''What, how..''

''I already thought that everything that happened last night would send your brain into overdrive.'' Brittany confesses softly as she slowly walks closer to Santana noticing that the countdown timer on the TV hit the two minute mark, she ends the call and drops her phone on the couch. ''Mercedes's message I received last night, right after you texted me just confirmed it.''

She licks her lips as glistening brown orbs lock on her own and smiles slightly. ''So after a lot of begging, Ma agreed that experiencing LA on New Years Eve did sound amazing.'' She murmurs stopping right in front of her. ''After calling the boys and Carl asking them to meet us in Nashville and booking a room so we both could sleep a bit, we took the last plane leaving Nashville and well here we are.''

She glances at the TV as she hears Mariah's Auld lang syne blast through the speakers and turns back to Santana as she sees that it's midnight. ''Happy new year Santana.'' She bites her lip as Santana just takes the last step to close the distance between them, glistening brown orbs scanning her face and shivers as she feels warm fingers cupping the back of her neck after she watched her eyes flicker down to her lips.

She exhales through her nose as Santana uses that as a leverage to pull herself up on her tiptoes and hums softly as soft lips grace her own, her free hand, the one not holding Mateo drops down to settle on the small of Santana's back as she feels her pull back and effectively pulls her even closer.

She dips her head as she hears her soft intake of breath and presses her lips against Santana's, they both smile into the soft kiss as Mateo drops his head against her shoulder with a soft giggle and pull back to look at him. ''Happy New year and happy birthday buddy.'' She murmurs with a grin.

''Happy new year Britty.'' He just giggles out as his mami tickles him, he hugs her tightly and turns to his mami leaning over to kiss her cheek. ''Happy new year mami.''

''Happy indeed.'' Santana breaths out locking eyes with Brittany, she turns to her son taking him from her so she can greet Mercedes and kisses his forehead. ''Happy new years mi corazón.''

''Fuck that was cute.''

They both turn to Jake and point at him. ''Bad word jar!'' They exclaims at the same time Brittany reaches out to slap the back of his head and scold him, Santana laughs as he just smiles sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck with a groan and walks over to hug him.

''That makes one dollar Jake.'' She teases. ''Happy new year.'' She quickly hugs Puck as he slides up to them and places Mateo down so he can walk around too, she turns on her heels after watching Jack throw Mateo up with a big grin and walks over to Mercedes to hug her tightly. ''Happy new year Aretha.''

Mercedes laughs and kisses her cheek. ''Happy indeed Satan.'' She murmurs with a grin. ''I am happy for you babe.''

''We still need to talk.'' Santana murmurs softly as she watches Brittany introduce herself to Jack with Mateo already settled on her hip again, she turns to her best friend and slightly nods her head to Puck. ''Did you…'' She huffs as Mercedes shakes her head with a shy grin and pushes her softly. ''Go before I sick Mat on the both of you.''

''Mami?!'' She chuckles as her son calls her name right after Mercedes walked over to Puck, yanking him out of the living room with her and turns to him.

''Yes mijo?''

''Can we watch the fireworks now?'' She nods her head smiling as Brittany places him down and holds out her hand. ''Come on let's get you dressed.''

''So Brittany.'' Brittany turns on her heels to face Jack instead of Santana and Mateo joking around while she helps him get dressed and smiles kindly.

''Sir?''

''I know I am not Santana's official dad and..''

''Sir.'' Brittany interrupts with a kind grin. ''Santana sees you as her father and from what she told me you stepped in to be her dad the minute she needed a parental figure the most.'' She tells him, she smiles slightly as his eyebrows raise in surprise and bites her lip.

''You will be treated as such, in my eyes family and parents don't have to be connected by blood or DNA, it's the bond that counts and you stepped in to take care of a teen while raising your own teen without a second of hesitation, that is what a real dad is to me.''

''How the hell am I supposed to act like a scary man when you are like this?'' Jack asks in surprise as he notices not only Santana but also Mercedes, Puck and Jake watching the blonde in surprise.

''Mercedes and Santana already told us that you are a big ole teddy bear.'' Brittany breaths out chuckling, she laughs as Jack just looks behind her probably shooting both women a glare and tilts her head hearing Santana's soft snicker. ''But, I am listening.''

Jack just turns back to her after sending everyone out, rolling his eyes as they just stay standing in front of the door and smiles slightly. ''I can't ask much yet because both of my girls didn't have a date with you or Noah yet, but I just wanted to..'' He cuts himself off pondering what to say next and locks eyes with the blonde as she just smiles slightly.

''Make sure they won't be in hurt in any way?'' She offers, she smiles slightly as he nods his head and runs her hand through her hair. ''I will speak for myself because I can't and don't want to speak for Noah even though I am quite sure you will hear this twice, but.''

''Come on let's go out.'' Mercedes breaths out before Brittany can continue. ''Dad and Britt will join a bit later.''

She chuckles as she hears three soft groans and looks over her shoulder shooting Mercedes a thankful grin, she turns back to Jack as she just shoots her a wink and bites her lip as she hears the front door slam shut.

''I honestly have no idea what to say or what to promise.'' She breaths out. ''Santana and I didn't talk yet to see where we are standing right now, but I can assure you that I have no intention to hurt her or Mateo.''

''Only time will tell what will happen between us, but Santana would be the first girl or rather woman who I have more interest in and can imagine more than just one or two dates happening.'' She breaths out. ''But this isn't only about what I want though, this is about Santana and Mateo too, that little boy has just as much to say as the both of us because it will be a change in his life too.''

''Can you show me your ID?'' Jack asks holding out his hand after a few seconds of silence, Brittany frowns in confusion reaching into her back pocket to take out her wallet and flips it open.

Jack looks down as soon as she placed it in his hand and hums, he hands her the wallet back and cracks a grin. ''Sorry I just had to make sure that you were really seventeen.'' He smiles as Brittany chuckles and nods his head. ''You definitely don't act your age Brittany.'' He compliments. ''I know it's hard to say what the future holds, but do you mind answering one more question?''

''Not at all.''

''What about other girls trying to get together with you? You have a career that places you in the spotlight and will attract other girls.''

''I know that this will also be one of Santana's fears but.'' Brittany tilts her head contemplating how to put her thoughts into words and licks her lips. ''I had a lot of girls around me, in other people's eyes they would be attractive but the only girl I had in my mind the whole night was Santana.'' She explains slowly.

''I know my choice of career will cause some trouble and jealousy is normal in a relationship, but trust and communication are the key.'' She continues. ''From the beginning I already told everyone that I won't date one of my fans.'' She laughs as Jack raises an eyebrow and shrugs. ''I fell for the mother of one of my little fans, that is something different and something I honestly didn't expect at all.''

Jack laughs and nods his head. ''The universe heard your promise and just threw a big uno reverse card showing you that there are also people joining a fan.''

''Something like that yeah.'' Brittany muses. ''But just like I said I have absolutely no intention to hurt Santana or Mateo, I would love to spend some time with the both of them alone the coming few days and see where we stand even if Santana does decide that it would be too hard to date, I wouldn't just drop our friendship, I like her and adore Mateo too much to completely cut off everything.''

''Hold up, you would try to ignore your own feelings if she decides that she can't date you?'' Jack asks in surprise, Brittany nods her head and bites her lip.

''I would yes because in the end Santana has a bit more to decide over, Mateo is a part of her life and in the end the both of them decide if I'm worth the risk or not.'' She explains. ''Normally there are two hearts that could break, but there is a little heart to consider into this too and if Santana thinks that it won't work out and it will only cause a lot of pain, I will respect her decision and continue being her friend.''

''Damn.'' Jack breaths out with a shake of his head. ''It feels like I am talking to an adult.''

Brittany chuckles and shrugs. ''Mom taught me early on that it's good to consider other people's feelings into my decision too, my parents divorced shortly before my tenth birthday and I know my mom dated some guys the years that followed but from most guys I mostly just saw their truck while they picked mom up or they didn't even pick her up so I wouldn't see them.''

''I met my moms now boyfriend a few months ago and ever since he invited me to join them during a lunch date, invited my mom but also me out to the movies or dinner.'' She continues with a small grin. ''He includes me into his plans and doesn't mind me crashing a date night if I don't feel well or just need mom, he scoots over allowing me to cuddle into her free side without a complaint and that is what I would do for Mateo too.''

''If Santana and I are going out on a date, I would love to enjoy a night alone with her but I will also love it just as much with Mateo joining us.'' She murmurs with a small smile. ''I won't ask her to leave him with Mercedes, you or someone else, if he joins our dates I will just make sure he is just as happy.''

''You said the coming few days, does that mean that you will be in LA longer for just today?''

Brittany nods her head and smiles slightly. ''Yeah we all decided to stay till Sunday evening, so I will be here the whole weekend, we promised ma to go sightseeing but maybe you, Mercedes, San and Mateo would like to be our guides.''

''I will probably have to work, but I am sure the girls will love it.'' Jack murmurs with a grin, he pats her shoulder and winks. ''Let's go out before they barge in checking up on us, what do you drink?''

''Coke.''

He raises an eyebrow leading her into the kitchen and opens the cupboard above the sink. ''I heard yesterday that you already had your first taste of Tennessee, so I repeat, what do you drink?''

Brittany laughs glancing in the cupboard filled with different bottles of alcohol and points to one of the bottles filled with brown liquid. ''I'll take a Jack with coke.''

''Now that is what I am talking about.'' Jack breaths out chuckling as he grabs the bottle and two glasses, he quickly mixes their drinks holding Brittany's glass out for her and smiles. ''You mind me stealing Santana and talk to her?''

''Not at all.'' Brittany murmurs as she follows him out of the apartment knowing he will tell her what she told him, they jog down the stairs being mindful of the full glasses in their hands and takes a sip the second she walks outside.

''Survived the protective dad talk?'' Jake teases as she walks up to them leaving Jack to walk over to the girls and Mateo, Brittany nods her head and chuckles patting Puck's back.

''Sure did, you will be pulled aside soon Noah.'' She laughs as he groans softly and shrugs. ''He is just looking out for them, it's nothing bad.''

''Britty look!'' She smiles as both boys snicker the second Mateo yells for her and just shoots them a wink, she steps back to look at the little boy crouching down as he walks over holding up a sparkler and smiles brightly.

''Oh wow, that looks awesome bud.''

''Here I have one for you too.'' He replies cutely holding one out for her. ''Jake and Puck already finished their own.'' Brittany chuckles taking the one he holds out and gently holds it against his already lit up one instead of taking the lighter Puck holds out for her, she pulls it back as soon as it starts sparkling and holds it out smiling lovingly as Mateo just moves to stand between her legs.

''How was your birthday?'' She asks softly as she curls her free arm around his waist watching him just look at the sparklers with a big grin.

''So much fun, mami baked a big paw patrol cake and cooked lasagna my favorite food to eat.'' He breaths out as he leans his head back against her shoulder. ''After dinner I opened my gifts and we all played with the Mario race track and the cars mami, aunt C and Abuelo.''

''That sounds like the best birthday.'' Brittany murmurs with a grin, Mateo nods his head and giggles.

''And now you, Jake and Puck are here too!'' He squeaks out. ''That makes it the bestest birthday!''

''The best buddy.'' Brittany corrects with a kind grin. ''And we also have something for you to unwrap before you go to bed.''

''But Britty, you, Puck and Jake are here, that is already a really great gift.''

''We just bought you something and want to play it with you kiddo.'' Puck tells him with a grin.

''The boys use you as an excuse to play with toys.'' Brittany stage whispers, she chuckles as he giggles and taps his nose after they both dropped their sparklers. ''And it is your birthday, you have to unwrap something bud.''

''But you already maked my birthday wish come true.'' Mateo tells her cutely.

''Made.'' Brittany corrects softly. ''And I did what?'' She asks glancing at the boys in confusion.

''Mami always tells me to make a wish before blowing the candles on my birthday cake out.'' Mateo explains with a cute grin. ''This year I wished that you would come and make mami happy.'' He breaths out wrapping his arms around her shoulders. ''And you did!''

''You are too cute, you know that?'' Brittany asks softly as she runs her hand up his back. ''Those are wishes for you buddy, for something you want.''

''And I want mi mami to be happy with you Britty.'' Mateo breaths out grinning. ''You make her smile the most.'' He looks behind her and smiles brightly. ''Right mami?''

''The both of you make me smile the most yes.'' Santana confirms as she crouches down beside them, she locks eyes with her son after glancing at Brittany with a small shy grin and raises an eyebrow. ''Want to hear something really amazing?''

She smiles as he nods his head and gently places her hand on Brittany's shoulder. ''Brittany, Jake, Puck, her mom and her moms boyfriend will be in LA for the next three days.'' She chuckles as his smile only grows and tilts her head. ''Want to show them all amazing things LA has and maybe show Britty our favorite restaurant?''

She turns to look at Brittany as he just nods his head with a big smile and nervously bites her lip as blue orbs immediately lock on her own. ''Would you like to join me and Mat for dinner Saturday evening?'' She asks nervously.

Brittany nods her head and smiles slightly. ''I would love to Santana.'' She grunts softly as Mateo hugs her tightly and laughs tightening her arm still curled around his waist to pull him close.

''Where are you sleeping Britty?''

''We all booked a hotel room two blocks away from here.'' She replies as she slowly stands up with Santana's help, Santana turns to her and bites her lip.

''It's already late, Cedes and Jack are staying over, would you and the boys like to stay over too?''

''Please?'' Mateo begs looking up at her pouting. ''We can have a sleepover like we had in the tent and Jake and Puck can sleep in my room.''

Santana laughs as he plans everything out and taps his nose. ''You can just ask if you can sleep in the master mijo.''

Brittany chuckles as he just smiles cheekily and nods her head. ''I think the boys will love knowing we don't have to walk twenty minutes.'' She whispers. ''And I would love another sleepover too.''

''Yes!'' She places Mateo down as he wriggles in her arms and chuckles watching him run over to Puck and Jake squealing. ''Puck, Jake we will have a sleepover!''

Santana snickers as Jake just picks Mateo up, throwing him in the air his loud giggles filling the night and turns to Brittany as she yawns. ''Jet lag and two hours of sleep catching up on you?'' She teases.

''Jet lag yes.'' Brittany agrees grinning sheepishly. ''But instead of two hours of sleep, try no sleep.''

''Brittany!''

Her eyebrows raise in surprise as soon as she hears her soft scolding groan and quickly takes a sip of her drink, Santana shakes her head as Brittany just avoids eye contact trying to walk over to the group and quickly grabs the back of her shirt to yank her back with a soft chuckle. ''Hell no, no fleeing.''

''I am fine.'' Brittany breaths out laughing as she turns to look at her. ''A bit tired, but I can handle it.''

''I thought you called the second you arrived home this morning.'' Santana murmurs with a frown, she nods her head as Mercedes tells her that they are going back up stairs and turns to Brittany with an eyebrow raised after they both crouched down to quickly hug Mateo as he runs over before joining the group.

''I just walked into the hotel room.'' Brittany confesses with a small grin. ''I told ma to lay down and borrowed her car to drive back home, picking Carl, Puck and Jake up.'' She murmurs. ''We all drove back after I packed a bag for the both of us and about three hours later our flight left.''

''So you are awake for how long now?'' Santana asks frowning.

''Almost one day?'' Brittany asks shrugging. ''I had some rehearsals before the show started and it took some time for all of us to get ready.'' She explains. ''But I would do it all over again if it meant that I would see your gorgeous smile and hear Mat's happy giggles again San.''

Santana just bites her lip a blush gracing her cheeks and bites her lip. ''What did you tell Mat over the phone?'' She smiles slightly as Brittany just raises an eyebrow and chuckles. ''You said something that caused him to squeal and dance around.''

''Oh that.'' Brittany murmurs with a shy grin. ''I kinda asked his permission.''

''His what?'' Santana asks in surprise.

''Permission.'' Brittany repeats. ''I told him that I was standing right outside the door and asked him if it was okay for him that I not only crashed the party with the boys but also..'' She cuts herself off rubbing the back of her neck and smiles shyly.

''I asked what he knows about people liking each other, after he whispered that it means that it just meant that he spend more time with C while people did fun things with you and I explained how I saw it and promised him that he will also do fun things with us, I asked if he was okay with that.''

''So that is why he squealed the second time?'' Santana asks softly, she sucks in her lips as Brittany just nods her head and smiles slightly. ''You are one of a kind, you know that?''

''Britt there is no other person walking this earth who would ask a six year old for permission to date his mom.'' She breaths out as Brittany just raises a curious eyebrow. ''Jack told me everything you told him and I also don't think there is anyone with your mindset, no one would try to put their own feelings aside just to be sure no one will be harmed.''

Brittany shrugs her shoulders and smiles slightly. ''I know you are worth it though and if there is more harm than good for Mateo and it is the best so be it, I won't stop talking to any of you just because it didn't work out Santana and I am almost one hundred percent sure that, that is one of your worries.''

''It was yes.'' Santana confirms.

''Was?''

Santana nods her head and bites her lip. ''Tonight showed me to what length you would go, not only for me but also for Mat to make sure we are both fine.'' She breaths out. ''You not only skipped on rest and begged your mom to fly to LA to make sure I wouldn't be overthinking everything that happened the past twenty-four hours, but you also called my son to ask him if he was okay with the plan you hatched.''

She slowly reaches out grabbing the hand not holding a glass still filled with liquid and steps closer gazing up into bright blue eyes. ''You asked me what I want and you asked if Mat was okay with everything.'' She breaths out. ''But what do you want?''