Now and Then pt.2

Then.

So far, this year's Grammy awards had been spectacular as ever. Brittany Pierce had opened her first Grammy show with a memorable performance of her number one single 'Bad Romance' - gaining the first standing ovation of the night. She'd won the Best New Artist award and Song of the Year with the performance track. She'd honestly been having a blast. This was a great year.

Probably the best night of her life too, but the next performance would definitely determine that. The other woman of the hour, winner of Album of the Year and the only thing that's been on her mind since the arrivals: Santana Lopez.

They'd both been sitting front row of the venue, just at opposite ends. Every now and then, Santana would catch Brittany glancing shyly over at her. She couldn't help but swoon. Ever since the girl has been on the scene she's become somewhat infatuated with the young blonde. Not in any sense of jealousy or competition, because Santana genuinely meant it when she previously told her she was rooting for her; but because she was genuinely impressed with her talent. Although Santana was a stronger singer -stronger than most out there – Brittany's dancing completely blew her away and her breath control was better than any performer (including Santana) has ever had. This slightly made Santana nervous about her upcoming performance. It involved a lot of choreography and it was raunchy to say the least. She wanted this night to be memorable too and the best thing about it? Brittany would be front row.

Brittany swallowed anxiously as she looked towards the closed curtains, knowing they were preparing for the show's final performance. She was seated next to rocker Noah Puckerman, who was as charming as the media made him out to be. He'd been informing her on the rumours of the performance; Brittany not listening after the words 'half naked' and 'lapdance'.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards! Please give it up for our final performance… Santana Lopez!" the announcer sparked everyone's interest as the lights in the studio went completely black. People gasped and cheered. Brittany stood still, watching intensely as Noah Puckerman smirked knowingly, looking around at the crowd that was in awe.

The curtains haven't even opened and she's caused this effect. He thought almost on cue as the curtains opened and one spotlight pressed to the center of the stage. Brittany's knee's nearly bucked at the sight that was captivating everyone's attention.

Santana Lopez stood in a dominating stance: her head whipped down to one side; curled dark hair falling fiercely down her middle; her mic held firmly in her left hand. She wore black studded boots – they had to be 8 inches Brittany inwardly thought; black harem trousers and a black crop top with a small head wrap round her shoulders and falling effortlessly down to her middle. It looked very Middle Eastern, but very sexy. She turned her head back to the crowd with smoky eyes and dark rouge lips, bringing her mic up…winking ahead of her… at Brittany.

I've been everywhere man looking for someone, someone who can please me love me all night long.

Brittany's heart raced as Santana paced the stage, enchanting the crowd with her raspy vocals.

I've been everywhere man, looking for you babe, looking for you babe, searching for you babe.

She eye flirted with the crowd whilst pointing to the odd celebrity. The stage fully lifted to reveal a desert looking stage with topless male dancers and exotic looking animals. Santana stalked sexily back to the middle and began a mystical dance.

Where have you been? Cause' I've never seen you out. Are you hiding from me yeah? Somewhere in the crowd…

She pointed and winked at Blaine, much to Brittany's disappointment.

Where have you been? All my life, all my life…

Where have you been all my li-i-i-i-ife?

Where have you been all my li-i-i-i-ife?

Where have you been all my li-i-i-i-ife?

Where have you been all my li-i-i-i-ife?

The disappointment Brittany previously felt soon vanished as the bass dropped and Santana effortlessly jumped into an amazing routine. She kept up with the proffessionals and didn't even break a sweat, she had the crowd in awe as almost everyone was on their feet dancing. Brittany danced with Noah for the next verse and they jumped in time to the beat of the chorus, both genuinely enjoying this amazing song and performance. The backing track still played as Santana spoke into the mic.

"Now, we've had a lot of winners tonight. I'm a genuine fan of you all, and to show my appreciation-" she looked left and right and gestured for something to be brought on stage: 4 chairs. "- I'd like to call up: April Rhodes!" the crowd cheered loudly as country singer April Rhodes almost ran towards Santana, who charmingly gestured for her to sit down on the chair. She did the same with Sam Evans and Mike Chang, winner of best Rap Album.

"And of course lastly but certainly not least… my favourite artist out right now: Brittany Pierce!" she smiled widely towards Brittany as the blonde confidently strode up. I want to be something she doesn't forget both women thought as Brittany found her way on stage. Unlike the other 3, she gestured for Santana to take her hand, which the Latina completely obliged to. Kissing her gently on it and leading her to the fourth chair. Brittany honestly could have died, but wanted to keep it cool for the beautiful woman.

She watched in a daze as the music came back on and Santana made her way over to April Rhodes – singing suggestively and dancing sexy as the older blonde play slapped her ass to Santana's amusement. Similar staging but different routines applied to the boys and before Brittany knew it, she was strutting towards her, eyes full of…lust? She didn't know, too hypnotised by the sway of Santana's hips in front of her, dipping and peaking at just the right times. She laughed it off – suddenly remembering they were live to the nation. Santana noticed this and winked before gliding around the back of Brittany, lazily dragging her hands around her shoulder and along the back of her hair, bending down and singing into her ear…

You can have me all you want… anyway… anyday…

She came back round the front and smiled devilishly and the implying lyrics Brittany swallowed hard but managed to wink back as Santana made her way to center stage again, not before glancing back at Brittany and pointing… Just show me where you are tonight.

Without one single doubt… the best night of my life.

Now.

Santana smiled at the Grammy award on Brittany's shelf and at the memory of the night she met her love. 'Best New Artist' carved delicately into the gold plated plaque. She remembered how in awe of everything Brittany was that night and a pang of love flowed through her soul again as she spooned the blonde harder and sighed into her neck, remembering how proud she was that night. How honoured she was to have met this amazing woman, a woman who has changed her life for the better.

Brittany sighed and shuffled further into Santana, earning a cute giggle from the brunette, who held her hips and expertly spun her around so she was facing her, leaning in for a quick peck as she rested her forehead against the blondes almost exactly like the previous night's meeting.

"Hi…" the Latina bashfully whispered whilst leaning down to capture the blonde in a tender kiss.

"Hi to you too… why you in such a good mood I wonder?" Brittany pondered sarcastically as Santana tickled her sides, rolling them over so Brittany was on top.

"I don't know? Maybe it's the fact I'm finally with my girlfriend. Or the fact we had sex like a gazillion times last night. OR the fact that I've had an epiphany…" she leant up to kiss Brittany's neck and collarbone whilst the blonde smiled, completely and utterly intoxicated with the happiest morning in 2 months.

"It's like that first month…" she pondered aloud, earning a 'mmhmm' from Santana, who was making her way up to her pulse point. The first month since they met was a passionate whirlwind for both of them, as Santana once said to Brittany herself 'I didn't even know I was falling until I fell…'

"I missed you San…" Santana pulled back from Brittany's neck and smiled sadly at her lover. Before, at the start of their relationship; it had only been a few days or at longest a week or two they were apart…which killed the Latina even then. Now, with Brittany's tour and Santana's filming schedule – they've gone 2 months without this kind of contact. Sure: texting; skyping; calling and emailing is sufficient enough when you're apart for a few days, but 2 months? It's unbearable when you're in love.

"I missed you too baby…so much." She wrapped her arms round Brittany and held her tightly. "It was like, I'd fell for you so hard…and I know we've only been together 8 months. But honestly, that first month was just… wow. I knew from the moment I shunned Ryan Seacrest to make you blush, I was a goner. I'll forever love February…" Santana reminisced as Brittany chuckled lightly into her neck.

"Definitely my favourite interview…" Santana nodded and rubbed Brittany's back. They stayed in their embrace still, a comfortable silence falling among the lovers who were taking in every ounce of eachother that was well craved for two long months. "Hey, Santana?" Brittany nervously called her girlfriends name, almost to make sure she was still awake in the silence of the room, the light "hmm" reassured her…

"We'll work right? We'll stay together?" She wanted to talk about this last night, but the passion took over for the both of them. Santana slipped out of the tight embrace and cupped Brittany's cheeks, kissing her softly for about a minute; pulling back she sighed heavily and interlocked their fingers.

"Britt… I've been thinking, well thinking a lot recently. Seeing you last night… feeling like this. I just… I want to feel like this every day. I want to be with you every day, because without you… ahh." Santana sighed again and dropped her head creasing her brow before looking back into the ocean eyes. "Without you I just want to cry. My whole body and soul is screaming for you and you're not here…and baby, it's not your fault I would never want you to think that. It's just, I need more time with you. So we can figure a schedule out." Brittany agreed and kissed Santana hard. Even though she felt bad for the Latina, she was happy their inner feelings were mutual. "So, like I said… this thinking of mine… I'm gunna quit the film. And don't interrupt me babe just let me explain. Not necessarily 'quit' just you know, delay filming for a while. Until your tours over, that way I can spend time with you in Europe and we can figure something out with our managements. Before you ask, I have never been so sure of anything in my entire life." Santana smiled brightly as the tears in her eyes built up gazing over at the blonde who was shocked in place for a few minutes. "Britt? I kinda need a response sometime s-" She was silenced with another crash of the lips. Falling on top of the blonde at the bottom of the bed she pulled up and saw a smile spread across her girlfriend's lips, reassuring her of the heavy decision she'd made.

"Santana… I… I can't believe you're gunna go through with this… what you said before y-" The exasperated Blonde was interrupted to her amusement by her girlfriend's soft caramel finger on her lips.

"What I said was before Britt. I was scared. Scared of this, this extreme love I have for you. I needed this time apart; it's told me what's important. Yeah, I love acting and I love singing but I love you…you know what I mean? I can live without those for a few months. I'm 25 years old; I've been in this business non-stop since I was 13. Hell, I deserve a bit of a break!" Santana smiled triumphantly as Brittany looked at her, proud eyes glossing at her girlfriend.

"I'm so happy Santana!" she squealed and hugged the brunette tightly again, bringing her down to rest her head in the crook of her neck. They both sighed in satisfaction. "Wait, Mr Hudson won't be happy about this San. I don't want you getting into trouble I know what he's like…" she said anxiously. Everyone feared the fiercest agent in Hollywood.

"I'll handle Finn, babe. He won't come in between us I promise. Me and Quinn have spoken about it for weeks now, we're ready." She snuggled into Brittany more to comfort the blonde, although deep down she was scared as hell. Finn Hudson had been in charge of Santana's career since she was 17. He knows every skeleton in her closet.

Silence fell upon the duo again as they cuddled as close as possible, wanting and needing to be as close together as possible.

"San, what's the film called again? I swear you said it was something to do with food?" the Latina laughed at Brittany's lovable ditzyness.

"The Hunger Games, babe. And it's more hunger for survival than food" she chuckled again and Brittany let out a small 'Ahh' in memory. "Were you not paying attention to me on Skype?" the Latina asked, faking offense.

"...You were naked."

"Ah. Totally remember that night. The village in Florence know your name by the way. Italian hospitality when I heard banging on my hotel door 20 minutes after... 'Ay! Brittany smettere di urlare la tua donna!'" the Latina laughed harder as did Brittany in memory of their Skype sex.

Content with their earlier conversation the two women proceeded to drift off into a blissful sleep, before a brief few words that left both with a smile on their face...

"Thank you, Santana." The blonde craned her neck to kiss the Latina affectionately on the forehead, closing her eyes and leaning on her.

"For what babe?" the brunette smiled, eyes also closed as they shared their bliss together.

"Rooting for me."

Thankyou SO much for the reviews it means a lot!

Songs for the chapter:

Rihanna – Where Have You Been /watch?v=H-0OuRVCAK8

Brittany and Santana's 'Bliss': John Mayer – Your Body Is A Wonderland /watch?v=N5EnGwXV_Pg

Next Chapter will be up in the next 2 days, a few hints:

Finn vs Santana

Paparazzi in London

Quinntana friendship

Brittany Performance

I'm switching up the different points of views throughout this story, I'll keep it consistent in the chapters, but during flashbacks it will be in 3rd person always. The reason why I want to switch the POV'S in present day is because this is at simple form a love story. And there's always more than one way love is viewed ;D Thanks again people!

Translations:

Brittany smettere di urlare la tua donna! (Brittany stop your woman screaming!) hehehe