Mischances, Stances and Stolen Glances

by ellisbell85

Santana and Brittany are happily married and expecting their first kid. However, an unfortunate event puts Santana in a coma for almost 4 years. When she wakes up everything is certainly... different. Can both of them deal with this new reality?

14. Chapter 14

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee nor its original characters (if I did it would probably be called The Brittany and Santana Show, and all the other characters would only be there to help advance their plot).

A/N: Here I come with a fresh update! Hope everyone will enjoy it as much as I did writing it. Side ramble: I have to say that I have an extremely strange fondness of writing awkward interactions. It just amuses me so... Oh-so-odd.

** You guys are really putting me on the spot with these dedications. Your reviews have become so awesome and lol-worthy that I get headaches trying to single a couple out. So, here goes nothing... This chapter goes out to: Captain Anon, because you totally called out the Kanye thing, dude! There will be a joke about that in the next chapter or shortly after, I think. And, worry not, those issues you mentioned will all be dealt with in due time, and it will be good... Also dedicated to kamokronos, because man (woman?), you don't go on proposing marriage to me like that! I strongly feel like I must warn you about the real me: I'm moody, selfish, proud, stubborn, impatient, a control freak, to name a few. I do make a mean omelette, though. Anyhow, do feel free to backtrack and run for your life. My own mother tells me constantly that I will die alone. Something to do with unrealistic expectations, real life, lack of patience and men of nowadays. I'm not really sure because I always tune her out when she gets overly preachy. And last, but not least, to AnonFan, because I'm glad you liked the analogy. I wish I could say the same about the one you mentioned, but the only thing I understood was 'Funny Or Die' video. I don't know who Sofia Vergara is, nor what/who/where "HeMo" is. I know He-Man, though... and now I want to thank you for making me feel my 25 years of age *lol*

Enjoy the new chapter! And sorry for the mistakes. I'm not having the time to proof-read these chapters. Oh, and thanks for reviewing and PM'ing (I think I got around to answering *all* of them! Yay for me!). I forgot to mention that Chapter 12 got the most reviews ever! Like crazy amounts of reviews and that was awesome. So, I won't ramble anymore. Enjoy, good folks!

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Mischances, Stances and Stolen Glances
||Chapter Fourteen||

Brittany and Jenna entered Breadstix with relief for being inside doors on that cold February night. They started walking further into the place to find a table since the restaurant was pretty casual and didn't require customers to wait for a waitress or waiter to show them one. As they walked Jenna was the first one to spot Santana and Riley sitting at a table, facing each other on opposite ends of it whilst chatting away. The petite blonde stopped walking and placed a hand on her wife's forearm to stop Brittany as well. The dancer obliged and looked at Jenna questioningly, who simply pointed her head towards the aforementioned couple. Brittany's heart sank. She knew they have been dating but she never actually have been confronted with it so directly.

"We should go and say hi or something," Jenna said to Brittany in a low tone. Santana and Riley hadn't spotted them yet. "It would be weird if we didn't," the green-eyed woman added honestly. It wasn't like she wanted to engage in conversation with Santana. She bore a bigger dislike for the woman as each day passed. But it would be odd, and it would seem like a big deal, if they just ignored hers and Riley's presence.

"Really? I don't think that's really necessary," Brittany replied dismissively with trepidation, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible but not doing a very good job at it. She hated confrontation, however benign they might be. And she certainly didn't think she was ready to face Riley and the consequences her real existence signified for the blonde.

"It will be awkward to just ignore them, honey," the shorter blonde countered, sounding annoyingly reasonable for Brittany's liking.

"Alright," the blue-eyed woman caved dejectedly, starting to walk towards the brunette's table with Jenna by her side. Within each step her hands shook and sweated a bit more, so she curled them into fists along her sides to try and conceal her obvious nervousness. So, Santana had deemed Riley worthy of dinner, then; the blonde's mind pondered with bitterness and sadness.

As the married couple was steps away from Santana's table the brown-eyed doctor registered their presence. She was smiling wide at the time and the unwelcome sight morphed it into a pale one. Of course Brittany noticed that.

"What a coincidence!" Brittany exclaimed as she and Jenna finally arrived at the table. The dancer quickly put on a broad smile that at first showing Santana could tell that it was as real as a plastic bouquet.

Brittany took the time to look at Riley's face, really look at it for the first time – even though she did it subtly and in between cleverly timed intervals – and it pained her to assess that the redhead was definitely a looker. From her flawless, abundant, perfectly cascading red hair, to her emerald-green eyes, to her cherry-coloured lips, to her milky complexion… She was unnervingly beautiful and indeed bore a striking resemblance to that actress Quinn had mentioned. The blonde couldn't do a full body recon considering the other two women were sitting down, but she fully intended to do one later.

"I'll say…" Santana trailed on casually, looking from Brittany to Jenna and back. "Although I can't add that I'm really surprised. We…" she looked briefly at a smiling Riley before returning her gaze to the dancer, who felt extreme discomfort at that specific pronoun, "…drove around town for 30 minutes trying to find a different place to eat, but turns out Breadstix is the most decent place around here," the brunette complained with ease. "Hence our inappropriate attire," she added, looking down for good measure before returning her orbs to that blue stare.

She and Riley were way overdressed for the casual restaurant in their stylish, sexy cocktail dresses. Yes, they were both a bit cold since the restaurant clearly skimped on heat, but everyone on the dating world sacrificed comfort over appearance. It is a truth universally acknowledged.

"Both of you look really nice," Jenna said sort of awkwardly as she tried to insert herself in the conversation as smoothly as possible for someone who didn't have a clue about what they should say.

Santana only managed to flash the petite blonde a yellow smile as Riley said with a genuine grin on her lips, looking Jenna in the eye, "Thank you!" And then she casually turned to Santana, and added evenly, "Cover your ears, please, San." Brittany hid a cringe at the nickname usage while Santana did what she was asked without hesitation, even though she was intentionally doing a poor job at it. She had come to know that Riley was a bit of a carefree wildcard sometimes.

Returning her gaze to a curious Jenna and Brittany, Riley said in a low tone, "I'm glad you said so. I changed four times before settling on this dress because, you know, Santana there totally judges people on what they wear." And the ginger flashed them an ear-to-ear puckish smile.

"Hey!" Santana hissed, dropping her hands from her ears. Everyone knew she was listening to everything. "I never said that," she added in protest, staring at her date.

"Not in so many words," Riley joked playfully and Brittany rolled her eyes at their cute banter.

"Yeah, well, but as I was saying," Santana began dismissively with a light smile, returning her gaze to the married couple in front of them, "It is truly a testament to this town the fact that the best restaurant here serves their house wine in a jug." And she motioned to the object on their table with a grin as Brittany's eyes caught a glimpse of some books and flashcards next to it. "It is so bad that it's sort of good. Tastes like grape juice mostly," Santana mused, taking a sip from her glass. A standard water glass that was used as a wine glass, by the way.

"Totally..." Riley concurred with a head nod, taking a sip of hers as well. "And it has like… 5% alcohol. Tops," she added, shifting her gaze from Santana to the unknown women.

"Yes, we've tasted it before. We kinda like it, too," Jenna stated offhandedly. "Right, honey?" She added without skipping a beat, looking sideways at her wife as it was Santana's turn to hide a cringe from the term of endearment. At least it hadn't been 'babe'. That would've hurt.

Brittany had been uncharacteristically quiet during their chat due to her stupor regarding this whole Twilight Zone-y experience. So, Jenna felt the need to nudge her out of it without literally having to nudge her. She was carrying this whole thing by herself, for Pete's sakes! And it wasn't even her ex.

"Right," Brittany replied instantly with a tight-lipped smile, not exactly sure what she was backing up. All she knew was that it had to do with wine. Snap out of this, Brittany; the dancer mentally scolded herself.

"Yeah, next date I might be tempted to drive us to Dayton," Santana said playfully, feeling less awkward about this whole situation than she might have felt in the past. Now she had someone as well, not like Brittany had someone, but she felt like the plain field was slightly more even. As for Breadstix, she wasn't as against it as she made it sound. Those breadsticks still drove her wild.

"Next date? Who told you there will be a next date?" Riley teased lightly, biting on her bottom lip for effect and Brittany was sure that she had thrown up a bit in her mouth. This was starting to make her physically ill and she hoped nobody could hear her stomach churning.

"Please," Santana scoffed with a smug grin. "Have you looked at me?" The brunette added cockily and Jenna shook her head with lack of amusement while Brittany rolled her eyes in spite.

"I have," Riley all but husked out, wearing a sexy smirk whilst flirting. "Trust me," the redhead purred in her best sultry tone, putting emphasis on the short sentence. "And I see your point." Santana gulped and began to feel slightly embarrassed again. She didn't want to care but she did. Brittany was right there. It felt ungracious and it shouldn't feel.

At that moment Brittany felt more than ready to turn around and walk away. That was too much too soon. And she was about to do so before Santana decided to change the subject, refocusing her eyes on Brittany's as she said, "Where are my manners? I forgot to introduce you." She shook her head in self-reproach. "Riley…" she looked at the emerald-eyed woman and back to the couple, "…this is my…" Santana paused briefly, cursing herself for not thinking this through. She had mentioned her ex before to Riley but she never gave name or details, so she decided on going with, "…friend, Brittany." The brunette swore she saw the dancer wince, but she shrugged it off to paranoia. Brittany did wince and she felt terrible listening to that description. "And that's her wife, Jenna." Santana forced herself to say the correct name of the woman and Jenna displayed a genuine wide smile at that. Progress, the petite blonde thought. Santana didn't want to sound like a bitter creep to Riley, so she made the sacrifice.

The usage of the correct name startled Brittany and it unexpectedly stung. It gave her some comfort to always hear Santana butcher her wife's name. A sad, twisted comfort, but comfort nonetheless. And now that Santana had let that go… she couldn't help but torture herself by wondering what else the brown-eyed doctor had let go as well. All that thinking and theorizing was giving Brittany a headache. She knew this moment was going to be bad, but she never thought it would be that bad.

"What are those?" Brittany asked rapidly, trying desperately to change the subject somehow as she pointed to the books and flashcards on top of the table. She was starting to feel hot and suffocated on that atmosphere and the last thing she wanted was for Santana to notice that. That woman could read her like a book. She needed to get it together. Besides, as repulsed as she was, Brittany wanted to know everything about the other couple. It was a morbid curiosity, but she couldn't help it.

"Riley's studying materials for nursing school," Santana replied matter-of-factly, glad for the subject change as well.

"I have this big test tomorrow afternoon. I've studied my ass off already, but I'm still stressing over it. And I didn't want to cancel our date…" Riley started to explain.

"So I told her to bring them over. I could quiz her over dinner. No big deal… It's right up my alley, anyhow," Santana amended with a shrug and a charming smile. Brittany smiled a bit at the sight of it despite the circumstances. It reminded her of how charming Santana could be… when she wanted to be. Brittany always had loved that about her.

"I tried to convince San to give me a kiss for each correct answer but she drives a hard bargain," Riley joked lightheartedly, completely unaware of the awkwardness her sassy statements were causing considering Brittany and Santana's history. And the brunette began to regret her decision of not exposing that a while earlier when she had the chance. The last thing she needed was more awkwardness in her life.

"You're at nursing school?" Jenna enquired politely, coming to all of their rescues, and clueless Riley nodded her confirmation.

Brittany felt inclined to make a dig about her other job, but refrained from doing so. Sounded too petty in her head. Thank God she managed to filter that in time. I have to work harder on that skill as well; she made a mental note about it.

"And what brings you two here this lovely night?" Santana asked with some curiosity of her own.

"It's our anniversary," Brittany said softly, reluctantly holding Santana's stare. The brunette put up a good front, but Brittany managed to see the flicker of hurt that passed through her dark chocolate eyes.

Santana was taken aback. She leaned against the back of her seat with more force as her brows shot up. "Look at that," the brown-eyed woman said with a tinge of venom before taking a deep breath to quell her temper. "So, what is it? Anniversary and a half, anniversary and a quarter?" She trailed on sarcastically, putting on a fake smile as she turned her gaze from Brittany to Jenna and back. "I know how you like those," Santana finished in the same tone, holding the dancer's stare with what could only be described as ferocity.

"It's our second year anniversary," Jenna stated with a proud smile, clearly puzzled and oblivious to whatever Santana was saying. The proud smile she wore only made Santana want to get up and wipe the damn thing off the shorter blonde's face.

The brown-eyed doctor managed to keep it together, though, as Riley offered her congratulations. Not that Santana could hear properly what she was saying, considering her heart seemed to have resorted to beat in her ears, deafening her momentarily.

"We don't celebrate those. Only the actual anniversaries," Brittany clarified in a low tone, trying to hold Santana's unruly gaze to convey her sympathy. How could she think I'd do that with Jenna? That was our thing; Brittany thought dejectedly.

Brittany outstretched the little black number on top of their bed and eyed it with a smile on her lips. Their evening would be perfect and that dress was hot. Satisfied with her choice the leggy blonde made her way to the kitchen in her pink bathrobe. She eyed the clock on the wall; Santana must be arriving home soon, she thought. She should hurry up. Brittany looked at the kitchen table all set and adorned; food from their favourite bistro spread all over it and she couldn't help but smile again. And so she grabbed a box of matches to light the first one of the two candles that sat on top of their small table. While she was at it her cell phone started ringing in her bathrobe's pocket.

Brittany finished lighting the long candle and blew the match before fishing for her phone. Santana's name flashed on the little screen and the dancer smiled again, flipping her phone open. "Hey, babe! I was just about to call you. Are you almost here? 'Cause I wanted you to stop by Lenny's to grab one of those sweet, cheap pink wines we –" Brittany started babbling with little consequence before the brunette interrupted her.

"Britt, Britt…" Santana said softly, successfully cutting off her girlfriend. "I was actually calling…"

A male voice on the other end of the line cut off Santana, "Lopez, get your ass over here."

"I said in a minute, Novak! Jesus!" Santana yelled without missing a beat and Brittany scrunched up her brows in confusion.

Santana went back to Brittany as she said softly, "Listen, babe, as I was saying, I'm calling to tell you that I won't be able to make it in time."

"Oh," Brittany let out more like a sigh.

Detecting the disappointment in that simple sigh, Santana stated in earnest, "I'm so sorry... You have no idea how much but Professor Asshole, I mean, Ashmore," Santana had to stop that; she knew one day she would slip in front of the man himself, "is keeping us here insisting that everyone must accompany this procedure. It will take hours and when I arrive you'll probably be sleeping already." Small pause. "Did I say how sorry I am yet?" She tried to use the charm.

"It's alright, San. It's just an anniversary and a quarter," Brittany said in low spirits, trying to make light of the situation. She was really looking forward to that night. She had to practically offer Lainey, the head choreographer of her dance company, her first-born in order to get the night off. With her work and Santana's internship, paired with Med School, they were having so little time together lately. "If you have to stay you have to stay. I understand," she added honestly.

"I feel like an ass for bailing on you at the last minute. But I had no idea," the brunette said apologetically.

"I know, babe," the blue-eyed woman cooed gently, fussing with the rope of her bathrobe. "And don't feel bad. I'll leave you a plate in the microwave for when you get home. I picked up some food from our bistro on my way home," Brittany informed lightly.

"Fuck, I so wish I was there…" Santana expressed her misery and it brought a small smile to the dancer's lips. "Have I told you how much I –" the brown-eyed woman began to purr when she was interrupted yet again.

The same male voice exclaimed, "Lopez!" His voice dropped a bit, "Professor Asshole – damn it! – Ashmore arrived."

"I'm on my way!" Santana yelled back. "B, I gotta go," she said tenderly, trying to convey how sorry she was. "I'll try to arrive as early as I can, ok? Bye."

"Bye, San," Brittany replied instantly and the call was ended.

The dancer put the cell phone back in her pocket and dejectedly blew the candle she had just lit. So much for a romantic night together…

After eating alone in front of the TV, clearing up the whole shebang off the kitchen table, washing up her dishes, making Santana's plate and putting it in the microwave, returning her little black dress to the closet with a sigh, and wandering aimlessly around the apartment, Brittany decided to take a bubble bath. She had already taken a shower earlier, but she felt like she deserved the treat. If only she had a box of bonbons…

Brittany was enjoying her extreme bubbly bath when she heard her cell phone ringing again. It came from the pocket of her bathrobe that she had discarded to the floor near the bathtub. Leaning over the edge of the tub a bit, she retrieved the object after wiping her hands on the bathrobe's soft fabric. Santana's name flashed on the screen again, and again it brought a smile to her pink lips. Maybe she was coming home earlier than expected.

"Hey, San!" She greeted cheerfully, grinning widely at that point. "Miss me already?" Brittany added playfully.

"Sure," Santana replied not skipping a beat, and then she shifted to her completely serious tone, "Britt, turns out I'll have to stay here for the night. I literally drew the short stick."

"Ah, that sucks, San…" Brittany replied with disappointment, maneuvering some bubbles around. So long, 'coming earlier' hopes…

"Listen, I left some note cards on top of my desk and I need you to read me something. Could you do that for me?" Santana asked evenly.

"Sure, I'll just need one second," Brittany replied promptly, preparing her body to leave the comfort of the bath to stand up.

"Where are you?" Santana asked with interest.

"Oh, just in the bathroom," Brittany downplayed, her hair up in a messy bun, "One sec and I'll read it to you –"

"There you are," Santana stated, cutting the dancer off and making Brittany turn her head around after hearing the voice so close. And there stood Santana: leaning against their bathroom's doorframe in blue scrubs, holding her cell phone on her ear. All smiles and dimples.

Brittany smiled at the sight, her head turned to look Santana in the eye. "What are you doing here?" She asked softly, still talking to the brunette through her cell phone.

Santana directed her look to the note cards stuffed in the breast pocket of her scrubs and replied, "I came for these." Ending the call, she said with a grin while putting the phone into her pocket, "I can't believe you would leave your hot…" Santana took one step closer to the bathtub, "…lovely…" she took another step, "…bubble bath to grab my stupid note cards."

"I would do anything you asked me to," Brittany stated charmingly, looking up and flashing the brunette that dazzling smile of hers that always made Santana think how fucking adorable her girlfriend was. "Sexually, too," the dancer deadpanned in typical Brittany-like fashion, cheeks rosy from the hot water.

"Is that so?" Santana countered with a chuckle; unable to hold herself any longer, thus leaning down to crash her lips against Brittany's warm ones and feeling her girlfriend nodding her confirmation into the kiss. Pulling back, Santana added with a smirk, "I must be very lucky girl, huh?"

"Very," Brittany confirmed with a smirk of her own.

"Here, I brought you this…" Santana announced, pulling with a flourish a wine bottle from the hand she had kept behind herself this whole time. "The rosé from Lenny's you asked for," she said, handing the bottle to the clapping blonde. "And this…" Santana added, pulling a small cheap-looking bouquet of flowers from behind and handing it to a then gasping Brittany. "They look awful, I know and I'm sorry, but the flower shop near the hospital was closed and this was all Lenny had left for the day. He had to fish it from the back of the convenience store," Santana explained rather meekly.

Brittany puckered her lips and Santana was well aware that she wanted a kiss, which the brown-eyed woman granted gladly. "Thanks, San!" The dancer exclaimed with a broad smile after they pulled apart, and then she took a good gander at the flowers and stated, "They don't look that awful… A bit sad, but not awful. Anyhow, the thought is what counts, right?"

"I sure hope so," Santana quipped immediately. "Happy anniversary and a quarter, Britt!" She exclaimed softly and then her tone became lower, "After we hung up I realized that I didn't even say that to you."

"Happy anniversary and a quarter to you, too, San! And it's ok, you were busy," Brittany said in her sweetest tone.

"No, it's not ok. You were being your amazing self and I was being a jerk," Santana protested, kneeling near the tub to drop a peck on Brittany's lips, which the dancer welcomed whole-heartedly. "I didn't even say I love you. I'm sorry," she added after pulling back.

"You're not a jerk. You brought me wine and flowers. You're the best girlfriend I could have asked for, and the only one I'll ever want because I love you, too," Brittany said, letting her corny flag fly – like Santana would often put.

Upon hearing those words, Santana stood up and began to take her scrubs off.

"What are you doing?" Brittany asked with furrowed brows, looking up and feeling unable to not enjoy the show.

"What does it look like?" Santana countered with a smirk, locking brown eyes on gorgeous blue ones. "I'm getting naked to join you," she added, getting rid of her running shoes and socks with extreme agility.

"But I thought you had to go back to the hospital," Brittany replied with animation all over her tone of voice as her eyes roamed her girlfriend's perfect body.

"I do, but I'll just text Novak and ask him to cover for me. He's a pushover and I bet that if I promise to let him touch one of my boobs for a couple of seconds he'll do it in a heartbeat," Santana said in nothing but a striped cotton panties and bra while fishing for her cell phone in her scrubs' pocket.

Brittany narrowed her eyes, shifting a bit in the tub as she said sternly, "I don't want anyone touching your boobs! Not even one of them and not even for a couple of seconds. Only I get to do that." And then she pouted while Santana texted.

"Fine, but I'll have to be mean and threatening then," Santana replied offhandedly, stopping with the typing to look at the blonde like asking for permission to do something she was dying to.

Brittany simply shrugged as a way of saying 'what else is new?', and Santana smiled her devious, devilish smile while returning to type quickly before finally hitting send.

"Done!" Santana announced and Brittany giggled, patting the water with an eager look on her face.

Santana was about to unhook her bra when she suddenly stopped and stormed out of the bathroom. "What?" Brittany called out in frustration. Such a tease to stop at the best part of the show…

Santana came back quickly with a corkscrew in hand, holding the item up for Brittany to see as a grin played on her lips.

"Ah…" Brittany let out as epiphany hit her while watching Santana open the cheap rosé with ease.

The brunette's phone went off and she made a head motion for Brittany to get it as she opened the wine. "It's the guy. He said he'll do it," Brittany said evenly, fussing with the phone's buttons while in the tub. After reading something else – Santana's original message to the guy – the blonde added with a tinge of pride as she returned the phone to the floor, "Wow, you really know how to be mean and scary, babe…"

Santana nodded with a tight-lipped, proud smile and replied nonchalantly, "Yeah, you know, it's sort of my thing." Finishing her task, Santana handed Brittany the bottle – which was quickly placed on the edge of the tub – put her hair up in a messy bun as well and shed the two remaining items of clothing, making the dancer grin like a four-year old in a candy store. The brunette stepped into the tub filled with perfect hot water and slowly sat down facing Brittany.

The blue-eyed woman wore a big toothy grin on her face as she scooted closer to her girlfriend. "Hey," she said charmingly before leaning in and killing the few inches remaining between them to capture Santana's lips in a sweet kiss that turned pretty heated pretty fast.

"Hey, yourself," Santana shot back just as charmingly after pulling back with a lazy smile on her face.

Brittany took the bottle of rosé from the edge of the tub and took a swig while Santana said, feeling the water around her, "You really outdone yourself this time, Britt-Britt. This bubble bath is fantastic." And she played with some bubbles before taking the bottle of wine that the dancer was handing over to her.

As Santana took her own swig from the bottle, Brittany nodded and replied in monotone, "I heard the voice of the water. It told me what to do."

Santana smiled at her girlfriend's antics and placed the bottle back on the edge of the bathtub. She scooted even closer to Brittany and put her arms around the blonde's neck as they faced each other with silly grins.

"So," Santana said flirtatiously in her husky tone. "Here I am," she added, speaking directly into the dancer's ear, "And I'll do anything you ask me to as well." She pulled back, locked brown eyes on turned-on blue ones and added lowly, "Sexually, of course."

Brittany gulped audibly and wrapped her legs around Santana's waist with a smirk.

"So, what is it going to be, babe?" Santana enquired teasingly.

The dancer looked up and away for a while, clearly deep in thought as her lips went into pursed position and her eyebrows got slightly furrowed. Santana smiled yet again at Brittany's adorableness.

After a few seconds Brittany's eyes lit up and she locked them on Santana's before leaning forward and whispering something in the brunette's ear.

As Santana heard what her girlfriend was proposing her eyes widened and she gasped a bit. "Britts, you have such a filthy mind…" the brown-eyed woman said after the blue-eyed woman pulled back and looked at her expectantly. Santana couldn't help the smirk that took over her lips, though.

"You love it."

"I do. Happy anniversary and a quarter, B!"

"Best anniversary and quarter ever!"

"I'll say…"

After the words barely left Santana's mouth Brittany was capturing those luscious lips with her own, letting her tongue roam free as it pleased and ready to hold the brunette to her freshly made promise.

The sympathy was lost on the brunette. She didn't want any fucking sympathetic look. She wanted to let the fire of her righteous rage burn bright. Santana's cheeks flushed a bit when she said with a firm tone, "Wow, two years, huh? Congrats!" She epically failed at disguising her sarcasm and Brittany averted her eyes from the brunette's piercing stare. She always felt like Santana could see through her soul, and it was certainly not the moment for that. "What's that anniversary again? Leather? Cotton?" She sort of asked herself. "Well, whatever, I'll look it up and make sure to buy you crazy kids a gift," Santana finished with a wave of hand, wearing the smile that Brittany used to call her 'fake Cheerios smile'. She never liked that smile, especially when it was directed at her.

"You don't have to buy us anything, San," Brittany said dejectedly, erroneously taking the brunette's words at face value and even Riley started to pick up on some weird tension going on there.

"Either way," Santana declared a bit too loudly, picking up her wine glass. Whenever she got riled up her tone of voice tended to do that. "I wish both of you better luck than I had," she added ironically with a dry chuckle, fully knowing she had hit below the belt. Yes, she did that too while riled up. "Cheers," Santana finished it off, holding her glass up for Riley to click hers against it and taking a big gulp after she obliged whilst defiantly staring at the happy married couple.

An uncomfortable silence enwrapped the four women and Brittany couldn't understand why she couldn't just say goodbye and go her way with Jenna. Her tongue was tied and her throat was dry as she stayed rooted to her spot on the ground.

Not one to endure awkward silences, Riley decided to intervene, looking from Santana to the married couple, "So… I've been dying to meet some of Santana's friends so I can ask…" The ginger trailed on with an up-to-no-good smile on her face, holding a dramatic short pause before she added playfully, "What does a girl have to do to get into her pants?"

Santana choked on the wine she had just taken a sip of and Brittany and Jenna's eyes widened a bit. The former way more than the latter's.

"Because, you know, this is like our sixth official date," Riley continued jokingly through a mischievous chuckle. "I have my designs on her and I'm thinking tonight might be the night."

"Riley!" Santana found her voice to scold her date while she coughed due to her choking and blushed. She knew the woman was carefree and puckish, but that was… The brunette had no words to describe it. If Santana had begun to regret her decision of not telling Riley about Brittany being her ex moments ago, right at that moment she had come to regret it with the energy of a thousand suns. Awkward didn't even begin to describe the uneasiness of that instant.

"What? You said none of your friends were prudes, aside from…" the emerald-eyed woman countered, trailing off with a curious expression as she shifted her gaze to Santana's flushed face. And then she returned her stare to the couple and her eyes unconsciously traveled to Jenna's un-manicured nails. "Oh, wait… you're not Man Hands, are you?" Riley asked the shorter blonde with furrowed brows and even midst the awkwardness Santana couldn't help a light chuckle. "Because I thought she was married to that other blonde from Skype, what's her name?" Riley pondered for a millisecond. "Quinn." She answered her own question.

"She isn't Berry," Santana replied with half-amusement, half-embarrassment as a light smile played on her lips while she shook her head.

"I'm not Rachel," Jenna confirmed with a smile as well. The only one who wasn't finding any of this the slightest bit amusing was Brittany, who stood there with a blush caused by annoyance instead of embarrassment.

"But I will be eternally grateful if you call her Man Hands to her face when you meet her," Santana quipped, resting her forearms on the table. She was more than thankful that her wound was gone, leaving only a faint little scar. "That will be priceless," she added, stealing a glance towards a displeased Brittany.

Reading her ex-wife effortlessly, Santana felt the need to rectify this whole messy situation of her own creation, so she said softly while holding Riley's still confused stare, "Anyway, Brittany isn't Quinn, Riley. And she's not only my friend. She is…" She stole another glance at Brittany. My soulmate? The only one I've ever loved and ever will? My best friend in the world? The ghost who broke my heart before I met you? Santana pondered before saying it the only way she really could, "…my daughter's other mother." And the brunette couldn't help but redirect her gaze back at Brittany and flash her a warm smile, which was wistfully matched by the despondent dancer.

"Oh…" Riley uttered simply, taking in the information. Santana had talked enough about Zoey, her daughter, for her to connect the dots. She hadn't met the kid yet, unfortunately. "Oh!" The redhead repeated with a more acute intonation as she realized what she had said earlier and really understood the tension and awkwardness her remark had caused.

Riley chanced a look at Brittany but she felt embarrassed to hold it, so she said while looking at a little to the dancer's side, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I had no idea that…" the ginger trailed off lamely, shaking her head and tucking a strand of silky red hair behind her ear. "Talk about foot in the mouth, huh?" She added with a light chuckle. The green-eyed woman had always believed that bluntness was the way to go on terribly embarrassing situations.

Brittany made the effort to try and make things less uncomfortable as she said gingerly albeit untruthfully, "It's fine. No big deal, you didn't know…" And she tried unsuccessfully to smile as she waved her hand dismissively.

"Santana has showed me lots of pictures of Zoey and I can't wait to meet her. She's one of the most adorable kids I've ever seen," Riley said in earnest, trying to make some sort of amends.

Brittany smiled genuinely for the first time in the night upon hearing that Riley hadn't met their daughter yet. It made sense; Zoey never mentioned anything and, knowing their daughter, the little girl would have definitely said something. Brittany knew Santana, and she knew the brunette would only introduce someone important to the kid. And, clearly, Riley wasn't that yet. She welcomed the good, relaxing news with open arms.

"That she is," Brittany replied offhandedly, not dropping the smile.

A waitress approached carrying a tray with Santana and Riley's orders. "Excuse me," the woman said to the married couple, who stepped aside instantly.

"We'll let you two enjoy your dinner," Jenna said casually, taking Brittany's hand in hers as Santana shot daggers at the green-eyed woman when faced with that sight.

"Yes," Brittany reinforced evenly, looking at the plates of spaghetti and meatballs with a sinking heart. That was what we ordered! Isn't anything sacred anymore? She thought petulantly. Losing her cool so soon after she had found it.

"Yeah, you two enjoy your dinner as well," Santana stated in the most contrived tone Brittany had ever heard the brunette speaking.

The waitress began placing their plates of food in front of Santana and Riley as Jenna and Brittany walked away. Brittany made sure to grab a table where she could have a nice view of Santana's, though. One where she could watch but couldn't be seen watching. Her mind was clearly not in a good place.

Brittany and Jenna sat down and the dancer grabbed two menus on top of the table, passing one over to her wife and keeping one to herself. Her blue eyes quickly traveled towards Santana's table. First time. She briefly studied the back of the brunette's head for a second before shifting her gaze back at Jenna.

"That was awkward," Jenna announced lightly, skimming through the menu in her reading glasses.

"Yeah…" Brittany trailed on with heaviness as she looked through the menu as well. After a long beat the tall blonde looked up at the green-eyed woman, who felt eyes on her and looked up to meet them with anticipation. "I'm sorry, Jenna," Brittany let out honestly, stealing a quick glance towards Santana's table again. Second time. "So sorry…"

"About what?" Jenna asked timorously, putting her menu down with anxiety.

"About that, about everything that's been happening lately…" Brittany rambled on dejectedly, putting her menu down on the table, too. She was so confused and she never expected to be put in this delicate position. She never expected Santana to wake up for one. All those feelings she had never went away, there was no closure, and she had absolutely no idea of what she should do with everything she was feeling. So, that's why all she ever did was nothing. "I just can't – I don't even know how to explain," the dancer added with sad eyes as she held Jenna's stare. We don't deserve this. None of us deserve this; Brittany thought, stealing another short glance at Santana. Third time.

Jenna sighed in relief as she took Brittany's hand on top of their table. "It's alright, honey," she said softly, flashing Brittany a comforting smile. "I understand," the shorter blonde assured her wife. She knew their situation was complicated to say the least.

I don't think you really do; Brittany thought sadly. Instead of saying that, she asked with a faint smile, "Why do you always have to say the right things?" And it was the truth. Jenna always knew the right words to say. Talking about feelings wasn't akin to pulling teeth without anesthesia like it was for a certain brunette. She should focus on those pros, right? Right. Then why was she struggling so much to make this work?

"Because I'm sort of perfect," Jenna quipped with a laugh, tightening the hold on Brittany's hand. The dancer smiled a little wider. But it was still a yellow smile, not that Jenna had the expertise to distinguish them.

"What can I get you two?" A waiter asked upon arriving at their table as Brittany sneaked another glance at Santana's head. Fourth time. It's a disease; she thought. The blue-eyed woman simply couldn't contain herself.

At the same time Santana and Riley shared their own conversation.

"Can I get you anything else?" The waitress asked politely after placing their spaghetti plates on the table.

"A water refill would be great, thanks," Santana replied just as politely. And then she felt eyes on her. She didn't need to see Brittany looking at her to feel her. She always could do that. Goddammit! But she wouldn't let the dancer ruin her date. All of this was her doing, anyhow. So, she should simply ignore the feeling.

"Same for me, please," Riley added with a smile, looking at the middle-aged waitress who nodded and went back to the kitchen area to fetch what was asked. Shifting her gaze back at Santana, Riley added softly, "I'm so sorry about before, Santana. I had no idea… You should have given me a warning or something before I put my foot in my mouth like that." And she flashed her best charming smile.

"It's ok, really. Like you said, you didn't know. If it was anyone's fault it was mine," Santana replied in earnest, taking a sip of her wine as Riley took the first bite of her food. "But let's not talk about this anymore," the brown-eyed woman added, dying to escape from that unsavory topic.

The waitress came back and refilled their water glasses. Both said their 'thanks' and the woman went away again.

"You know, I used to work as a waitress," Riley offered as Santana ate with gusto. That spaghetti with meatballs was really good. Receiving an encouraging look, the redhead continued honestly, "But the paying was horrible and the hours were really long. I couldn't manage nursing school and the job. That's how exotic dancing came into my life. It seemed like the perfect fit: great money and little hours."

"I can see the logic in that," Santana replied just as honestly before taking a sip of her wine whilst Riley dove into her own food. Brittany had temped as a waitress back in the days in New York. It didn't last long since, as Riley put it, the paying was horrible and the dancer lost most of it when they deducted the many things she usually broke while on the job. So, Santana understood it.

"Does your dad know about your other job?" Santana added in question, holding those emerald-green eyes as she made easy conversation.

The brunette knew Riley only had her dad and brothers. Her mother had died when the ginger was still a teenager. And Brittany is still looking at me! Santana thought, feeling it again, even though she was actively trying to ignore it. She felt tempted to storm off there and have words with her ex-wife, but a part of her was actually rather glad that she still, at least, cared enough to watch. God, how twisted has this become? Santana pondered inwardly.

"No. God, that would kill him…" Riley trailed on with a dejected tone of voice, and then she took a sip of wine. "He's a traditional Irish bloke, you know? All he talks about is how proud he is that I'll be the first Callahan to get a degree, and it would just break his heart to know that I have to strip in order to achieve that. You see, he can't help me financially and he would surely blame himself for everything," Riley added candidly while Santana nodded her comprehension.

"How about your brothers? Do they know?"

"None either. Just two of my sisters-in-law."

"Well, it must be hard. Keeping it from them, I mean," Santana said after swallowing some food. Strangely enough she had no problems with the ginger's other job. Santana bore no jealousy feelings whatsoever. Her mind couldn't help but travel to a certain blonde dancer who, if the cases were reversed, she would probably be dying from it right at that moment. The brunette started wondering if Brittany had been wrong all along and with feelings was actually not better. Not better at all. Because, at that very instant in time, Santana was very much enjoying the position she found herself in. No mess, no complications… just fun. It certainly suited her true nature. That singing girl had it all figured out: love and pain really do go hand in hand. And Santana surely couldn't do it again.

"It is, but it's almost over now. One more semester, and I am done with it all," Riley replied with a wide smile. "But enough about me!" The emerald-eyed woman exclaimed with animation, leaning a bit further into the table due to excitement while she finished chewing a meatball. "What about you and your family? I know you don't have any siblings and that your parents passed away. But, what about other relatives? Are you close?"

"Both my dad and my mom didn't have any siblings. Sorry to disappoint but it appears I'm the last Lopez standing," Santana said playfully with a tight-lipped smile before taking a sip of her water. "Aside from Zoey, obviously," she added with a full-blown smile, which Riley noticed always graced her date's lips whenever she talked about her kid.

"Well, you gotta do something about that, you know, reproduce more," Riley replied just as playfully before bringing the napkin to her cherry coloured lips. "Those genes of yours are too nice to waste," she added flirtatiously with a gracious toothy smile.

"Aren't you an incorrigible flirt?" Santana shot back teasingly, flashing Riley a toothy smile herself.

"What can I say? Lopez people seem to have this strange appealing effect on me," the redhead stated faux-coyly, holding the brown-eyed woman's stare with confidence. "I say the more the merrier."

"Oh, really?" The brunette countered mischievously, not dropping the other woman's emerald-green stare. "Because I think this is just one of your ploys to get into my pants," Santana joked with a loud laugh, which grabbed Brittany's attention once again. The dancer hadn't stopped stealing glances here and there, even though Santana decided to ignore that knowledge many moments ago.

Riley laughed out loud whole-heartedly and Brittany's heart ached as she shared her meal with Jenna, trying her best to keep up with her end of the conversation whilst being this distracted.

"You may be right," Riley said softly, her laughter still not completely dead in her throat. "I just can't help the fact that I like you, Santana Lopez," she added seriously, running her foot up the brunette's calf. Of course Brittany had to witness that little move as well and she hated herself for being so morbidly curious.

Santana smiled lightly back at her date. As long as it was 'like' she was fine with it. She had no intentions of leading on or hurting anyone, but she desperately wanted to keep taking steps forward. Despite her inner reluctance. She and Riley had engaged in heated make-out sessions in the past but she never managed to successfully bring herself to go all the way. Something – and/or someone, if she were to be completely honest with herself – always seemed to hold her back.

"Well, I like you, too," Santana responded honestly. And she really did. The girl was funny, sharp and carefree. Altogether a nice distraction from her gloomy thoughts. However, she knew it would never go beyond 'like', hence her reservations. She fought the strong urge to steal a glance backwards at a certain blonde dancer.

"Now, quit stalling and let's use these flashcards," Santana added lightly with a small smile, changing the subject to less troublesome topics whilst they enjoyed their dinner. It was needed.

---

Santana parked her black Range Rover in front of Riley's four storey apartment building after their dinner was over.

"Here we are…" Santana announced with a tight-lipped smile as she killed the engine.

"Here we are…" Riley repeated her words morosely wearing a similar kind of smile as she unbuckled the seatbelt and turned around to face her date. After a beat, she added tentatively, "So, do you want to come inside for a cup of coffee?"

"Nah, I think I've had more than enough of everything back at the restaurant," the brunette replied with a strained chuckle, trying to politely get out of it once more while holding the ginger's stare. This wasn't a novelty in their relationship. Riley was ready to take the next step, which Santana was clearly avoiding like the plague.

"And what if I told you that coffee was actually a code word for make-out?" The ginger woman asked playfully with a cheeky smile on her lips. Santana was more used to her sassy bluntness by then.

Santana chuckled genuinely. "Well, then I'd tell you that I don't think Tasha and Sabrina are up for the floor show," the brown-eyed woman quipped, unbuckling her own seatbelt to turn to her date freely.

"Tasha is covering my shift at the club and Sabrina is certainly studying in her room. This test is driving the girl mental, I'll tell you. So… I don't think we would be bothered," Riley said with an animated tone of voice. She knew none of her roommates would really mind.

Shit, the girl really didn't make things easy; Santana thought. "Listen, Riley, I really, really appreciate the offer but I think it's best if I go home," Santana said softly, trying to brush off the girl gently. It's not that she didn't find the ginger attractive or that she didn't want this. She would be a liar if she stated otherwise. But she really didn't want to hurt her.

"Alright," the redhead said in a low, defeated tone, hanging her head against her chest for a second before returning them to Santana. "But before you go I want you to know that I get it, ok? I understand that you probably have some things to figure out on an emotional level. I mean, I'm not blind, I've seen something there when we met your ex…" Brittany had thought she had been discreet but the redhead had caught some of her stolen glances.

Santana was about to interject, but Riley held up a hand and continued tenderly, "You don't have to explain anything to me, Santana. I can see that I don't have all the details and that you are extremely guarded with your feelings…"

The brunette doctor really had told her very little about her prior relationship and its fallout. Riley paused for a bit as Santana paid attention to her speech.

"And I also just want you to know that I'll wait," Riley said wearing a sympathetic smile. "Because I have a hunch that you're worthy," she added calmly without any sort of agenda.

Santana didn't know what to say to that. So, she went with some self-deprecating humour, "I wouldn't bet on it." And she flashed Riley a forced smile. She wasn't lying.

And she wasn't expecting it. Riley rarely talked seriously like that. The redhead had a rather Zen approach to things. And she started thinking about all the stuff that was holding her back: her fear of hurting the woman, her reservation about stringing her along, the dread about the chain of consequences it could cause, and undoubtedly and more prominently… Brittany. But Brittany was just celebrating her wedding anniversary. Brittany certainly would be getting something that night. If she remembered correctly the blue-eyed woman always became quite frisky and wild on special occasions. Not only on special occasions; Santana's mind insisted on rubbing it in while displaying vomit-inducing images of Jenna touching her wife, ex-wife all over. Why shouldn't she be able to do the same?

"Well, I am," Riley replied with a warm smile before slowly leaning in and capturing Santana's lips with her own. It was a sweet kiss instead of a passionate one because she wanted to convey her words the best way she could.

Pulling back the emerald-eyed woman added serenely, "Goodnight, Santana." And she went about to open the door of the car but Santana's delicate hand on her wrist stopped her. Riley looked at the brunette expectantly.

Santana swallowed the lump in her throat and mustered up enough courage to ask, "How about I take you back home with me so we can have breakfast together?"

"But we just –" Riley began to say but noticed the wicked little smile and the tentative eyes of her date, and then it dawned on her. "Oh…" She trailed on, matching Santana's smile.

"So?" Santana asked gingerly, looking at the woman in the eye.

"I would love to," the redhead replied with a wide smile, suddenly feeling a million butterflies in her stomach. Riley wasn't used to that. She was always ever-so-confident, aloof and self-assured. She rather liked the new feeling.

"Ok, then," Santana stated briefly, turning the car back on after buckling her seatbelt. No going back now Santana; she thought to herself. I hope you know what you're doing…

---

The next morning Brittany entered her parents' kitchen through the outside back door. It was never kept locked and something about that small town trade always managed to warm up the dancer.

As Brittany entered and closed the door behind her, she saw her Mom bringing the breakfast dishes from the table to the sink. "Hi, Mom!" The younger blonde greeted with a congenial smile on her lips while unbuttoning her coat.

Annie, who had her back to her daughter, instantly turned around from the sink to greet her back. "Hey, sweetie! Good morning," the woman said in a cheery tone, walking back to the table. "Did you have breakfast already?" She added as an invitation whilst her daughter hung the black coat on a hook behind the door.

"Yeah, I did. Thanks," Brittany replied offhandedly, turning around to face Annie who finished taking the last of the things to the sink. "Where's Zoey? I hope she wasn't too much trouble last night," the dancer said casually, watching her mother start washing the dishes.

"Oh, she's upstairs playing," Annie informed, soaping a plate with ease while Brittany came to stand beside her with a dish towel in hands. "And she was no trouble whatsoever. She and your Dad played hide-and-seek the whole evening. Frankly, I can't tell which one of them wore the other out more," she added with a wide smile, handing her daughter the plate to dry which she quickly did.

Brittany laughed as she went about to put the clean, dried plate in the cupboard. "I can safely say that Zoey always win in that department," the dancer stated with a smirk. "Where's Dad anyways?"

"Oh, he's at the factory," Annie replied dismissively. "I'll tell you, that man puts in as many hours there as he did before retiring altogether. I've never met someone as into Union business as your Dad. He's like their personal Norma Rae," the blue-eyed woman joked, earning a smile from her daughter.

"But, really, Mom; thanks for watching her," Brittany said softly, coming back to lean on the counter beside Annie.

"Our pleasure," Annie replied without missing a beat as she worked on a coffee mug. "So, how was your night? Did you and Jenna have a nice anniversary?" The blue-eyed older woman asked with interest, looking sideways at her first born.

"Mmhmm…" Brittany hummed her confirmation, taking the mug from her mother. "It's was fine," she amended nonchalantly, turning around to store the dried item.

Picking up on her daughter's strange tone, the older Pierce woman turned around to face her. Annie turned off the water and held Brittany's stare as the dancer closed the cabinet.

Meeting her Mom's inquisitive gaze, Brittany asked in a blasé tone as she made her way back to the older blonde's side, "What?"

Annie simply shook her head with a tight-lipped knowing smile playing on her lips. Her look alone conveyed to her daughter the message behind it, but she voiced it anyhow, "You really think that will work on me? C'mon, out with it…"

Brittany sighed, letting the dish towel fall on top of the counter before leaning her back against it again. The washing was clearly forgotten by both women. Her Mom was terribly sharp to be deceived anyways. Hers and Ally's attempts in the past never produced good results. So, why bother?

"We kinda bumped into San at Breadstix yesterday night," Brittany informed in her usual monotone voice. It always showed through with more intensity whenever she was nervous. After a beat, she added while staring at her polished nails' cuticles with sudden fascination, "She was on a date with Riley." She still hadn't mastered the art of keeping the sneer out of her voice while pronouncing that name.

Brittany couldn't help but remember the aftermath of that encounter. How she powerlessly watched Riley helping Santana get into her coat, and how the brunette reciprocated the gesture with ease. How Santana gave her a silent nod of goodbye from the distance before she left, and how her heart dropped to her stomach as the two women crossed the front door out of the restaurant. Her mind running horrid scenarios after playing and replaying Riley's 'get into her pants' remark…

…And, worst of all, how those particular thoughts drove her actions after she and Jenna arrived at their place. How she pursued and hungrily took her wife's body. How demanding, assertive and greedy she had been throughout the act. She could tell at the time that Jenna was surprised. Turned on, clearly, but definitely surprised. They had a healthy, natural sex life. Once a week, or maybe less if work had been too draining and whatnot. Something normal, the dancer thought to herself when she was firstly thrown into that situation. Nothing too crazy. Nothing compared to her and Santana, of course. Like Quinn had once said, they were sort of like two sex deviants. It wasn't like they planned on it or rehearsed it. They just had that sort of thing, that sort of chemistry where the simplest and most innocent of touches, caresses, kisses… everything seemed to take life of its own, will of its own and develop into something more, something more heated and out of control. And, in earnest, Brittany never made comparisons. Not because she didn't want to, but because they simply couldn't be compared. It wouldn't be fair on Jenna. She and Santana had over a decade of history together. Intimacy takes time and, to be frank, she was more than grateful to the green-eyed woman for her patience and understanding ways when they initially got together. It took a lot of time for the dancer to open up, to feel that it was ok to be touched again by… by someone else. Yes, she owed Jenna a lot.

One more reason why Brittany felt horrible and ashamed for her behaviour the previous night, and for its obvious mismatched motivations. Thank God Jenna felt too thrilled and satisfied to notice anything out of the ordinary, which didn't make the dancer feel better one bit. Things were just spiraling out of her control and she was trying hard to keep the landslide from coming down on their heads.

"Oh, honey," Annie offered with sympathy, trying to catch her daughter's fleeting gaze as she ran a comforting hand on the dancer's upper arm. She managed to lock eyes with Brittany before she added softly, "That must have been hard." She paused for a brief moment. "Not to mention awkward."

"It was… It really was," Brittany replied in the lowest of tones. It pained Annie to see the void in her daughter's blue eyes. "But I know it's not serious. Santana and Riley, I mean," she added, more to herself – more to convince herself, really – than to her mother. Brittany was clinging to that thought like a child clung to their mother's skirt. It was the only thing that brought her some solace. However twisted that may be.

"How do you know, sweetie?" Annie asked just as softly, guiding Brittany to the kitchen table so they could sit and talk properly. "I think it's safer to be prepared for everything. And, you know, Santana has every right to move forward with her life," the older Pierce added wisely as they finally sat at the table.

Annie just wanted to make sure Brittany didn't get hurt… more than necessary. More than she knew she already would. After raising the baby into the woman who sat in front of her, Annie knew exactly how her daughter's thinking worked. And it worked in a fairly linear and simplistic way. Both to Brittany's advantage and disadvantage.

"I know she has the right, ok?" Brittany replied with a small pout. A little disgruntled by her Mom's need to confront her with that harsh reality. "And I know it isn't serious because Riley told me herself she hasn't met Zoey yet. If it were serious Santana would have introduced them already," Brittany added with more confidence. Satisfied with her logic since it wasn't really her specialty.

"Alright, alright," Annie conceded gently, holding her daughter's hand on top of the table. "I just say that because I'd hate to see you getting hurt, Britt," the older woman added, flashing the dancer a warm smile.

"I know, Mom," the blue-eyed blonde replied honestly, matching Annie's smile. "I just –" Brittany's eyes were downcast and the smile faded. "I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I've never thought it would be this hard." Her piercing blue eyes returned to her mother's. "And I'm really trying, you know? Really, really trying... I don't think I've ever worked this hard. And I knew my feelings for Santana wouldn't disappear. I never could stop loving her." She smiled sadly. "Not even when I wanted to, let alone now," Brittany bared her soul with affliction in her tone of voice as Annie took a slow, deep breath while tightening the grip on her girl's hand. Because, no matter how grown up she was, Brittany would always be that to her: her little girl.

The fact about Brittany is that she hated confrontation. She hated scary shadows of tree branches that creeped into the bedroom at night as well, but that's beside the point and something she mainly kept to herself these days. Either way, she hated confrontation; especially ones that could – and certainly would – lead to heartbreak. Brittany's train of thought was very direct. There was really no room to factor in the ripples of actions, only actions in themselves. And Brittany was a sweet natured, unselfish woman. A textbook example of a pathological altruist. She didn't want to hurt anybody… Au contraire. Therefore, to her, she was doing just that: not damaging anyone. However, she couldn't help but feel caught up in between whom she was and what she yearned to do. Safe to say it was not a good, peaceful place to be. Turmoil ruled her life.

"I understand, sweetie. I really do," Annie replied with empathy, her heart breaking for her sweet girl. "You've made your choice –" the older Pierce began to add, but was interrupted by the dancer.

"You think I had a choice?" Brittany asked with furrowed eyebrows, retracting her hand from her mother's as a reflex. "If you do than you really don't understand it at all," the blue-eyed dancer added with disbelief, holding Annie's stare.

Again, Annie knew her daughter's thinking. So, she simply said in her sweet motherly tone, "You may have a point, dear." She reclaimed her daughter's hand with a smile. "But, whatever the case may be, you must know that you can't have your cake and eat it too."

Brittany took in her mother's wise words and nodded after a beat of silent reflection. "I know that. You're right," the younger blonde conceded, awarding Annie with a truce-laced little smile. After a beat Brittany added flatly in question, her monotone heavy, "When did life become so hard?"

Annie's smile broadened and she patted Brittany's hand a couple of times for good measure. She took the question as it was, though: rhetorical. And she stated evenly, "No matter how hard it gets, and no matter what choice you do or do not make, rest assured that your Dad and I will always be there for you. We'll always support you. Always."

Brittany's smile widened as well. Her Mom's amazing ways never failed to make her a bit happier. "Thanks, Mom. I really enjoy our talks," she said with sheer honesty, shifting her palm to give Annie's hand an appreciative squeeze.

"Not as much as I do," Annie replied with a wink.

"I really should go and get Zoey. She's going to be late for school," Brittany stated matter-of-factly, standing up from the kitchen table to do just so.

As Brittany walked away Annie couldn't help but let out a sigh and proceed to worry about her first born.

---

Meanwhile, Santana leaned against one of the counters at the doctors' lounge with a disposable cup filled with coffee in her hands. She was deeply lost in thoughts. Thoughts about last night, about her unfortunate encounter with Brittany and Jenna, and about her night – her first night – with Riley. Just like the last time she had had sex with Scott her night with Riley was good enough, but when push turned to shove it had just been that: sex. Perhaps that's why she was putting it off for that long. One side of her wanted to hold on to the possibility of being able to make love yet again, even though the other side knew quite well those chances were slim to none. There have been more differences between her last two sexual encounters, obviously. She cared about Riley. She knew her. The redhead wasn't just some random stranger in a plane, and yet… she still did not love her.

Santana had been right about foreseeing one thing, though: comparisons were ever-present in her mind last night. How different Riley's skin felt under her touch, how strange it felt getting glimpses of bold red hair as they tossed and turned in bed, how odd was the fact that her body seemed to be so used to the exact weight of her ex on top of her and how it could tell the difference… And after their night of passion – because it really had been a good night despite all: different, albeit fun and sexy; Riley had satisfied her and she was sure that she had satisfied the ginger as well – it pained her to realize that Brittany had been right all along. She had tried to fight it and she had tried to refute that damned point but… with feelings, and with love, was definitely better. Plus, she missed that unbelievable feeling of intimacy… which she only ever shared with one person.

However, she had to come to blows with her new reality. Brittany wasn't hers anymore and she was determined to move on with her life. Just because you don't get who you want – the only person you ever wanted, really – doesn't mean you can't have a good, full life anymore, right? She cared about Riley. That must count for something, right? For all Santana knew that was what most people got out of a romantic relationship. And she might have been pretentious when she though this, but she doubted many people loved with the intensity and the certainty with which she loved Brittany. All she knew was that that morning she had woken up to not an empty bed, and despite the fact that mornings weren't her favourite part of the day anymore – because of a certain dancer, or lack thereof – it didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy the feeling of a warm body beside her. Right? Riley was nice, agreeable and gorgeous. She should be thanking the gods for finding someone like that in the middle of freakin' Lima, Ohio. Right? Right. However, she couldn't separate the good side from the bad one. The good feelings from the bad ones. And that internal conflict and struggle were driving her insane.

Santana was brought back to reality by a hand waving in front of her face. "Earth to Santana?" Maggie asked playfully in her pink scrubs.

"Oh, sorry…" the brunette replied with her eyes closed as she shook her head out of her reverie, still leaning against the counter. "I was just –" she began to add but was cut off by the nurse.

"Taking a tour of Thought-land," Maggie completed the doctor's sentence with a chuckle as she grabbed one of the disposable coffee cups from the top of the counter. "I've noticed it," she added, going for the pot of the coffee maker to grab some while Santana took a sip of her own coffee and grimaced slightly.

Looking sideways and seeing that Maggie was about to pour some coffee for herself, Santana stated in earnest, "I wouldn't do that." The curly-haired nurse stopped mid-motion and gave her friend a puzzled look that clearly meant 'do elaborate', which Santana did by adding simply, "Garcia made it."

Maggie displayed an 'I get it' face as she nodded – because Garcia was well known for making weak, insufferable, overly sweet coffee whenever it was her turn – before putting the coffee cup back and walking towards the doctors' lounge's fridge.

"And why are you drinking that?" Maggie questioned playfully with her back turned to Santana as she made her way to the fridge.

"Uncontrollable case of self-loathe?" Santana quipped offhandedly, taking another sip of the light-coloured liquid and reflexively grimacing again while she pushed herself off the counter and headed to the couch.

Maggie grabbed a little yogurt bottle from the fridge and while the door was still opened she asked, "Want one?"

Santana just shook her head from side to side as she flattened her white doctor's coat before taking a seat on the big couch.

Assessing the number of yogurts she still had left before closing the fridge, Maggie shook her head before saying in a huff, "Man, someone already drank one without permission! What's wrong with these people?"

"I know, right? Last week some bastard ate the brownie I left in there that Zoey baked for me," Santana replied in a huff as well while Maggie took a seat next to her. "I even put a post-it on the wrapping with my name… That's why I ate someone's good-looking sandwich for lunch a couple of days ago. Tit for tat, right?"

Maggie smiled into her yogurt when they heard the nurse's name being called through the speakers. "Jesus, what does a girl have to do to drink a yogurt in peace?" Maggie quipped whilst standing up.

"Quit the medical profession?" Santana chanced with a smile, taking another sip of the bad coffee.

"We'll talk about your trip to Thought-land later," the nurse called out as she headed to the exit door of the doctors' lounge.

"I wouldn't count on that," Santana replied matter-of-factly in a loud tone, putting her feet up on the coffee table as her friend let the room through the swinging door with a smile. The last thing she wanted was to talk about all the conflicting events that transpired last night.

As Santana nibbled on the edge of her almost empty disposable coffee cup her cell phone went off. Taking the device out of her white coat's pocket, Santana let out a tiny smile at the sight of the smiling blonde on the screen.

The brown-eyed woman answered the call and before she could even say 'hello' she heard, "That guy… that guy that did Pilates classes with us, you know, average height, overly skinny, pedo 'stache… We always made fun of him behind his back… What was his name again?"

"Well, hello to you too, Quinn," Santana replied sarcastically and overly sweetly, "Yeah, it is a good morning indeed. Oh, I'm great, thanks for asking! And how are you?"

"I'm crunching numbers in the studio," the petite blonde manager who had graduated in business from Columbia replied dismissively and matter-of-factly, "And Rach is waiting on some people for a brunch meeting. There's no time for pleasantries."

"Wait," Santana replied, furrowing her brows, "Is this a party line? You know how I hate party lines, especially when people don't express that fact in the very beginning of the call," the brunette added in a huff, taking another sip of coffee. It was self-loathe for sure.

"Hello, Santana!" Rachel greeted cheerfully in her usual high-pitched tone. "Good morning," the petite brunette added, succeeding in pleasantry where her wife had failed.

"People, focus here," Quinn piped in, not even letting Santana reply to Rachel. "Now, Santana… What was the guy's name?" She asked with interest.

"How will I know the name of some weirdo I haven't seen in years?" The doctor quipped quickly without even taking some time to think.

Quinn sighed in frustration and said, "Come on… think."

"Why are you so interested in this anyway?" Santana asked evenly, taking the last sip of her terrible coffee. And grimacing… again.

"She –" Rachel began to say but her wife cut her off.

Quinn dismissed Santana's question and Rachel's attempt to chime in as she interjected with hope in her tone of voice, prompting her friend, "It was something that rhymed…"

Santana didn't know why or how, but as soon as Quinn said that the name popped in her head. So, she took a deep breath and decided to be cooperative for once, "Lloyd Boyd. Happy?"

"Extremely," Quinn stated, jubilant. "He's in this play that will run against Rachel's (hopefully) next production and she wouldn't believe it was the same guy unless you backed me up on the name. So, thank you very much! And you, dear wife, owe me fifty bucks." Santana could even picture the blonde's smug grin.

"Well, I'll make you repay me in other ways," Rachel said nonchalantly with sassiness, hating to lose the bet.

"Ew… thanks for the mental image, Dwarf. Not!" Santana said with disgust.

"I have to go, ladies. The rest of my party has just arrived. Wish me luck," Rachel said in an even more annoying tone of excitement.

"Good luck, honey!" Quinn replied promptly and the theater woman ended her end of the call. "She's meeting with the producer of her next play and some investors, you know, trying to milk some more money to get the thing off the page."

"Right," Santana replied casually, finally placing the empty coffee cup on top of the coffee table. "Well, I hope she gets it," she added offhandedly.

"I'm sure to pass her your sentiments. She'll be glad to know," Quinn said cheekily. Her friend liked to tease her wife, but deep down she loved her.

"Whatever, Fabray," Santana replied, trying her best to sound blasé.

"So, how was the date yesterday?" Quinn asked nonchalantly, making conversation.

"I thought you were in a rush," Santana shot back with a slight bite. "Go back to crunching numbers, or whatever it was that you were doing. Besides, I gotta go save some lives."

"Please, I could hear you sipping coffee all the way over here," Quinn scoffed knowingly.

An intern entered the doctors' lounge and Santana simply glared at her since, you know, she was partaking in a private conversation on the phone, and the young woman promptly turned on her heels and walked back out. Every intern knew not to get on Dr. Lopez's bad side.

"Either way, it's none of your business," Santana said evenly, switching her phone to another ear.

"You made it my business the instant you called me before your first date with Riley asking for insight on a dating world you claimed to have zero knowledge of at this point in your life."

"And I seriously don't know what I was thinking. Asking you for dating insight? You've been domesticated for as long as I can remember." Brief pause. "By a garden gnome, nonetheless."

"Hey! That 'garden gnome' happens to love me." Small pause. "Like I've always wanted to be loved. And I love her, too. Plus, for the record, she's not even that shorter than you. Or me."

Santana felt a pang of jealousy as she heard Quinn describing something she had, lost and wouldn't be getting back again. Ever. Instead of demonstrating that feeling, Santana deflected with sarcasm as she replied, "Aww… you being all sweet and genuine both thrills and scares me, Fabray."

"Screw you, Lopez. And you could have called Jimmy for advice if you wanted to, but you didn't. You called me."

"And endure his endless teasing? No, thank you very much."

"Stop fighting and just get out with it, for crying out loud!" Quinn said with exasperation. "We could have ended this conversation already if you weren't so damn stubborn. You're so much work, woman… You know that, don't you?"

Santana slowly took a deep breath and let it out rapidly. She fought but she always caved eventually. It was their dance and something about consistence seemed extra appealing to the brunette in that point in life.

So, Santana started to talk a mile a minute with little thought, "The date went fine. Fine until we ran into Brittany and fucking Jenna, that is. Celebrating a wedding anniversary no less..." She stopped briefly for a sardonic chuckle. "Suffice to say awkwardness was the star of the night and, at one point, I thought I'd actually have to get up and knock some teeth off Brittany's distinguished wife's mouth. I didn't, though. Breathe easily. And I slept with Riley."

"Wait, what?" Quinn asked with surprise.

"I almost knocked some –" Santana began to repeat her latest statements with an eerie level of calm before the blonde cut her off.

"No. Not that," the hazel-eyed woman said dismissively. "You slept with Riley?" She asked softly.

"Yes, I did," Santana replied casually, trying to sound like it wasn't a big deal.

Quinn took a moment to let the news sink in and the line went silent as Santana didn't feel the slightest inclination to fill in the vacuum of words.

"Wow, that was a big step, San," Quinn finally said in her delicate tone of voice after gathering up her thoughts.

"I suppose," the brown-eyed doctor conceded honestly. She knew it was, but she didn't feel like announcing it out loud for some reason.

"So, is Riley your girlfriend now? How are you feeling?" The petite blonde asked with genuine preoccupation, which the brunette picked up on immediately.

Santana smiled a little smile and replied evenly, "You are a nosy one, aren't you, Q? But, I'll let you know once I figure it out. And that goes for both accounts." No matter how uncertain she felt, the brunette doctor's voice rarely showed it.

Another silence engulfed them.

This time, Santana broke it as she stated half wistfully, half solemnly, "Life really does go on, huh?" And she smiled into the phone. Not that Quinn could see it.

"I suppose," came Quinn's shadowy, weak response. A brief pause before the blonde amended, "Are you happy, S?" In the end that was all that really mattered to the hazel-eyed woman. Her friend, her friends, didn't deserve that. That was for sure.

Santana splurged on a brief out loud laugh. "You and your tough questions, Fabray…" She trailed on with some amusement amidst everything. She paused for a moment to ponder her response. She wanted to be happy, that was a given. Could she be? Entirely, that is. That was another animal completely. For the time being she would certainly settle for being content, because a part of her knew that that was the highest she could honestly aim for. With or without Riley in the equation. So, after a moment Santana added, "I'm not miserable anymore…"

The brunette was about to say more when she and the blonde heard her name being called through the hospital's speakers.

Santana ignored it for a bit and resumed her thoughts, "…I guess that's a step up, right?"

It was Quinn's turn to smile on the other end of the line unbeknownst to her doctor friend. "It definitely is, San. It definitely is…" Quinn repeated in her delicate tone once again.

"I really have to go now, Q. Duty calls," Santana said playfully and it amazed even herself how quickly she could make these transitions from one disposition to another.

"Alright," Quinn conceded evenly.

Before she could end the call, Santana said in a low tone, "Oh, and Quinn…" She paused and the blonde waited. "Thanks," she added in hushed tone. Thanks and sorry were never easy things for the brunette to utter but, when she did, she always meant it.

"Anytime," came Quinn's soft reply, because it was the absolute truth.

And with that they ended the call and both resumed their daily professional activities. The wonders of friends…

---

A couple of days later Santana entered Brittany's dance studio to fetch Zoey for their daily walk with Poppy. On Wednesdays Brittany had to take the girl there after school. The brunette doctor was running later than usual, so she quickly passed by the empty front desk with the dog by her side on its leash and made her way to the glass window of the classroom. The sight before her made Santana smile her big, genuine smile. Brittany was teaching some senior citizens what it looked like some sort of ballroom dance as their daughter free-styled, twirling around the old folks and managing to charm all of them in the process. Ballroom dance wasn't exactly Brittany's style and surely back in New York she wouldn't be teaching that – let alone to old people. Back in the day she was mainly immersed in choreography, which was her favourite thing about dancing aside from actual dancing but, as Santana looked on, mesmerized by the gracious blonde beauty before her, she could see her smiling brightly, which led the brunette to believe that she didn't terribly mind the change of tune. And that knowledge made her feel warm inside for some reason. Not for 'some reason', actually. Santana knew the fact was that she never did shake the desire of seeing Brittany happy. It was all she ever wanted… and that hasn't changed. Even after all these years the words she wrote in a stupid yearbook still rang as true as ever.

Santana decided to just stand there, wait and enjoy the view of their daughter and her other mother dancing and having fun. It pleased her. She had always arrived before that class and never had the opportunity to witness the show. The brunette didn't have to wait long, though. Ten minutes later and the class was over. After every old pupil left the classroom, Santana made her way inside with Poppy.

Brittany was fussing with her sports bag that sat on top of one of the benches by the back of the classroom while Zoey danced animatedly in front of the mirrored wall to the instrumental piece that still played in the background.

"Hey, San!" Brittany greeted with a broad smile, catching the sight of the brunette for the first time. "And Poppy," she added with the same enthusiasm, looking down at the pet.

"Hi, Britts," Santana replied with a smaller smile, stuffing the hand that wasn't holding the dog's leash into her grey tweed coat's pocket.

Zoey, who had heard her Mama's name, came running towards the brunette and hugged her leg fiercely.

"Whoa, easy there, bug," Santana said with a wide smile, digging her hand back from the inside of her coat's pocket to place on the kid's back affectionately.

"You came!" Zoey exclaimed a bit too loudly, looking up at her Mama through the hug with big blue eyes as Brittany watched on with adoration while wiping her face with a small towel previously retrieved from the sports bag.

"Of course I did," Santana replied matter-of-factly, looking down at their kid.

"You're late," the little girl announced with a Brittany-like pout, not very pleased.

"I know and I'm sorry, Z. I got held up at the hospital," Santana explained in her gentlest tone, stealing a glance at Brittany and receiving a look of amused sympathy.

"Someone was worried that you weren't going to show up," Brittany informed casually, holding Santana's stare while carelessly throwing the towel on top of her bag.

"But Mommy said that you would because you never break a promise," the kid stated resolutely as Santana squatted down to be at face level with their girl. And then the brown-eyed woman looked over at Brittany and, for a mere instant, they shared this peculiar type of symbiotic look that conveyed much more than a thousand words ever could.

"Well, your Mommy is a very wise woman and she's absolutely right," Santana said tenderly, hugging her daughter affectionately with one arm as she directed her whole attention back to the kid. She then planted a hard kiss on Zoey's cheek and added, "Here," Santana passed the red leash to the little girl, "All yours."

Zoey hugged the puppy under two pairs of devoted eyes and then she started to run around the spacious classroom with Poppy behind her.

"So, nice t-shirt," Santana stated faux-nonchalantly, tucking her fleeting bangs behind her ear. Brittany was wearing the navy-blue Columbia tee the brown-eyed woman gave her. Santana had noticed it before but was waiting for the right moment to make her remark.

Brittany looked down reflexively with a water bottle in hand and the motion made her high ponytail bounce adorably. She had been using the t-shirt more than she would have cared to admit. "Isn't it?" The blue-eyed woman reiterated cheekily, smiling from ear to ear. "I think so, too," she added, reconnecting her eyes with the brunette's while taking a swig of water.

"The person who gave it to you clearly has exquisite taste," Santana said with an impish smile taking over her lips as they heard Zoey's giggles reverberate through the almost bare room.

"Naturally," Brittany replied immediately, nodding her head repeatedly as she keenly played along.

They laughed lightly out loud with downcast eyes and Santana said, changing the subject as she stuffed both hands in her black skinny jeans' pockets, "Sorry for being late…" She quickly pondered thanking the dancer for having her back with Zoey, but eventually decided against it. She knew Brittany knew. "I got held up with the damned amount of paperwork and I hate paperwork," she said instead.

"Yeah, I have some vague remembrance of that," Brittany said playfully. Santana had always bitched endlessly in the past about the 'damned' paperwork when she took them home. "And it was totally fine," the blonde added, capping the water bottle and putting in her sports bag.

Santana smiled knowingly and they fell in silence, only staring comfortably at each other for a while as Zoey run up and down and about. The kid did have heaps of energy stored in that little body of hers.

Brittany felt this powerful urge to ask Santana about her date with Riley. An urge that could not be deterred. She hadn't been able to be alone with her ex in the last couple of days and her masochist curiosity was getting the best out of her.

So, Brittany asked with as much calm and nonchalance as she could muster, "So, Santana… How was, you know, your date with Riley?" Thank God she managed to get the sneer out while pronouncing the ginger's name.

Santana shot the dancer her best 'Seriously? Are you really going to go there?' look and after the blonde held her stare with resolution Santana decided to play along. "It was good," she offered curtly, unconsciously holding her head slightly up. "Your anniversary?" Santana asked without skipping a beat. She would rather be damned than lose face.

"Good," Brittany replied instantly, feeling like an ass for even bringing this up but still not thoroughly satisfied with herself. "So –" She began to add but Santana decided to cut her off. The brunette wasn't feeling like yet another trip to Awkwardville.

"Hey, Zoey! It's time we go, munchkin," Santana said in a slightly loud tone, speaking over the dancer who simply decided to let go of her fool's errand. No good would come out of that.

"I'll walk out with you guys," Brittany announced, turning around to grab her sports bag as Zoey rejoined her mommies with a happy Poppy by her side. "That was my last class today," the dancer added, slinging her big bag on her shoulder.

They made their way outside into the evening and Santana and Zoey waited as Brittany locked up the studio's front door, making sure to double-check it. Sometimes she could be very airheaded, so she always made sure to double-check.

"We'll stop by the coffee shop so I can get a fix, ok? I'm just saying because we may take a while longer and I don't want you worrying over nothing," Santana said as she and their daughter watched Brittany toss her sports bag in her car's passenger seat through the front window.

"Ok," Brittany replied, turning around to face her ladies. Well, her lady and Santana. "But you shouldn't be drinking any coffee at this hour, S. You know it will only keep you up at night," the blue-eyed woman added knowingly, finishing her prediction with a smile.

It was remarkable how Santana hated and loved Brittany's knowledge on her person. "I think I'll take my chances, thank you very much," the brunette doctor replied with her typical for-show petulance, which was extremely different from her actual petulance.

Zoey watched them talk with a happy expression on her face while firmly holding Poppy's leash like a big girl as Santana had taught her. And at that very instant everything sort of came together and it magically clicked in the kid's head the fact that she wanted her mommies to be together. Like Jeremy's parents were. And Gracie's… She should think and do something about that, the kid pondered.

"You should get tea instead," Brittany insisted as they stood on the sidewalk in front of the studio.

"You and Jimmy and your obsession with tea…" Santana trailed with scoff. "I'll be getting a nice coffee and Zoey a nice hot cocoa, isn't that right, Z?" The brown-eyed woman added lightly, looking down at their beaming daughter.

"I love hot cocoa!" Zoey said with simple and pure childish excitement, pushing her epiphany to the back-burner.

"Don't we know?" Brittany said, smiling at the little bug.

"Can I have marshmallows?" Zoey asked hopefully, looking up at her mommies.

"As many as you like," Santana said promptly, running a hand through Zoey's silky brown hair.

Suddenly Brittany wanted nothing more than to join them, but she hadn't been exactly invited and even she had some lines she wouldn't cross like inviting herself.

"Yay!" Zoey exclaimed loudly, clapping her hands together without letting go of the leash.

"Alright, let's go," Santana said to Zoey, and then she shifted her gaze to Brittany, "We'll see you in a few."

Brittany nodded sort of sadly and said, trying to sound cheerful, "Have fun, you two!"

"Bye, Mommy!"

And with that Brittany despondently watched Santana and their perfect child walk away from her with the cute dog by their side. Zoey turned around as she walked and waved. Brittany smiled and waved back. It never really did get easier.

---

Zoey took a warm bath while playing with a yellow rubber duck in the tub.

"Honey, I'm not hearing your voice," Brittany called from outside of the bathroom. Whenever she wasn't in the bathroom with Zoey she made the kid talk so she could rest assured that everything was ok with her. A mother's thing.

"Sorry, I was playing with Ducky," Zoey replied apologetically, diving the rubber animal under water and pulling it out.

"Ok, but just keep talking to Mommy," Brittany said in her sweet tone.

"Mama and I are trying to teach Poppy to sit down," the blue-eyed girl offered with little consequence.

"Oh, really? That sounds cool," the dancer shot back immediately, sounding extra animated for their daughter's benefit.

"Mmhmm," Zoey simply hummed her agreement.

"And how is she doing so far?" Brittany enquired, entering the bathroom with a basket full of dirty laundry under her right arm.

"Good, I think. Mama and I are watching a show with this dog lady that teaches you how to make your puppy obey you," Zoey said with sheer excitement as she watched her Mommy dump more dirty clothes from the bathroom's bin into the basket.

"Well, I'm sure Poppy will learn in no time," the blonde said with a smile, leaving the basket and kneeling down next to the small bathtub to tend to the little girl.

"Mama said it's all in the 'Tom' of voice," Zoey said with confidence.

Brittany's smile got even wider and she corrected softly while putting some kid's shampoo in her palm, "Tone of voice, Z." She pondered for a second and added, "I think." And then the dancer began washing the little girl's hair with gentleness.

After Brittany was finished washing the kid's hair and body amidst lots of chit-chat about Zoey's day at kindergarten and such, the blonde said, "Alright, let's get you out of the tub."

Zoey was playing by herself, Ducky forgotten, as she glued her legs together and swirled them up and down the water. "Look, Mommy! I'm like the Little Mermaid," the kid announced through giggles.

"I don't doubt it. Now come on, out you go," Brittany said playfully, holding out a big towel all stretched out to welcome the kid's wet body.

"Riley looks like Ariel," Zoey deadpanned whilst standing up. "Her hair is all long and red and pretty," the kid added with an admiring tone of voice.

Brittany's eyes widened and her jaw dropped slightly at the mention of the ginger's name from Zoey's lips. When? How? Where did the kid even meet Riley? Were a few of the many questions swimming through the dancer's mind.

"Who?" Brittany managed to utter weakly while drying off their daughter's little body outside the tub by the bathroom mat.

"Riley," Zoey repeated like it was no big thing at all, tilting her head as her Mommy worked absentmindedly on drying her long brown hair. "Mama's friend," she added without missing a beat.

"You know her?" The blue-eyed woman prodded timorously, turning Zoey around so she could face her while drying the rest of the kid's body.

Zoey nodded and Brittany kept watching her daughter's big blue eyes as if saying 'go on' and Zoey didn't disappoint, "She was at the coffee shop earlier."

A thoughts-bound Brittany casted the used towel aside absentmindedly and put a dried Zoey in a panda bathrobe as the kid slipped on her flip-flops.

Shaking her head out of her inner reverie, Brittany said gently with a small smile, "Ok, go ahead and start picking up those colouring books and crayons from your room's floor. I'll be there in a minute to dress you, blow-dry that long hair of yours and tuck you in."

Zoey looked at the kneeling Brittany with a pout that was exactly like the blonde's, and stated whiningly, "But I'm not sleepy yet."

"Well, if you do as I say I'll read you a bedtime story," Brittany replied with a wider smile. Their daughter was way too adorable for their own good.

"Three bedtime stories," Zoey bargained under the cute panda-head hoodie.

"Two and that's my final offer," the dancer countered with a mock serious tone.

Zoey nodded and said with a broad smile dancing on her lips, "But you'll have to do the voices."

"It's a deal, young lady," Brittany stated simply, giving Zoey's behind a playful slap as the kid turned around to head to her room.

In reality Brittany desperately needed those minutes alone to think. Santana had introduced Zoey to Riley? What made her change her mind? Did it mean that Santana and Riley were serious now? The answers scared the dancer and she simply chose not to think about them. Her mind worked overtime to prove herself wrong. Maybe they had all just bumped into each other as a coincidence, an accident. It was certainly possible… Likely even. The town was as small as a shoe box, after all. Yeah, that was it… Those thoughts soothed the blonde a bit. Zoey even said Riley was Santana's friend, not girlfriend. That counted for a lot as well. Santana definitely must have introduced the redhead that way and it brought Brittany more comfort. But on the other hand they had finally met: Zoey and Riley. That also meant that her ex's relationship was moving forward… willingly or not.

And that thought was most surely daunting.

…

No matter how many rationalizations her head managed to come up with.

---

Hope you enjoyed it, people! It won't be long now until the glass overflows, the cracks take down the house, or whatever lame metaphor I tend to overuse ;) But don't be too quick on your assuming, folks... *laughs out loud cryptically* (lolc?)

Threatening Britt is fun... Aren't you glad Riley is out of her cage? Now we'll be able to really play in a funnier way :D And I'll shut up because I talk way too much.
Review if you will!