Hey guys, some of you may have noticed there's a bug going on with the website atm, which means chapter updates aren't showing on the web server. They only work on the mobile app, so can be read on there. You'll need to read Chapter 19, 20 and 21 on there if you haven't already, as the bug means it's only showing up to Chapter 18 on here. Not sure when it's going to be fixed, everyone seems to be having the same issue, but if you can't access the app i'm going to add this story to Wattpad and AO3 so you may choose to follow on there.

As always, let me know what you think.

Heavy Dantana chapter coming up, but stick with it, plenty more Brittana to come and it's all part of the process :)

Enjoy!

Santana glanced around the hotel room with a gasp. The lights were turned off, leaving it lit only by candles. On the table lay a bottle of champagne, with two flutes and a platter of chocolate covered strawberries. The king-size bed was adorned with rose petals, spelling out 'happy birthday'.

She turned to the blonde next to her with a smile.

"Dani this is perfect" before leaning forward to give her a soft peck "thank you"

It was Friday 24th April, and Santana and Dani were in Columbus for the night, celebrating Santana's birthday. It wasn't until the following Thursday, but since Santana would be in New York, they were doing it early.

The last month had been a complete whirlwind for Santana. After their first date four weeks ago, things had developed fairly quickly between them. Santana had been so nervous on that first date, that she had downed three homemade Martinis' before Dani even came to pick her up. Luckily, Dani didn't seem to notice, and the night had flowed well. Within twenty minutes the alcohol had settled in, and the nerves had calmed, and they were chatting like they'd known each other for years. Santana found herself feeling completely at ease with Dani, she was easy to talk to, and she felt like she could open up to her. She was intrigued by the blonde, and extremely attracted to her confidence. Dani on the other hand, admired Santana's no bullshit attitude and sense of humour.

As they had pulled up outside Dani's apartment that night, Santana's stomach was full of butterflies. She didn't want the night to end, but she also didn't want to push her luck and rush things either.

They shared a sweet and simple kiss, before they parted ways.

"So, I guess this is goodbye?" said Santana.

Dani turned to her with a dimpled grin. She would have loved to carry the night on as well, but she too didn't want Santana to rush things. It was all new to her, and she wanted her to take her time and go slowly with these new feelings.

"For now." she replied, pecking Santana on the lips again, before heading out of the cab. She made sure to turn back and look at Santana one last time.

When Santana had returned home, giddy from the evening's events and mind still swirling with alcohol, she checked her phone to see that she already had a text from Dani.

I had a great time with you tonight. I already can't wait to see you again X

From there, they started texting none stop. Santana just found herself so drawn to the girl. On the Monday, she went to the coffee shop where Dani worked, so they could spend their lunch break together. This soon became a daily ritual. Texts turned to phone calls, phone calls turned to FaceTime's, one date turned to several.

Every weekend for the past month, they had been on a date, either a Friday or Saturday depending on Santana arranging somebody to look after Mila. Usually Quinn or her parents would happily step in. She hadn't told them about Dani yet, she hadn't even told Brittany, she was just enjoying exploring this new side of her. Telling them would be a whole other big step for her, so she was just enjoying being in her bubble with Dani. She'd never been so happy before. She figured they probably knew she was dating somebody, but this wasn't really new for her, she'd dated lots before. They always knew not to pry, because Santana would tell them if it was anything serious.

For the past two weeks, they'd been seeing even more of each other, and having a date night on a weeknight, as well as on the weekend. It had all started when Mila had asked to stay at her best friend from pre-schools for a sleepover. Santana didn't usually let Mila stay out on weeknights, but Mila had pleaded with her big brown eyes. Mila and her best friend Lily shared a special bond, that reminded Santana of the bond she had shared with Brittany at her age. She cherished those childhood sleepovers with Brittany, giggling into the night, having midnight feasts. The nostalgia made her relent, and Mila was allowed to attend her weeknight sleepover as a one-off occasion. She was starting Kindergarten in September, and from there sleepovers would be strictly weekends only.

"So, I have a childfree night Wednesday" Santana had said to Dani that Monday "I was wondering if you wanted to do something?"

Yes, they usually only did weekends, but it made complete sense for her to spend her time with Dani if Mila was away for the night.

"Sorry babe, I don't think I can" Dani shrugged "I already made plans with Leanne that night"

"Oh…" said Santana, stung by the rejection. Dani had never mentioned a Leanne before. Who the hell was Leanne? As if she could read her mind, Dani spoke up again.

"Yeah sorry, it's just we don't usually do weekdays. I figured since you and I aren't exclusive I've got to keep my options open and keep myself in the dating field"

The words hit Santana hard, and the jealousy was written all over her face She wasn't seeing anyone else, and she just assumed Dani felt the same. They seemed so invested in each other. Had she been stupid? Sure, they hadn't mentioned exclusivity, but Santana just took that as a given.

"Well yeah…I mean…I'm personally not dating anybody else boy or girl" Santana blurted her out, trying to keep her tone light. It was her way of telling Dani she wanted to be exclusive, but without having to say it directly.

Dani smiled. Her plan had worked. She wasn't really planning on dating anyone else; it was just a chance for her to see where Santana's head was at, and she was happy with the answer. She let Santana sweat it out for the rest of the night, before texting her.

Cancelled my plans with Leanne, what time on Wednesday x

Santana let out a huge sigh of relief. What was it about this girl that got her feeling all kind of emotions that she'd never tapped into before? Maybe it was just the excitement of something new, but she had never felt anything like it.

They had their Wednesday date night, and the following week they did the same again, with Quinn minding Mila for the night and waving Santana off with a curious smile.

That brought them around to this weekend, standing in the nice hotel that Dani had booked for them. Dani had also treated them to a nice meal at a gorgeous seafood restaurant, she really had pulled out all the stops.

Santana couldn't help but feel butterflies, as she glanced around the room. She hadn't slept with Dani yet, but she knew tonight would be the night. They had made out lots, and there had been some groping, but nothing else. She knew everything was building up to this moment. She was nervous, because she had never been with a girl before, but also excited.

As she admired the efforts Dani had gone to, she thought back to the night she had lost her virginity with Puck. It soured in comparison.

"Shall I crack this open?" Dani asked, moving past Santana and heading over to the champagne, to which Santana responded with a nod.

She followed Dani into the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. Before opening the champagne, Dani turned her attention to Santana, crouching down to remove Santana's stilettos. She gave them a quick, gentle rub to ease the ache, before taking off her own shoes. She then went over to the table and popped open the bottle, pouring the liquid into the glasses, before passing one to Santana. She clinked their glasses together.

"Cheers to you' she smiled, as Santana looked down with a bashful chuckle.

They raised the glasses to their lips, Dani casually sipping hers, while Santana downed ¾ of hers in one go. Her nerves were getting the better of her.

"Slow down babe!" Dani laughed, before joining Santana to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Sorry" Santana giggled, bringing the glass down.

The two of them sat in a content silence, enjoying the moment, when suddenly Santana took Dani's champagne and stood up to set both of the glasses down. She turned back to Dani and climbed on top of her in a straddle position, kissing her hungrily. She was always in control, ever since her first time with Puck, and she was certain that this time wasn't going to be any different. Dani leaned into the kiss for a moment before reluctantly pulling away, turning her head away from the dark-haired beauty.

"Santana stop!…stop, stop, stop"

Santana felt a blush rising in her cheeks at Dani's words. Had she done something wrong? Sensing Santana's panic, Dani hurriedly assured her.

"Just…slow down a bit babe. I want you to enjoy this, you know?"

Santana stared at the girl, mesmerised by her beauty, before nodding gently. Dani raised a tender hand to stroke Santana's face, drinking her in, before taking hold of the gears.

"Lay down for me" she commanded softly.

Santana did as she was asked, shifting up the bed to lay down, as Dani sidled in next to her. They stared intently at each other, faces lit only by candlelight, before Dani leaned in to kiss her. Slow at first, but becoming more passionate and demanding as the time went on. They ran their hands down each other's bodies, exploring each other, tongues dancing together in a battle for dominance. They continued this for around twenty minutes, just making out and touching, not too dissimilar to what they had done before. Only this time, in anticipation of what was about to happen, Santana was more turned on than ever. She wanted Dani so bad.

As if she could sense the girls desire, Dani moved her hand over Santana's dress.

"Can I take this off?" she asked tenderly

Santana, who was by now speechless, could only nod willingly.

Dani gently removed the dress, slowly uncovering Santana's body. She stared in amazement, running her hands down the slender frame. Her petite limbs, her smooth skin, her bra-clad breasts and her toned stomach. Dani found it hard to believe she'd ever carried a baby, the only sign being soft faded stretch marks on her hips, which Dani softly ran her fingers over. She admired everything about her body, before moving up to claim her lips again.

Santana's breath grew ragged. Nobody had ever looked at her body like this. Puck hadn't even bothered to properly undress her on her first time. She felt more like a body than a person, but this time with Dani hit differently. Dani ran her hands over the top of Santana's breasts, cupping them lightly, before reaching behind Santana to unclasp her bra.

"Are you okay?" she checked.

"Great" Santana replied, her voice a little too high pitched, giving away how turned on she was. Taking this as a cue to continue, Dani removed the bra from Santana's body.

Dani smiled, leaning into kiss Santana again, as she ran her thumb over Santana's nipple. It instantly hardened at the touch, and Santana felt her breath hitch at the contact. Dani tuned into Santana, watching the way her body shook, taking cues over what she liked. When she was satisfied she had paid enough attention to one breast, she moved over to the other, running her tongue over her nipple. Santana's back arched, she felt so sensitive, and so good. As Dani took the nipple fully into her mouth, Santana let out a moan.

She had never had sex like this before, and they hadn't even fully got down to it yet. She felt so good, like her body was on fire and every nerve ending was being touched. She felt the familiar throbbing sensation down below, although she had never been as turned on as this before. She yearned for Dani to touch her there. As if she could read Santana's thoughts, Dani slowly trailed her hand down Santana's body until she reached her destination. She lightly cupped Santana through her panties, feeling the damp warmth that had gathered there. Dani couldn't delay any longer, she reached inside Santana's panties, and grazed her fingers over her soft centre. Santana let out another moan, and her hips bucked, she wanted to be as close to Dani as possible.

Dani's touch felt amazing, but Santana suddenly felt exposed and vulnerable under Dani's control. Here she was almost completely naked, with Dani touching her intimately, while Dani was still fully clothed. As Dani peeled off Santana's panties, Santana shot up, lunging passionately at the blonde. She began kissing her hard and fast, and tearing at her clothes. She needed her sense of control back. Sensing what the girl needed, Dani gently removed Santana's hands to rid herself of all her clothes, before pushing Santana back down on the bed. She was going to be the one to take control tonight.

Santana inhaled sharply as she took in Dani's naked body. Her soft curves, and the way her tiny waist moulded into voluptuous hips.

As she cupped Santana again, Dani let out a seductive smile.

"I think you're ready…"

And as Dani began to touch Santana, Santana felt herself losing all control and give into that vulnerability that Dani so desperately wanted to draw out of her. She'd never done this with men before, but this was Dani. This was different.

The next morning, Santana was awoken by soft fingers stroking up and down her arm. At first she thought it might be Brittany because Brittany always gave her arm massages, knowing how comforting she found them, but then she remembered she was with Dani. She peeled her eyes open and found Dani looking down at her with a smile. She had been watching her sleep, and Santana suddenly felt embarrassed, but thought it was cute all the same.

"Morning gorgeous" Dani grinned "how did you sleep?"

"Like a dream…although I don't think we did much sleeping" Santana smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. They had enjoyed several rounds of lady loving, and by the end of it, Santana was smiling like the cat that got the cream. She didn't even know her body could react that strongly or feel such sensations.

Dani stared intently at Santana, who moved her arm to let out a stretch.

"Did you enjoy it?" she asked. Santana raised her eyebrows at the girl, giving her a look as if to say, 'are you really asking me that!?"

"Of course!" Santana laughed, causing Dani to laugh also, playfully ruffling Santana's hair before turning serious again.

"No, I mean…not just the sex…the night in general, did you enjoy that?"

"Yes, it was all perfect" Santana replied sincerely, tapping Dani on the nose lightly.

"Good because…I wanted it to be really special for you so that I could ask you this question. I know I said I didn't want you to rush anything and I want you to take things slow and think about it properly, and that still stands, but I'd really like to start calling you my girlfriend" Dani smiled shyly "I haven't had a connection like this in a long time, so making this official would mean a lot to me"

Santana scratched the back of her neck nervously. The question hadn't come as a complete shock, she felt it was something they were building up to, but it still made her feel anxious. She hadn't ever committed fully to anyone before, least of all another woman. But that was because she'd never felt like this for anyone else. She really, really liked Dani. But being official meant telling everyone, and that scared her. She was almost 24, and never showed any inclination of liking women before, how would everyone react? Her biggest concern was of course Mila, and how she'd take the news.

"I like you a lot Dani, I really, really do. But can I think about it for a bit while I'm in New York, get my head clear and make sense of everything properly?" she asked apprehensively, she hadn't really had any time away from Dani to analyse things, so a break away would do her good "It's just a big thing for me, you know?"

Dani nodded her head in understanding.

"Of course, that's kind of what I expected you to say. I've been there, and I know it can be a lot to come to terms with. Plus, I'd rather you be sure" she said.

Santana took Dani's hand in hers, tracing circles with her thumb.

"It's not a no, Dan"

Dani smiled, the two of them staring intently at each other, before Dani broke the moment. Her eyes glazed over, to show a hint of something more mischievous.

"We still have an hour until check out, I think we should make the most of it, don't you?"

Santana smiled seductively and leaned forward to claim Dani's lips. She didn't need to ask her twice.

After they had checked out, Dani had driven the two of them back to Lima, so that Santana could spend the rest of the weekend with Mila before heading to New York. Her mind was occupied a lot of the time, by Dani's question. The thought of being in a relationship with her filled her with happiness and excitement. She could genuinely see a future with her, cute family days out with Mila, cosy nights in, nice meals out. But she also needed to fully come to terms with everything. Just over a month ago, she had never entertained the idea of being with a girl before, now everything she thought she knew about herself had been flipped on its head.

Not only was she thinking about her feelings for Dani, she was now reanalysing her sexuality in general. Maybe Dani was just her exception? She said herself sexuality was on a spectrum, and maybe Dani was that proof for her. Attractive, funny, kind, what wasn't there to like?

She lay in bed Saturday night, just thinking over everything. She thought about sex with boys and how it dulled in comparison to sex with Dani. Sex with men was rushed, passionate and guarded. Sex with Dani was slow, tender and vulnerable. With men, sex was a power game, a way for her to feel good about herself. When it was her turn to pleasure them, she did it for herself, she got a kick out of seeing how attractive they found her. When she pleasured Dani, it was all about Dani, and making her feel good rather than herself. After sex with men she would distance herself as much as possible and withdraw, but in sex with Dani she had given herself emotionally and let her cuddle her afterwards. After sex with men she'd feel bad about herself, like she'd done something wrong, but she didn't know what. After sex with Dani she felt euphoric, and like everything was finally right.

She thought about how much Dani made her laugh, how being around her left her feeling warm inside and how if she had a bad day, she would feel instantly better with a message from her. In contrast, dating men was a chore to her. She had no interest in their lives, no desire to tell them about herself and open up to them and she would cringe at their jokes or attempts at romance.

She had enjoyed sex with a woman, and if she was honest about it, she knew she would probably enjoy sex with other women too. She hadn't ever had the chance to explore, but the more Santana thought about it, the more she realised she had actually always been attracted to women. She thought about all the times in High School when the other Cheerios would swoon over the footballers. They'd talk in great length about how they loved their muscly arms and their broad shoulders. Santana just went along with it, but she never ever got the appeal. She never looked at them and got excited about it, a woman's body was actually always more intriguing to her. Having a footballer boyfriend would be good for her status, nothing more. She had always assumed the other Cheerios were doing the same as her, just pretending and going along with it. But maybe they had the same feeling looking at a man's broad shoulders that she did when she looked at another girl's arse. She always figured looking at women this way was just body envy, her wanting to look like that. Now she knew different.

'So maybe you're bi then' she told herself in her head.

Then she cast her mind back to Elementary School, how she loved Destiny's Child and The Spice Girls while all her friends loved NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys. The way she used to idolise women; her dentist, her middle school teacher, her mom's best friend. Not forgetting her JLO obsession, which had her walls covered with posters by every inch. The way she always thought boys were gross, and they only became cool if there was something in it for her, like increased popularity. The way she got jealous when any of her close friends got boyfriends, and how she could never understand why they'd ever want to ditch time with her to spend it with a stupid boy.

And then suddenly, in an astounding moment of clarity, everything hit Santana in the face.

Her emotional detachment towards men, her bad relationships, her strong female friendships, her obsession with other women.

"Holy shit, I'm a lesbian aren't I!?"

Once the revelation had hit Santana, her mind had unclouded and everything suddenly made sense. It was a true sexual awakening, and now she was surer than ever about who she was. Still, she needed to think the Dani thing through, it was still going to be a process for her.

On the Sunday night, she had dropped Mila at her parent's house, because she was catching an early flight. She cried saying bye to her, as she'd never been away from her for that long before, even though it was only five days. Mila on the other hand, didn't shed a tear, she was excited to be having a sleep over with Abuela and Abuelo for the week. The only thing she had sulked about was not getting to see Aunty Brit-Brit, but Santana had promised they'd FaceTime her every day.

Now she was at Breadstix waiting to meet Quinn. It was time for her to tell her first person. Quinn sauntered in looking as glamourous as ever and greeted Santana with a hug.

"Sorry I'm late, traffic was awful for a Sunday!"

"No…you're fine, I've only been here a few minutes myself" Santana replied.

After deciding what they wanted to eat, the two of them fell into a comfortable small talk.

"All excited for your trip tomorrow then?"

"Of course." Santana smiled, thinking about how this time tomorrow she'd be reunited with Brittany "I'll miss Mila but, it'll be nice to spend some quality time just me and Brit"

"Yeah you deserve it!" said Quinn, before gliding over the big topic "you had a good time on Friday then, with your date?"

Santana swallowed and turned to look at the blonde. It was now or never.

"Actually…that was kind of what I wanted to talk to you about" she began nervously, as Quinn looked at her expectantly "well, you know how you said I should try being with a girl…for the past month I've been…I've been dating Dani"

It was a struggle to get the words out, but once she had said them, it felt like a weight off. Quinn dropped her fork and raised her eyebrows; she wasn't expecting this.

"What!? No way! Okay, I need all the details. I honestly thought you were just seeing Calvin again."

Santana shook her head adamantly, before Quinn continued.

"I mean, get in there babe, Dani is super attractive! And by how happy you've been recently; I'm guessing you're having a lot of fun. I can't lie, I'm a bit jealous, I've always wanted to experiment" Quinn laughed, trying to cure Santana's obvious nerves "so have you...done the deed yet?"

Santana smirked and looked down.

"Oh my God you have! How was it? Was it good? Better than being with a man?" said Quinn, seemingly very intrigued by the situation.

"Honestly" Santana began, giving a shy smile before continuing "best sex I've ever had" causing Quinn to gasp.

"Miss Santana Lopez, you are a dark horse, I can't believe you managed to keep that one quiet for the whole month. I'm glad you're finally having some healthy fun though; you always have such a bad time with people"

"Well actually…there's more" Santana began, swallowing nervously again "It's more than just a bit of fun, I…I really, really like her Quinn. More than I've ever liked anyone. Yesterday she…she asked me to be her girlfriend"

Quinn raised her eyebrows and inhaled shocked, before reaching out to touch Santana's hand supportively, sensing she was struggling admitting all of this.

"Aw Santana. That's too adorable. Dani is such a lovely girl as well; I think you'd be great together. You have one life babe, if she makes you happy, then I'd say go for it. Screw what anybody else thinks. It doesn't change who you are a person, or mean that you suddenly have to start labelling yourself as a lesbian or even bisexual, you can just be you"

"I know, I know" Santana smiled, grateful for Quinn's support "but I have been doing some thinking about it over this weekend and…I don't know, everything just clicked into place for me. At first…I thought this whole thing with Dani was just a phase, just a fun thing that would eventually go away, but I guess what I've realised is…I like girls, more than I've ever liked men. I didn't realise it before, but now I can finally see everything clearly for the first time"

"So…you are gay?" Quinn asked softly, but with surprise. The conversation had taken a huge turn in the past ten minutes, she was more shocked at how Santana was suddenly telling her this, rather than the fact she was gay.

"Only straight I am, is straight up bitch!" Santana laughed, feeling the need to inject some humour into the conversation, which had taken a very serious turn. She then realised it was okay to be vulnerable in a moment like this and let her guard down more.

"Yeah…yeah I guess I am. I'm still coming to terms with it but…it just feels right, you know? Like I always had a piece missing but now, it all makes sense"

Quinn squeezed Santana's hand.

"That was really brave Santana. And you know that all anybody who loves you wants, is just to see you happy. It doesn't change who you are, you're still the same sassy Santana that we all know and love"

Santana let out a watery smile, relieved she had 'come out' to her first person, to such positivity.

"Come here" Quinn said, moving around the table to give Santana a hug. As they pulled out of the embrace and Quinn returned to her seat, she asked

"Have you told Brittany yet?" knowing how close the two of them were.

"No not yet, I'm going to tell her while I'm in New York, then I'll work on telling Mila and my parents"

"Don't worry, I'm sure everybody is going to react just fine. We all love you, and just want the best for you. I mean honestly, now that you've said it, I'm not overly shocked by it."

"You're not?" Santana frowned.

Quinn shook her head.

"I mean, you never really had meaningful relationships with men, and you never really talked that highly of them. I saw the chemistry you had with Dani that night, and I think in hindsight you've always radiated towards girls. Look at you and Brittany"

Santana stared at Quinn questioningly, before she continued.

"Well if you were ever going to come out and say you were in love with another girl, I always thought it was going to be Brittany"

Santana froze, the question catching her off guard, before letting out a nervous laugh.

"Don't be silly Quinn, Brit is just my best friend"

But later that night in bed, she couldn't stop thinking about what Quinn had said. She had always said that Brittany was her favourite person in the whole world (alongside Mila), now that she knew she was gay, was there a deeper meaning behind all of this? The jealousy she'd feel over Brittany dating people, the way she always turned to her for comfort and support, how tactile they always were with each other.

Before she could get too carried away with her thoughts, she shut them down. Brittany was her childhood best friend; she was straight, and she was in a happy long-term relationship. She couldn't even risk complicating things between them, so she refused to think about it any further.