Happy Friday my friends!
This little sorry comes with a lot of love.
From my heart to yours, Golden Hour
I love New York. I admit, I haven't always loved it but when you come from such a small town, it takes a minute to adjust to city living. New Haven was a good middle ground for me. While the small group jumped right into the hustle and bustle, it took yours truly a few minutes.
I'd come into the city and spend the weekend with Rachel, Kurt and Santana. At first I just wanted to watch the trainwreck they would undoubtedly be but after spending a few weekends with them, it amazed me. If you didn't know our McKinley background, you'd never know they were once enemies. They worked as a unit, when Santana had to work late Kurt made dinner, when Rachel was stuck in rehearsals Santana cleaned the loft and when Kurt was stuck at a fashion show, the girls did the laundry and watched movies.
It's funny to think they've become closer than my own family. After I graduated Yale and moved into the city, I began dating someone my parents hated. It caused a lot of problems for everyone involved so after a few months of weighing the pros and cons I decided something needed to change. There was no way in hell I was ending my relationship so I made the difficult decision to cut off all ties with Russel and Judy. The silence lasted for a year and a half before Russell randomly strolled into my corner office one day, with flowers. We had lunch and he apologized for everything. He even asked if they could take us both to dinner, before saying yes I let him know I'd have to ask Santana and the decision was hers, I'd let him know.
At first Santana said no, I believe her exact words were "I'd rather stab my eye with fucking glass" so, I gave her space. After some time and promising some very dirty loft sex, she agreed.
Dinner was awkward at first until Russell found out Santana had graduated Columbia and been offered a position at NY Pres. With his medical background, they soon began talking about the other doctors she'd encountered and procedures she'd be doing and pretty soon all was forgiven. Judy once again apologized to Santana and myself, both promising to keep in touch this time.
Which brings us back to my love for the greatest city in the world. I've traveled all over but I can say with confidence that the sun truly shines brighter in New York. I glance over my shoulder at the clock and smile. It's almost my favorite time of morning. During the week, Santana and I don't normally have time to enjoy downtime so when Saturday morning rolls around, I feel like a kid at Christmas.
The alarm clock beeps once, now it's officially five am.
Right on schedule the sun begins to rise and… wait for it.
The sunlight gently begins to outline my world. It starts at her feet that hang out of the sheet, traveling slowly up and across her perfectly flat stomach, then over two of my favorite assets and finally, the sun kisses Santana's left cheek. She's laying on her back, her hands are tucked behind her head under the pillow and her hair is wild, swept over her right shoulder. It's rare for her to have a full weekend off but it's definitely overdue and I plan on letting her enjoy every minute of it. I watch the sun now completely frame her perfect face. Her lips are slightly parted. I inch my way closer to her, ever so careful not to wake her.
I've known Santana since I was fifteen, we've seen each other through everything, losing friends, losing lovers, we've traveled all over. Over the years, I've found myself more and more embarrassingly and hopelessly in love with her. She may have fallen first but I definitely fell harder and it's definitely something we, to this day, always joke about. Strong, independent, man hating Quinn Fabray weak in the knees for one Santana Lopez. I cover my mouth to try and stifle the giggle that escapes my lips but I'm not quick enough.
Santana stirs but she doesn't wake.
That was close.
I go back to admiring her.
Santana has had countless people, men and women alike telling her how hot she is and even though that is true, I always make sure to tell her how beautiful her heart is. She once asked me why I always say that.
I smiled and kissed her lips explaining that looks eventually fade but a beautiful soul lasts forever. The smile I received after is one I will never forget.
Forever was not something I ever thought of but being with Santana for this long has changed me. I now make plans and am excited about them. I now have hope, hope of a future spent alongside this beautiful beautiful woman.
Santana turns, her right arm wraps around me and she firmly pulls me into her. Her chin is now resting on top of my head, my hands are trapped between our stomachs and my ear is now against her chest but I don't dare move, no. On instinct my eyes close, the steady beating of her heart is like a lullaby, soothing away all the cares of the world, silencing the outside noise.
All that matters is here and now.
This is my golden hour.
Golden hour will always and forever be my favorite time, in my favorite city wrapped up in my favorite pair of strong arms.