Let's wrap this up! Your opinions on the trilogy are all being taken into consideration ;) Thanks for the reviews, I appreciate it!

- Brittany's POV –

I have had a long day. A rough month. A dreadful three months, all in all. My patience is about to reach its peak and the fury inside me is about to shine as bright as a diamond.

I've always thought that being kept isolated in any government facilitated interview room with no mirrors or windows was the stuff of nightmares. But as I reach my fourth hour of sitting in this steel chair with a lawyer coming in every now and then to try and torment me, I'm actually thankful for the solitude it grants me as I try to process everything that's happened in the past 24 hours.

The past three months has been absolutely tough for everyone. Back then, I had this perfect image of what the start of my marriage would be with Santana. Stress-free and filled with moments of pure, romantic bliss. Funny enough, that's exactly what it was up until Laura decided to ruin it all for us.

I never gave this Castle problem much thought before. I thought it was one of those things that would go away when you decide to ignore it. Huh. Boy, was I wrong. The thing is, I may not admit it but I've never been more terrified for Santana like this. I don't care what Laura's going to throw my way. I don't care if she puts me on the stand and humiliate the hell out of me. I don't care for what's about to come for me at all. What I care about is Santana. Sure. It will be distressing but somehow I know I can take it if it means that Santana can get out of this mess.

I know that my deposition wasn't really for me. It was a tactic employed to scare Santana of the things Laura can and will do to me, by using me against my wife. And that deal of me becoming her counsel? It's one way of protecting herself against us if worse comes to worst. Maybe it's her way of protecting me from any harm she'll undoubtedly inflict on everyone. Or that's how I see things with the way she's been treating me differently than the others.

Personally, I don't know what to feel about the prospect of becoming Laura's personal lawyer. It's basically a death sentence for Santana and Quinn. To put it simply, one of the reasons Laura wants me to be her counsel is so that we'll be bound by attorney-client privilege. That even if somehow and someway, all this mess comes back to bite us in the ass again, I'll be the human legal shield against Santana and Quinn what with the conflict of interest preventing them from going after Laura among other things. That, and for Laura's own personal amusement of keeping me close and creating unbridled friction in my marriage. I understand why they wouldn't want that to happen for obvious reasons. I don't really care if I become her lawyer as long as Santana and Quinn get off the hook once and for all. I'm only worried what kind of hell this would bring on everyone's lives.

I'm suddenly taken out of my thoughts when the door opens to unveil the lawyer who's been trying to get me to speak for the past couple of hours.

"And I want some sparkling water-" Quinn's voice fades in the background as the door closes.

I take a deep breath and direct my stare on him as he takes the seat in front of me.

"So, Brittany, are you ready to speak yet?" He utters, the smugness apparent on his face.

"Yes. My patience is running dangerously low. I am on the cusp of being unbelievably furious that I might just scare you to death. I'm sleepy, starving, and there's nothing to talk about because like I told you for the nth time, I don't know anything." I respond nonchalantly.

He chuckles in a mocking manner. "You're a tough egg to crack, aren't you? Your friend at the other room isn't though. She's starting to speak out and I heard my colleague's working on a deal for her. I can offer you the same thing, if you want. Or maybe whoever confesses first gets the deal."

I shake my head in disbelief, giving him an amused look. "You honestly think I'd believe that? If making us speak against each other is your sole purpose of putting us in different rooms then you should have thought of another strategy because it will never, ever work."

"What makes you believe I'm even lying?"

"Because I know Quinn and there's nothing to speak about." I argue. "The only thing she's probably confessing right now is how she's been constantly stealing my pack of Gummi Bears from my candy drawer at work then blaming it all on my wife."

His forehead creases, visibly displeased that I didn't fall for his lame trick. "Yeah. Well, let's see if I'm still lying after you end up in jail and she goes home scot-free." He seethes and motions to stand up again.

"I'm just curious, you know." I tread lightly as he opens the door halfway only to stop and look back at me. "This case you're trying to pin on us doesn't really scream like a lawsuit the U.S. Attorney himself is interested in. I know that because our family is good friends with his. So, it leaves me to assume that he doesn't know about us being in here because we've been detained for four hours with no lawyer in sight yet even though that's the first thing we asked for ever since we arrived here. That, or you're deliberately keeping us in here for someone. Which is it?"

It takes him a few seconds to speak and a surprised expression which clearly shows that one of my assumptions are correct. "It's a matter my colleague and I am interested in after a friend who used to work here tipped us of your case."

"Who? Laura Castle?"

"No. Hunter Clarington." He responds calmly.

Before I get to do a follow up question, a familiar, angry voice of a woman echoes outside. Smug Lawyer peeks for a quick second only to be surprised when the woman comes face to face with him, resulting in draining all the color from his face with the fear coursing through his body.

"You! How dare you keep them here for four hours without calling me the moment they arrived?! I could get you and your colleague disbarred for this!" Maribel exclaims angrily. By now, the door is fully open with only Smug Lawyer blocking a part of my view of the outside. Maribel glances at me from the side with the U.S. Attorney himself who's also fuming, is standing beside her while Quinn is coming out of the room in front of mine.

"M-Ma'am-"

"I don't want to hear it! You can explain all you want after you get your malicious prosecution lawsuit tomorrow!" Maribel cries out without looking at him, putting a hand in front of his face in a 'talk-to-the-hand' gesture then motioning for me to leave with the other.

I sigh and proceed to finally exit the room. As Maribel and the U.S. Attorney scold Smug Lawyer, I approach Quinn by the side.

"So, they told me you were testifying against me. My God, they act like we'd fall for that. That's what I do all the time! What a bunch of fools. And here I thought that getting arrested would be left best behind closed doors." She starts, smiling from ear to ear.

"Yeah. I don't want to be in their shoes right now." I say, pointing to the two smug lawyers walking our way in shame. "Apparently, Hunter Clarington used to work here and it was he who tipped them off about our lawsuit."

"Your wife's going to be on the news for this because of you! All the attention will be on her!" Smug Lawyer #2 subtly jeers Quinn as he passes.

"You really don't know my wife, do you?" Quinn replies with a laugh. Momentarily, Maribel finishes up with the U.S. Attorney and we're finally given our belongings. I immediately take out my phone and dial Santana's number.

"Unbelievable! They even attempted to give me the run around!" Maribel huffs. "If it weren't for the traffic and the unnecessary shenanigans, I would've been here sooner. Are you both alright?"

"Yes. We're starving more than anything. Where's Santana?" Quinn answers. I click my tongue after getting a voicemail for the second time from Santana's phone.

"I'm assuming she's with Bonnie." Maribel replies, looking at me. I glance at her then dial Grams' phone this time. She picks up on the second ring.

"Granddaughter." Grams greets me nonchalantly.

"Hi, Grams. Is Santana there with you? I can't reach her."

"She was. But she left almost an hour ago for the U.S. Attorney's office to, and I quote, 'get this over with'. Isn't that where you and Quinn are right now? Are you two alright?"

"What-" My eyebrows scrunch up together, piquing Maribel and Quinn's curiosity. "San isn't here, Grams." I say, disregarding her questions.

"How weird. I'm absolutely sure that's what she said. Otherwise, I wouldn't have let her leave my side. Perhaps she went back to your office to finish some business?"

The realization slaps me in the face as soon as the words 'get this over with' sinks in. "Oh no." I say, breathless. "Look, Grams, I'll have to call you back. Thanks." I add then abruptly end the call.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Quinn inquires worriedly.

I sigh deeply. "It's Santana. She's going to settle with Laura."

- Santana's POV –

"A settlement? I thought you said you'd never settle, Lopez." Castle utters, smirking widely as she relaxes against her seat. "This is about Brittany, isn't it? Man, what a kryptonite to render you so helpless like this."

I grit my teeth and take a deep breath. "Look, do you want to hear it or not?"

"You're no fun. By all means, let's hear how you'll atone for your sins." Castle shrugs then motions in front of her. "In the spirit of having manners, please have a seat. Coffee or tea?"

I ignore her. "I won't be staying long. I'm just here to get this over with."

"No one knows that you're here, correct? If we're going to settle then you'd need Fabray here to-"

"I'm second chair in my own case. I don't need them."

Castle nods. "Well then. Shoot."

"I'll settle with you on two conditions: One, you will drop all lawsuits against everyone you sued because of me and never go after them after this. And two, never show your face to us ever again."

"In exchange for?"

I swallow the huge lump in my throat and stare directly into her eyes. "For me resigning from Lopez Hayward and never coming back to work there again."

Castle raises an eyebrow, looking baffled. "That's it? That's your counter offer? What you want barely grazes the deal I want. Why would I want you to quit your firm when I can get you disbarred?"

"I'm never agreeing to getting disbarred, Castle. That's the best I can do for you, take it or leave it." I say, fists balling up.

Castle contemplates it for a moment then looks curiously back at me. "Now that I think about it, maybe you're on to something. Getting you disbarred is no fun and not that thrilling. What would I ever do without you? There's no one to terrorize anymore if I'll have your license revoked. But on the other hand, I'm sure that going after your loved ones would be just as fun-"

"It's my head you want on a sliver platter. Leave them out of this!"

"As much as I'd hate to admit it, there's no one else who can hold a candle to me but you. You're the Batman to my Joker, the Daenerys to my Cersei, the Voldemort to my Harry Potter. Life would be meaningless without you, Lopez." She smirks, tilting her head to the side. "Let's add something to your counter-offer, shall we? I'll take your deal if and only if, Brittany becomes my personal counsel."

"No! I told you there's no way that would happen!"

"Then no deal." Castle answers almost immediately. "How about we call Brittany and ask her about it? I'm sure she'll take it."

I shake my head incredulously. "Anything but that. I'll even go for the disbarment over you getting her as your personal counsel. I don't care how much I'll pay."

"Please. From one trust fund brat to another, I don't need your money." Castle laughs out loud. "What is it with Brittany, huh? It's amazing how I can get you begging on your knees all because of her. But sure, if that's how you want to play it." She trails off. "Final offer of the night: One, you will quit Lopez Hayward and you're never to return again. Two, in return of dropping all lawsuits and leaving all of you alone forever, you'll return the favor and leave me to my peace. I'll even throw in a full non-disclosure of everything that's happened. And lastly, Brittany becomes my personal counsel-"

"No!-"

"Let me finish!" She cuts me off, holding up a finger. I bite my lip and motion for her to continue. "And lastly, Brittany becomes my personal counsel." She repeats with an emphasis on the last part. "And because I'm an angel sent from Heaven, there's more!" Castle exclaims as she stands up from her seat, walking towards my side and eventually settling herself in front of me by sitting on the edge of her table.

"As an alternative, that last condition can only be replaced with Fabray getting disbarred." She almost whispers. "Choose between the best friend or the wife, Lopez. Though I've heard time and again that you should always choose the wife. At least you and Brittany will go scot-free. I'm sure Quinn would understand, right?" She taunts, chuckling.

"I don't fucking trust you, bitch. How can you even assure that this doesn't have any legal implications if I were to agree to any of your bullshilt?!"

"It's airtight. I've already drawn up a sample contract which you'll come to know is legit and not at all fake like your 'business trip' to London. Here, you can see it for yourself. I swear on my license to practice law." Castle utters nonchalantly, fetching a nearby piece of paper from the pile and handing it to me.

"Anyway, that's it. That's the best you're ever going to get and an offer that's going to expire the second you walk out of my office. You have two minutes or that warrant of arrest for Fabray and Pierce will come into fruition first thing in the goddamn morning. And mind you, that's just the starting point of tomorrow's events."

I take three slow, deep breaths as I finish going through the legitimate document. I know myself enough that if I don't get this done now, I'll never have the courage to do it again.

"So, what's it going to be?" Castle voices out, holding out her hand for me. "Deal or no deal?"

- Brittany's POV –

"Dammit! Still nothing!" I exclaim angrily as I pace back and forth in our usual conference room where Quinn and I have been waiting for any news on Santana.

"She's on her way here, Britt. We missed her leaving Smith and Mayer by a couple of minutes. For all we know, she's already in the elevator. Maribel's doing everything she can as well. Let's take a deep breath, alright?" Quinn voices out carefully.

"She went there without us, Q! What am I supposed to think?! We both know why she's in there!" I shout loud enough to scare her. I sigh deeply and try to contact my wife again when I look up just in time to see her approaching us in the deserted floor this late at night.

Santana enters wordlessly, not making eye contact. Before she tries to speak, I throw my phone on the table and stare hard at her.

"Why weren't you answering your phone?!" I voice out angrily.

"Are you okay? Why did it take so long to get you out?" She responds, completely ignoring my question. I take a deep breath to calm myself down into not going off on my wife with all the harsh words brewing at the back of my mind.

"We're okay, S." Quinn speaks for me. The panic in the blonde's eyes apparent as she throws me a look. She's never really seen me this pissed at Santana before. "We know you went to see Laura. What happened?"

Santana looks down in a gesture that I know too well as being guilty of doing something she knows she shouldn't have done in the first place. "N-Nothing. It doesn't matter."

"What did you do, Santana?" I mutter in a stern tone. It takes her a few seconds, almost contemplating on whether or not she should tell us the truth.

"I-I negotiated a settlement with Castle." The moment we hear the words come out of her mouth, Quinn and I fall into our respective displeased expressions. "Look, B-Britt, I'm sorry-"

"What were you thinking?!" I exclaim in anger. "Why would you go there without Quinn?! We agreed we'd never settle!"

"Britt, you gotta calm down-" Quinn treads lightly.

"Because it had to be done, Britt!" Santana shouts back. "You and Quinn will be arrested tomorrow morning, for fuck's sake! The things she's set out to do to all of you-" She cuts herself off and sighs deeply. "I can't let anyone suffer and take the fall for something I've done."

"We're in this together! I don't understand why you had to do that behind our backs-"

"Britt, please…" Santana pleads, walking towards me. "I-I'm sorry."

I close my eyes for a moment and rub my temples, composing myself in the subtlest way possible.

"W-What were the terms, S?" Quinn speaks.

"It doesn't matter, Q-"

"What. Were. The. Terms?" Quinn repeats coldly, trying hard not to show her anger.

"I-I offered a counter-settlement with a few conditions." Santana swallows dryly before speaking again. "There's no more disbarment case against any of us. Castle will drop all lawsuits tomorrow morning and will never go after anyone connected to me again. No more lawsuits at all. A mutual condition that should be applied to us as well. There's also a full non-disclosure assuring that nothing will come out from both sides."

Quinn and I share a quizzical look. That can't be easy to ask from someone whose goal in life is to destroy our lives. "And what's the catch?" I say softly.

Santana sighs deeply, almost regretful of what she's about to say. "I'd have to permanently quit Lopez Hayward, effective immediately."

"What?!" Quinn groans. I blink a few times as I try to process what Santana had just said.

"That's all there is, San? Is that everything we need to know?" I voice out warily.

She sports the guilty look once again. "S-She also had me choose between Quinn getting disbarred or you becoming her personal counsel. Only one or the other."

Quinn shakes her head in disbelief, putting the pieces together in her own way. "And you chose for Brittany to become her counsel, didn't you?"

Santana nods slowly. "Yes. And- I-I took the deal."

Like a bubble waiting to burst, I finally lose all my cool as I find myself unable to control my anger anymore. "How can you do accept that deal?! We're all in this together, San! You can't decide for everyone else! There's got to be another way!"

"That is the way, Britt! It was the only way left to do with everything she has planned out against you! She was going to have everyone disbarred anyway. It was the only choice!"

"I don't care if I become her counsel but you shouldn't have taken the deal! I told you, I can take it!-"

"No. I can't take it!" Santana shouts furiously, pointing to herself. "I won't be able to forgive myself if something happens to you! I can't bear myself to see you get hurt because of what I've done!"

"I'm your wife, Santana. We should be making decisions together. It wasn't on you to decide what's best for me!"

"That's the thing, can't you see? We're married, Britt. It would kill me to see you go through hell in Castle's hands over and over again because of my mistakes. It's better that you're protected by being her counsel rather than having no assurance that we can defend you at all times for being the target of every damn thing just to get me to surrender. It's over. Let it go, Britt. Please." Santana begs much to my despair. I try to keep the tears from flowing but after everything we've gone through so far, I'm unable to hold it in anymore. Santana tries to console me but I brush her off instead.

I grab my things as I wipe off a few stray tears, ignoring her pleas for me stay. "I-I can't do this right now, San. I'll be at Grams' tonight. I-I'm sorry."

- Santana's POV –

She's finally done it. Laura Fucking Castle won this time.

I admit that I had this coming. I've always known that somehow Harris Electronics would find its way to get back at me for what I was ultimately responsible for: their downfall. And karmically, mine is happening right now.

I know that I did the right thing by settling with Castle. What I saw in her office, all those documents lying around just waiting for her go signal, gives me chills. That woman has changed from the bitter person I knew in law school to this mad, relentless bitch who won't stop at anything just to win and get her way no matter how twisted it may be. And yes, Castle was telling the truth when she said that getting Brittany and Quinn arrested tomorrow morning will only be the start of their days. It's a scandal waiting to cause havoc and ruin everyone's lives which is why I had to put a stop to it before it's gotten any worse.

"Mija…" Mother treads lightly from the doorway of my office with Quinn standing beside her. My soon-to-be ex-office, that is.

"I-I'm okay." I sigh, massaging my temples.

"Do you want to talk about what happened?"

"No." I say almost instantly, leaning back on my chair as comfortably as I can.

"I know that this is hard for you. We understand where you're coming from and why Brittany's mad. You can let go. It's us, S." Quinn mutters as they walk towards me.

I gaze at them in the most defeated way a human being can. I breathe deeply and finally let the heavy feelings I've been burdening come out into the open, allowing the few tears to fall freely just as Mother comes over to my side to hold me tight.

"You did the right thing, Mija." Mother whispers as I hug her tighter.

I wouldn't give a damn if I'm the only one involved. No fucking way I'd let her win. I'd fight Castle with everything I can, if it takes everything I've got. But no matter how redundant it is, I'm not alone anymore. Sure, it makes me vulnerable than I have been before but I don't care. This is Brittany. I'd give anything to make sure that nothing would happen to her.

I know she can take all the punches coming her way. But I can't.

And now I can't do much because not only is she furious with me but this legal mess has inconceivably scarred our first three months as a married couple in more ways than one. You know that feeling when you feel like dying because all your problems are piling up on you but you know that everything's your fault anyway? Yeah, that's what I'm feeling. I'm the start and end of this goddamn trouble.

We stay silent like this for a moment. Just letting it consume us as it passes by until I finally find my voice again, turning to face Quinn.

"I-I'll be okay, Q. You should go home. Berry's probably freaking out right now wondering where you are." I give out a small smile as Mami and I let go of each other. "You too, Mother. I'm sure Gergerpal has already given Dad the scoop for today's events of you running around the city. You should rest." I add with a slight chuckle. "I'll go home in a while, in case Britt changes her mind about tonight. I just need to be alone for a few minutes."

Quinn worriedly glances at my mother who encourages her with a nod. She hesitantly gives in, exhaling deeply. "Alright then. Anything you'd want me to take care for you on my way home?"

I shake my head. "You've done more than enough for me. Thank you."

Quinn smiles, placing a kiss at the top of my head. "I love you, S."

"Back at you, Fabby."

"Quinn and I will take care of the rest of the paperwork on your deal with Castle tomorrow. Don't worry about it. You can take the day off with Brittany, if you wish." Mother offers. "Is there anything you need, Mija? Anything at all?"

A random thought crosses my mind. "I need to take a breather from everything right now. Just one day. Do you mind me going to Harvard tomorrow?"

She squints her eyes at me, getting my stride. "Are you sure? You haven't even seen the next-"

"I'll manage." I smile at her. "I'd rather be there or I won't be able to stop thinking about Brittany, leaving this place-" I cut myself off with a sigh. "Please let me. Just this once."

Mother contemplates it then nods in understanding. "Everything you need is on my table."

"Thank you." I say. Mother and Quinn share a look then slowly motion to leave without another word.

I look around my office, trying to remember the space I've come to know as my second home for the past three years I've worked here. Hell, I know for a fact that I've spent more time here than my apartment up until Brittany and I got back together again. I can still remember every piece of damage I caused here. The dents I've made on the table, a small crack on the glass wall separating Quinn and I, and the door handle Grams broke once for reasons I'm still unsure.

I stand up from my seat, grabbing the box sitting on the lounge seat. I breathe deeply once again and get a hold of the picture frame containing our first wedding photo after getting married. I smile automatically, just remembering that day and how much happiness Brittany has given me.

With a final sigh, I place it in the corner of the box as I start to pack the first of my things in my soon-to-be ex-office.

"And so, we're now down to the last case for the day, Louis Vuitton Malletier S.A. v. Haute Diggity Dog." I exclaim, writing the words on the board for everyone to see. "As we're all aware, the world-famous fashion house and handbag maker is globally recognized for its signature-branded luggage and for this exact same reason, they decided to sue the aforementioned defendant in this case, a Nevada-based pet product company. Can anyone fill in the rest for me?" I inquire as my gaze roams around the auditorium packed with students from Mother's Corporate Law class that I handled before. Immediately, a couple of hands go up. I point to a Harry Potter-look alike from the fifth row who stands up to answer.

"Louis Vuitton sued Haute Diggity Dog for trade dress, trademark, and copyright infringement over a line of parody products entitled 'Chewy Vuitton', a dog chew toy". The boy recites, earning a chuckle from the class.

"And do you think that's enough of a probable cause to sue Diggity Dog?"

The boy shakes his head. "I don't believe so, Miss Lopez. Because along with "Chewy Vuitton', the defendant also reportedly had lines of products that played on the names of other international fashion brands, including 'Chewnel No. 5' and 'Sniffany & Co.'."

"So, can you say that Louis Vuitton was hounding Diggity Dog by the collar?" I inadvertently say, warranting a few laughs in the room. I motion for the boy to sit down as I walk towards the podium. "The issue in this case is whether or not Haute Diggity Dog is liable for what it's being sued for, with the entertaining 'imitation' as basis for Louis Vuitton to file against the defendant. What did the Court say?" A few hands go up again. I randomly choose a brunette from the second to the last row.

"The U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, and in a surprising move no less, ruled that the Haute Diggity Dog products consisted of a successful parody. In which the defendant significantly had not infringed or dilute on any Louis Vuitton copyrights or trademarks."

"And can you expound why it's a surprising move by the Court?"

She nods. "Because many trademark owners had filed an amicus brief in support of Louis Vuitton at that time but to no avail. The Appeals affirmed that it is merely a representation of a successful parody of Louis Vuitton products, and after much consideration, concluded that traditional likelihood agreed that consumer confusion was not likely. Also as regards the dilution side, Louis Vuitton had not established that the distinctiveness of its marks was likely to be impaired by Haute Diggity's use of 'Chewy Vuitton', given that the fashion house does not manufacture toys, more over and in this case, dog chew toys."

I nod approvingly, motioning for her to sit down. "As it was stated in the case, under Fourth Circuit U.S. law, a 'parody' is defined 'as an entertainment conveyed by juxtaposing an irreverent representation of a trademark with the idealized image created by the mark's owner'. In short and in order for something to succeed as a form of parody, it must convey two simultaneous and yet contradictory messages: namely that is the original, but also that is not the original and is instead a parody. The second condition is important because it must not only differentiate the parody from the original, but it must also 'communicate some articulable element of satire, ridicule, joking, or amusement.' as stated verbatim in the case." I explain as I watch the class jot down my words.

"If we were to apply the facts of the case, Louis Vuitton bore the increased burden of demonstrating that the distinctiveness of it marks be diminished by the parody. And as you can see, the court pointed out that the very mimicking nature of the 'Chewy Vuitton' mark simultaneously 'communicates that it is not the famous mark.' That even if there was a similarity between the two marks, it was coupled enough with obvious differences that confusion was unlikely. As an example, the goods were not similar, their business and advertising channels are of two different parties, it did not intend to confuse the public, and in fact no actual confusion had taken place unless you'd mistake a thousands of dollar worth of handbag with a twenty-dollar dog chew toy. Hence, the decision of the Court." I finish, subtly sighing. I wait for a few seconds prior to addressing them again.

"So, are there any questions or anything you would like me to clarify before we end the discussion?"

A few of them look around the room to see if anyone would dare take up my offer. From the second row, I can see a blonde, frat-looking boy shyly raising his hand up.

My eyebrows quirk up a little as I gesture for him to speak up while the whole class stares at him in a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

"I-I'm sorry for asking, Miss Lopez. But I sort of don't understand why the Court in the Louis Vuitton case would side with Diggity Dog. Isn't the name 'Chewy Vuitton' derived from 'Louis Vuitton' itself? I-I'm just a little confused why the court granted a review but failed to see how closely it resembled one another by the trademark name even though confusion is not likely to be the case." He mutters in an almost terrified voice. The others in the class squint their eyes at him, possibly trying to get his point while the others seem to be indifferent, probably assuming he just didn't study the case at all.

I stare at him for a few seconds, wondering if he's just pulling a prank on me or if he's genuinely confused with the case. I'm almost tempted to say a witty retort but the uncertainty and fear in his eyes, for even having the nerve to ask me which is a brave feat in itself, as he looks back at me say something totally different.

"Don't apologize. What's your name, Mister?" I trail off for him to answer. He looks surprised but nonetheless answers.

"G-Grant, ma'am."

I look down for a moment then part with my podium to make my way a few feet in front of him, the students in the front row visibly tense up the second I come close to them. He swallows dryly and seems to apologize yet again when I speak.

"Mr. Grant, do you know Weird Al Yankovic?" I say with a subtle smile.

"I-I've heard of him, ma'am."

"Me too. I've only heard of him. But from what I gather, he's famous for making a parody of famous songs and re-writing them into make it his own. Am I right about that?" I ask no one in particular, which a few students affirm by nodding at me.

"And as an example, I heard from a friend that Weird Al Yankovic wrote 'Eat It' which is a parody of the classic 'Beat It' song by Michael Jackson." I voice out. "Now, Mr. Grant, do you think that they are the same song knowing that information? Would you assume the same if you were to hear those two songs?"

"N-No, Miss Lopez."

"Why is that?"

He thinks about it for a quick second. "Because they're sung by different artists and I guess, they have different lyrics."

"Exactly." I nod at him. "And do you think you'd ever be confused with those two songs even though you know that they are sung by two vastly different artists?"

"No, ma'am."

"Why, Mr. Grant?"

"Because I know that 'Beat It' is a famous song sung by Michael Jackson himself while the other is merely poking fun of the aforementioned song by MJ. A parody, if you must."

"Good." I smile. "And since you know the song 'Eat It' is a parody in itself, an extremely inferior and extensively different song than that of Michael Jackson's 'Beat It', and even if there was a brief similarity as regards the melody and name of the song, would it still confuse you to know which is the original and the parody? Would you consider that both songs came from the same artists or that Weird Al Yankovic and Michael Jackson are the same person?"

"No, Miss Lopez." He utters, nodding as a sign of understanding my point.

"So, if we're going to compare it to the Diggity Dog case in the simplest of ways, what can we conclude, Mr. Grant?"

"That Haute Diggity Dog's chew toy can't be confused with nor compared to Louis Vuitton's thousand-dollar bags. That the said toys' names are merely a parody and allusion of how famous the fashion house's brand is along with the other names in Diggity Dog's pet toys and accessories." He answers with a grin. "You can say that the 'Incredible Journey' of Diggity must have been pretty 'ruff', Miss Lopez." He remarks, earning a few laughs in the room once again.

"Alright. That's enough puns for today. Don't tell Mrs. Lopez about those jokes or she'll never let me substitute for her class again." I say with a big smile that they all mirror.

"We love you, Miss Lopez!" A student's voice shouts from somewhere around the room, taking us all by surprise. Everyone laughs at the notion as I shake my head in amusement.

"Anyway, I take it that there are no more questions and you've all understood everything that I've discussed for today?" I add with no adverse reactions. "Great. You're all dismissed then." I exclaim much to their delight.

I proceed to pack my things as they all leave the room while addressing some of the students bidding me goodbye on their way out. It takes a few minutes for me to finish but when I'm finally prepared to leave, I look up to see that the only person left in the room is none other than Brittany, sitting by the front row sporting her signature 'sorry-and-I-missed-you' sympathetic smile.

"Hey." I mutter, a little surprised of her presence in Harvard no less.

"Hey, San." She says softly.

"Did you get in just now?"

"Not really. I was here since the class started. I sat in the slightly hidden corner up there where you'd usually sit if you don't want to be caught sleeping." She points to the spot. "Don't worry though, no one was sleeping at all. They were all ears while you were teaching. You were amazing."

I nod, smiling as she stands up to approach me. "I thought you'd be at Grams. What are you doing here?"

"I was but I left as soon as you left me the message that you'll be here today. I missed you, San." She utters with a sad tone. "Why are you in Harvard today anyway?" Brittany squints her eyes at me.

"W-Well, I was really stressed about the whole Castle thing and I know you needed a little space to think about things so I told Mother that I'll volunteer to teach on her behalf here today so she and Quinn could get that Castle deal done and over with. I needed some space and distance from everything that's happening in New York at the moment and thankfully, Mother let me come here even though it was a last minute thing."

"I see." Brittany nods then sighs deeply before looking back at me apologetically. "I'm sorry for walking out on you and Quinn last night. It was uncalled for."

"No, Britt. Don't apologize. I understand that you were upset by what I did. If there's anyone who should be apologizing, it should be me for everything that I did and going for that settlement without talking to anyone. I'm really sorry, Britt. I-I just thought that it was the best option and I didn't want you nor anyone to suffer anymore."

"I know that you did it for me, San. I understand why. I-I guess I'm just a little hurt that you went behind my back and didn't discuss it with us before you went to Laura." She says softly.

"I know, babe. I was wrong on not talking to you about it or Quinn. I'm really, really sorry." I sigh deeply.

Brittany smiles, grabbing my hand and squeezing it. "Hey, don't worry about it anymore, okay? Like you said, it's done and over with. If you thought it was the best thing to do, then I'm sure that it is. I may not be a fan at first but after thinking about it last night, I now understand where you're coming from."

"Y-You do?"

"Yes." She utters. "She was going to let you choose between your wife and best friend, San. It was an impossible situation but you made the right decision. Yes, we could have fought for it until the end but what's to stop her from going after you and everyone else for a different case again and again until the end of time? She was going to get you and everyone else disbarred and won't stop until she succeeds, for crying out loud. San, you did the right thing."

I smile, breathing deeply. "You think so, Britt?"

Brittany nods, placing a light kiss on my temple. "Sure, I'm not a fan of sacrificing yourself for everyone's sake but if you think it's what should be done then I will always be by your side."

"It was me or everyone else, Britt. I can't let that happen if it meant you being in danger."

"I know and thank you, San. I hope you know that we'd do the same for you in a heart beat."

"I know that very well. All of you have been nothing but brave in stepping in for me, even if it meant taking a bullet for what I've done."

"We'd risk everything for you, babe. I just want you to promise me something, okay?" She locks eyes with me. "Never, ever do that again. Never sacrifice yourself like that ever again or go behind our backs without letting us know of your plan. I can take whatever will be handed my way and trust me when I say so but please, never keep us in the dark again. We're a team, San." She raises my right hand and point to my wedding ring. "This is proof that you and I will always be by each other's side and you, Santana Lopez-Pierce, are mine and we'll work through everything together. I married your troubles. I married the love of my life. I married you, baby."

I smile genuinely and worry-free for the first time in a long while. "Thank you for understanding. I love you, Britt."

"I love you too, San." She grins, kissing my hand. "It's been a long three months for us. What do you say about not worrying about anything right now and going home with me to enjoy married life as it should be?"

I chuckle, letting her grab my things from the table. "No objections, Your Honor."

"You are an extremely hot teacher, do you know that? I doubt I'd be able to concentrate on my cases if I had you as my professor then. Lord knows I've sinned while I was watching you teach a while ago. Hot damn." She adds with a chuckle as she leads me out of the room.

- Brittany's POV -

"You are the dancing queen, young and sweet only seventeen." I sing along to the song blaring through the speakers in the elevator as I wait for it to reach the designated floor.

I had this little thought during that time I was held alone at the U.S. Attorney's office. It's quite out there but if I pull it off in the way it's intended to, I might just turn the tides indefinitely.

I've gone through the different consequences of this decision in my head. I discussed it thoroughly with Santana on our way back to New York awhile ago. I talked about certain repercussions with Maribel and Quinn after the settlement with Laura had been final. The outcomes may vary. It's sad but nevertheless something that needs to be done to balance everything that occurred and ease out the negative effects of what is surely to happen if I don't do it all. It's a rather left-field choice but something that we unanimously think is a smart decision.

I alight from the elevator and find the office I've come for this late at night with almost no people left except for the one person who's caused chaos in my life these past few months. I even prepared for this by imitating a mindset like Santana's and channeling my inner Quinn. Shortly, I reach her office and see her going through a document with her back towards me. I knock on her glass door, alerting her of my presence. She turns around with surprise written on her face along with an evil smirk.

"Brittany. This is a surprise! It seems like I'm a big hit with all the visits so far." Laura remarks. "I take it you've heard about the settlement your wife signed? Our new arrangements, I mean."

I sigh and smile softly. "Yes."

"Great. It looks like you and I will be working very closely then. Can't wait." Laura nods approvingly. "You know I love seeing you but I must ask, what brings you here?"

"It's about being your counsel."

"Alright." She squints her eyes at me. "I don't think I'll need you anytime soon other than the fact that I'd want to constantly see you around just for the sake of toying with Lopez's mind though."

"Oh, that. I was actually thinking along the lines of having nothing to do with Santana but more with you." I say with a smirk.

Laura grins devilishly, almost a little too excited for her own sake. "I like the sound of that. Enlighten my mind, please."

"Then you're going to love this." I say, taking out a document from my purse and placing it on her table.

"What is this?" She replies cautiously, throwing me a curious look as she grabs the document.

"That's my letter of resignation as your counsel. Effective immediately."

Her eyebrows scrunch in confusion, reading the document in a haste then looking at me as if I punched her in the face for no reason at all. "You can't quit, Brittany. It was stipulated in the settlement that you're going to be my counsel-"

"But there was no condition that prevents me from taking another job that directly contradicts my employment as your counsel. Therefore, that specific condition is not actionable at all."

Laura breathes deeply and rather, impatiently. "What the hell are you talking about?!"

"You are now looking at the new Assistant District Attorney for the state of New York. I start in about three weeks." I smile contentedly. "I can't work for you or anyone else on a personal level because I now work for the city of New York and the government itself. Ironically, I'll be in charge of handling Fraud, something you seem to be obsessed about, and White Collar crimes and cases."

"S-So, you quit Lopez Hayward and accepted the ADA offer just so you can't be my counsel?"

"In a way, yes. You should be proud of yourself. I took your advice about taking the ADA job after all. Thank you for that, by the way."

Laura chuckles bitterly. "Smart. Really smart, Brittany. And now I can't go after you too because of the deal. I guess Fabray being the only Senior Associate left to Mrs. Lopez is a win in itself anyway."

I fake a confused expression for show. "Senior Associate? Didn't you hear?" I pause much to her curiosity. "Sure, she's the sole associate left to Maribel but Quinn has now been promoted to a Junior Partner like it was intended for her and Santana."

Laura shakes her head in disbelief, anger brewing from her demeanor. "And this is all because Lopez is unemployed, you're not in Lopez Hayward anymore, and all of you are basically guilty of letting an act of misconduct slip through your hands?" She remarks sarcastically. "As long as you three aren't together is a victory for me any day, Brittany."

"We may not work together anymore but I can guarantee you that what you did not only brought the three of us closer that we've been before but it also made our bond stronger than ever. So, thank you for that." I pause. "Santana's resignation per Lopez Hayward's by-laws won't be effective until after a week so she can wrap things up in the firm. And I don't know about my wife being unemployed for too long, Laura. She's not disbarred, remember?" I say with a mocking smile. "It's been three long months of having you constantly ruining our days. It's time for it to stop. Please go on and live your life. Have a new purpose other than being hung up on people who want nothing to do with you. Move on, Laura."

"You're right. I have the best days ahead of me with a clear reputation in my arsenal."

"Don't act like an angel. Your reputation has been smeared from the time you decided to cheat your way through law school." I retort, removing the smirk off her face. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going home to spend some much needed quality time with my wife. Enjoy the rest of your night, Laura." I add, motioning to leave her office.

"And what are you going to do now with everything that's happened? You can try hard but everything I said in your deposition was true, Brittany! You know deep in your heart that you still have hesitations about Lopez. This encounter with me is the one thing you can't just erase nor disregard. I made a sizable impact in your life and you know it!"

I sigh as I think about her words. I turn around and stare deep into her eyes. "I'm going to enjoy married life with Santana, Laura. That's what I'm going to do. We have all the time in the world right now and we can do whatever we want. And unlike what you're thinking, all your doubts and fears for us are honestly unfounded. In fact, Santana and I never even talked about it because it's so needless to discuss something you know isn't true."

Laura shakes her head incredulously. "You say that now, Brittany."

"And I'll say it again and again if it's what it will take for you to understand that I'm the happiest I've ever been since Santana and I got married." I say with a sympathetic tone. "You'll understand someday when you've found 'the one', Laura."

"I have." Laura remarks with a sigh. "We both know that this won't be the last you and everyone else will see me, Brittany. Bet on it."

I sigh exasperatedly then direct all my attention on her for hopefully the last time. "I'm going to tell you something I've never told anyone in my entire life and one thing I should have told you the first time we talked to each other back in Harvard."

"Yeah. What's that?" Laura grins wickedly.

"Shut. The. Fuck. Up." I utter coldly, watching the colors drain from her face. "Bitch." I add in an almost whisper. I turn around and proceed to walk away from her with the biggest smirk I've ever worn, humming to 'Dancing Queen' as I do so.

Relax. There's a reason why I asked if you guys are still up for a trilogy ;) One last chapter left! :)

Winter break's coming soon and I'll be writing a little more than usual again. Also, I'm going to be honest by saying that I lost my 'Princess and Me' file, so is there anyone who managed to save the fic? If so, please PM me here. Or if you're a guest, you can reach me on my tumblr (kpgleek13). Thanks! :)