It was a summer of realisations.

For Brittany, the realisation was that she could no longer be in New York anymore. It got to the point where she could no longer keep extending her compassionate leave and the thought of returning to her old home, the place where she had spent 6 years building a life, was making her feel nauseous and panicky. She called up Chris and explained everything to him. She said she was willing to return to work her notice, but in her head, she was praying she wouldn't have to. Luckily, her prayers were answered, and Chris said she didn't need to return. By now she had been off for 6 weeks, and the Assistant Choreographer had stepped up and had things under control. Her temporary return would only unsettle things. She couldn't even bare to return and collect all of her stuff, so she had her parents do it all for her. Denver had tried to contact her on various occasions, wanting to share in her grief, wanting to check in, but she ignored all of his calls. She felt guilty for shutting him out, but then she remembered what he had done to her and felt less so. With the New York chapter closed she was feeling at peace and being in Lima surrounded by her family and friends, was a great foundation for her to heal and start rebuilding her life again. She had money from the sale of her house with Denver to tide her over, and she quickly found work in a dance studio in Lima while she figured out her next steps.

For Santana, the realisation was her love for Brittany. Once the switch had been flicked, she just couldn't turn it off. She'd catch herself staring at Brittany like a lovestruck puppy all the time, then she'd shake her head and realise how terribly cliché she was being. Every time Brittany touched her, which given by how affectionate they always were was a lot, she would feel legitimate sparks igniting inside of her. The kind that made her hairs stand on end and her breathing shallow. When Brittany would emerge from the bathroom in just a towel, she couldn't look away, and she felt her heart beating out of her chest. Seeing her with Mila, turned her into a puddle even more so than it usually did, and she found herself yearning for them to be a family. No matter how far-fetched her thoughts got, she just couldn't stop them. There were many occasions where she'd just lie on her bed and fantasise over imaginary situations.

Like waking up naked in Brittany's arms on a morning, and turning over to claim her soft lips, sighing contentedly as they fell back to sleep in each-others embrace.

Or a date night with Brittany, where they would go to the best seafood restaurant in Lima. Santana would pay, despite Brittany's resistance, and as she would push the bill into the hands of the server with her card inside, Brittany would hold her hand out in disproval. But all Santana would do is take Brittany's hand in hers and kiss it softly, letting her know that the decision was final, she was paying, end of. And Brittany's blue eyes would light up with gratitude and she'd let out a bashful smile, before the two of them went off to their hotel for the night, that Quinn had encouraged them to get because they needed more alone time and she'd look after Mila. When they got there, they'd enjoy several rounds of intense sex, and Santana would spend all night making sure Brittany felt good. Her eyes would go wide with delight, when she noticed the new lingerie Brittany had bought for the occasion, not that it got to stay on for very long. She'd explore and love every single detail of Brittany's body in the dim light of the hotel room, from the light splash of freckles across her shoulders, to the way her toes curled when she was close to the edge.

She'd imagine them lying in bed together, on a cold stormy night, wrapped around each other for warmth after a long hard day. Santana would have her arms wrapped protectively around Brittany, who was heavily pregnant with their second child, caressing her bump and whispering sweet words of gratitude into her ear.

Sometimes, she'd just imagine them doing the mundane things like going shopping for groceries, or cooking dinner together. Stuff that all seems boring, until you're doing it with the one you love.

The love she had for Brittany was soon becoming intoxicating, and she found herself thinking about her all the time and overanalysing every single move. Was Brittany checking her out just then? Was her tone supposed to sound that flirty, or is she just joking? She wasn't sure where the feelings had started and the platonic friendship had ended, which made her feel she had been in love with Brittany all along and just blissfully unaware. But now she was so aware, so aware that it almost hurt.

It hurt because, as much as she wanted to blurt out all of these feelings to Brittany, she didn't know where to begin. She had no inclination of whether or not Brittany would feel the same. She knew their connection was strong, but perhaps for Brittany it was merely platonic, and Santana's admission was going to ruin things. She knew it was something she couldn't keep a secret forever, so she'd have to tell her eventually, but right now wasn't the right time. Brittany was healing. She had just lost her baby and split up from her long-term partner, it would be unfair to lay all of this on her now when she was so vulnerable.

So, Santana just had to tick on over the summer and attempt to not let the mask slip. Sharing a bed with Brittany every night became absolute torture, because the urge to touch her in a way she had never touched her before, was becoming all consuming. But she also loved those nights. Whether they were an item or not, waking up in the middle of the night and being able to reach out and feel the person you love next to you, was a beautiful feeling.

It was a bittersweet feeling when Brittany had told Santana that she was moving out to find a place of her own. It would be a lot easier on her, to not have to be around Brittany constantly and share a bed with her every night, but she was going to miss her so much. They had almost become like a little family of late. Sensing the sadness from Santana, Brittany had instantly reached out to touch her arm.

"Don't worry San! I'm still going to be round here like every day!" she told her softly "But I can't just expect to live here and share your bed forever. Not now I'm back here in Lima for good. I need to start carving a life for myself"

And Santana nodded, because as much as she would miss Brittany, she knew she was right. The alternative of Brittany returning to New York, was far worse. She was just so happy that after 6 years, they were finally living in the same city again.

But when she had helped Brittany move into her studio apartment, the two of them painting the walls white to make it a blank canvas, and spending hours building flat-pack furniture together with Santana swearing in Spanish that the instructions don't make sense and Brittany patiently trying to calm her as she assembled table legs together, she couldn't help think of another imaginary scenario. A scenario of the two of them moving into their own house, as a couple, and doing all of this together then.

"One day" Santana sighed to herself.

Santana was still dating Dani, the reason for that she wasn't fully sure, but mainly because she needed a distraction from Brit. She knew it was wrong to string Dani along like this, but she felt bad for ending things. Dani hadn't done anything to her, and it wasn't that she didn't like her, it was just that in the time they were together she'd realised she was desperately in love with her best friend. There were times when she'd come close to ending things, but then Dani would say something really nice and she'd chicken out. Long gone was the cold-hearted Santana Lopez who'd broken many boys' hearts, she just couldn't be this way with girls, not when real feelings were involved. Quinn and Dani being close didn't help matters either, so Santana figured she'd ride it out for the summer, and then assess the situation from there. Maybe in a few months' time, Brittany would be healing more, and Santana could set about her master plan to tell her how she felt. But she wouldn't do that, until she had broken up with Dani, so she knew the two would come hand in hand when the time was right. Things had cooled off between them a bit, the honeymoon period had come to an end, and Santana made a lot of excuses that she needed to spend more time with Brittany which Dani seemingly understood due to the situation, so it made things a little easier to stay together.

Part of her really wanted to fall in love with Dani, and for that to be her happy ending. It would be much less complicated, and she wouldn't have to worry about fear of rejection, or fear of ruining her longest and most important friendship. But even Santana knew she couldn't force the feelings. As the months drew by, she started to subconsciously criticise everything Dani did, and compare to the noble actions of Brittany.

Today was one of those days.

Santana and Dani were having a movie date day, and Brittany had taken Mila out for the day, and whilst out she'd treated her to some school supplies in preparation for her starting Kindergarten next week.

Santana and Dani cooed enthusiastically, humouring Mila as she excitedly showed off her new pencil case, bag and stationery. Of course, Brittany had gone all out, and bought Mila every type of coloured pen she could find with all of the gel pens and highlighters. Santana was pretty sure Mila wouldn't use half of this, but it was cute all the same. She pulled out her purse.

"How much did it come to?"

But Brittany pushed the purse away.

"You're not giving me the money San, I'm just treating my gorgeous goddaughter" she smiled, picking Mila up and giving her a sloppy kiss on the cheek, earning a hearty laugh from the little girl.

Santana shook her head with a laugh and put the purse away, knowing it was an argument she wouldn't win.

"Come and sit down, I'll make you a coffee" she said.

When Santana returned with their drinks, the three of them chatted away, watching Mila play on the floor with her new pens.

"I can't believe she's going to be a Kindergartner" Santana smiled wistfully "It seems like only yesterday she was just a tiny baby in my arms, staring up at me for the first time"

Brittany reached her hand out to touch Santana, offering her a sympathetic smile as she watched the brunette's eyes water.

"Do you think you're gonna cry on the day?" Dani asked.

She raised her eyebrows and shot Dani a look as if to say what do you think, and the three of them laughed.

"Are you going to take her together?" said Brittany.

Santana went to nod, assuming that her girlfriend would be there to support her for such an emotional milestone, but Dani answered for her.

"No, I'll be working" she shrugged casually, and Santana snapped her head to look at her.

"What!? You're not coming?"

Santana didn't know why she had expected Dani's presence to be a given, it wasn't like Dani was Mila's parent, but she would have appreciated the support. She also thought that she'd want to be there on such an important day for Mila.

"Well no, I wasn't going to…did you want me to be there?"

"I thought you'd want to be there. I just assumed you'd booked the day off work. This is a big day for Mila, and a big day for me too. It would have been nice to have your support" Santana frowned; her tone abrupt. She couldn't deny it, she was hurt.

"Sorry babe I didn't think it would be such a big deal. She's already at pre-kin, this is just like her going to a new class. Don't overthink it" Dani replied, reaching out to touch Santana's shoulder, but Santana couldn't help but shrug her off.

This was her baby, starting Kindergarten, of course it was a big a deal.

Brittany shifted uncomfortably at the tension swilling around them, before attempting to diffuse the situation.

"San, I could come and take her with you. To be honest, I was going to ask anyway because I'd really like to be there and see her start school, but it makes even more sense if Dani has to work" she offered.

She wasn't trying to stir the pot between Santana and Dani, she simply wanted to be there on such a significant day and lend her support. Santana's features immediately softened at Brittany's suggestion, and she offered the blonde an appreciative smile. It was a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Dani.

"Look babe, I'm sorry I just didn't know. I can try arrange cover or something if you really want me to be there" Dani offered, but Santana shook her head firmly.

"You know what, it's fine. You've made it clear that it's not so important to you. I'll take her with Brittany" she said tersely, before looking over to her daughter who was playing across the room, the emotions of the impending day taking over her once again.

"Mila, come here baby. Mama needs a cuddle"

And as Brittany offered Dani a sympathetic smile, she received a look in return that made her swallow with nerves. She hoped she hadn't made things worse.

The day of Mila's first day at Kindergarten had come around fast, and Santana was riddled with nerves. Brittany had stayed around the night before, ready for the early morning start, and it didn't go unnoticed by Santana that despite her nerves for the day ahead; she had slept better than she had in at least a month. Sleeping beside Brittany, really did soothe her, and she missed it. She sighed as she received the enthusiastic text message from Dani, wishing Mila luck and ensuring Santana that she would be fine. She decided to reply to it later and focus on getting Mila ready instead.

She smiled as she watched Brittany platting Mila's hair, coffee in hand as she leaned against the staircase. If she could keep that moment forever, she would. Just like that, it was over, as Brittany finished her hair and dropped a light kiss on Mila's head, before turning to see Santana watching them.

"You okay?" she smiled warmly.

"I'm just feeling so under pressure" Santana sighed "I'm worried I've forgotten something, I'm worried that she's not going to like it, I just have all of these worries"

"Shh San, don't worry" said Brittany, as she took hold of Santana's arms, stroking them lightly with her thumbs "It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed on a big day like this. But you have everything prepared, we checked like a thousand times. And you know Mila, she's her mama's girl. Don't you remember how bold you were on your first day of Kindergarten? She's going to be just the same"

Santana smiled, the memory of the first day her and Brittany met flooding her head and making her feel warm inside.

When Mila was finally ready, it was time for the barricade of photos. Mila on her own, Mila and Santana, Mila and Brittany, and of course they had to put the camera on self-timer to get one of the three of them. It was an emotional moment, and Brittany and Santana shared a private smile, thinking about all of the times they'd had their photos taken together for their first day back at school. Now here they were as grown adults, taking Santana's 5-year-old for her first day.

Brittany was still snapping photos in the car, turning around in her seat to document Mila's journey to school as she sat excitedly in her car seat, while Santana drove them towards the school. As they neared closer, Mila became less excited and more nervous, quietness taking over her as reality of the big day ahead began to set in.

Santana, who was close to tears herself, swallowed the lump in her throat in a determination to keep strong. She wasn't going to let herself cry until Mila had gone. She put on her most enthusiastic tone of voice.

"Moo, are you excited?"

"Yeah" Mila replied quietly, her nerves beginning to show.

"You have Lily starting with you, don't you?" she encouraged, trying to reassure Mila as well as reassuring herself at the same time.

"That's great that you get to start school with your best friend Moo. You'll create so many fun memories together, like me and your Mama did" Brittany added, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she tried to relay the message to the little girl that it was all going to be fine.

It brought back memories of Brittany's own first day of Kindergarten, and how she had cried and shrunk inside of herself, until Santana took her by the hand and led them off to play. She just hoped Mila was going to brave like her Mama today, not wary like herself.

"Yeah" Mila muttered again, absentmindedly staring out of the window.

Santana swallowed, worried about Mila's sudden change in enthusiasm, and Brittany placed a reassuring squeeze on her thigh.

As they arrived at the familiar school halls, it was a bittersweet moment for Brittany and Santana, as all of their childhood memories flooded back to them. Things had changed in the school, and it was obviously a lot more modern, but it was innately still the same.

They were allowed into the classroom to settle Mila in, as the kind young teacher showed Mila where to hang her coat, and where she would be sitting. They watched as the little girl glanced around nervously, taking everything in, and then it was time for the goodbyes. Brittany crouched down first, observing that Santana needed a moment to gather herself.

"You be a big brave girl today, Meels won't you? You're going to have so much fun, I promise" she said tenderly, lightly stroking Mila's face with her finger. A face that was almost an exact replica of her mother's. She couldn't believe how much her goddaughter had grown.

"Will you come with Mama to pick me up Aunty Brit-Brit?" she asked shyly, and Brittany nodded straight away. It hadn't even been discussed, but if Mila wanted her there, of course she would be there.

"Of course, sweetheart, Mama and I will be here to pick you up in just a few hours" she looked up at Santana with an encouraging smile "Right San?"

Drawing strength from Brittany, Santana composed herself and bent down.

"That's right angel. Just a few hours, and we'll both be here to pick you up" she leaned forward to give Mila a big cuddle, closing her eyes to stop the tears from coming, as she felt Mila grab on tight. After a couple of minutes, she reluctantly pulled away to stare at her daughter, taking hold of her hands.

"I'm so proud of you baby girl, you're going to do great today!"

Mila nodded, and looked down at her feet, before looking back up at Santana with a courageous smile.

"Te quiero Mama"

"Yo también te quiero, pequeña"

The little girl then reached her arms out towards Brittany, who wrapped her up in a tight embrace.

"You just be yourself today, okay? I love you Mila Moo"

"I love you too, Aunty Brit-Brit"

It took three attempts for Santana to finally leave but when she did, Brittany placed a supportive hand on the small of her back, as Santana bit her lip to stop the tears.

As soon as they were back in the safety of the car, the tears came flooding out, and Brittany reached out to give her a cuddle.

"It's just like…when we stood there and kissed and cuddled her at the end, she went all silent and just gave us that big smile. I felt like she was holding it in and trying to be really brave and assure us. I can't explain it" she rambled; her voice thick with emotions.

"I know, it was her little face, she was just trying to be so brave, wasn't she?" Brittany nodded in agreement, her own blue eyes filling up with tears.

"Are you crying too?" Santana laughed, through her tears, and all Brittany could do was nod and laugh with, her emotions also getting the better of her as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

It was a special moment that neither of them could explain, going back to the place they had first met and started their journey, and taking Mila there to start her own journey.

"I feel like I've imagined that day, since the moment I held her in my arms and decided to keep her, and now it's here and she's actually at school" Santana sighed, as they began the drive back to Santana's apartment.

"It's just gone so quick hasn't it? I remember every little milestone. I remember every place I was when you sent me a video of her doing something new. Crawling, walking, now going to school" Brittany shook her head in disbelief.

As they pulled up at the traffic lights, Santana removed her hand off the wheel and reached out to squeeze Brittany's hand.

"Thank you for being here with us today"

"San…I wouldn't have missed that for the world" Brittany smiled, squeezing Santana's hand in return.

After spending the rest of the day together, Brittany trying to curb Santana's nerves about how Mila was getting on, the two of them went to pick Mila up from school. She bound out of the doors excitedly, and her eyes lit up as Santana lifted her into her arms. Her joy and happiness was evident, and it flooded both Santana and Brittany with relief to see she'd had a great day.

When Mila had told them all about how Lily had been upset and teary, but she had held her hand and made her feel better, Santana and Brittany shared a knowing look. It was crazy to think how much Mila and Lily's situation mirrored their own, with Mila of course taking just after her mother in supporting her friend.

The two of them listened with great enthusiasm as Mila recounted her day, until Brittany's phone started to ring. It was Chris, the Director of Aladdin on Broadway aka her old boss. She wondered what he could want, and ignored it the first time, turning her attention back to Mila with a view to phone him back later. But when he had called her again instantly, she excused herself and went upstairs to answer, thinking it might be something important.

"Hello?" she said, as she picked up the phone.

"Brittany, hi, how are you doing?"

"Hi Chris, I'm doing okay thank you. Getting there slowly with everything, and it feels good to be back in Lima. Is there something important you wanted to talk about? I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be rude…it's just if you're just calling for a general catch-up, I'll call you back if that's okay? It was my little niece's first day at school today, so I'm part way through hearing all about that"

"No, no that's okay. Look, I won't keep you long. I just wanted to speak to you about an opportunity that might be good for you. I know you said you couldn't return to New York right now, which is understandable. But there's something else I know of that I think would be great. Are you working right now?"

"I'm just doing some freelance teaching at a studio in Lima" Brittany shrugged "it pays the bills, I haven't really thought about what I'd like to do long term. Maybe going into teaching in a school or a college, but still in dance. I'm not sure yet"

"Okay, well hear me out on this first. It's all top-secret at the moment obviously, but they've picked up Aladdin for a worldwide tour next year. It'll start in Germany, then it's going to hit other parts of Europe, before winding up in Asia and Australia at the latter end of the year"

"Okay…" Brittany said uncertainly, unsure where Chris was going with this.

"Well they're looking for a new choreographer, and obviously you'd be great for it. You've already got the background and they've seen what you did with the Broadway show and loved it. I know the Director, Kurt, and he'd be interested in speaking with you for a chat about it, if it's something you'd be up for. I just thought…it's a great chance for you to get back to doing what you love, without having to settle back in New York. You'd be touring with the company, and they'd put you up in all the 5-star hotels as part of your contract. You'd be perfect!"

Brittany's head was spinning, she wasn't expecting this at all.

"When would they need somebody to start?" she asked, her voice wavering.

"Well, the tour starts the end of January, so rehearsals start over in Germany at the beginning of December, so that's when you'd officially hit the road. Until then, there'd be some prep you'd need to do, some Skype meetings, and they might want you for a couple of rounds of auditions, but nothing too heavy. The contract wouldn't start until the end of October"

Brittany closed her eyes and screwed up her forehead, as she tried to make sense of her thoughts. It was an amazing opportunity, and it was a great chance for her to do what she loved again without having to return to New York, Chris was right about that. But as great as it was professionally, she wasn't sure how it would make her feel personally. She was still healing and being back in Lima made her feel happier than she had felt in years. Especially being so close to Santana and Mila.

"Chris, I don't know" she sighed "It sounds amazing, it really does…and I'm so appreciative of you thinking of me. But I'm really happy back here in Lima, I don't think I can give this up"

"I understand that, but it would only be for a year. I don't need an answer today. Look, I won't keep you any longer but, at least think about it okay?"

But as Brittany walked back down the stairs and watched Santana and Mila laughing away together on the sofa, she knew her decision was final.

"Thanks Chris, but my decision is final"

A smile broke out across her face as she watched them, and with that, she hung up the phone and went back over to join her girls.

It had taken both Santana and Brittany by surprise, when at the end of the month, Dani had requested Brittany's help on a shopping trip. It was going to be 6 months since Santana and Dani's first date tomorrow, and Dani wanted to buy Santana something special.

For Brittany, she was surprised that Dani actually wanted her help, because she got the vibe that Dani really didn't like her. She hid it well, but Brittany wasn't stupid.

For Santana, she was both surprised and disappointed that Dani was going all out for their 6 month. She hadn't thought about doing gifts or anything like that, she assumed they'd maybe have dinner together to celebrate but…that would be it. 6 months was nothing, a year would be different. But then Santana admonished herself. 6 months should be a big deal to her, considering it had been the longest "official" relationship she'd ever been in, but she knew it was her dwindling feelings for Dani and her burning, overwhelming love for Brittany that was making her feel like this wasn't something really worth celebrating. Nevertheless, she would have to bite the bullet and buy something for Dani too, and she waved her girlfriend and the object of her affections off trying not to think about the irony of it all.

Brittany was also thinking of the irony of her helping Dani pick an anniversary gift for Santana. Her love for the brunette was more prevalent than ever, yet here she was gritting her teeth, helping her girlfriend pick out a romantic gift. Still, she held her head up strong and put on the front that seemed to always work so well for her. People called her stupid for years, but they could never see through the fact she was so in love with Santana, so she couldn't be that stupid.

As they walked through the Lima Mall, Brittany mustered up her most enthusiastic tone.

"Well she loves her bling, so jewellery could be a good place to start?" she suggested, even though it pained her to say. She wanted to be the one buying Santana jewellery, not Dani.

But Dani shook her head;

"Actually, I thought we could stop off for some coffee and a quick bite first" she smiled nonchalantly, gesturing towards the pretzel placed.

Brittany frowned in confusion but went ahead anyway. She thought they had come here to shop, not bond over coffee and pretzels.

As they sat down with their coffee's and chosen pretzels, Cinnamon for Brittany and Almond for Dani, Brittany began to pick awkwardly at the plump twist. She could sense some serious tension in the air, and it was making her feel severely uncomfortable, as her eyes darted around, and she cleared her throat.

"How's yours?" she said, in an attempt to hide the growing unease around them, gesturing towards the pretzel.

"Cut the crap Brittany" Dani replied shortly.

It took Brittany aback, and she swallowed so hard that the piece of pretzel she was chewing almost got stuck in her throat. Lost for words, she looked at Dani questioningly.

"I didn't come here to make small talk over pretzels and go shopping with you" Dani began "I came here to ask you what the fuck is your motive with my girlfriend?"

Brittany's eyes bulged, because once again she was so taken aback, she couldn't even make the words form in her throat.

"W…what do you…what do you mean?" she stuttered.

"I mean what I say. I have eyes Brittany. I see the way you look at her. The way you bend over backwards to do anything for her. So, I'll ask you again, what's your motive?"

Brittany's face blushed red, and she cursed her genes for always letting her down this way.

"I don't have a motive Dani. I don't know what you're talking about. She's my best friend, and of course I'd do anything for her, I love her, but that's it. No motive, no anything. We're just friends"

Dani scoffed

"If you're just friends then why do you look at her like you're undressing her with your eyes?"

And once again Brittany swallowed hard, she glanced down at her feet because she wasn't entirely sure how to answer. "Yeah, great mask Brittany, great way of hiding it" she said to herself.

"Look, I don't want to be a bitch to you, because you mean a lot to Santana and evidently, she means a lot to me. And I know you've been through a tough time lately, but I'm going to say this to you once and once only. Back off okay? She's mine, and we're happy, and I don't want anything to get in the way of that" she said sternly.

Brittany couldn't help but feel her eyes water. Maybe it was bringing back memories of all the dressing downs she had received from Denver, or maybe it was just that she was so ashamed to be caught out. She couldn't defend herself, all she could do was muster a firm nod. Suddenly Dani's demeanour softened, and she let out a smile, but it wasn't a particularly nice one.

"Good" she said "you know, I think you're right about the bling. Santana does love her jewellery, so maybe I'll go with that. I think I'll go choose something on my own though" she said.

With that, she tossed a 10-dollar bill onto the table and left the restaurant, leaving Brittany's head spinning.

The next night was date night. Santana looked at herself in the mirror and let out a sigh as she straightened herself up.

"Come on Santana you can do this, it's just a meal out with your girlfriend" she said to herself. But convincing herself of these feelings and stringing this along was becoming harder and harder for her to deal with.

She was intrigued to see the gift that Dani had gotten for her, knowing that Brittany was the one to help out with it, or so she thought anyway. She knew nothing about Brittany and Dani's little chat, because neither of them had told her of course. Her own gift was something simple, and didn't contain too much thought, she had gone for a bottle of Dani's favourite perfumes. If it was up to her, she'd do the traditional route of flowers and chocolates, but when she heard that Dani wanted to take Brittany out shopping, she knew Dani must have been putting more effort in and thus she had to do the same.

As they sat in the restaurant, they had their first date at, Dani insisting that they go there in a bid to make it even more romantic, Santana sipped at her wine in an attempt to ease her nerves and enjoy the night. It almost reminded her of the days when she had dated men, when she had sat through countless dates feeling uncomfortable, but never really knowing why she felt like that. She knew now it was because she wasn't being true to herself, and now that she was here with Dani, she knew she wasn't being true to herself again.

She had sensed a shift in Dani's mood this evening as well. She seemed jittery and absent for the most part. Maybe they were on the same wavelength, Santana mused. Maybe Dani could sense a difference between them also, and the relationship was going to come to a natural end. A much better outcome for Santana, than having to break up with her and potentially hurt her.

So, when Dani suddenly took Santana's hands in hers and began speaking, Santana was even more shocked to learn their wavelengths were actually polar opposite.

"Santana, 6 months ago, you sat across from me at this very table and we had our first date. You were so scared to be yourself, but you intrigued me, and I could just see something in you, and I knew we'd make it work. Since then, you've come so far. You've been brave enough to come out to all of your friends and family and made all of these sacrifices to be with me. I can't believe how far you've come since the last time we sat here together, how far we've come"

Santana's heart froze, where on earth was Dani going with this!?

"Basically Santana, you make me super happy, and I want what we've had these past 6 months forever. I know this is quick but…when you know you know, right?"

And as Santana watched in horror as Dani pulled out a small box and got down on one knee in front of her, the people around them turning to stare and "aww" and some even taking pictures, she could barely remember how to breathe. Her stomach was twisting in knots. She thought they were cooling off; how could she not sense Dani was so far the opposite and was going to do this instead!?

"Marry me babe, make me super happy forever" she winked.

Santana swallowed, but her mouth was dry, and she looked down at her girlfriend's hopeful face. Then she glanced around at all of the people in the restaurant, their faces mimicking the hopeful expression of Dani's. The pressure was undeniable, but how could Dani do this? This wasn't even something they had discussed. And she felt terrible for keeping her hanging on one knee, as she watched Dani's face turn from hope to worry, and she felt even more terrible for what she was about to do. But this wasn't right. She couldn't marry Dani!? God no. Not this quick. Not ever actually, considering she was in love with Brittany. And she couldn't continue stringing Dani along if this was how strong Dani was actually feeling.

"I…I can't. I'm so sorry" she stuttered apologetically. Her face burned as she picked up on the whispers all around her. This was her worst nightmare right here. She was so embarrassed, and she felt so bad. So bad to the point she could believe why some people said yes solely down to pressure. But she wasn't that person.

Dani stood up adamant and closed the box.

"Okay, okay, I get it. It was too quick. It's okay, we can wait" she said her face frantic, her words hurried.

Santana gulped. Time for Brutally Honest Lopez to return, come on…where is she?

"No Dani it's not just that. This whole thing. This relationship. I can't do it anymore…I'm sorry" she said ruefully.

She didn't stick around for a response, she slammed the rest of her wine and ran out of there so fast, the tears pricking her eyes as she called a cab. She felt a mixture of emotions.

Embarrassed. Humiliated. Mortified. Horrified. Ashamed. Regretful. Nervous. Sympathetic.

And…determined.

Determined that this couldn't go on any longer now. She had finally done the right thing and ended things with Dani, and now she had to be even braver and tell the girl she was in love with, exactly how she felt.