A/N: I promised a few days and I actually did it for once! :-) It would have been even sooner except during my final edit I made a bunch of changes that I totally lost because I neglected to hit the save button. Fun times. I still wanted to get this up tonight, so I apologize for any typos in advance. Anyway, this chapter is LONG but there was so much I wanted to cover so hopefully that's okay! It's got a little bit of everything in it - fluff, sexy times, a little more angst - but I'll let you get to all that yourselves.
Before you do, I just want to thank everyone who's been commenting on the past couple chapters. The response has been so good and I'm really glad because I've been more excited to write these chapters than I have anything else so far in this story. Last chapter was actually my favorite and I'm very happy that so many of you thought I captured long distance relationships well, because I was really trying to make it true to life. I took off of a lot of past experience for that one and I agree with all of you who expressed how much doing the long distance thing sucks. It's definitely a nightmare.
I think there's going to be either 2 or 3 chapters left on this before I shift it to a sequel but expect time to speed up a little bit next chapter. Anyways, hope you enjoy this one just as much and that their reunion is worth it! Thanks again for all your feedback!
Day 43
"Hello?" Santana said, lifting the phone groggily to her ear.
"Good morning!" Brittany chirped.
"Britt, it's..." she pulled back her hand to check the time. "7:10...not that I'm not happy to hear from you but isn't it a little early?"
"You're so cute when you're grumpy in the mornings." Brittany said. "I wish I was there, I'd kiss your cute face." Santana laughed and fell back into the pillow.
"So what's up?" she asked, closing her eyes.
"I know you worked last night and I'm sorry to wake you up so early, but I'm super excited!" Brittany squealed and Santana's face fell into a smile as she listened. "As you know, I've been keeping this calendar of days till I come home and crossing them off as they pass. Well, today is number 43 so that means it's like the middle of the 85 days!" Brittany announced proudly.
Santana squinted, allowing her tired brain to catch up to Brittany's.
"Oh!" She smiled a little, stretching. "Yeah, I guess it is."
"So everything that we did, we just have to do it one more time!" Santana groaned.
"Ugh Britt, when you put it that way, it sounds terrible."
"Oh god it kind of does." Brittany said, frowning. "Now I'm depressed. I woke up all excited about this. But you're right. The past 42 days have felt like a million and I can't do it again." She said speaking quickly and sounding panicked.
"Brittany, calm down, it's not that bad." She lied, frowning. "How much coffee have you had?
"Just like 3 cups." Santana groaned internally. "And how many times do I have to tell you that you're an awful liar?"
"Look, I'm sorry I brought that up. I'm like, half asleep and you had the right idea. It's a milestone. After today we're more than half way there." Brittany considered this for a moment and Santana could almost hear the wheels turning in her head over the phone.
"Yeah, I think I like it better that way." She paused. "Can we get on Skype?" she asked with excitement and Santana released a breath of defeat.
"I'm not going to go back to sleep am I?"
"Well I mean if you don't want to…" Brittany said with evident disappointment.
"No, no, I do." Santana said, willing herself up. "I'll go make some coffee and we'll make it happen."
"Yes!"
Day 54
"I was thinking of maybe having you guys and a couple other people over to see the apartment." Santana shrugged as she wiped down the bar. "I don't feel like going out, it's just annoying."
"Yes, it must be so tiring getting hit on." Finn joked.
"I hate getting hit on." Santana said and frowned. "It is tiring. I'm clearly not interested in hooking up with anyone."
"Aw, but your little groupies are cute." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I don't have groupies. And those girls are not cute. They're annoying and tried to start stupid rumors about Brittany and I in this place because they haven't seen her around." She shook her head.
"I'm just messing with you. They're harmless." He said. "But I hear you."
"Anyway," she said, choosing to ignore him, "I figure everyone's been wanting to see the apartment and I've got it in reasonable shape. Maybe Saturday?" She asked as she ran a cloth across the bar.
"That sounds like fun. We'd love to come, right?" Rachel asked and Finn nodded.
"Yep, I get off work at 4 and I don't have to go in until Sunday at 4 so I'm good." he said, taking a bite of his burger.
"How exciting! Your first party!" Rachel asked with a smile.
"Oh…no." Santana shook her head. "I don't want a big thing, just a couple people." she shrugged. "Going out without Brittany is kind of lame and I just figured it would be something to do. I'm sure when she comes back we'll throw a real party."
"Well either way," she said. "sounds like fun. Oh! And you'll be happy to know that Quinn emailed me and told me that her and Mike will be making the engagement party after all."
"I heard. You know, since they're crashing at my place and all." she smiled. "Plus, I might have been a little...influential in that decision making process."
"I don't know why you made such a big deal. You would have had a perfectly fine time with the attendees even without Quinn." Rachel huffed.
"It's bad enough I have to do this without Brittany." she said with annoyance. "Like I want to go to some couples event by myself." she muttered, lining up shot glasses when she saw the guys at the end signaling for another round.
"It's not a couples event Santana. I have several single friends attending."
"Oh joy, the theater crowd." she said, rolling her eyes as she poured Patron across the 3 glasses before carrying them down the bar.
"Don't poke the sleeping bear Rachel." Finn warned. "Just let her be happy about it." Rachel sighed and went back to her salad, dropping the topic for the evening and going back to the small selection of topics she found she could discuss with Santana without the risk of being murdered.
Day 56
"Shit." Santana said, with a slur as she looked around for her phone. "I'm supposed to call Brittany." she yelled at Finn over Rachel's belting out of Total Eclipse of the Heart on the karaoke machine she'd tagged along with her.
It was almost 11:30 and the apartment was way more crowded than anticipated. The few people she invited didn't hesitate in inviting other people despite her warnings that it wasn't a party. And now, a few hours and many drinks later here she was having a party.
"This is a good party apartment Santana. I like that you can see the living room from the kitchen. It's like you can be in two rooms at once." Finn said with a goofy grin.
"You really are a moron, aren't you?" she asked and shook her head, finally locating her phone. "This wasn't supposed to be a party." She frowned.
"Yeah, sorry, there's like...a lot of people here...I think Jeff like, misunderstood."
"Yeah, so did Todd." she said motioning to Brittany's friend who was hopping up next to Rachel. "I really did mean a few people." she shrugged. "But honestly, it's been fun." She admitted.
"Yeah, it's awesome!" he said, lifting his beer. She rolled her eyes and clinked his cup before excusing herself to go into the bedroom and dial Brittany who had clearly tried to call her several times.
"Santana are you okay?" Brittany asked instantly.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, I couldn't find my phone. It's kind of crazy here."
"Where are you? You sound pretty tipsy. I thought you were supposed to be having a couple people over the house."
"I'm home...and yeah, a couple turned into like a bunch." she sighed with a laugh. "But it's worked out well." she said, slurring her words slightly. "So I'm not complaining. I'm actually having fun if you can believe that."
"Wait, so you're having a party?" Brittany asked in a tone she hadn't been expecting - annoyance. Her face fell.
"No!...well...yeah...kind of...I guess." she said, pausing for a moment and suddenly feeling a little annoyed herself. "Yeah, it wasn't supposed to be but it kind of turned into a party. Is that a problem?"
"No I guess not." Brittany responded sounding clearly displeased. "I mean, just that we have a brand new apartment I've hardly spent any time in and now you're having a huge party with all of our friends in it without me."
"Well whose fault is that?" Santana shot back.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means if you didn't leave me to go on some tour so you could chase down your dreams, you'd be here right now, having this party with us."
"You're the one who encouraged me to go."
"Don't act like you didn't want it."
"I'm not having this fight with you again."
"You are always encouraging me to go out more, have fun, do things for myself and now I do and right off the bat you start selfishly freaking out because you're not involved."
"Don't make it like that Santana. This isn't about me being selfish, this is about you doing something without considering how I'd feel about it. You knew I'd want to do something like that together."
"You know what? I knew this was going to happen. I honestly only invited a few people. They went and invited more people and now it is what it is. What did you want me to do? Turn our friends away at the door?"
"Stop making excuses. Just admit you're having a party and you're enjoying it."
"You're unbelievable." She shook her head. "Fine - or one of the only times since you left I'm actually having fun. I wanted to have a few people over and it turned into a big party and it's pretty fucking awesome."
"Why are you so aggressive with me all the time lately?
"I don't know Brittany, figure it out." She spat and they sat in silence for a moment. "I'm so tired of everything turning into a fight."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what I just said."
"I just can't believe you'd have our first party without me."
"You sound like such a petty child right now. If you didn't want me to use the apartment without you then you shouldn't have left it. You get your way all the time. This time you're being ridiculous!" Santana said, now yelling. "We all have priorities Brittany. It's clear where yours are and they're not here. So quit acting like I did something wrong!"
"Stop trying to act like I left you or something. This was something we both agreed on. I told you I'm not having this fight with you again." Brittany said firmly.
"Fine, then don't." Santana said, hitting end and tossing the phone onto the bed before walking back outside.
"Whoa, are you okay?" Finn asked as she stormed back into the kitchen, making herself a new drink with purpose.
"No!" she snapped.
"Hey, calm down-"
"Don't tell me what to do."
"Sorry, I just mean..." he looked nervous. "What happened?"
"What happened Brittany is acting like a child and is pissed about me having a party in our new apartment without her." she ranted, downing a quick shot of tequila.
"Oh." he said, looking on, his eyes clouded from the liquor as he tried to think of any advice that would make sense in his drunken state.
"Just let it go." she said, sipping her drink and shaking her head. "I'm not dealing with her tonight." He nodded, biting his lip. Adam came up and patted him on the shoulder opening a conversation about new songs for the setlist and the topic was quickly dropped.
For the next few hours Santana proceeded to drink and do her best to enjoy herself, although her anger was kind of a buzzkill. She traded off karaoke songs with Rachel for a bit and had been hold down the beer pong table for a while with her friend Jen when Finn approached.
"Santana, Brittany's been texting me. She wants to talk to you." Finn said, stumbling over to her and almost dropping the phone as he handed it to her.
"I'm not talking to her tonight."
"Santana, she's sad." he said sadly, with a pout.
"I don't care." she lied, tossing a ball in the air and cheering before high fiving Jen as the ball landed perfectly.
By 3 AM just about everyone had cleared out and Santana sat on the couch sobbing hysterically and clutching some sweatshirt of Brittany's as she went on about how much she hated her summer. Rachel and Finn sighed across from her where they were cuddled on the loveseat.
"I wish Brittany would come home." Rachel said with a quivering voice. "This is so painstakingly sad to watch." she said over dramatically and Finn closed his eyes and she began to sob. "My heart can't take it."
"Oh come on Rach, not you too." he said as Rachel cried into his chest. "Why does this always happen to me?" he shook his head, leaning back on the couch and letting himself nod off.
Day 57
"I'm sorry." Brittany said as soon as Santana answered the phone the next morning. "I was an idiot."
"It's okay." Santana said softly.
"It's totally not." Brittany said. "I was just…I got jealous and it's not fair. You're home and alone all the time and you should be having all the fun you can. I didn't mean to try and hold you back from that."
"Brittany." Santana sighed. "It's fine. I was pissy about it last night because I was drunk and sometimes this whole thing is annoying, but I get it okay?" she said, squinting as she put a hand to her head which was pounding.
"No." Brittany said. "Seriously, it was all my fault. Please stop being passive intensive or whatever."
"Passive aggressive and I'm not."
"Yeah, that." she paused. "Can I tell you a secret?" She asked quietly.
"Sure." Santana said softly, opening a bottle of water and taking a long swig before relaxing back into the couch.
"I'm not proud of it but in some selfish way...I got really jealous of the fact that you were having so much fun without me. I kinda understand how you felt when we got into that fight earlier this summer. When I drunk dialed you."
"Really?" Santana asked sounding surprised.
"Yeah and I mean, I kinda felt sad that I missed out on a big party in the apartment." she said softly. "But I don't want to fight about it. You should have as many parties in that apartment as you want. Have one every night. You should do whatever you need to keep yourself happy...well, maybe not whatever you want." Santana laughed.
"I really just want you to keep me happy."
"Soon." Brittany whispered and paused. "But until then, I am really sorry."
"Well, I'm sorry for hanging up on you. That was childish too."
"I would have hung up on me too." Brittany admitted. "Whatever, I was just being stupid. And I realized it pretty quickly but I couldn't get you to pick up."
"Sorry."
"Stop, no more from you. I'm the one apologizing remember?" Santana laughed.
"Okay, fine. Apology accepted. Better?"
"Better."
Day 69
"Hey!" Santana said happily as she opened the door and saw a smiling Quinn and Mike standing in front of her. She shook her head and laughed. "I still can't believe you two."
"Do I get a hug or what?" Quinn asked and Santana laughed tossing her arms around her before doing the same with Mike. She stepped back and let them into the apartment. Once they were in she gave them the short tour and let them put their stuff in the guest room which was still somewhat under construction but now had a futon in it.
"It's actually kinda comfy." she said, as they walked back out to the living room.
"Beats the couch in the old place. Nice to have a door too." Quinn said with a smirk.
"Oh no - no sex." Santana said, spinning around and looking at them seriously.
"What?"
"Under no circumstances are you allowed to have sex in this apartment." She shook her head. "No funny business." Quinn squinted in confusion.
"But-"
"No! But nothing. If I'm not having sex in this apartment, I'm certainly not listening to someone else have it." Mike just laughed.
"You haven't changed one bit." he said.
"Nope." she said proudly. "So you guys are okay with coming and watching me work for the night?"
"Yeah, we're fine with it. I liked that place."
"Cool." She said turning her attention to her buzzing phone, her face lighting up at the smiling blonde face on the screen.
"I bet I know who that is." Mike teased.
"Yeah, yeah, my poker face sucks." Santana laughed, handing the phone to him. "You answer it." she said accepting the call.
"Hello." he said.
"...Um, hello?" Brittany said, looking a the phone in her hands to make sure she'd dialed the right number.
"You have no idea who this is, do you? Forgot your favorite dance partner already?"
"Oh my god Mike!" Brittany said and chatted with him for a few minutes before he handed her over to Quinn and then finally to Santana.
"Hey babe." Santana said, walking into the kitchen.
"I'm so jealous you get to hang out with Mike and Quinn. It's no fair. You get to have like a Glee club reunion tomorrow night and I'm stuck in Iowa...and it's not that interesting in Iowa."
"Aw Britt, don't worry, we'll see them again soon I'm sure."
"I'm jealous you get to see them together. I wanted to see them together. What are they like?"
"Sickeningly cute." Santana said, crinkling her nose with disgust as she watched them cuddling on the couch. "It's actually tortuous to watch."
"Aww, we're sickeningly cute too and when I come home were going to be even more sickeningly cute."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Day 70
"Puck, Sugar...you're both here...and together." Santana said, slightly shocked.
"That's right." he said confidently. "Finn asked me to be in the bridal party."
"Oh…well…awesome." She smiled awkwardly.
"I hear your lady love is out of town. Too bad. If you don't want to fly solo you can always hang on to the Puckasaurus' other arm." She frowned.
"You are not seriously still using that term to describe yourself."
"Believe me. He is." Sugar said angrily, nudging him.
"What?" he asked. "I was kidding."
"Hi Puck." Quinn said, stepping up to join them and hugging him briefly.
"So the rumors are true. You and Chang." he said, nodding over towards Mike who was getting himself a drink.
"Yep." Quinn said, looking back and nodding. "You and Sugar too."
"Your dress is so cute Quinn. I mean, clearly it's not as sophisticated as the look I've chosen," Sugar said, motioning to her short, bright pink dress, "but still."
"Um, thanks...I think." Quinn said, looking to Santana who just shook her head indicating that she should just go with it.
"Puckerman!" Mike said, sticking his hand out. "Good to see you man."
"You too buddy."
"So exciting so many of our New Directions friends could be here tonight!" Rachel said, rushing over with excitement and putting an arm around Santana and Quinn.
"Yes, you've managed to get more than half the Glee club into one room again, amazing."
"It would have been more had Tina not been so adamant about declining." She said and Quinn coughed uncomfortably. "She still seems quite upset."
"Yes Rachel, why don't we talk about that now." Santana said pointedly and Rachel's eyes widened.
"Oh, my god, I'm sorry Quinn. It was not my intention to make you feel bad at all. We're more than pleased that you and Mike could make it."
"Thanks." Quinn said and Mike rubbed her shoulder.
"I'm sure by the time the wedding rolls around she'll be ready to attend."
"Well I'd hope so." Quinn muttered.
"Ladies!" Kurt said, coming over and greeting them all. "So nice to see you and you are all looking stunning this evening."
"Hello Quinn." Said Mercedes pointedly. "Mike."
"Hi Mercedes." Quinn said slowly, unsure of how to handle the cold tone.
"How are you?"
"Great, how are you? It's been forever."
"I'm great. Here with my boyfriend Roger. I'd introduce you, but you know, I'm interested in hanging onto him for a little bit longer." she said, with narrowed eyes.
"Oh-kay!" Kurt said with a laugh, grabbing Mercedes' arm. "Let's go grab another glass of champagne, shall we?" he said, whisking her towards the bar that they were standing in front of.
"What the hell is going on?" Santana asked in confusion. "Why is Wheezy getting all worked up about Quinn?"
"Well, she is best friends with Tina." Rachel said.
"I didn't break them up." Quinn said defensively.
"Well you sticking your tongue down the Changster's throat didn't help, let's be honest." Puck said with a laugh.
"It's not like that Puck." Mike said. "Mind your own business."
"Oooh drama!" Sugar squealed with delight and clapped her hands together as Santana tilted her glass back. "I knew this party would be worth the trip!"
"Still glad you invited half of the Glee club, Berry?" Santana quipped as the others continued to squabble and Mercedes continued to rant at Kurt and Finn behind them. "I mean, come on, it's impressive that you've managed to create this great giant ball of awkward all over again. You should have invited Artie while you were at it."
"He was busy." Rachel said absentmindedly before turning to Santana. "We really were incredibly incestuous weren't we?" She asked helplessly. Santana nodded.
"The scary part is that it's still continuing." she said motioning between the two post high school pairings they stood with.
"Oh my god, this is a disaster. My engagement party is going to go down in history as a disaster." Santana laughed.
"Like anyone is going to remember your engagement party." Rachel shot her a death glare and Santana frowned.
"You promised Brittany you'd be nice." she said through gritted teeth.
"Sorry." She shrugged. "Reflex." Rachel rolled her eyes before they turned back to the argument which was now growing louder.
"All I'm saying is that maybe you weren't after every guy in the Glee club, you wouldn't find yourself in this situation. Do I need to remind you about what happened in the beginning of senior year? You were propositioning me to have a child with you." Puck said.
"Oh god, what do I do?" Rachel asked and Santana looked around briefly before speaking.
"Oh, pipe down Puckerman!" Santana snapped, before Mike could and their attention turned to her. "Why are you even involving yourself in this? It has nothing do with you." Sugar studied her as she spoke and turned to Puck with a frown.
"Yeah, what is your problem?" she said, poking him roughly. "Stop causing trouble! Or Daddy won't help you with that new car."
"Ow! Okay, okay."
"Listen to your girlfriend and keep your trap shut. You're not one to talk when it comes to cheating and sexual trysts, or do we want to recount your previous encounters?" She asked, eyeing him threateningly.
"You wouldn't." he spoke seriously.
"Oh, I would." She said just as serious.
"And you." she said, turning to Mercedes. "Quinn didn't do anything wrong. Tina and Mike were having trouble well before she came along, so quit it with the attacks." She looked around. "God, you'd swear we were all still in high school. You're at someone else's engagement party. Put your petty bullshit aside and grow up."
Rachel looked at her, mouth hanging open before swallowing and looking around between their stunned friends who slowly started to resume more casual conversation.
"I...just...thank-" Rachel began but Santana sighed and held up a hand.
"Just...get me another glass of champagne." She said dismissively. Rachel nodded, taking her glass and rushing off towards a waiter.
"Santana Lopez, I think I'm in love with you." Kurt said dramatically and she laughed, rolling her eyes. "Where did that come from? I think you just helped Rachel Berry." She shrugged.
"I was over the high school drama in high school. I don't think it needs to make a comeback." she said simply. "I've got my own problems."
"Speaking of which, so sorry that Brittany couldn't make it tonight. Rachel told me about her touring with a dance group. It's very impressive." Santana nodded and smiled, looking towards the floor. "Still must suck though." he said, nudging her and she eyed him, laughing.
"It does..." she admitted with relief. "It really, really does."
"Well given that I'm shockingly single and you're currently without a date I'd be more than happy to be your date for the evening. Besides, I'm the best man and you're kind of representing the maid of honor."
"Oh, I'm okay Kurt, I just-"
"Oh Santana, don't be stubborn. You don't want to stand here amongst these lovey dovey couples any more than I do right now." She laughed.
"True."
After many speeches from both sets of parents and Rachel shortly after they finally were able to sit down and have dinner. Once it was over everyone continued to mingle and catch up on old times. Santana heard her phone buzzing in her bag and reached in to get it with a smile, knowing she promised she'd put Brittany on Facetime once she finished up for the night.
She smiled with pride as her phone was passed around and she saw just how much their friends all enjoyed Brittany. She'd managed to keep a reasonably good connection with almost everyone somehow and Santana actually really admired it. At the very least she wished Brittany was around because it seemed to make these situations so much easier.
After finally speaking to Finn and Rachel and giving a little speech of her own, Santana took the phone back and walked outside to the patio of the restaurant to speak with her privately. She gave her a quick update on the party, promising to fill her in on all the details next time they had time to talk alone.
"What are you up to tonight?" Santana asked, smiling sweetly, which Brittany returned.
"We need to video chat all the time." Santana chuckled and watched Brittany shrug. "Nothing much. I'm kind of exhausted. I was going to just watch a movie on my laptop and go to sleep."
"You don't feel like going out?" she asked and Brittany shook her head.
"Nah, not tonight." She could see the sadness in Brittany's eyes that she tried to mask.
"Hey, this is just the engagement party. You're going to be here for everything else." She re-assured her.
"I know…" Brittany said, looking down sadly. "I just still wish I was there you know?" she said, looking back up and shrugging. "To be hanging out with everyone and to get to experience it…to be your date."
"I definitely wish you were my date." Santana agreed, nodding and they both laughed.
"You look really pretty." Brittany said with a soft sigh.
"Thanks."
"But you should go." Santana frowned. "Trust me, I'd like to sit here and talk to you all night too, but seriously, go inside and enjoy the party. Be there for Rachel and Finn and everything." Santana bit her lip.
"I guess you're right." She groaned.
"We'll talk tomorrow and then we'll have a Skype date after we perform Monday when you're off. Okay?"
"Okay. Don't be too lonely tonight." Santana said, wishing she could reach out to touch the disappointed face she saw on the screen and finding it hard not to try. "Text me?"
"I will." She promised. "I love you. Give everyone hugs for me."
"I love you too." She said and they disconnected as Brittany blew her a kiss.
She sighed and walked over to lean against the stone wall that stood at the edge of the building and looked out onto the water and the illuminated buildings in front of her. It was actually nice to appreciate the city.
"Hey." She heard from behind her and turned to see Quinn approach and stand next to her. "You okay?" She nodded.
"Yeah, as okay as I'm going to get for now." She smiled and looked back out at the view.
"How's Brittany?"
"She's really sad she can't be here. I can tell even though she's trying to be brave about it. I hate seeing her sad."
"I can imagine." She said, sipping her champagne.
"So, we haven't had much of a chance to talk alone."
"That's okay."
"How are you doing? I know, we've talked on the phone and things, but I mean, really?" Santana sighed and shook her head, turning around to face the restaurant and leaning back on her elbows.
"It's hard." She said simply. "Most days it's good and we talk all the time and stuff but sometimes we have these stupid ridiculous fights over petty things. It's like we're both constantly so tense about everything that the littlest thing sets us off. And I mean, we've gotten good at it. We don't stay mad. But it's annoying because it's so not us." Quinn nodded slowly, turning herself into the same position.
"Yeah, you guys never really fight."
"It's funny because really it's just that we're so frustrated with the situation that we take it out on each other. But all I think we really both want is to be around each other." She stifled a laugh. "It's kind of twisted…but at least it's almost over. I mean, I don't know how some people do this all the time. I'd never be able to handle it."
"Do you think Brittany will want to do this again? You know, next summer and eventually as a career?"
"We really haven't gone there." Santana responded. "I mean, I think we're waiting till she gets back to really talk about it. Sometimes I think she's loving it – seeing all these places and hanging out with all these people with similar interests and making new friends. But then all she ever does is say she wants to be home and she wishes it was over…so I don't know. It's hard to read her with this one."
"I'm sure she needs some time to process it all." Quinn said thoughtfully. "It can't be easy for her either."
"It's hard for both of us." She looked over to Quinn. "Am I a bad person if I hope she decides not to do it again?" Quinn laughed and shook her head, squeezing her shoulder comfortingly.
"Not at all." She responded. "You're not wishing she never dance again or anything…just that she doesn't choose to do this." Santana bit her lip in thought.
"I just don't think we could do it all the time. It's not us."
"Santana, I know you better than that. You'd never just give up on her." She sighed.
"Of course not. But I'm afraid it would tear us down eventually. We're just…so used to being together. And we're so…physical. I mean I never realized until now that we're like…always touching." Quinn chuckled again.
"Yeah, well that goes way back to before you were even dating." She patted her shoulder. "Wait and see what happens Santana. I'm sure you guys will figure it all out no matter what."
"Yeah…" Santana trailed. "I'd do anything for Brittany."
"She'd do anything for you too." Quinn said confidently and Santana nodded. "Just focus on the fact that she's going to be back in a couple weeks and you guys can spend all the time together that you want doing whatever you want when she gets here."
"Oh trust me, we will." Santana smirked and Quinn swatted her.
"You have such a dirty mind!"
"Hey, it's been 70 days. That's like 7 years for me." She said seriously. "Cut me some slack." Quinn just shook her head.
"I can't believe you got me to come to Rachel and Finn's engagement party." She rolled her eyes and they laughed. "The wedding is one thing, but this?"
"I bet you never thought you'd be here in junior year."
"Certainly not." She admitted. "But it's been good seeing everyone. It's nice to have a healthy does of glee club dysfunction every so often."
"I wish you lived closer." Santana said with a frown. "So does Brittany. She always says it."
"Well, if Mike and I stay together…I know he's planning on moving either out here or to LA. So I guess we'll see."
"That would be cool." She smiled, looking back up at her.
"Let's go back before they all come looking for us."
"Oh god, let's go."
Day 74
"Santana?" Santana's face immediately fell when she heard the tear filled voice on the other end of the phone and she laid down the eyeliner she'd been holding.
"Brittany, what's wrong? Is everything okay?" she asked, shaken by hearing Brittany in what sounded like a pretty bad state.
"I'm tired of this."
"Of what baby?" Santana asked gently.
"This!" Brittany yelled through her tears. "I miss you and I miss home and the cats and I hate traveling around. It's disorienting and it's like you never get to settle down." she sobbed. "I just want to come home." Santana felt her heart constrict at the sound of hearing Brittany so broken. Sure she'd been upset before, but she never sounded like this.
"Britt, where are you? Where is everyone else?"
"They went out to dinner and to a club. I'm at the motel. I don't feel like it."
"Okay, okay." Santana said with a sigh, sitting down on the couch. "Why don't you take a deep breath and try and calm down for me." She head Brittany complying and ran over what to do in her head. She wasn't prepared for this. She knew Brittany would have ups and downs, but she wasn't expecting a breakdown. "Baby?"
"Yeah." Brittany answered in a small voice and Santana was relieved to hear her sound a little more controlled.
"Why don't you take a sip of water and lie down and talk to me and I'll make you feel better. Okay?"
"I want to leave."
"Sweetie, you have less than 2 weeks left. You've done so much already. You can't quit now." she said softly.
"Don't you want me to come home?" Brittany cried and Santana chuckled sweetly.
"Brittany, I can't wait for you to come home. I've been waiting for you to come home since the minute I left you at the airport. You know that." She paused. "But we've come so far with this. I think you should just finish it out. It's only 11 more days." She heard a sigh of resignation and knew that Brittany realized the same. "Are you lying down?" She asked after a few minutes.
"Yeah." Brittany said and Santana could hear the rustle of sheets indicating she was settling in.
"Okay, talk to me."
"I know it sounds so silly and stupid but it's just...too long. I love dancing. Like I love it, it makes me feel alive and magical and it makes my soul feel happy. But I don't love doing it like this. It's been fun sometimes, but mostly, I just want to be home."
"It's okay to be homesick Britt."
"I'm more than just homesick, I'm like...Santana sick." she said miserably and Santana laughed.
"Awww, Brittany." she felt tears pop up at the corners of her eyes. "I'm Brittany sick too." She assured her gently.
"I haven't kissed you in 74 days. That's never happened since I started kissing you. And I hate it."
"I hate it too." Santana said.
"The people on tour, I mean, they're cool and I've made some new friends and that's great, but it doesn't matter. I miss everything about you and us and home. I want to kiss you and cuddle you and make love to you. I don't know how people have long distance relationships. It's the most impossible thing ever. I'm just so sad." she said. "I feel worse than Nemo when he couldn't get home."
"Britt, just relax and think that after all these 74 days in 11 more you're to come home and I'm going to be sitting right here in our apartment waiting for you. And I'll kiss you and cuddle you and make love to you for as long as you want."
"I want forever." Santana laughed.
"Then you'll get it."
"But we'll have to work." she teased and Santana smiled at the fact that she was lightening up a little bit.
"Well, clearly we'll just have to quit." she responded easily and she heard Brittany giggle. She let out a breath of relief. "I don't like hearing you like that when I can't do anything about it."
"You did do something about it. I called crying and now I'm smiling." She paused. "I'm sorry, I know I just upset you." She sighed. "I should have just, you know, calmed myself down."
"No Brittany, it's okay, that's what I'm here for. I want to take care of you. I just wish I could hold you and kiss it better." She said with a smile.
"Well soon you can." Brittany whispered.
"I can't wait."
"Do you have plans tonight? Can we Skype? I wanna see your pretty face." Brittany said. "And you can show me my babies." Santana smiled, switching to speaker and tapping out a text to her friend Jen to cancel their dinner plans.
"No plans at all." She said, knowing if she mentioned anything Brittany would protest and she could tell Brittany needed her. "Go get your computer and let's do this. I wanna see you too."
"I'm all puffy from crying."
"I'm sure you still look beautiful." She smiled. "Give me 5 minutes and let me grab some food?"
"Of course. Call you in 5."
"Ok."
Day 84
"Hello?" Rachel said, picking up her phone.
"Hobbit, I need your help."
"Well, when you ask that nicely who can resist?" Santana groaned.
"Listen, I'm sorry Rachel, but I'm in crisis mode here." Santana said, sounding panicked.
"Ok, ok, what's wrong?"
"I have to work tonight because I traded for tomorrow so I could be here when Brittany got home and I'm trying to get the bedroom together and make sure the house is perfect, but it's just...it's a mess and I just need help and I don't know who else to call."
"So you're basically admitting that you need me. Me – Rachel Berry. Am I hearing this right?" Rachel asked smugly.
"Berry." Santana said, between gritted teeth.
"I'm more than available to help you Santana...if you just say the words."
"You know what? Forget it I'll do it myself."
"Oh god, wait, wait, wait." She said, downing what was left of her coffee. "You're so stubborn. I'll be over in 10 minutes."
"Thank you." Santana said with satisfaction.
A few hours later and they had the apartment in the best shape it had been in since the day they moved in. Santana stepped down from the ladder and looked up at the curtains she'd just finished hanging.
"Good?"
"Perfect." Rachel responded with a satisfied nod. "These sheets and curtains are gorgeous. They couldn't have been cheap."
"The summer has been good to me." Santana smiled. "I know Britt wants to decorate some more together when she's physically here...but I figured she'd be happy if I set the bedroom up the way she wanted."
"I meant to ask when you first painted, I thought you were opposed to light blue in the old house. How did this happen?" Santana shrugged.
"She really loves it." Rachel's lips grew into a smirk.
"You really are so whipped Santana."
"And everyone just loves to remind me of it." she rolled her eyes before sitting on the bed as Rachel leaned against the window sill.
"Are you finally admitting to it?"
"I just like to see Brittany happy. And if little things like the color of my walls and sheets are going to make her happy..." she smiled and shook her head, "why would I even fight? Things like this, they're all nonsense. Brittany's smile when she sees it? That's what matters."
"I will never understand how the person who hurls the most venomous insults I've ever heard is the same person who can talk about their girlfriend like that."
"Brittany is just...it's different. With her everything is different. I worship the ground Brittany walks on and I don't even like most people." She squinted her eyes. "But that's kind of exactly it...I mean, she's not most people. I've never met anyone else remotely like Brittany."
"That's sweet."
"It's true." Santana said simply before smirking. "But you should talk about being whipped. I mean, easy for you to point out being that you have someone who is completely whipped giving you whatever you ask for."
"Oh please, Finn is not whipped."
"Oh, so Mr. Quarterback who loves sports and worked at a tire shop wants to live in a house where some of the walls are pink and decorated with posters of Broadway musicals and Barbara Streisand films?" Santana stifled a laugh. "If that's what it takes to help you sleep at night. At least Brittany and I do most of this stuff together."
"I...well..." Rachel frowned. Santana raised her eyebrows expectantly. "Fine...I guess he gives in a bit." Santana stifled a laugh.
"The boy stood in the snow with me to get Spice Girls tickets for you. Spice Girls tickets. And went to the concert. Giving in would be an understatement." Rachel looked down guiltily. "Hey, I'm not knocking it, clearly it works for you, but I like to call a spade a spade."
"Perhaps he does deserve to hang a few of his own things on the walls..."
"Well..." Santana considered. "I'm sure it wouldn't kill you." Rachel sighed in resignation, before looking at the clock.
"You better head to work soon."
"Shit." Santana said, standing. "I have to shower. Sorry to like...rush you out."
"No, no, it's okay." Rachel said, making her way towards the door.
"Thanks Rachel. Really." she said, seriously.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Brittany will more than make it up to me as she handles all of her maid of honor duties." Santana shook her head.
"Oh I have no doubt."
"I'll see you soon...try and let her out of the house this week okay? We'd like to see her too."
"That's up for debate, but you could stop by the Station Tuesday...one of us will be working." Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Fine. Have fun tomorrow." she said.
"Bye."
Day 85
Santana paced the floor as she waited for a text or call to say Brittany was taking off. They were in Chicago and it should only be a few hours more until Brittany showed up at their door for the first time since May. She could hardly contain herself.
Brittany was due to take off at 2 PM NY time and land at 4 and Santana was hoping that would get her home by at least 5:30. She had already been to the store and bought food for dinner, hoping that they could almost repeat the last night Brittany spent in the house in a much cleaner, put together version of their new apartment. Finally at 1:30 her phone rang.
"Hey." Santana said, trying to sound casual.
"Hey baby." Brittany said, and she could tell right away there wasn't good news to follow.
"What's going on?"
"We're a little delayed." Santana frowned.
"Delayed?" Santana asked sadly. "Seriously?"
"I wish I was kidding. There's like thunderstorms or something annoying. So they pushed our flight back." Brittany said with a sigh.
"For how long?"
"Right now we're scheduled to take off at 2..which...wait what time is that in NY again? This time zone thing sucks."
"3...okay, so that's only an hour." Santana said. "It's not what I wanted to hear but I guess it could be worse."
An hour later when Brittany called her back to tell her the flight had been pushed back another two hours, it got worse.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me. The universe hates me! What the hell did I do?" Santana whined, tossing a pillow across the room in frustration. "This is bullshit!"
"I'm sorry." Brittany said sounding both sad and tired.
"No, Britt don't be, I mean it's not your fault at all sweetie."
"If it makes you feel any better, I'm just as disappointed as you. Seriously, like you have no idea how bad I want to see you."
"I actually think I might have a guess." Santana said with a laugh, sighing heavily.
"I can't wait to get my hands on you." Brittany said said quietly, causing her to groan and shiver.
"Me neither." She said.
At 9:30, Brittany dragged one bag up the stairs, opting to pick up the bigger bags later in the week from the professor's studio since that's where they were all dropped off. She figured Santana and her would drive over and it would be much easier. When she finally reached their apartment she smiled in relief, unable to control the nervous excitement bubbling up in her stomach. She dug in her bag for her keys and unlocked the door before pushing it open.
She took in a breath and relished in the smell of her own house before the two cats came bounding to the door to greet her.
"Hey you guys!" she said, crouching down to pet and kiss them and looking around for Santana. She recognized the scent of something good coming from the kitchen and took a brief moment to appreciate how nice the apartment looked in person. There was still a couple finishing touches they were waiting to put on together, but for the most part, it was pretty perfect.
She turned and locked the door, slipping off her shoes before heading into the living room where she paused and smiled at the sight of the one person she'd been dying to see since practically the minute she left. There was Santana, passed out cold on the couch in a cute black dress, her phone lying next to her on the ground as she slept with the remote in her hand. That explained her not answering the texts.
Brittany made her way around the couch, slipping the remote out of her hand carefully and laying it on the table after turning of the TV, causing her to stir a bit. She knelt down beside the couch, smile never leaving her face as she studied her very adorable sleeping girlfriend where she lay. After a minute she reached down gently, to trail a finger down her face, feeling overwhelmed just by the fact that she was actually making contact with her again.
"Santana." She sang out in a quietly, continuing to run a finger across her face gently. She was so peaceful she almost wanted to leave her sleeping but there was no way she could wait and she knew Santana would kill her if she did. "Santana...wake up sleepyhead."
Finally, after mumbling something unintelligible, the brown eyes she'd been waiting to see fluttered open slowly before widening at the sight of Brittany.
"Brittany!" She said with a huge smile, looking around in sleep induced confusion. Brittany grinned and bit her lip at the sight of how adorable disoriented she was. "What? When did you-"
Brittany cut her off with a kiss, letting the hand that was on her cheek slide to the back of her neck and pull her closer. Feeling an instant swell of emotion and hot tears hitting the back of her eyes, Santana returned her kiss immediately, bringing her own hands up to tangle through Brittany's long blonde locks. She deepened the kiss and tugged at Brittany closer so she could slide up to position herself between the back of the couch and Santana, leaning half on top of her.
"Hi baby." She whispered softly against her lips as she pulled back and smiled, unable to resist leaning down to peck her lips once more. She propped her head up on her hand and her smile grew wider as she looked down at Santana's glistening eyes, her other hand still gently trailing across her jaw.
"When did you get here?" She asked, reaching up to stroke Brittany's cheek as Brittany turned and placed a kiss to her palm before looking back at her. She let her hand fall away from Santana's face and trail down her body.
"A few minutes ago and you were out cold." She said squeezing Santana's hip.
"I must have passed out waiting." Santana said, scrunching her brow and yawning as she shook off the last wave of sleepiness.
"Sorry I'm so late. I mean, if you want to just go to sleep, we can." Brittany shrugged with a teasing smile and Santana laughed, poking at her stomach.
"Don't be a smartass. I could hardly sleep last night in anticipation, but I'm definitely awake now."
"Oh yeah?" Brittany asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You bet." Santana nodded, eyeing her flirtatiously.
"You look really pretty." Brittany said sweetly, trailing her fingers along the neckline of her dress lightly and causing Santana to shudder. "But you didn't have to get all dressed up for me." she said ducking down to place a soft open mouthed kiss to her collar bone. "You know I'm just going to take it off anyway." she spoke into her skin, making Santana feel like she was going to combust.
"Mmmm," she hummed, closing her eyes as Brittany continued to suck and lick her way across her neck. "I made you dinner." She gasped and Brittany popped her head back up to look at her with a broad smile.
"I love that you made me dinner, but right now..." she said, running her left hand back down her body and slowly up past the hem of her dress and along her thigh. "I've got other priorities." Santana swallowed and leaned up to meet their lips once more as Brittany rolled up so she could hover over her.
"Oh yeah?" Santana asked breathlessly as she leaned up to suck gently on her girlfriend's pulse point causing her to let her head fall backwards as she let out a heavy breath and drove her hips downward. They both groaned at the contact and she could feel Brittany's pulse continue to rise as she kissed across her neck.
"Oh god, I've been waiting for this for so long." Brittany sighed, cupping Santana's breast through the fabric of her dress as she attacked her lips once more.
"Bedroom." Santana mumbled into her lips.
"Mmmhmm." Brittany said, standing and pulling her girlfriend up with her, bringing her body back into her as she kissed her with purpose and walked her backwards in the direction of their bedroom. They stumbled across the apartment Santana's back hitting the wall and nearly knocking off a picture as they reached the hallway. "Ooops." Brittany giggled, pushing a strap off off one of her shoulders and bringing her lips down to the tan skin that was beneath it.
"Not used to the new apartment yet." Santana said with a giggle that soon turned into a moan as she felt Brittany's firm hands on her hips when she kissed her once more and carefully guided them back in the direction they were originally headed.
They entered the dimly lit room and walked backwards to the bed where Santana soon felt the backs of her legs hitting the mattress and let herself sit on the edge. Brittany quickly eyed the room, noting in the back of her head how cute it looked before she looked down to see Santana tugged persistently at the hem of her shirt.
Taking the hint she tugged it off and swiftly pulled down her jean shorts and underwear in one shot, causing Santana to sigh contentedly at the sight of her nearly naked girlfriend in front of for the first time in what seemed like ages. She took the outstretched hand Brittany offered and allowed her to run her hands down and then back up her body, bringing the dress over her head with them. Brittany eyed over her briefly, taking in the sight of the body she'd been missing before smiling into another kiss as she nudged her back towards the bed.
"I've missed you...so...much." Brittany said between kisses as she crawled up over her and continued to kiss her passionately. "I've been thinking about this...every day." She said as she peppered kisses down her jawline.
"Me too." Santana groaned, arching her body into the contact. "You have no idea." She said, squirming underneath Brittany's touch as she continued to kiss along her neck and suck at her pulse point.
"You're so hot." Brittany spoke into her skin, taking delight at the shiver received in return. "Someone's super sensitive today."
"It's been so long."
"Too long." Brittany agreed, as she unhooked her bra and tossed it aside before doing the same with her own.
She wasted no time in dipping her head down to Santana's chest and clamping her mouth around her nipple and flicking her tongue against it as her eyes shot up to lock eyes with her girlfriend.
"Oh god." Santana gasped. "Britt..."
"Yeah?" she asked, smirking innocently as she moved to the other side and replicating her actions there. She trailed her lips across her chest, kissing her way down the valley in between her breasts as she let her hands drop down and her fingers hooked into the sides of the black lace underwear Santana wore.
"The lingerie is really sexy by the way." Brittany said as she smiled up at her and Santana stroked her cheek lovingly. She kissed across her stomach in the same manner, feeling her twitch and squirm with every press of her lips as she made her way lower. She reached her hipbones and began to place small kisses along her inner thigh before she felt Santana tugging on her arms and looked up at her with concern. "What's the matter?" Santana shook her head.
"I just…need you here." She said, voice laced with emotion and Brittany instantly crawled back up her and kissed her hungrily. "I need you close right now." She muttered between kisses and Brittany nodded, stroking her cheek as she looked deeply into her eyes.
"It's okay, there's plenty of time." she assured her and met her lips with a chuckle. "I don't plan on letting you leave this place any time soon." She adjusted her body so she was straddling her girlfriend's hips and they groaned at the full body contact, grinding their hips together on instinct. Just as she started to move a hand between them her eyes shot open as she felt Santana's hand reaching up between her legs to cup the hot, moist flesh there. "Holy shit."
"Now whose sensitive?" Santana asked with a smirk as Brittany groaned into her lips. She quickly slid two fingers up and inside of her as Brittany met her motion sinking down onto them with a throaty moan of her name. She nipped at her lips, continuing to work her fingers inside of her as she stretched her thumb up to make contact with her clit causing Brittany to pop up. She watched as Brittany arched backwards, her hips pushing roughly forward to meet Santana's touch and her breathing growing heavier at the feeling of Santana's touch.
Santana groaned at the sight of Brittany above her, face contorted with pleasure as she continued to meet every move that she made. She reached her free hand up to cup a breast, her eyes not leaving Brittany's face as she flicked her thumb across her nipple and watched her gasp in reaction to the touch.
"God, you're so fucking sexy." She said and reached up further to run her fingers over Brittany's cheek and across her lip. Brittany looked back down at her with clouded eyes and Santana gnawed on her lip as she watched Brittany bite gently down on her finger. "Come here." She said, squeezing her eyes shut tightly, her heart racing.
Brittany complied, leaning back down to kiss her deeply. She slid her tongue past her lips and increased the speed with which she moved her hips as she felt the tension that had built up inside her ready to burst. Always in tune to the every sign Brittany's body displayed, Santana picked up the pace of her fingers and used her thumb to run circles around her clit.
Within seconds she felt Brittany's walls clamping down around her as she screamed out, her chest heaving rapidly and her eyes glued shut. With her other hand she reached up, bringing Brittany's face back down to close the short gap between them, kissing her sweetly as she came down off her high.
Almost immediately she felt Brittany roll off of her body, pressing into her side so she could hover half over her, never breaking the kiss. She smiled against Santana's mouth and quickly maneuvered to slip two fingers of her own into her girlfriend without warning.
Pulling back from her lips, she watched with interest as Santana groaned and pushed her head back into the bed. She dipped her head down and brought her lips to Santana's exposed neck, sucking and nipping at it, the movement of her hand never faltering.
"You feel so good." Santana whimpered.
"So do you." Brittany breathed back against her lips and Santana bucked her hips upward, rocking hard against Brittany's hand. Brittany stayed there for some time, kissing her deeply and passionately, trying to pack all of the feelings she couldn't show her for the last two and a half months into this one encounter.
She felt the tension mounting in Santana's body and trailed her mouth down to her breasts once more, feeling Santana squirm in pleasure below her as she sucked and nibbled at her her nipples before coming back up to kiss her lips once more. She brushed gently and teasingly across her clit with her thumb, feeling her throat constrict with emotion as watched Santana whimper below her.
"I've missed watching this so much." Brittany whispered softly into the skin below her ear and nuzzled into her as Santana thrashed around below her. "I love you so much." She whispered, kissing back across her jawline as Santana blindly grabbed for her to pull their lips back together. She could feel the muscles in Santana's body tightening below her as she neared her release. "Let go baby." She whispered and Santana soon complied tumbling over the edge as the waves of pleasure rolled over her.
Brittany smiled sweetly, peppering soft and gentle kisses across her face as she slowly regained her composure. She reached down to tuck a stray patch of hair behind Santana's ear and placed a kiss to her forehead as Santana held onto her tightly. Looking down once more at her she saw the slight glisten of a tear and brushed it gently away.
"You okay?" She asked with concern, her eyes flickering across Santana's face.
"Yeah, just a little overwhelmed." Santana smiled and cracked her own eyes open to lock with Brittany's. "But I think for the first time in a long time I'm way more than okay." Brittany grinned kissed her softly before laying back down on her side to face her and causing Santana do the same.
They tangled up together and lay there for a few moments, just drinking in each other's presence and gently caressing each other's bodies. Before too long Brittany reached back across to close the distance between them once more.
"Sorry…I can't….stop…kissing you." She said between kisses. "It feels even better than I remembered."
"Seriously." Santana agreed. "That was pretty incredible…but don't apologize for kissing me – ever." She said causing Brittany to laugh and Santana to join her at the sight of the way Brittany's eyes were lit up in pure joy.
"I'm so happy to be home with you." She swallowed, reeling in her own emotions. "So happy."
"Me too." Santana grinned back at her. "I hated being away from you for that long."
"I know." Brittany said and sighed contentedly as she cuddled into Santana, holding onto her tightly.
"I love you so much too." Santana whispered, as she ghosted her hands up and down her back. "So, so much. I always have."
"I always have too." She agreed, looking up to catch Santana's eyes briefly. "San?" she asked.
"Yeah?"
"As much as I have plans that involve you, me, and this bed for the rest of the night and pretty much the entire rest of this week, can we go grab something to eat?" Santana laughed.
"The rest of the week huh?" Brittany nodded into her chest.
"Pretty much besides work…this is it. Get used to it."
"Hmmm, that's rough but I guess I'll learn to live with it." She said, kissing the top of her head as Brittany giggled.
"I hope you know I'm 100% serious."
"Me too."
"Good."
"And of course we can get something to eat. I made you dinner silly." She said, squeezing her tightly. "But…can we just stay like this for a couple more minutes?" Santana asked shyly.
"Of course." Brittany smiled, pressing a kiss into her chest. "For as long as you want."
A little while later they made their way into the kitchen and quickly reheated the food Santana had cooked for dinner even though it was now a little past 11. They caught up a bit on Brittany's trip home and the events of the past couple days, before Santana brought their dishes over to the sink and started to clean them.
After a moment she felt a strong set of arms around her waist as Brittany gently nudged her dark hair aside and placed a soft kiss on her neck. She closed her eyes and let herself fall back into her arms.
"I missed you so much." Brittany said softly, nuzzling her nose into her neck. "Forget that stuff for now. Come back to bed with me."
"Okay." She said and Brittany chuckled as Santana turned in her arms, placing her own around her neck.
"That didn't take much convincing." Santana smiled and looked into her eyes.
"I'm so glad you're home." She said seriously, swallowing hard to fight back the annoying tears that she felt making her way back to her eyes.
"Me too." Brittany said, leaning in to give her a long and loving kiss, before pulling back once more to take her hand and lead her into the bedroom again. She sat up against the headboard and reached her arms out to her girlfriend who easily jumped up and sat between her legs leaning up against her.
"Is it cuddle time?" Santana asked with a smile, leaning her head back to capture Brittany's lips once more. Brittany laughed and nodded.
"For a few minutes." She said, squeezing her arms tightly around Santana. "I miss cuddling you more than anything maybe."
"Mmm." Santana agreed. "I do miss cuddles. But I don't know where they fall on the list."
"I can't believe how good the room looks babe." she said, her eyes dancing around the room. "I mean the whole house looks great but this room is perfect." Santana smiled with satisfaction.
"Thanks. I tried really hard to make it perfect so I'm glad you think so." She sighed. "I even got Berry to help." Brittany laughed.
"Wow, you really wanted it to be perfect, huh? And you kept telling me the bedroom was still a mess."
"I just wanted to surprise you." Santana chuckled.
"Well it worked." Brittany said, looking around once more. "I can't wait to live here and come home to you and the kitties in this apartment every day."
"Me neither." Santana said, letting out a contented sigh. "It hasn't been fun living here without you."
"I'm never going back." Brittany said suddenly and Santana scrunched her brow up turning around to look at her questioningly.
"What? Back where?"
"On tour."
"Britt, you need to-"
"No." Brittany shook her head adamantly. "I hate it."
"I know you're saying that now, but maybe you should give it some time to sink in. I mean, I am fully aware of how much it sucked but I'm sure it had it's benefits too."
"They don't outweigh all the bad things. I don't really like moving from place to place, being away from home. And I hate what it does to relationships."
"Our relationship is fine babe." Santana said settling back into her chest.
"There was this girl Marissa and we were always talking because she was with her boyfriend for 3 ½ years. She was so sure they were going to get engaged when she came back." She said shaking her head. "And then they had this stupid fight over like...nonsense. Just like the ones you and I would have. And she went out to a club that night and got wasted and went home with some random guy. I mean, she came back the next day and she was just miserable. She was like a wreck."
"What happened with her boyfriend?" Santana asked gently.
"She told him...and he just..." she shrugged. "She broke his heart and he didn't want anything to do with her. Like he was so crazy about her, you could just tell and she just destroyed him. I saw lots of cheating and breakups while I was on this trip and I hated it."
"But babe, we're here and we're still perfect." Santana said, squeezing her hand, which caused her to smile and place a soft kiss behind her ear.
"True..and I knew we would be but...I just don't like what it brings to a relationship. Maybe it was good for us to experience it and I think we're going to be stronger in the end…but I don't want to have to keep experiencing it." She shook her head. " I don't know, it's still fresh in my mind and I just didn't like it so I'm probably a little bugged out by it right now. I just don't think it's something I want to keep subjecting my relationship to. It's too important to me. I don't think it's really something I want to subject myself to."
"I just want to see you achieve your dreams Brittany, you deserve that more than anyone." She said, pulling their tangled fingers up to her lips to place a kiss on Brittany's knuckle.
"I want to achieve them too, but not being a touring dancer has nothing to do with that." she shrugged. "I do love performing and the thrill of it but mostly I just want to be involved with dancing. I mean, maybe I'd like to be on Broadway or something for a while, but ultimately, I think I really want to teach one day."
"I could see that."
"All I'm saying is my dream is just to have a career in dance. Not to specifically be someone's back up dancer." she shook her head. "I think I might actually really like being in a show."
"Well I'm sure with the degree you're getting and the recommendations you'll clearly have, that won't be an issue. And if you're sure that's what you want, I'm behind you...110%."
"That's too much percent." Brittany said, scrunching her nose and Santana chuckled, leaning back to meet her lips.
"Exactly."
"I don't know. I mean I still have a lot to think about."
"And you have a lot of time. You've got two more years of school."
"I just don't think it's for me. I really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would." She frowned. "Besides when I think of what I really want out of my life? I want to dance but more than that I want a life with the person I love. I want a house and kids and cats. I want a normal life." Santana smiled, unable to help how happy those words actually made her. "That's you, just in case you were wondering." Brittany said, tickling her side as she giggled.
"Good to know." Santana smiled and turned around in Brittany's arms so she could capture her lips fully and bring her into a soft, slow kiss. She snaked her hands up under Brittany's t-shirt, causing light laughter from the other girl.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm pretty sure you know what I'm doing." Santana smirked. "And I'm pretty sure you just told me you had plans to be doing it for a while." Brittany laughed and nodded.
"Yep." She said, pushing back off the headboard so they could slide back down onto the mattress. "Hope you're not tired anymore." She said, leaning to whisper in Santana's ear. "It's going to be a very long night."