A/N: The story seems to be less interesting to you guys, if I'm to judge by the reviews for the last two chapters. Which is why I didn't want to add more than it already had. This is the final chapter and I hope it ties up all lose ends for you. There will be an epilogue following soon. Hope you enjoy.
SANTANA'S BABY
CHAPTER 11: MEETING THEIR LITTLE ONE
"Hey, Q," Puck said as he sat next to Quinn at a bar they went to sometimes to watch sports.
Ever since finding out Santana and Rachel were pregnant, they had taken to meeting once a week there to share a few beers while their significant others spent some time together talking babies. It was their time to vent, grumble, and share good news.
"Hey. How's is it going?"
"Okay, I guess. How about you?"
"Tired, but otherwise okay. How's Rachel?"
Puck ran a hand down his face. "Rachel is just fine."
"Why the long face then? You're clearly not okay."
"Q, she keeps getting all of these damn urges to eat the strangest foods in the middle of the night, every night and she's driving me crazy! It was never this bad with Mathew and I'm fucking exhausted!"
Quinn had the nerve to laugh. "And I thought I had it bad with Santana reading more than ever. I swear she's read every book on the planet about babies and parenting and I cannot buy them quick enough. And not only that, but she's told me all about them as well."
"You still sleep at night, though, so excuse me if I don't feel your pain," Puck told her.
"Well, she's been getting food cravings as well and I do have to wake up at ungodly hours to go fetch her bacon cheeseburgers and ice cream. The rest of what she craves often I try to keep on hand. We still have almost two full months to go."
"Same thing I keep thinking, babe. There're still weeks of this and I don't know how I'm going to survive."
"Oh, you know you will. Time's been flying by already."
"Ever since Santana released that press statement announcing both of the pregnancies, we've been getting inundated with requests for interviews and pictures of the twins when they are born."
"Same with us, even going as far as asking when we'll be married and if they can have the exclusive. Good thing we're having that very private ceremony mid-January and no one knows. I don't think Santana will want a picture of the baby in the paper and neither do I."
"You might have to release one, babe. Otherwise they'll be following her around just to take one. You don't want her to end up in a situation that could get ugly if she has the baby with her," Puck advised. "I already had it happen with Matthew and Rachel and I went ape shit with the paps. You know Rachel almost fell when they were crowding her and I swear I wanted to kill the motherfuckers for coming so close to my family."
"You're right. I'll have a talk with her about it. I don't want to spend the rest of my life locked up in jail for murdering the son of a bitch that dared to touch my girlfriend and baby."
"Exactly. I'd be right along with you because I'd help. Of course, I might not make it to jail since Rachel will have my hide first."
"You know something, Puck? Sometimes I wish Santana and I could live out of the city. Just live a boring life out in the suburbs and raise our kids in peace."
"At some point, it will get better. Once the hoopla dies down, people will move on to other things, you'll see. We just have to deal with it for a little longer."
"I hope you're right about that. I'm not going to let anyone hurt my family, Puck."
"Neither will I, babe. I'm too happy and content at this point in my life for someone to come and ruin it for us."
"We should finish and head back home. Our girls should be expecting us by now."
"Let's pick vanilla ice cream and pickles on the way, though. Rachel might want some later."
"And peanut butter and bananas. Santana is always craving a sandwich with those as the main ingredients and I'm running low on both."
"Urgh, I think the twins are going to be my last kids!"
"Not for me, though, I want a couple more as well."
"Hope for twins next time! It'll be done in less time."
"Don't think I'd be that lucky. Cravings and long nights aside, this is the happiest I've ever been."
"Yeah, we're lucky, Quinn, and we should be grateful that we have such great women in our lives."
"I know, man. We really are!"
0-0
"Got names for the babies yet?" Santana asked Rachel as they looked through a baby catalog.
"We've been discussing a few, but nothing for sure yet. We don't know their sexes either, so it makes it difficult to pick. How about you?"
"It's been a little hard for us since we've been looking for names that are written the same in English and Spanish. If it's a boy we want to name him Sebastian and if it's a girl we'll name her Isabel."
"I like those! Do you have a preference? I wouldn't mind having girls, or one of each."
"I'd love a little boy and then a little girl. But it doesn't really matter. We're going to be happy with whatever God decides to give us."
"Same here."
"Rachel, I think it's so wonderful that we're going to have babies around the same time. To be honest, I'm a little scared and having someone go through the same thing with me makes it a little easier."
"Are you afraid because it's your first and you don't know what to expect?"
"Yeah. As much as I've read about it, nothing will fully prepare me for when the time comes. I don't want Quinn to think I'm weak."
"Quinn will never think that, Santana. My advice, having been there once already, is to stay calm and relaxed. The minute you tense up or let your fears get in the way, you'll be in trouble and it'll be more difficult. It hurts like all hell when the baby is coming out, I won't lie to you about that, but the minute you hear it cry for the first time you'll forget all about it. The love you feel is so intense and so pure, you won't regret a single second of it."
Santana squeezed Rachel's hand and smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Rachel. For everything."
"Hey, that's what friends are for."
0-0
Quinn and Puck made it back and watched in horror as their wives ate their late evening snacks. Rachel kept dipping her pickle into the vanilla ice cream while Santana enjoyed her banana and peanut butter sandwich. She had added potato chips to it to make it crunchy.
They spent a couple of hours together, talking babies and making plans. Quinn ordered two big pizzas, one loaded and one vegan and then watched as Santana and Rachel pigged out on those as well. Quinn was amazed that they could eat so much and not gain weight, but then she remembered that they were walking and exercising together at a nearby gym and didn't bother to mention anything.
All in all, life couldn't be better and she loved every minute of it. She couldn't wait for the baby to be born. She was more than ready to be a mom and it meant the world to her that Santana would be the mother of her children.
0-0
By the time Christmas was almost upon them, Santana was ready to have the baby. She was working fewer hours at the office and the partners had agreed to let her bring work home so she was in a more relaxed environment. She was due towards the middle of January and with it snowing on and off and the sidewalks being iced over, Quinn was happy with the arrangement.
She still doted on her and made sure Santana was comfortable at all times. It was nice sharing their home office and they respected each other's work, so they could go hours in each other's company without speaking much or getting sidetracked.
When they did get sidetracked, they always ended with happy and satisfied smiles on their faces, and it actually made them work even more afterwards. Both desks and chairs had seen their share of action in the past few weeks, but neither was complaining.
Santana's parents had made the move around the third weekend in December, so they would be spending the holidays with them. Maribel has asked if they could have the traditional Noche Buena dinner on the twenty-fourth just like they did in Puerto Rico and Quinn was delighted to have it happen their first Christmas. They had talked it over and they wanted their child to be brought up knowing both of their cultures and Maribel had decided teaching the baby Spanish from an early age was a must. She was also pushing Santana to better hers as well.
Judy would be joining them on the twenty-second but unfortunately, Russell had previous plans with Frannie and wouldn't be able to come spend the day with them. He had promised to be there to ring in the New Year with them and Quinn was happy with the compromise. She still hated that her sister was acting like an ass, even after finding out their parents had been talking and fixing things. They had even gone on two successful dates, so everyone was hopeful that they'd finally get back together.
Maribel, Judy, Carlos and Quinn had cleaned the house from top to bottom and decorations were in place. Santana was asked to stay in bed to her infinite protests, but she did as they asked and just pouted the whole time. She was pregnant, not useless, but they didn't listen to her.
Their friends all had plans with their own families, so it would just be the five of them for Christmas's Eve and Christmas. They were planning on a quiet evening and night, something Quinn appreciated since Santana was being a little grouchy because she couldn't see her toenails any longer and her lower back was killing her.
"How do I make her feel better, mami?" Quinn asked Maribel as she came into the kitchen where she and Judy were getting dinner ready. "It smells amazing in here, by the way!"
"Thank you, dear. Is Santana still acting up?"
Quinn sighed. "Yeah. I've given her a back and feet rub. I painted her toenails red and lifted her feet so she could see them. I put on her favorite movie. I cuddled with her. I just don't know what else to do to make her happy. She just keeps complaining and snapping at me," she finished as she ran her fingers through messy blonde locks.
Judy and Maribel smiled at each other before looking back at Quinn. It was clear the blonde needed a break.
"Let me go handle her for a bit. You stay here with Judy and have a glass of wine or something a little stronger," Maribel offered as she untied her apron and walked out of the kitchen.
Quinn just grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and sat at one of the stools. "Is there anything I can help with?"
"No, darling. Just take a little break."
"Am I being a bad girlfriend?" she asked forlornly.
"Of course not, baby! Santana is just uncomfortable. You're not doing anything wrong, or any of us for that matter. Her body is adjusting to give birth. The baby has been very active these past few days and she's tired. She's not sleeping comfortably, she constantly has to use the restroom and she probably feels fat and ugly right now. It's all part of being pregnant."
"I can't just sit around and do nothing, mamma!"
"You're doing everything you can to make her as comfortable as possible. Quinnie, you're being a wonderful partner to her. You've been to every doctor appointment. You rub her back and feet every day, sometimes more than once. You give her long baths and wash her hair. You just gave her a pedicure. Anything she wants, even if it's at an ungodly hour, you go and get. You've been wonderful and I'm very proud of you."
She sighed. "I just hate seeing her like this. We never fight and she's so snappy right now. It's like Snix wants to take over or something."
Judy chuckled at that. "I wish I could tell you it gets better. In all honestly, it's probably going to be much worse when she's actually giving birth. She'll probably scream and blame you for everything she's going through. She'll say she hates you and she's never coming near you again. You just have to ignore those hurtful words and hold her hand because she won't mean any of it. Once she sees the baby for the first time, it will all fall into place and she'll be happy again. If you want more children, it will be like this with every pregnancy, darling, so you might as well get used to it."
"That sounds absolutely awful!"
"But true. Just ask Russell and Carlos. Maribel and I were both impossible to deal with and it only got worse when it was time for child birth."
"Great!"
"It's only a few more weeks, sweetheart. The reward is priceless, though, so hang in there."
Quinn nodded and smiled a little. "Thanks for being here, mamma. Just wish daddy was here as well."
"I know, but he'll be here in a few days."
"Are you looking forward to seeing him?"
Judy nodded and blushed prettily. "I've enjoyed spending time with him again. We've both grown and changed a lot in the past ten years. We're sort of getting to know each other again and it's been really nice."
"Well, whatever comes out of it, just know I'm happy to have you both here for me and Santana."
0-0
Maribel knocked on the door and then opened it without waiting for Santana to give her the okay to come in.
"That was rude!"
"Know what else is rude? The way you're threating your soon to be wife. What is the matter with you?"
"I didn't do anything!"
"Aha. So why is she downstairs drinking and looking so pitiful?"
Santana's eyes filled with tears. "Is she really?"
"Santana, you're driving that poor girl crazy. Dios, I don't know how she does it day in and day out with how impossible you've been acting. She's done nothing but take care of you and you're being a brat."
"I don't mean to be, mami!"
"I know, mi amor, but you have to rein it in. She's been wonderful. Not every woman out there is as lucky as you are to have such a devoted and loving partner. And yet here you are, threating her like shit and making her feel guilty that she's not doing enough."
"Did she say that I'm threating her like shit?" she asked aghast.
Quinn didn't usually say things like that, especially about her, so if she had, things were worse that she had figured. No wonder her own mother had come up to set her straight.
"Not in those exact words, but she is clearly frustrated and blaming herself. She's done nothing wrong!"
Santana's tears finally fell. Maribel sat next to her and wiped her cheeks with a tissue she grabbed from the box on the bedside table. Then she held her as she cried some more.
"I'm being such a bitch, mami! I don't know how to stop it."
"I know you don't mean it. I know you don't feel good right now. San, this is all part of being pregnant, but just try to think before you speak. Don't give her such a hard time because she's really trying her best to make you happy and comfortable."
"Mami, Quinn is the best and I love her so much. I don't want her to leave me because I'm being so awful and ungrateful."
"Then try to settle down, mi amor. Be nice to her."
"I promise I'm going to try. Could you ask her to come back to our room?"
"Not just yet. Give her a little break and maybe take a nap. She'll come back up in a little bit to help you get ready for tonight."
Santana sighed sadly but nodded in resignation. Her mom was right. She needed to give Quinn a break and stop acting up so much around her.
"Okay. Just tell her I said I loved her."
"I will, mamita. Try to get some rest, okay?"
Santana nodded, let her mom tuck her in and then closed her eyes, falling asleep in no time.
0-0
The tender touch felt so good that she didn't want to open her eyes in fear that it would stop. She kept her eyes closed a moment longer, but she knew she couldn't go on ignoring Quinn much longer, so she leaned more into her touch and blinked her eyes open.
"Hi, sweetheart," Quinn whispered after she had kissed her forehead. "Did you have a good nap?"
"Mmhmm."
"It's time to get up, though. I have to help you shower and then we have dinner."
"Is it that time already?"
"Its six thirty and Maribel wants to start at seven."
Santana stretched and moaned softly in satisfaction. Quinn watched her and swallowed hard. It was hard to keep herself in check because she found a pregnant Santana just about irresistible. She was softer and she seemed to glow. While she had always considered her girlfriend beautiful, now she was even more so.
"I don't know how you manage it, but you're more beautiful every time I see you," she told her before kissing her lips softly.
"Do you really think so?"
"I know so. I'm so in love with you I can barely stand myself!"
"I love you, too, baby girl. I'm sorry I've been such a bitch as of late. I don't mean to hurt your feelings, love and I know I've been impossible."
"I'm not going to say I don't mind it, because sometimes it hurts, but I do understand you're not feeling well."
"That doesn't give me the right to take it out on the one person that has done everything possible to make me feel better. I'm really sorry, baby."
"I know you are. It's almost over, okay? So let's try to enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy as much as we can and then you'll be back to feeling better."
Quinn being so understanding broke her and she cried in her arms for a few minutes before composing herself.
"Thank you, babe."
"You're welcome. Now, come on, let's get our shower on."
"Can I play with Little Q?" she asked coquettishly as she cupped and squeezed the slight bulge between the blonde's legs.
"Jesus, fuck, Santana!" Quinn exclaimed as she pulled the Latina's hands away from her. "We have half an hour to get ready, woman!"
"I can get you off in less than ten minutes and we both know it," Santana reminded her as she sat up and cupped her again, this time not letting go.
Quinn whimpered as Little Q twitched. She couldn't help but want her and she sighed in defeat.
"This is going to be the fastest shower we've ever taken," she told her resignedly as she got up and helped Santana up as well.
Her girlfriend just laughed and dragged her to the bathroom.
0-0
They were, of course, fifteen minutes late and received knowing looks from their parents. Santana just laughed it off while Quinn blushed. So what if she couldn't resist making Santana cum as well?
"Sorry we're late," she mumbled as she pulled Santana's chair back so she could sit.
"Ah, young love," Maribel said as she sat as well. "Don't ever lose that feeling, girls."
Just as everyone had settled, there was an unexpected knock on the door and they all looked at each other confusedly since no one was missing and no one was due to come by.
"I'll get it and get rid of whoever it is quickly," Carlos offered as he got up.
"Baby, did you invite someone else?" Quinn asked Santana.
"No. Everyone else is in Lima as far as I know."
"Can't be a sales person."
"I have no idea, love. I wasn't counting on anyone else coming. I hope nothing is wrong."
Before they could say anything else, Carlos came back in the room looking a little surprised and uncomfortable.
"Um, Quinn, could you step out into the living room for a moment? It's for you."
"For me?"
"Yeah. There is someone that wants to see you for a moment."
"Who is it?"
"Would you just come with me?" he edged nervously before looking at his wife, Judy and lastly at Santana.
"Oh, hell no! Who is it, papi?"
"San, just give Quinn a moment, alright, princesa?"
"But papi," she tried but he cut her off with a shake of his head and then followed Quinn out as she left.
"Damn it!"
0-0
"Papi, who is it?" Quinn asked nervously as she stopped in the middle of the hall.
He looked torn for a moment before taking her hand and pulling her behind him without saying a word.
She couldn't help but gasp when she saw her father and sister standing there.
"Hi, darling," he greeted as she stood there in shock. He walked over to her and hugged her tightly and she responded automatically and returned the hug all the while looking at her sister, who stood there silently.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him.
"Fran wanted to talk to you."
Quinn looked towards her sister again. Fran fidgeted nervously with her fingers and seemed a little lost, so Quinn waited her out. It wasn't like she knew what to say at the moment either.
"We'll give you both a moment. I'm going to say hello to your mother," Russell indicated as he and Carlos left the living room.
The silence grew for a few more minutes until Quinn couldn't stand it any longer.
"Why are you here?" she asked directly, but kept her voice neutral.
"I wanted to see you."
"Why now? Because I've wanted to see you for years, Frannie, and you ignored me the entire time. Why should I even stay in this room with you now and extend you the courtesy you've denied me?"
The older blonde sighed and looked down. "I deserve that and anything else you want to throw at me."
"Why are you here really?"
"Because I've been a complete asshole and you didn't deserve any of it. I know I'm wrong, okay? I know I abandoned you when you needed me most. I took sides instead of being a good daughter and supporting both of my parents like you did. I pushed you away for no reason other than my pride and immaturity and I know there isn't much I can do to make it go away. I screwed up and I hurt you a lot. I know all of that and I live with it day in and day out."
Quinn just looked at her, knowing how much it cost her sister to admit to those things. The Fabray pride was hard to overcome and she was doing it because Quinn had asked her for an explanation.
"What made you change your mind now?"
"The baby. I've already missed years of your life when I should have been here all along. I don't want to miss out on my niece or nephew as well. I want to be a part of their life and I want to be a part of our family again if you'll have me back."
"And what makes you think I want you to be a part of our child's life?" a cold voice asked from the side of the room and they both swirled around to see a clearly pissed off Latina walking in. "Because if you think a few words are going to make up for what you did, I have news for you Francesca Fabray! I've seen my girl cry more than once because of you and I don't take kindly to anyone hurting the woman I love."
"Santana," Fran tried but was cut off by her glare.
"Why now? She tried for so long to reach out to you. Where were you when she sold her first book? Where were you when someone threatened to out her? Where were you when shit hit the fan when she outed herself in her book? Where were you when she needed someone to be there to hold her and dry her tears, ah?"
"San," Quinn pleaded as she moved closer to her. Fran had started crying as soon as Santana had gone off on her.
"No, Quinn, she needs to hear this. She needs to know the damage she inflicted. Because I was a damn fool and blind to our feelings for a long time, but I was at your side every step of the way and I've always been there to hold your hand."
"She's right, Quinn, about everything she's saying."
"Of course I'm right! So don't think for a moment that you can just waltz your way back into Quinn's life and everything is going to be okay overnight."
"I don't expect that. I know I have to earn everyone's trust again and I have a lot of things to make up for. All I'm asking is for a chance."
Quinn looked warily as Santana sized Fran up. Her girlfriend was livid and her eyes were dark and stormy. Fran could barely keep eye contact as she waited for the Latina to continue.
"You don't deserve one."
Fran's tears fell down her cheeks again and she nodded in understanding before lowering her head and looking at the floor. Quinn felt trapped between supporting her fiancé and giving her sister the chance she was asking for.
"I should go. I'm sorry I interrupted your dinner."
As she turned, she looked at Quinn one more time, longing and shame mixing together in her eyes before looking down again and heading towards the entrance. Quinn's shoulders deflated and she looked at Santana as if lost, not sure what to do still.
Santana watched her for a moment before sighing and giving in. She couldn't look at her and deny her anything she wanted and she clearly wanted her sister back in her life, in their lives.
"Stop walking," she called out to the older blonde. "Jesus, you're going to give in without a fight? How are we to believe your intentions are real when you just give in so easily?"
Fran turned back around and looked at her for a moment before looking down at her protruding stomach.
"I'm not going to make you agitated this close to your due date, San. I will not put the baby or you at risk. I know how much both of you mean to my sister and I will not put you in any type of jeopardy. I've already done enough damage to my family to now come in here and hurt you or the baby as well. I couldn't live with that if anything bad happened."
That seemed to appease Santana enough and she walked right over to her, grabbed her by the front of her dress and pulled her closer so only a couple of inches separated them.
"Hurt her again and I will ends you! Do you understand me?" she whispered fiercely and all of their hairs on the back of Fran's neck stood on end.
"Crystal clear," Fran whispered back. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Show me you deserve this chance and do right by my girl or else."
"I promise you I will do my damnedest to make everything right again."
Santana let her go and brushed her dress to remove the wrinkles she had put in it when she grabbed her.
"I'm going to put another plate setting on the table and give you two five minutes alone."
She kissed Quinn on the way out of the living room and caressed her cheek lovingly, her eyes telling the blonde just how much she loved and cherished her.
"She's as fiery as I remember her being," Fran commented nervously as she moved closer to the younger blonde.
"She's amazing," she told her with a grin.
"She is and so are you. I know I don't deserve this chance, but you have no idea how much it means to me that you're giving it to me."
"We're family. We stick together. I don't want my child to not know you. It really bothered me you wouldn't be here."
"I am here. And I will continue to be. I'm going to make it up to you and mamma. I promise, Q."
Quinn just hugged her tightly and a few more tears escaped them both before they collected themselves enough to go into the dining room.
Judy didn't say a word, just held her eldest daughter in a thigh hug for a couple of minutes before Santana made her displeasure at being kept away from the food known and they all laughed as the tension finally broke in the room.
There would be plenty of time to talk about things after dessert. Christmas had come early for the Fabray family and everyone was happy. Bridges were slowly being mended and things were falling into place little by little.
0-0
Santana had been restless and uncomfortable most of the day when her water finally broke one late afternoon towards the end of January. Quinn was immediately on her feet and in action. She had been rehearsing for the past week, and while Santana had laughed at her anxiousness, she had told her she wanted to be prepared. Their suitcase stood by the door, the car seat had already been placed in their car, and the papers had been filled at Mount Sinai, where she would have a private room guarded by security. Quinn was not taking any risks when it came to her wife and child. She placed a quick call to their parents, who said they would meet them at the hospital since they had been out.
Russell and Judy had been staying with them after the wedding took place, knowing the baby could arrive any day. Fran had promised to be on the first flight out the moment she got the call. As she had promised, she was doing her part to fix things with her family and Quinn felt like her family was finally back on track. Her parents were even talking about getting remarried, which was amazing.
She drove them carefully to the hospital and as soon as they checked in, the waiting game started. Rachel and Puck had arrived a little after their families. Rachel had had her twins three weeks prior and the Berry men were at their home taking care of all of their kids so they could be at the hospital with Santana and Quinn.
Quinn stood supportively at Santana's side, holding her hand and kissing her forehead. They had chosen to be the only ones in the room for the birth and their family and friends supported their decision. Santana's doctor had also been by to pay her a visit and to tell them it would still be a few hours after giving her the epidural.
Several hours later, Santana was ready, and as always, she put her best effort forward and after several cries of pain and some heavy breathing and pushing, Sebastian came into their world.
When the doctor lifted him up so they could see him, tears fell down their cheeks. Quinn was asked if she wanted to cut the umbilical cord, and after some hesitation and encouragement from her wife, she did so. Sebastian was cleaned quickly and wrapped securely in a blue blanket before a nurse laid him gently on Santana's waiting arms.
For the next few minutes, they both stared in wonder at their baby boy, not saying anything, just watching him breathe while he slept peacefully. He was a little red and wrinkled, not to mention a little swollen, but to Quinn and Santana, he was the most beautiful boy in the world.
Santana took his tiny hand in hers, marveling at the difference in size and noticing how cute his little nails were. And when Sebastian Fabray-Lopez wrapped his tiny hand around her index finger, Santana fell in love once again, took another shaky breath, and thanked all that was Holy for the wonder that was their baby. A lump the size of a grapefruit had taken residence in her throat since she had first seen her baby boy and made it impossible for her to utter a single word. Not that she had much to say. This was one of those rare moments in which she had been rendered speechless, but she didn't really mind. After all, there was a small miracle wrapped in blue nestled in her arms. Mere words seemed insignificant.
Quinn, meanwhile, looked at Sebastian's hair, dark like his mom's and wondered what color his eyes would be, while hoping they would be a mix of hers and Santana's. One thing she was sure of was that their baby was one handsome little man and the love she felt at the moment was like nothing she had ever experienced before. All of a sudden she finally understood what had driven her parent to protect her as a child and as she grew up, not once caring that she was different. Even when they had parted ways, they never stopped protecting her. Parenthood sure as hell put things in a whole new perspective for her. She knew then that no matter what Sebastian was like as he grew older, what his choices turned out to be and what he looked like in the future, she would be at his side every step of the way.
Just then, Sebastian opened his little eyes and stared up at his mother for the first time. The tears that Santana had been trying to hold back finally fell as she looked back at him.
"Hi," she whispered. "Welcome to our world and happy birthday, my sweet darling."
Sebastian blinked a couple of times, but kept staring at her. Quinn smiled at the first connection between mother and son and her tears fell freely as well. To be a part of this, to witness such a tender sight, it was enough to make the strongest person fall to their knees.
"Want to say hi to mommy?" Santana continued in the same soft voice. "She's been dying to meet you, sweetheart."
Sebastian blinked again and tightened his hold on her finger. Santana chuckled and finally looked up at Quinn.
"Ready to hold him, mommy?"
Quinn just nodded, dried her tears quickly and stepped closer to the bed. Just then, Sebastian noticed her and looked her way. His piercing blue eyes were amazing to look at, but she knew they would change in the days to come. She gathered the baby carefully in her arms, following Santana's advice. Once she had the baby in her arms, she stood very still and they watched each other for a few minutes. Quinn's tears fell again and she was unable to speak. She had never felt such love, such tenderness and such a fierce need to protect someone like she did now. This was her son and the result of hers and Santana's love.
Santana watched Quinn's interaction with their son and fell in love with her wife all over again. It was clear that she was completely besotted with Sebastian. Her love for the baby shone brightly in her hazel eyes and Santana knew then that their lives were changed for the better. Letting Quinn become a part of her dream was the best thing she could have done for herself. Rachel had been right all along, damn hobbit! They were meant to be together and it was probably really written in the stars.
Quinn started walking around the room, humming the entire time to her beautiful son. Santana watched, proud and full of love, as the two most important people in her life bonded.
Bliss.
It was pure, unadulterated bliss!
0-0
A while later, their parents were allowed in the room and their mothers couldn't hold back the tears of happiness at seeing their grandson for the first time. Santana's father was also teary eyed when he got to hold the baby. Russell wasn't any better. They congratulated the new parents and spent some time talking to their grandson. Santana and Quinn watched on amused.
When he started crying, Santana knew instinctively that he was hungry. Her mother helped her get ready to breastfeed him for the first time. While it hurt at first, she didn't complain knowing it would be best for him. They all watched in amazement as Santana breastfed Sebastian for the first time. He held her finger the entire time and Santana couldn't stop looking at him. He seemed so peaceful and happy. Quinn was at her side, watching attentively and marveling at the way nature worked. Her love for Santana multiplied at the sight.
0-0
"Damn it to hell, Rachel! Do you think we're ever going to be allowed in there? It's been a freakin' hour since Santana gave birth," Puck complained while pacing outside the private room. "I am the godfather, for God's sake! Their parents have been in there for the longest time, too."
"Just because you wanted to parade Matthew around for the entire world to see the minute he was born doesn't mean Quinn and Santana are going to do the same. They're doing their bonding with the baby now, so be quiet and wait!" his wife admonished him sternly.
"Easy for you to say. How long does it take to bond, anyways?" he kept on whining.
"And then you wonder why Santana thinks you're an immature ass most of the time," Rachel wondered out loud.
"Excuse me? I have matured, woman. You've told me so yourself."
"Of course you have matured, Puck, but sometimes you still revert to your old high-school self. Now is a fine example of that."
"Fine! I'll sit and act all proper and mature so you're not embarrassed by your husband."
He sat down and pouted while trying to look mature and manly. Rachel laughed and patted his cheek lovingly.
"Oh, Puck, give them a few more minutes. It's not going to kill you. Remember this is a special moment for them. Quinn had given up on love altogether and now she's married to the woman she's loved all along and they just had a child. Their parents also need a moment with them. It's just how things work, sweetheart."
Puck was quiet for a moment, as if contemplating her words. "You're right, of course. I never thought of it that way. I'm sorry I'm acting like a fool. I'm just excited."
"It's all right, darling; I know you're anxious to see them. Quinn will be out soon, you'll see."
0-0
True to Rachel's words, Quinn stepped out of the room about fifteen minutes later. Puck was immediately at her side and gave her a congratulatory hug. Rachel followed slowly and they embraced tightly.
"How are Santana and the baby?" Rachel immediately asked.
"They're both wonderful. Santana doesn't even remember the pain right now, even though it was a painful and difficult delivery."
"I'm glad to hear it. She was so nervous!"
"She was great, Rach. I'm so damn proud of my wife."
"Do you like being a mom?"
Quinn just smiled. "I really don't know how to describe what I'm feeling, Puck."
"It's alright, babe. I know the feeling. It's like all of a sudden you're the happiest person on earth, right?"
"Yeah. You were so right when you told me this would change my life."
Puck smiled. "We deserve it, though. It was about damn time things went right for all of us. We've worked hard to earn it."
"I never thought I'd know what absolute joy is all about, but when I held Sebastian in my arms for the first time, it felt like my heart would burst."
"Wait until he smiles at you for the first time, or calls you mommy. Man, there is no better feeling in the world!"
"I can't wait. Do you guys want to meet your godson? I know I've been in there for a while, but I couldn't seem to tear myself away from my family."
"Its fine, babe. I was getting a little impatient, but Rachel straightened me out real quick. We'd love to meet him, though."
The three of them walked back into the room. Maribel and Judy were sitting by the bed and Carlos and Russell were standing behind them. Santana was holding Sebastian in her arms while they talked softly.
When the door opened, Santana looked over to them and smiled radiantly.
Rachel walked over to the bed and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Hello, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" she asked softly.
"Tired, but so very happy!"
"Sebastian is a doll!" Rachel whispered excitedly as she turned to look at him.
Santana beamed happily. "Isn't he beautiful?"
Puck came up behind Rachel and kissed Santana's cheek. He looked down at the baby and smiled. "That he is. You did a wonderful job, San. Quinn told us it was a difficult delivery but you were strong as always."
"Thanks, Puck. It was worth it."
"I'll say. Do you think I can hold him?"
"Of course." She looked down at her son and smiled. "Sebastian, this is your uncle Puck. Want to say hi?"
Sebastian just kept looking up at her and she smiled. She lifted him up a little and Puck bent down to pick him up gently. Sebastian blinked a couple of times and stared at him as well.
"Hi, little fellow. I'm your favorite uncle Puck. Wait until you meet your cousin Matthew and the twins. You're going to have a lot of fun playing together." He told him as he bent down slightly so Rachel could take another look at him.
The rest of the day was spent with family and friends visiting and wishing the new family well. The room was suddenly full of flowers, stuffed animals and cards. Sebastian slept for most of it.
When night time arrived, Quinn pulled out the sleeper bed and Sebastian's basinet was set between their beds. He woke up every two hours or so and Quinn would bring him over to Santana so she could feed him. She's sit close to the bed and watch them and then she'd burp him gently before putting him back in bed where she rubbed his little back until he fell back asleep. The next morning, both were tired and a little sleep deprived, but they didn't mind. As long as Sebastian was happy, they were, too.
Russell, Judy and Fran would be staying with them for the next two weeks to help them out and they were looking forward to the time with their family. Maribel and Carlos had decided to stay in the basement apartment for the coming year so Maribel could help Quinn babysit once Santana went back to work.
0-0
Santana was released two days later and they settled into a routine at home. Sebastian was staying in a basinet in their room and they'd decided he would be until he was sleeping through the entire night.
Around week later, Santana heard Quinn singing softly to their child as she approached his room. She had started pumping her milk so Quinn could participate in feeding him and she usually left them alone to give them bonding time.
When Quinn stopped singing, Santana paused outside to listen in. Her wife was set on talking to their child as if he understood everything she said. She swore up and down he was going to be exceptionally intelligent and bright and he knew what she was trying to say to him. Santana humored her.
"You know something, baby boy? Your life isn't going to be as hard as mine. I swear I'm going to protect you until my dying breath and if anyone makes fun of you because I'm sort of weird, then we'll face it together as a family. At least you're normal, my sweet angel, and that's a huge relief to me. I was so afraid that because I'm not, something might be wrong with you, but you're my perfect little miracle and I love you so so much."
She continued talking to him for a while longer and Santana stood there, a few tears escaping her eyes at how happy Quinn sounded. However, she didn't like that Quinn still saw herself as weird. She'd have to do something about that.
She entered the room and smiled at the sight. Quinn was just in her boxers and tank top as she cuddled their son in the chair.
"There are my beautiful babies," she cooed as she kissed them both. "Thank you for letting me nap, baby."
"You needed it, love. He's been waking up an awful lot the past two nights."
"You must be exhausted as well. Why don't we put him down for his nap and you can catch a few hours as well?"
"I'd love that."
So they did and then Santana took her hand and led her to their room.
Once they were laying down, she turned on her side so she was facing the blonde. As Quinn wrapped an arm around her waist, Santana cupped her cheek and kissed her softly.
"You're perfect."
"Oh, stop!"
"No, seriously, love, you are. I don't want you to keep thinking you're not normal. No one that matters to us thinks so and our son will love you no matter what."
Quinn blushed. "You heard."
"I did." Santana moved her hand down Quinn's side and around her front and cupped her gently. "Little Q is the reason we have a beautiful family now, Q, so I will never see you as anything less than perfect. Sebastian is our little miracle, but he only happened because of you. So I don't ever want to hear you call yourself weird or to think there is something wrong with you. You gave me him, the most precious gift, and for that I'll be forever thankful that you're different and all mine."
Santana sealed her words with a kiss and then dried Quinn's tears.
"Thank you for saying that. I never even thought of it that way."
"I know. We have to be grateful to God or life or whoever it was that made you this way. When the time comes, we'll share that part of you with our children and they will love you regardless of what other people might think. I know I'm going to love you forever."
"Me, too, baby girl, me, too."
The baby meant more laughter and joy in their lives and a new beginning. When Quinn and Santana went to bed that night, with Sebastian sleeping peacefully in his basinet by their bed, they felt truly complete and happy. Life was good and they were thankful.
It had taken years, tears and a lot of persuasion, compromises and understanding, but they had finally gotten there.
They shared love, the forever kind and now Sebastian completed their happiness.
0-0
A/N: Epilogue to follow.