Three months later.
''Fuck I definitely need to run with the both of you more often.'' Puck gasps out breathing harshly as he leans forward bracing his hands on his knees, Brittany chuckles softly exchanging an amused smirk with Sam as they both watch Puck trying to catch his breath while the both of them still can run for miles and bounces Diego on her shoulders chuckling as he giggles.
''Joining the force, forced us to stay fit Puck.'' Sam tells him snickering, he nods his head to Brittany and shrugs. ''B can even run with D on her shoulders without complaining.''
Brittany laughs lifting the little boy off of her shoulders and kisses the top of his head as he cuddles into her with a big grin. ''He weighs less than the backpack we had to carry around, hearing his giggles the whole time also was a nice change of the harsh tone we were used too overseas.''
''Well I think I am ready to go back.'' Puck breaths out chuckling, Brittany laughs reaching out to pat his shoulder and winks.
''Yeah I think we trained enough for today.'' She adjusts her hold on Diego tapping the small of his back and smiles lovingly as he looks up. Ready to go back?
Diego bites his lip glancing at the playground and tilts his head. Play? He asks smiling cutely, Brittany turns to the boys mentioning her hand for them to follow and walks to one of the empty benches.
''D wants to play for a bit, sit down and catch your breath Puck.'' She tells him grinning, she places Diego down smiling lovingly as he holds onto her hand as he sees the other kids running around giggling and crouches down locking eyes with him. What do you want to do sweetheart?
She nods his head as he points at the swings and tilts her head. Want me to join you? She stands up as he nods his head smiling shyly and kisses his head. Lead the way D.
Puck watches Diego pull Brittany over to the swings and turns to look at Sam as she sees her sit down on one of the empty swings and pick Diego up so he can settle comfortably in her lap. ''She will be a hell of a mother.'' He tells him softly.
''She is a hell of a mother.'' Sam corrects him chuckling softly, he smiles slightly as he sees Puck's eyebrows furrow in confusion and shrugs. ''Just look at her and what she did the past three months, she really brightened up the second she started officially dating Santana and there is no I in there relationship their decisions are based on the both of them and on Diego.'' He explains.
''Hell D joined us today so San could sleep in and she will meet us at Holly's house for lunch, San trusts B with D and we know she doesn't easily trust and ever since she met B, San also opened up a lot more.''
Puck nods his head in agreement watching Brittany with a loving smile as she catches Diego in her arms the second he jumps off of the monkey bars right into her arms and chuckles softly as he hears his loud happy giggles. ''You are right.'' He whispers softly his heart filling with joy and adoration for the woman he calls his sister since years. ''I think this is the first time I saw her so happy and so carefree since that shit overseas happened, they help her heal the wounds and it makes me so happy to see her this happy.''
''You and me both Puck.'' Sam tells her with a big smile. ''B is my best friend and Cedes helps me heal so I am glad she has someone who supports her through the dark too.'' He turns to look at him once again and sighs. ''Sue told us that we are making huge progress and even though I don't see mine, I can see hers and right in this moment I see it the most.''
Puck takes out his phone snapping a picture of Brittany and Diego going down the slides a happy smile covering Diego's face and sends it into their family chat knowing his wife added Santana to it too, he turns to Sam and smiles. ''We can see the progress the both of you make though, how are you really doing Sam?''
''Much better.'' Sam replies grinning. ''The nightmares stay away and the sessions get easier too, work also keeps me going so I would say life couldn't get any better at this point.'' He tilts his head and smiles nervously. ''Well one thing could make it even better but it's a work in progress.''
''You are about to propose aren't ya?'' Puck asks smirking knowingly, he laughs as Sam's eyes widen in shock and pats his shoulder.
''You said the exact same thing I did before proposing to Q.'' He tells him snickering.
''You finally popping the question Evans?'' Brittany asks amused as she walks over to them with Diego in her arms, she chuckles as both men turn to her and winks. ''Only heard Puck's comment but I can put things together.'' She sits down beside them adjusting her hold on Diego smiling lovingly as he nuzzles his face in her neck knowing she powered him out and rubs his back while locking eyes with Sam. ''You know she will say yes right?''
''Well I hope she will.'' Sam murmurs smiling nervously.
''When do you want to ask her?'' Puck asks curiously.
''Tonight, I made reservations at the lobster.'' Sam tells them smiling nervously. ''We had our first date there and I thought it would be romantic to pop the question at the same table I stumbled over my words almost eight years ago for the very first time.''
Brittany smiles slightly and nods her head. ''That sounds amazing Sam.'' She tells him as she squeezes her shoulder. ''Cedes will love it.'' She turns her head to look at Diego smiling as she notices that he fell asleep and lovingly kisses his forehead. ''I think it's time to go to aunt H's house, we powered him out.''
Puck nods his head in agreement and stands up holding his hand out for her, he pulls her up as soon as she took it and kisses her cheek. ''I am glad to see you this happy sis.'' He murmurs against her cheek. ''It warms my heart to see you like this.''
''They make me happy Noah.'' Brittany replies with a loving grin as she shrugs off her jacket still keeping a hold on Diego, she wraps it around the little boy so the wind won't allow him to shiver and walks between the boys through the park.
''How are the things going between you and San?'' Sam asks curiously.
''It honestly couldn't go any better.'' Brittany tells them smiling brightly. ''Sure we have a few disagreements here and there but most are based on my insecurity, they get cleared almost immediately and her calming personality definitely has a positive impact on me.''
''What are you insecure about?'' Puck asks in confusion. ''I never heard you being insecure before.'' He adds frowning, Brittany turns to him and sighs sightly nodding her head to her back.
''My scars.'' She tells him shrugging freezing as she hears Diego grunt, she quickly kisses his head and runs her thumb over his leg silently apologizing. ''Every time I sleep over she rubs my back in with ointment without I have to ask her, it healed up a lot and the pain is definitely more bearable but it's still ugly as fuck.''
''You do know that she doesn't see them like you do right?'' Sam asks biting his lip. ''I know you think they are ugly and that you hide them whenever you can, hell we know you covered them up with make up so you can wear a tank top but Santana doesn't think that B.''
''I know.'' Brittany murmurs with a soft sigh. ''And she reminds me every single time she rubs my back in, she tells me every time that my scars show what I have been through and that I fought hard to get where I am now but that doesn't mean that I can see that.''
''She is right though.'' Puck tells her smiling sadly. ''Those scars show everyone what a hero you are sis, I know that they make you insecure but to me or well to all of us it shows what you fought through and you are still standing and making the best of life.''
''Fuck yes it is.'' Sam agrees. ''See what you all reached after we got back B, you got called best sport illustrator after three months of working at LA Times, you already got two raises and also got asked to report about important National games and if you want to also be a sports commentator on radio. You have a beautiful loving girlfriend and a little boy who loves you to death.'' He tells her. ''You my dear friend are the walking evidence that someone can go to places even if life threw huge rocks in their paths.''
Puck nods his head in agreement wrapping an arm around Brittany's shoulder making sure not to jostle Diego and leans over to kiss her forehead. ''You didn't allow yourself to give up when you were little and went through hell and you didn't give up the second life fucked you over once again, you fought and you won Britt and that shows all of us just how much you deserve all the happiness this miserable fucking world offers.''
''If there is someone who deserves everything good in this world it's you Britt, you fought through hell twice and you are still standing. I already had a lot of respect for you the second you told me what happened when you were little, but you saving my life and fighting to get back on your own feet while also helping me just made me respect you even more.'' Sam tells her grinning as he kisses her cheek. ''You are my best friend Britt and nothing will ever change that, buddies in the air and buddies on land right?'' He smiles as she hums and pats the small of her back. ''Being your buddy also means that I will give you a verbal lecture to make you see that you are so much more than you think you are, I love you B and I know that life will only have good things planned for you from now on.''
''Exactly.'' Puck agrees as he kisses Brittany's other cheek. ''You fought for your happiness but everything you feel now is just a small part of what you deserve sis, we met almost fourteen years ago and I have the honor of calling you my sister since twelve years.'' He stops in front of a red light and looks at her. ''You helped me grow a pair and forced me to ask the love of my life out on a date, you are the ultimate wing woman, we are a family Britt and that means that I will be there to help you reach the happiness you helped me reach.''
''You guys suck you know?'' Brittany asks softly as she sniffles, Puck and Sam both chuckle as they cross the street the second the light turns green and smirk.
''Nope just telling the truth Pierce.'' Sam tells her smiling lovingly. ''Besides you helped me ring shopping and kept Cedes up to date overseas whenever I didn't have the time to call her, you did and do so much for us and we want to do the same for you.''
''Yeah but the happiness you feel now is your doing though, you opened up and let Santana in.'' Puck tells her, he nods his head to Diego and smiles lovingly. ''You being your own crazy self, the person I got to know made that little boy adore you and I honestly never saw him or San smile so brightly before they met you.''
''You brighten up their lives and they brighten up your life B.'' Sam murmurs smiling lovingly. ''I never saw you so content in life before but having the honor to see it now makes me insanely happy, we can all see the love between the both of you and it's just a matter of time before any of you drop the L-bomb.''
Brittany smiles slightly nuzzling her nose in Diego's hair and sighs happily. ''Currently I am fighting to keep those words in, I think it's to soon.''
''Does it feel to soon?'' Puck asks softly, he smiles slightly as she shakes her head and squeezes her biceps. ''You and San go at your own pace, if it doesn't feel too soon than it isn't sis and we all can see that San feels the same.''
''If you ever need a sitter for D, you can always hit us up you know.'' Sam tells her grinning, Brittany turns to him as they turn into Holly's street and chuckles.
''I know but he loves spending time with aunt H, he is already looking forward to tonight because he asked us if he can sleep over at aunt H's place because it's weekend and before San or I could reply aunt H already jumped at the opportunity and told him that she needs a cuddle buddy Disney night.''
''Aunt H loves him.'' Puck tells her chuckling, Brittany nods her head and laughs.
''She sure does and he loves her.''
''You and San staying over at the house too?'' Sam asks smiling, Brittany shakes her head and chuckles.
''No D wants aunt H all to himself, he told us to leave after lunch so they can start the day early.''
Puck laughs and pats her shoulder. ''He just gave you a date night B.''
''I know and I think San also has something planned.''
''Yeah? What?'' Sam asks curiously, Brittany shrugs her shoulders and chuckles.
''I have no idea I think I will find out tonight, she was all secretive the past two days but I didn't ask because I know she wants it to be a surprise.''
''I am sure you will enjoy it sis.'' Puck tells her smiling lovingly. ''Ready for lunch?''
''Hell yes, I'm starving.'' Brittany murmurs laughing as they stop in front of the door, she smiles as Puck grabs her keys out of the pocket of her leather jacket wrapped around Diego and follows him and Sam into the house.
''We are back!'' Puck yells through the house.
''Kitchen!'' Holly yells back, Brittany chuckles kicking off her shoes and walks into the living room with Diego still napping in her arms. She smiles lovingly as warm brown orbs immediately lock on her own adoration filling them the second Santana sees her son napping in her arms and adjusts her hold on Diego to sign. Hey beautiful.
Santana smiles as Brittany walks over to kiss her softly and pulls back kissing her sons head. Hey you. She pulls back leaning against the kitchen counter and smiles lovingly. Had fun?
Brittany nods her head and snickers. ''Yeah Puck gave up after almost an hour so D and I had some fun on the playground, I think that powered him out.''
Santana laughs and turns to Puck hugging him as he walks over. ''Not used to the soldier speed Puck?''
Brittany burst out laughing as she hears the teasing tone and smirks as she sees Puck's eyebrow raise in shock, she hugs Quinn and kisses her cheek. ''Hey Smarty.''
''Hey kickass, powered my husband out?'' Quinn asks in amusement as she hears Santana teasing Puck, Brittany snickers and nods her head.
''Yeah he really needs to move his fat ass to the park more so Sam and I can train with him.''
Quinn snickers and nods her head. ''That can be arranged, San, Cedes and I will love some girl days while you torture Puck.''
''Hey!'' Puck exclaims pouting, Brittany turns to him and smirks immediately signing what she says.
''Oh we will torture your ass while our girls enjoy a relaxing day without our annoying asses Noah.''
''You are not annoying Britt-Britt.'' Santana tells her in amusement. ''I am sure Cedes and Q think their big children are annoying, but you are more adult than the both of them together.''
''Hey!'' Sam and Puck exclaim in unison pouting as Mercedes and Quinn burst out laughing nodding their heads, Holly burst out laughing and shakes her head.
''Oh damn that sass, gotta love it.''
Mercedes nods her head in agreement locking eyes with Santana and winks. ''We sure love your sass San.''
Santana smirks cuddling into Brittany's free side and places her hand on her sons back smiling lovingly as she feels just how relaxed he is. ''This is just a small part, gotta stick around for more.''
''But not at our expense San.'' Sam whines pouting as he locks eyes with her, Santana bites her lip in amusement and shrugs.
''We'll see Trouty.'' She burst out laughing as Brittany and Quinn both spit out their water laughing and quickly grabs a towel to hold it up for her, she takes her son out of her arms smiling lovingly as she feels him stir and smiles innocently as Sam just looks at her in shock. ''Oops sorry.''
''Your face!'' Mercedes exclaims laughing loudly while pointing at her boyfriend. ''Oh my god that was priceless!''
Brittany holds her stomach still laughing and fans her hand in front of her face. ''Damn babe.'' She breaths out trying to sign it too. ''Warn me before next time.''
Holly shakes her head in amusement as she hears laughter filling up the kitchen and chuckles, she locks eyes with Santana and winks. ''Definitely gonna keep you around forever San.''
Santana smiles lovingly leaning back against the kitchen counter and glances at the laughing blonde beside her. ''Forever sounds amazing Holly.''
Holly smiles lovingly walking over to her and leans down to kiss her cheek, she pull back winking and nods her head. ''Don't I know it.'' She mouths knowing Brittany didn't catch on.
Santana just smiles brightly and looks down at her son, she runs her hand through his hair as tired brown orbs slowly flutter open and kisses the tip of his nose. Hola mi corazón.
Diego smiles brightly immediately wrapping his little arms around her shoulders and leans their foreheads together. ''Hola mami.'' He murmurs knowing she can read his lips. ''Slept good?''
The best baby boy, but I missed cuddling with you and B. Santana tells him smiling lovingly. You hungry?
She chuckles as he immediately nods his head as places him down so he can say hello to everyone, she turns back to the oven taking the casserole she prepared with the girls out and places it on the dining table.
Brittany calms down looking over at the table as a delicious smell fills the kitchen and licks her lips the second she sees the casserole. ''Oh damn I'm hungry.'' She breaths out.
Quinn chuckles slapping her hand away as she tries to snack on cheese and shakes her head. ''Nope, no snacking go freshen up first.''
Brittany rolls her eyes rubbing her hand shooting Santana a softened glare as she hears her giggle and turns to Diego smiling lovingly. Let's wash our hands before lunch D. She chuckles as he immediately nods his head grabbing her hand and allows him to pull her out of the kitchen after kissing Santana's cheek, she picks him up as soon as they walk into the bathroom and places him on the sink so they can both wash their hands.
''B?'' Diego asks cutely as he leans back against her looking in the mirror, Brittany looks up locking eyes with him through the mirror and tilts her head showing him her hands so he can see her sign.
Yes D?
Diego bites his lip tilting his head back so he can look at her and swallows thickly. ''Are we a family now?'' He asks softly.
Brittany freezes and blinks slowly not having expected that question, she gently turns him around so he is facing her and runs a hand through his blonde locks. Do you feel like we are a. She makes a pinching motion with both of her hands and turns them around showing him the back of her hand. Family?
Diego tilts his head and smiles shyly. ''Si I do.'' He tells bashfully. ''Family are people who makes you feel loved and safe, I feel love and safe with you and mami. I also feel loved and safe with H, Puck, Quinn, Sam and Cedes.''
Brittany smiles lovingly and kisses the top of his head. I am glad you feel like that around all of us sweetheart. She picks him up walking out of the bathroom and places him down on her bed, she crouches down in front of him and gazes into happiness filled brown orbs. I know they love and care a lot about you just like I care about and love you and your mami. She continues, she softly taps his chest and smiles lovingly. We are whatever you heart tells you what we are D, but I am sure everyone downstairs already sees you as family.
''We are a family.'' Diego exclaims smiling brightly, he wraps his little arms around her shoulders and pulls her close to hug her. ''Te amo Britty.''
Brittany gently wraps her arms around his midsection and pulls him close nuzzling her nose in his blonde hair, she rubs his back pulling back to lean their foreheads together and smiles lovingly. ''I love you too D.''
Three hours later after lunch.
After enjoying lunch with the group and listening to Diego telling them all about the evening he planned to spend with Holly, Brittany parks Holly's car in front of Santana's apartment building and turns to look at her frowning in concern as she sees her fidgeting in her seat.
She gently reaches out planting her hand on the hand picking on her nails a clear sign that she is nervous and raises an eyebrow as she turns to look at her. ''What's wrong babe?'' She asks curiously.
Santana bites her lip as she gazes into blue orbs filled with concern and slowly shakes her head. ''Nothing baby.'' She replies feeling her voice waver. ''Ready to go up?'' She asks trying to sound sure, she takes off her seat belt as Brittany nods her head and slides out of the car.
She takes out her keys as she sees Brittany following her lead still looking quite concerned and softly curses herself for giving away just how nervous she is for the night she had planned, she walks into the building knowing Brittany will follow and intertwines their hands silently telling her that she is fine while they slowly walk up the stairs.
She unlocks her front door walking into her apartment and kicks off her shoes running a shaky hand through her hair, she turns to Brittany and bites her lip. You want to drink something?
Brittany bites her lip as she sees her hands tremble as she signs and slowly reaches out to take them in her own, she shakes her head silently telling her that she is fine for now and leads her into the living room stopping in her tracks as she sees LED candles flickering through the darkened room.
Santana smiles nervously as she sees her looking around in shock and licks her lips. ''I thought we could spend a date night without D.'' She explains softly as she turns to her in surprise, she slowly leads her further into the living room just tugging on their intertwined hands and leads her over to her easel. ''And I got you something.'' She murmurs nervously.
Brittany blinks slowly after taking in the beautiful fake candle glow and locks eyes with Santana smiling lovingly. ''You didn't have to get me something San and a date night sounds amazing.'' She tells her softly making sure her lips movement are clear for her to see.
Santana just shrugs reaching out to grab the edge of the black towel covering her easel and softly tugs on it, she watches it slide off of the painting she covered and smiles slightly as she sees the portrait she painted of herself cuddled in Brittany's arms with Diego contently cuddled on her chest both of their hands intertwined on his back a picture Holly made the night a night they stayed over to spend the evening with Holly just talking, laughing and watching movies.
Brittany's jaw drops as she sees the beautiful painting and gasps softly as she sees all the emotions, the loving grin on her lips, the happy spark in her blue orbs, the loving smile on Santana's and Diego's lips and the adoration in both of their eyes clear as the day beautifully captured. ''Holy fuck.'' She whispers, she turns to Santana and smiles brightly. It's beautiful San!
Santana just smiles nervously intertwining both of their hands and points one of them at the picture. ''Do you see what I see?'' She asks softly turning her head to look at her, Brittany tilts her head in confusion looking at the picture and bites her lip.
I see a lot, I think you need to elaborate what you want to show me babe.