Thank you for the reviews and alerts, etc. Thank you so much for reading, I really LOVE to write, like SO much. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have someone read it. It's more than appreciated.

Kisses

-Dee


Quinn Fabray was beautiful. She was gorgeous really. And she was temptation in a five foot six package. As alluring as the woman was, Santana couldn't even begin to think about pursuing anything with her. Firstly, she was in a relationship, secondly, and far more importantly, she was her daughter's best friend's mom. She wasn't positive but she figured that wouldn't bode well with her daughter. Although Ana was only six, she had the mind of an individual far older. The conversations she had with her daughter would often amaze her. Particularly when they had their first discussion about sexuality and why she had two moms. Ana understood what gay and straight was, she even had a clear understanding of bisexuality. The little girl was wise beyond her years and Santana knew that if she had even the slightest chance with Quinn, her daughter wouldn't approve. She'd probably argue that them dating could be detrimental to her and Beth's friendship, if things went south then that could affect the girls. Santana didn't need her daughter to inform her of the inevitable complexities that'd accompany pursuing Quinn, she was well aware. Thankfully she did have a girlfriend and even though Quinn made her heart race, she could hide behind her relationship.

Problem was, Quinn did these little things that drove Santana wild. She quirked her eyebrow when she wanted to say something but chose not to. She scrunched her nose when she laughed too hard. She had perfect posture and chastised Beth and Ana when they would slouch. She pursed her lips when she painted. She danced when there was no music playing. She loved her daughter and she loved Ana just as much. She was incredibly strong and the smartest woman Santana had ever met. She didn't take anything too seriously and she played with the girls like she was their age. They'd play hide and seek, freeze tag, water gun battles, laser tag. Santana wouldn't join, she'd just watch the woman and two girls play. Quinn drove her up a wall with her utter adorableness, and effortless sexiness.

The two little girls hating being apart, so over the past year, Quinn and Santana saw a lot of each other. Sometimes Quinn would take the girls and sometimes Santana would, but for the most part, they did everything together, the four of them. Sometimes Amber would come and sometimes Gabby, but never together. This lead to Quinn and Santana becoming exceptionally close, and even spending time together without their daughters. The first time they spent any alone time together was a day Santana was having a bit of a battle with her latest book about seven months prior. Since Quinn was the inspiration behind a lot of the content, she called her to ask for her assistance. It was mid afternoon during a school day. Quinn invited her over stating she was painting and couldn't leave her home without it finished. When Santana arrived Quinn took her into what she'd made her art studio. Quinn tried to start a conversation but Santana shushed her and told her to keep painting. Santana pulled out her laptop and began to type, periodically looking up at Quinn. Just being in her presence flooded her with inspiration. She could refrain from being romantic with the woman but after that day, she couldn't stay away from Quinn, not even if she tried. Without even realizing it, Quinn had become her muse.

There were many more days like that one where Santana would sit in Quinn's art room while she painted and she'd type on her laptop. It became a routine for them since Quinn still wasn't working and Santana could work from anywhere she chose. Some days they'd talk, other's, absolutely no words were exchanged. Just lingering looks and shy smiles.

That wasn't the only thing that was routine between the women. Everyday, even days they didn't spend together, they'd go to the school, get the girls, and let them play in the park for an hour or so. That was until it got too cold and they started heading to the YMCA. The girls would run off and play while Santana and Quinn found a place to sit and chat. One of Santana's favorite customs was the one they started last April. The four of them decided to go see the cherry blossom exhibit at Fairmount park. Ana suggested they do it every year forever to which the other three happily agreed. The women also kept the ice cream tradition going. On the last day of kindergarten the four of them headed to Baskin Robbins and celebrated one year down. Then on the first day of first grade, a couple of weeks ago, they all shared Cotton candy flavored ice cream.

Quinn was beautiful, sweet, intelligent, sexy, loving, and completely off-limits. It's not like Santana didn't love her girlfriend, she did, but there was a pull she felt towards Quinn. Something unlike anything she'd ever felt. She tried to ignore the fact that Quinn probably felt it too. The looks they shared and the sometimes unnecessary touching. Not to mention the blushing. But Santana loved it, the woman blushed so easily. None of what she felt or thought about Quinn mattered. Nothing could happen between them and she accepted that fact. Santana was just grateful to have Quinn in her life at all.

Another tradition that's formed is Quinn taking Ana and Beth to New York for any one of Marley's kid's birthdays. This weekend they were celebrating her oldest's ninth birthday. Santana wanted to go but she didn't think she could handle being around Marley again.


"Thank you so much for helping set up, you're a lifesaver."

"Anything for Beth, you know that." Santana meant every word. Beth had become a part of her family and so had Quinn.

"I'm here, the party can begin!" The unfamiliar voice startled Santana. A very short, very pretty brunette walked into the living room. "Oh, and who do we have here." Santana was nearly blinded by the brightness of the woman's mega watt smile.

"I'm Santana." She offered her hand which the woman accepted.

"I'm Rachel, Quinn's only friend." Quinn scoffed.

"You're not her only friend, what about Beth?" Santana asked teasingly. They shared a laugh while hazel eyes shot daggers at the both of them.

"I have friends thank you very much. It's so nice to see you two getting along already, at my expense."

"Oh don't be a baby." Rachel sat down the mountain of bags she'd carried in with her.

"Does Beth really need all that."

"I have to spoil her, it's in the Godmother guidelines. So...this is the famous Santana?"

"Famous?" The blush that spread across Quinn's face peaked Santana's curiosity even more. "She talks about me?"

"Oh sure. She, oomph." Whatever Rachel was going to say was halted by the bag Quinn shoved in her chest.

"Take that and put it on the table, along with the rest of these." She gestured to all the bags on the floor, some Rachel's some Santana's. She'd done her own amount of shopping for the birthday girl. Although she wanted to know what Quinn was saying about her behind her back, she decided to wait til later to question Rachel.

"Anyway," Rachel said as she placed another bag on the table reserved for gifts. "Where's my birthday girl?"

"She's taking a nap with Ana."

"Oh, your little one right?" She looked at Santana. "She's adorable, and she looks exactly like you."

"You've met her?" She asked, curious.

"Plenty. She and Beth are joined at the hip so whenever Quinn's brought Beth in the last few months, Ana was right there with her. She's a sweetheart, and my boys love her."

"Thank you, that's very sweet." Santana didn't mind that Rachel had been around her daughter, she trusted Quinn.

"Where are my godsons anyway?" Quinn questioned.

"With their father, the party isn't due to start for another hour right?" Rachel looked at her phone for the time.

"Right."

"Well then he'll be here in two, Nate has no clue how to be punctual."

"Speaking of children," Santana said. "I'll go check on ours, excuse me." Santana walked towards Beth's room, leaving Rachel and Quinn. She peaked her head in and both girls were sound asleep. The girl's were adorably spooning with a teddy bear between them. Santana quietly closed the door and headed back to the living room. She stopped dead in her tracks when she heard what Quinn and Rachel were talking about in her absence.

"Holy fuck Quinn!"

"I know. Shh, she's just in the other room."

"Who cares if she hears me, I'm sure she knows how hot she is. I mean my God that woman is drop dead gorgeous. No wonder you can't stop talking about her."

"Shut up, I don't talk about her that much and she and I aren't even...like that."

"Please, you talk about her so much you don't even realize you're doing it. And the only reason you aren't hittin that is because you're chicken."

"More like she's in a committed relationship and our little ones are best friends. So shut your mouth."

"I truly do not understand you lesbians." Santana heard Quinn groan in frustration.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means, women don't have to worry about getting each other pregnant...you two should be humping like rabbits." Explained Rachel.

"What part of she's in a relationship don't you understand."

"What are you hiding?"

"What?"

"You're hiding something, you keep deflecting the subject of sex."

"Don't psycho analyze me Rachel." Just then Santana remembered that Rachel was a psychologist. There was a pause before she heard Rachel respond.

"All I'm saying is that she's a hot piece of ass."

"Will you quit it!" Quinn said harshly but in a hushed voice. "Santana is so much more than a pretty face. She's talented, charming, generous, a great mom. She's not just a..."

"I knew it."

"You knew what?"

"You really..."

Knowing that what she'd heard so far was probably way more than Quinn wanted to hear she decided to make herself known before Rachel could finish her thought. "Those little demons are out like a light, but so cute. Santana is holding Beth with Mr. Giggles in between them."

"I'll never understand why Beth named her bear that. Children confuse me." Rachel said.

"How so." Quinn wondered. Her tone was neutral and both her and Rachel acted as if they weren't just engaging in a heated debate.

"Well, the bear clearly doesn't giggle. What's the correlation?"

"She's six Rach." Quinn said flatly.


The women were just about done when the girls came into the room. Ana's always cranky when she first wakes up so she walked over to Santana and held her arms open to be held. In contrast Beth was fully re-energized and ran over to Rachel, shouting her name. They hugged for a long time before Beth pulled her over to where Ana and Santana were cuddling on the couch. Ana greeted Rachel and Santana could tell that her little girl like Beth's godmom. Beth hopped on the couch and snuggled close to Santana. Ana was on her right and Beth was on her left and the two little girls held hands on Santana's lap. She felt so content with her two favorite little people huddled closely. She thought about the numerous times the four of them been out and people would mistake them for a family. She and Quinn always played along and joked about it after, but with those two girls in her arms, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if they really were a family.

Guests started to arrive shortly after the girls awoke from their nap. Beth was so excited she got up and dragged Ana with her to greet everyone. Santana recognized some parents and children from Beth and Ana's class. The rest were friends and family of Quinn, which Beth proudly introduced to Santana and Ana. A blonde woman with a toddler on her hip came in, followed by three other children and a tall woman with auburn hair. Beth ran to the woman with darker hair and leapt into her arms. The woman refered to her as little Quinn instead of by her name but no one seemed to mind. The blonde smiled and waited patiently. Quinn walked over and the blonde tensed up. Suddenly Santana realized who the family of six was. Marley, her wife Brittany and their four kids. Two of the children, Brittany clearly gave birth to. They looked exactly like their mother, they were adorable. Santana watched Quinn give Brittany an awkward hug and then give Marley a long, loving hug. She took the smallest child from Brittany's arms and held her over her head, making faces at her. The little girl giggled and squirmed. When Quinn pulled her back down and hugged her the girl kissed her.

Santana didn't get a chance to meet Marley or Brittany right away. Brittany was immersed in her picture taking and Marley was looking over their four children. Sitting observing everyone and keeping to herself was more Santana's speed anyway. People and their behaviors fascinated her from an early age and the fixation only grew with time. The fact that Brittany didn't like Quinn much might be unnoticeable to the untrained eye, but Santana could tell immediately. Marley's feelings toward Quinn were even more obvious. Santana was pretty sure she understood why Brittany might not be too found of her wife's good friend. She wasn't sure how'd she feel if her wife dropped everything to go to a different state to comfort the woman who broke her heart a decade earlier. Santana sympathized with Brittany and found herself respecting the blonde. Even though she wasn't Quinn's biggest fan, she put aside her dislike for her to be there for Beth.

Gabby showed up within minutes of Amber. The two in the same room was never exactly pleasant. Amber didn't approve of she and Gabby's "alternative" lifestyle, but minded her business for the most part. Santana hoped no drama would occur on the little girl's sixth birthday.

After they sung the birthday song and Beth dove into her pile of presents, Santana stood outside on Quinn's balcony, enjoying the July heat. Summer had always been her favorite time of the year ever since she was little. Her and the neighborhood kids would open up the fire hydrant and play in the water. Santana grew up in the heart of south Philly and although they didn't struggle mightily, they didn't have much. So those hot July and August days, she'd take pleasure in playing in her version of a pool in the middle of the street.

Marley interrupted her reminiscing when she joined her on the balcony, closing the door behind her.

"I don't think we've been properly introduced." She held out her hand for Santana to shake. "I'm Marley."

"Santana, nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you."

"Likewise." The way she said it instantly made Santana uncomfortable. "Actually she can't stop talking about you and your brilliant books." Now Santana was truly curious. Rachel claimed that Quinn spoke of her often and now Marley was stating the same. She wondered if she herself talks of Quinn frequently without even realizing it. She made a mental note to pay attention to the amount of times she mentions her.

"Oh yeah? You haven't read?"

"Apparently I'm like the only one. Listen Santana, I don't know what's going on between you and Quinn..."

"There's nothing going on between Quinn and I." Santana was past agitated.

Marley let out a bitter, disbelieving chuckle, shaking her head. "I see the way you look at her, I'm not blind."

Although this woman had no right to be in her face, discussing Quinn, she made Santana take a moment to step back and evaluate her interactions with the woman who had become a close friend. There was an undeniable, unwanted desire, but she tried to ignore it. There were those sweet smiles and lingering stares, but they never spoke of them. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she might not have been as discreet as she would have like, which made her even more uncomfortable.

"I really don't know what you're talking about Marley, we're just friends."

"Yeah whatever. Look, she's still very fragile, you shouldn't even begin to think..."

She had to cut her off again. "Why does what's going through my head have anything to do with you. It's really none of your business."

"Quinn is my business and I don't want to see her get hurt." She stated nastily.

"Or you don't want to see her with anybody else but you." That shut Marley up. "There is nothing between us except friendship and even if there was, which there isn't, it still wouldn't concern you. You're married with four kids, focus on them." Santana spat.

"Don't tell me..." The sliding door opening stopped Marley mid sentence and Quinn's face stopped Santana from slapping her. Win, win.

"Hey, there you guys are, we're playing musical chairs, per Beth's request of course, come back in." Quinn was even more chipper than usual and Santana found it endearing. Then she felt guilty for thinking that especially after the confrontation she'd just had with Quinn's ex.

"Yeah, right behind you." Marley glared at her over her shoulder but Santana ignored it and followed them back into the apartment.


"Did you have a good time kiddo?" Quinn questioned Beth as they gathered up her gifts.

"Yes mommy it was the bestest birthday ever."

"I'm glad." Santana, Ana, and Quinn all picked up their share of gifts to take into Beth's room.

"Bethany?" Quinn never called her daughter by her name. In fact, Santana was certain this was only the third time she had ever heard Quinn use the little girls given name.

"Yes." Beth said timidly.

"Why is your room such a mess. Quinn stood in the middle of the room while Santana and Ana hung back near the doorway. "Come here." She sat down the gifts she was carrying and Beth did the same. "Why isn't your room clean? I told you to clean it before you two laid down."

"I know, but we fell asleep."

"Didn't you tell me you were going to clean before you did anything else?"

"Yes."

"So then why didn't you?" Beth hung her head and shrugged. "If a person doesn't have their word?"

"They don't have anything." Beth finished.

"Do you know what that means or are you just giving me lip service?"

"It means that when I say something out my mouth, it should be the truth and I should follow through."

"If you know what it means, why did you give me your word then do the opposite."

"I can help her clean up." Ana spoke up.

"Why didn't you help earlier?" It was Ana's turn to hang her head and shrug. "What were you two doing that you couldn't clean?" She looked back and forth between the best friends. Santana simply observed the interaction between the three.

"Ana, Beth, when you tell me or anyone else you're going to do something, you do it." Quinn said sternly. "Do you understand?" Both of them nodded. "Good. Now, seeing as how you helped her make this mess, you definitely will be assisting her in cleaning it up. I can't believe you left your room like this knowing we were having company. Silly me didn't think to check your room because I had your word you'd clean it. Since you didn't, you two will clean it now, put all these toys away and go straight to bed. Tomorrow, Ana will be going home."

"Nooooooo!" Beth cried out. Ana put her arm around her shoulder and looked like she was about to cry too. Santana almost couldn't believe how attached they were but then again they are both only children.

"I don't want to hear it and I don't want puppy dog eyes from either of you. Kid, Ana," Quinn bent down in front of them as she spoke in a softer tone. "Keeping your word is the most important thing you can do. Now I understand that sometimes things can get in the way, but this isn't one of those times. Don't either of you complain to me because I could send Ana home tonight. I'm not just because it's your birthday but you need to be taught a lesson."

"I understand mommy and I'm sorry, can't Santana stay? Please mommy?" Ana hadn't been anywhere but Quinn's in four days and before that she spent a week at Amber's. Santana was thrilled to have her little girl spend time at home but then again was apprehensive. Ana was always so miserable without Beth, so she knew she'd have a cranky Ana on her hands.

"I'm sorry kid, the answer's no."

"But Miss Q..."

"Santanita, what did Quinn say?" Ana turned around to her mother then back to Quinn who stood up straight. "You two do what Quinn said and get ready for bed, no goofing around."

"Okay." They said together then split apart, starting on the mess they'd made.

"And kid?" Beth looked up at her mother. "Did you put aside all the toys you don't play with anymore to give to the Ronald McDonald house tomorrow?" Beth nodded. "Good, don't forget to set aside one of your new gifts too." Quinn walked out the room and so did Santana, closing the door behind her.

"You don't think you were a little hard on them? It is Beth's birthday."

"Santana, there are only four reason's I punish her, if she messes up in school, if she doesn't keep her word, if she disrespects herself or anyone else, or if she lies. You've known me long enough to know that and I don't care if it's Christmas, she's still getting punished." Quinn picked up a thrash bag and started cleaning up. Santana did the same. They both worked in silence for a bit before Santana brought up what she'd been dying to talk to Quinn about.

"You know Marley is still in love with you right?" Quinn didn't move for a couple of beats then resumed straighten up.

"Why would you say that?"

"So you do know?" She stated more than asked.

"She's married."

"Doesn't mean she isn't still madly in love with you."

"I don't think so." She wasn't exactly convincing Santana that she had the wrong idea.

"I know so." She paused but Quinn didn't say anything else. "Do you still have feelings for her?"

"She'll always have a special place in my heart but no, not anymore."

"Oh. Well, I'm pretty sure she'd drop her wife like a bad habit if you gave her the smallest glimmer of hope."


Yes, the woman who once shared Quinn's bed was very much still in love with her, much to the dismay of Santana. She knew she had no right to feel that way but it didn't stop her. And she had no desire to be around a hostile Marley on her home turf so allowing Quinn and the girls to go without her wasn't a tough call. Her alone time with Gabby had been lacking due to her touring and promoting her latest book "The Human Condition: Death. So having the house all to themselves was a God send.

Gabby had a romantic lunch all set up by the time Santana returned from dropping Ana off at Quinn's. As she walked towards her girlfriend, she envisioned Quinn, which was more than distracting. That had happened more and more lately. When she dropped her daughter off, Quinn had taken her breath away with the simple cardigan and jeans ensemble she had on. Shaking images of Quinn away, she hugged her girlfriend. Gabby pulled out her chair and lit two long, white candles at their dinning room table. She hurried to the kitchen and returned with a plate of spaghetti and shrimp, Santana's favorite. The only noise was the soft jazz music playing in the background and Santana's moans of approval with each bite.

"Damn babe, you put your foot in this." She placed another fork full in her mouth.

"Thanks." She smiled and stood up. "More wine?"

"Yes please." Gabby refilled her glass and bent down to peck her lips. Once they pulled apart, Santana took a swig of her wine. She looked up to see Gabby giving her an intense look, one that was normally reserved for sexy times. Santana pulled on Gabby's shirt to bring her closer. Gabby bent back down to capture her lips. At first the kiss was slow, and soft. Soon it turned into frenzied and rough. Quinn completely forgotten, Santana grabbed Gabby by her waist to pull her down into her lap, but Gabby parted from her lips and stood up quickly.

"What's wrong babe?"

"There's something very serious that we need to discuss, then we can have sex. Hopefully celebratory sex?"

"Okay. What's up?"

"Santana, I love you and I love Ana so much. I really think we make a great pair. In fact, I think we're the perfect pair." Gabby put her hand on Santana's cheek as a small smile formed on her lips. "You're the only woman I've ever been with that makes me want this."

"Want what?"

"This." Gabby looked around the spacious dinning room. "Us. A home, a family. I've sort of always lived life never knowing or caring what happened next. Somewhere along the way, I started to care. You made me care."

"Aw baby, that's so sweet. Is that why you made us this lovely lunch? To show me how much you care? Because you don't have to do anything special, I already know." Santana tried to pull Gabby's lips closer but she wouldn't let her.

"Santana, part of this was me showing you I care, yes. But there's something I want to ask you and I thought a nice romantic lunch would be the perfect setting." Gabby walked over to the china cabinet and opened one of the draws. She pulled out a tiny black velvet box and Santana's heart momentarily stopped working. Gabby stood in front of her and took a deep breath before getting down on one knee. "Santana Diabla Lopez, will you make an honest woman out of me? Will you be my wife?"

She opened the box revealing a beautiful platinum band with princess cut diamond sitting on top of it. It was simple but flawless. Much like Santana how saw herself, and was sure that's how Gabby saw her too. She had no clue Gabby was even thinking of marriage. They'd only slightly discussed it but never had a serious conversation about the matter. Santana felt awful because her first thought was of Quinn. She knew she couldn't marry Gabby when she had all these feelings for her daughter's best friend's mom. It was wrong but she thought maybe she'd get past them and move forward with Gabby. However, with Gabby presenting forever to her, she realized it wasn't what she wanted. She couldn't carry on with the woman when her feelings for Quinn were growing every day.

"Gabby... I, I had no idea you... uh were thinking about this."

"Well I am and I have and I'm pretty much done thinking about it. I want to do this. So...what do you say?"

"Gabby..." Santana said, regretfully. Gabby snapped the box shut and stood up all in one motion. "Gabby..." Santana tried again.

"No, wait a minute..." She paused and backed away from where Santana remained seated. "You don't want this?" She shook her head as if Santana not accepting right away never occurred to her. The tears started and Santana felt even worse. "You don't want to spend your life with me?"

"Gabby..."

"No! Either you do, or you don't!"

"I'm really not ready to be married again." She tried.

"That's bullshit! You haven't been with her in five years! And we've been together for two and a half years, how could you not want to move forward." Santana stood and closed the space between them. Gabby gripped Santana's dress shirt. "I give you all of me and you don't want it? How?" She asked through her tears.

"Gabby..." Santana tried to hug her but got away.

"No! Either you want to move forward or you want to end this."

"What?! I'm just not ready right now, that's no reason to throw away over two years, Gabby come on."

"What's it going to be Santana?" When she didn't receive a response she darted out the room. Santana sighed and followed her. Gabby was in her bedroom frantically pulling things out the two draws Santana had designated for her.

"Gabby, seriously, come on. Don't leave, please." She couldn't allow Gabby to walk out of her house without at least putting up a fight, the woman deserved that much. But Santana knew she'd loss her, it was over. Gabby wasn't the type of woman to get her marriage proposal turned down and stay.

"Just get out and let me pack. Seriously Santana." Gabby still her movements and stared at Santana with desperation in her eyes.

"Okay." Came Santana's quite response.

After Gabby's departure from her life and home, Santana sat at the dinning room table she was just having lunch with her girlfriend at. Gabby's plate was inches from hers, unfinished. Santana thought long and hard about downing the rest of the wine bottle still sat on the table in front of her but she needed to talk to someone, preferably while sober. Quinn was on her way to New York with their two little ones, and Gabby was her other best friend. All her life Santana had been a bit of a loner and was seriously regretting it now. It wasn't that she wasn't a people person, she just prefered the company of a good book. Without many options, she stood up and headed to her car, decided on the only place left for her to go.


"So that's it? You're broken up?"

"Yep, that's it." Santana said solemnly. She didn't know it would hurt this much. She threw back the rest of her wine and reached for the bottle on the coffee table. So much for being sober. She sat her glass down choosing to drink from the bottle instead.

"Hey, you can't just chug from a bottle of wine that expensive!" Her ex-wife yelled.

"Shut it Amber!" She titled the bottle back again, taking a longer swig.

"I knew it was only a matter of time before you two were at each other's throats." Amber's very beautiful, very pregnant fiancé, Hanna, entered the family room.

"But, do you know how much that bottle cost? I whipped it out because she came to the door looking like a kicked puppy and she abuses the bottle like that?" Amber changed her tune at the look her fiancé gave her. "Sorry sweetie, you go lay down, we'll play nice." She tried to convince.

"I think I'll stay, she looks like she needs all the support she can get." She waddled over to the opposite couch and sat next to Amber. They both looked at Santana down the rest of the bottle.

"It's just that..." Santana slurred a bit. "I thought I'd have more time to figure this thing out, I didn't know she'd propose." She looked into Hanna's baby blues. "Was I wrong? Like...did I just make a mistake?"

"I can't answer that for you Santana but I will say this, if you didn't immediately jumped for joy and say yes, then you probably didn't want to marry her. Something like that Santana, you just know, you know?"

"Yeah, I guess. I just, I just n-never wanted to h-hurt her. Can I get some more wine?" She waved the empty bottle back and forth and Amber got up to retrieve another bottle. She uncorked it and handed it to her ex-wife. Santana noted that it was far less expensive.

"I'm sure you didn't intend to hurt her, but let me ask, why'd you say no?" Inquired Amber.

"I, I can't tell you."

Amber looked at Hanna who just shrugged. "Okay, why can't you tell me?"

"Because it's bad." She whispered.

"Did you cheat?" When Santana didn't immediately deny it, Amber shot up off the couch. "Santana Lopez! You cheated on her?! What the actual fuck?!"

"All the yelling isn't good for the baby." Hanna tugged on Amber's sleeve to get her to sit down again. "And watch your mouth, do you want our daughter's first word to be an F bomb?

"I didn't cheat."

"Why didn't you just say that?" Amber was clearly annoyed with her.

"I wanted to cheat though, so she couldn't have been the one...right?"

"Once again," Hanna started. "We can't tell you that, no one can."

"How am I supposed to know what's right and what's wrong? I thought you were 'the one' and how wrong I was." Her lips wrapped around the bottle as she chugged some more.

"Okay, I'll ignore that because you're slightly drunk." Amber said as Hanna chuckled by her side, her wavy blonde hair bouncing with her body.

"What are you going to name her?" Hanna and Amber glanced at each other, confused by the sudden change of topic but otherwise didn't say anything about it.

"We have no clue." Amber supplied.

"Same problem we had huh?" She poured more wine down her throat. "Well you two better figure it out soon, she'll be here in what, like a month?"

"More like two and a half weeks." Amber rubbed her fiance's belly and they smile at each other. When Amber started dating Hanna Marin about six months after she and Amber separated, Santana was a bit miffed about it. Hanna worked at the publishing office that published Santana's work. The two had met during a party when Santana's first book hit the New York Times best seller list. Santana thought something might be up but otherwise ignored it. When Amber admitted they were dating Santana accused her of cheating but Amber vehemently denied it. She claimed that when her fire for Santana had dimmed a bit, a new one was lit for the blonde, she explained that she simply could not help it. Four and a half years later, they're engaged with a baby on the way and Santana couldn't be happier for the pair. Also she was glad she got along with her daughter's other parent's spouse. If they didn't that could have led t all sorts of battles Santana had no desire to fight.

"Okay so I'll help."

"No way drunky." Amber laughed at Hanna's use of the nickname.

"Aww come on!" Santana pleaded with a pout on her lips.

"Ana suggested we name her Bethany because it's, and I quote, the most perfect name ever." Amber mocked.

"She did not?"

"Yep."

"Those two are so in love." Commented Amber.

"What?" That made Santana sit up a bit straighter and deposit her bottle on the table. "No they aren't they're just very close, Ana and Beth have been the only child for the last six years. They're like sisters."

"Yeah, sure." Amber said, unconvinced.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Hanna jumped in. "They're just strangely close Santana, even for best friends. Studies show that children expose to same-sex parents have a higher chance of being homosexual."

Santana stood from the couch. "I am not making my daughter gay!"

"Whoa, Santana, calm down, that's not what I'm saying it's just that..."

"No Hanna, it's very clear what you're saying. She's not gay alright and besides you can't make someone gay, it's not a choice, trust me."

"Santana, I get that you're inebriated and hurting but don't come in here yelling at my woman. Now have a seat drunky." Santana unceremoniously flopped back down.

"Santana, uh, everyone in this room is gay, I'm not judging. Look at me." She gestured to her huge baby bump. "I'm bringing a child into this world and she will have two mommies, I'm just saying that from my observations of them two...well they just seem to care very deeply for each other."

"Duh Hanna, they're best friends, of course they care about each other, and they spend all their time together, that's all. Santana is not gay." That was her biggest fear. She knew what it was like to grow up confused and alone with her desires. Ones that she couldn't even begin to understand which made her feel alienated and scared. Then once she learned what gay was, she knew that's what her weird feelings towards girls meant. Her parents loved and accepted her but not all of her Catholic family did. And after she came out, she lost a few friends too. Santana knew how hard it was to grow up gay and she did not want that for her child. As hypocritical as it was, she'd be upset if her daughter wasn't straight, it's just not something she wished for her child. No one wants their kid to be gay, she'd accept it if that were the case, but she wouldn't like it.

"Santana..."

"Ana's not going to be gay alright, I don't care what your 'studies' say." The three women sat quietly for a few moments. "I feel like shit."

"You know where the toilet is." Amber said as she clicked the TV on. Hanna snatched the remote out her hand and turned it off.

"Don't be insensitive, she's in pain."

"Sorry." Mumbled Amber.

"That's not what I meant. I feel like shit emotionally. I'll probably be alone forever." She picked the bottle up again and resumed her drinking.

"San, you'll find someone, I'm sure of it." Amber said, sweetly.

She's pretty sure she's found that thing that makes up romance movies and that stuff they sing about in love songs. Problem was, that certain someone was a woman she couldn't date.


Santana rushed through the hallways of William Penn. She was in the middle of an interview with Good Day Philadelphia when she received a phone call she couldn't take. As soon as the director yelled cut, she pulled her phone out to listen to the message of a clearly agitated principal. Santana rounded the corner and spotted Quinn, Ana, Beth, a woman and a little boy she didn't recognize who was sporting a fresh shiner. She was kneeled down in front of Ana in a heartbeat.

"Baby, you okay?" Ana nodded but Santana moved her hands up and down her body, checking for injuries. The little girl looked and felt fine. She hugged her close to her body then pulled her away. "Care to tell me what happened?"

"I'll tell you what happened." The woman, who Santana assumed was the little boy's mother, spoke up. "Your overly sensitive and aggressive daughter assaulted my son."

"Excuse me?"

"Mrs. Wade, please." Quinn said as she stood. She walked over to Santana and kneeled down as well. Her hand ran through Ana's thick, unruly curls before she faced Santana. "Ignore her, she's really upset. Picture day is in less than a week and her son has a black eye."

Santana looked at her daughter. "Did you do that?" Ana nodded, her head hung in shame. "Why Santanita? You know you don't solve problems with hitting."

"I had to defend her." All three of them looked at Beth who was silently crying. Santana suspected the little girl had never been in so much trouble and was terrified.

"Someone want to tell me what happened? Why the hell is my daughter outside of the principal's office. I didn't think we'd have to deal with this until she was at least fourteen, but having your genes I should have lowered my expectations huh?" Amber stormed up to them out the blue and Ana's face went pale. Amber had no tolerance when it came to the little girl getting in trouble at school.

"Shut the fuck up!"

"Santana!" Quinn chastised.

"No, she isn't going to come in here disrespecting me like that!"

"I shouldn't have received a phone call saying my daughter was in a fight!"

"Amber..." Quinn started.

"No! You stay the hell out of this!" Quinn had only caught a few glimpses of "Crazy Amber" as Santana liked to call her, but this was full on insanity. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that one." Amber pointed to Beth.

"Don't you blame Beth, you don't even know what happened!" Santana shouted.

"This is all your fault!" Ignoring Santana, Amber glared at Quinn.

"My fault?"

"You and your daughter, Ana and she spend way too much time together and that's coming to a stop this instant. She's obviously a bad influence on our child and I won't have it anymore."

"No!" Ana yelled. "Mama, nothing can ever keep me away from Bethany, not even you! You listen, if anyone and I mean anyone, anywhere, anytime messes with or hurts Beth, they'll have to deal with me! I'll never let anyone hurt her! No matter how much trouble I get in." Ana pushed past Quinn to wrap her arms around Beth who was still crying, a little bit harder now. Just then the principal's assistant came out of the office.

"Has everyone arrived?" The shocked adults only nodded. "Good, follow me please."


The meeting went better than expected and the three adults and two children went to Olive Garden to eat and have a much-needed talk. Ana explained to her principal in detail how the little boy, Bill, had teased Beth and made her cry. When Ana had come to her aid and told Bill to get lost, the little boy only antagonized them both further. Beth found the courage to tell him to shut up and he shoved her. Ana told everyone in the room that she couldn't control herself when she saw her best friend get pushed down in the middle of the school yard, so she punched him in the face. She also informed everyone that she would do it again if need be and if that meant she was grounded or whatever, she didn't care. All that mattered to her at the time was that Beth wasn't happy and she wasn't safe, she needed to be protected and Ana claimed it was her job. A light chuckle left the principal's mouth after her impassioned speech, then he allowed the other two students to give their account of the events. They all said the same thing and Bill admitted her only bugged Beth because he was jealous she wouldn't be his friend. Beth had declined his friendship earlier that week stating she already had the best friend anyone could ever want, not realizing she hurt his feelings. Beth sincerely apologized and gave him a hug, telling him they could be friends but only if it was okay with Ana. Reluctantly, Ana agreed they could all be friends and that he had to be extra nice to them and do whatever they say for two weeks as penance. The little boy quickly agreed with a huge smile. The matter was resolved and they little boy and his mother went on their way. Unfortunately all three of them were suspended one day from school.

"So Beth, Ana, you two understand that violence is never the answer, right?" Santana asked. She reached over to wipe sauce off of Beth's face as the two girl's nodded.

"And Santana you realize it's not okay to tell the mother of your child to shut the F up, right?" Amber teased.

"Yes." Santana said through her teeth and Quinn tried to cover up her chuckling with a fake cough.

"Mommy, what about if I have to defend myself."

"That's okay, you should defend yourself but instigating things or hitting for no reason is not acceptable."

"What does instigating mean?" Ana asked.

"Chew with your mouth closed and do not talk with your mouth full." Quinn admonished from her side of the table. Ana quickly shut her mouth and chewed her food.

"It means to start something up or make it worse when it's already started, like you did today."

"What do you think you could have done better?" Amber asked.

Ana glanced at Quinn as she chewed her food and swallowed before responding to her mom. "I should have taken Beth some place safe or went to find an adult."

"Correct. Quinn, Santana, I'm very sorry I lost my cool back there. I know Beth is a great kid and you're a great mom." She looked at Santana. "Both of you are. But there's no denying this is your kid." Amber laughed at the sheepish look on both Santana and Ana's face.

"Well I accept your apology." Quinn stated.

"Yeah me too." Santana mumbled.

"Was Santana a misbehaved child?"

"Misbehaved? She was a devil!"

"Hey!" Santana felt very offended even though it was very true, she was quite the hot head as an adolescence.

"Mommy was bad?" Ana wondered, her plate of food all but forgotten.

"Your mom was loco." Amber laughed but stopped when she felt Santana's foot connect with her shin.

"Tell me more." Quinn said, way too excitedly for Santana's liking.

The rest of the evening Santana endured story after embarrassing story of her antics when she was much younger and far less mature. Amber was going to come over to spend some more time with Ana but her fiancé called with some ridiculous craving so she had to leave. Quinn and Beth agreed to spend the night over Santana's since neither girl had school the following day. Santana informed them that they would help her clean the house tomorrow from top to bottom. That didn't go over too well but she just sent them up to Ana's room.

"Where's Gabby? Haven't seen her in a while." In over two months since their break up, Santana neglected to tell Quinn about it. If someone asked her why, she wouldn't have an answer.

"Oh, uh, we kinda broke up."

"What? Why?"

"She, uh..." This was much harder than she anticipated. "She asked me to marry her and I didn't say yes. She decided that was the end."

"I'm so sorry Santana. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Aw, I didn't want to trouble you with my sad love life."

"Santana, I'm your friend. You're no trouble at all."

I will be if you keep looking at me like that. Damn this woman is sexy. "Thanks Quinn, I'll keep that in mind."

"I have something that might make you feel better."

"What's that?"

"Eagles tickets for this Sunday against Dallas. I already asked Amber if she'd take the girls, she said sure so... what do you say?"

"What do I say?!" Santana jumped on Quinn who was sat in the same recliner she always sat in. Santana had her arms tightly wrapped around Quinn's neck while Quinn's were around her waist. Realizing their proximity was less than appropriate, Santana tried to pull away. Quinn, however, held tight.

"Happy?" She asked with a wide smile.

"Yes, very." Santana unconsciously leaned forward, but right as she did she heard two sets of little foot steps coming down the stairs. She quickly got off Quinn and turned to face two of the most important people in her life. When the girl's asked for ice cream, she faced Quinn. The blonde, who loves ice cream as much as their six-year olds, gave her a look that said it was okay. As they enjoyed the last of Santana's cookies and crème, she looked around the table at three of the most important people in her world.


So I have no clue when I'll be able to update so I can't give you guys a time frame. For that I'm sorry. It's annoying, I know but poop happens right? In the next coming months, I'll definitely only be able to update sparingly, however I'm not abandoning any of my stories. Big things to come for this story and I can't wait to share them with you. Thanks for the love you guys. It's flattering and quite humbling.

Thoughts on the chapter?

-Management