Looks like we are working fine again over here! Yay. I'll continue to update on Wattpad and add to AO3 as well as here, incase anything happens again. Enjoy guys!

Santana walked out of arrivals, to see Brittany standing waiting for her, with a bunch of Santana's favourite flowers. She ran over and tackled the blonde into a bear hug.

"I missed you" she whispered softly, breathing in Brittany's familiar jasmine and vanilla scent, and her strawberry shampoo.

"I missed you too San" Brittany replied, squeezing her eyes shut as she enjoyed Santana's embrace.

It had only been a couple of months, but even that was too much for them. In the almost six years they'd lived in different cities, it never got any easier, and if they could they'd be together every day like they were in high school.

"A welcome gift" Brittany smiled, passing the lilies to Santana. Santana stared at the girl with an adoring smile, before leaning over to give her a peck on the cheek.

After a busy day shopping in Manhattan., the girls arrived back at Brittany's house in fits full of laughter, placing their bags down and kicking off their shoes.

"Thank God, my shoulders were killing me carrying those bags." Brittany sighed "I think I'm getting old. I can really feel the impacts of all the dancing on my body nowadays" she laughed.

Santana looked at the blonde with concern.

"You want me to give you a massage?" she asked

"Ooh, I would love one actually" Brittany replied, walking over to the sofa and instinctively removing her top. The girls were always touchy feely with each other and had seen each in a state of undress many times before, nothing ever felt weird about it.

Santana walked over to Brittany and began to softly knead at her shoulders, applying pressure where she could feel the knots, her fingers nimbly working away to rid Brittany of any pain and pressure.

"Mmm that feels amazing San" Brittany purred. The sound made a blush rise to Santana's cheeks. She had given Brittany a massage countless times, but something felt different. She focused on the task at hand and continued to give Brittany her massage, hesitating slightly over the bra straps.

"You mind if I move your straps down?" Santana asked, deciding she needed better access. Without even answering, Brittany pulled the bra straps down, as Santana continued to massage her. As she pressed deep into Brittany's shoulder, Brittany let out another moan, leaving Santana blushing again.

Was she really getting turned on by her best friend now that she had realise she was into women?

She was pulled from her thoughts by her phone ringing, she glanced over at the table and saw it was her mom calling.

"Ooh it's my mom! I should probably answer" said Santana, Brittany nodding her understanding and putting her shirt back on. As the call connected, she was greeted by her five-year-old, grinning broadly and standing way too close to the phone.

"Hi my gorgeous girl!" Santana waved happily

"Hi Mama, where's my Aunty Brit-Brit?" she asked, peering curiously.

"I'm right here! Hi Moo, are you having a great time with your Abuelo and Abuela?" said Brittany, coming intro frame.

"Yep! They let me stay up a whole extra half hour past bedtime" Mila giggled, as Santana and Brittany feigned shock.

"Well I'll be having a word with that Abuela of yours" Santana joked "tell me about your day at pre-school Meels?"

After spending a while on FaceTime to Mila, Brittany looked at her watch and turned to Santana.

"So, we could go out tonight if you want? Go to a nice restaurant, hit a few cocktail bars…"

"Actually Brit" Santana interrupted "can we just stay in tonight? Just the two of us in comfy clothes with lots of wine? An old school BritBrit Santana night?"

"Course we can" Brittany smiled. The sound of the front door slamming made Brittany tense slightly, as she stood up to greet her boyfriend.

"Hey sweetie" she smiled, taking his coat and briefcase from him "how was work?"

"Very long" he sighed, planting a kiss on Brittany's cheek. She had to admit, he had gotten better towards her since they started trying for a baby. They had been unsuccessful in their first month of trying, but Brittany had assured Denver this was normal, it often took time to create something so perfect. She was worried Santana's visit would set his behaviour off again, he always had a slight jealousy towards her best friend that he sometimes struggled to mask. It would never be obvious to Santana, but Brittany would know, after all she knew him well. He could act like a big jealous baby, if all the attention wasn't on him. Denver walked further into the room to address Santana.

"Hi Santana, how was your flight?"

Brittany let out a sigh of relief, seems Denver was playing extra nice today.

"Hey!" Santana said, getting up off the couch to greet Denver properly "It wasn't so bad actually. Went pretty quick"

Denver smiled, before walking over to the fridge, looking for a snack.

"I didn't get dinner ready because me and San only just got back, sorry love" Brittany said, ringing her hands nervously.

Santana threw Brittany a questioning look. Why couldn't Denver get his own dinner ready? He's a grown man. Why should Brittany need to apologise for that?

"Brit it's fine" Denver laughed "To be honest I thought I'd head round to Brad's tonight, take over a couple of beers, give you ladies some space to enjoy your evening"

Maybe Brit was just being her overly nice self, trying to do a nice gesture for Denver, Santana mused, he had always seemed like a reasonable enough guy who made her happy. Was he good enough for her? Probably not, but truthfully Santana thought no one was. Brittany was such a special and unique person; it would take a lot for anyone to reach Santana's standards for her.

"Okay honey, yeah I think San and I are just going to stay in tonight with wine and food so, that could be a good idea" said Brittany, walking over to plant a kiss on Denver's cheek.

Later that night, the girls were two bottles of wine deep, and enjoying a great evening reminiscing over old memories, laughing at funny stories and just generally catching up. There was never too much to catch up on, since they spoke every day about anything and everything. Although there was still one big secret Santana needed to tell Brit, and she finally felt now was the right time, since she had enough liquid courage to do it.

"Brit…there's something I wanted to talk to you about" said Santana, turning the conversation more serious. Sensing the shift in mood, Brittany placed her glass down and looked at Santana intently.

"Sure San, what is it?" she asked gently.

Santana took a deep breath as she collected her thoughts. She wasn't sure why, but telling Brittany felt a lot more nerve wracking than telling Quinn. Maybe it was because she was closer with Brittany. She had known her for almost twenty years by now, and Santana was scared telling Brittany such a big thing about herself, would shock her. What if she felt the Santana she had always known, wasn't no more?

But then, Brittany had always been her most supportive friend. She had always said she would love her unconditionally. She had embraced the baby she had kept secret for nine months, surely this couldn't be any worse than that?

"You're so special to me…" Santana began. For a brief moment Brittany wondered if Santana was going to come out and say the words she had always wanted to hear. That she was in love with her, but she quickly rid the thought from her head. There was no way that was ever going to come out of Santana's mouth. Feeling nervous, Brittany couldn't help but interrupt, in a subconscious attempt to clear the tension and seriousness that was swilling around them.

"Are you pregnant again?" she laughed

"No…no" Santana brought her hand up and laughed nervously, looking down at her feet "It's not that"

She brought her eyes back up to Brittany again, bringing the seriousness back.

"It's just that…I've known you for almost my whole life, and you've always been so strong. Done exactly what you believe, and never cared about what anyone else thought of you"

"You're super strong too San, more than you realise" Brittany replied tenderly

Santana took a deep breath and swallowed.

"Brittany…" she looked down and paused for a few long moments, before meeting Brittany's aqua eyes again, finding the confidence from within "I love girls…the way that I'm supposed to feel about boys"

She paused for a moment, to look at Brittany's reaction, but for the first time she couldn't read her. She continued on, wanting to make sure Brittany got it, this was important.

"I know this will probably come as a shock to you, and believe me, it's been a shock to me too. I only really figured it out properly the other day, and now that I know, I wanted to share it with you because I love you so much. I want you to know me, and who I really am. It's just...something that's always been inside of me, but until I unlocked it, I never saw it. But now I see, clear as day."

Brittany swallowed, her heart racing. Had Santana been feeling everything she had been feeling, all this time?

"When I'm with Dani, I finally understand what people are talking about, when they talk about love and feelings."

Brittany sat bolt upright, an uneasy jolt ran through her body, like somebody had taken her heart and dropped it to the pit of her stomach.

"Dani?" she croaked, almost inaudibly. She had never even heard Santana mention a Dani before.

"I know Brit, I'm sorry there's a lot to fill you in on. Dani is the girl I've been seeing for the past month. The one who's made me realise all these feelings about myself. I would have told you sooner but, it was all so new to me, I really wanted to figure it all out before telling anyone. The other night she…she asked me to be her girlfriend"

Brittany said nothing, looking down, her breathing heavy. She was still trying to process everything Santana was telling her.

"At first, I thought it was all just a bit of fun. I mean I've never even kissed another girl before now, let alone dated one"

Brittany frowned at this. What about when she had kissed her? Sure, the Taylor Swift concert kiss was pretty much just a peck so maybe that didn't count, but the kiss on Santana's 18th was passionate and real. Brittany could still remember how Santana's lips felt and tasted all those years later. She surmised that maybe Santana just wasn't counting it because they had been so drunk, and they were best friends, but it stung.

"But now I've realised that I really, really like her Brit." Santana continued "And for years I've subconsciously pushed this feeling of being attracted to women away, and I've tried pushing down this thing I have with Dani, but it just feels like I'm fighting with myself. I don't wanna fight anymore…I have to just be me"

By now Santana was emotional, but she also felt like a weight had been lifted. She hadn't planned to get so vulnerable with Brittany, but at the same time she wasn't surprised, she was the only person she could fully be like that with. Realising Brittany hadn't said much as she sat in what looked to be a state of shock, processing everything, Santana spoke again.

"Say something please?"

Brittany closed her eyes to stop the tears from falling, sitting with her thoughts for a minute. She was feeling a lot of emotions all at once. She was of course happy for Santana, and so proud of her for being so honest, but she was also shocked. She'd always assumed Santana was straight, and it was the main reason she'd never confessed her own feelings for her. It was one of those bittersweet feelings of 'if I'd known then, what I know now'. Could things have been different for them? But then she thought how Santana had completely brushed off their first kiss. Clearly, she felt nothing. Just because she was into girls, didn't mean she'd be into Brittany. But what did Dani have, that Brittany didn't? Was she going to lose her? It was all just a bitter pill to swallow, but Brittany knew she had to push all of this aside and be there for Santana. She opened her teary eyes, to meet anxious brown orbs staring back at her.

"I'm so proud of you"

That was all it took for Santana to burst into relieved tears, Brittany instinctively running over to take the hysterical girl into her arms. She gently shushed her, rocking her back and forth, placing soft comforting kisses on her head.

"It's okay San, it's okay, it's okay"

When she felt strong enough, Santana pulled out of the embrace to look at Brittany.

"I was so scared you were going to think differently of me. I don't know why because, you're the most supportive best friend ever, but I was just so worried about what you were going to think"

"Why would you ever worry about that silly?" Brittany asked softly, reaching up to wipe Santana's tears "I've always told you that I will love you unconditionally, and I meant it. It doesn't matter who you are, or who you love, as long as you're happy"

Santana smiled, and moved into hug Brittany again. Brittany considered telling Santana about her own sexuality, and how she had realised she was bisexual many years ago, thinking it may comfort her in some way. Then she decided against the idea, this was Santana's moment, and she didn't want to over shine that in any way. Instead she settled for running her hand up and down Santana's arm, knowing it would comfort her, and telling her how amazing she was.

The next day, Brittany had needed to work all day. She had told Santana to go off and enjoy the city, but Santana had insisted she come to work with her instead. Every minute together was precious. After a long day, Brittany collected her belongings and went into the dressing room to freshen up, Santana following behind her.

"Sorry that today was a long one" Brittany yawned

"I will never ever get tired of watching you dance; you know that Brit" Santana smiled "and seeing bits of the show was great. Mila is going to die when she sees it, you know how much she loves Princess Jasmine"

"I can't wait for her to see it. I'll make sure to give her a full backstage tour, and she can fly on the magic carpet" Brittany's eyes lit up, thinking how much Mila was going to love it.

"She would LOVE that" Santana replied, echoing Brittany's thoughts.

"How about I freshen up a bit and we go grab some dinner?" Brittany asked, turning towards the mirror and running her hands through her hair "God I look such a state"

"You look beautiful" Santana insisted "But yes, dinner sounds perfect"

When Brittany had changed and freshened up a bit, they headed out to a small Italian restaurant that Brittany knew. She had never taken Santana before, but she knew she would love it. As they fell into a comfortable chat over their wine, whilst waiting for their food, Santana's phone vibrated. As always, she checked it straight away, in case it was her mom messaging about Mila. As she read the message, a smile crept on her lips, which didn't go unnoticed by Brittany.

"Mila?" Brittany questioned

"No…Dani actually" Santana said, still smiling and looking down at the phone, before turning her attention back to Brittany "just asking how my day was"

Brittany swallowed the lump in her throat and plastered a smile on her face. She had no right to be feeling jealous like this, especially not when she was in a committed relationship where she was about to extend their family, something she had yet to mention to Santana. She had always said loving someone meant letting them go, and that was what she needed to do here. Santana was finally happy, and there's no way she was going to let her feelings ruin that. It was just proving extra hard, because since learning Santana was a lesbian, her feelings seemed to have increased ten-fold. Maybe it was because she seemed less out of reach now? But still, Brittany knew it was a hopeless cause.

"So…you're going to make things official with her?" Brittany asked, making sure to keep her tone light.

"I think so yes…I mean…I really want to, but it's just Mila I worry about. You know how she's been about the whole 'wanting a dad thing'. It's always just been me and her too, it feels weird bringing a third person in"

"Listen, I know my own goddaughter, and I know that all that little girl wants is to see her mama happy. So, if that's with Dani, then that's what you need to pursue. You've accepted that you can't feel that way with men, so that means the only way Mila gets a daddy is if you're being inauthentic with yourself. You think that's what she wants?"

Santana shook her head, Brittany had a point.

"The only person responsible for Mila not having a dad, is that absolute jerk Puck. But look, his loss, on not being part of the life of the most beautiful, sweet, funny little girl I know. Meels is always going to feel so loved, I promise you that. So don't stop living your life because of fear, because it's not what Mila would want. She's just a little girl, she doesn't even understand gay and straight, but she understands love. That's all she wants for her mama San, trust me"

Santana smiled warmly, touched by Brittany's words.

"Thanks Brit. You always know the right things to say to make me feel better" said Santana, taking Brittany's hand and giving it a squeeze. "I think I will go for it; I mean I've got this far in accepting it now and telling you and Quinn. I think when I get back, I'll arrange a date day where Mila comes along and meets Dani, even if I just introduce her as a friend. I wanna make sure they click first, before making things official"

Brittany couldn't help the pang of jealousy, at the thought of the three of them hanging out together and having family days out. She suppressed the feeling with a smile.

"That's understandable San"

They were interrupted by the waiter bringing over their food. Seafood Linguine for Santana, and a classic Ragu Bolognese for Brittany. They both tucked into their food, and fell into a comfortable silence, before Santana broke it.

"How about you though? Are you happy with Den still? Things are all still going good there?"

Brittany twirled her spaghetti around her fork. There was so much she could have told Santana, about the distance that grew between them each year, Denver's belittling of her, the baby they were now trying for even though Brittany didn't feel at all ready. She knew it was a lot though, and she didn't want to dampen their evening. She really did want to make a go of things with Denver, especially since recently his moods had gotten better, he'd been treating her nice again. She knew telling Santana would change everything, because Santana would encourage her to leave him. Santana had always been so protective of her, and Brittany's partners never met up to Santana's expectations. Denver had only just made the cut, due to the longevity in the relationship, but secretly Santana had always thought Brittany could do so much better than dull and conservative Denver.

"Yeah…yeah things are great" said Brittany, refusing to meet Santana in the eye, she knew how well the girl could read her.

"Brit…?" Santana frowned, sensing the blonde was hiding something. Brittany looked up at Santana, knowing she needed to be more convincing.

"No honestly San, we are so happy. I'm lucky that, no matter how hectic life gets, I always have him to come home to at the end of the day" Brittany smiled.

And for the first time ever, Santana wasn't so sure if she believed Brittany. Sensing now wasn't the right time to pry anymore, she left it, but made a mental note to bring it up again later on in the trip.

After their meal, Brittany and Santana had decided to head to a bar for a drink. One drink had turned into several, and they found themselves stumbling into Brittany's house past midnight, giggling away like school children again.

As they walked into the kitchen for a night cap, Brittany was alarmed to see Denver sitting up at the table, whiskey in hand. He wasn't drunk but he'd had a couple, and if Brittany knew anything by his demeanour, he certainly wasn't happy. He turned to look at them both, stern faced, as he coolly raised the glass up to his lips to take a sip.

"San erm…why don't you go through to the living room, and I'll bring out drinks through in a moment" said Brittany. She didn't want Santana to be witness to a Denver style kick off.

Santana stared between them both. She wasn't sure she wanted to leave Brittany, but she also knew it wasn't her business. Brittany was a big girl, and she knew her own boyfriend. She reached out to place a reassuring pat on Brittany's shoulder, before heading out and into the living room, keeping her ear close to the door to hear the goings on.

"What time do you call this then?"

Brittany said nothing, looking down, so Denver continued again.

"What time do you call this then, eh?"

Brittany felt the tears prick her eyes as she began to apologise.

"I'm sorry I just…"

"Do you have any idea how worried I've been? Thinking something had happened to you. I called the theatre, and they said you left hours ago. No messages, no phone calls, no nothing"

"Den I'm sorry, I didn't realise how late it had gotten, time just ran away with me. After work, Santana and I went for food, and then we ended up going to a bar and getting carried away. I'm so sorry, you know I would never want to worry you"

"Well why didn't you call or text?" he hissed angrily, holding up his cell "22 times I called you, and all I got was damn voicemail"

Brittany pulled out her phone, only to realise her battery had died. She felt so guilty, she really should have called. She just hadn't noticed her battery had died; she was so caught up in the night she hadn't really checked her phone at all. She just assumed Denver would know she was out having fun with Santana. She stepped forward to touch Denver.

"Baby please I…"

"There you go again, trying to manipulate me into feeling sorry for you. You're in the wrong Brittany, and you know it. How do I know you've not been with another guy tonight?"

Brittany laughed incredulously, never had Denver ever suspected her of cheating before, she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Denver come on…"

"DON'T laugh at me" Denver replied "DO NOT laugh at me Brittany, I swear"

Brittany gulped. For the first time, she actually felt quite scared of Denver, rather than just humiliated.

Santana had her ears pressed to the door with a frown, she couldn't hear any of what was being said, but she could hear voices starting to raise. She opened the door and began to walk towards the kitchen to make sure Brittany was okay.

"Denver, I love you, why would I ever want to do anything that jeopardies that, I…"

"Well I don't know Brit" Denver sniggered, interrupting her "Santana likes to whore it about, maybe you were just copying her"

"Don't speak about her like that!" Brittany warned, finding her voice.

"Now we have touchy to add to your list of shortcomings" Denver scoffed "you must be even more stupid than I thought, thinking that you'd come home and say sorry and I'd just forgive you like that."

Santana gasped, as she neared the kitchen in time to hear Denver's last line, she quickened her pace.

Brittany looked down, her tears spilling everywhere.

"Look at me while I'm talking to you. It's the least you could do after…" Denver spat, before being interrupted by a furious Santana.

"WHAT did you just say to her?"

"Santana, I'd appreciate if you'd leave me to speak to my girlfriend. This is our business, not yours" Denver stated firmly, his voice suddenly calm.

"Oh no, you see it became my business when you raised your voice at my best friend and called her stupid" said Santana, vastly walking over to place a protective arm around Brittany, shielding her with her body.

"She is stupid. She goes out all night, doesn't call, doesn't even send me a text. Don't you think as her boyfriend I deserve to know at least if she's okay? I've been worried sick all night"

"What and that makes it okay for you to speak to her like shit?"

"Psh…whatever I'm going to bed" Denver said, heading out the door, Santana let go of Brittany to follow him. As she reached the door, she took a hold of the handle;

"If I ever hear you speak like that to Brittany again, I swear Denver, your life won't even be worth living" she hissed quietly, before shutting the door in his face, and rushing back over to Brittany. There was so much more she could have said to him, but she knew her attention needed to focus on Brittany. The blonde was still standing in the middle of the kitchen sobbing.

"Come on, come on let's go to bed. Stay with me in the guest bedroom" Santana said, leading Brittany out of the kitchen and up the stairs. It was a four-bedroom house, so they could easily have had their own rooms still, but Santana thought Brittany would want the comfort tonight.

Without speaking, Santana tenderly removed Brittany's makeup, before tending to her own. She pulled out a spare sleep shirt and handed it to Brittany, since all of Brittany's stuff was in her room where Denver was. When they were ready for bed, they crawled under the covers, and Santana held Brittany tight. She stroked her hair and whispered soothing words, waiting for her sobs to subside. When they had, she decided to get off her chest what needed to be said.

"I didn't like what I heard tonight Brittany. That's not how anyone should speak to you. Certainly not your boyfriend who loves you"

Brittany sniffed and rubbed her nose.

"You know you can tell me anything Brit, don't you?" Santana continued, trying a different tactic to get Brittany to open up.

"I know, I know that" Brittany smiled, breaking her silence "Den was just upset because he was worried something bad had happened, he just lost his temper that's all"

"And does he lose his temper a lot like that?" Santana pressed.

Brittany shook her head firmly. It wasn't exactly a lie. Denver didn't lose his temper so much, he belittled her and tried to police her too much, but he rarely raised his voice. Cool and calculated was more his style.

Seeing a new side to Denver, and such a vulnerable side to her best friend, Santana had to ask something that was niggling away at her. Just to be sure.

"I just…I… have to ask, he's never tried to hit you before or anything, has he?"

Brittany shook her head even firmer.

"No. Never"

And she wasn't lying, Denver had never turned physical, and she didn't think he ever would.

"And he's never spoken to you like that before?"

Brittany shook her head a third time, this time it was a lie, that she hoped Santana wouldn't see through. She didn't want to give up on Denver, he was still her lovely boyfriend, and he hadn't shown his nastier side in ages. She theorised the reason he was upset tonight, was her fault. She should have made sure to text him. He was bound to be worried.

Santana stared at Brittany for a few moments, trying to read her. She wasn't sure she believed her, and she was going to press her more on this. She decided to leave it for tonight though, Brittany was emotional and needed her sleep. She had work again tomorrow.

"You know he's so wrong though, right? There's nothing even remotely stupid about you" Santana soothed, planting a soft kiss on Brittany's nose before pulling back to smile at her "You're a genius Brittany".

"Thanks San" Brittany let out a small smile "And please don't worry. Denver will be fine and by tomorrow, he'll be apologising a bunch. He was just really upset and worried, that's all"

Santana sighed, taking Brittany's word for it, but only for now.

"Get some sleep Brit"

With that, Brittany turned over in Santana's arms, Santana squeezing her even tighter, so she was spooning her.

"Night Sanny, love you!"

"I love you too Brit"