Hey guys. So thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter. I'm pleased with your feedback and am reassured that it didn't suck all that much. I'm a little disappointed that my review numbers did drop and I have no idea why, but hey, I can't worry over those who aren't reading. I'm just grateful that people are still reading at all. Thanks again. :)
Summary: When moody, guarded Santana Lopez meets perky blind girl Brittany Pierce, she is forced to learn that seeing and loving are the same thing! You just have to open your eyes to a world of possibilities. AU.
Disclaimer: The wonder that is Glee and all its rights and privileges do not belong to me.
Chapter 24 – The Dinner
Tuesday morning reigned in and with it came a storm so violent that the number of students in school that day could all be squeezed into five mere classrooms. The heavens appeared to be crying – no, sobbing as great full drops of rain lashed down on the earth of Lima, soaking everything in its vicious path. The light that darted across the sky was both beautiful and disturbing to take in. Flash after flash seared amongst the black clouds, immersing the darkened streets in brief colours. The thunder that rolled overhead was like the angry cry of a feral animal, alarming any poor soul that dared to listen. The storm showed no sign of stopping. The clouds continued to roll in.
The sinister mood in which Santana was taken had swamped in with the cold and damp. Though there were few students to endure, she could not control her spouts of anger and delighted in terrifying anyone who tried to push her buttons. Most of the lessons had been cancelled for the day but Santana continued her own, for without them she would have too much to consider on the events that would take place later in the night. The Pierce dinner would be interesting to say the least. If all went well then Santana and Mrs Pierce would hit it off and become fast friends but of course even the dumbest person in the world would understand that to be impossible. Santana knew she could maybe reach some sort of impasse with Brittany's mother but whether they would ever come to like each other was the true mystery.
Setting the book down that she and her class were studying, Santana reached for a piece of chalk, getting ready to jot down the notes for the lesson on the blackboard. She would've done just that if not for the unbearable giggle that resonated at the back of the room, a regular occurrence in the last hour.
Turning on her heel, the agitated Latina surveyed the small group of cheerleaders that took up the back row. The girls refused to meet her gaze, keeping their eyes to the ground in an almost subservient manner, that is, all but one. The Head Cheerleader, Claire Roe was an awkward piece of work at the best of times. She ruled her squad with an authority that was quite alarming for one so young but Santana knew her well enough. When acknowledged with a tone of anger, the teen's facade would completely alter and she would be as submissive as the others.
"Miss Roe, 'the teacher hissed through clenched teeth as Claire giggled again, "are you by chance a bird?"
"No Miss Lopez." The girl replied, frowning.
"Then for the love of God, stop twittering like one!" She shouted and felt a thrill of satisfaction as Claire blushed in embarrassment.
Fixing her attention back on the matter at hand, a triumphant Santana faced the board, talking loudly as she scribbled the notes down for her class to take.
"I'm not a fan of impertinent cheerleaders who believe their going to get through school on good looks and popularity alone, 'she said, her voice deep with irritation, "and for that I'm going to set you an assignment that I hope you're smart enough to pass. Evaluate the character of Pip in Great Expectations and the themes of romantic idealism. 4000 words.I want it on my desk, Monday morning without fail and when the rest of your classmates come in tomorrow I will have you personally inform them of why they've been assigned such an essay."
"But Miss Lopez –" One of the other cheerleaders tried to protest.
"But nothing! 'Santana snapped, "anymore arguments will earn you all an extra 1000 words!" She smirked when silence reverberated off the walls, a clear sign that no one was going to kick up anymore fuss.
The third period bell buzzed quite suddenly, drawing Santana's gaze to the clock that hung on the wall, "wow, an hour gone already. Hmm, 'she sighed, gesturing to the door, "well, I guess you all better go."
The students were all but jumping from their seats, hurrying out, obviously looking forward to their next lesson when the time would be their own.
"And remember the essay, 'Santana called, "Monday. No exceptions. I look forward to reading yours especially, Miss Roe."
Claire glowered at the teacher as she escaped with her followers.
"Fucking dyke." She muttered under her breath.
"And remember that I am neither stupid nor deaf!" Santana bellowed and before she could call any of them back, they were gone, skittering down the hallways nervously.
Slamming the door behind her, Santana made her way over to window and slid it open, letting the icy air of the storm seep into the room. She leant up against the wall, lapping up the cold as it wrapped itself around her body which ached and burned as though she were encased in a sauna. She was letting her anger get the better of her today but it wasn't her fault. She wanted to make a good impression on Brittany's mother. The possibility of them revealing the truth about their relationship simply left her insides twisting uneasily. She would be sure to control her anxiety in the evening. She had to prove herself worthy. She had to reassure the woman that she were able to take care of Brittany.
Another flash of lightening took up the heavens and Santana smiled. Was there some sentient being up there, creating every flicker and grumble? She didn't know whether she believed in God. She found it difficult to even contemplate faith when most religions condemned everything she was. She hoped their rules and books were wrong and she almost prayed that somewhere up in-between the clouds there was a creature rooting for her. Perhaps they would be on her side tonight. Give her strength. Curb her worry.
Glancing nervously over her shoulder to be sure she was alone, Santana knelt by the window and cupped her hands together. She felt foolish, like the act was all wrong, but since she was alone it didn't matter so much. She didn't know how to pray, not really, so she simply closed her eyes and let her qualms just flow out. No words escaped her lips. She suspected God...Allah...Vishnu or whoever the hell it was up there would hear her thoughts.
Just let it be okay tonight. I'll be a good guest. I'll try and show respect. I just want Brittany to be happy. Please God. I –
"Santana, what are you doing?"
The Latina yelped in surprise at the new voice in the room. She leapt up off the floor and turned swiftly to find Finn standing in the doorway, watching her with both confusion and curiosity.
"I...I dropped an earring, 'she stammered, "I...I...was...looking for it."
"Oh, 'Finn didn't sound convinced but he stepped forward nonetheless, "do you want me to help you find it?"
"No! 'realising she had shouted it at him, she cleared her throat and tried again, this time lowering her voice, "no, its fine. Um...did you want anything?"
"The Principal is sending the kids home. There are not enough of them to teach and their getting restless." Finn exclaimed.
"Okay." Santana nodded. She was embarrassed that she had been caught doing something so ridiculous. She didn't even believe in it all that much. She would've rather had him walk in on her masturbating or something. At least she would've felt better than she did at this moment.
"A few of us are volunteering to stay until the parents arrive. What are you gonna do?" Finn inquired.
"Um, I think I'm just gonna head home. I've got stuff to do tonight so it would give me a bit of a head start." Santana replied.
"Hot date?" Finn asked, his goofy smile taking up his fine face.
"Something like that." She chuckled, still feeling uneasy.
"Well I'll let Figgins know you're heading out, 'the football coach exclaimed kindly, "enough of us have signed up to stay anyway."
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Finn said and stepping backwards, he disappeared through the door, the sound of his footsteps buried beneath the thunder as it rolled and rolled and rolled overhead.
...GLEE.
"What about that nice blue number?" Quinn asked over the phone that afternoon as Santana rifled through her cupboards, trying to find something appropriate to wear. Her friend had called just as she had gotten in from work and though Santana had claimed she was annoyed at the disturbance she was actually calmed by the gentle voice of her sisterly companion.
"There is no way I'm wearing that, 'she snorted, thinking of the abomination her mother had gotten for her two Christmases ago, "it makes me look like Rachel."
Quinn laughed, "fine. No to the blue dress. What about the white shirt, the knee-length black skirt and the black flower heels?"
"I'll feel like a school girl." Santana sighed. Everything she selected was wrong.
"Maybe Brittany likes that sort of thing." Quinn teased.
"Do you know what I'd like? 'Santana hissed, losing her patience, "some compassion! Jeez, how long have you and Puck depraved yourselves of sex? You're getting just as horny as him these days!"
"Hey, it's not my fault we can't...well, you know? My condition prevents it."
"Well find other ways! 'Santana grimaced, "and while you're at it I'm going to try and find something to wear for tonight."
"Oh don't be like that San, 'Quinn said sympathetically, "I'm just messing with you. Look, it doesn't matter what you wear tonight. Brittany won't know what you're wearing and I'm sure her sister won't care. As for her mother –"
"Her mother is a backwards witch who'll find fault with absolutely anything!" She retrieved a light green smock top from the back of the cupboard, smiling at the soft embroidered design, wondering whether she'd be able to find a black pair of leggings that would go with it.
"Don't be so negative, 'Quinn murmured, "having awkward in-laws is what makes the perfect relationship. Look at myself and Noah. My parents loathe him!"
"I would much rather get on with Mrs Pierce."
"Well you can't have everything." Quinn said in a 'whatever' kind of voice.
"I'm at least gonna try, 'Santana said. She stood and went through into the bathroom, opening the shower door and turning on the taps, "so, what are you and your husband doing tonight?"
"We're going to curl up on the sofa, order pizza and watch a movie."
"Ooh, sounds fun. Maybe I might just join you two instead." Santana chuckled.
"We'll lock you out. If you turn up on my doorstep tonight I'll leave you outside all evening." Quinn threatened her.
"Bitch." Santana retorted though there was little aggression in her voice.
"You'll thank me in the long run." The blonde said knowingly.
"I doubt it." She sang back.
Quinn's soft giggle echoed down the line, sweet and complacent, "don't freak out okay? Brittany will be with you the entire evening. Just draw comfort from her."
"I guess I want everything to be perfect." Santana sighed.
"That's your problem sometimes, 'Quinn muttered dejectedly, "you value perfection and there's no such thing."
...GLEE.
Santana arrived at the Pierce household ten minutes early with a bottle of red wine in one hand and a single white rose in the other. Knocking timorously on the front door, she waited patiently to be let inside but hoped, because of the dying thunderstorm still coursing above, that she would not be outside for long. The few seconds that passed in the time that she waited were enough to look herself over. She'd decided to wear the green smock top after all. It suited her well, hanging loose just above her knees and accompanied by the black leggings she'd managed to find with a pair of emerald green sandals. Her hair was arranged in simple ringlets, spiralling around her shoulders in waves of rich brown. Her makeup was light, enhancing her fine Latina features to fullest.
The door latch being lifted brought her attention back to the subject at hand. Smiling softly and trying to appear calm, Santana was immediately greeted with the searching gaze of Brittany's futile eyes.
"Hi." She whispered quietly.
Brittany recognised her girlfriend's voice and stepped forward, lifting her arms to feel, "hey."
Santana allowed herself to be pulled into the woman's embrace, burrowing her nose into the soft locks of hair and breathing deeply.
"Are you ready for this?" Brittany queried, a smile in her voice.
"Ask me again later, 'Santana chuckled, "you look lovely by the way." Brittany was a vision in a pair of black trouser, a light pink shirt and overlaying black tank top. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, relaxed, casual.
"I'm sure you look lovely too, 'the blonde exclaimed. She frowned as she felt the icy texture of the wine bottle against her arm, "you didn't have to bring anything with you. I told you yesterday."
"I know, 'Santana shrugged her shoulders, "but I felt it was only right. This is for you."
She held out the rose so Brittany could feel. The young woman's finger graced over the velvety flower, curious but excited.
"Oh San, 'she crooned, "thank you." She leant forward to press a kiss to the Latina's mouth, their lips barely touching when...
"Are you two gonna stand out here all day, 'Hallie suddenly appeared at Brittany's side, looking sweet in a light blue dress, and startling the pair as they leapt apart, "because I really don't think eating outside will work for me."
"Hey kid, 'Santana smiled, she handed over the bottle of wine, "this is for your Mom."
Hallie smirked, "so my Mother gets wine, Brittany gets a flower, what the heck do I get?"
"My friendship! It's much better than what they've got." Santana chuckled as her girlfriend ushered her inside.
"Jeez, thanks." Hallie murmured and she disappeared into the kitchen.
Brittany made to follow her, listening to the sound of her sister's footsteps. Santana grabbed hold of her wrist and immediately pulled her back, securing the blonde in her arms.
"Not so fast, 'she crooned, "where's my kiss?"
Brittany giggled and set a gentle peck to her lips, "there's more to come if you behave tonight."
"Hmm, then I'll make sure I'm a very good girl." Santana teased.
Brittany grinned and taking her hand, she led the Latina through into the kitchen where Mrs Pierce and Hallie were preparing the dinner.
"Mom, 'Brittany said, hesitant, "Santana is here."
"Well I know that honey, 'Mrs Pierce said briskly. She had her back to them, stirring a murky bubbling brew in a large silver pot, "your sister just informed me. Thank you by the way, for the wine."
"No problem." Santana answered.
Brittany squeezed her hand comfortingly as Mrs Pierce finally turned around to face them. Santana was still astounded by how much her girlfriend resembled her mother. They definitely had matching blue eyes, though different in shape and their hair was the same colour blonde. Even her figure (she was dressed in a smart white and black dress) was that of Brittany's, lissom and curvaceous.
"Something smells great, 'the air felt so awkwardly thick that it was the only thing the brunette could think to say, "what are we having?"
"Chicken casserole." Mrs Pierce's reply was blunt.
"And home-made ice cream for dessert!" Brittany chirped, bouncing up and down eagerly.
Mrs Pierce's face softened at the sight of her daughter, "well you'll have to wait 'til later for that. Why don't you three go and sit in the living room until dinner is done?"
"We don't want you to be out here on your own Mom." Hallie said.
"I'll follow you in. Just let me get everything fixed up first." Mrs Pierce told them.
"Okay."
They went through into the living room, each woman settling down on the sofa in a comfortable silence. Brittany's hand immediately went to Santana's leg, stroking and caressing in her usual giving nature. Santana liked that Brittany did this. It was a natural instinct now, for she could always find her partners hand residing on her knee or her thigh, always wanting to be just that little bit closer.
"Are you listening Santana?"
"Huh? What?" She looked up to find Hallie looking at her curiously.
"I was asking you about work. Did you have it today, what with the storm and all?" The youngster queried.
Santana laughed, "you talk like an old woman, did you know that? 'she set her hand on top of Brittany's, relishing in the soft texture of her skin, "but yeah. McKinley let the kids home around about 1:00pm."
"My Mom wouldn't let me go to school. She's not a big fan of thunder." Hallie explained.
"I bet you were pleased." Santana said.
"No actually, 'the blonde snorted, "I was dressed and ready to go with Brittany hanging on one arm and my mother hanging on the other, trying to hold me back."
Santana giggled. It was such a 'Hallie' thing to do.
"I told you she was the smart one, 'Brittany said smiling at her sister and looking proud, "she's always been so much more determined that me."
"Oh that's not true, 'Hallie said, shaking her head, "you're very clever."
"Only on certain subjects like dance and...cat diseases." Brittany giggled.
"Well I don't know so much about the latter but I'll agree on the dance. My girl is fantastic." Santana said.
"You're too quick to praise me." Brittany chortled though she looked pleased with the compliment.
"I don't praise you enough querida." Santana murmured lovingly.
"Aww, you two are just so cute. I need to find someone to be sickeningly adorable with." Hallie said, poking her tongue out.
"We'll find you a guy soon sis, I promise." Brittany said reassuringly.
"Ha! I doubt it. If I've got to wait any longer I'm gonna convert to Lesbianism. Sounds like you get more action anyway." The youngster joked with a grin.
"Lesbianism, 'Santana laughed, "you make it sound like a religion."
Brittany opened her mouth to say something when Mrs Pierce walked into the room, carrying the bottle of wine Santana had brought and four empty glasses, "see, 'she said to Hallie, "I've finally joined you. So, what were we talking about?"
The group looked at one another, knowing it wasn't the right time to bring up what they had been discussing, "nothing." They all said together and Brittany promptly removed her hand from Santana's leg, away from her mother's eyes.
"Oh come on, 'Mrs Pierce smiled, "I could hear you all gossiping about something."
Santana searched for a subject, "um...dancing. We were talking about Brittany's dancing."
"Ah, well I'm happy that audition is done and dusted. No need to try again." Mrs Pierce said carelessly.
Santana saw the smile drop from Brittany's face and the disappointment cloud up her eyes, "I see no reason why she shouldn't go for another audition, 'she defended her, "I'm sure the saying is, if at first you don't succeed, try again."
"Hmm, well you're not the one who'll have to deal with the heartache and tears that follows each rejection." Mrs Pierce bit back.
"And who says she'll be rejected every time." Santana hissed.
"I –
"Let's go through into the kitchen and sit down, 'Brittany cut over her mother, "I'm absolutely starving."
Mrs Pierce looked to Santana, her body seeping with disapproval. The Latina almost believed she were going to say something more but seconds passed and her frown turned to a forced smile.
"Come on then. Dinner is almost ready anyway." She finally said and they stood and followed her.
...GLEE.
"Wow. Just hear that storm." Brittany muttered, her head lifted to the ceiling as she listened intently to each groan of the sky.
"It doesn't sound like its ever going to stop, does it?" Santana replied as she cut into a piece of chicken. The casserole was average in flavour though she had pushed herself to over-praise it, claiming it to be the best damn thing she had ever tasted. The lie had awarded her a half-hearted but genuine smile of gratitude from Mrs Pierce.
"So, you're a teacher Santana?" The woman asked as she sipped her wine.
"Yes, 'she answered, "I teach English."
"And does it require many hours of work?"
"Sometimes. It depends on what I have to do. Report deadlines can be a bit trying and then I may have essays to mark but other than that, it's pleasant." Santana said.
Mrs Pierce nodded, "and your boyfriend doesn't mind if you work late?"
Santana hadn't been expecting the question and in her haste to rectify the error, she inhaled and began to choke on a potato. Brittany looked astounded and helpless but Hallie immediately came to the rescue, slamming her hand into Santana's back with such a force that the Latina heaved it back up onto her plate.
"I'm sorry, 'she wheezed, "I...I didn't...I don't have a boyfriend."
"Really, 'Mrs Pierce didn't seem fazed by the attack, "but you're such a pretty young thing. It's a shame."
"Not at all, 'Santana said, shaking her head, still trying to recover, "if I'm honest, I don't have all that much patience for men." She was aware of Brittany smirking into her fork.
"Well I'm sure you'll eventually find the right person. Someone you'll be able to wrap around your little finger."
"Oh haven't you heard Mom, 'Hallie said, her tone of voice laced with wickedness, "Santana is very good with her fingers...ouch!" She glared at Brittany who had swiftly kicked her beneath the table.
They ate in silence for a while, listening to the thunder and waiting, it seemed, for the odd flash of lightening that brightened the dark kitchen. Santana admired Hallie's daring though it also made her edgy. She didn't want to give away her relationship with Brittany until the time was right. Hallie was only playing but still, they needed to be careful.
"Teaching is a good profession, 'Mrs Pierce suddenly said, "I hope my girls will go into something like that. Brittany has less of a chance I suppose but Hallie, yes, she may have the knack for it."
"I'm hoping to be a hooker, 'Hallie exclaimed indignantly, obviously annoyed by what her mother had said, "I've heard The Amsterdam Red Light is promising and my Dutch blood will be a bonus."
"Be quiet child, 'the older Pierce snapped, "its one quirky remark after another with you!"
"Maybe I wouldn't be such a bitch if you actually complimented your other daughter for once." Hallie growled.
Mrs Pierce laughed, "Brittany knows I'm proud of her, don't you cherub?"
Brittany nodded meekly and smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Santana felt her hand under the table, searching for some reassurance and what could she do, but link their fingers together, hoping that she was helping.
"How old are you Santana?" The subject was changed but it didn't make the Latina feel any better. She wasn't enjoying this game of ten questions.
"I'll be twenty seven next week." She answered.
"Oh San, you didn't say." Brittany gasped.
"I didn't think, 'she chuckled, "besides, it's not all that important. I'm just a year older."
"Of course it's important, 'Brittany hadn't said much all evening, thanks to Mrs Pierce putting her down constantly so it was nice to hear her voice. The blonde had once told Santana that her mother resented her after the death of her father and she could see now that maybe the blonde was right...Mrs Pierce was bitter about something, "I'm going to have to really think about your present."
Santana shook her head, "you don't have to."
"I'd feel terrible if I didn't at least try, 'Brittany protested, playing idly with her food, "and I already have a good idea about what I want to get you."
Santana picked up her glass of wine again, "should I be worried?" She asked, smirking.
Brittany's responding smile was enough confirmation.
...GLEE.
"Are you sure you don't need any help with the dishes Mrs Pierce?" Santana offered. She was rather full after dinner and would be happy not to move for the next few hours but she figured it was only right to ask.
"Positive, 'came the reply, "go and sit down, watch tv or something. I'll bring dessert later."
"Thanks Mom." Brittany said gently and motioning with her hand, she led Santana through into the living room, Hallie following close behind.
"Jeez, why does she have to be so mean?" The youngest sister demanded through clenched teeth.
"She's not mean, 'Santana said, collapsing into the sofa, "she just doesn't know how to be nice."
"I'm so sorry she's tried to put you down tonight Britt, 'Hallie said, "but you just have to learn to ignore her. Mom will always try and make you feel guilty."
"It's okay, 'Brittany said shrugging her shoulders, "besides, it's been a good night."
"Always the optimist, 'Hallie rolled her eyes, "look I'm gonna head upstairs to grab my homework. I won't be long."
"Okay." The women said in unison and turning swiftly, the teenager slipped out of the living room, leaving the couple alone.
Brittany turned to face Santana, complacent in every way she moved. She sighed and sank down beside her, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand.
"What are you thinking about?" Santana asked.
"This whole situation, 'Brittany answered, "do you think the dinner has gone well?"
"Your mother and I haven't killed each other." Santana said.
"I guess." The blonde giggled.
"Well, we haven't killed each other yet." She added.
Brittany took Santana's hand and squeezed it, "thank you by the way, for sticking up for me earlier. With the dancing. It means a lot."
"No problem at all, 'the Latina replied, "Hallie's right you know? You're Mom isn't exactly supportive of you and she should be. Actually, she should be ashamed of herself, for not understanding how brilliant her daughter is. I want you to know that I'll always have your back Britt, even if your mother doesn't. Okay?"
Brittany nodded and leant in, capturing Santana's mouth in a gracious and passionate kiss. The Latina moaned, tasting the sweet aroma of wine on the tips of her girlfriends tongue, responding in excitement and wrapping her arms around Brittany's small dainty waist to pull her close. Brittany's fingers danced along the collar-bone of her partner, whining as Santana nibbled on her bottom lip, each kiss growing hungrier and hungrier...
The sound of something smashing on the other side of the room made the women jump, pulling away from each other instantly. Turning to the source of the noise, Santana felt her heart rise in her throat at the sight of Mrs Pierce, standing in the doorway, a look of shock gracing her face and the remnants of three bowls of ice cream sprinkled around her feet.
Santana didn't know what to say or do. They'd intended to come out with their relationship tonight but certainly not in this way.
Mrs Pierce seemed to get a hold of herself and the reality of what she was seeing. She shook her head, narrowed her eyes and said in a deep, hateful voice, "what the fuck is going on here?"
Brittany stood, startled, "Mom, it's...it's not what it looks like. I –"
"Don't lie to me, 'Mrs Pierce growled, "I walk in here to find you all over each other and you expect me to just breeze it off."
Brittany muttered something incoherently under her breath.
"What was that?" She demanded.
"I said, we weren't all over each other, 'the blonde answered, raising her voice a little, "we were just...just kissing."
"Why do you say that like you expect me to accept it?"
"Can't you?" Santana stood and set an arm around Brittany's waist.
"Get your dirty hands off of her, 'Mrs Pierce stormed towards them, jabbing an accusing finger at the Latina, "you've done this! You've corrupted her!"
"Me?" Santana gasped incredulously.
"Yes! You! You and your filthy lesbian ways!"
"It's not Santana Mom, 'Brittany shook her head determinedly, "I want this. We both want this. She didn't change me. This is what I am. This is what I want. We're together."
"No, no, 'Mrs Pierce turned her back on them, spitting in disgust, "I refuse to believe it. Oh God. What did I do to deserve a daughter like this?"
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Brittany whimpered.
"Just look at you Brittany, you've never exactly been perfect have you? As dumb as they come, spoilt to the core and –"
"Hey! Just drop it for fucks sake." Santana hissed, stepping in front of her girlfriend as though shielding her from the insults.
Mrs Pierce paced back and forth, shaking her head and muttering under her breath. Santana watched, her loathing for the woman growing even deeper than she believed was possible.
"It's going to be alright, 'she said gently, turning to Brittany and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, wiping away the tears that slid down her cheeks, "I promise."
"How long has this been going on?" Mrs Pierce snarled.
"It doesn't matter, 'Brittany sniffled, "all that matters is that I'm happy. Don't you see that Mom? Don't you see that she makes me happy?"
The Pierce woman sighed in defeat, "and you make me sick!"
Hallie chose that exact moment to stroll into the room. She paused upon her arrival, taking in the ice cream on the floor, her sister's tears, Santana's anger and the look of repulsion upon her mother's face.
"She knows?" She asked Brittany.
Mrs Pierce looked up at the sound of her daughter's voice, "wait...they told you! You knew and you didn't think to inform me."
"It wasn't my business to tell, 'Hallie answered, shrugging her shoulders, "and besides, I'm happy for them."
"HAPPY? 'Mrs Pierce screamed, "YOU'RE HAPPY THAT YOUR SISTER IS LIVING IN SIN!"
"SIN! 'Hallie bellowed back, "SINCE WHEN DID BEING WITH SOMEONE CONSTITUE AS A SIN! ACTUALLY, SINCE WHEN DID WE BECOME RELIGIOUS?"
"Do not raise your voice to me young lady."
"What you gonna do about it Mom? 'Hallie challenged, approaching her Mother and glaring up at her, "Huh? You gonna sprinkle me with holy water?"
"Please, just stop arguing." Brittany's timid voice broke over the dispute. She stepped forward, feeling for her mother.
"Don't touch me." Mrs Pierce tried to break free of her hold.
"Mom, please just listen to me." Brittany pleaded, trying so desperately to get the woman to understand.
"I SAID DON'T TOUCH ME!" Mrs Pierce shouted and suddenly the room was filled with the sound of a hand colliding with a cheek. Brittany staggered backwards, clutching the side of her face and looking like a wounded animal.
"Puta! 'Santana advanced on the woman, ready to take her out when she felt Brittany's grip on her, "what?"
"She's not worth it." Hallie murmured.
Brittany sighed miserably, "you don't understand and that's okay. I can make you see. I –"
"You will never bring me around to the way you think." Mrs Pierce said, shaking her head resolutely.
Brittany grasped her shoulders, "I love you Mom but I won't give up the person that I am or the person I'm with."
Mrs Pierce stood in a sombre silence, staring her child down as though daring her to say more. Brittany looked up at her longingly, her sightless eyes searching for something that the older woman would never give her.
"You, 'she said accusingly, turning to Santana, "get out of my house now!"
"Please, don't be like that." Brittany whined.
"No, it's alright Britt, 'Santana said, setting her hand on the dancer's arm, "I can see where I'm not wanted. Will you...uh...will you walk me to the door?"
"Of course." Brittany replied with a nod.
Santana shoved her way past Mrs Pierce, glaring at her as she passed. If she could've in the moment, she would've punched her square in the mouth. How could someone treat their own flesh and blood in such a heartless way? It wasn't conceivable.
"I'm sorry Santana." Hallie said, stopping her.
"It doesn't matter, 'the Latina told her, "thanks for trying."
Hallie smiled dejectedly and watched as Santana disappeared through into the passageway, holding Brittany's hand tight in her own, terrified to let go and lose her. They reached the front door, an ominous atmosphere settling between them.
"This could've gone better huh?" Brittany sniffled, wiping away the fresh tears that spilled from her eyes.
"If anything I'm glad it's all out in the open." Santana sighed. She reached across, her fingers tracing the milky cheekbones of the woman she loved. Her heart rippled with anger at the small red bruise that was already showing up through her skin.
"I can't believe she could be so cruel." Brittany brushed some invisible speck of dust from the brunette's arm.
"You don't have to endure it. Come back to my house. Stay with me." Santana implored.
The dancer shook her head, "I can't. I have to stay here. Try and talk my mother around."
Santana nodded, "I understand, 'she said in a hushed voice, "but if it all gets too much, you know where I am."
Brittany smiled, "I know."
Santana turned to open the door, feeling the cool air of the night hit her like a million bricks.
"When will I see you again?" She muttered.
"Soon, 'Brittany promised, "but I really feel like I need the time to rectify this mess."
"Okay." Santana was worried this was Brittany's way of rejection. Surely the young woman couldn't he comfortable in the way her mother was treating her. If there were any possible way to end the relationship, it was now when things were already on the rocks.
"I'll see you when I can." Brittany leant in and pressed her lips to Santana's in a desperate and heated kiss, as though they would never share another. The Latina's panted into the intimate act, her toes curling in pleasure as they tasted each other's nectar, humming persuasively. The way the blonde nibbled on the bottom of her lip was incredible, making her long for more, burning with an insatiable ache.
Once again Santana was overcome with the desire to tell Brittany how she felt. The words almost slipped from her tongue as her girlfriend pulled back but she held in her emotions, knowing it was the wrong time to spill out I love you.
"I'd...I'd best be going then." She sighed, stepping away and out of the house, dying to suddenly escape and stop herself from suffocating.
"Are you alright? Santana, 'Brittany called after her, "listen, it's nothing to worry about. Santana. Santana."
The Latina could find no words to sum up a reply, even when Brittany was calling her so desperately.
...GLEE.
Santana had no idea how she ended up at the Puckermans. All she knew was that she needed to feel the security of someone who cared about her. Slamming her fists into the door and sobbing hysterically, she was almost immediately greeted with it flying open and an enraged Quinn.
"Santana, what the he – oof!" The blonde gasped as Santana launched herself into her arms, burying her face into her neck, whimpering, "hey, what's wrong? Come on sweetie, its okay."
The brunette didn't often cry and it was an even rare occurrence for her to cry in front of her friends but she just couldn't help it. She needed this.
"Hey, what's going on?" Puck appeared out of nowhere, looking bewildered.
"I'm not sure, 'Quinn sighed, stroking her friend's hair, "what's wrong?"
"I...I...Brittany." Santana heaved.
Husband and wife shared a worried and knowing frown and Santana felt herself being cuddled closer into Quinn's arms, "it's alright, 'she murmured gently, "it's alright. I've got you."
Another chapter in which I feel disappointed. Hmm. Well, I hope you'll all review and let me know what you think. Thanks. :)
Oh and squeals that New York passed the gay marriage vote. Amazing. I am so happy.