Nani and Santana arrived at the club around 6. Santana wasn't due to go on until 8 but she liked to get there early as did most of the performers. She never wanted to be rushing or running late the day she had to perform. She always wanted to be at the top of her game, she never knew who would walk into the club, if a better opportunity would be sitting in the audience waiting to give her a chance. If they were, they would always see her at her best, even during karaoke. So after her performance with Mercedes that night she would set up some rehearsal time in the club for her and Brittany to get ready for the next weekend.
Nani came along so that she could catch up with everyone before things got busy. Plus, she was in investigative mode. These people have seen Brittany and Santana together more than anybody else has. She knows if something were off they would tell her, and what they wouldn't or couldn't tell her she would find out anyway.
"Nani!" Sugar yelled as Nani walked through the door.
"Good evening to you too, Sugar," Santana rolled her eyes playfully at being totally ignored by Sugar.
"Get used to it, Nani's home," Nani said, walking towards Sugar who was racing towards her. "Hey Sugar," Nani smiled, hugging the girl tightly when she reached her. "How've you been, honey?"
"I'm good Nani. We've missed you around here. We have so much of Santana's life to catch up on!" Sugar exclaimed and Nani chuckled. Santana rolled her eyes.
"Oh hell no! Why am I always the hot topic around here?"
"You're the only single one, the couples drama just isn't as exciting," Sugar said sadly.
"You're single Sugar, should I stay in your business?" Santana asked.
"Oh Sanny, I already know you're gonna be in my business whenever I get some business. We're a family."
"Who the hell told you that lie?" Santana scoffed. "Then again I'm not opposed to your father writing me into his will." Santana clarified.
Sugar smiled, "You can go and get ready, Sanny, I need to trade notes with Nani."
"Don't go getting my cousin drunk, it's not even dark outside yet," Santana said.
"Go away, Santana" Nani laughed. "Come on Sugar, tell me everything you've observed."
Sugar smiled brightly while pulling Nani towards the bar. Santana rolled her eyes.
"Love you Sanny," Sugar yelled over her shoulder.
"Yeah, love you Sanny," Nani repeated, smirking, as Sugar linked arms with Nani and pulled her towards the bar.
"Hate you both," Santana yelled back, going towards the back to get ready to start her evening. She went to the back to grab her thermos and prepare her tea, leaving Nani and Sugar to chat.
"Okay Sugar, let's get down to business, how have things been with Santana?"
"Oooh, Brittany wasn't around for a while so we didn't know what was going on with those two but she's been at every show this week. Sophia was also here both nights and one night Nikki was here then the last time she performed Sexy Lexi came by..."
"Nani!" Someone yelled just as the women were starting their chat.
"Hey girl," Nani smiled, getting up from her seat as the woman came rushing over. "How've you been, Mercedes?" Nani asked as the women embraced enthusiastically.
"I'm good Nani. How about you?"
"I'm good."
"Came to hear me sing?" Mercedes said with a smile. "Or did you come to hear that other girl?"
"Oh for sure I came to hear you sing, but heard the other girl is pretty talented too." Nani smiled.
"She's okay, " Mercedes rolled her eyes. "What are you two talking about? It's gotta be Santana and Brittany."
"Not quite, Sugar was just about to tell me something about Sexy Lexi."
"Ooooh yeah, Lexi came by to hear Santana sing and she sat and chatted with us for about an hour after Santana's set ended. Sophia was stewing in the corner and Brittany was there, too."
"How did that go?" Nani asked and both women grinned. Just then Santana walked back into the room.
"Oh for fuck's sake," Santana rolled her eyes. "I don't even have to ask. Aretha didn't even come sit her bag down but she's at the bar with you two hens. What the hell are you all talking about?"
"Go away Santana," Nani ordered.
"So you want to talk about me behind my back in peace?" Santana asked.
"Yes," Nani replied. "You jump in with your smart ass comments to deflect and I want to know the truth about your harem and are the sister wives behaving themselves."
Mercedes and Sugar laughed while Santana glared at Nani.
"Don't give me that face I'm the oldest, I know what you're thinking." Nani said sternly.
"I think you all suck, all you have to do is ask what I'm thinking and I'll gladly tell you." Santana said.
"Go away Santana," Nani ordered.
"I've been saying that for years," a voice said from behind them.
"Oh great, Quinn and her sweaters are here to join the conversation."
"Hey Nani," Quinn smiled, walking over and greeting the woman with a hug, "So how far did we get into the Santana chronicles?"
"We just started," Mercedes answered.
"Should we wait for the others?" Quinn asked.
"What kind of hell is this?" Santana asked.
"Go away, Santana" Nani said firmly.
"I'm going to get my tea, but NOT because you told me to go," Santana pouted.
"Think she'll stay away this time?" Mercedes asked.
"Not a chance," Nani answered. "Let's go sit at a table and get comfortable. Maybe I can get some intel before she comes back."
The ladies go and find a table to have a seat at.
"So you guys were saying that Lexi came by when Sophia and Brittany were here?"
"Yup," Mercedes answered.
"Ok, before she returns, what do you guys think of Brittany?"
"General consensus is that we like her," Quinn responded and the ladies shook their heads in agreement.
"Should I be concerned?"
"Santana has been Santana, she still flirts with everyone..." Quinn started.
"She and Brittany have this crazy sexual energy," Sugar smiled.
"Santana has crazy sexual energy with a lot of women," Quinn rolled her eyes.
"You know it's different," Mercedes interrupted.
"Different how?" Nani asked.
"She likes this one," Mercedes smiled.
"She likes them all," Quinn rolled her eyes.
"It's different," Mercedes said, addressing Nani seriously. "I have no idea why they just don't hook up, or go on a date..."
"Other than the fact that Brittany is a closet case," Quinn smirked.
"Why are you so hard on her?" Sugar asked
"You forget too quickly, Sugar, but the rest of us haven't forgotten."
"I haven't forgotten," Sugar answered sadly, "but Sanny deserves the chance to take a chance. She's better now, I believe her, I can tell."
The women froze. Who would have thought that the truest moment of clarity so far in the conversation would come from Sugar.
"I think Brittany's intentions are good. Sanny is right, Brittany has her own pain, and she and Sanny seem to do something for one another. You said it yourself Nani, she's gonna get hurt again, we all do, but maybe it will be a regular hurt and not a brutal hurt like the ones she had before. She's gotta try again or she's gonna keep running into Sophias and Nikkies and we all know that Santana would have never given a Nikki a chance before she hooked up with a Sophia."
"Yeah, but Brittanys are a toss up just like Nikkies," Mercedes said.
"Well maybe she had a bad Nikki but now she found a good Brittany."
"You all sound insane!" Quinn added. "This name thing is insane! But let's say it works, in what world would a closet case Brittany be a good Brittany?"
"In my world," Santana interrupted, having returned to the room unnoticed. "Since you all insist on discussing me like I'm a mental case let's discuss once and for all. Yeah, you can find me banging some girl on the internet because somebody thought it was okay to share that part of me without my permission. Yeah, some people had some mean things to say about my body and because I needed a reason to hate myself at the time I allowed it to get in my head. I was young and naive, and it's not that easy to get into my head these days. I literally show my body willingly these days and allow people to paint me however they see me, even if they see me as a monster. Do you know why I do that? It's because it keeps things in perspective for me. How they see me isn't how I need to see myself. Their views of me don't define me. It's an image. It isn't real."
Everyone went silent, before Nani spoke softly.
"But you were affected by the way that Brittany saw you..." Nani started, the fear evident in her voice.
"It's not the same, Pu," Santana replied, understanding her cousin's fears. "How she saw me doesn't define me, it just makes me feel like she gets me."
"How is that different, Santana?" Nani asked, frustrated.
"It's different because she saw me how I see me, how I already saw me. She didn't make me see myself that way, she saw me despite the fact that I don't give that part of myself easily. She saw me because she wanted to see me, and so she took the time to learn the little parts of me, just like she's doing now. As soon as I saw that painting I knew the artist understood me, and as soon as I met the artist I knew that she always would."
"That doesn't make sense," Quinn said. "So you're basing this all off of some painting like you do with whatever name is written on their birth certificate?"
"I know you're scared too, Quinn, even if you show it by acting like a stuck up, evil, annoying bitch. I mostly love you too, but it makes sense to me, and that's all that matters."
"It makes sense to me, too" Sugar added.
"If that doesn't scare you I don't know what will," Quinn said.
"It makes sense because I see them when they're together, I can't explain it, but it's nice to watch." Sugar said.
"It makes sense to me too," Mercedes finally added. "Yeah, Brittany hasn't come to terms with her sexuality but I grew up in the church. I grew up witnessing that struggle. Maybe that's what scares Quinn most, because she grew up going to church too, and she knows that some people never find the door to that closet. They never come out. It's what scares me most too, Santana, because you haven't been this way with a girl in a long time. I almost thought that you would never be this way with a girl again but maybe she's just what you need. Maybe you need a girl who is struggling with herself because you're still struggling with yourself. Maybe helping her find herself is helping you find a lost piece of yourself."
All eyes fell on Santana. Nani could tell by the look in her eyes that Mercedes had struck a chord and Santana was about to give a snarky comeback because this was just too much truth for her to open up about when she herself was coming to terms with how Brittany may never open up to loving a woman. She may never open up to loving her. Nani spoke up quickly.
"I'm sorry, Santana."
"Sorry for what?" Santana answered, genuinely confused.
"I'm sorry I'm acting like you can't live your life without risking slipping into that dark place again. I'm sorry because maybe other people feel that too, but I know you better than anyone San, and I know what you're made of. Everybody says they're worried about you but maybe everybody is like me, they're projecting. We're worried we can't take seeing you starve yourself nearly to death. What Dani did, that wasn't some normal thing to overcome. Sugar is right, you deserve the chance to take a chance. We all know that Santana..."
"We don't all know that," Quinn said, and she didn't say it angrily, she sounded scared, even as she tried to hide it.
"Quinn, do you think that Nani rode into town and had one long talk with me and I ended up letting her cook for me and my eating disorder just disappeared because she made me some gumbo?"
Nani looked insulted. "My gumbo is outstanding!" she snorted. "And I made grandma's cornbread and gave it to you hot right out of the oven!"
Santana chuckled, "and it was the best you've ever made it, Pu, the best gumbo and cornbread I ever had in my entire life. You cooked your ass off for me that night and I'll never forget it, but I ate because I wanted to eat, Pu. I ate because I knew I was killing myself and I discovered despite the pain I just didn't want to die. I ate because I had punished myself enough for being stupid enough to let some girl film our most intimate moments together. I ate because I finally realized that I wasn't only punishing myself but everyone who cared about me and so that wasn't a decision I made because you cooked for me, that was a decision that had been in the making for months, and I just needed someone to help me take those last few steps, and it wasn't just your gumbo and cornbread Pu, it was the way you looked at me, the way you held me, the way I saw grandma in your eyes, and your mom, and my mom. That's what took me those last steps Pu, and what will keep me from ever slipping again. I realized I loved you all more than I hated myself. I loved my family, and I loved my idiot friends, too."
Santana looked at Nani and smiled, then she looked at Mercedes who shook her head in understanding. Sugar smiled brightly and then she finally looked at Quinn. She touched her hand.
"You don't have to be a bitch for me, Quinn. I still know how to be one when I need to. As a matter of fact I plan on being one very soon if Sophia doesn't give up on the thought of there being an 'us'. I thought she would be over it by now, but maybe I'm not doing her any favors by letting her hang around. Maybe it gives her some kind of false sense of hope. I don't owe her anything other than the truth, and maybe it's time I gave it to her in a way that will help her accept that she and I will never be more than a two night stand."
"Praise!" Mercedes said. "It's about time."
"And Brittany isn't doing anything wrong. She's not going to break me. She's figuring herself out. We all have to do that sometimes. She may not be up against the church but she has her valid reasons for this to be a scary time for her. I remember that time, and even though I had Pu in my corner and I had a grandmother that loved a reason to march against injustice so a lesbian granddaughter was probably a secret dream come true because she would get to yell at closed minded people, I was still scared to death." Nani laughed knowingly. "I was scared of what my mom and aunt Gladys would think, I was scared of what my abuela would think. I was afraid of what Wolf would think, and I was afraid I would lose some friends. I actually did lose some, but just the ones that never deserved me in the first place. Brittany's world has been turned upside down, and I'm not getting into details but it's not the first time, and she deserves support. If you guys love me help me support her. You don't have to know her story, all you have to do is trust me, trust my judgement, and trust that she's worth it not because I told you that she is but because you're actually getting to know her yourselves. She's not Sophia or even Nikki, all she has ever been is Brittany, and that's all you should judge her by."
Everyone was quiet for a second, letting the words sink in.
"So," Nani broke the silence, "tell me what you guys think of her."
"She's nice," Sugar spoke up first, flashing that mega watt smile. "I think she and Santana fit good together. Quinn couldn't scare her away."
"Quinn is not remotely scary," Santana rolled her eyes.
"She handles Quinn's bitchiness well. I actually think that Quinn and Brittany are beginning to enjoy this little dance that they're dancing," Mercedes added.
"Just two closet cases showing a mutual respect for one another," Santana quipped.
"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer," Quinn retorted.
Santana smirked and Mercedes laughed. Sugar sat with that wide grin on her face.
"I like her," Mercedes interrupted the death stare that Quinn was giving Santana. "At least she's not like a lot of the women that flock around Santana, clearly looking for a good time. Yeah, they have chemistry, but sex doesn't seem like the focal point. They seem to have a friendship, like Santana and Lexi..."
"How can you say that Brittany is like Lexi with Santana and not bring up the sex? Those two just look at each other and moan. Everything about them is sexual." Nani said and Santana smiled slyly.
"But they have a real, genuine friendship, too. Unlike Santana and a lot of her girls," Mercedes said.
"Woah, why the hell do you talk like I have a string of women passing through at all times?"
"Don't you?" Quinn asked
"Shut it Lucy!"
Quinn smiled sarcastically and Santana rolled her eyes.
"Well you three can continue to sort out my life. I have a show to prepare for. I'm going to do my sound check."
"Great, we'll call you over when we have it all sorted out," Nani said smiling.
"Outstanding," Santana said over her shoulder as she walked away. Once she was gone Nani spoke to the others.
"She's right, and she is going to be okay, and if by chance this Brittany breaks her heart I'll be there to help her pick up the pieces, and you guys be there to tell Brittany to run far, far away from me."
"We will," Mercedes said. "But I really don't get a vibe from her like some of these other girls who've passed through her life. I could see her at least having a lasting friendship with this girl like she has with Lexi."
"And what happened when Lexi was here? That had to have been interesting."
Sugar smiled and looked at Mercedes.
"Well I have to admit, even though Lexi and Santana have their history Santana was far more subdued with her than she usually is with Lexi, even when she has some of her other girls in the building she and Lexi are still Santana and Lexi. I can tell that Lexi understands that Santana likes this girl. Maybe she talked to Lexi about it, but I doubt she and Lexi do much talking," Quinn smirked.
"She and Lexi have been doing this thing of theirs for years now, they have an understanding of each other. They can't help that they have this sexual thing between them that everyone feels when they are in the room together. If sex were all that mattered in life those two would have gotten married years ago."
"Brittany and Santana have a thing too," Sugar smiled.
"Do they now?" Nani asked, her eyebrows raised.
"They actually do," Mercedes chuckled. "Sitting at that table was strange as hell that night."
Sugar laughed.
"Sanny was trying to be her normal self, she flirted with Lexi, she flirts with everybody, but Lexi was not as responsive as she usually is with Santana, at least not when Brittany was there. I think she sensed that Sanny was trying to just act like nothing has changed, but it has."
"Yeah, it has," Nani agreed. "Was Lexi angry?"
"No, Lexi was Lexi. She just seemed to be trying to respect that Santana was working some things out," Quinn added.
"That's why I love Lexi," Nani added. "And how was Brittany?"
"Brittany was okay. She was as uncomfortable as Santana was, I think, but respecting that these are the rules that they are playing by for now. It's not like Brittany doesn't get any attention while she's here but she just shoots everyone down. Clearly she's here for one person and one person only, even if you couldn't get her to admit that even at gunpoint." Quinn said.
"Can't wait to meet her for myself. I know that she and Santana can work their thing out. I may not know Brittany, but I know Santana. In my heart I know that she's come too far to start moving backwards now. She's stronger than that," Nani said, silently hoping for confirmation from the people who see her almost every day.
"She's fine, Nani, and if we ever thought that she wasn't you would be the first person that we called," Mercedes said sincerely.
"Please don't wait until she's 95 pounds to do it," Nani said.
"We won't," Quinn said, touching Nani's hand. Nani shook her head in acknowledgment and looked at the faces at the table, remembering when they had almost lost her as well. She knew they wouldn't allow it to happen again, not without a fight. Still, she felt better after speaking to them.
"So has the witches coven decided what I need to do with my life yet, so that I can turn around and do the exact opposite of what you have decided?" Santana walked up to the table and asked.
Nani smiled, "Don't you worry about all of that. What time is Brittany coming?"
"She'll be here in about an hour."
"Good, we'll save the hot seat for her," Nani said.
"Any seat she sits in will be hot, you'll understand when you see her," Santana wiggled her eyebrows before turning to walk away.
Santana went about preparing for the night as did Mercedes and Quinn. Nani sat at the bar with Sugar as she readied herself for the crowd. They chatted and laughed and the time flew by. Before they knew it Santana joined them and less than 10 minutes later Brittany walked into the bar. Nani watched as a wide grin spread across Santana's face, and how Santana was met by an equally wide grin.
"Hey Britts," Santana said, standing to greet the blonde with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "How's it going?"
"Hey Santana, I'm good. Hey Sugar," Brittany greeted the bartender.
"Hey Brittany," Sugar added with a bright smile.
Brittany's eyes fell on Nani and she offered a smile.
"Hey Britt, this is my cousin Nani," Santana said.
Brittany reached out her hand to the beautiful young woman.
"Hi Nani, so nice to finally meet you."
"Hello Brittany, I could say the same. I've heard so much about you," Nani added and Santana shot her a look. Brittany smiled.
"Yeah, Sugar can't stop talking about you," and Brittany rolled her eyes and playfully bumped Santana with her hips. Nani looked at Sugar who was sporting a wide grin. Santana couldn't help but to smile when Brittany bumped her.
"Ready for the show tonight?" Brittany asked Santana.
"I stay ready so I don't have to get ready," Santana replied and both ladies laughed at the private joke, Santana remembering when Brittany said that to her before their ride. Nani looked on quizzically as Sugar kept the dopey smile plastered on her face.
"Come on Britts, let's get you settled in."
"I'm okay Santana, I know the way."
"Best seat in the house, I don't want you to miss a thing," Santana said, turning around coyly and walking towards the same table she always seats Brittany at. It didn't escape Nani how Brittany's eyes quickly swept over Santana's body before they snapped up in an effort not to be obvious with her leering. Brittany just shook her head and followed.
"Friends my ass," Nani muttered.
"Not for long," Sugar smiled. "We're taking bets on how long it will take and if Brittany will turn into a crazy woman after it happens."
Nani dug in her wallet and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. "I want in," she said, handing a smiling Sugar the $20. "Whatever the bet is, my money is always on Santana to win."
"So, what are you thinking?"
"I'll let you know by the end of the night." Nani said, as she watched Santana and Brittany sitting at their table, Santana offering Brittany a sip of her tea and Brittany cutely scrunching her nose up at the offer.
Once Santana left to get ready for her performance and more patrons started to arrive Nani left Sugar at the bar and joined Brittany at the table that now contained Kurt and Dave as well as Sam. She didn't want to bombard Brittany with a ton of questions and so she sat and observed and watched for her reaction when not only Sophia arrived but also Nikki. To top it all off Lexi made another appearance, which wasn't shocking because she loved when Mercedes and Santana performed together. She greeted Nani was a wide grin and a huge hug, and Nani was always happy to see Lexi. Apparently, Santana had a full house of her lovers on deck for the night, and Nani was glad that she was there to observe. She didn't anticipate any trouble, but she certainly was the right person to handle it if any decided to come along.
After Quinn's set Santana took the stage. As soon as Nani heard the music a huge smile spread across her face as Santana took the stage with a burst of energy. Amy Winehouse's "Valerie" was one of her all time favorites, and she loved when Santana performed anything by Amy, but "Valerie was probably her favorite. Santana in the end would explode through the crowd, singing with such a frenzy that she felt ten times taller than she actually was. Santana owned that performance, and Nani looked in Brittany's direction just long enough to recognize that she commanded the blonde's attention as well. With so many in the crowd already on their feet, unable to simply sit and watch this performance, Santana danced her way through the crowd and after sharing a few steps with her favorite cousin she quickly grabbed Brittany's hand and spun her, and Brittany danced with such a joy in her Santana had to smile before letting her go and taking her place on the stage to conclude the number.
Santana instantly launched into a perfect rendition of "Back to Black", knowing that it was one of Nani's favorite Winehouse tunes, and Brittany was once again reminded of how much she loved the texture of this woman's voice. She could listen to Santana sing all day, she could fall asleep to the sound of her simply speaking every night. It was amazing to Brittany how much this woman made her feel. Sometimes she found it all so overwhelming, all of these feelings and no true way to express them. Sure, she knows with all of her heart that she's safe with Santana, but she also knows that Santana is in some ways not safe with her. Santana made it clear what she needs, and Brittany knows that she can't give her that. She's just not in a place to embrace what she feels, even if those feelings are so intense she feels like she's going to explode.
She totally understands why they call it being in the closet, because there is absolutely no room to breathe in this space she's in. It's dark and lonely and it's making her claustrophobic. She wants out. She wants to find a way out.
It didn't escape all of those who knew Santana how many times her eyes sought out Brittany while she performed. She enjoyed enticing her. She knew that those brief encounters, their eyes locking, was as intimate as the two of them could get for now, because when Santana performed she did so with her entire soul, and when she looked at Brittany that way she wanted to share her soul with her.
After Santana's mini Amy Winehouse tribute Mercedes joined her on stage and they launched into a rousing rendition of "River deep, Mountain High". Everyone loved it, and Brittany was in awe of how their voices blended so well together. Mercedes was easily her second favorite performer at the club, and to see Santana and Mercedes together was amazing. After the high energy number they slowed it down slightly and sang "The boy is mine" by Monica and Brandy. Watching Santana sing Monica's parts and be all sassy like the songstress made Brittany giggle. She could tell that Santana was doing it in part to entertain her, because she would look over at her and do a classic Monica neck roll or something and Brittany couldn't contain her amusement. Afterwards Santana left the stage and allowed Mercedes to finish the set which she did by singing 2 Monica songs of her own. It was a fun set, and Brittany couldn't wait until Santana would make her rounds and then make her way back to the table so that she could tell her how much she enjoyed her set. It may be her second favorite set she's ever seen her perform, after the first one she ever saw, of course. That one would always be special, because it was the first time someone had made her feel like dancing in such a long time. Now she notices she feels like dancing a lot, especially if she could dance with Santana.
Once Santana's set was over Nani took a moment to speak to Brittany. She had silently observed them together since Brittany first walked in the club and she couldn't deny they would make a good looking couple, although she knew that they would, considering Santana's taste in women.
"Enjoying yourself so far?" Nani leaned over and asked Brittany and Brittany met her with a huge grin.
"Your cousin is awesome!" She replied.
"More awesome than most people will ever know," Nani replied. "So, I heard you rode out with Santana and the Tainted Angels, did you enjoy yourself?"
"It was the best time I've had in a very long time," Brittany answered honestly.
"That's good. I saw the painting you did of Santana, you're very talented," Nani said.
"Thank you."
"Maybe you can come back and add a bikini or something," Nani laughed. "Just kidding, but kind of not," Nani smiled and Brittany noticed how much Nani reminded her of Santana in that moment. They had the same smile, and the same mischievous twinkle in their eyes. They were both stunning women, and while Nani seemed a bit more subdued than Santana, she also had a raw sexuality about her. The way she walked, her laugh, her eyes, Brittany was wondering if she was noticing all of this because of how much she reminds her of Santana or if she just had a better appreciation for a woman's beauty these days. The two didn't really look alike but some of Santana's best features these two shared. They were clearly related.
Sophia watched from a distance as Nani and Brittany laughed and smiled at the table. Nani had only given Sophia a brisk "hello" when she saw her at the club. She didn't really understand because Nani has hung out with their group in the past and they've had some good times. By the end of Mercedes' set, as Santana finally entered the crowd and was making her rounds before she ended up by Brittany's side yet again at their table, Sophia couldn't help herself but to go over and speak to Nani.
"Hello everybody," Sophia started. "So Nani, how have you been, it's been a long time," Sophia said.
"Time is a relative concept," Nani replied and Dave held back a smile while watching closely. He knew that Nani's temper was epic, and her patience was short with anyone but Santana. She was who Santana once was, a person who did not suffer fools lightly. Santana had mellowed, had gained compassion and understanding in a different way after her struggles but thankfully for Santana Nani was still Nani and she would refrain as long as she could but would certainly step in if she had to.
"So what have you been up to?" Sophia asked and Nani was already at her breaking point. She had things she wanted to say, and Sophia being in her space was making it very difficult for her to wait for Zen Santana to finally say them.
"You know what Sophia, let's go talk about that, catch up and whatnot," Nani said while standing.
"Nani..." Dave started, about to rise. Last time Nani took someone out to discuss something blood was almost involved.
"David," Nani said firmly, "Watch my drink for me will you, love?" she said, dripping with a sweetness that warned Dave that Nani would flip every table in that club if he tried to stop her. "Brittany, please keep Santana company for me until we, or maybe just I, return." Nani said, catching Sophia's eyes. Sophia looked confused. "Sophia, let's get some fresh air."
Dave's eyes flashed up to the stage where Finn was now performing his set. He really wished that Finn was working the door that night so that he could keep an eye on the ladies, or rather on Nani, but Sophia was on her own. Sophia knew Nani though, and she had hopefully heard enough through the grapevine to not test her luck with her.
Santana hadn't witnessed the two women slip out of the club, and everyone at the table knew better than to tip Santana off. Even Brittany knew that look in Nani's eyes couldn't be good even if she tried to cover it with a gentle speaking voice. Nani walked towards the exit and didn't bother to look back and make sure that Sophia was following.
She better had been following, Nani thought. It would only make things worse if she wasn't.
Once on the street and a short distance from the entrance to the club Nani turned to face Sophia. She just looked at her intently before Sophia spoke.
"What's going on, Nani?"
"Sophia, I understand that you have feelings for Santana, and I know she made it clear to you that she doesn't have those sorts of feelings for you. It's okay, it can happen to the best of us, but there comes a time where we have to acknowledge that the thing we think we want most in the world to happen is not going to happen, and that may even be a good thing even if it doesn't feel like one in the moment. You and Santana are never going to happen, and you probably never were going to happen, but you certainly won't happen after the way you first slept together. Santana won't say it because she owns her part in it but you were wrong, and so was Natasha, and as soon as I see her I'm going to tell her just like I'm telling you. She had turned you down a hundred times, and I don't know how you feel comfortable about finally getting a yes when she was drunk on her ass but it's just not a good look. Natasha should have had better judgement. Maybe you were blinded by what you wanted but what the hell was her excuse? Your friends should be able to be vulnerable around you and you still respect the choices that you know they would make if they were sober. You weren't a friend to her, and you won't be a lover to her. Do not complicate her life, Sophia. She has moved on, so I suggest you do the same. If you like coming here that's great, but don't try my cousin again Sophia. Respect her boundaries. If you can't respect hers, I won't respect yours, do you understand me?" Nani said, stepping close into Sophia's personal space.
"It wasn't like that." Sophia tried.
"I know what it was like, Sophia. I don't need a spreadsheet, a graph or a motherfucking chart to explain it to me. I know you two had a second night together, and that one was on Santana. She thought she owed you something, a better experience than the drunken one she gave you before, when she didn't owe you shit," Nani said with venom in her voice. "If you got a sloppy drunk fuck out of her and didn't like it well that should be your lesson to not fuck people when they are sloppy drunk. So congratulations, you had her not once but twice. Take your orgasms and go on your way, Sophia, because you're making yourself look insane, and you're a beautiful woman. Stop fixating on Santana and go find yourself what you need in life, because you will never find it with Santana. Again, she has moved on, okay? Move the fuck on, Sophia."
Sophia was shocked into silence.
"I'm not here to hurt your feelings. I feel for you, really, I do, but I feel for nobody in this world more than I feel for Santana, so please don't piss me off, okay? Remember, Santana is the nice cousin. She may be the one who made your dreams come true, but I will bring your fucking nightmares to life if you make things complicated for her. Stop hovering around trying to get closer to the people she's close to or digging for information. All of those closest to her recognize the game you're playing. So when you see me, we can say hello and be pleasant, but please remember that we were never friends, we were simply friendly, just as I am to anyone Santana considers a friend until I have a reason not to be, and playing nice with me won't get you an inch closer to Santana. So you have yourself a wonderful night Sophia, and enjoy the rest of the show if you decide to stay, but never...ever...give me a reason to step outside with you again."
Nani turned and walked back into the club. If Sophia was smart she would just go home now. If she wasn't she would come in and take her chances with pissing Nani off again.
Sophia walked to the curb and flagged down a taxi. It was the best decision she had made in quite some time.
Meanwhile, Santana had finally made it to the table where the others were sitting, along with Quinn who had also joined them. She greeted everyone who congratulated her on her set. She sat next to Brittany and opened her thermos, pouring herself a cup of tea and once again teasing Brittany with a cup. Brittany declined and Santana laughed, taking a sip before looking at the empty seat on the other side of Brittany.
"Where's Pu?" Santana asked.
"She stepped outside for a minute," Dave said as everyone, including Quinn, looked suspiciously around.
"What the hell is wrong with you all?" Santana asked but everyone averted their eyes, refusing to answer.
"Britt, where is my cousin?" Santana asked, and while Brittany sensed that whatever was going on could get worse with Santana knowing she also respects that she and Santana have their own thing outside of this friendship bubble Santana has with the others, and so she would do what Santana always did with her and be upfront.
"She took Sophia outside," Brittany admitted.
"Excuse me?" Santana asked, shocked.
"She asked Sophia to step outside for a chat."
"When?"
"A few minutes ago."
Santana stood on her feet.
"Let her do what you won't do," Quinn said.
"Shut it Lucy!"
"She's right," Brittany said shocking everyone at the table, including herself. Santana froze in her tracks. "Nobody in this world has your back like Nani. Nobody, you've said it yourself a thousand times since I've met you. Trust her to do what you know needs to be done. It's okay to let someone else do it. You tried. She won't hear you. Maybe she will hear Nani. You don't deserve this, Santana, no matter what you think you might have done wrong. You deserve to have peace in your own space without the constant awkward reminders."
Everyone was stunned. Brittany was rather quiet around the group. She was cordial, laughed at the others as they joked around and enjoyed every performance. Spoke when spoken to, but never anything like this. When Santana arrived she and Santana would share their intimate laughs, their poorly concealed glances, their hidden touches. Then Brittany would leave and everybody would tease Santana, but Brittany is taking a stand here, the first stand she's ever taken, and Sugar has a line forming at the bar and doesn't care because she needs to come over and see what's happening because it looks too good to miss!
"What's happening?" a breathless Sugar asked. Mercedes was right behind her, having just finished changing after her set and unaware of everything that was transpiring.
"What's going on? The drunks are getting restless, Sugar," Mercedes said.
"They can wait. Give their livers a break for 5 minutes! I saw Nani leave with Sophia and then Brittany was talking and everybody looked shocked and I need to know what she said right now!" Sugar said desperately.
"Nani took Sophia outside but just in case she never returns we should all agree that we never saw that part. Then Santana asked where Nani was but we were just minding our business then she asked Brittany who apparently hasn't learned how to lie to Santana yet and she told Santana. Santana was going to go find Nani and save Sophia but Quinn told her Nani was doing the right thing and Santana told Quinn to 'shut it Lucy' but Brittany jumped in and basically told Santana that Lucy, I mean Quinn, was right and to let Nani do what needs to be done since Sophia won't listen to Santana, so Santana stopped in her tracks because she must be as shocked as the rest of us to hear Brittany speak up about this," Sam rushed out in one long breath. Sugar clasped her hands over her mouth dramatically and her eyes widened comically.
"By the way, she's right Santana." Sam added.
"Can it, Trouty." Santana said.
Just then Nani approached the table alone.
"Where's Sophia?" Santana asked.
"Do you really care?" Nani asked. Nobody missed the fact that Santana didn't reply very quickly.
"I just don't want her to get hurt, that's all," Santana answered.
"I'll go get the bleach," Sugar started. "Because of my dad's line of work I know all about these things."
"There is no crime scene, Sugar," Nani stated.
"Good girl, I can appreciate a nice, clean job." Sugar smiled.
"She's fine, we just had a chat. My hands never left my sides."
"What happened, Pu?" Santana asked.
"I said what needed to be said. If she didn't come back inside maybe she got the message, finally. Now let's turn our attention to the stage. Finn is putting on a hell of an entertaining show tonight, especially since he insists on dancing. I fucking love when he does that! It's entertaining in all of the wrong ways," Nani said, sitting in her seat and reaching for her drink.
Santana took a seat and so did Mercedes. Sugar was finally satisfied that she had gotten caught up on the gossip and so she returned to the bar to tend to the line that seemed to be endless at this point.
Thankfully, some in the crowd were on their feet feeling the music as Finn performed, and so nobody noticed all of the drama that seemed to be happening at the table. Finn smiled what Santana liked to call his 'gassy baby' smile at Nani and Nani grinned with joy as he did some clumsy spin move and ended with a flourish. Everybody loves Nani and Santana swears he dances more when she's there just because he knows that Nani finds it hysterical. As everyone enjoyed the show Santana sat in silent contemplation, and Brittany was hoping that she wasn't upset by what she said. Finally, Santana spoke.
"How long have you felt that way?"
"A long time, Santana."
"Why?"
"I clearly said why."
"Any other reason?"
"Do I need another reason, Santana?"
"No, no you don't." Santana paused. "Britt?"
"Yes Santana?"
"Does Lexi and Nikki being here bother you as well?"
"None of them bother me, Santana. It's not about me. You told me about the Sophia thing right after, you know, Albany. It bothers you, and while I may never know the entire story I know that no matter what having sex with someone once or twice does not commit you to a lifetime of putting up with their crap."
"I wasn't putting up with her crap."
"Yeah Santana, you were, and now hopefully you won't be. I don't know the situation with you and Nikki, and you and Lexi seem close, but Sophia, that was a different thing, and maybe with her out of the way you can move on from that. You and I both know that we can't let our mistakes haunt us forever, now can we Santana?"
"No Britt, we can't." Santana resigned.
"Santana?"
"Yeah?"
"You were amazing tonight, you know that don't you?" Brittany smiled.
"Mmmmm one night you're gonna say that to me with your clothes off," Santana smirked.
"There she is," Brittany smiled and Santana just laughed and turned to watch the rest of Finn's performance.
Nani may have been watching Finn, but she was eavesdropping on Santana and Brittany. She may not know enough just yet, but so far, she likes this girl.
After Finn's set, test number two was heading their way for Brittany. Lexi came over for her end of show pleasantries as she usually did when she stopped by the club, which Brittany had no idea why that was so often these days. Maybe it had always been that way. Brittany had missed many shows when she and Santana first started hanging out as she came to grips with how she was feeling about Santana and with seeing her with her lady lovers. Maybe Lexi was a regular.
"Nani! How are you doing gorgeous?" Lexi said while walking over to grab the woman in a hug.
"Hey Lexi, how have you been, girl?" Nani smiled, hugging Lexi back.
"Heard you were coming this week, so despite my busy schedule I came here just so I can come and have a moment with you."
"That, and Santana and Mercedes performing together was always one of your favorite duos," Nani smiled.
"That too," Lexi said, smiling her perfect smile over at Santana who winked back.
Brittany wonders if Sugar would let her borrow that bleach.
"Hello everyone," Lexi said to the table.
"Hey Lexi," they all answered cheerfully.
"You guys were all great tonight," Lexi added.
A series of thanks came from the performers.
"So Nani, you going out dancing tonight?" Lexi asked.
"Not sure yet but if we do were you planning on joining us?" Nani asked.
"Not tonight," Lexi answered, and somehow she and Brittany ended up making eye contact. "It's been a long week. Maybe next time. I'll be here next week for karaoke, though. Will you be here?"
"Not sure yet," Nani smiled and then glanced at Santana who was far more interested in her drink than any person who wasn't trying to drown their sorrows should be. As a matter of fact was she drinking Brittany's drink, because wasn't she sipping tea not ten minutes ago? Clearly Santana wishes she could fade away in this moment and Nani now sees for herself what the girls were talking about earlier about the weird dynamic when Brittany was around Santana and Lexi. Nani made a decision in that moment, "but I think I'll probably make it."
Lexi smiled and Santana looked at Nani quizzically. This was news to her. Nani hasn't been able to make it to visit her 2 weekends in a row in more than a year. She wonders why she was making the time now.
"Okay then, I'm about to head out. Just wanted to stop by and say goodnight," Lexi said. "Great show," she said to the table. "Santana, you were outstanding as always," Lexi said, looking at Santana.
"Thanks doll. You sure you can't stay for one more drink? My treat," Santana asked.
"Not tonight, hun, but I'll certainly take you up on a raincheck soon," Lexi smiled and there it was, that crackle that always made itself present when those two interacted with one another.
"Let me walk you out then," Santana said. "Excuse me," Santana said, standing from her seat. "I'll be right back, Britts."
"Sure thing," Brittany replied, trying to ignore the tightness she always feels in her chest when Santana goes off and chats up some girl. Nani took in the scene, and after she and Lexi hugged goodnight Nani sat next to Brittany and struck up a conversation.
"So I hear that you're a dancer?" Nani asked.
"Once upon a time," Brittany answered.
"Feel like dancing tonight?" Nani asked.
"Haven't been dancing in a long time."
"Not what I asked," Nani smiled and waited as Brittany paused. She decided to up the ante.
"I love to take Santana dancing, in some ways she's even more free when she dances than when she sings. Her singing, and her dancing when she performs, it has to be as perfect as possible. It's her passion, but also it's work. It's her dream of what she wants to do in the future, and so it is not the total freedom she experiences with dance. You should see her when she's free, when she dances with me. I go even when I'm tired just to see her smile like that."
Nani watched as Brittany thought about what she had just said. She knew Brittany would find it hard to resist seeing Santana that way.
"I'll go for a while," Brittany replied.
"Excellent!" Nani smiled. "I can imagine that dancing could feel a lot like work for you too when you performed?" Nani asked.
"Sometimes. I'm from a smaller town and so even when I danced in the clubs I never knew who was watching, how it may lead to getting or even losing a job. I guess singing must be the same for Santana, always needing to sound good because she has no idea who will hear her. It's why I like cooking and painting. It's mine, and it doesn't have to be perfect it just has to be good enough for me." Brittany said wistfully.
"The best things in life are the things you do because they feel good to you, because they mean something to you. The rest of the world doesn't have to understand it or give it their stamp of approval. For me that's dancing and playing the drums. Sometimes when the club is closed Finn and I will play the drums together and wait for Santana and Rachel to finish up. He's a drummer too in case you didn't know. We have these drum battles that sometimes go on far longer than Santana and Rachel would like," Nani laughed, "but man what a rush. My dad and I will do the same thing sometimes, and the way it gets your musical juices flowing, it's amazing."
Brittany smiled, "Santana says you're an excellent dancer, have you ever once thought of dancing professionally?"
Nani smiled, "No, I leave the arts for Santana, for me it's all just a release. Music and dancing is my happy place. Everybody needs a happy place in their lives."
"They certainly do."
"Not to say that my work isn't a happy place for me. I teach special needs kids. It's the most rewarding thing in the world to me. I was offered the opportunity to work at one of the top special needs schools in the country and I couldn't pass it up so I made the move to Philadelphia. At least it was close enough for me to drive here on the weekends or for Santana to hop on her bike and visit whenever she could. It was tough leaving Santana behind, we're like sisters, closer than sisters we're best friends so that was tough. Then I met my boyfriend, he's a teacher as well. Santana started visiting me less. She says she wants to leave me time to focus on my own life and my relationship which I know she's right but I do miss spending the weekends just hanging out with my favorite person to hang out with in the world. Don't tell anyone I said that, my boyfriend would hate being number two and Santana's head would explode if I ever confirmed that to her. Her ego is already massive."
Brittany laughed. She and Nani chatted a little longer. Meanwhile, Santana had walked Lexi just outside of the club. She took Lexi's hand and brought it to her lips.
"You okay, doll?"
'Yes Santana, I'm okay."
"Early night tonight. Sure you don't want to stay a while?"
"I'm sure Santana, it's best that I leave."
"Why, Lex? You know how we are, just talk to me."
"I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. You and Brittany..."
"She's just a friend," Santana said.
"So are we..."
"She and I don't have that kind of friendship."
"Exactly Santana, and maybe she doesn't need to see you with your special friends."
"I don't understand..."
"You and I, Santana, we decided long ago that this is what would work for us. When you or I have given relationships a chance the other one has always stepped away gracefully. It's why we work so well together. It's why I'm the best fuckbuddy you've ever had. It's never gotten complicated for you, for me, well..."
"What?"
"I don't know, that feeling I had when I found out that you and Dani were doing things that you and I had never done. It was fleeting, and it passed once you explained it, but it has always bothered me that it bothered me, if that makes any sense."
"Maybe?" Santana said, as if it made sense but she was also utterly confused.
Lexi laughed, "I know it's confusing, but it bothered me until you explained things but why should it have even mattered? As long as were both getting off what's the problem? I think, long term, if we play this game it can get dangerous. I love your friendship, Santana, and I certainly love the sex we have, but sometimes when you play a game it's important to know when to quit before you lose everything."
"So are you saying..." Santana asked almost sadly. Lexi wasn't just sex to her, their thing had evolved into a really special friendship.
"I'm not saying anything yet, San. I'm just thinking, observing, and gathering data."
"So nothing has changed between us?"
"We don't have to decide anything tonight, Santana. We just do what we always do, we let it play out."
Lexi leaned in and kissed Santana, and something in Santana made her want to deepen it, but Lexi quickly pulled back.
"Easy tiger, not tonight. Nani is here."
"Never stopped us before," Santana laughed.
"Brittany is here."
"We are not fuck buddies." Santana sighed.
"But you're also not just friends. Like I said, let it play out San. I want the best for you, you know that don't you?"
"Yeah Lex, I know."
"I know you want the best for me too, you always have."
"I do," Santana smiled, pulling her close and staring into her eyes lustfully. Lexi smiled.
"You're a little tipsy, aren't you?"
Santana smiled and used her fingers to indicate just a pinch.
"So fucking adorable. I didn't even see you drinking."
"Downed most of a drink too quickly. Sugar made it," Santana smiled.
"You need me to walk you back inside, hun?"
"I'm good, Lex."
"We'll talk again, okay, when no drinks are involved. Go inside, drink some water and flush it out. Nani wants to dance, so no more fire water for you, okay? Tell Sugar to take it easy on you."
Santana smiled. "Love you Lex."
"Love you too, San."
"Sexy Lexi, the voice of reason!" Santana yelled.
Lexi laughed, "Go inside, dork."
"Goodnight Sexy Lexi," Santana waved without looking back, walking towards the club.
"Goodbye San," Lexi said softly, smiling, deep in thought.
Just before Santana reached the door Nikki and her small group exited. She said goodnight to her clients and grabbed Santana's hand before she slid back into the club.
"Hey sexy," Nikki purred.
"Hey Nik," Santana smiled.
Nikki could tell that Santana had a drink or two in her. That always worked out to Nikki's advantage. Suddenly she was feeling lucky tonight.
"It's been a while, baby, what do you have planned for the night?"
"Nani and I are going to hang out."
"Yeah, I saw Nani earlier, I stopped by to say hello to her."
"Cool"
"You look tense babygirl, why don't you come back to my place, let me help you unwind."
By the look in Santana's eyes Nikki knew that she really didn't want to resist.
"Not tonight, doll."
"Santana," Nikki said sternly, "All of these girls who came through to see you tonight, struggling with what they want, or what they need, or who they are. Shit must be exhausting. Let Nani take care of your friend for an hour or two, and you can just let Nikki concentrate on taking care of you." Nikki ran her hand down Santana's body until she cupped the round of her ass. "Poor Santana, frustrated while she waits for these girls to work their lives out. Come home with a woman tonight for a change. Don't worry, you can go back to playing this game tomorrow night since it seems that's what you're into these days."
Santana gathered her thoughts. She was tipsy but far from drunk. She was also horny, and apparently not very good at hiding it. Seems like everyone she's fucked in the past year has decided to show up tonight and have a 'entice Santana' convention. Still, she was stronger than this.
"While a few rounds with you always sounds lovely, it's just Nani and I tonight, doll."
"Hmmmmm, and what about the blonde? Is that what this is all about? Waiting for her to find her courage so you can rock her world, meanwhile, poor Santana has to endure a dry spell?" Nikki smiled, licking her lips.
"Poor Santana can get laid anytime she wants, don't worry about me, doll. Any night I go home alone I choose to go home alone, you of all people know that Nikki," Santana said sternly, indicating to Nikki that she hangs around hoping to take Santana home just as much as the others do, she just spends more money while doing so. "But tonight, you and I aren't going to happen. I hope you enjoyed the show, though."
"You know I did, hun, I already told you so inside. You know what watching you does to me. It's the best kind of foreplay. The after show could have been so much better, though."
"Better than that? I don't know. I kicked ass tonight," Santana smiled, lightening the mood just a little. At the end of the day she may not want Nikki, but she does love the perks she brings to the club. Her people spend a lot of money.
"You certainly did, Santana. Watching you up there may be one of the reasons why I just can't get enough of you," Nikki said, leaning in and placing a kiss on her lips. "Another may be watching you work out at the gym, all spent and sweaty." Nikki bit her bottom lip. "You have my number, use it sometimes."
"I certainly do, Nikki, and I'm sure we will see each other around soon."
"Sooner rather than later, I hope," Nikki said before slowly sliding her hand down Santana's body before releasing her and walking away. Santana couldn't help but watch her walk for a while.
"Fuck," Santana said to herself, "get it together, Lopez. I am not like Wolf," Santana reminded herself. It was all she needed to hear to get her head back in the game.
Santana walked back inside and back to the table where Nani and Brittany were engaged in a chat. Santana smiled. Brittany didn't look like she was in distress, she actually looked like she was enjoying the conversation, which means that Nani likes her so far. Santana took the empty seat on the other side of Brittany and joined in with one of the many conversations going on at the table. She ate some wings and drank some water to soak up the alcohol, she wanted to enjoy the rest of the night with Nani and her friends. By the time Finn left the stage she felt her buzz wearing off. Soon after Finn's set ended Nani extended the invitation to the others to go dancing with them. Kurt, Dave, and Sugar accepted, although Sugar primarily accepted because she wanted to witness whatever was going to happen that night between Santana and Brittany.
Before they knew it the small group had made it to the club and found their way inside. Nani instantly started looking for someone to hit the dance floor with. Her first instinct was to grab Sugar but when she saw that awkward look in Brittany's eyes and Santana's hesitant look she decided she was going to grab Brittany and get this ice broken. The last thing she wanted was those two goofballs looking awkward and stressed for the entire night.
"Come on Brittany, it's not an audition, just a few friends at the club. Come dance with me, girl."
Nani grabbed Brittany's hand who turned and looked nervously at Santana. Brittany didn't know why she was feeling this way, maybe because Santana has been wanting to see her dance, or maybe because dancing with this group of people, dancing with Santana, who has opened up so many things for her recently, maybe she's afraid this will be just another thing she awakens, and another thing that Brittany isn't sure she can deal with. She has come to terms with losing dance, but what happens if she finds it again?
Nani was moving to the beat before they even found a spot on the crowded dance floor. When they made their way to a clear space Nani began to move, and her movements were so fluid that Britany understood what Santana meant when she said that Nani was a natural dancer. Brittany watched as she swayed her hips and she couldn't help but move with her and keep pace. When Nani saw her move to the beat she smiled in appreciation of her skills, and in less than a minute they were lost in the music, dancing as if the beat matched the beats of their hearts.
Sugar looked at Kurt and Dave who were standing near the bar with Santana and smiled. They all had their eyes on Santana who couldn't keep her eyes off of Brittany.
"Wow, she really can dance," Kurt marveled.
"They look hot," Sugar added. "You should go out there, Santana."
Santana swallowed hard and then turned to face the bar. She wasn't in the mood to get sloppy and so she simply ordered a beer. She needed something to quench her suddenly dry throat.
"I'll go out there in a bit, the view is kind of nice from here. Why don't you guys go on out? I'll be out there in a little while."
Santana hoped that they wouldn't protest, she really wanted to be alone in her leering.
Sugar almost protested, but Kurt grabbed her hand and dragged her out on the dance floor. Santana turned and sipped at her beer, and watched as Nani and Brittany danced together.
Nani carries the weight of the world on her shoulders sometimes. Since their grandmother died she has become the designated worrier in the group. You would think it would be their moms, who yes, also worry too much, but Nani picked the family up on her shoulders and became the one most likely to keep the family intact. It was unexpected, but Santana believes her eating disorder played a role in that. So when she sees Nani dance and laugh and the way all of the worry slips free from her shoulders, well it was one of the most beautiful sights in the world. One of the most beautiful sights that happens to be dancing beside another of the world's most beautiful sights for a whole other reason.
For Santana there are few things more beautiful than watching a woman move seductively. It's the subtle things, not the women who try hard to keep people's eyes glued to them. It's the women who have no idea that everyone can't stop watching them, the women who draw you in and fill your mind with gratitude that you were born blessed enough to love and appreciate the beauty of a woman. It's not the ones who fill their dances with body caresses and filthy gyrations. It's the ones who ooze sex just because they do, for no other reason than that they were born that way. Lexi does that, all natural and sensual and raw. It was how she had first seen her, dancing alone, refusing to accept dances and drinks from anyone, just wanting to shake the stress of the work week off alone until she came over and chose Santana for a dance, confidently sliding her hand around her waist when Santana finally made her way to the dance floor, deciding who she would approach for a dance.
"I've been waiting for you," Lexi whispered seductively in her ear as Santana turned to look at who was bold enough to approach her that way. Her voice was as sexy as her body was.
"Well I'm here now, and I assure you that I was worth the wait," Santana smirked as Lexi invaded her space and the two began to move together in a way that both women knew could only mean that it was going to be a really good night.
It turned out to be a really good weekend, Santana following on her bike as Lexi drove home, the two of them falling into bed and Santana not leaving until Monday morning when Lexi had to return to work.
Now Santana sees Brittany, and somehow it's a hundred times sexier than that moment with Lexi. It's the little things, the intensity on her face, or the pure joy. They way she subtly flips her hair from her face, or how she sings along to the music. It's the way that she gently rejects every woman that approaches her, or how she boldly pulled Nani close when she noticed someone approaching Nani. After Santana finished her beer she stood near the bar, rejecting every drink and dance offer, her body only desiring to move with one person.
Soon Nani looked up and waved Santana over. She had given her enough time to think. She had played the perfect wing woman and had broken the ice, had gotten Brittany on the dance floor without all of the sexual tension and apprehension to dance attached, and now she was going to call Santana in and go dance with Sugar and the others.
Santana made her way through the crowd, ignoring everyone in her path except the blonde who had her captivated. When she came over Nani instantly grabbed her hand and brought her into their little bubble.
"Come on cuz, I know you didn't come here to hang out at the bar all night," Nani smiled.
"Just having a beer," Santana replied, beginning to sway to the music and trying not to look at Brittany moving so closely to her.
"Now that sounds like a good idea. Brittany, ready for a drink?" Nani asked over the boom of the music. She almost hated to interrupt her. She seemed so lost in it, so joyful in the moment.
"No, I'm good. Thank you," Brittany replied.
"Well I'm just parched," Nani said and Santana looked at her and rolled her eyes. She knew exactly what Nani was doing. "I'm gonna go grab a beer," Nani said as she stopped dancing and walked towards the bar. Santana quickly fell in step with Brittany and Brittany looked up and offered her a shy smile.
"You look great out here, Ohio. A woman of many talents," Santana leaned in and spoke loud enough for Brittany to hear her.
"Nani can dance!" Brittany smiled. "So can you, but I already knew that."
"I just got out here, you haven't even seen me dance," Santana smirked.
"I've seen you dance during every performance, remember?"
Santana smiled, "Mmmmm, but now I get to dance with you. I must say I love the way you move, Ohio," Santana drawled.
Brittany blushed, "Can't help yourself, can you New York?"
"Not when it comes to you, Legs."
Santana pulled Brittany in close and moved with her. They quickly fell in sync as Nani joined Sugar and the others and watched from a distance.
"You think tonight's the night?" Dave asked as Kurt smiled.
"It's gonna happen," Sugar smiled and clapped giddily.
"Naw," Nani said. "It's gonna happen, but not tonight, at least not that. What's happening tonight is a lot more interesting," Nani smiled before taking a sip of her beer.
Brittany could move like this all night, Santana behind her, her hand wrapped possessively around her waist. Santana's chin lifted up and nuzzling into her neck. Thank goodness for the heels she was wearing, evening the playing field regarding their height difference, the shorter heels that Brittany had on only requiring that Santana lift her chin slightly. Brittany didn't realize how much she needed this excuse to allow Santana to be close to her again. The pounding of the bass and the grinding of her hips, it all felt so carnal, it all reminded her of how music and movement working together made her feel, and in that moment she never wanted to stop dancing, she never wanted the night to end.
They danced that way for almost an hour before Brittany was finally ready for that beer, but she still didn't want to leave the dance floor. Santana knew she must be thirsty by now and so she tore herself away. She needed a cold drink as well, the heat between them and the heat on the dance floor becoming all too much.
"Need a drink, Ohio?"
"Could use one."
Santana reached for her hand but Brittany shook her head.
"I'll wait here. I'll be okay," Brittany said. She hadn't danced, really danced, in so long. She knew it would be like this when she finally did. She missed it, and now she never wanted to stop. She was dancing for herself. She was dancing with the woman she wanted to dance with. She was living her life, her way, just for the moment. She realizes she has had quite a few moments like that since she's met Santana.
"Be right back," Santana replied, as she made her way to the bar. Nani and the others had been watching, and so they made their way from the dance floor to meet her at the bar.
"How's it goin', Cousin?" Nani smiled and Santana sarcastically rolled her eyes.
"Sanny, you two look good together," Sugar smiled.
"I can look good with anybody, doll," Santana replied.
"There she goes hiding behind her sharp tongue," Kurt replied.
"Santana, you gotta admit, there's a lot of heat happening on that dance floor." Dave added.
"She's a dancer, we're just dancing," Santana said.
"She wasn't dancing like that with me," Nani smiled.
"You must not have what I have, then" Santana smiled.
"Bitch please," Nani rolled her eyes and Santana laughed. "If I wasn't your cousin you would have been came for this."
"They are certainly related," Kurt said and Dave laughed.
Santana waited impatiently to order their drinks. Meanwhile, she watched as Brittany danced alone for a moment before some girl decided to slide into her space.
"Look at this shit," Santana mumbled under her breath and the others quietly laughed.
"What did you expect? The girl is beautiful and she can move," Dave said. "Even a giant gay like me can see that," he added.
"You worried?" Kurt said jokingly.
"You of all people should know that the last thing I do when it comes to women is worry if I'm enough," Santana answered.
They all stood back and watched as Brittany moved to the music, keeping her dance partner at a respectable distance. Santana got their beers but decided to watch for a moment. She would let this girl get her dance and then she needed her to go on her way. Once that song ended "Fall" by Davido came on. Santana wet her lips as she watched Brittany move.
"Sweet Baby Jesus, she can dance to afrobeats too." Santana said.
Nani smiled, "Seems like your girl can dance to anything," Nani said.
"Ugh, this girl she's dancing with is wasting this beautiful moment with whatever that is she's doing out there. If Brittany is going to move those hips that way I'm going out there to give her a reason to."
Santana moved through the crowd with a purpose. When she reached Brittany she smoothly fell in behind her, wrapping one arm around her which held her beer. Brittany smiled and moved back into Santana, causing a smile to spread across her face as well.
"Can't leave you alone for a minute, can I?" Santana asked.
"I danced with her to make sure you'd come back quickly," Brittany smiled over her shoulder, her cheek unintentionally brushing against Santana's full lips as she attempted to nuzzle into Brittany's neck.
"Never have to worry about that, doll" Santana said, pressing her hips closer into Brittany as they moved together. They danced that way, Brittany's former dance partner forgotten as the two drifted into one another.
"You still think it's not going to happen tonight?" Kurt asked Nani as Sugar smiled at the couple.
"Not tonight," Nani said, "but it won't be easy for either of them." Nani smiled softly. "Sugar, put that $20 down that it's going to happen in less than 20 days. They're not going to make it much longer than that," Nani said, and Sugar unleashed the brightest smile.
The two danced the rest of the night away, and could have danced forever if the others weren't with them. When it was finally time to leave Kurt and Dave caught a taxi while everyone else piled into Nani's car. Santana had driven to work with Nani, opting to leave her bike at home. While Nani had driven them all from work to the club, Kurt and Dave decided to take a taxi while Nani dropped Sugar and Brittany off at home.
Sugar sat up front with Nani in Santana's usual seat, Santana wanting to be close to Brittany in the SUV instead. As Nani and Sugar chatted, Brittany and Santana sat in silence for a while. Soon Brittany reached over and linked her pinky with Santana's and Santana looked up and smiled at her.
"I had a great time," Brittany said wistfully.
"So did I. I can't remember the last time I danced so much."
"Me either," Brittany said.
"It was great to see you dance. Thank you for allowing me to see that."
"Thank you for inspiring me to do that."
Santana looked at her slightly confused.
"You inspire me, Santana, and I know that you already know that."
"You inspire me too, Britt."
"I wish the night didn't have to end."
"It doesn't," Santana smiled.
"There she is," Brittany smiled, using her pinky to gently squeeze Santana's and Santana laughed.
"Not what I meant, I mean, in the words of the great poet Nelly, unless you're gonna do it," Santana said wiggling her eyebrows and Brittany laughed.
"So what did you mean?"
"Come home with us. Nani and I can share a room, you stay in the other."
"I don't want to intrude on your girls time."
"There won't be much of that at this hour. Nani has had a long day, we all have. Come home with us, have breakfast with us in the morning, leave whenever you feel like it. I'll loan you something to sleep in. I just don't want you alone tonight. It's been an awesome night, and you don't have to end it alone. You have me now," Santana smiled, and Brittany understood what she meant. Brittany understood that Santana understands how lonely Brittany once was in New York.
"Okay, if you think that Nani won't mind."
"She won't."
Soon the car pulled up in front of Sugar's place and they all bid her a good night. Afterwards, Nani asked for Brittany's address.
"She's coming home with us, if you don't mind." Santana said.
"Of course I don't mind."
"Also if you don't mind can you and I share a room tonight?"
"It's okay, the couch will be fine." Brittany said.
"Nonsense," Nani quickly jumped in. "You can sleep in Santana's room. I'm not looking at her naked ass on the wall all night." Nani said and Brittany laughed.
"You should be so lucky," Santana scoffed.
"Okay, home sweet home, here we come." Nani said.
Once they arrived at the house Nani pulled into their assigned parking spot. Santana had parked her bike outside of the building before she left for work to secure a safe spot so that Nani would have the space to park in. The three weary women made their way to the apartment and Nani and Santana instantly kicked off their shoes.
"Kick your shoes off Britt and make yourself comfortable, I'll grab some things for you to freshen up with and wear to bed."
"Thank Santana."
"Ugh," Nani yarned. "Who wants a late night snack, I can throw together a couple of sandwiches," Nani said.
"No thank you," Brittany said.
"Come on, it's our tradition, it's no trouble at all," Santana said.
"Ok then," Brittany agreed. "As long as you guys let me make breakfast in the morning before I leave."
"Absolutely," Santana smiled.
"Excellent!" Nani said. "You have yourself a deal. Let me freshen up first and I'll get the snacks ready while you two get ready for bed."
"Okay" Brittany said.
"Thanks Pu," Santana said. "Let me go grab you some things, Britts. Meanwhile, grab a seat."
Brittany sat on the couch while Nani slipped into the bedroom to grab some things before heading into the bathroom. Santana went and grabbed some shorts and a tee shirt for Brittany to sleep in and went in the medicine cabinet and grabbed a new toothbrush for her. She also brought her a towel and a wash cloth and then returned to the living room.
"Here you go," Santana said with a smile. "That's the smallest shorts and tee that I own by the way." Santana joked.
"Anything to get a peek I see."
"A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do," Santana shrugged. "You can use the other bathroom if you like."
"Okay, thanks," Brittany said, standing to go to the restroom. While she was in there Santana went to her room to grab the things that she would need for herself for the night. Shortly after she returned to the living room Nani emerged from the bathroom all changed and ready to make their snack.
"No humping my leg tonight dreaming about Brittany," Nani joked.
"Shut up."
"You two make a good looking couple. That sexual tension is heavy, cuz."
"We're just friends."
"Friends who desperately want to fuck each other."
"Callate Pu"
Nani laughed.
"Don't go slipping out of bed in the middle of the night and 'forgetting' that you are sleeping with me tonight." Nani laughed. "So now Brittany has to sleep looking at your naked body on the wall all night on sheets that probably smell like you. You can tell me later how much of a freaking genius I am for setting that up, by the way," Nani winked.
Nani went into the kitchen and Santana followed.
"So, how did this sleepover happen?" Nani asked, pulling the items she needed from the fridge.
"We just didn't want the night to end, so I invited her to stay."
Nani smiled. "I like her."
Santana beamed. "I like her too, Pu."
"I know you do." Nani smiled. "We'll talk later. right now we have to get you through the night with you knowing she's in your bed and you not doing what I know you're thinking about doing."
Santana laughed, "I'll be in a struggle with you for the covers all night I won't have time to think of anything else."
"See? I'm always here for you Simon."
"Please don't call me Simon in front of her," Santana shook her head.
"I'll call you Alvin from now on, after all, Alvin is the one who ends up with Brittany Miller from the Chipettes."
"Just let's refrain from calling me any sort of chipmunk, shall we?"
"I'll give you the weekend, after that all bets are off." Nani smiled.
Santana shook her head and went into the other restroom to get ready for bed. While she was away Brittany returned and joined Nani in the kitchen. They chatted a bit about the night and soon Santana joined them. They all ate their snack and had a nice conversation before they decided to head off to bed.
"Go ahead Nani, you know our deal. One makes the snack and the other one cleans up."
"Yup," Nani yawned. "Ladies, this was a top night! I'll see you guys in the morning. Looking forward to that breakfast. Santana raves about your cooking," Nani said before heading off to bed.
"You can head off to bed too if you want, Britts, I've got this."
"Nope, I don't mind keeping you company. I really appreciate the invite."
"Anytime. I had a really good time dancing with you tonight, Britt."
"I had a good time, too Santana."
Santana wet her lips before turning away. She just needed to clean up and get to Nani's room where she would be safe.
Santana cleaned the kitchen but she and Brittany barely spoke. They each know how they wanted the night to end but it just couldn't end that way. After Santana straightened up she dried the counter and put the dish rag away.
"Well that's that," Santana said as Brittany stood and Santana went to turn off the kitchen light. Once the light was off Santana felt Brittany in her space. She took her hand and pulled Santana's body towards her own.
"It meant something to me too," Brittany whispered in the dark.
"What?" Santana said, hoping she was thinking about the same thing that Brittany was talking about.
"That night in Albany. I think about it all of the time, I think about you all of the time."
"That's all I need to know for now. I think about you too, Britt."
"All of the time?"
"All of the time, Britt."
Brittany brought their lips together in the dark, and when she swiped her tongue across Santana's lips Santana granted her access. The kiss deepened before Santana pulled back, breathing heavily.
"Thank you for letting me know."
"You already knew, Santana. You always knew."