A/N: I know…I'm terrible. No excuses would really matter, I guess. I've missed this story almost as much as you guys :)
Much love for the love! Overwhelmed with the response to this story :)
Without too much blabbing…
Onward and up!
-H
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee :(
CHAPTER 7: Whodunnit
Brittany sat in their booth at Charlie's and just smiled at Santana, who was sitting opposite her. The younger girl has a matching smile and no words were needed between them as they just stared at each in complete comfort while waiting for Quinn to join them.
She watched Santana's eyes flicker across her face and rest for a few seconds on her lips. The Latina's chest rose visibly and stayed that way as she held her breath, her eyes fixated on Brittany's lips. She subconsciously bit her own, which only caused Brittany to do the same.
When their eyes finally met again, Brittany smirked at the very clear want she could see in the dark orbs. She had no doubt that the desire was mirrored in her own eyes.
"Well, maybe this brunch with be better suited behind closed doors," Quinn said, arriving at the table with a smirk. "And without me."
Both Brittany and Santana flushed, breaking their locked gaze on each other. Brittany slid out of her seat and moved next to Santana. Quinn sighed dramatically and flopped down in the place that Brittany had previously occupied.
"I can't wait to get out of this place. God, my mom is driving me fucking crazy!"
"Q, what's the rule?" Brittany asked, arching an eyebrow.
Her best friend rolled her eyes. "Seriously, B? You're still trying to get me to adhere to that?"
Brittany just stared at her.
"Ugh, fine! No complaining at brunch. There, are you happy?"
"Delirious," Brittany giggled. She glanced at Santana when she felt warm fingers interlock with her own and rest on her thigh.
"Did I miss some major developments here?" Quinn asked curiously, eyeing the two of them with a knowing smile.
Brittany lifted a shoulder, not looking away from Santana. "You didn't miss anything, Q. Everything is as it should be."
Santana squeezed her hand and Brittany really wished that they were back in her bedroom. Nothing could better what had happened after coming out of the shower…
"Should I just leave?" Quinn chuckled, snapping her best friend out of her daydream. "You know, seeing as how you're either too busy looking at Santana or thinking about her."
Brittany rolled her eyes but blushed.
"In addition, my best friend seems to have forgotten any manners that she may have had," Quinn continued, holding her hand out across the table. "We haven't officially met. Quinn Fabray."
Santana nodded and clasped Quinn's outstretched hand. Luckily, it was her right so she didn't have to let go of Brittany. The dancer grinned at the thought.
"Morning, girls," Charlie greeted, approaching their table.
"Hey, Charlie," Brittany greeted. "Who let you out the kitchen?"
Charlie shrugged. "I hear the boss is like never here so I pretty much have the run of the place."
"What a shady guy," Quinn commented with a straight face.
"Yeah, I may have to demand a raise." He winked. "What can I get you beautiful ladies?"
"We'll just have our usual," Brittany answered for her and Quinn. She turned to Santana who just looked at her with sparkling dark eyes. "You trust me?"
Santana nodded without hesitation.
"Ok, make it three," she amended, smiling up at Charlie.
"Awesome. Coffee as well?"
"Duh."
"Did you skip your caffeine fix this morning, Q?" Brittany teased.
"No, but I need it after last night."
"What happened last night?"
"You'd know if you looked at your phone once in a while."
Brittany flushed and sneaked a look at the girl sitting next to her. She looked just as bashful. "My time was otherwise occupied."
Quinn chuckled. "You two are going to be talk of the town for months."
At those words, Santana's eyes suddenly went wide and Brittany quickly shuffled closer to her so that their sides were pressed against each other.
"Q, we'd appreciate it if you didn't advertise anything."
"I wouldn't do that, B. But you know how people at school are. One look at the two of you and it'll be pretty obvious. People saw it on Friday already."
Brittany narrowed her eyes. "Like who?"
Quinn detected her tone and lifted an eyebrow in curiosity. "You guys were hardly subtle in the hallway with your cute little waves and shit. Plus, B, you fell on your ass cos you couldn't stop staring."
Thanks, Q. Really.
She could feel Santana looking at her and chanced an embarrassed fleeting look, but was relieved to find a small smile playing on Santana's lips.
"So where'd you guys disappear to anyway? Mike was not happy."
Brittany sighed. "Some shit went down and I had to take care of it. It was more important at the time."
"Ok," Quinn said slowly, clearly not used to Brittany not divulging what happened.
"Q, it's…just rather leave it, ok?"
She nodded and shrugged. "It's cool. If you wanted to tell me, you would."
"It's not that I don't want to…"
Santana's other hand came to rest on her bicep and Brittany looked at her. She frowned as the brunette nodded slightly.
"You sure, San?"
She nodded again after a brief pause. She curled her fingers around Brittany's forearm and rested her head on her shoulder. Brittany couldn't stop the gleeful smile that crossed her face. She brushed her lips across Santana's forehead and looked at her best friend.
"Santana and I were meant to have lunch together on Friday, but she didn't show. I thought she'd maybe changed her mind, but-" Brittany had to take a moment to quell her rising anger as she remembered that moment, the disbelief of seeing the girl she loved in utter despair.
She felt Santana rest her chin on her shoulder, but couldn't bring herself to look at the girl. She didn't want Santana to see her angry, almost uncontrollably so. She didn't want to scare her. She'd sure as hell seen enough of that to last her a lifetime.
Brittany wouldn't let that happen. She couldn't.
"B?" Quinn asked timidly.
Blue eyes met hazel and an understanding passed between the two friends. Brittany didn't often get angry. Sure, she got pissed every now and then, but anger was rare.
"I w-went to the bathroom in th-the academic wing and…and…" She blinked and was surprised to feel two tears run simultaneously down her cheeks. Santana's hand left her arm and reached up, cradling her cheek to direct her face towards her.
"S-Santana, I-" Brittany choked.
The Latina managed to hold her gaze and as hard as it was for Brittany to try to bury the anger she was feeling so as not to frighten her, she found herself calming slightly. Brittany took a deep and closed her eyes. A huge surprise was feeling Santana's lips on her cheek where the tear that had escaped was still trickling down her face. Almost instantly, the anger was gone. She opened her eyes and Santana lifted both her eyebrows, asking if she was ok.
Brittany took a deep breath and nodded. Santana dropped her hand and curled it around the dancer's arm returning to her previous cuddling position. Brittany was really starting to love how much Santana enjoyed cuddling, and how comfortable she seemed to be out in public. She'd thought that, after yesterday, that Santana would be super wary of it.
She made a mental note to ask her about it later.
"Sorry, Q," she apologised, realising that Quinn had seen their little exchange. Her best friend was generally uncomfortable with that kind of public display. Brittany was pretty sure that anyone would be able to see how she felt about Santana, which also made her wonder if the person responsible for attacking Santana had seen them together at some point.
Shit. What if this is all my fault? What if I unintentionally did something or slept with someone or… Fuck. If this…
Suddenly, Santana's hands were on both of her cheeks and dark eyes were pleading with her.
"But…it could be," she whispered.
Santana shook her head, biting her lip nervously. She just kept shaking her head, trying to convince Brittany the only way she knew how to. Her mouth opened and closed and she furrowed her brow in frustration.
Brittany supposed that Santana's next move was instinctive, but she just let her eyes flutter closed when she felt the softest lips in the world cover her own. She could feel it in Santana's kiss. She felt the urgency for her to believe that Santana didn't blame her. That she trusted her. And there was something else there…but Brittany didn't want to read too much into it just yet.
She broke the short kiss and rested her forehead against Santana's. "Ok," she whispered. "You win. For now. If I find out-"
Santana covered Brittany's mouth with her hand and looked at her sternly. The blonde sighed and nodded in resignation. Her right arm went around Santana's waist, pulling her close and Santana linked her fingers to rest on Brittany's shoulder.
"Well, I feel like the proverbial third wheel," Quinn muttered, glancing at her chipped black nail polish.
"Quinn, I'm sorry…again. It's just…once you hear what happened, I think you'll understand why it's so difficult for me to actually say. I just…when I think about it, I…" Words failed her and she frowned in frustration.
"Look, B, if it's too hard to say and it makes you mad, then maybe I don't wanna know," Quinn cut in, holding up a hand.
"No, no. I mean, yeah, I guess you don't have to know, but you're my best friend and this is…important to me."
"What's important?"
Brittany met her gaze clearly. "Finding out who did this."
Santana breathed out heavily through her nose, the air brushing Brittany's neck. She wouldn't budge, not on this.
"Um, did what, B?"
"I opened the last stall in the bathroom and someone had t-taped Santana…" She closed her eyes and took a breath. "Someone had taped her to the toilet."
Quinn's eyes widened. "Are you fucking kidding me?"
Santana's fingers were digging into Brittany's shoulder almost painfully and she knew that the younger girl was rehashing what she'd been through.
"But what…how…who? What the fuck? Why would someone even do that?"
Brittany just sent her a look that said I know.
"Ok, I get why you're so pissed now. Did you…I mean, did you see anyone? Did you report it?"
"No, but I will find out who's responsible and they're going to pay dearly."
She felt Santana's body completely tense against her and her eyes widened in alarm when she turned her head to see Santana's eyes squeezed closed, her knuckles white as they gripped her shoulders.
"Shit, shit, shit," Brittany mumbled, keeping Santana close to her as she slid out the booth. "We'll be right back, Q. Sorry!"
Thankfully the bathroom was only a few steps away. She held Santana to her, half carrying her to the bathroom. It was empty and Brittany made quick work of locking the door behind them. Santana's arms immediately went around her neck.
Stupid! Stupid! Goddamn fucking stupid! Did you really think that telling Quinn was a good idea? You should have known better! Now she's having a fucking panic attack because of you!
Brittany wrapped both her arms around Santana and held her close, cursing herself over and over again in her head.
Protecting her does not mean scare the shit out of her. Dumbass.
"I got you," she murmured instead. "I'm not going to let anything ever happen to you. I promise, Santana."
Santana just buried her head into Brittany's neck and held her tightly. She wavered on her feet and Brittany was quick to scoop her up and seat her on the row of sinks.
"Don't cry, please," Brittany begged. "I'm so sorry that I brought it up. I shouldn't have. It was too much for you and I should have known that. I'm sorry, Santana. I'm so sorry."
The younger girl loosened her grip around Brittany's neck and she cups caramel cheeks, placing soft kisses against the wetness.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she murmured in between kisses. "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry."
Santana dropped her hands down Brittany's body to her hips and pulled her closer. They looked at each other, the irony of their location forgotten. Not that Brittany had thought about bringing it up. Santana's eyes were dark and shiny from her tears, but it didn't make them any less captivating to Brittany. They were close to each other, close enough to feel their breaths on each other's faces, but neither girl moved. They just kept their gazes locked.
Brittany wondered if Santana was thinking anything close to what she was. The sudden thought of comforting Santana for the rest of her life entered her mind, stalled and stayed put. The image of them in ten, twenty or even fifty years' time made the butterflies in her tummy multiply and go crazy.
She was in love with Santana Lopez.
And she would never love anyone else.
Santana was it. She was the one. She was her soul mate. Her other half. She was it.
"I love you," Brittany breathed, unable to stop the words from escaping. She swallowed and licked her lips. Santana's eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape. "I know that this probably isn't the best setting for me to say that for the first time, but I have to tell you. Santana, I love you. I have for a while, I think, but I kind of only realised it yesterday."
As she said the words a second time, she decided that nothing had ever tasted quite so good on her tongue. It felt so right to say those magical three words to the girl in front h=of her, even if the owner of her heart was just staring at her in disbelief.
"You don't have to say anything, Santana," Brittany said softly, smiling a soft smile. Her hands rested on the Latina's jean-clad thighs. "I didn't say it to get a response from you. I said it because I needed to. I need you to know how I feel. I need you to know that this isn't something in passing for me." She swallowed as another declaration bubbled to the surface. "It..this…you…you're it for me, Santana." She shrugged and smiled again.
She started making patterns into the denim under her fingers, looking into Santana's eyes, which were brimming with emotion. Unspoken emotion. She could see it. She was almost afraid to believe it – how lucky could she be if Santana felt the same way? She wanted that more than anything in the world, especially because she knew that there could never be anyone else. But she didn't want to give herself any false hope. Knowing that Santana loved her – or if she loved her – and then finding out that she didn't would probably be worse than never knowing at all.
Brittany was content to wait. She would always wait. She recalled Holly's voice the previous day and nodded to herself. If all Santana wanted or needed was a friend then she would be the best goddamn friend the young girl would ever have.
Forever.
She would never let her go.
Brittany didn't freeze, but welcomed the first taste of Santana's lips on hers gladly. Anything that she had imagined paled in comparison to what it actually felt like to kiss Santana. Her lips were so soft and fit around hers so perfectly. Brittany's heart was thumping so hard she was sort of scared that it was about to beat its way right out of her chest and snuggle comfortably in Santana's hand.
…And what a delightful image to have when you're finally kissing the girl you love. Nice one, Pierce.
She put all her focus into kissing Santana back. Although the actual kiss was soft and gentle, the feelings behind it were monumental. Brittany could feel it all through her body and she was pretty sure that Santana did too.
Without disconnecting their lips, Santana shuffled closer. Brittany parted her lips a little and massaged them against Santana's.
God, this is by far the most insanely amazing kiss I have ever had.
She wrapped an arm around Santana's waist and held her close. Her other hand lifted to cup her face and she smiled against Santana's lips as she let her fingers trace down caramel skin to her neck.
Santana broke away slightly to deposit quick breaths over Brittany's lips. The blonde found it super sexy. She watched Santana open her eyes slowly and a smile flickered across her face. They stayed that close to each other until Brittany made the first move and joined their lips again.
Once again, the kiss was soft and gentle, but so incredibly passionate at the same time. Brittany had never been more sure of her love for the girl in her arms and it felt wonderful. She was still kneeling on the bed and gracefully sat back, pulling Santana with her. The brunette straddled her lap and they were suddenly pressed very close together.
The sensation was almost an overload for Brittany and she had to break the kiss to gasp. Santana's arms went around her neck and she rested their foreheads together. Brittany tried to get her breath back, but being so close to Santana just seemed to leave her completely breathless. She was holding the girl in of her dreams in her arms after sharing an explosive kiss. She felt like she was dreaming.
Santana was quick to bring her back to reality by kissing her cheek softly three times before kissing down to her neck.
Like that's helping with the breathlessness.
She dug her fingers into Santana's hips. Fuck, it was so much better than her dreams.
"Ssss…hmmm…S-San," Brittany whispered desperately. "If-if you d-don't stop that soon, I won't be responsible for completely ravishing you."
Santana pulled away and looked at Brittany with an amused expression. The blonde immediately became distracted by her puffy lips that were deliciously swollen.
"A-and…and I don't want to force anything to happen that you're not ready for."
Santana kissed her cheek again. She didn't give Brittany a chance to protest before sucking her bottom lip. The blonde let out an embarrassingly loud moan and kissed back with new fervour. She was wary of pushing too far, but she would have never guessed that Santana was such an addictively good kisser.
Their bodies were pulled close together as Brittany tightened her grip around Santana's waist. Their breasts were pressed against each other's and Brittany was pretty sure she'd died and gone to heaven. Every experience with Santana just became her new favourite thing. She definitely planned on more kissing sessions.
Never in a million years would she have guessed that her shy musical genius would be so incredibly confident with the level of physical intimacy that they were experiencing. And, hot damn, it was sexy as hell. Brittany always found confidence a big turn on and the fact that Santana was straddling her, pressing into her body and controlling their kiss so effortlessly was very alluring.
Eventually, they broke away from each other and Brittany grinned.
"Best. Kiss. Ever," she whispered.
Santana flushed and bit her swollen lip. Brittany had to physically restrain herself from pressing their lips together again.
"We should probably get going," she said reluctantly, moving her hands to Santana's hips. "Even though I'm really comfortable exactly as I am."
Santana rolled her eyes and giggled. Brittany knew it was giggle because it was totally girly and shy and nothing like her chuckle. Even though she couldn't hear it, she knew the difference – something that she was damn proud of.
Santana leaned back a little, but didn't break away completely. Her fingers ran through Brittany's loose hair, still damp from her shower. It felt frigging amazing and her eyes fluttered closed involuntarily.
They flew open the second she felt Santana's lips on her neck again.
God, how could something feel that good?
"F-fuck, San. No, y-you gotta stop," Brittany groaned, her tone belying what she really wanted. Summoning some kind of willpower from God knew where, Brittany pulled away.
"Seriously. I would love to stay here with and kiss you for the rest of the weekend, but we did promise Quinn we'd meet her and I hate breaking my promises."
Santana smiled and nodded, stealing a quick kiss that Brittany didn't have a chance to reciprocate before she pulled completely away from the blonde. She couldn't stop a small pout that crossed her lips.
The brunch better be done quickly.
The memory of their first kiss that had been shared not an hour ago flashed through her mind and she pecked Santana's lips.
"Never thought I'd render you speechless," she teased quietly and was rewarded with a shy smile.
Santana dropped her gaze and suddenly transformed into the shy girl that had reduced the most popular and confident girl in school to a pile of mush. Brittany grinned and chanced taking one of Santana's hands from her hips and linking their fingers together. She exhaled quietly when the brunette brought their joined hands to her lap and covered them with her other hand. She lifted her eyes and met Brittany's once again.
Brittany cocked her head and smiled.
"Hey, beautiful," she whispered. "Are you ok?"
Santana smiled and lifted a shoulder.
"Well, we'll get there together. Unfortunately for you, Miss Lopez, you're stuck with me for the foreseeable future. And hopefully the unseen future."
Wow. Cheese fest. You're so lame.
If her cheesiness got Santana to smile, then she'd do it happily.
"Would you like me to help you down?" Brittany asked.
Santana nodded, but held onto Brittany's hand when she tried to pull it away. The blonde looked up at her curiously.
"What's up?"
The Latina was seemingly nervous about something, so Brittany just waited patiently. She felt wonderful after finally confessing her feelings. She was really glad that Santana knew. She hadn't freaked out or anything, which was a plus. Eventually, Santana lifted one hand and brought it up to her mouth. She positioned her index finger horizontally in front of her lips and made a circular motion forward.
Brittany grinned and wiggled closer to her love. "I love you, Santana."
Santana smiled a toothy smile, her hand went behind Brittany's neck and she crashed their lips together. She moved her lips perfectly against Santana's and, although she was getting desperate to feel her tongue, she held her control.
But she really wanted to.
Their kisses became softer until Santana was simply brushing her lips against Brittany's. At one point, she let them rest, not moving and Brittany smiled against them. She nuzzled Santana's nose with her own affectionately and she felt Santana smile. Her lips started moving again and Brittany originally thought she was preparing to kiss her, but something was different. It took her all but a second to realise that Santana was saying something.
She was saying something against her lips.
Santana was talking to her!
Brittany tried desperately to calm her excitement and concentrate on what Santana was saying, but it wasn't easy. Her excitement was forgotten the second she felt Santana's tongue brush her bottom lip. Desire rocketed through every cell. A few movements passed and she felt it again. Her heart was pounding so loudly that she could almost hear it in her head.
Focus. Goddamn focus, Pierce.
That would require her ignoring the fact that Santana's tongue was brushing her bottom lip ever so slightly every three or so seconds.
Hold up.
Three seconds.
Three…
Was Santana…?
Brittany squeezed her eyes closed and really listened to what Santana was saying. It took a few times, but she felt it. She heard it and felt it.
I…
Love…
You…
I love you.
Santana was saying it back. She was saying it back! Brittany couldn't hold herself back. Her right hand gripped the back of Santana's neck and she kissed her hard. The Latina responded immediately. Brittany's control was slipping fast. Santana loved her and she loved Santana and she just wanted to give her everything of herself.
She gently traced her tongue along Santana's bottom lip before retracting it back into her mouth and letting their lips just move against each other. She knew Santana had felt it if the way her fingers had into her lower back where they'd found their way.
Brittany dared to do it again and as soon as she'd returned her tongue to her mouth, she felt Santana's velvety tongue lazily run across her bottom lip and then her top one too. The blonde trembled. She wasn't even sure if her body could handle the onslaught of intense want she was experiencing. She had to break their kiss to try and catch her breath. Santana was doing things to her that she'd never felt before. She felt like her body about to spontaneously combust, but in the absolute best way possible.
Santana tipped Brittany's up so that their eyes met. Brittany saw it all there – the love, the unwavering trust, the adoration. It made her feel invincible. She could do anything if Santana continued looking at her like that. The brunette leaned down again. Almost as soon as their lips met, so did their tongues.
Brittany let out an embarrassingly loud moan, but the way that Santana gripped and twisted her shirt told her that she was feeling exactly the same thing. Better than feeling what she was feeling – which was awesome – was knowing that Santana was feeling it all too.
Their tongues moved against each other softly and it was perfect.
Santana was perfect.
And she loved Brittany.
Quinn stared at the door where Brittany had taken Santana.
What the actual fuck?
She wasn't even sure what the hell she'd witnessed. First they were super duper in love – it was so obvious – then Britt went all Hulk, then Santana made out with her, then the what the fuck that happened to Santana, then Britt pulling a Houdini with Santana a minute ago.
She frowned at her nails. Who the hell would have done something like that to Santana? The girl couldn't even speak! It took a special kind of cruel to do shit like that.
Quinn pulled her lips to one side as she contemplated something she'd seen a few minutes before. When Britt has been semi-green on her highway to Hulkdom, Santana had grabbed her face and stared at her, but she'd opened her mouth as though she wanted to say something.
Mute people shouldn't feel the need to express themselves verbally because they can't. So they don't even have the desire to.
The only reason that Santana could have for still expressing that desire would be that she lost her ability to speak legitimately a few years ago, maybe even less. Which begged the question… Was she still mute? Or was it a defence mechanism?
She hated moral decisions like this. But…it was Britt. And she'd always do anything for Britt. Should she dig deeper and find out if Santana was the real deal or if the whole mute thing was just a ploy or something? Or should she just leave it? She saw how Britt looked at her and, for that matter, how Santana looked at her. Maybe there was a reason behind what she suspected. And it could be something perfectly harmless.
"Coffee!" Charlie cheered as he brought over three cups on a tray and the pot.
Quinn smirked. "Wow. You're reduced to serving the coffee." She tsked. "You should really consider having a word with this guy, Charlie. Or, you know, I could kick his ass for you."
"Aw, aren't you such a sweet little badass," Charlie cooed.
Quinn stuck her tongue out and eagerly grabbed the sugar, letting the white granules pour into the dark liquid. Charlie just watched her.
"Sure you don't want syrup? I'm sure I could rustle something up."
"Full of charm this morning. Maybe that's why the boss keeps you hidden in the kitchen."
"Oh, snap," Charlie chuckled. He glanced at the empty booth across from her. "What happened to the hotties?"
Quinn gasped. "Are you implying that I'm not hot, Charlie?"
"I'm implying that they're hot. I never said that you weren't," he replied sassily.
"Good answer," she said after a pause. "Oh, they went to the bathroom. Probably defiling your sinks as we speak."
"Huh? Britt and the mysterious girl?"
"Oh, yeah."
"Should I…knock?"
"I don't think that's a good idea," Quinn stage-whispered. "Britt gets super pissed if she gets interrupted during sex."
"How would you-no, never mind. A father doesn't need to know such things. Food'll be out in seven."
"Thanks, Charlie," Quinn sing-songed, taking a sip of her guilty pleasure. "Hmmm."
She glanced at the closed door. She hoped that everything was ok. Santana looked really freaked out. Even if her mutism wasn't real, taping someone to a toilet without knowing any better was not cool. Britt looked ready to murder someone. She guessed she'd do the same if someone had dared do anything to-
"Quinn?"
Jesus, did I just fucking summon her?
She looked up and tried really hard to hide the sharp intake of breath as Rachel sat down where her sister had been sitting a few minutes before.
"Hey," the blonde mumbled.
"Um, how are you?"
She shrugged. "Outstanding." She focused on her coffee. "Yourself?"
"I've been…good."
"Fantastic."
They lapsed into a highly uncomfortable silence that Quinn wasn't about to break anytime soon. She hated that her heart still raced at a million miles an hour whenever Rachel was within eye shot. She hated how her body always betrayed her, much like the girl opposite her had. She was still so angry and bitter – she didn't deny it – at Rachel for what she'd put her through. Three weeks after they'd decided to really give a relationship between them a go and she chooses fucking Finn over her.
Why? Because he gave her a goddamn ring?
She could've given her a ring. If she'd let her. Maybe, one day she would've…
"Your sister's in the bathroom."
"Oh, thanks. I actually wasn't looking for her."
Quinn lifted her eyes curiously. She wasn't looking for Brittany? Then why would she have come over? Unless…
"Who were you looking for?" she asked quietly.
"Um, you, actually."
Calm, stay calm. Don't get your hopes up. You know how pro she is at doing that and then stepping all over you.
Quinn kept her face as impassive as possible and waited for a response.
"Uh, well…as you know, I'm looking to move to New York after, um, graduation," Rachel began.
Quinn snorted. Yeah, she had to wait for Gigantor to graduate cos he flunked his freshman year and had been a year behind Rachel.
"Quinn," Rachel said warningly.
"Don't walk down to me," Quinn suddenly flared up. "You don't get a say in how I react or what I say. Yeah, you have to put your dreams on hold because your Lard Bear decided to flunk. Such a catch, Rachel. Have I congratulated the two of you on the engagement?" She slapped her forehead. "Oh my God! How completely rude of me! May you and not-so-Finnocence have many happy decades of you deferring to him because he's completely incapable of making any decisions unless they're to do with you, then all of a sudden he's an authority on telling you what to do. What a catch." She clapped slowly, her gaze icy.
Rachel held it evenly. It was one thing she'd always been able to do. Quinn was known as the Ice Queen for a reason and only two people had ever really gotten past that façade – Brittany Pierce and Rachel Berry.
And only one of those two got to see behind the wall now.
"You can't hate me forever," Rachel stated.
"Try me."
"Quinn, you know you can't."
"Oh, yeah, Obi Wan? How's that?"
"Because you still love me."
"No, I don't. I never did." It was a knee-jerk reaction, but it hurt to say. Like a motherfucker.
"You can't lie to me. I can tell."
"I'll be sure to give you a Noddy badge for that."
"Quinn, stop it."
"Why?" Quinn glared at her. "Why do you get to be happy-go-fucking-lucky while I'm the one that has to see you guys at the fucking supermarket or some shit and pretend that what you did was ok? It wasn't, Rachel. What you did was so far from ok."
"I…I know. And I realised that I didn't properly apologise for how I handled things."
Quinn snorted. "Handled things? I had to find out from your sister that the girl that I thought was my girlfriend was getting married to a guy that she'd dumped because he'd told you that he didn't want you seeing me. Rethink your choice of words. You didn't do jack shit."
Rachel sighed. "Quinn, I get that you're pissed-"
"I'm not pissed, Rachel. You've seen me pissed. This goes way beyond pissed and hits livid right in the nuts."
"Thanks for the visual."
"Oh, I thought that's what you liked these days."
"Quinn, don't go there."
"It's only ok for you to go there, huh? So fucking hypocritical."
"If you're just going to fight with me, I'm just gonna go."
"I never asked you to interrupt my brunch," Quinn grumbled, folding her arms across her chest.
She glanced up enough to see Rachel looking past her and smiling. She drowned the rest of her coffee and wished that she'd brought her flask. She could definitely use some Irish coffee.
"Who are you talking to, Rach?" she heard Finn asked as he approached the table. "Oh."
Quinn just looked up at him and immediately had to fight the urge to punch his obnoxious little face. He still liked to laud over her the fact that he'd gotten the girl. Brittany always stepped in before she really let her fists fly. She was semi-grateful for her best friend at those times.
"Hey, Quinn."
"Lumps."
"Quinn," Rachel said in that warning tone.
The blonde sent her a stone cold glare that told her exactly one thing: Shut the fuck up.
"Where's Britt?" Finn asked.
"Bathroom," Quinn replied.
"Ok. How'd her re-eval go yesterday?"
"You're engaged to her fucking sister, dumbass. Ask her, not me. Or better yet, ask her yourself."
She made the mistake of looking up at the douche's face and saw him smirking at her. It made her blood boil. He knew exactly what he was doing. And she was falling right into his trap.
"Charlie?" she called.
He appeared over her shoulder, leaning on the empty booth behind Quinn. "You hollered, Highness."
"I'm calling in that favour," she said, her eyes not leaving Finn's.
"Which one?" Charlie chuckled.
"October twenty. If I needed a special something, you'd make it happen. Remember?"
"I do. Um, kinda early, isn't it?"
She shot him a glance and he held up his hands, spinning off the seat and heading back into the kitchen. If fucking Finchel were going to hang around to make her morning hell, she was going to definitely need alcohol.
"Ready?" Brittany whispered, one hand on the bathroom lock and the other intertwined with Santana's.
She nodded with a big smile and leaned in for a quick kiss. Brittany hummed in approval. "I'm definitely going to get addicted to those kisses if you're not careful."
Santana looked up as though she was contemplating whether or not to be careful.
"Tease," Brittany chuckled, flipping the lock and pulling the door open. She and Santana stepped back into the restaurant and she paused. "Oh."
She definitely wasn't expecting to see her sister sitting in her seat, with Finn standing next to her no doubt sending Quinn that irritating shit-eating look-at-me-I-got-the-girl grin. It took a lot for her to stop Quinn from punching him a lot of the time.
"Looks like you get to meet my sister," she said, pulling Santana close. "Hi, Rach," she greeted as they reached the table. She flicked her eyes to Finn. "Finn."
"Hey, Britt," he greeted.
She felt Santana completely freeze and tense up again. She ignored Rachel's greeting and looked to her left. Santana looked petrified as she stared at Finn. Brittany looked at her soon-to-be brother-in-law (ew) and saw him looking slightly uncomfortable.
"San, what is it?"
She started trembling and staggered a few steps back. Brittany stood in front of her, blocking her vision of Finn. Her heart ached at the unbridled fear in her eyes. It was a familiar fear, though. It was the same fear she'd seen the day before when she'd found her…
No.
Surely not.
He was a douche the majority of the time, but he wouldn't ever do something like that.
Would he?
"Was it him?" was all she asked.
Santana just nodded once.
Son of a bitch.
She whirled around and took two long strides to reach him, letting her clenched fist fly to his face. There was a sickening crunch as her knuckles hit his nose and her hand exploded into pain.
"Ow, fuck!" she yelled, cradling her right hand.
Finn held his nose and groaned.
"Jesus, Brittany! What the hell has gotten into you?" Rachel snapped.
"Rachel, ask Finn what he was doing at the beginning of lunch yesterday," Brittany replied through gritted teeth.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Quinn growled. Within a second, she was up out of her seat, punching Finn again, giving him a knee in the crotch for good measure.
Finn tumbled to the ground and Quinn joined Brittany as they headed back to Santana. The young girl immediately latched onto Brittany, burying her face into her neck as sobs shook her body.
"I got you, baby. Nothing's gonna happen, I promise."
"Brittany!"
She turned slowly, still holding Santana to her. Rachel stormed up to her.
"Care to explain what the hell that was? I know that Quinn's wanted to punch him for months, but you've always appeared to be supportive of my relationship with him."
Brittany rolled her eyes. "Rachel, you're my sister and I love you, but you broke my best friend's heart to be with the world's biggest asshole. I merely tolerate him because you, somehow, have managed to see some invisible redeeming qualities."
Rachel's brow furrowed in hurt and her eyes flickered to Santana, quivering in Brittany's secure embrace. Even Quinn had a hand on Santana's back, something that Brittany was grateful for. When it counted, she knew her best friend would always be in her corner.
"Britt, what's going on?" Rachel asked a little more quietly.
"We shouldn't do this here."
"Fine, we'll go home. I'll get Finn and meet-"
"If he steps foot in my house, you're not welcome," Brittany warned.
Rachel was shocked. "Britt?"
"I mean it, Rachel. Finn is no longer allowed in the house. I swear to God that I will do some serious damage."
"O-Ok. Fine. I'll be there in an hour. I have to at least get him to a hospital or something."
"Pretty sure it's an improvement," Quinn muttered and Brittany suppressed a smile.
"Santana?" she asked quietly, nudging a caramel cheek with her nose. "Are you ok with us going home?"
Santana head snapped back and she looked at Brittany in disbelief. Brittany's eyes widened.
"No, no, my home. Not yours. Sorry."
Santana closed her eyes, tears still running down and nodded.
"Ok, stay close. Quinn, could you take care of Charlie, please?"
Her best friend nodded and headed for the counter where Charlie was half in the kitchen, reaching for Benny. Brittany tucked Santana to her and walked quickly past Finn, whose face looked a mess.
Nothing will ever be enough for what he did.
She caught Charlie's eye as they passed the counter and headed for the door. He nodded in understanding and she smiled gratefully. She unlocked her car and headed to the passenger side and opened the door.
"Come on, baby. In you go," she coaxed. "I'll be back in the car before you know it."
Santana climbed into the car, wringing her hands. As she jogged around the car, she tried to take two or three deep breaths to get rid of some of the rage that was rolling of her in waves. Santana needed calm. She needed to be calm.
The ride home was silent, with Santana holding Brittany's sore hand in both of hers. She pulled into the driveway and saw Quinn pull up next to her.
"Hey, how are things?" Quinn asked, getting out of her car.
Brittany smiled. "Open up for me, would ya?" She leaned against the open door and just looked at Santana, who looked nervous and uncertain. She hated it.
"I love you," she said.
Santana's eyes snapped to her and she was happy to see a small smile, even if it faded after a second. She held out her arms which Santana latched onto and jumped out of the car.
"You ok like that?"
Santana nodded and Brittany closed the door, locking her car and headed to the house. She headed straight up to her room, picking up that Quinn was talking to either her mom or dad, maybe both.
The Latina immediately headed for her side of the bed – Brittany had to smile at that thought – and picked up her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. Brittany just sat on the bed next to her and waited. After a few moments, she was handed Santana's phone.
I don't know if I can go through this. I can't even think about it without completely freaking out. Can I stay up here? I'll be ok with you talking with your sister, but I just can't. I'm sorry.
"Don't apologise, Santana," Brittany said softly, pulling her into her lap. "You have nothing to be sorry for. And if you want to stay up here, then that's absolutely fine. Anything you need."
Santana put her hand over Brittany's heart. The blonde smiled. "You'll always have that."
She put her arms around Santana and pulled her closer. It was reminiscent of how they'd sat together in the stall the previous day.
So much had happened in twenty-four hours. Hell, a lot had happened in forty-eight hours. Brittany felt like her entire life had changed – for the better. They sat like that for minutes, maybe longer, completely content to just let time pass them by as they cuddled into one another.
"Um, Britt?" Quinn asked hesitantly from the doorway.
She felt Santana tense momentarily, but relax again once she realised it was just Quinn.
"What's up, Q?"
"Um, I just spoke to your mom. I told her what happened at the diner and that Rachel's coming over. I didn't say anything else."
"Ok, thanks, Q. I'll be down in a bit. Um, could you give us a minute?"
"Yeah, sure." She disappeared from the doorway, her footsteps thumping down the stairs to the second floor landing. She'd always been a heavy walker.
Santana tapped her shoulder and indicated the bed. Brittany smiled and pulled Santana's shoes off for before kicking off her own and shuffling back onto the bed. She was sitting against the headboard, Santana spread across the length of the bed with her head in her lap.
"San, I do need to ask how much you'd like me to tell my mom and Rachel. They're going to ask questions, but if you'd rather I didn't, then I won't."
Santana was quiet for a bit and Brittany could see her chewing on her lip adorably. Her fingers ran through her lusciously dark locks. Eventually, she got a nod.
"San, what does that mean?" she prompted.
She rolled onto her back, her head still in Brittany's lap and pulled her hands into two fists in front of her, brushed the one thumb against the fingers of the other hand and dropped her hand as if to say there you go.
Brittany winced. The sign made no sense to her. She was in love with girl, but couldn't understand her language. That needed to be rectified and soon.
"Um, I'm really sorry, San, but I don't understand," she mumbled, feeling stupid.
Santana sat up and grabbed her phone. Brittany huffed to herself. She shouldn't have to use a phone to communicate with Santana when they were sitting right next to each other. It was maddeningly frustrating.
When Santana lay back down, she handed Brittany her phone.
Firstly, you're not allowed to be mad at yourself for not knowing sign language. We'll get there. And secondly, you can tell them everything. I trust you, and by extension, that means I should be able to trust them because you do.
"San, it's not about whether I trust them, it's about whether you feel comfortable that I talk about a really difficult experience for you."
Santana just shrugged and Brittany frowned. She desperately wanted to know what was going on in Santana's head, and even though they were close physically, she was starting to get the impression that Santana was pulling away emotionally, shutting herself off a bit. And hell, it was understandable. No one could have anticipated that she was going to end up face to face with the asshole who'd tortured her in the first place.
"Hey," she said gently, cupping her cheek.
Santana looked up at her. Brittany leaned down to kiss her. They traded a few soft kisses, fairly innocent until she heard the front door slam closed. She sighed and pulled away, leaning back down to peck Santana's lips affectionately.
"The diva has arrived," she said dryly. "Let me go and sort this out so that I can come and snuggle with you."
Santana shuffled off Brittany's lap and onto her pillow, grabbing Brittany's and holding it closer. The blonde smiled and climbed off the bed, heading to her closet. She opened it and pulled out her McKinley hoodie, tossing it to Santana.
"There you go, beautiful. Something to tide you over until I come back."
Santana nodded and held up her phone. Brittany checked her pockets and produced her phone with a smile.
"You need anything, you just ask. I'll be up in a flash."
She walked back to the bed for a final kiss. Santana grabbed Brittany's hand and manipulated the fingers in something that looked like the hang ten sign. She mirrored the sign and held her hand up as a demonstration. Brittany copied it and smiled, but she wasn't sure of what it meant.
Santana must have seen her confusion because she gripped the front of her shirt and pulled her back to her lips where she said I love you again. It sent tingles throughout her body. Santana pulled back and showed the sign. Brittany smiled in comprehension and copied the sign.
"I love you too." She kissed Santana one last time and groaned when she heard her mom call for her. "I gotta go. I'll just be downstairs if you need anything."
The pout that Santana sent her almost made her abandon any and all logic, but she knew that she needed to sort out the shit storm waiting for her downstairs.
"Ugh, you're too goddamn sexy for your own good," Brittany teased, heading out of the bedroom and blowing Santana a kiss.
She raced downstairs and skidded to a halt at the entrance to the bar. All the family talks were done with alcohol in close proximity. It was safer.
Rachel already had a spritzer, while Quinn was nursing a soda that probably had a little more than some rum. She poured herself a glass of water. Santana probably wouldn't appreciate the smell of alcohol on her breath when they were supposed to be talking about something important.
"Ok, you need to start from the beginning," Rachel said immediately. She looked frazzled.
"Well, there was a man and a woman and they loved each other-"
"Cut the sarcastic shit, Brittany!" Rachel snapped. "This is serious. Think you can try being serious for once?"
"How about you take her seriously for once?" Quinn cut in.
"Girls," Victoria said tiredly. "Focus."
Brittany sat on a bar stool. "You want the whole story? Fine, you're gonna get it. And you're gonna listening without opening your trap, got it, Rachel?"
Rachel looked taken aback, but nodded. Brittany took a gulp of water and a deep breath before launching into the story, starting from lunch the previous day. Her mom got paler and Rachel just looked devastated. Quinn looked more and more pissed.
"Rachel, I'm warning you – if this whole thing results in lasting problems for Santana, shit's gonna hit the fan. She's got enough to deal with."
"Like what?" Rachel asked.
Brittany stared at her, but when it was clear that she felt she was asking a legitimate question, she sighed.
"Rachel, she's mute."
"And?"
"Jesus, you and Lumps deserve each other," Quinn muttered, draining her drink.
"Just imagine, if you would, Rachel – I know it's hard – what it would be like not to be able to speak."
I don't-"
"Ever, Rachel. Not just for a day or two to rest her voice like you did. She's can't speak. At all. Not even if she wanted to."
"That's not even the point," Quinn added, pouring herself a new drink. "The point is that the ogre you carry on your arm is responsible for nearly torturing a mute girl. It's bullying in its worst form, Rachel. You can't have changed so much that you don't see how wrong this is."
"He…he said that Puck made him do it."
Brittany's blood boiled. "Well, I'll be going ferret hunting later, but Finn isn't in fucking middle school anymore, Rachel. The old 'he made me do it' excuse doesn't work anymore. Unless Finn doesn't actually have a brain and if that's the case then I have to ask what the hell you're doing marrying him."
"Brittany," Victoria warned.
"Mom!" Brittany said in exasperation. "Please tell her that I'm right!"
Victoria looked conflicted. Brittany hated making her choose sides because she loved Rachel as much as she loved her biological daughter. But Rachel had to see that Finn was wrong. She had to…
"Rachel, what else did Finn say?" Victoria asked diplomatically.
She took a breath. "He said that Puck made him do it and that he didn't really want to-"
"This is horse shit!" Quinn exploded. "He's a fucking man, Rachel! If he has the cahones to propose to you then he sure as hell knows that tying a mute girl to a fucking toilet is wrong. No matter the excuse, Rachel, it is fundamentally wrong."
Brittany sat back and raised an eyebrow at her sister. Quinn had pretty much said it all.
"Rach, Quinn's right," Victoria said quietly. "No person should have to be made to go through that kind of humiliation and fear, but for them to do it to someone who can't call out for help is just…" She trailed off, shaking her head, a look of horror on her face.
"You guys have no idea how scared she was," Brittany said quietly. "I'm still kinda surprised that I managed to get her out of there."
"But you did," Quinn murmured. "You did good, B. I'm proud of you."
Brittany smiled. "Thanks, Q."
They suddenly became aware that Rachel hadn't said anything for a while. The small brunette was sitting completely still, fiddling with the bottom of her top.
"Rach?" Victoria prompted.
"Britt?" Rachel said suddenly, snapping her eyes to her sister. "Do you…could…would it help if he apologised?"
Brittany snorted. "It might, but doubt it. Besides, he's not coming within twenty feet of Santana."
"But-"
"No, Rachel. It's not happening." Her phone buzzed. She frowned at the message.
It may not be a bad idea. Maybe it'll help with closure?
Brittany slid her phone into her pocket and looked at the door. She saw Santana poking her head in slightly.
"Come here, beautiful," Brittany murmured.
Santana hesitantly entered and walked straight to Brittany, nervously playing with the drawstring of the hoodie she'd been given. She stepped between her legs and met her gaze.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked.
Santana nodded.
"But a public setting. He's not setting foot in this house again."
"Britt-"
"Mom, please don't tell me that you'll disagree with me on that. If Santana's going to be here, there's no way he is. And even if she isn't, I don't want our home tainted with his bad judgement."
"But I don't understand why," Rachel murmured.
"Because Puck and Finn are bullies, Rachel," Quinn snapped. Brittany noticed she'd already finished her second drink and they hadn't even eaten. "You may think your golden boy is this shining pillar of society, but he's an asshole who bullies anyone just because. And Puck, well, he's unscrupulous."
Santana tensed in Brittany's arms at the sound of the name and the blonde placed a kiss on her neck, pulling Santana's back against her front and enveloping her arms around the Latina. She settled back, nuzzling the side of Brittany's face.
It made the blonde smile. She loved how openly affectionate Santana was with her in such a short space of time. Maybe it was a trust thing. The true test would be on Monday, but Brittany didn't want to think about having to say goodbye to the girl in her arms just yet.
"How about we set up a meeting in Will's office?" Rachel suggested.
"Oh, please," Brittany chuckled and Quinn scoffed her agreement.
"We need to take this to the board," Quinn said determinedly. "If that's ok with you, Santana," she added. "This is something that Sue should look into."
"Yes, absolutely," Brittany agreed, squeezing Santana to her. Valerie nodded her agreement.
"But…what if he gets expelled?" Rachel asked, frowning.
She was met with silence.
"I can't believe you actually asked that," Brittany muttered, gently pushing Santana forward so that she could slide off the chair. She took her love's hand. "If that's the only question that you're concerned about right now, then I'm not entirely sure who you are anymore."
She pulled Santana out of the room and headed back upstairs. She was fuming at Rachel. Her own sister! Had she let Finn brainwash her that much? How could she not see that what he'd done was abominable? And unforgiveable in her eyes. She just hoped that Rachel saw the logic at some point.
Santana tugged on her hand gently and Brittany snapped back to the present. They were standing next to her bed. How had they already got there? The Latina had already laid out the clothes they'd slept in. Brittany thought an afternoon in bed was the perfect remedy for their fucked up morning.
She grabbed the clothes and headed into the bathroom, quickly changing. She stepped out, just in time to see the tank top that Santana was wearing cover her naked back. She swallowed and dropped her clothes next to the bathroom door. She'd deal with them later. She just wanted to cuddle with her…girlfriend? Lover? Friend? She didn't even know what she and Santana were. Surely saying I love you to each other counted for something, right? She definitely wanted to be Santana's girlfriend. Maybe she should come up with a plan. Or ask her on a date first. Duh!
Santana snapped her fingers. Brittany blinked and smiled at her. She was already under the covers, waiting patiently for Brittany. The blonde wasted no time in jumping onto the bed and diving head first under the covers, burrowing until she came up snuggled against Santana's side. The brunette was giggling and wrapped her arms around Brittany to bring them face-to-face.
"Hey," she whispered.
Hi, Santana mouthed back.
Brittany leaned in for a kiss, which soon became a few kisses. She pulled away briefly and kissed her cheek three times. "You sleepy?"
She felt Santana nod.
"Ok, baby. Cuddle time. Where do you want me?"
Santana grinned, kissed her hard and rolled over wiggling her back against Brittany so that they were spooning. It was fast becoming Brittany's favourite position for them to sleep in. She got to hold Santana close to her and make sure that she was ok, she got to breathe in the aroma that was pure Santana, and Santana always held her hand directly over her heart.
"Sweet dreams, beautiful," she whispered in Santana's ear, giving the lobe a kiss. "I love you."
Santana twisted for one last, lingering kiss before saying I love you against her cheek. Brittany beamed and they settled down for an afternoon nap, even though it was barely even twelve.
As she felt Santana drift off in her arms, Brittany thought back to everything that had happened over the last forty-odd hours and how she had to count her lucky stars that she had the girl of her dreams in her arms, and she loved her.
As shitty as seeing Finn had been for Santana, she wouldn't change the way their day had gone because any small detail may have prevented them from kissing or from saying I love you. It had been perfect for her and she was pretty damn happy with perfect.
A/N: So I know that this is probably not what you expected – I didn't either honestly. Lol. It just happened.
Slight changed of POV. It probably won't happen again, but I thought it gave us a good insight into Faberry in this fic.
Apologies for any mistakes. It's 4am and I'm facking tired.
Recommendations: The Sound Of Silence – MissHeatherMichelle. I have to say that when I read the summary, I was like oh noooo! Someone else came up with this idea at the same time I did, but having read it quite religiously, I've found it's very different. And really good! Also, check out Agendas Unspoken – K3llyS. It's a different style, but so well written. And has a great story :)
Would love to hear your thoughts :)
Also, glonner22 – I'm working on it ;)
Onward and up!
-H
Tumblr, Twitter, Ask – hlnwst