Sorry for the long delay between chapters. As some of you know I'm dealing with 3 people close to me who are quite ill, and one of them took a difficult turn in the last few months. While writing is a wonderful distraction for me, when someone you love is suffering nothing can distract you. Thankfully they've had some really good days lately, which have allowed for me to clear my head, stop obsessing and return to something I enjoy doing, writing. Thank you guys for understanding and I hope you enjoy this update.

Santana couldn't wait for the weekend to come. She had been in meetings with the label all week. Also, after Santana had signed on the dotted line she immediately went to work. It felt like a lifetime ago that she had completed the background vocals on Camille's track and today she had been laying down her parts on the duet for the movie soundtrack. All of this, and she and Camille still have yet to meet or even speak to one another. All they had done was heard each other sing. Camille had recorded her vocals in L.A., and Santana was recording hers in New York. This is their second project together, and they haven't ever even spoken on the phone. The track Santana had worked on was the final track on Camille's project and now that it was finished there was a push to polish the album and get it out there. So Camille was insanely busy, as busy as Santana would be in just a few short months. Still, they would be meeting soon, because since the song will be released as a single there's talk of a music video.

Santana Lopez is going to be shooting her first music video. It kind of blew her mind.

Santana loves the song. It's dramatic. It's cinematic. It's got an orchestra for goodness sakes. It's perfect for a soundtrack. A song for a major movie release with an all star cast. A movie that will hopefully be a blockbuster. A movie that will help propel the song. A song that will hopefully come to represent the soul of the movie A song that represents the timeless love the main characters have for one another. A true love song.

The night before Santana did nothing but listen to classics, songs that evoked strong emotions in her. She cried, she made love to Brittany to her favorite true love playlist, and then she went to the piano and wrote words to the melody that just won't leave her alone these days. Then she crawled into bed next to Brittany and wrapped her arms around her until she fell into sleep.

The next morning Santana arrived at the studio filled with music inside of her. Filled with the notes of legends, legends she had grown up with, listened to, honed her voice to. When she stepped into the booth she drew on emotion, she wanted to feel what she sang. Santana listened to the track, listened to someone sing what will be her vocals on the demo, and listened to Camille sing her own parts. This was the first time she had heard what Camille had put down and she loved it. The girl was talented, for sure, but Santana wasn't there to battle her. She was there to make this a beautiful and timeless song. She was there to create a moment. Forever she wants people to listen to this song and be moved. She wants them to listen to it and instantly say "that's Santana Lopez."

Santana listened to the demo twice and already knew that she wanted to put her own mark on it. She wanted to be as tastefully dramatic as the end of the song. She wanted to put some stank on it!

Cal wanted to be there for this. It had to be done right. This was Camille's song, and he had fought to get Santana an equal share of it. He just knew, knew that the magic he was trying to get Santana to help Camille find would be on this track. He thinks that Camille stepped up her game knowing that she would be sharing the track. Maybe that's what Camille needs to become great. She needs to be challenged. Let Camille find her own voice instead of borrowing Santana's, Cal thought. He wanted to see what Santana would do. If she chose to let loose he would let her, but only so far. She seems to have an understanding of music, an appreciation for multiple genres, and the way she stepped into the booth and put the headphones on and instructed them to start the music only made him smile. She came to work.

65 minutes. She got it perfect in 65 minutes, and it honestly only took that long because she was trying to make sure she didn't look like she was trying to outshine Camille at the end of the song. She didn't overthink it, and guess what? It sounded like a dream, and everyone in that studio knew it. The background vocals were out of the way. This recording was out of the way. Now it was time to work on her own project.

"Santana, when can we hear some of that original music?" Cal asked.

"Tomorrow, but if possible can you listen to it first before anyone else has a listen?"

"Yes Santana," Cal smiled. "I'd like that very much. How about 11 a.m.?"

"See you then Cal. Hey Cal?"

"Yes?"

"Do you mind if I stick around for a while, watch the guys work on the track? I'd like to see how the mixing and editing process goes."

"If they don't mind I don't mind."

The two gentlemen indicated that they were okay with Santana staying. Cal smiled. "Ok then Santana, stay as long as you like, but remember we have a meeting in the morning."

"No way I'd forget it," Santana smiled.

The next morning Santana brought in three tracks. There were more, but these three, they were pretty much just how she wanted them to be. There's another one, one she can't seem to fit everything she wants to say into it yet. It's beautiful and it's her baby. She hasn't even come up with a name. She's tossed many around, but none seem right. Right now she just calls it "Brittany's song."

Cal loved what he heard. He needed to see how to make it work. She won't allow herself to fit into a box. He hears so many influences in her music, but it's the soulfulness that stands out, no matter what she's singing. Still, he's trying to find her style, her genre, what speaks most to her so that she can speak to others through her music. Cal knows that she doesn't want to be boxed in, but in a sense most musicians are. Santana likes all types of music, she likes rock as much as she likes R&B and she can pull it all off. Cal had been watching her perform for a long time at the club, had been her biggest advocate. As an A&R guy, one with a great track record that people believe in, it's his job to find talent, but it took a while to sign Santana because they weren't quite sure of who she truly was musically. Weren't quite sure about dealing with her sexuality and her excess of women and the dreaded tape. It all came up when Cal would advocate for her, but Cal kept an eye on her, wanted to work with her, and when Camille came along he had his chance and something in him knew that Santana would take that chance and run with it. Camille was always "Santana lite" to him. All of the things he was trying to sell about Santana Camille had, except with a focus on a genre that Santana just didn't seem to have. They knew who her audience would be and that's important. Camille was in and Santana was further out, until Santana pulled that stunt with her showcase. Cal turned to the table at the end of her set and said "This is our last chance. Somebody's signing her after tonight. Camille will never be able to give you that. So we reign her in. Guide her. Teach her how to explore her musicality and not lose her core audience. Her versatility is not a problem, it's a prize. We sign her and we win gentlemen. We need to sign her tonight."

The men agreed, and the rest was history, or it will be, once Cal gets her in the studio for her own project.

"Santana, I'm going to set up a meeting for you for some time next week. I want the team to have a listen to these tracks, and we'll have a few tracks there for you to listen to as well. Meanwhile, we're going to get you prepared to be out there. You've got social media buzz and a record coming out in a couple of months. Your project should be able to follow soon after to keep the momentum going."

Santana guesses she was worried for nothing, because right now it doesn't look like shelving her had ever been a thought.

The label said by all means engage a little on social media. A little. Lots of "awww geee golly shucks thank you for your support." By all means humbly respond to famous people and people with a lot of social media influence. Don't respond to everybody because when you finally miss someone it will turn into a case of hate. Don't respond only to influential people because you will look like an ass kisser. It was all too much. Still, Santana responded here and there, and of course she thanks Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz for sharing her video. Of course she thanked her two little gaybees for supporting her and threw in a message about riding safely and about how to learn how to do stunts in the safest way possible. She responded just enough, but not so much that people would begin to think she had the time to live on social media and respond to everything.

As a matter of fact the label had wanted to set Santana up on Friday with someone to help begin to teach her how to deal with fans, with interviews, with answering questions. She will get a social media manager if things go really well and her career takes off, even though she says she never wants to have one. She doesn't like people speaking for her. The label will also hook her up with a publicist very soon. By the time the single with Camille drops and the video, Santana will be called upon to start making appearances, to show up at events, parties, envelope openings, anything, anywhere there may be a camera and a mic. She'll have a stylist but hopefully not too soon. She thinks that she has a great fashion sense. She doesn't want people stuffing her into clothing that doesn't feel like her. She wants to be authentic. She wants to remain Santana Lopez. She wants the people who knew her before to feel like she's the same person if they see her on tv. She feels like she's already cultivated an image, and she doesn't want to stray too far away from it.

Also, Santana has a manager now. It still feels weird to her. Holly helped her find her, and Santana feels comfortable enough with her for now. Still, this is really a business now. It was easy before. Show up, sing, get paid. It's a business now, and Santana has decided that she will learn every aspect along the way. Only a handful of artists make a long term living out of performing. Santana loves music, and she's going to learn the business end of the music business to insure she keeps a career somehow doing the thing she loves most in the world.

So now Santana has a "team", a lawyer and a manager...and an accountant.

Brittany is young, and not a forensic accountant, but she knows numbers, and she will learn what she needs to learn, because Santana has made it clear that no matter who looks after her money she wants Brittany looking after them. Brittany is a part of her team, and her current two man team understand that.

Santana was hesitant to ask Brittany, but she had to. Brittany is the person she trusts most to have her back outside of her blood relatives. She has her unofficial team of Holly and her co workers and her family, and Lexi to fall back on, but she needed Brittany on her official team. Brittany said okay, and her lawyer said that Brittany had to accept a salary. And so for now Brittany and Santana have negotiated, privately and in the nude, and Brittany agreed to be paid $1 an hour and all of the pussy she can eat. That's just the starting salary. There would be opportunities for advancement and bonuses, which would for now be paid for in the form of orgasms.

Now all they had to do was get it in writing in a way that won't make her lawyer choke on his dinner.

Santana will pay for whatever training and certifications Brittany will need to watch after her money, and she won't interfere with her current job. She's not only doing this because she loves and trusts her. She wants to include her in her success. She wants to make her an official part of her journey.

Santana wanted to continue working at the club, got the go ahead to do so, and can now only fit in about one date in for the first month. It was okay. Holly expected this, and Santana and the others finally, truly understood another reason why Holly doesn't hire artists under contract...someone else would have to pick up the slack. Santana did agree to be there when her replacement was being picked. All of the performers would be there. They were a family at the club, and they wanted to choose someone who would not mess up the harmony that they all have there. It wasn't just about talent, they needed to fit in with the misfits. So when Sugar asked her to be there and then she got a flurry of texts from the rest of her friends she relented and said okay. Plus, she kind of missed seeing them every day now that she was working so hard on her other projects. She's guessing they missed her too, which was why they really wanted her there. They were making this decision as a family, and Santana was still a part of that family. It warmed her heart. Plus, in her mind they would be on an American Idol style panel of judges and she was perfect to play the part of an asshole judge. Pu already calls her Simon. It seemed like destiny. She may even speak through the entire process in a British accent. She planned on making whoever they chose sit through Sugar's singing before she would approve their hiring. If they could survive that they may just make it with this group.

Saturday couldn't get there fast enough. Santana had told the label she needed the weekend, needed to refresh and handle business, but that she's ready to work, and she would be sharing another song with them when she returned. She wanted to show them that she was dedicated to working so she had put the finishing touches on another song to present to them. That was enough for them. Just working on that soundtrack had garnered Santana new support on the team. Recording the soundtrack had given them the opportunity to see what Cal had already seen. Cal is even torn about her working too much with a vocal coach. He liked what he heard on the night they offered her a contract. He doesn't want her to become too glossy. He wants that authentic edge. He'll listen to this new original song and decide from there. He has a lot riding on Santana. Santana doesn't know it, though maybe she suspects it, but he's her biggest fan. He's wanted to work with her for a while and so now he's just excited about how things are progressing. Now, he's going to make sure she works hard, but he's also going to give her room to create. She confided in him that she needed these moments, moments of peace, if he was going to get the best out of her. He respected the honesty. She was thankful, but she wasn't going to be a pushover. Some people won't like it, but they need to respect it.

By the time Brittany locked the door of her apartment Santana's brain was buzzing with excitement. She hadn't road tripped with Brittany since Albany, and since it was a mild winter so far they were able to take Santana's bike to Philadelphia rather than rent a car. Santana loaded their bags onto her bike and Brittany climbed on behind her wearing the gear that Santana had purchased for her once Wolf had given her his old hog. Santana then had the luxury to spend the money that she had gotten from selling her bike on everything Brittany needed to ride safely with her. She didn't want to wait until Christmas, so she had gifted it to her the night before, and Brittany had spent all night thanking her for those gifts.

Santana smiled at the thought. Since the night she had made love to Brittany with the strap on Brittany has been far more comfortable with her. She initiates sex more, even when they aren't using toys. Santana, however, imagines that Brittany must have been a curious child, because she has painstakingly gone through Santana's bag to learn each item and what it's used for.

"San, what's this?" Brittany asked innocently.

"It's a strapless dildo," Santana smiled. She kind of loved Brittany's wild eyed excitement over sex toys.

"Oh wow. So how does it work."

"That side would go inside of me and then it I fuck you with this side."

"And no harness? This is much quicker, right? And you have something inside of you too. Why don't you use that one sometimes?"

"We can, just been using strap ons since I was like 17. Straplesses are a different beast."

"What do you mean?"

"Kegels are your friend, Britt."

"What?" Brittany asked confused and Santana smiled. She kind of loved this sexually curious side of Brittany.

"You need a strong pelvic floor to use that correctly." Santana explained.

"'Can you use it correctly?" Brittany asked innocently,

"Psht, do you know who you're fucking with? My pelvic floor is on point," Santana said arrogantly.

"So can we...?"

"We can do whatever you want doll. I'll have you know this toy has everything. It vibrates, that little thingy right there is rabbit, we don't need all of that doll. This one right here is straight to the point, but it's your choice."

"You have everything," Brittany said incredulously and Santana had to laugh.

"Trust me Britt, I don't. I've seen some collections in my day. I just have the basics, and like I said a few gifts, which by the way, both of those straplesses were gifts. I know some chicks that have entire museums. Anytime a new toy starts being touted as the best thing ever they are on line outside the store like the new iPhone is being released."

Brittany laughed, "So apparently a lot of women have gifted you a lot of toys."

"Do you want to know the truth?" Santana asked.

"Maybe," Brittany answered cautiously.

"My toy collection wasn't quite diverse enough for some of my more adventurous partners. They liked to try new things with me, and I aim to please, as long as it's not weird as hell."

"Ok, I hate them already." Brittany said and Santana laughed. "Let's for now just let it be your choice this time."

"Okay, and let's not attach any history to the toys Britt. They're here now, so we try whatever you want to try and maybe eventually try them all."

"Deal. Now show me your personal favorites."

"Now?" Santana asked.

"Right now," Brittany answered.

"But you have to go to work."

"Fuck that job." Brittany said and Santana laughed.

"I love it when you cuss." Santana said, removing her t shirt.

"Works every time," Brittany smiled while removing her own shirt.

Santana thought back to that moment as Brittany exited the building. Damn, was she beautiful. Dressed in the gear Santana had purchased for her, a bright smile on her face, life felt perfect as she climbed on the bike, Santana starting it up and Brittany smiled hearing the Harley rumble she was learning to love.

"You look hot, doll."

"Thank you baby. So do you."

"Ready to go and knock some sense into my newly gay cousin?"

"Ready to go and talk her through some things," Brittany smiled.

"You have your ways, I have mine," Santana said, pulling her bike out into the early morning traffic.

Santana took her time riding through the crisp morning air, Brittany holding on tight. Damn did she love this feeling, and she had missed it like crazy. She and Brittany were silent a lot of the way, just enjoying the beautiful winter morning. She wasn't worried about Nani, wasn't worried about work or recording or anything else. Santana was at peace, truly, and she knows a huge part of that was the blonde holding her tightly around her waist.

"I want to teach you how to ride a bike, Britt. Would you like to learn?"

"No," Brittany answered firmly.

"Okay," Santana said. She would never push anything on her, but she was also puzzled about how final her answer sounded. After a short pause Santana heard a soft voice through her speaker.

"Don't you want to know why?"

"No. You don't have to explain yourself to me. You always have a choice with me, a choice I will respect you making for your own personal reasons."

Brittany smiled. She really loves this woman. "What if I want to explain myself?"

"Okay then," Santana replied softly.

"If I learn to ride, will I get my own bike?"

"Maybe, eventually one day, so we can ride together or you can do it alone like I like to sometimes."

"So then I don't want to ride, because the best part of this, the part that I'm starting to really love about riding too, is that I get to do it with you. I get to hold on to you tight and feel safe in your care. If I learn to ride I don't get to hold on to you, and that was the first thing that made me really like riding a bike."

Santana smiled, "Honey, I don't care if you learn how to ride or not, my saddle will always only belong to you. You want to share a ride that's what we'll do, and if you ever want to learn just so you'll know I will be glad to teach you."

"I'll think about it. For you the road is your peace and freedom. For me, that's you. The road reminds me of you, Santana, and that's what I love most about it. I think if I'm ever out there without you it just won't feel the same."

"Ok doll. Whatever you want."

"I've never had someone say that to me so much in my life and know that they actually mean it." Brittany smiled, holding Santana even tighter as they made their way into the city.

As soon as Santana reached the new address they parked the bike and Santana grabbed their bags. She took in the building. It was nice, clean, quiet. That made her feel good about Nani being there alone. The neighborhood looked nice, and for a building filled mostly with younger people it did not seem to have a party atmosphere. Santana rang the intercom for entry and was quickly greeted by Nani's voice. She could hear the excitement in her cousin's voice and it made her smile. Nani couldn't wait to see her, either.

As they waited for the elevator Santana looked around. There was a door to a small gym. It was clean and well lit. Sure, it wasn't like she had at home in New York but it was respectable. There was also a door leading to a back yard. While it was also likely smaller than the one at home, from the looks of the building Santana imagined that it would be well maintained. Santana suspects that the place isn't that bad. Nani wouldn't have taken it. Santana knows Lexi. Lexi would not allow anyone close to her to live in subpar conditions. Because of her months of homelessness she takes shelter very seriously. Safety...home means everything to Lexi. Santana has a feeling that Nani means everything to Lexi. Santana is sure Nani is just being a little dramatic...and that's understandable.

Her home with Kevin was beautiful. It was comfortable. She put years of effort into that home. Nani was nesting, getting her home ready for a family, a family that didn't come to be. Nani complaining is Nani's way of mourning that loss, the loss of a dream. Nani's reluctance with Lexi is Nani's fear of dreaming again. Santana understands her, she is her big cousin, the woman she looks up to, fights with, laughs with and cries with. Santana is here because she hasn't been there, even if it's understandable, and it gave time for the wedge to grow between them. No more. It's Santana's turn to step up to the plate for them.

Santana rang the doorbell and Nani quickly opened it. The hug she gave Santana let her know how much she loved and missed her as well.

"Simon!" Nani smiled, "The superstar finally made her way to Philly."

"Hey Pu," Santana smiled, pulling Nani into a long hug before they finally broke and Nani invited them inside.

"Hey Brittany," Nani smiled, hugging Brittany warmly.

"Hey Nani. How have you been?"

"I'm good Brittany. How about you?"

"I'm really good Nani," Brittany answered sincerely and Nani smiled softly at her.

"Well come on in. Get comfortable. Lexi made lunch."

"Where is Lex?"

"She ran out to grab some wine for tonight to go with the dinner she plans to make. She'll be right back."

"So basically you have a personal chef now. Nice.," Santana smiled.

"She said I did enough cooking for Kevin and his friends and so I deserve a break for a while."

"Very true," Santana replied.

Santana smiled and she wishes she could just talk, talk to Nani now and get everything out of the way. She would wait though. Wait until they were settled in. Wait until they were alone. There was so much to say.

"Let me show you around." Nani said. "You're pretty much standing in the entire apartment right now."

"It's nice Nani, and it's just for a few months, right?"

"I think so."

"I think it's cute," Brittany said.

"Thank you Brittany." Nani smiled.

Nani showed the ladies around the place. Yes, it was small...basically a studio sized one bedroom apartment. It was true, not much could fit in that bedroom aside from a full size bed and a small dresser without feeling claustrophobic, but the rest of the apartment didn't feel as closed in. Kitchen was a little small but it's not like Nani did a lot of cooking when it was just for herself. She would basically cook meals for three days at a time when she was in college so that she didn't have to be bothered. It was when she was with Kevin that she felt like she was cooking constantly and she really didn't mind. At least something was keeping her mind busy while he and his friends were obsessed with anything with balls.

After Nani showed them around the three sat in the living room area, which was actually a decent size. They chatted for a little while and soon Santana heard a key turning in the door. Lexi entered the apartment carrying a few grocery bags and looking beautiful as usual. Santana dared a peak at Nani who couldn't help but glow when Lexi entered the room.

"Hey ladies," Lexi said, smiling. "How was the trip," she asked, setting down the bags on the small table before making her way to hug Santana first and then Brittany. "Hey mamcita, we've been checking out your social media. You've got the people talking."

"Shit is nerve wracking Lex," Santana chuckled.

"Get used to it babygirl. This is your moment, you've earned it." Lexi turned her attention to Brittany. "Hey Brittany, how are you sweetheart? This one staying in line?"

Brittany smiled and embraced Lexi back. "Everything is good, thank you. How about you?"

Brittany couldn't help but notice how Nani and Lexi's eyes met. "Life is beautiful," Lexi smiled and Nani blushed, causing both Brittany and Santana to smile brightly. "Relax ladies, I made a nice lunch for us and I hope you're sticking around for dinner too."

"Wouldn't miss it," Santana said.

The ladies chatted for a while, catching up on everything. First everyone wanted to know about how Santana's career was going, and she shared every detail with them. She told them about the recording and the original music that no one has heard but the execs. the conversation put everyone in a good mood.

Then they talked about the trip to Ohio. Santana was reserved but Brittany was very open about what happened surrounding her mother. She told everything except any conversation about her photos and the part about her father possibly not being her father. That's still too much for her to handle right now. She hasn't even reached out to anyone other than Melissa so far, and only to break the ice and to let her know she would be sending Stan meals. They promised to talk soon when each had more time. Melissa had been really receptive to speaking with Brittany. It will be nice for them to finally build a real relationship, Brittany thought.

Time flew, and when lunch time came around Lexi insisted that Nani relax while she got things together. Brittany offered to help, and everyone knew that was so Santana and Nani could finally have a moment together.

"I love to see you being taken care of, Pu" Santana said once Brittany and Lexi were in the kitchen. "Nice to see someone working in the kitchen instead of you."

"It is," Nani admitted with a smile.

"How are things with you two?"

"They're good."

"You don't sound a hundred percent convincing, Pu."

"Lexi is amazing, like words can't describe. She really caters to my every need. She took care of the move, she's understanding about Kevin..."

"What about Kevin?"

"He reaches out to me sometimes. He's taking it pretty hard. He sends flowers. He calls late at night sometimes and he just wants to talk."

"You owe him nothing Pu"

"It's just closure, maybe for me too in some weird way. There was a lot unsaid between us."

"I understand."

"I don't always answer. If Lexi is here I would never interrupt our time together to answer a call from him."

"That's good, but you don't need Lexi as an excuse. If you don't want to talk to him, don't talk to him."

"I know Simon."

Santana sighed. "Pu, how are you and Lex really doing?"

"We're okay."

"Just okay."

"She dances with me Simon, even when there's no music."

Santana smiled. "I'm happy for you Pu. Are you happy?"

"When I don't think too much."

"So don't think too much."

"I don't, when I'm with her, but when I'm not..."

"Pu, come on now. You're being ridiculous..."

"Don't do that Simon..."

"You are the most frustrating person on the damn planet," Santana sighed. "Does she make you happy? Give you what Kevin didn't? Is she satisfying you in the bedroom..."

"You would know..."

"Fuck you Pu"

"Can't. We're related. Sharing vagina is as close as we can get."

"Oh, so we're really doing this huh? Well good. I didn't come here to play with your stubborn ass. You don't like feeling vulnerable. That's what this is really all about."

Lexi and Brittany heard the raised voices from inside the small kitchen. Lexi busied herself at the stove while Brittany sat in one of the small chairs that Lexi had placed in the kitchen when she and Brittany first entered. She knew these two for a long time, far longer than Brittany, and she knew this moment would come. She knew that it was needed.

"Are they okay out there?" Brittany asked.

"They will be."

"Should we go out there?"

"No. They need to work things out. This is how they work things out."

"Will they start slapping each other?" Brittany asked, remembering how they had moved towards one another at Thanksgiving.

"Maybe, but I doubt it, it's only been threats once they reached high school but the potential is still there, at least that's what Santana likes to say."

Brittany got really quiet and Lexi noticed.

"Brittany, do you still have feelings regarding Santana and I?"

"No. No I don't, really. I know everyone keeps asking me because it's easy to get hung up on such things but I'm really okay. I know how much Santana loves me. Everybody has a past, and what you two used to do is in the past. I really believe that now."

"I wish Nani believed it." Lexi said softly.

"She does, I think. I've been there, remember? I don't know Nani very well, but from what Santana has told me, from what I do know, I just think her pride is in the way, and maybe a lack of understanding of what makes what you and she have so different from what you and Santana had."

Lexi listened quietly. She and Brittany didn't talk much but she understood. This was Brittany returning the favor for what she had done for her and Santana.

"Santana told me, told me how you two helped one another, what your friendship truly means. She told me how you were probably the only person who has seen that video that she didn't feel so angry about seeing it. I know that means that she trusts you, that you understand a part of her that wouldn't make her feel judged, and maybe that felt threatening at first, but now it doesn't. You two view sex in the same way, and so she knew you didn't judge her at all. She told me that she told you about why she doesn't have oral sex with most women, how she wanted to save that special thing for a special person in her life...well a special kind of special because I know that you two are special to one another as well. It helped, because I didn't know how she felt about doing that until she had already done it to me, and it let me know even more that her feelings for me were special. I know she says it's awkward but I told her maybe she needs to tell Nani that. Maybe you need to tell Nani what's different, because in her heart I think she probably knows it's different, but her mind won't let her accept that. Maybe she needs something concrete to hold on to the way that I have that tiny bit of information."

"I don't talk to her about what I've done with other women..."

"And that's why her imagination is making it so much more than it truly is. Trust me we don't want to hear it, and Santana hates the thought of talking about it as well, but there is some part of it that maybe we need to know. Some small part. I think Nani and I are alike in that way. We haven't had a lot of casual sex in our lives and so it's not the easiest concept for us to grasp. Don't just go telling her random things. Ask her what she needs to know to make it better and just share those things."

"It really helped you to hear about us?" Lexi asked.

"It helped me to know what was different between us. Santana always says she was closest to you and Tiffany, but that she always felt like you and she had a better understanding than even she and Tiffany did because you saw sex in the same way. I'm sure if she told me how close she felt to you she's told Nani far more, and Nani witnessed far more, and so she has more to overcome than I did."

"I'll talk to her, see what helps, because this girl," Lexi paused and sighed shaking her head. "This is the girl I've always wanted. The girl I've always known that I wanted. The girl I thought I could never have. Since the day I first met her, my insides would do strange things whenever she was around. I just couldn't explain it. I've just always been drawn to her. I mean, how could she think that Santana and I were serious if I openly could flirt with her and Santana got a kick out of it. I think somewhere deep inside Santana has always known, she just never imagined it would happen. I never imagined that it would happen."

"I understand."

"I'm not ashamed of my past. I don't want to be with anyone who is ashamed of my past and Nani isn't, just the Santana part of it, but in reality that is a part of my past, and she has to accept it to accept me."

"Yes, she does."

"All I can do is keep being myself, but I've never had my heart broken by a woman..." Lexi let her voice trail off. She felt vulnerable and she doesn't do vulnerable. Also, she barely knew Brittany and here she was, whining. She quieted down and returned to her cooking and Brittany gave her a moment. She understood this all too well.

"It's scary," Brittany admitted softly, "going out on a limb and trusting someone fully. Letting your heart be open, especially when someone has hurt it before. The rewards though, are so worth it. I never knew love felt like what I feel with Santana, and I thought that I had been in love before. Those two cousins...they're beautiful and talented and amazing."

"Yes they are," Lexi agreed.

"Santana went back with me to Ohio and it made me able to face anything. My mom, she's put me through a lot as I said earlier. She's not a very nice person but I love her. She's my mom. Growing up with her, I have a lot of distrust. Being hurt by someone I fell in love with and trusted, yes, I have a lot of distrust. When you spoke to me that night, you had no idea what I was trying to overcome in order to love that woman. I overcame it, because the thought of letting her go felt far worse than any fears I held. Nani will overcome it. I see how she looks at you. Just like me I know she wants it, and just like me I know she has to convince herself that there's no good reason why she can't have it. Give it time, Lexi."

"I'll give her everything I have." Lexi answered honestly and Brittany smiled softly to herself. It wasn't that long ago when she was in this same space. She knows how good it feels when things all fall into place.

Lexi cooked quietly for a moment, deep in thought, before speaking.

"You're good for Santana," Lexi said, still not looking up from her tasks.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you. She means a lot to me, always will. I can say this now, because I know you understand. She's been through a lot. I'm glad she's happy. I wasn't the person who was made to make her happy, just someone who was meant to be there until that person came along. I'm glad you finally came along for her."

"I think I understand even more than Santana knows now since my visit back to Ohio. I was in a relationship with a friend, one of my best friends. For some reason we tried to turn our attraction into love, I guess because we did love one another in some way. It ended horribly for me. Maybe if we saw things the way that you two were able to see things we would have had a nice friends with benefits thing and our relationship would be intact today. Instead, I don't know what I am to him anymore, but I know that I don't even consider him a friend anymore, and that's sadder than the loss of our romantic relationship. I lost one of my very best friends forever."

"I'm sorry"

"I'm not, because that loss brought me to New York, and it brought me to Santana, and it opened me up to who I am and who I can be. Because of that loss I'm happy in my life, despite some major things that I still need to deal with in Ohio."

"That's nice Brittany. I'm happy for you too. For a while there I thought you were going to break her heart, but I couldn't judge you. I understand how much a person can lose by coming out, and I won't judge those harshly who can't take that kind of loss. I can only feel sorry for them, because I know how much better life feels when you embrace who you truly are."

"It does feel really good. I came out to my family while I was in Ohio, even though I had no intention to at first."

"Good for you, Brittany. Do you have any fears about living openly? Santana is about to have a lot of light shined on her right now. It's already started."

"Yes, we see what's on the horizon for her. I'm okay with it. I have to be. Life is too complicated right now to add hiding in the closet to the mix."

Lexi smiled. "Welcome to the family, Brittany."

Brittany looked into her eyes and saw a kindness there. She thinks they'll be okay...all of them.

"Thank you, Lexi."

Somehow Brittany and Lexi found the time to have their getting to know you moment as World War 3 raged in the living room.

"Who the hell said I was vulnerable?" Nani yelled.

"I said it. Want me to say it again?"

"You better not!"

"You're vulnerable"

Nani jumped out of her seat.

"You better sit your ass back in that seat and listen to me!" Santana said firmly, standing up as well. "Sit down and shut up and take some advice for once in your life, Pu. I mean it!"

Nani didn't sit, but Santana could clearly see her soften.

"Pu please..."Santana said, capitalizing off the moment. "Let me help get you through this. You look so happy when you speak about Lexi. Let me help you have that, Pu, like you helped Brittany and I, please."

Nani sighed before sitting back in her seat. Santana went and sat right next to her.

"I know it's hard, Pu, and Brittany helped me understand it even better. She told me I needed to talk to you about how intimate Lexi and I were..."

"Oh no the hell you don't," Nani scoffed.

Santana chuckled. "That's what I said initially, but I think she might be right. Trust me I won't be giving any unnecessary details, but maybe what I do give you will make you understand."

Nani remained quiet and Santana took that as permission to continue. Nani wants healing surrounding this, and she's silently willing to see if this will offer her some. Santana took a deep breath before continuing.

"You and Lexi, I've known for a long time that you were attracted to one another, maybe even before you knew it. Lexi isn't shy with her looks at the ladies, she isn't shy in letting a woman see that she wants them. Lexi is raw sex, and you saw that energy between us, but I also saw it when she flirted with you. If I thought that she had a chance with you, a meaningful chance, I would have stepped back years ago."

"You weren't required to step back, Simon." Nani sighed. "You met her first, you were allowed to pursue her in any way you wanted."

"And I had her exactly how I wanted her, Pu, as a good friend with benefits. It's all she wanted from me, too. Have you ever seen her flirt with a woman, even look at a woman, in front of you since you two have hooked up? I doubt it, because I know Lexi."

"You do know Lexi."

"Yes I do Pu," Santana sighed, choosing to ignore what Nani was alluding to. "Remember when I would tell you that there are certain things I only do with someone I'm in love with? Well I never did those things with Lexi."

Nani remained quiet.

"Aren't you going to ask me what?"

"I don't know if I want to know."

"Well you're gonna know, because I'm going to tell you no matter how awkward this shit is." Santana sighed. "I have never gone down on Lexi."

"Excuse me?" Nani said, shocked.

"I'm not repeating that sentence." Santana said, squeezing her eyes shut. "Listen. When Lexi and I hooked up I had only gone down on one person before and that was Dani. Now I've done it with Brittany countless wonderful times."

"Didn't need to know that part." Nani rolled her eyes.

"I just like saying it," Santana smiled and Nani laughed.

"Lexi, well Lexi doesn't really hold back when it comes to sex, so what works for me isn't what works for her. When she loves you you'll feel her love for you. I felt it Pu, the way she cared for me when I wasn't well, but think about it. It wasn't an 'I'm in love with you' kind of love. It wasn't even an 'I'm falling in love with you' kind of love. She wanted me to live Pu. She wanted me to thrive and be happy, but she knew that she wasn't in love with me and that I wasn't in love with her. She never made me promises she couldn't keep to try and save my life. She never pretended to want more or that her love could save me. She was real with me, and that's what I really needed. Through all of her looking after me she still dated, still fucked other women and when I was up to it again so did I. She never made it feel like she did that because I wasn't enough. She made me feel like we both still had choices and wouldn't make choices out of fear. I love her for that, Pu. It's how I needed to be treated, not like some fragile thing but like a woman who was still powerful and desireable and had options. I love her Pu, but I never loved her enough to go down on her. I take that very seriously. I knew I was in love with Brittany and I didn't even do that with her our first time or even our second time together, as badly as I wanted to. It's a big step for me, because it holds so much meaning for me to give that to a woman."

"And does it hold the same meaning to you when a woman gives that to you?" Nani asked.

"No, no it doesn't Pu. I don't trust just anyone to give me that, and so it means that I trust her. I trust her a lot, but I don't have to be in love for a woman to give me that and for the record I know for a fact that Lexi doesn't do that with all of the women she sleeps with, no matter how she comes across. It's one of her favorite things but she doesn't go down on just anybody. It's reserved for those she trusts. Trust is everything to Lexi, and if Lexi is ready to love you that's special Pu, because Lexi has never trusted love enough to try it. Never."

Nani thought about those words for a minute.

"You know Lex, Pu. You know her as well as I do, maybe even better than I do now. You have always been 'her Nani'. Never once have you heard her call me anything more affectionate than 'mamacita' nor have I called her anything more affectionate than 'doll', which I kind of call everybody, or 'Sexy Lexi', which was not an affectionate name. There were no 'honeys' or 'babes'. She called me 'mamacita' and I called her 'Sexy Lexi'. It was all based on sex, even the names we called each other, not love, Pu. What she wants with you is not the same."

Nani paused a moment in thought before Santana continued.

"Are you falling for her, Pu, I mean really falling?"

"I don't know."

"You know, but you don't have to tell me if you're not ready."

"She's amazing."

Santana smiled. "Yeah, she's good people, Pu."

"I miss talking to you."

"So talk to me then, Pu."

"The sex..." Nani said before stopping and shaking her head, letting out a long breath of air.

Santana laughed. "So you've finally really had lady sex."

"Yes," Nani said. "That first encounter does not compare. We had no idea what we were doing." Nani shook her head and Santana smiled.

"Trust me I've been there. My first time was with a first timer as well. Big difference when you're with someone who knows how to work your body." Santana laughed.

"Huge difference," Nani blushed. "Like..." Nani let her voice trail off as her skin continued to heat up.

"What Pu?" Santana asked, resisting the urge to tease her.

"I don't want to compare her to Kevin, I mean Kevin and I have had some good times..."

"I get it Pu."

"I know you do," Nani said sarcastically.

"See Pu, you have to stop that. I never know if you're taking a dig at us or you're agreeing with me. Which one was this, honestly? Because it felt a little snarky."

Nani sighed, "Maybe it was. I can't help it. I can't shake this shit and it's stupid."

"It's your stupid ego Pu. Damn I know this is hard. I know it's hard Pu. If you had been with Brittany maybe I'd feel the same way."

"Wanna even the playing field?" Nani asked with a wide smile and Santana's expression changed.

"See, even though you were being a complete asshole and I know you were playing I'm still tempted to slap you senseless for saying that. I miss that Pu. There is no need for you to feel insecure."

"Who said I was insecure?"

"You are, in this instance, and it doesn't make you weak, it makes you human. Everyone has an insecure moment in life. Everyone." Santana paused and allowed Nani to absorb what she had just said before speaking again. "Are we gonna be alright Pu?"

"Of course we are, Simon. Nothing can come between us, ever."

"I know that I feel that way, but you're not acting like you feel that way."

"When have I ever said anything different?"

"You're treating me different, and that says all I need to hear."

Nani sighed. "I'm sorry Simon, I mean it."

"Are you and Lexi going to be okay? I'm going to keep asking you that every time you make a smart ass comment to me. Are you going to give her a real chance? Because I love you Pu, I love you unconditionally, but Lexi doesn't deserve to be hurt because you can't put your pride aside. She's out on a limb here. Be gentle with her. Remember when you told me if I acted tough all of the time people would hurt me because they think I can handle it? Well the same goes for her, Pu. Like she said we're yin and yin. We kind of work the same even if it looks different sometimes. If you hurt her it will be a pain she's never felt before. I'm not saying that you have to choose her, she may need to feel that pain if you just can't do it. I'm just saying not to take it lightly, because it won't be something light for her. Guard her heart the best you can Pu, because I'm pretty sure she will guard yours."

Nani paused. "I'll look out for her, Simon, don't worry."

"Great. I need you to try hard Pu. I mean my best friend and my best cousin dating? Awesome! I want us to go out as couples on double dates. I want you and Brittany to talk about how Lexi and I rocked your worlds and pulled you out of the closet. I want you both to come to our players club hall of fame retirement ceremony where the women we have slept with you look at you with a respect in their eyes as they retire our panties and search for our inadequate replacements. I want this for you, Pu."

Nani laughed, "Gee, thanks."

"Don't mention it." Santana paused. "So we have an understanding, Pu? We're going to ease our way through this, okay, but at the end I need you to allow yourself to be happy. You went through hell trying to tell me about you and Lexi because you know deep down inside how she makes you feel. Don't be a stubborn idiot. You deserve to feel that way. She deserves to feel that way, and I want to hear how my best friend feels about the woman she loves. I want to hear how my cousin feels about falling in love with a woman for the first time and how I was right and she was wrong and women have always been the superior lovers even for other women. I want us to talk like we talked about you and Kevin, no gross details because at the end of the day you're still my cousin and that's just nasty. Can we do this Pu?"

"We can," Nani smiled.

"Good, because I'm about to be off becoming a musical legend and I need to know we're okay. I need to be able to reach out to you and tell you the good and the bad in my life. I need to be able to be there for you because it's always been important for me. I need to talk to you about Wolf and find out how things are going with you and Marcel. I need us to be us, Pu."

"We will be, Simon. I promise."

"Good, because boy do I have a lot of crap to catch you up on. Brittany's mother is a piece of work. Who knew that a demon vagina could give birth to an angel? Like literally Brittany's life is like every villain's origin story and yet here she is, being like the most amazing person ever and choosing to be a superhero instead."

"Ugh, you're so pussywhipped," Nani rolled her eyes.

"Proudly so," Santana said, a smile spreading across her face.

The visit seemed to be going well. Nani wasn't herself yet but she was getting more comfortable. The two couples sat in the living room catching up and laughing and things felt like they were going great. They talked for about an hour and with each passing moment Nani loosened up, which meant that Lexi loosened up. Santana couldn't help but smile at the way Lexi looked at Nani. She knew what it meant.

Lexi was falling in love with her cousin.

Soon Lexi went into the small kitchen and Santana followed shortly after, helping to clean up but mainly wanting to speak to Lexi alone and maybe give Brittany a moment to speak to Nani as well.

"What's up Lex?" Santana smiled. "How is my cousin treating you?"

"Things are moving slowly, as they should," Lexi answered honestly.

"More slowly than you would like?"

"Quicker than it was when you and I were hooking up. Moving in the right direction I guess."

"You guess?"

Lexi sighed. "I really like your cousin, always have, always will. She's moving something in me, changing something in me, and it's the scariest and most perfect thing I've ever felt in my life. Her hesitation to be with me, it doesn't exist as much when you are not around, even when Kevin calls or tries to reconcile with her. She's in a crazy space right now, and I'm trying to be understanding of that, but I have my own shit I'm dealing with too, and I would never give up on her easily or so quickly, but you and I both know that a time comes when you need to walk away from what you want sometimes."

"Are you close to walking away, Lex?"

"That answer changes from week to week."

"Why?" Santana asked sadly.

"I care about Nani, always have and always will. Sometimes it just seems like she wants to live in the shadow of what you and I once were. We've both explained it to her a million times and she just can't get past it, and I'm not so sure it's all about you and I."

"So what is it then?"

"Kevin"

"I don't think so, Lex. Kevin had his chance and he blew it."

"She still talks to him often, which I sound like a jealous moron for even bringing that up..."

"No you don't. You sound like a woman in love afraid of getting her heart broken but don't run Lex. You and Nani didn't allow Brittany and I to run from one another and I won't stand by while you two run, either. Love is scary, but trust me it's worth it. I agree, her only problem isn't you and I, but it also isn't Kevin I'm positive of that. Give her time to figure out what it is. You've waited this long for her, Lexi. You can hang in there a little while longer. She's worth it and you know it."

"Santana, one minute she's in and one minute she's out. One minute she's mentioning the future and the next she's acting like we're just having fun. I don't know exactly what we are, but I know that she's not just a fun time for me. I have a hundred women I can call and have fun with any time I want to, but I only want to call your cousin and hear that insane laugh of hers."

Santana smiled in understanding at Lexi.

"I've never..."

"What Lex?"

"Nothing"

"Come on Lex, talk to me doll."

"I've never made love to a woman the way I make love to her, and it kind of hurts that she doesn't feel my love. It's kind of messing with my head that she thinks that the way I am with her is how I feel about every woman I've ever been with. I wouldn't admit this to anybody but you, but when she acts like we're just hooking up it leaves me feeling cheap and dirty sometimes, and I really hope I never left a woman feeling that way."

"Lex," Santana sighed. "She knows it's not a game. She's scared, and she's using us as an excuse. I've never seen her more afraid in my life."

"Afraid of what?" Lexi asked frustrated.

"I don't know Lex, and I don't know if she'll ever tell me. I'm not even sure that she knows. It's a lot for you I know, but it's a lot for her too. I see the way you two look at each other and I know that look Lex, and I've only ever seen it on you when you look at Nani. You've been looking at her like that for years. Don't tell me that when she's finally looking at you like that now you're ready to walk away. Don't bullshit me Lex."

"I never said that I was ready, just acknowledged that I may have to."

"You're as scared as Nani is, for different reasons of course, but I really don't think you need to be. She wants you, Lex. She wants you, and has wanted you, for years. She still wants you, and not just for sex. She may really enjoy the sex, I'm sure you both do, but it's never been just that for either of you. Most of all my cousin is brave. My cousin is brave enough to love you. She's qualified to love you, now you just be brave and qualified to love her when she finally gives her all to you."

Lexi sighed, "This love thing, it always comes back to punch you in the gut."

"Not always, doll, and I think you know that or you wouldn't even be trying to find it."

"I found it, found it a long time ago. I found it the first time I ever saw your cousin smile. Damn, sometimes I wish I never slept with her. Sometimes I wish I could go back to just wanting her and not knowing..."

Santana's heart melted. "Not knowing what?"

"Knowing that loving her feels even better than I thought it would feel."

"And how does her loving you feel?"

"I don't know. I'm here admitting it to you and Nani and I haven't even said it to one another. I don't even know that it's true for her."

"I think your heart knows, just like mine knew that Brittany felt something far stronger than friendship for me long before she ever spoke the words. Long before we ever slept together. Sometimes words are just a formality..."

"A necessary formality."

"Yes, it's nice to hear the words, and we need to speak them sometimes because they need to be heard, but if I somehow lost my voice, if I could never say 'I love you' to Brittany again, there would still never be a day where she doubted my love for her, because my actions mean so much more. It's easy to lie with words, it's far harder to keep the charade going with actions. The actions are easy when you love someone, and equally as easy for them to feel when you love them right. When Nani is not afraid, when she isn't running, when it's just you and her together, does it feel like love, Lexi?"

"What does a woman like me know about love?"

"Don't do that, don't doubt yourself. Answer the question Lex."

"It feels like love. It feels like all of the love I'll ever need."

Santana smiled. "Tell her the things you told me, Lex. She needs to hear them, and if she needs to hear them a thousand times to stop herself from fighting then let her hear it a thousand times. Maybe after all of the women we've run through it was meant for us to have to fight a little for love. Maybe it's our test, or lesson, to insure we're ready for our gift. Don't fail your test, Lex. Don't fail yourself."

"Thanks mamacita."

"You've got it, doll," Santana smiled with a wink in Lexi's direction.

Nani and Brittany sat in the living room sipping lemonade as they chatted. Brittany was hoping that the conversation would turn to she and Santana as she wanted to speak to Nani and hopefully make things easier for Nani and Lexi. She didn't have to hope for long, as she noticed Nani leading the conversation towards relationships.

"Santana seems happier than I've ever seen her with someone. I'm glad she has you to look after her especially now that she has so many things going on in her life."

"I'm happier than I've ever been as well, and I'm glad I have someone to watch after me too." Nani smiled at Brittany. "I can never thank you and Lexi enough for stepping up and helping us to get over our hurdles."

"Glad we could help."

"You know, I've only known you and Lexi a short while, but I already know that you're both good people. I had to do a lot of thinking about that, especially regarding Lexi. She came over to me that night, karaoke night, and my guard flew up, because why would this woman want to speak to me? What could she possibly have to say to me? She was Sexy Lexi, the one everyone treated as if she and Santana had this incomparable sexual bond. Even you treated them like that, and why in the world would I want to be around that? She didn't know how I would receive the message, but I know she must have cared a lot about Santana to speak to me. Basically she told me to love her or leave her alone, and I knew it wasn't in a bad or self serving way. You can just tell sometimes, like those feelings Santana always talks about, the Holy Spirit I guess she would say, that something that tells you what's right deep in your gut. She took Santana home and you took me home, and I was scared, scared I had lost her, lost my chance to tell her how I felt and why I was so afraid, but there was also something in me that calmed me. Something that gave me hope. Something that told me it would be okay."

Nani remained silent and so Brittany continued.

"Many times after that night I found myself almost studying them when they were together, waiting to see if I caught a look, a glance, a touch. Something that suggested love or lust or longing. Something that showed me that Santana looked at her the way that she looked at me. I never once saw Santana look at her like that, nor did I see Lexi look at Santana that way. I have seen Lexi look at you that way though, now more than ever. I believe in that look. I believe in it more than the words any of you speak. She looks at you the way Santana looks at me, and if it means the same thing like I think it does I'm so happy for you, because no one will ever treat you better if they feel that way about you. You can build a life together because of that look, I just believe that wholeheartedly."

Nani thought for a second. "Is that how you deal with those two being friends?"

"Partly, but I've also come to respect their actual friendship. I've had sex with a friend, and at the end of the day I wish I could take it back too because it changed things. We tried to make it something it was never meant to be, because that's what you do right? Hooking up isn't enough. But for some people it is, and they're brave enough to know that it is, and they don't try and force it to be more. Lexi and Santana know who they are and what they want, and they don't care what others think. Not like me. Not like you too sometimes, maybe?"

"I don't care what people think," Nani scoffed.

"Maybe you don't, or maybe Lexi has been Santana's person in some ways for so long, has been family for so long, that everything feels wrong. I don't know what's going on for you Nani, but I know you're struggling and because of that all three of you are struggling, and if I can help I owe it to all three of you, because the three of you have helped me so much."

"We will be okay, Brittany."

"I know that you will. No matter what I know that you will." Brittany sighed and then paused before speaking again. "I want to tell you something, something I've only ever told Santana."

"You don't have to..."

"I know that I don't have to tell you, I want to tell you." Brittany started. She took a deep breath before continuing. "The first night Santana and I spoke in that coffee shop she told me about the tape. She seemed so confident, so comfortable, and I needed to know how, how she survived such a thing. I needed to know because a similar thing happened to me, and it caused me to run from everyone I know and try to start over. It caused me to not want to let anyone close out of fear they would find out. It killed a part of me., I've never admitted this to anyone, not even Santana, but there are days where it made me want to kill myself. I didn't think I could survive it all, until I ran to New York City, and still I didn't believe I could survive it some days. I felt like it would only take one more thing to come along and break me, that is until I met your cousin, and she shared her strength and courage with me, and I fell in love with her."

Nani looked at Brittany in shock. "I'm so sorry Brittany, so very sorry."

"Thank you Nani." Brittany smiled softly at her before continuing. She and Santana had the same caring eyes. "My boyfriend, the one who if he had remained a friend none of this would have ever happened, he asked me to take some pictures for him while we were separated from one another at college. I was hesitant, but finally I gave in. Well he got drunk one night and his roommate got into his phone. He took the photos and shared them with their friends. Eventually they ended up on the internet..."

"Brittany..." Nani gasped.

"Yeah, I know. Long story short, Santana couldn't have known how much I needed someone to be that open with me, because she opened up my world again by doing so. She changed everything for me just by being herself. Now I'm able to sit here and tell you my story, and more importantly I'm able to accept the fact that the world may know one day because of my connection to Santana, and if Santana has to face a similar thing I'm okay with my skeletons coming out alongside hers, because we will support each other."

"That's great Brittany."

"I know she's scared. Part of her just wants to make music, she doesn't want the fame, but your cousin is the brightest star I've ever seen, and she was meant to shine. I'm not afraid, well not as afraid as I used to be, because I have her. I hope she's a little less afraid because she has me."

Nani smiled. "I think she probably is."

"That's what love does Nani, it makes you kick down doors that you held tightly closed for years. Santana went to her friend, she sold her bike to him, so that he would do the same for me as he did for her, so that he would get rid of the pictures online for me."

"What?!" Nani asked in surprise.

"Yup, she sold her bike, and I didn't find out until her father gave her another one. She told everyone it was in the shop, but she was saving to get a bike I'd be more comfortable riding on with her."

"Wow"

"Yeah, wow. I'm sure if you told Santana a year ago that she would be selling her bike for a woman she would have thought that you were crazy, and I'm sure if someone told you a year ago that you would be leaving Kevin and falling for Lexi you would have said the same, but life is funny that way."

"Yes it is."

"You know deep in your heart that Santana is okay with this. She went out and found the love she wanted despite Lexi being there if that's what she was looking for. If you really thought that they were serious would you have flirted that hard with your cousin's girlfriend? You don't seem like the type, Nani."

"I'm not"

"Then you're just being difficult, looking for reasons not to feel what you're feeling. I've been there, Nani. It's so much better on this side of things. It's okay to be scared Nani. Love is scary, especially if you've been hurt in the past. Still, it's the most perfect thing in the world and you don't need anyone's approval to love Lexi, just your own."

Nani remained quiet.

"Santana is happy for you both you know..."

"It's not Santana it's..." Nani went silent.

"You can talk to me Nani..."

"It's our family," Nani almost whispered. "It's my mom and aunt Liv and abuela and everyone else who knows, who saw Lexi and Santana together. I heard them all openly wish for the two to become more, and now here I am, picking up the scraps..."

"Is that how you see her, Nani? Is Lexi just Santana's scraps to you?"

Hearing Brittany say that made Nani understand how harsh that sounded.

"That's not what I meant."

"I didn't think it was, but I also know that Lexi must feel that way right now, as if she's tainted, as if she's somehow not good enough to be loved by you because of the things she did with Santana, with many women. I won't lie, there is love between them, I can see it, but it's not the kind I fear between them. I know it, and I think you know it too. Santana told me Lexi has been through a lot. She needs someone, her someone, to love her openly and without shame, the way Santana loves me despite the pictures, the way I love her despite the video. She wants someone to love her despite whatever the world may shame her for, despite what her family shames her for. She loves women, and she needs a woman to love her, to truly and openly love her back. You know how much that means to Santana. You seem to understand what it means to me. Can you see what it means to Lexi, and why she needs it, why she would choose you to find it with...a loyal, strong, patient woman? You are a warrior for Santana. She needs a warrior for her, too Nani. I think she'd be one for you, even more than she was for Santana, more than she's been for anyone, ever."

Nani was silent for a moment and Brittany let her digest what had been said.

"I never want her to feel anything less than wonderful. Santana either."

"It's not about them, Nani. It's about your family and while I truly don't know them Santana does, and Santana said they won't care. For years Santana has been the wild child and you've been the stable one. We pick up these roles in life, in our families, and we feel uncomfortable being outside of them. Well, Santana is the wild child but they still love her, and if you step out of the box and do something that feels wild to you just once they will still love you the same, too. Do you want her, Nani? Do you want her the way that you knew I wanted Santana, where every cell in your soul dies when you think of how much you want her and why you can't have her? Then someone needs to tell you, really tell you, that you can have her because she already has you and you don't want her to ever let you go. You and Lexi told me that about Santana, and now we're telling you that she's yours to have if you let yourself have her, and it's okay to let yourself have her."

Brittany was shocked as she watched tears fall down Nani's cheeks. Brittany went and sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her.

"I'm sorry."

"For what, for being human?" Brittany responded.

"I've been an angry asshole, trying to push Lexi away because I want her so bad and Santana away so that I won't be reminded of the woman I love. Santana never has to worry about my feelings changing for her. She's been my favorite person in the world my whole life. My mom says the moment she was born, even though I was so small, I would want her around all of the time. I would look at her like she was the most perfect thing in the world. They would lay us next to one another and Santana would cuddle into me and sometimes it was the only time they could get us to sleep. Santana never has to worry about a thing. There is nothing that could ever keep her from being my Simon. Being around her just hurts right now."

"It doesn't have to hurt. The only person that may have had a reason to care is Santana, and she doesn't care. The others, I think they'll just care that you're happy."

"I think some of them, especially maybe my dad's side of the family, will care if I'm gay, even if they don't say it. It would be hypocritical to actually say it after supporting Santana all of those years."

"You think your mom will care?"

"My mom just wants me to have the babies that I've wanted ever since I was a kid. She may have some apprehension about that being a little harder."

"Maybe a little more expensive, but maybe not too much harder."

"She always spoke about how important it was for them to have a good man in their lives..."

"That's because she thought you were straight, not because she was projecting."

"I'm not straight," Nani said, almost as if she were admitting it softly to herself. "Bi maybe...probably...certainly. I can never call myself straight again after lov..."

Brittany smiled.

"Fuck, who am I kidding?" Nani paused and sighed deeply. "I love her, love how she makes me feel. I love the sex, but even more I love the way she draws me a bath and bathes me, how she braids my hair so it doesn't get wet, how it feels like she's baptizing me in her love when she does that. I love the way she looks at me when she does that. I don't know why she likes to do that, and I don't know why I love it so much."

"You love it because you love her, and she does it because she loves you." Brittany smiled. "Stop taking that feeling away from the both of you. Stop fighting, Nani. Go to her and stop fighting what you feel. Fighting it only makes the feelings stronger, believe me I know."

Nani sighed. "Thank you, Brittany."

"Anytime Nani," Brittany smiled, pulling Nani into a hug.

The rest of the day went well, and Nani and Lexi both seemed a bit more comfortable. Still, Santana could see that Nani was digesting a lot, and so could Brittany. It was Brittany who asked Santana if they could leave early and check into their hotel, and as if Santana knew why she had done it, Santana quickly agreed.

"You could have stayed here, the sofa bed is really comfortable."

"I should know," Lexi rolled her eyes and Nani playfully sucked her teeth and stuck her elbow in Lexi's side.

"You haven't been on that sofa bed in a while," Nani shyly admitted out loud and it made Santana and Brittany smile. Lexi just looked at her with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Then I better behave myself, before you send me there again," Lexi said seductively with a wink.

"Time to go," Santana said and Brittany and Nani laughed.

"Seriously Simon, why did you waste money on a hotel?"

"You two need your privacy, and Brittany and I one hundred percent need ours," Santana said, wiggling her eyebrows at Brittany who blushed. "Ugh, she's so fucking cute." Santana said, shaking her head. "Don't worry, we'll be back in time for dinner."

"Looking forward to it," Nani said, before Brittany and Santana headed to their hotel.

Brittany was right, the two women needed a moment alone. A lot had been said, and as Lexi straightened up Nani stopped her and asked her to sit with her.

"I'm sorry Lexi."

"Sorry for what, star?"

"I've been dealing with a lot, some things I didn't understand and some I just didn't want to admit. Still, every weekend we find ourselves together, and after we always find ourselves in bed together. I let you shower me with all of this love and affection and I know I haven't been returning it the way that I should. I appreciate it though, Lexi. It feels so damn good I swear."

"Then I'm doing my job."

"But it's not your job, Lexi. It's not, because what are we?"

"Only you struggle with the answer to that question, star. I know what we are."

"What are we?" Nani asked seriously.

"We are one, star, that's what we are. I've just been waiting for you to realize what I already know, what I knew years ago and what took me far too long to admit. I want you Nani, your body, your heart, all of your joy and your pain, I want to share it all with you, but only when you're ready, star."

"And maybe one day we can have that, but for now, maybe we should just remain friends with benefits."

"I can't keep just having sex with you and nothing more, Nani."

"Why not?"

"Damnit Nani, you're trying to keep me in a cocoon and I'm trying to evolve here. You won't let me turn into a butterfly, star."

"You are a butterfly, always have been, the most beautiful butterfly I've ever seen." Nani admitted.

"I love you Nani. I've never said those words to a woman the way I'm saying them to you now. I'm being vulnerable with you because I need to be, because I should be able to be, if I'm going to let you love me too. I'm not going to play with you though, star, and I don't think you really want to be my friend. The way you look in my eyes and break my heart and put it back together every time I make love to you tells me I'm not your friend Nani, but if you can't allow yourself more I understand. Still, I need to be more. I need to be more in this world than the woman that women come to when they need someone to make them feel good. I'm so much more than that, and you are too, and I just can't be that shallow with you." Lexi said.

"Lexi..." Nani sighed.

"Do you love me, star?" Lexi asked. "Honest question and I can handle an honest answer, believe me. I'm stronger than most people will ever know."

"I love you, Lexi." Nani admitted shyly. "I love you so much it scares me."

"Scares me too, star, but in a good way."

"What does that mean?"

"Means that it's not just me in this world anymore, it's you and me, and what affects you affects me. I have to be there for you, help you, until you can accept that I want you for myself. Until you can accept me just for yourself. When I'm with you Nani I hope you feel what I feel for you."

"I do."

"When I'm with you Nani, I'm making love to you. I'm giving you everything I feel inside of me, and if you don't feel that then I'm doing something wrong."

"You haven't done one wrong thing since the first time I made love to you. I feel it Lexi, I always have. I felt it before we made love, it's why I was so ready. I hope you feel it from me as well."

Lexi smiled, "I do, star, but it wasn't until right now that it didn't scare the shit out of me every time I felt your love for me."

"Why?" Nani asked.

"It wasn't until right now that I didn't fear that you'd take that love away from me."

"So what are we Lexi?"

"What do you want to be?"

"I want to be yours," Nani said and Lexi smiled, taking her hands in her own and bringing them to her lips to kiss softly. "Lexi, is it too soon?"

"Why would it be too soon?"

"I just broke up with Kevin. You were still sleeping with Santana less than a year ago. We're moving fast."

"Nani, why does any of that matter?"

Nani thought for a moment before she chuckled. "It really doesn't," she shook her head.

"So you're mine, Nani, and I'm yours. I haven't touched another woman since the night I made love to you. I don't want to touch another woman. You're all I need. You work your shit out, do what you need to do, but I'll be right by your side, in your heart, while you do it. Deal with Kevin, deal with your demons, but you are not alone. You're my Nani. You've always been my Nani. I waited so long for you. Now, I'll wait with you until it's all worked out."

"And you're my Sexy Lexi," Nani smiled, her heart filled with a strange relief and so much joy.

"Always have been, always will be, star."

Santana and Brittany checked into their hotel, and while both couples took the time to enjoy some intimate one on one time together before dinner the ladies returned on time to enjoy the meal that Lexi had prepared. By the time they sat for dinner both Brittany and Santana could tell that things had changed for the better, and when after dinner as Lexi cleared away plates and Nani insisted on helping, when Nani placed a tender kiss on Lexi's lips and Lexi pulled her in gently by the waist Santana and Brittany knew that everything would be okay.

By the end of the weekend Santana and Nani seemed to be back on track, or at least almost back to their old selves. Nani was trying, trying hard, but nothing disappears in a day. Everyone knew in their hearts though, that once Nani told their family, once she removed all of these high expectations from herself and realized that nobody cares about anything other than her happiness, then Nani could finally fully embrace this love she's found. One thing was for sure though, and everybody could see it even if Nani didn't speak it.

Nani was happy to call Lexi her own.

The ride home at the end of the weekend was nice, even as the weather was a little chillier than the day they had arrived. The gear, and the warmth of Santana's body kept Brittany warm, even as Santana kept asking if she was okay. Even though she was fine Santana stopped at a rest stop to buy Brittany some coffee, to make sure there were no chills in her bones for the remainder of the ride. How Brittany loved the way this woman cared for her.

That coffee and love would have to keep Brittany warm for many nights after that weekend, because as soon as they returned the next day Santana was back to work. She was writing and recording, intent on a number of her own tracks making the project, even if they didn't all fit a specific genre. She knew that Cal was trying to reign her in, but she also knew that she wanted at least one track on the project that would show her diversity. Cal said she would get her track, but it had to be the right one. Meanwhile, the team really liked two of her tracks and wanted to get her in the studio to work on laying them down.

Santana was working her ass off, and she managed to perform as a featured artist at the club to a nice sized crowd who responded great to her show. She also managed to show up for the audition for her replacement. As promised, Santana had Sugar set up a long table in front of the stage, and she was seated front and center with the others to her sides. She would for the most part be serious, but she had decided if someone who was full of themselves walked in she would give them the Simon treatment.

They were half way through auditions when that someone walked in.

"You have got to be shitting me," Santana rolled her eyes.

"What?" Mercedes asked.

"Landing strip," Santana said. "Oh boy this is gonna be fun. Wish Brittany was here."

"You know this guy?" Kurt asked.

"He's in Brittany's art class, and he's as much of a douchebag as his haircut suggests."

"Be nice, Santana" Quinn said.

"Save your heroics, Fabray, I'm pretty sure he's broke."

"We have to give him a fair chance." Rachel chimed in.

"Oh I will, but he better be good. Just so you all know in advance he's a pig so if he works here be prepared to be bombarded with advances constantly."

"What did he do?"

"He saw me nude, what do you think he did? He lost his damn mind. He also has made advances at my Britt Britt so you all know that I'd like to kill him slowly and painfully, so he better sing like his life depends on it, because it might."

Puckerman took the stage and sat with his guitar in his lap.

"Name" Santana asked sternly.

"You would already know it babe if you stuck around after art class. Really wish you would have, especially after I found out that you and slim were a couple."

"Is this you trying to get a job or trying to get a date?" Mercedes asked before Santana could rip him to shreds.

"Why can't I have both, chocolate drop?" Puckerman answered.

"Oh hell no..." Mercedes said as she squeezed Sam's leg to stop him from standing up.

"Look, you already had one strike against you with Santana, and you just got one big collective strike from all of us for being tone deaf and unable to read the room. I suggest you sing while we're all willing to still give you a chance." Quinn chimed in.

"Before you sing a note," Santana interjected. "We're a family around here. We also respect our customers and treat them like family when they walk through that door. I myself have no problem with the ladies, but I never picked up a customer. Now if you bring in paying customers who you happened to have slept with and who somehow find your boorish behavior charming well their money is green and we won't have a problem with that. This is our place of business. We don't sexually harass people around here and you're starting off really, really bad. So I suggest you tone it down and keep it toned down, and I suggest you sing your ass off if you want this job, because you're going to have to be that much better than everyone else who comes through tonight to get my vote." Everyone shook their head in agreement and Puckerman seemed to have gotten the message. "Now, what is your name?" Santana asked sternly.

"Noah Puckerman, but everybody calls me Puck."

"Welcome Noah," Rachel interjected and Puck almost made another of his comments but managed to bite his tongue. "Please feel free to start whenever you like."

Puck auditioned and they had to admit the guy was good. Santana threw a request out there to see how versatile the guy was and he was able to handle the request. They thanked him for coming in and told him they would be in touch if they needed to hear from him again. Before he left Santana had one last thing to say.

"Puckerman," she started. "If you get this job it's a great place to work. Don't ruin the atmosphere. Also, you have seen me naked. Lucky you, but it was in a professional setting. Don't really care who knows but that's another thing around here, our business is our business and we respect each other's personal lives even though we will talk about it amongst ourselves and probably place bets on it. Still, we defend each other fiercely. If you can't fit in and do your job well you won't last long around here, and there are a million struggling artists in New York who would be glad to take your place here. So good luck, and in the meantime, think about how you're going to tone it down and respect the workplace if you get the job. Have a great day."

With that Santana went back to scribbling notes on her pad as Puck collected his guitar and exited the stage.

"Well that was very professional of you," Quinn said, shocked.

"I have a PR person now, and they don't really want too many people to meet Snixx."

"I knew there was something behind all of this professionalism." Mercedes smiled.

"I really wanted to ask him if that hair style was a choice or the result of a tragic accident." Santana replied.

"Thank goodness for PR people," Kurt laughed.

"Anyway, that jackass was halfway decent, and we've sat through a lot of one note singers today. We have a few more people coming in, and I really hope we find someone and it won't have to be him, but I can see him having an appeal with a desperate sort of woman right Quinnie?"

Quinn just rolled her eyes at Santana.

"Anyway, for years there were more women performers than males here, and I thought it was nice that we had a gay guy and a lesbian, you know, cover every demographic and such, but we'll have that all covered when Quinn comes out of the closet. Was hoping a hot lesbian bad ass performer showed up today so that I could advocate for her but who am I kidding, nobody can fill my shoes. We may not have much of a choice judging by what we've seen today. Nice voices, but not performers. Unless you guys want to teach somebody the ropes landing strip at least seems like he can work a crowd. We've only got three more performers left so let's just pray somebody good shows up because this guy irritates the fuck out of me."

"You're just saying that because he made a pass at Brittany."

"Quinn has always been tempted by the bad boys," Santana shook her head sadly, "but remember Quinn, he doesn't have a trust fund. Right now he probably doesn't even have a job. Right now he looks like he fucks MILFs for a living. He has a 'pool boy with no pools to clean in New York'' vibe about him. I'm usually right about these things."

Quinn glared at Santana before speaking. "For now he's at the top of the list."

"That's not the only thing you'd like him to top," Santana snarked and Kurt burst out laughing.

"Why did we invite her?" Quinn asked.

"Because I'm fair and impartial, unlike you, unless a hot lesbian comes in that's not Dani."

"Well, I'd hire Dani, for the record," Quinn said with a smirk.

"You'd probably fuck her too, but off the record."

"You're on a roll today," Mercedes said, shaking her head.

"Like I said I have a PR person to please now. Snixx belongs totally to Quinn now."

Quinn just closed her eyes and called for the next act.

After listening to over 30 singers the group narrowed it down to three who would have to return and perform for Holly. At the end of the day Puckerman got the slot on a trial basis, along with a ton of warnings from Holly that she had heard he was a bit of a pig and that he better know how to control it. He seemed grateful for the job, and internally he was looking forward to redeeming himself and proving himself to his new co workers. Holly felt okay giving him a chance. Yeah, he was a pig, but a pig with a heart of gold she thought. She believes that when the facade drops they'll find beneath it someone who fits in quite well with her group, someone who is much deeper than the ladies man he's trying to portray. Holly thinks all of that angst makes for a great artist, and so she welcomed him aboard.

With Santana helping to find her replacement and her feature show out of the way it was just work, work and more work, and not nearly enough Brittany. Christmas was quickly approaching and the label was trying to arrange for Santana and Camille to get together and film their music video. They were going to keep it as simple as possible, not just to keep costs down but to also play off what they were trying to do with Santana. Gloss, but not too much gloss. This would be the first time the world saw her on a big stage, and even though music videos are mainly streamed online now the label thought it was important for two new artists to have a visual together. It had been decided that their song would accompany the trailer for the film, and this was a huge deal. There were far more established artists on the soundtrack but this song was chosen for its dramatic effect, and honestly Santana couldn't wait to see it all come to fruition.

With less than two weeks before Christmas it happened. Santana was flown out to Los Angeles and put up in a nice hotel. As soon as she checked in she got Brittany on the phone. She was already missing her terribly.

"Hello?"

"Hey doll. Just got checked in. Wish you were here."

"Hey superstar. Wish I was there too, honey, but these bills aren't going to pay themselves."

"I know, doll. I just have this really sexy, perfect girlfriend who I don't get to see anymore and I miss her so much."

"Hmmmm, she sounds hot, maybe you can introduce me to her and I'll take care of her for you while you're gone."

"Actually, that's a really good idea. I have a feeling you know exactly what she likes."

"I do."

Santana smiled and licked her lips. "So yeah, I'd like you to keep her satisfied while I'm gone. Touch her whenever she likes, wherever she likes, and when I'm back I'll make sure to remind her why she loves me."

"You have yourself a deal."

"Britt?"

"Yes honey?"

"You think maybe, when times get crazy, that you would really be willing to come see me for a weekend or so? I know it's too soon to ask but I'll send you tickets to wherever I am whenever you can be with me."

Brittany smiled at how cute and vulnerable Santana sounded.

"I think I'd love that, Santana. I already told you that I would."

"I know, but I also know your work means a lot to you, and also what you're doing for Stan means a lot to you, and I just don't want to miss out on what's important to you, too."

"You won't, Santana. I promise."

"Good. The room is nice. Not superstar status yet but very, very nice."

"Are you tired?"

"A little. Cal wants to meet for dinner, Camille will be there. Then in the morning we go to wardrobe and do hair and makeup and all that jazz and then we begin shooting."

"Sounds amazing."

"So yeah, I'm going to shower and sleep and then meet Camille."

"Ok honey, get some rest. We'll talk soon."

"I'll text you after dinner, if you're still awake call me."

"I probably won't be awake, I'm gonna take care of your girlfriend tonight and I'm sure it will wipe me out." Brittany smiled.

"Don't say that," Santana pouted.

"Too late, once you know, now you know," Brittany smiled and Santana laughed.

"Well have fun, treat her like I would treat her."

"Nobody can treat her as good as you treat her."

"Remember that, doll," Santana said proudly.

"There she is," Brittany laughed.

"I'm always there, remember that Britt," Santana replied seriously.

Santana did as promised, she showered and she crashed. Before she knew it her alarm had gone off and in no time Cal was ringing her phone to let her know that their car would be ready in 15 minutes.

Santana went to the lobby. She went with a black v neck mini dress with cut out shoulders, her dark hair in a messy bun with curly tendrils surrounding her face. Her makeup with light, and she wore black heeled sandals on her feet, since Cal said dinner would be casual. Still, she wanted to look good her first night in L.A. and so she decided to dress up just a little.

Cal smiled when he saw the woman. He loved how versatile she was. She wasn't locked into the leather and biker thing, wasn't locked into the tight jeans and tee rocker thing, wasn't locked into any look, or any sound. She was able to mold herself into anything and make it work for her. He loved that most about her. He felt like there was nothing that he could assign her to do that she couldn't pull off. He hasn't been this excited in years about working with someone.

"You look beautiful, Santana."

"Thank you Cal."

"Thanks for being early, I'm used to women making me wait while they get ready."

"Me too, Cal, me too," Santana smiled. "Five minutes early is on time. On time is late," Santana said seriously. "That's just how I roll."

Sometimes Cal forgot that Santana was into the ladies. He laughed before holding the door open to exit the hotel with her.

"Excellent motto, people in this business really appreciate you respecting their time."

"Everybody appreciates you respecting their time. Rich people aren't more special, even if they think that they are."

Cal smiled, "Stay this way, Santana."

"No worries, Cal," Santana smiled.

By the time the luxury car pulled up to the restaurant Santana felt an excitement that she didn't anticipate that she would feel. She was about to meet the person that was working with her to create the first major project of her career. Sure, she had sung background vocals for her but the world wouldn't hear that song until after they heard this duet, a duet that they sounded amazing on if Santana was being truthful. She was excited to see if they got along as well as they sounded together, because she really didn't want to start her career off dealing with any negative vibes.

When Santana and Cal arrived Camille and her manager weren't there yet. Since Cal and Santana were early they were seated and Cal ordered drinks for them. Santana opted for sparkling water and Cal smiled. The girl was smart. She would not be caught with her guard down. She knew that this was business, even though it was alleged to be a casual meet and greet.

After waiting nearly 30 minutes Santana could tell that as interesting as her company was Cal was getting annoyed. They had just had the conversation regarding time, and because they were 15 minutes early they'd been waiting a half an hour. About 40 minutes after their arrival Camille and her manager sauntered into the restaurant looking unbothered.

"Hello Cal," the man said, and Santana caught Camille's eyes as the younger woman was immediately sizing her up. Santana caught her gaze and smiled, before returning her attention back to the man who was apologizing for being 25 minutes late.

"Sorry, you know how L.A. traffic is," the man said.

"I do, which is why I always leave early," Cal responded.

"My apologizes," he said again, before turning his attention to Santana. "And you must be Santana Lopez," he said, extending his hand. "Greg Gallo."

"Nice to meet you." Santana said, shaking the man's hand.

Cal interrupted "Santana, this is Camille Nelson."

"Good to finally meet you, Camille."

"Nice to meet you too, Santana."

"Loved what you did on the track." Santana said.

"Thank you, loved what you did as well."

"Great, let's have a seat, order some meals, and get to know one another. We have a long day tomorrow and I don't want to make it a late night."

Everyone placed their orders and chatted as they waited for their food.

"So Santana, the vocals you did on Camille's track were phenomenal, and I love what you did on the soundtrack as well."

"Thank you."

"You're very talented. We were shocked when they wanted to add you to Camille's song for the soundtrack, but I must say it turned out better than I could have imagined."

"That's why the execs make the tough calls," Santana responded and Cal smiled. He was interested to see where this was going.

"Yes they do," Greg said. "Anyway, Camille was happy to share her song with you."

"Our song Greg, it's our song now, and tomorrow is a big day, we get to shoot our first music video." Santana said, turning her attention from Greg to Camille. The guy seemed like a shit stirrer, and Santana wasn't sure is Camille co signed his bullshit or if he was acting independently, but she would find out and she would always remain on guard in this business no matter what.

Cal smiled. He knew what was happening and he was glad that Santana knew as well. What Santana didn't know was that it was likely happening in part because he was taking a personal interest in Santana's success.

"Yes, I'm pretty excited about tomorrow as well," Camille responded.

"So Santana, do you have a manager yet?" Greg asked.

"I do," Santana answered as the man clearly waited for her to provide a name. Cal smiled inwardly before speaking.

"Oh she has a shark of a manager," Cal said. "and Santana is no pushover. She's a dream to work with but not a doormat so her manager fits her perfectly. I expect they'll compliment one another very well."

"Yeah?" Greg responded. "Anyone I know?"

"Don't know who you know, but with this current project between the ladies I'm sure you'll meet her soon enough."

"Why didn't she make the trip this time?"

"Didn't need her," Santana chimed in. "But trust me she's working on my behalf even when I'm away."

"So who is your manager?" Greg asked and Santana decided to stop toying with him and just tell him her name.

"Sue Sylvester," Santana answered. "Do you know her?"

"Not personally, though I've heard the name," Greg said. "Heard she's a tough one."

"In all the best ways I think," Santana answered. "She'll protect my interests, which is what's most important."

"Yes it is," Greg replied.

"Anyway, Camille, tomorrow should be interesting," Santana stated, redirecting the conversation to getting to know one another a little and discussing what they expected would happen tomorrow.

Dinner went smoothly, and Santana could see why Cal wanted to facilitate this meeting himself. Santana knows that Cal has a lot riding on her, and she appreciates it.

Camille seemed cautious, which in turn made Santana even more cautious. Had she been sitting across from just another artist who was eager to break through in the business and excited to have this opportunity coming up she may have let her guard down a bit. Maybe. But Santana felt what she thought that she might feel...she had become a part of Camille's project, and they understandably weren't ecstatic about it, but upon hearing the finished product nobody can deny that the two of them singing together had created a magic that Camille alone wouldn't have accomplished. It was the right call, and Santana was the right person, and she doesn't think that simply because she benefited from it.

After dinner Cal and Santana returned to their rooms and Santana text Brittany as promised, who was likely asleep because Santana didn't get a reply. It was okay. She knows that Brittany likely stayed up as long as she could to hear the news and wish her luck the next day, but Santana was glad that she was getting some much needed rest. She snapped a selfie and sent it to Brittany and told her that she loved and missed her, and that she would talk to her tomorrow.

Santana was buzzing with excitement, and even after a nice shower and tucking herself into bed she just couldn't fall asleep easily. She was filming a music video the next day. Soon the world would hear her, see her, on a scale she could only dream of.

Somewhere in the midst of her thoughts she drifted off, and when she woke in the morning she showered early and decided to walk to a nearby coffee shop and grab a croissant and a cup of tea. When she returned to the hotel she ate her breakfast, and as she ate she grabbed a notepad from her bag and began scribbling lyrics to her favorite song, Brittany's song. She doesn't know why they hit her right then, maybe because she was missing the blonde.

As if she had called upon her telepathically, Brittany text her to see if she was awake. Santana set her pen and pad down and answered the phone.

"Hey doll,"

"Hey honey," Brittany smiled. "You looked amazing last night."

"So did you."

"You didn't see me."

"I've never seen you not looking amazing."

Brittany smiled. "I miss you."

"Miss you too, doll. Did you take care of my girl last night."

"I did, it's why I slept so well."

"I'm sorry I missed that."

"Me too."

"So you're off to work?"

"Yes. Feeding Lady Tubbington and then I'm out the door, but I didn't call to talk about that. How did last night go? How are you feeling about today?"

"Last night went fine. Camille and I didn't speak much but it went okay. I'm excited about this morning, not really nervous. I'll send you a picture when the stylist finishes with me."

"Don't tease me Santana."

Santana smiled, "For your eyes only, doll."

"I can't wait."

"Well, I better let you go to work. I love you Brittany," Santana said sincerely.

"I love you too, honey. Break a leg."

"Thanks doll, you have a good day as well."

The two hung up and Santana went back to writing. She had gotten so caught up in it that before she knew it Cal was calling to say that their car had arrived. Santana scribbled her remaining thoughts on the page and grabbed her bag to head downstairs. As she waited for Cal she took her pad out and scribbled the words that wouldn't stop swirling around in her head. She was so engrossed in her writing that Cal startled her when he walked up to her in the lobby.

"Good morning Santana. There was no need for you to rush downstairs, it's the driver's job to be early."

"My job too," Santana said sincerely. "I've already been out for a walk this morning, I was ready."

Cal smiled. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Slept like a baby, but I am excited."

"Nervous?"

"Only about how they style me. I really want to remain true to myself. Camille seems a lot more 'frilly' than me for lack of a better word. It works for her. I can make anything work, but realistically that's not me."

"I understand, and Sue made it quite clear what your style is. They should have something you can work with there."

"I'm sure that they will."

"Well, since the car is here and we're both here, there's nothing wrong with getting to set early. Shall we?" Cal asked, extending his hand with a flourish and inviting Santana to walk out the door. When they climbed in the car Santana began scribbling in her pad again. She just couldn't seem to stop the thoughts for some reason.

"Writing your girl a letter?"

"Kind of."

"Kind of?"

"Been working on a song, her song."

"A new song?"

"Not new, maybe not even for the world to hear, time will tell."

"Well when it's ready, if you don't mind, I would love to hear it."

"I'll keep that in mind," Santana said, making no promises. This business, she will give it her best, but she won't allow it to have everything. She decided that long before she got her first offer, even long before she met Brittany.

Santana jotted down her final thoughts and put the pad in her bag. Afterwards she sat silently, watching L.A. pass her by as the car rode along in the early morning.

Soon they pulled up to the set of the music video. Cal was hoping that Camille and Greg would be there already but they weren't and Cal was a little annoyed. They weren't late, not yet, but he felt like they were trying to make a statement. Camille was the star, the talent, and Santana was the girl fighting for a way in. If that's what they were trying Sue wouldn't have to worry about fixing it, he would have it dealt with by the end of this trip. He's seen it all before, and he would certainly let Camille know she's making a big mistake by following this guy's suggestions. A huge mistake.

Cal took the time to introduce Santana to everyone and then sent her to wardrobe with the stylist to get started. Yes, they were early, but he let Santana have this advantage. Let her get into wardrobe and ease her mind. Let her charm these people, because word of mouth is big in this business. Let Camille have to compete with a true professional.

Santana had on her jeans and a tainted angels t shirt, something she would wear on a ride, which she wishes she had her bike because she would like to take a ride through L.A. right now. She wants them to see how she feels most comfortable, and so she wore something she would normally wear, down to her boots. If she were staying longer she would rent a bike, but she'll wait to share this with Brittany. This was her first trip to L.A., but she won't get to see much of it because this is work. All of this just helps her dream, dream of the things she wants to share with Brittany.

The stylist was a nice woman, not much older than Santana, who took her in and began to formulate looks for her. She had already heard Sue's suggestions, saw the list, had seen photos of Santana, knew her size. She had some things in mind. Because of the type of song it was they had recorded, the orchestra, she wanted to go beautiful and elegant, and yet Santana made it clear that this was the first time that people would see her, and she wanted to somehow show who she was, so that when she performed in her own projects it wouldn't be so far removed from the visual people got here. That was the toughest part, starting out with something that's not completely your own vision, your own voice. She basically told her to save the sweetness for Camille, that's her thing. Santana needed something that suited her sense of adventure.

She ended up in a chain crisscross backless leather evening dress with a split that extended half way up her thigh . They paired it with black strappy lace up heeled sandals and the gold chain that crossed the back of the dress and extended around her neck like a chocker. The hair stylist decided that curls flowing across her shoulders would soften her since the makeup artist decided she wanted to go with a soft, smoky eye and nude color lips. They had the exact same outfit for her all in white as well, for alternate scenes in the video. They would be doing Santana's hair in an updo for those scenes. Santana was very pleased with the looks and couldn't wait to see them all put together.

Santana was already being briefed on the treatment for the video, sitting looking at a monitor with the director explaining to her how they intended to splice scenes from the movie into the video when Camille and Greg arrived. Cal refused to show how annoyed he was but the director was less accommodating. Camille was too new for diva behaviors and while he remained professional he made it clear that he was ready to go.

"Sorry we're late," Greg started, shaking the director's hand. "Our driver had some trouble getting to us this morning."

"Good morning," the director responded curtly. "Camille, please go straight to wardrobe so that they can show you some options. After that you can consult hair and makeup," he said, and then he turned his attention back to Santana.

Cal knew they would be starting shortly. Despite the 30 minute lateness they weren't really running behind yet. Still, Camille was one of the artists that he had brought on and so he had a stake in her as well, and he decided that he would address the passive aggressive actions today before word of the bad behaviors tarnish Camille forever.

Wardrobe wouldn't take long, Santana knew that. There were only three choices and whatever look they chose there was the white alternative and that was that. So once the director finished showing Santana what he wanted to show her he sent her into makeup, which was minimal for both looks so it wouldn't take much time. By the time Santana had finished with makeup Camille had chosen her looks and Santana headed over to get her hair done. While chatting pleasantly with the hairdresser Santana overheard Greg talking to someone.

"Are those the only looks you have for Camille?"

"Yes, and she seemed pleased with the ones she chose," Santana heard the costume designer reply.

"I don't like the fit." Greg replied.

"They were made according to the measurements that were sent to me, and any necessary adjustments can be made quickly, if I deem any are necessary."

"What is Santana wearing?"

"Santana has chosen her look and she's quite pleased, Neither woman will outshine the other. Neither. I was made to understand they had equal billing here."

"They don't, Camille's name will appear first on the video as well as the record. Santana just has a feature here."

That's when Cal stepped in.

"Greg, if you have a problem this is not the time or the place but I'm going to solve this right now. We already agreed in negotiations that Camille's name will appear first. We gave you that as a courtesy because the song was presented to Camille first. That being said, Santana is not a featured artist. This is a duet in the truest sense of the word, the song, and its success or failure, belongs to them both equally. Do we have a problem here?"

"No," Greg said, unaware that Cal had overheard everything.

"Excellent, now if you could just grab Camille so we can chat for a moment."

"She's in makeup," Greg replied.

"That wasn't a request," Cal said, walking away so that they knew to find him in the more secluded area he had chosen to discuss whatever needed to be discussed.

Greg went to get Camille and found Cal for their conversation.

"I'm going to say this one time and I will never repeat this to you again, so consider this all carefully. I brought you in Camille, and I love you, love your family, love your talent but you're young, and maybe you can't see how you're about to allow someone to cause your entire career to implode before it even leaves the ground. Camille, there are a million managers out there but not a million chances. Reign him in before he costs you everything. Today was already a blow to your reputation. Stop the latenesses, stop the catty competitions. He works for you, but you work for us. You're being paid to sing. Just sing. Perform. Prove yourself, and always remember where you came from, because you're only one misstep away from ending up right back there. Be a professional, and Greg," Cal started, turning his attention back to the man behind the problems, "Camille may only have one chance, maybe she would get another if she blew this one and maybe so would you, but it would be no secret to anyone in the industry how you wrecked her career the first time, and you may have a hard time getting anyone to trust you with their career again. You may have helped her get here, but you better learn how to help keep her here. There will always be talent to find, and always managers to find, you both need to remember that. Each of your successes depends on the other. You rise together or you fall together. You both have much to lose."

Cal turned and walked away and Greg stood there with Camille for a moment, who looked equal parts confused and terrified.

"Camille..." Greg started, before she turned and walked back to makeup, not speaking a word.

Greg quietly went to sit and watch as the day unfolded.

Santana took it all in, as the woman worked on her hair. Their banter had disappeared, before the experienced hairdresser began to speak again.

"Don't let any of that bother you. This business, you're going to see it all, hear it all, but your main goal is to survive it all."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, girl."

Santana and the hairdresser resumed their conversation, and Santana began to relax again. She felt good, and when her hair was finished she loved the look they had given her. They would be filming the scenes with her in the black outfit first and so she went to change. Camille was running behind because of the earlier shenanigans but she was trying to catch up, and so after Santana changed she took a moment to take a mirror selfie and send it to Brittany. Immediately she got a text message.

Oh my gosh! Santana you're beautiful honey.

Thank you baby.

Seriously, like I don't know how I'm going to work now. I can't focus.

LOL Sorry

Santana, OMG, like look at you. I won't share this with anyone but if your family saw you now they would lose their minds. So would everyone at the club. This is it Santana, like wow!

I know Britt. I just want to finish and get home to you. I'm ready for just a day for you and I.

You got it and I have a surprise for you when you get home.

Can't wait. Well, gotta go back to work. TTYS love.

TTYS my love

Santana went on set and Cal was very impressed with the look.

"Are you nervous?" Cal asked.

"Actually, I'm not for some reason. I'll panic on the plane ride home."

Cal laughed, "Just not enough to cause an emergency landing."

"Nope, I've mastered the art of panicking internally."

"Good to know."

The director came over and went over some things with Santana while they waited for Camille. He set up some shots and decided that he wanted to begin filming some of her solo shots now. He asked them to cue up the music and before Santana knew it she was at her mark, singing along to the song and soon she was so into it that she hadn't noticed that Camille had come on set, and now it was her turn to wait. The director was getting some great shots, and he had just called for the wind machine and Santana felt amazing singing as her hair blew gently in the wind. She was channeling everything she had learned over the years performing at the club, all of the things that pleased her crowd, and when the director paused to set up another shot she caught Camille's eyes and saw something she didn't expect to see.

Panic.

And Santana didn't need this shit. She didn't need Camille feeling threatened or panicked. She needed her to focus, because this meant a lot to both of them, and so she needed her to look good too. She wanted this video to gain a buzz for all of the right reasons, and so she would make sure that it did, even if she had to slap Camille like they did on tv when someone became hysterical.

As soon as the director called for a change in shots Santana took that moment to walk over to Camille.

"You look great. Listen, let's start over. There's nobody here but the two of us. Nothing matters but now, all of our dreams are riding on now. You and I, we're artists. Most of the other people we'll encounter are business people and we have to be too, but first and foremost we are artists and artists have to be bold. Right now we both go out there and we be bold, and the world won't know what to do when we show them what we have. Treat this moment like it's all we have, because maybe it will be. Perform like it's all we have, Camille. I'll do my part, and I trust you'll do yours."

"Okay"

"Do you remember your best performance, the one when you felt like you were in the zone and nothing could touch that moment?"

"Yes"

"You go up there, close your eyes, and you breathe in that moment, and whatever part of that moment that still lives inside of you will show up for you right now, and it will make this performance the performance of a lifetime. You've got this, doll. Do you hear me? You've got this."

"Thank you, Santana" Camille said, and Santana felt the sincerity, at least in that moment.

Cal watched, as did some others on the set, and while he couldn't hear the words others had, and Cal knew he was right when he initially wanted Santana to mentor Camille. Now he knows that his instincts were right, but that signing Santana was so much better.

Camille waited for the director to finish the shot he had been setting up for Santana and she finished singing her parts in the black outfit. He then asked Camille to join in. She was wearing an elegant black gown. It suited her, kind of innocent and wide eyed, but not so much so that it made Santana's look seem overtly sexual. They balanced one another well, and as they sang their parts together they seemed really comfortable, and everyone knew that had to be because of whatever Santana had said to the girl. Any tensions from earlier in the day had been wiped away, and the photographer that the label had present for a mini photo shoot afterwards managed to get some great natural shots of them laughing and playing off of one another. Once they finished the song together in the black outfits the photographer took a while to take some shots of them before Santana changed. Once the photographer finished Santana took a little break while Camille filmed her parts in the black gown.

As Santana decompressed there was a tap on the door of her makeshift dressing room.

"Come in" Santana said. While she really just wanted a moment she knew that she was there to work, and this was nothing compared to the work she had ahead of her.

"Hey Santana," Cal said.

"Hey Cal," Santana smiled.

"Just wanted to say that you're doing amazing, you have this entire set wrapped around your finger. They love you, and whatever you said to Camille out there you are a consummate professional, and you are starting out on the right foot and making a great impression. You're going to go so far in this business. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep soaking up everything from everyone who you can learn from. I saw you with the director earlier. Learn Santana. Learn every bit of this business, I can never stress that enough to you."

"Thank you Cal."

"Keep up the good work. When Camille finishes her part everyone will break for lunch. Get comfortable, there's still a lot left to do today."

"Okay Cal."

Once Cal left Santana decided to just strip out of everything and throw on her jeans and tee shirt. She needed to feel like herself for just a little while. She returned the clothes to the costume designer who appreciated Santana taking the time to get them back to her and then she headed back to her dressing room and stretched out on the couch. She thought about home, about Nani, the rest of her family, about her friends, about Brittany. She thought about calling someone. She thought so much the beginnings of a song popped into her head, and she searched her bag for her pad and she wrote, wrote until she fell asleep, pen and pad in hand.

About 90 minutes later she was awakened as everyone took lunch. Afterwards the rest of the shoot was long but uneventful, and by the time she had done hair and makeup and wardrobe and a second photoshoot and who knows how many run throughs of the song as they got just the right shots at just the right angels Santana was more than ready to call it a night. She thanked the crew who all greeted her warmly and as she went to leave the director stopped her with a few more words of wisdom to share.

"Stay just the way you are sweetheart. It was clear to everyone here today who the star is, and it's scaring the shit out of that manager of hers. Be careful with those two. Separate yourself from them as soon as possible. Camille may not be a bad kid but she's in bad company, and I'm pretty sure he has a pretty big influence on her right now. Watch your back and good luck, Santana."

"Thank you," Santana said, although what he told her was nothing that she hadn't already figured out for herself.

Santana and Cal headed back to their hotel and he said he would have dinner delivered to her room even though she said she just wanted to sleep. By the time she got out of the shower and into her pajamas there was a knock at the door and as promised Cal had sent a light meal, which Santana appreciated once she had settled in for the evening. As she ate she thought about her favorite blonde, and even though she knew that it was past eleven o clock in New York she hoped that Brittany wouldn't mind, and she picked up the phone and called her number.

"Hello"

"Hi doll, did I wake you?"

"No, I just went to bed, Lady Tubbington and I were up watching a movie."

"I'm sure she's happy to have you to herself again."

"Yeah, well she better enjoy it because when you get back I'm giving you all of my attention before you dive into work again."

"I'm sure she can live without you for the 36 hours I'll have free."

"How did the shoot go?"

"I think I did well, and I think I made a good impression should I need to work with these people again in the future. Cal has been raining praise down on me constantly. I know he has a lot riding on me but I think he may have more invested in me than I even know. He's monitoring me pretty closely."

"Well if he's watching you that closely and still raining praise down on you constantly you must be doing something right."

"I guess so."

"And how was Camille?"

"Young and impressionable is what I get so far, but we'll talk more about that later. I meant to tell you, landing strip got the job at the club."

"So I guess he's a pretty decent performer."

"Time will truly tell."

"Well he has to be a better performer than he is a painter because he sucks."

Santana laughed, "I guess so."

"What time is your flight in the morning?"

"Eleven. I'll be flying back alone. Cal has business, he needs to stay in L.A. for a while."

"Would you like me to pick you up from the airport?"

"No, but I would love if you stayed at my place tomorrow night. Would love to walk through the door and see you there."

"I would love that, too. I can't wait to see you."

Santana paused and sent Brittany a picture of her in the white. Brittany looked at her phone.

"What the fuck is this?! Oh Lord have mercy.."

Santana laughed, "I love it when you cuss."

"You turn me on, I turn you on. I'm not going to be the only one hot with no relief in sight."

"I thought you promised to take care of my girlfriend," Santana smiled.

"After these pictures, nobody can take care of your girlfriend but you."

"See you tomorrow doll."

"Get your rest sweetheart, because you won't get any rest tomorrow."

"I won't want any rest tomorrow. All I want is you."

Brittany smiled. "Goodnight Santana"

"Goodnight, my love." Santana smiled.

Santana slept well that night, and Cal called her to wish her a safe trip home and to tell her that a car would be waiting for her to take her to the airport. She was pleasantly surprised to find that even though Cal wouldn't be traveling home with her that they still secured her a first class ticket just as she had when she arrived, and had arranged for a car to take her from the airport home once she reached New York City. So far they had been treating her quite well. She could get used to this.

The flight home was relaxing, and she was able to write a little as well as enjoy her meal before drifting off to sleep. Before she knew it she had landed back in New York, and as expected her car was waiting for her to take her back to Brittany, to take her back to her home.

She asked the driver to stop at a small store along the way and grabbed some flowers for Brittany. She hadn't had time to do much shopping while in L.A., just a few gifts from the gift shop in the airport for everyone, but she wanted something beautiful to hand to her blue eyed girl once she landed.

She had never been more happy to be home. She greeted the doorman with a happy smile and she wondered if he knew, if he knew why she was smiling that way. He probably thinks it's because her career is taking off, because she just returned from some business unknown to him. If he's smart he knows, though. He knows it's because of the blonde waiting for her in her bed.

Santana put her key in the door, no longer needing to knock because she had left her own with Brittany. She'd be traveling a lot soon, and so she had made a copy of her key just for Brittany. She wishes it were a more romantic gesture, because even without the travel she would have wanted Brittany to have one, but they just never had that conversation, and so it seemed to be born more out of necessity, although Santana had made it a point to let her know that she had wanted her to have it, she just didn't ever want her to feel pressured to offer her one to her place in return. Brittany just giggled and called her silly, and the next night she greeted Santana with a key of her own to her place as well. It was that easy. It was all settled that easily. Santana hopes it will always be that easy between them.

When she opened the door Brittany was on her way to greet her, having exited the kitchen where Santana smelled the most glorious dinner cooking. Brittany had on a red dress and red lipstick, her blond hair flowing across her shoulders. Santana's breath caught in her throat.

"Flowers? For me?" Brittany said, a wide smile on her face as Santana smiled at her speechless.

"For the woman who took care of my girlfriend while I was away."

"So thoughtful of you," Brittany said, wrapping her arms tightly around Santana's neck. "I missed you so much."

"Missed you too, doll," Santana said, wrapping her arms tightly around Brittany's waist, never wanting to let her go.

"It feels like forever. You've been working so hard even when you're here."

"I know baby, I'm sorry."

"Sorry? I'm proud of you Santana, so proud. You looked amazing on that video set. Stunning."

"Thank you baby."

Brittany finally let her go and took her flowers, bringing them to her nose and smelling them before a wide grin spread across her face.

"Thank you honey."

"You look amazing tonight Brittany. You look good in red."

"And you know I love when you wear all white. It's cruel the way you sent me that last photo and you weren't here for me to devour you."

"Devour? Ugh, now I'm sad."

"Don't worry, still gonna devour you tonight. Freshen up, settle in, have your dinner. I have that surprise for you."

"What surprise?" Santana smiled.

"I'll tell you, but only after dinner.

Santana went to grab her bag but Brittany took it from her as she went to freshen up. She quickly showered and changed and came into the kitchen where Brittany was plating their dinner. Santana wasn't hungry, not for food, but this woman, this woman of hers, had dressed all in red, had curled her hair and cooked for her in her kitchen, had come to welcome her home, and she would accept it all. It's her wish, that Brittany will wait for her, when she's worn out and road weary, and she would give her strength, renew her, once she sees her again.

Santana told Brittany all about the shoot, and Camille, and Greg, and every detail she could remember and when dinner was over and Santana stood side by side with Brittany washing dishes as she dried, Santana was finally ready to know what her surprise was.

"So what was this about a surprise?" Santana asked as she put the final dish away and Brittany came up behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and burying her lips into Santana's neck.

"I've been practicing."

"Practicing what?" Santana asked.

"I bought a strap on."

"What?" Santana asked shocked as she broke the embrace and turned around to face Brittany.

"I bought my own strap on, my own harness, and I did what you said. I practiced putting it on, and like it really should have come with a manual or a diagram or something but once you stop looking at it and really just relax it's not that hard to figure out."

Santana laughed. "You're so cute."

"And I did what you said, I wore it around, naked, but only here because Lady Tubbington doesn't need to know the details of my love life. I touched it, stroked it, held it in my hand. I got on your bed on all fours to see how comfortable I was and maybe even humped your pillow a couple of times which is ridiculous I know but I don't want to be fumbling around with it the first time I make love to you that way. It turns out that it's kind of like masturbating which, hello! I mean that was an unexpected result so I must have been doing something right, well, at least it was right for me. I can see why you like to roll your hips and grind so much, you sneaky little devil."

Santana smiled widely at the blonde. She felt like her cuteness would eventually be the death of her. She could barely take it.

"So are you comfortable with it."

"Yes, that's the surprise. I think I'm ready to, you know, try it with you. I bought pretty much the same size that you have I just wanted something that was just our own, an extension of myself like you said, and I got past the fact that when I look in the mirror at myself with it on that it kind of looks like a bad dream where I find myself rock climbing in the nude."

Santana burst out laughing. "Well that would be painful."

"Right!" Brittany agreed enthusiastically, shaking her head. "Anyway, I stopped worrying about looking like a nude rock climber and started to feel sexy in it, well not exactly sexy but not foolish either, I felt sexier in it when I thought of how you look when you wear it. I think you look sexy in it because you're sexy, and what you do to me when you wear it is really sexy, so you'll probably think I look sexy too because you kind of have a really big crush on me."

Santana smiled, "I have more than a big crush on you. I love you Brittany, con todo mi corozon."

"Don't speak Spanish to me, you know what that does to me, even though I don't know what you're saying most of the time."

"I'm saying I have the best girlfriend in the world."

"Nope, it sounds way dirtier than that," Brittany said and Santana smiled. "Anyway, are you ready to enjoy your surprise?"

"You know that I am."

"And you won't be disappointed if I totally suck at it?" Brittany asked innocently.

Santana looked at her seriously before pulling her into a searing kiss.

"I love you Brittany Pierce, and I already know you'll be the best I've ever had."

Brittany just smiled at her softly before taking her hand and leading her to the bedroom.

Santana was right. It was the best she ever had.