A few months later...
Santana stirred slowly, blinking to allow her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting in the hospital room she was sharing with Brittany. She yawned and stretched slowly, and was relieved when she noticed that she could now yawn without violent pain shooting through her chest and abdomen. She then glanced down at her leg and smiled slightly when she caught sight of the gun wound which was almost fully mended now, except for a few tiny stitches.
"I must be almost healed by now." she mumbled to herself.
She then noticed that Brittany was tossing quite a bit in her bed, and sat up, watching curiously. The blonde was muttering quietly, something about 'higher' and 'mmm, fun'. But then, Santana noticed that Brittany was getting dangerously close to the edge of her bed. She was about to shout and wake her, when Brittany went flying over the other side, crashing to the floor, her plate from last night's meal clattering to the floor as she jogged her bedside table during the fall.
"Britt?! Britt, are you okay?" Santana struggled to get out of bed, grabbing her cane and pressing the 'Assistance' button before hobbling over to where Brittany was sprawled on the floor.
"Brittany?"
"Mmmmm." Brittany mumbled, her eyes half-open, her face scrunched up in confusion. "What... what happened?"
"You were having some kind of dream, and one minute you were tossing in bed, the next minute you fell out and onto the floor. You kept muttering about going higher or something, it was all very confusing to watch."
"Oh, right." Brittany began to blush as she remembered her dream, and sat up, while Santana watched her, her expression befuddled.
"What, Britt? What were you dreaming?"
"I... I was dreaming that we were swinging on a hammock together, and we were... y'know..."
Santana's eyes widened in realisation, before she began to snigger hysterically.
"You... you were dreaming about us having sex in a hammock?"
"Yes." Giggled Brittany.
"Well, was it goo-"
"Ladies, is everything okay in here?" Mike came rushing into the room, running over to where Brittany was sitting on the floor.
"Oh, everything's fine Mike. I just had a pretty intense dream and fell out of bed, but I'm fine. Gave Santana a bit of a scare though." answered Brittany humorously, before getting to her feet and dusting herself off.
"Well, I just want to give you a quick check-over, to make sure you really are okay. Especially because of the good news I have to give you both."
Santana perked up upon hearing this, and Brittany leaned forward in anticipation.
"What news?"
"Well, the other doctors and I have been reviewing your progress over the last few months, and we've come to the decision that you can both be discharged and go home."
The silence lasted for a heartbeat, and then Brittany enveloped Santana in a bear-hug, chanting "Woo!", while Santana grinned happily.
"I thought you'd be pleased." chortled Mike cheerfully. "So, Brittany, you come with me so I can check that you're okay, and Santana, you'd better start packing!"
Brittany returned to their room fifteen minutes later, to find Santana folding the clothes that Quinn and Rachel had brought them, placing them into a duffel bag.
"So, what did Mike say? Are you okay?" Santana rushed over to Brittany – well, more like shuffled as quickly as someone can when they have to walk with a cane – and took her hand in hers.
"I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. I'm a tough cookie." Brittany winked, eliciting a giggle from Santana.
"Okay, great. Well then, you can come and help me with all this packing!"
Brittany followed Santana over to the rather large pile of clothes and sighed in amusement.
"I don't know what Rach was thinking, bringing us all these clothes – I mean, it's not like we get many opportunities to partake in fashion shows here!" Brittany chuckled.
"Yeah, and she didn't even bring me any of my favourite tops. Urgh." muttered Santana as they packed away the last of their things, causing Brittany to chortle loudly next to her. "Ah well, I still love her to pieces, even if she is like the annoying little sister I never had."
"You excited to see her and Quinn?" Brittany asked, smiling at the thought of seeing her best friends.
"Yes. But I am NOT looking forward to seeing that pooch that they bought recently. I mean, they brought that thing here ONCE, and it managed to chew up my blanket, pee in my shoe, AND it barked the entire time they were here!"
"Aw, come on San. You love little Sammy. You have to admit, he's really cute! He looks just like the dogs on the Andrex toilet paper ads, all blonde and fluffy!"
"Hmm, I guess he is cute. He's a right nuisance though."
"Does that mean you'd never let us get a dog when we move into our own place?" Brittany pouted, turning to Santana and sniffling pitifully.
"Oh, puppy-dog eyes, eh? How ironic!" she laughed. "Look, Britt, I never said we can't get a dog. I just wouldn't want one that's going to grow to be bigger than me and then wreck the house."
"So... we can get a dog?! A little one?"
"Yes Britt. We can get a dog."
"YAY!" Brittany squealed, throwing her arms around Santana and embracing her tightly.
"Okay Britt! I'd like to leave here with my lungs intact, thank you." Santana chuckled, before kissing Brittany lightly on her soft pink lips.
A knock then sounded on their door, and Brittany strode over, opening it and then smiling when Mike entered the room once again.
"Ladies, your cab is waiting for you outside. Do you need help with your bags?"
"That would be great Mike, thanks." Santana smiled gratefully.
They walked the short distance to the elevator and then got in, Brittany dragging one suitcase while Mike held the duffel bag, with Santana scooting in behind them. The doors pinged open in a matter of seconds, and they entered the hospital reception, smiling at the soft light that filtered in through the large windows.
"Now, I just need you to see Tina at the front desk, sign a few things, and then you're good to go." said Mike.
"Okay." replied Brittany, with Santana nodding and following her to the desk.
Tina heard the sound of approaching footsteps and looked up, her face breaking into a smile once she saw who it was.
"Hey girls!"
"Hey Tina." smiled Brittany.
"How're you?" inquired Santana, as Tina reached behind her for the paperwork.
"I'm great, thank you. I have a date with Mercedes tonight, it's our two-year anniversary today."
Tina blushed as Brittany said "Ohhh" in a seductive voice, while Santana smirked and nudged her playfully.
"Anyway, here's your paperwork. There are two forms I need you both to sign, and then I just need you to clarify all your personal details. And then you can go."
She handed Santana the forms and a pen, and within less than five minutes, everything was signed and completed.
"Well girls, I must say, it's been an absolute pleasure having you here. I'm not supposed to say this, but you're definitely my favourite patients." Tina said, in an over-exaggeratedly hushed whisper.
"Aww, well we've enjoyed getting to know you Tina." answered Santana warmly.
"Definitely. Oh, and we should all go out on a double-date sometime! You and Mercedes can visit us in New York, and we'll take you out to dinner! Okay?" exclaimed Brittany excitedly.
"Sounds like a plan!" replied Tina happily.
The girls then said one last goodbye and turned to get their bags. Mike grabbed the duffel bag once again, and carried it out to their awaiting taxi, placing it in the trunk along with the suitcase. He then turned to face the girls, sighing heavily.
"Ladies. It has been an honour being your doctor for the past few months. I'm extremely happy you've both healed so well, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness."
Santana smiled, rubbing Mike's arm affectionately before replying, "Thank you for being such an incredible doctor Mike. We owe you so much."
Brittany then pulled Mike into a warm hug, whispering, "Thank you for saving her" in his ear softly.
He didn't reply; he simply pulled back, looked Brittany in the eye, and nodded once.
"Good luck to both of you. And I am fully expecting an invitation to the wedding!" he winked, as he opened the door of the cab, allowing first Santana then Brittany to climb in, before closing the door softly behind them.
They gave the cab driver Santana's address, before waving to Mike and then settling back in the soft leather seats.
"Well Britt, that's it. We finally get to go home." Santana smiled, linking her arm with Brittany's and leaning her head on the blonde's shoulder.
"We sure do." Brittany grinned back, before speaking again. "Although, home is wherever you are Santana, so I guess I've been home all along."
"Is that everything Britt?"
"I think so."
"Well, it looks like everythi-"
"WAIT! We almost forgot something!"
Brittany raced over to the corner of her garden, and began scrabbling around in the bushes furiously.
"What's she looking for?" asked Quinn quietly.
Santana just shrugged, while Rachel watched in amusement.
"I found it!"
Brittany raced back over to the trio, proudly showing off the dirty ornament she held in her right hand.
"Uh, Britt? That's just a filthy old statue." Rachel said, her expression bemused.
"Nu-uh. This isn't just ANY old statue. This is the statue of Freya, the Norse goddess that Santana gave me towards the start of our relationship."
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe you still have it!" exclaimed Santana, blushing shyly. "And that reminds me! Okay, Britt, before we leave, we have to make one stop on the way to the airport. That okay?"
"Sure thing babe." Brittany answered.
Meanwhile, Quinn was trying to stop Sammy from digging up the flowerbeds, but was failing rather obviously, much to Rachel's amusement.
"Sammy! Sam, stop it! Come on, please listen to Mummy! Sam!"
"Here, honey, let me." Rachel interjected, before clearing her throat then shouting: "SAM. STOP THAT. COME HERE NOW."
At the sound of Rachel's voice, Sam immediately stopped burrowing and trotted over to them, sitting at Rachel's feet obediently and staring up at her, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
"Urgh, I have no idea how you do that." Quinn muttered, while Rachel tittered quietly next to her.
"Okay, NOW do we have everything?" Santana asked tiredly.
"Yes! Now we have everything." Brittany replied, before looking to the man who would be driving the moving van and giving him a thumbs-up. "Thank you for being so patient, I know this is killing you." Brittany mumbled, before kissing Santana sweetly on the nose.
"It's okay. It's all going to be worth it when we get to New York and get to unpack all of our stuff in our amazing new apartment."
"And when we get our new puppy!"
"Sure Britt." Santana smiled lovingly at the blonde, who was grinning endearingly.
"Uh, Miss?" called the truck driver, Joe, as he pushed his thick dreadlocks away from his striking face. "We're scheduled to leave in about ten minutes in order to make your flight. That okay?"
Santana turned to the young man and was about to give him a piece of her mind for interrupting her moment with Brittany, but the blonde saw this coming and turned to Joe quickly, replying with, "Yes, that's fine, thank you!"
"You sneaky little thing." Santana growled, grabbing Brittany and tickling her wildly until she fell to the floor helplessly.
"San! San, s-stop! I can't b-breathe! Sanny!" Brittany giggled, wiggling around in an attempt to escape Santana's merciless fingers, to no avail.
"I am the Terrible Tickler!" Santana exclaimed, in a cartoon-style voice. "Beware! The Tickler attacks when you least expect her to, rendering you incapable of escape! She then uses her magical cane to transport you to her lair, where she keeps you there for eternity! MUAHAHAHA-"
"Uh, guys? Sorry to interrupt, but didn't you have something kind of important to do today? What was that again? Oh yeah... move to a different state and completely abandon us?!" Quinn huffed, her annoyance evident to the girls.
"Aww, don't be like that Quinnie!" exclaimed Brittany, jumping up and wrapping her arms around the distraught blonde. "We're going to come and visit you every month, and you know you're always welcome to stay with us during holidays."
"But... it won't be the same." Quinn sniffled, a single tear running down her smooth cheek.
"Come on Q. Toughen up! You've got Rach here with you, and now you've got Sam too. It's not like you're going to be alone! I mean, I know it's going to be really difficult not being in my spectacular presence every day," – Santana winked cheekily, eliciting a small giggle from Quinn – "But you'll survive. Honestly Q, you're going to be fine."
Santana then smiled warmly at Quinn, using her cane to walk forwards and envelop her in a hug.
Brittany watched the scene between them with a smile on her face, and then turned to face Rachel, who was trying to hold back her own tears.
"Aw Rach, not you too?" Brittany smiled sympathetically, before taking the brunette's hand in her own.
"I'm just really going to miss you guys, that's all." Rachel sniffed, wiping away her tears with the sleeve of her reindeer sweater that Quinn had bought her for her birthday, before pulling Brittany into a firm embrace.
"Before you go, I'd like to have a word with Santana." Rachel said, smiling sadly.
"And... I want to talk to Britt." mumbled Quinn.
Quinn then took Brittany's hand and led her over to the bench in the corner of the garden, which had always been her favourite spot, while Rachel and Santana sat on the front steps leading up to the house...
Rachel took a deep breath, and then raised her head to look Santana in the eye. The Latina had an expression of slight confusion on her face, as she had no idea what Rachel would want to say to her in private.
"Santana, we worked together for a long time. We went on missions together, were each other's lookout more than a few times, and always were the best at what we did. But something I never thought you would be is my friend. And yet, here we are, friends. More than that, I feel like we're family."
Santana smiled at Rachel, before replying,
"Yeah, well, I always say you're like the annoying little sister I never had."
Rachel punched her playfully on the shoulder, before turning serious.
"I mean it though. You are one of the only people I can trust. You're my best friend, and I'm going to miss you so much, but I know you're going to have an unforgettable time living in New York with Brittany."
"I'm going to miss you too Rach." Santana nodded sadly.
They then sat in silence for a minute, neither one saying a word, each simply enjoying the tranquil serendipity that was often found in Lima.
"I bet you're going to miss this peace and quiet once you enter the hustle and bustle of New York, eh?
"Yeah, I guess. Although we didn't get much quiet anyway living at yours while we were getting all our stuff sorted for the move."
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say, you and Quinn aren't exactly subtle when you're in bed together."
"Santana!"
"What? It's true."
Santana chuckled loudly while Rachel huffed in mock-anger, crossing her arms over her chest and stamping her foot.
"Hey Rach?"
"Yes?"
"Who's Mr Sparky? And why does he make you both moan so damn loudly?"
"Oh my god!"
Meanwhile, Brittany and Quinn were perched on the bench, Quinn playing with the hem of her cardigan while trying not to show how upset she was.
"Quinn?"
"Mhmm?"
"Look at me."
"Nu-uh."
"Oh, come on Q. It's our last day here, not even that, it's our last few minutes! You're really going to ruin that by being in a mood with me?"
Quinn shrugged stubbornly, while refusing to look Brittany in the eye.
"Fine. I guess I should just leave now-"
"No! ... I mean, wait."
Brittany settled back down onto the bench, holding Quinn's hand and stroking it softly.
"Look Quinn. I know its going to be difficult, not seeing each other every day, not having lunch in the park, not hanging out every Friday night. But just because I'm moving, it doesn't mean I love you any less. You're still my bestie. And you always will be. Okay?"
Quinn nodded reluctantly, before grabbing Brittany and hugging her tightly, her tears flowing once again.
"Love you Quinnie."
"Love you too Britt."
"Excuse me, ladies? It's time to go."
Joe's voice pulled each of the girls out of their little moments, and they all stood up and walked towards the moving van. They exchanged final hugs before Santana and Brittany climbed into the van, grateful that it was the type that had three seats in the front instead of two so they could sit together.
"Bye guys! I love you!" Quinn called, waving and sobbing quietly, while Rachel waved too and had her arm firmly around Quinn's shaking shoulders, offering comfort which the blonde was extremely grateful for.
"Tell Sammy I love him!" said Brittany, before adding, "And I love you guys too!"
Santana, being more reserved than Brittany, settled on waving and blowing the couple a kiss, before speaking in her trademark Spanish tongue.
"Adios chicas! Te quiero mucho!"
And with that, they pulled away from the curb, Brittany gripping Santana's hand tightly, scared but excited for the journey that lay ahead of them.
"Um, excuse me, Joe? Would it be okay if we made a quick stop on the way to the airport?"
"Sure thing Miss." he replied. "Where d'you wanna go?"
"Umm, it's a small shop in Lima Heights? Sells garden ornaments? Called, uh, Hummel's Horticultural Haven."
"Oh, I know the place! We'll be there in less than fifteen minutes."
"Thanks Joe."
Not long after, they pulled up outside of Kurt's shop, Santana grinning excitedly.
"What are we doing here San?"
"THIS is a very important place. This is where I got that Freya ornament from, the thing which I see as a symbol of our relationship being reformed into something even greater after we had that awful fight. And, there is a rather spectacular young man who works here who you just HAVE to meet."
She grabbed Brittany's hand and practically dragged her out of the van, before shouting to Joe:
"We won't be long!"
Santana raced up to the door and pushed it open, smiling as she heard the little bell tinkle above her head.
"Aha, customers! I was thinking I would be devoid of human contact all day thanks to this miserable weather!" came Kurt's voice from behind a colourful display of gnomes. "Now, what can I help you with toda- Hey, Santana!" Kurt grinned widely as he noticed the Latina leaning on the counter, before racing over to her and enveloping her in a hug.
"How've you been girl?" he asked cheerfully.
"I've been... well, it's a long story, one I'll have to tell you one day over a nice cup of coffee. But, for now, I wanted you to meet someone. Kurt, this is Brittany. My girlfriend. Brittany, this is Kurt, the owner of this wonderful store."
Kurt beamed at this, and rushed forward, arms outstretched, embracing Brittany warmly.
"So lovely to meet you! I take it the ornament was a success then?" he asked Santana, winking mischievously.
"You have no idea." replied Santana, looking at Brittany lovingly. "Look, Kurt, there was another reason we came here today, aside from wanting to see you. You see, we're moving to New York, and we would like to find a special ornament to take with us for our new place. I mean, we're going to be living in an apartment so we won't have a garden, but we can just have it as a house ornament."
"Well honey, first of all, I say... New York! Wow, it's always been a dream of mine to visit the Big Apple."
"Well, Santana loves musicals, so it's like, her perfect place to live." said Brittany, to which Kurt clapped his hands and jumped up and down excitedly.
"Oh, Chandler and I simply ADORE musicals!"
"Wait, Chandler?" Santana questioned, smirking at the way Kurt's ears turned red. "Now who is Chandler? He wouldn't happen to be the extremely cute bookstore boy I told you to ask out all those months ago?"
"The very same!" exclaimed Kurt. "I went over there a few days after our conversation, and there he was, flicking through a first-hand edition of Harry Potter. So, I strode over, started talking about how brilliant the books are, and next thing I know, we're having coffee at his apartment and watching Evita together!"
"How romantic." sighed Brittany, causing Santana to giggle at her adorable girlfriend.
"Anyway, enough of my jibber-jabbering. You said you're here for an ornament for the two of you to have in New York? I think I have just the thing..."
He shuffled off towards the back, rooting through shelves until he let out a loud "Aha!" and stepped back with something in his hand.
"Now, this is a one-of-a-kind ornament. I bought her years ago from a market, I had to have her for my store the moment I saw her."
"Who is she?" whispered Brittany.
"She is Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love."
"She's perfect." Santana gasped, while Brittany just stared at the beautiful statuette, her body lithe and beautiful, swathed in a white robe that swirled around her body.
"We'll take her." Santana smiled, while Kurt grinned at them happily.
"Yay! I'll just wrap her up for you now."
Kurt and Santana then made their way over to the front desk, while Brittany remained by the other goddess statues, momentarily hypnotised by their beauty.
"So, Kurt, how much do I owe you?"
But the young man shook his head, pushing Santana's money back across the desk to her.
"This one's on me." he smiled warmly.
"Aw Kurt. Thank you." Santana smiled back gratefully, grasping his hand warmly for a second.
"Hey San, I think we have to go now!"
Brittany came bounding up behind Santana, stopping and smiling shyly at the bemused expression on Kurt's face.
"Okay Britt. Give me a minute."
She then turned to the brown-haired man behind the desk, smiling slightly.
"Kurt, I may not have known you for very long, but I have a feeling we're going to be friends for a rather long time."
Kurt grinned at this, before replying,
"Honey, are you really surprised? I mean, two people as fabulous as we are were BOUND to meet at some point!"
He ended the sentence with a dramatic flourish and a hair flick, which reduced Santana and Brittany to a fit of giggles. Santana managed to compose herself long enough to say one more thing to Kurt.
"Oh, and if you and Chandler ever come to New York, give me a call on this number," – she handed over a scrap of paper on which she had scribbled her mobile number – "And we can all go to a show together and have dinner or something."
"Sounds splendid! Anyway, I think you have to be somewhere. So goodbye for now darlings!"
Kurt embraced first Santana and then Brittany, dabbing at his eyes over-dramatically as the girls left his store, their laughter echoing around the practically empty street.
They climbed back into the van, told Joe to take them to the airport where their things needed to be dropped off before they got their flight, and then shouted goodbye to Kurt as he waved from the doorway of his store.
Once they got to the airport, they checked in all of their belongings, made sure their passports were validated and scanned, and then waited around until their flight was called. They made their way to the departure gate, holding hands and glancing at each other every so often, nervous but excited.
They shuffled onto the plane along with the other passengers, locating their seats easily. They had seats along the left-hand side of the plane, and had a great window view, which Brittany was thrilled about. Santana was also happy with their seats because it meant she could get up easily whenever she wanted to, without having to awkwardly scoot past a stranger.
Brittany was looking out of the window happily, watching other planes depart and land, and so it took her a minute to realise that Santana was watching her. She turned to face the Latina and blushed at Santana's intense gaze.
"What?"
"You're just so god-damn beautiful Miss Pierce. You take my breath away."
Brittany giggled at Santana's use of her last name, and then leant forward, capturing Santana's chin between her finger and thumb.
"Oh yeah? Well, you're the sexiest woman I've ever seen in my entire life. And I've watched Angelina Jolie movies."
Santana laughed heartily at this, loving the fact that Brittany had the ability to make her laugh almost effortlessly.
"Britt?" Santana murmured, bringing both of Brittany's hands into her lap and grasping them in her own.
"Yeah San?"
"We're really doing this, aren't we?"
"Yeah we are."
"And you're sure you want this? I mean, you're not just doing this because I want to? Because I couldn't live with myself if I thought that-"
"Santana!" Brittany interrupted. "Stop. Now. I am doing this because I want to. I want to be with you, for the rest of my life. That's it. I don't care where we are, whether we're in New York, or Lima, or anywhere. I'll be happy as long as I'm with you. Okay?"
"Okay." Santana nodded, before leaning forward to gently kiss Brittany.
"Mmmmm." Brittany sighed, before breaking the kiss to look Santana in the eye. "I love you, Miss Lopez."
"And I love you, Miss Pierce."
They sat there for a few minutes, simply gazing at each other, until Brittany suddenly bolted upright, a giant grin on her face.
"Oh, San! You know what we should do now that we're going to be stuck on a plane for hours? We should play a game! Let's play a game? We could play I-Spy?"
Santana shook her head fervently.
"Okay. Truth or Dare?"
Another shake of the head.
"The Question Game?"
"What's the Question Game?"
"Basically, I ask you a question, and you can answer that question normally, but you have to end your answer with a question. Wanna try it?"
Santana saw how excited Brittany was by the idea, so she nodded slowly.
"Yay! Okay, here goes: What kind of dog do you want us to get?"
"I don't know. What kind of dog never needs to go to the bathroom?"
"Oh Sanny, you're funny. When we get to New York, can we go to Central Park?"
"Yes. Why do you want to go there?"
"Because that's where 'Friends' is! When we get to New York, can we go to the Empire State Building?"
"Yes Britt. Are you happy that we're going to live together?"
Brittany paused for a second, before taking Santana's hand and answering,
"I've never been happier. What's Barnes and Noble?"
"It's a bookstore. How long does this game last?"
"Until we run out of questions! What's your middle name?"
"Don't have one. Isn't this going to get boring?"
"Nope! I've got billions of questions in my head. What shall we name our dog?"
"Something funny, like Churro. But what if I want to watch one of the in-flight movies?"
"Churro! I love it! And you can't, because we're playing this awesome game! What's the difference between an egg with an egg in it, and an egg with a baby chicken inside of it?"
They hadn't even taken off yet, but Santana could tell this was going to be a VERY long flight.
Longest. Chapter. Ever.
I actually feel exhausted after writing this, wow! Okay, first thing's first – THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER OF 'YOU'VE BEEN STRUCK BY A SMOOTH CRIMINAL'. Waaaaaaaaaah :( I'm actually quite upset about this, I mean, this is my second major fic, after 'Crash', so it's pretty important to me, and now it's coming to an end! I have to say a GIANT thank you to everyone who has read it, from the readers who've stuck with it since the beginning to the people who are only just discovering it now. Thank you all, because without all those hits, subscribers, and reviews, I wouldn't have had the encouragement and inspiration to keep writing. You're all amazing :)
Also, well done to 'CherishBrittana', who was the first reviewer to find the lines from Pretty Little Liars! :D For those of you who don't know the quote or had trouble finding it, it was:
"Don't say tha-"
"I mean it."
"I don't want you to say it, and I don't want you to mean it," said by Emily to Paige in 'Stolen Kisses'.
Alas, this is my last author's note for this fic, so I'm going to end it the way I end all of my notes – I hope you all enjoyed this fic, reviews are STILL like crack to me, so keep 'em coming, and until my next fic/one-shot, stay awesome everyone! :D