Authors Notes: I do not own Glee or Superman. This is purely for fun.

The amount Superman myths will be used or followed very minimal. Birth, powers, and a few overlapping essentials will be it.

Thank you to everyone who has returned, reread, or just found this story. It has been dear to me for a long time. I finally found my groove to get back to it. Losing Naya just stopped my creative thoughts. But, I've found them again. Here we go:

Chapter 16: Why Now

Her mother really did know best. It was a silly old saying, but in every instance Santana had needed guidance her mother was never wrong. She did need to tell Brittany. Especially, before their relationship took the next step. She had discussed with Brittany about taking things slow. She wanted to make sure things were safe for her….well her Brittany. They hadn't gotten to the label part of their relationship. But she decided she was going to tell Brittany the truth. The WHOLE truth about herself. She needed Brittany to know what she was getting into.

She was going to make sure Super Woman was off duty. She needed this to go smooth with Brittany. Well, as smooth as it could. Telling the person you're involved with you are an adopted alien from space that has no home planet anymore and have turned into the world's biggest superhero because you have super powers isn't a third date topic.

Friday wasn't any less busy for them. They had to make sure they were still working on The Jesse St. James case. Not much had come out of it the last week or so, but they weren't going to give up. Santana and Brittany both could feel it in their bones that something wasn't right with the whole mess.

Brittany was finishing up the touches on her story about a drug bust at Metropolis University. Several campus police officers had been looking the other way if they had been given a cut of the sales. It wasn't anything ground breaking, but it was better than covering another car accident down main street because someone was running from the cops.

The heroine had made her way across to bullpen to grab a drink out of the vending machine. Keeping her trained eyes on Brittany as she hammered away at the keyboard. Once she was in work mode, it was hard to get her out of it. Santana took a minute to recenter her focus. She really just wanted to fly across the Daily Planet and pick Brittany up. Giving Brittany a tour of the city from among high and letting her ask questions later, but that wasn't the right thing to do. She needed it to come from Santana. Santana is who she was. Superwoman is what she could do.

The hero took a deep breath before clearing her throat to get Brittany's attention. "Hey Britt," she shifted from one side of the desk closer to straight in front of Brittany.

The blonde didn't even look up from her computer. She hummed a soft acknowledgment at her partner.

Santana took in another deep breath. She could push out enough air to blow the building down if she wanted too. But, asking Brittany out was making her nervous. She knew Brittany was going to say yes unless she had plans. If she did, Santana knew she would offer another day. She knew it was the weight of what the date meant. The weight of telling her the truth. A change that couldn't be undone. She leaned closer so only Brittany could hear her, putting her hand on the edge of the desk.

"Honey." She said softly to ensure Brittany was paying attention to what she was going to say. The smile on Brittany's face could have brightened the dark side of the moon. The heroine felt heart melted a little bit at the change in her focus.

The taller woman stopped writing her article and turned her chair towards her partner. "Yes Ms. Lopez," She ran her fingers across Santana's briefly before pulling them towards her lap.

"Do you have plans tomorrow night?" She asked quietly, before elaborating a little. "We have been so busy all week and we missed our last big set of plans. I don't think lunch dates count as much as dinner."

"I will clear my calendar for you," Brittany winked and offered a sly smirk in reply. "Where and what time?"

"I was thinking the Cuisinier Bleu. I'll come to you around 7? " She took a deep breath, "I mean, I don't know if you like French food. But the whole city is raving about the newish restaurant. I thought we could try something new."

"That sounds amazing. I'm sure I can find something I like," Brittany looked the brunette up and down. "I'm almost done. Do you want to share a cab? Maybe hang with me a little tonight?"

A wave of relief washed over the Kansas native once Brittany confirmed. She knew this was going to be a long night if she went back with Brittany. She would probably break tonight if she was alone with her for too long. She knew she needed at least a little more time with her thoughts and trying to process her reasoning before she told Brittany. "I have a few things to take care of this evening to hang, but I'd love to share a cab and walk home from your place."

The cab ride was comfortably silent and relaxed. Brittany made sure to put herself in the middle of the seat so Santana had no choice in her personal space. The blonde leaned her head on partners shoulder for the ride home, not that Santana minded.

Santana held her briefcase loosely as they stood at the stoop of Brittany's apartment, "I'm really excited about tomorrow night," The brunette ran her fingers cross the blonde's hand.

Brittany leaned down and kissed Santana softly on the cheek , "Me too. I wasn't sure how you'd be feeling after Tuesday. I'm so excited," She paused for a second and looked at Santana quizzically. "Also, how did you get a reservation for tomorrow on short notice?"

"I do have a few sources I keep a secret for a reason Ms. Pierce," Santana squeezed her hand softly as she let out a content sigh, "I do have to figure out what I am wearing and have a few things to do at home. We are also on call tomorrow," Just as an annoyed huff left her lips, she heard a less than clear cry for help. From the sounds of it, it was far away. She had to go. She knew tonight was it. After tomorrow, she wouldn't have to make excuses anymore. Even if Brittany wasn't super happy about it, she would at least finally know where Santana had been. Santana leaned up slightly, kissing Brittany gently. Santana leaned in closer and wrapping her arms tighter around blonde's waist. "I'll see you tomorrow night, Britt."

Brittany was taken by surprise once again by Santana's sudden initiation of contact. She was beyond thrilled she was becoming more comfortable with them as an item. Not that Brittany even knew how to categorize them. But that would all come in time. She smiled into the kiss and ran her fingers up Santana's arms. "Yes Ma'am. Thank you for making sure I got home okay."

"Goodnight, Britt. I can't wait for tomorrow," Santana just offered a smile and a quick goodbye before she turned the corner of the next block.

Superwoman made a save yet again. YET AGAIN. Too most cost of Santana's personal time. She knew she wasn't meant to not help. Her powers weren't meant for her to be selfish. Her parents didn't raise her to walk by or ignore people who needed help. But, maybe, just maybe, telling Brittany would give her some freedom. Give her someone to share this part of her life with.

"Cass, I don't know what I'm going to say," She took a deep breath as she walked in front of her iPad for her oldest friend to inspect her outfit.

"Doesn't it make it so much easier when we figure it out for ourselves," She teased lightly. Cassie eyed her former lover up and down, "That's it. That's the outfit. You need to wear that one."

Cassandra July was house hold design name. She was no Vera Wang, but she had designed for plenty of celebrities. Super Woman included. She had custom made most of Santana supersuits. Fitness clothing was her first break. But gowns, black tie event wear, wedding dresses, casual attire had all become something she was known for. She was also only one of three people on the planet who knew who Superwoman was.

The heroine just rolled her eyes, "You figured it out by a freak accident. If I wouldn't have stopped that tractor that wasn't out in park, you would have been flat as a pancake, Cass." She looked herself up and down in the full length mirror of her bedroom. "I think you are right," She waved her hands over the tan short sleeved suit. "This is the outfit."

"You would have NOT been a hero if you let me get hit by that thing," The blonde laughed to herself as she took a sip of her wine. "Do you think Brittany is 'the one?"

Santana shook her head as she took her glasses off, "I don't know," Letting out a small sigh followed by a bright smile. "If she's not, I don't want to find someone who is. I know that much. I know I am willing to trust her with my biggest secret. I also have no fear she would tell anyone," She felt her heart flutter a little thinking about Brittany and her having a big future, "I think for me that's as close as I can get for being sure until I tell her."

"Jesus, I knew you cared about her," She let a small smile slip across her lips as she watched her dear friend light up, "But this is serious. I support whatever you do. You deserve all of the happiness in the world, Santana. You really are the best person I know. And not just because of your super self. Have you thought have how you're going to bring it up?"

"By trying not to panic and make a fool of myself," The Kryptonian bolted out of the room and back in, in jeans and a t-shirt. "I really don't know. I know I want to tell her how much I care about her and how much she means to me. I also want to make sure we are back here when I tell her."

"I think you'll know what words are right as soon as you start talking. You've always been good at that," Cassie took a drink of her wine and rose the glass towards Santana, "I think you should just take your glasses off when you get home and see how long it takes her to do the math."

"That's not even funny. I stayed there when she was sick. I thought every time she moved she was going to wake up and see me without them," She let a small sigh when she heard someone call for help, "I…"

"Go. " The blonde designer just smiled, "Good luck tomorrow. Call or text me if you need me."

Santana was determined that she wasn't going to be on duty tonight. The world could get by without Superwoman for a couple hours. Even if the evening carried into the later hours like their first date.

Santana got to Brittany's apartment just before seven. She had made the reservation for a little later. She knew Brittany well enough that she had a habit of pushing the time envelope. Not being late, but not being early enough for Santana's comfort.

She knocked on the door quickly, almost impatiently if she was being honest with herself. Her plan was simple. Make it through dinner and dessert as seamlessly as possible. She hadn't figured out if she would ask Brittany to her place yet or if they would just go back to Brittany's. Cassandra was right. She just needed to tell her how she felt about her, how much she meant to her…

She was dragged out of her thoughts with Brittany opened the door. She shook her head side to side quickly. "Hi…" Taking a second to look at Brittany, like really look at her. She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her.

The blonde always looked beautiful, but there was something different about the way she looked tonight. Her long hair was let all the way down, but was curled it lightly. Her blazer fit in exactly all the right places. Her long legs were accentuated by her capris and her high heels.

Brittany was very much in the same trance. Santana very rarely wore well-fitting clothes, even more rare was her showing so much skin. The blonde muttered so beautiful to what she assumed was just herself. Santana was certain she didn't need her super hearing for the comment. But she just let it go. A weak, hello was whispered back from the taller woman.

Santana closed the distance between them and kissed her partner softly on the corner of her mouth. Not too pushy, but enough affection for Brittany to know she was entertained. "You look so elegant Britt."

"You are absolutely stunning, San," She pulled her door closed behind her and offered Santana her arm. "I guess we should be on the way."

Their conversation on the way to the restaurant was light and playful. Santana wasn't sure if Brittany was feeding off of her or maybe she felt that tonight was different too. Brittany was always open with her choice of topics and jokes, this felt special. It felt right. Just like her mom had said, telling Brittany was what was for best.

"Lopez, 7:30 reservation," Santana offered the information to the Maître D. She watched him search his hand over the planner quickly and saw a big smile come to his face.

"Oh Ms, Lopez, we have been expecting you. The best seat in the house is ready," He grabbed two menus and bowed slightly. "The Chef wanted to make sure you had the best evening, anything you need you just let us know." He pulled the chair out of Santana and then did the same for Brittany. "Enjoy your meal, ladies."

Brittany just looked at Santana bewildered as she took the whole exchange in. "I know you said you have some secrets, but you HAVE to tell me how you got us into a four star restaurant on less than a few days' notice and know the Chef."

Santana just smiled at her date, "Yes, but only after you choose a wine. They are all fabulous."

After their order is placed, Santana explains as she promised she would. She had met Kurt Hummel in New York years ago when he was still just a sous chef. He had had many of his own appetizers or smaller dishes featured in a small restaurant. He got noticed by a food critic and had moved onto bigger more expansive restaurants. But Santana had gone to that restaurant so much they got to know each other. Once he knew he was coming to Metropolis he let Santana know, she had been waiting for the right time to ask for a special seat.

Dinner was one of the best meals either of them had ever had. Brittany even mentioned this would be on her 'last dinner' on Earth list, she kept tallied in her head. It didn't surprise Santana to find out Lucky Charms and Masaki's Japanese had always made their way on the list. The night was melting away sooner than Santana had expected.

Already on their way back home, she took Brittany's hand and played with her fingers nervously. They pair made their way back to Brittany's apartment. Santana felt like the air was being sucked out of her lungs. She was nervous and fidgety. This was not something she was used to experiencing. She just needed to come out and say it.

They got settled in Brittany's apartment. Brittany could feel the change in Santana as soon as the door shut. Santana had been sitting on the couch looking down at her hands and drumming her fingers on her leg for the last minute or so.

The blonde leaned down in front of her couch and pulled Santana's hands into her own, "Honey, are you alright? You've been sitting here like a nervous cat ever since we got back."

Santana shook her head a little and offered a sweet smile, "I have never been better honestly," She patted the seat on the couch beside her encouraging Brittany to move beside her. "There is something I want to talk to you about. But, I'm going to need you to listen to me."

"Santana," She knew her voice had cracked a little. She felt a little bit of panic getting into her chest. "This doesn't sound good. But I will try and listen and not interrupt."

Putting her hand on the side of the blonde's face, she made her to grab her full attention. She could hear the change in Brittany's heartbeat. It made her feel terrible; she was making Brittany so anxious. But, there was really no good way to start this conversation. She took a deep breath and let out a small sight, "Brittany, I am absolutely crazy about you. You make my days brighter. I don't laugh with anyone the way I do with you. You always have the right words when I am about to melt down. You are one of the most important people in my life."

Brittany let out a deep breath that she had been holding for what seemed like forever, "I am in the same boat Santana, I don't know when the switch flipped, but I just feel right with you. I feel like I can be myself."

"You make me feel things I haven't felt in such a long time. I don't and haven't trusted anyone in a very long time," She closed the space between them and kissed Brittany softly on the lips. "I have never felt like something was right. At least not until you."

Brittany grabbed her hand and pulled her towards her chest. "I feel all those things you do. I know you don't want to move too fast. We will take this at your pace." She put her hand on the side of Santana's face, "I am crazy about you, Ms. Lopez." She leaned forward and kissed Santana back on softly.

Santana was about to open her mouth when she heard..HELP. SUPERWOMAN HELP! It took a second to register. That was not in English. She heard more screams. The range was wide. Wider than any one accident. She felt her heart drop in her chest. This was not good. She couldn't ignore this. This amount of pleading and screaming had to be something huge.

She looked at Brittany and could tell her expression changed, "Britt."

"Don't Santana. Don't end our night. I don't know what it is. But I know that look. The I have to go look" Brittany grabbed her hand and sighed, "I don't ever ask. I never make a big deal of it. Please, just don't go."

"Brittany, I really have too. You know I wouldn't if I didn't have too," She felt her heart start to break when she saw the tears well up in Brittany's eyes, "I will explain later. I really have to go."