The crisp autumn wind swept through and around their parade as Santana, Brittany and the four kids meandered towards the park. Thomas insisted on walking, and stopped every few steps to look at the leaves that crunched beneath his shoes. Carter, on the other hand, was impatient and wanted to get to the park, so Brittany stayed behind with Thomas and Parker, leaving Santana, Harley and Carter to venture forward. Once there, the kids raced for the swing set. Harley positioned herself on one swing, while Carter clambered onto the one next to it. Santana sat down next to them and pushed herself off the ground. Harley followed, and soon Carter too got the hang of the knee bending motion involved with pumping oneself higher and higher. By the time the rest of the gang arrived, the three acrobats were soaring above the heads of their late companions. Parker and Thomas were more interested in the jungle gym, and soon the other two abandoned the swings to join them, leaving Santana and Brittany to themselves. They wandered over to a bench with a prime view of the jungle gym, and their charges.
"I'm sorry we're not upstairs making good on my morning promise," Brittany whispered, taking Santana's ear lobe between her teeth after her apology. Santana squirmed and crossed her legs.
"It's okay, baby, I'm just as content to spend time with you and the kids. And after all, there was no time limit on that promise…" Santana soft voice graced her lips in such a way that Brittany could almost feel their smoothness. Santana leaned down to rest her elbow on her crossed legs and her cheek in her palm. She looked sideways at Brittany and smiled a mysterious smile.
"But when we do get back, I intend to follow through, fully." Brittany whispered as she leaned down and stole a kiss, her eyes never leaving Santana's. "After all, we have all night." Brittany finished.
Santana froze. In an attempt to hide her fear, she smiled, but Brittany had seen the momentary panic cross her face.
"San, what's wrong?" Brittany questioned, gently. Santana turned to face away from Brittany and looked to where the kids were playing. She sighed, well aware that she wouldn't be able to hide this from Britt. Ever since last year in the locker room when Santana confirmed what Brittany had already determined, and revealed her own secret as well, Brittany watched Santana for signs of forthcoming abuse in hopes to prevent it. But Brittany knew she couldn't save Santana every time, and that destroyed her. "Santana, please tell me what's going on."
Santana didn't want to tell Brittany. She didn't want Brittany lying in bed tonight, thinking about what was happening. She didn't know if Brittany would be able to handle that, and she didn't feel like putting her to the test. "Britt, I can't stay the night tonight."
"But… why? And don't lie to me, don't make up some story, tell me the truth. I can handle it." Santana hesitated. "Please?" Brittany finished.
"Okay, but Britt, don't get angry or upset, okay? I don't know if I'll be okay if you're not okay." Santana blinked back tears, determined not to let them spill over. Brittany saw this and took Santana's hand. "Last night after you fell asleep, I got a text from Him." Brittany's shallow breathing picked up speed, and she tightened her grip on Santana's hand.
"What did it say, San?" Santana could hear Brittany's terror.
"It said, 'When you come home tomorrow night, you'll be sorry you tried to hide from me'. Don't worry Britt; I can handle this, okay? But I have to go home tonight, because if I don't it'll just be worse later. You know that…" Santana trailed off when she saw Brittany's tears falling. "I'll be okay, baby, don't cry." Santana reached up a wiped away the salty water that glistened on Brittany's cheek. "Don't cry baby, please don't cry." Brittany sniffled, but reached up and wiped away the tears. Her face reflected deep hatred, but her eyes betrayed her sadness. Santana hated to see Brittany this way, and she hated herself even more for bringing this upon her girlfriend. She looked away; she didn't want Brittany to see this self-loathing. But Brittany reached for Santana, turning her forward so she could look into her eyes.
"Can I stay with you at your house tonight?" Santana jerked out of Brittany's grasp.
"No way, Britt. I will not let him anywhere near you. Not now, not ever, so don't even try." Santana was adamant in her refusal to let Brittany come spend the night.
"Santana, I know I can't save you from everything, and I know how strong you are. I know you won't stay with me tonight, and you won't let me stay with you. But I also know that when it's over, you're going to need some help, and I want to be able to help my girlfriend when she needs it most. So when it's over, text me and I'll come pick you up and we can come back here. I'll take care of you baby. If I can't stop it from happening, then I'm going to be sure I am there to help later." Tears were running down Brittany's face again, but her whole demeanor had changed. She didn't seem angry or sad anymore, and Santana knew that this was determination. Brittany was determined to fix any suffering that her lover felt. Santana leaned forward and kissed Brittany, sweetly, passionately. She could taste the lip smackers that Brittany always wore, and smell the faint scent of her perfume. Nothing felt as right to Santana as that moment, with their lips together, tears falling, and hands clasped.