brittany nodded to show that she followed her words. "I would..." Santana cleared her throat. A chill went up her spine. "I would not have them be the first to touch me. I would...I would have someone I love." It took a moment for Brittany to understand. Her eyebrows furrowed, trying to make sense of what Santana was saying. When it finally dawned on her, her eyes went wide as saucers and her mouth dropped open in shock. Santana suddenly felt self conscious and quickly dried and dressed herself.
"I should like to go riding." Santana said quickly.
"Of-of course, Miss" Brittany stuttered. They exited the room, not daring to look each other in the eye. Santana marched down to the stable, intent on running away from her embarrassment. Puck reclined against a stack of hay and when he saw Santana enter, he got to his feet.
"Miss." He bowed. "Are you..." Brittany followed and Puck gagged on his words when he saw her. His face went white, as if a ghost had come into the barn. Santana did not wait for Puck to recover. She lifted the saddle from the ground and handed it to Puck who kept staring at Brittany. He sloppily saddled Santana's horse.
"Would you have me accompany you?" Brittany asked. Santana shook her head.
"Ah...that isn't necessary. I need time to think." She quickly amended, "About my mother's offer." And finding the situation no longer bearable, she quickly urged the horse out of the stable and broke into a gallop across the field. Puck took a step towards Brittany, touching her shoulder to make sure she was real. Brittany laughed awkwardly.
"You...?" He asked, struggling to find the words to describe his astonishment.
"Yes, you idiot." Brittany shoved him lightly. She glanced over her shoulder at the now distant silhouette, her mind still thinking of Santana's words. She did not understand what possessed Santana to suggest what she did. But the more she thought about it, the more she wanted it. Her gaze went back to the still shocked stable boy. An idea struck her, certainly a stupid one, but she could think of no one else so suited to give advice. But judging by how hard he stared at her in disbelief, she first owed him an explanation.
Santana rode hard and fast into the woods until the stable was no longer in sight. She paused to catch her breath, mentally berating herself for being so stupid and bold. The idea had crossed her mind after her mother suggested that she bear children once she married the prince but she hardly imagined suggesting such a thing to Brittany so soon.
"She must think very poorly of me." Santana muttered angrily. She brought her hand up to rub at her temples. How could she have done that? She knew why. The way Brittany stared at her, the hunger that filled her eyes when she watched Santana bathe, that was what prompted the sudden outburst. Brittany may not have come forward as Santana did, but it was clear that she wanted Santana just as much.
The thought brought a fresh flow of blood to Santana's cheeks and she shook her head to clear herself of such dirty thoughts. She hoped that the incident would soon be forgotten.
"I wouldn't even know where to begin." She said aloud but it only served to embarrass her further. She put her foot into her horse's side and galloped further into the woods, hoping to outrun her own desires.
Back at the stable, Brittany told Puck of her year and unlike with Noel, she spared no detail. Puck knew of their relationship, and she felt she owed it to him to be truthful. He listened patiently and waited until the end to ask his questions.
"The Duchess knows." He clarified.
"Yes." Brittany replied with some regret. "We should've been more careful...she never should've visited me as often as she did." Puck blinked in surprise.
"The carriage driver mentioned he drove Santana around more often than he would like. She was visiting you then?" Brittany nodded and hung her head shyly. Puck ran his hand over his short hair and sighed.
"I do not believe it would have made any difference. The Duchess has her ways. And perhaps it was a blessing that she found you two. You can be together under one roof again."
"Only under the condition that Santana marries the prince!" Brittany countered. Her exclamation brought back the memory of Santana and her request. Brittany turned bright red and Puck laughed at how quickly she quieted.
"Are you alright? You look a tad flushed."
"I..." She could not bring herself to ask him. "Ah..."
"Speechless to see me again?" He teased. Brittany smacked him on the shoulder lightly and he drew back with a smile. She bit her lip worryingly. If she did not ask him now, she may not have the courage to do so later.
"I have something to ask of you." She said. "But you must promise me never to speak of it to anyone else, nor laugh at me when I ask." She grew redder by the minute and Puck raised an eyebrow at her request.
"What is it? Out with it." Brittany sucked in breath and steadied herself.
"How does...how does one...'do it'?" Brittany looked down quickly, not daring to believe those words had come out of her mouth. Puck on the other hand did not initially understand.
"What do you mean? Do wha-" His sputtering stopped when his brain finally understood and he almost choked on his words. "You mean...oh God, you..."
"I ask how one consummates a marriage...or something of..."
"I know what you mean." Puck interrupted. "But I..." He looked outside in the direction of Santana's path. "With her?" Brittany nodded shyly. Puck covered his face, trying to block out the image in his head. Brittany smacked him on the shoulder again.
"Please, I don't know who else to ask." Puck cleared his throat, deliberately avoiding eye contact.
"And you're sure you...she...um..."
"I just need to know." Brittany said. "Whether it happens or not..." Puck shook his head.
"Very well, but I only know how to teach by showing you." When Brittany threatened to hit him again, he put up his hands in defense. "I jest! I jest!" He motioned for her to lay down and Brittany shot him a warning look. He rolled his eyes. "Just trust me." Brittany laid down and Puck coughed. "Normally, this is where you begin." He straddled her awkwardly. "You lay on top of the girl and...um..." He blushed red seeing Brittany splayed out under him. Though he tried not to, his mind went back to Quinn and how her eyes glowed in the light. He shook his head to rid himself of that image.
"I have that much figured out." Brittany said crossly.
"Kiss them if you like." Puck said, bending to demonstrate, puckering his lips like a fish. Brittany laughed and slapped him away. He smiled at her. Laughing made the whole situation easier for him.
"Puck! Lady Santana may return at any moment, and if she should see us..." Brittany crossed her arms in front of her chest. He nodded
"You may remove clothes if you would like." He went on. "I find it simpler not to but you may think otherwise. Should you remove...ah...clothes..." He scratched his head. "I've found that...women particularly like it if...um..." He gestured towards her chest. "You take it...um...in your mouth as a babe would..." He suddenly flung himself away. "I can't do this." He shook his head. How could sex, something he liked to think of himself as a master, be so difficult to explain. Brittany sat up, equally embarrassed but determined to learn.
"Continue, I beg you." She pleaded.
"You certainly aren't the first woman to ask that of me." He joked but he could see the desperation in her eyes. "Ultimately...what you want is under the skirt. If you were a man...you would...ah, put your, um, horn down there. But since you are a woman, I imagine fingers would do just as well." He could not believe he was explaining this to her so academically.
"What would my fingers do just as well?" Brittany asked.
"Well, you can put them inside or..." He sat up straight. "There is a place that I've found, uh, down there that drives women mad with pleasure. You'll know when you find it." He sighed. "That is all I can offer." Brittany coughed and pushed her hair back behind her ears.
"Thank you." She said. The sound of distant hooves running caught their attention. Santana was on her way back and Brittany looked as though she might run off and hide.
"I wish you well on your endeavor." Puck said with a smirk.
The sky had turned grey and the air cold by the time the funeral took place. Winter was well on its way in. The Duchess bowed respectfully before the Prince as they buried the late king. The King's closest advisors kept a respectful silence the entire time and Finn tried his best to look strong. When they had covered up the coffin, many of the advisors offered their sympathy.
"Long live King Finnian." They chanted even though Finn had not yet been crowned King. He nodded in acknowledgement and they began walking away.
"Will you be alright, Your Highness?" The Duke asked. Finn nodded. "You intend to keep vigil?" Again he nodded. The Duke patted him on the shoulder and followed the others back towards the castle. Only Rachel stayed.
"I must, ah, thank you, for the comfort you brought me last night." He said.
"It was my honor." She replied with a smile. "I should leave you to your vigil." As she walked by him, he grabbed his hand.
"I should...I should thank you properly. Please, stay a day or two more in my hospitality." He stammered awkwardly.
"If you wish it." They smiled at each other and though their smiles were tinged with sadness, there was also hope. Rachel bowed one last time before making her way back towards the gates. Finn watched her walk away until she was a mere speck in the distance and turned his attention back towards his father's grave.
"Father..." He began. "What should I do?"
Santana waited patiently as Brittany undid the laces to her corset. Her clothes were caked in mud from riding and she wanted nothing more than to change into a fresh set of linens. She could not bring herself to look Brittany in the eye, not after their charged interaction while she bathed. Her whole body felt hot just thinking of how boldly she spoke. I would not have them be the first to touch me. I would...I would have someone I love. She cleared her throat awkwardly and focused on the wall ahead of her.
Behind her, Brittany was lost in her thoughts. She had not felt such want in her entire life and it was torture just to undress Santana, to be there when she bathed, and to love her at the same time. She fumbled a little with the laces, Santana's smooth, dark skin lingering in her thoughts. She tried to push the images away, but they were quickly replaced with Santana's naked figure sitting up in the bathtub, with her eyes that spoke clearly what her words did not. I would have you...they said. She bit her lip and debated whether or not to wait, to think on it for a night, or two or several.
"Both the Duchess and the Duke are out today. but the Duke may come home...and he may throw you out." A voice in her head argued.
"The Duchess promised to speak with him..." Yet another thought chimed in.
"And what if it isn't enough to persuade him?" To which the second voice did not respond. She knew that their time together depended on the Duke's approval, and that there was a chance he may exile her again.
She loosened the final lace and Santana lifted her arms. Brittany removed the corset from Santana's body, letting her two pinky fingers brush against Santana's side. At first, Santana believed it to be a simple mistake, though the touch made her flush red anew. But then Brittany's touch returned. Her hands caressed Santana's side, her fingers running up and down Santana's ribs. Santana suddenly knew it was not going to end with Brittany undressing her as a servant would her mistress. She turned around and studied Brittany. Brittany thought of speaking, but this was not a time for words. She cupped Santana's chin and kissed her, sending up a brief prayer for all to go well. Santana brought her hands up to Brittany's face, deepening their kiss. Brittany pulled away, breathless and scared but she could not stop herself. Santana turned to look at the bed and walked backwards, grabbing Brittany's hand and bringing her too. They sat on the bed and Brittany awkwardly leaned in again for a kiss but Santana was unprepared. Brittany's lips instead made contact with Santana's exposed shoulder and stayed there. She let out a small gasp when Brittany nibbled at the sensitive skin along the base of her neck.
Santana closed her eyes and savored the feel of Brittany kissing every bit of her bare skin and the moments when she would break off to kiss her lips again. Her heart fluttered wildly at the thought of what they were about to do. She leaned back and looped her arm around Brittany's neck, pulling her down with her. Brittany fell forward, almost knocking her head against the bed's backboard. Her hand tugged at Santana's dress, pulling the hem ever closer to Santana's hips. Santana struggled to breathe against Brittany's actions. Her long fingers ghosted the skin on her thigh and Santana involuntarily shivered.
"Are you cold, Miss?" Brittany asked. Santana's eyes opened and Brittany saw how clouded they were with need.
"No." Santana replied. "And stop calling me that." Brittany smiled. She had gathered fistfuls of the hem to Santana's slip and with one hand she gently coaxed Santana into a sitting position. Santana sat up, letting Brittany lift it over her head. And then she was bare.
She'd seen Santana naked many times before. But this was different. Santana laid back down and it was all Brittany could do not to faint. Santana's long, dark hair began to unravel and her cheeks were colored red. Santana opened her arms.
"I've...I've never..." Santana stammered. Brittany offered a nervous smile in return.
"Nor I." She said. Then we will find out together...
"Please." Santana whispered but she was not sure of what her request was. But Brittany knew, or at least had an inkling from what Puck told her. She hated thinking of Puck at this time, but he was the only source of knowledge she had. She sank her body on top of Santana's and kissed at her collar bone. Both her hands found Santana's and grasped them tightly. Santana's eyes flung open and she stared at the red canopy above her bed, her eyes rolling backwards when Brittany pressed her lips in the space between her breasts. One of their hands came apart - Santana was too distracted to remember which - and danced along Santana's hip. Brittany had no idea what to expect, whether it would hurt like the servants often whispered it did. The thought of hurting her Mistress distressed her, but she could not stop herself.
Her lips found the tip of Santana's right breast and the took it between her teeth, flicking her tongue as Puck had instructed. The reaction was immediate and powerful. Santana arched her back with a gasp so loud and sudden that Brittany pulled back.
"No..." Santana pleaded. "Please..." Again, she begged and again, Brittany felt something stir in her lower belly. She complied, bringing Santana's nipple into her mouth again. With her other hand, she palmed Santana's other breast. Santana's skin felt hot against Brittany's hand and she arched her own back, lifting herself off of Santana's upper body. Brittany ventured her fingers down where the heat was most intense, watching Santana's face carefully for any sign of pain. She did not know what to expect, and so she expected the worst. Santana gripped Brittany's hand harder so that Brittany would not feel how her hand trembled. Brittany's fingers fumbled experimentally, and she mentally noted just how wet it was down there. It was all strange and new to her, but she could not help but feel it was right. Her fingers parted the folds there and her middle finger travelled up and down. You'll know when you find it. Brittany's finger ran over a small bump and Santana let out a shriek, sitting up. Brittany started and removed her hand.
"No!" Santana exclaimed, grabbing Brittany by the wrist. "Again..." Brittany realized that she had found it. The two sank back onto the bed and Brittany's fingers travelled directly to that small nub and drew circles on top of it. Santana's breathing grew heavy and erratic and every now and again, a small moan or gasp would escape from her lips, letting Brittany know that what she was doing was welcome. Santana's hand found the back of Brittany's head and pulled her in for another kiss. Something built in her chest, a pressure that sunk slowly downward. Her whole body felt like it was on fire and she did not want any of it to stop.
It happened unexpectedly. Brittany's wrists kept turning as they had, rubbing circles on that sensitive place that made Santana tingle from the roots of her hair down to her toes. But the tingling grew. It expanded and Santana felt as though her whole body would come apart if Brittany continued but she could not imagine telling her to stop.
"Brittany..." She managed to moan before everything went white and the pressure erupted, turning every inch of her body into a million points of pleasure. She jerked Brittany down and crushed their lips together. Santana cut her lower lip on Brittany's teeth but waves and waves of ecstasy rippled from her core outward and she did not feel the pain. Brittany opened her eyes and pulled away from the kiss, watching Santana quake and writhe on the bed, her mouth open in a silent scream and her head thrown back, exposing the rapid pulse beating at her neck. Brittany's wrist hurt and she was certain there would be a bruise on her lip where Santana had yanked her their lips together in her moment of need but it did not matter. Happiness and pride swelled within her for being the one to cause such a reaction from her Mistress.
She pulled the covers over their body so that Santana would not catch a cold. Santana buried her forehead into Brittany's right shoulder, taking comfort in the feel of Brittany's body on top of hers. Her hands intertwined with Santana's anchoring their bodies together just in case God decided to intervene and try to fling them apart. Brittany planted a kiss on Santana's forehead. Not even God can tear us from each other.