Thank you for all the reviews on the last chapter. I know that Sebastian's presence did kind of come out of left field and one reviewer did wonder where Brody went but this chapter will tie up those ends and should hopefully clarify everything for you. Also, one reviewer also requested that I add Quinn and Rachel to the story description which I have done. I know they're not everyone's favourite but they will never take over this story, they just have a prominent storyline at the moment which doesn't do any harm I don't think. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy.
Chapter 18
The door to the lounge opens and they turn to see a young man in a sharp suit stride in and close the door.
"Hello Quinn," he says smoothly. "I think we need to talk."
Quinn steps in front of Rachel protectively slowly recognizing the intruder.
"Oh fuuuuuuck!" Quinn groans in anger. Rachel puts her hand on Quinn's upper arm and looks up at her in concern.
"Quinn, who is he?" She asks worriedly.
Quinn watches him contemptuously as he casually moves over to a vacant arm chair and sits down comfortably.
"Well Quinn? Aren't you going to introduce us?" The stranger asks smugly as Quinn looks at him scathingly.
"He's Anderson Smythe," Quinn informs her.
"Isn't that Sebastian's surname?" Rachel asks confused. "Wait, you own the club?"
"Don't speak to him, Rachel," Quinn warns her. "I should have recognized Sebastian's stupid surname when Brittany said it earlier. I knew it rung a bell. Ugh, how could I be so careless?! I should have looked him up straight away."
"Quinn, I still don't think I quite understand what's going on," Rachel murmurs to her quietly.
"Oh you'll understand soon enough because I'm about to tell you all about this scumbag," Quinn says angrily, Anderson still looking perfectly smug in his chair, waiting fro Quinn to go on. "Anderson here owns quite a few clubs in the city but he became notorious for getting candids of celebrities. He less than legally had cameras all over his club. People caught on and his clubs have been avoided by any celebrity who wants privacy ever since."
"That's disgusting," Rachel says horrified. "How does he get away with it?"
"A few labels have tried to sew him but his lawyers always seem to manage to worm his way out of it. Isn't that right, Sebastian?" Quinn says with a sneer.
"It's just business, Quinn," he says dismissively. "Now, why don't you sit down so we can talk this out?"
"We'll stand, thank you very much," Quinn states.
"Suit yourself," he chuckles getting up from his chair and moving over to the bar to pour himself a scotch. "I honestly didn't know what I would get from this evening. At the very least I would come away with nothing and the very best I could have hoped for were some steamy pictures of Santana with her hot little number, what's her name, Brittany? But this, I've hit the jackpot."
"Quinn, what do we do?" Rachel asks, tugging on her arm nervously.
"Oh Quinn knows exactly how this works," Anderson says, eyeing her knowingly over the rim of his glass.
"Blackmail," Quinn states and Rachel gasps dramatically.
"So this is how things are going to go," Anderson begins smoothly. "I have photos of the star Rachel Berry, who is apparently straight, kissing the head of her label, Quinn Fabray, who is also supposed to be straight. For obvious reasons, they will sell for a very pretty penny to any tabloid magazine in the country. The real question is, what are they worth to you, Quinn?"
"I think we both know it's about what you want for them, Anderson," Quinn replies snappily before sighing heavily. "And I'm willing to negotiate."
"Quinn, no," Rachel states. "Just let him have them. We're together now anyway, it was going to come out at some point."
"Trust me, I know what I'm doing," Quinn whispers confidently into her ear. Quinn looks at Rachel pleadingly and it takes Rachel everything she has to close her mouth and not continue to protest. "What do you want for them?" She demands.
"I will trade the photos for an agreement with you for appearances from all artists signed to your label to appear exclusively at my clubs," Anderson begins.
"For how long?" Quinn asks. "And you're well aware I have contracts with other clubs for certain appearances on certain nights."
"You'll cancel them," Anderson says confidently. "And it will be for as long as the photos are still valuable, meaning that until you and Rachel announce your relationship you are tied to my venues."
"That sounds agreeable," Quinn concedes.
"That's not all," he continues. "I also want any events that your label is hosting to be held in my venues, including both Rachel and Santana's launch parties for their albums."
Quinn's eyes flash angrily and she breathes deeply. She had been hoping he wouldn't think to mention those. She had already started making arrangements for those parties and cancelling them now would be burning some serious bridges.
Quinn can sense Rachel trying to hold her tongue next to her so she links their hands and strokes the back of her hand gently.
"Agreed," Quinn states. "But on certain conditions. Now that you know we're together there is nothing stopping you from making your paparazzi hound us so that you can get different photos and then demand more from me. So, I want you to call them off until we are ready to go public."
Anderson nods his head and laughs. "I knew bargaining with you would be fun, Quinn. You definitely know how to play the game. Ok, I'll call off my paparazzi but I have no control over the rest of the paps in the city and I can't do anything if they are following you."
"Bullshit," Quinn says, calling him out. "I know you have enough leverage to get a lot of other businesses to call of their paparazzi. But I know they'll want something in return so you are going to offer them passes to any of the events of your choice that my artists will be attending. I think you'll find that that will satisfy most of them."
Anderson considers her demand for a few moments before finally nodding his head. "I'll have the contracts drawn up immediately."
"No, no contracts," Quinn says flatly. "I'm not signing anything that might restrict the flexibility of my relationship with Rachel. I promise to honour our arrangement and you're just going to have to trust me at my word."
"Fine," he agrees reluctantly. "But if you change your mind, you must do the courtesy of informing me first."
Quinn knows it's a deal-breaker and nods her head in agreement, holding her hand out for him to shake.
He takes her hand and they shake on it firmly.
"Again," Quinn repeats, "I'm not putting any of this in writing."
The door opens and Brittany and Santana stumble in together. They're laughing giddily about something. They scan the room looking for Rachel and Quinn, their laughter simmering out when they see Quinn shaking hands with a stranger.
Santana stands up straight, immediately sensing the tone in the room and puts her game face on as best she can considering her inebriated state.
"Who are you?" Santana demands to know, pointing at Anderson.
"Santana, Brittany, maybe the two of you should sit down," Quinn tells them.
Brittany knows that it is highly unlikely that Santana will listen to Quinn right now so she takes her by the hand and walks her over to sit down together on a love seat.
"This is Anderson Smythe, the owner of the club," Quinn explains. "His paparazzi got photos of Rachel and I kissing and now he is blackmailing us with them."
Santana leaps off the sofa about to fly into a rage and Brittany struggles to hold onto her hand.
"Santana, stop!" Quinn orders her immediately. "The cameras are behind the mirror of the bar and shots of you appearing violent with Anderson will only open us up to more blackmail."
"You catch on quickly, Quinn," Anderson says impressed.
Just as Santana begrudgingly sits back down, Sebastian walks in with a smile on his face. He walks over to Anderson who clasps him on the shoulder.
"I can't thank you enough for this, Sebastian," he says appreciatively.
Brittany feels Santana's hands curl into fists by her side. "Santana, honey, remember what Quinn said," Brittany whispers in her ear.
Sebastian somehow manages to hear what Brittany says and looks at Santana smugly. "That's right Santana, you don't want any photos of that violent temper of yours getting out. I can just see it now, Crazy Star Assaults Firefighter. I'm sure that would be a big hit, don't you?"
Brittany feels Santana's anger building up inside of her and knows there is very little she can do about it. She knows that she should be just as angry but more than anything she's just upset. Santana and Quinn had been right all along and she had refused to listen to them. Sebastian had just wanted to use her.
"Why?" Brittany asks sadly, barely able to make eye contact with him.
"I owed my brother a debt and you were the easiest way to get it paid," he explains as if it's the simplest thing in the world. "I'll see you at work," he says before departing.
Brittany gapes at the now empty doorway. She can't believe that that was all he had to offer by way of an explanation. Again she had wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe that he had some justifiable reason as to why he would do this. She feels so ashamed and tries not to start crying.
"Are we done here?" Quinn asks frustrated.
"Of course," Anderson says, gesturing at the door to let them know they're free to go. "My people will be in touch to co-ordinate events."
They leave as quickly as possible not wanting to hang around for one moment longer.
….
Back at the apartment Santana finally lets her anger out. She paces around the apartment, not able to settle on what she actually wants to do. Brittany stands quietly by the door as she watches go into the bedroom only to immediately stride back out and march to the kitchen. She starts opening presses and looking in the fridge all the while ranting incoherently in Spanish, presumably about Sebastian but Brittany can't really tell.
Brittany decides to leave Santana to it and wanders down to their room. She slowly zips herself out of her dress and just lets it drop to the floor. She lies down on top of the bed, not bothering to get under the covers and kicks off her heels. She can here Santana take a glass out of the press and clatter on the counter top. She guesses that she is now trying to reach a certain bottle in the wine rack.
It's quiet for a few moments apart from her own breathing and Santana's huffs in frustration as she tries to open the bottle. Brittany hears something loudly clatter to the ground, possibly the bottle opener. Brittany knows Santana isn't the best at opening bottles when she's sober and calm so she can imagine that she was having a tough time with it now that she was drunk and angry.
She hears Santana's heels clicking resonantly on the floor as she storms back down to the room. Santana comes in like a whirlwind, not even noticing Brittany on the bed in only her underwear. She places the wine on the dresser with a loud thud, along with the bottle opener. She clearly didn't manage to get it open herself and was going to have to resort to asking for help.
Santana is still mumbling angrily in Spanish as she takes off her jewellery and then walks into the bathroom to take off her make-up. Brittany just lies there trying to regulate her breathing. She scrunches her eyes shut and pulls one of the pillows in tight to her chest.
Santana stops dead in her tracks when she comes back out of the bathroom and sees Brittany curled up on the bed. She walks around the bed to crawl onto her side and face Brittany. Her eyes are still closed and Santana gently runs her hand through Brittany's hair to get her attention.
Brittany's breath hitches and a couple tears fall from beneath her closed eyelids. She immediately wipes her face on the pillow, not wanting Santana to see her cry.
"Brittany, look at me please," Santana begs. "Honey, there's no need to cry."
"I'm so sorry, Santana," Brittany mumbles. Santana furrows her brow in confusion.
"Wait, what? What are you apologising for? I thought you were sad for Quinn and Rachel?"
"I'm sorry for them because it's all my fault," Brittany admits.
"How is this your fault, Brittany?" Santana urges her to tell her.
"I should have listened to you and Quinn when you said that Sebastian was trouble," Brittany explains, refusing to look Santana in the eye.
"No, Brittany, you were right, we did jump to conclusions about him. No one could have known that he was going to do this," Santana says soothingly.
"What's wrong with me?" Brittany asks finally looking at Santana. "Why do I seem to invite all these awful people into my life that just want to hurt me? All my life I've believed that people are inherently good. But being kind to people only lead to me being bullied when I was in school and then Sugar cheated on me and now Sebastian did this. What did I even do to him to deserve this?! I hardly know the guy."
"Oh Brittany," Santana coos as she pulls her into a hug. "Some people can just sense the sweetest souls and while most people will love you and appreciate you for it, there will be some people who want to take advantage of you for it."
"Well I'm going to be more careful from now on," Brittany states. "I'm not taking people at their word anymore."
"Hey," Santana says, taking Brittany's chin in her hands and getting her to look her in the eye. "Don't you ever stop being the sweet, wonderful person that you are."
"But it only gets me hurt," Brittany cries sadly.
"Brittany, if you were any different we may never have gotten together. If you were cynical and uncaring you would never have let me move in here when I had nowhere else to go. We would never have gotten together, so please never say that you don't like the way you are," Santana begs.
Brittany goes quiet and considers Santana's words. "I guess you're right," she realises, cuddling closer to her.
"What am I going to do, San? I have to work with that guy," Brittany complains.
"Maybe you could put in a formal request to have him moved or something?" Santana suggests.
"Usually you can only make a request for a transfer if there are problems on duty. This would be seen as a personal matter," Brittany explains.
"Yeah but if personal matters are starting to have an influence on the job I'm sure that is reason enough to have it looked into," Santana continues, determined to help Brittany find a solution.
"When it is something that happens off the job it will be my word against his and if they decide that I have an unjustified problem with Sebastian then they could just as easily transfer me and I don't want to move house, I like where I am," Brittany elaborates.
Santana sighs, she doesn't know enough about the system to properly help Brittany and it frustrates her.
"Well can you just promise me that if he hassles you at work that you will say something about it? I don't want you to be worried or distracted when you're running into burning buildings, that's how accidents happen," Santana pleads.
"I promise," Brittany mumbles sleepily.
"C'mon, let's get under the covers," Santana says, nudging her to move before she falls asleep.
Once Brittany moves Santana pulls back the covers and waits for Brittany to get under them. She tucks her in and then swiftly changes into her pyjamas. By the time she lies back down in the bed beside her Brittany is fast asleep.
Santana places a lingering kiss to her forehead before getting comfortable and chasing sleep for herself.
….
Brittany wasn't on shift again for another two days. She had spent her free time in the studio with Santana, Rachel and Quinn. She was glad to see that the atmosphere wasn't as tense as she expected it to be.
Quinn had explained to her that while it wasn't ideal that Anderson had those photos hanging over them she had managed to get a deal that she was quite happy with. She and Rachel could practically be a normal couple and they seemed to be quite happy with how the situation played out.
They were arriving at the studio together, hand in hand, not having to worry about dozens of paparazzi following their every move.
Santana was hoping that if Brittany saw that Rachel and Quinn were happy that she would feel less guilty. For the most part it was working, Brittany couldn't help but gush with Santana about how cute Quinn and Rachel were together.
Quinn had made the necessary calls to other venues, informing them that she would be cancelling the future events they had organised. While she wasn't exactly happy about doing it she knew it was worth it and that it was a sacrifice she was willing to make for the sake of her and Rachel's relationship.
However, the morning before Brittany's shift Santana is still worried about her going back in to work with Sebastian. She watches from bed as Brittany gets ready. Brittany is quieter than usual and Santana isn't sure what to say to get her talking. She watches as Brittany sits at the end of the bed tying her shoelaces distractedly.
She crawls down the end of the bed and sweeps Brittany's hair over one shoulder so that she can place a kiss on the back of her neck. Brittany doesn't respond and just continues to tie her shoes.
Santana kneels behind her and gently massages her shoulders. She can feel how tense she is and it worries her even more.
"How about I make you some scrambled eggs for breakfast?" Santana husks in her ear while continuing to massage her.
"I'm running late, I'll just eat at the station," Brittany replies.
Santana takes no offence at her refusal, she can't cook for shit and knows that Brittany probably would have turned her down anyway no matter what mood she was in.
Brittany stands up and Santana's hands fall from her shoulders. Santana places them in her lap and fidgets with them nervously. Brittany runs grabs a brush from the dresser and runs it through her hair before tying it up in a high ponytail.
"Brittany, please talk to me?" Santana begs.
"What do want to talk about?" Brittany asks blankly.
"Please don't be like that, Brittany," Santana says, standing up off the end of the bed and going over to her. She puts her hands on Brittany's hips to try and get her to look at her.
"Be like what, Santana?" Brittany asks irritated.
"I don't want you going to work like this," Santana says, admitting her concern.
Brittany looks at her and her gaze softens when she sees how worried Santana is.
"Everything will be fine," Brittany assures her. "I'm just a little nervous is all. I just need to get in there and see that everything is fine and then I'll be able to relax. It's just weird not knowing what I'm going into."
"I understand," Santana says accepting Brittany's answer, feeling better now that she has at least some insight into what Brittany is feeling. "You're going to come by the studio after your shift, right?"
Brittany nods before placing a chaste kiss to Santana's cheek. She moves out of Santana's embrace and grabs her coat off the hook on the back of the door.
"I'll see you later," she quips before walking out of the room and exiting the apartment.
Santana crosses her arms uncomfortably and hopes that Brittany will be ok.
….
For most of the day at work Brittany manages to avoid Sebastian. They had only had two minor call outs, which meant that she could hang back and let the candidates do most of the work. In between calls she had insisted to Blaine that she had a lot of paperwork to catch up on so she mostly hung out in her office. She wanted to avoid the cafeteria as much as possible where it was most likely that he could approach her.
She wasn't sure if he would actively come looking for her to apologise or to be a jerk. She just wasn't sure. He had left the club without a word which suggested that he had no regrets about what he had done but Brittany wasn't sure if he was still out to get her or if it was an isolated event.
He had managed to make eye contact with her while they were in the back of the engine on the way to the calls. But because she wouldn't hold his gaze for more than a fraction of a second she couldn't tell what message, if any, he was trying to send her.
Brittany reads over the same report for the umpteenth time and her stomach growls. She is going to have to go to the cafeteria at some point. She checks the time and sees that it's 5:30. It's well after the lunch time rush so there is a good chance that she'll miss him. Maybe she could even grab some food and take back here, even though that wasn't strictly protocol.
Brittany surveys the cafeteria when she walks in and to her relief Sebastian isn't there. She goes over to the food bar and gets a salad and a sandwich.
"Brittany!" Blaine calls her from his table. "Come sit down."
Brittany hesitates and looks around the room again. She doesn't want to have to be like this at work so she gives in and heads over to sit down with him.
"Glad to see you finally left your cave!" Blaine jokes.
"Yeah sorry, I just have a lot on my plate. I have to work really hard if I want to make lieutenant," Brittany half lies. The truth is she does need to work really hard if she wants to make lieutenant but she is actually on top of all that work and didn't really need to be in the office all day.
"You have that in the bag and you know it," Blaine says confidently.
"Thanks, Blaine," Brittany says, appreciating how genuine he sounds when he says it.
"So, what are we talking about?" Sebastian asks with a smirk as he slides into the chair right next to Brittany.
Brittany freezes in her seat and looks at Blaine nervously.
"I was just saying that Brittany is definitely gonna make lieutenant," Blaine explains, not knowing what happened the other night.
"You know what?" Brittany says getting up from her seat. "I actually still have a lot of reports to go over, I should really eat this in my office."
Brittany takes a few steps away from the table, ignoring Blaine's calls after her.
"You can't run from me forever, Brittany," Sebastian says loudly causing Brittany to turn and look at him. He smirks and leans back in his chair.
"Sebastian, unless you are going to apologise for what you did then I don't think we have anything to say to each other," Brittany informs him stiffly.
"You're right, I'm sorry," he says but Brittany knows he isn't being sincere in the slightest. "You know, Anderson was thrilled with the photos he got but I personally would have preferred if we had gotten some of you and Santana."
Brittany sees red and tries not to rush him, she knows she'll get in trouble with the chief and but her position in jeopardy.
"All they did was kiss," Sebastian says smugly. "I'm sure what you and Santana get up to is way filthier than that."
"Stop it," Brittany orders him. "Don't you dare mention Santana to me like that."
"Or what, Brittany? You're going to tell on me?" He says with a laugh. "It's your word against mine and the way I see it I had absolutely nothing to do with what happened in the lounge. All I did was be a nice guy and give you an invitation to a very prestigious club, most people would thank me! It's not my fault you were stupid enough not to see what I was really up to."
Brittany stands her ground, every fibre of her wants to punch him out but her head is telling her to walk away. Sebastian sneers at her, loving the experience of taunting her. Blaine watches in complete bewilderment, not having a clue what they are referring to.
Sebastian stands up and takes a couple steps towards Brittany.
"You know, you're so stupid it's really only a matter of time before you fall for something like that all over again and then we'll get the photos we originally wanted," Sebastian says menacingly.
Brittany stares at the floor resolutely, determined not to rise to him. She senses him crossing the remainder of the distance between them and she doesn't know what to do. She looks up and decides that she may as well just hit him and knock that smug look right off his face.
When she takes a step forward to meet him a tall body comes in between them, preventing her advance.
"Why don't you back off, Sebastian," Brody says holding out his arm and giving him a small shove in the shoulder. Brittany is surprised to see him, she hadn't been aware that there was anyone else in the room apart from her, Sebastian and Blaine. Brittany looks around Brody's shoulder and fires daggers at Sebastian.
Sebastian looks Brody over and decides that it's not a fight he wants to take on. He backs up a couple steps, putting his hands up to feign innocence.
"Whatever man, we were just having a chat, no need to get physical," Sebastian says tauntingly at Brody.
"I know exactly what I saw," Brody replies knowingly. "So why don't you just get out of here."
Sebastian scoffs before pivoting and exiting the room. Brody turns to look at Brittany. He cautiously places a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you ok?" He asks concerned.
"You didn't have to do that," Brittany says irritated, she didn't need anybody to defend her.
"Trust me, I know you could have taken him but I know what one punch would have cost you and I didn't want you losing a chance at being lieutenant because of that jackass," Brody explains.
"Brittany, I really think you should tell the chief about what just happened," Blaine says coming over to them.
"Blaine, I appreciate your concern but I just want some space right now ok?" Brittany asks curtly.
Blaine nods, a little bit hurt but goes back to the table to clear over the plates.
"Here, let me walk you back to your office. That's where you were heading wasn't it?" Brody asks.
"Eh…yeah," Brittany answers distractedly, playing what just happened over in her head. "Thanks for not letting me hit him."
"Believe me, most of me wanted to let you," he confesses as they walk out of the cafeteria together. "That guy is such an ass."
"Honestly, I hardly know him, I don't know what he has against me," Brittany tells him.
"He is a bad guy, trust me. We were cadets in training together, same class. He was ruthless, always willing to screw anyone over at the slightest opportunity. We were supposed to be learning how to work as a team but he sabotaged more guys than he helped. I regret not telling the instructor about him but I thought it would immature and it could have just as easily worked against me," Brody informs her.
"I know exactly what you mean," Brittany admits as they stop outside her office. "That's kind of what is going on between us. He used my relationship with Santana to get photos at a club the other night but like in your case, it's my word against his and it could be detrimental to me if I say anything."
"I feel partially to blame," Brody admits. "I should've said something back when we were in the academy but I thought he might change and grow up a little bit but he's only gone on to hurt you. I'm sorry, Brittany, I should have warned you about him even if I couldn't tell the chief."
"You couldn't have known that Sebastian would do something like this," Brittany highlights. "And Brody, I'm sorry I didn't do more to make you feel like part of the squad. We're a team and I know I didn't shut you out or anything but I didn't exactly welcome you in with open arms either. Maybe if I had you would have had the chance to warn me about Sebastian."
"Don't worry about," he says kindly, clearly not holding it against her. "How about we start over?"
"I'd like that," Brittany says warmly before giving him a short hug. "Actually, Blaine's annual Halloween party is next! I'm sure Blaine would have invited you anyway but I'd like you to come as my guest."
"Really? I'd love to go, thanks Brittany," Brody says gratefully.
"Thanks for everything, Brody but I actually should get back to this," Brittany explains.
"No problem, see you around," he says as he departs.
Brody walks a few feet away and turns back to watch Brittany retreat into her office. Once she is inside he turns back and follows the corridor around to the right. He keeps going until he gets to the store room with all the spare gear. He goes in and shuts the door behind him.
Sebastian is waiting exactly where he said he would be. They shake hands and Brody pulls him into a one-armed hug.
"I can't thank you enough, man," Brody says with a chuckle.
"None of that," Sebastian says waving away his thanks. "Honestly, I'm grateful you came up with the idea. My brother has never taken me seriously one day in his life and now he owes me big time for getting him those photos."
"I just hope it works, dude," Brody says nervously.
"Why are you going to all this trouble for one girl?" Sebastian asks curiously.
"I don't take kindly to being ignored," he says sourly. "I mean, I get it if I ask a girl out and she turns me down but she hasn't given me the time of day since I got here."
"Wait, so what's your endgame here? I thought you wanted me to be awful to her so that you could swoop in and be the hero so that you could date her?" Sebastian asks confused.
"That's what I wanted at first," Brody admits. "But now I just want to ruin her. If I get her to cheat on Santana with me then I ruin both of them and I'll get my fifteen minutes of fame that I plan on turning into a very lucrative career."
"And you're thinking that my brother can help with that?" Sebastian asks, catching onto Brody's plan.
"Most definitely."
….
Thank you all for reading :) Quinn and Rachel will be put to the side again for a while now as we make way for what Brody and Sebastian are up to. I know there wasn't much Brittana interaction in this chapter but there will be lots more in the next chapter so I hope that can make up for it!
-Aisling xx freakingcharming-limaheights .tumblr .com