A/N: Whoa! What happened to the layout? OK, well just read about the crack down on the rating system. Might have to create a LJ for the future. We'll see. I 'll let you know. Thanks for reading.

It was almost noon, and Santana was woken up by her phone ringing. She groaned as she reached for the receiver.

What the hell, she thought.

"Hello," she said, her voice still groggy.

"Lopez, you up? It's Rogers."

"Yes," Santana asked, trying to focus, "Do you realize I'm on night shifts? It's the middle of the night for me."

"Sorry," Rogers said, "But I've got good news."

"What's that?" Santana asked, yawning.

"You're done with the night shift."

"No I'm not," Santana said, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, "I still have two more nights."

"Not anymore," Rogers said, "Pierce's partner finished up his case, so he's back with her. You're off the hook."

Santana was now fully awake, "But, but I thought he needed the week?"

"Guess they closed the case faster than they expected," Rogers said, "I thought you'd be a little more glad. I know how much you hate nights."

"Umm, right, yeah," Santana said, feeling disappointment wash over her, "So what's my schedule?"

"Let's see," Rogers said, "You're off tonight, and back on tomorrow mid morning, then off again."

"What kind of schedule is that?" Santana asked, now annoyed.

"It's the best I could do," Rogers said, "And I should have your permanent partner in the next couple of days."

"Great," Santana said, without the least bit of interest.

"I'll let you go," Rogers said, "Go back to sleep and I'll see you at the station tomorrow morning."

Santana hung up and knew she couldn't get back to sleep. She got up to shower and dress.

###

Brittany woke up to the sound of her phone. She looked at the clock and saw that it was almost one.

"Hello?" she asked groggily into the receiver.

"Sorry to wake you," Jim said.

"Oh hey," Brittany said, sitting up, "How goes the case?"

"We got the bastard," Jim said, "Last night."

"That's great!" Brittany said, then she realized what this news meant, "Oh so...I guess that means we're back to being partners."

"Don't sound too excited," Jim said with a chuckle.

"I'm sorry," Brittany said, "I am happy. I'm just still half asleep."

Brittany was more disappointed than happy.

"I heard what you did last night," Jim said, "Very impressive. Everyone at the station is talking about you."

"They are?" Brittany asked, feeling self conscious, "I was just doing my job."

"I know you've been asleep, but that guy you caught," Jim said, "Was part of the triple homicide. It's been confirmed. They found some of his DNA at the scene.

"That's fantastic," Brittany said, "Did he rat out his partners?"

"No," Jim said, "I think he's still trying to work out a deal or something."

"Of course he is," Brittany said.

"Since you caught him, Detective Jerry Fox..you know him, right?" Jim asked.

"Yes, I've known him for a while, he told me he was working the case," Brittany said.

"Right, we'll he wants to talk to you," Jim said, "He wants to bring you into the case, both of us."

"That's awesome," Brittany said.

"Are you up to meet at the station in a couple of hours?" Jim asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," Brittany said, yawning again.

"I'm already here," Jim said, "So whenever you can, come join me."

"I'll be there soon," Brittany said.

"Aren't you glad to be off the night shift?" Jim asked.

"Uh, yeah," Brittany said, not sounding convincing.

She hung up and got up to get ready for work.

###

Santana decided to go to a nearby cafe for something to eat. She couldn't get over how disappointed she was feeling at not going out on patrol tonight. Disappointed that her partnership with Brittany had ended suddenly.

Santana suddenly realized that she had no way of contacting Brittany. No number, no address. Nothing. She wondered if Rogers had called Brittany to tell her the news.

"You look in deep thought," Sugar said as she sat down in front of Santana.

"What? Oh, hi Sugar," Santana said, snapping out of her thoughts.

"Aren't you up late? Or early?" Sugar asked, "Especially after last night's bust."

"How the hell did you know about the arrest? They hold a news conference while I was asleep? There was supposed to be a media blackout on that arrest," Santana said.

"Oh please," Sugar said, "You know that's never stopped me before. I've got…"

"Sources," Santana finished with a sigh, "I know. Look Sugar, if your articles fuck up this investigation…"

"I'm just doing my job, Santana," Sugar continued, "Besides, I left out a lot of specific details. So, quote?"

"Fuck you."

Sugar laughed.

"We'll," Sugar went on, "I just wanted to congratulate you. I'd call Brittany but I don't have her number."

"You leave her alone," Santana warned, "She's still a rookie and doesn't know your evil ways."

"Relax," Sugar assured.

"Your sources are giving you too much info."

"Never fails," Sugar said, "I also know that other guy Puck and his partner caught the other day is also connected to the homicide."

"How the hell do you find all this out?" Santana asked, impressed at Sugar's skills.

"Magic," Sugar said.

Santana let out a breath, "Did you just come here to bug me?"

"I came in here for a coffee and just happen to see you staring off into space," Sugar said, "What's on your mind? Girl troubles?"

"I'm just tired," Santana said, "Worked the night shift. But you know that."

"So how did Brittany take down that guy?" Sugar asked.

"I thought you turned in your story already?"

"This is for my own curiosity," Sugar said, "I didn't think she had it in her. I mean she's fit for sure, but she looks too sweet to take down anyone."

"We'll she can," Santana said, with a small smile, "Don't let her looks fool you. She's tough."

"Looks like you might have a little crush on her," Sugar teased.

Santana's smile disappeared, "Oh brother. I can't praise my partner?"

"Sure you can," Sugar said, "But when you get that look on your face, then I can tease."

Santana took a bite of her turkey sandwich and tried to ignore Sugar.

###

Brittany, in full uniform, walked over to the room were the detectives had set up the robbery case.

"Well, well," Jerry said, "It's the star of the day."

"Hey Jerry," Brittany said with a smile, "Please don't do that. Not a star at all."

"You and Puck are stars," Jerry said from behind a table. In front of him papers and folders from the case, "Two rookies catching two of the most looked for criminals in the city? Come on, that's impressive."

"That is pretty awesome," Brittany said, "Jim said you wanted to talk to me? What's the latest on the case."

"Well," Jerry said, "Here, have a seat."

Brittany sat in front of Jerry and he began to fill her up to speed.

The two suspects were found to be present at the triple homicide, there was evidence. However, there was still one more at large.

"The other figure Sa..umm, Officer Lopez and I saw," Brittany said.

"Right," Jerry said, "Neither are talking. But we have found out that the third one is the leader of the group. We also found that all the people that were robbed, all made contributions to Mayor Fabray's campaign."

"Really?" Brittany said, intrigued. She thought of Quinn.

"Yeah," Jerry said, "There have been five burglaries and all five houses were supporters of the mayor. Too many to just be a coincidence."

"Does the mayor know? Does Quinn" Brittany asked.

"Not yet," Jerry said, "I don't want to worry them just yet."

Just then Jim walked in, "Hey!" he said to Brittany, "Miss me?"

"Not really," Brittany teased.

"I knew it," Jim said.

Truthfully, Brittany had missed Jim but she was also finding that she was missing Santana. She wondered if Santana was working. She didn't have her number so she couldn't call. I could go and ask Kurt or Tina...

"So you in?" Jerry asked.

Brittany snapped out of her thoughts, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"The hunt for the others," Jerry said, "You in?"

"Definitely!" Brittany said.

"Great!"

"But what about my training? Won't that mess me up?"

"I'll take care of that," Jerry said.

"Then I'm in!"

###

Santana called Sam to see if he wanted to have dinner that night. She needed to talk to Sam and ask his opinion on the situation with Brittany.

Is there a situation, Santana wondered. Yes, she liked her, but maybe it was just a crush. Santana wasn't about to ruin what could be a good friendship for a crush.

"Come to dinner," Sam said, "Mercedes is making Italian."

"I'll be there," Santana said and hung up.

She really liked Sam's wife, Mercedes. She was sweet and adored Sam. They had together almost five years and were still crazy about each other.

Santana would often look at them and yearn for what they had. Sam and Mercedes had two kids. Twins. Olivia and Benjamin, both three. Santana loved them as if they were her own.

She loved going over and spending family time, because she did consider them family, she always felt a little sad afterwards going home to her empty house.

Santana had intended to go for a hike, but instead, curiosity got the best of her and she headed to the station. She wanted to know what was going on with the case. She looked at her watch, and wondered if Brittany was still asleep.

Stop it, she told herself.

As soon as she entered the station, she ran into Quinn and Puck.

"Hey Santana," Puck said, "Heard about the bust last night. Well done."

"Well," Santana said, "That was all Brittany."

"Brittany said it was the two of you," Quinn said, "Jut take credit too or else Brittany will drive you nuts."

"OK," Santana said smiling, "When did you guys talk to her?"

"Just now," Puck said, "She's in Room 11 talking about the case."

"She's here?" Santana asked surprised.

"Yeah," Quinn said, "I bet you're glad to be rid of her."

"She wasn't so bad," Santana said.

"You guys made a good team," Quinn said, "At least for a short while."

"I think we did," Santana said, a bit wistfully.

"We should get going," Puck told Quinn.

"Right," Quinn said, "Oh Santana, before I forget. My mother is having a dinner this weekend and I was wondering if you could make it."

"You're inviting me to your mom's dinner?" Santana asked, "Umm, I'm not really into political fundraisers..."

"No, no" Quinn interrupted, "No politics. Just a normal dinner with friends. I'm sure mother's already invited Sam and since you're practically his sister and new friend to us...you should go too."

Santana was about to say no when she realized that Brittany might be there as well, "Sure. Sounds like fun."

"Great," Quinn said, "Puck will be there, so will Brittany. I just need to invite Tina and Kurt. Maybe Sugar. Not sure how mom will take to me inviting the reporter that keeps getting classified information."

"Hmm," Puck said, "That might be fun to watch actually."

"You're right," Quinn said, "Sugar gets an invite too."

Santana let out a chuckle, "I'm definitely going now. Alright, I'll catch you guys later. Thanks for the invite."

Quinn and Puck left leaving Santana to go find Room 11.

###

Brittany and Jerry were talking a break from the case and talking about the last episode of a show they both watched. Jim had gone to get something to eat.

"...that was crazy," Brittany said, laughing, "I laughed for a good five minutes after that."

"Me too," Jerry said, also laughing.

The door opened and Santana walked in on the laughing pair.

"Is the case that funny?" Santana asked, bothered by how well Brittany and the detective were getting along.

"Santana," Brittany said, surprised but glad to see her.

"Hey Santana," Jerry said, "We were just talking about TV. Taking a break."

"I see," Santana said, walking closer to them. She turned to Brittany, "Guess our bust last night got you a new gig."

"Jim's other case wrapped," Brittany said, "He called me last night...umm, I mean this afternoon. My internal clock is still messed up."

"Mine too," Santana said.

"Glad you're here," Jerry said, "I checked and the schedule had you off today. I'd like you to help out on this."

"I'm on it," Santana said, "I can start now..."

"No, that's OK," Jerry said, "Take they day off. You're close to going over your hours for the week."

"Right," Santana said, "Umm, Jerry, do you mind if I talk to Brittany for a moment."

Brittany's heart seemed to jump to her throat.

"Sure," Jerry said, "I'm going for a coffee run. Anyone want?"

Both women shook their heads.

When he was gone, Santana spoke.

"You look sleepy," she said.

Brittany chuckled, "Thanks. So do you."

Santana took a seat, "Guess our partnership came to an end."

"Yeah," Brittany said, "It was great while it lasted. Well, towards the end anyway."

"Yeah," Santana said, with a small smile.

"So, they gave you the night off?" Brittany asked.

"They did," Santana said, "I'm on a mid-day shift tomorrow, then off again."

"That sucks, no time to really rest," Brittany said.

"I'll manage," Santana said.

"I wanted to call you," Brittany said, "But I don't have your number."

"I had the same problem." Santana said, "I didn't have your number either."

Brittany reached into her front pocket and took out one of her L.A.P.D business cards. She took a pen and wrote down her cell number. She handed it to Santana, "Here. Now you can call me next time there's a change in partners."

Santana smiled and took the card, "Thanks."

Santana reached into her bag and took out her cell phone. She dialed Brittany's number.

"You want to make sure I didn't fake number you?" Brittany asked with a small laugh.

Santana just smiled and listened to Brittany's phone ring, "Pick up your phone."

Brittany went along with Santana's game and picked up the call, "Hello."

"Now you have my number," Santana said and hung up.

Brittany looked at the caller I.D. and programmed her phone with Santana's number. Santana did the same with Brittany's.

Santana wasn't sure why she did that. She could have easily just written down her own number, but something about Brittany made her act and feel a bit giddy.

"All set," Brittany said, "I might just crank call you in the middle of the night though. Or Lord Tubbington might."

"What is a Lord Tubbington?," Santana said, confused.

"My cat," Brittany said, "He loves to crank call people in the middle of the night. Just warning you."

Santana couldn't stop the smile that slowly formed.

"Thanks for the warning," she said.

Brittany felt a warm rush travel through her body. Santana's voice had this silky sound that Brittany just loved.

"Um," Brittany said, trying to focus, "Has Quinn talked to you? About a dinner?"

"She did," Santana said, "Just now."

"Are you going?" Brittany asked, trying to sound casual.

"I am," Santana said, "Are you?"

"I'll be there," Brittany said.

"Good. Well, I should let you get back to the case," Santana said, standing up.

"Right," Brittany said, disappointed.

"For what it's worth," Santana said, "I was looking forward to our shift tonight."

"Me too," Brittany said.

Both women stared at each other.

"I'm sorry I didn't take you up on your offer for breakfast yesterday," Santana said.

"You were tired," Brittany said, "So was I."

"I wanted to say yes," Santana said, her heart rate rapidly increasing.

"Why didn't you?" Brittany asked softly.

Santana's mind was telling her to get up and walk away, but something else was telling her to keep going.

"We had a good time on our last break, right?" Santana asked, a bit worried about the answer.

"Yes, yes we did."

Santana shook her head, "Nothing. Never mind."

Santana turned towards the door.

"I'm glad we're not partners anymore," Brittany said quickly, getting up.

"You are?" Santana asked, turning back around. She felt somewhat hurt.

"Yes," Brittany said, "Because that means I..."

"You what?" Santana asked, her nerves on edge.

Brittany let out a breath, "After our break. I thought...if this...if this had been a date, I would have asked you for another one."

"A date?" Santana asked, feeling exhilarated.

"Puck says I have a crush on you," Brittany admitted, wondering were she was getting the guts to tell Santana all of this.

"Tina said the same thing," Santana said, "I mean, that I have a crush on you."

"Do you?" Brittany asked, needing to know.

"Do you?" Santana asked.

Neither woman said anything. After a moment, Brittany spoke.

"There's only one way to resolve this," Brittany said.

"We should go out on a date," Santana said.

"Yeah," Brittany said, unable to stop the smile forming on her face.

"You're right," Santana said, her own smile growing bigger, "It's best we're not partners anymore. If we were, we couldn't go on this date to settle this crush business."

"Exactly," Brittany said.

"I'll call you," Santana said, "I have your number now."

"Yes you do," Brittany said laughing.

Santana gave Brittany one last smile and walked out the door.

-TBC-