Santana POV

It had been six months since Dani and I had made up. I still remember the multiple rounds of celebration like it was yesterday. There was no time for sex right now though; we were getting ready for Dani's first awards show. We had stayed true to our word about the truth of our relationship coming above the lies and the drama of the media; that's what made our partnership strong.

In the months since getting back together though the media was made well aware of the fact that the two of us were a couple; Dani had no problem confidently declaring that I was hers and that we were committed to one another. It took me some time to get used to the flashes of cameras going off when we were doing something as perfectly normal as grocery shopping, but it became something I could deal with. Dani's profession brought with it perks too, like free tickets, opportunities to travel, and having professional stylists, which came in handy right now.

"You look gorgeous," I told my girlfriend as we sat side by side in director chairs having our make-up done.

"I'm in a dressing gown San," Dani said brushing off the compliment.

"So?"

"So you should save that for when I'm completely ready for the night? Wait for the full reveal."

"Dani, you look gorgeous in the early hours of the morning, no make-up covering that beautiful face of yours."

The stylists fussing over us cooed at the cuteness. I smiled at them; explaining just how perfect Dani was off the stage too. They asked Dani if she was nervous about tonight, something that hadn't even crossed my mind as I considered her too courageous to ever be fearful.

"A little. I mean I don't expect to win," she told them, "but it's still a little nerve-wracking all the same. At least I'll have this girl's hand to crush as I hold it tightly in anticipation."

I outwardly frowned at the implication she was willing to crush my hand, but inwardly I knew I wouldn't have it any other way. That sense of being needed had always been something I enjoyed. Tonight Dani was up for Best Female Artist and, while I knew there was pretty substantial competition, I had no doubt her loyal fan base and outrageous talent could definitely cause a win for her. I was so very proud of her, winner or not, because she managed to keep all the dignity and strength through the tumultuous roller coaster that fame had sent brought her way.

"Oh my...Dani..." I said almost at a loss for words..."you look...perfect."

And she did. She wore this glorious white dress, which normally I would have said was more suited for the boardroom but on her looked amazing and very suiting to the occasion. The pale color of the fabric only served to show off her beautifully tanned skin and boy did it look delicious. I must have licked my lips unconsciously because I saw her smirk at the affect it was having on me. The cut of the dress was stunning too. I must admit I liked that it would seem conservative to most but from my position beside her I'd have an excellent view of her cleavage; a special treat just for me.

"Thanks darling. You look rather breathtaking yourself," she smiled and blushed simultaneously.

I looked down at my outfit choice. The stylist had picked out a bronze colored strapless dress. I'll admit it fit my body nice and snug and I guess it was pretty different to the usual, more casual, outfits Dani saw me in. I still refused to believe anyone could hold a candle to her though. Getting the call that our limo was parked outside my girl and I made our way to the elevator, down the seven floors, before stepping out to the brisk temperatures of the outside world.

You know how I told you I was used to the photo taking? Well maybe I was only used to the occasional capture by a handful of photographers. My calm demeanor did not apply to the red carpet when literally hundreds of flashes went off every second and the noise was overwhelming. I could feel anxiety pull at me as I was frozen in place.

"Babe?" Dani called to me questioningly. She turned around and instantly read my fear. Letting her shoulders relax she came and took my hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "I've got you. For the next ten minutes I want you to block out everything but the feeling of my hand in yours. Ignore the rest. People are going to want photos of me with my gorgeous girlfriend, and some will want me to talk about how happy I am with said girlfriend. But after that? After that everything will become a lot more manageable and a lot more fun. Okay?"

"Okay," I nodded in agreement.

Dani was good at this, the soothing of my fears. I ensured I never once let go of her hand as we slowly made our way along the red carpet, stopping often for a photo or a quote. No doubt a lot of those photos I'd have the face of a stunned mullet but I don't think I did too badly for my first time.

Dani was right. Once we got inside everything seemed a lot easier. The vibe was entirely different and I allowed myself to relax. While it was a huge room, filled with hundreds of people, somehow it wasn't overwhelming. Everyone looked stunning here too; it was like a convention for attractive people. The champagne Dani handed me was bound to help me feel as if I could blend in here. As I took a sip my eyes wandered to one particular passer-byer.

"Santana!" Dani warned teasingly as she watched me walk away in pursuit of another attendee.

"What...it's Michelle Rodriguez! She's my free pass," I claimed, turning back to look at my girlfriend.

"When I gave you that pass I didn't think you'd ever have the opportunity. Now that she's here I can't have you two meet; how would she be able to resist you?"

"Well that's true," I agreed, not so modestly.

Dani playfully swatted me. I poked my tongue out at her, very mature considering the surroundings I know, and we went to find our seats. I was pleasantly surprised to find we were in the third row. Despite it being Dani's fame that got us here I felt very distinguished being so close to the front. We settled into our seats, waiting for the host to commence the evening.

"Look, there's M-Rod again," I whispered to Dani as I pointed just across the section.

Well I thought I whispered. I was clearly louder, or more noticeable, than I thought because she turned our way. She even smiled at me. I was so awestruck I didn't know what to do except give the dumbest, most awkward small wave of my life. Dani just hung her head in her hands at my antics.

"This is the last awards show I am ever bringing you to," she told me cheekily.

"That's fine," and I swear I saw a look of disappointment flash across her face. I knew Dani and I knew she was expecting more of a response from her jab. "Next year I'll be with my new girlfriend." Check and mate.

Dani pouted adorably, and while I wanted to continue to gloat in my win I chose instead to kiss those delicious lips of hers and reassure her that she is the only one I would ever want to be on the arm of. I was her eye candy. Moments later the lights dimmed at the show began. The host was funny, as were most of the presenters, but my energy was fixed on calming Dani and her bouncy knees. I let my fingers caress her palm, knowing how this always had a calming effect.

She smiled gratefully at me but the smile turned to panic as her category was announced. I reminded her to smile when the camera panned on her during nomination announcements. If she ever quit singing she could definitely try her hand at acting, she looked like she wasn't nervous at all for those shots.

"And the winner for Best Female Artist is..." the presenter began. I swear the moments he tried to get the envelope open went on forever. Just open the damn thing already. "Dani Harper!"

My smile overtook my face. Pride washed over me so quickly as realization set in. Looking over I don't think Dani quite believed it either. I forced Dani up by her arm, bringing her back to reality. I shooed her away, encouraging her to go claim that award. She had one thing she wanted to do first though it seems. Her fingers held my face perfectly still and she planted a chaste kiss on my lips as all eyes were on us. I felt dizzy with love as my eyes opened to hers. Then, in a second, she was off and making her way to the stage. I just continued clapping like the proud girlfriend I was.

"Wow, this is...this is unbelievable," Dani began holding up her award to the sound of cheers. "Thank you so much. I know there are probably about a thousand people to thank; producers, sound engineers and the like, but I only have a few minutes up here so I have to start with the most important. This is my first award, maybe first of many, maybe first and last. Either way any success I have I owe to my girlfriend Santana. She is wonderfully supportive, and is indeed the muse for the songs I write, well the ones about love or happiness anyway," she joked. "Babe, while this is great, you're my true reward and all I'll ever need. I love you. Thanks again."

I wiped at a stray tear as I watched Dani walk backstage. I hoped so badly she was able to come straight back to her seat because all I wanted to do was tell her I loved her too, and that what she said was beautiful, that she was beautiful. I had to sit restlessly for some time though, pretending to pay attention to the other awards, before she came back to where she belonged - next to me.

She asked me if I liked her speech and I nodded wordlessly, emotion evident in my eyes. Fingers intertwined we sat through the final twenty minutes of the night. When filming had ceased we were both in understanding that we would prefer to get out of there then mingle.

"Come back to mine?" Dani asked. "I think we have some celebrating to do..."

I nodded fervently in reply, that was not an offer I would be silly enough to turn down.

"I suppose now is not the time to ask about inviting Michelle back too?" I asked biting at my bottom lip.