AN: Sorry Sorry. Life very much got in the way of my writing. No I didn't abandon the story. I never will.

Brittany POV

Opening the door to the studio 10 minutes early, Brittany steps into the room and begins setting up her laptop at the corner like she usually does. A few minutes in, people start trickling through the doors; talking normally until they enter the studio and see her, then they become quiet. She tries not to think about it and goes back to testing her music. She peeks up when she hears a familiar voice and can't help the smile that creeps onto her face when she sees Santana walking in with Rachel. They make eye contact and Santana sends her a smile and a small wave followed by Rachel's much larger wave, but when Santana goes to set down her water bottle something catches Brittany's eye.

"What?" she mumbles to herself before squinting to make sure she's seeing clearly. She looks at the time and realizes she needs to start soon, so she swiftly makes her way over to Santana and looks carefully at her face. "Santana what – "

Santana's eyes widen as if she remembers something and interrupts her, "Britt, I think you should start class now. We can talk after okay?"

She looks around and some people are watching her closely, she swallows the words that are forming and instead says, "Later, you promise."

Santana nods.

Brittany begins class expecting Breanne to show up late again. She finds it odd that a few members of her crew are there, on time, and working a lot harder than they usually do. People are not acting out or chit-chatting as much, but the one thing that's really bugging Brittany is that reddish bruise on Santana's left cheek. Half way through, she notices Breanne and Krystal are both still missing. She checks her phone during her break but nothing from Breanne. She's going to have to call her after class.

Everything goes off without a hitch and Brittany is relieved that nothing has changed in the group's dynamic since the rumor was spread. In fact, everyone seems better behaved, and even more farfetched is that some people are actually smiling at Santana, which never happened in the weeks prior.

People begin to leave when Brittany dismisses them and as she's packing up her equipment, there's a knock at the door. Brittany looks up and Dan is standing there with a couple pieces of paper in his hand and friendly smile on his face.

"Dan! Please, come in," Brittany says.

Dan takes a step into the studio and Brittany doesn't miss the way Santana and Dan make eye contact and nod at each other. She doesn't have time to think about it too much because Dan hands her the papers. "I received this last night but I had some other things to take care of before I had time to give it to you. I'll be in my office if you need anything."

Brittany nods and thanks the man before reading the letter.

"What is it?" She hears Santana ask about 6 feet away.

Brittany continues to read but she can't seem to hide the smile that begins to grace her lips. "Breanne's been permanently terminated. She… there was a petition… a petition?" She looks up at Santana only to see the girl nervously playing with her fingers while looking at her in anticipation. She realizes they are the only two left in the room.

Brittany looks down and continues reading, "She was to leave immediately after receiving her letter and is forbidden to work at this company for at least 10 years. I can request a new assistant, or just go at it alone." She looks up and sees Santana still with that look on her face. Brittany flips to the next page and there is the copy of the petition. Signed by all the members of the boot-camp, well, almost all the members, and at the very top, in beautiful script writing, Santana Lopez.

She looks at the petition again then up at Santana, then back down, then back up again. "Did you… did you do this?" Brittany asks.

Santana bites her bottom lip apprehensively and nods, "I couldn't stand her anymore, Brittany. The things she did and said to you. The uselessness that she was when she was actually here, everybody agrees, Britt. We had to get rid of her and I knew that if you knew about it, you'd stop me because… well, because that's how nice you are. You're so kind and caring, and hard-working but you're also very forgiving and you didn't deserve to be treated like that. She was mean and ungrateful, and a huge fucking bitch."

Brittany takes a gentle stop towards Santana, "Did she… did she do this to you?" she tilts her head to get a good look at the bruise on Santana's cheek. "Did she fucking hit you?"

Santana looks down at her feet then back up and nods, "I'm okay though, it's worth it if it gets her out of here. I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted, it's just. She treated you like shit, and I couldn't –"

Before she can register what she's doing, Brittany takes a couple more steps until she's directly in front of Santana. Her hand reaches out and gently caresses her cheek. "Does it hurt?" she says, not taking her eyes off the bits of swelling.

Santana shrugs, "Not so much, only a bit."

Brittany feels like the whole world is spinning around her but all she can see is this amazing woman standing before her. She knows it's inappropriate, she knows people can open the door at any time, but she can't help herself. She leans in and kisses her cheek as delicately as possible. She notices a hitch in Santana's breathing before it begins to speed up. When she pulls away slightly, Santana slowly turns her head so their lips are no more than a few centimeters away and Brittany can't take her eyes off of them. "You're amazing," Brittany whispers, "Thank you." It's as if time is frozen but the room is overheating. "I'm going to kiss you now."

Santana nods faintly but enough for Brittany to see before she closes the gap and their lips touch for the very first time and it's nothing Brittany has ever felt before. The kiss only lasts a few seconds, five at most but it was the most electrifying kiss she has ever had. It was soft and sweet, and full of everything she never knew existed. It was wonderful. It was… perfect.

When the kiss breaks they look at each other for a moment before a smile graces both their faces. Shy but excited, Santana is the first to clear her throat. "I – umm, that was – gosh, I…"

"Was that okay?" Brittany asks when Santana can't find her words.

Looking straight into her eyes, "More than," Santana says trying to hide her smile.

"Let's get out of here, want to grab some lunch?" Brittany asks trying to be cool about everything but her insides are as giddy as a kid with a lollipop.

Santana nods and the girls make their way out of the studio. Brittany locks up and drops off her laptop to her room before they hop into Brittany's car and drive to the deli they often go to. Brittany is tempted to hold Santana's hand while she's driving but decides maybe she should take it slow for now and that they probably need to have a conversation about the kiss considering neither of them have openly admitted liking each other or that either of them are actually attracted to women. Which Brittany knows, for a fact now that she definitely wants more from this friendship. She wants Santana Lopez to be her girlfriend and she's not ashamed to admit it.

\

"… then I kissed her," Brittany says to Sam on the phone that evening after the second lesson. Sam had called her the day before to check up on her after Brittany sent Sam a text telling him about the rumors. However, at the time, Brittany was no longer in the mood to talk about it as she became more and more worried about losing her job. She decided to call him this time to tell him that everything is fine; better than fine, actually.

"You what?"

"I kissed her." Brittany can't help but smile as she says the words.

"Oh, wow, Brittany. That's… so, are you guys…"

"I don't know. We didn't get a chance to talk about it after class today. We kind of left it the way it was during lunch then got too busy once class started again and then she got dragged out of the room by Rachel after class. I know I'll have to talk to her about it… I just… I really like her, Sam."

"Sounds like it."

Brittany can hear the disappointment in Sam's voice. She needs her best friend to support her right now since she's going through a much bigger change than she ever expected. Her life has been changed completely and things are going to be different from now on, and she really needs Sam to be here for her. "Are you mad?" She asks quietly.

"No… no, I'm not mad, Britt. Surprised that you would be so brave, yes, but mad? No. You should be careful though."

Brittany gets upset by this, "Why? Because she's a girl? Because of what people will say or do or think? Sam, I really like her and I don't care about all that. If I find out she wants to be with me the same way I want to be with her, I would like for you to be happy for me. I –"

Sam cuts her off, "Brittany! I don't mean that. What I meant was you should be careful because she doesn't live here. She has to go back to New York once summer is over and I don't want you to get hurt over this."

Brittany hasn't thought about that. She's been thinking about how Santana has made her feel. How happy she has been when she's with her. How comfortable and warm she makes her feel. She didn't even consider that she only has a few weeks left before distance splits up apart.

"Britt?"

"Huh? Oh yes, Sam. I know, I know. Her and I need to talk about this. I guess, whatever happens, if she wants this, we'll … we'll do something…we'll make something work."

She can feel Sam nodding on the other side. They talk for a while longer before they say goodbye. Sam is right. What if this is just a summer thing? What if she never sees Santana again after this? She can't let that happen. She needs to appreciate the time she has with her as long as she has it, so she texts her and asks her to come over.

\

"So, how are you?" Brittany starts when they sit quietly in front of the television.

"Good! I'm good. Good," Santana says overenthusiastically not making eye contact with her.

"Rachel dragged you out of class quickly."

Finally Santana looks over, "She did. She was excited to tell me the tall guy in class, Flynn or whatever asked her out. I honestly don't care, but since she was kind of really helpful the past few days, I thought I'd listen to her go on about it. Actually, I want to thank you. Your text gave me a reason to get out of there," she says with a smile.

Brittany smiles back and then swallows the dryness in her throat. She knows she needs to say something but she's so fucking scared. She's never had to do this before. Sure she's told guys she's liked them before, but the guys always liked her back. This was different. She has no idea how Santana even feels about women, if Santana is even the slightest bit gay. But Brittany knows that if she doesn't say anything now, she won't be able to sleep. So she goes for it. "So, this morning…"

Santana shyly makes eye contact and Brittany can almost see her blush. Santana nods for her to continue.

"How… like… what are your… Are you… I mean…" Brittany takes a deep breath. It's a lot harder than she thought. "Santana, I know we've never talked about sexuality before and well, before all of this, I didn't know there was actually anything to talk about but… all I know is that, I liked what we did this morning. It felt right and… I don't know how you feel about it, but I do, and I don't know if this will hurt our friendship or anything, and I really hope it doesn't and I hope I don't seem unprofessional or anything but… I think… Santana, I think I sort of, kind of, really like you," she rambles and then immediately throws herself into the side of the couch and buries her face in the pillow. She can't look. She can't bear to see Santana's reaction.

Everything goes quiet. Santana hasn't said anything, but she also hasn't got up to leave yet, so that's something. Brittany can't move. She said what she needed to say and now it's Santana's turn. She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she feels soft fingers caress her arm, right above the elbow.

"Britt, can you please sit up properly so we can talk about this?"

Brittany shakes her head. 'Talking about it' doesn't sound like a good thing. She won't be able to face Santana if what she has to say is negative. The caressing stops and Brittany feels her heart sink when she feels Santana shift away again. She feels her breathing stop once again. She listens carefully to any sound Santana may be making. She waits carefully and feels for any movement on the couch or if she left the room.

A few moments pass when she hears the wonderfully raspy voice speak quietly back to her, "I think I like you too."

Brittany instantly sits up and looks at the other girl sitting on the other side of the couch. "You do?" she asks as she bites down a smile.

Santana nods. "I'm a little bit confused about everything because I've never felt this way for a girl before, so it's all new for me."

Brittany chuckles a bit and shuffles to sit closer. "It's all new for me too. I mean, sure, I've found girls attractive before considering the industry I'm in, but this is completely different. It's… it feels more special."

The girls sit in silence while it all sinks in. Brittany doesn't quite know what she's feeling except she just feels happy. This is the happiest she's been for a long time.

Santana clears her throat and Brittany focuses her attention on her.

"So, what do we do now?"

Brittany's smile falters as she thinks of the next step; feeling a little nervous. "Well, I would like to officially take you out, preferably Sunday. If… you know… you're okay with that."

Brittany catches the smile that graces Santana's face as she nods and says, "I would like that."

For the rest of the evening they watch television and make small talk. They catch each other staring very often which generates a giggle from both girls. By the end of the night, they've keep a bit of distance as respect for each other and their new 'more-than-friendship'. When Santana leaves, Brittany gives her a quick peck on the cheek, which Santana returns, kissing her back right on the corner of her lips and the contact made her heart soar and flutter. They say goodnight as Santana walks down the hall back to her own room.

Santana POV

She falls into bed with a huge smile on her face. She can't believe this is happening and her heart is going crazy. She's so happy. The thought of Brittany only brings a smile to her face. She can still feel her lips tingle from their last kiss. She wants to kiss her again. And again. And again. That night she goes to sleep hugging one of her pillows, imagining what it would be like if it were Brittany.

Days pass and Santana feels closer than ever with Brittany. They share smiles and glances during class and subtle touches that no one but Rachel catches on to; evidently forcing Santana to tell Rachel about everything that's happening or everything that Santana wants to happen. She even tells her about the date they have set up on Sunday. Santana still goes over to Brittany's in the evenings to hang out but they never went further than laying their head on the other's shoulder while watching television and a peck on the cheek before they part.

It's Sunday morning and Santana is excited for their date. Although, Rachel has made her more nervous than she should be, she can't wait to see what Brittany has in store for her. Brittany arrives right on time at 11am and she takes them out to a little pizza shop for lunch. Brittany buys them tickets to an afternoon matinee and they share a bag of popcorn and a soda that Santana refuses to let Brittany pay for. She then buys Brittany a bag of candies that they end up sharing as well. They take a walk on a nearby trail and end the night off cooking together in Brittany's room. They hand make some pasta that Brittany unfortunately overcooks because she's too caught up in telling Santana about her dance journey.

They're currently sitting on the couch not watching the television that's playing because they're busy talking. Santana has her head rested on Brittany's shoulder when no words are spoken and the girls just enjoy each other's company. The silence is broken when Brittany clears her throat.

"Santana, just out of curiosity, have you ever been attracted to other women? At all?"

Santana thinks for a moment and sits up to look at Brittany, "No. I mean, I've found some girls pretty, sure, but no. Just… just you," she says with a blushing smile but her smile fades when Brittany looks away biting her bottom lip.

"Not even Quinn?"

Santana scrunches her eyebrows, "No? Like, lots of guys think she's hot and stuff, but am I attracted to her? I don't think so." She shakes her head.

Brittany clears her throat once more and nods, "Have you like… ever kissed another girl?"

"Other than you?" Santana asks nervously, not wanting to lie.

"Yeah."

Santana takes a deep breath, "Yah."

"Was it Quinn?"

The silence is awkward and the tension is heavy. Santana sees what she thinks is jealousy painted across Brittany's face and she doesn't like it. Brittany has nothing to be jealous about. She has no feelings for Quinn. Not the same feelings she has for Brittany. Santana's silence must have made Brittany uncomfortable because she speaks up again.

"I saw you the night Quinn came over. Well, saw and heard you."

"What? Where? How? We didn't…"

"Outside, by the studio. I went to check if I locked up and I heard umm… noises. And when I looked it was you and her… doing… stuff."

Santana is trying really hard to remember the day while trying to get Brittany to make eye contact with her. Finally she remembers the way Quinn was acting that day and she immediately starts shaking her head. "No, Brittany. That wasn't… we weren't…" She takes a deep breath. "That didn't mean anything."

Brittany nods then shrugs and Santana doesn't think the girl believes her.

"Look, Britt. I'll tell you the truth, but you need to look at me."

Slowly, the blonde turns her head.

"Quinn and I… we were never in any relationship of any kind. We've always just been best friends but, sometimes, when both of us or if one of us need to get something out of our system, we kind of just go to each other. It's weird and stupid I know, and I have no idea how or when it started but that's it, we kiss and get it out of our system and then carry on. It honestly doesn't mean anything and for the record, it will stop once we…"she cuts herself off when she realized what she was about to say. "I won't be doing it anymore."

"Have you guys ever…" Brittany trails off.

"No! No… we've never, no," Santana responds. She's never touched Quinn that way and has never wanted to, and she does not count the times Quinn has tried. Speaking of this topic already makes Santana feel very uncomfortable. "Have you ever… with a women?"

Brittany snaps her eyes up at Santana, "I've drunkenly made out with women, yes. Have I ever had sex with them? No."

Now it's Santana's turn to clear her throat, she sits on her hands to stop herself from fidgeting. "Have you ever been turned on by looking at or kissing them?"

Brittany thinks for a moment, "Probably? Never really thought much of it though. You?"

Santana shakes her head, "No, I don't think so."

"What about me?" Brittany asks as they look into each other's eyes. Gazes drifting to each other's lips then back.

"Um, well, we've only ever did once, and it was really short, Britt, but I'm sure that… I mean," her heart is beating 100 mph and her throat is suddenly dry when she realizes how her body is acting to the anticipation to Brittany's question.

"Shall we test it?" Brittany doesn't even give Santana time to respond and instantly leans in to kiss her. The kiss is much deeper than the one they shared in the studio. Santana closes her eyes and allows her body to soak up everything that's happening. Brittany's sweet scent, the way her lips are soft and gentle, the way her hand is resting on her neck right under her ear. She feels Brittany scoot closer, but not interrupting the kiss. Brittany kisses with a bit more pressure forcing Santana to lean back and eventually is lying on the couch with Brittany on top of her. Keeping some distance, Santana notices that Brittany has not put her full weight onto her, only the pressure of her lips and the hands on her cheek. She must be holding her body weight up with her other hand. She feels their breaths becoming heavier and Santana lands one hand on Brittany's back, playing with her shirt between her fingers. Brittany sucks lightly on Santana's bottom lip before tilting her head slightly more to deepen the kiss. Finally, Brittany breaks the kiss and pulls away. Santana opens her eyes and sees Brittany trying to gauge her reaction and she can't help but smile.

"Wow," is all Santana can say.

"Was that…"

"Wow, that was…"

"Yeah?"

Santana assumes Brittany is asking if she's turned on, so she answers in all honesty, "Yeah." She notices Brittany licking her bottom lip so she copies her, trying to taste Brittany again. She feels an ache between her legs and she's trying so hard to ignore it. "I had a lot of fun today. Thank you for everything."

A smile graces Brittany's face and she nods, "Me too. I had a lot of fun too, do you think, maybe, we can go on a second date? Maybe Saturday after class?"

Santana doesn't even need to think about it before she starts nodding. "Actually, a group of people are having a party in their room that night. You know room 411 and 413 are conjoined?"

"I didn't, but okay." Brittany urges Santana to continue.

"Well, they're going to throw a party that day to celebrate a few birthdays. Rachel invited me to go, did you want to go?"

"I don't think they want the teacher there, Santana," Brittany chuckles. "But you can go if you like."

"No, I'm not huge on parties anyway. I'd much rather spend the evening with you."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," Santana answers and bravely takes Brittany's hand in hers. "I want to spend as much time with you as I can," she says sadly, knowing she'll have to go back to New York in a few weeks.

"Me too," Brittany says quietly with a touch of sadness in her voice. "Me too," she repeats while caressing the back of Santana's hand with her own.

AN2: To answer some questions about the Damsel sequel... No, I haven't started writing it yet. I have ideas but I barely have time to write this one and I want to stay focused on it. Keep the alerts on Damsel tho, it will happen. I will make sure I post on the Damsel story when ch.1 of the sequel comes out. I just really hope i have the time to finish this one so I can start on that. Thanks for sticking with me. XOXO