A/N: if you're not familiar with QaF and want to see the loft you can visit my tumblr: yourstreetserenade and look under tagged/the-loft-was-a-character-in-itself
The last scene of this chapter with Brittana and Britin sitting on the loft floor together was one of the first scenes I wrote. It isn't vital to anything but I heart it.
X
you can evoke the stars above but that doesn't make it something
and the only way to last and the only way to live it
is to hold on when you get love
and let go when you give it
- Stars
X
The next morning Santana woke up to find her nearly naked body spooning a fully naked Brittany. She kissed the back of a pale shoulder and then began to gently stroke it. Catching sight of the red club stamp on the back of her own hand she recalled the events of the previous evening.
They had went to Babylon and with a kiss had announced themselves to Liberty Avenue and the world.
She still couldn't believe she did it.
That she found that strength, that resolution and made the leap to embrace everything she was. She didn't know what exactly overcame her but she was glad it did and she was glad to find that the certainty she had the night before was still there beating inside of her heart.
After they had parted ways with Justin and Brian she and Brittany had made their way back to the loft. They entered singing at the top of their lungs, giggling their way through a silly sort of medley of Britney, Ke$ha, Madonna, Beyonce and Gaga, their tongues sometimes stumbling over incorrect lyrics. She remembers taking Brittany in her arms in order to twirl her around and when they found their heels a hindrance they slipped out of them and made their way over to hop and dance on top of the coffee table and then the couch, jumping over the back of it to dance through the large open space in the middle. Finally after several circles around they took the handful of steps to the bedroom where they both plopped down onto their sides. With only inches between them they stared into each other's eyes, exhausted but happy.
They stayed that way for the rest of the night. There would be time for slow, hot proper celebratory sex later, in that moment they were simply content to hold each other. They had eventually fallen asleep in their dresses and Santana's only guess was that Brittany had undressed them sometime during the night.
Now in the light of day she ran a delicate finger down the girl's spine, making sure to touch every freckle along the way and marveling at the soft, warm skin.
Brittany really did have the most beautiful body.
Granted, it's not like she had seen a ton of girls, but she'd spent enough time in girls locker rooms and okay, yeah, after Britt had let her down and after her whole sad, weepy fog had passed and she realized she had gone the longest amount of time without getting any she'd fired up her laptop and after a some searching found some legit quality lesbian porn. It got the job done and everything but if she were to ever really focus she would always notice something that put her off of the girls. Either a flat ass or a weird nose or something.
There was always some way they came up short...but Brittany? Brittany's body didn't need Photoshop or special lighting or filters, it was just naturally perfect in every way.
It wasn't the only reason she loved Brittany but damn was it a great perk she thought as she gently squeezed the sleeping girl's hip.
The previous night they'd had a couple of rushed, fumbling quickies which were great but she was hoping the blonde would wake up soon so they could properly celebrate being girlfriends in a nice comfy bed where she could lay Brittany out and kiss her way down to those smooth thighs and bury her tongue inside of her.
She just felt so good inside and wanted to express that.
With, like, orgasms.
She slid her hand over to Brittany's front where she began to gently massage the underside of her breasts. Brittany responded by moaning pleasantly and pushing her ass back into her.
''Good morning to you too,'' the blonde said through a chuckle.
''Sorry.''
''Don't be.''
Brittany turned over onto her back and Santana watched her blink away the sleep from her eyes before moving to kiss her good morning.
''How'd you sleep?'' Santana asked.
''Amazingly. I had a pretty interesting dream.''
''Oh really?''
''Mmhm.''
''Was it a sexy dream?''
''Not really, I dreamt LT and I were the stars of like an 80's detective show where we were buddy cops. Like part MacGyver, part Love Boat, part Miami Vice. Lots of hijinks and feathered hair.'' Santana smiled in silence at the silly thought. ''How about you?'' Brittany asked through a tiny yawn.
''I had the best night's sleep. Better than I can ever remember having,'' she sighed contently. ''There was no tossing or turning, none of that...worry in my head. I think, I think I could get used to that.''
Brittany traced her thumb against Santana's bottom lip. ''Good.''
''Now that we're doing this I know things are going to change. Good change, right?''
''Of course.''
''Britt, I'm totally and completely down for that, for good change, but I just want to make sure that no matter what me and you...we'll still be us right?''
Brittany blinked. ''How do you mean?''
''I want to be with you and I want people to know that now, to know who I am and who we are but I don't want us to turn into one of those super lame couples who schedules sex or has screaming matches over toothpaste or becomes all dead inside, you know? I still want us to be us.''
''Hey, we're always going to be us. We could never not be us. Just because we're out and public now doesn't mean we're going to turn into something else. We'll still have super hot sex, we'll still love and support each other, we'll still get into lively debates over which Spice Girl had the best voice-''
''Even though it's totally Mel C, end of.''
''You know what? I'm tired of you always dismissing Posh's voice.''
''You only say that because you think she's hot,'' Santana huffed playfully.
''Do not start this again.''
They both burst out into that kind of deep but silent laughter that managed to shake their whole bodies.
''Look,'' Brittany began once their mirth quieted, ''you're right things are going to change and as much as I don't want to say it, not all of these changes will be easy or painless. Not everything will be roses, but I know more than anything that it will always be worth it.''
She finished her thought by leaning over and kissing Santana, soft and languid, pushing away any and all small fretful thoughts that they might somehow lose their spark together.
''So what do you feel like doing today?'' Brittany asked after.
''Hmm,'' Santana hummed, putting on a show as if this question required serious thought. ''I was thinking we should properly celebrate us as a couple and my coming out as the newest resident of Queertown, USA.''
''And what would these festivities look like?''
She crawled atop of Brittany and placed her mouth against the blonde's ear. ''I'm thinking you, me, and this bed for the next 24 hours.''
''You're awfully confident.''
''Hey now, I'm Santana Lopez. Sex is one of my superpowers.''
''Lucky for me then.''
Santana grinned wickedly and started getting down to business. ''You know that thing we did a couple days ago? I wanna do that again but this time I won't fall off the bed, I promise-''
''Wait, before we do anything, don't you want to have breakfast first?''
''Is that some dig about my newfound love for lemon squares?''
''No. But I do want to do something special for you this morning.''
''If this something special involves you putting this leg over my shoulder I think you just had your best idea ever.''
''Actuaaaaaalllly I was thinking more along the lines of me making you a very, very special, very, very romantic breakfast.''
Santana groaned in horny frustration and dropped herself atop of Brittany so that her body blanketed the blonde. Her face fell into the crook of the other girl's neck in defeat.
Beneath her Brittany wiggled in place slightly and made to swat at Santana's butt, as if hoping that would get her a proper response. ''Please, please, please….I promise it'll be hot and tasty.''
Santana flopped back onto the bed, splaying herself out starfish style now that it looked like sex would have to wait until later. If Brittany had her heart set on something Santana always made sure she got her way in the end and it looked like the blonde was really excited and keen on this. She could never say no to that cute little face.
''Okay,'' Santana said sweetly, ''breakfast it is but-''
''YES!'' Brittany leaned over and pressed a half dozen kisses to her face before running out of the bedroom stark naked. Seconds later from the kitchen area she hollered ''Give me like two seconds and come out and don't put any clothes on.''
Santana took a moment to close her eyes and pace herself before she went to crawl out of bed. She pulled on her short robe and after checking a mirror to make sure her hair was presentable she walked out of the bedroom into the middle of the loft. She immediately noticed Brittany - still completely nude - fiddling with something at the kitchen island.
''I thought I said not to put any clothes on.''
''Technically this is a robe, not clothing.''
Brittany moved away from the kitchen to stand in front of Santana. ''It's going to be a very special breakfast but I'm afraid it won't taste as good if you have this on,'' the blonde pulled the silk tie and pushed the robe off of her shoulders. ''I think these will have to go as well.''
She slide a finger into the side of Santana's panties and gently pulled, helping her out of them. She tossed them aside and then guided Santana over towards the long, sleek modern leather lounge chair located a few feet away from the dining area. She pushed her into it and Santana leaned all the way back, very nearly horizontal, her legs stretched out before her. She then watched as Brittany walked back to the kitchen island, grabbed something and made her way back.
''What's this?'' Santana asked when she noticed the something in Brittany's hand was actually a small carton of vanilla ice cream and a single spoon.
''It's breakfast,'' Brittany answered slyly as she came to sit on her lap, a thigh on each side of Santana, giving her the most perfect view of the most perfect pussy that was already clearly slick for her. ''The most important meal of the day.''
''Well, it looks delicious.''
''I told you it was going to be hot.'' Brittany popped the lid off the ice cream, scooped a small sliver of it onto the spoon and held it out.
Santana accepted the cool treat into her mouth and swallowed before Brittany leaned forward to give her a long, tonguey kiss. ''And tasty,'' Santana added, pulling away from her with an excited grin.
''I did want to do something special and romantic for you, but I'm not really that great of a cook, and I totally finished that box of Lucky Charms yesterday.''
''Hey, this is the best breakfast I've ever had,'' Santana said and ran a hand up and down Brittany's side in assurance.
''Yeah?''
''Thank you. I love this.''
Happy, Brittany gave her another spoonful. This time though Santana only took half of it, leaving Brittany to put the other half in her own mouth. Watching the girl slide her lips around a down turned spoon was almost as hot as having those pert breasts right there in front of her at mouth level.
A tiny creamy drop of ice cream fell from the utensil and onto a tight pink nipple. Santana took it upon herself to lean forward and lap at Brittany's breast, even after it was licked away she continued to suck. Brittany enjoyed the attention for a few moments before nudging Santana back for another helping.
''Sit back and let me feed you,'' the blonde insisted in a whisper.
If her girl wanted to treat her, well who was she to deny her.
She sat back then and enjoyed the treatment, appreciatively accepting bites of ice cream as she admired the body before her. All firm, muscular curves and tight abs. She ran a finger through the tiny trimmed patch of blonde hair between the girl's legs, going insane with hunger for what was right there below. Perhaps she was a bit too preoccupied because she didn't even see Brittany as she took a small serving of the now soft, slowly melting ice cream and tilted the spoon slightly so as to allow the contents to spill out onto Santana's chest and stomach. Santana flinched slightly at the cold sensation as little droplets of it began to slide down her abdomen.
''Whoops,'' Brittany said wickedly.
The dancer went to work immediately, moving forward to slowly lick the drops off and judging by her happy little moans taking great joy in the task. She ran her mouth over her collarbone and with her tongue drew a straight line between her breasts, following the tiny trail of ice cream. She then moved to her breasts, kissing at each of them, going back and forth, squeezing at which ever one her lips weren't attached to. After several minutes she worked her mouth back up. Her tongue licking a spot of ice cream at the edge of Santana's lips.
''You're so hot,'' Brittany murmured.
''Jesus, you have the most amazing mouth.''
''Mmmm, I don't know about that. I think that title might belong to you. I like listening to you make those cute sexy little noises with each bite.''
Pink lips continued to move across tan skin, eliciting long pleasant groans from Santana who began gently tracing shapes on Brittany's hips, making sure to keep her in place atop her.
''You're getting us all messy,'' Santana said playfully noting their sticky mouths.
''Good.'' Brittany gently grinded against her again, leaving behind traces of her wetness on her skin.
Santana caressed a breast before working her hand down, closer, and finding Brittany. Gently running a fingertip against her, playing with the amount of arousal that was sliding out of her and coating both of their thighs and then with the tiniest of gasps slipping inside of her folds.
''You feel so good,'' Santana said. ''You...this...it's all I want, Britt. Your mouth...your pussy…your heart...your eyes. I want all of you so fucking much sometimes.''
Brittany was enjoying the touch and Santana's ability to make something filthy sound so sentimental, or something sentimental so filthy, but had to shake her head slightly to bring herself out of her own desperately horny fog once more.
Using her thumb Brittany offered her one last dollop of the vanilla dessert and Santana took it into her mouth. Soon after Brittany discarded the ice cream, slid off of her lap and by the hand led Santana back to bed. Sticky from the dessert and each other they toppled onto the mattress. Brittany managed to get Santana on her back and Santana's response was to quickly flip them back over and take her mouth in a kiss. Brittany, however, wasn't having it. She kissed back of course but once again moved Santana onto her back.
''What are you doing?'' Santana asked eventually after the third time Brittany got atop of her.
''What does it look like?'' Brittany asked as she moved to kneel on the bed between tan legs which she caressed and slowly pushed apart to make room for herself.
''Say it.''
''I want to fuck you...'' Brittany said, ''and I want to make love to you...I want to make fucking love to you.''
Santana raised an eyebrow. ''Make fucking love huh?''
''Mmhm. It's a special kind of sex. It's hot and dirty but also romantic and sweet all at the same time. It's making love and it's fucking all rolled into one.''
Santana watched then as Brittany took one of her legs and placed it over her shoulder. The blonde kissed her calf tenderly before wiggling herself into place and with a grin that was somehow both sweet and dirty she moved her hips to make contact with Santana.
Now Santana had always taken a sort of pride with the knowledge that in most of their physical couplings she had always been the one to take the lead. It wasn't about control though, no. Rather it was about being able to show Brittany that she was there in the moment to give her what she needed, leading them through the motions until they were both happy and satisfied. She liked that feeling. She loved being able to surprise Brittany with her intensity and want. There was something so beautiful about leaving the girl blinking and speechless at her touch.
Sure.
But Brittany being all cute and bossy and take-chargey in bed was also one of her favorite things too. And the blonde had that look in her eye that said she fully planned to fuck Santana ten different ways.
And so that was how it went. She lost track of time as Brittany began rolling her hips against her and moaning her name like it was scripture.
X
A couple of hours later Brittany had successfully put Santana into a sex induced coma. Happy with her work the blonde left the girl to snooze as she took a shower. She went about readying herself for the day but after all was said and done and after a solid hour of attempting to wake the girl through whispers and light nudges Brittany gave in.
She wrote her a note and gave the side of her face a long, warm kiss before eventually grabbing her messenger bag, exiting the loft and setting off for the Liberty Diner where Justin was already waiting for her in a booth.
''Hey,'' he said brightly in greeting.
''Hey,'' she replied, plopping herself down to face him.
''I ordered pigs in a blanket. I thought we could share, I hope that's okay.''
''Sounds great actually, thanks.''
''So what did you want me to look at?''
''Well I sorta had this idea,'' she began as she started pulling a handful of comics from her bag and placing them on the tabletop between them. ''Michael gave me these and I saw an issue of Rage and it got me to thinking.''
''Always a dangerous sign.''
''There's a few things out there like this now but Rage was one of the first right?''
''In a way. I mean it was the first one that didn't hold back. We didn't leave it ambiguous, he was a superhero who was proud of who he was. We showed Rage as a fully realized sexual being.''
''Yeah, I kind of got that from all the action Rage gets from JT,'' Brittany opened a Rage issue to a panel that displayed Rage kissing another character, a blonde man. JT was Justin's comic book alter ego that also had a role in the Rage verse. ''And for it's time that was important for the world to see, or at least for teenage boys to see a gay hero that looked like them, that fought for them.''
Justin nodded.
''You guys kind of blazed a trail on that end with these, but I was thinking...'' she placed the issue of Rage down and then pulled out a stack of papers which she placed on top of it. The sketches of Snix. ''...Maybe the world, maybe girls need to see their own hero too. One who looks like them, one who fights for them.''
''Is this...is this what I think it is?'' Justin laughed as he made a grab for the sketches and eagerly leafed through them. ''Oh my god, you did this?''
''Maybe this is ridiculous or silly, but hear me out. What if Rage met another dark, sexy gay avenger in one issue? She's sexy, she's brave, she's unapologetic and she loves girls. Well...'' Brittany wrinkled her forehead in thought. ''She's attracted to girls but she really only loves one.''
''Let me guess, a cute blonde?''
Brittany lifted a shoulder and grinned. ''A cute blonde who happens to be the love of her life. And in between Snix saving people from goony homophobes and stopping meteors from colliding into Earth they have really amazing sex. Like the hottest sex ever. And it isn't just because Snix is a superhero with the ability to give super-orgasms but because of their incredible evolved intense love for each other.''
Justin stared down at her drawings, studying them with a serious eye. ''This...this is actually a great idea. I mean it's brilliant. Michael is always talking about opening up the Rage verse and, and this could be a way to do it and also tell a really important story here about a proud queer female hero.''
''Yeah?''
''Totally,'' Justin assured her. ''You should totally take this to him. Last year Brian and I got him a cake decorated like the cover of his favorite Wonder Woman comic for his birthday. He digs and respects female superheros too. Trust me, Michael would be into this. I can see him being totally receptive to the idea. ''
''Okay...okay, yeah. But on one condition?''
''What?''
Brittany straightened herself in her seat and looked him head on. ''If he likes the idea and uses it, I want you to draw her.''
''Michael works with an art team now for Rage,'' Justin started to explain. ''I started it with him and I still own a part of it but I haven't actually drawn for the comic in years, Britt.''
''Yeah I know. But, I won our dance off which means you owe me remember.''
''The artists he uses now are great, Britt. They could look at these and build from it.''
''I'm sure but if we actually make this a thing I want you to draw her.''
''Why?''
''Because...'' Brittany placed a hand over one of her own drawings, one in particular where her dark haired female superhero wasn't donning a mask. Her face was exposed and open. The spitting image of Santana, ''she's the most beautiful thing in all of existence and I don't trust anyone else to do her justice.''
Sensing how much this meant to her Justin bowed his head in agreement. ''Alright. For you I'll do it. I'll take your visuals and work from there. Maybe give them a darker slant and edge. You got any more drawing paper?''
She opened her bag again, pulling out paper and drawing pencils and offered it to him. He took them and began to work.
''I'll do a few so we can have something really solid to present to Michael. In the meantime you should jot down some ideas about the story and how you see it taking place...''
She held a fuzzy topped pen to her nose and tapped it a few times before grabbing a small notebook and putting words to paper. Fifteen minutes later they were both immersed in their tasks when Debbie came to stand by their table with a plate of food in hand. She carefully placed them down, making sure not to cover their work.
''What do we have here?'' the red headed waitress asked as she picked up a wadded up sketch Justin had discarded and crumbled it into a ball.
''Working on a little project,'' Justin answered, picking up a pig in a blanket and biting into it.
Debbie studied the image for a moment and grinned. ''It's about damn time we got a badass female superhero in the Rage-verse.''
Justin nodded at that and continued on with his work, occasionally stuffing a tiny piece of food into his mouth. Debbie, meanwhile, turned her attention over to Brittany.
''By the way I got something for you,'' the woman said, reaching into her work vest pocket and pulling a small item out and with a flourish offering it to Brittany.
It was a small pinback button about the size of a quarter. On it was a unicorn with a rainbow mane. It was the very same button Brittany had commented on during their first meeting.
''Why?'' Brittany asked, accepting the tiny gift with a grateful smile.
Debbie shrugged with a wink. ''Well, the thing about Liberty Avenue is that word travels fast. I heard a lot of chatter from my regulars this morning about a beautiful couple sweeping through Babylon last night and getting everyone's attention on the dancefloor and after hearing their descriptions I put two and two together.''
''People noticed huh?''
''You and your girl got everyone on the avenue talking after last night,'' the woman nodded down at the button. ''I just wanted to give you something so that wherever you go you'll always remember this street and know that it, like you, is magical. Much like this unicorn.''
''Sweet,'' Brittany beamed, pinning the button to a lapel of her thin, light corduroy jacket. ''You're awesome Debbie, thanks.''
''Tell your asshole girlfriend I'm proud of her too and that her next batch of lemon squares is on me.'' Debbie pinched Brittany's cheek before shuffling off back to her other customers.
X
''Christ.''
Brian muttered as he opened the large steel sliding door and surveyed the loft and it's state. There was empty take out containers splayed out on his kitchen counter, a melted tub of ice cream tipped over on his hardwood floors and just about every other inch of the space was littered with wet towels, make up and girls underwear.
Teenagers.
He walked over to the bedroom and quickly concluded the bed had obviously been defiled and violated. It took everything within him to swallow his rage as he picked up a t shirt and threw it at the back of the dark haired teenage girl snoozing face down in the mattress. Her mid section was covered with a sheet leaving only her legs, shoulders and head exposed but even that small amount of skin gave Brian the wiggins.
''Hey, you. Rise and shine,'' he ordered.
''What-what the hell?'' Santana groaned and she turned her face, prying an eye open just in time to watch Brian take out his cell and make a call.
''Cynthia, it's Brian,'' he said into his phone, almost tripping on a bra as he did so. ''Can you do me a favor? Arrange for someone from the cleaning crew at Kinnetic to come to my loft. Tell them there's a five hundred dollar incentive. I want them to clean every inch of the place. Twice. Now if it all possible...alright...thanks. Bye.''
Santana buried her face back into the mattress. ''What are you doing here?''
''Well, it is my loft. I thought I'd pop by to see if it burst into flames now that it's apparently been scene to teen lesbian sex romps. Thankfully it hasn't, though I still plan to hold an exorcism on the bed when your little visit ends.''
''Where's Brittany?''
''As far as I know she and Justin had some magical family-friendly adventure to tend to, oh, looky, she left you a note.'' Brian's eyes lit up as he snatched a neatly folded paper from the side table nearest Santana. He opened it up and began reading Brittany's text aloud in an overly excited, cute tone. ''Hey there sleepy head! Sorry you had to wake up alone but I had to talk to Justin. I tried to wake you but I think that last orgasm might have put you into a coma. You were so amazing. I love when you let me put my - EW! You let her do that to you?! Kinky.''
''Shut up and give me that,'' Santana grumbled and made to grab Brittany's note from him.
He yanked it out of her reach. ''Only if you get your ass out of bed. You're coming with me.''
''The hell I am.''
''Well, you're not staying here. It's only been a week but you and your girl have left the loft in a state. I have a cleaning person coming over to take care of the place. They'll probably have to fog this entire zone to get the smell of pussy out of my bedroom. They're going to be cleaning and I don't want you here distracting them or keeping them from doing their job. Now get up and get dressed. We're going shopping.''
She groaned in aggravation but began to rise, taking the bed sheet with her as she walked into the bathroom and started the shower.
Once she finished getting herself ready and dressed for the day they departed and ended up hitting a few high end clothing stores. Their first stops were rather quick, it wasn't until they found themselves at an upscale shop that catered to both men and women that they began to take their time.
They came to relax in a large lushly decorated dressing room with a hand full of changing spaces curtained off. There were also racks of designer clothing and a few comfy chairs for customers to sit upon. There were a couple of young female shop girls who would occasionally walk in and out of area, placing clothing on racks for their inspection and making sure they weren't in need of complimentary refreshments on hand.
While Brian was busy flipping through the long rack of clothing the store employees were providing for him to inspect and try on Santana lounged in one of the nearby chairs, sipping orange juice from an elegant champagne flute.
''Not that I haven't always wondered what it would be like to have an old and loaded sugar daddy,'' she began playfully, ''but, uh, why are we spending time together again?''
''I told you,'' Brian said, pulling a piece of clothing from it's hanger and moving to stand in front of one of the large mirrors in the room. He pulled off his shirt and slipped into the new clothing. ''You're staying in my loft, violating it in god knows how many ways, you're paying me back with at least a few hours of servitude. And since I need some new clothes I figured you could start by hauling my shopping bags around for me for the rest of the day. And who the fuck are you calling old?''
He turned around to face her and model yet another black, sleeveless button up shirt. He'd gone through dozens of them, tossing them aside after inspecting his reflection for a few seconds before coming to the conclusion that they simply didn't make the cut or accentuate his toned arms.
''What do you think of this one?''
''Looks fine,'' Santana said with an indifferent shrug.
Apparently this wasn't enough for Brian, who huffed before ripping it off his body and tossing it aside and grabbing for another piece of clothing.
''I don't know why you even bother trying with all of this.'' She motioned to the pile of men's clothing he'd discarded in his search for the perfect black sleeveless shirt and teased, ''it's not possible for anyone to be hot in Pittsburgh. Well, except me, that is.''
''You think you're hot shit, don't you?''
''I know I'm hot shit.''
He laughed but went back to looking through the provided clothing. A young attractive female shop employee entered the room then, she placed a few more items on the rack for Brian to sort through and then went over to the rack that was being provided for Santana and placed a single article of clothing on it. A short, black strapless dress.
''I noticed you haven't looked through much,'' the sales girl said to her. ''was there anything specific I could find for you?''
''No, I'm fine. Thanks.''
The girl bit her lip and came closer as she nodded at the dress. ''Well, I saw this on the sales floor and thought it would look particularly gorgeous on you. It's one of my favorites.''
''Um…...cool?''
''If you need anything else I'm right outside the room. Or,'' the girl's tone became softer taking on a slow, seductive quality, ''if you needed some help trying it on I would be more than happy to be of assistance.''
Santana blinked slowly. ''I think I can manage that on my own. I learned how to do that little task when I was three, like most people.''
''Yes, of course, but you never know when you might come across a tricky zipper. I happen to be very good with tricky zippers. If you change your mind, come find me.''
The girl made her exit though not before throwing Santana a flirty smile over her shoulder. The exchange did not go unnoticed by Brian.
''You're not going after that?'' he asked her looking at her through the mirror he was still facing.
''After what?''
''That piece of ass that just gave you the green light, that.''
''Not interested. One, her make-up job didn't compliment her skin tone and I can't respect a girl who doesn't know how to fucking blend. Two, I don't need random ass.''
Brian shrugged and turned back to face her head on as he fiddled with the cuffs of his dress shirt. ''Alright, how about this one?''
She moaned in a bored monotone, ''oh my god, yes, it looks good. How long does it take for you to shop for clothes?''
''You'd be surprised how often I shop and how much money I blow on my wardrobe,'' he said proudly. ''You know, if you're bored you could look through the clothes they're bringing back here for you right?''
''Uh no. I may have money, but I've seen the price tags in this place. My father would kill me.''
''Don't worry about it. Look. Pick one out. On me.''
Santana looked to the rack of clothing, then to Brian, then to the clothing and back to Brian once more. What was he getting at?
''Why?'' she asked, realizing that this was him offering her an act of generosity.
''Just.'' He paused and cleared his throat awkwardly, looking almost embarrassed. ''Think of it as a payment of sorts.''
''Payment for what?''
''For your help,'' he answered.
She smiled wide and wickedly. ''And why would Brian Kinney need the help of one Santana Lopez?''
X
''So what do you think?'' Brittany asked Michael as they stood at the front counter of his comic book shop.
After Justin refined her vision and produced a few drawings and she had written out her story in points they went off to find Michael at his shop. There Justin had stood back and quieted himself, letting Brittany have the floor to do the showing and telling as she proposed her idea.
After all was said and done she found Michael's expression somewhat unreadable.
''You know,'' Michael began as he scratched the back of his neck and continued to study the sketches before him, ''With the help of Justin I created the first openly gay superhero. Rage is dark, sexy, complex, unapologetic and daring - I always told myself that it was more than just a comic book. Boys needed to see someone like them be the hero of the story. I thought I was doing really edgy, important work and to a degree I was...am...but...I'm honestly disappointed in myself that it never occurred to me that queer girls need their own hero too. This needs to happen. Brittany, this,'' he broke out into a smile as he held up her doodles as well as Justin's more dramatic version and a page or two of an outline she had created, ''this could be fucking epic.''
''You really think so?'' she asked.
To her it made all the sense in the world. It was always how she'd seen Santana. Big, larger than life. Brave and fearless with a surprisingly honest and pure moral code that wasn't easily swayed. She hoped there would be a story there and it appeared the comic shop owner felt there might be one too.
''I know comic books and I know superheros,'' Michael stated as he began walking back and forth as the wheels in his head began turning, ''this could be a fun, kickass story and if we do it right, it could actually say something important too. The thing about the Rage-verse is that on the surface it's just a comic book, but me and Justin always tried to use it as a platform. We wrote stories about things happening to us, to our community.''
Brittany held up another issue of Rage as example. ''Like when evil villain IceTina swept through Gayopolis and Rage and JT had to find a way to stop everyone around them from falling victim to her addictive mind-numbing powers before the entire city was corrupted.''
''Exactly. Underneath that was a story about rampant crystal meth abuse and the scars it leaves behind on a person and a community.''
''That was a dark story,'' Justin noted as he spoke up for the first time in this conversation.
Michael nodded to the blondes in turn. ''It was, but it needed to be told...and so does this Brittany. You're right. Girls need to see someone who looks like them, who fights for them. This story about a young girl understanding her powers, her sexuality and being her own savior - this should be seen. Only...''
''Only what?'' Brittany asked.
''Well, as a gay man this isn't my story to tell,'' Michael said gently. ''And it isn't Justin's either. This has to be yours. You have to write it.''
''What, you mean like write it-write it?''
Michael nodded. ''I'll help with punching it up so it fits in our comic book world but as far as words, themes and the message behind it all...that should come from you. And of course you'll get all the story credit. It's your idea and I'll pay you for it.''
''For reals?'' Brittany chirped.
''For reals,'' Michael happily assured. ''So what do you say kid? I'm in if you're in.''
''I'm in,'' she answered.
''Although if there's one thing we could change, perhaps Snix's superpowers and origin story could start somewhere else. I want people to see the depth in this and I think a radioactive squirrel attack kind of takes away from that.''
''Aww,'' Brittany sighed in disappointment. She really liked drawing that squirrel.
''Well I think Snix is a badass,'' Michael said, ''she deserves a badass origin story. Rage is a dark, edgy comic. I want your superhero to be just as dark and edgy and sexy too. We'll brainstorm together and figure out something that really works and makes sense within the Rage-verse. But other than that I think what you have here already is pretty solid. Justin's concept art, your basic outline. I'm thoroughly impressed...and I'm excited.''
''Why?''
''Because I'm thinking Gayopolis has a new hero...and her name is Snix.''
X
''Have you ever done this before?'' Brian asked as he watched Santana attempt to roll a joint. ''You're using way too much tongue.''
''Please,'' Santana scoffed as if greatly offended. ''I've been doing this since I was fifteen.''
Together they sat side by side upon floor pillows in the living area of the freshly cleaned loft, their elbows on the coffee table as they conversed with each other.
''I'm just asking,'' he said, raising a shoulder. ''It's a good thing you're not straight though, by the looks of it you'd probably suck at giving blowjobs...and by suck I don't mean in the positive life affirming way.''
''Screw you,'' she laughed. ''I know how to roll a joint. God. Maybe if you sit back and chill the fuck out and quit interrupting me, you'd see that I have a technique.''
''Okay, now you're using too much tongue-''
''Oh my god, you're such a freaking princess,'' she groaned in frustration. ''First there's not enough saliva, then there's too much. Make up your freaking mind.''
''God damn, I take it back, you clearly need my mentoring,'' Brian playfully chastised. ''Has no one ever taught you how to roll a proper joint? Give me that. Watch and learn.''
Santana grumbled as he yanked her pathetic excuse for a joint and the papers on the coffee table and attempted to salvage the thing. He spread the grass evenly and expertly before applying just the right amount of saliva to the papers with his tongue and rolling it, producing a beautiful, perfect end product and displaying it to her like a prize on a game show with elaborate hand gestures.
Once lit they passed it back and forth, taking long, luxurious drags from it as they listened to the sound of music breaking up their comfortable quiet companionship.
''Your loft is really beautiful you know,'' Santana noted as she allowed her head to fall back onto the cushion of the couch.
Brian nodded silently but proudly.
She stared up at the high ceilings. ''Did you pay for it or did mommy and daddy buy it for you?''
Brian half laughed, half scoffed. ''Everything I've ever had I've made for myself. Including the loft. I've had to work my ass off to get where I am...although as my friend Melanie always likes to remind me that as a white man I still have it easier than any woman or person of color who have to work harder for the same doors to be opened for them.''
''Melanie?''
Brian squirmed in his seat in order to pull his phone out of his pants. He flicked at the screen for a moment before handing it over to her. As she took his phone, he took the joint from her. On the screen of his cell was an attractive brunette with a short but sleek bob, she was older like Brian, but was far from a fossil. She touched the screen, flicking it to the side revealed another photo except in this one the brunette had a blonde at her side. While the dark haired woman in the photo was attractive, the blonde however was, well, she was gorgeous. She was statuesque with blue eyes and an elegant jaw line. The blonde woman was totally-
''Don't be perving on my friends,'' Brian said, snatching his phone back.
''Whatever.''
''Mel and Lindsay moved to Canada a few years ago but you'll probably meet them soon. They're coming in for a few days for some lame birthday shindig Michael's putting together for Deb. Anyway, nevermind the fact that Linds is out of your league, you should know they're married and despite the years still disgustingly in love with each other.''
Santana lifted her head in acknowledgement and took the joint once more.
They seemed content like this, that is until the music app on Santana's phone, which she had conveniently connected to the bluetooth speaker in the sitting area, began to play a new decidedly less mellow song.
''What the fuck is this noise?'' Brian asked, looked appalled by what he was hearing.
''Lady Gaga.''
Brian scrunched up his face as if disgusted and threw her a face as if to say the fuck is wrong with you.
''What?'' she asked, raising her voice in defensiveness. ''Were you expecting my music library to be filled with Melissa Etheridge or something?''
''No, but I was expecting you to have better taste.''
''Hey! Ain't nothing wrong with Lady Gaga.''
''I love a good dance track, I just think there are far superior pop artists out there. Kids today know fuck all about what real music is.''
''Okay, gramps.''
''So is that what you want to be when you grow up? A pop star rock god? The next Gaga or Katy Perry or Ke$ha?''
She shook her head as she cleared her throat and answered in a serious, somber tone. ''No. Absolutely not. I don't want to be like them...I want to be something new...something different...something nobody else has ever seen before.''
''You know last night at Woody's when you sang...you were actually pretty good.''
''I was better than good. I had that whole room under my spell. Even you. You were watching me and I know why.''
Brian chuckled heartily and patted the top of her head as if she were a pet. ''Oh, Santana, I'm flattered, truly I am, but I'm afraid I'm strictly dickly.''
''Shut the fuck up,'' she gave him a playful shove on his shoulder. ''You were watching me because you wanted it - the stage, the mic, the spotlight.''
Brian made a loud dismissive noise. ''The fuck I did.''
''Just admit it,'' she insisted sharply, shaking her head at him. ''You might be able to fool everybody else into believing you don't give a damn, but that doesn't work on me. Like you said I'm not like everyone else. Because guess what? I have my own superpowers too and one of them is being able to detect when a person is full of shit, and you were last night when you said you didn't want to go up and sing.''
Brian went silent and went to distract himself by grabbing a lighter on the coffee table and flicking it on and off several times, staring into the flame as she continued.
''You miss that feeling. And you know what I'm talking about. That feeling when you're on stage and all eyes are on you and you look out at the crowd and you know, you just know that you have every single one of them in the palm of your hand. You're going to sit there and tell me you don't miss it?''
''It's not that I don't miss it okay?'' Brian said eventually and actually looked strangely vulnerable and awkward as he shifted in his seat. ''I do. It's that I was never as sure of myself as Michael was. He was the better guitarist and the better vocalist and what few songs we did have he wrote them.''
''But you were the lead singer.'' She held out her hand, offering him the joint.
He took it and examined it for a thoughtful moment before putting it to his mouth. ''Yeah, and in my head I was Bowie and Smith and Jagger all rolled into one but in reality...I was an amateur.''
''Performing isn't all about talent, you know. Sure, you gotta know what the hell you're doing, but it's mostly about guts. I have a voice and it's a damn nice voice but it's not the best, but that doesn't matter because when I stand in front of a mic...I believe in myself. Who cares if you were a shitty vocalist if you knew how to work what you do have.''
''I care. I'd rather sit my ass down than make a fucking fool of myself.''
''That's the thing, though, if you really love standing on stage you have to be willing to make a fool of yourself. That's a part of it. It's a risk. Whether you're a singer or a dancer or a comedian or whatever the hell, there's always the possibility that you're gonna make a fool of yourself. If your desire to be on stage was never bigger than the fear of failing at it...then you're right. You didn't have what it took to make it big.''
''I know that...but I still want your help.''
''Again...why? What is it exactly that you need my help with?''
''You're comfortable with the stage and I want to get to that head-space where I can walk on it again and not not feel like fucking upchucking.''
''You want me to help you sing?'' she said slowly, still unsure of what he was asking of her.
''Look I'm not the kind of person who likes to ask for help, but this is something I want to do. Something I need to do.''
''...for Justin?''
He lifted a shoulder and attempted to be nonchalant but she could see underneath that layer of indifferent arrogance about him. ''When we were at Woody's and you were on stage I saw the way Brittany looked at you. Excited, proud and... that look she had for you...I want to give Justin that. I want to see all of those things in his eyes.''
In his own weird way Brian was actually putting himself out there and sharing something with her. If it were anyone else she'd be laughing at his confession, but he wasn't just anyone else. He was an asshole and as a fellow asshole she knew it wasn't always easy to open up like this.
''...you really love him don't you?'' she asked.
''Justin's the only one I will ever love,'' Brian answered quickly without hesitance. ''I'm completely aware that my time has long passed, I'm never gonna be a rock star but I know it'd make him laugh to see me do something like that. To sing. And when it comes to Justin-''
''-you'd do anything to see him smile?''
''When you say it like that it makes me sound all pathetic and lovesick, but...yeah. Yeah, I would.''
''I get it. Believe me, I get it.''
''So are you gonna help me?''
''For shits and giggles, why not. Might be fun.'' She stood up and walked over to the kitchen area, pulled a couple of bottles of water and threw one at him as she made her way back to sit on the floor with him. ''And you're right, Justin would totally love it.''
''Name your price then.''
''I don't want money, or even a designer dress, I'm doing this because I want to do this and it would be nice to have you in my debt. Who knows one day I may call on you for a favor. I'll probably need an alibi or help moving a body...or both. Let's just say you owe me one, Kinney.''
''Deal, Lopez.''
''Now stop hogging the joint and hand it back already.''
X
It was early evening when Brittany and Justin arrived back at the loft. They slid the steel door open and immediately spotted Brian and Santana, both clearly buzzed, arguing as they sat amongst Brian's collection of vinyl records which they had spread out on the floor. The floor which was also littered with rolling papers and bags of chips for some reason as both of them were munching down while having a heated discussion.
''And I'm saying Stevie Nicks is the shit. Rhiannon is like,'' Santana paused as she licked salty snack bits from her mouth, ''like whoa. It's seductive and sexy.''
''Of course,'' Brian said sleepily, chilled by what they had been smoking as he held up a Pretenders album and hugged it to his chest like a little boy, ''but I'm saying Chrissie Hynde is a badass. She's a fucking rock god and I'm not talking that I'll Stand By You shit, I'm talking Back On The Chain Gang era here.''
''What are you two doing?'' Brittany asked, eyeing them both curiously and nudging the junk food wrappers on the floor with one of her shoes.
''It smells like Funyuns and weed in here,'' Justin noted, bending down and picking up a sandwich baggy of grass. The blonde man turned to Brian and held it up. ''Yesterday you gave Britt cigarettes, today you gave Santana pot - what the hell Brian?''
Brian held up his hands. ''Don't look at me, this isn't mine. It's Santana's.''
Santana nodded. ''He's actually telling the truth, this is totally my stuff.''
Brittany turned to her cousin. ''It kind of only makes sense that these two spending time together would result in criminal activity.''
''It does, doesn't it?'' sighed Justin.
The blondes shook their heads about with a laugh and joined them in the sitting area. Justin went to plop himself on a couch, laying on his stomach. His head rested only a few inches from Brian's, who leaned his own head back to rest upon the cushion. He gave Justin a kiss and afterwards their heads came to bump each other playfully.
Brittany, meanwhile, went to sit on the floor beside Santana who decided to take the opportunity to wiggle about and lay down, placing her head in the blonde girl's lap.
''Where have you two been?'' Brian asked, looking to each of the blondes.
''We hit up the diner and then Michael's shop to talk comics,'' Justin answered. ''Britt came up with a really awesome idea for an issue of Rage.''
''After that we walked around for a bit. What about you guys?'' Brittany asked as she started stroking the side of Santana's face, using her thumb to caress over her cheekbones. ''Break any federal laws or just small time misdemeanors?''
''Brian dragged me out shopping,'' Santana started, staring up into Brittany's face, ''judging by how picky and huffy he got during only helps my theory that he's actually just a teenage girl. You should have seen him throw a fit when they told him they didn't have the trousers he wanted in his size.''
''Other than that we've mostly just been sitting around here, painting each other's nails, giving each other facials,'' Brian added playfully.
''Although,'' Santana raised a pointed finger, ''not the kind of facials Brian usually enjoys getting if you know what I mean.''
''You shut your mouth,'' Brian said although his tone wasn't in the least bit harsh. If anything he looked rather impressed. Still, when he caught Justin laughing he whispered, ''do not encourage her with your laughter.''
But it was too late. Soon Brittany, Santana and Justin were all giggling at his expensive and the joke aimed at him. He grumbled to himself but shook it off and reached for a spilled over can of Pringles. He gathered a large, tall stack of them in his palm and unceremoniously shoved them in his mouth in a messy child-like manner.
Justin patted his boyfriend's hair. ''Aww, there-there.''
Noting the junk food around them Brittany began. ''Did you guys eat everything in the loft, I'm starving.''
Justin scrambled his body up. ''Me too.''
''Britt, we should order in tonight,'' said Santana, ''I could really go for some MSG-laced Chinese food right about now.''
''Sweet and sour chicken...lo mein...I could be down for some of that,'' Justin nodded.
Brittany looked to the men. ''We should order...and you guys should stay. The four of us should do dinner here, together.''
''Yeah?'' Justin asked Brian who could only shrug and nod in agreement as he crunched on his giant mouthful of chips.
Brittany looked down at Santana and raised her eyebrows in question. Santana simply nodded and pulled her down for a kiss.
Less than an hour later they were all still there, except now they were all seated on the floor. Each of them taking a side of the square coffee table as they dined. Talking, laughing, joshing around with each other as they passed cartons of food around, sharing and making a mess of the table's surface. Brittany and Brian playfully bickered over the last of the sesame chicken, in the end she won the last piece. Mid-conversation Justin spluttered white rice all over himself when Santana made a most inappropriate joke that had everyone laughing.
All throughout the rest of the evening there were these moments, Brittany thought, when she looked around. These tiny moments, these miniscule spaces of time where she could feel everyone connecting through laughter and conversation.
She had always felt that special bond to Justin, that was nothing new. What was new were these lines of affection being drawn to and from all four of them.
When Brian spoke to her, he didn't look or speak to her like a silly ditz. He didn't dumb anything down or assume her sweet nature automatically meant she was simple. When Justin interacted with Santana he didn't see or diminish her as a slutty, cruel individual like so many people in their town and school had before. The male pair seemed to understand the layers of them and in turn they understood the male pair as well. Brittany easily deduced that under Brian's obnoxious exterior was an actual sweetheart, who actually cared about those around him more than he let on. And the way Santana looked at Justin with respect but also as if his sweetness and creativity was something so precious.
No one said it outright but Brittany thought they all felt it too.
This. Here. Now. The four of them. It felt like friendship, it felt like family.
''Fortune cookie time,'' Justin announced excitedly, handing everyone their treat.
''Okay, remember,'' Brian said, moving his hand about to get everyone's attention, ''you have to add in bed to the end of your fortune, go.''
Brittany was the first to tear into hers. She grinned wickedly as she read it aloud. ''A girl with brown eyes has a surprise for you in bed.''
Justin laughed. ''No way does it say that! Lemme see.''
Brittany handed over her fortune which did indeed say that. Her cousin handed it back, amazed. ''That was a good one, that works. My turn, you will soon receive a small but important package in bed.''
Santana and Brittany cracked up at this as they looked to Brian who looked suddenly pouty, ''for the record, my package is not small. Let's just throw this fortune away, huh?''
Brian made to grab it away from Justin who pulled it out of his reach. ''Nope, it's mine, I'm keeping it. Come on, your turn.''
The dark haired man cracked open his cookie and threw one half into his own mouth before reading his message. ''A trip to the south will bring you happiness in bed.''
Everyone made to holler and hoot at that one and it's dirty implication. After a moment passed Santana opened hers. She, again, offered the treat itself to Brittany before looking at her fortune.
The others quieted and she cleared her own throat of laughter as she began to speak. ''You have remarkable power within you. It's time you begin to use it.''
''In bed,'' the others said simultaneously, chuckling together.
The male couple smiled and went back to munching on bits of food as they began speaking quietly to each other. The girls went along as well. Everyone easily segued back into comfortable conversation with each other.
Brittany however watched the faintest of smiles pull at her girlfriend's lips as she blinked down and carefully pocketed her fortune cookie message. She was quite aware that despite her claims of the contrary and Santana's insistence that she didn't, couldn't, wouldn't believe in fate, deep down there was a part of her that desperately wanted to believe.
In fate, in family, in something bigger than all of them.
Brittany knew that however silly, however trite Santana always felt a magnitude of emotion by the smallest of things.
Even tiny food-stained pieces of paper that claimed knowledge of one's future and past.
As the four of them carried on chattering back and forth, about nothing and everything and all that was in between Brittany felt her hand being gently tugged on by Santana. With a soft squeeze she went to place it upon the table top and it was there in plain view of the others that she interlocked their fingers.
The display of affection was small but significant. Unafraid.
Brittany stared down at their tangled fingers never more sure that the universe did have a plan and that whatever it was...was on their side.
All of theirs.
X
So I know I always do this, but the sex shop is in the next chapter. It just felt like this chapter should end on this quiet moment, so.
One important note. When I set out to write this story it was very important to me that it not turn into some fic about Brian or Justin showing Britt and Santana how to be or do anything. To me, Santana and Britt are their own saviors and they always will be. Period. So when it came to building the Brian and Santana friendship, I purposely made it so that he needs her. He asks for her help because she has the upper hand and knowledge about performing and that in turn is what builds their friendship. I didn't want to turn it into something gross and disrespectful where "Brian guides and teaches Santana how to be gay'', no to that. So I flipped it, he needs her guidance and help.
On the same note I wanted to make sure that Justin and Michael recognized that what Britt was bringing to them - Snix as a superhero - was all her and that all credit belongs to her. It's their comic but they both know that this story and this message has to come from Britt, from someone who knows what it's like to be a young, proud, out woman.
So, I dunno, I hope both instances felt right and true and respectful of Britt and Santana because again, this is their story. There might be moments that explore their friendships with others but it will always circle back to them as the focus.
As always if you're out there I'd love to hear from ya!