When Quinn comes downstairs to make breakfast in the morning, she is surprised to see the island already covered with plates of prepared food. Her best friends are smiling and holding hands while they chat, and they look so cute and domestic, Quinn can't help but smile affectionately.
However, her smile turns into a half-hearted scowl when she remembers what she heard last night and this morning. "What did I tell you two about having sex while I'm in the house?" Quinn says loudly as she walks in, scaring them both.
"W-what? We didn't—" they stutter together.
"Save it. First of all, you guys are really loud, and the walls are not that thick. Second, you both have your dopey 'I just got laid' smiles on. And finally, you cooked breakfast. You're trying to butter me up, because you knew I'd be mad."
Santana and Brittany sputter out excuses and apologies, their voices overlapping, while Quinn tries her best to hold back her grin. Eventually, she caves and lets out a giggle. "Relax, I'm not that mad," she confesses. Actually, she isn't mad at all, just a little grossed out that her friends are doing each other in the room next to hers.
She picks up a piece of crispy bacon and bites into it. "You're lucky you know bacon is my weakness. Next time, though, make sure I don't hear anything." She pointedly turns to Brittany. "I don't need to know how wet Santana makes you." Then, she pins her eyes on the Latina. "And I definitely don't need to know how amazing Brittany's pussy tastes, so save the dirty talk for that filthy couch under the bleachers, okay?"
Without another word, she grabs the plate of bacon, turns on her heel, and makes her way back to her room.
The couple stares after her in speechless disbelief.
"Ho. ly. Shit," Santana says.
"Did that really just happen?"
"Uh-huh."
They are quiet for a few more seconds, trying to process Quinn's brutal honesty.
"Was she always so...crass?" Santana asks, eyebrows furrowed.
"I'm not entirely sure what that means, but no, I don't think so. I feel sort of...proud." Brittany finally looks at Santana. "Maybe we're rubbing off on her?"
"Wanky," the brunette smirks.
Brittany laughs, then changes the subject. "Are you ready for today?"
"Yep," Santana says without hesitation. "Honestly, I think I've been prepared for this for a while now. I pretty much already came out at school when we fake dated, so the hard part is over. Still, I'm sure people will be all over the 'reunited girl power couple' or whatever JBI wants to call it." Brittany chuckles as the Latina continues, "The only thing I'm worried about is Puck flipping out on you again."
"Come on, San. You know I can handle myself."
"I know, but I still don't like to see you hurt."
"I'll be fine, babe. Puck wouldn't dare touch me again."
"He'd better not, or there's going to be hell to pay."
The blonde leans forward slightly so their lips are only an inch apart. "You know, you're really hot when you're all protective."
Santana shudders as her warm breath hits her lips. "Oh yeah?"
"Mhmm."
Just as their lips connect, Quinn comes back into the room. "If you're not in the car in 30 seconds, I'm leaving without you," she deadpans before disappearing through the front door.
The girls exchange a quick glance before rushing out after her.
"This is Jacob Ben Israel, and I am reporting to you with breaking news. Santana Lopez and Brittany Pierce have just been spotted holding hands in the parking lot, with Quinn Fabray and Sam Evans following close behind. I think I speak for everyone when I say we can't wait to hear more about the reuniting of the school's power couple. Oh, here they are now! Ladies, can I get an interview?" The Jewish boy rushes over to the couple as they enter the school.
"What did I tell you about—" Brittany starts before Santana cuts her off.
"Make it quick. Brittz and I have better things to do." The blonde looks at her, confused, and Santana shrugs. "I want to be honest and let people know that we're together."
Beaming, Brittany nods at Jacob, giving him her approval.
"Alright, I'm reading questions off the JBI Twitter feed right now. From BarbraStarNo1, 'Why did you decide to get back together?'"
"I love her, she loves me. Why shouldn't we be together?" Santana answers simply.
"Alright, next question. AtoZmeYo asks, 'Lezpez, who's better in bed, Puck or Brittany?'"
"Brittany, by far." The blonde in question smirks as Santana pecks her cheek.
"This one is from LionQuinn. 'These dirty sluts defiled my guest bedroom. I'm auctioning off the unwashed sheets, starting at $100.' Whoa! Count me in on that!"
"Quinn!" Brittany yells, turning to face the short-haired blonde, who just smirks back at her.
"Last question, Israel," Santana warns him.
"Okay, let's see. SupermanSam asks, 'People have asked both of you to Homecoming, and neither of you have said yes to anyone. Are you planning on attending Homecoming together?'"
"You can count on it," Brittany replies confidently. "One last thing: if anyone tries anything on Santana here, I will personally make your life a living hell. That means you, Puckerman." She smiles angelically into the camera before pulling on Santana's hand.
"No further questions! Let's go," Santana says to Quinn and Sam. The two couples disappear down the hallway.
"There you have it, folks! The power couple is officially back! But will this relationship last longer than their previous one? And everyone saw Puck try, and fail, to get Santana back. Will he keep trying even after this new development? Will there be another epic fight between Pierce and Puckerman? More news to come on our next segment! This is JBI signing off!"
As the final bell rings and they walk out of Drama, Santana muses, "That wasn't half as bad as I expected it to be."
"Yeah, it definitely wasn't. Come to think of it, I haven't seen Puck all day," Brittany replies.
"Maybe we got lucky and he ditched today? It's not like it would be totally out of the blue."
"Well, let's cross our fingers. We still have Glee to worry about."
"I know, but how bad could it be?"
As they step into the choir room, hand-in-hand, they realize just how bad it might be. "You've got to be fucking kidding me," Brittany murmurs.
The lights are dimmed, and Puck, Rachel, and Mike stand in the center of the room. Spotting them, Puck immediately starts to play his guitar. Rachel and Mike sing backup, while Puck takes the lead and walks over to Santana, trying to hold her hand but getting blocked by Brittany, who narrows her eyes at him.
However, as they listen to the lyrics and take in the sad smile on Puck's face, both Brittany and Santana start to understand what is happening but hardly dare to believe it.
I wish I could still call you a friend
I'd give anything
My darling, I miss you
My darling, who knew?
After the song ends, it is dead silent. Finally, Puck speaks up, breaking the tension. "Obviously, that song was for Santana, and I just wanted to say, I'm sorry. I'm a badass who doesn't apologize or give up, but a good friend of mine," he says, pointedly looking at Rachel, who beams at him, "told me that if I truly love someone, I should let them free. I love you, San. You'll always be my first love, but I understand that we were never meant for each other."
With this, he turns to Brittany, who returns his gaze cautiously. "Brittany, I'm sorry for all the shit I pulled. Truth is, I admire you a hell of a lot, and I hope we can one day be friends. Basically, I'm backing off of your girl." He gives her a small smile, and she does her best to return it, genuinely relieved.
Then, the whole room turns to look at a contemplating Santana, waiting to see what her reaction will be to his confession. "Apology accepted, Puck," she finally says, and everyone claps and whoops.
"So now that you two are together, does this mean you won't be going for Mike anymore?" Tina asks the blonde dancer.
"Tina, I would never try to steal him from you. I don't think I could even if I tried," Brittany replies to the other girl, who, for once, gives her a look that isn't hostile.
"Does this mean no more random fistfights?" Sugar asks, sounding strangely disappointed.
Brittany looks at Puck with a smirk, and together, they nod. "Yeah."
"Praise!" Mercedes testifies, and everyone applauds again before taking their seats.
"Guys, I am so proud that you were able to put your differences aside and work through this—and using song, too!" Mr. Schuester rambles with a huge grin.
"You're right. Today wasn't bad at all. It was awesome, and now everyone knows you're mine," Brittany whispers lovingly to her girlfriend. "I can't believe Puck had that in him. Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all. I mean, I can't really blame him for falling for you, can I?"
Santana's smile grows wider, and she kisses her on the cheek. "I guess not."
"Alright, now that we've got that situation resolved, I want to talk about our set list for Homecoming. Remember, you are all performing!" At Will's announcement, some groans and a few cheers spread throughout the room.
"Wait, we have to perform for Homecoming?" Quinn asks.
Santana narrows her eyes at Rachel, who cringes. "First the audition song and now this? What else have you not told us, Captain? Will we even be able to dance at Homecoming, or do we have to perform the whole time?!"
"Calm down, Santana. Don't worry, you'll all be switching off, so you'll have plenty of time to dance," Will tries to placate her. "Plus, Principal Figgins is paying us, so we don't have to fundraise for a bus to Regionals!"
As the rest of Glee discusses the set list, Santana slumps down in her chair.
"What's wrong, babe?" Putting her arm around her shoulders, Brittany pulls her close.
"We have to perform at Homecoming. In front of everyone. This sucks."
"Hey, look on the bright side. At least that was the worst thing that happened today, right?" Santana feels the corners of her lips twitch upwards at the blonde's adorable tone. "Plus, we can sing cute love songs to each other, or even sing duets!"
Looking at Brittany with mock wonderment, Santana can't resist teasing her, "Do my ears deceive me? Did Brittany badass Pierce just admit she wants to sing love songs to her girlfriend in front of the whole school?"
In response, Brittany just leans forward and kisses her properly. "Yes, she did, and don't you forget it." Santana giggles at her words. "So you're not mad anymore?"
"Hmm, not as much. That kiss really seemed to help," the brunette replies coyly.
"Well, if it makes you happier," Brittany whispers, inching closer until their lips barely brush, "then I don't see why—"
"Get a room!" someone screams, causing the girls to jolt apart.
After recovering and pretending to pay attention, they resume their conversation. "What do you say to actually getting a room? No one will be at my house until 5." Brittany arches an eyebrow suggestively.
Santana smirks and takes her hand. "Can't wait."
Quinn drops them off at Brittany's before heading home. "San, text me if you're staying over at Britt's, okay?"
"Yes, Mom," Santana mocks, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Love you."
"Stay safe, kids!" Quinn yells before driving away.
"You are so sassy today. I love it," Brittany laughs, unlocking the door. "Are you hungry? I think I have some leftovers from Breadstix."
"Oh my god, yes!" Santana immediately sprints to the kitchen.
Brittany shakes her head, chuckling. She will never understand how Santana keeps her bangin' bod with all the pasta and breadsticks she consumes.
"B-Brittany?" the Latina suddenly calls.
Immediately, Brittany panics. There's something wrong with Santana's voice. "Santana?" she yells, rushing into the next room.
"Brittany."
That voice isn't Santana's. She is standing in the kitchen, looking petrified, while he is in the living room, sitting on the couch with his shaggy blond hair, unshaven face, and solemn blue eyes.
Gritting her teeth, Brittany nearly growls, "What are you doing here, Dad?"
"Who is this girl, Brittany?" the man asks as he stares at Santana, who is speechless, something that doesn't happen often.
Her mind is reeling. This man in front of her, this tall, gruff-looking man, is Brittany's father. She can see the resemblance, but just barely. He doesn't look so good. Still, she can't help but think she wants to make him look a lot worse for what he's done to Brittany. This is the man who hit her girlfriend.
"That's none of your business. Get out," Brittany commands.
"Brittany, please. I'm sober, I swear. Just hear me out."
"No. I want you out of this house. Now."
"Please. Just listen to me for the next five minutes, and then I promise I will never bother you, Tommy, or your mom again."
That makes Brittany pause and actually consider his words. Ever since things went downhill, she has never seen him so earnest. Still, she refuses to believe him so easily.
Desperate to have his daughter's attention, Mr. Pierce turns to address Santana. "Please. You two seem close. I can tell. Please, convince her." Santana's eyes go wide, not expecting he would talk to her directly.
Before she can respond, Brittany steps in front of her, as if to shield her. "Don't talk to her," she practically snarls.
Hoping to calm her, Santana cautiously touches her hand. Brittany flinches but turns to her, her blue eyes a flurry of anger, fear, wariness, sadness, and the smallest shimmer of hope—hope that maybe he is telling the truth and that if she gives him those five minutes, he'll leave them alone for good. Santana zooms in on that. "Maybe," she whispers, glancing at Mr. Pierce. "Maybe you should give him a chance? Maybe he'll finally leave you alone."
"Maybe. Or maybe he's just saying the same bullshit he always has," Brittany spits.
"Believe me, I'm not keen on him being here. I hate it. But I'll be right here next to you, if you want me, or I can go to another room. Anything you want. I'll have a call to the police ready on my phone, and I promise to keep you safe."
Brittany studies her girlfriend's face, looking deep into those warm brown eyes she loves so much, before sighing deeply and turning to her father. "Fine. You have five minutes. Santana, can you please wait in the other room?" she asks politely.
The brunette nods. "Of course, Britt." After chancing one last glance at the stranger, she walks away. Her finger hovers over the green button on her phone that will call the cops at the first sign of any disturbance.
"So, what is she to you?" Brittany's dad asks in an almost-teasing tone. He is well aware of his daughter's bisexual tendencies. Brittany has always been out and proud, even at a young age.
"Again, none of your business. You just wasted 10 seconds."
His barely-there smile once again drops into a miserable frown. "I'm so sorry, Brittany. I never meant to hurt you. I just—"
"Yeah, that's a bunch of shit, seeing as you did hurt me, physically and emotionally."
"I know. I came back to say goodbye, to see you and apologize one last time. Out of everyone, I hurt you, my beautiful baby girl, the most. I hate myself for it. I'm not going to even ask for your forgiveness, because I know I don't deserve it. I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to rehab. In Boston. They have an amazing clinic there, and I...I want to try to get my life back together. I have the address, if you ever want to send anything." He extends his hand with a piece of paper in it.
Making no attempt to move, Brittany just stands there, arms crossed, staring straight at his face.
Mr. Pierce sighs and places the paper on the coffee table. "I promise, I will never contact you unless you contact me first. That's...all I needed to say," he finishes.
When Brittany says nothing, her steely gaze unfaltering, he begs, "Please, Brittany, just say something? Anything?"
She pauses for a moment before replying, "You're right. You don't deserve my forgiveness. Now, your five minutes are up. Please get out."
He blinks twice, staring at the teenage girl whose life he so drastically altered before turning away. "I wish I could go back and change the past. I am so sorry, Brittany."
With that, he leaves. As soon as the door closes behind him, Brittany gasps like she was holding her breath for their entire conversation, and tears begin to fall.
Santana rushes into the room and immediately takes the other girl into her arms. "It's okay, baby. I'm right here. I'm with you," she whispers in Brittany's ear as she caresses her face. They both drop to sit on the floor, and Brittany begins to freely sob. "I'm sorry I pushed you to do that, baby," Santana coos, starting to cry along with her girlfriend. She can practically feel Brittany's pain. "I'm so, so sorry."
"N-no, I'm glad," Brittany struggles to speak. "I n-needed that. T-thank you for being here w-with me. I love you. So much."
"I love you too."
