It started that morning when she was sitting by her kitchen when something stirred deep inside of her.
It wasn't painful.
No. It was more like her stomach had found a way to tie itself into an endless twisted knots except she feels all kinda floaty and stuff. She doesn't know if she'll ever be able to untie it nor does she know when it actually started but she suspects it began as soon as she hears it. It was more of the name than anything really.
"So Britt, have you seen Santana yet?"
She feels tingles running down her spine but like always she convinces herself that what she's feeling is nothing more than a bad case of anxiety accompanied by nervousness towards her "friend", Santana.
Santana.
That name echoes through her head like a far off whispers that has been long uttered to her. Santana with her long dark hair, and her deep brown eyes that makes her chest tighten so hard that she could barely breathe. Santana, the girl who has long been her childhood friend. The girl who has been plaguing her thoughts and dreams since she first met her. And seeing her again after all these years had brought back all those memories and feelings in tenfold. Maybe that was it. Maybe she just wasn't ready for something so big to come back to her so quickly.
"Yeah," she answered while desperately ignoring the knot in her stomach and the warmness across her cheek. "But we didn't get to hang out much."
"I'm sure you'll have a lot more opportunity to." Her mom quickly looks back at her, giving her a small thumbs up before going back to her cooking. If she had to admit, it made her feel a little bit better.
"I hope so."
She didn't even realize a smile had spread across her lips until she saw a reflection of herself. It catches her by surprise that she had to do a double take. She barely recognizes her own reflection, with her flush cheeks, bright eyes and from the way she was smiling so goofily that she feels like there must be something wrong with her. When did she even start smiling?
"Well? How was it? Don't go holding back on me now when you couldn't stop talking about her."
"I didn't talk about her," she scrunched her face in denial which earned her a weird look from her mom. "Fine. I didn't talk about her that much."
"Does she still look the same?" Her mom asked, curiously wondering how her daughter's childhood friend had turned out.
Brittany feels her stomach doing another flip. She bites her lips trying to prevent the smile from growing even more. It was crazy how much effect Santana has on her. She's frustrated and annoyed at the brunette and at the same time she feels like she wants nothing but to hold the girl close to her until every part of her body remembers the way the girl feels wrapped around her. Ugh. There is something definitely wrong with her.
From the last few times she had talked to Santana she knows the latina is too full of herself. And don't get her started on how closed off Santana is. The girl had built up such a huge wall around her that she swears climbing Mount Everest would be a lot easier. She wonders why Santana was even that closed off to begin with. She couldn't help but compare the now Santana to the past one. But what surprises her is even if Santana had changed, she still catches little glimpse of the brunette she once knew.
She sighs, Santana just really gets on her nerves. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. It also doesn't take a genius to realize that she'll climb Everest anytime.
"Well?" Her mom asked her after realizing her silence. "How did she look?"
She allowed herself to smile this time as she thought of the way Santana looks. "I thought she looks…," she pauses for a second, almost hesitating, as she tries her best to find the perfect way to describe the brunette. There were thousands of words that had popped in her head but none of them felt like it was good enough to encapsulate how mesmerizing Santana is. So instead she settled for a simple word, "beautiful."
"Beautiful," she repeated, this time her voice stronger than her earlier confession. Her stomach does another backflip but she ignores that. Flashes of long dark hair, deep brown eyes and flawless caramel skin came to her mind. And before she could stop herself from saying anything more, the words stumbled out of her mouth like it was meant to be rolled out of her tongue, "she was more beautiful than I ever thought was possible."
She mentally slaps herself as soon as she hears those words out loud. But she couldn't focus much on it as her heart started to thump so hard and so loud against her chest that it started distracting her.
"Well you did have a crush on her," her mom said giving her a soft smile. She was surprise she even hears it as her heartbeat seems to have only gotten even louder. "Is this what a heart attack feels like?", she briefly wonders.
"I-I didn't have a crush on her."
"Uh-huh. If you say so," her mom said unconvincingly.
"I didn't." She shook her head. "But... anyone would have a crush on her. Santana was amazing."
And that thought catches her off guard. Back then she was greatly fond of the brunette and it surprises her that even today those fondness still remains. So its only logical for her to think that these feelings that she had and are still having are nothing but admiration alone. After all, Santana is amazing. It was only natural for her to be drawn in. Kinda like a moth to a fly. She just couldn't resist but to be lured in.
"Hmmm.." Her mom hummed. "You should-"
She doesn't hear the next few lines as she finds herself lost to another world. She's been doing that a lot lately. She doesn't mind it. At least right now she doesn't, as her daydream brings her back to one of her distant memory of one summer when she and Santana went looking for her missing kitten, Lord Tubbington.
She remembers the day clearly like all the other memories she has of the brunette. She remembers the way Santana's warm pinky clutching her own cold and shaky one. Santana grasp it so softly yet purposely that it almost made her heart jump straight out of her chest. Before that time, she never really realize how much that small gesture can mean so much.
After all how many times have they linked pinkies? How many times have they done this? It was something so thoughtless and nothing sort of ordinary that she never gave it a second thought. But in that moment, she realized how important it had become for her. Before that she didn't realized how much she needed the warmth of Santana's pinky around her. She didn't realize how reassuring it felt. Even back then, she never fully grasp how truly special it was until the girl was no longer beside her and that link became something she'd constantly seek even years after. She didn't realized how something so gentle and so soft can be so strong and so reassuring at the same time. It gave her a sense of security that despite how lost and sad she felt that day, she somehow felt everything would be okay.
And it did.
Santana kept her pinky wrap against her own, squeezing it so gently every so often that her heart almost breaks. She never felt anything so sure and so constant.
No words were exchanged between them but she doesn't think they needed it because somewhere between the pinky holding is a silent promise and a silent whisper -"I'll keep looking until I find him."
She and Santana had spent the whole day trying to look for any signs of Lord Tubbington. Halfway through the search it had started to rain heavily. There were dark clouds looming above them that she could barely see anything as the heavy pellets of the rain continues to obscures the view around them. It only made her worry some more. They both knew they should be heading back soon before their parents starts to worry and call up a massive search party. But she couldn't go back. Not without finding Lord Tubbington first.
She remembers glancing at Santana after an hour or so of looking. It was suppose to be just a quick glance but as soon as her eyes drifted to her friend, she forgets what it even meant to look away. Despite the heaviness of the rain, she could see the brunette clearly. Santana's small body crawling by the bushes, softly calling out for Lord Tubbington, and her frail arm occasionally wiping away her face from the wet hair that keeps getting stuck on her skin. Santana's whole body was soaking wet and the girl was also quivering from the cold but the brunette didn't seem to mind. Rather, the girl kept on looking and looking.
She didn't know why but that image sets warmness inside of her that she forgets the freezing raindrops and the cold chills of the wind that were sending shivers down her spine. She admires the way the latina's eyes were dark and full of determination that it gave no room for any doubts in her wavering mind. She swears in that moment her heart was pounding so hard inside her chest that it seems to drown out the insistent fall of the rain. Everything seems to become white and all she sees is Santana.
Their parents soon came after, mad and worried about them. But after having seen the determined look between the two of them, they've stopped insisting to go home and started helping them. It was around late in the afternoon and the rain had slowly died down that a drench looking Santana came bounding next to her with mud and dirt all over. The brunette didn't seem to notice as she had a grin etched on her face and a small shivering Lord Tubbington clutched tenderly on her arms. Her heart swelled so much she was afraid the rain had made her sick.
It did.
She doesn't remember much after that. Everything went hazy but all she knows was that that day, she knew for sure that Santana was the greatest and most amazing person in the world. Not that she didn't already think that before but that day only further proved how right she was about Santana.
She was broke out of her thoughts when she hears her mom calling her name. How long had she been staring into space? She hopes not that long.
"Huh?"
"I said, invite her over when you see her. Tell her that I insist she comes. I'm not taking no for an answer. I'd like to see how much more," her mom pauses while placing the french toast and eggs in front of her, "beautiful she became."
She could feel her face heating up even more than it already was. And instead of responding to her mom, she just nodded her head and focused her attention on the food in front of her.
It was already after lunch and Brittany was sitting in her history class waiting for her teacher. There was still a few minutes left before class would start but she already feels bored. She just want to go home, throw in some Pjs and watch some show on netflix with Lord Tubbington. She finds it helps Lord Tubbington kick off his smoking addiction.
"Hi," someone tapped her gently on the shoulder making her look to her side. "Sorry to bother you," he smiled apologetically, "you look like you were really bored."
She smiled at the guy who was looking back at her with a cute smile. He was wearing a red McKinley letterman jacket. Football player, she thought. He had brown hair that was nicely cut and was neatly spiked up. His eyes were light green, a green that she rarely ever sees. It was pretty and she can't help wonder if it was the lightest green she'd ever seen. His jaws were squared and his cheeks were slightly red which made him look a bit younger than he is. She wonders why a good looking guy like him is even talking to her. "It's alright. You actually saved me from boredom."
"Im Kyle," he said extending his hands out towards her. "Nice to meet to you."
"Brittany," she says shaking his hands noting how strong and course it felt against her own. Definitely a football player. "Nice to meet you too."
"I'm gonna be honest." Kyle rubbed the back of his neck while looking shyly away before his light green eyes traveled back to her. "I've been wanting to talk to you since last class."
She quickly studies his face looking for any signs of a playful joke. But instead she sees a soft and friendly expression painting earnestly on his face. It was both warm and gentle that Brittany found it heartwarming to look at. "Why didn't you? You would have probably save me another round of boredom."
"I wasn't sure if you wanted anyone to talk to you." He shook his head shyly. "I'm sure you already had enough people introducing themselves at you."
"Adding one wouldn't be that bad." She smiles. "I like meeting new people."
"Good thing I found the courage to talk to you then," he gave her a goofy smile, "So your from LA?"
"Yup," She raises her eyebrows almost amused. "But I'm sure you already know that."
"Guilty," he lifted his hands. "You're the school's hot new topic. Practically everyone is talking about you. But I guess I wanted to get to know you straight from you and not from other people. You know? I'm Sorry. Uhm.. I don't think that made any sense."
"No, it made plenty of sense." She tilted her head curiously. It was strange, even for her. She didn't really know what it was but there was something about his light green eyes, steady and focused on her, with his breathing slightly uneven, and with his cheeks a bit red, almost shy, that made Brittany feel like she could breathe a little easier. It was a contrast to Santana who seems to suck all the air out of her. "I guess you can get the scoop right from the source."
"That kinda makes me sound like a reporter. But I'll take it."
Before she could say anything more the door opened and their teacher, with all his bald headed glory, came walking in looking already bored for his own lecture. She gave Kyle one last smile before focusing her attention to the front.
It was around 15 minutes after class had started when the door suddenly opened drawing everyone's attention, including Brittanys'. She freezes for a second before her eyes widen in surprise. She's even sure her mouth had dropped wide open.
"You're late again Santana," her teacher, which she still hasn't gotten around remembering his name, shook his head while tirelessly pointing to the seat next to her.
Shit. Shit. Shit. She internally swore as waves of excitement bubbles up inside her. She feels sweat dripping out of her. Plus, her stomach was doing the flippy thing again. She thinks she might even throw up.
"No need to stress that unibrow of yours Bates. You don't want to lose that last remaining hairs of yours that you got going on all up in there." Santana motioned between her perfectly shaped eyebrows. "It'd be a pity," she uttered mockingly shaking her head, making her long dark wavy hair sway along. "Besides I'm still earlier than last time."
A few student snickered while Brittany frowned at Santana's behaviour.
"That's because you didn't show up last time," Bates responded shaking his head once more. From the way he looks, he seems to be use to Santana's little jibes and insults. "Just try not to make such a noise next time."
"Can't help it. I like to make an entrance."
"Just take a seat Santana," he said tirelessly.
The brunette just shrugged not even slightly affected. In fact, she looked rather happy about the whole exchange which made Brittany frown a little bit more.
Why does Santana have to be so… so harsh? She sigh in frustration knowing that she's back to where she started. Back to that place where she feels irritated and annoyed towards the latina. And she knows a few seconds from now, if it hasn't already started, she would feel her heart swelling more so than before, and her cheeks warming up to a red tinge that she knows won't die down till a few hours from now. She's even sure she'll forget about being annoyed at the girl. Then like everything that goes up, it must come down because after another few seconds, Santana would say something and she'll get confuse and annoyed again and her earlier frustration to the girl is back on. Ugh. How can someone as irritating as Santana have this much effect on her?
That's why she wanted to look away. She needed to look away. She needs to tear her gaze away from the source of her capricious emotions. But still...she found her eyes slowly following the brunette. There was just something about Santana that draws her in. It was like Santana has this presence, this aura around her amidst the beauty that demands for her attention. It makes her feel so helpless like she's falling into something she doesn't seem to know where and the only thing she feels anchoring her up is the deathly grip she has on her pencil which was seconds away from breaking.
She counted every second- her breath ragged- as her eyes curiously follows Santana's short calculated steps. She swears time had just slowed down because it shouldn't have taken Santana that long to reach the empty seat next to hers. Yet it felt like forever before Santana pulled out the chair and sat beside her.
The whole thing was torturous.
Nerve wracking and everything.
It felt like the whole world was slowly closing in on her and she's squeezing on her last breath. Her chest feels so tight. How she's even managing to stay up is a mystery to her.
Santana had a red tight dress that hugs every contour of her body, it was short too, sinfully short, which highlights her long tanned legs and slender body. Santana's hair was flowing down and curled just the right way bringing out her smouldering smoky eyes and her high cheek bones. Her lips were plumped and glossed over that Brittany wonders how Santana could look this good.
She now thinks that she had totally downplayed her conversation with her mom about Santana this morning. Because the brunette looks absolutely breathtaking and she's sure more than half the class agrees with her too, judging from their hungry stares and lingering looks.
Santana must have felt her eyes on her as the girl turned her head towards her. Brittany is sure she momentarily lost her breath as soon as their eyes meet but it's not like she even had any to begin with. All the air seems to have been suddenly sucked out of her. It was unnerving to feel so paralyzed and helpless to a girl she's so unsure of. But still, she can't help but allow a small smile grace her lips. She could see Santana's dark brown eyes flickering with something but before she could question it, the look quickly disappeared and Santana's face hardened to an even more unreadable expression.
"Hi," she mouths. Her blue eyes focus on the way Santana's dark eyes softly glimmered under the cheap fluorescent light. It was like being in a trance. All she sees is the dark brown eyes. Everything else just became background. It wasn't until Santana's gaze shifted back to the front, completely ignoring her, that she became aware of her surrounding.
She sighed, a little bit annoyed as she forces herself to look away. Off to the side she could see Kyle paying close attention to whatever the lecture was about. She should probably be listening too but it was kinda hard when her thoughts are all over the place.
All she knows is that she doesn't like the way Santana was making her feel. Like she's tethering to the edge of confusion or something. But it was too addicting to give up on. She takes a deep breath, a faint smell of cigarette underlying a vanilla scent that was clearly coming off from Santana invades her. It was definitely not helping her think clearly. Her distaste for it however, morphed into another tiny smile as soon as she fully realizes how physically close Santana is to her.
For the longest time, she would wonder what Santana would look like in class. Those thoughts haunted her back in LA. Does she pay attention? Does she write her notes religiously? Does she scribble her notes or is she like her too? Who stares at a distant wondering about her and what she's doing? Those questions became an endless scenarios that she constantly played in her mind. But now she doesn't need to. She could easily turn her head slightly to the right and she could see Santana herself. So not waiting another second more, she allows her eyes to travel back to the girl who she never seems to get out of her head. The very same girl who was making her angry and tingly all at the same time.
What she sees hits her by surprise and she forgets how to breathe all over again. Santana had her brows slightly furrowed, one arm cradling her cheeks and the other is gently tapping a pen in an even repeating beats. She can't help but think that Santana looks really beautiful even if she's doing nothing. She feels her whole body heating up but she thinks the AC had just died down or something. Budget cuts maybe.
But the truth is she already knows the real reason. She can feel it in the way her heart feels so warm.
So so warm.
It feels like she's going explode. Her heart, like a ticking time bomb, seems to never settle, thumping faster and faster. It's like Santana was this fuse that's setting her on fire. And to be perfectly honest, she couldn't bring herself to care if she gets burned.
To say the least, she spent the whole class subtly looking at the girl as Bates' voice slowly lulled in the background. She knew she shouldn't be looking as much but she told herself she was simply cashing in from all the times she couldn't look sideways to see her once dearest friend. After all, she has to make up for the eight years worth that she felt was robbed out of her. Besides, Santana was just too intriguing to look at even if she's annoying and frustrating. She figured the more she looks at the girl, the more she could figure her out.
The class ended with her having written no notes or what so ever. But she thinks it was totally worth it because now she feels a little step closer to getting to know Santana.
"Hey are you okay?" She hears Kyle asking her as soon as Bates had dismissed the class.
She nods her head casting him a glance. "Yeah class was just boring."
She smiles at the way he fidgets around his backpack strap all nervous and shy around her. It was cute.
"Do you want me to lend you my notes? I notice you didn't write much."
"Yeah that would be great," she smiles even more, appreciative of his offer. "Is it okay if I borrow it at the beginning of next class?"
"Yeah of course," he replied while returning the smile. "I got to go to Bio. I guess I'll see you around?"
"I'll see you around," she repeated giving Kyle a small wave. She watches him exit through the door, the smile still planted on her face, before her gaze shifted to the girl besides her. She tries to even her breathing out but the more she does the more she feels it getting shallower and shallower.
"San," she started while she secretly relish the way her friend's looks. "Can we talk?"
"Did anyone ever tell you you talk too much?" Santana scoffs, her brown eyes shifting away from the bag she was rummaging through and looks back at her.
"You'd be the first," she playfully rolls her eyes while smiling. It was almost scary how hearing the raspy voice directed at her makes her smile this much. But she guesses it's because she really likes talking to Santana even if the girl is being mean to her.
"Look blondie, just because we talked yesterday doesn't mean you and me are back to being "friends". So get rid of that shit ass fantasy of yours 'coz that ain't gonna happen any time soon."
"You're so frustrating. You know that?" She said frowning. Her eyes remained fixed on Santana, studying the girl.
"Ha. I can say the same about you." Santana chided. "At least we have that in common."
"Look... I have to ask you something."
"Can't you just ask Jersey boy?" Santana snorted as she started rummaging through her bag once more.
She scrunched her face in confusion. "Jersey boy?"
"Yeah Kyle," Santana replied offhandedly. "The one with the pointy unicorn hair."
"I happen to like unicorns," she states wondering if Santana still remembers her fascination of mystical creatures.
That must have caught Santana's attention as the girl momentarily halted her movement before continuing looking through her bag. "Well good for you. To each our own fetishes."
Brittany furrows her brow before she shakes her head. She's pretty sure Santana was making fun of her but at least the girl hasn't stop talking to her. "Anyway, I was wondering if-"
"Fuck, where the hell is my cigarette?" The Latina mumbled to herself. "That's the last time I'm letting Berry go near my shit."
"You know smoking is bad for you."
Santana frown, her gaze now directed at her. "And I care because?"
She shrugged before leaning back against her desk. She feels sorta dizzy with the way Santana was looking at her. Her brown eyes seems to be digging holes deep into her that she couldn't help but avert her eyes towards the side. "I just don't want you getting sick. You know how I hated it when you get sick."
"Well you hated a lot of things," Santana countered. A quick motion to the side made Brittany realize that the brunette was already standing up, ready to exit.
"San..wait," she exclaimed slightly sighing. Her insides were churning and the frustration she earlier had with Santana was fully back on. It felt like she was on a twisted roller coaster. One she's dying to get out off but at the same time couldn't help but buckle her seat once more as she takes another ride. A part of her knows she likes being with Santana but another part of her is still apprehensive about it, warning her to stay away. In truth, she's scared from all these emotions that seems to be smacking her straight in the face. And sometimes when Santana acts all indifferent towards her, she kinda questions herself and her sanity.
"Hurry the fuck up. I don't have all day. I got places to be blondie."
"Sorry," she mumbled quickly. "Uhm... My mom asked me to invite you over for dinner. I know you're busy and the last thing you would probably want is spend your day with us but she would really love it if you can make it," she paused looking away, unsure if she should even say the last portion of her speech that she had long constructed in her head. But she takes a deep breath and whispered, "and I would love it too."
Brittany was sure Santana was going to ignore her and continue walking away, or at least flat out refuse her while making fun of her in the process. She was surprised however when Santana agreed to her request.
"Fine," the brunette said sharply before leaving the classroom.
Brittany had a huge grin on her face. She thinks she might be smiling way too much but right now she doesn't care. She's too giddy and way too happy. She took a quick look around the room, making sure it was empty, before she fist pumped in the air and did her happy dance.
"Score."
She was really feeling hot. Her breathing was erratic and she knows her cheeks were flushed. But right now she's more focus on the person whose cold hard gaze were studying her. She looks up towards the bleachers, her smile unwavering. She couldn't tell from the angry look that is permanently embedded in Sue's face if she did well or not, but judging from the happy and a few astonished faces of the Cheerios, she thinks she at least did okay.
Sue really didn't say much. After painfully studying her from up the bleachers, the old coach just came bounding down and hands her her uniform while angrily muttering how she had wasted her precious time when she could be off hitchhiking to some cross country trek. She didn't think much of it because right now in her hands is her Cheerio's uniform.
"You were great Britt," Quinn said excitedly. The other Cheerios had dispersed a few minutes ago but not before congratulating her and giving her a hug. "Can't believe we're gonna be in the same cheer squad."
Brittany wiped her forehead from the sweat dripping down, "For a second there I thought I wouldn't get in."
"Are you kidding me? You were great. Sue actually looked pleased for once."
She gave Quinn a disbelieving look, seeing if her blonde friend was joking or not but the girl looked dead serious. "Wait.. That's her pleased look? I wonder what she looks like when she's mad."
"You wouldn't wanna know," Quinn chuckled heartily. "She actually mellowed out a bit. You should have seen her when Santana had stuffed her cannon with garbage. Coach was going to use it to shoot out a Cheerio for the championship competition. Can you even believe it? I didn't even think that was legal. But anyway you should have seen her face. It was priceless. I swear she was seconds to having a seizure from her anger."
Brittany laughs, feeling her heart grow at what Santana did. She could imagining the look of pure rage on Sue and the all too innocent smirk Santana would have. "That must have been so bad for Santana."
"Well, coach didn't really find about it."
"Hey guys!"
Their attention was diverted to Puck who was yelling for them on the other side of the field. Shortly, he came running over followed by Kyle.
"Totally saw your audition blondie and I gotta say, you got them moves," Puck said fist bumping Brittany.
Maybe it was the heat or maybe it was the exhaustion from the long day but she swears when Puck said "blondie", Santana's face came rushing though her mind. But she quickly forgets that idea when Kyle smiled at her.
"Yeah you were really good," Kyle added, taking off his football helmet. "Congrats on making the team."
She smiled, grateful of the compliment, "Thanks."
"This guy here couldn't even pass the ball." Puck playfully nudged an embarrassed looking Kyle with his elbow. "He was too busy looking at you. I swear that was the first time I've ever seen him get tackled like that."
"Quit teasing him," Quinn slapped the back of the mawhawk's head causing him to huff in annoyance. They went to their own world arguing while Brittany and Kyle just stood there watching the two in amusement.
"Hey again."
"Hi." She grins mirroring his smile. "Are they always this..." She motions towards the two, "active?"
Kyle chuckled softly. "Almost all the time. You'll get use to it after the third or maybe fourth time."
She nodded her head before her gaze went back on the two. "Guess I have three more to go."
"Trust me. It happens so frequently that you'll start to lose count," he said jokingly but after a moment he diverted his attention away from the two and focus on the blonde. "You were really great. You know?"
"You already said that," she says as she focused her attention on the shy looking boy with his head tilted, his green eyes shining and a small smile embedded on his face.
"Yeah I know but you deserve to hear it twice."
This time she chuckles, "I'm okay. I'm sure the girls in the squad are far more amazing."
"No trust me. You were great. It's rare for me to lose focus on practice."
"So it's true? What Puck said?"
"I wasn't the only one," he admitted. His cheeks were now red but Brittany didn't comment on it. "You were that good. You looked like you were really in your element."
"Thanks," she replied as she bites her lips, trying not to smile too much. She could see the honesty reflected off Kyle's green eyes. It felt really nice to have someone complimenting her. Not that she was shy of getting compliments but Kyle looks so genuine that she couldn't help but trust his words. "I've dance since I was little so I guess that kinda helped."
He grins at her with a look of wonderment that Brittany can feel her cheeks slowly warming up.
"What?" She ask feeling a little shy from his gaze.
"It's just… It's nice learning things about you. It's just nice to hear. That's all."
She shook her head, "You're really something."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"I haven't figured it out yet."
"Okay lovebirds," Puck declared putting his beefy arms around them. He and Quinn must have been finished arguing. "Party at mi casa this Friday after the game. It would be the first party of the school year. So it's gonna be epic. Ya'll better be in."
"You going?" Kyle asked her shyly.
"Yeah it sounds fun. I'm in."
"Great. He'll be there. You'll be there. Even Q here is gonna be there. Everybody is gonna be there. It's really gonna be epic guys."
"Yeah it should be fun," Quinn nodded before she frowns when she sees her watch. "Shit. It's already this late. I gotta go. You can stay if you want Britt but I really gotta go."
"No, I'll come with. I gotta head home anyways. I'll see you guys later."
"Yeah," Kyle waved back at the two. "Bye."
"And don't forget Friday at my house."
They were in the locker room grabbing their things when Quinn suddenly said, "I've never seen him that way."
"Who?"
"Kyle," Quinn smiles at her before she continued zipping her bag.
"He's really nice and sweet," she states. He was really sweet. He was good looking too with his all American boy look. Plus, he was a football player and from what she has seen an avid note taker.
"Yeah he's different from the others. I heard the scouts are giving him a full ride scholarship at Ohio State if he does well this year. Which means he basically has it in the bag." Quinn commented before frowning when she heard her phone ring. "Sorry Britt I gotta pick this up."
Brittany just smiled before continuing to pack her things. She couldn't help but hear Quinn angrily muttering over the phone.
"Ugh. Fine. I owe you lunch but that's it."
"Yes I didn't forget I still owe you another one."
"I'm not that old bitch."
When Brittany was done she stood by the door curiously raising her brows when the head Cheerio came over. "That was Santana," Quinn explains. "She's giving me a ride home today."
"Oh..I could have given you a ride if you wanted."
"No no that's okay. Thanks though. But I already owe her lunch," Quinn shook her head before chuckling a bit, "so I might as well reap her gas money out of it. Right?"
Brittany laughs heartily. "Remind me never to offer you anymore rides."
They both headed through the double doors that leads through the parking lot. And as soon as they exit, she squints almost automatically from the brightness. It took a few seconds before her eyes fully adjust. She didn't realized they took forever packing their things because the parking lot now looks empty except a few cars here and there.
Her eyes, however, immediately zeroed in on a red car. What caught her attention was a figure sitting on top of the hood. As they got closer and closer, she could see the figure was Santana. The brunette was leaning back with her right arm supporting her. The girl's head was lulled back, soaking in the sun and occasionally, she takes long deep breaths as she inhales from the cigarette cradled between her slender fingers.
And as they got closer, her heartbeat seems to go faster and faster. She walks slowly and purposely besides Quinn. Almost taking her time as much as possible to allow her more time to appreciate the way Santana looks. The brunette looks relax and so carefree while taking a drag every three seconds or so, that Brittany couldn't help but take a mental picture of the rare scene before her.
She was sure her cheeks including the tips of her ears were bright red. But not once did she move her gaze away. She doesn't think Santana notices them yet. And she's okay with that.
From this short distance she could smell the scent of tobacco. It only got stronger as they got closer to the girl. She frowned at that like always, but she also finds herself slowly being captivated. She watches the little cloud of smokes forming out of Santana's mouth. The white cloudy mist expelling forcefully before they gradually rise and dissipate in the air.
It was hypnotic.
Not the smoke but just Santana herself. She likes the way the sun shines on the girl, with the light orange and pink colour in the background, which seems to enhance the brunette's face on all the right places. It was like something straight off a painting. She feels lightheaded all of a sudden and her throat seems to go dry but she thinks its from all the smoke Santana has been smoking.
"Fucking finally. I swear I had ten of these," Santana exclaimed as she nonchalantly waves her left hand that holds a cigarette. She could see the latina opening her eyes but her gaze remained on the cloudless sky. "What the hell took you so long Fabray?"
Brittany was tempted to look up too to where Santana was looking but her eyes couldn't seem to move. Her gaze was lock on to the brunette who had took another drag of her cigarette.
"We would have been here a whole lot faster if you didn't call me up," Quinn pointed out to the brunette. It surprised Brittany. She almost forgot the blonde was beside her.
"Ugh. Puck was annoying the shit out of me. I swear half my brain cells died from that stench he was giving off. I keep telling him to shower right after practice." Santana this time scowled as her head finally shifted towards them. Brittany swears Santana's eyes lingered on her for just a second longer. But she's not quite sure. She might have just imagined it all. After all, she was still feeling a little light headed.
Quinn must be immune to Santana's persona, as the blonde girl snorted, "Ha. Serves you right," when Brittany couldn't even formulate a single word.
"Fuck you. This is the last time I'm giving you a ride," the latina exclaims, hopping down from the hood.
"You always say that and yet here we are."
"That's 'coz you owe me "lunches". I'm just here making sure I'm doing my end of the bargain," Santana smirked. "You best be ready. I'm getting the most expensive thing I see."
"As if you'll get anything else other than breadstick."
Santana rolled her eyes not able to retaliate because she knows Quinn is right. "Yeah well don't come crying over to me when your bitch ass bacon supplies are gone," the brunette sneered triumphantly knowing she had won the argument. She'll always gonna hold that one over to the blonde.
"What's up with the bacon?" Brittany asked a little confuse. She was finally able to speak but she didn't expect her words to consist of bacon. She doesn't complain much though. It's the best she could do.
"Nothing," Quinn replied abruptly while fixing a glare at Santana who looks rather amused.
"Yeah right," the brunette taunted sarcastically while humming a quick, "baconator," before her eyes fully shifted to Brittany.
Brittany doesn't see Quinn's reaction to Santana's jibe. No. She was far too busy trying to stay calm when Santana's dark brown eyes looks up and down her frame. She almost feel like she's the one smoking right now, especially with the way her lungs seems to constrict.
"Congrats on making the team blondie," Santana commented. For a second Brittany could see something playing in Santana's face. But she couldn't for the life of her figure out what it was. The more she tries to chase after it the more she feels the answer slipping away from her. And as if on cue Santana's face becomes expressionless and whatever emotional window she may have opened had now been completely shut off. "You're gonna be one of those cheer hoes now. Hurrah," the brunette faked cheered, blowing another smoke.
She furrows her brow even more, almost insulted. Santana is so confusing. It's aggravating to be standing in front of her. But what's more aggravating is that she can't help but want to stand closer and closer to to the girl.
"The fuck," Santana hisses clutching her side. Quinn must have elbowed the girl. "Shit Fabray. What the hell had Sue been feeding you?"
Quinn just rolled her eyes. Sometimes her friend can be so insensitive. "Stop being mean."
Instead of getting pissed as Brittany expected, Santana simply nodded. "Well I'm a bitch. Rumour has it that the wicked bitch of the west was inspired by me."
"You're not a bitch," Brittany blurted. Sure Santana is mean, arrogant, rude and insensitive. But Santana is also nice, sweet, straightforward, and deep in her heart, she knows Santana is a good person.
"Didn't think you had it in you to be such a potty mouth." She thinks she sees a small smile grace Santana's lips but it was gone as soon as she sees it. "Let me break this down for you blondie," the brunette said leaning down the side of her car. "Your new here, so you don't know the way it works around here but in this neighbourhood, I'm the numero uno bitch. Go tell her Q."
"Uh yeah what she says." Quinn said hesitantly and almost forcibly. "Numero uno."
"Well maybe they don't see you the way that I do," Brittany wanted to say. But she decided she probably shouldn't push Santana's button as it is. "Anyways, what's your problem with the Cheerio?" she asked instead.
Relearning Santana was getting harder and harder to do. Don't get her wrong, she enjoys learning about Santana. It's just... the brunette isn't making it any easier for her and on top of it, why does Santana have to be annoying too? Even if Santana is a good person, she still feels irritated at the girl. Its like in a span of one minute, Santana would find a way to make Brittany's stomach feel like it has gone mush and the next Brittany wants nothing but to chuck something at the girl. She was in borderline frustration and it did sting a bit to hear Santana who used to admire the Cheerios be so harsh about it.
"Nothing," Santana shrugged. Another puff of smoke expels out of her mouth. "Unless you're a lying shit ass hypocrites."
"Oh," Brittany uttered in surprise, her eyes set downcast as she mulls it over. "But Quinn is a Cheerio. Head Cheerio in fact."
"No shit." Santana rolled her eyes earning her another side jab from Quinn. "Ow fuckity fuck."
Quinn didn't reply rather she gave Santana another fixed glare.
"Ugh." Santana huffed. Before pinching her nose and taking a few deep breaths. "I'm just cranky today okay? I haven't had my daily dose of drink this hour and I've spend all day hunting down Berry. And that damn midget can sure hide. So I'm exhausted. But anyways yeah good job blondie or whatever."
This time Brittany was sure there was a small smile tugging on Santana's lips. The brunette did seem a little apologetic about her earlier outburst. She thinks this is as close as she could get to an apology. So she nodded her head and gave the girl a small smile. "Thanks San."
In truth, she was quite happy. Sure it wasn't the best compliment. In fact, Kyle had said something way more nicer than Santana did. But she couldn't help but feel how Santana's words meant more to her than Kyle's. Even if she had to scrape and peel over the harsh words Santana was spitting. Which, if she may add, were also accompanied by backhand comments.
"Wait..how'd you even know she got in?" Quinn looked suspiciously at Santana. She's sure she didn't see the Santana out in the bleachers a while ago. The only time she'll see the girl there is when she's out smoking. She's pretty sure Santana only does it to get a kick out of Sue. But occasionally, on rare occasions, she sees the latina getting high with the 'Skanks', which were actually real nice people if you get pass all their dark makeup, dark clothes and piercings all around and of course the smell of smoke that always accompanies them. "I thought you don't like watching the Cheerio practicing anymore?"
"Yeah I don't and I haven't been watching Fabray. Don't get your panties too excited."
"Ugh. Like that will ever happen," Quinn scrunched her face in disgust.
"Don't act so against it until you try it. You didn't seem to mind Berry's." Santana smirked.
Quinn's face turned beat red. "Shut up."
"Whatever," the brunette said before admitting, "besides as if she couldn't get in."
Brittany's heart started to race so fast. She's sure even her muscles were shaking. Is it silly for her to think that Santana's last comment was of her? That even after all this time, Santana still believes and had no doubt in her mind that she could get in? Maybe its pretentious of her to believe that but she'd rather hold on to that thought because nothing feels as good as having Santana believing in her. "I-Thanks," she manage to say.
Santana shrugged almost indifferent. But it doesn't change how happy she feels.
"Yeah you were really amazing Britt." Quinn nodded. "Sue definitely likes you."
This time she diverges her attention from the brunette to the blonde. "Maybe I'll take over your spot as captain," she says as she flashes the girl with a teasing grin.
"As if you could," the head Cheerio said sticking her tongue out. "Sue didn't like you that much."
Santana snorted, blowing another smoke which happened to fly directly towards Quinn.
"Ugh. You better hope that smoke doesn't stink up my shirt," Quinn barked while wafting the smoke away from her. "Maybe I should tell Rachel she should hide your cigarettes better."
"Bitch."
"Well I'm gonna head in Britt before this idiot stinks me up even more," the head Cheerio said as she ignores the brunette.
"It's an improvement from your stinky sweat Fabray," Santana called out. "For a second I thought you were Puck."
Quinn just flipped the brunette off before she entered the car earning a small chuckle from Santana.
"She might revoke one of your free lunches you know?" Brittany said as soon as Quinn entered the car.
"That girl doesn't have it in her."
"Oh yeah..Don't forget," she grinned excitedly. "The dinner at my house tomorrow night is at the usual time at 7:30."
"Sure thing blondie," Santana hummed stubbing the cigarette before chucking it on the ground. "Only cause of your mom."
"You know how she is. She can never take no for an answer," she shook at her head at how insisting her mom could get. Especially this morning after their conversation at breakfast, her mom kept reminding her about inviting Santana over for dinner. It happened when she was brushing her teeth, then again when she was grabbing her things for school and once more for good measure when she was getting in her car. She even got a text from her mom during class. Twice. She's surprise her mom hasn't even called her.
"I remember."
This time she smiles softly. "I'll see you in class tomorrow then?"
"We'll see," Santana shrugged heading to the driver side.
"Oh and San," Brittany half shouted causing the brunette to look back at her. "I'm really sorry about your head," she said sheepishly looking at Santana whose left hand was already on the door handle.
"I thought we agreed it never happened." The brunette narrowed her eyes.
"It didn't but hypothetically if it did, I' am sorry."
"Whatever blondie. At least I got a box full of cold patches out of it," Santana smirked. "No taking it back."
"I wouldn't even think of it. Although I do happen to know where you live."
Santana snorted. "Don't forget. I also know where you live. And you totally sound like a stalker with all these you got going on," the brunette hummed while twirling her index finger at her.
"What if I am?"
"Then I better make sure I lock the doors properly."
NOTE: Sorry I haven't updated in forever. I've been busy with my finals and grad. Plus, I've lost my motivation. Hopefully I'll get it back soon. Anyways I hope you all like this chapter. This one is quite long. :) Again sorry for the mistakes. Thanks for all the fav., follows and the reviews. I really do appreciate it cause honestly I didn't even think anyone would read this. :) So thank you.