AN: I have to give the people what they want! Just wanted to apologize, I realize I switched POV's in a bad way in the previous update. My other fic is completely second person and this one I am trying in the third and sometimes my wires get crossed. It's un-betaed, so all mistakes are my own!
Rg521: Santana has been known to freak out before, so I am sure Brittany popping back up in her life will definitely be a curve ball. Wonder if she will be angrier with Brittany or Mercedes?
Heya-gleek12: I am glad my stories keep you coming back! I promise to do my best to keep up with regular updates for both fics. Dream takes a little more out of me because of the competition detail, still definitely devoted to that piece. This one is fun because it's a little more raw and emotional.
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or Adele or any other copyrighted material –just borrowing.
The Latina enters the room of dancers, excited and also very, very nervous. When Mercedes first brought up the idea of having dancers on the tour, Santana was a bit confused. Her music didn't really necessitate dancers, in fact, Santana argued dancers would detract from the focus on the music. However, Mercedes explained how they wanted to showcase Santana not only as an artist but as a performer, thus ever show Santana would feature a few popular covers. Covers of artists who spoke to the Latina – Whitney, Tina, Mariah, Amy. Mercedes thought that including the Latina dancing, along with some back ups, would grow her spectacle and her following. The last thing the producers needed was Santana coming off as one-dimensional. Mercedes also brought up what Sia has been doing, taking emotive music and allow dance to come through it. The team really only needs two or three dancers to pull of their vision. They could probably get away with just choosing one dancer, if she was the right fit.
Santana allows her excitement to carry her as she enters the small dance space where the auditions would begin. A bright smile adorns her face, as her eyes scan the waiting line of hopeful dancers and then her stomach drops. There, standing before her, with bright blue eyes trained on the floor was her very real, very pretty but very ex-girlfriend. Brittany was clad in her classic dance ensemble: baggy sweatpants pulled up to her calves, a loose bright tank, this one with displaying a giraffe wearing sunglasses, and a pair of high top Nikes. Santana can't help but notice how beautiful the blonde still is, as if that would ever change. It had been almost 4 years since Santana had seen Brittany in person and 2 since they have spoken, but she still got butterflies.
These butterflies were soon killed by the swarm of fire that begins to rage in the Latina's stomach. Did Mercedes know Brittany was in here? How could she not warn her friend about this? Did Brittany know this was for Santana's tour? The fire was soon changed into sadness, a realization of how lonely she has been without the blonde and a reminder of all the heartache she has endured. Here before her stands the girl that chose going to Ohio instead of going to New York. That chose Guppy McBig Lips over her. The glint in the Latina's eye soon left, but the smile remained etched on her face. Chocolate eyes avoid looking at a particular blonde as she addresses the group.
Flashback
"I don't want this to be how we play out, Brittany" Santana chokes out while on the phone with her ex-girlfriend, still best friend. "I don't want to never wake up to you again, never get to make you breakfast, never get to kiss you goodnight. I don't want this to be the end of our story."
The Latina had just had an emotional week; she and Rachel had a big blow out fight over a dumb audition. Her parents were filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, but Santana really knew the only thing irreconcilable was her dad's secretary. Santana found herself very drunk and very weepy, and found herself on her fire escape calling the one person who can make her feel better. A conversation about the troubles in the Latina's life slowly digressed into how much she missed the blonde.
"This isn't the end of our story, Santana. We always talked about New York together, that's where we will be, the chapters are just getting mixed up. Through all this stuff, with Artie, with not graduating, even with Sam – New York, you, our life that is still my future love. I promise." The blonde tries to calm down the inconsolable Latina, whispering words of love and comfort over the phone.
Fast forward 5 months to Brittany's graduation. Santana finds out, through none other than Tina Cohen-Chang, that Brittany is off to Ohio State.
End Flashback
"Thanks so much for being here. This is all new for me, so for those of you who have danced before on tours, big or small, we might do things a little differently here." The Latina turns to Mercedes who is nodding her head along with the singer.
"That's right! Nothing at Hell to the No is predictable."
"To start, I really want to make sure anyone affiliated with my team understands what we are trying to do here. We are all about family and love. Mercedes is my sister and I would do anything for her, if you are on dancer on our tour, you will be treated the same way. So, let's go down the line – introduce yourself, tell me why you dance, who you dance for, what motivates you, most recent project – whatever, just be yourself. I'll start so everyone gets a feel." The Latina seems confident in her words, but is definitely apprehensive about what is to come.
"My name is Santana Lopez, I just turned 26 years old, I am from Lima, Ohio – don't worry no one has ever heard of it. I sing because it grounds me. Music was my escape when I hid from my sexuality, it was my pride and joy when my glee club won nationals, and it helps me express myself when words just aren't enough." Chocolate eyes snap up and see blue orbs boring into her. She remembers saying these exact words 7 years ago while sitting in a choir room. "I used to sing for other people, to make them happy, to make them understand my feelings, but now I sing for me." Her voices trails off, as she and Mercedes move to sit behind a table set up in the studio. "Now one at a time, I would love to hear from you."
One by one dancers step forward to introduce themselves. Brittany hears everything she was dreading. Julliard. Tisch. Arizona. Boston Conservatory. The other dancers were just off a small mini tour or back from being featured in a music video. Most of them had been in LA for at least the past few years, working and chasing their dancing dreams. Santana and Mercedes would interrupt here and there with questions, light and wholesome asking about inspiration, favorite artist, last song they played on their iPod. Santana looked completely engaged in every girl's story until Brittany stepped forward. The Latina sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. She gave the impression she was looking at the blonde, but was really staring above her head.
"Um, hi, my name is Brittany Pierce. I am from just outside Dayton, Ohio" Brittany made a point not to say Lima. "I went to Ohio State. I actually haven't been doing much dancing the past few years. I worked in HR till about a month ago, but I was a dance major my first two years at Ohio State." Brittany was about to step back into line until Santana's voice cuts through the air.
"Hmm, haven't danced in 'a few years'. Pretty ambitious to come to the auditions for an 8 week tour if you haven't danced professionally yet." Santana's tone was harsh and biting.
"Yeah, but dancing is in my blood. It's like riding a bike. But, for a while my bike a flat tires and a broken chain." Brittany giggles trying to cut the tension, "Sorry, bad metaphor. To be honest, I lost my motivation to dance when I went to college. I played it safe going to Ohio State" meaning she played it safe picking Sam "and the place just didn't inspire me to chase my dream anymore." Meaning she didn't have Santana to inspire her anymore.
"Well, I don't many dancers who choose to go to Ohio State willingly. Must have been some reason you chose to sacrifice your passion and go there. Hope it was worth it for you." Santana's words could not have been pointed. She was not holding any punches, but only Brittany and Mercedes knew it.
"What inspired you before going to college, Brittany" Mercedes asks kindly and Santana rolls her eyes.
"It was more of a who than a what." Brittany searches Santana's face for some kind of recognition of her words, but the Latina is scrolling through her phone. "Love inspired me. When I felt myself really lose that love, I lost my passion. I am slowly finding that passion again."
Santana's blood boils at Brittany's words.
"So, do you think that showing up here out of the blue that you just get to reclaim that love and all is fucking resolved?" Santana snaps.
The other dancers mouths fall open and whispers fill them room Do you think they know each other? Mercedes immediately stands up "If you will all just excuse us for one second." The diva practically drags the Latina out of the room by the sleeve of her jacket. As the door closes behind the two girls, Brittany's first tear rolls down her face.
Meanwhile in the hallway, Mercedes takes a harsh line with Santana, "What the hell do you think you're doing in there, Santana? What do you think those other dancers think now?!"
The Latina got right in her friends face, "You knew about this. You knew she was here. How do you think I feel? Being blindsided by my ex-girlfriend! You fucking let me walk into a minefield, Mercedes! What do you expect from me?!"
The diva took a deep breath before responding, "First of all, you need to get your finger out of my face, Santana before I snap it off." The Latina slowly lowers her finger from her friends face, "Second of all, I expect you to act like a fucking professional. This is my label, this is my building and YOU ARE MY EMPLOYEE. You can get as mad as you want at me at home about whether I not I knew Brittany would be here or not, but right now you are representing my company, and I am started to question my decision making in who I put on tour. You have three minutes to collect yourself or I will use my own discretion to choose the dancers."
The diva stalks away and returns to the studio. The Latina leans her head back against the wall. She knows she acted unprofessionally and she would apologize to Mercedes for that, but emotionally she thought she actually kept her cool. Just get through this next hour or so, and you won't have to see her again Santana says in her head, before walking back into the studio.
The rest of the audition process went relatively smoothly. Brittany gathered herself as best she could while Santana and Mercedes were in the hallway. She could feel the rest of the dancers staring at her, as she took her place back in line. Brittany never meant to upset Santana, in fact she wanted to show Santana that maybe now she was ready for this. Ready to rebuild what they had lost. Brittany wasn't naïve, no matter what anyone thought, she knew she had to work for Santana. But, she had spent enough time being miserable, and now that she saw the Latina again, she wasn't going to let her go without a fight.
Mercedes walked back in first, and made a joke about Santana's moon cycles, and she told the dancers they should stretch out for the next part of the audition. A few minutes later, a much more pulled together Santana Lopez walks through the room. This time Brittany truly gets an opportunity to appreciate her ex-girlfriend. The girl is wearing black skinny jeans with a leather stripe running up the sides, topped with a white sleeveless blouse with a studded collar finished with a distressed jean jacket. On her feet, many would expect the girl to be wearing her signature pumps, but Brittany is unsurprised to find Santana's limited edition Jordan's.
Santana sits back down and introduces the second phase of the audition. Each dancer was meant to prepare a minute dance to any song that spoke to them as a performer. Brittany loved how open Mercedes and Santana were about their musical approach. She respected that the two singers wanted their dancers to feel a part of the process and gave them the ability to show their best selves. Like a normal audition, the other dancers left the room and were called in one by one. Because the office building was smaller than the most, the dancers in waiting stood outside in the hallway.
Someone who must have been an assistant was handing out waters and checking in with the waiting dancers. Brittany found herself staring off into space, trying to get herself into the right mindset for actually performing. She hadn't been through this process in years, and the fact that the first time she would dance again would be in front of Santana shook her nerves. The assistant walks over to her and interrupts her thoughts,
"Hi! I am Frankie, welcome to Hell to the No" Brittany looks up and sees a rather small girl with a pixie cut and dark make up standing in front of her, "Can I get you a water while you wait?"
"Thanks, but I am all set" Brittany gives the girl a small smile hoping she will go away.
"Okay, well if you do need anything…" all of sudden the girl's friendly smile disappears and she seems to be looking at Brittany with a discerning eye, "You look super familiar….Do I know from somewhere?"
"I would highly doubt that. This is actually only my second time in LA. My glee club came here for nationals my senior year but that was over 7 years ago now."
The girl keeps staring at you, and then her eyes light up, "You're the mystery blonde."
"Mystery blonde?" Brittany shakes her head confused, "I think you must have me confused for someone."
"No, no. You're her. Come with me."
Frankie takes off towards the front of the building before turning down another hallway, which seems to have a few offices and conference rooms. She stops in front of a picture, " AH HA! I knew it. This is you."
Brittany reaches the picture in questions and in front of her is an 8 by 10 glossy of herself, Mercedes and Santana from her first senior year. She remembers this week in glee club, it was the same week that she released her and Santana's sex tape, and the week that Santana said she would always be her girlfriend.
"Um…yeah that's me." Brittany stammers out realizing she hadn't spoken in a few minutes.
"You're Santana's person." Frankie says matter-of-factly.
"Well, maybe I once was, but certainly not anymore. I let that ship sail a long time ago."
Frankie chuckles, "I've known Santana since the day she moved her three years ago. Her room is a barren wasteland, except for her record player, her guitar and her Bob Marley poster. She has no personal affections anywhere, except for one photo tucked into the corner of a mirror. The corners are curling over and the edges are a bit tattered, it looks loved not worn. It a dancer in a rainstorm, the only discernible features are blonde hair though. No face. Mystery blonde."
Brittany's body tightens knowing exactly what picture the girl is speaking of,
Flashback
"Baby, pleaseeeeeeee. It's on the bucket list" the blonde begs the brunette. The blonde's hand is tugging on the brunette's hand, which is resting on the gear shift of her car.
"Brittany, it's pouring rain outside. I know you wanted to dance across state lines, but it's really coming down out there. I just got my hair done." The blonde pokes her bottom lip out in her signature pout.
"Don't give me that look, Britt. I will just sit in the nice warm comfortable car and I will wait for you. Perfect plan."
"Sannyyyy, this is our pre Louisville bucket list. You made me watch all the Saw movies in a row! It is my turn. Now, get out of this car, so we can dance in two states at once! Please?" The blonde starts peppering kisses all over the brunette's face. When she gets by the Latina's ear she whispers, "You know if you come dance with me, maybe I will let you do something else in two states at once."
Santana's breath hitches and she reaches over and unbuckles both of their seatbelts and is out of the car in a flash. The blonde giggles and chases after her girlfriend to the sign. Brittany is so excited that she is sliding all over the wet pavement. The streetlight hits her just perfectly that is looks like a spotlight. Santana pulls out her phone, not caring about potential water damage, and captures the blonde in her absolute moment of bliss.
Santana sneaks up behind Brittany and wraps her arms around her waist whispering, "I can't wait for the rest of forever with you."
End Flashback
"Since I saw that picture, I always referred to you as mystery blonde" Frankie finishes her story and pulls the dancer back into reality.
"Well, if you want you can now refer to me as Brittany."
Frankie laughs again, "Well, Brittany, you must be a pretty special person. I've tried to hook up with Santana on a rotating cycle since she moved to LA, but no dice. The girl has some pretty high standards, and now I can see why." Frankie looks Brittany up and down and winks, clearing checking the blonde out.
"Santana and I have a few things in common. Standards are certainly one of them. I better get back to my audition."
Brittany returns just in time, as Mercedes is poking her head out and calling her name. Brittany takes a deep breath before re-entering the small studio. She cues the music and a very slowed down version of Still Into You by Paramore bounces off the four walls. She sets her blue eyes on deep brown ones and throws herself into her routine.
"Admit it, Santana. She was one of the best, if not the best. You have to try to put your emotions aside. She earned a spot on this tour and you know it."
Santana rolls her eyes at Mercedes for what must have been the 1,000th time after the auditions ended. All the dancers were just fine, but only one really had the raw, emotional dance style they were looking for in a personal piece, while also being able to showcase their refined technique in a variety of other styles.
"I really can't do this tour with her, Cedes. I lost my cool after being in the same room with her for five minutes. That's basically asking me to mix fire and gas and hope it goes well for everyone. One of the other dancers would be just fine. Britt can dance for someone else on the label not me."
"Don't you want to be the best, S? Don't you want this tour to put you on the scene in a real way?"
"Of course I do, but the tour is about me. Who cares about the dancers, they just need to make me look good." The Latina won't look at Mercedes cause she knows her words are bull.
"We've talked about this, Santana. Your music is evocative. It provokes emotion. Dancer's let that emotion out in a physical way – you don't want to sell that quality short. Brittany is the only one with emotional capacity to live your music. Probably because she has been living your music."
Santana grunts in response.
"Look, Santana. We aren't kids anymore. It's been 7 years since you broke up. You're both adults now, trying to start careers. Maybe you should try to move forward." Word selection was not lost on Santana. Mercedes deliberately chose the word forward in lieu of on. The diva looks at her friend, who is clearly struggling with her head and her heart right now.
"She still has this weird control over me and it freaks me out. She took my breath away, again. Watching her dance brought me back to when I was right there, when we were right there, so in love." Tears fill the Latina's eyes. "I just want to be over her, Mercedes. Why can't I get over her?"
Mercedes drapes an arm over Santana shoulder, "It's harder with, B. She wasn't just your girlfriend. She was your best friend, she knew you better than you knew yourself. When you two broke up it wasn't like Rachel or Finn breaking up or Quinn and Puck. You lost your person. But, don't make a career decision based on your emotions. You're too good for that. Brittany deserves this as much as you do. Deep down you still care about her, in a lot of ways – good and bad."
"Of course I care about her." Santana runs her hands through her hair in frustration.
A grin breaks out on Mercedes face, "And I should point out, if her song selection says anything, I think the girl DEFINITELY still cares about you."
"Call her, tell her she got it. I am going to go see if Frankie wants to get a drink." Santana gets out of her chair leaving Mercedes alone in the studio. Mercedes whips out her phone, punching out a quick text.
Outgoing to Quinn: Brittany nailed it. Santana gave her the tour spot. Step one complete.
Incoming from Quinn: I really hope this works, Cedes.
Outgoing to Quinn: Our work is done. They need to find their way back.
Incoming from Quinn: I miss my best friends being happy.
Outgoing to Quinn: We all do. Only they can control that now.
AN2: More Brittana interaction next update! Might not be till after the Christmas holiday, unless Santa brings me the gift of time! For those of you waiting for a dream update, one is in the works but I am lacking a touch of inspiration on that story at the moment.