CHAPTER 26
They spend the rest of the night doing finishing touches around the house before settling together to admire their work with some well earned mugs of hot chocolate. There's this warmth that surrounds them while they sip quietly and listen to a jazzy cover of What Christmas Means to Me. Brittany's sitting on the floor again with her back resting against Santana's legs as she stares in wonder at the Christmas tree.
"This tree should be on a cover of a magazine," Brittany says dreamily then cranes her neck back to catch Santana's eye before shifting to look at Maribel, "So pretty."
"It really is, Maribel," Quinn agrees from the other side of the coffee table.
"Thank you girls," Maribel says and it almost sounds like she's going to cry, "I haven't seen the place looking so festive in such a long time."
Santana can only imagine what it has looked like over the years she has been away. She doubts Maribel would even go through the trouble of decorating since it's just her and she usually goes to visit Santana over the holidays in New York. She gets to thinking about how different her life was before her parents divorced and before abuela cut her only granddaughter out of her life.
She remembers dressing up for family parties and going to church and she kind of misses it, but when she sees Brittany at her side again and Quinn, maybe this new version of family isn't so bad. She can miss what she once had but treasure what's there in front of her now.
"It looks really nice," Santana says and leans over to pull Maribel in to a warm hug. She catches Brittany smiling at the pair lovingly and before she can even offer, Brittany's setting down her mug and moving to stand.
"Can I hug?" She asks tentatively through a hopeful smile.
"Get in here," Santana chuckles then looks to Quinn, "Come on, you too!"
\\
Not long after hot chocolates in the living, Quinn bids them goodbye and wishes Brittany a safe journey on her trip tomorrow while also jokingly promising to keep an eye on Santana for her. Santana couldn't help the eye roll that followed when the pair of them agreed that she was sure to get bored without Brittany around, but it wasn't like they were wrong.
She has spent a lot of time with Brittany over the last couple of weeks, of course she'd miss her when she's gone.
Once Quinn left, Santana excused herself to pack her things. Maribel sent her a look that meant Santana would need to explain something soon, but Santana dodged it and headed upstairs while Brittany and Maribel chatted about Brittany's plans for San Francisco.
Santana would be lying if she said she didn't feel a little nervous, especially when she started to rifle through her pajama drawer for something to wear later. The later that consisted of sleeping next to Brittany without Quinn around.
It wasn't like she had any expectations for the night – she wasn't some horny teenage boy – but the thought did cross her mind. It had been a long time since she had been intimate with Brittany and being physical was always such a huge part of their relationship, so of course her mind wandered a little.
As Santana reminded herself of how they were taking things slow, she remembered other instances in the past where taking things slow was used against each other in a way that was both frustrating as it was arousing. They use to love teasing each other while they were out with their friends, testing to see who would break first and drag the other off somewhere secret. They'd take their time with each other then too, building the other up at an excruciatingly slow pace until they couldn't take it any longer and come tumbling down.
The thought awakens something deep within Santana, but before she can get too carried away down memory lane there's an interruption.
"Knock knock," Maribel announced as she appeared in Santana's doorway. Santana jumps a little at the surprise like she's been caught doing something she shouldn't, but then she relaxes.
"Hey Mami," Santana smiled at her as Maribel made her way in, sitting atop the edge of Santana's bed. She watched Santana fold her clothes perfectly and pack them away next to her toiletry bag.
Santana could just feel Maribel wanting to say something so she tries to get it over with sooner by asking, "Everything okay?"
"Yes mija, everything's fine," Maribel answers but there's something there in her tone that makes Santana stop and look to her.
"You sure?"
"Yes," Maribel assures her and this time there's a smile, "I'm just feeling sentimental tonight. Having you girls here brought back so many good memories of when this house use to be a lot more lively. You know, when your papi was still around."
Santana freezes and bites her lip. She's not use to her mom bringing up the past, let alone her dad. It was a messy divorce and usually they just pretend it never happened which isn't exactly the healthiest thing. He doesn't make contact with them, probably has a new wife and kid by now, but Santana still feels a twinge of sadness when she thinks of him sometimes.
Because thoughts of him often leads to thoughts of her abuela.
Santana starts with a shaky voice, "Do you want me to stay? I can pick Br-"
"No, no. Don't change your plans because of me," Maribel chuckles. She reaches out for Santana's hand and holds it in both of hers, "You're a good daughter, always looking out for your mother."
Santana snorts, "You really are sentimental tonight."
"Yeah," Maribel sighs through a soft smile as she moves to stand, "And I know I've said this earlier, but I'm proud of you. You've grown into such an amazing young woman."
"Ma.." Santana groans, feeling a unsuspecting lump form in her throat. She quickly busies herself with zipping her bag in fear of possibly crying because of her mother's kind words. No matter how old she gets, she doubts she'll ever get use to hearing those words.
"I know, I know. You don't want to hear it but you need to," Maribel says then there's a pause, "You're a strong woman, you always have been. I'd like to think you got that from me, but I don't know. You're so much more, Santana. What you have with Brittany is so special and I'm happy that you've found someone who loves you for you."
When Santana turns to Maribel, she's looking at the bedazzled frame sitting on her desk. It's been upturned for months now, her and Brittany's young faces beaming back at her. She smiles now whenever she sees it instead of the feeling she use to have when she first returned to Lima. One look at that picture and she's taken back to that very night at the annual Summer carnival where she first asked Brittany to be her girlfriend. She remembers the coy yes and the kiss that followed that tasted like cotton candy and funnel cake.
It's one of Santana's happiest memories of them.
"She's been around a long time," Maribel says, "I'm glad you both found each other again."
Santana nods and doesn't expect her truth to come tumbling out, "I'm going to marry her, mami."
Maribel looks to her in an instant, eyes widening, "You're going to propose?"
Santana realizes what she's said and chuckles at her surprise. She's a little embarrassed by the slip up and tries to explain, "Not like today or anything, but eventually. She's – she's everything to me."
"Oh Santana," Maribel cries and goes to pull her into another hug.
Santana stifles another laugh as she relaxes into it and pats her mother's back, "You can't say anything. Not even to Quinn. Actually, especially not to Quinn. I don't know where her loyalties lie yet."
When Maribel pulls away there are actual tears in her eyes, "I won't say anything."
Santana narrows her eyes playfully, "Well, you're going to have to come up with a good excuse when you go back downstairs. Brittany's sharp and she's going to wonder why you've been crying."
"I've already said goodnight to her," Maribel winked then kissed Santana's cheek, "And now, I'm off to bed before I become anymore emotional. You two drive safely."
"Of course," Santana nodded and watched her mother go. When she turned back to grab her bag, she couldn't help but laugh.
Did I actually just tell my mom I'm going to propose? She thinks in awe then shakes away the thought.
It was such a knee-jerk response, it fell from her lips so easily like it was meant to all along. In theory, she has thought about her and Brittany's future and that would naturally include marriage at some point in time but she didn't think her subconscious would expose her by letting something like that slip.
\\
"There you are," Brittany grins as Santana joins her downstairs. She moves to turn the tv off and looks to Santana as she rises, "So I was thinking…"
"Mhmm…" Santana quirks her brows as Brittany rounds the couch. She wears this mischievous little smile that makes Santana gulp as she nears. Her mind begins to churn out all these less than innocent ideas similar to the ones from earlier that make her want to squeeze her legs together.
It's sad how just the slightest hint of sexy has her turning into this but really, the build up might just kill her if Brittany continues.
"Well," Brittany starts as her hands land on Santana's hips. There's this huskiness in her voice now, "You should just ride with me to my place and you can use my car while I'm gone?"
Santana blinks at the seductive tone which completely contradicts Brittany's simple request, "Wait, what?"
Brittany chuckles sexily, "You. Me. Drive together to my place?"
Santana wonders if she's just so sex-deprived that she's begun to imagine things or if Brittany really is sending her these signals. Regardless, she likes this newfound closeness – something they limited while around Quinn and Maribel – and curls her arms around Britt's neck.
"If you want to then sure," Santana answers, "But my car's fine now. Burt worked his mechanic magic and I haven't had a problem since."
Brittany smiles and tightens her hold, "I know but it's safer with you than parking it on the street. Don't wanna come back to a missing tire again or something."
Santana tilts her head at the sound of again but nods anyway, "Sure, Britt. I can do that, but let's go. I didn't realize how late it was."
"Yeah…I might still have some packing to do," Brittany admits shyly as she pulls away.
Santana just shakes her head and laughs, "Of course you do."
\\
A short drive later, Brittany's leading the way up a flight of stairs. It's a nice looking apartment complex, way nicer looking than the place Santana was staying in New York. There's some excitement buzzing through her in anticipation of seeing what Brittany's home looks like and if she decorated it anything like she did her bedroom. It's kind of a silly thought because Brittany's a grown woman now and Santana doubts that she'll have posters of her favorite singers taped to the walls or something like that.
Santana doesn't notice how quiet Brittany goes as she gets her door open. In fact, Brittany doesn't actually say anything until she hits the light switch. It's then that Santana notices the sudden shyness all over Brittany's face as she sets her keys down on the side table near the front door.
"So here it is. I know it's not much," Brittany begins to explain, "I haven't really felt like decorating for some reason. It's been more than a year now though, so maybe I should…"
Brittany trails off while Santana looks around. She's right, there isn't much in terms of decorations or personal touches but there are sliding doors that lead out to a small balcony that overlooks a park across the street and the view is kind of nice.
"Sorry, let me close those. Don't want any peepers peeking in," Brittany says as she goes over to close the vertical blinds.
"Yeah of course," Santana mumbles and continues to take in her surroundings.
It looks like a pretty basic living room set up; there's a sofa that's been pushed up against the wall with a glass coffee table in the space between it and the tv. The set of shelves the tv sits on are bare aside from a candle and a couple of magazines.
There's a yellow, polka-dotted blanket thrown over one arm of the couch which offers the only pop of color in the room. It's a little bizarre considering Brittany's probably the most colorful person she knows and she would usually jump at the chance to show off her inner fashionista.
One look at this room though and Santana finds herself doubting if Brittany really lives here. Not actually – she knows Brittany does – but nothing about the places seems her.
On the other side of the room is the kitchen and that's pretty basic too with its stainless steel appliances and white cabinets with light grey countertops. The only clutter – if you can even call it that – are the couple of mugs and a box of Lucky Charms left on the counter near the toaster.
"Are you hungry or anything?" Brittany asks as she crosses the living room and goes for the fridge, "There's not much in the fridge since I won't be here, but I think there's some juice? Not that it would satisfy hunger? Well, I guess it could…"
Santana stares as Brittany rambles. She hasn't seen her this tense in awhile and softens while she puts her bag down. Brittany's still trying to busy herself with the contents of her fridge when Santana closes the distance and places her hand on the small of Brittany's back.
A quiet gasp escapes her as she pulls her head out of the fridge and turns to Santana.
"Am I making you nervous?" Santana asks slyly. There's a smirk playing at her lips that instantly relaxes Brittany and makes her roll her eyes at the question.
"No…I'm just – I'm not use to having company is all," Brittany clarifies with a nervous chuckle, "I want to make sure I'm a good host."
Santana smiles softly, "That's sweet."
"Duh," Brittany smiles smugly.
Santana doesn't even think twice before rolling up to place a chaste kiss to Brittany's lips, hoping it'll ease any worries. When Brittany's leans back down for another, Santana can feel some of the tension leave her body. It seems to work because when she pulls away, Brittany's staring back with hooded eyes and a grin.
"Don't worry about me," Santana tells her earnestly, "If I want something, I'll ask."
She meant it innocently, but when Brittany pulls her bottom lip in she realizes that her words could be interpreted differently. Judging by the glint in her eye, Brittany's mind has already gone there.
It should embarrass her, but instead she laughs as Brittany begins to smirk.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Pierce."
Brittany cracks an ever bigger smile and suddenly all the nervous tension melts away.
"I wasn't even near the gutter," Brittany defends and pokes at Santana's side, "That one was all you. I'm not complaining though, you ask away."
Santana rolls her eyes through the inevitable grin that matches Brittany's, "Come on, I'll help you finish packing."
\\
A couple hours later and Brittany's finally all packed up for her trip. They probably would've finished up a lot sooner if it wasn't for the constant distracting on Brittany's part which led to a little bit of making out against Brittany's dresser then her closet door and anywhere else that wasn't Brittany's bed.
Because if they would've made it there, it would've been a wrap for the night. Taking things slow would've gone out the window and they would be tangled up together, sweaty and sated.
Surprisingly though, they both showed a little bit of self-control and stopped themselves before they were too far gone. How long that self-control will last? Who knows! In the end, they pulled through and finished up Brittany's packing and were now off to get ready for bed.
"Awh, look at your cute little Christmas shorts!" Brittany beamed as she entered the bathroom and tugged at the hem of Santana's red, cotton boy shorts that were covered in tiny pictures of presents.
Santana caught Brittany's eye in the mirror as a bit of toothpaste dribbled from the corner of her mouth. Before she could say anything – not like Britt would understand her through all the suds – the blonde gave Santana's butt a little pinch.
"Your booty is the greatest gift of all," Brittany joked before reaching for her own toothbrush.
"Smooth, Britt, smooth," Santana teased after rinsing.
"You know it," Brittany mumbled and showed off a frothy smile.
Santana shook her head at the sight and wandered back to Britt's bedroom. While she waited for Brittany to join her, she triple checked that her alarm was set for the morning because that would suck if they somehow slept through accidentally. Then again, that would mean Britt would just have to spend the holidays with her instead and that wouldn't be all that bad.
She figures she should share though and Brittany's been a little anxious for her trip without outright saying so.
She was just about ready to hop into bed after noticing how tired she actually was when she realized she didn't know which side was Brittany's. Her eyes shifted from the left which was closest to the small window to the right which was closer to the door. She had a hunch – Brittany always hated being the closest to the door – but she wasn't sure.
"I usually sleep next to the window," Brittany says as she comes in quietly. It's like she was in Santana's head and comes around to pull the covers back, "Unless you want the window side?"
"No, I'll sleep wherever," Santana assures her and follows suit, sliding under the covers next to Brittany.
The bed is cool against her bare legs and she kind of regrets packing shorts, but then Brittany's smooth legs slide against hers and the regret is disappears.
Brittany rolls onto her side and her hand moves to Santana's hip again and it's so similar to the time they shared a bed in Cincinnati. No matter the nerves or how far deep they are in their heads, it always seem to vanish the minute their bodies touch. It's like the only thing that ever feels consistently right to them.
"Sorry it's a little cold in here," Brittany says softly as she curls herself around Santana.
"Can't really complain when I've got my own personal heater," Santana teases although she snuggles further into Brittany's embrace.
"See, I knew you secretly loved being the little spoon," Brittany giggles and presses a kiss to Santana's temple.
Santana lets out a sigh, attempting to sound annoyed although she really isn't. In reality, this is probably the most content she's felt in awhile. She had been pretty anxious for most of the day in anticipation for her song to Brittany, but things seemed to keep getting better and better after that. They had a great time at Maribel's with Quinn and – although it wasn't exactly how she planned it – her and Brittany had become a true item.
Brittany, the same girl she wasn't even speaking to at the beginning of this year was now her girlfriend. How crazy is that? Santana couldn't have imagined that being a possibility back in January, but here she is about to end the year with Brittany being hers again.
"What are you thinking about?" Brittany asks as her fingers slips beneath Santana's t-shirt and starts to circle the soft skin above her hipbone. It's such an innocent question, but it has been quite the day for them and although she's tired as hell Brittany's soft touches continue to poke at the embers begging to ignite into something they really shouldn't.
Says who? The voice at the back of her mind instigates. She doesn't have a straight answer, okay? And all the making out from earlier probably didn't help her case much either.
"A lot of things," Santana whispers and starts to inch closer to the hand Brittany has tucked under the pillow. She traces her finger along the smooth skin of her forearm, trying her hardest to keep certain thoughts from wandering in.
"Oh? Like what?" Brittany hums almost innocently.
Santana looks for the right words to say but the feel of Brittany's fingers on her skin is too distracting. She doesn't know how appropriate it would be to tell Brittany what she's really thinking about, but can she blame her when Brittany has spent so much time tonight kissing her like that? Like seriously, who could even think of anything else but those lips and that tongue and those fingers…
Santana swallows dryly, "Well, you know…things."
"You're being vague," Brittany comments.
"Yeah well...you're being," Santana starts but she loses her train of though when blunt nails scrape a little at her hipbone. She has to clench her jaw to keep a moan from escaping, that's how wound up she feels.
Brittany blinks slowly – either from sleepiness or something entirely different – and waits patiently for Santana to elaborate. Her fingers still drawing shapes into her skin when really, Santana has a much better idea of where those talented fingers can go.
The sudden thought makes her legs twitch on their own accord as a familiar heat rises.
Brittany's brows bunch at the sudden movement.
"Was that a shiver? I'll go turn the heat up," Brittany says and flattens her hand on Santana's waist as she starts to push herself up.
Santana's quick to stop her though and surprises the both of them when she pulls Brittany down by her shirt. Brittany has to brace herself on her forearm so she doesn't collide with her. There's this slight confusion as Brittany looks down but it shifts into something else as her eyes met Santana's.
"Don't go anywhere," Santana husks, her senses cloudier than before. Her heart races as she watches Brittany's eyes darken at her tone.
"You've got a better idea to keep warm?" Brittany asks.
Santana takes her bottom lip between her teeth and slowly releases it, "Maybe?"
All it takes is for Brittany to lick her lips before they're making out for the third time that night. It's hungrier this time – needier – hands fight for dominance as they thread through each other's hair and grip tightly to shirts.
Santana can faintly hear the sound of a moan, but she isn't sure if it came from her or Brittany. She's not too concerned with finding out because her ears are ringing, the pounding of her heart echoes there and throbs below the waist. She thinks she might actually be vibrating from all the want – the need – for more as Brittany's tongue slides against her own.
It's all happening so fast but at the same time not fast enough.
That's when she realizes the sounds of moaning are her own and she does her best to stifle them as she moves to pin Brittany's roaming hands above her head. Usually Brittany is the one that takes control but tonight Santana just can't help herself. She sits atop Brittany, her thighs bracketing Brittany's hips.
There's a slight resistance but Santana just pushes back a bit more firmly as she starts to trail wet kisses along Brittany's jaw. At first they were somewhat gentle but the closer Santana got to the sensitive spot below Brittany's ear, the harder Brittany's hips began to jerk.
"Fuck Britt," Santana groaned as Brittany rolled her hips expertly that just so happened to create the slightest bit of friction. Santana could just imagine the smug grin on Britt's face at that, because she knew exactly what she was doing but damn did it feel good!
While Santana was mildly distracted, Brittany was able to free one hand and instantly smoothed over the curve of Santana's ass. She bucked her hips again in the same way as before, causing Santana to nip hard at Brittany's neck in hopes of stifling another helpless moan. Brittany hissed at the feel of Santana's teeth on her and reached up to tug a little on her hair.
"I felt that," Brittany said then pulled a little more so that she could expose the sensitive skin of Santana's neck. She then ran her tongue along it before replacing the strip with soft nips, "Now I can do you."
Santana was struggling, her arms starting to shake the longer she tried to keep herself hovering over the blonde beneath her. With the way Brittany was kissing her didn't help either.
Just then, Brittany gave her a particular hard nip – most likely payback for the one Santana gave and will probably leave a mark– and Santana nearly collapsed on top of Brittany, her arms so close to giving out.
"Getting tired up there?" Brittany asked from her place, lips brushing against Santana's ear before taking her earlobe between her teeth. Her voice came out with this sexy rasp, "Why don't you let me take over?"
"Jesus," Santana groaned again at the feel of Brittany's warm breath against her ear.
"He might be a little busy at the moment," Brittany teased as her hand slipped beneath Santana's shirt. It flattened against Santana's tensing abs as Brittany began to rock her hips again at a slow but steady pace, "Let me take care of you, Santana."
Everything in her was screaming fuck yes but what came out instead was, "But…we have to be up early so we can go to the – fuck."
"Never heard of that place," Brittany smirks as her hand moves a little higher, "Must be new."
"Airport. Your flight," Santana stammers. She doesn't think she has ever been this sexually frustrated in all of her life and she might just combust if they don't slow down, "You're killing me here, Britt."
"Just say the word and I can make you feel a lot better," Brittany tells her as she starts trailing kisses along Santana's jaw again while her hand slides up until she's palming at Santana's chest, "I'll make you feel so good, baby, don't you want that?"
It's a loaded question really, because this is not where she was expecting this night to go but again she wasn't complaining. Especially when Brittany was looking at her like that and calling her baby. They've had a few different first time's during the span of their relationship, but she wanted this time to be different. She was going to pull out all the stops, making it super romantic with like rose petals and candles or whatever!
She should've known that it would be a stretch to stick to a plan considering their impromptu date. What she was starting to realize was that some things just shouldn't be planned, if they were going to happen then they'd happen the way fate or whoever intended them to.
And currently, with Brittany doing her damn near hardest to top her and give Santana everything and more…she thinks fate might be trying to tell her something here.
Then again, fate might also just be the horniness talking.
"I want you, Britt, like so much…" Santana finally answered but before Brittany could flip their positions, Santana stilled the blonde's wandering hands. "And as much as I want to keep this going all night long, I also want to make sure we're up in time for your flight. This is important to you so it's important to me and if we start this now, I'm not going to want to finish."
"Oh, you'll finish alright," Brittany smirked and started to lean forward again, "I'll make sure of that, don't you worry."
"Britt...," Santana sighed through her smile. She was close to giving up but she managed to stand her ground, "I'm being serious."
Brittany blinked slowly, almost like she was coming out of the sex-driven haze, and took in Santana's words thoughtfully.
"It's a shocker that I'm resisting right now – I know – and it's probably not the answer you were hoping for," Santana says, "But I don't want to rush our first this time around or have to worry about waking up early the next morning. The next time I make love to you, I'm going to take my time. It's been so long and I'm going to spend all night or day or morning or whatever on you because you deserve that. You deserve-"
Brittany's quick to hush her with a sweet kiss to her lips.
"I hear you loud and clear," Brittany smiles up at her, "Come down here."
Santana nods and let's Brittany guide her to lie back down. Their bodies twist so that they're back to cuddling on their sides, Brittany's arms instinctively curling around Santana.
"We can just sleep tonight," Brittany says softly, "I don't mind that."
"Okay," Santana replies happily and kisses the tip of Brittany's nose. She feels safe there in Brittany's arms and with a lingering kiss to her hairline, sleep finds Santana easily that night.
\\
Despite the early wake up and making great time on the way to the airport, Santana and Brittany find themselves rushing to Brittany's gate.
Well, Santana is in a rush. Brittany? Not so much.
Santana blames the complicated parking garage setup while Brittany tried her hardest to reassure her that they had time and they didn't have to hurry. Santana may not have been the greatest when it came to punctuality, but that was a different story when it came to travelling.
"Oh, I forgot snacks!" Brittany gasps as she came halting to a stop at a kiosk.
The hand Santana was holding had her ricocheting to Brittany's side while the blonde browsed the offering of sweets. Santana looked to Brittany – who was taking her sweet time – back to her watch then up to the travel display board.
"Britt, just pick something," Santana sighs, "You still have to go through Security."
"Quit rushing me, San. You know snack-picking is important," Brittany waves her off before finally selecting a few things and passing them across to the cashier. She smiled and made a little small talk with the man behind the counter, "My girlfriend, she can't wait to get rid of me."
Santana whirled on her with a dropped jaw, "I – that's not true. I just don't want you to miss your flight."
"Honey, I have almost an hour until boarding," Brittany replies then looked over her shoulder to send Santana a smile, "There's time to pick out snacks."
The man chuckled at that and told Brittany her total while Santana swooned at the sound of honey.
"Okay, fine." Santana tries to grumble although her growing smile gave her away.
Brittany paid and quickly jammed her snacks into her backpack. She threw her arm around Santana's shoulders and hugged her to her side as they began to walk again, "I was only teasing back there. I know you're gonna miss me like crazy."
Santana's rebuttal died on her lips the moment she felt Brittany press a kiss to her temple.
"And I'm going to miss you too," Brittany whispers against her skin, "I don't know what I'm going to do for two weeks without my favorite girl."
Santana just smiled the biggest, most dorkiest smile. She didn't even care if people looked at her funny, she couldn't help how Brittany made her feel sometimes.
"Are you trying turn me into a puddle on the floor?" Santana replies.
Brittany shrugged her shoulder, "I mean…it's not exactly what I had in mind when I think about making you wet-"
Santana instantly clapped her hand over Brittany's mouth, she could feel the girl's smirk against her palm, "Oh my God, Britt!"
Brittany giggles as she pulled away Santana's hand, "I'm sorry. That must be the lack of orgasms talking."
Just as she said that, an older woman passed and gave them both a scandalized look that made Santana want to hide her face. Seriously, Brittany's lack of filter was both a blessing and a curse.
"See?" Brittany says casually, jutting her thumb in the woman's direction, "She knows what I'm talking about."
Santana could do nothing but laugh by that point.
\\
Within a few minutes, they arrived to the Security checkpoint entrance. Suddenly Santana's heart was feeling a little heavier than before. This would be the furthest she could go and their steps slowed as they approached.
"Well this is me," Brittany sighs.
"Yeah," Santana answers curtly.
She reached for Brittany's hips, the material of her hoodie so soft to the touch. The urge to bury her face in it was real and she hoped that the building lump in her throat would disappear. Not that crying in an airport wasn't common, it's just that she didn't think that person would be her. Brittany wouldn't be gone for long, so she doesn't know why she's suddenly feeling so…sad.
"You know, I think I can still try to sneak you in," Brittany says playfully upon noticing Santana's somberness, "There's room in my carry on if you want to try that?"
Santana chuckled at Brittany's attempt to lighten the mood.
"You know I wouldn't be able to get one cheek to fit in there," Santana counters with a smirk.
"So true," Brittany giggles and smoothly reached around to squeeze at Santana's ass.
Santana tried to laugh along with her, but her emotions were starting to win her over. Instead, she relented to the urge and buried her face into the crook of Brittany's neck while her arms wrapped around her as best as she could with the backpack in the way.
"I'm going to miss you," Santana mumbles against her neck, her lips grazing a blossoming bruise left there from the night before, "Like a lot, a lot."
"Me too," Brittany says and hugged Santana even tighter, "You'll have fun here though, you won't even notice I'm gone."
"Impossible," Santana shakes her head, "I always notice."
"Yeah," Brittany nods, "I am pretty awesome."
Santana chuckled at that and pulled away to look up at Brittany, "You really are."
"Duh," Brittany winks then leaned down and captured Santana's lips with her own.
When Brittany pulled away, Santana let her arms drop and griped Brittany's hips instead. She realized why this feeling felt so familiar, it reminded her of the times they'd have to say goodbye whenever she would need to return to Louisville. This time was obviously different, Brittany was only going away for a little bit but the familiar feeling was still there.
She did her best to push those feelings aside for now, she didn't want this to be a tearful goodbye. It was their last time seeing each other until the New Year. Their last moment together should be happier, something they could both hang onto until Brittany's return. For a second there, Santana struggled with saying the right thing but the words came easily in the end.
"I love you, Britt." Santana tells her then watched the dopey grin spread across Brittany's face. Her cheeks grew rosy and her eyes twinkled at the sound of Santana's words. It was the first time Santana had voiced her love like that aloud.
Brittany has said the words before – maybe not in that particular order – but she has made it known before. Santana on the other hand has been hanging onto it for some reason. Could have something to do with trying to suppress all these years or maybe it was being saved for a moment like this?
"I love you too," Brittany replies with this almost dream-like content on her face before leaning back in for another kiss to Santana's lips, then her cheeks and nose and forehead until the brunette is a giggling mess.
"Quit it," Santana chuckles before they're back to staring softly at each other.
It feels like an hour but it's more like seconds when Brittany blinks and lets out a sigh, "I should probably head in there now, huh?"
Santana nods, "Probably." Then they wrap themselves up in each other again, holding on tightly until one of them reluctantly pries the other off.
"Have a safe flight," Santana says as she pats Brittany on the butt to get her moving. Brittany starts to walk in the direction of the entrance, "Let me know when you land, okay?"
"Sure thing, babe," Brittany calls out before blowing a kiss to Santana. She doesn't know which one makes her knees wobble more but then Brittany follows up with, "Love you!"
"Love you too!" Santana replies through a cheek-bunching grin and waves her goodbyes until Brittany's out of sight. She lets out a tired sigh, something she feels like she's been holding in since they arrived, then turns to head down the corridor they had come down earlier.
There's only one thing on her mind now and it's how this is going to be the longest two weeks ever without Brittany.
A/N - I hope everyone's doing okay and that this brought someone out there some joy. I really appreciate everyone's kind words and feedback. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you find comfort and joy in my work, even after all these years I've been writing for this fandom. It's totally mind blowing bc this is just me expressing my love for my favorite couple lol. Keep taking care of yourselves 3