Chapter 13
Let everything slide.
"I'm seriously going to start charging some fee to the people that want to hold you or pinch your cheeks." Brittany chuckled, diaper bag in one shoulder and holding baby Dominic in front of her; the apple of his cheeks even rounder as he donned the widest toothless smile "Oh come on, don't even pretend you don't like the attention. You're just like your mami." She bit the tip of her nose and her son tried to grab her face when she did so, babbling in reprimand at the gesture.
Brittany was proudly walking down the hall to Santana's office when she spotted Becca stepping out of it. The older woman immediately lighted up when she saw Brittany and the six month old baby boy.
"Goodness!" She screeched, her steps hasty to meet the grinning blonde "He's getting so big, oh my God! Can I?"
"He's so easy…" Brittany playfully rolled her eyes when Dominic slapped her arms with both hands and reached for Becca.
A sounded long kiss was delivered to a warm cheek, making him close his eye and open his moist lips at the sensation "And so handsome, aren't you? I get the feeling Dominic's going to be a heartbreaker, Ms. Pierce." No matter how many times she had threated Becca to fire her if she called her other than just Brittany, the woman never listened…
"Tell me about it. Santana says it's my fault and that no woman is ever going to be good enough for him. Go figure," Brittany shared amused "Speaking of my bride, is she busy? Are you her assistant now?"
"Oh no, I just brought some papers from Mr. Puckerman. Nina went to get the copies for her. Don't worry; we're taking good care of her. She'll be there this Sunday." Becca winked while Dominic played with the big buttons of her blouse attempting to bring one to his mouth and Brittany took that as her queue to get her baby back before making a mess on the woman's shirt.
They shared a few minutes of small talk, mostly related to their upcoming wedding and after that Brittany quietly made her way inside the office, seeing the object of her deepest affection looking out the window and talking on her cell-phone.
"Yeah, I'm feeling perfectly fine. Uh-huh, you have them back already?" She nipped at her thumb and Brittany cooed into the darling boy's little hear to prevent him from making any noise; he looked up at her quizzically and sucked on two of his fingers, he was soon to start teething "I'll see you tomorrow then, thank you Q."
Santana turned around, smile still plastered on her face and growing even wider when she saw her two loves there "What are you doing here?" She let out in delight and practically ran to them. Dominic squealing and already reaching for her. Santana kissed Brittany's lip open mouthed and grabbed the baby boy, making him into a fit of giggles at the playful smooches she was giving him and faint lipstick painted his cheeks, nose and forehead.
"We wanted to surprise you for lunch,"
"You read my mind, babies." She said while nuzzling his soft hair and wiping where her playful kisses had been.
"Is everything alright?" Brittany asked, referring to the call.
Santana nodded, taking the diaper bag to settle it on one of the chairs "Yeah, it was just Quinn, uhm, settling my- my six month appointment,"
"When is it?"
Santana hesitated but Brittany didn't notice, at all "I haven't confirmed with her yet."
"Oh, ok. Hey, guess what?" She pecked her nose and then Dominic's "It took me an hour -AN HOUR- to get here and from the parking lot,"
Santana laughed "Why? Did you have to take the stairs?"
"No. Your son kept distracting people on our way over. Right Dominic?" The darling baby offered her a drolly grin as an answer to his name being called.
She countered playfully "I told you, he's your entire fault."
Brittany blocked her way as she was walking daintily past her "Well, we're adorable, what can I say." She smirked cockily and stole a willing kiss.
They were kissing softly when a pair of tiny hands clumsily touched their cheeks and both giggled at the welcome interruption.
Sometimes I forget to love you like I should.
But I'd never leave you,
no, I never would…
An hour after she left a magazine-thrower Santana, Brittany was comfortably resting on her living room couch, sprawled over it while idly watching some Animal Planet program. She was calm she didn't let the silly discussion with Santana to escalate; knowing the woman like she did, Santana would come around on her own, sooner rather than later this time.
With that thought in mind and almost dozing off, she heard faint knocks. Brittany lazily stretched her body, popping back some bones in the process and a knowing smile grazed her lips as she walked the short distance to open the door and was greeted with the sight of a shy looking Santana standing there, in front of her.
Santana looked nervous and was playing with something on her fingers "I bought you a bag of sour patch kids but got hungry on the way here so I ate them all." She declared with a pout as she put the empty bag on one of her jeans' pockets.
Brittany smiled warmly and motioned for her to enter her place, keeping eye contact "I'm glad your night sickness is under control then,"
"I'm sorry I was such a bitch to you, again. But I was really scared and jealous and angry all at the same time," Santana blurted in a small voice as soon as Brittany closed the door leaning back on it and she stepped closer to her, resuming the honest words "You are amazing Brittany, you're so loving and so beautiful and you're- You're just so good to me and I'm scared, I'm so scared someone will take you away from me, that you'll realize I'm not worth all the trouble I put you through and I don't want that, I really don't," Brittany took a step forward and Santana met her halfway, grabbing the collar of her shirt to press their foreheads together when she breathed, almost touching her lips "You have me crazy too baby, so crazy about you, about us that it all feels too good to be true. You feel too good to be true."
Brittany felt a warm sensation when she heard the vulnerability in which Santana was whispering to her "I'm here San… We're here," She nuzzled their noses together, her arms pulling her tightly against her, completely encircling her still slim waist.
Santana pecked her lips twice, the second time longer than the first one "I know but I- I was the idiot that practically pushed you to that woman and seeing you with her made me realize the huge mistake I made," Her dark eyes looking straight into blue ones "What if you had fell in love with her? What if it was her carrying your baby and not me, Britt?"
"Hey, don't say that. That would have been impossible because I was already so in love with you and I was the one that decided to date her, not you. We both made a mistake," Santana smiled sadly and kissed her lips again "And as for the other part, it didn't happen and we don't need to think about it. You're here with me, the both of you; it will always be you, Santana."
Santana felt like she could breathe again when pink lips claimed her willing ones for kisses that seemed to last forever. She didn't even realize they were now on Brittany's couch, cuddling and sweetly smooching.
After a long while, Santana was resting her head on Brittany's collarbone; almost her whole body wrapped over the blonde woman as long fingers played with her impossibly black hair and others drew soothing circles on her back, caressing under the soft fabric of Santana's shirt to feel the silkiness of her skin. Brittany exhaled in contentment when Santana dropped a wet kiss to her jaw and then her cheek.
"I told him,"
"Hmm?"
Santana said and propped herself up on her elbow, gazing down at blue eyes; her free hand making her way to rest on taut stomach under Brittany's shirt "Brody. He called to ask me out for dinner and I only agreed because I wanted him to know about us. I told him everything, Britt. He was a little surprised at first but he understood," Brittany pulled her down to connect their lips "I don't want to be discreet or worrying about what other people will think or say," Santana murmured against pink lips and a long languid kiss was shared, yet again "The love we have is not one to hide, ever." She was unsure how to tell her mother though, but that could wait a little longer at the moment, maybe once the baby was born and had grandma wrapped around a tiny little finger would be a better timing…
The blonde was pleased; to say the least "I honestly thought you were getting back at me," Santana smiled and Brittany poked the dimple that appeared on her left cheek playfully.
"No- well, maybe a little bit when I didn't tell you the reason right away. I went a bit bonkers there. Can you forgive me?"
"You're so silly." Brittany giggled and sat straighter against the arm rest of the couch, pulling Santana fully across her lap, one arm around her waist, hand resting on a thigh.
Tanned fingers traced fair eyebrows and Brittany's nose "Also, I- uhm, I wanted to ask you something when we were at your apartment packing but you're probably thinking I'm an insane, unstable person to live with, and maybe I am crazy and so… I understand if you don't want to, really..." Rambling, it came so easier those days…
"Baby, I don't-" Brittany supressed her laugh "I don't think that. Your hormones probably have something to do with it though," She smirked knowingly and nudge Santana's nose with hers to have dark eyes on her blues again but played ignorant "What is it that you want to ask? Come on ask me, don't be shy. Pop a question."
Santana narrowed her eyes "You already know, don't you?"
"Totally, but I want you to ask me anyway. Say it."
"You're mean." Pouting for full dramatic effect.
Brittany softly started to tickle her, earning a surprised squeal "Say it, Santana. Say you want to live with me because you can't stand to be away from me, say you want me with you in every possible way," They both were laughing and soon Brittany had Santana on her back, careful not to put all of her weight on the giggling woman beneath her as she was settled between Santana's legs "Do you want that, baby? You just have to ask me." Her voice lowering as lips ghosted parted ones.
Santana's cheeks were painted with an adorable blush "I- I want that, yes. Britt, will you move in with me?"
Her response was in the form of a sounded kiss that soon morphed into many more, deeper kisses "For the record, I was planning to ask you later tonight as well."
Brittany didn't let her protest the confession, silencing her in a way Santana loved the most.
She moved in with Santana because it was practical as her apartment had a spare room that would be transformed into the nursery; Puckerman took over Brittany's loft with a ridiculously cheap rent. The only thing they kept was the bed because, in Santana's words, it was cuddlier and had more space to roll around… Although Brittany is a sheet hugger and takes forever getting dressed and Santana drinks everything but a drop and puts the bottle of whatever liquid back in the fridge and always forgets where her keys are, they couldn't live and feel any better together.
Over the next weeks, Santana still wasn't showing but she felt more comfortable in looser clothes. Only Brittany's hands and lips could make out the little but growing bump on her stomach, her belly was no longer flat and every time she noticed, a smile grazed her full lips. She still felt tired and sleepy and some mood swings kicked her and Brittany every other day but it wasn't for longer; the last episode was the one where Santana almost ran over a woman with the shopping cart while buying groceries because said woman was practicallyleering at Brittany; truth be told there were just two discreet glances… Anyhow, showering and bathing with Brittany proved to be her medicine, not to mention the massages than ended more than satisfying for the both of them.
In the meantime, few people at Unicorp started to notice them arriving and/or leaving together; hand holding and a few pecks to lips were spotted while in the parking lot, lobby or stepping out of an elevator. It was no longer a secret they were a couple, much to almost everyone's content and some contempt and disapproval. But they were all smart people to question, at least openly, their relationship; the only thing that mattered was that it didn't interfere with anyone's work.
Entering the 12th week, and knowing the chances of miscarriage dropped considerably after that time, made them feel relieved and even happier if it was even possible. Santana started to regain her energy and was on the suggested weight gain, already going on shopping spree for maternity clothes and a few for the little one. Everything was going smoothly and it appeased them somehow for they had heard a lot of horror stories about pregnancy. Needless to say, Dominic was a calm baby since he was living in Santana's womb.
Brittany was getting ready to go home to pick Santana up when Becca informed her she had a visitor. Her assistant knew very well who the older woman was upon hearing the last name and quickly let her inside the impressive office.
Warm greeting completed with a long hug, Maribel sat in front of Brittany's desk and the blonde woman sat next to her, hiding her curiosity and anxiety.
"You're wondering why I'm here, out of the blue," Maribel smiled reassuringly when she saw the cautious nod "The thing is, Brittany, that I know my daughter very well, better than she thinks. She's been avoiding me and the times I got to see her I've noticed some changes and I don't mean just her diet preferences." A familiar brow arch pointed out her words "I'm an experienced Dr. in case you two have forgotten. How far along is she, honey?" She questioned in a soft tone.
Brittany scratched the back of her neck and couldn't suppress the smile that formed on her lips when she admitted "She's 13 weeks and 2 days,"
"Everything alright with my daughter and my grandchild?"
"They're both doing great. Her fatigue and night sickness are almost gone and she's feeling more energetic these days. Your grandchild is growing by the day and healthier as can be." Blue eyes beamed.
Maribel nodded proudly, getting teary eyed but cleared her throat "Who's your practitioner?"
"Quinn Fabray. Santana told me you know her, she's the best,"
"Yes, she is. I was her attending once upon a time, I taught her well." The older woman winked cheekily, making Brittany chuckle.
A comfortable silence enveloped the atmosphere until Brittany spoke reaching for Maribel's hands "She's just worried you'll be disappointed, you know, for how things happened." She sincerely conceded fully aware Maribel had deducted the circumstances.
"She could never disappoint me; Santana is the best thing that has ever happened to me and my most precious achievement," Maribel sniffled "And I know how much you love her and that you will take care of her and your baby. I don't care how it all happened; I just know I can't wait to meet my grandchild."
Brittany stood up and Maribel complied with the embrace she offered, both crying softly.
"I'm going to be a grandma! Seré abuela!" The excited woman exclaimed as they parted.
"Si!" It was one of the Spanish words Santana had taught her and she was glad she got to use it with her mother-in law.
Brittany explained the details about Santana's pregnancy and told her they had an appointment with Quinn later that day to clear everything, so they were planning to tell the news the next weekend.
Smiling in complicity, Maribel agreed to what Brittany asked her.
Not two hour later, they were nervously waiting at Quinn's practice.
"Ok ladies, let's greet baby Pierce." Quinn smiled at them as the cool gel was applied to Santana's small bump to get the transducer going. Santana was comfortably on her back while Brittany hovered over her, tightly holding one of her hands. The wide smile never leaving their faces.
Quinn hummed as she scanned the image, revealing Baby Pierce once again "Everything looks fine, the baby is growing normally," She pointed to the screen, explaining them everything they were seeing "Your baby is fully formed now; these are the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes."
Amazed was the accurate description for the two of them at the moment, Brittany's rested her lips on Santana's temple, her eyes glossing over at the define profile of a child, her child.
"He or she looks so comfortable over there. Can you believe that's our baby, Britt? Getting bigger and stronger." She commented, the awe of her voice not lost to the other two women in the room. Brittany could just nod slowly in response, entranced with the image.
Quinn kept moving the transducer to ensure everything was ok and when she applied more pressure to a particular area of the curve on Santana's stomach, the baby moved his legs and turned around, giving the back to them and earning a laugh from the women.
"Did the baby just…?" Brittany finally regained her speech through a chuckle, followed by Santana's heartfelt one at the action of their unborn child. They wouldn't know their child was a boy until later.
"Well, it appears that your baby doesn't like to be disturbed," Quinn conceded and finished her task, giving Brittany some wipes to clean the gel over Santana's stomach "I'll give you two a moment and then you can have a copy of this and a sonogram." She winked at them and left the room, seeing them already in a warm embrace.
Blue eyes looked into dark ones for a long moment. She sweetly kissed Santana and rested their foreheads together, inhaling in bliss and serenity.
"Thank you." Brittany murmured, the tip of her nose touching a smaller one while a few happy tears mixed with the ones from dark eyes.
Santana answered in a velvety whisper "I love you."
It was time to share the joy. Brittany had gathered her family to tell them the news along with Santana, who was playing with Maddie on the Pierce's family living room floor, laughing with the small girl and Mercedes.
"Stupid Sam is late..."
"Relax darling; he should be here any minute for your important announcement," Brittany's mother soothed her while preparing snacks and smiled at the sound of the laughter echoing from the other room.
"I told him to be on time. I'll stretch his lips even more, like when we were kids." Brittany huffed and flopped down on a stool, crossing her arms.
Her father snorted while reading a paper, which he insisted was the most help Angela could get from him "What's so important anyways? It's not like you got a girl pregnant..." AJ teased unknowingly but heard a sharp intake of air from his daughter.
All movements were suspended and breathes stopped, Brittany dropped her arms as two pairs of blue eyes stared at her for what it seemed like an eternity.
Angela dropped the knife and covered her mouth with both hands "Oh my! You did!" She pointed a finger at her in admonishment "I swear to God that if it's some other woman and not Santana I will disinherit-"
Brittany rolled her eyes as she sprung up on her feet "Mom! Of course it's Santana! Why would she be here if-" Face palming herself, she grunted loudly through her hands "Now the surprise's spoiled..."
"Oh sweetheart, congratulations." Her father was the first one to approach her and Brittany groaned some more burying her face on his broad chest upon hearing the rapid fading steps of her mother and the surprised squeals from Mercedes and Maddie that followed. Angela was already hugging Santana, reassuring her and offering their full support in a rush of words.
With his arm around his daughter's shoulders, they both walked towards the living room and stood there looking and hearing the enthusiastic questions and the chuckles that accompanied Santana's answers. Smiling dark eyes found blue ones to assure her everything was fine the way it was happening as AJ made his way to embrace Santana, who looked even smaller against his much taller frame.
She was squished between Mercedes and Maddie when she heard the doorbell. Wiping some tears from under her eyes and with a red nose, Brittany received the visitor no one seemed to notice at first.
"Looks like I'm right on time,"
"Mamá… Wha-what are you doing here?" Santana bit her lips and her mother took the steps to her and held her with the utmost tenderness.
Maribel kissed her teary cheek, looking warmly into her eyes "Lo sé mi amor and I'm so happy for you,"
"How did you-" She sniffled.
"I'm your mother I know you, remember?"
"I didn't want to disappoint you." Santana admitted in a soft murmur.
"You could never disappoint me mija. I'm proud of everything you do and this" She placed her hand on the curvy belly "is something to cherish. Come here, you." Maribel called for Brittany and the three embraced tightly until Angela's voice filled the room.
"I'm going to be a grandma again! And you'll have a little cousin to look after Maddie!"
The little girl clapped her hands enthusiastically and beamed "I'll give our baby lots and lots of love!"
Later on, Angela discreetly bugged her daughter about marriage but Brittany told her they had agreed to wait after the baby was born. She didn't tell her she was waiting for their home to be completely built.
Of course, stupid Sam was late and arrived as they were leaving but couldn't have been happier for his sister and dorkily gave Brittany a heartfelt high-five and Mercedes gave him a slap on the back of the head.
With the family properly informed, friends would be easier, starting with Rachel.
She walked into the kitchen, stopping dead on her tracks.
"Santana, do you need- Why was Brittany kissing your stomach?" She questioned as Brittany pulled her shirt down again "And please do not tell me unless it's something other than a single gesture that leads to inappropriate behaviour on top of the kitchen counter… or any other available surface because I know the both of you."
"Oh my God Rachel, breathe." Brittany laughed, pecking Santana on the lips and then Rachel on the cheek before joining Puck, Mike and Tina.
"She was greeting our baby."
Thankfully, Rachel was speechless for a while…
Brittany was on her stomach, her arms under the pillow supporting her head. Santana was on her side, one of her arms under her pillow as well and one of her legs draped across the back of Brittany's thighs pulling them together, both naked; their breathing now on normal rhythm while Santana's fingertips roamed lazily over slick with sweat skin.
"It's safe to say everything went well." Santana rasped quietly.
Brittany just nodded against the soft pillow, smiling at rosy cheeks and the gleaming tanned skin. Her blue eyes heavy with exhaustion.
She scooted even closer to the woman, pressing their lips together for a moment "Do you think they believe we're going too fast?"
Brittany licked her swollen lips and answered "If so, they didn't say but we are proving them wrong in the long run." Her voice hoarse.
This time, Santana just stared at her blues and started to trace Brittany's features and the faint tired curve under her eyes with a wandering digit. When she reached her mouth, Santana pressed her thumb to the middle of it and sighed as Brittany took it inside her lips for a wet kiss. The same thumb ended on her pouty lips to repeat the action.
Santana easily lulled Brittany to slumber with her fingers playing with blonde hair. She just stared at her deeply sleeping woman until similar dreams claimed her as well.
You know the way to keep me on my toes,
I will be fine just say you'll stay forever mine
'til we fall asleep tonight …