Previously on 3rd & Lucky...

My name is Brittany and I'm 16 years old. The night before I started sophomore year at McKinley High, I came out to my best friend, Santana. She is amazing and took it like a champ. After I came out to my family and the rest of my friends, I was ready to start the new school year with no real expectations.

However, that's when everything started to change…

I was at a homecoming party when I met this girl Kelly. She was very attractive and apparently one of the most popular girls at our rival school, Carmel High. Kelly immediately took an interest in me and at the time, I didn't really see the harm in getting to know her a little better.

Boy, how wrong was I…

Kelly and I dated for about five months. I never felt a real connection with her; however, I liked the idea of having a girlfriend. Maybe that's why I stayed with her for so long. In actuality, I think I was just scared of being alone (since I didn't know any other gay people). If I'm being completely honest with myself though, I think I was more afraid of the developing feelings I was having for my best friend.

Little by little, Kelly's true colors began to show. I started to realize what a horrible person she was and it made me feel so stupid for even being in a relationship with her to begin with. She fooled me… I was just too naïve at the time to see it.

During this time when I was coming to this realization, apparently Santana was coming to one of her own. Santana had fallen in love with me. All of the signs were there, but like I said before... I was just too stupid to see them. After Kelly and I broke up, I started to reassess some things in my life and tried to figure out what it was that I really wanted out of a girlfriend.

Unfortunately for me, I seem to have the worst timing ever…

What I didn't know at the time was how much Santana was struggling. Apparently her mother found out about her feelings for me and that didn't sit well with her. Her mom abandoned her family, divorced her dad, and disappeared from sight. Because of all the sudden changes, this forced Mr. Lopez and Santana to move to Seattle. I was heartbroken when I heard the news. Not only was I losing my best friend, but I was also losing the opportunity to see if Santana and I could be more than just friends.

It wasn't until the night Santana moved away that my life took another drastic change.

As we said our goodbyes, Santana totally took me by surprise when she kissed me. I was so shocked by the action that I couldn't move. It was only after she left that I began to process everything. It was really hard to sort through my feelings, not knowing what the kiss meant and also not being able to talk to Santana in person about it. I became upset and just angry at the overall situation, so much that I ignored Santana for nearly a month.

After I finally got my head out of my ass, I went to Seattle to see Santana and learned about everything, from the real reason her mom left to her true feelings for me. Again, I was shocked and blown away by this revelation, but I didn't let it deter me. Instead, I finally admitted to myself and to Santana how much I was in love with her as well.

And then… we made out!

After getting all of our feelings out on the table, we decided to give a long distance relationship a shot. We both knew how crazy the idea seemed, especially since were only just 16, but I think we could really make it work. It gets very hard at times, not being able to see Santana every day - especially when I'm constantly surrounded by our friends and their significant others - but I think we're stronger than that... at least I hope we are.

I just know that if we can continue to hold on to how much we love and care about each other, eventually we will be back together in the same place and have the chance to be a regular couple. I look forward to that day.

3 months later...

"Ooh girl you're shinin', like a 5th Avenue diamond… they don't make you like they used to; you're never going out of style..."

I chuckle as I hear the song Santana has chosen to sing to me. Santana has always been really shy when it comes to singing in front of other people, but since we've been dating, she's been doing it a little more often. She knows how much I love her voice so it gives me a tingly feeling inside to know that she's willing to step outside of her comfort zone, just for me.

"I wanna thrill you like Michael… I wanna kiss you like Prince; let's get it on like Marvin Gaye, like Hathaway... write a song for you like this," she continues. "You're over my head, I'm outta my mind… thinkin' I was born in the wrong time; one of a kind... livin' in a world gone plastic, baby you're so classic..."

"You're such a dork," I giggle out, smiling brightly at my girlfriend through our Skype session.

"I know... but I'm only a dork for you," Santana bashfully replies as she sets her guitar down.

"I miss you so much, San…" I earnestly state.

"I miss you too, babe..." she says back, causing me to blush.

In the three months that Santana and I have been girlfriends, it has been a very interesting transition. It was a little weird the first time I heard my best friend call me babe or baby, but I think I managed to get over that pretty quickly. I could tell that Santana hadn't meant to say it - at least not out loud - but I thought it was really sweet. It was definitely a turning point in our relationship that further solidified the fact that we were no longer just friends.

"I'm sorry that we couldn't spend Thanksgiving together," she continues on. "I didn't know we were going to Arizona till the last minute."

"It's okay, babe... I know how important it was for your dad to spend the holidays with his family," I sincerely reply. "Besides... I get you for 2 whole weeks for Christmas!"

"Yeah... I can't wait!" Santana exclaims. "Don't get me wrong... I miss hanging out with all of the guys too, but I really just want to be able to hold you in my arms again."

The sincerity in her voice is so overwhelming to the point that my eyes begin to water.

"Britt, what's wrong?" Santana questions. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No... of course not," I sniffle out as I wipe the wetness from my eyes. "You're just amazing, that's all..."

Santana shyly looks away from the computer screen, trying desperately to hide the blush appearing on her face.

"I'm just sorry I wasted so much time..." I solemnly add.

Apparently this causes the Latina's head to snap up. "What do you mean?"

"I just..." I pause, not really sure if I want to continue my line of thought. "Nevermind... it's stupid."

"Hey, Britt... look at me," she softly says. I do as she asks. "What are you thinking about?"

"I just wish that I would've realized sooner how perfect you are for me. I wasted so much time with Kelly when all along, I should've been with you," I finally say.

"Hey... we've talked about this," Santana protests. "All that stuff that happened is in the past."

"Yeah, I know... but you had to wait all of that time for me," I argue. "But I just keep thinking... if I would've just been patient and not so damn desperate to attach myself to the first girl that took an interest in me, then maybe you'd still be here..."

"Brittany... if I would've told you sooner how I felt, then maybe things would be different as well," Santana reasons. "I don't blame you and you shouldn't blame yourself. The only thing that matters right now is that you and I are together... no matter how many miles separate us."

I know she's right, but that still doesn't keep my mind from wondering about all of the 'what ifs'. Had I not been so blinded by Kelly and Santana had been my girlfriend from the beginning, maybe her mom would've stuck around. If Mrs. Lopez could've seen our relationship firsthand and saw how much we love and care about each other, then maybe she would've been more understanding and eventually came around.

"Britt... even if our relationship happened sooner, I honestly don't think that would've changed the outcome of what happened with my mother," Santana states knowingly.

"How did you..."

"Because I know you," she simply replies. "And I get it… it's the holidays and you're supposed to spend it with your family; the people that love you. My mother made her choice, long before we ever happened. Please don't beat yourself up over this. I just want you to be happy..."

"You make me happy..." I earnestly reply. She smiles back at me. "I'm sorry for being so negative... I just have a lot of time to think about stuff. I still can't believe I didn't know. I mean, seriously... all of the signs were there."

"Oh yeah... what kind of signs?" Santana curiously questions.

"Like that night I came out to you..." I start off. "After you left, I overhead my parents talking. They said that they were almost positive that after I told them I was gay, I was also going to tell them that we were a couple."

"Seriously?! That's kinda funny," Santana chuckles out. "I guess that makes sense. After you told our friends, they all kept asking me how I felt about it and stuff."

"Yeah... they asked me a few weird questions too, like they were trying to subtly hint around about whether we were more than friends."

"It seems like everyone knew that we like each other but us," Santana states, still laughing at herself while shaking her head.

"And here I thought we were the geniuses of the group," I scoff.

"Well, you know what they say... love makes you stupid," Santana replies, "or something like that."

"I think you meant love is blind, babe..." I politely correct. Santana seems to ponder this over as she shrugs her shoulders. "Either way... I'm proud to be an idiot with you."

"Aww... me too!" Santana says as she smiles brightly at me.

As I glance at the clock, I'm saddened by the numbers I see. I guess my facial expression reflects that.

"I'm guessing it's time for you to go?" Santana questions.

"Yeah..." I sadly reply. "If I'm up much longer, my mom will have a fit. I'm actually surprised she hasn't come banging on my door yet."

"Well... it is midnight there," my girlfriend reminds me. "Plus, it's probably not a bad idea for you to get some rest. You have that test tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, unfortunately..." I reply. "Seriously though, who gives a test the first week back from Thanksgiving break? That's just un-American!"

"Oh, stop being so dramatic Miss Pierce," Santana teases. "I'm sure you could ace that test with your eyes closed."

"Although true, you're still missing the point I'm trying to make here," I whine in return.

"I know, sweetie... I don't wanna say goodbye either," Santana whispers. "We'll talk tomorrow though, okay?"

"Okay..." I reluctantly reply as I bring my laptop over from my desk to my bed. "San?"

"Yeah Britt?"

"Will you sing me another song?"

"Of course," she instantly replies.

As I lie down and tuck myself under my comforter, I give her a nod to go ahead.

"Said all I want from you is to see ya tomorrow and every tomorrow, baby you let me borrow your heart. Is it too much to ask for every Sunday? And while we're at, throw in every other day to start," Santana softly sings. "I know people make promises all the time, then they turn right around and break them. But someone cut your heart open with a knife, now you're bleedin'. But I could be that girl to heal it over time and I won't stop until you believe it… cuz baby you're worth it, so..."

As I take in the lyrics, I feel myself more at ease and slowly start drifting off into sleep.

"Don't act like it's a bad thing to fall in love with me. Cuz you might look around and find that your dreams come true with me. Spend all your time and your money just to find out that my love was free. So don't act like it's a bad thing to fall in love with me, with me, with me..."

"I love you, Santana..." I sleepily state once she's done serenading me.

"I love you too, Brittany!" Santana immediately responds. "Goodnight babe."

"Bye..." I say as I end our chatting session.

As I place my laptop on the ground, I roll over to find Santana's hoodie. I wrap my arms around it and bring it closer to my body, trying to catch any residual aromas of my girlfriend. Sadly, they're barely traceable anymore because the hoodie now smells like me. I try to stay positive as I finally close my eyes and go to sleep, dreaming about Santana. I just have to keep telling myself that in less than a month, she'll be back here, in my arms.

Finally... the day has arrived!

As I re-read over the text message that Santana sent me hours ago, I anxiously wait at the baggage claim area for her arrival. I feel a little nervous because these two weeks that she'll be in town will be the first real moments where I get to experience a 'normal' relationship with her. I'm nervous, yet excited.

As I pace back and forth, a flash of raven-colored hair catches my attention. I don't even need to see the front of her face to know that it's her… the love of my life.

As Santana makes her way to the carousel, I see her grab her bag. As she turns around, there I am… standing with my sign held above my head that reads 'MY GIRLFRIEND'. Once Santana spots me, she immediately drops her bag and runs towards me. I then drop my sign simultaneously as I'm catching her in my arms and crashing my lips against hers.

I feel jolts of electricity coursing through my body as I re-introduce my lips to hers. At this point, I don't even care that were standing in the middle of a crowded airport, practically making out. All that matters in this moment is her. As I lift her up in the air and gently spin her around, I slowly place her feet back on the ground and pull away to rest my forehead against hers.

"Hi..." I softly whisper out, attempting to catch my breath.

"Hey yourself..." Santana replies just as breathless. "That's a hell of a way to say hello."

"Sorry if I got a little carried away... I just really missed you," I bashfully say as I play with the strings of her hoodie.

"Yeah... I know the feeling," she replies back. "You never have to apologize for kissing me though."

"Okay... I'm sorry," I state before I realize that I've apologized again. Santana just smiles and shakes her head at me. "C'mon... let's get you home."

"After you, milady..." Santana goofily replies as she breaks away from me to grab her forgotten bag.

I'm a little saddened by the loss of contact, but it's only briefly as Santana grabs my hand and laces our fingers together. Instantly, I know I have a huge grin plastered to my face. I can't help it though... that's just the affect Santana has on me.

As we make it to the parking garage and locate my car, Santana throws her bag in the trunk and we begin our journey back to my house.

"So... Miss Pierce, how did you manage to get your mom to agree to let me stay with you guys?" Santana curiously ponders.

"Well... let's just say I can be very persuasive," I state with a dash of arrogance. Santana just looks back at me with a raised eyebrow. "Okay, fine... I just ensured her that we would behave and that there would be no hanky panky."

"And by hanky panky, you mean..." my girlfriend suggestively says as she wiggles her eyebrows at me.

"Santana!" I scold her as I playfully slap her arm.

"I was just kidding, jeez..." Santana responds as she raises her hands defensively. "I promise to keep my hands to myself."

"Whoa... let's not get crazy now," I interject. "We're allowed to hold hands, cuddle, kiss... just as long as we keep it at first base."

"Okay... I guess I can live with that," she agrees.

Don't get me wrong… I'm very much looking forward to the day where me and Santana take our relationship to the next level. However, I'm in no hurry to rush the process. I think it will happen when it's meant to happen. Right now, I think our focus needs to be on getting reacquainted with each other and seeing how this new aspect of our relationship plays out.

"I hope you don't mind, but I kinda told the guys that they'd have to wait till tomorrow to see you," I admit.

"How come?"

"Well... I kinda just wanted to have you all to myself tonight," I shyly state, chancing a quick glance at my girlfriend. All I see is a smug look on her face. I roll my eyes at her. "Anyways... I told the guys we'd have movie night tomorrow. Rachel is hosting."

"Sounds great, Britt-Britt," she replies happily.

After our first reunited movie night, everything seemed to fall back into place. It almost felt like no time had passed and Santana had never moved away. Seeing the gang back together and being able to actually participate in a double date was awesome. Everything just felt right, but eventually… I knew this great feeling would come to an end as soon as I had to take Santana back to the airport.

But, for the time being… I'm going to enjoy every second I get to spend with my girlfriend.

I'm not sure how long I had been asleep for, but the last thing I remember is having Santana's arms wrapped around my waist as sleep took over my body. And now, I'm pretty sure it's some un-Godly hour, yet someone feels the need to wake me up from my peaceful sleep.

"Britt..." I hear Santana whisper into my ear as she softly strokes my cheek. "Britt... wake up."

"San... I love you to death," I start off without opening my eyes, "but why are you waking me up. Better yet, why are you awake?"

"Because it's Christmas, silly!" Santana cheerfully replies. Usually I'm the more upbeat one, but at the moment, all I'm feeling are my tired bones.

"What time is it anyways?" I ask through a yawn.

"It's 4:02 AM," she simply replies.

"And why am I awake again?" I moan out groggily.

"Again... it's Christmas!" Santana says a little louder, catching me by surprise and causing me to finally open my eyes. "There are those bright blue eyes I love so much."

It's hard to be angry at her when she's being so cute and sweet. I lean forward and place a gentle kiss on her lips.

"I'm sorry for waking you so early. I guess I just couldn't wait to give you my present," she bashfully explains. Santana is so freaking adorable right now.

"It's okay, babe..." I tell her as I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do you mind if I give you mine first?"

"Okay."

I then carefully roll out of bed and crawl underneath it to retrieve Santana's gift as she goes into my closet to get something from her bag. We then both meet back on the bed and snuggle up close to each other.

"I hope you like it," I state as I hand her a personalized scrap book I put together for her.

"Britt-Britt... I love it," Santana exclaims as she flips through the pages.

The beginning of the book starts off when we were younger and Santana and I first met. As the pages go on, the photographs consist of some of our fondest memories together.

"There's still so many pages left to fill," my girlfriend says.

"I know. I figured we could start filling up those pages with this new chapter in our relationship."

"I think that's a great idea," she says as she places a chaste kiss on my lips. "It's your turn."

As Santana hands me what appears to be a jewelry box, I'm very intrigued to see what's inside. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't wear a lot of jewelry. I have one necklace that I always wear, a couple of rings, and whatever watch I feel like wearing that particular day. That's it.

As I open the box, I see a silver bracelet with dog tags attached to it, staring back at me.

"I know that you've never really been a bracelet person, but... I was hoping that maybe you would change your mind?" Santana carefully states as she removes the bracelet from the box and attaches it to my wrist. "These dog tags have both of our names on them and they're attached together so you know that no matter how far away I might physically be away from you... I'm always gonna be right here."

Santana then reaches into her shirt and uncovers her necklace that's been hiding beneath it, revealing a matching set of dog tags. "For me..." she continues on as she clutches the dog tags tightly in her hand and rests it over her chest, "... you'll always be right here."

"Oh, San..." I sigh out as I attack Santana with my lips. "I'm never gonna take this off," I say in between kisses.

Suddenly, I'm feeling much more awake now. As Santana and I continue to kiss heavily, I lightly nibble on her bottom lip until she opens her mouth to grant me access. I moan as our tongues finally meet. I then gently push Santana's shoulder until she's lying down and I can climb on top of her.

A thousand things are running through my head right now to the point that I need more. I'm doing my very best to keep my hands in a safe position, but I'm not sure how much longer I can last without touching Santana. I've never felt this way before; not even all of the times I made out with Kelly.

"San..." I gasp out in between breaths. "I know we agreed on staying at first base, but I don't think I can. I need to touch you."

"Um..." Santana replies through labored breathing. I can tell that she's a little nervous. "I g-guess that would b-be okay. I mean... that's what girlfriends do, right?"

"We don't have to if you don't want to..." I assure her. "I won't get mad or anything."

"No, no... I want to," Santana begins to say. "I guess I'm just re-adjusting to fact that I'm making out with my best friend and I'm feeling things that I've never felt before."

"It doesn't have to be anything crazy. We can just keep it above the belt," I suggest as I pepper delicate kisses all over her face.

"Okay..." Santana whispers out.

We then begin kissing again until I build up enough courage to move my hands. "Can I?" I ask Santana as my right hand hovers above her chest.

Once I see a slight head nod, I lower my hand until I make contact with her left breast and gently squeeze the firm object now resting in my palm. Santana let's out whimper that I find incredibly sexy. I continue to kiss Santana as I place my other hand on her breast and begin to lightly knead them.

"Oh my God... your boobs are so huge," I squeal out.

"I'm glad you like them," Santana chuckles out as she lunges forward and flips us over so that I am now on my back. Her eyes seem a shade darker as she tentatively reaches down and touches my chest for the first time.

Santana and I continue to make out and enjoy some light petting for the next few minutes until our desperate need for air breaks us apart. As we both lie on our backs, side by side, our heavy breaths echo throughout the room.

"That was..." I start to say.

"... quite interesting," Santana finishes my thought, still trying to catch her breath.

"I can't believe I just felt up my best friend..." I say aloud to no one in particular.

Santana and I just look at each other briefly before we both start laughing uncontrollably.

"Well, then... I'm definitely looking forward to feeling you up again," Santana replies cheekily. "And when we're ready... maybe some other stuff?"

"Yeah, when we're ready... definitely," I agree. "How bout we try to go back to sleep for a few hours?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," my girlfriend responds.

As Santana gives me a quick peck on the lips, she turns around and grabs my arm to drape over her waist so that I'm the big spoon. I tighten my grip around her waist as I bury my face in the crook of her neck.

"Merry Christmas, Santana... I love you!"

"I love you too, Brittany... Merry Christmas!"

Author's Note:

Hey guys! Sorry about the long wait. Hope you all enjoyed the playful Brittana interaction and the direction their relationship is going. Hopefully I'll be able to update more frequently, along with some other new stories I've been working on. Let me know what you think. Thanks again for all of the support!

-Kris

Songs Used:

Classic by MKTO

Not a Bad Thing by Justin Timberlake