Chapter 7: A Calculated Risk
They didn't have a solution, but the conversation shifted something. The desperation eased slightly, replaced by a shared understanding of the stakes and their mutual fear. They decided they couldn't keep going exactly as they were. They needed an ally.
After much debate, Santana chose Brittany. It seemed the safest bet – Brittany was loyal, kind, and perhaps already suspected. During a sleepover, Santana nervously confessed, stumbling over the words. "Britt... I'm kind of... seeing someone. Secretly."
Brittany just smiled serenely. "Is it Rachel?"
Santana gaped. "How did you...?"
"Lord Tubbington told me," Brittany said matter-of-factly. "Also, you look at her like she's a unicorn burrito. It's obvious." She hugged Santana tightly. "It's okay, S. Your secret's safe. Is she nice to you?"
Relief washed over Santana. "Yeah, Britt. She is."
Rachel, emboldened, decided to tell Kurt. During one of their late-night phone calls, she took a deep breath. "Kurt... there's something I need to tell you about me and Santana."
Kurt was silent for a moment, then gasped dramatically. "Oh. My. Gaga. Are you serious? Rachel Berry and Santana Lopez? I knew that duet had way too much chemistry! Spill everything!"
Rachel laughed, tears of relief stinging her eyes. Sharing the burden, even with just one person each, felt like shedding pounds of weight.