CHAPTER 24

A/N: Thanks to Olivia, Michelle, BrittanaAus, kelenhermitha, Berrylucky, DarkSouls3777, dawnmanley69 and the Guests for their reviews! I'm loving your feedback and your interest in this story, it truly means a lot! This chapter will cover a few months of their lives, we will see how things are progressing at Paramount (I thought it was time for an update on that front) but of course, we also continue to explore what happens at home :-) I alternate between Santana and Brittany POV… but there is also something unusual in this chapter: I introduced Quinn POV for some specific scenes. I hope you enjoy!


AT PARAMOUNT – SANTANA POV

As we have only shot a few episodes for this season, I have asked Naya to come to my office, to go over her main storyline.

"Let me just put it this way…" I sigh. "When I was a teenager, there was a whole period where… I really struggled. I couldn't deal with my feelings for Brittany and… well honestly, I was one angry kid. You wouldn't have liked me back then, Rivera, believe me!" I add, shaking my head.

"Who says I like you now?" She teases.

"Please, you love me!" I reply. "Everyone knows that I'm a delight!" I joke and we both burst into laughter.

"Anyway…" I add. "In this season, we are going to explore Santana's struggle and how she comes to terms with her feelings for Brittany. God… that feels so weird to speak about myself in the third person…" I laugh as she chuckles along.

"OK... Well, that storyline sounds great!" She replies, with a smile. "Honestly, I'm excited!"

"Good, because… not that I want to put pressure on you… but many kids out there can relate to that struggle so we have to make sure that we handle it correctly… And you'll get to play different emotions because believe me, I went through them all back then: denial, fear, anger, love, rejection… you name it! It's a big opportunity for you to show what you can do! Oh and that also means more singing for you of course…" I add with a smirk.

"Hold on!" She says. "Does that mean that you will let me sing Songbird?"

I silently nod and she opens her eyes in amazement.

"Oh Gosh, finally!" She loudly comments, pumping the fist in celebration, which makes me laugh.

"Well, you've earned it!" I reply, smiling at her. "But you should know that Brittany tears up every time I sing it, so I set the bar pretty high! You better practice!" I say to challenge her.

"But Naya…" I add, my tone suddenly turning serious. "For all those scenes, I want you to take directions only from me, OK? Do not even listen to Artie or Quinn. Because no offense to my friends, but they have no idea what it's like. And I will say the same to Heather. If any of you have any questions, you come to me. And If I'm not around, you call me. Got it?"

"Yeah, of course…" She nods.


LATER – AT PARAMOUNT

After spending a couple of hours on set, I decide to call it a day. I'm pretty tired and I can't wait to get back to my girls. On my way to the parking lot, I quickly check my phone for new messages.

FROM "WIFEY": So… guess what! Our daughter HATES broccoli. I tried everything to make her eat it and all I got back was 'NO ME GUSTA!' Gee I wonder who she got that from? ;-)

I burst into laughter, picturing the scene. I actually never taught that sentence to Sofia but she must have overheard me saying it. I quickly type a reply to Britt.

TO "WIFEY": You never managed to make me eat broccoli, it will probably not work on our little one either, she has my perfect taste! ;-) I'm done for today, I'll be home soon.

As I scroll through the messages, I see a few texts from Berry, which I choose to ignore for now. They are probably all about the song she asked me to write for her and I'm too tired to deal with her. But I also notice a text from Mercedes.

FROM "WHEEZY": Hi mama! Yes, I could take Sofia for the weekend of the 7th. You and Britt are going out of town?

TO "WHEEZY": Thanks 'Cedes! Yes, going out of town. I have planned a surprise getaway for the wife, it's an overdue celebration of our 10th anniversary. Not a word to Britt, OK?

FROM "WHEEZY": I didn't know you were such a romantic sap, Satan! Of course, your secret is safe with me!

I'm really glad that Mercedes can take care of Sofia that weekend because it's really time for me and Britt to celebrate our three in one anniversary. We call it like that because we officially became girlfriends on that day but I also picked the same date to propose to her and eventually marry her.

Our anniversary has actually already passed but since we were still in the middle of our baby fight back then, we decided to postpone the celebrations. But now that Britt and I are finally good again, I no longer want to wait. 10 years of love, five of which being married, is a big milestone.


A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER - AT PARAMOUNT - QUINN POV

I have been hiding right outside the aquarium meeting room for 20 minutes, spying on Santana and Lee, and I'm getting increasingly nervous. Lee has scheduled a last minute meeting and insisted for Santana to attend alone, in order to discuss a "sensitive topic".

Even though I can't hear anything they say, I can tell that they are arguing. They are both agitated and Santana even looks like she's going to turn into Snix.

When I see that Lee is about to storm off from the meeting room, I quickly run away. I don't want him to see me, it would probably only cause more trouble for Santana if he knew that I was spying on them. But as soon as he's out of sight, I run into the meeting room and find Santana still sitting at the table, looking upset and preoccupied.

"San… What was that about?" I ask her but she doesn't reply and doesn't even look at me.

"San…" I repeat softly, moving closer to her.

"Shouldn't you be on set right now, Quinn?" She asks in a very angry tone. "I saw that Julia has scenes to shoot this afternoon so go do your damn job, will you?"

Wow OK, Snix is definitely out! Fuck. I know better than replying when she's like this but I don't move either. Somehow it doesn't feel right to leave her alone when she's so upset.

"Are you having a stroke or what?" She asks. "Do you need me to slap you to get moving? Get out of here!" She says, raising her voice at me.

I send her a death glare for talking to me this way, she's the one who would need a slap! But I figure that it might be best to let her calm down so I get out of the room without a word.

I don't know what happened with Lee but I decide that it's time to call the Santana whisperer to the rescue. I start typing on my phone while walking away.

TO "BRITT": Hi Britt, I hope you're good. San is on full Snix mode over here and she won't tell me why, could you maybe drop by? I'm worried.

FROM "BRITT": Hi Q! If San is pissed, it's best to let her calm down for a bit. But yes, I can come over. I will be there in 20 min.

TO "BRITT": Ok good, thanks! Call me when you're here, I'll take you to her.


A LITTLE WHILE LATER – AT PARAMOUNT

"What happened exactly?" Britt asks me as we walk together towards the meeting room.

"I'm not sure… Lee called an unexpected meeting and the only thing I know is that they were fighting and that Santana is furious. And… honestly, I don't understand what's going on, Britt! It's not like San to get mad at Lee, she usually does everything to please the network because we all know that they actually have the power to cancel the show!"

When we arrive in front of the meeting room, I see that Santana has not even moved since I left. She seems lost in her thoughts but I guess that somehow she can sense that Britt is here because she suddenly raises her eyes towards us.

"Really, Fabray? You actually called my wife?!" She says, yelling at me.

This time, I yell back. "Yes, I did, Santana! You argued with Lee for God's sake! And since you refuse to tell me why, I called the only person I know that can actually get you to talk. I have the right to know what's going on, I'm your business partner! So tell me, are we in trouble here?"

"My business partner?" She says, laughing at me. "This is my show, Fabray! Not yours! I'm the one who created it and who fucking runs it! And I'm also the one who deals with those network jerks. You're not my partner, you're my employee! And if you still want to have a job at the end of the day, I strongly advise you to get the hell back on set, NOW!"

I look at her in disbelief, completely outraged by what she just said. What the fuck! How can she be so ungrateful! Besides writing scripts with her, I'm the one who oversees everything whenever she needs to go home to her family and who also handles Julia Peterson so that she doesn't have to deal with her!

"Santana…" Brittany says in a disappointing tone, shaking her head.

Well, at least Britt also seems to think that San has crossed a line.

"She's all yours, Britt." I say, clenching my teeth. "Good luck with that pain in the ass, I have work to do." I add, walking away.

SANTANA POV

Quinn has barely gone out of the room that Britt grabs my arm to force me to look at her.

"San! What's going on with you?" She asks, locking her blue eyes with mine. "I have never heard you speak to Quinn like that! I think that you really upset her! And you were completely unfair by the way! We both know that Quinn is more than an employee… She runs the whole thing for you when you can't be here and you're usually the first one to praise her work!"

"I'm having a really bad day here, Britt!" I reply. "And Quinn pushes my fucking buttons! I told her to leave it alone and go back to work but she just can't stop meddling!"

"She meddles because she's worried, San. And frankly, I am too now. You need to tell me what is going on… and then, you need to apologize to Quinn." She says.

"Apologize? Hell no!" I argue. "It's not my fault if she doesn't do what she's told!"

"You will apologize to our friend, Santana. I will see to it!" She says in an assertive way.

Great, now my wife is mad at me. It's really not my day!

"But right now… you're going to tell me what happened with Lee." She adds.

"I don't want to talk about it, Britt!" I say in an irritated tone. "I'm sorry if Quinn made you come all the way here but I didn't ask her to bother you!" I reply.

"Santana…" She sighs before looking at her watch. "In 30 minutes, I need to go pick up Sofia at daycare, I don't have time to argue with you. So just tell me!" She says, getting unusually impatient. Anyway, it's always a bad sign when she uses my full name.

"Fine…" I sigh in defeat. "Lee said that the network rejected our last edit because… they are concerned that some scenes could offend the audience."

"What scenes?" She asks, surprised.

"Scenes about you and me, Britt!" I reply, raising my arms. "You know that this season is supposed to show… how we developed romantic feelings for one another. There were already hints in the past few episodes but that specific edit included the very first kissing scene between Naya and Heather… And the network turned it down."

"What…?!" She says, even more confused. "But why... ?"

"I told you… They think that 'romantic scenes between two high school girls' might offend the audience..." I say. "And then Lee has the nerve to tell me that I shouldn't take it personally! But how can I not? They are offended by my love story with my wife but I should not take it personally?! I got so angry, you cannot even imagine! It's like all Mr Schue taught us was flushed down the toilet!" I shake my head.

"My whole goal behind Glee was to carry on that legacy: to show kids that they can be themselves, dream big and love whoever they want!" I add. "And now I can't even do that? It's my show but I have no say? That's why I lost it on Quinn, I didn't mean to yell at her but I am the one running this show so I should be the one calling the shots! I'm so sick of other people telling me what I should and shouldn't do instead of doing what I have asked them to do! And anyway, I should be allowed to show on screen that two girls can be in love!"

"I know, San…" She says, caressing my cheek. "And I really want to see this on your show too, but maybe you have to be patient… If the network is not ready to see that, you will just have to take the longer road to get there."

"The longer road?" I ask.

"Yeah, you know… like baby steps. There are plenty of ways to show romantic feelings and sexual tension between characters… If you're not allowed to show them kissing, Naya and Heather can always flirt on screen, exchange longing looks or hold hands etc… And you can also imply a lot of things, through their lines or the songs they sing on the show… You told me that the audience likes both of their characters so hopefully they will ship them together as well…" She adds, giving my hand a squeeze.

"If there is public interest, you will have a bigger chance to convince the network to shoot romantic scenes. It might just take a little more time… And you should really apologize to Quinn, San… What happened with the network is not her fault, she just wanted to know what was going on, to be able to help you! And with what you just told me, you need someone like Quinn on your side, she's a precious ally!"

I nod before hugging her.

"You're a genius, as always…" I whisper.


TWO MONTHS LATER – AT HOME

Brittany and I are sitting next to each other on the edge of our bed. As her eyes meet mine, I can tell that she's nervous. So I put my arm around her shoulders and nod, to encourage her to check the pregnancy test stick that she's holding in her hand.

But it's negative. Again.

"I'm so sorry, honey…" I say, taking her into my arms to hug her tight. It's the third failed attempt and it starts to get to her… "You know that it can take a while, Britt… You said it yourself…" I add, trying to comfort her.

"But you got pregnant at the first attempt…" She says, in a desperate tone.

"Maybe it was just pure luck, Britt... You'll get pregnant, honey. We just have to be patient…"


A FEW WEEKS LATER – AT HOME

We are leaving for Lima tomorrow, to spend the Christmas holidays with the whole family. Brittany is usually very cheerful at this time of year because it's her favorite holiday and she's always excited to see our parents.

But today, she looks completely absent-minded, with this sad look on her face. I'm afraid that not succeeding to get pregnant is slowly killing her. I really hope that some time in Lima will cheer her up.


ON THE NEXT DAY – LIMA

We arrived at my parents' house a few hours ago, even though they are actually not at home and won't be until tomorrow. They were offered some last-minute tickets to a fancy wine tasting out of town and I encouraged them to take Britt's parents with them. I thought it was better to give Brittany some space and some time to settle in before seeing the whole family.

Abuela is here with us though. I really tried to convince her to meet us tomorrow as well but she couldn't wait to see us. So she showed up - uninvited - and did what she always does: cooking a wonderful dinner.

The food was absolutely delicious but dinner was a bit uncomfortable because Brittany was very quiet the whole time. I put my hand on her thigh a few times, with the hope to get her out of her thoughts but it didn't work… And judging by the way Abuela was looking at me, she noticed that something was up.

After dinner, I join Abuela in the kitchen to help her clean up, while Britt and Sofia are watching some cartoon together in the living room.

"Santana… What's going on with Brittany?" Abuela asks me in a worried tone.

"What do you mean?" I reply, trying to play it like everything is fine.

"Well, she's acting strange... She's usually really perky and excited when you girls come for the Christmas holidays. Every year, she is nothing but smiles, she compliments the food, she laughs… And tonight, she seems… lost in her thoughts and she has barely touched her plate even though I made her favorite!"

"Oh well… You know, I think she's just tired, Abuelita. It was a long trip for us!" I say, trying to sound convincing.

I hate lying to Abuela but we have not told anyone that we were trying to have another baby and… considering our struggle, I really don't want to say anything. If the family knows, they will get over-excited and it would only put pressure on Britt. She really doesn't need that…

"Is everything alright between you two?" Abuela asks, clearly not buying it.

"Of course, Abuelita, why wouldn't it be alright? We're still in love and going strong!" I reply. That's actually not a lie because our marriage is good now and I'm hoping that with this answer, Abuela will leave it alone. But of course, she doesn't because, just like me, she has a psychic Mexican third eye.

In a desperate attempt to distract her, I pour myself a glass of water and take a sip, as if there was nothing else to say on the matter.

"And how are things… in the bedroom?" She asks out of nowhere, making me choke on my water.

"I'm sorry… What?" I say after coughing a few times.

"Well… an active sex life is very important in a marriage..." She suddenly says, as if she was lecturing me.

Is this really happening or am I having a stroke? Abuela and I have NEVER talked about sex! For all she knows, I lost my virginity on my wedding night.

"After a few years together, you might need to spice things up. I don't know much about lesbian sex but for instance, your Abuelo and I, we…" She adds and I immediately cover my ears with my hands, I really do NOT want to hear this.

"Abuela, please! I can't have this kind of talk with you!" I plead.

"Why not? Are you two having problems on that level?" She whispers.

"There are no problems!" I say, raising my hands, trying to put an end to this very uncomfortable discussion. I have never been so embarrassed in my life!

"Are you sure…? Because that doesn't look like a happy wife!" She says, pointing to the living room door, referring to Britt.

"You need to keep her satisfied…" She whispers.

"I do keep her satisfied!" I suddenly say in spite of myself. Oh my God... I can't believe I said this out loud...

"Can we please, please stop talking about this, Abuela? This is really private... My sex life is between me and my wife!"

"Fine." She says, raising her arms defensively. "I was just trying to help!"

God… I really hope that our parents do not pick up on Brittany's unusual mood, I can't have another conversation like that! I'm scarred for life now!


ONE WEEK LATER – LIMA

As I watch Brittany building a snowman with Sofia, I'm relieved to see that she's finally back to her usual smiling self. It can only be good for her to be in Ohio and take a break from the fertility clinic.

We have had a great time here so far: we celebrated Christmas with our families, we had dinner at Mr Schue's, Britt visited her dance teacher… And tomorrow we will meet Lady Hummel and Blaine for drinks, as they are here as well.


A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER (JANUARY) – LOS ANGELES – AT HOME

This time I'm sitting alone on our bed, waiting for Brittany to come out of the bathroom and finding out if she's pregnant or not. I figured that it would be less stressful for her if she was checking the stick alone. But when I see the devastated look on her face as she opens the door, I know that there is no baby…

I immediately get up to engulf her in a tight hug.

"I'm really sorry for letting you down, San…" She whispers in my ear.

I'm so stunned by what she just said that I pull away from her to be able to look into her eyes.

"Letting me down?" I ask in a confused tone. "Brittany! You're not letting me down, where is this coming from?"

"I'm the one who pushed for this, San! I know that I made you go through a living hell for months when we were having our baby fight and now I… I am not even capable of giving you a child..."

This is possibly the most heartbreaking thing I have ever heard.

"Honey… you have nothing to feel guilty about!" I reply. "And you have to stop being so hard on yourself… I think you want this baby so much that you're putting all this pressure on your shoulders… Don't set a deadline for this, let nature do its thing, OK?"

"But what if it doesn't work?" She asks in a sad voice.

"It will work, Britt!" I say, kissing her lips.

"How do you know?"

"Because… you're young, you're healthy and Doctor Wilson confirmed that your fertility is very good! There is no reason why it wouldn't work!"

"But you can't know this for sure, San…" She sobs. "We have been trying for months! What if I never can…" She trails off, burying her face in my neck.

"Ok, I'll tell you what…" I say, hugging her. "You'll try for a year, OK? And if it doesn't work… I could always try to carry it myself… We'll have that baby one way or another, I promise you."

"But… you didn't want to get pregnant again…"

"Well… I did it before, so I could do it again if that's what we need…" I reply.

I swear that for a moment I see hope in her eyes but she quickly gets back to a depressed mood.

"But even if you were ready to… you wouldn't have the luxury to do that… With Glee and all…" She says.

"Britt… I managed to launch Glee while being pregnant with Sofia! And I was a nobody at the time! If I were to be pregnant again, it would be much easier now! I have nothing to prove this time, it's just about… maintaining the ratings! And we have a good team in place, they will manage without me if needed. Don't worry about that."

That seems to relieve her worried mind a little.

"I love you." She suddenly says, hugging me so tight that I barely can breathe.


A FEW WEEKS LATER (MARCH) – AT HOME

We have been trying to have a baby for six months and still no luck. Britt is supposed to go to the fertility clinic in a couple of days for another attempt but I can tell that she's already completely stressed out. Every time that damn pregnancy test comes back negative, she takes it like a huge personal failure and it only puts additional pressure on her. And I don't think that that being so stressed about it is helping, it's like a vicious circle...

Even though I originally didn't want to get pregnant again, I am actually OK with the idea of carrying the baby if it comes to that. But I also know that Brittany really wants to give birth herself. So… I decide to make sure that she relaxes before she goes to the clinic.


ON THE NEXT DAY – AT HOME – BRITTANY POV

I come home pretty late from dance school, I'm sure that Santana already put Sofia to bed. As I open the front door and enter the living room, my jaw drops.

Santana is sitting on our couch, wearing a VERY short and… very tight green dress. And she's also wearing a big green hat.

"Huh.. Is that a St Patrick's hat?" I ask, although my eyes are quickly drawn to her cleavage rather than the hat.

"Yes, it is." She says, getting up to get close to me. "It's St Patrick's day after all and you know I like to dress up. So when I found this 'sexy leprechaun' outfit… I thought that we could have… a little fun…" She says with flirty eyes, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Well… I had no idea that Leprechauns could be so hot…" I comment, placing my hands on her hips.

Seriously, I'm thinking of a thousand naughty things to do to her right now…

She smirks before pulling me into a long deep kiss.

"Did you know that Leprechauns can also grant you three wishes?" She asks. "So what's your first wish?"

"Mmh…" I say, thinking. "My first wish would be… to have sex with my hot wife." I reply.

"Granted…" She whispers before kissing me again.


A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER – AT HOME - SANTANA POV

"San!" I hear Brittany shout from afar, before she runs into the room. "It's positive! The pregnancy test, it's… positive!" She says as if she didn't believe it.

"What?! Oh my God! Show me!" I say with excitement.

As I see the double line on the stick, I can't help but give her a loving kiss and hug her.

"See, your Leprechaun wish came true, honey!" I say, smiling big at her.

She sighs in relief and smiles back me. "I still want to wait for the Doctor to confirm it to be sure though…I don't want to get my hopes up…" She adds.

"Of course, Britt… But I have a very good feeling about this, honey…" I reply, hugging her once more.


A FEW WEEKS LATER – AT THE CABINET OF DR MONTGOMERY – BRITTANY POV

"So let's take a look at your baby!" Dr Montgomery says, ready to perform the ultrasound. Santana is holding my hand, smiling lovingly at me.

"And how have you been feeling, Brittany?" The Doctor asks me.

"I usually feel good, but on some days I'm pretty tired and my morning sickness has worsened lately…" I reply.

"Tiredness is very common at this stage, you need to rest as much as possible. And as for the morning sickness, I can prescribe…" She trails off before falling completely silent, focusing on the screen.

I immediately throw a worried look at Santana, who gives my hand a squeeze.

"Is something wrong… ?" She asks the Doctor, who still has her eyes set on the screen.

"No, sorry, there is nothing wrong! Everything is perfectly normal!" Doctor Montgomery replies in a reassuring voice, and I sigh in relief. "It's just that… you're expecting twins." She suddenly adds, leaving me speechless.

"I'm sorry… what?! Did you just say twins?" Santana asks in a shocked voice.


A/N: Thoughts on this chapter? Comments on what is happening at Paramount? On the babies storyline? Yes, yes, it's TWINS! What do you think about that? And what do you think that they will be having? Two boys, two girls, one of each…? Thanks in advance for your reviews which are always very much appreciated, I can't emphasize this enough! Thanks again for the read!