As much as I would like to own them, all the characters of Glee belong to Fox – I own nothing. All the characters of The Fast and the Furious belong to Universal Studios, I'm just borrowing some of them. All writing belongs to me.

Ok, so after this update I'm taking a week off just to recharge and finish up some design stuff but I hope you enjoy this chapter and here's to our pairing back together on the show once again! GO TEAM BRITTANA!

Thanks to everybody adding to faves, reviewing and adding to alerts, it really means a lot and I hope you enjoy this chapter and the rest of the story :D

I have to tell you a secret. I love girls...the way that I'm supposed to feel about boys...

I Don't wanna fight any more. I'm just too tired. I have to just be me...

Everyone has secrets, Santana...

I never want to see you again...

I'm the same person I was a minute ago!...

You've made your choice and now I've made mine...

The sin isn't in the thing, it's in the scandal when people talk about it out loud...

Abuela...

Santana awoke with a start, shooting up immediately in her bed as she breathed heavily, sweat engulfing her entire body. With the nightmare fresh in her mind she sighed and let her elbows rest on her knees whilst her hands cradled her head.

"Fuck"

All she could think of was that night, reminding her why she had left Lima in the first place. Her grandmother's voice played over and over in her mind, the same words that had haunted her dreams for the first few months she had spent out of her home city. It had been years since she had had this particular dream, confusing her as to why it was appearing only now.

Glancing over at the alarm clock on the side of the bed she sighed and decided to get out of bed and shower before she headed out for work. Throwing the sheets off her legs and spinning around so that she was sat on the side she paused, feeling a sharp pain in her left arm. Looking down at her scar she felt the pain die down to a barely-there throb. Whenever she thought about that night or the stress it had caused her scar seemed to know it was a result of her grandmother's actions, a physical reminder for the rest of her life for how her world had been thrown upside down for five whole years. Rubbing the large scar she took a deep breath before standing up and heading over to her small shower.

Shedding the boxers and wifebeater she had been wearing she stepped into the hot stream of the water, groaning in relief at the welcome heat. As she let the scolding water run across her skin her mind had nowhere to wander but to the remnants of her nightmare.

When she really thought about all that she had been through in the past few weeks she had found herself being rushed through so many different things; getting picked up by Cassandra and thrown into her operation, joining Letty's crew, seeing her grandmother for the first time in five years, all of it had gone by so fast she was only now realizing that she was rushing something that should have taken time.

The dream she had just experienced put things into perspective and reminded her just how much her grandmother, the woman who had basically raised her, had hurt her, inside and out. Realizing she was agreeing to something before she had really thought it through she decided that when she had finished her shower she would call her sometime later in the day and ask her for time, knowing that it was what she needed for herself if she was going to slow down.

Resting her head up against the tiled shower wall she let out a deep breath, sighing as she realized she was in way over her head and had no way of getting out of it without hurting people she had already come to love. Closing her eyes, clenching them tightly, she knew she didn't have a choice. She had to do this whether she liked it or not and that's what made it feel like she had too much pressing down on her shoulders. She was balancing the weight of two separate lives on them and she knew that she wouldn't be able to physically stop it from falling and crashing to the ground when the time came. She just hoped that was was a while away. She couldn't handle it right now and she didn't want to.

When she had pulled on a fresh pair of black chino's, a t-shirt, her Converses and eventually her garage shirt, she grabbed her backpack of tools, her phone and keys and headed out of the door. Ten minutes later she pulled into the yard behind Mia's Silvia and headed into the garage.

"Hey Santana"

"Hey Mia" She greeted back, hugging the small brunette and placing her bag down by the door. "Where's everybody else?"

"On their way. They all wanna get here before Brittany"

"Why?"

"We wanna congratulate her"

"Good idea"

"Hey Santana, hey Mia"

"Hey Burt" Mia greeted, the bald man making his way over to the truck. Just as he opened the door he paused.

"Give my best to Brittany. I've gotta go and get something from Holly's. I may be a while"

Mia nodded. "We will. I'll let Letty know where you've gone if she needs something"

Burt nodded and pulled himself up into the truck, firing it up and heading out of the yard and towards Holly's shop. Meanwhile Mia and Santana waited for the others to arrive.

"How come is it that you all live in the same house but you seem to all arrive at different times?" Santana pondered, leaning up against the side of her Supra.

The other driver smiled and shrugged. "Beats me. I guess I just like getting up early. The rest of the crew on the other hand, well, let's just say they're not morning people."

"Any of them?"

Mia smirked and shook her head. "Nope, not even Rachel"

"Wow" Santana exhaled, shaking her head. "Now that is surprising"

"I know, right?"

As the both of them laughed said woman pulled into the yard, her purple S2000 hard to miss. As their laughter died down Rachel stepped out and walked over to them, backpack in hand.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing" Mia answered, trying not to smile but failing.

Rachel turned to Santana. "Nothing, I swear" She said, holding up her hands in surrender at the brunette's glare.

Rachel just shook her head and walked further into the garage, Santana and Mia laughing as soon as she had walked away. It was then that Quinn's Skyline pulled up behind the purple Honda, the blonde stepping out and walking over to them.

"Hey S" She greeted, holding up her fist, Santana bumping hers with it as the racer walked past her.

"Hey Quinn"

It wasn't long before the rest of the crew had arrived, Letty the last into the yard. When the Latina got out of her Plymouth she let a small smile grace her lips as she saw her crew waiting for her at the garage entrance.

"Hey guys, Britt here yet?"

Quinn shook her head as Letty walked towards them. "Nope"

"Good."

They didn't have to wait long for the blonde to arrive though, all of them including Letty waiting for her. Brittany frowned when she got out of her RX8, the entire crew clapping and smiling as she started walking towards them.

"Am I missing something?" She asked, confusion clear across her face.

"No Britt." Letty beamed. "Just wanted to congratulate our newest member."

"Yeah, the DQ has entered the building!" Rachel smiled, pulling her blonde best friend in for a hug.

"DQ?" Brittany questioned as she pulled away, Tina pulling her in for the next hug.

"Yep. We all came up with the name"

"Drift Queen" Quinn explained as she hugged the newest crew member.

"Really?"

Marley nodded as they embraced. "It's true"

"Yeah, after last night it fits. You basically drifted around every corner of the second lap and outshone Mike the entire time" Mia clapped, taking her turn in congratulating the blonde with a celebratory embrace.

"Who are we kidding? Santana came up with the name" Dani smiled, pulling Brittany in for a sisterly hug, not gone unnoticed by Santana.

Brittany glanced over at the Latina, the only one she hadn't embraced yet. "You did?"

The woman in question shrugged. "I merely suggested it"

"Still, it's a good name" Quinn argued.

Brittany shrugged. "I don't care, it's cool. It makes me feel special" She smiled, pulling Santana in for a tight embrace that lasted a little longer than the rest. "Thank you" She whispered. Santana just replied with a tight squeeze in return before they both pulled apart. Brittany didn't need any more conformation.

"Hey, Letty's the DQ!" Dani suggested, all eyes turning to her.

"What in the hell does that mean?" Quinn asked.

"Drag Queen!"

"Oh, you did not just call me that!" Letty growled.

Dani just smirked, the crew leader lunging for the blonde. Everybody laughed as Letty grabbed her in a playful headlock.

"Say mercy!"

"Never!"

Santana laughed as the two women joked about, Brittany joining her in leaning up against the side of the Supra. They exchanged a sweet smile before turning back to where Letty was slowly winning the fight.

"Say mercy!"

"Fine! Mercy!"

"That's what I thought!" Letty panted, letting go of the blonde Latina.

"You're still the 'Drag Queen' though"

Letty was about to bite back but thought better of it. Shaking her head she waved her hand. "Enough messing around. We've got work to do"

"Cool it Boss Lady" Dani murmured.

"Back to work!" She yelled, trying her hardest to fight off the smile that was tugging at her lips. The crew would eventually be the death of her one day.

About half an hour later, as they were taping off the windows of the Supra ready for paint Letty made her way over to Brittany.

"Hey"

Brittany stopped what she was doing and looked up at the older woman. "Hey, Letty. Need something?"

"Kind of. I just wanted to let you know that now you're a part of the crew your car could do with a makeover like vinyl's and stuff. You in?"

"Of course. Are you sure?"

The crew leader nodded. "Of course. Talk to Marley when you've got a minute and when we set Santana's car up with her vinyl's we'll do yours. It's better if we have everybody working on the two cars at the same time, we'll get them done quicker"

"Fine by me. Thank you!"

"No problem. I'll let you get back to work"

"Santana! Holly just called!"

The woman in question looked up at the sound of her name and saw Quinn walking towards her.

"Really? What for?"

"Your body kit just arrived at the shop. She said we could go and pick it up. It's best if we get it as soon as possible so I can fit it on the car ready for Kurt to paint it"

"You wanna go now?"

The blonde just shrugged. "Sure. Better sooner than later"

Now that Burt was back they had the option of the truck and as soon as they were on the road Santana felt as if she needed to ask Quinn, who was driving, something that had been bothering her all morning.

"Quinn, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, sure. Oh, and call me Q"

"Sure, thanks. Uh, I know we haven't known each other for very long but I needed an outsiders opinion on something"

"Go ahead, shoot"

"The reason I came back to Lima was for my grandmother"

"That I know"

"Yeah, well, she kicked me out and I left the city that night and I stayed away for five years until she contacted me"

"I'm sensing this has a lot more to do with something other than her just kicking you out"

"Yeah, you would be correct there. She kicked me out when I came out to her"

"Telling her you liked girls?" The blonde asked, glancing over at her before back to the road.

Santana nodded. "Yep. Anyway, when I got back I kinda just got sucked back into racing, I mean I live for it"

"Is that what you did whilst you were away?"

"Yeah, I haven't stopped. Before I left, whilst I was away, even when I got back to Lima. I didn't have any time to go and see her until I asked Letty for an afternoon off."

"That was the day Dani stole the cop car right? When you were out of the garage?"

"Yeah. I went to see her for the first time in five years"

"And how did it go?"

"It was ok, I guess. It was awkward for the most part but it was good to see her again"

"But I'm sensing something else here"

The new crew member nodded. "I guess it just felt weird. Ever since I left I kinda dreamt of the day when she'd call me back and how things would go down and I guess it didn't live up to my expectations"

"Nothing ever does"

"Funny how that works. All I ever wished for was for my grandmother to love me again and when she called me out of the blue it felt as if it wasn't real, like it was some kind of cruel joke. I mean, she left me on my own and never called for eight years until a letter came out of the blue. The other day she called me over to her house, cooked dinner and asked me to move back in with her and I said yes"

"And what's wrong with that?"

"This morning I woke up from the same nightmare I had for months after I left Lima. I haven't had them since but today I woke up from one and I guess it kind of reminded me of why I left in the first place"

"And?"

"And now I'm doubting just what I actually agreed to. I think I'm still mad at her, I just needed to be reminded of that."

Quinn watched as the tanned woman rubbed at the scar on her left arm but decided to not question her on it. Focusing back on the road she replied, "It's understandable that you're still mad. She kicked you out for being who you are. If advice is what you're looking for, I guess that right now you need to take some time for yourself and refrain from jumping into something as big as moving back in with her. You haven't been back in Lima for very long, just take a bit of time for yourself to sit back and slow down and maybe you might just feel a little differently about your decision. Call her up and tell her you need to think about it"

Santana considered the blonde's advice as they pulled into one of the spaces outside the racer's edge. "I think I may just do that. Thanks for listening"

"No problem, it's what I'm here for. We're members of the same crew now, friends even. If you ever need to talk or need an outsider's opinion I'm here for you"

Santana got out of the truck. "Thanks"

Quinn pulled her in for a hug. "No problem. Just take things slow ok? Trust me, I've been there. Now, have you had any experience with body work?"

"Definitely"

"Good, then you can help me fit this thing as it's your car. We can get it to paint faster that way." She grinned, pushing open the front door to the parts shop.

Blaine was waiting behind the desk, smiling as the two women approached. "Hey girls, here for the new body kit?"

Quinn nodded. "Yep. We need to get it to your boyfriend by the end of the day."

Blaine nodded. "Then follow me. It's out back, Holly's checking orders as we speak"

Santana and Quinn followed him into the back stock room where Holly was indeed counting orders. Looking up the blonde smiled. "Hey dudes, here for the new body kit for the Supra?"

Santana nodded. "Yep, last part before paint"

"Cool beans. Nice to know your crew is getting up off your butts and actually working hard on something for once"

"Hey!"

Holly stood up and waved her hand at Quinn. "Cool it Q, I'm just kidding. You guys always work hard, it's just nice to see you all so dedicated to help Santana get her car up to crew standards. Here, help me and Blaine load this kit into whatever it is you arrived in"

It wasn't until after lunch that they could fit the body kit, the other crew members needing to fit the entirety of the performance parts she had bought to make sure it all fitted perfectly. Before they could do it her and Quinn had to wait, Santana deciding to help Dani as she knelt in the engine bay fitting the inter-cooler at the front of the car. A laid-back hip-hop beat pumped throughout the garage as various members worked on numerous parts ready for final fitting once the car had been painted.

"Oh yeah, oh yeah

Oh yeah, oh yeah

Back in my review, still a picture perfect you

Slow down so I could see, who my passenger should be

Lovely your style of light, brought your beauty into my sight

Knew my direction and follow the girl in the Mercedes Benz"

"Got a TR7 here, with a ball-bearing upgrade. What it's gonna do is it's gonna spool up really quick" Rachel explained, her, Letty and Tina working on the engine.

"I've got this set up for 24 psi" Letty added, focusing as she tightened something on the large centrepiece of Santana's car.

Rachel nodded as she glanced over at what her sister was tightening. "Got it"

As Dani slid the inter-cooler into the very front of the car she took the opportunity to speak to Santana whilst she had her to herself. "You got big plans with Britt tomorrow night?"

Santana looked up from where she was wiring something at the side of the engine bay. "Yeah. We're going out to dinner"

As Dani finished slotting the inter-cooler into place she looked over at the other Latina. "You break her heart, I'll break your neck"

Santana paused, looking directly at the blonde. "That's not gonna happen"

"Didn't care how far she'd go

Tank full, top down, come on let's roll

Had a girl she was great but I changed direction

'Cause the girl in the Benz was my destination"

"Quinn, how long are you gonna be with the body kit?"

The blonde checked her watch from where she was knelt down fixing a side skirt onto the car with Santana's help. "It should be ready for the end of the day, maybe two hours at the most?"

"Good. Keep up the good work"

Quinn nodded in acknowledgement before turning back to what she was doing. "Thanks for the help. Usually I do this stuff on my own and I wouldn't have got it finished in time"

Santana shrugged. "Happy to help. I've done this kind of stuff before so it's not exactly new to me. Plus it's nice to know I actually helped with a major part of building my car"

Quinn chuckled. "I hear you on that. This is a nice kit though. Good choice."

"Thanks, I like the unusual"

"Yeah, but this one is more than unusual. Most racers I know go for the common Supra Veilside body kit. You went for the rarer one, at extra cost might I add"

Santana shrugged. "I don't like my car to look like everyone elses. Plus this body kit when it's finished will look aggressive as hell. It's just nice all round"

"Just do me one favour though"

"What's that?"

"Don't mess it up like Marley does here's on a regular basis. It's a pain in my ass when I have to try and patch it up. Especially with how rare this kit is, I think we may have to order in a spare just in case"

"I'll make sure to talk to Mia later"

"Good. Now come on, Letty'll have our asses if we don't have it ready for paint by the end of the afternoon."

When the body-kit was finished and everything was more or less ready Kurt called to tell them that the flat-bed truck was ready for pick up so Marley hopped in Santana's Skyline and directed her over to Kurt's shop where it was located. Kurt waved at Santana as she stayed in her car and it wasn't long before they were heading back to Burt's garage, the entire crew helping to load Santana's Supra onto the back and secure it.

Mia smiled as she watched Santana follow carefully behind Marley who was once again driving the large truck, her hand resting on the small of the Latina's back and rubbing. "There it goes"

"Yep, things are coming together"

"And we can start racing again"

Letty smiled, turning her gaze away and looking down at her girlfriend. "Te quiero, niña" She whispered before connecting their lips together.

"I love you too"

When Santana and Marley arrived back at Kurt's Santana actually got out of her car knowing that both painter's would need help with getting the Supra off the truck. That's when she noticed Blaine's Porsche.

"Hey girls, this the car I'm painting?"

Santana and Marley nodded. "Yep. All primed and ready to go. Me and Quinn finished fitting the body-kit only half an hour ago."

"Good"

"Is Blaine here?"

Kurt glanced over to his boyfriend's Porsche before looking back at Santana. "Yes. He's just doing something and he'll be right out."

Marley watched as Blaine came out and started walking over to them. "Speak of the devil"

Santana grinned at the brunette's words before he stopped in front of them. "Hey guys, you ready?"

The Latina nodded. "Yeah, Holly give you the afternoon off?"

"She did indeed. She said she could handle looking after the shop whilst I helped you guys get the car into paint."

"And thank God she did" Kurt smiled. "Now let's get this car ready so I can paint it!"

Once it was off the truck Marley clapped her hands together. "I'm gonna stay here with Kurt and get this thing ready for paint."

"You sure?"

The brunette racer nodded. "Yeah. I'll get a lift back with Blaine, he's gotta stop by the garage anyway"

"Cool, I'll see you later then"

"Sure"

"Bye Marley"

"Bye Santana"

Marley watched as the Latina got into her car, the engine roaring to life before she sped out of the small yard and back towards the garage. Now they could get started on bringing this car to life.

Santana sighed as she sat on the hood of her car, the bright orange sunset lighting up not only the sky but bathing her and the high powered vehicle in a comforting orange glow. As she let the warm evening air caress the exposed skin of her arms she let her mind wander.

Thoughts fought for dominance over many things, some trivial and some important. Of course she couldn't completely stop thinking about the work on her car but as she was on her own once again, not sure which life she was living any more. Her grandmother didn't take very long to win the war to be number one thought though.

Remembering what Quinn had said earlier that day, she was thankful for the blonde giving her an outside opinion which is exactly what she needed. After making such a rash decision she hadn't thought it through, not wanting to disappoint her grandmother like she had before but now she was older and much wiser than the teenager she was the day she left. Now she had to take a step back and think before she did anything but she'd never really been good at that.

Growing up the way she did in Lima Heights Adjacent and without her mother she had been forced to grow up fast. This was what made her the way she was, sometimes not really thinking through what she was getting into. Although this time it was different, she had no choice but to become part of Cassandra's operation. Even after that when she'd been offered to move back into the house she grew up in she'd answered with no hesitation although now she was starting to regret her decision.

Trying to rationalize it she considered the effects it would have on her life in that current moment. Living two separate lives wasn't easy as some people thought and at the end of the day she needed to be on her own and she wouldn't get that if she lived with her grandmother, at least not properly. On the other hand they'd be able to heal but would she have the time? Being part of the crew as a full member was a massive commitment in it's own and she had to be there whenever they needed her. Plus, after her car was finished and she had her date with Brittany she was pretty sure she'd be closer to them more than ever, probably spending a lot of time at the house outside of work and race hours meaning she wouldn't really get to see her grandmother that much anyway.

As much as that pained her to consider it it was true, she was less likely to see her and for the both of them that was probably best. With flashes of the night she was kicked out still flickering in her mind she was pretty sure she was still angry at her for abandoning her after she'd been truthful and admitted to who she really was. She had wished for so long that she would see the day when her only relative would welcome her back with open arms but she had started losing hope, believing that she would never call and when she did she couldn't believe it was actually happening.

Now, agreeing to move in with her she had yet again rushed something that had required some sensible thinking but hey, she'd always lived her life in the fast lane and now it was catching up to her. Knowing that it would continue eating at her it meant that she had to change something.

Pulling out her phone from her pocket she scrolled through the contacts before seeing the familiar name and pressed dial. As the phone wrung on the other end she felt her heart beat increase and could hear the blood rushing through her ears with each tense second that passed until a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Abuela?"

"Santana?"

"Can I talk to you?"

"Yes, do you want to come over?"

"¡No, gracias. I just wanted to call you and say that I've been thinking about your offer"

"You said yes"

"I know I did but I've been thinking it over and I think I need to take some time for myself right now. I know we have things to talk about but I think I rushed into saying yes without really thinking about it. I really need to be on my own right now, I hope you understand that"

"Of course I do, estrella. I understand and I hope you may move back one day"

"So do I. Can I still come over sometimes though?"

"Of course. Drop by any time, you're always welcome"

"Thank you. Well, I've gotta go but I'll speak to you soon ok?"

"Ok, I love you Santana"

"I love you too abuela."

As Santana ended the call and slid her phone back into her pocket she smiled, sliding off the hood of the car and getting inside. She paused as soon as she was in her race harness and let her head fall back against the seat, her hands gripping the wheel as she took a deep breath. There was no going back now.

The next day, once everybody was assembled in the garage Letty called a sort of meeting. She was stood up with Mia by her side whilst Dani and Quinn were perched on some nearby crates, Brittany was lent up against the garage door, Santana standing near her, and Rachel and Tina stood together facing their crew leader.

"Ok guys, Marley is over at Kurt's getting a head start on the painting. In the mean time we have nothing to do until the car gets back here so I though we could start work on Brittany's make-over"

Immediately Brittany stood up straight. "You can't"

"Why?"

"I need my car later tonight"

"What for?"

"Me and Santana's date"

"You're not driving?" The older Latina questioned, raising an eyebrow at Santana who just shrugged.

"She insisted, plus she's the one who asked me"

"Good point. Are you sure Britt? We can really get started on this now"

"How long will Santana's car be in paint?"

"Marley told me last night it would be about three to four days depending on how fast they work with no interruptions" Tina offered.

Letty made a face of understanding and turned back to Brittany. "Tell you what, we don't work on it today but first thing tomorrow we get it in here and strip it of it's vinyl's. Is there anything else you want to do with it?"

Brittany thought careful for a few seconds. "Matter of fact there is something..."

And that's how Santana found herself driving Burt's truck over to Holly's later that morning. Brittany had insisted that it was about time she upgrade some of her interior so with Rachel's expert help she had picked out a few things and ordered some parts, Blaine telling them that they were all in stock and he would keep them back for her. When asked who she wanted to take the blonde had immediately asked Santana and now they were on their way over to The Racer's Edge with a list of new stuff they had to pick up courtesy of Brittany's 15k win the other night against Mike.

Santana glanced over at the blonde. "So why did you ask me to come along on this trip?"

"I figured we could spend some time together"

"Ok..."

"Don't make it sound like I'm forcing you to come with me!"

"I'm not" Santana laughed. "It's just that you immediately picked me"

Brittany shrugged. "I actually really like spending time with you"

"You're not just saying that to butter me up for our date tonight right?"

The blonde's face was plastered with mock offence before she reached over and shoved the Latina playfully.

"Hey!" Santana laughed, quickly regaining control of the truck. "I could have crashed!"

"Oh please, like you're such a bad driver you wouldn't have got control of that in time"

"I may not have!"

Brittany rolled her eyes. "Maybe not but in answer to your question; no, I'm not buttering you up for our date. What kind of girl do you take me for?"

The Latina driver shrugged. "I don't know, but I think I'd might like to find out"

Brittany shook her head at the goofy smile plastered across Santana's face. "Just shut up and drive"

When they arrived at Holly's shop they were both in high spirits, the joking and the banter on the way over putting them both in good moods, much to Holly's amusement making her even happier than she always seemed to be if that were even possible.

The blonde smiled as she watched the two walk in. "Hey chicas, you here to pick up the order from earlier?"

Brittany nodded. "Uh huh"

"Well, Blaine's out on a run right now but I'll bring the order up."

"Do you mind if we have a look at some stuff while we wait? It's just that I wanted pick some of it out in person"

"Of course, go ahead"

As Holly clicked away at the computer behind the counter Santana followed Brittany over to the racing seats.

"Why am I here again?" Santana asked, watching as the blonde street racer started perusing the various models of seats.

Brittany glanced back at the Latina and shrugged. "I kinda guessed that you were into rare and unusual parts."

"How so?" She replied, taking a step closer.

"When I saw you picking out parts for your Supra for after it's painted I kind of liked how you chose unusual parts, like how your seats are being custom made."

"So you want me to help pick out some stuff?"

Brittany nodded. "Exactly. I just thought you could help me fill in the blanks. I'm kinda clueless to some of these hardcore street racer parts that you need when you're a full time driver and crew member"

"Fine by me. Where do you want to start?"

"I was thinking seats"

Santana crossed her arms across her chest. "Obviously. Got a make in mind?"

"Yeah, I have Recaro seats so I kinda want to keep the tradition. The one's in my car aren't serious enough"

"Aren't serious enough?" The Latina chuckled. "Ok, so you wanna keep the current theme; blue?"

"Kind of"

"Ok then, let's take a look"

10 minutes later and a stop by the harness section Brittany had chosen her new seats. She watched as Santana lent up against the counter. "You guys ready to pay for all this?"

"We just need to add some stuff to the list and we can get out of your hair"

Holly tapped away for a few seconds before looking back up. "Fire away"

"Uh, can we have two of the black and blue Recaro SR-7 Lassic seats, this four point blue Sparco harness and these Sparco harness pads?"

On their way back Brittany glanced over at the Latina who was driving. It wasn't long before Santana noticed. "What's that smile for?"

"Nothing"

"Britt..."

"Ok, it's just that you really know your stuff"

"I've got to or else I wouldn't be so good"

Brittany rolled her eyes. "Still, you did a really good job helping me pick out stuff. I've never really been good at the details of these kinds of things as I've never-"

"Raced seriously"

"Yeah. It's cool though, I feel like I'm finally becoming a part of the crew"

Santana smiled. "Good."

Brittany never replied but they fell into a comfortable silence as Santana drove back to the garage, the back of the truck now full of Brittany's new purchases ready to install into her car. When they hopped out of the truck Mia walked over to them with her usual clipboard in hand.

"You guys got everything?"

"Yep, everything that Britt had on the list plus some other stuff including new seats"

"Ok well, get it unloaded and store it by the office so we can get to work on it tomorrow"

Santana nodded and caught sight of Quinn out of the corner of her eye. "Fabray, you wanna help with this stuff?!"

The blonde in question looked up from where she was playing on her phone and nodded. "Sure"

Once everything was in the place Mia had specified Letty called everybody around her. "Lunch at Shelby's, let's go. After you can do whatever the hell you want, you have the rest of the day off!"

Santana grabbed her backpack and threw it onto her passenger seat, waiting for the others to clear the way and she followed out as the last behind Brittany.

Shelby smiled when she saw the familiar cars pull up into all of the empty spaces in front of the diner. Letty was the first in and had already taken her usual seat at the counter just as the rest were entering through the front door, Shelby already waiting to take their orders.

"Hi girls. What will it be?"

Santana was just about to slide into her Skyline when Brittany called to her from the front door, the blonde jogging over to her.

"Something you need Britt?"

"Yeah, can I pick you up at seven?"

Santana nodded. "Yeah"

"At your motel?"

"Sure, why not?"

"I'll see you then"

The Latina smiled. "Definitely"

Santana stood in front of the small mirror inside her motel room adjusting her shirt. Pulled on over a black t-shirt was a navy blue button down, the Latina rolling up the sleeves to the elbows. A pair of black chino pants were accompanied by her good pair of Converses (i.e. not her work pair) and a hooded black leather jacket was resting on the bed.

Once she had finished doing up the last button, leaving one or two open at the top, she grabbed her jacket and slipped it on. Checking she had her keys and phone she locked up the room and headed downstairs to lean up against the hood of her Skyline as she waited for Brittany.

Luckily it wasn't very long before the blonde's familiae RX8 pulled into the motel parking lot, stopping beside Santana. The Latina took the initiative and got into the car, strapping herself into the harness of the passenger seat.

"Hi"

"Hey, you ready to go?"

Santana nodded. "Yep, go ahead and drive"

Santana smiled as they were led to a table, Brittany having booked everything in advance. Luckily she had reserved a booth by the corner in front of the window, the view of Lima's distant city lights definitely something beautiful to see at night time whilst eating a meal there.

"Sorry I'm not wearing anything smarter. I don't really own the type of clothes you go out on dates in"

Brittany waved her hand in dismissal, smiling as she watched the Latina take off her hooded jacket. "It's ok. I don't go on a lot of dates either"

"You don't?"

"That surprises you?"

Santana shrugged. "Kind of, I mean a beautiful woman like you must get asked to go on a lot of dates"

"I admit other than Rory I do get a lot of people begging me to go on a date with them but I haven't really liked any of them"

"Really?"

"Yeah, I was just waiting for the right one"

"I'm the exception huh?"

Brittany laughed. "I guess you are"

It was then that a waiter came over to take their orders, Santana ending up ordering three whole starter basket's worth of bread stick's before they'd even began their main meal.

"Wow, you must really like Breadstix bread sticks!"

Santana laughed. "More than you'll ever know. After being away so long I can't believe that I forgot I loved them so much. They're so addictive they're like drug's to me, I swear"

Brittany chuckled. "At least I know what to get when I need something from you"

Santana joined in laughing. "I guess so, although anything you ask you know I'll do it without wanting anything in return. You know that, right?"

"I do."

"Good. Oh, our food's here"

"So, what is your story Miss Santana Lopez?"

"You don't know already?"

Brittany shrugged, plucking a shrimp from her dish. "I don't know everything. Just bits that you've told the crew every now and again"

"Ok, you sure you wanna know?"

"Hit me"

"Ok, so I grew up in Lima Heights Adjacent after my mother left when I was small so my grandmother raised me. I've been street racing since before I got my license. I realized I was gay when I was sixteen. I came out to my grandmother when I was nineteen, I got kicked out that night and I left the city that same evening. I haven't been back at all until a few weeks ago where I started racing again, I met your crew and you know the rest. Other than that my life is kind of boring"

"It's not, I think it's interesting. It makes you interesting"

Santana blushed. "I'm sure it doesn't"

Brittany reached across the table and took the Latina's free hand into her own, rubbing the tanned knuckles soothingly. "It does"

Santana smiled and pulled her hand away, immediately missing the warmth of the other woman's touch. "Any questions?"

"Um, I don't know if this is appropriate to ask on the first date but I was curious about your arm"

Santana immediately knew where this was leading. She knew it was bound to happen sooner or later and she was kind of glad that Brittany was the first and only person to have asked about it. Sure, in time the rest of the crew would eventually get too curious and ask her but right now she was glad it was Brittany that was doing the asking first. This wasn't something she told just anybody.

"What do you want to know about it?" She asked, her right hand consciously coming over to rub at it.

"How did it happen?"

"Um..."

"It's ok if you don't want to answer" Brittany reassured, placing another shrimp into her mouth.

"No, I will it's just that it's not something that I usually talk about with people. I normally just let them wonder about it." Moving her hand away from where it was covering the exposed skin she then held up the arm so that Brittany could see it properly.

"Oh my, ouch" She gasped, a hand coming up to cover her mouth. "How did you do it?"

Santana shrugged as she looked down at the large scar. "When I left Lima I was angry at my grandmother and there was this guy and we got into it, sort of like a rivalry. We fought behind the steering wheel but one day it just wasn't enough and let's just say it got physical. It was fine until he drew a knife on me and he caught my arm, intentionally dragging it in all directions to make it more painful. I managed to knock him out with a socket wrench before I passed out from blood loss. I was lucky, I nearly lost my arm all because a guy couldn't take that I was better than him behind the wheel."

Brittany let it sink in for a few moments before looking back at the Latina who was eating once more. "So it's ok?"

"Yeah, it's fine. It throbs when I'm stressed and stuff but I'm okay if I don't overwork it"

"Thank you"

"For what?"

"Sharing that with me"

"It's ok. I'm pretty sure you or another member of the crew would have asked me sometime or another. Not quite what I expected to be discussing on a first date but hey, anything's possible right?"

"I didn't ruin things?"

Santana shook her head, chuckling. "Of course not. Now it's your turn though"

"Really? My life sounds boring compared to yours"

"I'm sure it's not, tell me"

Brittany took a deep breath, chewing on another shrimp before starting. "Ok, I've lived here all my life. I have a little sister named Abby who's in her senior year at high school, I've been best friends with Rachel since I was in high school, I love to dance and when I was in my senior year I was told I'm some sort of math genius"

"Really?"

The blonde nodded. "Yeah, they wanted me to go to MIT in Boston but when they told me how far away it was by then I was driving and I was friends with the crew. Plus I didn't want to leave my family behind so I decided to stay and get a job at Kitty's. I've been working and driving in my free time ever since. I can't believe we never met earlier"

"I can."

"How?"

"I grew up in Lima Heights Adjacent. That's not exactly the most popular place to hang out or race in. The race scene is much more shady and raw there, I grew up around all of that so I didn't really get out of it until I left the city. You and the rest of the crew were definitely on the complete opposite end of the street racing totem pole so I'm not surprised we haven't met before now, not that I'm complaining" She smirked.

Brittany rolled her eyes. "You have a good point but I'm glad we're here now"

Santana smiled softly as Brittany reached across the table and held her hand once more. "Me too"

Brittany laughed as Santana gripped the door handle tightly, the blonde sliding the car around a large bend at particularly high speed.

"When you said drift down the canyon back towards Lima I didn't know you meant at high speed with lots of traffic around!"

The blonde let out a loud chuckle as she threw the car back into another bend. "Lighten up Santana, it's fun!"

"Maybe if I was driving!"

Brittany shook her head as she spun around another corner. "I'll slow down if you let me take you somewhere"

"Fine by me"

5 minutes later and they were pulling into a small closed-in beach that overlooked the distant lights of Lima across the bay. Brittany pulled up onto the sand about half way before putting the car into park and unbuckling her harness.

"Come on"

Santana unclipped her passenger seat harness and got out of the car too, joining the blonde who was already sitting on the hood. Pulling up a leg and resting her right arm on top of it she glanced over at Brittany.

"Is this place special to you?"

"I come here to think sometimes. It's always quiet here so I like to think of it as my little place. Like this is my ocean"

Santana smiled. "Yeah?"

Brittany nodded as she looked at the Latina, then turning her gaze towards the sky. "And this is my sky and my stars"

When she turned her gaze away from said view and back down over at Santana things seemed to click into place. Their bodies started inching closer and closer until their faces were centimetres apart, the both of them feeling each other's warm breaths ghosting over their lips. Santana's eyes flicked up to Brittany's, the crystal blue shining brightly in the moonlight and it wasn't long before they closed the gap between them, their lips connecting together softly for the first time and both their eyes fluttering shut at the tender touch.

Brittany's hand came up to cup the Latina's jaw and as they continued to keep their lips connected she felt Santana's free hand come to rest on her hip, allowing her to pull her closer. Santana's hand gripped tightly and unclenched again much like a cat, Brittany certainly not complaining at the kind of adorable action. An unknown power seemed to ripple through the both of them as they kissed for the first time, neither knowing exactly what it was that was pulling them towards each other like a set of extremely powerful magnets. Not that they cared. The two of them were much too enjoying it to even care, both getting lost in the feel of the other woman so close to them.

When the need for air finally became too much Brittany pulled away with a soft smile, letting her forehead up against Santana's with her hand never leaving her jaw.

"That was nice" Santana whispered, her eyes still closed.

"Mmm, definitely" The blonde replied, her thumb rubbing the Latina's jaw affectionately.

"Can I do it again?"

Brittany chuckled, opening her eyes and looking straight into Santana's chocolate coloured ones. "Of course"

Santana wasted no time in leaning forward, capturing the blonde's lips once more with her own but this time with a little more fervour than before. Brittany certainly had no complaints. In fact, she matched the Latina's growing passion with her own, using her hand to push her down by the shoulder and completely onto the hood of her car.

Santana groaned as her shoulder came into contact with the large contours of the custom hood design, Brittany pulling away slightly to check if she was alright.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, hold on" Brittany watched as the other street racer repositioned herself on the hood so that it was a little more comfortable. "Ok"

Brittany wasted no time in diving back in, connecting their lips together once more and enjoying how it felt to finally kiss Santana. Ever since she had seen her for the first time there had been something about her that she had found mysterious and the more she had gotten to know her the more she found herself wanting to kiss her. Santana intrigued her, she had lived a hard life of street racing and rejection but it only made Brittany want her more. There was something about her that she couldn't put her finger on and right now she didn't much care, she was too caught up in the feeling of her lips upon her own that she couldn't get one coherent thought to form. Instead she let Santana pull her in closer by the hip so she was half on top of her and continued to kiss her like nothing else on the planet mattered but them.

Song used: Say Yes – 'Mercedes Benz'

TBC