A/N: Longest chapter yet. Thanks for reading. A little fluff before the final. You all have been awesome. 2 chapters left!
It had been two days since Sugar's story broke about how one of the mayor's assistants had been been responsible for the series of robbers, one of which resulted in a triple homicide, that had occurred in the city. Two days of the mayor's office launching and aggressive PR campaign to make sure her office wasn't tarnished by scandal. Two days of press conferences and breaking news.
Artie had a total of five men working for him and all five were more than glad to give him up for a deal. There was no getting out of this for the former assistant. He was going to jail for a very long time.
However, Artie didn't seem to mind. He had told the D.A.'s office that he could give them an even bigger fish to fry provided they give him a deal. The D.A.'s office had yet to respond.
Santana and Jerry were still the only ones who suspected John Bronson. They had informed the D.A. and were told to find evidence so that they wouldn't have to give Artie any type of deal.
Santana knew she had to tell Quinn soon. Or at the very least, let Brittany in on her suspicions.
Brittany had done away with the sling and was now sporting a white bandage on her arm.
The department had given Brittany a few days off to recover and thanks to Jerry Fox working his magic on the schedule, Santana had also gotten some time off. She was still digging up information, but at least she had been excused from patrol duty.
Brittany and Santana's partners had been reassigned to help tie up the Abrams case.
"I'm sick of hearing about this," Brittany said.
Brittany was sitting up in bed, her back resting against the headboard, Santana comfortably snuggled between her legs, watching the morning news. Both still in pajamas and enjoying a lazy morning.
She had spent the last two days with Santana at her house, just like they had planned. It had been just what both needed.
Santana had wanted to be the one to sit up with Brittany resting against her, but Brittany had refused insisting that since since she was taller, it made more sense.
"It's weird though," Santana said, as she snuggled against Brittany a bit more, "We lived it, but here we are hearing about it like it happened to other people."
"Can we change the channel?" Brittany asked, placing a kiss on Santana's temple, "I think Loony Tunes is on on channel 395."
"This press conference is just like Loony Tunes," Santana said, slowly running her hands up and down Brittany's bare thighs, "By the way, I'm so glad you wear such short shorts to bed."
Brittany giggled into Santana's ear, "And I'm glad that you wear such thin tank tops to bed. Not only can I totally feel up on your muscle arms but I can see your nipples through the fabric."
"You pervert," Santana said bursting out in a fit of laughter.
"Oh! Now your boobs are jiggling," Brittany said leaning forward a bit to get a better look, "This gets better and better."
Santana playfully smacked Brittany's thigh.
"Next time I'm wearing my hoody to bed," Santana said.
"Now you're just being mean," Brittany pouted.
Santana leaned back and looked up to give Brittany a small kiss on her lips.
"I could be persuaded to sleep naked," Santana said softly, "If asked nicely of course."
Brittany cupped Santana's cheek and brought her in for a longer kiss. She grazed the top of her tongue along Santana's plump lower lip.
"Can you please sleep naked next time?" Brittany asked as she pulled back.
"I'll think about it," Santana teased as she slowly turned to look forward again.
Brittany placed her hands on Santana's stomach, underneath the thin tank top.
"Yeah?" Brittany asked softly.
Santana felt the heat of Brittany's hands as they slowly traveled up her stomach, and stopping just below her breasts.
"Maybe," Santana breathed out.
Brittany moved her hands to cup Santana's breasts, her tank top scrunching up.
Santana inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. Brittany's touch was like an explosive charge that left her skin buzzing.
Brittany had stayed over at Santana's the last two days but they hadn't slept together. Brittany's arm was still too sensitive and the last thing Santana wanted to do was hurt Brittany.
Brittany began to knead each breast, and as she did, she felt Santana push her body back into hers, wanting more contact. She couldn't get over just how soft and good Santana felt.
"Britt…" Santana moaned, "Umm, your arm."
"It's fine," Brittany said, her voice groggy from desire, "This is making it feel a lot better."
Her arm did hurt but it was bearable.
Santana began to rock her hips, grinding her butt right up against Brittany's center.
"Fuck," was all Brittany could say.
This wasn't enough for Santana. She wanted more. She quickly pushed forward away from Brittany, forcing Brittany to pull her hands away from her breasts.
"Did you want to watch the news instead?" Brittany asked, teasing.
Santana turned around, straddling Brittany, "Fuck the news."
Santana lunged forward and crashed her lips to Brittany's. Brittany's hands went straight to Santana's hips and brought her closer.
"Mmmmm," Santana moaned.
Just as Brittany thrust her tongue into Santana's mouth, her hands moved to the hem of Santana's tank top and pushed it upwards, wanting to take off the material and expose Santana's bare chest.
Santana separated from Brittany and raised her arms to allow Brittany to remove her top.
Brittany winced as she took off Santana's shirt, "Argh."
"Maybe this isn't a good idea," Santana said, looking at Brittany's bandage.
"No, no," Brittany insisted, "I'm good. I probably can't do anything too fancy though."
"Fancy?" Santana asked, laughing.
Brittany leaned forward and took Santana's right breast in her mouth, "Mmm hmmm."
Santana closed her eyes and relished the feeling of Brittany's mouth on her, "Well, maybe…I can do fancy stuff."
Brittany removed her mouth and looked up at Santana.
"I missed you," Brittany said, "I really hope this isn't some sort of dream."
"That makes two of us," Santana said, her breathing a bit ragged.
Brittany slid down the bed so she could lay down completely, Santana on top of her.
"Britt…," Santana said softly as she positioned herself on top of Brittany, "I want you so much."
"God, me too," Brittany said as she roamed her hands all over Santana's bare back.
The morning news had moved on from talking about the mayor and was now reporting on an accident on the 405 Freeway. Neither Brittany and Santana cared.
Santana moved her mouth to kiss Brittany's neck. Sucking gently near Brittany's jawline and eliciting a moan.
Brittany moved her right leg to that it was wedged in-between Santana's legs and lightly bent her leg to grind up against Santana's center.
"Ohhh," Santana breathed against Brittany's neck when she felt Brittany's thigh rub against her through the thin cotton material. A quick shot of pleasure shot through her.
"Fancy," Brittany said, with smirk.
Santana smiled and lifted herself up to look at Brittany, "I'm doing the fancy stuff remember."
Santana got up to straddle Brittany's hips and reached down to grab the hem of Brittany's shirt, "Lift your arms."
Brittany did as told and Santana gently removed her shirt, taking extra care not to agitate Brittany's wounded arm. Santana threw the shirt on the floor.
"Much better," Santana said with a smirk. She brought her hand and laid them flat on Brittany's lower stomach. She slowly moved them up, feeling Brittany's muscled abs beneath her fingers. Brittany was so soft and hard all at once. Santana felt her arousal grow.
"Is this," Brittany began, her voice a bit out of breath, "Is this part of my physical therapy?"
"Mmm hmmm."
Santana ran her hands up and down Brittany's stomach. Up and down. Always stopping right below Brittany's breasts. Santana desperately wanted to bend down and wrap her mouth around one of them. They looked so delicious. But she was enjoying teasing her girlfriend.
Brittany felt her eyes close. Santana was only touching her stomach but it felt like Santana was touching her whole body.
Santana smiled and moved her hands to finally cup Brittany's breasts.
"Mmmm," Brittany moaned.
Santana leaned over and kissed Brittany, still straddling her. She removed her hands and put them on either side of Brittany's body.
Their kiss intensified. Brittany loved kissing Santana. She was sure Santana's lips and tongue were the best things she had ever tasted. She could kiss her forever.
Santana pulled back, needing some air. She could get so lost in Brittany's kisses. She moved her lips to kiss Brittany's neck and slowly snaked down her body as her mouth kissed hot skin. Her collarbone, the spot between her breast, her stomach, her belly button.
Brittany watched Santana move down her body and felt her shudder in anticipation.
Santana's hand moved to grab the waistband of Brittany's shorts and underwear. She slowly pulled them down her thighs and finally down her calves. She threw the clothing on the floor, right on top of the discarded shirt.
"You're so beautiful, Brittany," Santana said as she slowly kissed her way up Brittany's legs. She stopped when she reached the top of Brittany's thighs and breathed in, "So beautiful."
Brittany felt her whole body heat up. She felt so hot but shivered just the same. Brittany's legs opened a bit as if they had a mind of their own.
Santana smirked.
Brittany was sure her desire was dripping on the sheets. She desperately wanted to feel Santana's mouth on her throbbing clit but she also wanted to kiss her. She wanted to look in her eyes.
Santana felt her mouth water at seeing Brittany so exposed. She slowly moved to hover her mouth right above Brittany's soaked center. She breathed in again and took in Brittany's scent.
"Britt.." Santana moaned.
"I want to kiss you," Brittany said, her breathing haggard.
Santana needed to taste Brittany. Even if just a little. She lowered her mouth and started at the base of Brittany's center and slowly licked up ending her taste test by sucking on Brittany's clit.
"OH GOD!" Brittany grunted as her hand grabbed the sheet beneath her. It was a mixture of pain and pleasure as she also felt the ache from her sore arm.
"San..S..ant," was all she managed to get out because Santana was still sucking, "Come…come up. I..of fuck..I need to kiss you."
Santana was lost in Brittany's scent and taste but she heard her girlfriend calling for her. She licked the length of Brittany one last time before moving back up to come face to face with the woman she loved.
"Hi," Santana said softly, the smirk on her face impossibly big. She licked her lips and around her mouth to continue tasting as much of Brittany as she could.
Brittany saw Santana lick her lips and almost came right then and there, "Take off …take off your shorts."
Santana moved off off Brittany and quickly removed her bottoms. Within seconds she was just as naked as Brittany. She settled herself on top and looked into Brittany's eyes. She straddled Brittany's thigh while her own thigh pressed against Brittany.
"I love you," Brittany said before lifting her head up to kiss Santana.
Brittany immediately thrust her tongue into Santana's mouth, wanting to taste Santana. And she did, but she also tasted herself. It only aroused her more.
Santana began to rock her against Brittany, coating her desire all over and feeling Brittany's own desire coating her in return.
Their kiss became frantic as each as dueling tongues searched to explore and taste.
Brittany kept pace with Santana's rocking hips and felt a flashes of pleasure each time Santana slammed int other. She moved her good arm to grip Santana's ass to bring her closer.
"Britt," Santana moaned moving on to bury her face in Brittany's neck.
They continued to thrust against each other, pressure building tighter and tighter.
Santana lifted her head from Brittany's neck and looked at her. Her eyes were closed, her mouth open and pure pleasure filled her face. Pleasure Santana was giving her.
"I love you," Santana breathed.
Brittany opened her eyes and looked into Santana's eyes. Their hips never once wavering. In Santana's eyes she saw pure love. Love and desire.
Santana didn't think she had ever seen anything more beautiful than Brittany's eyes. Eyes she wanted to look into for the rest of her life.
They continued to stare at each other until the pleasure was too much and they wouldn't keep their eyes open. Brittany couldn't hold back anymore and came with just a couple of more thrusts form Santana.
Santana forced her eyes open to see Brittany come undone but she was only able to see a few seconds before her own wave hit her hard.
Santana collapsed on top of Brittany and tried to catch her breath. She felt like she wasn't getting enough air.
Brittany wrapped her arms around Santana and brought her in close, breathing into her temple.
"I, uh," Brittany began to say when she was able to speak again, "Once my arm is better, I'm gonna give you, a run for your money."
Santana let out a breathless laugh.
###
Santana opened her refrigerator door looking for the milk. She hadn't gone to the market in a couple of weeks and prayed that there was still enough milk left to make Brittany some pancakes. She spotted the milk way in the back behind the styrofoam container of two day old Chinese food.
"Please, please, please," Santana chanted as she picked up the carton. She took it out of the refrigerator and opened it.
"Oh shit!" Santana almost yelled as she quickly removed the carton away from her nose, "Ugh!"
"What's wrong?" Brittany said, coming into the kitchen. She had finished showering, dressing and had changed her bandage.
Santana was clad in only her thin tank top and cotton shorts.
"This milk smells like a dry armpit," Santana said in disgust. She quickly went to the sink and emptied out the remaining milk, that came out in clumps.
"Gross," Brittany said, scrunching her nose, "How long has that been there?"
"Like five years, I think," Santana said, as the last clump fell out. She turned on the water and let the spoiled milk disappear down the drain.
Brittany smiled and went over hugged Santana from behind.
"When was the last time you went shopping for food?" Brittany asked, kissing Santana's head.
"Umm," Santana said trying to remember, "Probably before we met."
Santana turned off the water, put the carton on the counter and relaxed into Brittany's embrace.
"Mmmm," Santana moaned, "You smell like Spring Morning Glory."
Brittany laughed, "I hope it's OK I used your shower gel."
"Of course it is."
"And your shampoo."
"That's fine."
"And your luffa," Brittany said, "I know using someone else's luffa is pretty intimate."
"Uh Britt," Santana said, "I don't think we can get anymore intimate than we did in that bed this morning."
"Oh we totally can," Brittany said with a laugh.
Santana turned around in Brittany's arms and placed her hand around her girlfriend's neck.
"I'm sorry," Santana said, "I wanted to make you pancakes."
"I thought you said you were cooking challenged?" Brittany asked.
"I am, but I mean, it can't be that hard to make pancakes," Santana said, "The instructions are on the box."
Brittany was touched Santana wanted to make her breakfast despite having no clue what she was doing.
"That's sweet," Brittany said, placing a small kiss on Santana's lips, "But I'm supposed to cook you meals remember? I owe you two."
"I'm saving those for dinners," Santana said, "You're not getting something as easy as breakfast."
"Yes ma'am," Brittany said smiling, "Listen, how about we go to The Coral Reef and get breakfast. Then we'll go shopping and get some food in that refrigerator of yours."
"Yes ma'am," Santana agreed.
"But first," Brittany said, letting go of Santana, "You need to shower and get dressed."
"Alright," Santana said, pouting.
"OH!" Brittany said suddenly remembering, "I also have to stop by Kurt's and pick up Lord Tubbington."
"I finally get to meet the infamous, Lord Tubbs?" Santana asked, actually looking forward to the meeting the feline.
"Yes!" Brittany said, excited, "I want to get him back so you guys can hang out and also I think Kurt is getting too attached to him. I'm afraid he won't want to give me my cat back."
"Kurt will give you your cat back," Santana said, "I'll make sure of it."
Brittany loved when Santana got protective of her.
"Go," Brittany said, "Go get ready before I totally throw you back on that bed."
"Well in that case," Santana began, "Maybe I won't get rea…"
"GO!"
Santana laughed and went to get ready.
###
The Coral Reef was full of people but not packed. Brittany and Santana had arrived just as the morning breakfast rush was ending. They both still could not believe they had been coming to the same cafe for months or even years and they had never run into each other. But that didn't matter because they had met, just in a more unusual way.
Brittany had had so much fun staying with Santana these past two days. Santana had shown Brittany all her photography equipment and had even taken a few pictures of her. Santana may have taken more than she really needed to, but she had said it was because Brittany was ridiculously photogenic.
They had watched movies, sunbathed near the pool and just talked. The only time they had gone out was when Santana insisted they go out to eat. Brittany now knew it was because Santana didn't have any food in the house. Brittany made it her mission to make sure Santana had enough to eat at home. She noticed Santana wasn't that great at taking care of herself. She'd gladly go out of her way to take care of others, but when it came to herself, Santana didn't really try.
Brittany wanted to change that. She wanted to take care of Santana. She knew she couldn't stay at the house for too long. Brittany had just moved in to her new place and now with Lord Tubbington coming home, Brittany needed to be there to help him adjust. And it's not like she could move in with Santana. It was way, way too soon. But they did live only seven streets apart. Brittany was sure they'd be in each other's homes a lot.
Brittany was on her third piece of French toast. She was starving. For a fleeting second she felt embarrassed about pigging out in front of Santana, but just as quickly as she thought about it, it was gone.
"You're going to choke," Santana said with an amused laugh, "It's like you haven't eaten in days!"
"I just.." Brittany began but stopped to swallow the piece in her mouth, "I just really love breakfast food."
Santana had ordered a veggie omelet and hash browns, but unlike Brittany, was taking her time eating.
"Shouldn't you be trying to impress me," Santana teased, "Order a salad and water and eat slow."
"OK listen," Brittany said, pointing her fork at Santana, which had a new pice of French toast on it, "I love food. You will see me pig out a lot. Either accept that or this isn't going to work."
Brittany brought the fork to her mouth and bit off the piece that was at the end.
"I accept, I accept," Santana said with a smile, "I love that you're enjoying your food. And as long as you don't choke, I'm fully supportive of Brittany the food vacuum.
"Good."
Santana went on to eat her meal. The past two days with Brittany staying with her had been the best days she could remember having. The house felt less empty and more alive. There was a great, vibrant energy in the house with Brittany there. Santana loved having her there to talk to at night and first thing in the morning. She knew that when Brittany went back to the penthouse, she'd miss her.
"You work tomorrow, huh?" Brittany asked.
"Yeah," Santana said, disappointed, "No patrol but more background stuff about Artie."
"I think I should go in tomorrow too," Brittany said, "My arm doesn't really hurt that much and I can help with the background stuff."
"If you're sure," Santana said.
"Yeah, I am," Brittany said, "I hate to end our awesome vacation so soon. Especially since it got even more awesome as of this morning..."
Santana was sure she blushed a little.
"..But if there is a bad guy higher in the ranks than Artie, then Quinn and her family are still in danger."
Santana knew it was time to tell Brittany her suspicions.
"Britt," Santana said softly, "Jerry and I, we have a theory as to who Artie's boss is."
"You do?" Brittany asked, her eyes wide in surprise, "Who?"
Santana took a deep breath, "We think it's John Bronson."
"What?" Brittany asked, confusion evident in her voice, "Quinn's step-dad? Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"But, but he's been out of town for months," Brittany said, "He was nowhere near L.A."
"Exactly," Santana explained, "Perfect cover. Let Artie do all the heavy lifting while he sits back in his private jet calling the shots."
"But why?" Brittany asked, still not wanting to believe.
Santana went on to tell Brittany everything she had found.
Brittany sat back in chair and listened to Santana. She didn't want to believe it. But the more Santana talked the more it made sens. If Judy Fabray died, Quinn would inherit close to $100 million. If both mother and daughter where to die...
"Fuck!" Brittany said after hearing everything.
"We're sure all these robberies were just their way of establishing a sort of alibi. All these robberies happened and their plan was to kill Quinn and make it look like it was just a random robbery like all the others."
"We figured the robbery part, but...John?"
"Yeah," Santana said, "Maybe killing Quinn first would make it less suspicious? Work backwards in the line of inheritance."
"Does Quinn know? Judy?"
"Not yet," Santana said.
"Why the hell not?" Brittany asked, getting a bit angry, "This is the second time we've kept this type of information from them."
"Britt, you have to understand," Santana said getting a defensive, "It was just a theory. And I wasn't even completely sold on the idea until a few days ago. And this is worse than just telling them a random stranger wants to hurt them. This is someone close to them. And besides, Jerry is going to tell Quinn and Judy today."
"Oh. I'm sorry," Brittany said, taking breath, "I didn't mean to get mad."
"I get it," Santana said, "Look Brittany, I'm on Quinn and Judy's side."
"I know, I know," Brittany said, "I'm not mad at you. I'm just..It's just...I thought this was over and it's not."
"Just one more bad guy," Santana said.
"One more bad guy," Brittany repeated.
"We got a court order to wiretap Bronson's phones and are monitoring him very carefully," Santana said, "We're also digging deeper into his financials. If we can find the money trail that leads to Artie, we got him."
One more bad guy, Brittany repeated in her head, just one more.
###
"Fucking finally!" Santana said as she pulled into a parking spot right in front of Kurt's building. One of the main reasons she hardly ever visited Kurt at home was because visiting him would require getting on the damn freeway.
"It wasn't that bad," Brittany said unbuckling her seat belt.
"Anytime I have to get on the freeway, it's bad," Santana said doing the same.
Brittany got out of Santana's Range Rover with a smile on her face. She really did love cranky Santana, but she was going to keep that litte bit of information to herself. As Brittany closed the door she spotted a hole right near the front side of the Rover.
"Umm, Santana," Brittany said, "Is that...is that a bullet hole?"
Santana smiled, "Yup! Pretty cool right?"
"Why is there a bullet hole on your car?" Brittany asked, "Were you in a car chase?"
"This car was, but I wasn't," Santana said, sounding almost disappointed, "I got this little bad girl at a police auction a couple of years ago. It used belong to some drug dealer who was chased all over L.A. for like five hours."
Santana and Brittany began to walk to the front door of Kurt's building.
"Oh, Oh!" Brittany said now remembering, "Is this the Range Rover from the L.A. River car chase?"
"Yes it is," Santana said, proud, "When I heard they were auctioning off the car I knew I had to have it. That car chase was epic! I won it, for a good price, fixed up all the dents but kept the bullet hole. Cause it kinda looks cool."
Brittany couldn't contain the smile from forming. Santana was just one big nerd.
"Your're such a dork," Brittany teased.
"I thought's that's why you fell in love with me," Santana said as she punched in Kurt's code into the intercom.
"One of the reasons," Brittany said leaning over and lightly kissing Santana.
"Hello."
"Hummer! It's Britt and me, open the door!"
"I told you not to all me that," Kurt said.
The door buzzed and Santana reached to open the door, chucking as she did.
"Such a dork," Brittany said following Santana.
Kurt lived on the first floor of a 20 unit apartment. Santana and Brittany moved through the courtyard and to get to Kurt's place in the far left corner. Before they even reached the door, Kurt stepped out.
"Greetings ladies!"
"Hey Kurt," Santana said.
"Hi," Brittany greeted.
Before Brittany could ask about Lord Tubbington, the Tabby wobbled out of Kurt's apartment and ran straight to her.
"Lord Tubbington!" Brittany yelled excited. She bent down and picked up her beloved pet, "I missed you so much."
"Meow."
Santana watched and felt like she was watching the most heartwarming scene is some sappy movie. Brittany hugged that cat like she hadn't seen him in years. It was actually pretty adorable.
"Did you miss me?" Brittany asked the cat.
"He totally did," Kurt said, "I swear he only ate like 2 meals a day instead of the five you said he usually does."
"Five?" Santana asked shocked.
Brittany turned her attention to Santana, "Santana this is Lord Tubbington, Lord Tubbington, this is Santana."
"Am I supposed to shake his paw?" Santana asked.
Brittany chuckled and went to hand Santana Lord Tubbignton, "Take him."
"Good think I work out," Santana said taking the giant beast in her arms, "Good grief."
Santana was sure the cat gave her a dirty look. Maybe this cat wasn't as cute she she expected him to be.
"Hey Tubbs," Santana said awkwardly, "What's up?"
The cat licked her chin.
"Aww he likes you," Brittany said.
"I think he just...yuck," Santana said trying to get away from the cat's raspy tongue, "He smells the breakfast I just ate."
"Nope," Brittany said shaking her head, "He likes you."
"Alright," Kurt said, "Come on in. I've got his stuff all packed up."
Brittany followed Kurt into the apartment, followed by Santana who was struggling to get away from Lord Tubbington's sandpaper tongue without dropping him.
"And here I was so looking forward to meeting you," Santana said softly, "You're not making a first good impression Tubbs."
The cat continued to lick.
###
"Here you go," Kurt said as he handed Santana and Brittany two bottles of water.
Lord Tubbington was now curled between Brittany and Santana on the couch.
"Thanks Kurt," Santana said.
"Yeah, thanks," Brittany said, "And thanks for taking care of my cat all this time. I really didn't think it'd be so long."
"Don't even worry about it," Kurt said taking a seat in the recliner to the right of the couch, "I loved having him here. Kept me company since my friends can't be bothered to visit."
"Umm, well maybe," Santana began, "If you didn't live on the other side of the mountain, we'd come over more. Why don't you move closer to us?"
"Cause this place is cheap!" Kurt said, "You know I'm saving up for my dream European vacation."
Santana rolled her eyes, "You've been saving for that damn trip for years. I bet you can even afford to live there now."
"Probably," Kurt said, "Or you know Santana, if you really want me closer to you, how about I move in with you? You're all alone in that big house and do have that extra room."
"Uh yeah, I'll pass," Santana said, "I really don't want you living there now that Britt will be around a lot."
"I will?" Brittany asked, amused.
"I hope so," Santana said, "We can hang out at the penthouse but, I don't know, it'd be nice to have a place with just us."
Brittany leaned over and kissed Santana's cheek, "Yes it would. Plus I can do my whole walking naked thing."
"I don't know why you haven't already," Santana said softly, tilting her head to kiss Brittany on the lips.
"Excuse me!" Kurt interrupted, "I am still here you know."
Santana kissed Brittany one more time before sitting to face him again.
"Happy?"
"Not that I don't think you two are adorable," Kurt said, "But we were talking about me."
"Well," Brittany said, "When I move out of the penthouse, you can have my room."
Santana felt a chill run down her body at hearing Brittany say "when".
"Didn't you just move in?" Kurt asked.
"Oh, uh yeah," Brittany said, "I don't mean now...but like I'm not planning on living with Puck and Quinn forever. "
Brittany couldn't believe she had said that. She had just moved in and she was already giving her room away for when she moved out.
Oh God, Brittany thought, I hope Santana doesn't think I'm already packing my bags to move in with her.
Brittany looked over at Santana to see if she had somehow freaked her out. Santana was smiling.
"So anyway," Brittany continued wanting to move on to other topics, "Did Lord Tubbington give you any trouble? Claw at anything? Cause I'll pay you for whatever he destroyed."
"He was the perfect houseguest," Kurt said, "You don't owe me anything."
"At least let me take you out to lunch or dinner," Brittany said.
"That, I will say yes to," Kurt said smiling, "But only if you're feeling better. How's the arm?"
"Good," Brittany said, "Much better. And I had Santana to take care of me."
Santana reached over and took Brittany's hand, "I've been the best nurse ever."
"Yup," Brittany agreed smiling, brining Santana's hand to her lips and kissing it.
"I can't believe it," Kurt said with a slight laugh, "This is great."
"What is?" Santana asked, not sure what Kurt was talking about.
"You! Look at you!," Kurt said, "You're like head over heels for this girl! You just look so happy. I've never seen you like this, not even with Da..."
Kurt stopped talking and Santana knew he didn't want to mention her ex-girlfriends name.
"It's fine Kurt," Santana said, shaking her head," I told Britt everything. And you're right, I am happy. Happier than I ever was with, well anyone."
Brittany felt her chest tighten, in a good way, at hearing both Kurt and Santana's words. She turned to Santana and simply mouthed the words, "me too" before kissing Santana's hand again. It was true. She had never felt this happy with anyone else and she had a feeling she never would.
"Does the department know about you?" Kurt asked, "Now that the case is over, you don't have to worry about them taking you the case right?"
Santana sighed. They still hadn't told the department that their relationship had changed.
"We will," Santana said, "Maybe we'll tell them tomorrow."
"What will happen?" Brittany asked, "Why do they even have to know?"
"Just to cover their asses," Kurt said, "I guess so that when Santana sexually harasses you at work, you won't sue the department. Or something."
Brittany chuckled, "I would sue the department if Santana didn't sexually harass me at work."
"Consider it done!" Santana said playfully, letting go of Brittany's hand.
Lord Tubbington purred.
"We should go," Brittany said, "I want to get him back to the penthouse so he can check out his new home."
"I'm going to miss this little fatty," Kurt said, pouting his lips, "Maybe I'll get a cat of my own. Or a dog. Or fish."
"If you are getting a cat," Brittany said, "You can keep the litter box and bed if you want. I bought Lord Tubbington all new stuff so I don't need it anymore."
"Oh cool," Kurt said, "Yeah I'll keep it. Really make me commit to this adoption business."
"Come back to live in civilization and you won't have to get an animal to keep you company," Santana said.
"So you are offering your extra room up for rent?" Kurt asked, hopefully.
"Yeah, still no."
"Hang in there Kurt," Brittany said, "My room at the penthouse is yours. One day."
"Girl, as awesome as it would be to live there," Kurt said, "I'm sure I can't afford the rent. How much do you pay?"
"Nothing," Brittany said smiling, "Quinn's family owns the building. None of us pay rent."
Kurt's eyes got so wide and his smile so big, Brittany thought he looked like a Japanese cartoon.
"Are you serious?" Kurt asked, excited, "I can afford nothing! Santana, you better ask this girl to move in with you soon!"
Santana felt her heart quicken, "Uh, slow down Hummer," she said, "Why don't you stop meddling in my love life for your own personal gain. Just settle your living arrangements without including my house."
"Geez relax," Kurt said, "I'm just joking."
Brittany felt her heart sink in disappointment. Did Santana not want her to move in? Sure, it was still way early in their relationship and Brittany would actually say no if Santana were to ask her now. But, the way Santana was talking, it sounded like it wasn't even a possibility in the future.
"We should really go," Brittany said getting up and going to get the carrying case, "Thanks again Kurt. Let's do dinner Friday if you're free."
"I am," Kurt said, "That should be great."
Brittany smiled. She turned to Santana, "Can you grab the rest of his things?"
"Uh sure," Santana said. She saw the change in Brittany's mood and wondered if Kurt's joke had something to do with the change.
They left Kurt's apartment with an obese cat and an unanswered question in the air.
###
The ride to the penthouse was actually pretty quick with no traffic. The whole ride Brittany kept trying to calm Lord Tubbington since he hated car rides.
When they reached the front door to the penthouse, the cat had finally settled down.
"Damn," Santana said, carrying some of his toys, "You'd think we were going to abandon him in the wilderness or something."
"He probably thought we were taking him to the vet," Brittany said, opening her front door, "He hates the vet."
Brittany walked in to the penthouse. Once she got to the living room she put the crate down and opened the door, and encouraged her cat to come out.
"We're home, little guy," Brittany cooed, "Come out and check out your new digs."
Santana closed the door behind her and joined Brittany in the living room. She hadn't been back to the penthouse since the night they had arrested Artie. Everything was back to normal, not a drop of blood on the floor. It was like nothing had ever happened. She dropped the small bag of toys on the couch and watched as Lord Tubbington slowly walked out of the crate.
"Is he going to be OK?" Santana asked.
"Yeah," Brittany said, "He just needs time to get used to the place and find some hiding spots. He'll be fine."
The cat had managed to completely come out of the crate and was now looking all around, his nose in the air trying to smell the new place.
"I'm going to show him where his bathroom is," Brittany said, picking up the cat and throwing him over her shoulder, "I'll be back."
Santana watched ast Brittany and Tubbs disappeared into her room. She sat on the couch to wait for Brittany to return. She really wanted to clear up any weirdness that Kurt may have inadvertently caused with his stupid teasing. She didn't want Brittany to be scared off.
"He loves his new bed," Brittany said coming back in the room, "He's in it now getting ready to nap. Too much excitement for one day."
"That's great," Santana said with a small smile, "Umm, Britt can I talk to you about something?"
"Uh oh," Brittany said sitting down next to Santana on the couch, "Are you breaking up with me already?"
"What? No, of course not," Santana said, "It's about what Kurt said..you know you moving in with me."
"Oh," Brittany said looking down at her hands, "Look, I don't want to live with you now if that's what you're worried about."
Santana wasn't prepared for the sudden wave of disappointment that hit her, "Oh," she said softly, "You mean like ever?"
Brittany looked at Santana and saw the disappointment in her eyes, "Wait, you want me to live with you?"
"Well, I mean, I'd hope eventually you would," Santana said, "I know it's way too early but maybe down the line, yeah."
"I thought," Brittany said shaking her head, "I thought you got mad when Kurt joked about that cause you never wanted that to happen."
"I do want it to happen," Santana said scooting closer to Brittany, "I just didn't want you to get scared off because it was too soon."
"Nothing will scare me off when it comes to you," Brittany said, taking Santana's hand in hers, "I told you, I'm not going anywhere."
Santana smiled and leaned in to kiss Brittany. She lifted her hand and placed it behind Brittany's neck to bring her closer. The kiss was slow and sweet, perfect.
"Kurt's right you know," Santana said pulling back, "That house is way too big for just one person. These past couple of days with you there, didn't make the house seem so big and lonely."
"Whenever you feel like the house gets too big," Brittany said as she placed small, soft kissed on Santana's face, "Call me."
"I will," Santana said smiling. She moved her hand to cup Brittany's cheek to guide their lips together once again.
They weren't sure how long they were on the couch kissing. It could have been minutes or hours.
Brittany was the first to pull back when she heard the sound of the front door opening.
"Someone's home," Brittany said softly.
"See, that's why I said no to Kurt," Santana said, "No interruptions."
"Oh hey, just the people I was looking for," Quinn said coming into the living room, "Just had an interesting chat with Jerry abut your theory Santana."
"Listen Quinn..," Santana began, getting up.
"Stop," Quinn interrupted bringing her hand up, "I think you may be right."
"You do?" Brittany asked from the couch.
"That greedy fuck would totally be capable of this," Quinn said angrily, "I never trusted that guy. Always used the family money as his own personal bank account. I just thank God mom had the brains to but a limit on the amount of money he could spend each year."
"What did your mom say?" Santana asked.
"She was shocked," Quinn said, "Again. That's two people close to her who betrayed her trust."
"Is Bronson staying with your mom now?" Santana asked.
"In the guest house," Quinn said, "My mom told me that they have been having problems for over a year now. They've been pretty much separated but she didn't want to get a divorce because of how it would look when she announced her running for governor."
"Quinn," Santana said, "We're keeping a close eye on him. This phones, computers, everything."
"Jerry told me," Quinn said, "I just hope we find a connection soon. My mom is keeping her distance."
"We'll find that connection," Santana assured.
"Ugh!" Quinn groaned, her frustration showing, "Just when I thought we could relax."
Quinn went to the couch and let her body fall on the cushions.
Santana sat back down and just looked at Quinn.
"Hey," Brittany said, "What about the investigation into Finn?"
"Oh that," Quinn siad with a small laugh, "Nothing. There is absolutely no evidence that ogre is the mole. Sugar must have planned everything out to perfection. There's not even any indication those two ever met. But it doesn't matter now anyway. Since Sugar is getting all the exclusives, there's no need for her to need a source."
"Clever bitch," Santana said laughing, "I wouldn't even be surprised if that was her plan all along. Scoop everyone on everything until the mayor had no choice but to unofficially appoint her the main reporter for this case."
"You think?" Quinn asked.
"Wouldn't put it past her," Santana said amused.
###
Santana and Brittany had stayed at the penthouse hanging out with Quinn for a few hours. Mostly talking about the case but they did manage to talk about other things besides work. After a while the three headed out to get some lunch. After a couple more hours, Quinn told them she had to go back to see her mom and figure out some things.
Despite wanting to spend time with Brittany, Santana found herself having a good time with Quinn as well. Brittany was already good friends with Tina and Kurt, so Santana wanted to make sure she became good friends with Quinn and Puck.
"Come on," Brittany said getting up from the table, "We're going to the market."
"The market?" Santana asked, "Britt, we just finished lunch and you want to go buy food?"
"That's the best time to do grocery shopping," Brittany said, "Shopping while hungry leads to buying three boxes of cookies."
Santana got up and followed Brittany out of the restaurant.
Before Santana knew it, they were done shopping and back at her house. They had managed to buy a good amount of food to stock up Santana's fridge.
"We bought way too much," Santana said putting the two bags she was carrying on the kitchen counter, "I won't eat all of this."
"Yes you will," Brittany said putting her one bag on the kitchen table, "And don't forget, I owe you two home cooked meals. I need a lot of this stuff to cook for you."
"That sounds so domestic," Santana said playfully.
After the groceries were put away, they decided to go in the pool and just waste the rest of the afternoon way.
"Let me just wrap my arm in plastic wrap and I'll be good to go," Brittany said.
By the time the sun was setting, Brittany was already in the kitchen preparing dinner while Santana cleaned up around the house.
Santana couldn't stop the smile on her face as she put a small load of laundry into the washing machine. This is what living with Brittany would be like. Just them hanging out and doing domestic chores. Santana thought that sounded like the best life ever.
One day, she thought.
She heard her phone alert her of a text. She went to the living room to see who the message was from.
It was Jerry.
They had found a connection between Artie and John Bronson.
-tbc-