It has been a while. Thanks for all of your reviews and follows, you guys really are the best. Hope you think this chapter is okay xxx HN

Chapter 12

Brittany slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the soft light of the morning sun that peeked through the curtains. As she shifted her gaze towards the person sleeping next to her, she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter with joy. Santana was lying beside her, her face peaceful and serene in her sleep. Brittany traced the outline of her face with her finger, admiring the way the sunlight played on her skin, making her look even more beautiful.

The memories of the previous night flooded Brittany's mind, causing her cheeks to flush with excitement. They had made love for the first time, and it had been nothing short of magical. Brittany felt a sense of contentment wash over her as she lay there, lost in thought, reliving every single second. She had never felt so connected to someone else as she did in those moments.

Brittany had been lonely for a while. Ever since she had lost her family she spent most of her time alone. The only break she had was dance. She never would have imagined in a million years that she could have someone like Santana. Someone who looked after her. It was scary because she had never fallen so hard before. But that fear made her feel more alive.

Then there was Sophia. All of her life people had told Brittany she was stupid. Jake used to say it a lot. He told her over and over again that she would make a terrible mother and so he forced her to have an implant in her arm to prevent her from getting pregnant. But Brittany had always wanted kids. She thought she would make a good mother. Now she had Sophia. Brittany knew that she wasn't really Sophia's mom, but sometimes it was just so easy to forget that.

With a smile on her face and love in her heart, Brittany gently leaned in and placed a kiss on Santana's forehead, silently promising to cherish her forever.

Santana started to stir after thirty minutes. When she opened her eyes she was met with piercing blue. Brittany was wearing a wide smile and she leaned in to kiss Santana gently on the lips.

"Good morning," she mumbled into her mouth.

"It is now." Santana stretched her arms up above her head and yawned. Brittany thought she was the most adorable person ever and she lay back down, nuzzling her head into Santana's stomach.

"I wanna stay in bed all day."

Santana giggled and reached her hand down to stroke through Brittany's hair. "I would love that, baby," Brittany smiled up at her. "...but we have to go pick up Sophia at one."

Brittany looked over at the alarm clock. "That's five hours away," she rolled on top of her girlfriend and started to kiss all over her face.

Santana's face flushed at the attention. "That tickles, Britt Britt."

"Britt Britt?"

The brunette buried her face into Brittany's shoulder in embarrassment. Brittany reached down and brushed her hair out of her face before whispering in her ear. "You are just too cute."

Brittany rolled off of Santana and cuddled into her again. "You know, this probably sounds crazy but it feels like I've known you forever."

"I don't think that sounds crazy," Santana grins. "Nothing you say is crazy, baby."

"Really? Even if I said we should go outside right now like this?"

"Well it's raining but sure let's do it."

Santana started to get up but Brittany pulled her back down and rolled on top of her. "Absolutely not. No one can see you naked except for me!"

"Oh really?"

Brittany kissed Santana again. She moved her hands down her back and pulled their hips together causing the brunette to let out a moan. "No, this is all for me."

"Okay, Britt."

Santana and Brittany were standing in the kitchen, both clad in their pyjamas, preparing breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes filled the air, and the sound of sizzling bacon could be heard in the background. As they worked, they couldn't help but steal glances at each other, admiring the way the morning light played on their faces, making them look even more beautiful.

After a while, Santana excused herself to check the mail. Brittany continued cooking, humming a tune as she flipped the pancakes. However, when Santana returned to the kitchen, Brittany could sense that something was wrong. Santana had a concerned look on her face, and her eyes seemed to be darting around the room.

"What's wrong, babe?" Brittany asked, setting down the spatula and walking over to Santana. She put her arms around Santana's waist, pulling her close.

"It's nothing, Britt," Santana replied, trying to play it off.

"You know you can tell me right, baby. But I won't push you."

Santana snuggled into Brittany, basking in her warm embrace. She didn't want to burden Brittany with her problems. Santana knew that Brittany wouldn't leave them but there was always a nagging feeling at the back of her mind that something would push her away. But Brittany was so sweet and considerate. She never wanted to make Santana feel uncomfortable and that made the brunette love her even more. Maybe it would be good to have someone to lean on. The one thing Santana had always wanted but knew she could never have. But now she had someone. She had her person.

"You're thinking aren't you," Brittany kissed her forehead. "What is going on in there, honey?"

"It's just a notice, it's fine, we're fine," Santana said as though trying to convince herself.

"A notice for what?"

"For rent," Santana turned to the stove to try and distract herself.

"What does that mean, San?" Brittany asked carefully but Santana ignored her. "What does it mean?" She tried again.

"It's fine, Brittany," she smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "It just means I'm slightly behind on some things."

"That sounds bad, San."

Santana looked at Brittany and stepped back. "Brittany, I don't need your judgement, you have no idea what you are talking about. I can deal with it."

Brittany was slightly hurt by Santana's words, she wanted to help support her. But she knew that this was how Santana got when she was scared. She became defensive. So Brittany stepped closer to Santana again and grabbed her hands. "Hey, I wasn't judging you, sweetheart."

Santana let out a long breath and looked at Brittany sceptically. After a moment she walked forward into her girlfriend's arms, wrapping her hands around her waist. "I love you," she breathed out.

"I love you too. Never forget it."

Brittany wished sometimes that Santana was more open. She loved her girlfriend more than life itself but it was hard sometimes. Brittany could see Santana was struggling. It was hard for her too, it was hard to watch someone she loved go through so much alone. Brittany knew that Santana had been doing this alone for years and therefore she was used to carrying all this weight on her shoulders, but Brittany just wanted to yell sometimes that she was there. There was someone who could help her now. She didn't have to face it all alone.

"What are you going to do then?" Brittany turned off the stove and led Santana over to the couch.

"I don't know. I guess I'll just pick up some more shifts at work."

Brittany pulled Santana into her lap. "I can look after Soph whenever you know?"

Santana looked at Brittany. She was so sweet. Santana had never met someone so selfless. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course. I love Soph. We could chill at my place whenever and if I have to work then she could just sit in on the class. However, I'm pretty sure she would rather dance than sit."

"I bet she would love that, Britt."

Santana kissed Brittany on the lips. The blonde closed her eyes and breathed sharply through her nose. Kissing Santana was one of her new favourite things, along with spending time with her and cuddling her, basically anything Santana related. Her heart skipped several beats and she felt like she was flying. Santana's touch was so soft and delicate that Brittany felt dizzy. Santana slowly trailed her fingers down Brittany's face and over her body. Brittany put her left hand on the back of Santana's neck, trying to pull her in deeper. She caught Santana's bottom lip between her's and sucked on it, eliciting a gasp from the girl. The brunette slid her hand to Brittany's lower back and brought her flush against her. She could feel Brittany's tongue on her upper lip asking for entrance. She granted it as she was pushed onto her back. Feeling Brittany's whole body pressed up against her made her heart beat erratically in her chest. When their tongues made contact they both moaned at the sensation. The kiss was slowly getting heated so Santana pulled away causing Brittany to pout.

"Believe me, baby, I would love to continue this," she nipped at Brittany's shoulder causing the other girl to whimper. "But we need to leave to pick up Sophia soon."

"I know, but you are just so hot, San." The serious look on her face caused Santana to laugh. "I'm not kidding," she whined, which only made Santana laugh more.

Brittany leaned into Santana's ear to whisper. "I could just fuck you on this sofa right now, baby, I'm so wet," she grabbed Santana's hand and moved it underneath her shorts so she could feel it herself. Brittany nibbled on Santana's earlobe and then kissed her on the cheek, "but you're right, we should probably go," Brittany then stood up, leaving a speechless Santana sitting on the couch.

Sophia had been so excited to see Brittany, she dragged her around her abuelas apartment to show her everything as Santana watched with a look of love on her face. When they got back into Brittany's car, Sophia had immediately fallen asleep, clearly tired out from all the craziness of her day.

Brittany carried her upstairs to the apartment and went to put her in bed. Santana followed them into the room. She went to grab some pyjamas for Sophia from the drawer and they gently dressed her trying not to wake her up. But the little girl stirred anyway. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked up at her mother reaching out her arms for her. Santana lifted her onto her lap and Brittany sat next to them.

"Mama, tell Britty birfday?" The girl mumbled.

Brittany leaned over to kiss Sophia on the cheek. "I know your birthday is coming soon, Soph, don't worry."

"Party?"

Brittany looked to Santana. "Usually me and Soph spend the day doing birthday party things together, we don't have friends over because well…you know," she gestured around the room.

Brittany pulled Santana's head towards her chest. Santana always smelt so comforting, like vanilla. She smelt like home to Brittany. "You're a really great mom, San."

Santana lifted her hand and put it over Brittany's heart. She could feel the steady rhythm and it calmed her down. Every time Brittany said something like that it made her love for her grow even more. It meant so much to her coming from Brittany. "Thanks, baby," she whispered. "I think this year though we need to change our plans," Brittany raised her eyebrow. "Well we might need to set one more place at the table to make room for the new member of our family."

Santana could feel Brittany's heart speed up under her hand as she leaned in to kiss her.

The sound of Sophia's little voice broke them out of the moment. "My doll," she mumbled in her sleep.

Santana's heart clenched at the words. "I know, baby." She carefully lay her sleeping daughter under the covers before bringing them up and tucking her in. Brittany had stood up and walked to the corner of the room and she watched as Santana kissed her daughter on the forehead and whispered goodnight. Brittany could see her whole life in those two people.

Santana stood up and walked over to Brittany. The blonde wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's waist and they stood for a second watching the tiny girl's chest moving up and down in a peaceful sleep.

When they were making themselves some dinner, Brittany could tell something was weighing on Santana's mind. They ate in a comfortable silence holding each other's hands. Brittany offered to clean up afterwards, making sure that Santana had a glass of wine and was relaxing on the couch.

About thirty minutes later she wandered into the living room. The TV was on but Santana appeared to be staring ahead at the wall. Brittany grabbed the remote and turned off the television. "Are you okay, San?"

"Hmmm?" Santana turned her head towards Brittany.

Brittany pulled her hands into her lap. "Are you okay? You seem off."

"I'm fine," Brittany raised an eyebrow. "Really, Britt. It's nothing."

"Come on, San. I love you, I just want to help."

Santana nodded her head and scooted closer to her girlfriend. "It's just Soph."

"What about Soph? Is she okay? She seemed fine today."

"She is fine. It's stupid really."

Brittany sighed. "I hate that word but I'm sure it's not stupid, sweetie."

"Okay, well, Sophia wants this doll for her birthday. Apparently all of her friends have been talking about it and now Soph wants one. She brings it up almost everyday as though she is reminding me that that's the only thing she wants."

"And you don't have it?"

Santana shakes her head and sighs. "No, I can't. The doll is just a lot…well you know…and no matter what I have to put her wellbeing first I cannot spend so much on a doll even though she wants it." Santana's eyes start to get red and Brittany reaches out to pull her into her arms.

"I mean…I can't get the one thing she wants. How terrible of a mother does that make me?" Tears slowly start making their way down her face and Santana wipes them with her sleeve. "I told you it was silly."

"It's not silly, San. And it doesn't make you a terrible mother. You know how I feel about the way you raise that girl, she is amazing and she has such a huge heart, she'll understand, baby, don't worry." Brittany kisses her on the forehead.

"I know. But it's not just that, Britt. I mean she is just a baby now but what happens when she gets older, she's going to notice things like this. Why she can't always have the same stuff as her friends or why she doesn't get new clothes all the time. Or why she sleeps in the same room as her mom." Santana puts her head in her hands trying to control the tears. She had tried not to think about how different Sophia's life would be because of their situation. But sometimes everything caught up with her. She didn't want other kids to make fun of her daughter because they didn't have much.

Brittany hugged her girlfriend close. "You don't need to worry about that stuff, San."

Santana furrowed her brow and looked at the blonde. It made Brittany giggle slightly and she moved her hand to smooth out the creases on her forehead.

"You don't need to worry about that stuff because first of all that is a long way away. Don't even talk about Sophia being a teenager because I want her to stay a baby forever." Santana laughed. "And second of all, you have me." She saw that Santana was going to protest so she put her hand up. "I know that you don't want my money. I'm not talking about stuff like that, I mean that you have me for support for both you and Soph. Also I'm not going anywhere so those kids are gonna be questioning why she sleeps in the same room as her mama and her mama's girlfriend."

"You are really gonna stick around that long, Britt?" Santana sniffles.

"As long as you'll have me, baby."

Later that night Santana and Brittany were lying in bed. They had been cuddled up in silence for a while now and Brittany's mind had been whirring the whole time. She could tell that Santana wasn't sleeping yet as her breathing hadn't evened out to the normal steady pace.

"San, baby?" She whispered into the darkness. "Can I tell you something?"

Santana grabbed Brittany's hand and nodded.

"San, you don't know how hard it is to not have your parents around," Brittany felt Santana squeeze her hand tighter and she squeezed back to let her know that she was okay.

"Every single milestone in my life, I wish they could see it. I wish they could have met you and Soph. My parents would have loved Soph, they would definitely be able to match her energy because my parents were crazy. They would have loved you too. I know they would have. It's because you make me so happy, and that's all they ever wanted for me. Anyway the point is that I have had birthdays come and go since they died, days that felt like nothing. My birthday used to be my favourite day when I was a kid. My sister and I would sleep in the same room and tell stories all night and then at six am my parents would bring me cake in bed," Brittany laughed fondly at the memory. "Ever since they died it's like I can't enjoy it anymore. You have no idea how much I wish I could spend one more birthday with them. Just one more."

Santana turned and lay on top of Brittany. She kissed the tears off of her cheeks that had fallen as she was telling the story. Brittany clung to Santana and swallowed down the lump in her throat.

"Sophia doesn't need a doll, or anything fancy for her birthday. She just needs you."

Brittany kissed Santana one last time before bringing her hand up into her hair and pulling the brunette's head into her chest.

"I love you, Britt Britt." She murmured and then fell asleep.

Brittany stroked up and down her back, her eyelids heavy.

"I love you more."

Authors Note:

Sorry it has been a million years. I'm trying to update as regularly as possible. Thanks for hanging in there xxx HN