"Brittany!" someone yells.
"What's up, Mike?" she asks, turning to face Boy Chang. The two rarely converse, and when they do, it's only about one thing.
"I was wondering if you could help me with this choreography for Glee?"
"Look, Mikey. I like you, and you know I love to dance, but anything Glee-related…well, I can't help you there."
"Britt, no one will know. I'm just having trouble with one spot, and I could use your expertise. It wouldn't be in front of Glee, just me and you."
Brittany quirks an eyebrow at him. "What about Girl Chang?" she asks. The reason why Brittany and Mike aren't as good of friends as they could be is Mike's girlfriend, Tina, who absolutely detests Brittany, because she slept with Mike. Brittany thinks she's overreacting; it's not like they were dating at the time (Mike is way too nice to cheat). Plus, as much as people like to believe otherwise, Brittany isn't a total sleaze. She respects girls and guys, stopping when they want to, not forcing them to do anything, and she doesn't sleep with anyone that's already taken. However, Asian Sensation are together now, and Tina still does not trust Brittany's promiscuous ways, making sure Mike has as little contact with the other dancer as possible.
"She understands. Sectionals are in two weeks, and the team is counting on me to choreograph the whole thing." He looks exhausted.
Brittany knows he's spread thin; not only is he in Glee, but he's also a wide receiver on the varsity football team and their class's current valedictorian. Feeling sorry for him, she sighs. "Sure, Boy Chang. I'll help you." Badass Brittany Pierce is more compassionate than most people think, and that is a secret she intends to keep close and guarded.
Mike's face lights up. "Thanks Britt. I'll meet you in the dance room after school tomorrow?"
"Why not today?" she asks. She doesn't feel like spending the afternoon alone, which she will be doing unless she bangs someone outside of school who's willing to keep their mouth shut, which she's too lazy to try to find, or hangs out with Quinn and Santana, which she just doesn't feel like dealing with at the moment.
"Can't. Football practice, then extra Glee rehearsal."
"Oh. Alright then, I guess tomorrow is good."
"Thanks B, you really don't know how much this means to me."
"Yeah yeah, see you then," she says, waving him off and walking to her next class.
Sitting in her US Government class, Santana is texting Quinn and some Cheerios when she receives a new message.
From Puck: I saw you with her.
Five minutes later.
From Puck: I made a mistake.
30 seconds.
From Puck: I want you back.
One minute.
From Puck: Just talk to me, San!
Two minutes.
From Puck: I'm not giving up.
Santana smirks, thinking to herself, That's what you get for trying to dump me, Pucky. Nothing has changed; she still has Puck eating out of her hand, and she's still top dog at school. The only difference is that she got rid of him. Maybe this whole "dating Brittany" thing is actually a good idea.
"Hey Lopez, saw you tied down Brittany. Niiiice," David Karofsky, the local bonehead, says.
"Shut the hell up, Karofsky. We all know you don't swing that way," Santana fires back.
Karofsky turns away from her with a scoff, and Santana goes back to her phone. When she receives another new text, she hopes it's Puck begging some more but is surprised to find it's from Brittany.
From Pierce: This is hell.
Santana can't stop the smile from spreading on her face, but as soon as she realizes it, she makes sure to force the corners of her lips down.
To Pierce: I know.
From Pierce: Everyone is on my back! I hate you.
At those three words, Santana's eyebrows crinkle, and her heart clenches. For some reason, she doesn't want Brittany to hate her. Usually, she doesn't care if someone likes her or not, but she inexplicably cares about the blonde's opinion of her. She can't let this go on.
To Pierce: 19 periods, 5 lunches, and 5 days to go. Then this will all be over.
At least, she hopes it will be.
"I heard J-Lo got you on a tight leash, Pierce," the brunette girl next to her says. "Didn't know you were a one-woman girl."
"Go fuck yourself, Mack."
"That's it? Wow, someone's already lost their edge." Brittany ignores her. "Lemme guess, you're not gonna chill with us at lunch today for your little preppy?"
Brittany's fists clench. She's been harassed all period by her peers about her sudden change of heart, and she's sick of answering all the questions. This "dating Santana" thing is already proving to be a horrible decision. Not only is she unable to eat lunch with her…acquaintances, she also can't get her afternoon smoke or 6th period orgasm. "Why would I want to smoke cheap cigars with you guys when I have a perfectly smokin' girl to bang?"
"You kiddin' me, Pierce? Lopez is a total prude. I heard she would only put out for Puck when he begged."
"Yeah, well, I'm not Puck," Brittany simply says.
Finally, the bell rings, and she is free. Without another word, she leaves Mack and goes to pick up Santana. The only good thing to come out of this affair is her goal to make Santana even more miserable than she is.
As she waits by the Latina's locker like she was told, arms crossed and head leaning against the wall, a fist suddenly collides with the locker next to her, making her flinch. "What the hell?" she yells.
"You think you can just get away with stealing my girl?" Puck asks, seething. "Mark my words, she'll be mine again by the end of the week."
With that, he walks away. Not even a full-fledged fight from the guy? What a coward. Brittany actually wishes he'd punched her; then she could beat him up and keep some of her street cred.
Suddenly, Santana appears in front of her. "Hey babe. What was that?" she asks.
"Your ex felt the need to tell me who you belong to."
"Really?" Santana asks excitedly.
Brittany's eyes narrow. "You mean you actually like him?"
"Of course not. Puck's a pig — a popular pig, but still a pig. The only thing he's good for is boosting my popularity, and I want him to regret his decision in the fullest."
"So you want him to be jealous?"
"Something like that, yeah."
Brittany rolls her eyes. Whatever goes on inside the Latina's head is beyond her.
They have their next class, Dramatic Arts, with Puck, Quinn, Mike, and Tina. Everyone signs up for the class, because it's taught by the coolest teacher in school and, although no one would admit it, is sort of fun. Just like all of their other classes that day, as soon as they walk in, everyone stares with wonder — only this time, with the exceptions of Puck, who is shooting daggers at Brittany, and Quinn, who is holding back her laughter.
Suddenly, a voice rings out behind them. "Well, look what we have here! Since when are you two an item?" Ms. Holliday asks, putting one arm around each girl.
"For a while now, Ms. H. We just became exclusive recently," Santana answers.
"Well, I'm happy you finally settled your differences. See what love can do, guys? Bring two completely opposite forces together and make them match together perfectly!"
Sitting at the back of the class, Quinn is barely holding herself together.
"Yup, that's what we are. In love," Brittany replies as she glares back at Puck, daring him to do something.
"Awesome! This gives me the perfect opportunity to give you your newest assignment! Go sit, chicas!" She gives them a slight push.
As Santana passes her regular seat next to Puck and goes to sit next to Quinn and Brittany, the boy looks at the empty chair next to him with a scowl.
"Oh my god, this has been the absolute best day ever!" Quinn whispers to the two girls. "The rumors floating around about you guys are hilarious."
"Will you guys keep it down? I'm trying to learn!" Rachel Berry hisses from in front of them.
"Rachel, turn around!" Ms. Holliday calls out. "Now, our next lesson is called 'Star-Crossed Lovers.' You will partner up and perform an epic love scene from a play or movie for the class." This elicits some excited squeals from the girls in the room. "Not so fast! I will be picking your partners and your scenes. The lists will be posted outside on the bulletin tomorrow, and you will perform them next Friday. This project is worth mas points, so you'd better do a stellar job!" The entire class grumbles. "Now don't worry. I'll have some mercy on you," Ms. Holliday finishes with a sly grin, giving the impression that no, she will not have any mercy on them.
Santana groans. Great, she'll probably have to do some stupid scene from Romeo and Juliet with her fake girlfriend. Freaking awesome. Now she'll be forced to spend even more time with her outside of class.
"Ugh, I hope I don't get paired up with some weird kid," Quinn says.
"Nah, Ms. Holliday totally loves you. She wouldn't do that," Santana reassures her.
"Let's hope so."
"You know, she'll probably pair us together," Brittany tells Santana, smiling deviously.
"Please, it's not like you guys aren't already acting out a scene from a cheesy romantic comedy. I'm sure if you told her what's going on, you could get credit for the performance you're putting on."
"Shut up, Fabray."
After more witty comebacks and casual conversation, the girls finally head to lunch. Quinn always eats alone in the library while she studies, and Brittany and Santana agree to eat together to keep up their facade. On sunny days, everyone usually eats outside in the quad, which is where they find themselves now.
"So how are we going to do this?" Brittany asks.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, we can't exactly sit with the cheerleaders," the blonde states.
"Why not?"
"Because it'd be weird? I'm not a Cheerio."
"Yeah, well, I'm not sitting on the dingy old couch under the bleachers."
"Fine," Brittany says before an idea strikes her. "Okay, come on."
Santana doesn't protest as Brittany drags her through groups of people and to the grassy area. However, as the blonde stops in front of a large tree, she asks, "What are you doing?"
Brittany simply sits down, then shrugs off her trademark leather jacket, placing it in front of her. She pats the area between her spread legs, gesturing for Santana to sit there.
"Seriously?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Come on. It'll be romantic."
Reluctantly, Santana sets her bag down and kneels on the leather jacket.
Brittany pulls her close and turns her around so her back is pressed to her chest. "Come on, San. Relax," she coaxes, forcing the brunette to lean back.
Gradually, Santana lets go of the tension in her body and leans into the blonde, her body melting into Brittany's.
Moving her hands down from Santana's shoulders, Brittany holds her hands, then wraps her arms around the girl so that their intertwined hands rest on Santana's stomach. "Now isn't this nice?" Brittany whispers, resting her chin lightly atop Santana's head, which is basically using her boobs as a pillow.
If Santana is absolutely honest, it is pretty damn nice. The way they fit so perfectly together, the way Brittany's chest rises slightly every time she breathes, the way Brittany's thumb is lightly stroking her hand…it's all unbelievably soothing. For once, Santana allows herself to enjoy the moment. Closing her eyes, she lets herself get lost in the feeling of Brittany. She can worry about the consequences later.
Unfortunately, their little bubble is popped when the bell rings yet again, bringing them back to reality. Unaware of how long they were sitting there, they can't believe how quickly the lunch period flew by. They hadn't even eaten anything. Brittany helps Santana stand up and grabs her bag, and they walk to Santana's next class without a word, both of them deep in thought about what just happened. Both girls can't help but think that a border was just crossed, but neither chooses to address it.
"I'll, uh…I'll see you after class," Brittany says, then hands Santana her bag and leaves.
Santana watches her go.
The rest of the day goes off without a hitch, pictures of them cuddling at lunch already on JBI's site. After the last bell finally rings, Santana drops Brittany off at home before driving to her own house, declining Quinn's offer to hang out. Exhausted, she lays on her bed, letting sleep overtake her.
The last thing on Santana's mind? The feeling of being in Brittany's arms.
"Well damn," Puck says, reading the newly-posted list for their Dramatic Arts class.
Brittany & Mike - The Notebook
Quinn & Sam - Romeo and Juliet
Santana & Kurt - Macbeth
Tina & Finn - Dirty Dancing
Rachel & Noah - Twilight
"Freaking Rachel Berry? Really?" Puck groans out loud.
"Trust me, Noah. I'm not any happier about this." Standing next to him, Rachel responds, a frown on her face.
"Why wouldn't you be happy? You get to do a love scene with the most popular guy in school."
"Popularity isn't everything, Noah. Besides, I take the performing arts very seriously, and I know for a fact you won't pay it the same courtesy."
"Oh please, this whole class is a load of crap. I just wanted the easy A, and seriously? Fucking Twilight?" he snorts.
"Believe me, I am not a Twilight fan either. I mean, honestly, it doesn't even have any good romantic scenes!"
"Never seen it."
"Well, I promised myself I would perform anything thrown at me with 110 percent of my effort. My talent is too good to waste!"
"Please, acting is totally lame."
Rachel gasps. How dare he? "Well, I assure you I will be talking to Ms. Holliday about a change in partnership. I refuse to work with someone with such little appreciation for the arts!"
All around them, people are protesting the list.
"There is no way I'm letting you do that scene with her!" Tina yells from across the group.
"Honey, it's just a project! I'm sure Santana doesn't like it much either." Mike tries to comfort his girlfriend.
"Ugh, he's right. Who the fuck is Kurt?" Santana asks the crowd.
"Um, that would be me." A young dapper boy raises his hand.
"Oh, I thought your name was Porcelain."
Kurt rolls his eyes.
"Calm down, Girl Chang. It's not like I want to be partnered with your boyfriend," Brittany says.
"This is bullshit! I'm talking to Ms. Holliday."
"I'm perfectly fine with my partner, but could someone explain to me what Romeo and Juliet is? Is it like a band or something?" Sam asks the group.
Quinn slaps her forehead.
"Tina, I hope you know I can't dance," Finn tells the angry girl.
"Well, can you lift me?"
"Yeah, no problem. I can lift Karofsky up when he tackles me."
Tina is about to reply when someone interrupts. "Hey guys! What do you all think of your assignment?" Ms. Holliday asks, sauntering up with a smug smile. Immediately, everyone voices their protests, shouting to be heard. "Aye compadres! Silencio!" At her command, everyone shuts up. "Alright. Now, before you start protesting, know this: I will not, under any circumstances, change your partners or your scenes. You got what you got. Comprende?"
They all nod.
"This whole drama project is going to suck. I mean, Kurt? Really?" Santana complains to Brittany as they walk down the hall. The brunette is tucked under Brittany's arm. She has to admit that as they get used to being around each other, the weight is becoming more and more comfortable.
"Mike's pretty cool, but I wish we got the Dirty Dancing scene. I mean, come on! Mike and I would be perfect for that."
Santana looks up at her curiously. "Why? Do you dance or something?"
Brittany looks around cautiously before leaning in. "Yes, but shh. No one is supposed to know," she whispers.
Strangely, Santana feels a little giddy, knowing that Brittany trusts her with this secret. "So you can actually dance?"
"Why do you say that like it's unbelievable?" Brittany asks, a little offended.
"I don't know. I just can't picture you dancing."
"Oh really? Tell that to my rock hard abs."
"What, do you have a six pack under there?" Santana arches an eyebrow.
"Nope, but still. These babies are impenetrable," Brittany boasts, slapping her stomach, which is currently covered by a black Nirvana shirt.
"Riiight," Santana chuckles skeptically.
The blonde withdraws her hand from Santana's shoulders. "What, you don't believe me?" she challenges.
Santana's eyes trail down her body, hesitating at her chest before proceeding down to her stomach, which is perfectly flat. Although she definitely believes her, she decides to tease the girl instead. "Not really, no."
"Alright," Brittany reaches for the hem of her shirt, evidently ready to pull it off.
Acting quickly, Santana places her hands on Brittany's to stop her. "Brittany! People are starting to stare!"
"Who cares? You don't think I have awesome abs."
"Of course I do," Santana admits, but Brittany doesn't believe her.
"Just feel them. Or punch them!" the taller girl insists, stepping towards Santana, who is backing up slowly.
"No, Britt!" The Latina giggles at her forcefulness, the nickname slipping out without conscious thought.
"Come on, San," Brittany taunts, backing her up against the lockers.
"Brittany!" Santana exclaims, shaking her head and continuing to laugh at the other girl's antics.
Then, Brittany grabs her wrists, and Santana suddenly stops laughing. "You know you want to." The seductive whisper is back.
Unable to look at the clear blue eyes in front of her, the brunette diverts her vision to their connected hands, which Brittany is slowly teasing up her shirt. Curiosity gets the better of her, and she allows her hands to slip under the shirt. When Santana feels bare skin on hers, she has to suppress a gasp. Brittany was totally right; she has amazing abs that are oh-so-defined and completely perfect. Marveling at how the muscles ripple under her touch and how smooth Brittany's skin feels against hers, Santana has the sudden urge to actually see her stomach. Maybe she should've let her take her shirt off.
"Abtastic, right?" Brittany breathes.
Suddenly remembering where they are, who is around, and whose shirt she has her hands up, Santana immediately retracts her hands. "Yeah, they're uhh…pretty great," she says nervously, hoping that Brittany can't see how much she just enjoyed touching her.
"I know." The blonde smiles proudly. Santana wants to sigh in relief; if Brittany knows how much that just affected Santana, she's doing a wonderful job of hiding it. "Now that that's settled, let's get you to class."
Brittany is actually proving to be a surprisingly good girlfriend — or, rather, fake girlfriend. Sure, it's only the second day, but so far, she hasn't forgotten to pick Santana up from class or sit with her at lunch. Plus, she's keeping the flirting toned down (well, toned down for Brittany). Plus, Santana has found that she doesn't actually hate the girl like she previously thought. When the blonde isn't going out of her way to irritate Santana, she's actually kind of fun to be around and easy to talk to. Who knows, maybe Santana will gain an actual friend out of this whole ordeal. A friend with killer abs.
Shit.