When Santana awakes the next morning, it's to the sound of distant laughter. It takes her a second to decided whether or not she's actually awake, because that laughter? She's pretty sure she knows who it belongs too and if that's the case: What the fuck?
The last thing she'd expect is for Brittany to go rogue, but as she pushes herself to sit up she notices that the blanket Brittany stole from her last night has made its way back onto the bed.
Her pillow too!
In fact, with a glance around no one would be able to tell that they slept separately last night.
Santana hates to say it, but she's just a little impressed.
\\
When she finally makes her way downstairs, Santana finds that the record player has been broken out and the sounds of Donna Summer fills the air. As Santana gets closer to the source, she finds Brittany and Maribel standing around the kitchen counter dressed in aprons.
They don't notice Santana at first, too busy concentrating on whatever pastries they're working on. Brittany has her blonde hair tied up in a messy bun while Maribel wears her reading glasses, and together they knead small mounds of dough with their hands as they chat.
Santana watches with curious interest; she's never seen her mom cook with anyone else Santana's brought home. Usually her guests are a little hesitant to leave her side let alone abandon her altogether in favor of hanging out with her mom.
Suddenly her eavesdropping is interrupted by a swift poke to her ribs.
"Jesus!" Santana shrieks which instantly earns her another poke and a scowl. She rubs at her side as Abuela brushes past her. "You trying to give someone a heart attack?"
Upon Santana's interruption, Maribel and Brittany look up to find her standing in the doorway. It only takes a moment before the blonde is slipping into her role of girlfriend again and making her way over while Abuela joins Maribel.
"Mornin', Sleepyhead!" Brittany greets happily before a quick kiss is pressed to Santana's cheek. "I thought you weren't getting up until noon."
"We're not far from it," Maribel notes with a nod to the clock.
Santana smiles apologetically as all eyes are on her, "Sorry. It must be the jetlag."
Brittany chuckles, "There isn't a time difference though."
Santana doesn't answer, just follows Brittany over to the counter where Abuela stands eyeing their handywork. She makes a few pinches to the dough here and another adjustment there, always ever so critical of the cooking being done.
"What's going on here?" Santana asks.
"Just getting ready for tonight," Maribel replies. "Lots to do, but Brittany offered to help us."
"Oh really?" Santana glances to Brittany.
The blonde just shrugs, "I'm an early riser. I figured I'd make myself useful."
"Unlike Santana," Maribel smirks.
Brittany chuckles, "Yeah. It's a struggle to get that one out of bed."
While the pair laugh together, Santana wishes she could roll her eyes. After how they ended the night before, she wasn't sure if Brittany was going to stay on top of her game but it seems like she's more determined that ever. Santana didn't think it would be at her expense though.
"Well that was nice of you to help out," Santana compliments in favor of being snarky.
Brittany shrugs, "I just hope that mine don't stick out like sore thumbs compared to Maribel's."
Santana glances to the counter and nods, "I'm sure they'll turn out great."
"They will," Maribel assures. "You know Abuela watches everything that comes out of this kitchen like a hawk."
There's a small smile on Abuela's lips before she goes back to stirring a pot of something on the stove. Santana notes the silence and wonders if Abuela has still yet to say a word to Brittany, but there's no time to ask as Maribel tosses her an apron.
"You know the drill, Santana. If you're going to be in here you better start working," Maribel instructs with a sudden sternness.
"Mami," Santana pouts. "Can't I at least have a coffee first? I just woke up…"
Maribel tuts, "You and your father are so similar. Always needing coffee before doing anything. Why couldn't you have taken after me instead?"
"Yes, an age old question," Santana sighs as she looks to Brittany. "Have you eaten or did they just put you straight to work?"
Maribel cuts Santana with a glare while Brittany only chuckles to lighten to mood.
"I ate but I could go for a coffee."
"Awesome," Santana then tosses the apron aside and takes Brittany by the hand. "I'm stealing her and your car now. Be back later!"
Santana assumed Brittany would've willingly followed, but surprisingly Brittany looks back at her work with a look of hesitance. Would she really rather stay behind? Santana figured she'd be dying to break away for a little while, but apparently not?
"Will that be okay?" Brittany ends up asking. "I can continue helping when we come back?"
Santana's eyes widen. What is she doing? Gunning for the perfect daughter award now too?
Maribel and Abuela share an unreadable look before nodding to Brittany.
"That's okay, Brittany," Maribel replies. "There's more than enough left to be done."
"Awesome," Brittany bounces a little on her toes before leaving the kitchen.
Santana turns to follow after her when Maribel calls out to her. The sound of her being beckoned in that tone already has the hairs on the back of Santana's neck standing on end.
"Yes?"
"You could learn a thing or two from her," Maribel scolds. "When's the last time you've offered to help around here before running off?"
Santana doesn't have a response, just nods before she follows Brittany outside.
\\
Once they're in the car, Santana feels like a weight has been lifted. Even behind closed doors, they still have to maintain the act because walls are thin and you never know who might be walking by. However, being trapped alone together in the car is like the first real break since they got off the plane.
Despite the break though, the silence between them is heavy.
Santana's gripping the steering wheel like her life depends on it with her eyes focused hard on the road while Brittany only stares out the window. The tension reminds Santana of last night and once again, the annoyance is back in full force.
They're only in the car for five more minutes before Brittany speaks.
"Have I done something wrong?" She asks.
Santana blinks, breaking her staring contest with the road in favor of glancing to Brittany. The blonde has her brows furrowed and there's a look of confusion on her face. It makes Santana feel ridiculous for being annoyed in the first place which annoys her even more.
"I don't know," Santana grumbles.
She can still feel Brittany's eyes on her, burning holes into the side of her face but she can't look at her anymore. Looking at her makes Santana feel irrational and she hates it because she doesn't understand why that is.
"Is this about what Maribel said before?"
Santana clenches her jaw, but doesn't answer. She didn't think Brittany heard her, but apparently she did. Knowing that only makes Santana feel worse, but Brittany frowns and tries again.
"Is this about last night?"
"I said I don't know," Santana suddenly snaps.
Brittany purses her lips in thought as they fall even deeper into awkward tension. In reality, Santana really doesn't know what she feels. She was never great at navigating her feelings let alone talking about them so Brittany's badgering just puts her on edge.
"Well figure it out," Brittany finally replies after a long pause. "I'm laying down some pretty solid ground work and I don't want you messing it up with a mood swing or whatever is going on with you."
Santana laughs bitterly, "Oh, that's right! I forgot you're apparently the World's Greatest Girlfriend who can do no wrong."
"What?" Brittany frowns. "Where is this coming from?"
Santana grits her teeth, "I have to deal with everyone thinking you're so perfect on campus and now I have to deal with in here."
"Isn't that why you asked me to do this?" Brittany argues. "I don't know why you're suddenly giving me shit."
Santana shakes her head, "Because I don't understand why you always have to go above and beyond! You just kiss everyone's ass and it's so annoying!"
"You literally asked me to play this role, Santana. You asked me to be here," Brittany replies. "You wanted this to be convincing so that's what I'm doing."
"Yeah well, you don't have to make me look like shit in the process."
"Are you kidding me?"
Santana doesn't answer, just focuses on the road.
"Here's a thought, maybe you wouldn't look so shit if you gave just an ounce of effort," Brittany tells her. There's a firmness to her tone that makes something within Santana rattle. "So what if I'm trying to bond with your family? You told me that's what needed to be done! Don't get mad at me because I'm actually trying. You want different results? Put in the work."
"Okay fine, whatever," Santana huffs as she pulls into the Starbucks drive-thru.
Brittany huffs to and crosses her arms. She's a little red in the face – surely Santana's doing – and it seems so out of place on the blonde. Santana's been able to wind her up in the past, but she's never seen Brittany look this visibly pissed. At least that's one thing Santana doesn't have a problem doing.
But the longer they sit in silence, Santana begins to reflect on her words.
It really wasn't her best work, but she's been known to struggle with shutting the hell up. Once she's on a roll, it's like she can't back down. Whether she's right or wrong, she's got to have the last word.
Even now, she knows she was out of line coming at Brittany after she's been nothing but great but there's this little voice in her head – let's call her Snixx – and Snixx likes to stir the pot. Snixx likes to encourage the anger and frustration inside Santana and Snixx doesn't care how it effects anyone.
\\
As they get closer to order, the guilt really starts to set in next.
That coupled with the heavy silence has Santana feeling like such an ass. Of course she can't admit that she was an ass because like…pride but they can't go back to the house with this weighing on them either.
There has to be something she can do, something she can say to ease the tension? Something that can break the ice?
"Did you want anything?" Santana asks in a meek voice.
Brittany's a little hesitant to answer and at first Santana thinks she might be getting the silent treatment now, but then there's a quiet sigh.
"Is this your way of saying you're sorry for being a jerk?"
Santana rolls her eyes although she feels a blush setting in. Brittany looks at her like she's completely transparent and it makes Santana want to run and hide. It's like Brittany knows that Santana knows she messed up, so why be a dick about it?
Karma, Santana guesses.
"Do you want a drink or not?" Santana asks but her tone lacks the usual sass.
Brittany seems to notice, but she stares back challengingly anyway.
"Peppermint Mocha," She finally answers.
"Okay."
"With whipped cream."
"Okay."
"And peppermint sprinkles, not the chocolate shavings."
Santana sighs, "Okay. Anything else?"
"And maybe one of those cake pop things."
Santana can tell Brittany's just messing with her now. If this is her way of apologizing then it's only fair that Brittany orders whatever she wants.
"Is that all?" Santana asks.
Brittany ponders for a moment before nodding, "That's all."
"Okay," Santana answers and goes on to relay their order to the cashier.
\\
Once they've got their drinks and snacks, Santana parks the car in a spot that overlooks the busy road. They mostly sit in silence; Santana nibbles on her panini while Brittany sips on her drink. The radio is on so there's at least something to fill the void, but Santana doesn't really find much joy in repetitive Christmas music.
As she changes the station, Brittany frowns.
"I was listening to that," She says as she changes it back.
Santana matches her expression, "You like this?"
"It's nice."
"It's depressing."
Brittany gives her a look, "How?"
"Bells will be ringin' the sad, sad news," Santana belts out suddenly.
Brittany starts to smile, "Okay of all the Christmas songs –"
Santana sings over her, "Oh, what a Christmas to have the blues."
"I don't think this is the best representation of – "
"My baby's gone. I have no friends. To wish me greetings once again!"
This time Brittany doesn't interject; she can't because Santana's singing overpowers her. There's a little smug grin beginning to form on Santana's face as she finishes on the last note though.
"See?" She says in a normal voice. "Depressing as hell."
Brittany chuckles, "Okay. That one was depressing, but can we talk about the elf in the room?"
"That I've got a killer voice?"
"Not that," Brittany waves her off.
"Uh rude."
"I mean, it's alright," Brittany smirks, "Are we just going to ignore the fact that you knew the lyrics to that song by heart?"
Santana rolls her eyes, "My dad travelled for work a lot when I was younger. He was almost never home for Christmas so take a lucky guess which two songs my mom constantly had on repeat."
"Rough," Brittany replies.
"Yeah," Santana nods. "The holidays are overrated."
"Okay Scrooge," Brittany jokes.
"It's true! It's just party after party and everyone's suddenly all about joy and world peace or whatever. Don't even get me started on the headache that is Christmas shopping. It's all a nightmare because the Lopez clan is huge and they all need gifts."
While Santana rambles Brittany only stares down at her coffee in thought, her finger tracing the lid in slow circles.
"But hanging out with your family," Brittany mentions. "Having them all in one place every year, that's kind of nice?"
"Is it?"
"I don't remember the last time mine were together like that. I'm not really that close with my family."
"Lucky you," Santana jokes.
"Yeah," Brittany says quietly which causes Santana's smile to drop.
She remembers how she spent this year's Christmas – alone at home with a bottle of wine and Netflix – and how much of a welcomed break it was from the usual festivities. Santana loved the alone time, but Brittany? She remembers her saying she'd still be on campus and it makes her wonder how she spent the day too or more importantly, why she didn't return home like everyone else?
Santana doesn't ask though, unsure if that's a line she's willing to cross.
"Well, you'll get your fix tonight," Santana tries joking again. "Like I said, the Lopez clan is huge. They'll be changing your tune, just give them an hour."
Brittany smiles but it isn't as bright as it usually is.
\\
Once they get back to Maribel's, Brittany joins Maribel and Abuela in cooking once again. Santana's a little reluctant but she tags along too, remembering what Brittany said before about effort and Maribel's final words about learning something from the girl.
Santana already has to deal with Brittany always one-upping her on campus – she doesn't need it at home too. So although there are other things she'd much rather be doing, she sits alongside the three of them. They talk about Santana and Brittany's studies, the assignment they're working on together while throwing in little details about how their relationship progressed.
"Don't you all need to get ready?" Eddie interrupts the chatter with a confused look on his face.
Neither of them realize it, but they've ended up spending the entire afternoon chatting. It's not something Santana usually does, but it surprisingly wasn't all that painful since conversation didn't solely consist of dissecting her love life. Maybe having a fake girlfriend by her side is something she should've done a long time ago?
"Oh! You're right. We better get ready," Maribel mentions once she sees the time. "Everyone should be arriving within the next hour or so."
"As if anyone shows up on time," Santana jokes.
Maribel gives her a look before turning to Eddie, "Do you mind bringing out the extra chairs?"
"Already done," He grins. "I can finish up here. You all go."
Santana doesn't have to be told twice before she and Brittany head upstairs.
\\
Similar to last night, Santana and Brittany move quietly around each other like a well-rehearsed dance. Brittany parks herself in front of Santana's bedroom mirror with her makeup bag while Santana heads to the bathroom to get changed into something a little more formal.
Once Santana finishes up awhile later, she rejoins Brittany in her room where she finds her lounging on the bed scrolling through her phone.
"Finally," Brittany comments while Santana closes the door behind her.
"Perfection takes time," Santana quips. "I see you packed a New Year's Eve sweater. Didn't know those were a thing."
Brittany snorts as she prepares to dish out a comeback, but Santana's surprised that it never comes. Instead, the annoyance shifts as Brittany looks at her for the first time.
"Oh, you're dressed so..."
Santana frowns at the possible implications before checking herself out in the stand up mirror. It's her usual attire for these kind of events – long sleeves to counter the short hem that someone's bound to scold her about, knit for the cold because it's ballsy to have her legs on display in this temperature, and deep red because she looks best in that color.
When Santana turns back to Brittany to ask what the problem is, the blonde is tugging at her sweater and glancing at her skirt.
"Should I change?" Brittany asks shyly. "I feel kind of underdressed compared to you."
Santana softens upon hearing the unexpected tone. It's not like Brittany's showing up in ripped jeans and a hoodie, so Santana's not sure where the concern is coming from.
"No you're fine," Santana ends up assuring her with a shake of her head, "I like your boots."
"Oh," Brittany sticks out her boot to show it off a little more. "I have them in black too, they were on sale."
"Love me a good deal," Santana jokes.
"Me too."
Brittany then goes to stand, eyeing Santana's dress before looking down at her sweater again.
"You sure this is okay though?" Brittany asks. "I don't want your entire family thinking I don't clean up well."
Santana sighs, "As much as I'd love to lie to you so that I can listen to everyone bag on your fashion choices, that wouldn't really benefit me. When you look good, I look good."
Brittany's brows furrow with confusion, "You're not really good at giving fashion advice."
Santana rolls her eyes, "I'm not used to someone asking, that's why."
Brittany frowns and it has Santana softening again.
"You look good," Santana tells her. "I'm sure someone's going to think you look very cute in your sweater. It's bound to get loads of compliments tonight."
Brittany mulls over Santana's words for a moment before nodding.
"Was that better?"
Brittany nods again, "Yup."
"Okay great," Santana looks back at herself in the mirror and tussles her hair. "Are you ready to get down there now?"
Brittany sucks in a deep breath, "Ready as I'll ever be."
\\
As soon as the new couple makes their appearance, they're bombarded by several family members. There are compliments all around, cheek-pinches, tight hugs and lots of congratulating. If Santana didn't know any better, she'd think that someone told them that she and Brittany are newly engaged judging by the swarm.
Then again, Maribel's probably told them that Brittany and Santana have been dating for weeks now which is way longer than any other relationship Santana's had. Gossip in her family travels very fast, especially when it's about her.
Any other girl Santana has brought home would've caved under the attention Santana's aunts and cousins are giving them, but Brittany surprisingly does well. She remains kind and polite as introductions are reeled off and once again Santana finds herself being a little impressed.
\\
Awhile later, Brittany's seated in an arm chair surrounded by some of Santana's aunts while Santana watches from afar as she gets them both a drink. She can hear Brittany's laughter, much like she did that morning, and wonders what's so funny. The aunts that she's with are some of the older, more gossipy ones so they can't be that hilarious.
"I see Brittany's getting along well with everyone," Maribel notes as she comes up beside Santana.
"I told you she's pretty charismatic," Santana answers.
"Uh-huh," Maribel hums and turns to Santana. "There's something different about her."
Santana attempts to keep her cool, not wanting to give away how Maribel's comment makes her feel uneasy.
"I know," She replies before it because suspicious. "I think that's why we work so well together."
Maribel nods, "Opposites attract."
"That's what they tell me," Santana answers.
"Hmm," Maribel turns to start pouring herself a drink. "You know Maria's here."
"Who's Maria?"
Maribel frowns, "My friend? I set you up with her daughter?"
Santana instantly cringes, "Oh please don't tell me Francesca is here too? I don't need that kind of drama in my life."
Maribel chuckles, "She's not here."
"Thank God."
"Does Brittany know about that?"
Santana quirks a brow, "Does she know about you setting me up on blind dates against my will?"
Maribel's expression hardens.
"No," Santana answers. "That's not something I wanted to explain to her considering it was super embarrassing. Our relationship was new anyway, I didn't want to scare her off."
"I see," Maribel replies. "I guess it ended up working out anyway."
"It did," Santana says as she looks back to Brittany who's admiring one of the aunt's wedding ring. "See what happens when you don't meddle in my love life?"
Maribel just swats at Santana's shoulder. "I didn't meddle. It was just a little guidance."
"Okay Mami," Santana laughs before heading over to Brittany.
Blue eyes flicker to meet hers once Santana gets close enough. They're unreadable as Santana perches on the arm of Brittany's chair. She leans down, her lips close to Brittany's cheek.
"Let me know when you want a break," Santana discreetly whispers before handing her a glass of wine.
Brittany smiles in thanks, "It's not so bad. They're way more interesting than my family and the food's a whole lot better too. And you're right, everyone loves my sweater!"
Santana chuckles and goes to sip her drink while Brittany jumps back into the conversation happening around them. The more she drinks, the less concerned about every little movement they make, the less worry she feels about what everyone's thinking and if they're believing this act.
\\
As they get closer to midnight, Santana loosens up more.
When Brittany leans back a little and slides an arm around Santana's hips, she barely flinches. She actually leans into it, moving to play with the tips of Brittany's softly tussled hair while the blonde tells the aunts about some reality show they all watch.
Santana's not really listening, all the voices in the room and everything happening is all a blur. Not because she has a slight buzz going, but because this is what happens every family gathering. The aunts gather and gossip, the uncles drink and talk about business, the younger cousins run around, the older ones seclude themselves to one room where they sit on their phones and Maribel and Alma pump out dish after dish making sure everyone's fed.
Usually Santana would've snuck out to the garage with her date by now for a quickie or at the very least a steamy make out session, but she finds herself in a very different position this time. She has to pretend like she knows anything about a long lasting relationship or any relationship really that doesn't revolve around sex which is a new concept for her.
"Well look who it is!"
Suddenly another one of Santana's cousins makes their presence known in a flashy wave of their arms. Santana knows the voice before she sees who it is, but Brittany's looking up at her in confusion.
"Who's she?"
"My super spoiled cousin," Santana quips as the girl steps closer.
"I'm one of many, but the only one that matters the most."
Santana rolls her eyes and glances to Brittany, "See what I mean?"
"Hi," She greets with her hand out. "Sugar."
"Hey," Brittany replies as she takes the girl's hand. "Sweetheart?"
Sugar's eyes narrow while Brittany looks back innocently.
"Sugar's her name," Santana supplies.
Brittany blushes, "Oh!"
"It's actually a nickname," Sugar corrects.
"It's not," Santana laughs and turns to Brittany. "My uncle was totally high when he thought of it."
"He was not!" Sugar huffs. "That's just a rumor which he put to rest years ago."
"Not a rumor," Santana whispers to Brittany.
"Anyway," Sugar rolls her eyes in a similar fashion as Santana before looking to the blonde. "You must be Brittany. The serious girlfriend everyone won't stop talking about."
Brittany glances up at Santana then back to Sugar, "That's me. Hope it's all good things you've been hearing or this would be super awkward."
"Oh they're super good things!" Sugar replies enthusiastically before moving to sit across from them. The aunts that were there have moved on to the kitchen, but Santana's sure it's because they can't stand Sugar either.
"Of course they're good," Santana says as she drapes her arm around Brittany's shoulders for a cuddle.
"I kind of find it suspicious," Sugar tells them simply.
"What?" Brittany and Santana say in unison.
"You seem nice," Sugar says to Brittany. "Relatively normal and a lot less trashy than the usual Santana brings around."
"Nice Sugar," Santana scoffs. "Talk to my current girlfriend about my past relationships."
Sugar waves her off, "I'd hardly call them that."
Brittany catches Sugar's hand and gasps, "Wow, that's a nice ring!"
Santana looks to her, amazed by the smooth distraction.
"Isn't it?" Sugar beams at the engagement ring on her finger. "It weighs a ton!"
"Looks like it," Brittany smiles before sitting back. "Is your fiancé here?""
"Yeah. Where is Mr. Moneybags?" Santana wonders as she eyes the room.
"Don't call him that and he's working."
"Oh, what does he do?" Brittany asks in attempt to keep the spotlight off of them and on Sugar instead.
Santana scoffs, "I don't know if I'd consider getting high on your own supply working."
Brittany looks to Santana curiously.
"Brett's a stoner," Santana tells her.
Sugar swats at her cousin's arm, "He's not! He's actually the nation's leading cannabis connoisseur and he takes his work very seriously."
"Of course he does," Santana winks before mouthing to Brittany. "He's a stoner."
"I saw that," Sugar frowns before turning to Brittany. "There's a lot more to the job than you'd think. You know he's recently signed a deal with Bobby Flay to collaborate on a new cookbook? He's basically a ginger Snoop Dog."
"So he raps too?" Brittany asks innocently.
"Well, no," Sugar replies. "But that might come later down the line."
"God, I don't think anyone needs to hear that man rap," Santana laughs. "And Bobby Flay? Is he still relevant?"
Sugar rolls her eyes and goes to admire her ring, "I don't ask questions. I just cash checks."
"Wow," Brittany says. "Well, I can't wait to meet him."
Sugar smiles appreciatively.
"I still can't believe your dad is okay with you marrying this guy," Santana jokes. "My mom would lose it."
Sugar shrugs, "You know daddy, everything's a future business venture. Anything to boost the Motta name."
A realization hits Brittany, "Wait…Motta? As in the infamous Motta Pianos drug scandal?"
"Different Motta," Sugar abruptly says. "At least that's what daddy told me."
Brittany looks to Santana skeptically but Santana just shrugs.
"Well," Santana glances at the time. "Hopefully he turns up soon."
Sugar rolls her eyes, "He promised he'd be here in time for midnight and he never breaks his promise."
"So, so romantic," Santana teases.
Sugar waves her off again, "You wouldn't know a thing about it."
"I don't know," Brittany pipes in. "Santana's pretty romantic when she puts her mind to it."
Santana's brows rise, same as Sugar's.
"Really?" Sugar questions.
Brittany nods, "Believe me, it caught me by surprise too but she's got a sweet side to her. It's one of the many things I like about her."
Santana finds her ego getting a good boost even if the compliment is made up.
"Santana's a total teddy bear underneath her hard exterior," Brittany adds as she smiles adoringly.
Sugar doesn't look too convinced though, "Why can't I picture that?"
Santana rolls her eyes, "Probably because no one has ever made me feel the way Brittany has. She makes me want to do things different, things I wouldn't do with anyone else. She makes me want to slow down."
That seemed to resonate a little more with Sugar while Brittany squeezes at Santana's thigh and coos.
"Oh honeybunch," Brittany goes to pinch her cheek. "You know, just the other week Santana surprised me with a candle-lit dinner."
"I did?" Santana accidentally blurts. Brittany gives her a pointed look and Santana quickly changes her tone, "That's right, I did."
Sugar looks between the two suspiciously.
"You should've seen it, Sugar," Brittany says. "It was the most romantic thing anyone's ever done for me, a little cliché but I loved it. There were rose petals and jazz and Santana cooked this beautiful meal. It was totally unexpected."
Sugar blinks and looks to Santana, "You did that?"
Santana masks her slight surprise and sells it, "Anything for my girl."
"I don't know," Sugar looks at them skeptically. "You don't do romance. You hate it."
"I-I don't hate it…"
"You do, you've specifically told me on numerous occasions that romance is for suckers."
Santana smiles nervously at Brittany, but the blonde is quick to dispute Santana's previous stance.
"Well, she's definitely changed her stance," Brittany says lovingly. "Show her the pictures."
Santana looks back at her wondering if she forgot that they just made up this entire romantic moment on the spot and they're aren't any pictures. She of course can't ask her so she has to be crafty.
"I don't have any," Santana thinks on her feet too. "I mean, I don't have any that I could show her. Those pictures are for us."
"Oh! That's right," Brittany goes along with it. "We just couldn't help ourselves. We didn't even eat until hours later."
"Oh no, we ate."
"Gross," Sugar scrunches her nose. "Nevermind, this sounds accurate now."
Santana laughs, "You should've been there. Actually, maybe not because there was a lot going on."
Sugar starts to grimace again, "Please stop."
"Brittany practically jumped me."
"Did I?" Brittany challenges. "I recall you were the one doing the – "
"Okay, way too much info!" Sugar quickly interrupts.
"Sorry. Anyway, it was very pretty," Brittany says.
"Probably some of my best work," Santana adds.
Brittany agrees and goes to kiss Santana on the cheek, "You're the sweetest."
"You hear that?" Santana quips at Sugar. "I'm the sweetest."
Sugar eyes the both of them as she sits back. "Shit. I guess this really is serious."
\\
After their talk with Sugar, Santana and Brittany move about the other guests and mingle. By now, Brittany's met most of Santana's family and so far everyone seems to like her. Santana knows from past experience that it's still too soon to tell though, but Brittany seems to be holding up a lot better than she expected.
"For the lovebirds," Sugar says as she waltzes over with a couple party crowns and hands them off.
"Nice!" Brittany grins happily and puts on the crown with ease.
Santana sighs, "These are so lame."
"I'll tell your mom you said that," Sugar quips.
"Snitch."
"Grump."
"I like them," Brittany interrupts with a flick at the crown, the new year in bulky, sparkly numbers. "I feel very festive."
"Aren't they? And they match your sweater which is super cute by the way," Sugar compliments before looking to Santana. "I still don't understand she's with you."
"You don't need to," Santana tells her before sliding her out the way in favor of standing closer to Brittany. "We should get our bubbles now. I see Abuela walking around with them."
"There's bubbles here too?" Brittany asks in surprise. "You guys really go all out!"
"I'm talking about champagne," Santana replies with a smirk. "Come on."
They leave Sugar once again and make their way over. Abuela's returned to a small table lined with champagne flutes and holds a bottle of something expensive in her hands.
"Need a hand?" Brittany asks, ever so helpful.
Abuela looks between them and shakes her head before speaking to Santana, once again in Spanish only. Santana finds herself feeling a little annoyed by Abuela's behavior, but she only listens and nods. She's not trying to pick a fight and Abuela knows how to cause a scene.
Meanwhile Brittany looks away, attempting to mask the dejection.
"I said I understand," Santana suddenly says. She softens when she realizes her tone and quietly takes the two flutes Abuela holds out for her and Brittany.
"Thanks," Brittany says softly as Santana leads the way elsewhere. It takes her a moment before she asks, "What was that about?"
Santana shakes her head, "She's just being petty."
"Oh," Brittany goes to take a sip of her champagne. "Is it me?"
"It's not."
"Are you sure? I've been trying to bond with her but the language barrier makes it a little hard. I didn't know that she doesn't speak English."
Santana shakes her head, "Oh no, she does. She's just fucking with you."
"Wait what?" Brittany looks to Abuela in disbelief. "Why would she do that?"
"Like I said, she's petty."
Brittany looks back at her, wanting more information.
"She doesn't think you'll last," Santana clarifies. "She's tired of spending the time to learn someone new just to never see them again so…she's just not going to do it this time. She's not going to try."
Brittany frowns and Santana actually feels a little bad about being so truthful. Her abuela is as stubborn as they come, so Brittany shouldn't really take it that personally but the look on her face tells Santana she's a little too late.
"Look, who cares what she thinks," Santana reasons. "The person we really need to focus on convincing is my mom."
Brittany nods, "Okay. Right."
"Yeah, so don't mind her," Santana says and clinks Brittany's flute with her own. "Drink up, I'm winning."
"It's always a competition with you," Brittany smirks before taking another sip.
\\
For the next hour, they snack on all the various dishes and continue drinking until Eddie announces that they're fifteen minutes away from ringing in the new year. Most of the guests have on some type of party hat or party glasses and Eddie goes to turn on the live stream of Times Square Ball Drop while flutes are topped up.
Santana and Brittany join the others as everyone migrates to the living room, everyone awaiting the screen to fill with the countdown.
"Do you have a resolution in mind?" Brittany asks.
Santana glances to her at the unexpected question, but Brittany's eyes are focused on the screen before them.
Santana's never been one to make a resolution because she doubts she'd ever commit to actually keeping it. However, for the sake of answering Brittany she thinks about it. Most resolutions are about losing weight or getting fit which doesn't apply to her because she's already got a smoking hot bod. Other popular resolutions relate to a career – which she doesn't have yet – or her love life – which is set since she already has a fake girlfriend.
At a loss for an answer, Santana shrugs.
"I don't think so," She says. "How about you?"
Brittany shrugs too, "I don't think I know yet either. Maybe travel more or learn a language? Something like that."
Santana nods, "Well I can definitely help with the travelling one. Thank God I've got access to my dad's frequent flyer miles."
Brittany chuckles before they're interrupted by Santana's family beginning to count down the last minute before the new year. Santana laughs at their enthusiasm while Brittany joins in, shouting just as loud as everyone else. The walls are practically rattling as everyone counts down together.
"5…4…3…2…1!"
"Happy New Year," Brittany tells Santana in a much calmer voice.
Santana replies, "Happy New Year."
There's suddenly an awkward tension between them because couples around are kissing each other, family members hug, meanwhile they just stand there not moving a muscle. Santana tries to relieve the tension before anyone notices and quickly kisses Brittany's cheek.
"The cheek?" Sugar points out.
She's hanging off her fiancé Brett – who really did turn up in time – and there's a look of pure judgement on her face. She's also drunk as hell, but Santana tenses at being called out anyway.
"Woah. Chill babe," Brett tells her coolly.
"You saw that right?" Sugar asks him.
"See what?"
"Honestly, Brett!"
The louder she gets, the more attention is pointed their way and it makes Santana feel even more antsy. Maybe this is it? Maybe this where they get found out? Santana can't say they're not into PDA because that's so not her so what other excuse could there be?
"Just do it," Brittany whispers suddenly.
Santana looks at her in surprise while Sugar's wrapped up Brett trying to feed her a glass of water. She can't have a whole debate with Brittany right now, she can't point out that they've yet to kiss each other anywhere else besides the cheek, she can't opt for a different way out because the blonde is already pulling her in.
Brittany's hand cradles Santana's cheek while the other falls to her waist. It's hard for Santana to stay in character because she really didn't anticipate having to do something like this in front of everyone – which is pretty silly considering it's New Year's Eve and people usually kiss their partners.
God, why didn't she think of this?!
There's no time to beat herself up about it though. She braces herself, giving Brittany total control for the first time.
The last thing she sees is piercing blue eyes flickering between hers before they flutter shut.
The next thing she feels are the soft lips pressing into hers with a kind of gentleness that she isn't used to. What Santana's used to is hard and fast, all teeth and an insatiable need – not this…tenderness.
Then just as fast as it happened, it's over.
Brittany pulls away, blinking slowly while Santana does the same. There's a split second where those around them cheer – even Sugar – but Santana doesn't really hear it. She's too busy staring at Brittany, still in complete disbelief that she just did that.
She just kissed her.
Once the novelty wears off, everyone goes back to mingling with each other around the house while Santana and Brittany stay put.
"I'm surprised I didn't throw up," Brittany comments lowly.
Santana's taken aback by the comment and snorts, "I'm a little nauseous if I'm being honest."
"Oh really?"
"It was a real struggle for me."
Brittany snorts this time, "How do you think I feel? I thought you were meant to be the experienced one, but kissing you was like kissing a wall – you didn't even move!"
"I was clearly taken by surprise…"
"Bullshit. I gave you a signal."
"What?" Santana laughs, "What signal?"
"The look," Brittany recreates a stare that doesn't really give Santana much.
"Was that it?"
"Yes!"
"It's not a very good signal."
Brittany rolls her eyes, "Seriously though…that was a close one."
"Very," Santana agrees.
\\
Santana and Brittany hang around downstairs awhile longer before guests begin to head home for the night. With a late morning flight the next day, Santana and Brittany retreat to Santana's room too to get ready for bed.
Again, they do their familiar dance of taking turns in the bathroom and getting changed into their pajamas in private until they find themselves standing in front of the bed. Santana glances to Brittany, seeing if she'll be setting up the makeshift bed again.
She gets her answer when Brittany reaches for a couple pillows and starts pulling off the comforter.
"Really?" Santana jokes as she plops down on the bed. "Can I at least get another pillow?"
Brittany shakes her head as she builds her nest of cushions and blankets.
"You're up there and I'm down here on the floor," Brittany replies. "Who needs more pillows?"
"You chose to be down there."
"Because I'm not getting in a bed with you."
"So you've said a million times," Santana replies as she gets comfortable under the covers.
"Well get used to it because it's not happening," Brittany tells her. "Ever."
"You know, you're probably the first person that has said that to me?"
Brittany snorts, "With your reputation, I believe it."
Santana's jaw drops a little, "Ouch."
Brittany pokes her head up from the end of the bed, "Don't act like your feelings are hurt."
Santana raises her chin, "They're not."
Brittany eyes her before sinking back down. Once she's out of sight, Santana slumps wondering why the brunt of how everyone views her actually relies on other people. Her mom and Abuela, even Brittany, don't see her for her but instead the people she surrounds herself with.
It starts to really set in that her accomplishments, her fantastic grades, her near perfect GPA don't seem to mean much when she has the kind of reputation she does. Does no one see how ridiculous that is? It's her personal life, so what if she doesn't want to be tied down?
She can understand her mom and abuela taking that stance, because they're old school but Brittany too? Not that she cares about her opinion, but she figured she'd have a different point of view considering she wasn't raised in the dark ages.
Apparently though, it doesn't matter and the frustration she feels upon the realization keeps her up for another hour or so before she finally tires herself out.
\\
Despite the late night, Santana awakes earlier than usual. She finds that even Brittany's still asleep before she quietly sneaks out of the room and heads downstairs. She can hear Maribel in the kitchen and the smell of fresh coffee fills the air.
"This is a sight," Maribel notes from her spot at the counter.
Santana just grunts and scuffles her way over to the coffee pot where a mug awaits her.
"Hungry? I'll make some breakfast soon."
Santana shakes her head, "This will be okay for now."
Maribel hums and together they sit at the counter and sip their coffees in silence. Santana's slowly starting to feel like a person again as the brew goes down, but Maribel doesn't let the silence stick around.
"So Brittany," She says.
Santana's brows rise as she glances to her mom. She couldn't even last five minutes without bringing up her relationship.
"I think she's really lovely," Maribel admits. "Not the usual kind of girl you bring home, but it's a nice change. A welcomed change."
Santana nods, biting her cheek in the process because those feelings she fell asleep to are still strong. The last thing she wants to talk or even think about is how happy Maribel is with Santana solely because she with Brittany now. Yes, that's the point but it still.
"I just hope that she'll stick around a little longer," Maribel adds.
"She will," Santana answers resolutely.
Maribel only sips from her mug slowly.
\\
A few hours later, Santana and Brittany are on their flight back to campus.
Like the first flight over, Brittany's tense until they get to cruising altitude and she can busy herself with homework.
Santana on the other hand keeps her earbuds in and tries tuning out the world. Unlike before, Santana doesn't have any interest in helping Brittany cope with her dislike for flying. She just wants to listen to her music and disappear in a bag of gummy bears after an exhausting past couple of days.
Not that they were physically exhausting, but try pretending to be into someone as annoying as Brittany. It's a lot of work, especially for Santana, and she's just about hit her breaking point.
She does pretty well in holding everything inside until Brittany leans over the arm rest that separates them, breaching her personal bubble. Her hand is going for Santana's bag of gummies and like a spoiled toddler Santana jolts the bag away before Brittany can reach it.
"Can I help you?" Santana snaps.
Brittany frowns, "Are you really not going to share?"
"These aren't for you."
"What happened to what's mine is yours?"
Santana gives her a look, "We're not married. We're barely even dating."
Brittany's frown deepens and the way she stares makes Santana focus hard on the bag in her hands. But even when she avoids eye contact, Santana can still feel the judgmental glare.
"Can you stop staring at me?"
Brittany huffs, "What's going on with you?"
"Nothing."
"Then what's your problem with me?"
Santana scoffs, "That's a pretty loaded question."
"Well, answer it because I'm sick of the attitude."
For Santana, those words are like lighting a firecracker within her.
"You wanna know what my problem is?" She snaps. "Ever since you transferred to Columbia you have been nothing but a pain in my ass."
"What? You can't be serious."
"It's like you've made it your mission in life to one up me every chance you get," Santana tells her. "I used to have the highest GPA and I was on track to be valedictorian until you came along. You know how it feels to work your ass off to get to where I am only for it to be taken away? A second time? I bet you don't."
Brittany slumps in her seat, "I-I'm not doing it on purpose."
Santana doesn't hear her reasoning. The floodgates within her have been blown wide open.
"Not to mention your head is so far up Professor Martinez's ass you might as well wear it as a hat!"
Brittany stiffens, "You don't know a thing about me, Santana."
"Please," Santana scoffs. "I know your type. Pretty, blonde and smart? You're the epitome of privilege."
Brittany's jaw drops but she quickly grits her teeth, "And what about you? Hot-headed Latina with a chip on her shoulder because she was probably burned by someone like me in the past?"
Santana's taken aback, but there's no way she's going to waver in front of Brittany. It doesn't seem to matter though, because Brittany sees the crack in Santana's façade.
"See? I can stereotype too," Brittany tells her upon the silence.
Santana shakes her head, "I don't need this."
"There you go quitting again," Brittany points out. "Probably a result of this girl. God, she really must've done a number on you. Makes sense why you can't commit to anything."
"Why are you so sure there's a girl?"
"There's always a girl."
Santana feels like she's beneath a microscope, but she looks back at Brittany challengingly.
"Well congrats, Brittany. You've got me all figured out. Great job," Santana replies, her words full of sarcasm.
Brittany shakes her head, "You know what your problem is?"
"I'm sure you're about to tell me."
"You're afraid," Brittany tells her simply. "And it's so obvious. You're afraid of commitment. You're afraid of opening up. You're afraid of your own mother because if you weren't we wouldn't be in this mess. You wouldn't be in this mess."
Santana bites her cheek even though Brittany's words really struck a nerve within her. She can't react though, she can't let Brittany know that she has successfully landed a blow. So Santana does what she does best and retreats.
"You're lucky we're stuck on this stupid plane together because the moment it lands, that's it," Santana tells her. "This is over. I'm done. I don't care about the job or what my mother thinks. It's not worth the headache of being stuck with you in this stupid relationship!"
"Good!"
"Fine!"
"Great!"
The two of them practically huff and cross their arms, turning away from each other since they can't stomp off for dramatic effect. The silence is heavy and thick though and it only intensifies the longer it weighs down on them.
Santana knows she might blowing things out of proportion, they both might be guilty of that, but how else was she meant to react? In reality, she knows she can't give up this easily. They've already laid down the ground work, she can't let it be for nothing.
Swallowing pride has never been something Santana's particularly good at doing, but she needs to figure it out before their plane touches down. She just hopes that whatever the reason might be that Brittany's doing this is enough for her to give this a second try.
"Look," Santana says timidly a long while later. "I'm sorry for how I acted."
Brittany glances to her but doesn't say a word.
"I know I can be a bitch sometimes and it's something that I struggle with," Santana admits. "But from now on, I can try to be less of a bitch to you. That is if you want to keep doing this, because as much as I hate to admit it – I can't do this without you."
Brittany mulls it over before nodding, "That was a much better apology."
Santana's smiles back in relief. There's a somewhat more relaxed quiet, but it doesn't last very long.
"I'm sorry for what I said before," She says. "About you being afraid. That wasn't very nice."
Santana smirks, "Honestly, I didn't know you had it in you."
"Yeah," Brittany sighs. "I don't know why I said that. I don't even know if there is a girl. I guess I was on a roll, being around you really brings it out of me I think."
Santana chuckles lightly, "Well…there was a girl so you weren't entirely wrong."
Brittany turns to her with brows raised, but Santana keeps her eyes averted elsewhere.
"Well, while we're on the topic of not being wrong," Brittany pauses. "I am a little bit of a kiss-ass in Professor Martinez's class."
"I knew it."
"I just never had a teacher like him, okay? I might've gotten a little excited about it."
"A little?"
"What?" Brittany replies timidly. "It's nice to be praised for thinking outside of the box rather than being punished for not staying in it."
Santana quirks her brow at that.
"For once, being different is seen as something good," Brittany continues. "You have no idea what it's like to be belittled, to be seen as this dumb blonde for so long just because my brain worked differently, to be pushed aside because no one thought I'd amount to anything."
"But you said you went to MIT," Santana replies. "Unless you were just saying that to impress my mom?"
"No, that was true," Brittany nods. "MIT was where I realized I was gifted. It was like I went from one extreme to another. I went from no one caring to suddenly everyone caring. They didn't care about me though, they cared about what I could do for them."
Santana stays quiet and listens. She's not familiar with this side of Brittany and if she's being honest it's kind of eye-opening.
"I didn't know," Santana replies softly.
"Most people don't. I've had a lot of people just…give up on me," Brittany tells her in a sigh. "You have no idea what that feels like, to be left behind."
"Yeah," Santana frowns as Brittany's words strike a chord, "I kind of do."
That takes Brittany by surprise, "Really?"
"Maybe not the same context but I definitely know the feeling," Santana replies then holds out her bag of gummies to share. There's a kind smile on her face for once as she says, "It sucks."
Brittany looks down at the bag and smirks before she takes a couple pieces and pops them into her mouth.
"You know," She says as she chews. "I kind of hate that we have this much in common."
Santana chuckles, "Me too."
A/N - Big shoutout to those who donated a coffee to me though ko-fi last week! It was a really nice treat that helped me stay somewhat sane during this lockdown (which hopefully only last a few more days). See you all next week!