Four Days Later.

Santana had tossed and turned all night long. It was 5:45 am when she decided to throw in the towel to accept the fact that she was awake and missed out on her opportunity to sleep. She slowly rose to her feet and slipped her UGG slippers on and made her way downstairs. She had been home for a few days now but hadn't stepped foot inside of any of the rooms aside from her bedroom and adjoining bathroom. She entered the kitchen, opened up her pantry to find that Quinn, like she had said, had indeed fully stocked her kitchen. " I need to remember to thank her for this," she thought to herself. She popped a k-cup in the Keurig and waited for her coffee to brew. She made her way into her office and to her surprise found boxes and boxes full of fan mail. "I'll have to deal with that later," she made a mental note. She peered through the window in her entryway and saw that the paparazzi hadn't arrived yet. She thought if she got herself together quickly enough she could leave before they came back for the day. But where could she go this early? "Perfect," she said to herself. She ran into the kitchen and poured her coffee into her to-go cup and ran up to her bedroom to find Stella curled up on her pillow snoring loudly. She smiled at the sight and then made her way into her closet to get dressed. She slipped on a pair of dark jeans, a white v-neck t-shirt and some red and white high-top sneakers. She hurried into her bathroom and quickly combed through her hair before tying it back in a high messy bun. She packed a small bag with some workout clothes and some comfy sweats and grabbed a now barely awake Stella and jogged down the stairs and out to the garage. She plopped Stella down on the passenger-side seat and tossed her bag in the backseat. She put her sunglasses on her face and when the garage door was fully open Santana backed the car out into the center of her U-shaped driveway and pulled forward to the opening gate. It was now 6:00 am. Just as she pulled out onto the street she saw, in her rear-view, three cars pull up to the front of her house. "Oh, for Christ's sake, these guys have no lives! I can't believe they get here this early" she said aloud to Stella who looked up at her sleepily. "Oh, well. Joke's on them cos Snixx and Stella will be gone all day." She pet the top of Stella's head with the top of her hand and smiled.

About 20 minutes later she pulled up to an apartment complex at the end of a long winding road. She parked the car in spot labeled "visitor", grabbed her bag and Stella and made her way to her way to the lobby. She waved politely to the security guard as she approached the desk. He was an African American man in his early 50s with tight gray curls on his head and a gray mustache over his mouth. She had never seen him at this security desk before so she figured he must be new. Normally, she wouldn't even stop at the desk. She would wave to whichever guard was on duty and they would say "hello" and "go on up" as they were familiar with her stopping by.

"Good morning ma'am." He barely looked up at her. He was engrossed in a Sudoko puzzle.

"Good morning," she said with a smile, as she placed Stella on the floor and attached her leash. She stood up and said "I'm here for apartment 1530."

"And your name?" He said as he scribbled some numbers into his puzzle book.

"Santana Lopez."

"Santana Lopez." He repeatedly and then realized what he was saying, "The Santana Lopez!?" He said looking up at her with all of his attention. "Oh man, my daughter loves you!"

Santana smiled at the older gentleman.

"Would you mind… maybe taking a picture with me so I can send it to her?" He said as he stood up behind the desk.

Santana didn't have any makeup on, her hair looked a mess and she wasn't really dressed for pictures, but she never turned down a request from one of her fans and in this case she couldn't turn down the sweet request of a father. "Sure, no problem." She flipped her sunglasses up off of her eyes and pushed them to the top of her forehead right at her hair line. The man moved from behind the desk and stood next took Santana placing his arm around her. He took out his phone and with the happiest grin, snapped a few selfies. "Thank you so much!"

"It was my pleasure." She thought for a moment, "can I borrow your pen?" she asked.

He was now behind the desk again. "Of course," he said handing the pen to Santana.

She reached down onto the desk and grabbed his Sudoko book. She flipped to the inside cover and asked, "what's your daughter's name?"

"Samantha," he replied with a smile.

Santana scribbled a message inside the book addressing it to "Samantha" and signed her autograph at the end. "Your daughter would've been pissed if you didn't bring her an autograph as well." She winked.

He smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Hey listen, do you mind if you don't buzz my friend's apartment? It's early and I.."

"You don't want to disturb him?"

"Actually, I do want to disturb him" she laughed.

He didn't quite understand but agreed. "It was nice meeting you!" He called out to her as she got onto the elevator with Stella in tow.

With the doors closing in front of her she waved goodbye and replied, "The pleasure was mine."

When the elevator reached the fifteenth floor Santana and Stella stepped off. When they approached apartment 1530 Santana reached into her purse and pulled out a key. She let herself into the apartment. She dropped her purse and bag by the door kicked off her shoes and walked into the living room. She flopped down on the couch placing Stella in her lap and turned on the TV. About 20 minutes later she heard a toilet flush followed by the sound of a woman's voice calling out to someone. "Finn, did you leave the TV on last night?" The voice sounded closer when it said, "I could've sworn I turned it off before we went to bed." Santana recognized the voice immediately but was confused and thought maybe she was hallucinating. Just then, a short brunette turned the corner of the living room and upon seeing Santana on the couch she let out a scream.

"Goodness, Santana, what are you doing here? You scared the crap out of me! I thought you were a rapist or a murder or something."

"You thought I was a rapist… or murderer… sitting on the couch watching reruns of jersey shore?" She asked sarcastically. "Christ Berry, you are incredibly dramatic." Santana noticed Rachel wasn't wearing much clothing. "Where are the rest of your clothes? And better yet, what the hell are you doing in Finn's apartment? Is he here? Does he know you are here? Why aren't you in New York?"

Rachel tugged on her t-shirt pulling in down to her thighs. "He uh- yes he knows I'm here." Rachel sounded nervous which confused Santana even more.

"Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You and Finn are screwing? Oh, that is rich." Her eyes narrowed and Rachel figetted. "I thought he was too small town for you? He wasn't good enough… remember that?"

Rachel straightened her posture. "Keep your voice down, Santana. He is asleep."

Santana suddenly felt like she was in the middle of something she didn't want to be involved in. She felt a certain sense of loyalty to Finn. They had been friends since kindergarten and she knew how fragile his heart was. But she had grown very close to Rachel so she also felt a strong sense of loyalty to her. "Why didn't you tell me? And what happened with you and Jesse. When did you guys break up?"

Rachel walked over and sat down beside Santana. Santana turned her body to face Rachel. "We haven't exactly… had that conversation yet."

"You've got to be kidding me! Rachel, that is so not ok. Look, I couldn't care less about that RENT wannabe's feelings but you cannot do this to Finn. Does he know you are still dating Jesse?"

Rachel didn't speak. She shook her head.

"Christ, Berry! You are gonna break his heart. You can't just toy with his emotions. You know he is in love with you!"

"I'm not toying with him."

"Well, do you wanna be with him? Are you still in love with Jesse?"

"I'm still trying to figure that out."

Santana didn't like this situation at all. "Look, I love you Rachel, I really do. But Finn is like my brother. And when it comes to my brothers I don't trust anyone with their hearts. I swear to god if you break his heart I will end you."

Rachel gulped nervously.

"I'm kidding. I won't end you, hobbit," Santana laughed. "I'm not a murderer. But, I can promise you I will make your life a living hell."

Rachel didn't know what to say. She knew Santana was serious. That was why she was hesitant for Santana to find out about her and Finn. "I don't want to hurt him, Santana. I swear to you."

"Then figure it out, Frodo. And make it quick," she said moving to her feet. She plopped Stella down on the floor. "Go get Uncle Finn." Stella scampered down the hallway and into the bedroom. Santana heard Finn grumble and then start to laugh. She turned back to Rachel, "I'm serious," she said pointing her finger at Rachel's face. Rachel nodded and mouthed "Ok."

A moment later Finn surfaced from his bedroom. "Hey, Rach, what's Stella doing he-" he noticed Santana standing near the kitchen. "Santana, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I couldn't sleep so I wanted to see if you wanted to do Runyon Canyon me this morning."

"Why didn't you text? Or call?" He said scratching his head sleepily.

"Well, I wanted to get out before the paps got to my place. So I figured I'd let myself in with the key I had made-"

He cut her off. "Wait, you had a key made?"

She ignored his question and continued, "I wanted to freak you out so I just came in and made myself comfortable and waited for you to wake up. When I heard the toilet flush I assumed it was you and I was all prepared to scare you when I heard Bilbo Baggins over there talkin' bit 'baby this and baby that' and I was all like huh? Is that berry? And sure enough she came out in her God damn underwear leaving very little to the imagination-"

"Please Santana we lived together for 4 years. We have both seen each other almost naked on an almost regular basis." Rachel crossed her arms.

"Not the point, Babs." Santana looked back to Finn. "Anyway, like I was saying. I was very surprised to have Rachel greet me. How long has this been going on?"

Finn didn't know if he should be honest or lie. He knew Santana would be pissed if she found out they were messing around and keeping it from her. His eyes darted to Rachel who was clearly signaling for him to lie. But Finn knew better. He came clean. "It started over the summer. While you were in Murano. Rachel has been spending a few nights a week here."

Santana spun around glaring at Rachel. "What about New York? What about your life and your job in New York?"

"Honestly, Santana, this really isn't any of your business." Rachel was suddenly very defensive.

Santana's eyes widened and her brow furrowed. She was about to speak but Finn walked up to her and leaned down close to her. He put his arm around her shoulder ushering her into the kitchen and out of earshot of Rachel. "Look, Santana, I'm a big boy. I know you are just looking out for me, like we always have for each other, but I know what I am doing."

Santana responded, "Finn, she still has a life… commitments in New York."

"I know." He widened his eyes signaling to her that he knew Rachel was still in a relationship. "I know. She doesn't think I do… but she is terrible at hiding things." Santana looked confused. "She needs time to figure things out and I'm ok with that. I'm not looking to get married or anything. Right now we are just having fun."

Santana didn't believe him. "Finn, you have loved her, unreciprocated, for years. How do you expect me to believe you are ok with this? With sharing her?"

"Cos I am telling you I am. I mean, not forever, definitely not. But for now, yes." He tilted his head looking in her eyes. "Trust me, ok?"

Santana hesitated. "Ok." They turned to walk back into the living room. "But if she hurts you, I'll skin her alive," she said loud enough for Rachel to hear. "Oh, for god's sake Rachel, go put some pants on." Rachel complied and headed for the bedroom, kissing Finn on the cheek as she passed him.

"So, Runyon?" Finn inquired.

"Ready when you are," Santana replied.

"Give me 5 mins."

The view from the Canyon at this time of the day was breath-taking. As Finn finished stretching his legs Santana snapped a picture with her phone.

"If you're avoiding the paparazzi why would you post where you are right now for all the world to see?" Finn teased.

"I'm just taking a picture, Lurch," Santana hissed back playfully. "I haven't reactivated any of my social media accounts yet anyway."

"Gotcha. I didn't realize you were still off the grid." Finn made his way over to wear Santana was standing.

"Yup, have been since the Spring." She looked up at her tall friend. "Jeez, have you gone through another growth spurt?" She laughed. "You are like at least a whole foot taller than me."

"Always have been, sis." He placed her arm around her shoulder as they began walking slowly. "You know, I have really really missed you and I am stoked that you are back."

Santana smiled. "Stoked, eh?" They both laughed.

"Yeah, I'm trying to bring it back. Watch, it'll catch on."

"You're such a nerd."

He chuckled, taking his arm back. "Ready to pick up the pace?"

Without a response Santana kicked up her feet and speed off in a sprint catching Finn off guard. "That's cheating," he shouted as he began to run. "Santana Lopez is a cheater!" he shouted.

After about an hr of running, jogging, and hiking they were ready to call it quits. "I'm starved, how about you?" Santana asked looking at Finn.

"I'm always hungry. Breakfast tacos or Pancakes?" He asked.

"Pancakes," they said in unison.

"Should I call Rachel and ask her if she wants to come?"

Santana shot him a look that said "don't you dare" and hoped he understood.

"Message received," he said rolling his eyes then he added, "don't be mean to her Santana. I don't want whatever is going on between me and her to mess up your friendship."

"It won't. Unless she hurts you. And I won't be mean to her… well any more than I already am." She grinned her devilish grin as she sat down in the dirt to stretch her legs out. "Get down here and stretch," she commanded. "I don't wanna hear you complain later about cramps in your legs." As Finn squatted down to stretch out his thighs Santana noticed a sexy blonde stretching a bit closer to the parking lot. She looked familiar but at this distance Santana couldn't place her. She couldn't take her eyes off of her. It was like there was some sort of force pulling Santana's gaze in the direction of the woman. Santana realized she should be paying attention to what Finn was talking about so she broke her gaze and looked his way catching the last few sentences of what he was saying.

"So where do you wanna go tonight? We could go to Cordero? Or Moonstruck if you prefer… anywhere really. It's up to you. We just want to celebrate you being back."

Santana drew her attention back to Finn. "Tonight will be fun… all of us out together. When was the last time we were all out?" She quickly glanced over at the blonde now stretching her back.

He thought about it for a moment. "Honestly I couldn't even tell you."

"It's been awhile." Santana stated. "Maybe we should start off at Cordero? They are the only place around here that carried Tres-Quatro-Cinco." She said bringing her eyes back to Finn.

"Ah, your poison." He smiled.

"Indeed." She looked back to where the blonde had been stretching but she was no longer there. She moved her eyes around trying to catch where the girl had gone but she didn't have any luck.

Finn noticed her attention was elsewhere, "What the hell are you looking at? You've been preoccupied this whole time." He looked where Santana was looking.

"Nothing, I just thought maybe I saw someone." She shrugged, "but I didn't. I think I'm just delirious from my lack of sleep and lack of food." Finn rose to his feet and then pulled Santana to hers. "Let's go get some pancakes," she smiled.

"I love pancakes," said an approaching female voice from behind the pair.

Santana turned to see the fit blonde woman walking toward her. Her hair was pulled back but there were whispy strands blowing gently in the breeze. She had black aviator sunglasses on her face covering her eyes and she wore a neon orange tank top and tight black leggings. Her skin was pale and looked ever so soft. She lifted up her glasses to reveal her beautiful cobalt eyes. It was the girl from the bar at Cordero a few nights ago. When she opened her mouth to speak, before any words came out, Santana remembered the sound of her voice. It was kind and warm, innocent and cute.

"Hi," she said with a small wave and added,"Santana, right?"

Finn's cell phone rang so he excused himself and walked away to take the call.

Santana smiled but quickly realized she couldn't remember her name. She thought it started with a 'B' but that didn't narrow it down very much. "Yes, Hi. How are you?"

"We met at the bar the other night. You may not remember me, but I saw you over here stretching with your boyfriend-"

"He's not my… we're not together," she interrupted.

"Oh, ok. Well I saw you stretching with this… fella and I recognized you right away because you're just gorgeous and I bet no one ever forgets your face." She blushed and added, "anyway, I just wanted to come over and thank you for the other night. It was really unnecessary but also incredibly generous of you to take care of my drinks, as well as all of my friends. And I totally want to pay you back for that. It may take me awhile because we ran up a pretty hefty tab, the 6 of us, and money is pretty tight for me right now but I picked up a few more shifts at the Dance Studio so I will have extra money coming in but Lord Tubbington needs to have a surgery in a few weeks so I should probably use the extra money for that, that's why I picked up the extra sessions in the first place but I don't like owing people money so-"

Santana interrupted again, "Hey, listen. You don't owe me anything. I was happy to do it. Really." She smiled sincerely. She felt terrible at not remembering her name. Was it Bethany? Becky?

"I just feel bad cos it was a lot of money. I'm sure you didn't intend to pay for all six of us. We had no idea the tab was taken care of already. I don't want you to think we were taking advantage of you."

Santana put her hand on Brittany's shoulder, "The thought never crossed my mind." Betsy? She had no idea.

She let her hand linger there a little longer than it should have and her eyes met Brittany's. She couldn't look away and she didn't want to. Brittany's eyes were like two pools of beautiful ocean water. Brittany was locked on Santana's deep chocolate brown eyes as well and had to force herself to break their gaze as she noticed Finn approaching.

"Hi, I'm Finn. Santana's honorary brother." He said extending his hand to Brittany.

Santana pulled her hand back from Brittany's shoulder. Brittany took Finn's hand in hers and shook it politely. "Nice to meet you. I'm Brittany." Brittany. Santana made a point to not forget her name this time.

Finn looked to Santana for an explanation of how she knew the blonde. "We met at Cordero the night I had dinner with Quinn and Mercedes."

"Yeah, she was sitting at the bar and my feet were killing me, cos I'm a dancer. When I sat down I talked her ear off for about 20 minutes until my friends arrived and then she paid our tab for some reason and I just saw you guys over here so I wanted to thank her and offer to pay her back."

Finn smiled at Santana with his eyes. "Brittany, we were just about to go get some breakfast."

"Mmhmm, pancakes, I heard." She stated.

Finn smiled. "Right. Would you like to come?"

Santana glared at him and then forced a smile. She hoped Brittany didn't notice her glare. It was nothing personal but she didn't want Brittany to join them for breakfast. She was feeling uneasy about the way looking into Brittany's eyes made her feel. She didn't know a single thing about this woman, other than the fact that she was extremely quirky, in a ridiculously adorable way, and that she was a dancer. And if she did spend more time with the girl she was certain she didn't want Finn to be the awkward third wheel tagging along. She would want all of Brittany's attention. And that scared her.

"Oh, that is so sweet of you. But I can't. I need to get my morning jog in before I pick Lord Tubbington up."

"Lord Tubbington?" Finn asked.

"Yeah, he's one of my roommates."

Finn and Santana looked puzzled. But Brittany didn't elaborate any further.

"We better get going," Santana said with a smile. "It was great running into you."

"Likewise," Brittany said with a wave. "Nice meeting you Flynn" she said and flashed a smile to Santana as she lowered her sunglasses back down over her eyes.

"It's Finn." He corrected her.

"That's what I said," she insisted as she turned to leave.

Before she even noticed what she was doing Santana called after Brittany. "Hey, wait a sec." She jogged over a few feet to where Brittany stopped. "A bunch of us are going out for drinks tonight. Starting off at Cordero and then maybe going to Moonstruck or somewhere else. If you aren't busy you should totally come." She could feel her heart pounding against her chest. She tried to play it cool, "Totally not a big deal or anything. Just ya know if you aren't busy. And you can totally bring your friends and your boyfriend too."

Brittany smiled. "I'd love to," she said with a smile, "but I have plans tonight."

Santana's heart sank but she didn't let her disappointment show. "Oh, ok cool. Maybe next time then."

"Definitely next time."

Santana backpedaled to Finn. "We better get going. Have a nice run." And with that she turned and headed back to Finn's truck.

"She's cute."

"She's straight," Santana stated.

"Bummer." Finn said as he turned the key to the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot.

Author's Notes:

For everyone that has left me feedback/comments... THANK YOU! I really appreciate it. I know the fourth chapter had a lot of Dani in it and I know some of you didn't like that very much but telling the story of how Dani and Santana met and showing them fall in love is essential to not only Santana's character development but it is also essential to the main plot of the story itself. While this is ultimately the story of Santana and Brittany, they both had lives before the met each other and they were both in love before loving one another. Since this story is from Santana's point of view I will be focusing on her past and well as the present the through her eyes.

Also, this is not the end of Dani flashbacks. I will be touching on the reasons why their relationship fell apart and focusing on their actual breakup. I haven't decided at what point I will talk about that but I just wanted to give to all a heads up about that cos it will be happening. I also realize that Brittany has not been in this story much yet and that is intentional. I want to try to make their love story as realistic as possible so just like in real-life love stories, they more they get to know each other the more time they will spend together. Please stick with this story. I promise you won't regret it.

And formthe record, I am not a fan of Dani either. That will be evident in the later chapters when I focus on why they broke up and in whose hands the fault lies ;)

Again, thank you for reading. I am having having a blast writing this story. Hope you are digging it :)