So this kind of went in a different direction than when I first started off, but I still like it. It's late though so I might tweak it a little bit in the morning after some sleep. I hope you like it as it was fun to write! Much love xo

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Lima – it isn't exactly well known for being very open minded. If you were to walk down the street you would probably only see straight couples since a lot of the homosexual ones hide. Well, they keep their hands to themselves is a better explanation – it's actually upsetting that even in 2013 people are still hiding because they are too scared of how other people will react. Why should you care what someone else thinks anyway? If you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, you shouldn't have to hide your feelings for them in public – how is that fair? Brittany will never understand it but she does understand why people choose to hide. A few months ago, she saw a story on the local news about a boy who got beat up by a bunch of men down the street and no one stopped to help due to the fact everyone knew he was homosexual. Who the fuck does that? How can anyone just walk past a man getting beaten up and not do anything? They are all cowards – that's what Brittany thinks. Scared of change.

Brittany and Santana never let anyone put them down on school grounds. If they wanted to hold hands and kiss each other in the hallway then they would and no one would tell them otherwise – outside in the real world, however, things are completely different. Brittany wants to hold hands with her girlfriend, she wants nothing more than to show the world how much she loves the woman, but other people can be scary. Realistically they can hurt you and the two girls didn't want to be the reason for the other one getting hurt but, inside at least, they were hurting. People knew they were together, of course they did since a lot of their kids go to McKinley, but as long as they didn't show their affection in public it wasn't an issue. They learnt after an incident that happened a few months into the summer after Junior year. Neither one of the girls had been in a relationship with another female before so they didn't know how other people were going to react or what to expect – their parents had warned them about being affectionate in public though. Neither of them wanted to believe it until they were called out on it in the Lima Bean coffee shop.

August 2013

Since Junior year had finished, the two girls had been spending as much time as they could with one another – not like they hadn't already the past few months. It was exciting, however, that neither one of them had any lessons keeping them apart. Their parents did wonder how they hadn't got sick of each other yet but neither one of them thought they would. Why would they? Both of them knew they would be together for a long time so they might as well start spending a lot of time together now – plus, they know they are spending a lot less time together than Quinn and Rachel did. It was sad to Brittany how they still hadn't made up but she knew they would. They love each other and Brittany will make sure they get back together. Who else would put up with Rachel if they didn't become a couple again? Rachel cam be annoying after all and it takes a lot to put up with all of that personality. She loves her best friend to pieces but she can be a bit much sometimes.

The couple made their way towards the Lima Bean. It wasn't as crowded between 11am and 2pm so the both of them always went between those times. Who wants to wait in a long line just for a cup of coffee? Well, Santana gets coffee whilst Brittany tends to get whichever looks good whether it be coffee or hot chocolate. She's going through the menu slowly and it's exciting to think that every time she goes in she gets to taste something different. It's so much fun for her just like the rainbow ice cream she gets. Before she started McKinley, she would have just come in and bought the same thing every time, but she is finally pulling away from that – she wants to expand her horizons as it were. Santana may get the same drink every time she enters the coffee shop, but she always has a taste of whatever Brittany is drinking. It's intriguing to say the least how much Brittany has changed as well as staying true to herself – inspiring is the word she was thinking of.

Walking inside, Brittany stands to the side looking at the menu to see what specials they had on – that's generally how she gets a different drink every time. Some end up a lot stronger than she would prefer, but there's nothing a bit of extra milk and sugar can't fix. Last time they came in she ordered a burnt caramel latte and it actually wasn't too bad – not too sweet and she couldn't' taste the coffee that much. She notices the special today is Salted Toffee Macadamia Latte so that's what she will be ordering. Brittany brings her arm around Santana's body pulling her closer.

"What are you getting, baby?" Brittany asks, reaching into her pocket to get some money out. "My treat."

Santana laughs wrapping her arm around Brittany before sliding her hand into the back pocket of Brittany's jeans. "It's always your treat. I swear every time we come here, you pay."

"Is me wanting to treat my girlfriend a crime now?" Brittany asks, smirking. "Anyway, I never see you reach down to pull your money out."

Santana looks up raising her eyebrow. "Are you saying I'm a freeloader?"

"I said no such thing. You pay me back with kisses, so I'm happy." Brittany responds kissing her softly before pointing to herself. "See? Happy Brittany."

Santana laughs resting her other hand on Brittany's chest. "I'll have my usual. Want me to grab us a table?"

"No, it's okay, you can come with me and say what you want. I always say it wrong." Brittany responds with a shy smile. "Plus, I like being close to you."

The two girls make their way towards the counter when they see a barista is free to serve them. Looking up at the menu once again, Brittany smiles at the man at the till. "Hello, can I have the Salted Toffee Macadamia Latte with cream and sauce and…babe what do you usually have?"

"I'll have the Caffe Americano, please." Santana respond, smiling at the man before looking at Brittany. "How do you get that wrong?"

Brittany shrugs. "There are so many, but I'll get it eventually."

"That will be $20.45, please." The barista requests holding out his hand when Brittany gives him the money then her change with a smile. "If you wait at the end, someone will be there to give you your drinks. Have a nice day."

Brittany smiles back nodding before making her way down to the end where she stands with Santana. The Latina leans up pecking her lips a few times before pulling away when she hears a man clear his throat louder than necessary. Turning slightly, the two girls see an older man glaring at them which surprises them a little bit. No one else seems to be looking in their direction so it must have been him. Santana glares back pulling away from Brittany folding her arms.

"Can we help you?" Santana asks with an irritated tone.

He points between the both of them. "That's disgusting – we don't need to see that in here. There are children about."

"What, me kissing my girlfriend? I'm sorry but you seem to be the only one who is looking at us." Santana pointed out motioning to other people. "So, you being the homophobic asshole you are, decided to make a scene for no reason."

"Santana, just leave it." Brittany whispers looking toward the man who looked quite scary in her opinion. "It's not worth it."

"Yes, you kissing your – your – whatever the hell she is. If you want to be a sinner then do it where no one can see," The man snaps giving them a look of disgust. "Or, even better, don't do it at all. A woman is meant to be with a man not another woman – you are a disgrace to your family. They must be very disappointed."

The two women look at each other in shock. Is this guy serious? He is making a scene for absolutely no reason and, at the same time, no one is stopping him. Before Santana can say anything else, their drinks are called up. The whole store had gone quiet meaning everyone must agree with what they said – how close minded are these people? They two women understood it was Lima, but how can a bunch of people just stand there and allow this man to insult them? Brittany turns to the older man handing her girlfriend the other coffee.

"Our parents are happy for us actually and it's closed minded people like you that are stopping others coming out and expressing their love for each other," Brittany stated matter of factly. "You are holding the world back and just because you don't like it doesn't mean other people think the same way."

The older man scoffs rolling his eyes. "The world is better off without people of your kind."

"I think you are mistaken us for yourself."

With that thought in the air, Brittany and Santana walk out of the shop but not before hearing a muttered 'dykes' come out of his mouth. Neither one of the girls said a word to each other whilst walking down the street and if people didn't know them, they would only look like friends walking side by side. No touching. No speaking. No nothing.

November 2013

After that incident happened, neither of them went out like a couple. The only time they went on a date was the first one Santana took them on but, since then, they haven't really done much outside each other's houses and school. Today was going to be different though – Brittany had planned a date and she didn't care if someone said anything to them. Santana turned eighteen today and there was no chance in hell Brittany was going to allow some homophobic assholes keep her from celebrating that. Santana deserves to be pampered and treated like a princess – she deserves the world. She did, however, decided that instead of openly telling her girlfriend about the plans she made, she's going to surprise her instead. It's a lot more fun and she doesn't need to ask permission – well, more of a 'asking and getting told no' kind of thing. Brittany is very aware that Santana hates what happened in public at the Lima Bean and even though they defended themselves against the homophobe, it cut them a little bit. Well, it seemed to cut Santana more than it did Brittany and it's the reason behind why they haven't gone out. Brittany doesn't blame her girlfriend whatsoever, but tonight will be different. They will be going out in public and ignoring anyone who says anything – who needs to listen to assholes like that anyway?

Hearing her phone, Brittany picks it up and smiles – her dinner reservations were now confirmed. Brittany wants to make sure Santana enjoys herself tonight because they were going to celebrate the eighteen years she has lived on Earth. Eighteen years since the love of her life was born – she couldn't be more grateful to have found her. With that thought in mind, Brittany brings up Santana's name.

To My Baby: Hey, babe. You're still free tonight, right?"

Putting her phone down, Brittany walks to her closet looking through the tons of clothes she has in there. Red dress? No, Santana looks better in red. Pants and a shirt? No, she's going on a date, not to an interview. Well she did have a dress she bought the other day but she was planning on saving it for another time – oh, fuck it. Brittany reached to the back of her closet getting it out with a smile – she will definitely have her girlfriend looking at her all night. Let's just say it shows a lot of cleavage. She walks to the bed laying it down when a ding brings her attention to her phone once again.

My Baby – Of course I'm still free. Not going to change any plans which involve my smoking hot girlfriend ;) xx

Brittany can't help but laugh – she does have a way of making her feel flattered without even trying.

To My Baby – Aren't you the charmer? xx

My Baby – Only for you 3

To: My Baby – Wear something sexy. Preferably in red. xx

My Baby – Got plans for us? xx

To: My Baby – You know it ;) xx

With that being said, Brittany knew she needed a shower yet on top of getting herself ready and picking up Santana. Her date. Damn, she couldn't wait to get there already. Tonight, she was planning on being a total gentleman – well, the woman version anyway. Santana wouldn't know what hit her.

Xxxxxxxxxx

It was around 6:20pm when Brittany turned up at the Lopez household. The reservations she had made were set for 7pm and since Brittany was well aware of how long it can take for her girlfriend to get herself together at times – turning up earlier was the best way for them to get to the restaurant on time. Brittany adores Santana but, sometimes, she can be a stereotypical girl when it comes to getting ready. Brittany thought she took a long time but after meeting Santana she knew she got ready in good time – sometimes it's as though she is a man waiting for her girlfriend to finish getting ready. Brittany wouldn't change it for the world though.

Taking a deep breath Brittany walk up to the front door knocking lightly before taking a step back. She had lost count of how many times she had been to this house to see Santana or to sleep over – it's a lovely house though. Her own house isn't this big and neither will the house she lives in after she moves out of this town – maybe in the future when she has a good paying job. Being too occupied with her thoughts, she didn't realize the door had been opened and Santana's mother was stood in the doorway. Shaking her head, Brittany smiled at the older Lopez.

"Good evening, Mrs Lopez. I'm here to pick Santana up – well, if she's ready yet." Brittany explains with a soft laugh. "I know how long she can take sometimes."

"She's just finishing up, I think. Come on – you can wait in here." Maribel explains opening the door wider allowing Brittany to walk inside. "Taking her anywhere special?"

Brittany nods. "I am but I won't tell you because I know Santana will be trying to listen in. I want to surprise her."

"Of course – I understand that." Maribel said with a soft smile. "Thank you for looking after my daughter."

"She doesn't need looking after, I can assure you. I'm just here to support and love her – she does the rest on her own." Brittany explains before looking up when she hears someone descending down the staircase. "Looks like my beautiful date is here."

Santana blushes. "Britt – you don't need to start complimenting me just yet."

"Hey, I will always compliment you. You deserve the whole experience – compliments and all."

Santana smiles, kissing Brittany's cheek when she gets to the bottom of the stairs. "You are too good for me sometimes."

Shaking her head, Brittany wraps her arm around Santana's waist. "I'm just being me."

"I wouldn't ask for anything more."

Maribel smiles at the blonde and her daughter. "Okay, go on you two. Have a lovely evening and please be safe."

Without a second thought, Brittany takes Santana's hand walking out leading her to the car parked on the street. Santana looks at her girlfriend in shock.

"A car? You have your own car?" Santana asked, grinning at the blonde. "Oh my god you took your test without telling me, didn't you? I knew you had been keeping something to yourself."

Brittany laughs unlocking the car and opening the door. "After you, sweetheart."

Santana beams getting inside the car allowing Brittany to close the door behind her and get in the car herself. It wasn't a big car and it wasn't anything extravagant but it was enough to get her around town and take her girlfriend places. She has been looking forward to doing that since she passed last week – it had been torture to not be able to ring her girlfriend and tell her the news. Rachel knew since she had to tell someone but Brittany only told her on the terms of Rachel keeping it from Santana and she agreed. Neither one of them let the news slip and she couldn't be happier with the way Santana just reacted – that was definitely the reaction she was looking for.

"When did you pass?" Santana asked, watching as Brittany starts the car up.

Pulling away from the side of the road, Brittany makes her way to the restaurant. "Last week. I told my parents about it and they don't use this car, so I got it. They are paying for the insurance and everything since I don't have a job, but I'll pay them back eventually. To be honest, I think they just gave me it as a sort of 'sorry-we-gave-up-on-you-when-you-couldn't-talk' kind of thing. I'm fine with it, but I just hope they know my love can't be bought."

"What? But I was gonna pay you to marry me!"

Brittany glanced at her girlfriend with a smirk. "You can if you like. I'd do it in a heartbeat."

"Well if you insist – ten bucks is enough, right?" Santana questioned reaching into her purse.

Brittany scoffed mumbling to herself before focusing on driving.

"Sorry what was that?" Santana asked, smirking – she always does enjoy teasing Brittany since she makes it so easy. "I didn't quite hear you."

"I said, I'm worth more than ten bucks," Brittany responded leaning back in her seat a little more. "That won't even get you the privilege of kissing me."

Santana laughed. "Baby, we have to kiss. What do you expect us to do when they say 'you may now kiss the bride'? Shake hands instead?"

"That's exactly what you'll get if all you're putting towards me is ten bucks," Brittany stated raising her eyebrow at Santana.

Reaching over, Santana rests her hand on Brittany's leg squeezing it slightly. "I'm only messing with you – you know how important you are to me. I love you."

Brittany takes Santana's hand interlocking their fingers before kissing her girlfriend's hand resting their joint hands in her lap. "I know – I love you too. I know you love winding me up as it's pretty easy to do."

"You make it so easy, baby."

The blonde shrugs her shoulders moving their hands to the gear stick to change gear slowing down slightly as they come to a red light before stopping completely. Putting the car in first gear, Brittany strokes Santana's arm with her fingertips as they wait.

"I love how soft your skin is," Brittany mumbles, keeping up the movement of her fingers causing Santana to smile.

"I try my best – I wouldn't for anyone else."

Laughing, Brittany nods her head in agreement. "You wouldn't – I agree wholeheartedly with that."

Looking at the lights and glancing out of the back window, Santana cups Brittany's cheek tilting her face towards her before kissing Brittany softly. There was no reason, in all honestly there never was, but just feeling each other's lips made them feel connected and sometimes a simple kiss was all they needed. What other way is there to show how much they loved each other without saying it in words? Actions always show much more than words every could and, their intimacy, meant a lot to the both of them. Brittany was the one to pull away first – looking at her girlfriend she brushed her hair out of her face with both hands tucking it behind Santana's ears. Smiling, she strokes her cheeks softly before leaning forward and resting her forehead against Santana's.

"I love you." Brittany whispers, looking into the woman's chocolate brown eyes. "Happy Birthday, beautiful."

Santana smiles leaning in to brush her lips against Brittany's one last time before pulling back and letting out a shaky breath from the amount of emotion she was feeling. When the lights turn green, Brittany sorts herself out gradually picking up speed. Santana reaches over tracing her fingers over the back of her girlfriend's neck enjoying the fact that she didn't have to drive right now.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the restaurant since Brittany had researched into which way would be the fastest with less congestion. Once the car was all parked up, Brittany got out of the car before moving over to Santana's side to open her door. It is her birthday so why shouldn't she be treated like a queen? Santana got out with a blush forming on her cheeks, leaning up kissing the blonde softly.

They made their way towards the restaurant side by side before Brittany wrapped her arm around Santana's waist walking through the door with her even once they were inside with everyone staring. Both of them knew staring was bound to happen so why not just ignore it? They defended themselves before and got through it, well, kind of anyway. Brittany is not about to let anyone ruin her girlfriend's birthday whether it be an old man, like before, or a young mother.

"Reservation under Brittany?"

The young waiter, who looked familiar for some reason, flicked through the book in front of him before nodding in confirmation. "Here it is. If you would like to follow me."

The two women walked through the restaurant with the waiter leading. What did surprise them, however, is that they were taken into the VIP area of the building. Since when did restaurants even have a VIP area? They went up a couple of flights of stairs and into a large room with glass walls. He motioned for them to take a seat in the booth which had a fantastic view of the city. The women looked at each other before sitting down.

"Is this going to cost lots of money?" Brittany asked nervously, not wanting to put a damper on their night. "I don't know if I can afford this."

The waiter shook his head with a smile. "You won't be paying at all tonight – this one is on me."

Brittany looked at him agape turning to look at Santana who had the same astonished expression on her face. He wasn't being serious, was he? They had never met him before – well, maybe they have met but they weren't close or anything. This couldn't be happening right now. It was a joke; surely. Brittany shook her head.

"You can't be serious. We don't even know you." Brittany pointed out glancing at the name badge which read 'Carter'. "Carter, it's very nice of you, and I'm sure you are a lovely guy, but you can see how we must be shocked over this. We haven't met before and you are offering to pay for our VIP meals."

He nodded smiling to himself. "Yes, I can see how it must look, but we have met before - a few months ago actually."

Santana looked from Carter to her girlfriend and back again confused. "You guys have met?"

Carter shook his head. "Not personally, but I saw you both at the Lima Bean. It was the day you had that man bash you for being affectionate towards each other in public."

"You were there?" Brittany questioned, trying to ignore the feelings of the memory.

"I was, but as a staff member." Carter explained, shaking his head. "It angered me how no staff member was doing anything to stop the incident – even the manager ordered everyone to keep out of it."

Santana sighed. "You didn't need to quit just because of that. We live in Lima and we know everyone isn't very expecting of – well – gay people. People like us."

"Don't say it like that, babe." Brittany took Santana's hand before kissing her knuckles. "We shouldn't have to hide just because some people don't like it."

"I agree and that's why I quit that day. Luckily I got this job not long after and I always told myself that if I ever saw you guys again I would pay for your meal and give you the privacy you deserve." Carter explained, motioning to the room. "I would hate to be looked at whenever I went out with someone I love and you shouldn't either. So, don't worry about the price of the food or drinks – it's all on the house tonight."

Without another word, Carter walked out of the room allowing the couple to look through the menus which had been left on the table. They looked at each other for a moment before reaching for each other's hands.

"How nice is that?" Santana commented, kissing Brittany's knuckles. "You don't see many people like that around here."

Brittany moves her hands from Santana's to stroke her bare arms. "Well not everyone is against homosexual love. I bet you anything he's gay."

"How would you know that?"

"Gaydar." Brittany said with a shrug. "What else?"

Santana raises her eyebrow. "Gaydar? You believe in that? Just because you are gay doesn't mean you know every single person who is gay too, Britt."

"Well I know dolphins are gay sharks and I knew when I met you that you weren't exactly straight. Plus, gay people have special powers which makes them better than everybody else."

Santana can't help but beam at her girlfriend. "I am so glad you are mine – you are too good for this world."

Looking down at the menu to hide her blushing face, Brittany looks through the drinks. "Is hot chocolate acceptable to drink in VIP?"

"Babe, come on, you can drink hot chocolate anywhere." Santana responds looking down at the menu herself. "Don't think I didn't notice that blush."

"I have np idea what you are referring to, Santana/" Brittany said, picking up the food menu. "So much choice!"

Santana shakes her head in amusement looking up at Brittany and can't help but feel butterflies flutter around in her stomach. She is so beautiful and Santana can't even begin to explain what the blonde means to her. How many people get to meet the love of their life in high school? She doesn't know many people that's for sure.

"Well they need to give us multiple choices, baby. Not everyone likes the same food."

"I'm terrible at making decisions though." Brittany states with a sigh. "It all looks so good. I might have the chicken salad."

Santana nods her head. "Chicken salad it is."

The two women chat amongst themselves whilst getting in a few kisses and touches before Carter comes back up to take their orders. He is doing a really good job actually saying that he's doing all of this off his own back. Santana went for a glass of water whilst Brittany kept to her hot chocolate choice. – unfortunately, they aren't old enough to buy alcohol. It doesn't matter though; they both know they will get to that in the future. Brittany can't help but keep glancing up at her girlfriend enjoying the fact that she is all hers. Santana is the reason they are so happy together – she helped her heal and never gave up on her. A lot of other people would.

"What you thinking about?"

Brittany shakes her head before entwining their fingers on the table. "About how lucky I am to have you and the fact you never gave up on me."

"I couldn't even if I wanted to – you are too important to me." Santana responded leaning across the table to kiss her softly. "Plus, I love you."

"I love hearing you say that," Brittany whispers, stroking Santana's cheek. "I love you so much and you know something?"

Sitting back down, Santana raises an eyebrow in curiosity. "What is it?"

"Zack would have loved you – I'm sure of it."

With that comment lingering in the air, Carter walked into the room with their drinks on a tray defusing the conversation but Brittany didn't miss the sentimental look on Santana's face.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Their night had to be one of the best – or at least one to add to their favorites list. They really were treated that night and the fact it was due to one man wanting to give them a night to remember. Brittany certainly wouldn't forget his face – not only that but Brittany happened to be right. He was homosexual too. It was pretty sweet to see another gay couple in Lima instead of them all hiding away which most of them do. Who can blame them though? For the first time since that incident Brittany was able to comfortable walk down the street with her girlfriend without being scared of someone coming up to them. After tonight Brittany knew they needed to be strong and the way to do that was to support and be there for one another – just like they did when they were confronting the man in Lima Bean. It felt really good to be walking through Lima with Santana – she knew her girlfriend felt the same way too.

They were currently sat on a cliff overlooking the city which looked beautiful all lit up. Yes, it was weird to say considering how bad it was. The couple were sat on a rock looking ahead – not speaking or touching. They didn't need it. The company was enough for them and it was nice to just enjoy the peace and quiet instead of the commotion of the city. Brittany looked up at the stars and knew Zack had been looking out for her the past few months – he definitely had something to do with Santana coming into her life. She had been alone for so long before. She would definitely have to thank him when she visits his grave again – maybe she could bring Santana along.

"Tonight, has been perfect," Santana begins, looking up at the stars too. "We haven't been out a lot and the fact that we not only got to be in public together without any comments, but we got a free dinner by a kind man who didn't agree with the way we got treated at the Lima Bean. How many people can say they got all of that in one night?"

Brittany turned her gaze to Santana shaking her head. "Not many I don't think. I'm happy I could give you a nice evening out for your eighteenth birthday. Sorry it's not overly excessive but, unfortunately for you, your girlfriend is broke."

Santana locks eyes with Brittany before blushing and looking back at the city lights. "You made this whole evening special. I've never really had a proper girlfriend until you came along. You make my life better."

"I just wanted to celebrate your eighteen years on this planet." Brittany stated before taking her hand and entwining their fingers. "You deserve that at the very least."

Santana squeezes Brittany's hand before resting her head on her shoulder – her other hand holds onto Brittany's arm lightly.

"I have the best right next to me."

Brittany smiles and kisses her head.

"Happy Birthday Santana."