a/n:Ah yes, the wonderful Season 3 Episode 7 chapter. I must say, I'm quite proud of this one. I really do adore this episode, but the rewritten versions of it make me even happier, mine or otherwise. Enjoy!

Track 14

Chapter 4: The Great War

And maybe it was ego swinging

Maybe it was her

A few days later, after Brittany doing everything she could to ensure Santana that she loved her, the New Directions performed first for the Mash Off. Santana didn't really mind, though losing rock paper scissors to Finn stung more than it should have. They were good, but Santana thought the Troubletones were certainly better. The songs they chose were better originally- who's crazy idea was it to do Hall Oates? She supposed Rachel maybe- it seemed like something the Hobbit would do. Regardless, she knew when they got their chance to perform later that afternoon, they'd blow the New Directions out of the water. She was on her way to get ready for the performance when Becky told her Coach Sue needed her. There was still plenty of time before the performance so she made her way to the cheer coaches office, but much to her surprise the office wasn't empty. Mr.Schue and Kurt's dad were both there as well. Mr.Schue wasn't an uncommon visitor, but Burt? There was no explanation she could come up with. Sure, he and Sue were both running for congress, but as far as Santana knew that made it even more reasonable for him to not be there. Had Kurt rejoined the Cheerios?

However, as soon as she took her seat, she knew it couldn't be something like that. Everyone's faces were far too serious, and Sue immediately started talking about her campaign. Fully confused by that and Burt and Mr.Schue saying something about helping her through "this" whatever it was, she just finally asked what was going on. It was Burt who explained.

"Reggie 'The Sauce' Salazar sent me an advanced copy of his latest campaign ad." he stood and put the tape into the TV. Apparently, according to Coach Sue, Salazar's niece had her last discussion with Finn. There was no question which one. Santana was starting to get nervous. Burt hit play, and it started off as any other campaign ad. Pretty quickly, however, her face showed up on the screen, along with the words "lesbian cheerleader". There was also a second picture of her next to the "lesbian sign". It didn't take much to get her overwhelmed and close to tears.

"I can't believe this is happening" she said and Sue tried to apologize but Santana wasn't hearing it "I haven't even told my parents yet." she ran off, in search of Brittany who she'd just left in the hall a few minutes ago.

Uh-huh, sweet dream was over

She found her in the Troubletones classroom and ran straight into her arms.

"Sanny?" Brittany asked, letting the usually secret nickname fall from her lips "What's wrong, why are you crying?" Santana just buried her face further into Brittany's shoulder. She was going to have to pay extra for dry cleaning her uniform to clean the mascara stain out. "Talk to me, whatever it is, did Finn say something mean again?"

"No, but it's all his stupid fault! Lumps the Clown had to go and say my personal business in a crowded hallway, and now the entire state is going to know!" Santana shouted angrily.

"What's got you all worked up Santana?" Mercedes said, entering from behind the curtain she'd been changing behind "And why are you still insulting Finn?"

"Cause Frankenteen deserves it, damn it!" Santana growled "That whale just outed me to the entirety of Ohio!"

"Hold up, Little Miss Thang, what do you mean he outed you to the entirety of Ohio?" Mercedes crossed her arms "He's stupid, but he can't be that stupid. Not with Kurt as a brother."

"Apparently he didn't learn much from that experience, because my face is about to go live on television as McKinley's Head Lesbian Cheerleader." Santana sighed as she sat down, her face in her hands "What I'm going to do Britt? My parents don't know yet, yours don't know we're dating…this is so bad."

"You're going to have to explain more to me for me to have a genius idea babe." Brittany lamented. Santana nodded and explained what had happened in Sue's office. "Screw the mash off!" Brittnay growled "Imma go all Lima Heights on his ass!"

"That's my line." Santana sniffled "And don't. Let's beat him the way it'll really hurt- at Glee." Brittany nodded unsurely- Santana didn't look like she needed to be under a spotlight right now, but she wasn't going to argue. They got into their costumes and made their way to the auditorium. Santana's eyes were still rimmed with red, and tears still threatened to spill, especially when she saw Brittany. She loved her, but could she really go through all the pain it would cost? She focused on singing, and after a brief pause where all eyes felt like they were glued to her, and they probably were, she persevered through the entire number, not losing her focus until she saw Finn whispering something to Rachel. Her anger flared up- Snixx was ready to play. As soon as they sang the last note she jumped off the stage and got in Finn's face.

"What did you just say to her?" Santana questioned.

"I said I thought you were great!" Finn said, a little surprised.

"No, you're lying," Santana shook her head.

"No, he literally just said that" Rachel inserted.

"You tell her too? Everyone's gonna know now, because of you." Santana accused.

"The whole school already knows, and you know what, they don't care." Finn shrugged.

"Not just the school you idiot, everyone!" Santana yelled.

"What are you talking about?!" Finn asked. Santana answered with a hard slap to his face, which landed her in Principal Figgins office because, apparently, he actually wanted to enforce the "No violence policy" at McKinley for the first time ever. For some reason, Finn covered for her. However, it came with the condition of some weird plan he had for the following week. At that particular moment, Santana couldn't care less. She agreed and went off to find Brittnay. Slapping him had only sedated her momentarily. The tears were ready to return full force at any moment, and the last person she wanted to see her cry was Finn Hudson. Sure he said some sappy, feel good, caring bull shit and admittedly, she didn't hate him entirely, she wasn't about to show weakness in front of the enemy. Brittany, on the other hand, saw a whole different side of Santana as soon as they got the blonde's house.

My hand was the one you reached for

They'd quickly gone to the dancer's room where Santana finally let the tears fall freely. She'd held back at school, but in Brittany embrace, snuggled under her light blue comforter, she felt safe. Brittany gently smoothed down her dark brown locks as the tears flowed and soaked her shirt. She wasn't sure what to say to Santana. In a way, this was going to force her out too, though she wasn't in the commercial and she also hadn't ever hidden her sexuality. She had put posters of herself as a unicorn up across school, that probably had done the trick. Plus, she really didn't see why it was a bad thing. Now they could be together in public fearlessly, that seemed like a good thing. She guessed if Santana didn't explain she'd ask her mom. Her mom always seemed to be able to help Brittany understand Santana, she'd even suggested the shirt back when they performed Born This Way. Brittany now knew Santana had really appreciated the gesture, but simply hadn't been ready yet. Kind of like Miss Pillsbury needing time to decide to put OCD on her shirt. Brittany thought Santana was ready now, but apparently she was wrong. Otherwise the Latina would be shaking hands with Reggie and buying a million pizzas, right?

"I can hear you thinking." Sanatana mumbled, her voice cracking from all the tears she'd cried. Brittany didn't know when the tears stopped. "You're still thinking really loud, what's going on in that beautiful brain?"

"Sorry" Brittany blushed, she remembered how Santana had said her shirt was perfect on Born This Way day. She also told her she was a genius and that she didn't take the shirt too seriously. "Just reminiscing" she said trying to quiet her brain "And worrying about you a whole lot. You haven't cried this much since Rachel said your future was as a stripper."

"And I'm the mean one," Santana huffed. "I'm okay…well, no, I'm not going to lie to you. I'm really not, but, like, with you by my side I think maybe it'll be okay, right?"

"Can I be honest?" Brittany asked and Santana nodded hesitantly "I'm not totally sure what you're scared of. I'm sorry if I'm being stu-" Brittany started to say but Santana cut her off with a kiss.

"Don't call yourself that. It's okay that you don't know, I get it. Your parents are perfect, they've always accepted you. I'm not so sure about mine. We're Catholic, y'know? According to the Bible, being gay, it's a sin." Santana explained and Brittnay shook her head.

"Quinn has told me about all the sins. She said some people think being gay is but it's not." Brittany assured.

"Well, regardless, the pope hasn't said anything to prove it's not, and I've always been taught it is. Not explicitly or anything but I know, I know that's what my parents believe to be true." Santana sighed.

"So what? You do a lot of things that are probably a sin. And I'm sure they know about your surgery and I bet that God isn't too thrilled about that one." Brittany crossed her arms.

"I know B, but this is a bigger deal. It's like the worst sin of all." Santana smiled softly "Look, don't you worry though, okay? We have heaven right here together, right?"

"I believe I'll come back as a cat anyone so I'm good with that." Brittany shrugged "So, you think your parents are going to react badly?" Santana chewed on her lip.

"I'm not sure." Santana finally answered "I feel like maybe they will. But I also know they're really smart and probably know that I didn't choose to love you, I just do."

"If it'll make you feel better, we can tell my parents first." Brittany offered. She'd never had an actual coming out experience, she'd just been telling her parents she loved Santana ever since they met. She was kind of looking forward to it.

"That sounds really nice, B, let's go tell them. Together, right?" Santana asked.

"I'll be by your side through all of it." Brittany promised, kissing the back of Santana hand sweetly as she helped her up.

All throughout the Great War

To no one surprise, Brittany's parents were totally fine with it. It helped that they pretty much already knew, and they also told Santana they had a feeling her parents weren't blind to the love between the two either. Santana had thought that might be the case, but hearing it from other parents was comforting, almost like she'd told them and all she would be doing was confirming. That definitely eased her nerves. What didn't was Kurt and Blaine singing to her. She could tell that Brittany liked it, but this whole Ladies Music Week made Santana want to vomit. Starting it with the two other gay kids was almost insensitive. She knew they were just trying to help, but Blaine's bowties always made her itch. At least she got to yell at someone, that actually felt pretty good. Puck's song wasn't even for her, and instead she got to catch up on the latest drama by watching the idiots' wandering eyes. She decided that was her favorite performance simply for refilling her arsenal of ways to terrorize people. She was minding her own business when Finn decided to bother her outside of Glee Club. Seriously? Take a hint.

He drew up some good faith treaties

"So what do you think about the new assignment? It's pretty sweet, right?" Finn asked as he came up to her. God was he an idiot.

"Do you realize you're basically forcing me out of the flannel closet?" she closed her locker, fed up with his bullshit idea of an apology. The words "I'm sorry" must not be in his vocabulary.

"Salzar's ads going to run, that's what's forcing you to deal with this." Finn reminded. An ad that was his fault. He really was stupid.

"Why are you getting so worked up about this?" Santana asked.

"Cause I don't want you to die." Finn sighed. She hadn't expected that answer, and it confused her. Clearly Finn saw the confusion.

"A few weeks ago one of those kids who made those 'It Get Better Videos' killed himself. Alright, you deal with you anxiety about this stuff by attacking other people, and someday that's not going to be enough and you might start attacking yourself." Finn explained.

"Well, thanks, but that's never gonna happen, I'd miss me too much." Santana replied. She had no reason to anyway, there'd only been positive, albeit disturbing when it came to Klaine and Puck, reactions so far.

"Look, you were my first. That means something to me. You mean something to me. If something were to ever happen to you and I didn't do everything I could to try and stop it, I wouldn't be able to live with myself." he walked away, Santana not ready to give him the reaction he wanted- forgiveness. She did show up to the choir room though, and that's when he sang a slowed down version of Girls Wanna Have Fun.

It was moving. Mostly because of what he said earlier. She spent the entire song trying to hold back tears, her eyes glazing over. She blinked and averted eyes, but it was really no use. By the end of the song, a few tears managed to escape. She did something that surprised her, something she'd never considered. She hugged Finn. Even more surprising, he said he loved her, and in a voice so quiet even the boy she was hugging couldn't hear, she said it back. She hoped he knew though.

I vowed not to fight anymore

She came out to her parents that night. The ad was going to run, and she wanted to tell them herself. Brittany came with her, ready to handle the good or the bad. To little fanfare, the reaction was completely positive from her parents. And they had known, for a very long time it turned out. Santana was incredibly happy that it went so well, so much so that she squealed, shocking even Brittany who had only heard that on occasion when they had their sweet lady kisses. Santana blushed furiously at letting out such a sound, and went to help her mom finish dinner. Apparently, despite not being a boy, Brittany still had to have the whole "take care of my daughter talk.". That's okay, Pierce attempted it with her too but got a bit confused.

"Mr. Lopez I'm really sorry if I was supposed to ask before I dated her, I thought that was only for marriage." Brittany explained.

"Oh no, don't worry. I just did this with all the idiot guys Santana dated, I suppose I should do it with the genius girl who actually understands her." Antonio said.

"Did she tell you to call me a genius? Or did my parents say something? It's okay if you think I'm, yknow, just like those guys." Brittany shrugged.

"No one said a thing, and while I know academics aren't your strong suit, I would never call you stupid." Antonio assured "My Santana, she's a tough cookie to crack, much like myself. But you got through to her. Showed her love somehow- and please I don't want to know, so don't me- and she's been so happy since you met her. All I've ever wanted was for my little Santanita to be happy, and you do that. But, Brittany, if you ever break her heart, and I know you have before but that's her fault, you will not live to love again. Is that clear?" Antonio threatened.

"Yes sir." Brittany immediately said "I wouldn't dream of hurting her. I can't imagine why anyone would hurt such a beautiful person."

"Me neither. And Brittany, you can call me Tony." Antonio grinned and Brittany smiled widely before asking to hug him. He accepted, though the strength of the hug definitely caught him off guard.

There was only one person left to tell- her abuela. Of course, she was bound to have a bad experience even before that. Some sophomore wannabe tried to get in her pants to 'fix her'. The rest of the girls pretty quickly shut that down before they went and sang arguably the series rendition of I Kissed A Girl. She was riding a high after that, but now she was sitting at her Abuela's table, Brittany outside in the car waiting for the news, begging the woman to take a seat and stop cooking for a minute. Finally, once she did, she told her, carefully and emotionally. Praying, hoping, feeling like her grandmother would accept her. But she didn't. She threw her out and disowned her. Satana's heart sank as she robotically made her way back to the car.

"San?" Brittany asked as the Latina sank into the passenger seat silently "What happened honey? Good news? Bad news?"

"She…she disowned me Britt Britt." Santana whimpered. "Why…Brittany it hurts so much, my heart it…"

"Oh baby, I'm so sorry." Brittany leaned across the center console and did her best to hug her girlfriend comfortingly.

The worst was over

Despite being upset by her grandmother's reaction, Santana was actually happy to be out of the closet. She could hold hands with her girlfriend at school, go on dates, and her parents really did take her side, much to her surprise. It did hurt, and it would take her a very long time to come to terms with her Abuela no longer being someone she could count on. That said, she could lean on all her friends, and that brought her comfort as she sang the closing song of Lady Music Week. Most importantly though, she had the love of her life, completely and totally. And they would make a great president and first lady of the senior class of 2012 at McKinley High School.

I would always be yours

Because we survived the Great War