CHAPTER 58
A/N: Hi guys! So, I know it's been a few weeks... I needed some time to reflect on the story, but I did my best to publish this update before Christmas, so consider it as a gift from me to you all! Thank you so much for all your reviews on the previous chapter, and special thanks to Itsskik for proofreading this one. Enjoy!
Here is what you missed (on Glee):
Thanks to their respective therapy sessions, Santana and Brittany start to recover from the ordeal of the earthquake, and are planning to go on a romantic date night.
THE NEXT MORNING – IN HAWAII – AT THE BEACH HOUSE – BRITTANY's POV
It's time to go to the hospital for Santana's checkup, but she's having so much fun with Diego on the playmat that I can't bring myself to interrupt them. I'm not sure what got into our baby boy but he keeps imitating his mama's every movement, and that seems to amuse her a lot.
I watch Santana slowly intertwine her fingers, as if she was about to pray, which Diego immediately mimics. She then covers her eyes with her hands, peering through her fingers so she can catch him do the same.
"Wait, can you do that?" She challenges our son and winks at him.
Diego doesn't move right away, but he eventually attempts to wink as well. He ends up closing both of his eyes at the same time, but he giggles so hard once he hears his mama's laugh that I don't think he even realized he did it wrong.
"Do you even know how cute you are, mijo?" She asks him with a smile, pressing her lips against his cheek. Thinking it's just another thing to imitate, our son holds on to Santana to stand up, and cradles her head in his hands, to give her a wet kiss on the chin.
"Aww… Thanks, baby!" She smiles and covers his face with even more kisses, tickling him with both hands.
God knows I love everything about Santana, but when I see her sharing these kinds of cute moments with our kids, it's like I'm falling in love a thousand times harder. And after her accident, this is precisely the kind of scene I want to remember forever.
LATER THAT DAY – AT THE HOSPITAL – SANTANA's POV
"Well, Santana… Your test results are simply excellent!" Dr. Beaumont says, while Brittany squeezes my hand in hers. "Your heart is solid as a rock, and your lungs continue to improve as expected. Actually, you're doing so well that this is going to be our last visit together." He adds, much to my surprise. "At this stage of the recovery, checkups are only needed every month, so you can do the next visit with Dr. Spencer, in L.A. Until then, you've earned the right to forget about hospitals, so just relax and enjoy your holiday! Doctor's order." He says, making me smile wide.
In the past few months, I've had to adjust my life to the rhythm of medical appointments and doctors' restrictions. It's no secret to anyone that it frustrated me a lot. I've never liked being told what to do… But now that I've finally regained my freedom, I fully intend to enjoy life the way I see fit.
We're barely out of Dr. Beaumont's office when Brittany suddenly pulls me into a tight hug, burying her face in my neck.
"I'm so happy…" She eventually whispers into my ear, obviously relieved.
LATER THAT DAY (EVENING TIME) – AT THE RESTAURANT
Just like Brittany promised, she took me to the same restaurant as last year. And once again, we have the fountain room all to ourselves. This place is really amazing, and I still don't know what I prefer between the quality of the meals, the view of the ocean or the romantic vibe. Maybe it is simply the intimacy this room offers… There's no one here, no distractions. It's just me and my beautiful wife.
"What are you thinking about?" I ask Brittany, who looks deep in her thoughts.
"Oh, well… I don't know why it crossed my mind, but I was just thinking of something you told me when we were in high school." She says. "I think we were like 15 or so… We were hanging out at your house, and I asked you what kind of person you would want to marry. Do you remember that?"
"Of course, I remember! I described you." I shrug.
"Me?" She asks, apparently surprised. "But we were not together yet."
"So? Girl, I was already crushing hard on you! That's precisely why I said I wanted someone 'kind, cheerful, hot'…"
"And 'who wouldn't hog the whole blanket during the night'…" She chuckles, quoting me.
"There's no risk this will ever happen with you, considering that you fall asleep on me, and on my half of the bed." I laugh. "You know that's why our mattress is starting to sag on my side, right?"
"Well, that's easy to fix. If we both sleep on my side of the bed from now on, we will even it out." She suggests and I can't help but chuckle.
"You're really something, wifey…" I smile, bringing her hand to my lips.
God knows I've spent many hours of my life looking into her beautiful blue eyes, and yet, I can't look away from them.
"For the record, I also had a huge crush on you, San." She suddenly says.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yep…" She nods in confirmation. "I still do." She eventually adds and I'm sure I must have a grin from ear to ear right now.
"Thank God we're crushing on each other, it makes things a lot easier…" I chuckle, rubbing my thumb on the back of her hand.
But then again, who wouldn't crush on Brittany?
"Do you remember the coin we threw into this fountain last year, to find each other in our next lives?" She eventually asks and I nod silently.
"I have a confession to make…" She trails off, spiking my interest. "Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of us being together in our next lives, but… I need so much more of you in this life…" She eventually says in a sad whisper, looking down at our joined hands.
"Brittany…" I say in my softest voice, moving my chair closer to hers, so that I can lift her chin and make our eyes meet. "You don't have to worry, because I'm so not done with you, wifey. I just want to be with you, until you're a very old lady and our kids are all grown up, with children of their own. That's all I want." I admit, capturing her lips in a loving kiss.
LATER THAT NIGHT – OUTSIDE
"Oh… San, look! Fireworks!" Brittany suddenly says, pointing at the sky while we're walking hand in hand. "Can we please watch before going home?" She pleads, sounding as excited as a child.
"Of course, honey…" I smile, leading her to a nearby bench.
She sits as close to me as possible and wraps her arm around my shoulders, while we watch multicolored lights explode all over the dark sky.
"Wow, look at that one!" She says, pointing to the left.
"It's beautiful…" I agree, looking at the mix of blue, yellow, and pink lights in the sky, before turning back to her.
I find her looking at me in such a way that it makes me feel like I'm the most precious thing on earth. Without saying a word, she gently brushes my hair away from my face, her fingers delicately grazing my cheek.
"You're beautiful…" She sighs as if she's in awe, leaning in to press her lips on mine.
Before I know it, my hand shoots to her neck, to keep her impossibly close. We kiss for a while and just like every damn time, I lose all senses of what's going on around us. There might be people passing by, but as far as I'm concerned, it's just the two of us right now, kissing under the stars and the fireworks.
After another couple of minutes, she eventually pulls away from me, making me crave her heavenly kisses instantly.
"Shall we continue this at home…?" She asks in a suggestive voice, and I can only smile in approval.
LATER THAT NIGHT – AT THE BEACH HOUSE – IN THE BATHROOM
After taking a deep breath, I finally dare to open my eyes and look at myself in the mirror, now that I'm wearing the red lingerie Abuela made me buy a while ago. I can't even believe I'm going along with it, but Brittany and I haven't had sex in three months and I really want to make it special.
I brush my hair once more and take another deep breath, to calm my racing heart.
God, I hope she'll like it…
A FEW MINUTES LATER
When I enter our bedroom, Brittany is lying down on our bed, but she immediately sits up upon seeing me. Given the way her jaw drops, I can tell she didn't expect this kind of lingerie…
Her eyes travel my body but she remains silent, and I eventually start to panic.
"I'm sorry, is it too much?" I ask. "I know it's not exactly the kind of thing I usually wear… I can change if you –"
"No, no, don't change!" She hurries to say. "That'd be a crime against humanity…" She adds, and the lusty look in her eyes immediately reassures me.
"Come here…" She says, patting the bed. "Let me take a closer look."
I nod timidly and take the few steps separating me from her. She helps me sit on her lap and gently grazes the bare skin of my stomach, in between the laces of my lingerie. She smirks as she catches me shiver under her touch, and her hand eventually slides back up, over the see-through fabric barely hiding my breast. Her caresses are torturously slow, contrasting with the rapid beat of my heart, which I'm sure she can feel. Keeping the same rhythm, her fingers continue to delicately make their way up, alongside my neck, until her hand cups my cheek. Her blue eyes dive into mine, leaving me completely mesmerized, and her lips are now so close to me that I can only breathe hard in anticipation. I could make a pact with the devil just for one kiss from that woman…
Fortunately, she eventually reunites our lips and as her tongue sensually swirls with mine, I feel like an addict who finally got her drugs. That kiss alone would make life worth living.
God, I want her so badly…
I'm completely lost in the moment when she suddenly tears her mouth from mine, without warning. Her lips move to my neck, while I desperately try to caress any part of her body within my reach.
"You're the sexiest woman in the world…" She whispers, placing another soft kiss on my neck.
Before I can protest and argue that no one is as hot as her, she captures my lips in another passionate kiss that would make anyone jealous. Her tongue enters my mouth once more, her hands slowly sliding along my bare thighs, and this time, I can't suppress the moan that escapes my lips. I can feel her smiling against my mouth but she eventually breaks the kiss, much to my despair.
Still sitting on her lap, I'm trying to catch my breath as her eyes travel down to my boobs. Without saying a word, she wraps her arm around my waist and presses her wet lips against my nipples, through the thin, transparent fabric.
God, she surely knows how to drive me crazy…
"That is very nice lingerie, but… I really want what's underneath…" She whispers, staring into my eyes. "So… how about we get rid of it?" She suggests, sliding down one of my straps.
"You're sure you'd be okay with that…?" I ask, worried that my scars could trigger negative emotions once again.
"I'm sure." She confirms in a confident voice and proceeds to remove my other strap, kissing my shoulder.
"Okay…" I whisper, nodding in approval.
After laying me down on my back, she slides my clothes off and takes a moment to look at my body, as if it was the very first time she was seeing me naked.
"You're kind of overdressed, honey…" I complain, pointing at her nightgown.
"I was not planning to keep it on…" She smirks and gets rid of it in one swipe, revealing her smoking hot body.
She lies down on top of me, and I barely have the time to wrap my arms around her before she reunites our lips. As I feel the touch of her warm skin everywhere on my body, I realize I've missed her even more than I thought I did. I've always loved the intimacy of being naked together, as if we were one... If there's a Heaven, that's exactly what I want mine to be.
We make out for a while, our hands desperately moving all over each other's bodies. But as she's trailing kisses down my stomach and getting lower and lower, I eventually stop her.
"What do you think you're doing?" I ask.
"I… uh… I was about to go down on you…" She says timidly, clearly wondering if she has done something wrong. "Don't you want me to…?"
"Oh, I do! But later."
"Later?" She repeats with surprise, and I take advantage of her confusion to roll us over.
"Yes, later. Because you deserve the first orgasm, wifey." I say, now lying on top of her.
"Why?" She frowns. "You cheated death, you should get the first one!"
"And you went through a living hell for a long time…" I argue, staring into her eyes. "Let me take care of you and show you how much you're loved…" I whisper, kissing her neck.
MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT – IN BED
I'm helplessly gripping the sheets as Brittany grinds against me, our eyes locked in a lusty gaze. God, this is driving me so crazy that I don't think I can hold on much longer.
Tonight has been even more passionate than our away rituals… I guess it's because we're both aware that it might have never happened again.
"I… God…" I stutter, unable to speak.
She smirks, picking up the pace, and I know that my body will no longer respond to me. It has completely surrendered to her.
"Brittany…" I barely manage to say, the last syllable dying in my throat as an intense wave of pleasure hits my body.
EVEN LATER – IN BED
I'm lying comfortably in my wife's warm embrace, after what is surely the best night of my life. Our limbs are so entangled that I'm not even sure where my body finishes and where hers starts…
"Thank you…" She suddenly says, breaking the silence.
"Um… what for? Sex?"
"Well, that too…" She laughs. "But that's not what I meant. Thank you for surviving the earthquake and for coming back to me…" She says and I can't resist kissing her lips once more.
Sometimes – like now – it hits me how lucky I am to have found Brittany. How crazy is it, that among all the people on earth, the one girl I'm madly in love with loves me back?! That's like a miracle! But then again, Abuela said several times that God sent me Brittany.
And I think she may be right.
THE NEXT MORNING – IN BED – BRITTANY's POV
After just a few short hours of sleep, I wake up to Santana's soft kisses on my neck.
"Morning…" I smile, pulling her body on top of mine.
"Morning, you…" She whispers, kissing my lips.
"I really like waking up to a pretty naked lady…" I admit, caressing the warm skin of her back.
"What a coincidence! I woke up next to one myself…" She says, making us both chuckle.
"Are you sure we have time for this?" I ask as she goes back to kissing my neck.
"Oh, yeah, we have at least a good hour before anyone gets up…" She says in a flirty voice and I smirk, pulling her back into a kiss.
LATER THAT MORNING – IN THE KITCHEN – SANTANA's POV
Just like every morning, Abuela got up early to make breakfast for everyone. Thank God, she also made us coffee, which I may need in an IV today, considering that I barely slept. But it was totally worth it! I can't even stop smiling every time I think of last night, and when I see the flirty looks that Brittany throws at me, I'm pretty sure she's thinking about it too…
"Okay, it's time for me to go wake up the kids…" Britt says once she's finished her plate, getting up from her chair.
"I'll join you in a minute." I reply with a smile and she kisses my lips, before exiting the room.
"What…?" I eventually ask Abuela with a frown, as her eyes are staring at me.
"Well… Did she like your lingerie?!" She whispers, and it's obvious she has been dying to ask me that for a while. "It took you long enough, by the way. I was starting to think you would never use it!"
"What makes you think I used it?" I say in my most innocent voice, but she immediately bursts into laughter.
"Come on, mija… The whole time we were having breakfast, you were looking at Brittany like a teenager looks at their first love!"
"So? In case you forgot, she is my first love!"
"Yeah, yeah, that's beautiful, but we both know that it's not why you were looking at her like that just now." She winks at me, while I roll my eyes.
"Will you stop?" I sigh, but the fact that I didn't contradict her is not lost on her.
"Ah! I knew she wouldn't be able to resist that lingerie!" She says with a proud smirk.
"Does it ever occur to you that maybe it has nothing to do with the lingerie, and rather has to do with me?"
"Well, sure. Obviously, it has to do with you." She nods in agreement. "It has to do with you wearing the sexy lingerie I had the brilliant idea to make you buy!" She says with a victorious grin, while I roll my eyes again. "So, tell me… How was it? Was it wild?" She whispers, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Abuela…" I sigh in despair. "This conversation is never going to happen, okay?" I warn, raising my index finger.
"But why?" She replies, offended. "You know, mija, I had sex too back in my days. You wouldn't be here if I didn't." She argues and I'm pretty sure I must look horrified right now.
"Why, WHY do you always feel the need to say these kinds of things?!" I ask, raising my arms in frustration.
"What?" She shrugs.
"You know what? Since I don't want to end up in therapy for the rest of my life, I'm just going to pretend this conversation never happened, and go take care of my children with my wife." I say, getting up from my chair to leave the room.
THE NEXT MORNING – ON THE BEACH
"You did a great job, Rivera!" I tell Naya over the phone, while Brittany and I are sunbathing. "Of course, I will make some edits, but for your first-time writing scripts, it's good!"
"You're sure?" She asks, uncertain.
"I'm so sure that I would like to ask you if you would write another one?"
"Oh my God, really?" She asks in a surprised tone.
"Really." I confirm. "Another pair of hands would be of great help, because we're a bit behind schedule compared to last year."
"Well, honestly, it was so much fun that I'd be happy to do it again!" She immediately says, making me smile. "Which one do you want me to write?"
"Since Quinn is almost finished with episode 10 and I am on the 11th, how about you take the 12th?"
"Sure thing, boss. Send me your instructions and I'll get on it right away."
LATER THAT DAY (AFTERNOON) – BRITTANY's POV
As I return home from my therapy session, I find Santana watching tennis with her dad, and our little girl on her lap.
Leaning silently against the doorframe, I discreetly watch them for a while. I don't know what match it is but they all seem very absorbed in it, either celebrating or complaining in Spanish, and making big gestures at the TV screen.
"Oh my God, they're still watching that?" Maribel whispers in disbelief, appearing next to me out of nowhere.
"What are they saying?" I take the opportunity to ask her, noticing that Santana and Sofia seem to be having a whole conversation in Spanish.
"Well, Santana is explaining the rules of the game, and Sofia just asked her mama if she could also teach her how to play."
"Really? Oh, I hope she does!" I immediately say, picturing how cute they would be together on a tennis court.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER (EVENING TIME) – SANTANA's POV
"But I don't want to leave tomorrow, I want to stay here!" Sofia pouts, as we're having a goodbye dinner at the restaurant with the entire family, Patrick and his kids, as well as Charlie and Louise.
"I know, peanut… I don't want to leave either, but holidays have to end at some point…" Brittany says.
"But why?" Our little girl asks, crossing her arms.
"Because you have to go to school, mija." I say. "And mommy and I have to go to work. Every year, we have a few weeks of holiday and then, we have to go back to the real world."
"What if I take a break from school, and you and mommy take a break from work? Could we stay here a whole year then?" She asks, making me chuckle. That's my daughter, alright.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, mija… Mommy and I need to work so we can buy food, pay for electricity, buy you guys some clothes and toys… Besides, if we stayed here a whole year, wouldn't you miss Charlotte and all your friends?"
"We could bring them here with us?" She pleads with hopeful eyes.
Sometimes, I'm jealous of the kids' innocence. I'm sure she truly believes it would be easy to live here for a whole year, and bring everyone she knows along.
"I wish we could, baby…" Brittany says, caressing her hair. "But we'll come back here again, I promise."
A FEW DAYS LATER – IN LOS ANGELES – AT HOME
"It's just that the new Lieutenant Puck has been trying to impress for weeks will also be at that event…" Quinn tells me, a bit embarrassed. "And it looks better if I go with him, you know? Especially since the Lieutenant is bringing his wife… I just can't believe we're going to miss Sofia's birthday because of it!" She shakes her head. "Are you sure you're not mad?"
"Why would I be mad? Your husband needs your support, I get that." I shrug. "If it makes you feel any better, I will totally skip any of your future offspring's birthdays if my wife needs me. I wouldn't even think twice about it!"
"I recognize you well there…" She sighs, shaking her head. But I know that I just made her feel less guilty.
"What about Sofia, do you think she'll be sad?" She asks.
"I hate to break your little heart, but I don't think she will even notice your absence." I reply honestly. "She's at that age where all she wants for her birthday are her friends, a clown and pie. I don't even think she will pay much attention to me and Britt, so… But anyway, you and Puckerman can always drop by after your event, if you wish?" I suggest and she nods in gratitude.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER – AT HOME
"But… Brittany…" I sigh. "If you dress Sofia yourself, she's going to end up with some kind of baby bird on her shirt!"
"And what's wrong with a baby bird, exactly?" She frowns. "She's 5 years old, it's perfect!"
"But she's starting preschool, honey. She's going to be surrounded by new kids this year, she has to look cool!" I argue. "Please, let me dress her for her first day of school, I'm begging you!"
"So that she goes to school with some leather jacket on? I don't think so." Britt says, crossing her arms.
"That was not my plan!" I frown. "Although, now that you mention it…"
"Don't you dare, Santana." She cuts me off, raising her index finger.
"Fine, you know what? Let's flip for it!" I suggest, grabbing my purse to take out a coin. "Heads or tails?"
"Heads." She says while I throw the coin.
"Tails. Ah! I win!" I brag with a victorious grin while she sighs in defeat.
"Just remember that she's FIVE years old!" She insists, looking me in the eye. "And I don't want people to mistake her for the head of the Lima Heights gang, okay?" She adds, making me roll my eyes.
THE NEXT DAY – AT HOME
"I must say you look great, Lopez… Reinvigorated, even!" Naya smiles, after hugging me. "It looks like your family holiday in Hawaii did you a lot of good." She adds, both of her hands resting on my shoulders.
"Yeah, the 'three S' cure works wonders!" I smile.
"The 'three S'…?" She repeats, frowning in confusion.
"Sorry, that's how Britt and I call it in front of the kids… Sea, sex and sun."
"Right…" She chuckles. "Well, whatever it is, I'm so happy to see you in such good shape." She says, squeezing my hand. "So, what did you want to show me?"
"Well… I finished writing the season finale, and I would like your opinion." I say, which seems to take her aback. "I always show the script of the last episode to the other writers, and since you're one of them…" I shrug. "I know you're probably wondering why I didn't just email it to you, but this script is not leaving my house until we shoot the final episode." I warn. "So, would you sit and go through it here?"
"Of course… I'd be honored!" She smiles, taking the script I hand her.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER – AT SOFIA'S SCHOOL
Today is Sofia's first day in preschool, a milestone that neither Brittany nor I wanted to miss. Even though it's a new place for her and she's also going to have a new teacher, our little girl doesn't seem impressed. She's walking confidently between Britt and me, holding our hands.
"So, peanut…" Brittany says, kneeling down to her level. "Mama and I are going to stay a little while with you, and then, we'll go talk to your new teacher. Okay?" She asks and Sofia nods in silence. "I know it's all new to you, but remember that Charlotte will be in your class, so you already have a friend." She smiles, giving her a hug.
"And I'm sure you'll make plenty of new friends too. You look so cute and cool that all kids here will want to meet you!" I add, pressing my lips to her cheek.
"Oh, Charlotte is here!" Sofia suddenly shouts as she spots her best friend, running towards her.
Just as I'm about to complain that she's quick to forget us, Sofia turns around to wave us goodbye, giving me butterflies all over my stomach. Brittany and I immediately wave back at her, like lunatics.
"Am I a bitch for being disappointed that she didn't cry?" I eventually ask. "Look at her having fun with her friend, like we don't even exist…"
"I know…" Brittany says, putting her arm around my shoulder as we continue watching Sofia. "She's growing up… I can't believe she's in preschool already!"
"Right? How did that even happen? It feels like I was holding her in my arms for the first time just yesterday…" I sigh, nostalgic.
"Me too…" She says, pulling me closer to her. "At least, the boys still have a few years left in daycare…"
A FEW DAYS LATER – AT HOME (IN THE KITCHEN) – BRITTANY's POV
After Sofia's birthday last week, we're throwing yet another party at our house today, this time to finally celebrate Santana's and mine 30th trip around the sun. For the occasion, we invited our wonderful friends and favorite neighbors, all of whom arrived a while ago.
Santana and I are about to bring big platters of food to the garden when Quinn joins us in the room.
"Ah, there you are!" She says. "Can I take one minute of your time to give you your birthday gifts?"
"What birthday gifts?" Santana frowns in confusion, nodding towards Quinn's empty hands. "Are you going to tell us 'it's not because you can't see it that it doesn't exist', like Rachel about her humility? Because I'm telling you, Fabray: in her case, it really doesn't exist!"
"Don't worry, Lopez. Not only does my gift exist, but I'm sure you won't get anything better from anyone else." She says in a confident voice, sparking our curiosity. "Ladies, in honor of your respective birthdays, I'm offering each of you two entire weekends of babysitting!" She announces, making our jaws drop. "That means that I'll happily take your kids for 4 weekends this year, in case you want to go somewhere. Or, knowing you, if you want to be home in peace and have more sex than bonobos." She says, making me chuckle.
"Oh my God, Fabray… I love you!" Santana shouts in excitement, throwing herself at her for a hug. "And we're totally going to take you up on that! Right, honey?" She asks, turning to me.
"Oh, definitely!" I confirm. "Thanks a lot, Q, it's really a great gift!" I smile, hugging her.
LATER – IN THE GARDEN – SANTANA's POV
After sharing a fantastic buffet and too many drinks to count, our guests are now all in a partying mood, judging by the laughter I can hear around.
I'm talking with Brittany and Naya when Quinn suddenly hands me a microphone.
"It's time for your speech, girls!" She smirks, talking way louder than necessary. I guess she's already drunk…
"Britt, do you want to…?" I ask but she shakes her head no.
"I know you don't like to make speeches, honey, but I think it should be you this year." She replies.
"Okay… um…" I say, tapping the microphone to make sure it's on, while Quinn clinks a knife against her glass, to make everyone go quiet.
"Hi everybody, I hope you're having fun?" I ask and they all scream in excitement. "To be honest with you, I was originally planning to deny turning 30, and stay forever in my twenties." I say, making them laugh. "But then, I traveled to San Francisco and… well, you all know what happened there. And it turns out that having a near-death experience really does change your perspective on life… I realized that it's actually wonderful to grow older because, at least, it means you're still here." I add, feeling Brittany's palm caressing my back. "And I'm so grateful for surviving that all I want from now on is to focus on what truly matters."
"But if you don't mind, I will still take a minute to be nostalgic about my twenties, because I've had a pretty good decade! I lived in New York, went on tour with Queen Mercedes, and even got to marry the love of my life…" I add, exchanging a smile with my lovely wife.
"Then, Britt and I moved to L.A., hoping to get rid of the Gleeks, but unfortunately, half of them followed us here." I joke, making them chuckle. "I also discovered the joy of being a personal slave, more commonly known as 'mama', to three amazing little rascals… And even though it still sounds insane to me, I created a TV show!" I conclude, shaking my head in disbelief. "I don't know what the future holds, but I can only hope that the 30s will be just as amazing!" I shrug.
"Before I end my speech, there are a couple of things I would like to add." I continue. "There is someone I really would like to thank… And it's you, Britt." I say, much to her surprise, turning to her. "I'm so lucky to have you, wifey… I know it's been a though few months for you, but you don't even realize how strong you are, Brittany. What you do every single day for me and the kids, what you did when I was missing… You're my hero!" I shrug, squeezing her hand.
"As for the rest of you – the Gleeks, Rivera, our lovely neighbors – I just want to thank you for your indefectible support towards my family. You don't know how much it means to me that my wife and my kids had so many people looking out for them in my absence." I confess, nodding in gratitude. "And now, to conclude my speech, I would like to make a toast…" I say, grabbing my drink.
"To life!" I shout, raising my glass.
"To life!" They all repeat enthusiastically, before taking a sip.
MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT
"Thank you so much for coming, guys." I tell our neighbors Megan and Sean, after escorting them back to the gate. "Don't tell the others, but you two are our favorite people in this whole neighborhood! We're so lucky to live next to you…" I admit and although it's quick and brief, I immediately notice the weird look they exchange.
"What…?" I eventually ask, finding that suspicious.
"Well…" Megan trails off, looking embarrassed. "I've been trying all night to figure out a way to tell you, but… we are actually going to put the house up for sale."
"What?!" I say, completely shocked. "Why? I thought you liked it here!"
"We love it here!" She confirms in a sad voice. "But Sean just got a new job in Phoenix, so… we have to move." She shrugs.
"Couldn't you find a new job in L.A.?!" I complain, slapping Sean's arm in protest.
"Hey, I was not even looking for another job! They just invited me to an interview out of nowhere, and they picked me…" He shrugs, as if he still couldn't believe it. "But it's such a great opportunity that I can't pass on it."
"They also offered us a very nice relocation package, so it's our chance to finally find a bigger house…" Megan adds.
"God, I hate you both!" I say, crossing my arms. "Seriously, where are we going to find great neighbors like you, with whom we can have fun barbecues and game nights?"
"We're going to miss you too…" She says in a compassionate tone, squeezing my hand.
"So… When are you leaving exactly?" I eventually ask, feeling sad.
"Well, not right away." Megan says. "Sean has to give a 3-month notice to his current employer, and we need to find a new house in Phoenix, before we leave L.A. So, I guess it will take a few months."
"You better pick great people to sell the house to!" I warn, pointing my finger at them. "I mean it! Nice and open-minded people, not homophobic jerks or idiots who throw their trash in my garden, okay?"
"Don't worry, we certainly don't want that kind of people living in our house either." Megan reassures me.
A FEW DAYS LATER – AT HOME
"So, who's going to be at the Glee season launch party?" Brittany asks me while we're watching TV.
"Well, besides us, Artie, Quinn and Puck, the cast and Patricia Miller will also be there. Oh, and the investors, including potential new ones."
"Investors?" Britt repeats, frowning. "You mean that Julia Peterson will be there?!" She asks, suddenly upset.
"Well… yeah…" I shrug. "It's a season launch party, Brittany… I had to invite the investors." I argue, but I swear I can see smoke coming out of her ears.
"I thought you were fine with Julia financing the show again this year." I add. "Isn't it what you said the other day?"
"That was when I thought she would remain a silent partner, and you would just take her money! I never said I was fine with her looking at my wife's body for an entire evening!" She says, raising her arms.
I don't know if it's because I'm rubbing off on her after all these years together, but she sounds just as jealous as me right now. And although I find this really hot, she does look pretty upset… I wish I could tell her that Julia will not look at me, but I know her enough to know that it's exactly what she's going to do.
"I'm sorry but I can't uninvite her, honey… Lucy sent the invitations weeks ago." I say. "It's not like Julia is going to get much chance to approach me anyway. You know it's a very busy night for me! I have to present the storylines of the upcoming season, pose for pictures with the cast, shake hands and make small talks with dozens of people… I won't have time for Julia." I conclude, kissing her lips. But that doesn't seem to comfort her.
"Don't pout…" I plead, kissing her mouth a few more time.
"I really don't like her."
"I know… And it's ok not to like her." I nod, caressing her cheek.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER – AT THE HOSPITAL
"Your wife is not with you?" Dr. Spencer asks me as I take the seat in front of her.
"Not this time. She wanted to come, but it's open doors at her dance school today, so…"
"Alright. Well… I have reviewed the notes of Dr. Beaumont and your test results from this morning. And physically, everything looks great." Dr. Spencer says. "I don't know if it's your trip to Hawaii, but you're recovering even faster than anticipated! So, unless you notice any particular symptoms, you don't have to come back here before a couple of months." She adds, and I immediately smile wide in satisfaction.
"I know you've always turned down counseling, but I still have to ask you if you would like to talk to a therapist?"
"Thank you, but I'm fine." I shrug. "I think the situation has been harder on my family than it has been on me, really. I just have this... renewed appetite for life!" I admit. "You know, in the past, there were moments where I held myself back, either because I was paralyzed by fear or just overthinking the situation. But now, I feel like I'm unstoppable! I just want to do what makes me happy, whether it's scary or not. I'm spending more time with my family, I have restarted writing songs, and I'm brimming with ideas for work! Frankly, I just can't wait to get things started!"
"That's pretty common for people who had a near-death experience." She says. "It's great to have all these projects, but make sure you maintain a good balance, and that you don't overconsume your energy, okay?" She advises and I silently nod.
A FEW DAYS LATER (EVENING TIME) – GLEE SEASON LAUNCH PARTY – AT NETFLIX' HEADQUARTERS
"Santana, Quinn…" Lucy suddenly says, appearing by our table out of nowhere. "Patricia needs you both on stage, she's going to make her opening speech in a few minutes."
"Thanks, Lucy." Quinn says. "Well, I guess this is it…" She sighs, turning to me.
"Yep, it's show time." I say sarcastically, knowing how much we both hate this kind of event.
"Good luck, honey…" Brittany smiles, giving me a quick kiss just before I get up from my chair.
A LITTLE WHILE LATER – ON STAGE
Patricia Miller just finished her opening speech, and gave me the floor to present the main storylines of the fifth season.
"As Patricia announced earlier, the new season will have 15 episodes, and will be developed around two main arcs." I say into the microphone, feeling nervous. "Let me remind you that the last season ended on a cliffhanger: Santana proposed to Brittany, leaving the audience in suspense about the latter's reaction. The first episode of the new season will finally answer that question, and, well… Since the show is based on my own life, I'm sure you all know that she's going to say yes." I add, my eyes searching for Brittany in the room. I find her nodding at me, as if she was secretly saying "yes" again, bringing a smile to my face.
"The first half of the season will feature multiple locations around the country, as it will essentially focus on Mercedes' tour. Of course, these episodes will still follow the other Gleeks, who are not taking part in the tour." I say. "According to our schedule, the first half of the season should be available by mid-April. Then, after a one month-break, we will upload the second half on the platform, which will cover Santana and Brittany's new life in Los Angeles."
EVEN LATER THAT NIGHT – IN THE LADIES' ROOM – BRITTANY's POV
I just finished reapplying my makeup by the sinks when Julia Peterson enters the room.
"For God's sake…" I mumble through my teeth at this deja vu, shaking my head in despair.
"Well… I guess you and I are meant to run into each other in the most awkward places…" Julia chuckles nervously, clearly uncomfortable.
"Yeah, well, you know, there is an easy way to avoid that: you could just stop coming to my wife's events." I say in a cold voice. Her presence has been irritating me all night and I'm no longer able to hold back.
"Santana invited me, Brittany." She eventually argues, apparently offended. "And you're the one who came to my house a few months ago and begged me to invest in her show."
"Yeah, that was last season!" I immediately clarify. "And I did what I had to do, so that my wife could keep her show! But you know what? Between the increased budget promised by Patricia Miller and the other investors, I'm sure Santana will have sufficient funding this time. She doesn't need you anymore." I say, but she bursts into a sarcastic laugh.
"Oh, given all the musical numbers and guest stars Santana announced tonight, I guarantee that she'll still need me."
Even though my ego wants to tell her off, deep down, I unfortunately know she's right. Santana is determined to bring Glee to the next level with each season, and it's likely that she'll need Julia's money again.
"Why can't you at least have a girlfriend?" I eventually ask her, understanding that I won't get rid of her any time soon.
"I do have a girlfriend." She says, much to my surprise. "Well, I have a few actually." She's quick to add.
"Of course, you do." I sigh, rolling my eyes. "Look, you can have all the women on earth, as far as I'm concerned. I just want Santana for myself."
"Brittany, you have Santana." She shrugs. "She's married to you, she has children with you, and you will be the one taking her home tonight. Seriously, what more do you want?"
"I just don't want you around her!" I say, raising my arms in frustration. "I mean, look at you! A few years ago, you were voted one of the 'sexiest women in the world'. And like that was not enough, now you were even crowned the 'most beautiful woman of the year'?" I add, using air quotes. "You're talented and successful, you have the money to help Santana make her dream come true… And on top of that, you're attracted to her and you just won't go away!" I complain.
"Look… I know what the media say about me." She shrugs. "They call me a womanizer, and I guess it's fair… But do you know why I 'date' multiple women and keep it so casual with them?" She asks. "That's because ever since I made it in the show business, women come after me either for my money, my celebrity status, or because they want a trophy girlfriend. And I don't want to risk falling in love with someone that will end up using me." She says, and for the first time ever, I almost feel sorry for her.
"You're so lucky, Brittany…" She adds. "You married a woman that used to be your best friend and that you met when you were simple teenagers. The world didn't know who you were then, there was no money to complicate things or media to spy on your first dates. You actually have genuine love for one another! So, it doesn't matter if I'm rich, successful, or if people say I'm the most beautiful. Because Santana wants you." She shrugs.
LATER – AT NETFLIX HEADQUARTERS'
I'm chatting with Puck when Santana and Artie finally get back to our dinner table.
"Hi…" Santana says, sitting back next to me. "I'm sorry, honey. I know I was busy for a while…" She apologizes, kissing my lips.
"It's okay." I nod with a smile, rubbing my thumb on her thigh.
"Where's Quinn?" Puck asks Santana.
"Well, after shaking something like 52 hands, I couldn't take it anymore… So, I told her to follow me and look down at all costs, but she made the mistake to make eye contact with some of Patricia's friends! And I'm sorry, Puckerman, but in such a situation, it's every man for themselves! Be happy that I managed to get the crippled one out." She says, nodding towards Artie.
"I guess it's time to use the excuse of our imaginary child being sick at home…" Puck sighs, getting up to go "save" Quinn.
MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT – AT HOME
"You're very quiet tonight…" Santana suddenly says while we're both removing our makeup in the bathroom.
"Sorry, I was just lost in my thoughts…"
"Okay… What were you thinking about?" She asks.
I have actually been thinking about my conversation with Julia, but I don't know if I want to tell her that.
"I was thinking that when you proposed to me, you told me I was your one true love." I say instead, and she immediately turns to me, obviously wondering why I'm randomly thinking of that.
"So…?" She asks, confused.
"Well… Am I still your one true love?" I ask timidly. Of course, it's a silly question because I know Santana loves me, but I just really need to hear her say it.
"Of course, you are, Britt! My one and only." She smiles, kissing my lips while I wrap my arms around her.
A FEW DAYS LATER – SANTANA's POV
After spending the whole morning at Paramount with the cast for the table read, I dropped by the recording studio, to see Tommy.
"Well, what did you think of my demo?" I ask him.
"Honestly? I'm psyched!" He says in an enthusiastic voice, making me smile. "This is great work, Santana! I didn't even know you wanted to record another album, I thought you were only writing songs for others now…"
"Well, I started writing a few songs for myself after the twins were born. But then, I indeed worked with Rachel, and Naya… And between Glee and the kids, I didn't have time for my own music." I admit. "But after what happened to me in the earthquake, I don't know… I just got inspired!" I shrug. "I know it's just 5 songs, but…"
"That's more than enough." He cuts me off. "We can totally release an EP with these."
"Yeah? You think it will sell?"
"Oh, I'm sure it will! Your name is well known now, and these songs are amazing! Seriously, I had actual tears in my eyes when I listened to 'Letter to my children'."
"Really?" I say, surprised. I didn't picture Tommy as a sensitive guy.
"Oh, yeah! And the text of 'Wifey' is so moving… Have you shown it to Brittany yet?" He asks but I shake my head no.
"You should, I'm sure she's going to cry when she listens to it!" He says. "But I also wanted to ask you who this one is about, 'The matriarch'?"
"It's um… It's about my Abuela…"
"Ooh!" He lets out, as if he had an epiphany. "Your words describe her so well, it was like she was taking shape before me!" He says. "So, how about I book you some studio time? We've got to record this EP, it's almost like a legacy type of thing!"
And maybe that's what it is… After my accident, I realized that there is still so much I want to say to the people I love. And I always express myself better with music than in a conversation…
"Sure!" I smile. "Do you still have free timeslots for next week?"
A FEW DAYS LATER (SUNDAY) – AT HOME – BRITTANY's POV
Today was so sunny that we decided to spend the afternoon in our garden and sunbathe on the pool deckchairs.
Santana is tracing patterns on my bare thigh while watching the kids play around. And although I'm not much of a drinker, I'm really enjoying the bottle of champagne she got us.
"These small bottles are great but it goes away quickly!" I pout, pouring the last drops into our glasses. "Look at that, we've already drunk it all…"
"We should have another one." She suggests.
"Oh, I don't know, San… I really wish I could drink some more, but you know I can't handle alcohol like you..."
"What?" She turns to me, looking all confused.
"Oh… no." She chuckles. "I meant we should have another kid." She adds out of nowhere, leaving me in shock.
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: Before I talk about this chapter, I would like to say a quick word about Snixxmas! Most of you already know, but just in case… Snixxmas2023 is still ongoing, so it's still possible to donate to Alexandria House, in memory of Naya Rivera (check their website). If you want to help but are not in a position to donate, please know that you can also stream her song "Prayer for the Broken" on any streaming platform, as all proceeds will go to Alexandria House.
Now, back to the story… Did you like this chapter? By popular demand, I brought back Abuela, so I hope you liked her scene! And at this time of year, I also had to make sure that Naya appeared, even if it was quick. But tell me… Did you see the ending of this chapter coming? :-p What do you think Brittany will say?
Thanks in advance for your reviews, and I wish you all a merry Snixxmas and a Happy New Year 2024!