Santana isn't the biggest fan of flying. Infact, she hates it. It's not the being in the air, miles above the ground that she hates, but more being in a small space with annoying people she's never met that really brings it down. Not to mention the babies that always seem to have something to cry about.

But nevertheless, she manages to control the urge to jump off the plane and instead remains in her seat for the duration of the flight.

Her parents are… let's just say well off. They go to a new holiday destination every summer. Except this time, Santana really needs it. After the hell of a year she's had, and the fact that she's going into senior year, she desperately needs the two-week long break she's about to have. Plus, she gets to actually wear her new bikinis her and Quinn brought that one time they went shopping, since Lima doesn't really have bikini weather. It doesn't even have a beach, but that's besides the point.

Once she got off the plane and waited way too long for her suitcase to come around on that conveyor belt thing, she actually got to step out of the airport and into her new paradise. She could see the beach in the distance and really, for such a small island that it is, it has a lot going on. But at the same time it all seems so relaxed. It's totally Santana's vibe.

XXX

By the end of the day, the Lopez family had checked into their hotel and unpacked everything, and were now sitting at a dinner table, waiting for the drinks they ordered.

It was actually really hot, considering it was 7 at night. And the restaurant was located on the beach, with a veranda that led down to the sand. It was actually pretty nice.

"Santana, does that lady over there look familiar, or is it just me?" Santana's Mom, Maribel, asked. Santana looked over to where her mother was looking and…

For crying out loud.

She did not need this. The whole reason she wanted this holiday was to get away from everything involving that damn highschool she attends.

"Uh, yeah, that's one of the Moms from McKinley." Santana breathed out. She was hoping to whoever the hell is up there that she didn't have to see anyone from Lima for the rest of her trip.

"Isn't her daughter on the cheerios with you Santana?" Her father asked, to which she nodded. The waiter came over and gave them all their drinks. Santana sipped on her lemonade and tried her very best not to look over Ms. Pierce's way.

"We should go say hi to them. Funny that we both came to the same place." Maribel said. Santana went wide eyed because hell no. She was not going over there and she certainly wasn't saying hello to anyone.

She wasn't, but apparently her Mom was.

Oh God.

She watched in fear as her Mom tapped Ms. Peirce on the shoulder. They smiled as they talked to each other and hugged. This couldn't be going worse.

Actually, it was going really well considering Maribel had been gone for about 5 minutes and the two women were still talking adamantly. Santana was chewing on her straw as she prayed for the best possible outcome. Which would be that her Mom comes back and they get on with their holiday like nothing happened.

And, actually, it's looking like it might go that way considering the fact that Maribel was walking back now. Santana sat up a little straighter and awaited what her Mother was going to say.

"The Pierce's invited us to go sit and have dinner with them."

Shit.

That was the worst thing that she could've said.

Damn her mother and her social life.

Reluctantly, Santana got up and hid behind her parents as they walked over to the Pierce's dinner table. By the time they got over there, some waiters had already moved over an extra table and got some chairs to go with it.

Santana quietly sat down on one of them and watched as her parents did the same. She quietly noticed that she had two empty seats next to her and she was pretty sure she knew what at least one of them was for.

"Oh, here they come!" Ms. Pierce said. She looked over to the veranda and saw two blondes jogging over to the table. The taller one she recognized, the shorter one she had never seen before.

"Did we adopt a family?" Brittany said, her eyebrows furrowed as she approached the table.

"No, honey. The Lopez' from McKinley are also here so we're having dinner with them." Ms. Pierce replied. Brittany shrugged and sat down in the seat next to Santana.

Brittany recognised Santana from school when she turned around. The blonde couldn't form words. No way was she about to have dinner with her crush…

"Hi!" Brittany chirped. Santana just nodded at her with a smile. There was an awkward silence between them as they both stared at the table.

XXX

Dinner was torture. Santana couldn't even get a word out. She felt so small around people from Lima. She hated that feeling. She briefly wonders if maybe Brittnay told her parents about her and what happened. She hopes not.

"Brittany, honey, you should show Santana the rocks at the end of the beach." Whitney said. Santana looked up from her plate for the first time in the last half hour. Whitney looked over to Santana and explained further, "There's these rocks down at one end of the beach that go right out to the water, it's very beautiful."

"Yeah, I'll take you," Brittnay jumped out of her seat, "if you want to go that is." She turned towards Santana, hope in her eyes. Santana let out a breath and nodded.

"Okay, sure."

They both walked from their table out down to the beach. No one was saying a word as the two girls took off their shoes and left them on the ground just before they got onto the sand.

"It's like a 10 minute walk to actually get there, is that okay?" Brittany asked, as they walked right out to where the water ended.

"Yeah sure. That's fine." Santana replied. She kept glancing over at Brittany to see if she was about to beat the living crap out of her.

They walked in silence for a bit before Brittany spoke up.

"So how long are you going to be here for?" Brittany asked.

"Two weeks." She replied. Santana was genuinely so confused why Brittany was even talking to her. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, sure!" Brittany chirped. As they were walking, she had a small smile resting on her face.

"Why aren't you throwing a slushy in my face right now?" Santana asked, the bitterness of her words coming out in her tone.

"I didn't think they had slushies at the restaurant." Brittany's eyes furrowed in confusion as she spoke. "But even if they did, why would I do that?"

"You know because of…" Santana's words were cut off as she looked over to what had to be the rocks Whiteny was talking about. "Wow, this is beautiful." She breathed out.

"Yeah, it's so cool, isn't it?" Brittany laughed. "C'mon up here it's so awesome." She grabbed Santana's wrist and pulled her up onto one of the huge rocks. The waves crashed into the side of the rock as the two girls climbed up and sat atop it.

Brittany sat next to Santana and looked over her features. She was glowing. Brittany had been on the cheerios with Santana for about a year, and in that year she had spoken to the girl once, when Santana told her she needed to straighten her leg when she comes out of her back handspring. And besides the whole small crush thing, Brittany sort of admires Santana. After the year the girl has had, she's still standing tall and anyone who does that is pretty amazing in Brittany's book.

The two girls just sat there, not saying anything. They didn't need to though. They were both enjoying the comfortable silence that hung in the air. It was nice. It was peaceful. It was exactly what they both needed.

They sat up on the top of that rock for a good half an hour before they climbed back down and made their way back to the restaurant.

XXX

Santana actually enjoyed her night. Which she certainly wasn't expecting. Brittany for some reason didn't hate her like everyone else in Lima seemed to. It was actually really refreshing. By the end of the night, they were actually talking and having a flowing conversation without Santana being scared of what Brittany thinks of her.

It made it much easier for Santana to relax the next morning. She finally got to get out her bikinis which is how she found herself laying by the closest pool to her hotel.

Until her phone starts ringing that is.

"Why the hell are you calling me Fabray?" Santana said, putting her phone to her ear.

"Geez, I'm just trying to see how you're doing. You're living it up in some summer paradise so excuse me if I want to forget the fact I'm still in Lima." Quinn said. "Anyways, what are you up to?"

"I was going to swim, but no one told me the pool was boiling hot, so now I'm getting my tan on." Santana replied. She takes a sip of her margarita, the one that she told her Mom was a mocktail, and lays further back on her sun lounger.

There were these two kids cannonballing in the pool very close to her and she might just all Lima heights if they splash her. It was then when she noticed a familiar blonde who looked like she was ordering a drink from the poolside bar. She too was in a bikini and Santana would never admit it but she was definitely staring.

"Ugh, I'm so jealous of you right now." Quinn replied.

"Hey you know Brittany Pierce? From school?" Santana asked out of nowhere.

"Yeah, she's on the cheerios with us. I was convinced she was going to take your spot as co-captain last year." Quinn laughs.

"Hey! I'm the best bitch in that joint and we both know it. Anyway, the reason I was asking is because she's here. As in, she's about 15 feet away from me right now." Santana said.

"Oh, that's cool, at least you're not going to be a complete loner for two weeks." Santana laughed at Quinn's words.

"Shut up, Q. She's actually pretty cool." As Santana spoke Brittnay turned around and seemingly saw her, judging by the big smile now on her face. Santana wouldn't be able to tell you that though, she was too busy staring at Brittany's abs.

Santana was practically drooling.

"Santana, you there?"

"Gotta go Q, bye!"

"Wait, what?" Santana hung up as Brittany walked over.

"Hey San!" Brittany cheered as she sat down on the end of Santana sun lounger. Santana nearly melted at the nickname Brittany had given.

"Hey Brittany! Whatcha got there?" She asked, her gaze shifting from Brittany's rockin' body, to the drink in her hand.

"Oh uh, I'm actually not sure. There's a lot of fruit things in it though." She replied. Brittany's gaze nodded lowered to her drink, she looked nervous. "Hey uhh, I think it's cool that we keep running into each other."

"Yeah, it is," Santana smiled.

"Maybe we should keep running into each other. On purpose." Brittany replied. She then furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head. "Wait, that's not what I meant. I mean, I think this holiday would be much more fun if I was spending it with a friend."

"You consider me a friend?" Santana asked.

"Of course I do. Wait, do you not consider me a friend? Oh crap, I'm sorry I didn't realize-"

"Britt," Santana smiled, cutting Brittany off. This girl is adorable, she thought. She was scared she might have said the wrong thing so she quickly amended her words. "We're friends." She smiled.

Brittany was practically buzzing beside. While Santana on the other hand, was just grateful that Brittany knew what everyone else in Lima knew, yet still wanted to be her friend. She hoped there were more people in the world like that.

"Do you wanna swim? I mean, I like tanning and all but sometimes I can get a bad burn." Brittany said excitedly, turning towards Santana.

"I dipped my foot in earlier, it's really fucking hot." Santana chuckled. Brittany took a sip of her drink and she nodded, a little disappointed that she didn't want to go swimming with her.

Santana saw the look, and instantly regretted what she said.

"It can't be that bad though, right?" She shrugged, getting up from her sunlounger and putting her drink on the ground. Brittany looked so happy at Santana's words, and that's how she knew she made the right choice.

From what Santana knew, Brittany was just about the sweetest girl Santana had ever met, she didn't think she had it in her to let her down like she nearly did.

Both girls got into the pool and after a little while, Santana got used to the temperature and started enjoying herself a lot more too. There was also the fact that the company was amazing. Brittany is such a breath of fresh air, and they've known each other for years! Granted, they never actually spoke until yesterday, but Santana wishes they became friends sooner because she's honestly such a good person. She really wants to spend more time with Brittany.

If she's being honest, she's a little scared of what that might lead to.

But nevertheless, she gets in the pool with Brittany and has a great time.

Santana isn't completely sure how it happened, but they had ended up in the midst of a water fight.

"You know Quinn thought you were going to take my co-captain spot last year." Santana laughed, thrusting her hand forward and splashing Brittany with water.

Brittany swam under her and popped up behind her back to splash her in the back of the head.

"No way. You're like, so much better than me." She replied.

"I don't know Britt, you're pretty damn incredible." Brittany blushed at Santana words. Santana swam to the edge of the pool to take a sip of her drink while Brittany followed.

"You think I'm incredible?" Brittany breathed out. She was trying her hardest to keep it cool.

"Yeah, you're like one of the best cheerleaders I know," Santana replied.

Brittany nodded letting out a quiet 'oh'. Or course Santana would be talking about her cheerleading, no way would she think that she was an amazing person. Still, a compliment is still a complement, and Brittany would be lying if she said it didn't make her feel all warm inside.

They both stayed in the pool a little longer, with Brittany winning their water fight in the end. Eventually they got out, only because their hands looked like prunes at that point.

"Hey, you want me to give you my number?" Santana started, breaking their comfortable silence. "You know, so we can hang out later?"

"Yeah, sure!" Brittany walked over to her phone and gave it to Santana. She was practically bouncing with joy as the girl put her phone number in Brittany's phone. Santana gave it back with a smile and Brittany looked down at her new contact.

Santana Lopez

"I'll see you later?" Santana had asked.

"Yup!" Brittany replied, popping the 'p' sound.

XXX

Santana didn't see Britany for the rest of the day. They exchanged a few texts though. Brittany was telling her how she was worried Lord Tubbington was smoking with his gang while she was away. Santana had no idea how to respond to that, but she still found it endearing nonetheless.

She was very apprehensive about being on this trip, knowing that Brittany was here as well. That all seemed to vanish in an instant, now that they were actually talking Santana quickly realized that she had nothing to worry about. Brittany was just about the sweetest person Santana has ever met considering Brittany knew everything and didn't judge her one bit. She didn't even bring it up and bombard her with questions like everyone else did. It was nice.

Being Brittany's friend was nice.

XXX

"So Santana, please be back at the hotel before midnight." Maribel said as Santana made her way towards the door.

"Don't worry. I will" Santana replied, for the 100th time by the way.

By the time she got down to the hotel lobby, she realized she had no idea what she wanted to do tonight. Her parents were going out to dinner, just the two of them, so Santana had the night to herself. The only condition was that she had to be back by midnight. Which she could totally work with.

It had definitely passed her mind that she could call Brittany and ask if she wanted to hang out, but she didn't want to interrupt her. She had no idea what Brittany was doing tonight, but she doubts that she'd want to hang out with her. They already hung out earlier today after all.

To put it plainly, she doesn't want to come off as needy or clingy or anything like that.

Santana isn't one to think about what other people think of her. So it does come as a surprise when she realizes that she does in fact care about what Brittany thinks of her.

She's pretty sure she knows why too.

There's no way she's going to let herself develop a crush on a straight girl. She just won't.

The buzzing from her phone cuts off her train of thoughts. She grabs it out only to see that Brittany is calling her.

Shit. She shouldn't be feeling all fluttery in her stomach.

"Hey Santana!"

"Hey Britt. What's up?"

"There's apparently this club for people under 21, I was going to go but I didn't have anyone to go with." A smile made its way to Santana's face. If Brittany was about to ask her to go with her there is no part of her that would have it in her to say no. "Do you want to go with me?"

There it was. Santana quickly agreed and it wasn't long before Brittany gave her the address. Mostly everything to do was within walking distance of the hotel. Santana was thankful for that because when she put the address of the club into google maps, she discovered it was only a 5 minute walk. In no way would she describe herself to be in the right outfit to go clubbing, but she doesn't really care, she's just keen to spend time with Brittany.

Definitely not a crush as all.

Not one bit.

XXX

Walking inside, she was thankful for the chill atmosphere that the building had. It wasn't too crazy, but it was definitely more fun and energetic than anything else she was going to do tonight. It only took her a few seconds to spot Brittany as she was getting out of a seat to walk over to her.

"Hey!" She said excitedly. Santana wanted to kick herself, because the way her stomach fluttered was not something she wanted to deal with. She's done straight girl crushes before, all that happens if hurt, hurt, and more hurt.

"Hey Britt!" She replied, shutting her emotions off for a few more seconds. She seems to be doing that a lot more now that she's spending time with Brittany.

"C'mon! Let's get something to drink!" Brittany exclaimed. She grabbed Santana by the hand and walked her towards the bar. Santana had a passing thought of the last time anyone from school was comfortable enough to grab her hand. She can't remember when the last time was.

Brittany got another lemonde as she already had one before, and Santana got a coke. She was tempted to go somewhere else and get some actual alcohol, but she's a little scared of what she'll do if she was drunk and in the same vicinity as Brittany.

Soon after they got their drinks, they headed straight for the dance floor. Brittany was telling Santana how much she loved dancing, but her brain must've short circuited because she didn't even hear the rest of the sentence once Britt put her hands on her waist. It really shouldn't make her react the way she did.

"Santana?" She said. By this point, Santana's back was pressed right into Brittany's front.

"Mhmm?" Santana replied. She was only half listening, the other half of her was trying to get her body to cool down.

"Are you going to talk to me when we're back at school?" Brittany asked. She seemed serious, and considering they were dancing like they were the most carefree people in the world, it took Santana by a bit of a surprise.

"Yeah of course, why do you ask?" She replied.

"It's just… You never talked to me before…"

When Brittany said that, Santana stopped dancing and turned to face her. "Is something wrong Britt?" She asked.

"No. I was just thinking about some stuff."

"Let's get outta here for a bit. We can talk somewhere." Santana suggested. She didn't feel like having this conversation in the middle of a dancefloor, where she had to basically yell for Brittany to hear her.

Brittany nodded and they walked out of the club. The two girls walked around for a good ten minutes, not saying a word to each other. It wasn't awkward or anything like that, it was more of a comfortable silence.

They found themselves on the same rocks that they had gone to the night they had dinner together. Brittany looked out to the ocean, while Santana kept her eyes on the girl.

"Do you think that we're just going to act like we don't know each other when we get back to school?" Santana asked.

"I hope not." Brittany replied. "I think you're fun to spend time with"

"Same goes for you." Santana nudged her shoulder against Brittany's to get her to look at her. "We're still going to be friends Britt. I'm sure of it." The small trace of a smile made its way to Brittany's face.

"Good." Brittany Said. She was now full on grinning. "You know I used to be a little scared of you?" She laughed. Santana just shook her head with a smile. SHe did have that reputation, just not as of recently.

"You were scared? I was terrified you were going to throw a slushie in my face when I showed up here." She argued back.

"Why on earth would I do that?" Brittany giggled. Santana stopped laughing when she said that. Is it even possible that she doesn't know? The whole school knows, Santana doubts Brittany is some exception.

"You know…" She started. "People don't like me as much as they used to." Santana shrugged. Brittany looked a little confused. "Well, they never really liked me. Let me rephrase that- they don't fear me as much as they used to."

Judging by Brittany's face she finally understood what Santana was talking about.

"...Because you were outed?"

Santana froze.

It's the first time someone has brought it up to her face in a while. The difference is, Brittany is not saying in a mocking way or anything like that, she's simply trying to understand.

"Yeah." Santana took a deep breath before she started speaking again. "It's weird having people go from being completely normal one day, to being petrified to touch you the next. They act like it's some sort of disease. People don't want to be near me in case I have a crush on them or some bullshit like that. It sucks. It's just isolating more than anything. The one time in my life I would kill for someone to hug me and tell me everything would be okay, is the one time everyone runs away."

"What about Quinn?" Brittany asked.

"She's the only one that stuck around."

"I can hug you if you'd like?"

Santana simply smiled and wrapped her arms around Brittany. She was full on sobbing now, but Brittany comforting her is exactly what she needed.

"I'm not going to run away Santana."

"I know."

It took Santana a few minutes to stop crying, and another few minutes to calm down, but Brittany never stopped holding her.

"Thanks. That felt really good to get out." She whispered.

"It's okay. I love hugs so I don't mind." Brittany said. Santana smiled because this girl was just way too cute for her own good. "If it makes you feel any better you're not alone. I like girls too."

"...What" Santana completely unattached herself from brittany. Is she hearing right?

"Yup. I love sweet lady kisses."

Santana was shocked to say the least. That was probably the last thing She was expecting Brittany to say. She's not complaining in the slightest. Santana said she wouldn't crush on a straight girl, but as she's just learnt, Brittany's not straight…

She shouldn't be so nervous, but she's never really done this stuff with girls. Guys? Yeah, but she didn't actually care for them which is why it was always so easy. Girls are a whole other thing.

"You okay?"

"Yeah… I'm just… thinking." Santana replied. Brittany nodded and smiled at her.

"I'm thinking too," She said.

"About what?"

"I kind of want to kiss you."

Santana should be nervous. She was nervous this whole time. But Brittany leaning in to kiss her? It feels right.

Their lips got closer until they touched. The second they did, Santana wrapped her arms around Brittany's neck to kiss her deeper, while Brittany tangled her hand into Santana's hair.

They were full on making out at this point. They kissed for what felt like forever, neither of them wanting to stop. Eventually, Santana slowed down the kisses until they were lightly pecking each other.

"I changed my mind. I don't want to be friends when we go back to school." Santana whispered.

"Me either."