A/N: Success! two updates over Spring break! Hapy early Easter to all that celebrate. Here's the first chapter of our girls enjoying summer. I'm not sure yet if there'll be another chapter between this and Britt's birthday or not. I also dont know when that update will be. Unlike them, I have six weeks of school left. Hopefully there'll be at least 1 update to each over those 6 weeks.Song is by All Time Low (Happy 1 Year of Wake Up Sunshine to ATL fans!)
Chapter 25: Summer Daze
Summer had finally arrived, and Santana couldn't be more ready to enjoy her Aunt's pool. Public pools weren't exactly a great place to go with bright red scars on your arms, especially if you hated drawing attention. Brittany was over for the first weekend of summer, and despite the clubs protest, Santana said she wanted those first couple days just for the two of them.
Santana was putting on sun tan oil when Brittany came outside, looking absolutely stunning despite her casual attire. She had a hat lazily plopped atop her head backwards, swim trunks and a Santa Cruz tank top. Santana wiped the sun tan oil off on her towel before running over to hug her girlfriend happily.
"Hi babe. Did you bring the thing?" Santana asked excitedly. Brittany took a moment to respond, she hadn't seen the girl without sleeves in a while and she was still reeling from her relapse. But after a minute she took a deep breath and nodded, reaching into her bag. She'd bought Asher a swim vest with a shark fin. "ASHER!" Santana called and dog came running, pumping the brakes as he reached them, kicking up a little bit of dirt and grass. They laughed as they easily strapped him into the vest.
"Dios mio, Asher, they've made a fool of you!" Diego said coming outside, dressed in a pair of SpongeBob swim trunks.
"Says you!" Santana pointed out "Seriously, aren't you supposed to be an adult?"
"Never going to happen with that one." Ali came outside "Mr. Asher you better not scare anybody with your costume sir."
"See, Tia likes it!" Santana argued.
"MAMI, his pride." Diego feigned heartbreak. Santana laughed, and looked to Brittany, who'd been quiet.
"Who do you think is right Britt Britt?" Santana asked.
"I always side with you." Brittany responded, kissing the Latina on the cheek and going to lay out her towel on a lounge chair.
"What's up with blondie?" Diego asked.
"She's not doing so great after her relapse" Santana explained softly "Asher" the dog turned to her "Get mama." He ran off licking at Brittany's hands. She pet him before going back to applying sunscreen. He pawed at her insistently. She glanced at Santana who was looking back at her intensely. She rubbed what was left of the lotion into her shoulders before hugging Asher. The dog immediately sensed that his Mama needed hugs. He looked to Santana who with a wave if her hand gave him permission. He pushed at Brittnay until she laid down on the lounge chair and laid on top of her. Santana finished talking to Diego before joining them.
"Asher, good boy." Santana said, and he got up off of Brittany who took a deep breath.
"That's some magic," Brittany looked to Santana "I'm sorry."
"I know seeing my scars is hard for you. But I'm not going to swim in a wetsuit." Santana said,taking the sunscreen and rubbing it into Brittany back.
"I get that, I do" the blonde admitted "I just have to get used to it."
"Okay." the Latina nodded "Turn." Brittany turned around and Santana made sure she was properly lathered in sunscreen. "You want to swim?"
"Yeah. By the way, you look super hot in your bikini."
"I know." Santana smirked before diving into the pool. Brittany quickly followed. They called Asher who ran at them top speed, attempting to walk on water. He almost accomplished it with his floatie.
"Good boy Asher." Santana scratched the dog behind his ears as he swam circles around them.
"So, when everybody comes over for the party, what's your plan?" Brittany gently caressed the Latina's arms as they tread water.
"I'm just going to be myself. They've seen them now and I'm not ashamed." Santana kissed Brittany's cheek "But cover up however you like."
"Well, this is my swimsuit." Brittay gestured at the bikini and shorts "But my abs tend to draw attention and…"
"Nobody else is allowed to look at those. They're mine. But you can swim in a black tank top okay? Or a one piece with the trunks. No one is going to judge you. Not in my house." Santana reminded.
"Okay. Also, is it okay if Lizzy comes over some this summer? My parents usually have me watch her during summer now that I'm older." Brittany asked.
"Diego would love to have her around. It reminds him of me when I was little." the singer smiles, "He's gonna be a great dad."
"One day?" Brittany asks "Right?"
"Yeah. Though who knows, he's really into this new girl. And now that he's doing his college online, he spends a lot of time with her at The Lima Bean, just being together even though they're in class." Santana shakes her head "She's coming to our school's out party Monday. Lizzy can come, I just need Ali to keep an eye on her. I don't trust Artie not to bring booze." Santana shook her head. Her Tia wasn't a big fan of the kids drinking, but she preferred it happened at her house. However she didn't like it mixed with the pool.
"Will your Tia kick him out cause of it?" Brittany asked.
"No, she'll just be cracking down on how much and confiscating it for her to pass out. She'll probably ask us to save it for later when we watch the movie on the projector." Santana says.
"That's reasonable. Let's actually swim now?" Brittany asked and Santana laughed as they raced each other and played monkey in the middle with Asher. Diego joined later, tossing Santana in like he used to when they were younger.
As night fell, Diego grilled burgers for everyone. Ali explained how Asher's graduation was coming up when Brittany suddenly remembered her birthday was coming.
"July 16th and you're turning 16, Britty it's your golden birthday!" Sanatana squealed "I'm gonna plan such a good party for you. We're gonna watch all your favorite movies. There's going to be a unicorn pinata, yellow streamers, a playlist of all your favorite songs, ooh I'm going to kidnap one of the ducks and put it into the pool. No! Rubber ducks. A whole pool of rubber duckies." Santana started brainstorming.
"Santana, you don't need to make a big deal. I'm not really that into my birthday." Brittany shrugged. Santana searched her memory for why the girl wouldn't like her birthday but came up blank.
"Sorry if I supposed to know, but why?" Santana asked.
"We didn't have a lot of money when I was younger. Liv gets lots of big parties now, but when I was her age my parents were still figuring things out. With Ma's medical bills it just wasn't possible. So I sorta just stop caring about it. Plus getting older turned out pretty bad for me, as you know." Brittany shrugged.
"C'mon, I let you fix Christmas, or at least, make new memories. Can I please throw a huge Brittany Birthday Bash?" The Latina pleaded.
"Fine, but don't stress okay? It's just a birthday." Brittany reminded.
"You're my girlfriend. Let me spoil you on your special day!" the singer pouted.
"Okay baby, if it'll make you happy it'll make me happy too." Brittany said.
"Yes. DIEGO WE NEED TO PLAN A PARTY!" Santana shouted.
"YEAH FIESTA LA LOPEZ" Diego high fived his little cousin.
"Oh Brittany, you're gonna have the Fiesta of your life mija." Ali said.
"Did you just call me mija?" Brittany looked up and Ali took a moment before nodding.
"Lo siento. I don't have to if you don't want me too." Ali said.
"No, I like it." Brittany smiled.
Monday came and the Lopez House was getting ready for a huge party. The weather was going to be good, thankfully, so they set up everything outside. They'd sleep inside though, never trust Ohio weather not to change. The guest rooms were made up, the couches were cleaned and the living room floor was cleared to make way for air mattresses. Santana was bustling around the kitchen since 6 am, baking and making snacks for the day. Brittany was setting up the "Perfect Summer Party" playlist with Diego's help. Ali was out back, practicing some party behavior with Asher. He was a lot older now, and even though he wasn't going to be in his vest, he was getting better at being alert even without it. He still knew he could relax more without it, to not get mad at pets from others but he was on high alert. With Santana hosting, she wanted to make sure the dog was alerting her rather than barreling over people.
Santana had made brownies, a variety of cookies, guacamole, salsa, bean dip and French onion dip. Huge bottle of lemonade, iced tea, and soda line the counter with red solo cups and sharpies. Water bottles sat in a cooler outside, also partnered with a Sharpie. The fire pit was ready for the movie later, the projector was set up and the fairy lights were hung. The grand had its cover on it to protect it from idiots and all breakable and valuables were safely locked in Ali's office. Santana had it all worked out. She cut vegetables and set them out with the chips and dips. Healthy options were a must. They'd have burgers and hot dogs later too. Everyone started arriving at 10 am, the entirety of the Glee club along with some of their friends who were thinking about joining next year. Liv had been dropped off on Mrs.Pierce's way to work and was already happily watching a movie in Santana's room. As expected, Artie brought drinks which were quickly taken by Ali to be controlled. Brittany started up the music as more people arrived. The last to arrive was Diego's girlfriend. He assumed if she arrived later, his cousin would be too busy to drill her with every question in the book. Boy was he wrong.
"Dios mio! Diego you didn't tell me she was caliente!" Santana said, holding a hand out for the girl. She was a bit taller than Santana, brunette, green eyed and lightly freckled.
"Uh, hi, I'm Kelsey. You must be Santana," she shook the Latina's hand "Diego talks about you all the time."
"What can I say, I'm interesting," Santana flipped her hair over her shoulder catching sight of Brittany "BRITT BRITT!" she shouted.
"Brace yourself Kels." Diego whispered.
"What's up Sanny? OH Diego, you dog! You didn't tell us she was nearly as hot as us!" Brittany said, Santana smirking.
"You two are incorrigible." Diego groaned.
"It's okay D, they're just interested. And they're not wrong. I'm Kelsey." She held her hand out to Brittany.
"Brittany, also know as Santana's everything. These Lopezes are total softies," Brittany winks as she shakes her head.
"ARE NOT!" Diego and Santana snap.
"Whatever helps your ego sleep at night," Brittany kisses Santana's cheek "Keep Snixx in check love." Santana watches shamelessly as Brittany walks away.
"So Kels, did you want a tour?" Diego asks hoping they can escape Santana.
"NOT so fast Go Go." Santana turns to them "Let me get to know the girl."
"Diego, I know all about her. It's only fair." Kelsey says.
"Okay, okay." Diego relents sitting with the girls on the couch.
"Alright Kelsey, how'd you meet Diego?" Santana asks.
"We met through a mutual friend at the coffee shop." Kelsey smiles.
"Mhm. And why do you think you two are good together?" Santana asks.
"Well, we're the same age. We both love music and are in the same online college program. I used to play soccer like Diego and we're obviously both hot." Kelsey smirks.
"Good enough for me. So how long has Diego been hiding you?" she arches an eyebrow.
"Well we've been together since just after New Years." Kelsey says.
"Well, I just wanted to officially welcome you to the Lopez family. And if you hurt him, know that you will not live to date again," Santana walks off.
"Sorry about her." Diego scratches the back of his neck.
"D, she adores you. She just wants you to be happy. Especially after what happened last time." Kelsey rests her forehead against his "but I'm going to stick around. And one day, I'll be ready to do everything we dream of with you."
"She barely knows about last time." Diego admits "You know more than anyone else."
"You really think your family would want you hiding this huge secret?" Kelsey asked.
"There's nothing to tell. It's not like they can change the past." the boy tries to stay calm "And anyway, I'd rather they not pity me. Especially when I have you now, and you're so much better."
Out in the backyard, Brittany is lounging with Quinn while the rest of the club swims. Santana makes her way to them, wondering why they've opted to stay out of the pool.
"What are you two doing washed up on the land?" Santana asks, taking a seat at Brittany's feet.
"Keeping my abs away from wandering eyes." Brittany surmises.
"Avoiding an impending game of chicken." Quinn points to where Finn and Sam are trying to convince Rachel and Tina to get on their shoulders.
"That's not happening in my pool" Santana shakes her head "Oi, dorkus and doofus leave the chicas alone!" she shouts, Sam immediately holding his hands up in surrender.
"Well now that my excuse is gone, I assume you expect me to get in?" Quinn eyes the Latina.
"Not in the slightest. You have your reasons, that's Berry's problem. Just don't let the dwarf drown." Santana turns her attention to Brittay when a foot nudges her rather hard "What?!".
"Be nice. Rachel isn't that short," Brittany says "Especially in comparison to you."
"Is that so mi corazon?" Santana raises an eyebrow.
"She's right Santana," Quinn points out "And I'm right in there with you two. It's not Britt's fault she's the only one with legs for days."
"Don't be checking out my lady blondie," Santana warned.
"Wouldn't dream of it." the shorter blonde said.
"So Britty," Santana whispered "You sure you don't want to get in?"
"I'm just not ready baby," she glanced at Quinn who'd turned away from them "but you have fun."
"Alright. Have fun with Q," Santana kisses the blonde's forehead and jumps into the splash battle. Asher trots over to Brittany and nudges her hand.
"Hey buddy. You want to be a shark?" Brittany sits up "Quinn you have to see Asher's floatie vest." Brittany says and the blonde glances at her.
"I'd rather see you happily swimming Britt." Quinn shrugged "You love the water."
"I could say the same for you," Brittany points out, silencing the other blonde.
"Alright. Show me this cute dog," Quinn relents. She absolutely gushes over the dogs cute little vest as he jumps into the pool on Santana's command.
Later in the day, the pool has vacated, save for Tina and Mercedes dangling their feet in at the shallow end. Diego is at the grill, Kelsey helping him cook a rather large amount of food. Artie has engaged Finn, Mike, and Sam in tossing a Frisbee around. Blaine and Kurt are chatting around the snack table, while Santana and Rachel have made themselves comfortable beside their girlfriends. It isn't long after they all have their food that they're gathered in front of the outdoor movie screen. They're watching the classic, Grease. Santana and Brittany linger further back from the group, around the fire pit. They know it'll be crowded later, and enjoy their time alone by it. As expected, when the movie ends, they are joined by the rest of the club. Exhausted from a day of hosting, Santana excuses herself, Asher dutifully trotting behind her. Brittany watches her go, and sees her making herself tea in the kitchen. She looks back to the group and starts her playlist again. They move inside not too much later, Ali setting the all but forgotten drinks out on the counter. Diego and Kelsey sit on the stairs keeping watch, but Santana has left the room. Brittany leaves her friends to dance around the living room and gently goes past Diego and Kelsey up to the Latina's room. She finds her helping Liv pick out a new movie.
"Hey Livvy." Brittany closes the door quietly.
"Britty!" the girl hops up and hugs her sister "Tana is showing me all her Disney movies. Which one do you think I should watch?"
"I think whichever makes you feel the summery." Brittany says, and Liv looks through the selection thoughtfully before settling on Tangled.
"Good choice Liv" Santana says, setting the TV up for her "Now you remember our rule right?"
"Yup! If I come downstairs I wait at the bottom stairs until you, Ms.Ali or Go Go comes to me!" Liv says.
"And we've got water up here right? So only come down if you need somebody to help you right?" Santana reminds.
"Yeah! I don't really get why I can't come down though. I wants to dance too." she frowns.
"We'll have our own dance party soon Livvy. But you're too little to dance with the big kids. Finn might step on you." Santana warns.
"Can Asher stay with me?" Liv asks.
"Yeah that's a good idea." Santana says.
"Awesome!" Liv says, hugging the dog.
"Good boy Asher." Santana praises.
"Alright Livvy, we're going to go now okay?" Brittany says kissing her sister's forehead.
"Yup! Night night!" she says, cuddling with Asher as Santana presses play on the movie.
"You okay Sanny?" Brittany asks as they close the door.
"Yeah, I just needed a short break." Santana nods "I wanted to change and wash the chlorine out of my hair anyway."
"Alright, as long as you're not feeling too much anxiety with everyone being here." Brittany says softly.
"I'm okay, really. Let's go dance, it's summer babe!" Santana says. As they reach the foot of the stairs, the song changes.
"I love this one!" Brittany says "Let's go dance San!" and the Latina smiles as they make their way to the dance floor.
Sad summer daze, don't fade away