A/N- I feel like I should put a warning on this chapter even though there's nothing 'bad' in it. There's a lot of teen drama and internal anger angst.

Chapter Seven

Cyclone

Santana checked her reflection in the mirror a second and third time, fussing with each little discrepancy she found until she could no longer find things to fix or re-fix. Her dress was a black strapless that fit around her torso tightly while the bottom portion puffed out at the waist. Dark laced flowers filled the pleats in the gown, while her raven hair fell gracefully past her shoulder on the left side.

"This was such a fucking stupid idea." Santana grumbled as she tried to jab her hoop earrings into her ears. If there was one thing she hated more than the locker room after each football game, it was school dances.

"Knock. Knock." Roman smirked from the open doorway. Santana rolled her eyes and continued to get ready. "Noah's downstairs talking to mami and papi. Just thought you'd like to know before the house explodes."

Santana gave a loud groan. Dances at McKinley were basically huge orgies where girls grind on each other while the boys stood back and watched. Why no one thought it was as gay as it looked was beyond her. She took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. Her anxiety level was through the roof, but at least her week-long torture as Noah Puckerman's girlfriend was almost over. Now that she thought about it the deal she made with him seemed far more to his advantage than her own.

"I don't understand what you have against dances San. I mean you're a cheerleader for Christ sake. All you do is dance and sing." Roman cocked an eyebrow at her and stepped inside her room. " Hang on your bra thingy is sticking out." He tucked the clip to her strapless bra down into her dress.

"They're just stupid. The boys never dance, it's hot in there, the girls suck at dancing, and the boy who do dance just hump you. It's gross—oh thanks." Santana murmured as she took a last look at herself.

"Okay I see what you're saying, but you have to loosen up a little San. Dances are really fun if you give them a chance to be. Noah said he's going to spike the punch bowl. Have a few sips and you'll see what I mean." Santana gave another deep sigh. Sometime her big idiot brother knew just how to calm her nerves. She turned and wrapped her arms around him and he held her right back.

"Thanks Ro." She whispered.

"Anytime. Now go down stairs and show Noah how hot you look." He shot her a big dopey look.

"You're such an ass, but you're right. The less time he spends with mami and papi the better." Santana opened the door and walked down the stairs to where Noah sat in the front living room chatting with her parents.

"Woah Santana!" Puck said nearly aw struck. " You looking fucking hot."

Santana could see her mother take a deep sip from her wine glass and her father's grip tighten on the arm rest of his favorite chair.

"Uhh... I'll take the picture of them." Roman offered pulling his phone from his jeans pocket, in the hopes of dispersing the awkward tension. "Stand on the stairs you two."

Santana rolled her eyes, but she knew this came with the whole dance package. She stood on a step above Puck with her hand on his shoulder. She put on a her master fake smile. The one that said she was so crazy about Puck she could hardly stand it, but the moment the flash from the camera faded she was right back to her sour mood.

"Come on let's get out of here." Santana said taking Puck's hand and leading him out the door.

The car ride to the McKinley High School Gym wasn't a long one, but the silence in the car made it feel like forever.

"You really do look great Santana." Puck said sheepishly. Glancing over at her from the driver's seat. She knew he was being sincere and making an effort, but the stressful knots in her stomach were growing tighter and tighter the closer she got to the gym.

"Thanks. You too." was all she could bring herself to say. As much as she hated being his girlfriend, Puck wasn't a bad guy. In fact if she wasn't gay, he might have been the kind of man she would have ended up marrying. Well, him or a NFL football player. However, no matter which way she spun it there was nothing in her heart for him. She simply wanted to get out of his shadow as quickly as she could.

"So, after tonight we're done right? I mean we're even." Santana asked tentatively refusing to look over at him.

"If that's what you really want. I don't know about you, but I kinda like what we have going. We're the two hottest people at McKinley and I mean ever since we started going out we've been way more popular than Quinn and Finn." He had a point there. " Plus I've had a lot of fun this last week hanging out. Maybe we could like, give it a real shot."

Santana felt her mouth go dry. She had never heard a more honest and well thought out statement from Puck's mouth than the one he just gave her. He did really have feelings for her and there was no way she would ever have feelings for him back. On the other hand what were the chances of her actually finding someone who cared about her as much as Puck seemed to, in female form? The girl of her dreams was madly in love with her brother and her first crush didn't even notice her in that way. Any chance of having a real relationship with a girl outside of the east or west coast was non-existent.

"Lets just see how the dance goes." was all Santana was ready to give him, but it seemed like more than enough by the smile which broke across Puck's face. Santana hated herself just a little more for giving him hope.

Puck parked his truck and together they slid out and headed toward the gym. From outside she could already hear the booming music and the loud chatter of teens waiting in line to get inside. As they got closer Santana spotted Quinn waving her over.

"Aw Quinn and Finn are already hear. Lets go cut in line with them!" Puck shouted dragging Santana toward their friends. Santana swallowed nervously as she finally got a glimpse of Quinn in her dress. She wore deep purple with only one strap over her left shoulder. Her hair was pulled into a half up-do with waves of golden hair falling around her shoulders. The dressed hugged her curves so perfectly that it made breathing difficult for Santana. Instead the frustrated cheerleader leaned into Puck and averted her eyes.

"Wow Noah, I'm impressed. You actually convinced Santana to come to a school dance. What did you bribe her with?" Quinn giggled and the boys smiled to humor her.

"Nuthin at all." Puck said proudly puffing out his chest. "Hey I seem Sam is closer to the front of the line. Finn and I will go turn in our tickets so we can get in faster. You beautiful ladies wait here" and with that he lest Santana standing awkwardly alone with Quinn. She glared at him as he left, folding her arms over her chest bitterly.

"So when are you going to explain to me exactly what's going on between you and Noah?" Quinn asked with a hint of suspicion. " First you start dating out of no where. You act all lovey dovey at the lunch table , but you're almost never together in the hall way. And now you show up together at a school dance, which I know for a fact you hate because every year when I try to get you to go, you throw a bitch fit about it. So, what's the game here?" Quinn asked stepping a little closer than comfortable.

"T-There's not game Quinn. God you're so paranoid sometimes. Puck and I are an item. I think you're just jealous that we're twice as popular as you and Finn." Santana snapped back trying to put some distance between her and the beautiful girl. Quinn merely rolled her eyes.

"As if. Finn is the Quarterback and I'm the captain of the Cheerios. I will always be more popular than you by default. Besides everyone knows Noah wants exactly one thing from you." Quinn gave Santana an odd look which mad her cheeks grow warm. " Well...?"

"Well what?" Santana asked in confusion though her heart was starting to beat a little faster. She had an idea of where this conversation was going and she didn't like it.

"Have you and Puck...you know. Done it." She said just above a whisper though with the loud conversation around them she was sure no one could hear even if she had shouted the question.

"What?! No! God no. Come on Quinn. What kind of girl do you think I am." Santana hissed back at her best friend who had a look of relief on her face. "Have you? You've been with Finn a lot longer than I've been with Puck. It would only make sense that you've-"

Quinn held up the back of her hand.

"Purity ring. I'm saving myself for marriage. You might want to think about getting yourself one if you want an excuse to push-off Noah's advances. That is ...unless you want Noah to be your first." Quinn raised her eyebrows and Santana could feel her face break out into a deep red blush. "Well in any case you'll get to find out if Noah's packing or not."

She didn't get the chance to respond or ask what the hell Quinn's last statement meant when the boys returned with their vouchers.

"Okay now all we have to do is get out hand stamped as we walk in. You guys ready?" Finn asked taking Quinn's hand. The head Cheerio shot Santana a wink and followed her boyfriend inside the gym. Santana followed behind them with her anxiety returned in full as she held out her hand for the glow-in-the-dark stamp.

Inside there were students everywhere. It was like all of Lima came out for this one event.

Just as Santana predicted there was a line of boys and girls on ether side of the gym refusing to go out onto the dance floor. In the center an even larger number of students were packed together so tight on the dance floor that there was no way to even get through. With the flashing strobe lights and the loud music Santana was already beginning to feel disoriented.

"Hey I've got a date with the punch bowl want me to bring you back some?" Puck leaned in and said into her ear. Santana nodded.

"Yes please. I'll be over there." She pointed to an empty few seats off to the side. There was only one way she would make it thought tonight and that was drunk.

Only a few moments passed by after she took her seat when some sophomore came over to her.

"H-hey Santana. I was um...wondering if maybe—that is if you're not with someone—would you like to dance with me."

Santana looked at the young foolish boy. Her eyes gave him a dark sinister look. She was already in a bad mood, the last thing she wanted was losers hitting on her.

"I'm here with someone and even if I wasn't there isn't a chance in hell I'd ever dance with you. Spread the word that Santana Lopez is taken." She sneered at him. The young kind practically tripped over himself as he went to find someone else to dance with. There were a few advantages to having Puck for a boyfriend. However, she regretted the thought the moment he returned with their cups.

"Here you go babe." Puck said with a proud smirk taking a sip from his cup and handing Santana her own. She took a deep sip from it and started to cough.

"Holy shit Noah! How much did you put in here?" Santana said trying to gag.

"Enough. Do you know how fast punch goes around here? There's no way I can spike the bowl twice. I had to put enough to get everyone at least pleasantly buzzed if not drunk." Santana took another smaller sip from her cup. There was more than enough vodka in there to get her decently hammered if she could finish the cup.

"Hey, Quinn and Finn are close to the middle of the floor dancing. We should go join them." Puck suggested setting his cup and jacket down to save their seats. Santana was about to protest when he pulled her too her feet. With one last sip she followed him out onto the floor.

Santana let Puck push their way through the tight crowd of kids dancing up on one another. 'God this is so awkward' she thought to herself as she brushed past Kurt, Rachel, and a few other glee club losers all dancing together. Eventually they made their way to the center where Quinn and Finn where dancing. Quinn's dress was practically at her naval. Santana swore that any minute her friend was about to flash her marriage goods to the whole school. Finn held her tight up against him with one hand on her hip and the other on her stomach. Quinn looked breathless and tiered, but it was the sexiest thing Santana had ever seen. She wasn't sure if it was Quinn's dancing or the alcohol, but she suddenly felt dizzy.

"Hey man! Mind if we join you guys?" Puck shouted giving Finn a high-five and causing him to let go of Quinn who looked a little annoyed as she lost her balance. She grabbed Santana's shoulder to steady herself.

"Not at all dude!" Came Finn's happy reply as he took a hold of Quinn again. By the look Quinn was giving her it was clear she knew Santana was uncomfortable and unsure of what to do. She motioned for Santana to stand in front of Puck facing her, basically sandwiching the two girls in between their dates.

Santana stiffened as Puck's hands found their way around her waits and drew her in closer just as Finn had done with Quinn. He began rocking his hips side to side, but they were pressed so close to Santana that her own hips followed. Santana let out a small relaxing breath. Maybe this wasn't as hard as she thought it might be. She could feel a relaxing glow from the booze set over her. The song changed to an old one, but everyone stilled cheered because they all knew it. Even Santana smiled a little and got into the song. She used her own hips to take the lead in their little rhythm and she focused on Quinn in front of her.

Them baggy sweat pants
And the Reeboks with the straps, with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack, ayy!
She hit the flo, she hit the flo
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low, low low low low

Santana dipped down low with the chorus of the song bringing Puck down with her. She couldn't help, but laugh as Finn cheered her on and Quinn started doing the same move with her. Her legs burned, but it felt good. Soon she completely forgot about everyone else on the floor and Puck became nothing more than a support beam which kept her from falling over.

Song after song played and Santana realized she loved each more than the last. Her moves became more sexy and wild the deeper she got into the music. After two Chris Browns, 1,2 step by Ciara, and Crank That by Soulja Boy, they decided to go take a break.

"You're a great dancer." Puck panted taking a seat across from her. Santana gave a cocky shrug as she took a deep sip from her spiked punch. She had so much adrenalin pumping though her veins she could hardly taste the booze anymore.

"You're not too bad ether." She laughed. Just as Santana had caught her breath and was about to excuse herself to the bathroom there was a disturbance on the dance floor. She watched as students started to back up and form a circle. At first she thought there was going to be a fight, but when no one came to break it up her interest grew. "Lets go see what's up." She said to Noah. When she stood her legs wobbled beneath her and the room started spinning a little. She gave a tiny giggle before marching toward the circle.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she recognized the song playing as an old hip-hop number by baby-bash called cyclone. As she pushed past people she couldn't help, but sing and dance along to it.

She moves her body like a cyclone
And she makes me want to do it all night long
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on
Because she moves her body like a cyclone
Just like a cyclone

Santana hummed along enjoying her buzz as she pushed through to the front of the circle. Inside there was a heated dance off taking place. There was a boy on the ground breaking. He spun and kicked until he finished with by spinning around on one hand. Santana was so impressed she cheered and clapped for the boy over the music. The challenger was a tall girl who wore a sea-foam green dress, red and black high top Addidas, and a Addidas black hat on her head. Her blonde curls hung around her head, but with the hat Santana couldn't make out the girl's face in the dark dance hall. Who ever she was, she could dance.

(It's a wrap)
When she breaks them boys of a typhoon
(It's a wrap)
Better get that fatty like a boss tycoon
(It's a wrap)
Now hold it steady cause she make a monsoon
(it's a wrap)
Now you can Google download the iTunes
She what I'm saying
She ain't playing
And she got them heads turning
You gonna her it clack-clack
When them heals get to burning
(clack-clack)
Stiletto so fuego
She got her own label
And got us all doing the tornado

Santana watched in awe as the girl worked her way around the circle in a moon partial moon walk before transitioning into a series of fast locking moves. Santana's eyes could barely keep up with the level of complexity this girl was showing in her moves. Not only that, but it was like she was dancing with the whole crowd. The blonde would approach different people and then use them in her next movement. Everyone cheered at the top of their lungs for the girl, Santana included. She was sure she clapped the loudest when the girl moved to the far edge of the circle and back flipped to the center, never missing a single beat. The girl must have heard her because the next thing she knew the tall blonde was walking right toward her and suddenly it felt as though the entire school was watching her.

Santana wanted nothing more than to disappear into the crowd. She wanted to watch the dancer dance with other people, not be a part of the show herself, however there was nowhere to run. The dance circle was pack way too tightly. Santana's head began to spin as the girl came right up to her and put an arm around her neck. She felt her legs tremble as the hot blonde used her body like a stripper pole. She watched as the girl sank down to her knees before popping quickly back up and rocking her torso hard into Santana's. Santana couldn't breathe. It was way too much to deal with for one night. Just as the girl moved to pull away her hat tilted up revealing a pair of crystal blue eyes Santana knew all too well. It was Brittany.

Furious and upset, Santana turned around and pushed through the crowd. She snarled several threats at those who didn't get out of her way quickly. She needed to get out of here. She needed to leave. Santana stormed through the dance and through open the bathroom door, yelling for everyone else to leave. The few girls who were in there scampered out as quickly as they could.

Santana approached the mirror and gripped the sink willing herself not to cry. This whole night had gone so well for her and Brittany just had to show up and ruin it all for her. Everywhere she turned Brittany was standing right there teasing her. It wasn't fair.

"God, why can't she just leave me alone and let me have one moment where I feel fucking normal for a change." Santana gritted her teeth as tears rolled down her cheeks messing up her make up just a little. "Fuck!" She shouted crying harder. The worst part she wasn't even truly angry with Brittany. As a matter of fact, she wanted to dance with her. She wanted to hold her close and feel all those stupid silly feelings Quinn always talked about feeling when she was with Finn, but it wasn't possible and that frustrated her to know end.

"Santana?"

Santana closed her eyes and whipped away the tears and smeared eyeliner from her eyes.

"What?" She snapped at Quinn as she entered the girl's bathroom.

"One of the freshmen said you through everyone out of the bathroom. Are you alright? What happened? Was it Noah because I'll get Finn to have the other football guys to kick his ass if you want." Quinn said with a shocking amount of concern in her voice. She picked up one of the hand towels and ran it under the sink before lightly taking Santana's face in her hands and cleaning away the mess Santana had made. Santana could merely scoff.

"No, but thanks for the offer. I'm just drunk, that's all." it was a well-known fact that Santana was a weepy drunk, but Quinn shot her a look that said 'I don't believe you for a fucking second,but I'll drop it'

"Well good because we've got bigger problems on our hands. I don't know if you caught that show on the dance floor, but apparently Sue invited some of the girls from Oakwood to the dance. She wasn't happy with our fight a few weeks ago. She said that she had to save face by promoting inter-school unity or some bullshit like that. Point is they are here and we've got a problem."

Santana cleared her throat and thanked Quinn for her help with the make up.

"I saw Brittany dancing in that circle. Do you still think she's a spy for them?"

Quinn shook her head.

"It's doubtful. After thinking it over I realized that she only has rainbows and flowers in that pretty head of hers. I think she really does want to come to our school, but red brought her tonight to intimidate us. She doesn't know that we're on the verge of stealing their star dancer, so all we have to do is exactly what Sue wants us to do. Play nice. Brittany made it clear that she wants to go to a school where people aren't mean and I'm about to make that day-dream a reality. I just need you to keep your attitude in check for the rest of the night. Forget about what ever happened with you and Puck. Focus on making Brittany like you. Make her think you and I are fucking fairies of kindness. That includes being friendly to any losers you see." Quinn said putting her hands firmly on her hips. Her game face was now on.

Santana ran her fingers through her hair. This was exactly what she didn't want to happen, but she couldn't blow off a direct order from Quinn unless she wanted to spend the next two months at the bottom of the pyramid and sitting with Rachel at lunch.

"Fine. Whatever. Just let me finish my punch first." she grunted as she left the bathroom.

Santana stormed over to her cup where Puck sat waiting for her. He looked concern, but she didn't care one damn bit about that.'This whole thing is completely fucked. I didn't ask for any of this. I just wanted to get through tonight without any problems, but fucking Quinn and her fucking plans had to mess with all of that.' Santana raged inside her head.

" Hey where have you been? I was getting worried about you?" Puck said sweetly trying to take her hand. Santana pulled away and reached for her cup, which was still over halfway full.

"I'm fine Puck, Jesus. You're not my real boyfriend so stop fucking acting like you are." She snapped right before taking a deep drink from the contents.

"Woah. Did I like do something wrong babe? Maybe you should take it easy on that...or not" he sat back down when she shot him a warning glare.

Santana spun around until she spotted Quinn with Brittany, who still wore her sexy hat and sneakers. The two were talking and laughing together like old friends. It was gross. If Santana weren't a hundred and ten percent sure Quinn was straight she would have guessed she was flirting with Brittany.

She took another large drink from the cup nearly finishing the contents. She narrowed her eyes as Quinn dragged Brittany a little further into the floor, but still with in eye sight of Santana. What she saw next, Santana would think back later and wonder if she had imagined it all. Quinn turned around in front of Brittany and began dancing up on her. Brittany held Quinn tight to her body the way Finn had done earlier. The only difference was that Brittany was a far better dancer than Finn. As the beat changed the tall blonde use the hand which was on Quinn's hip and slid up the girl's back pressing her down until the head cheerio was dancing practically on all fours.

A hot anger burned through Santana's gut. She couldn't explain why she felt so angry, she just knew she did. She couldn't tell which of the two girls she was more jealous of or whether they were doing it just to mess with her. The one thing she did know is that this wouldn't have happened if Brittany hadn't shown up that night.

"Hold this." She barked at Puck.

Santana marched across the gym to where Brittany and Quinn were grinding against each other. Anger and rage boiled under the surface until she couldn't hold back any more. She reached out and shoved both girls, breaking them apart.

" What the fuck Santana!" Quinn shouted back at her, but Santana could hardly understand what she was saying through her hazy drunk mind.

"No fuck you! Fuck you both!" She turned to Brittany who looked shocked and confused. " What gives you the right to come to our school and act like you fucking own the place! You're fucking everywhere! There is no getting away from you!" Santana shouted as hot tears burned her cheeks. She could feel the other students start to listen in on their conversation. "Estás arruinando mi vida. ¿Quién crees que eres?"

"Brittany don't listen to her she's drunk!" Quinn said taking the tall blonde's hand and leading her away.

"That's right. Fucking walk away!" Santana yelled over the chatter surrounding her. Her head spun and she wanted to fight someone anyone because she was sick of fighting with herself.

" Come on Santana. I think you've had enough let's get you home." Puck said grabbing her shoulders and guiding her toward the door.

Puck stopped to buy her water and a burrito on the way home from the dance, which she was immensely grateful for. It helped sober her up a little, which in turn helped her actions to fully sink in.

"I'm really sorry for yelling at you Noah." She said between comforting bites of burrito.

"Don't sweat it. It happens all the time, plus I've got to say I enjoyed watching you call Quinn out on her bullshit." He said with a small chuckle. Santana gave a small smile in return although she didn't feel like smiling.

"I'm going to have to sort out so much crap on Monday." She groaned still feeling the buzz in her head. " Quinn is going to be pissed, my brother is going to be pissed, and Brittany is probably going to stay at Oakwood now." Santana closed her eyes trying to process just how much she fucked up.

"Dude look, Quinn is like your bff for life. She's going to forgive you. Your brother is your brother no matter how bad you fucked up, so all you really have to worry about is fixing things with Britt. You do that and the other two will forget all about it. Take it from someone who fucks up a lot." Puck gave her a small wink before starting the car to head for home.

Santana turned the key and pushed the door open quietly hoping not to wake anyone in the house. The last thing she wanted was another confrontation, but it was too late for that. Roman sat in the front living room with his arms folded looking pissed off.

"Shit." Santana said allowed.

"Yea, shit's right Santana. What the fuck is your problem? I just spent the last hour and a half on the phone with Brittany trying to calm her down and convince her that you don't fucking hate her. I asked you to do one thing! One thing! Be nice to my girlfriend. Instead I find out that not only have you been a total bitch to her, but you shoved her. "

Santana gritted her teeth and took her brother's lashing. She had it coming though his anger was making her want to cry all over again.

"It's not like that—I don't hate her." Santana whimpered back in helpless protest.

"Really? Okay then tell me what it's like? Tell me what the hell gives you the right of just go up and shove someone and shout at them in spanish. Don't even try to blame it on the fact that you were drunk Santana because I know you. You don't just start fights without a reason, so explain."

Santana stood their shrinking under his piercing black gaze, unable to move or speak. She looked away at the floor unable to give him what he wanted.

"You're unbelievable. I can't even talk to you right now." Roman growled pushing past her and storming up the stairs. There was a loud bang as he slammed his bedroom door. Santana whipped the tears from her cheeks and headed to her own room. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. She didn't have the energy to cry anymore or even take off her dress. She simply crawled into bed and pulled her stuffed bear toward her lonely body. She'd worry about repairing the mess she had made in the morning.

A/N- Hey so I really hope everyone liked this chapter. I think there was a lot of intense emotional stuff in here. I know San pushing Brittany was a little 'whoa'. It was for me too, but no one was actually hurt because Santana would never purposely do something like that.

Just a heads up:

I've mentioned before that I want to write about Santana's personal struggle because I don't feel like it's touched on as much as I'd like to see. As angsty as this story is you don't have to worry about any triggering content like self harm. There wont be any of that. It's just a lot of Santana struggling with who she is. This is a Brittana fic so there will be more moments with them, but I want Santana at her lowest point because I like the idea of watching her build herself back up. Brittany will be right there along the way to help.

I mentioned before that this is a slow burn kind of story, so I hope you're ready to hang in there with me. :D

Please let me know what you think! I love hearing from you all!

Song Mentioned

1. Low- Flo Rida

2. 1, 2, Step - Ciara

3. Cyclone - Baby Bash