Chapter 5

Chasing dimes.

"So, I was thinking… I know we both love the I love to sleepbook but I have to confess that I pat the bunny is getting better. What'd you think? I mean the textures and colours are supreme."

The response she received was a low coo and a gurgle accompanied with a chew to chubby foot. Brittany was having an animated conversation about touch and feel board books with her son. They started with it the day he turned 4 months old, three weeks ago and he already had a wide collection on his nursery bookshelf.

"Of course, we can love both." She nodded solemnly while feeding him breakfast; iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk. Dominic was securely snuggled into his feeding chair, sitting comfortably and chewing on his toes and fingers from time to time.

"Oh! A naked man is in my kitchen!" Santana exclaimed cheerfully as she entered and watched the baby in nothing more than a diaper. The boy, after hearing her voice, immediately let out a squeal and smiled rather enthusiastically when his mother suddenly appeared close to him. Santana nuzzled his cheeks and delicately pecked his nose while little hands clumsily explored her chiselled features.

Brittany softly agreed with Dominic "My baby boy is smitten. Your mami is something else, isn't she? I get you, little one… Hey, good morning," She greeted kindly when Santana turned, leaned down and kissed her tenderly but with intent.

"Hi." Santana answered sheepishly standing between Brittany's legs, still feeling on higher clouds. Her hands hazily combing blonde hair.

"Good night sleep?" Brittany asked impishly, fully aware she did. Well, for a few hours anyway.

Santana cleared her throat and a dash of pink covered her tanned cheeks "Yes, thank you. It was a very good night and very early morning." She conceded.

The smirk on Brittany's face grew and she kept feeding Dominic. The baby boy happily nursing on solids now. Kind of.

"You do know that's breast milk, right?" She voiced when Brittany gently cleaned some cereal off Dominic's nose with her lips.

"You do realize that I have tasted it before? And directly from the source. Maybe my Lucky charms will taste better if I use Santana milk instead of regular milk," Brittany answered nonchalantly, having another tiny spoonful of the cereal.

"Britt!"

"What? Dominic doesn't care, he likes to share,"

Santana chuckled "You're impossible."

Brittany finished feeding their boy with success and pulled Santana onto her lap, encircling her waist with strong arms. Dominic kept busy with the colourful little spoon in his chubby fist.

Tightening her hold, Brittany buried her face in the crook of Santana's neck, sighing deeply.

"You smell like me."

Santana had her eyes closed but the wide smile never left her lips "And why would that be?"

The mischievous giddiness in the muffled chuckle was enough answer and Santana dropped a heartfelt kiss to the top of her head. They were in their little bubble when Brittany felt a light thud on the back of one of her hands followed by a faint clink on the floor. Dominic had thrown the spoon at them.

"Someone demands attention."

Santana, still perched on Brittany's lap, turned in her arms and began playing with the baby boy, tickling him and making funny faces much to his delight.

Brittany just watched the adorable exchange, dropping kisses to Santana's shoulder "His eyes are changing. The colour seems lighter, don't you think?"

"Yep, they'll be the same shade as yours, I can tell by your baby pictures. Give them a few more weeks." Santana answered, taking a bite of a tiny pinky "Do you mind if I pick out your clothes for the day?"

"Are you setting me up on a date?"

"Ha ha… Funny," She replied rolling her eyes, playful sarcasm evident "But no. I just want you to wear suspenders,"

Brittany smiled "You won't pull and let go?"

Santana shook her head "Nope, I just like seeing you in that ensemble."

"Ok, but first I just want to spend the next hour with my loves." Brittany's lips were surprised with pouty ones to then resume the simple but cute games with their boy.

It's like I put you in the game
But you're constantly keep dropping the ball …

"Aunty Santa!" Maddie squealed and jumped into Santana's opened arms. She laughed kissing the girl and Maddie wriggled down to run into her room to awe at Santana's shoes, as she always did.

"Hey, if you're too tired we can leave this for another time,"

"No, no. I overslept; my alarm didn't go off at the right time."

Truth be told, Santana spent the night wide awake remembering the past months. Her relationship with Brittany only seemed to grow stronger throughout the days. Nothing changed that much; they still had lunch and movies Sundays, except now they were often joined with Maddie and a few times even Mercedes and Sam. Big brother approved of her and respected her work for the company, as Brittany did; they were on different departments, hence different projects. The interaction was almost nonexistent inside the building. But once outside, Santana started allowing herself to be close to Brittany.

The only thing Brittany was uncomfortable with was the just best friends label they were under. But she was happy spending time with Santana. Hearing her laugh and being the cause of it was enough at the moment.

"It's fine, take your time. Maddie thought you were dead or something." Brittany jokingly dismissed, settling on the couch with laziness. Santana snorted and told her she was taking a quick shower and then they'll be on their way to the park.

The familiarity and easy nature between them was something else. It felt right whenever they were out together, it was almost domestic. And that alone was enough for Santana to recoil. She was thinking all of this while gearing Madison up to ride her small bike.

"Don't go too fast ok? We´re right behind you," Santana told her sweetly and pecked her nose.

"Yes, auntie." Madison answered with a hint of annoyance, making Brittany chuckle as they began walking closely. They spend almost an hour walking around and talking about little things in between children laughter, barks and conversations.

Blue eyes were scanning the surroundings as warmness settled in her heart "You're a natural,"

Santana shook her head "I'm not. Kids usually don't like me. Maddie is just so loveable,"

"Runs in the family." Brittany stated with a playful bump to her shoulder. She didn't see the abandoned skateboard on her way.

Stepping on it, she rolled out of the paved path and into some bushes. Santana was doubling over with laughter, same as Maddie who was already peeking between the leaves.

"When you're both done, I could use a hand. I mean, it's not like I'm stuck or anything," Brittany's voice was heard from the green foliage. Her hands were on the back of her neck as she got comfortable, suppressing her own laughter.

Santana wiped a few tears that had escaped and offered her hands to help Brittany out, pulling her to a standing position. The blonde was covered in leaves, so Santana, still laughing, started to pluck it out of her blonde hair.

"Look Maddie, I'm a human shrub,"

"You're a goober." Left Santana's lips and without thinking, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed the corner of Brittany's mouth.

Maddie giggled and the astound expression on Brittany's face was priceless as Santana cleared her throat and with shaking hands finished the task. She took a step back, holding Maddie's hand "There, all nice and clean again." Santana avoided blue eyes and began walking away.

Brittany remained rooted in place for a few seconds until Madison called for her and said she was hungry. They had a late lunch with Maddie talking about school and how some of her friends still don't know how to ride a bike like her Daddy taught her with training wheels.

The kiss never left Brittany's mind but neither addressed it after they dropped Maddie off with her awaiting parents. Once inside the car, their steady breathing was all it could be heard along with the smooth roar of the European engine.

The smile was hidden in pink lips "Hey, want to go for a few drinks later tonight?" Brittany interrupted Santana's conflicted thoughts.

"Uh? Um, yeah, sure. I'll ask Rachel, is that ok?" There was no way Santana would be alone with Brittany feeling that vulnerable.

With a resigned chuckle, Brittany assented "Pick you up at 9 or meet me there?"

"Meet you there. Rick's?"

"You know it,"

And with that, Brittany left a very unsettled Santana to call Rachel and to pace around her apartment for a good half an hour before tossing and turning in bed, trying to take a needed nap. She failed.

Luckily for her, Rachel was available and made it on time. The upbeat music and loud chatter were the background to drown her thoughts for a moment. Exchanging warm greetings, the three women were comfortably settled on high chairs. Brittany felt happier than usual, stealing glances with Santana while the smaller woman was no stranger to their behavior. Rachel was laughing at Brittany's stories and thankfully, it prevented her from talking their ears off like usual.

The cheery atmosphere prevailed the rest of the night and the flowing drinks helped to unwind. It was getting harder for Brittany to keep her hands on check, Santana touchy-feely attitude was not helping at all.

Santana for her part had noticed a woman looking at Brittany throughout the night. She tried to be discreet about it but Santana had caught her eyes furtively watching her every move. She even laughed at some of the blonde's exaggerated antics while telling her treats.

Taking a healthy swig from her drink, Santana left her seat, ignoring the questioning looks from the other women at the abrupt manner.

Brittany was confused and felt tingles of jealousy when she saw Santana approaching a smiling woman with auburn hair.

"Do you know her?" Rachel asked, not taking her eyes from the picture either.

Fair brows were furrowed beyond confusion "No, but apparently Santana does." She mumbled.

Blue eyes watched them talk for a little while and leave the table with other people to approach theirs. Rachel exchanged looks with Brittany as they got closer.

"Girls, this is Camille," Santana introduced her with fake optimism.

"Hi." The woman said timidly to the clearly confused pair.

Santana weird smile was present "This is Rachel and the woman you kept staring at all night is Brittany,"

Her mouth dropped noticeably "Hello Camille. Uhm, Santana, can I speak to you for a moment please?" Brittany said through gritted teeth and grabbed her arm, pulling her to the back of the room. In the meantime, Rachel offered an uncomfortable smile and began to talk to the woman.

"What are you doing?" Brittany questioned her, clearly upset.

She feigned innocence "What? I'm helping you. She kept looking at you,"

"So?"

"Well, I thought you would like to meet her. She's pretty, isn't she?"

Brittany huffed "Seriously, what are you doing?"

"Britt, I'm not doing anything. She obviously likes you," Santana shrugged.

Blue eyes bored into her dark ones for a long moment, making Santana nervous.

"I know why you are doing this and honestly I don't understand but if you want to act like a 15 year old, fine. I'll play along,"

"I'm not playing anything."

"No, you're just offering me around like I can't get someone on my own. I don't need you pimping me."

Santana reached for her hand but Brittany didn't let her "Don't be like that. I thought it was a good idea,"

Her patience was dangling at the last string. Brittany stepped closer to Santana, forcing her to lean against the wall "You know pretty damn well why I'm not seeing anybody. But if you want to keep ignoring it, go for it, see if I care." The tone of her voice was nothing Santana had heard before.

"That's why I want you to meet her," She admitted lowly and the words rang foreign to herself. Foreign and idiotic.

Brittany laughed bitterly, feeling disgruntled and disappointed. "I could strangle you right now," She rested her forehead against Santana's "But ok, fine. I'll do what you want. But on one condition."

Santana just nodded, increasingly restless by the close proximity of the blonde.

Brittany took a step back and looked her straight in the eyes again before speaking determined "You will not drift away from me. You won't stay away because if you don't have feelings for me then you won't mind if I actually go out with her or some other woman. Whatever it is you're trying to prove to yourself, I'm here but you will too,"

"Brittany, I can't-"

"You can. You introduced her quite sure of yourself so it shouldn't be a problem. You'll go through this with me if you want our friendship to be intact," She challenged sternly. "Now, if you excuse me, I have a woman to meet." Brittany turned and walked back to the table with heavy steps.

Santana's mind was spinning. What the hell did she do? Why she couldn't just let everything fall into place? She was In the middle of her inner debate when she felt a rough pull on her arm.

It was Rachel's turn to grill her for the childish behavior.

Santana braced herself and reluctantly revealed the details of the lovely talk.

"That doesn't make any sense. In fact, it's stupid,"

"Berry…"

Rachel rolled her eyes dramatically "Don't even start Berrying me,"

"I'm just saying it's something that's bound to happen. Britt is a beautiful woman and I don't want to keep her from dating other people,"

"That is her choice, not yours."

Santana let out a deep breath "But every time we all go out, she turns down every advance towards her,"

Frustration was something her dear friend felt deeply "Because she only wants you! It is as clear as some idyllic sky. Honestly, I don't understand why you are so afraid because I know work isn't the issue. It's you Santana, only you and you are pushing her way too far,"

"I am not afraid. If I was afraid then why I keep seeing her this often? Why do I spend my spare time with her and even going out with Maddie and having dinners with Mercedes and Sam?"

Rachel rubbed her temples in a soothing manner while Santana was looking at herself in the mirror "You're keeping her close out of some masochistic urge and it is not fair."

"We're friends, Rachel. You said so yourself. Besides, Brittany wouldn't let me stray away," Santana was washing her hands next to Rachel.

"Well, I´ll have you know that setting her up with another woman isn't going to change your feelings for her."

Santana exhaled loudly "We're not even sure she's going to call her or even see her again. Probably won't,"

A sad smile grazed Rachel's lips "That's what you are hoping for. But if she does, how long are you going to resist and keep pretending?"

Unknowingly, Santana indeed had opened that door.

Since you're acting like a kid
I'm gonna take your favorite toy from you …