Telling Ryan along with the show executives and producers proved to be much easier than Naya had imagined. She had built up every scenario in her head all day until she was convinced she was getting fired. The girls managed to calm her down and Naya was just grateful she had been proven wrong.
Ryan decided they would start filming some of her numbers and performances ahead of time while her bump could still be hidden, that way everything was ready for future episodes. In any additional scenes, they will use the typical disguises such as looser fitting tops, props or simply having her stand behind something. The crew told her not to worry and they'll figure it out.
The cast was just finishing up for the day. Since their Friday workday ended with a group number that meant they were all dismissed at the same time.
"God I'm exhausted. I actually think I might pass out right now." Chris stated with an exaggerated fanning motion over his face.
"Is your makeup running off Lady Hummel?" Naya shot back with her signature smirk.
"For the last time, it's just POWDER! I happen to have an oily t-zone!" Chris responded throwing his arms up in the air dramatically.
"Whatever Colfer, it's makeup." Diana adds with a giggle.
"I don't know about you losers but I'm ready to party! Where are we going? What are we doing? I need some action tonight!" Mark all but shouts making everyone glance in his direction and roll their eyes.
"What do you say, guys? Hemo?" Chord asks looking over at Heather who seems to be wearing a concerned look.
Heather glances at her wife who's walking beside her and finally speaks up. "Naya are you sure you are up to going out after all that dancing? I don't want you to over-exert yourself." Heather asks looking genuinely concerned.
"I'm doing good baby. Really, I wouldn't be afraid to tell you if I wasn't up for it. The crew was amazing and allowed me to take a lot of extra breaks so it wasn't as taxing as I thought it would be. I don't think I'll be breaking it down like it's hot tonight though" Naya stated making everyone giggle. "That doesn't mean I can't have dinner and chat with my friends." Naya finishes with a reassuring smile.
Heather seems to contemplate Naya's response for a moment before finally giving in. "Alright, fine." Heather says hearing everyone cheer. "However!" Heather adds making everyone turn and look at her once again. "If Naya needs to leave for any reason we're out of there. Naya and my baby are my first priorities so I need you all to understand that." Heather states with a firm look to her costars making sure they realize she isn't playing around.
"Come on momma bear, she'll be fine!" Lea responds with an eye roll making Heather glare back at her.
"Lea…I'm serious, don't test me when it comes to my wife and baby. It's Friday in LA at a dance club. People are crazy and paparazzi are always out in full force, so forgive me for being extra cautious." Heather growls back.
Amber immediately understands where Heather is coming from and speaks up. "Hemo I totally get it. Don't worry we've got your back girl. I'll make sure to have an eagle eye out for your woman too, alright?" Amber finishes putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Heather immediately pulls Amber into a hug and whispers a soft thank you in response.
"I appreciate it thank you, Amber. Sorry if I'm being overprotective but the thought of anything happening to my pregnant wife makes me crazy. I swear if anything were to happen…" Heather starts but is interrupted by Naya stopping her just as they reach the picnic benches outside the studio. They all take a seat and Naya leads Heather to a spot on the bench and sits on her lap. "Baby, we will be just fine. I'll be mainly in the background. I just want to eat because I'm starving and hang out with our friends. The baby is all safe and cuddly so there's no need to worry." Naya says reassuringly while caressing her wife's cheek.
"Ok, I'm sorry. I'm crazy. Seriously Naya, how am I not going to lose my mind when our child's here?! I'm already going crazy!" Heather says hiding her face in her hands groaning.
Naya lets out a throaty chuckle and removes her hands from her wife's face and places them on her growing belly. "Baby, I can already tell you'll be the best mother. Fiercely protective, their biggest cheerleader, their snuggle buddy, but most of all they'll love you so damn much just like I do. Our baby is so lucky." Naya finishes kissing her wife on the lips completely forgetting that their friends are sitting on the benches surrounding them.
"You two are ridiculous." Diana says but can't help the smile stretching across her face.
The crew decided to meet at Lea's and take 2 vehicles to the club. The guys would ride in one and the girls would take the other. They always had a tendency to arrive in groups when they all decided to go out together. They agreed to stay the night at Lea's and just have a fun evening.
Everyone had gone home after work and got ready as well as packed a small overnight bag. Lea, being the overtly extra human being that she is, decided to surprise her friends when they arrived at her house before heading to the club.
They all practically arrived at Lea's home at the same time so they congregated outside while they all were grabbing their overnight bags out of their cars. Their chats were interrupted as they hear the unmistakable sound of Lea screeching excitedly. They all turn and see Lea bouncing in anticipation by the front door.
"What the actual hell is wrong with you? Am I going to regret this? Never mind I already do." Naya says with a groan while looking up towards the sky while the others laugh at her. Lea and Naya basically had the same relationship as Rachel and Santana. It was comedic gold for the rest of the cast.
"Seriously, what did you do?" Amber asks Lea completely monotone.
"How about instead of all your questions you come in and find out!" Lea runs back into the house. Everyone rolls their eyes but is curious nonetheless. Heather picks up both of their bags and motions for Naya to walk ahead of her.
As soon as they enter they are met with a sight that makes their jaws hit the floor. There's absolutely no furniture in the large living space. The regular furniture has been replaced with air mattresses…6 air mattresses to be exact. Each one practically touches the other, essentially making one humungous bed.
"What in the actual f…" Naya starts but is cut off by Lea's overexcited ramblings.
"Is it not perfect! It's one giant sleepover!" Lea jumps excitedly.
"I call dibs by Naya!" Mark shouts startling a few of them.
Heather immediately shoots him a warning glare and pulls her wife close. "In your dreams buddy" Heather replied. Naya placed a kiss on Heather's neck and they all seemed to give up the fight and pick a bed. The girls on one side and the boys on the other. Heather instinctively made sure Naya was as far away from Mark as humanly possible. Once they all set their stuff down and took their turns freshening up they grabbed two of the largest vehicles which happened to be Mark and Amber's.
They all pulled up right outside the club, Mark and the guys in the vehicle ahead of them. Naya can already sense her wife's defenses coming out at the amount of paparazzi and fans outside waiting. Naya squeezes Heather's hand as they open the doors. The guys are waiting for the girls as they file out of the SUVs. Heather immediately pulls Naya as close as humanly possible the second she's out of the car. Amber senses Heather's panic and goes on the opposite side of Naya wrapping her arm around her back. Heather shoots Amber a grateful smile, instantly feeling much better knowing Naya was in a sort of cocoon if you will.
The gang maneuvered around the crowd as quickly as possible feeling a sense of relief when they are inside the exclusive club, the paparazzi held back by security.
"Thank you, Amber, seriously." Heather says hugging her friend gratefully.
"Girl don't mention it. Auntie Amber's got this!" Amber states proudly dusting off the imaginary dirt on her shoulder.
"I need food." Naya chimes in abruptly.
"Alright love. Let's get you something to eat." Heather chuckles.
"Alright Hemo, Naya grab us ladies a table. Girls what can I get you to drink?" Amber asks.
"I'll take a ginger ale. Thanks, girl." Naya answers.
"I'll have the same. Thanks!" Heather replies turning around to guide Naya to an empty booth.
"Baby you know you can drink, right? Just because I can't doesn't mean that rule applies to you. Enjoy a glass of wine or grab a cocktail." Naya insisted.
"Nah, I'm okay. I need to be alert when we're out like this." Heather adds. Naya knew her mind was already made up and there was no changing it.
"Here ladies. Two ginger ales." Amber stares while settling in the booth across from the girls with Jenna right behind her.
The crew has been partying for the better part of two hours. They've had a blast so far. Naya had finally with the help of Amber, convinced Heather to join Harry on the dance floor for a few songs. Those two always had a blast.
"I can't believe we convinced her to let you go for a few minutes! If that isn't a victory for the record books I don't know what the hell is!" Amber praised.
"Ha! She's the sweetest. Crowds make her nervous, even more than usual. She's so worried someone will bump into me in these busy places." Naya says while letting her arms fall straight down in front of her and crossing them at the wrists just in front of her belly. She still feels likes she's guarding the baby, but it's not obvious since they haven't released any information to the public.
Naya can see how much Heather's enjoying herself on the dance floor. She's completely in her element. She occasionally sneaks glances in her wife's direction as she's chatting with the girls in their booth. Vanessa, Jenna, and Amber were on one side of the both while Lea, Diana, and Naya occupied the other side. Naya was on the outside as always. She hated being trapped inside a booth.
The girls were chatting about a scene they were working on the following week when a very intoxicated man seemingly comes out of nowhere and approaches the girl's table.
"Hey, sexy ladies! Would you like to dance?" The man says with a smug smile glancing at all the ladies before settling his light brown eyes on Naya.
"We're good thanks." Jenna answers avoiding eye contact with the tall man.
"None of us are interested, but take care and have a good night." Amber says trying to get the man to take a hint and leave.
"What about you gorgeous?" The man asks Naya placing a hand on her shoulder. Naya squirms feeling extremely violated by the man's creepy demeanor.
"Please take your hand off me." Naya says trying to remain calm.
"Come on sexy. Let me show you a good time." The man says in a creepy tone that sends shivers down Naya's spine. Before she has time to throw a snarky remark his way he grabs her by the arm and pulls her out of the booth.
"Let go of me!" Naya shouts wincing at the force at which he's holding her arm surely enough to leave a large bruise. The girls start to panic and yell at the guy.
"What the fuck dude! Let her go!" Amber yells back standing up quickly trying to grab Naya out of his tight grasp.
"Nah she's going to dance with me. Come on gorgeous." The man responds tugging Naya roughly by the arm. The man turns quickly ready to drag Naya to the dance floor when he's met with a tall blue-eyed blonde with a look that would have terrified the girls if they didn't know her.
"You have exactly two fucking seconds to get your hands off my wife… FUCKING MOVE!" Heather snarls grabbing the guy by the arm and twisting it causing him to cry out in pain and let go of Naya's arm as he grabs his own. She's pretty sure she just broke his arm.
"Goddammit, woman!" The man shouts.
"I warned you. Now here's what's going to happen. You're going to back the fuck away from my wife and if I ever see your face again I'll do more than crack your arm. Do we understand each other?" Heather growls in a tone that none of her friends have ever heard from her before.
The man dares one last glance at Naya before wincing and walking away towards the front of the club. As soon as he's out of sight Naya launches in Heather's arms wrapping her arms around her neck.
"Thank god. He was really scaring me." Naya says shivering trying to come down from the adrenaline of what just happened.
Heather cups the back of her head and places a hand on her back rocking her from side to side as they embrace.
"God, my love. Your okay right?" Heather asks while looking Naya's body up and down and fixing her eyes on the large bruise that was already forming on her upper arm where the guy was gripping her.
Heather examines the bruise on Naya's arm and places a soft kiss on the discolored skin. "He fucking touched you…" Heather snarls under her breath.
"Baby you came just in time. You always do. You're my lady knight in shining armor." Naya manages a small smile.
"I clearly didn't get here soon enough." Heather internally scolded herself while continuing to stare at the mark that man left on her wife. The mere thought of someone grabbing Naya in a vicious way is enough to send Heather so far past the edge. The rage she feels inside is like nothing she's ever felt. What if he had hit her in the stomach or made her fall. Her mind was going crazy at all the horrible things that could've happened.
"Baby. Don't you dare blame yourself for anything. As I said, you are always right there when I need you. Just think of how much worse it would've been if you hadn't shown up." Naya says glancing down at her belly. Heather can only assume that Naya's realizing how much worse it could've been.
"Hemo I'm so sorry we didn't do more. I think we were all in shock and I tried to grab him but his grip kept getting tighter and I was concerned he would try and hurt her if I grabbed her." Amber rambles trying to make sense of what just happened.
"Amber it's not your fault. Thank you for being there for her." Heather replies.
Heather gently guides her wife into the booth. This time Lea and Diana slide over to allow room for Heather. Naya for the first time in forever opts to not sit on the end and cuddles into Heather the moment she settles into the booth. Naya winces slightly at the sensitivity of her arm. She can already tell it's going to feel horrible in the morning.
"Amber can you see if they'll give us some ice wrapped in a cloth or rag just so we can take the heat out of this bruise." Heather asks as calmly as possible. Her voice was still laced with fury.
"Absolutely." Amber replies getting up and going over to the bar.
The guys walk over and notice Naya's arm. They look at each other with shocked and angry expressions.
"What the hell happened here?" Mark says loudly.
"Some guy came and pulled Naya out of the booth and tried to get her to dance with him. He squeezed the hell out of her arm before Hemo came up behind him and broke his arm. We'll we're pretty sure she did." Diana responds filling the guys in on what they missed.
"Holy shit. Naya are you ok?" Kevin asks genuinely worried for his friend and leaning over the table to get a better look at her bruised arm.
"Here Naya." Amber says walking back to the table with a ziplock bag full of ice and a hand towel wrapped around it.
"Thanks, Amber." Heather says grabbing the ice pack and gently setting it on Naya's arm. Naya winces at the sensation as tears coat her eyes. Now that the adrenaline has settled the pain is setting in more and more.
Heather notices Naya's tears and wipes them gently while placing kisses on the side of her face. She discreetly places her hand over Naya's belly silently asking if their baby is ok. Naya looks up and nods. The friends look on knowing that the girls are having one of their telepathic non- verbal talks.
"Guys, do you mind if we head out? If you guys would rather stay I'll grab a cab for me and Naya. I just want to get her out of here." Heather states while pulling Naya close to her keeping the ice pack on her arm.
They all agree to leave together. Heather removes her hand from Naya's belly and helps her out of the booth gently being extra cautious of her arm. They walk towards the front of the club and see the guy again. He's way too drunk to notice them but that doesn't stop Heather and Amber from surrounding Naya as they walk out of the club followed by their friends.
Flashes soon ensue making it seem more like daytime than late at night. People shouting, pushing, and trying to get the perfect photo. Heather had draped her jacket over Naya so the paparazzi wouldn't get a photo of her arm and start rumors.
As soon as they are in the SUV, Heather glances at her wife to make sure she's okay. Naya nods assuring Heather she'll be fine. Naya looks down at her huge bruise and tries to lift it slightly, squinting her eyes at how stiff it's becoming already.
"He's so damn lucky I didn't kill him." Heather says causing the girls to shoot her a sympathetic look.
"Baby…" Naya tries.
"No. He laid a hand on you. Nobody can touch you in that manner. If anything were to happen to you or our little love, I.." Heather bends over in her seat, her hands folded over her face finally letting out all her emotions over what happened.
"Oh Hemo. You were incredible! Completely badass. We all know how much you love your family but they're okay hun." Vanessa tries her best to comfort her.
"Absolutely. You crushed him. Well his arm for sure, but I'm pretty sure his ego is forever bruised as well." Lea says
"Baby. Can you look at me please." Heather reluctantly glances up tears streaming down her face. "I'm alright. I was scared sure, but the second I started to get overwhelmed, there you were. You're always there. Our baby is fine. He didn't touch me anywhere near my stomach. Yes, it could have been so much worse but it wasn't because of you." Naya says sincerely and places Heather's hand over her bump to calm her down. Heather instantly relaxes and displays a genuine smile as she feels the evidence of the child growing under her palm.
"I love you both so much." Heather says looking into Naya's eyes.
"You too baby. So much. We both do." Naya replies making Heather smile wider and lean over to place a kiss on Naya's lips.
The crew's two vehicles pull into Lea's gated driveway and Mark hits the button to close it immediately behind them. They all shuffle out and head inside. Heather not leaving Naya's side.
"Did everyone decide where they were sleeping?" Lea asks the group as she sets her purse down in the entry along with the others.
"Yeah, I think we just decided to do a girls and boys side." Vanessa responds.
"I'm going to change out of this outfit, I'll be right back guys." Naya announces while grabbing her overnight bag and heading to the bathroom down the hall.
"Hemo are you okay?" Jenna asks as she plops down on the bed having already changed into sweatpants and a tank top.
"I think so. I mean she's alright. That doesn't erase the fact some asshole fucking touched her and left a mark on her body which makes me want to strangle him with everything I have. I can't stand that he did that to her." Heather says with renewed anger and fear evident.
"Just focus on the fact that they're all ok. Naya and your baby are both fine." Diana adds.
Heather hoped the topic would change soon so she went to go change in a bedroom down the hall.
By the time she came back, Naya was still in the bathroom. She heard the sink running so she can only assume she was washing her face or brushing her teeth. She joins the group who are all laying on beds in the living room.
"Oh my god, do you know what this is reminding me of?!" Amber said through a laugh. "Filming that damn mattress commercial that first season. It basically looked just like this…one gigantic bed!"
The group laughs thinking about that day. "Oh gosh, that was a fun day. We were all so sweaty and exhausted after that!" Kevin chimed in.
"Off-topic but is it too soon to buy the baby presents?" Vanessa asked.
Heather let out a throaty laugh shaking her head at her eccentric friend. "Of course not but Vanessa you don't need to buy our baby anything. I'm sure they will be happy with love and cuddles which I know you will all be amazing for." Heather says.
"I'll give hugs don't you worry, but if I see a damn golden spoon, auntie Vanessa is going to buy it." Vanessa deadpans. Causing the others to burst into laughter.
"You're all nuts..." Heather replies while giggling.
"Boo-ya! FAO Schwarz here I come!" Vanessa shouts while fist-pumping into the air.
"Oh, Jesus…" Amber says.
"That child is going to be so damn spoiled it's ridiculous." Chord says.
"She will be the best dressed little girl you've ever seen. Not to mention drop-dead gorgeous!" Chris preaches.
"Oh no, boy all the way. I'm psychic. I'm never wrong." Mark rebuttals.
"Care to make this interesting?" Chord asks the guys.
"No. You are not betting on my child." Heather says
"What the hell are you guys talking about? What's this I hear about a bet?" Naya asks setting her bag off to the side and grabbing her phone. She settles in the bed next to Heather and lays between her legs. Heather places a kiss on her wife's temple running her hands delicately over her arm and placing her other hand on her baby bump.
"The guys seem to be starting a bet regarding the gender of our child." Heather says filling Naya in.
"For heaven's sake, it's a girl! Like I said she will be the most fashionable diva around!" Chris emphasizes.
"Nope, boy. I'll teach him everything I know!" Mark adds
"Like hell you will." Naya quickly huffs.
"What's everyone's guess?" Kevin asks.
"BOY!" Mark shouts
Amber "Damn brother. I say, girl."
Jenna "I'll say, baby boy."
Cory "boy"
Kevin "I still think boy."
Vanessa "I know I could spoil both but it would be so much fun to shop for a girl! I'll vote baby girl!"
Chord "I'll say boy too."
Lea "Oh for sure a girl! The cutest little girl ever!"
Diana "I'm taking the girl's side on this one! Girl!"
Harry "guys I'm going with a girl I think…"
Mark "Traitor.."
Kevin "Heather?"
"Oh goodness, I don't know." Heather says while caressing her wife's belly. I would honestly be happy with either. My sweet little man or my beautiful baby girl."
Naya turns her head heading the sweet terms of endearment and settles in cuddling closer to Heather.
"What about you Naya?" Vanessa asks.
"Hmm. Like Hemo said I would genuinely be happy with either. I would die to have a baby girl. It's just something I've dreamt about and envisioned when I picture my family. However, a little boy would add such a new adventure to our house." Naya says
"Guess we will find out in 3 weeks!" Heather says excitedly from behind Naya.
"I can't believe one of us will have a child! Well two of us actually since it's Naya and Hemo." Lea states.
"I'm seriously going to say it right now, your baby will be gorgeous!" Chris says undoubtedly.
"Oh, no question. Stunning baby." Amber says.
The crew gets situated and starts shuffling over the covers getting comfortable. Naya gently sinks down careful to put too much weight on her arm. She can already tell it will be painful tomorrow. She groans to nobody or nothing in particular. Heather sits up and places a soft pillow under her arm so it's extra padded.
Just as Heather seems to be settled she gets up abruptly and goes to the freezer grabbing an ice pack and towel. She shuffled back to the bed and wraps the cold pack inside the towel and gently guided Naya's arm up to place it underneath her arm. Once the brunette's arm is resting against the coolness, Heather settles in bed on her stomach with her head near her wife's belly.
"My my littlest love." Heather starts.
"Who's she talking to?" Chord asks.
"The baby. Duh." Naya said snapping her head in the direction. "She does it every night before bed."
Everyone either turns their head or props their head up to watch Hemo.
"Hi, my little love" Heather starts by placing her hands on Naya's belly pressing soft kisses occasionally. "It's momma, honey. We had a pretty eventful day, huh? I'm sorry that mean guy scared you and mami but he's gone now, angel. Mama made sure of it. Nobody messes with my family! We can't wait to watch you grow inside mami. We all know you'll be perfect just like her. You're the best gift I'll ever receive. Sweet dreams my baby." Heather finishes by placing a kiss on Naya's belly and scooting up the bed to look at Naya.
"You're so beautiful." Heather says to Naya. Both of them completely forget they're in a room with all their friends. "Thank you for growing our baby, my love. You're absolutely amazing my beautiful Naya." Heather finishes their night routine with a kiss wiping a stray tear that fell from Naya's eye.
"You cry every time..." heather giggles sweetly.
"Hush you!" Naya replies smiling.
The girls turn suddenly very aware they aren't alone. They glance at their friends and all the girls have tears in their eyes except Lea who's glaring at Cory.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Cory asked defensively.
"Why can't I end my day like that, all you say is goodnight babe" Lea argued.
"Ugh, thanks a bunch Hemo…" Cory sighed.
"Hey what you two do in your relationship is between you. I treat my girl like the queen she is." Heather defends settling in next to Naya allowing her to rest her head on her chest. They kiss each other sweetly ignoring the awes and coos from their friends.