A/N: I just want to thank everyone who's reading this. I especially appreciate those who give it time even though they aren't familiar with QaF. Also, special shout out to Grrrrs Randomness for all the sweet encouragement and song suggestions! :D
The song Santana performs in this chapter is National Anthem by Lana Del Rey. Check it out. It's the sex and if she had sung it on the show we would have all broken out into spontaneous orgasms. Santana's totally my national anthem.
X
we're smashing mics in karaoke bars
you're running late with half your makeup on
this method acting might pay our bills
but soon enough there'll be a different role to fill
-The Wombats
X
''And then Bubbles saved the day,'' Brittany read in conclusion of one tale, because surprisingly Powerpuff Girls comics were indeed a thing.
It was Saturday morning and the end of their first week in Pittsburgh and the blonde was sitting at the dining table eating a bowl of cereal while she flipped through a comic that she had propped up against a large decorative bowl so as to allow herself to see it more easily.
Santana was glad to see that whatever sadness that had come over Brittany the evening before was only momentary and that after a good night's sleep at her side she had woken up refreshed and back to her normal playful self. Rather than pry and risk throwing Brittany back into her gloomy mood Santana figured any questions she had in the back of her mind could wait...
''Bubbles is my favorite,'' she said, coming up behind her to kiss her temple.
Brittany happily leaned in to accept this affection. ''You're my favorite.''
Santana looked at the tabletop which was littered with several other comics from Michael's shop and poked at a few. There were a couple of cute Powerpuff ones, yes, but several of them seemed to be more serious in subject matter and tone judging from their darker, more detailed covers. ''Are you actually reading these?''
''Of course.''
''Well, be careful...don't read too many. I don't want to come back to the loft to find that you've turned into a gushing bespectacled comic book fangirl,'' Santana paused and tilted her head, ''Or maybe I do. Nerd!Brittany would be pretty hot.''
''Oh yeah?''
''Mmhm. Get you some of those thick dark rimmed glasses, maybe a pocket protector and you already own suspenders so-''
''Don't you knock suspenders.''
Santana wiggled her brows. ''I could totally be down for a nerdy roleplay, you know.''
''Since when do you have a nerd kink?''
''I don't, but I do have a you kink.''
''Oh my god, it's Rage!''
Brittany put a halt to their flirtatious moment when she made to grab for one of the comics laid out in front of herself.
''It's what?'' Santana wrinkled her nose, confused by the sudden change of subject as she continued to hover over Brittany's shoulder.
Brittany held the comic up to give Santana a view of the page which displayed a dark, lean, masked superhero standing heroically atop of a building. ''Rage, volume 1, issue 1.''
''What's Rage?''
''Justin and Michael created this a few years back,'' she flipped it to the inside notes. Story by Michael Novotny, Art by Justin Taylor it read. ''When they first started it my mom wouldn't let me read it, she said there was too much sex and violence.''
''That's weird, cause she loves me and according to my doctor my body is made up of ten percent water, seventy percent sex and twenty percent violence.''
Brittany smiled but continued on. ''Justin told me the basic premise. The comic is about a super sexy, super gay masked hero. Rage: cold blooded ruthless ad exec by day, avenger of queers by night. They modeled Rage after Brian, see.''
Santana studied the face of the superhero who looked remarkably like Brian. Right down to the superior smirk drawn onto his face. Brittany turned through pages, smiling down at the artwork before she looked up at Santana with a mischievous glint.
''You know...you'd look really hot in tights and a mask,'' the blonde said.
''You think?''
''I could see a spin off character here from the same universe, but this time it would be a hot female superhero. Let's see...hmmm... once upon a time there was an ordinary girl. Well, not ordinary exactly, she'd be the most witty, popular, beautiful, breathtaking girl there ever was and then one day she gets, like, bitten by a radioactive squirrel and then-''
''A radioactive squirrel?''
''Do you want to hear your origin story or not?''
''Right, sorry, go ahead.''
''And after her fateful run in with said squirrel she becomes Snix, a totally hot masked avenger with a million and one superpowers. As a human girl she had been mean and cruel to others, cutting everyone down with her words because deep down she was unsure of herself, but as Snix she decides to be a badass at redemption and goes around fighting for those who can't fight for themselves and uses her wrath of words to take down the baddies. All while walking around in super sexy knee-high boots of course.''
''Of course.''
Brittany tapped her chin in thought. ''Oh! And maybe there's a scrappy blonde news reporter who's always just this close to discovering Snix's real identity. And she's totally crazy for Snix, only Snix doesn't know or no, maybe she does know it but because she's a broody superhero she doesn't believe she deserves love...so she hides from it and pushes her lady love away while she atones for all of her bad deeds. They have this whole back and forth cute banter thing going on on top of the whole tortured love, but that doesn't stop them from having super steamy superhero sex, complete with super orgasms.''
''You've put a lot of thought into this.''
''So in the daytime when our dark heroine walks around everyone just sees her as a cold-hearted bitch but what they don't know is that she's fighting a bigger fight and all that other stuff, it's just a cover for her alter ego. Because wouldn't that be the best disguise ever? She's a superhero masquerading as a supervillain! Oh my gosh, where are my crayons, I need to sketch this out!'' Brittany began flapping her hands about as she looked at the slightly cluttered tabletop, becoming overly excited at the images filling her head and trying to find a way to sort them out. ''You know what I'm seeing? Remember our Lady Gaga assignment when you had on that skin tight lacey thing - THAT - but without the head part. You were so hot. Oh god, oh god, Santana. Sex. Now. Please.''
Brittany had worked herself up into a horny, frazzled state and began reaching for Santana who could only grin and accept the eager kisses the other girl was peppering all over her face.
''Wuh-when I get back I'll take you to bed, okay,'' Santana said, kissing back. ''I was actually about to run out to grab some coffee from the diner.''
''You can get your coffee later. In fact, you know what, I can make you coffee now.'' Brittany pointed a few feet away to the coffeemaker in the kitchen area.
''No, I know-''
''I can even make and serve it to you naked.''
''Yeaaaaaaaahhh but...'' Santana trailed off and winced as she tried to come up with another excuse.
''What's going on? You've never refused naked anything before.''
Santana lowered her head and began to mumble.
''What?'' Brittany asked, not quite catching it.
''I said I want to get to the diner before all the fresh lemon squares are gone,'' Santana sighed with embarrassment which only became worse when Brittany started laughing.
''Food? You're opting out of sex for food?''
''Not just food, lemon squares.''
Brittany continued to laugh, which only flustered Santana further. There wasn't a Breadstix for miles and although she wasn't yet ready to publicly concede that her precious breadsticks were the inferior snack food she could admit that the Liberty Diner's signature lemon squares were an adequate substitute to fill the void in the meantime.
''What?! You don't know okay!'' Santana said in her defence. ''If you don't get the lemon squares while they're fresh they get all gross and soggy, or even worse is when you get there after the second shift. Whoever the cook is on second shift makes them taste like shit! I have to get them first thing in the morning or else what's the fucking point! What's the fucking point!'' She ended her spiel by shaking a fist skywards.
Brittany rolled her eyes at the silly dramatic display. ''I don't understand why those things are so popular in that place - they're just okay.''
''Just okay? Just okay?'' Santana shook her head, looking devastated. ''Alright, I have to go, I don't even know who you are right now. I'm going to go get my coffee and mah squares and when I come back I fully expect a written apology. Not to me, but to the squares themselves and then, maybe then, I might be in the mood to give you all of this.'' She made a gesture with her hand, indicating her body. ''Until then...we'll see.''
Brittany pulled her down to give her an upside down kiss before sending her off. ''Go eat your weird lemon snacks but when you get back be prepared to work them off.''
X
Sporting shades Santana entered the diner which was busier than usual as it was the weekend. There were several couples and groups of friends enjoying breakfast out and about socializing and she immediately spotted Justin and Brian sitting in a booth and talking to each other, caught up in their own conversation they failed to notice her.
She watched them for a moment and although she couldn't make out their conversation it was interesting just to see them interacting when no one else was involved. Justin was Justin, all pinchable cheeks and cute smiles, but Brian?
When no one else was around and it was just he and Justin, Brian looked somehow...softer. The smile he reserved for Justin wasn't the same smug smirk he gave to everyone else. His eyes looked warmer, his whole body relaxed, his withholding, closed off demeanor just opened up. He bit down on his lip, looking almost bashful when Justin reached over to run his hand over his dark hair. Brian closed his eyes and leaned into the touch, eager for it.
It was...weirdly adorable but also fucking hilarious. How Justin, the cutiepie, was able to turn Brian, the asshole, into a basket of kittens. From what little time she had spent with him she could tell how much it meant to Brian to be perceived as an unfeeling badass, but here he was sitting in a booth looking downright smitten. She could practically see cartoon hearts floating above his head.
With no need or cause to interrupt them she gently jostled her way past other customers to stand at the counter where Debbie appeared to be bitching out a rude customer.
''...next time wait your turn, now here's your damn pancakes,'' the older woman said, sending the pissy customer off with a plate of hot cakes. When she spotted Santana the scowl the waitress had been sporting turned into a smile. ''Well, well, this is, what, your sixth visit in how many days now? You're either really starting to like our food or you've developed a crush on yours truly,'' with a pencil Debbie made a wave towards her grinning mug.
Santana scrunched up her face, her tongue half hanging out of her mouth as if in disgust. ''Ugh, gross. Don't make me dry heave up in here, Debbie.''
Debbie chuckled, looking pleased at her ability to gross her out. ''Alright, what can I get for you then?''
''Coffee and some lemon squares to go and uhhhh,'' she glanced at the display of baked goods under glass and smiled when she saw something Brittany would flip her shit over, ''that rainbow cupcake right there.''
''Britt would love that,'' Justin said, coming over to stand at her side.
Santana turned to address him. ''Yeah, she would.''
''Is she here?'' Justin looked around the busy diner briefly.
''No, she's back at the loft,'' Santana answered as she watched Debbie go about packing away her order. ''I think she was too caught up in the comics Michael gave her to come with.''
''Ah, yes,'' Justin laughed. ''Michael told me he gave her some Powerpuff Girls, Wonderwoman and such.''
''And Rage.''
''You've seen Rage huh?''
''A little bit of it. Comic books aren't exactly my thing, but in a way...it's kind of cool what you and Michael did. I don't know if I've ever heard of a gay superhero before.''
''I thought it was a silly idea in the beginning, but Michael really showed me that it's something the world needed to see. That we can be heroes too, that there young gay kids out there who need to see someone like them be the saviors of their own stories.''
Santana nodded thoughtfully before turning around and tilting her head, indicating Brian. ''I see who your inspiration was for your Rage character.''
''Yeah.'' Justin looked back adoringly at his boyfriend.
''So,'' Santana started again, ''did Britt tell you about tonight? Karaoke.''
He nodded eagerly. ''Oh yeah, me and Brian will be there with the guys. I texted Daphne about it too and now she's trying to twist my arm into doing some old Backstreet Boys song with her, which I don't know if I can do, I was always an Nsync fan myself and performing a BSB song would be sacrilege. What about you? You have any ideas about what you might sing?''
''I'm actually still debating that. I could pull out some of my standard go-to songs but it's like...what the hell's the challenge in that. I'm not too worried, I have the rest of the day to come up with something.''
''Well, whatever you end up serenading us with I'm sure it'll blow everyone else out of the water. You got this.''
Santana smiled at his encouragement. ''How are you so sure of that?''
''You're Santana Lopez and granted I'm only starting to get to know you, but from everything my cousin has told me through the years there's nothing you couldn't be, do, own or rule. When Brittany looks at you, it's like she's looking at a...a…''
''Superhero?''
''Actually yeah, now that I think of it,'' he laughed, tickled with the thought. ''That's exactly how it looks when she looks at you. Like you could save the world.''
Santana looked down at the countertop as she processed this; Brittany really did see her as strong, as brave. Something invincible.
''Anyhow, I'll see you later tonight,'' Justin announced when a server placed a plate of lemon squares in front of him. ''I'm going to get back to Brian with this, he starts getting bitchy if his stupid lemon squares get soggy.''
''Yeah, later.''
Soon Debbie produced a white paper bag containing her order as well as a to-go coffee container. ''Alright, here's your order. Coffee, rainbow cupcake and fresh lemon squares.''
Santana supplied the woman with a ten dollar bill, told her to keep the change and made her way out, giving Brian and Justin a nod as she made for the door.
From there she began to walk the streets of Liberty Avenue leisurely, enjoying the sun and the sights and the ease she felt with herself in this place. She watched as a young female couple sporting wedding bands and pushing a toddler in a stroller passed her by. She laughed inwardly as she passed a restaurant patio where two men were adorably attempting to make small talk on what was obviously an awkward blind date.
She passed by all sorts of people. Single people, couples, families. And each time she looked at their faces she couldn't help but think...they look so proud.
She wondered how she looked to them. She wondered if when they looked towards her they could see inside, at this shifting, at this slow acceptance she felt begin to take place since her first night on Liberty Avenue.
It was like each time she walked the avenue, she felt a little piece of herself become restored. It was as if her heart had slowly and without her even noticing begun to heal itself. Heal itself of the pain and the fear and the worry. Like the bruises and the wounds her spirit had endured were beginning to fade, turning what was once frail and unsure into something strong and armored.
She was still going back and forth on what she wanted to do though when it came to Operation: Sweep Britt Off Her Feet now that she was preparing herself to make that final leap and tell the other girl that she was ready to begin. Only this wasn't exactly her field of expertise. Cruelty and manipulation? She had that down. Romance? Not so much.
At least not the traditional idea of romance anyway. She was never all that great when it came to couple stuff. They'd never had a fancy candlelit dinner in a romantic restaurant. They'd never strolled about through a farmers market on a lazy weekend picking out organic fruits and veggies.
But.
She and Brittany had some of the best, most thoughtful, most engaging, challenging conversations while they were lying about upside down in bed nude beneath the sheets, or in the bathtub with Brittany's back resting against her chest, or in the kitchen of the empty Lopez household at 3am while Santana made the two of them french toast wearing nothing but an apron. Conversations that made Santana think and see and feel the world around her differently because when she was with Brittany it felt like the universe was so much bigger than she ever imagined it could be. Even though she and the blonde didn't agree on everything she liked that Brittany, with her wild ideas and crazy kisses kept her on her toes and always made her think.
They might not be like a lot of other couples, but Santana had always liked that and she still enjoyed that about them, but she wanted to show that she could be that dream for Brittany.
And this?
It need to be them. But it also needed to be special.
She just wasn't sure how and in what way yet.
When she returned to the loft she heard Brittany humming a playful little diddy to herself in the bedroom. She placed her coffee and bag of pastries on the dining table and noticed that it was now covered in a handful of sketches done in colored pencils.
She couldn't help but smile when she picked one up and inspected it. It seemed Justin wasn't the only one with artistic ability in the family. She had of course seen a few doodles hanging up in Brittany's bedroom and locker before, sure, but these drawings somehow looked a little more focused and detailed, done with a lot more care.
Brittany had, in her brief absence, sketched Santana out on paper sporting her skin-tight Lady Gaga costume with a few alterations drawn into it. Gone were the pointy shoulders and head piece, in it's place was a small mask covering her eyes and instead of the lace covering her legs, it cut off so as to show off a generous view of her thighs. The heels were gone as well, replaced with knee high boots. And on her face Brittany had drawn on a rather impressive sneer that was both sexy and intimidating.
Off to the side Brittany had scrawled 'SNIX', underlining it several times. Impressed and in awe Santana touched the drawing, tracing lines with her fingertips.
However Santana decided to tell Britt it was clear to her, Brittany deserved a superhero and Santana was going to make sure she got one.
Setting aside the sketches of her superhero alter ego she found the first issue of Rage and opened to the first page.
'Meet Rage. Rage is exploding out of the closet and into the world to fight intolerance and defend the fabulous citizens of Gayopolis...'
X
Several hours later that night found Brittany standing along with Santana, Justin and Brian in the middle of a busy sidewalk. There on the pavement the blonde girl realized that the already vibrant Liberty Avenue was complete and utter madness when the sun went down and everyone came out to celebrate the end of the work week.
Madness of course in the best possible way, Brittany thought. The streets were alive with people and energy, music and laughter as the four of them waited outside of Woody's.
It seemed the rest of their party - Michael, Emmett and Ted - had run into a little bit of car trouble and had run out gas somewhere. They had phoned Brian for help and needed someone to pick up a gallon or two of fuel and deliver it to them.
Brian's immediate response was to laugh ''bitches, what the hell are you calling me for, I don't pump gas'' into his cell.
At his side Santana laughed and amused Brittany shook her head at his childish Santana-like reply. Justin meanwhile snatched his boyfriend's phone to talk to the other person on the line and figure out the situation. Brian tried to take it back but Justin just laughed and swatted his hand away as he himself volunteered to make the gas run. Justin looked to the girls and asked if either of them wanted to tag along with him. Santana, intrigued with the classic Stingray Brian and Justin had arrived in, offered to keep him company, Brittany however shook her head at his invitation.
The Stingray was a two seater and although the idea of her and Santana squeezing in the second seat was rather appealing she didn't want to bunch up her little black cocktail dress.
''I think I'll hang back here with Brian if that's cool with everyone,'' Brittany said.
Justin looked to Brian who looked to Santana who looked back to Brittany, no one finding reason that she couldn't.
''Alright, we'll be back in a bit,'' Justin announced as he and Santana started off down the block towards Brian's vehicle.
''Do not let her drive,'' Brian warned the retreating pair.
Once the two were out of sight Brittany turned to Brian who was patting his own chest down over the pockets of his light jacket. He stopped frisking himself when he located a box of cigarettes and proceeded to light one up in front of her. She watched him puff on it for a few moments with interest. Catching her gaze he produced his box of Marlboro short reds once more and opened it in offering to her.
''Want one?'' he asked.
Brittany quirked a brow and considered it.
''Have you ever smoked?''
''Once or twice.'' she answered as she took one from the box and held it out for him to light. ''I snuck a menthol from my grandmother's bag a couple of times.''
''Menthols taste like ass.''
''From what I heard from Justin I would've thought you would enjoy that special flavoring,'' she said in a teasing tone.
Not expecting that kind of filthy reply Brian coughed and sputtered on his cigarette slightly. ''Funny.''
''I like to think so.'' She took a slow, luxurious drag and exhaled it out of her system and then held it almost expertly. Brian looked rather impressed. ''Santana smokes every once and awhile,'' she said as explanation as to how she knew how to handle it with finesse. ''I watch her when she does. She used to do it a lot, now it's mostly when she's anxious...or bored.''
''Justin isn't a big smoker either,'' he supplied, taking another drag himself. ''He only does it a few times a year when he's nervous or angry.''
''So...what is it with you guys?''
He looked confused for a moment. ''Me and Justin?''
''You and Santana?''
''What about me and Santana?''
''I can't tell if you guys like each other or hate each or both.''
''I don't hate her,'' Brian said quickly.
''Then?''
''I guess... I'm always used to being the biggest asshole in the room. Now that she's hanging around the diner, hanging around my friends, and suddenly in my orbit...I'm not anymore. I'm not the biggest asshole in the room anymore and...it's fucking weird is all.''
''So that's why you guys are always trading barbs and snark?''
''That and because it's fun,'' he answered with a chuckle. ''To be completely honest, no one's ever been able to keep up with me that way. Don't tell her I said this, but it's also actually quite... refreshing. You know that saying in sports, how you'll never get better if you play with those weaker than you, that you'll only get better and stronger going up against someone who can truly compete?''
''So you're saying she's better at being an asshole than you?'' she laughed.
''Now I didn't say that. I wouldn't say she's the better asshole. Asshole is kinda my middle name,'' he said proudly.
''Brian Asshole Kinney.''
''Exactly. It's on my birth certificate. I will say she's a worthy opponent when it comes to verbal sparring.''
''She does have a certain way with words,'' Brittany said in agreement.
''That I will give her. She looked like she was going to murder me when I said your name and the word bimbo in the same sentence.''
''Do you then?''
''What?''
''Think I'm a bimbo?''
''No. I know firsthand how many people used to look at Justin like he was just some silly twink and he's anything but. Something tells me you're a lot more than some brainless blonde beauty.''
Brittany smiled at that. Brian didn't seem to see her as a toy or puppy to coddle after all.
''I'm not quite sure what you see in her though.''
''Yeah, but then, not a lot of people can see what Justin sees in you.''
''True. Very true. On the other hand I can absolutely see what she sees in you,'' he admitted easily. ''I mean...yeah...that I completely get. It's what I see in Justin.''
She squinted in thought. ''Did...did Justin tell you about me and her?''
''No. I figured it out myself that first night when we had dinner, then Santana confirmed it later when we were playing pool that once and-''
''Wait, she told you?'' Brittany asked, surprised that the other girl would do something like that and voluntarily submit that information.
''In a rather roundabout way but yeah.'' Brian lifted a shoulder. ''Was it supposed to be a secret?''
''I'm not really sure...she's just never told anyone before. I mean, it used to be a secret, me and her, and now it's not not a secret but it's also not official either. I don't know. We've been doing this whole undefined, unconventional thing for awhile, it's kind of hard to explain.''
''Given the conventionality of most people's thinking and the limitations of the language - I get it.'' He nodded at her, understanding that there was a complexity to their situation.
''Are we that obvious?''
''Perhaps to the untrained eye, but I have a degree in eye-fucking and the way that that girl looks at you is fucking obscene.'' Brian said it almost as if he were impressed.
Brittany didn't even attempt to hide the proud grin that broke out onto her face.
He carried on with, ''not to mention you were sporting a huge throbbing girl-woody for her that first night we met too.''
Before she could stop herself she gave him a light, playful shove on his shoulder which seemed to please him as wicked laughter soon began rolling out of him, causing her to laugh as well. They stood there together then for the next half hour, goofing with an almost sibling like affection with one another. He even attempted to entertain her by blowing elaborate smoke rings and patterns into the air though he didn't do a very good job. Brittany however still smiled at his complete willingness to look ridiculous in order to make her smile.
By the time Justin and Santana came back with the rest of their party in tow they were on their second cigarette and sitting on a curb together, playfully debating the merits (or lack thereof) of dubstep.
''What's that in your hand?'' Justin looked to Brittany who quickly stood up from the ground and put the hand with the cigarette behind her body.
''What? Nothing.'' Brittany spoke hurriedly and in a strange tone, trying her best not to expel smoke from her mouth which she was desperately trying to hold in.
With a sly smile Santana removed the cigarette from Brittany's hand and brought it up to her own lips to take a drag and making a rather elaborate show of it to Justin.
Justin turned to Brian. ''You're a bad influence.''
Brian pulled a face as he stood up to join them. ''You say that like this is brand new information! She wanted to try it, Brittany's a big girl, she can make her own choices. It was one smoke.''
''Just for this, no blowjobs tonight,'' Justin said to his boyfriend.
''What?! But!'' Brian squeaked in comical outrage. Looking suddenly crestfallen he kicked his shoe against the pavement like a child.
''And you two,'' Justin turned to the girls with a shake of his head, he took the cigarette from Santana and tossed it to the ground where he stepped on it, ''only one vice per night. And remember, I may look the other way when you use your fake I.D. but I'm trusting you you both to drink responsibly and limit yourself. I know I'm not that much older than you, but I am in charge.''
Brittany patted Justin's cheek. ''You're adorable when you try to be all strict and adulty with me.''
''You are,'' Santana teased along with her as she went about patting his perfectly styled hair.
Justin laughed at their friendly ribbing, pushing their hands away from him as he began leading the group into the building. Justin, Brian, Brittany and Santana lead the way as Michael, Emmett and Ted followed after them. Daphne also soon showed up to join them as well.
It looked like karaoke nights were a pretty popular deal judging by the crowds. It seemed they were so successful that Woody's put them on a few times a week. Emmett explained that while the group sometimes attended them it had been a few years since any of them had actually taken part but with the arrival of the musically inclined Santana and Brittany the group was now eager to reacquaint themselves with the stage here.
The main event had yet to begin but the bar was already being filled to the brim with excited patrons. It was a lot busier than the first time they had visited and as if sensing Brittany getting overwhelmed by the mass of people in such a small contained space Santana reached over and took her hand, silently assuring her that she was there right beside her.
Sweetly Santana held her hand and allowed her to be seated first when the group claimed a couple of small round tables in the center of the room which they pushed together. For tonight, all seats were turned in one direction so that everyone in the bar was facing the stage which was set up especially for karaoke.
''So, Daphne, you plan to go on stage?'' Brittany asked once Santana settled in the seat beside her.
''I haven't decided yet. Honestly, I'm here to see you and Santana bring it.'' Daphne lifted her drink glass and with a smile tipped it towards the girls. ''After you mentioned making it to nationals I went and youtube'd you guys,'' the young woman then held up her phone for all to see. ''It's kind of hard to tell on a four inch screen but you both sounded incredible. Too bad the two leads on your ballad really screwed the pooch with that kiss though.''
Michael, Emmett and Ted commandeered Daphne's cell in order to play the video in question. Nearby Brian and Justin also watched as much as they could from across the tables. Everyone grimaced and wrinkled up their faces at the inappropriate kiss. Brian swiped the cell and began tapping on the screen rapidly.
''You can't write that, that's offensive,'' Emmett swatted his friend's arm when he saw what Brian was entering.
Brittany then made a grab for the phone to see what Brian had typed under the video. There, signed in under the username RageIsHere he wrote 'why's that t-rex eating the jew'. The phone then went to Santana, who after signing in under her own username TopBtchSnix gave the comment a thumbs up. Daphne laughed as she took back her phone.
''Glee club?'' Ted's eyes lit up and looked nostalgic. ''I did glee club in high school and I did an all men's chorus in college!''
''Why, Theodore,'' Brian gasped in an over dramatic manner, ''I had no idea you were into group sex.''
Ted shook his head and made a face at Brian, ''you know what I mean.'' He then turned back to the girls and informed them with a happy sigh, ''I do have a real fondness for acapella, although my one true love has always been the opera.''
''Gross,'' Santana replied, repulsed by that fact.
''Disgusting,'' Brittany added.
The rest of the group snickered at their reaction and Ted deflated in his seat; his life long love of the opera once again going unappreciated.
''You know what...I don't think I ever did a karaoke night here,'' Justin recalled, squinting off into the distance. He turned to Brian then and asked. ''Have you?''
''Hell no,'' Michael answered for his best friend. ''Even though I used to beg him to he never would which is a shame because Brian's a great singer. We even used to have a band back in high school-''
''You had a band in high school?'' Justin asked his boyfriend, looking surprised at this. ''I never knew that.''
''For a reason,'' Brian said, shifting in his seat and shooting Michael a warning look.
Michael refused to shut up though. ''We were really good! Brian was going to be the next Robert Smith and-''
''Who's Robert Smith?'' Santana asked.
Brian turned to her, his eyes widening as if he were encountering someone from another planet. ''Who's Robert Smith? Who are you?''
''The point is,'' Michael interjected once more, ''Brian and I used to perform back in high school. It was mostly house parties, but still. I was a little more technically proficient on the guitar, but Brian? Brian had something. When he stood in front of a mic, people paid attention. I still think that had we kept at it, we could've made it into something.''
Justin looked at Brian, delighted with this piece of information about his partner and looking a tiny bit thrilled. ''You never told me any of this.''
Brian grumbled. ''That's because those rock star dreams were dead and gone a long, long time ago.''
''Why not go up there tonight and see what happens?'' Brittany asked.
''Yeah, come on, Brian,'' Emmett urged.
''The last time I sung in front of people - which was actually in this very building - Michael had to get me drunk,'' Brian explained, shaking his head. ''And that was years ago. Besides...I'm over it. And anyway I'm much more interested in watching all of you go up there and humiliate yourselves while I sit here and heckle. It's a hard job but someone's gotta do it.''
Everyone at the table laughed off Brian's snarky little remark. Everyone, that is, except for Santana. She kept her eyes on him a moment longer, sensing a tiny bit of apprehension roll off of Brian's form. With his remark he had quickly changed the course of conversation off of himself to harmlessly taunt the others, but it was clear as day to Santana…
His whole tone and demeanor changed the moment his old rock star dreams were brought up. It could have been embarrassment, sure, but she swore she could've seen something else in his eyes. Something like fear. And fear unfortunately was an emotion she had become quite familiar with earlier in the year. For several months during junior year she saw it reflected in the mirror each morning before school, each night before bed. She knew exactly what fear looked like and for a brief moment she could see it all over Brian.
Could it be that he was afraid? That, despite Michael's glowing estimation of Brian's appeal, Brian didn't quite hold such a strong opinion of his own musical abilities as a performer? Was Brian fucking Kinney a scared little pussy when it came to the stage?
For the next two hours or so several members of their little group took to the stage. All the while Brian just sat at the their table. Despite his threat to heckle, he did no such thing. He laughed and hooted in support for the others but didn't dare attempt to go up himself even though there were moments where Santana swore that out of the corner of her eye she saw him look at those taking the stage with a sort of sad forlorn longing.
Like he missed it. Like he yearned for it. The spotlight.
No one in the crowd seemed to mind their group's monopolizing of the mic though as after each performance they were rewarded with roars of applause.
Ted, Michael and Emmett started the evening off with a spirited rendition of Alicia Bridges' I Love The Night Life, falsetto and all, which had Brittany, Santana, Brian and Justin cracking up in their seats laughing hysterically as the guys gave it their all. From there a solo Emmett took it down a notch on his own with 2 Become 1 by The Spice Girls, which Santana had to admit was a pretty damn decent rendition. Brittany and Daphne closed their eyes and did little slow jam dances in their seats, they were so down with his cover of the 90's ballad.
After that a couple of random bar patrons took a shot and were utterly dreadful but performed with energy and enthusiasm which earned them mild applause on their departure. Ted then attempted to do some super weird acappella Pavarotti-sounding bullshit song but was thankfully stopped by both Brian and Santana who shouted him off the stage.
''Fuck you guys,'' Ted said into the mic before pathetically walking off in a huff.
It was at that point that Santana noticed Brittany and Justin whispering to each other excitedly. Before she could ask what they were up to they were out of their seats and approaching the sound man in charge of queuing up song selections. She and Brian exchanged a look.
''What do you think they're doing?'' Brian asked her.
''No fucking idea.''
''So... you really do the glee club thing?''
''Apparently you were there watching us at nationals with Justin. That should answer your question. Why?''
''I wouldn't have thought something like that would appeal to you. It just sounds so...basic and pedestrian.''
''Is it any more basic or pedestrian than a failed high school garage band?'' she teased back.
Any smug remark Brian had resting on his tongue was quickly swallowed back as he dropped that line of conversation and looked rather put in his place.
''You really should think about going up there tonight,'' she suggested.
''Why are you so interested in seeing me sing?''
''I'm not particularly...but I think Justin would love it. Didn't you see the way he got excited when he learned you were in a band?''
Justin's face had lit up at the mention of Brian and his high school rock band. Seeing Brian take the stage just for fun, for the hell of it would no doubt thrill and delight Justin… but Brian didn't look like he was about to swallow his fear or anxiety to do so.
Together they looked ahead as the cousins took the stage, grabbed a couple of available mics and the beat of a new song began to thump throughout the bar. The crowd perked up immediately as they collectively recognized the track.
''You change your mind like a girl changes clothes,'' Justin began into his mic.
Brittany took it from there. ''Yeah, you PMS like a bitch I would know.''
''And you over think, always speak critically.''
''I should know that you're no good for meeeeeeee,'' Brittany belted before Justin joined her.
Together the blondes began the chorus and the music rose louder causing the bar to erupt in excitement at the familiar and popular Katy Perry tune. Justin and Brittany gave it their all, unashamed of appearing silly or goofy for the sake of the performance. The crowd picked up on their energy and gave it right back, hollering their praise, the entire building rumbling with noise and whistles as the song built up.
''Cause you're hot then you're cold, you're yes then you're no, you're in then you're out, you're up and you're down. You're wrong when it's right, it's black and it's white. We fight we break up, we kiss we make up...You don't really wanna stay, no, but you don't really wanna go-oh...You're hot then you're cold, you're yes then you're no, you're in then you're out, you're up and you're down...''
Come the second verse Brittany and Justin turned away from each other in order to direct their attention to the tables surrounding the stage. Santana thought Justin was holding his own but she couldn't keep her eyes off of Brittany who was giving her own energetic performance. No one moved like Brittany. And, really, it wasn't even like the girl was dancing, she was just bouncing around along with Justin to the rhythm but there was just something about how Britt did it that made Santana think that she was the most perfect thing on earth.
By the time the two cousins had finished their song the crowd was going wild for them and when Brittany and Justin started their way back to their seats they were rewarded with pats on the back and high fives in appreciation by perfect strangers for what had to be the most spirited performance of the evening so far.
When Brittany plopped back into her chair Santana leaned in to whisper in her ear. ''You were incredible up there. The crowd loved you.''
''That,'' Emmett began loudly, looking at Justin and Brittany in turn, ''was fantastic!''
''I don't even like Katy Perry but that was awesome,'' praised Daphne.
Brian kissed Justin. ''That was fucking amazing, Sunshine.''
''Hey,'' Santana leaned across Brian to get Justin's attention, holding up her hand for a high five, ''you did good up there.''
He slapped her hand and grinned. ''I know,'' Justin said in that cute little cocky way that so reminded her of Brittany.
''So who's next?'' Ted questioned the group. ''I told Emmett I'd duet with him on a Sonny and Cher song but I'm at least three more beers away from being ready. Who here hasn't sung?''
''She hasn't sung,'' Brian pointed at Santana, as if daring her.
''Yeah, for a reason,'' Santana said, lifting her drink and sipping it. ''Let's face it if I went up now the night would be over because no one in this joint would want to go on after I make that stage my bitch. I'm being generous by letting everyone else have a chance to go up first. I'm saving myself for the closing number. ''
''You are so full of shit,'' Brian said through laughter.
''You know what, why don't you go up?'' Santana taunted.
''Because I don't want to.''
Santana didn't believe that for a second. ''Sure you don't.''
''I said I don't,'' Brian said, not looking too pleased with being put on the spot once more.
''Whatever,'' shrugged Santana. ''Fine. I'll go up on the next free spot.''
And sure enough she did moments later. After an encouraging swat to her rear from Brittany Santana made her way up to the sound man who she spoke to briefly before handing over her own phone which he then took and hooked up to his system. The sound guy gave her a thumbs up right before the lights throughout the bar dimmed, suddenly creating a different, more severe atmosphere.
''This issssss different,'' Daphne said, noting the change in lighting and how somehow bar patrons took it as signal to quiet themselves and their chatter.
Everyone in the room was intrigued by the change of pace. Santana then took to the small stage where the lights came up somewhat to focus on her form, framing her enticingly with small spotlights as she grabbed the mic . It was clear then to everyone that this wasn't going to be just another silly song. There was something about the lighting and the quiet and her confident posture that made everyone aware that this was to be something else.
An instrumental song began to sound from the speakers...
''Money is the anthem of success, so before we go out what's your address,'' she purred slowly and seductively before the song sequed into an even more slinky, sexy tone. ''I'm your national anthem, god, you're so handsome. Take me to the Hamptons Bugatti Veyron. He loves to romance them, reckless abandon, hold me for ransom, upper echelon. He says to be cool but I don't know how yet. Wind in my hair, hand on the back of my neck. I said "can we party later on?" he said "yes, yes, yes".''
All eyes were on her as she put a spell over the entire room. The crowd was enthralled, riveted, silently mesmerized by her voice and confidence. The attention they were bestowing upon her wasn't about gender or orientation, it wasn't about physical attraction, it was beyond that, it was about pure charisma. They were simply engaged with her presence. Men, women, everyone was enchanted by what she was bringing to the song.
Santana slinked down to sit at the edge of the stage where she was now practically face to face with the front row of people. She looked to those patrons as she sang flirtatiously. ''Tell me I'm your national anthem, tell me I'm your national anthem. Red, white, blue's in the sky, summer's in the air and baby, heaven's in your eyes, I'm your national anthem...''
Back at the table the group looked to one another, mouths ajar in amazement at what they were witnessing. This was no mere performance Santana was putting on, but rather a sort of seduction, of the stage, of the audience. It was striking and palpable, this allure that Santana seemed to ooze so effortlessly when she was singing into a mic. The group of friends watched on, impressed.
Noting their reactions and realizing that what Santana was bringing to the stage was more than a mere karaoke performance Brian snuck a glance over to Justin and Brittany…
''She's amazing when she's performing,'' Justin whispered, taken back by Santana's striking stage presence.
''She's amazing, period,'' Brittany corrected with a smug grin.
Santana pushed off the stage then and walked the floor, working the room as she continued her song, ''...I sing the national anthem while I'm standing over your body, hold you like a python, and you can't keep your hands of me or your pants on...you said to be cool, but I'm already coolest. I said to get real, don't you know who you're dealing with. Um, do you think you'll buy me lots of diamonds?'' she grazed a few shoulders of onlookers sitting at random tables throughout the room, each of them seemed tickled at being drawn into the performance on even the smallest of scales. She came to find Brian, Justin and the others at their table and took her time walking around it, paying her friends and acquaintances more attention than anyone else. Patting the side of Emmett's face playfully, straightening the collar of Michael's dress shirt, gently giving Justin a single, playful tap on his nose, pointedly looking into Brian's eyes in passing. When she reached the end of the table she tenderly ran a hand over Brittany's hair before looking into her eyes and singing ''...money is the anthem of success, so put on mascara and your party dress, I'm your national anthem, girl put your hands up, give me a standing of ovation...''
After that she began to make her way back through the tables and towards the stage as the song began to wind itself down.
''Tell me I'm your national anthem, tell me I'm your national anthem. Red, white, blue's in the skies, summer's in the air and baby, heaven's in your eyes. I'm your national anthem...''
When the song ended and she was once again positioned at the center of the stage, framed by lights, there was only a split second of silence before the entire room exploded into loud frenzied applause as if they had just witnessed something not of this world.
''And with that,'' began the sound man speaking into a mic from behind his sound gear set up, ''we're going to bring the lights back up and take a break for a half hour because I doubt anyone will want to follow that act...''
And within a few moments the bar was fully lit once more and the others resumed conversation.
''Holy shit,'' Michael exclaimed.
''That was pretty damn good,'' Ted said, raising his glass in recognition of the fact.
''No,'' Emmett interjected, ''that was more than good, that was spectacular. That was like pure sex and charisma. It was like watching Madonna, Hendrix, Bowie or Beyonce - like a fucking life changing experience. Whatever it is that they have or had...she's got it.''
Daphne fanned her face as she stared down at the tabletop, looking slightly disoriented and aroused. ''I think I might have just had an orgasm. Like, I don't even know what's happening to my body right now. I'm really confused.''
Justin laughed at his female friend's frazzled state and added, ''Santana blew that out of the water huh?''
''I knew she would,'' Brittany said confidently.
The usually obnoxious, never at a loss for words Brian, however, remained silent as the others continued chatting amongst themselves about what they had just seen. When Santana arrived back at the table he looked at her with an extra something in his eye. He was impressed and to a degree had been put in his place, he didn't actually think she had a performance like that in her to give. She, on the other hand, had stood up and with little to no effort entranced the entire bar with her voice. Though he'd never admit it, Brian Kinney was more than just a little envious.
''You were alright,'' he said coolly as she reclaimed her seat to his right.
''I don't suppose you want to go on next to see if you could top that...would you Brian?'' Ted asked looking fully aware that doing so would only aggravate him.
''Shut it, Schmidt,'' Brian grumbled to his accountant friend.
While the others at the table conversed, Santana turned to Brittany who leaned against her comfortably, pushing into her side and talking in whispers. ''I think everyone in the room is in love with you now. You killed.''
''I did?''
''You did. Like you always do. I'm pretty sure everyone just had an eargasm.''
''Yourself included?''
''Oh yeah. My ears just splooged all over the place.''
''Ew, okay now you just made it weird.'' Santana scrunched up her face and shivered slightly.
They burst out into laughter and exchanged flirtatious smiles until they were pulled back to the conversation taking place at their table.
''Alright there's no way in hell I'm getting on that stage again tonight after you Santana,'' Ted declared.
''Yeah, me neither,'' said Michael.
''Count me out,'' Daphne said through laughter.
''So I'm guessing that means we're done with Woody's for the night then?'' Emmett looked to everyone else who nodded and seemed ready to move on with their evening.
''What,'' Brittany straightened herself and looked around to the others, ''don't tell me you guys are done? So what, y'all are going home already?''
The group began to stand from the table, leaving Brittany and Santana to trade confused glances. Picking up on their perplexed states Justin came to stand before them.
''Don't worry, Britt,'' he said, all smiles, ''the night's just begun. I think it's time I introduced you both to a little place called Babylon.''
X
This chapter ended up coming in at 50+ pages so I split it in half, which means Babylon will be in Ch.10 instead. Sorry, I just didn't want 9 to be too draggy and long.
There wasn't a ton of Brittana here, but a lot of group interaction but I felt like it's important to show them connecting and spending time with the others.
I did want to set up the Rage/Snix parallel that Brian and Santana share which if you think about it is kind of remarkable. Canonically, they both have alter egos. For those who aren't QaF fans Rage is an in universe comic book that Michael and Justin created, modeling Rage after Brian. QaF actually did release a tie-in comic book to coincide with the Rage storyline. If you look on Ebay there's still some floating around. If you type in rageishere dot com, it'll actually take you to Showtime's old QaF page.
Now I kind of have this idea of Brittany and Michael talking comics and her proposing Snix as a superhero and him being like "yes, why the hell has this never occurred to me, this is brilliant'' and him actually working with Justin and Brittany to sort of create this character and put her into the universe of Rage in the hopes of spinning her off. Brian has his own comic character and Santana absolutely deserves one too. Seriously how awesome would a Rage meets Snix comic be?
Also, Brian's rock star dreams are actually canon within Queer as Folk and discussed briefly by him and Michael in Season 1. In fact, throughout the whole series there are actually several musical moments. Ted, Em, Michael, Melanie, Justin and Brian have all sung on the series, some of them multiple times. Both Justin and Brian own guitars, which again hints at a musicality to the characters. I feel like music was a huge element to QaF and it's why I actually think Brittana would make perfect sense in this universe.
I feel that once Brian saw Santana's confidence on stage, he would absolutely be envious. It's something he gave up and here's this young woman who shares a lot of traits with him, except unlike him, she actually might have what it really takes to make it big and he's impressed by that more than he'll ever admit. This little connection they have with music is the thing their friendship will soon spring from.
Finally, guess what I tried for the first time this past week? Lemon squares. I usually don't like lemon anything, but they were actually really good! Lemon squares at the Liberty Diner were kind of like a thing in QaF, especially those early seasons. Kind of like what breadsticks from Breadstix is within Glee. So, yeah, if you ever have a chance to try lemon squares, go for it. I think if Santana were plopped into the QaF universe, she would absolutely become obsessed with them, heh.