AU, Brittana. Suffering from writer's block, novelist Brittany S. Pierce retreats to her family's waterside cottage, living in seclusion, searching for a muse. Upon meeting her temporary neighbors, however, she gets that and so much more.

I do not own any rights to Glee.


After another week of still not being able to write, Brittany was glad for the distraction. She packed a small backpack with shorts and shoes to change into at her grandparents before sliding it onto her back. She made her way downstairs, making sure Lord Tubbington had enough food and water to last him for the rest of the day, before sliding into a pair of black leather boots, which fit snugly over her jeans. Zipping up a brown leather jacket, she got her helmet, closing the cabin door behind her as she went outside to start up her bike.

As the machine idled she put on her helmet, her braid of hair tucked into it, before sliding on the blue and white pair of motocross gloves she had packed. Set, she shifted the bike into first before taking off, leaving her little shelter in the woods behind.

When she pulled into her grandparents driveway a half hour later, there were already cars lining the road next to their house and along the lake. When she killed the engine and removed her helmet, several wandering people called out greetings, recognizing her. She returned the sentiment before letting herself into the large, cobblestone Dutch colonial house that held so many childhood memories for her.

"Hello?" she wandered further into the house. She found her grandmother in the kitchen out back, with the French doors that lead to the large patio open, letting in a pleasant breeze.

"There she is," the lady said, wiping her hands on a towel before walking around the kitchen's island, pulling her youngest grandchild into a hug. "We're so happy you could make it."

Brittany smiled.

"Well, I haven't gotten a whole lot done, so a distraction would be nice," she admitted sheepishly. Susan Pierce clucked, shaking her head lightly.

"Somethings you just can't rush dear. Don't worry, you'll be back on track in no time."

"I hope so. I'm gonna go change."

With that she escaped into one of the first story bathrooms, changing her jeans for the shorts and boots for shoes. She undid the braid in her hair, letting the blonde locks hang loosely before exiting the bathroom, putting her backpack and helmet on one of the chairs in the living room. Her grandmother was still working away in the kitchen when she reentered, moving between what was at least ten crock pots of food - chili if Brittany was to guess.

The blonde wandered out to the patio, taking in the view. About a hundred metres of yard separated the house from the beach of the lake. The lot to the right of her grandparents house was a little town commons - complete with barbeque pits and a playground, as well as a gazebo area, where Brittany could see a band setting up their stage. Her grandparents worked pretty closely with the town hall for their celebration, and they generally brought in small, local bands to cover songs, while also having a DJ's booth to play more songs while the band was not performing. The entire thing reminded Brittany more of a small summer carnival, sans rides and price charges.

Different sections of the beach were set for games - a volleyball net, horseshoe pits, some frisbees, and of course a plethora of children's toys - though most of the young ones would spend a majority of the afternoon in and out of the water.

Spotting her grandfather, who was prepping several of the fire pits to be lit, she made her way down the stairs, across the yard, and to him.

"There's my little girl," he said as she approached. David Pierce was tall, probably where Brittany had inherited her own height from. "How are you kiddo?"

She smiled at the endearment.

"Not bad, Gramps. Do you need any help?"

His brilliant smile caused his blue eyes, another common trait that they shared, to light.

"Actually, I think Diane could use some help setting up the serving tables."

He nodded to one of their neighbors, an older woman whom often had babysat Brittany and Kelly during the summer when necessary. She had a grandchild who was just a couple years younger than Brittany, Sam she recalled. He had always been nice to her. With a nod to her grandfather, she made her way over to the lady, who was moving between several very long tables, and a pickup truck filled with boxes of supplies.

"Oh Brittany!" she spotted the incoming blonde. "It's so good to see you sweetheart. It's been too long."

Brittany hid her wince. She'd been getting that a lot lately.

"I know Mrs. Evans. Gramps told me to check if you needed help?"

The woman's smile was one of relief this time.

"That would be wonderful dear. We're trying to organize this in an efficient manner."

"Plates and utensils first?" she supplied. Diane Evans gave her a smile.

"Exactly. Then we'll put the main foods."

Brittany nodded, mentally cataloging it. Anything cooked on the barbeque first.

"Then condiments of course, and chips."

Large bowls of chips, she mentally corrected.

"Then the potluck foods, drinks, and lastly desserts."

The blonde nodded. The usual then. She aided the other woman, pulling the stacks of boxes off the truck, one by one, going through them to organize everything on the tables. Several rather impressive stacks of plates and bowls were at the table closest to the barbeque pits - probably enough to supply an army if Brittany were to guess. Then there were buckets of separate utensils. Several bottles of different condiments - ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salsa, and bbq sauce to name a few. Next were several stacks of burger and hotdog buns, followed by a decent span of table, which was clear, awaiting the many grilled foods that would eventually clutter it. As they moved on, Brittany ran to retrieve the several large bowls from inside her grandparents house, returning so that they could empty bags and bags of chips into them.

On the next table there was already a large container, the first of several, of chilled potato salad. It would shortly be followed by various chilis, other kinds of salads, and whatever other creative things someone would bring. They left two full tables free for that while moving to another, where they put coolers onto the table, filling them with ice and various canned and bottled juice, soda, and water. Cases of more went under the table, quickly able to be restocked. Another final table at the end was awaiting the impending mass of cakes, pies, and other sugary delights that people would bring in mass.

"That went so much quicker dear," Diane said, giving Brittany an affection pat on her shoulder. The blonde smiled.

"No problem Mrs. Evans," she replied, understanding the silent thanks. Taking her leave, she made her way to the stage, offering to help once again. Thankfully there were electrical outlets available on the spot, so the biggest concern was just setting up the speakers and DJ's table. With her to once again help speed up the work, the small group finished shortly later.

"I think we can call this a success kiddo," her grandfather surprised her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders to pull the blonde close to his side. She relaxed into the half hug with a smile.

"How about we go check on your Gram?"

Brittany nodded at the idea, letting her grandfather lead her back to the house.

"Oh are you here to help?" the woman asked at their appearance, her grey eyes hopeful. Brittany's nod answered for the both of them.

"Great. We have the spicy chili and the sweet chili, so I want them separate when you put them out."

Brittany shared a grin with her grandfather, as the pair got to work transferring the dishes outside as ordered. By this time people had slowly started to file in, putting their own foods on the tables before mingling with other guests. At some point, Brittany didn't notice exactly when, the band had started playing. No actual songs yet, just background music.

"Hey B!"

The tall blonde was surprised from a bump to her hip. She spun, grinning at her friend.

"Hey Q. What did you bring?"

The shorter blonde rolled her eyes.

"Mom brought brownies."

It was the only thing the eldest Fabray knew how to make, Brittany recalled.

"She does have good brownies," Brittany pointed out.

It was true. While not much of anything in the kitchen, Judy Fabray made the best brownies Brittany could ever remember having tasted in her life.

"When can we eat? I want one now."

This earned a laugh from Quinn, who simply shook her head.

"So glad you haven't changed," she said after calming down. With a surprising show of affection, the shorter blonde linked her arm through Brittany's, leading them over to the band. With a sly sideways glance, she glanced to the stage.

"Guess what?" Rather awkwardly, Brittany clapped her hands, jolting the smaller girl.

"Ohh, what? Did something exciting happen?"

"Other than you coming back? I wish. No look who's the drummer," she nodded back to the stage. Brittany followed her gaze, not having paid attention to the band before.

Awkwardly tall, a dopey smile, and no rhythm in his head bopping.

"Finn!"

Another one of her childhood friends. The brunette halted in his playing, not at all caring that they were in the middle of a warm up number. The rest of the band didn't seem to notice or care.

"Brittany? Hi," he greeted back, grin wide at seeing her familiar face.

The tall blonde managed to free herself from Quinn before climbing up on the stage, hugging the boy for a brief second.

"How long are you here for?" Finn asked. She shrugged.

"For as long as I need to be. Which for now looks like a long time."

"That's so cool."

"Yeah. We have to catch up sometime. But you should probably get back to your playing for now," she pointed out, giggling when his eyes widened. He did just that, easily picking up where the song was.

Hopping off the stage, this time it was Brittany who linked her arm with Quinn's, as they moseyed about the commons. As food was grilling, things had started to pick up, people lingering near the food tables, kids running and splashing through water on the beac, and a group of younger teens trying to look like they weren't interested in mimicking the little kids. The pair stopped at the fire pit, chatting briefly with one of the men manning it.

"Hey Dante," the stocky man greeted someone over their shoulder after the conversation had died down. The blondes turned. Brittany didn't recognize the pair that walked up, the man was tall with dark hair, eyes, and skin. In contrast, the woman beside him was short, though she also had tan complexion, dark hair and eyes. Brittany nudged Quinn slightly, who immediately caught on.

"Your new neighbors," she whispered into the taller blonde's ear.

"I thought they had a kid?" she asked, just as quietly.

"They do," she muttered in reply. Turning towards the new arrivals, her voice picked up, as if she were well acquainted with the pair and not just in passing. That was nothing unusual here. "Dante, Sunshine. Nice to see you again. Where's Leandro?"

"With my sister," the man, Dante, answered. Quinn raised an eyebrow.

"Sister? Does she live with you too?"

The man sighed.

"No. She just finished school, but is at odds with our parents, because she doesn't know what she wants to do yet. You'd think it'd be obvious, she just spent four years studying law." Here he sighed. "But I guess there are a few options in that field. In any case, she's invited herself for a vacation so she doesn't have to listen to them nag at her."

"Seems reasonable," Quinn said. Though not the best with spoken cues, Brittany sensed the slight sarcasm in her dry tone. The shorter girl shot a look at her friend as if to ask 'see? They're so different.'

Brittany just nudged Quinn once more.

"Sorry, this is Brittany. Brittany Pierce. She's visiting for a while, her grandparents host this."

"You're the author we've heard so much about," Sunshine said with an excited grin. "You're kind of a big deal here."

Brittany nodded in agreement. She knew that already.

"That's true."

"Pleasure," Dante said with a polite nod, though he didn't offer his hand. She didn't take it personally.

"Bro, you're kid is crazy."

The group turned towards the new voice. There stood a girl shorter than Quinn, but taller than Sunshine, with a pair of feet dangling over her shoulders, muffled complaints coming from her back.

"Let me down you bully!"

With a sigh, the Latina did just that, heaving the kid forward to catch him easily before lowering him to the ground. Like a shot the child took off towards his parents, hiding behind their legs.

"Ladies, this is my sister, Santana. And this is Leandro, my son."

Santana turned towards the blondes, eying them with a calculating gaze. Brittany stared, taken aback, though at what she wasn't sure.

"Hi," she said before Quinn could, offering her hand with a small smile. "This is Quinn. I'm Brittany."

With the slightest quirk of her own lips, Santana took the hand after just a moment.

"Santana Lopez."


Unfortunately I have a month of solid tests coming up before school lets out (actually, it started last week), so lets just say I'm sufficiently busy. Now, as a little tidbit for you all, I had debated several ways I wanted Santana to be in this story. There was as a housewife (initially how I had planned), or as the older rebellious child that is never really talked about. I decided on this though, so yep. There you have it. Tapos na!