A/N: Hello! I've been thinking about writing this one-shot for a little while, so here we are! Hope you enjoy. Let me know in the comments what you think, and/or if I should add a second part. As for my other story, I'm struggling to write it, but it is being written! Thanks for reading J
Santana places her checking bag by the front door. She puts her hands on her hips, as she examines everything she has packed. Her eyes her minimal amount of items, while she mentally goes through her checklist. Lost in her thoughts, she doesn't hear the sound of footsteps approach, and startles at the hand placed gently on her lower back.
"Ah, Jesus Britt. You scared." Santana rests her hand on her heart to stop the rapid beating. Brittany leans down slightly and plants a chaste kiss on Santana's cheek. Brittany places both arms around Santana, giving her a hug from behind. Santana spins in Brittany's arms, placing her arms around the blonde's neck giving her a tight hug.
"Sorry, baby. I should've known better." Brittany whispers into Santana's ear. Santana pulls back, a small smile on her face as she shakes her head. Brittany brings one hand up and gently smooths her thumb over her dimple, placing another kiss there.
"It's ok, honey. I'm working on it." They hug again, lingering for a moment before they pull back. Brittany's eyes shine with tears, but her beautiful smile is ever present.
"Are you ready to say goodbye?" Brittany asks quietly, hoping to broach the topic of departure, and 'see you later' as painlessly as possible. Santana sighs deeply, her face immediately contorting to sadness as the reality of their situation sets in. She nervously sweeps a hand through her hair as she nods her head 'yes'. Brittany takes Santana's chin between her thumb and forefinger, tenderly forcing her wife to look her in the eyes.
"We take the good with the bad, remember? You can do this. It'll be a hard 12 months, but I have all the confidence in the world that you'll come home to us. Then we get you for good." Brittany tries her hardest to be as fearless as possible, knowing Santana is wildly stressed, and undoubtedly scared. She has to be the faith Santana needs so she can get through this, and come back home safely to her family.
"Where are the troopers? Is Quinn still mad?" Santana looks behind Brittany, checking to see if there are any prying eyes, and snooping ears in the area. She cracks a smile remembering the 'book' Rachel gave her to read on the plane to Kuwait. The book handmade, and explaining all the reasons she is the best mama in the world, and a true hero. All in the words of a 6 year old, but a smart one at that.
"She's scared. They all are. Quinn just understands much better what's going on. But, she's so proud of you. You should hear the way she talks about you to her friends, and her teachers." Brittany's eyes glow with admiration, remembering the words of the teacher, at parent-teacher conferences. Quinn gave a lovely, praise filled presentation on her mama. Explaining her job as an trauma surgeon in the army, stationed at the time in Afghanistan on her second tour. "She'll come around. She's just more guarded than Rachel." Brittany takes Santana's hand in hers and kisses her knuckles. She leads her to the stairs to go and find their three children.
"I know. I hate how hard this is on them. I'm missing Blaine's third birthday, Rachel's seventh, our big girl is turning thirteen, and I won't be home for Christmas. I'm so sorry Britt, I really am." Her voice cracks as the extent of her departure weighs heavily on her heart. It's not the first time she's left, but with each tour, the time away from her family never gets easier. The guilt floods her every time she walks away from her family at the airport, all eyes bloodshot, and cheeks stained with tears. "I do this for them. I really hope they know that and grow to appreciate it in the future. Maybe they won't hate me as much when they realize that I've always wanted what's best, even if it means I can't be there a lot of the time." She swipes at the two tears that drip down her face. She takes a deep breath in as they hit the top step. She comes to a stop and looks Brittany in the eye.
"What do you need from me Britt? I'm not the only one that this whole trip is affecting. How can I support you? Even from a million miles away." She caresses Brittany's hands with her thumbs, the smooth skin of her hands sending shivers down Santana's spine. She memorizes every crease, wrinkle and feeling of her loves fingers, while she looks expectantly at the blue eyes in front of her. Taking in those gorgeous baby blues, as she commits to memory every aspect of Brittany's face.
"I just need you to come home to me, safe and sound. I'll take care of the rest from here. I want – no, I need you to make it back alive, so I can have you as my forever. Got it?" She puts out her hand, and Santana cheekily shakes it, a laugh bubbles from her chest at the cute gesture.
"You got it Cap!" She playfully salutes her wife, and Brittany gives her a sweet peck on the lips.
"I also need you to go wake up our brooding pre-teen, a hard task in and of itself. I got the other two." With one last lingering kiss to her lips, Santana turns around to enter the room. Brittany slaps her ass loudly and Santana squeals. She turns to look at Brittany who is walking down the hall, giggling quietly to herself.
Santana enters the room, and smirks at the lump that rests underneath a pile of blankets. She tip-toes her way into the room, settling on the side of the bed as lightly as possible. She gently pulls back the blanket to reveal a sleeping blonde. The light from the sun hitting the almost thirteen year old in a way that makes her look much younger. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are swollen, a sure sign that she had cried herself to sleep the night prior. Santana feels the guilt wash over her like a tidal wave. She bends down, and tenderly places kiss after kiss on the younger blondes head, the young girl's eyes fluttering slightly at the feeling. Santana rubs her hand up and down Quinn's back as she slowly tries to rouse the girl from her slumber.
"It's time to wake up, my sweet girl. We have to eat breakfast and then hit the road." She continues to her soft ministrations, as Quinn groans unwelcomely. She jerks her head away, and moves her body in the opposite direction from Santana, almost shunning her in a way. Santana looks up to the ceiling, trying helplessly to stop herself from breaking down in front of her child. The actions of the girl in front of her doing little to stop the flow of emotion on the surface trying to break through. She places one last kiss on the back of Quinn's head, and rubs her hand up and down her back a final time.
"Food will be ready in a few minutes, mommy is making chocolate chip pancakes, and bacon." She waits for a response after mentioning Quinn's favorite food, but inevitably doesn't receive one. "Please be downstairs in 10 minutes, baby." She waits for any signal from Quinn that she's going to respond. "I love you, honey." She gets up from the bed and walks over to the door. She takes a final glance at Quinn, and sighs quietly.
She shuts the door as carefully as possible, the door clicking shut behind her. She puts her back to the door, and slides down. She brings her knees to her chest, and rests her head on them as the tears from before fall silently down her cheeks. She gives herself a few minutes to cry, before she takes a deep breath in, wipes her face and dries her eyes. She walks into the bathroom splashes water on her face and gives herself a fake smile in the mirror. She can't freak her kids out with tears, and a despondent appearance on her last day home for a year. She leaves the bathroom, and makes her way to the kitchen, the fake smile from before plastered on her face as she goes to greet the rest of her family.
For her part, Quinn is doing everything in her power to not interact with her mom. She wants so badly to hold her, and beg her not to leave but she's so damn angry. She knows it's not her mom's fault, that she can't control when she's deployed, or for how long. That doesn't stop the sadness and bitterness she feels towards her job. The displaced anger at her mama, is more so fear of losing her forever. She knows what happens in the army, she's had friends who parents hadn't come back. The thought of never seeing her mama again makes her pull away even harder. The conflicting emotions of wanting to hold on tight, but pushing away makes the twelve year old nauseous. She doesn't know what to feel, but the easiest emotion she can decipher and deal with is anger. So that's the one she's going with for the day.
She slowly rises from the bed, and grabs the brush from her nightstand. She brushes her hair gingerly, as she weighs the pros and cons of staying in her room, begging her mom to let her stay home from taking Santana to the airport. The idea of not seeing her mama off giving her the urge to cry but watching her mama leave on that plane and possibly dying really does a number on her stomach. Each thought causing it to flip and twist before she has to stop or else she might vomit on her carpet.
She places the brush back down, and walks over to the closet. She picks her outfit for the day and slips it on as she decides what shoes to wear. The ones Santana and her bought together, on their bi-weekly 'mama-daughter' day, the perfect shoes to wear for the occasion. She may be ferociously mad at the situation, but if one small action can make her mama happy, then she'd do anything to see her smile.
She leaves her room, the mess in her room and unkempt bed will probably earn her a scolding when they get back from dropping Santana off. She brushes her teeth quickly, before she slowly makes her way down to the kitchen. She doesn't know why she feels so nervous. She slips into the kitchen quietly, unheard as the sound of loud, happy singing surrounds her. Her younger sister Rachel taking the solo, as they all belt out the words to Don't Stop Believing. Her mom playing air guitar as her mama dramatically lets loose on the air drum set. Her baby brother Blaine laughing maniacally at the antics of his family, not sure what's going on, but loving the music and laughter surrounding him.
It takes a minute or two for the family to be alerted of Quinn's presence. "Good morning, sleeping beauty! We're glad you decided to make an appearance!" Brittany's exclaims excitedly. She claps her hands together, a little bit of batter getting on her face from the spatula in her hand.
"Mommy, you're getting pancake all over you!" Rachel laughs behind her hand. Santana coming up behind her little brunette to tickler her sides. The young girl giggling uncontrollably at the action. "mama stop! I'm gonna pee!" Her face flushed with happiness.
"You gotta say it for me to stop! Say uncle, Rachel." Santana doesn't stop as Rachel is practically falling off the chair laughing so hard. Blaine slams his hands down on his high chair, as he pretends to play along.
"Uncle, mama. I say uncle!" Santana removes her hands, putting them up in a defensive pose, as if she wasn't just tickle attacking Rachel. Quinn chuckles lightly beside her mama and sister. Santana turns her attention to her younger blonde and smirks. Her eyebrow goes up in a challenge as she stalks closer to Quinn. The blonde inching away as she sees the daring look in Santana's eyes.
"And what's so funny, miss grumpy guts? Huh? You think I'm not gonna getcha?" She puts her hands out to start tickling Quinn, who practically falls off the chair in attempt to avoid the diabolical fingers of her mother. She nearly sprints over to Brittany, using her mom as a shield to prevent the attack from her mama. "Yeah, that's what I thought." Santana declares deviously, as she makes her way back to her seat at the island. Brittany gives Quinn a kiss on the head, as she peaks out behind her mom. Making sure that Santana has fully gone back to her seat before she makes her way to where she is sitting.
"Who's ready for breakfast? I made everyone's favorite." Brittany places a plate in front of each person. "Quinn, honey, can you grab a few cups and utensils please?' Quinn nods compliantly, avoiding eye-contact with her mama again, as she makes her way to the cabinets. For a few moments she'd forgotten everything she had been feeling, but it all came tumbling back down as the energy in the room dissipated slightly for breakfast.
"Bon appetite!" Brittany says happily, she sits down on the chair besides Blaine, cutting his pancakes into small pieces as the boy dances buoyantly in his seat. Chocolate chip pancakes a universal favorite in the Lopez-Pierce household. Quinn places her set of utensils down, and stares at her food hard. Her feelings of anger hitting her full force as she realizes this is the last breakfast with her mama for a whole year. She feels the dark, painful sting of tears in her eyes, but refuses to let them fall as she unyieldingly cuts her breakfast up. Santana notices from the corner of her eye, but decides to let her child be in her feelings, not wanting to spoil the happy morning everyone had been enjoying.
"Rachel, baby, I swear you get more food on your face than in your mouth." Santana chuckles freely. Rachel looks up at her moms, her face covered in chocolate and syrup, her eyes shining brightly as she tries to lick the remnants of her breakfast off her face. She goes back to 'eating' her food, and does a dramatic show of the food making it into her mouth and not just on her face. Santana takes a napkin and lightly dips it into the water, and moves to clean Rachel's face off. The young girl leaning into her mama's touch.
"Thank you, mama." Rachel says softly. She wraps a small arm around Santana, and leans her head on her shoulder. Santana kisses the crown of her head, holding her for a moment before she releases the young girl. Quinn looks out from the side of her eye, at the display of affection. She wants her mom to hold her too, but she knows if her mom even so much as touches her she'll lose it. The least she can do to make it easier is keep it together, at least until she is alone.
"Me too mama. Hug me too, mama!" Blaine chants gleefully. His hands coming down on the high chair table to get everyone's attention. Santana stands from her seat and comes down behind him.
"You want a hug, my little man?" He nods his head enthusiastically, as Santana showers kisses all over his face. "I think kisses are even better! What do you think Blaine you like my kisses?" She plants baby smooches all over his chubby cheeks, and forehead. Leaving no piece of his face untouched.
"Kiss more! More kisses mama!" He yells. She lifts him from the high chair and gently shakes him in the air as he roars in laughter. She gives him another round of kisses, leaving loud smacks after each other. She puts him on her hip for a moment, giving him a tight hug. He wiggles incessantly, as he tried to get out of his mamas grip. She sniffles for a second, before she pulls back and gives him a final kiss. She places him back in the high chair, his little feet swinging as he happily eats a piece of pancake Brittany holds up for him.
Brittany reaches out the hand not in use, to grab Santana's as she gives her a quick kiss on her knuckles. Santana bowing her head slightly at the action. Rachel puts her arm around her mama again to offer her more comfort.
Quinn feels the anger bubble in her chest, the whole situation making her irrationally mad. She abruptly gets up from her seat, the chair scrapping the floor, as the utensils clang on her plate from dropping them. "I'm full. I'll be upstairs if you need me." Before anyone can answer, or excuse her, she bolts from the room. She takes the stairs two-by-two to get as far away from everyone as possible. The whole family watches her leave. Rachel looks up at Santana sad, and confused as she feels the pain radiating off her sister in waves. Brittany moves to stand up and confront their daughter, but Santana stops her, taking her hand in her own.
"Give her a minute to calm down. She's overwhelmed and scared." Santana says gently. Brittany nods, but doesn't respond. She continues to feed Blaine, the air in the room shifting gravely, the tension rising as everyone silently finishes their breakfast. The proceedings of the day on the forefront of everyone's minds.
Brittany stacks the empty plates up, as Santana cleans Blaine's face. Tickling his neck as she wipes the chocolate and syrup from his lips. Rachel stands at Santana's side, leaning against her hip, the closeness helping her to feel more at ease. Brittany places the dirty plates in the sink, to be washed later and walks over to her kids and wife. She lifts Blaine from the chair, placing him on the floor. She ruffles Rachels hair gently, and smooths it back out, running her fingers through her soft locks.
"Rachel, honey, why don't you and Blaine go watch a little TV in the living room. Pick out a movie. Mama and I are gonna go talk to Quinn." Rachel grabs Blaine's hand and makes her way to the living room. Before she steps over the threshold, she lets go and walks back over to her mom. She lifts her arms up, almost in demand of a hug. Santana kneels down to Rachels height, and puts her arms around her waist, as Rachel settles her arms around Santana's neck.
They stay like that for a minute, Santana caressing Rachels hair, and her daughter buries her face in her neck. She feels the wetness of tears on her shoulder and pulls back slightly. She takes the small face in her hands and uses her thumbs to wipe away Rachel tears. Rachel places her head back down on her mama's shoulder, the comfort both protecting her and making her cry. She doesn't know how she can go a year without her hugs.
"I'm really gonna miss you mama. I love you a lot." Rachel says almost inaudibly. Santana pulls Rachel back gently so she can look her in the eye.
"I know, baby. But we can do this. I know we can. Because we're the Lopez-Pierce's and we can do anything. And when I come back – because I will be back, you bet your little butt I expect all the snuggles, cuddles, hugs, kisses, songs, dances; you name I want it from you! You got it?" Rachel nods her head earnestly, and gives her mom a kiss. She turns around to join Blaine in the living room, Santana patting her bottom encouragingly.
"You ready Britt?" Santana rises to her full height, and shakes her head to try and rid the thoughts of sadness, and helplessness. She needs to be strong for her kids and wife. Brittany takes her hand, giving her the strength she needs to talk to Quinn. They anticipate the conversation to be terse.
Walking hand in hand, Brittany and Santana make their way to their eldest daughters room, the door slightly ajar, as she didn't fully close it in her rush from breakfast. Brittany pokes her head into the room, knocking on the door softly as she does. She doesn't get any response from Quinn who is laying down with her back towards from the door. They enter the room, Santana slightly trailing behind Brittany as they go to sit on the bed.
Quinn shifts from her position, sitting up with her knees to her chest and her head resting on her knees. Santana smooths her hand down Quinn's back, feeling the younger blonde stiffen from the contact. She pushes a lock of hair that had fallen behind Quinn's ear, and moves her hand down her face to trace the profiles of her cheek. She places a chaste kiss on Quinn's head before she scooches closer to Quinn to wrap her arms around her.
Quinn sits limply in her mom's arms, the feeling of her being near her both ripping her apart but keeping her together.
"Love bug, we need to talk." Brittany starts first. Quinn looks over to her mom, shifting up from her spot so she can actually look at her. She sighs heavily, but nods her head in concession. "Bub, we know you're scared, and sad and probably very angry, about mama leaving. But we really need you to talk to us." They both look at Santana, Brittany gives her a small smile. Quinn looks down at her hands as she wrings them out in front of her.
"I'm scared too. But I'm mostly devastated that I'll be gone for so long. I think the most important thing I want you to know is, is that I'm doing this to help keep you safe. The sacrifice I make by not getting to be with you guys every day, is so I can keep you, mommy your brother and sister and the rest of our country protected. I know you know that." Santana exhales, unhappy with her explanation.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is that, I understand why you feel the way you do. You have every right to be upset, and angry, mad at me or my job or the world, but you need to know I don't do this job lightly. You understand how important this job is, I know you do." She takes another deep breath, and looks Quinn directly in the eye "Never forget that I do it all for you kids. And I will do everything in my power to come home to you all."
Quinn nods her head again, tears sliding down her nose, she tries hard to not let her face crumple completely, she wants to keep it together.
"I just don't want you to die." She cries quietly. Santana places her head on Quinn's, Brittany moves closer to the both of them to hold them. "Hannah's daddy was deployed, and he didn't come back. And I know you've come back every time, but what if this time is different? What if you get killed? Who will make my bacon the right way, or scare all the boys away? You won't be here for my junior dance, or for my graduation from 8th grade. I don't want you to go mama! Please don't leave me." The previous slow tear pick up the pace as Quinn crumbles under her moms' arms. She gasps for air as her body trembles from the sheer force of her sobs. Santana takes her baby into her arms, rocking the small girl, Brittany holding the both of them.
Santana whispers as much reassurance as she can, as she tries her hardest not to cry with her daughter. She knows she can't guarantee a safe return, and while she also knows all possible measures to keep everyone safe is taken, shit does still happen, and people even–trauma surgeons like herself– are still in danger. Brittany is at a loss for words, because she feels the same way. Being outwardly supportive is easier when she actively tries to not remind herself of the risk of Santana's job. So she holds them both, and hopes that her arms provide comfort to her two hurting loves.
"I know baby, I know how hard it is. But every single possible safety measure is taken when it comes to keeping us safe. I won't deny that crazy things don't happen, and that there isn't a risk when it comes to being deployed, but I can promise you that I will try my very, very hardest to make it home to you guys. I love you all way too much to not come back." She snuggles Quinn further into her chest, the young blonde still heaving violently. The force of her sobs subsiding slightly.
"And while I'm gone, I know you have the absolute best person in your corner. Mommy will keep you safe, just like my buddies will keep me safe. She'll love you enough for the both of us– hell she'll love you enough for me, her and everyone in the world combined." She pulls Quinn away from her somewhat to look at her in her eyes. "we'll talk as much as I can. I'll email you, and send you pictures and letters and we can skype sometimes. Before you know I'll be home, annoying you and your siblings again soon. Ok, baby?" Quinn moves her head back to her mom's chest, but nods in acceptance.
"Ok, mama. I love you so much." She mumbles. Brittany strokes Quinn's hair putting multiple kisses on the back of her hair.
"I love you more, my angel." They all hold each other for a few more minutes before Quinn extracts herself from her mama's arms. Santana gets up from the bed, and smooths out her shirt. She wipes Quinn's face with her hands, and pats down her hair.
"Go wash your face, baby girl, then meet us downstairs. We have to leave soon." Brittany says gingerly. She places a final kiss on Quinn's cheek, who complies with Brittany's request. She leaves the room, both moms watching her as she goes. Brittany takes Santana into her arms, as she shutters under Brittany's hold.
"If that was the home goodbye, imagine what the actual one at the airport is going to be like." Santana chuckles humorlessly. She buries her face in Brittany's neck, who holds her tighter never wanting to let go. They release their hold from each other and make their way downstairs to get ready to leave for the airport.
Brittany pulls the car up to the parking spot in the garage, her and Santana exit the car and both make their way to the trunk. Rachel and Quinn get out of the car, coming up behind their moms to help them hold stuff.
"It's ok, baby. Go take Blaine from his seat, the girls and I got it." Brittany says. Rachel nods enthusiastically behind her, and Quinn gives her mama a thumbs up. Santana makes her way to the passenger side of the car, opening the door to a passed out Blaine. She giggles lightly at his opened mouth, and chin full of drool, her eyes getting misty thinking about not being able to see this for a year. She unbuckles his car seat and as gently as possible takes him into her arms.
He settles his head on her shoulder, his arms coming to rest around her neck as she dozes back into a deep sleep. She rubs his back soothingly, lovingly running her fingers through his messy hair. She sings a quiet lullaby into his ear, and rocks him gently. Brittany shuts the door to the trunk, Santana's carryon in her arms as Quinn pulls the suitcase behind her. Santana comes up next to Brittany and takes her free hand, their two kids flanking on either side of them grabbing onto their arms.
They enter into the airport, right before security, the three of them standing by the kiosk to check Santana's bag. She places the tag on her carry-on, and puts it on the moving conveyor belt. With her bag checked, and her carryon in Brittany's arms, the last thing she needs to do is say goodbye.
She snuggles Blaine even closer to her chest, his goodbye the easiest, as his perception of time is slightly limited. She kisses his face, over and over again, smelling his hair, and remembering the soft feel of his baby skin.
"I love you, my sweet boy. I'll miss you, so much but I know your mommy is gonna take the best care if you ever." She plants one last big kiss on his face, and she hands him over to Brittany. She kneels down to Rachels level, taking the little girl into her arms.
Rachel looks up to Santana, her eyes already bloodshot, as she wraps her arms around her mama hard. She cuddles into her chest, and takes a deep breath in.
"Please come home, mama. Ok? There are so many songs we have to sing together. So you have to come home. Ok?" The words come out muffled from her position in her mom's arms. Santana nods her head, giving Rachel the same treatment of kisses as she did to Blaine.
"I'll do my very, very best, just for you guys." She sniffles, and wipes her eyes discreetly. She pulls back to look at Rachel, using her thumb to wipe her tears. "You watch out of your sister for me, ok? You're my big, strong, oh so very talented girl. Never ever forget how proud I am of you ok. Please never stop being the kind, generous and sweet as the most delicious cotton candy–that I know mommy sneaks you at night– girl I know." They both giggle at the admission, Brittany rolls her eyes but doesn't disagree.
"I'll still be all those things when you come home, just hopefully a few inches taller." She says cheekily. Santana laughs a real laugh for the first time since their morning.
"I don't even want you to get taller. I love my little baby at this height. You're the perfect height for hugs!" She takes Rachel back into her arms, rocking her again as she nuzzles Rachel's hair. They break apart and Rachel reaches up to Santana's cheek to wipe the remainder of tears.
"I love you so much, I don't think you'll ever know how much you mean to me." Santana say's passionately.
"I love you too mama, so much! Thank you for being the best mama in the world, and for helping keep us safe, even if it does hurt when you're gone." Santana gives her a final hug, Rachel retreating back to her mom, burying her body into Brittany's side as she cries.
Santana stands up to her full height, Quinn stepping a few feet closer, almost nervously as she gets ready to say her goodbye. Santana wraps her arms around Quinn, her head coming up to her mama's chest. She presses the side of the face into her mama, as she holds her tightly. Santana runs her hand up and down Quinn's hair, the two of the, holding each other for a moment before the release.
"I will do my very, very best– as I said to Rachel, to make my way back home to you. I am so proud of you Quinn, the woman you are, and the woman I know you're going to be. I'm in awe of your strength, and resilience, you truly amaze me." Quinn looks up to her mama, tears leak out of her face, but she's determined not to sob.
"It's ok to cry, my sweet girl." She takes Quinn back into her arms, who cries quietly her resolve weakening.
"Mama, I'm really proud of you too. I get to tell the whole world that you're protecting our country and that's pretty cool. Thank you." Quinn sniffles, she doesn't bother to wipe her face, as she knows she won't stop crying for a little while.
"You really are incredible Quinn." She rocks her baby in her arms for a few more moments, both holding on tightly, committing everything about each other to memory. Quinn lets go first, and Santana strokes her cheek, place a kiss to each cheek, her forehead and her nose.
"I love you baby, I love you so much." Quinn walks back to Brittany, who had moved away slightly to give Santana space to say goodbye, without feeling encroached upon. She takes Blaine from her moms, Brittany's arms falling limply at her sides Santana's departure hits her like a ton of bricks.
"baby, can you go take Rachel and Blaine to the café over there?" She hands Quinn $20, who gladly accepts the change, taking her little sisters hand in her own. They walk over to the café and sit down, watching their moms' from afar. Blaine drowsy in Quinn's arms, Rachel basically attached to her hip.
"Santana, I'm telling you right now, you need to come home. I cannot do this without you. Please come home to me baby, please. I need you." They embrace each other, holding on to dear life for what could be more than a year without physical contact.
"You need to promise me that you will make it home. The kids need their mama, and I need you by my side. Santana, I can't– I don't– I won't do this without you. Do you understand me." She takes Santana's head into her hands, forcing eye contact. Santana bows her head, the words about to leave her mouth tasting foul.
"Britt, you know I can't promise you anything. I will try my best, honey. I promise to do whatever I can to make it home. Anything to be close to you again" She says regretfully. Brittany shakes her head, the tears coming out in a steady flow, her nose running and face flushed.
"That's not good enough. I need a solid promise that I'm not going to have to raise our babies alone. Please Santana, please. I'll get on my knees and beg, please baby, please." She wraps her arms around Santana again, feeling like an idiot for breaking down like this. She's supposed to be strong, keeping it together, reassuring her wife that they'll be together again soon. Rather, she's sobbing into her lovers arms begging her to come home to her safely.
"Brittany, I'm so sorry. I'll try my hardest, and very best to come home. Baby, you have my word that I will never leave you, or our precious kids without a fight." She places kiss after kiss on Brittany's lips, their tears mingling with each peck.
"I love you Santana. I love you times infinity. You are my world, and I am so proud to stand by you and be your wife. You truly inspire me every day." They hold each other, standing there for moments before they break apart. Santana beckons the kids over the wave of her hand, the kids speed walking to her.
"Brittany, you and our kids are the light of my life. Thank you, thank you for making me so happy and giving me the chance to love you. I love you, more than words." Rachel latches onto Santana side, giving her one last hug, Santana kneeling down slightly to place a series of kisses over her face and whisper her words of love.
She kisses Quinn all over again, her eldest shying away slightly from the affection, but grinning at her mom. She moves to the last of her kids, Blaine who sits awake in Brittany's arms. His smile infectious as he wiggles around to move into Santana's arms. She takes him into her arms tickling him mercilessly, before she showers their baby with love. She gives him back to Brittany, and picks up the duffle at her feet. Blaine whines in protest, stretching his arms back to Santana to hold him.
"Alright my beautiful family, I will try and call as soon as I can. I love you all so much, you're more world, and I will see you all later." She starts to walk away, keep her front towards her family as she waves goodbye, and blows kisses to them.
"Bye mama! We love you. I love you! See you soon!" Rachel yells after her. She catches every kiss her mom sends, placing them in her pocket for when she misses her and wants a kiss.
"Bye mama, stay safe please! I love you." Quinn calls after her. She turns her attention away from her mama, her chest aching as she watches her walk away.
"Mama no! mama, mama come back. Mama NO! Mama please. Mama!" Blaine cries after her. His little fist balled into the air as he watches his mom walk away, not understanding why she was leaving them. He sobs after her, begging her to come back. Santana blows more kisses yells more love, and hopes that her family can hear her as she walks further away.
"Bye honey! I love you, I love you, I love you! Proudly so! Stay safe, baby." Brittany waves to Santana, blowing kisses in her direction as well. She takes Rachels hand in her own, and cuddles Blaine close to her chest, the little boy still crying.
"It's ok B! I'll take care you until mama comes home." Rachel tells him passionately. He looks down at her, nods his head, but doesn't stop crying. Quinn lifts Rachel into her arms– something she rarely does, and holds her close as the family of four walk to their car to leave the airport.
In her seat on the plane Santana sits with her head in her hands. She had tried so hard to hold it together for everyone. But the reality came crashing full force the moment she sat down. The picture of her family she keeps in her wallet, weathered in her hands as she holds them close to her chest, muffling the sound of her crying using her shoulder. She drifts off the sleep, her babies and beautiful wife on her mind. Only 365 days until she would see them again.
AN: Thank you guys for reading! Please reply and let me know what you think. If a lot you guys want a second part (homecoming?) I will definitely write it, but if it's not requested, or people aren't into this story than I can leave it at this! Also I apologize for the mistakes, i finished it pretty late so my proofreading is subpar. Thank you again for reading!