A.N. An apology post for not noticing the mistakes (since been fixed) in the last chapter.
Ain't it fun? Living in the real world? Ain't it good?
Santana knew there was something different about her youngest daughter the moment she saw her that morning.
Her first clue was the fact that it took forever for Santana to get her up for school. Surprisingly, despite her general grumbling disposition, Peyton was a morning person. She normally woke up before her parents. That morning was different.
Santana's second clue was Peyton practically sitting under Quinn the entirety of breakfast. Peyton was her most independent child, she normally did things without her parents and didn't really need the coddling or comfort that her siblings might have at thirteen.
Of course, Quinn doesn't notice. She's happy to let her kid sit next to her. Santana's sure she would try to cradle all of their children like babies if they let her.
So, yes Quinn doesn't sense a problem, but even if she was aware of something being off with Peyton, she wouldn't know what signs to look for. Not like Santana does at least.
The third clue came from Peyton herself. Actually, the fourth did too, just that one wasn't so voluntary.
"Mommy, I think I have a fever." Santana's lip trembled. Peyton had stopped calling her mommy about almost as soon as she had started speaking full sentences.
Santana managed to suck it down, though. She wouldn't be so easily susceptible to intense emotion if Quinn would stop getting her pregnant. They had agreed they were done after Peyton, but no, Quinn's dick had other plans.
But that's beside the point.
Santana placed the back of her hand on Peyton's forehead. She knew she would be burning up before she even touched her. And sure enough.
As soon as Santana took her hand away, the fourth clue popped into place. The easily recognizable scent of heat practically hit her like a slap to the face. And with it comes a wave of tears down Santana's face.
"My baby is growing up."
Peyton just looked at her weirdly. The smell must hit Quinn, because her head turned sharply towards them, a deep frown on her face.
Santana pulled Peyton into a tight hug. Ryland and Beth, who honestly she had completely forgotten about, stare at her weirdly too.
Quinn blew out a sigh, "Well, would you look at the time! It's time for you two to get to school." She quickly grabbed her keys and herded the older girls toward the front door.
"I don't have class until 10:30." Beth grumbled.
"Then sit in the library and study until you do have class." They were pretty much out the door now.
"Is Peyton okay?" Ryland asked softly. Peyton was still being suffocated in that hug.
Quinn sighed, "She will be." With that, she finally managed to wrangle them out the door.
"Mom? You can let go, now."
Santana slipped in one last squeeze before releasing Peyton.
It was clear the teenager didn't quite realize what was happening yet. Santana breifly wondered how long she could keep it that way. Ultimately, she decided against it. Peyton wasn't dumb. She'd figure it out eventually.
"Am I not going to school today?" It was a possibility that Quinn just forgot her. It's happened before. It wasn't a big deal, it meant she got more breakfast.
"No you're not. You get to stay here with mama and I today."
Peyton shrugged, "Okay. But why? Did I actually have a fever?"
Santana swallowed harshly, "Yes, but not for the reason you probably think. Your heat started."
Peyton's nose scrunched up. It made sense. She does feel a bit icky and sluggish and like she needs a shower. She frowned, "Well, tell it to go away, I don't want it right now." They both knew it didn't work like that, but Peyton thought it couldn't help. Maybe it was a voluntary thing, and she could opt out or in at her convenience.
"If only it were that easy. Come on, you are going to take a nap, while I schedule a doctor's appointment, and go to the drug store. Quinn should be back soon." Santana guided the teenager to her and Quinn's room. Peyton let herself be guided with a scowl.
Santana peeled the duvet back and ushered Peyton in, not in the least bit surprised when Peyton drifted toward Quinn's side.
"I'm not tired, mom."
Santana hummed, "Sure you're not. I'm going to go get you a tank and some sleep shorts."
Peyton crossed her arms over her chest. She dug her phone out of pocket as her mother left the room.
Pey Pey: Apparently, I started my heat today. Won't be coming to school today.
Tay Tay: Ew gross
Pey Pey: I know. Mom's freaking out because I'm growing up or something.
Tay Tay: Not to change the subject or anything, but will your sister be here today?
Pey Pey: Yes. Your crush on my sister is getting creepy.
Tay Tay: I'll have you know, my mother raised me to be a great alp-
Pey Pey: Anyway, if Maya asks about me, lie and say I'm skipping or something cool like that.
Tay Tay: How did you successfully manage to interrupt me? We're texting...
Pey Pey: Taylor Nicole Berry-July. Pay attention.
Tay Tay: Whatever. But we both know she will not ask about you. She'd have to stop being teacher's pet for three seconds to do that.
Pey Pey: Don't be mean to her. She's just passionate about learning.
Tay Tay: and my crush on your sister is creepy
Peyton frowned, she pressed dial on the phone and waited as it rung.
Tay Tay: YO WTF I'M IN HALLOWAY'S CLASS YOU ALMOST GOT MY PHONE TAKEN AWAY
Pey Pey: It's what you deserve
Peyton calmly placed her phone on Quinn's bedside table. Santana still hadn't come back with her clothes, so she just burrowed down further into the bed as she waited. Seconds later she was out like a light.
Santana finally came in a few minutes later. She eyed her daughter, "Not tired my ass."
Becoming a parent had made Santana an excellent multitasker. While she had been gathering Peyton's change of clothes, she had called the doctor and made an appointment later that day, and she made a mental list for her trip to the drug store.
Quinn had came back from taking Ryland to school and tricking Beth into driving herself to college.
Upon arrival Quinn's nose scrunched up. Santana pointed a finger at her in warning, "Do not say whatever it is you're thinking. I know. Go cuddle your daughter, while I'm gone. When I come back we'll take her to the doctor."
Quinn nodded silently. Then did as she was told.
Santana had gotten back from the drug store an hour later. She placed the Gatorade she had bought next to Peyton's phone. She then gently roused her awake.
"Hey Pey, time to go to the doctor." Both Peyton and Quinn groaned.
Peyton got out of the bed a bit groggily. Quinn did not get out of the bed.
"You guys go on without me. I'll stay here and sleep the day away."
"Quinn."
"I'm up." Quinn popped up suddenly, "What are you guys waiting on? We have a doctor's appointment to get to!"
The doctor's visit went about as well as Santana could have hoped. Peyton is indifferent to a lot of things and this was no exception.
They had gotten the suppressants Peyton needed so she could go back to school the next day. And then headed back to the house.
Peyton plopped down onto the couch next to Quinn. That's where they stayed until her siblings returned home.
Ryland entered the house first, her nose scrunched up too, but at least she had the common sense not to say anything.
Beth almost said something when she entered, but Santana assuaged her with a look. Santana breathed a sigh of relief.
She dodged a bullet there, or so she thought. Her life flashed before her eyes as Maya followed Beth into the house.
Maya didn't say anything. She seemed disoriented and confused and maybe even a bit scared, but that last one was probably because Quinn was glaring at her.
"Hi, Maya." Peyton greeted shyly.
Santana's not sure Maya would have been able to reply even if she wanted to.
"Hey Maya, why don't you go home. You can hang out with Beth tommorow." When Peyton's suppressants kicked in went unsaid.
Maya nodded vehemently at her, "Yes ma'am." Beth rolled her eyes, she had just gotten here. Now, she was going to have to drive Maya back to her own home.
Peyton also looked like she wanted to protest, but if she did she'd probably have to answer questions she's not ready to answer.
Maya quickly shuffled out the door, Beth following her reluctantly.
Yes, Santana had successfully dodged several bullets.