CHAPTER 1

Of all the places Santana should be right about now, the kitchen isn't one of them – and yet, here she is tossing out yet another failed attempt at plating up the star of her next menu. She's been at this for hours and she's just about ready to scrap the dish altogether, which only fuels her ego. With her expertise and years of apprenticeship under one of the most talented chefs in the country, there's no way her downfall will be at the hands of a perfectly roasted quail breast.

"Maybe it's the plate," Santana mutters to herself as she sorts through her stash of plate samples.

Her sous-chef lingers on the opposite side of the stainless-steel bench, keeping a look out for the owners. "Five minutes, Chef."

"Heard."

There's only a matter of time before someone notices that she hasn't left yet but Santana takes advantage of every second until then. She is one month out from launching the new tasting menu for winter which means she has even less time left to finalize. From the carefully selected stoneware sourced from Japan to the delicately plucked petals placed upon each piece of preserved plum. Santana has put everything into this menu but, being the perfectionist she is, everything has to be flawless.

And it will be, she'll make sure of it…so long as the owners let her work in peace. A lot of meticulous planning goes into a new menu so, forgive her if attending some gaudy award ceremony in the heart of the city instead of figuring out a way to make this quail breast her bitch is the last thing she wants to do.

"I think this is it," Santana notes as she starts placing the components on the new plate. She doesn't usually opt for a white canvas, but it allows for the vibrant pea puree to really pop.

"Looks really good, Chef."

Santana nods. "Can you pass me the garnish." A plastic container filled with edible flowers slides into her view. She uses her offset tweezers to position the primrose petals and twists the plate when she's finished, looking for the best angle.

Her sous-chef leans in to admire the final product. "Yeah, this is definitely it."

Suddenly, the kitchen doors fling open causing both chefs hard at work to flinch. Santana winds up to go off on whoever the hell just barged into her sanctuary prior to service starting but falls short when she finds one of the owners fuming.

"Oh my God! What are you still doing here, Santana? You should've been in hair and make-up two hours ago!" Rachel shrieks as she moves further into Santana's safe space. "I paid good money for that!"

"I don't need to go to hair and make-up. I'm smokin' hot as it is," Santana quips. Her sous-chef tries to hide her laughter but Rachel notices.

"Don't laugh, Quinn. This is serious!" Rachel rants. "This the first time Understudy has been nominated for anything, history is being made tonight and we aren't even being represented properly! Santana, you need to go get ready right now!"

"What I need to do is finish this menu," Santana counters as she crosses her arms. "You were the one that decided to bring the launch date forward. Hate to break it to you Berry, but I'm not going."

"Kurt!" Rachel shouts, looking like she's about to burst a blood vessel. The co-owner enters the kitchen at full speed with a frantic look on his face.

"Why are you screaming? Has someone lost a limb?" He pauses when he sees Santana. "Nevermind, I see the problem."

"She says she's not going. Talk some sense into her before I fire her," Rachel says.

"Please, you can't fire me. You'd miss me too much," Santana teases. "And before you even start, Kurt, I already told you both weeks ago that I wasn't going to this stupid thing tonight. I don't know why you're surprised I'm still here."

"Because we sent your RSVP in, so you have to," Rachel argues. "We told you that weeks ago!"

"Rachel, stop shouting. Santana, please. You know we'd go in your place if we could," Kurt explains. "I certainly wouldn't turn down the opportunity to show off one my latest custom designed blazers, but our names aren't on the invitation – it's yours."

"And you forged my signature and mailed it in without my consent?" Santana asks, "Surely that's a lawsuit."

"Seriously?" Kurt frowns.

"You two should go instead," Santana offers. "You'll both have a wonderful time living out your fantasies of stardom. I doubt there will be a bouncer checking I.D.'s."

"Do you really want Rachel pretending she's you?"

"Unfortunately, the role of chef is not one I've had experience with during my limited time on the big screen," Rachel says. "However, I was cast as in a low-budget film in college because the casting director said I resembled a young Nigella Lawson. Come to think of it, I suppose I could easily fill in for you if I absolutely must."

"Don't insult me or Nigella ever again."

"See? It has to be you," Kurt insists.

"Look Hummel, I'm really not interested in spending my night rubbing elbows with amateur chefs who are convinced they're the next best thing. The whole point of me going regional was to avoid all of that. You know…been there, done that and never going back."

"Okay, but we have not been there, done that," Rachel replies.

"Right. This nomination is a big deal for us! Maybe not to you considering all the other awards under your belt but it is for us," Kurt says. "It's rare that a restaurant like ours even makes it on the radar but you've changed that, and you've only been with us for a year!"

"And what a magnificent year it has been!" Rachel adds. "I must admit, the Understudy has had its fair share of Executive Chefs in the past who have sworn they could get us on the map and we may have gotten frighteningly close to shutting our doors because they couldn't. But then Kurt found you and here you are, doing what the others couldn't. This night calls for celebration!"

"So what you're both saying is that I have single-handedly saved this place and I am amazing at my job?"

Quinn clears her throat. "I don't know about single-handedly."

Santana smirks. "Why do I need some random at an award ceremony telling me something I already know?"

"Because then everyone else will know too. Wouldn't you want to be in that room to witness that happen?" Kurt suggests.

Santana pictures the disbelief on smug faces when she goes up there and claims her prize, specifically on her male counterparts. A gay, woman of color swooping in like some dark horse? Those guys would be so pissed, she can't wait to see that!

"That's what I thought," Kurt grins. "There's still time for hair and makeup. I've also done the honors of picking out a gorgeous dress for you. It's hanging up in your office. I'm not sure what your fashion sense is like outside of a kitchen, but I can guarantee you won't be arriving to a red-carpet function in a chef coat."

Santana ponders the request – or rather, the demand. She hasn't been to any functions like this since leaving Pop-Up's, she hasn't been invited. Maybe she'll run into old co-workers; then again, she's not sure if that's a good thing. After all, the restaurant industry is a pretty small world – there's no telling who'll be there.

"Come on, Santana, let us live vicariously through you," Kurt tempts. "The dress I got you is designer with high heels to match…"

Santana lets out a sigh and glances at Quinn.

"It's okay, I'll cover the Pass tonight," Quinn tells her. "Have a drink for me."

"I'll have several," Santana jokes before turning to Rachel and Kurt. "Okay, you've talked me into it but if this menu is late – it's on you two."

\\

Ten minutes in and Santana already has regrets showing up. It's a classy affair with free-flowing drinks and roaming canapés that actually taste decent, but the small talk is so exhausting. She figured she would keep a low profile and avoid all that, but people are drawn to her thanks to Kurt's amazing taste in women's fashion.

She can't really blame them though – she looks fantastic.

In reality, she should be flattered by the attention. It's a room full of prominent chefs and food writers, reviewers and critics – who wouldn't want that kind of buzz? They ask about her work and commend what she's done in her short time at the Understudy. No one had even heard of the restaurant before her and now look at it.

Truly, she's grateful but for someone who was once a part of a very talented twosome, it's inevitable and a little bittersweet having to constantly explain that she's a solo act now.

"Solo?" A perplexed guest would ask, "What happened to – "

Santana would excuse herself before getting roped into that sad saga. What's the use in explaining when she doesn't even have all the answers herself? All she knows is that part of her life is over and she's onto a new chapter which revolves around the Understudy and that's why she's here. Tonight is about celebrating her success, her solo success, and she won't have any blasts from the past ruining that.

But more mingling only shows her that she can't separate herself from that part of her life as easily as she thought. Damn them for being so amazing together! Maybe it's for the best that she sticks to the shadows until the ceremony starts. If one more person asks her for a life update, she might go straight to Lima Heights.

Santana finds the bar set up at the back of the event space and slides onto one of the stools. There's a huge potted plant that shields her from the mingling crowd behind her. It's the perfect place to wait it out – plus there's free alcohol.

"Keep them coming, it's gonna be a long night." She says to the bartender after ordering her usual.

"You got it," He says with a wink.

Santana watches as he presents her with a rocks glass and starts to fill it with tequila. If she was smart, she would be nursing a glass of wine instead but as the saying goes: wine before liquor, never been sicker. Really, she just wants to avoid the headache in the morning.

"Enjoying the party?" He asks.

"I wouldn't call this a party," Santana replies. "It's more like a high school reunion."

"Don't people hate those?"

"That's exactly why I said it."

"Can't be that bad," He shrugs. "The organizer sprung for top shelf and the food looks amazing."

Santana swirls the amber liquid in her glass. "True but being surrounded by former colleagues and people who only know me because of where I've worked and who I used to work with makes it less appealing. To be honest, I rather be working."

"So are you a critic or chef?" The bartender asks, slinging his towel over his shoulder. "Wait, let me guess."

Santana quirks a brow. "As if you have to."

"Chef," He chuckles. "You all have this, I don't know, this something. It's magnetic."

Santana can't help but laugh. "Okay, let me warn you now. You are far from my type."

"Oh no, I wasn't hitting on you!" He replies. "Sorry, I'm not sure how to describe it. Chefs carry themselves differently."

"That's the arrogance," Santana jokes. "We're all full of ourselves."

"That's true, but that's not it. Passion, maybe? You guys are passionate people," He replies. "And confident, people are drawn to that."

"And here I thought it was my undeniable sexual magnetism," Santana laughs.

"Oh no, it's definitely that too."

Santana freezes when she realizes someone has joined their conversation – but not just anyone. No, because this someone was supposedly on the other side of the country living a new life – a life Santana wasn't allowed to be a part of.

"Hey San," Brittany greets around a coy smile.

The sound of her old nickname makes Santana's stomach do stupid flips. God, she's better than this!

"Hi." Now her voice is too soft – so apparently, she's a googly-eyed schoolgirl too. Shit, this really is a high school reunion! She clears her throat and searches for her dignity. "I didn't know you were back."

"Yeah, I'm not really supposed to be yet, but I got excited," Brittany says. "Plus, I wanted to see you."

Santana looks down at her glass, hiding her flushed face. How is it that after all this time apart, Brittany can still do this to her?

"So, I'll leave you ladies to it. If you need anything, just yell out. The name is Jake." The bartender smiles as he tops up Brittany's wine glass. Brittany thanks him in passing before taking a seat next to Santana.

Meanwhile, Santana's still reeling.

She hasn't seen Brittany in months! The worst part is that she's supposed to be angry about that. She's supposed to be furious because the love of her life practically dipped out at a pretty pivotal moment in their lives and only left her oddly vague bits of information about where she was going. Anyone in her position would understand her frustrations but damnit…she can't fight the butterflies now that they're face to face again.

It probably doesn't help that Brittany's got such a hot face too, not to mention that dress – she looks drop dead gorgeous. It really doesn't make being furious any easier!

"I got worried when I couldn't find you at first," Brittany says. "I figured you might be hiding."

"I wasn't," Santana counters. "I was just…taking a break."

"You were hiding." Brittany smirks. "You know this is probably one of the worst places you could've picked, right? It's an open bar and we're chefs. It's basically our watering hole."

"Okay, maybe but you know how I feel about these events," Santana admits with a laugh. "I'm over it and it hasn't even started."

"Well, I'm glad you came." Brittany bumps their shoulders together. The touch is electric. "I saw you're nominated. That's really exciting!"

Santana ducks her head shyly. She wants to hate how easy it is for them to talk like this, but she can't help it. If it were anyone else, she would totally brag about the nomination. She would go on about how she has it in the bag because she's a badass in the kitchen and it's not like there's much competition where she is out in the middle of nowhere. In fact, the Understudy is the only fine dining restaurant around so it's practically a guaranteed win.

But it's Brittany she's talking to and that changes things.

"Hey Jake! I'll have that next round," Santana calls out to the bartender. He quickly makes his way over to fill a new glass for her. She takes a big gulp and barely pulls a face as it goes down.

Brittany watches cautiously. "Or are we not supposed to be excited about the nomination?"

"We're excited about it," Santana answers. She focuses hard on her glass, looking anywhere but Brittany. "What I'm not really thrilled about is how you've just shown up all of a sudden and you're acting like you never left. That part is a little hard to swallow."

"Well, I didn't want to make tonight about me."

"So what? We'll just avoid the elephant in the room?"

"I'm pretty sure that's meant to be a reindeer." Brittany nods to the giant ice sculpture near the entry. "So weird, it's barely November."

Santana huffs. Brittany knows what she means, she can tell by that little glimmer of mischief in those pretty blue eyes. Once upon a time, she would've found it endearing but it only frustrates her now.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I know we should talk, like there is a lot I need to explain, but I didn't really want to do that here," Brittany admits. She reaches for Santana's hand and cradles it so delicately and it's like nothing between them has changed.

"No." This time, Santana pulls away. "Why did you come back, Britt?"

"Because this is the first time you're up for an award on your own," Brittany says. "It's your night and I wanted to be here to celebrate with you."

"So I'm your sole reason for returning?"

"I mean, no but you're at the top of the list."

"Wow. What a grand gesture," Santana says sarcastically. "That totally compensates for practically ghosting me for a year."

"I did not ghost you," Brittany argues. "I wrote letters to you, every day. I thought you'd like it; I know The Notebook is your favorite movie."

"It's not and you didn't write letters. I've written grocery lists longer than what you sent me. Besides, you're supposed to say how you're doing or what you've been up to in a letter. You just wrote puns," Santana says. "You literally just wrote puns and I couldn't even reply because you never put your address on the envelope!"

"So you didn't think it was charming and I didn't make you laugh?"

Santana grits her teeth, forcing herself not to give in to the adorably quizzical look on Brittany's face. Truth be told she loved Brittany's letters; she kept every single one, they're in a box under her bed. After working a particularly hard day or pulling doubles, Brittany's letters always seemed to lift her spirits.

"Come on, San. Don't be mad," Brittany coaxes. Then she does that thing where she stares at Santana like she's the best thing she's ever laid eyes on, and Santana struggles to keep from turning into putty again. "At least, not tonight. We can talk about the rest in the morning."

"In the morning, huh? That's forward of you."

"What can I say? I've missed you," Brittany tells her sweetly.

When a smile spreads across Santana's face, she can do nothing to stop it – so much for not turning into putty! Brittany seems to be pleased with herself too with the big grin she wears to match.

"Don't look at me like that," Santana scolds lightly. "We'll call a truce for now, but I'm still very much pissed at you, and you won't be able to charm your way out of that. You owe me an explanation."

"You'll get it. Promise." Brittany lifts her pinky just to emphasize her seriousness.

Santana takes it with her own. "I better."

\\

They sit at the bar for a while longer, trading stories about what each other has missed. Brittany avoids anything work-related like the plague and Santana pretends not to notice. Instead, she learns that Brittany's taken up a new hobby in pottery-making and Santana jokes about the crazy amount of money Rachel spent on the dishware she just had imported.

They laugh and reminisce about their apprenticeship at Pop-Up's too, updating each other on where their fellow line cooks are now. Brittany was always the more social one and Santana's lost touch with most of them, but she runs into their mentor from time to time. Working there and with her was such a chaotic time in her life but she wouldn't trade it; after all, it was on that very line that she met Brittany.

It was where they fell in love.

It was also where she found out Brittany took a job on the other side of the country and the only information she could give her about said job was that she wasn't allowed to talk about it but not to worry because she'd only be away for a year.

But they will apparently unpack that tomorrow. Or rather, in the morning.

Tonight, Santana gets to be selfish and that apparently involves reminding herself how good she and Brittany are together. It's as if they never spent any time apart! Everything's comes so easily to them, so natural. For example, one minute they're talking about Santana's work at the Understudy – Brittany gushing over how proud she is – and the next, they're cozying up together in a dark corner.

The tequila has definitely settled into Santana's system, but she's not exactly mad about it. Hooking up with anyone she meets at a function like this is risky considering the chef world is very small but this is different.

She isn't getting her mack on with some hot random whom she'll never have to see again, it's different because this is Brittany – her Brittany. Technically, they're still together since they never really broke up. Then again, disappearing for a year does complicate things. Doesn't it?

And it's been such a long year, who really cares about labels. Does it really matter after this much tequila anyway? All she seems to focus on is the way Brittany can still drive her crazy in the best way possible.

"We should get out of here," Santana whispers hotly against soft lips. "No one would ever know."

"I'm pretty sure someone would," Brittany giggles. "Plus who will accept the award on your behalf?"

"True," Santana sighs. "Rachel and Kurt would be so pissed if I came back emptyhanded."

"The offer is very tempting though…"

"I'm sure we could find a vacant office or at the very least a supply closest. It would be just like old times."

Brittany grins devilishly and Santana takes that as all the approval she needs before leading the way towards the doors. They nearly make it before an announcement is made that the show will be starting soon, and everyone should find their seats.

Santana considers running off but trying to find her seat after everyone else has been seated would draw way too much attention. Then add Brittany into the mix after she has spent the beginning of the night telling people they aren't a thing – the drama! Instead, they press pause and do the responsible thing.

"What table are you?" Santana asks Brittany who trails behind her.

"I think twelve or maybe thirteen. I don't actually remember but I'll just slip in wherever."

"Right. Good luck finding an empty seat," Santana says as she squeezes past a couple guests. Was it always this packed? There's barely any room to move!

"Hey Hot Stuff! Over here!"

Santana and Brittany look up at the sound of the familiar voice. They're pleasantly surprised to see the Executive Chef, owner of Pop-Up's and former mentor, Chef Holly Holliday, flagging them down.

See? Small world.

"How've you been, ladies? God, it feels like it's been ages since I last saw you both!" Holly says as she wraps them both up in a tight hug. "Ah! My girls are back together!"

"We're not…nevermind," Santana realizes she doesn't even know how to explain what's going on between her and Brittany right now. It's best she just leaves it and soaks up the reunion. "It's good to see you, Chef."

"So good!" Brittany beams. "What are the chances we're all sitting at the same table?"

"I might've done a little re-arranging of the place cards," Holly jokes. "I wasn't down to sit with a bunch of losers and you two have always been a blast to be around. Neither of you have any allergies, right? I don't want to mess up the drop."

"We're good." Santana can't help but laugh. "How's Pop-Up's going without your dynamic duo running the show?"

"We're a unique culinary experience that combines the aesthetics of a fine dining restaurant with the mobility of a food truck," Holly tells them. "I'm rolling in dough!"

Brittany giggles. "Literally."

"Lately, I've been toying with the idea of turning it into a franchise, but I don't know. Don't want to lose authenticity," Holly shrugs. "Why? You two looking for work?"

"Please. I'm doing big things on my own," Santana waves her off. "You know why I'm here, right?"

"Of course I do, Sweet Cheeks." Holly sits back and smiles proudly at her. "Rising to the top just like I knew you would."

Santana swells with pride but she tries not to show it.

Holly was always vocal about her praise, she was vocal about her criticism too, but that's what made her an awesome mentor. It wasn't always tough love and a Gordon Ramsey level of verbal abuse; she was a tutor and she instilled confidence. Santana absorbed everything Holly had to teach so to hear such praise feels like she's finally come full circle.

"And what's been happening with you, Britt?" Holly asks. "I see you're back so your time must be up."

"Almost. I might be in breach by being here, but I've been hiding out with Santana so hopefully word won't get back to her."

"To who?" Santana asks while Holly nods like she doesn't need the explanation.

"I can't say yet," Brittany tells her before checking the time. "It's almost official though."

"Way to stick it out, kiddo." Holly reaches across Santana and fist bumps Brittany. "Proud of you too."

Santana looks between the two skeptically. "What's going on?"

"I'll tell you later," Brittany assures her with a quick kiss to her cheek. "Don't worry about it."

That doesn't really put Santana at ease but there's no time to press Brittany for more when the announcer takes to the stage. She listens to the introductions and watches as they go through each category and nominees turn into winners. She listens to their acceptance speeches and claps as they exit the stage but Brittany's words still linger.

It isn't until the award for the Best Regional Restaurant is up that Santana finally lets it go.

She knows the award is as good as hers. She has known that since she got word that she was nominated but her nerves are still all over the place. She knows Kurt and Rachel are back at the Understudy watching the live stream and she knows the kitchen will erupt in applause just at the restaurant's mention. But, actually being here surrounded by her colleagues and famous critics and food writers they've worked so hard to impress over the past year…Kurt's words from earlier that night really start to sink in.

This is a big moment. Not just for her, but for everyone at the Understudy and she has the honor and privilege of embracing it.

So, when they call her name as the recipient for the award, she actually feels like she might cry. She doesn't though, she's way too badass for that, but she gets awfully close to it. Kurt's right, she has won awards in the past but my God – it's never felt like this.

Her acceptance speech is a blur. All she seems to grasp is the heavy award in her hand and the sound of thunderous applause. Brittany and Holly stand at their seats, alternating with pumping their fists and whistling.

There are congratulations called out to her as she makes her way back to her table. Brittany's awaiting her arrival like an excited labrador, bouncing on her toes with this toothy grin making her cheeks bunch.

"You were so good up there, San!" She tells her. "Best. Speech. Ever!"

"Thank God because I totally blacked out," Santana jokes as they settle in their seats beside Holly. "I didn't even prepare anything. I figured I'd just wing it. You sure it was okay?"

"Totally, you were great!" Brittany assures her.

"It was a very elegant speech," Holly agrees. "I didn't get a shout out but whatever. I only took the time and patience to mold you into the amazing chef you are today…"

"Sorry Chef, I'll remember next year," Santana teases.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Holly jokes. "Competition might be on the horizon for you."

"Don't tell me you're taking Pop-Up's to the countryside…"

"No, no. That life isn't for me. Besides, I've got my hands full in the city," Holly replies before turning to Brittany. "Weren't you saying your new place is out by the Understudy?"

When Brittany's smile falters, Santana notices it right away.

"Place? What place?" Santana asks and suddenly the air grows cold.

Brittany's got that deer-caught-in-the-headlights look and that just makes Santana's stomach churn. The way the dominoes start to collide is annoyingly familiar – so much for rekindling old flames.

"Oh shit." Holly frowns and looks at Brittany. "Did Snixx just enter the building?"

This is what she hasn't missed about Brittany – she can be elusive and cryptic and sure, that's great when it comes to hiding Christmas presents or planning birthday surprises. It's not so great when it comes to making big life decisions, decisions that she would like to be included in sometimes or at the very least given a heads-up about since they sort of affect her too! Call it a courtesy considering the last time Brittany did this.

"Brittany..." Santana tries her best to stay calm, but the post-winner high is fading. "Please tell me you bought a plot of land because you're finally starting up that goat farm you always wanted and that you're not opening up a restaurant near me because so help me God..."

Brittany looks at Santana guiltily. "Well…It's not a goat farm."


A/N - Guess who's baaaack! I've been a busy girl since the last time you saw me. These days, I spend most of my freetime editing for my original YA novel but I thought, "It's the holidays; I deserve a fun little break!" What better way than to write Brittana in an AU that hits super close to home? Plus, if you're still on tumblr you know this idea has plagued me since it made me late to work lol.

Anyway, see you soon xox