A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, alerts, favorites! I have a huge 40 pg paper due by the end of May, so updates will just be on Wednesdays now. Hopefully, I can get back to two a week when the semester ends.

A shout-out to a couple of you! There's like six of you who consistently review every chapter (you know who you are)! Thank you! And to my one Jamaican reviewer (chev15j)... your review made me laugh ;)

Enjoy...

Chapter 9: Blue Christmas

"Britt, come on babe! I want to get on the road before the highways fill with jack asses! You know I have horrible road rage!" Santana yelled from the back of the SUV at her wife who ran back into the house.

"I'll be right back! Just want to double check that the back door deadbolt is locked."

Santana hated being late. Well, it wasn't so much as being late as it was deviating from her schedule. She always had a schedule. Always made sure everything was planned out to the second whenever her and Britt drove back to Lima. It was an eleven hour road trip. They had been making this trip for the last few years by car since they were married. Santana had it down to a science. They would usually leave by six in the morning, and arrive in Lima by late afternoon. But, Brittany wasn't a schedule type person. It drove Santana crazy sometimes.

"So, I didn't even know you guys had a car." Roxie asked as she loaded her bag in the backseat next to some Christmas presents.

"Yeah, it was a law school graduation present from my parents a few years ago. It usually sits in the lot up the street. We only use it for big road trips." Santana was trying to get a big Christmas gift to fit without smashing it.

"Why does it sit in a car lot? Why don't you guys just use it everyday?"

"Because, my wife says there is no need for a car in Brooklyn. Something about supporting the public transit system and environment. She thinks walking places and using the subway builds character or some shit..." Santana was getting frustrated with the damn present not fitting.

"Wow, you are whipped!" Roxie snickered.

"You know what Roxie? You're not helping! I'm on a schedule here! Get in the car and don't move!" Santana pointed her finger at the girl. Roxie just held her hands up in faux defense.

Santana didn't mean to snap. But, she was really on a schedule. She had been trying to get Roxie and Brittany in the car, and on the road for the last hour. Every time she had both of them near the car, one of them ran back into the house for something.

"Britt!"

"I'm coming!" Brittany closed the door and locked it behind her. She walked down the stoop and met her annoyed wife. "You know, you don't have to be Mrs. Grumpy Gills every time we make this trip." Brittany smiled as she pecked her wife's lips.

Santana just smiled as she closed the back door to the car. She could never really be mad at her wife over something so dumb.

Halfway through the roadtrip and they were grossly off schedule. To Santana's surprise, the traffic wasn't half bad for two days before Christmas. Brittany wanted to take turns driving, but Santana would have none of it. Britt was almost four months pregnant and Santana didn't want her to do anything strenuous. Of course, driving a car is hardly strenuous - but she was sure a pregnant woman driving a car that long of distance wasn't the best thing. She didn't want to risk anything when it came to her babies.

Santana swore she saw every major rest stop in Pennsylvania. Brittany had to pee every hour it seemed. She got nervous at one particular stop when her wife had some nausea. She thought they had gotten passed the morning sickness phase. Britt tried to reassure Santana that she was fine, and it was just some mild car sickness. Santana couldn't help being hypervigilant though. Even though they had almost made it to four months, she still felt like she was waiting for something bad to happen. She hated herself for feeling that way, and not being able to fully enjoy this pregnancy. She would only relax when the baby was born safe and healthy.

A few more hours later, and they were back on schedule. Santana may or may not have broken some speed limits. - It's only illegal if you get caught. She noticed Brittany had perked up since they hit the Ohio state lines. Like a kid who is aware they are on their way to the toy store - she couldn't stop bouncing around. Santana noticed her own energy picked up as well. There was something about being home for the holidays. They both were trading giddy energy with one another, like two tennis players volleying it back and forth. They had even started playing their favorite roadtrip car game - license plate lingo.

"Almost home..." Brittany sang as she wiped her foggy window and gazed out at the Ohio countryside. "So, are we going to my parents' tonight or yours?"

"Uh... are you kidding me right now?" Santana just laughed at her wife's question. "No way I'm driving almost thirteen hours, and then going to my parents' house!"

Santana did a quick check in her rearview mirror on Roxie who had been asleep for the better part of two hours.

"But I don't want their feelings to be hurt if we don't see them today."

"Baby, the key word there is feelings. Okay... my parents don't have them!" Santana smirked as she looked at the road ahead of her.

"You are so mean. Your parents are not robots, honey." Brittany couldn't hold back her own smile. Santana knew what she was thinking.

"No they're not, you're right. But it would be cool if they were, huh?" Santana laughed.

"Oh my god, that would be so awesome!" Brittany agreed through a chuckle.

"Seriously though, San... you did call them and let them know we were coming today, right?"

"Yes Britt, I called my mother a few hours ago on your millionth pee break. Told her we're doing Christmas Eve and morning at your parents'. And then we're doing Christmas Day and dinner with them." Santana rolled her eyes. "By the way, she then proceeded to invite us - which you know is really more of a demand - for a Christmas Eve lunch with them tomorrow."

"That's cool, I love your mom's cooking." Brittany did her trademark shrug as she tried to play off the news like she was fine with it. "San, I really want you to try and have a talk with your mom sometime over the next couple of days okay." Brittany reached across the console and squeezed her wife's hand.

Santana was at a loss of what Brittany actually wanted them to talk about. As far as she was concerned, the status quo would never change. Her parents, and especially her mother, were too old to just change their personalities like that. They were in their mid fifties, they couldn't help it. Maybe, it was a Latin thing. She was sure she would hear from her dad she looked too skinny or pale. She was sure she would hear from her mother something about how she should have went to Princeton Law instead of Brooklyn Law - she would never let her live that one down. She loved her parents and they loved her, but they were still judgmental robots most of the time. Her father was a little bit better than her mother - at least he had better people skills.

"Look, sweetheart... I know you have this idea that my mother and I will magically have this relationship one day where we are able to get through a conversation without her critiquing a life choice. Just... don't get your hopes up, okay?" Santana pleaded as she kept her head flashing between the road and her wife.

"It's one of the reasons I don't want them around Roxie that long." Santana pointed her thumb to the backseat as she whispered. "She seriously doesn't need to hear their shit, you know? I swear if my mom makes her the slightest bit uncomfortable, we're leaving that damn lunch early!"

Brittany just smiled at her wife, then kissed the back of her hand. Santana had all of a sudden become just as protective over their foster daughter as she had been over their unborn child. Brittany was more in love with her wife than thought possible. She decided to drop the argument in the spirit of the moment.

"Oh, oh! License plate! SMO-8132!" Brittany clapped as the car passed them.

Santana laughed. "Um, okay 'SMO'... season. my. omelet!" Santana bit her bottom lip looking at the road ahead, rather pleased with her phrase choice.

"Hmm... that one's pretty good. But, I'm gonna have to go with, suck me off." Brittany grinned. Santana seemed to choke on her own spit as she coughed, then started laughing.

"You know what, baby? You get all the lingo points for that one! I can't top that!"

Both women continued laughing, lost in their goofy, married couple moment when Roxie began to stir in the backseat. The couple was caught off guard for a moment when they heard some moaning coming from the girl. They looked at each other, then shrugged it off. Roxie was just mumbling in her sleep.

They were again startled as Roxie's mumbling and moaning turned into whines. Santana scrunched her eyebrows together, then flashed between the road and her wife's face, as Roxie's bad dream intensified. She looked in the rearview mirror only to find Roxie looked in pain, and had a visible film of sweat on her brow. She looked outright uncomfortable - her face contorted.

Brittany turned in her seat to face the teenager as the girl let out a very audible 'no please' and 'please stop'. Brittany tucked some hair behind her ear and rolled her lips inward as she stared. Santana knew her wife was upset with seeing Roxie in such distress. Roxie again let out a series of, no - please no - stop - please stops!

That seemed to be all Brittany could take. She looked at Santana for silent confirmation on if she should try to wake the girl. Santana licked her lips and nodded. The moisture all of a sudden gone from her mouth. The air all of a sudden stale in the car - like Roxie's bad dream escaped into the atmosphere. It felt like something cold and evil had slithered up her spine as she drove; She shook off a shiver. Roxie sounded like she was being hurt or tortured. Brittany unbuckled her seat belt, leaned over, and gently rubbed Roxie's arm.

"Rox... sweetie... wake up." Brittany gently whispered.

"Mmm... no please. Stop it please!" Roxie continued to whine.

"Roxie, honey wake up!" Brittany delivered with more force as she gently shook the teenager.

Roxie's eyes shot open as she swung her arm at Brittany, who quickly pulled her hand back. The girl looked confused - she was breathing heavy - she was breathing like she couldn't catch her breath. Brittany looked at her wife. Santana re-gripped the steering wheel anxiously as she stared at the girl through the rearview mirror.

"You okay sweetheart? You were having a bad dream." Brittany tried to reassure.

Roxie said nothing. Brittany reached down in the small cooler and handed the girl a bottled water. Roxie nodded a thanks as she took it. She really did need it - the moisture looked like it was gone from her mouth too. She looked embarrassed as she gulped down the water. Brittany looked away and reached for Santana's arm over the center console. A slight squeeze was delivered, letting Santana know to maybe pull over and give the girl some air. Santana nodded as she searched the road for signs to the nearest rest stop.

They sat in silence at a diner in Mansfield, Ohio - about two hours outside of Lima. All three ladies at a loss for words as they ate their late lunch. Roxie was barely picking at her cucumber sandwich. Santana felt sorry for the girl. She was probably wondering how much the couple had heard her say. They had certainly heard enough.

Roxie cleared her throat and broke the silence. "I just want to say, sorry Brittany. I didn't mean to almost hit you like that."

Santana noticed her eyes looked pale - exhausted almost - the dream sucked some life out of her, like one of those Dementors from Harry Potter. Her heart broke for the kid again.

"It's okay sweetie. You were having a bad dream, I startled you. No need to apologize Rox." Brittany delivered her pity smile. She probably didn't mean for it to come off as a pity - she couldn't help it though.

"Um, do you have bad dreams like that often?" Brittany asked.

Roxie looked down at her plate and nodded. Brittany sighed as she reached across the table and rubbed the girl's hand gently with her thumb. Nothing more was said the rest of lunch - nothing more was needed to be said. Santana and Brittany had a good idea of why the dreams were probably occurring - maybe not the dirty details; But they could still imagine. It was heartbreaking. Santana watched as her wife didn't release Roxie's hand for the rest of lunch. She noticed Roxie didn't pull her hand back either. The two were developing quite an interesting bond over the last few months.

Roxie was searching for comfort, and Britt seemed to be giving her some.

What a way to start off Christmas.

They arrived in Lima in late evening. Santana stretched and popped her cramped bones as she got out of the car in front of the Pierce home. She took in a deep breath, and took in all things Lima, Ohio. It was cold - it was really cold. The early Midwest snow crunched underneath her navy blue converse. Santana was not exactly dressed for the occasion, as Brooklyn probably wouldn't see snow until mid-January. She took in the blinding orange glow of the sunset as it beat off snow covered rooftops like a mirror. She was shaken out of the serene moment when she heard the shrieks of her mother-in-law and wife meeting on the porch. - Seriously, they just saw each other like a month ago!

Santana had to shake her head in amusement as the Pierces went through their normal greetings ritual. Everyone was bear hugged and lifted off the ground. Again, Mr. Pierce popped her back as he hugged her. This time it felt good because of the long drive - she wasn't complaining. And the whole moment was again topped off as the couple cooed and rubbed Brittany's stomach. No doubt, they were going to be the most loving grandparents. She couldn't wait for her baby to meet them. The Pierces were amazing, loving people. She wanted all of it to rub off on her child.

They caught up over dinner, and unwound afterward with some coffee. Jessie had made Brittany's favorite, Shepherd's pie; And even made a vegetarian batch for Roxie. Santana and Brittany were touched that Mrs. Pierce remembered something so important to the kid. You could tell Roxie was also touched. When Jessie plated her food and told her she made her a special batch - Roxie's eyes sparkled for a minute. She really was not used to people caring about her. The Pierce women just had a way of making the coldest of hearts melt like that. Santana could speak from experience.

Nothing was spoken of what happened earlier in the car as the couple showed Roxie to the guest bedroom. The teen looked exhausted as she put her duffel bag on the bed. Brittany told her where the bathroom was, and 'good nights' were exchanged. Santana was just as exhausted as her wife practically carried her upstairs to her old bedroom. She couldn't make up her mind whether she thought it was creepy or sweet that Britt's parents kept her room exactly the way it was in high school. In the end, she decided there was something more sweet about it than creepy.

The couple settled into their nightly routine. Santana spooning Brittany from behind. Usually it was the other way around. But lately, Santana found herself being the natural big spoon - cradling her wife and child every night. She found it was the only way she could sleep nowadays - with both of them in her arms. Both of them safe, in her arms.

"San... you awake?" Brittany whispered.

"Mmhmm..." Santana hummed.

"I can't stop thinking about what happened in the car earlier... with Roxie."

"Me either..." Santana sighed, hoping her wife didn't get too emotional right now. "Just try to sleep sweetheart, it's going to be Christmas Eve tomorrow, and we have a lot to do. We have lunch with my parents, then we have that Glee holiday party tomorrow night."

Brittany turned over in her wife's arm. Her eyes were clear as day. The winter moonlight peeking in from the curtains bounced off of them, making normally ice blue orbs sparkle an eerie midnight blue color. She was breathtaking. Santana had flashbacks of being in this very spot ten years ago. She now hoped she didn't get too emotional.

"Do you think we should ask her to talk to someone... like a therapist?" Brittany snuggled underneath Santana's chin.

"I don't know Brittany. I really don't babe. I mean, you can't force someone to talk about deep shit like that. I just don't think we're there yet with her. It could backfire if it comes out wrong." Santana rubbed her hand up and down the small of her wife's back and hip.

"It's not the first time I've seen that though." Brittany looked up at Santana. Santana cocked her head, asking her to elaborate.

"I was making dinner, and you were upstairs in the office... when I heard her last week. I peeked in her room and saw her having the same nightmare during a nap... saying the same things."

Santana just nodded as she exhaled. She really had nothing to say about the whole situation. She honest to god felt like the whole thing would police itself. When Roxie needed help, she would ask for it. That was all. The couple just had to sit back and wait.

Santana held her wife closer as Brittany buried her head into her chest. She kissed Britt's forehead and rubbed her back.

"Shh... just sleep honey. Just sleep..."

And with that, the couple drifted off into an early Christmas Eve slumber.

The next morning, Santana awoke to an empty bed. The light from the early morning sun hit the ice on Brittany's bedroom window dispersing a prism of colors into the room. She half moaned at not being able to get her early morning snuggle on with her wife, and half moaned at the feeling of her sore body. The drive literally kicked her ass. She was right not to let Britt drive - it would have taken a toll on her body.

Santana went downstairs and found Jessie having a cup of coffee with Roxie at the kitchen table. She felt guilty, because she felt some jealousy towards Mrs. Pierce, for her ability to get Roxie to freely talk. The two must have bonded over Thanksgiving. It was so hard for Santana and Roxie to carry on conversations without the two taking shots at one another, or one of them walking out in frustration. She didn't want that. She wanted Roxie to feel like she could open up to her, like she could with Brittany or Mrs. Pierce.

"Good morning Sanny!" Mrs. Pierce sang.

"Morning Jessie... morning Rox." Santana poured herself a cup of coffee as she yawned, and stretched her back.

"Where's Britt?"

"Oh, she went with her dad for some last minute shopping." Jessie took a sip of her coffee. "San, there's some breakfast left on the stove for you sweetie."

That meant Mr. Pierce needed Brittany to help pick out some jewelry for his wife. In fact, it was tradition that Michael and Brittany went out and shopped for his wife's Christmas gift. Britt had been picking out her mother's earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets since she was seven years old. Santana wondered if Mrs. Pierce had caught on to it yet.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I need to get a start on the laundry before picking up Shannon at the airport. Excuse me ladies." Jessie whisked herself away to get started on her chores, leaving the two alone in the kitchen. It instantly became tense.

Santana grabbed some breakfast and took a seat at the table. Roxie was picking at her bagel.

"Hey Roxie, I wanted to talk about-"

"I don't want to talk about yesterday, okay!" Roxie cut Santana off.

Santana looked confused. Hell, she didn't want to talk about it either. She wanted as little drama this Christmas as possible.

"No, no... not about that. I wanted to talk to you about my parents actually."

"Oh, s-sorry... I just thought you were gonna bring up, you know?"

Santana just waved it off and shook her head. "No, that's forgotten. I actually wanted to warn you about my parents before we go over there for lunch today."

"W-why... what's wrong with your parents?" Roxie seemed intrigued to find out a little something about Santana.

"They just have a way with words... and being kind of rude. My dad's not so bad, but my mom has a way of treating new people like fucking martians. She'll poke & prod you until you wanna strangle her." Santana rolled her eyes.

Roxie smiled as she took a bite of her bagel.

"Why are you smiling all creepy like that?" Santana chuckled. The mood suddenly lighter in the kitchen, now that the focus was shifted away from the teen's problems.

"Because, I think you're forgetting I'm a fucking 'Lifer' foster kid. I'm kind of used to feeling like a martian. Your mom can prod me all she wants... I'm not gonna break. I'm from Brooklyn dammit!"

Santana laughed. It was rare, but Roxie randomly had a cocky side of herself. Santana absolutely got a kick out of it. Much like when she turned on her Lima Heights side, when Roxie was in Bed-Stuy mode - she shined. It oddly worked like a confidence building alter-ego. Santana saw the fire in her eyes, like when she caught the girl singing at the piano. Brittany was right from the beginning. There was something underneath, right below the surface. They just hadn't figured out how to get to it yet.

Santana just nodded as she poured some ketchup on her eggs. The disgusted look from Roxie didn't go unnoticed. - What? She likes ketchup on her freaking eggs!

"So, um... you don't mind if my mom prods you all she wants, huh? I'm sorry to say, I'm pretty sure she doesn't go that way Rox!" Santana teased as she took a bite of her eggs.

Roxie just squinted her eyes and threw a balled up napkin at her foster mother. "Quinn's right! You are seriously foul most of the time!"

They both shared a rare, good laugh as they finished their breakfast.

As they pulled up to Santana's parents' house. She was a little bit nervous. She was excited to see her parents, but didn't know how they would treat her foster daughter. Before they got out of the car Brittany pulled her wife in for a passionate kiss. Santana was pleasantly surprised by the tongue that was slipped in. Again, Brittany knew how to calm her wife's nerves. Roxie just grumbled a, 'Jesus Christ' as the kiss lasted a little too long for her liking. She opened the door and got out.

"Mmm... baby, you grossed out the kid." Santana teased as their lips detached.

Brittany shrugged. "So... she's probably heard worse. Our room's right above hers, remember?"

They both laughed. It was probably true. Their sex life had been beefed up over the last month. Brittany certainly had her cravings.

"You ready sweetheart?" Brittany asked. Santana nodded.

She knew Santana got overly worked up about these meals with her parents. However, Brittany got along with the Lopez's just fine. She never let what they said phase her in the slightest. Santana was sure her parents thought of that as honorable or some shit. They definitely loved and approved of Brittany.

They rang the doorbell and were greeted a few seconds later by her parents. Maria and Miguel Lopez were your typical over-fifty professional couple. They were both second generation Dominican/Puerto Rican, and were taught hard work from an early age. They were the first to go to college in both of their families. They lived in the biggest house in their neighborhood and it was immaculate - they had worked hard for it. Not a hair out of place as they walked into the entryway. Maria Lopez was a perfectionist and neat freak. Santana was the polar opposite. If she didn't have Brittany, their house would permanently be buried under clothes and trash.

"Mija! Brittany!" Maria was unusually excited to see her daughter and daughter-in-law, as she engulfed both of them in the same hug.

"Hi mami!"

"Baby, cómo estás?" Mr. Lopez hugged his daughter. Santana was a little taken aback by her parents' sudden explosion of emotion.

"Buen, buen papi!"

After greetings were exchanged, everyone settled at the dining room table to talk for a bit before lunch. Again, to Santana's surprise her parents warmly greeted Roxie. She was beginning to wonder who these pod people were, and what the fuck they had done with her uptight parents.

"Bebé, I made your favorite... chicken enchiladas, arroz y frijoles negros!" Maria smiled as she began to set the food in the center of the table.

"Gracias, mami!" Brittany reached over to squeeze her wife's hand under the table, coupled with an encouraging smile.

"Oh, mami... remember when we were talking yesterday? I said Roxie's a vegetarian? Did you make a plain cheese batch for her?"

"No, I didn't mija. Lo siento, I thought you were kidding about that. She's a growing teenager. She needs her protein!" - Aaaaand, there it is! Strike one!

Santana's eyes bugged out. If they would have bugged out anymore - they would have fallen out.

"Mom!" Santana whined in disbelief. "I-it's not a phase! She's like an actual vegetarian... like on moral grounds!" Santana was just embarrassed by her mother's closemindedness. Brittany just rolled her lips inward and squeezed her wife's hand again. She hated confrontation. Roxie looked fascinated by the unfolding scene. If Santana didn't know any better, maybe even a little amused by the whole thing.

"Santana, it's not going to hurt the child to try some chicken enchilada okay!" Maria laughed her daughter's anger off as she put a spoon in the beans.

Santana just shook her head and knitted her brows together in confusion. "She's a freaking vegetarian mami! Okay, you always do this... you-"

"Está bien, voy a comer arroz y frijoles!" Roxie shouted out cutting off Santana. She didn't want someone saying something they would regret - and over her of all people. Of course, the Lopez women seemed to be arguing about something much deeper.

"Yes, calma!" Mr. Lopez added. "Vamos a comer! Mari y Sanny, it's Christmas Eve chicas, por favor?"

Both Santana and her mother nodded in agreement to cool it. Her father could be so gentle and soft spoken sometimes. She avoided upsetting him if she could.

And with that, everyone shut up and ate. The lunch was tense except for sparse conversation between Miguel and Brittany. The two did their best to alleviate the tension with talk of the baby and nursery plans.

Santana was fuming inside. Her mother deliberately went out of her way to make Roxie feel unwelcome. Here you had Mrs. Pierce making a vegetarian meal without anyone having to remind her. And then you had her mother going out of her way to be a bitch - outright disrespectful. Again, undermining and critiquing someone's life choice. - Who has never heard of a vegetarian, really? Santana hated to admit it, but she was not looking forward to her parents, especially her mother, being a huge part of their child's life. It really hurt to admit that.

The drive back to the Pierces was just as tense as dinner. Santana clenched her jaw, both hands tightly gripping the steering wheel. Brittany knew enough about her wife to know that was her angry driving posture, and to never strike up a conversation when Santana was angry driving. She hoped things blew over by Christmas dinner. She hoped things with Maria and Santana blew over before the baby was born. Unfortunately, she had her doubts. Lopez women could be so stubborn.

Santana had calmed down considerably since they had returned back from her parents. She just decided to put it all behind her, and vowed to have a cordial Christmas dinner the following day. Brittany had a little something to do with that. As soon as they got back to the house, she rushed her wife upstairs for a late nooner. It definitely released some tension.

By night, they found themselves outside of Sam and Puck's new bar, creatively named, Puck & Evans.

"Britt, are you warm enough sweetheart? It's like sub zero out here. Did you put on that extra sweater like I said?" Santana wouldn't let her wife leave the house until she was sufficiently bundled up.

"Seriously babe, you need a drink!" Brittany laughed, as she opened the door to the bar. Santana nodded as she playfully swatted her ass.

"HEY-OH! If it isn't the world's hottest lesbian couple!" Puck yelled from behind the bar. Both women removed their pea coats and beanies, then shook off snow from their shoes.

"HEY-OH!" A giant table full of the ex Glee clubbers yelled in unison. People were pretty much drunk. Quinn looked extra sloppy already. Santana would have fun with her later.

Brittany's eyes lit up at the sight of everyone. Santana had found an excuse to avoid these Glee 'get-togethers' the last few years. She had to bite the bullet sooner or later. Brittany bypassed Puck and went straight to the table. She hadn't seen Tina, Artie, and Sam in years.

"Lopez, your wife just gave me the cold shoulder. How about you?" Puck walked around the bar and gave Santana a hug. He was definitely the same old Puck, but with a more defined beer belly, and completely shaved head. Thank god he finally ditched that Mohawk. He still had that teenage-boy musk smell that Santana was sure helped spur her into full blown lesbianhood.

"Puck, what's up?" She hugged him back.

"How 'bout we cut the awkward 'haven't-seen-you-in-forever' shit, and just have a shot! I know Britt's pregnant, so the rest of the night you're taking double shots for her and the baby!" He smirked as he went behind the bar and poured the bourbon.

Santana laughed. Really that would make it triple shots if you counted the baby. Puck was never the best at math.

"Santana!" Sam came in leading with a hug.

"Trouty Mouth!" She teased. She was actually happy to see Sam. He was always a sweetheart.

"Congratulations on the baby! My wife and I are pregnant too." Sam beamed. She noticed he looked the exact same, except for a blond, winter beard & mustache combination he had grown.

"Oh really, congrats Sam! How far along is she?"

"We're due around Valentine's Day. It's a girl! What about you?"

"Britt's due in mid-May, and we're waiting to find out." It still stung to say that. She wanted to know so fucking bad if they were having a boy or girl.

"You guys are seriously cramping my bar's style with the baby talk! Fucking DRINK!" Puck scooted the shots over. Santana and Sam laughed as they took the shots in succession. She wasn't a bourbon drinker, but she couldn't let Puck know that. Weird, how that old high school spirit can manage to slip in even when you're almost thirty.

Santana was impressed by the bar, overall. It was rather classy for Lima. The name was totally uncreative, but the bar looked good. It smelled of new lacquered wood. The jukebox, dart boards, and pool tables were all new. Sam and Puck really had a special place here. She was proud of her old friends.

An hour or two later and Santana was definitely tipsy. She had danced to every song in the jukebox with her wife; Even shared a few dances with Tina, Mercedes, Kurt, and Quinn. Brittany of course had been groping her all night as she fed her shots. Artie and Sam tried their best to teach the women darts, But that was quickly stopped when Quinn and Santana decided to throw them at each other.

Everyone seemed to be doing okay for themselves. Tina and Mike broke up a few years ago, but she was newly engaged, and working as a teacher in San Francisco. Artie lived in Columbus and worked in IT for Ohio State. It made Santana wonder where a few more people were, like Mr. Schue or coach Sylvester. She made a note to ask Puck about some of the old high school teachers later.

The group had split off later in the night. Kurt and Mercedes were fighting over karaoke songs. Tina and Artie were catching up by the pool table. And Puck and Sam were juggling between the other bar patrons and catching up with their old friends.

"I don't get this game..." Quinn slurred.

"You don't get it because you're losing every round, Drunky." Santana was in awe over how horrible Quinn was at every drinking game they had played. "You just have to flip a fucking quarter in the cup!"

Brittany laughed from her spot on her wife's lap, as she nuzzled into her ear. She had been whispering the dirtiest shit she could think of all night. Santana was a few seconds away from dragging her wife into the new Puck & Evans bathroom and seeing what else that dirty mouth could do.

"Where's Bradley Cooper?" Santana joked as she took a sip of her beer.

"Nick, is with his family in Yonkers for Christmas. And, for your information... I think I'm falling in love with him..." Quinn trailed off under drunk eyes, as she raised her glass, like she was toasting herself.

"What!" Santana shouted. Brittany even shot her head up from being buried in her wife's neck.

"That's hilarious! You've been dating like two months. Quinnie, do you even know what love is child?" Santana laughed.

"Aww, Quinn! That's so romantic! I'm happy for you babe!" Brittany winked as she took a swig of her club soda.

"I'm happy for you too... even though I call bullshit on the whole thing! You can't possibly know you love someone that early. He must be really good in bed!" Santana laughed.

"Oh, trust me... he is! Britt, all your assumptions about how he is in bed are totally correct!"

"Really? Like, about how big is his-"

"You know what? NO! Enough talking about Quinn's sex life before I barf up my alcohol and lose my buzz!" Santana cut off her wife's question. Quinn and Brittany just laughed and high-fived each other. It was so easy to work drunk Santana up.

"Oh honey, you know I was just playing baby..." Brittany cooed as she kissed her way up her wife's jawline. Quinn just rolled her eyes in annoyance at the PDA.

"Okay, how many times did you guys have sex today?" Quinn chuckled. "You have that whole cartoon sex stench thing coming off you like Pepé Le Pew."

"Actually, just once." Brittany smiled. "But, definitely gonna have some 'AM' Christmas sex in a few hours." She smirked down at her wife. Santana just grinned lovingly back.

"Oh yeah..." She smiled into a kiss. The two started humming into each others lips and giggled.

"Ugh... that baby has turned Brittany into even more of a nympho then I thought possible."

"You have no idea Q! I could give you all the dirty details? Like, did you know it's possible to come three times in a row?" Santana joked.

"Okay! I'm getting another beer and doing some karaoke!" Quinn shot up and practically ran to the bar.

Brittany and Santana just laughed. It felt good to laugh like that with her wife. With all the stuff with Roxie, the baby, and her parents; It felt great to have some nonsense, silly alone time with Britt. It was finally starting to feel like Christmas.

Christmas morning came in a blink of an eye. Santana felt like someone hit her over the head with a baseball bat. There was a reason she didn't drink bourbon. She looked down to find a naked Brittany sprawled half on top of her. She smiled at the memory of the nightcap they enjoyed when they got back from the bar. Brittany decided sexy times should involve some scissoring in honor of their old high school days, and being in her old room. Santana hoped to god they were at least quiet.

"Mmm... good morning honey." Brittany scooted up and wrapped a leg and arm around her wife as she kissed her shoulder.

"Morning baby." Santana grinned back as she pulled the sheets higher up her wife's hip. "Hey, guess what?"

"What?"

"It's Christmas!" Santana kissed her wife.

"It's Christmas!" Brittany cooed back as Santana rolled them over. "Merry Christmas San!"

"Merry Christmas Britt!" Santana hummed as she trailed kisses down her wife's neck. She continued to kiss down the valley of her breast until she got to her stomach.

"And Merry Christmas to you too baby..." Santana cooed in her baby voice as she peppered kisses all over her wife's small baby bump. "Feliz Navidad bebé. I can't wait for your first Christmas next year!"

Brittany laughed as she ran her fingers through Santana's hair. Santana continued to speak Spanish to their baby. Brittany couldn't help but choke back tears. By this time next year, they would have a baby. She really couldn't wait.

"As much as I wanna lay naked with you sweetie, and have you talk to our baby all morning... I really wanna open presents more." Brittany held her wife's face in her hands.

"Yay, presents! Let's go!" Santana hopped off the bed and ran to put on her pajamas and robe. Brittany laughed at how dorky her wife could be sometimes.

The couple was met to the sound of applause as they finally made their way downstairs by the Pierces.

"Finally!" Shannon yelled. "You know, maybe I should return your guys' present and use the money to soundproof my sister's room instead!" Santana and Brittany both blushed. That answered the question about if they were quiet last night.

"Shut up Shan!" Brittany pushed her little sister as she walked by laughing.

"Okay, nothing we haven't heard before ladies! Nothing to be embarrassed about. Let's open some presents!" Jessie squealed.

Everyone exchanged 'Merry Christmas' as the Pierces kissed and hugged each other. Santana caught Roxie grinning as presents were being opened. It made her so happy to see the teenager light up like that. She had never seen Roxie smile that big. She didn't even know it was possible. She wasn't even sure the kid had ever experienced a proper Christmas. Santana felt proud that she and Brittany could give the girl some joy, even if it was for one day.

"Oh my god, Santana!" Brittany cried as she opened the Tiffany box Santana gave her. Santana had bought her wife a charm bracelet with three charms on it - Brittany's birthstone, Santana's birthstone, and a duck shaped charm with a May birthstone for their baby.

"You like it babe? You see, there's space to add more charms for anything you want." Santana smiled at her wife who had taken a seat on her lap. She helped clasp the bracelet on her wrist.

"Anything? Maybe, Roxie's birthstone next?" Santana just smiled. She wasn't exactly sure what she meant by that. Roxie wasn't their real daughter, but it wasn't the place to discuss a technicality like that.

"Sure honey! I said anything!" Santana smiled into a kiss, hoping her wife would change the subject.

"Speaking of Roxie... she open her presents yet?" Brittany asked, and Santana just shrugged.

"Roxie, honey... open your presents!" Brittany chuckled in amazement that Roxie hadn't dug in yet.

The girl took a seat next to the couple on the couch. Santana couldn't wait to see her face. She was rather proud of the gifts she picked for the girl. Brittany handed the two presents over, then took her seat back on Santana's lap. She was excited too.

They watched as Roxie opened the the first gift slowly. Like she didn't want to seem too eager.

"Rox, you're killing me kid! Rip that shit off!" Santana teased. Roxie gave a half smile as she ripped the paper off.

"Oh, wow..." Roxie trailed off as she inspected the box. Santana and Brittany had bought her a new turntable, vinyl player. "This is... amazing. Thank you guys."

"You told San your old one broke a few months ago. Now you can play all your records!" Brittany smiled.

"Mmhm... and the speakers that go to it are in the basement at home. No way I was going to wrap them." Santana added. "We'll hook them up when we get home, okay?"

"Guys, I seriously don't know what to say." Roxie looked like she was trying to swallow a lump. Her voice was shaky. Santana was now convinced the kid never had a proper Christmas.

"You don't have to say anything sweetheart. Just open the next present." Brittany took a sip of her tea.

Roxie didn't need to be told twice this time. She ripped into the next one. It was instinctive in children to rip open presents. It took one gift for Roxie to become a pro.

She opened the lid of the small filing box Santana had put the notebooks in. After seeing Roxie playing the piano, and seeing her composition book filled with musical notation; She decided to buy the girl authentic musician, staff paper notebooks - so she could properly write her music down. Santana had to admit, it was crazy impressive the girl had managed to write music longhand in composition notebooks for so long.

Roxie flipped through one of the black notebooks, and recognized immediately what it was. She was quiet for a minute. Santana and Brittany were suddenly nervous. Roxie had certainly went out of her way to hide her talent from the couple. Maybe, this gift was too much too soon.

"H-how did you know?" Roxie tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Her expression was blank. Santana couldn't get a read on her emotions. She decided to play it cautiously.

"I heard you... when I came home from brunch two weeks ago. You don't need to hide something like that Rox. You are really good mija. I was like blown away!" Santana seemed to be pleading with the girl not to be upset with her. Apparently, there must have been a reason she was hiding it from the couple.

Roxie just looked down at the notebook. She seemed to be contemplating her next move as well. "These... these are really cool. Thank you guys!" She smiled. Brittany and Santana exhaled. - Achievement! - Santana was relieved it didn't backfire.

"Maybe, you won't be so shy to play something for us sometime?" Brittany asked.

"We'll see... I kind of get really nervous to play and sing in front of people."

The couple decided to just smile and not push her anymore. They had learned to read Roxie's emotions pretty well over the last few months. They would leave it at that. Santana still had a million questions she wanted to ask, but she would leave those for another day.

"I uh... I kind of got you guys something too." Roxie readjusted her glasses as she leaned over the couch to grab the gift. "I don't have much money. Just a little savings account Linda set up for me last year. But... I hope you guys like it." Roxie shoved the present into Brittany's hands awkwardly, then folded her arms anxiously.

"Okay..." Brittany smiled as she opened it, still sitting on Santana's lap.

"Oh my god, San look!"

Roxie had bought her foster mothers a baby book.

"I know you guys are doing the whole unisex baby thing, so I made sure it was yellow. I h-hope you like it."

"Rox, this is like the sweetest thing ever!" Brittany had tears in her eyes. "We don't have a baby book yet, this is perfect honey. Thank you!" Brittany got up and hugged the girl. Roxie was caught off guard at first, but relaxed into the hug mumbling a, you're welcome.

"I'm gonna show my parents!" Brittany jumped off Santana and ran to find her parents. She left her wife and Roxie alone on the couch.

"That was really sweet Roxie, thank you so much mija." Santana smiled.

Roxie just shrugged. "It's the least I could do. You guys took me in, and have been really nice, so..." She trailed off and fidgeted with her thumb ring.

Santana found her too adorable in that moment, she just had to attempt a hug. "So, I'm going to hug you now!" Santana laughed as she leaned over to hug the awkward teen.

"You really don't have to Santana. It's just going to be awkward." Roxie laughed.

"C'mon Rox! Let's just try it, okay?" Roxie sighed and nodded. Santana chuckled as she went in for the the awkwardest hug in history. The hug was broken after a hardy two seconds.

"See, that wasn't so bad. Was it?" Santana grinned down at the girl, arms still around her shoulders.

"No, I guess not." Roxie was blushing. "But, there is now no doubt about it..."

"No doubt about what?" Santana was confused.

"You are the daughter of robot parents!" Roxie joked. "That hug was all kinds of robotic and awkward... can we never do that again please?" Roxie laughed.

"Yeah, sure, whatever!" Santana nudged the girl and laughed. "I'm an awesome hugger, screw you Roxie!"

Roxie snickered as she got off the couch. Santana took in the moment. She learned to appreciate the small moments with Roxie so far. Just like Thanksgiving - never overthink anything. Mark it as a good moment, and hopefully they could build off it.

Christmas had started off a little blue and shaky, but it was ending on a positive note.

What did the New Year have in store for the three of them?

End Note: So much fluff lately, huh? Maybe that comes to an end soon? Roxie's gonna get a little dark! A lot of issues need to be worked out in the coming chapters. Stay tuned!