'Mom?' Brittany asked tentatively. She spun from side to side in her wheelie chair at the kitchen bench while waiting patiently for her mother to bring the vanilla cupcakes from the oven. It was her dad's birthday tomorrow and cupcakes were his favourite, especially the ones Brittany decorated herself.

'Yes Britty?' Sharon answered distractedly. She was trying to find something to put the hot tray on without burning through the kitchen bench. She settled on resting it on the stove so she could transfer the cupcakes onto a clean plate. She certainly wasn't anticipating what her daughter was about to ask.

'…Do you believe in heaven?'

At those words Sharon stopped her movements with her back facing Brittany. She took a deep breath, knowing this conversation had to come sooner or later, and brought the plate full of cupcakes to the counter where Brittany sat. She used her gentle tone when she spoke.

'Sweety …is this about Santana?'

Brittany was quick to shake her head. 'No, I-I was just ah curious..' Brittany watched as her mother considered her words for a second before answering. Brittany filled the small piper with blue icing while her mother covered the top of the cupcakes with yellow icing. Blue and yellow were her dad's favourite colours.

'I believe that there's a place out there for everyone, a different world where all their problems just float away, and you're just…happy.' Brittany nodded her head carefully. She was too engrossed in decorating to notice the worried looks her mother was sending her.

That didn't sound right to Brittany. How does this world know what will make you happy? A different world sounded scary, like she was being abducted by aliens and taken to their planet to work as a slave. What if the world didn't make her happy at all, but instead made her very very sad?

'But what if you don't like this other world, what if it doesn't make you happy?' she asked curiously.

'Each world is created perfectly for each person, and that person will have the power to choose who they see and what they can do, they can create anything that will make them happy, they can create love.' Sharon smiled. Once again Brittany didn't catch it because she was now drawing a blue love heart over one of the iced cupcakes.

If she got to choose what was in that world then maybe it could be ok, maybe it could make her happy. She would choose to live in a field of different coloured flowers where unicorns roamed free. Night time would never come but the stars would always be out, so she could play whenever she wanted and always be able to see the beautiful stars. But the most important creation will be the hole in a tree where she can poke her head in and watch all the people she loves go about their daily life. She would watch her parents grow old, the glee club go their separate ways to spread their joy, and she will watch Santana achieve all her dreams. Yes, maybe she will be quite happy in this new world. As long as the people in this world were happy, then she was too.

'Are you happy…In this world?' she asked. Her mom was slightly startled because there was a long period of silence where she had decorated three cupcakes without speaking.

'Of course.' Sharon smiled.

Brittany nodded her head and traced the outside of another cupcake with the blue icing. 'Why?'

'Because my daughter is happy, that's all I need to feel like I have succeeded.' Brittany looked up when her mother tapped her on her arm. She smiled seeing the love in her eyes. That smile quickly faded.

Yes Brittany was happy, she was happy now and she was happy with the decision she was making for Santana. But would her parents be happy with this decision?

'What if what made me happy, made you sad? What if I made a decision for myself and someone else that…made you sad?' She hoped to God she wasn't being too obvious. Would her mom figure it out? She watched with sweaty hands and a speedy pulse as her mom pondered her words.

'This decision…will it make you happy?'

'Forever.' She answered automatically and drew a smiley face on her next cupcake. Her dad is going to love these cupcakes. Probably her best batch yet.

Sharon could see the smile on her daughters face from a mile away. 'Then it could not possibly make me sad sweetheart.'

Brittany looked back up to see her mother's glistening eyes and wide grin. Brittany smiled wider just thinking how lucky she is. They would be happy. Her parents would be happy with her decision to give Santana her heart, because she was happy with it. Brittany edged a finished cupcake over to her mom.

'My world's going to have you and dad in it.' She smiled.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

'How are you feeling Santana?' Maria asked as she picked up her knife and fork graciously. It was dinner time at the Lopez household and the three of them were spread out around the large dining table. Santana was stabbing half-heartedly at the peas sliding over her plate, not paying too much attention to the obvious silence which she had become accustomed to lately.

'Same shit different day.' She deadpanned. Each day was just a reminder of all the things she would be missing out on, all the songs she will never get to sing, and all the people she will never get to meet. Granted she probably wouldn't give a fuck about these people, but she still wouldn't want to pass up the opportunity of insulting them.

'Santana…' Her father warned and she rolled her eyes.

'Whatever…I'm feeling worse I guess…' She sighed and stabbed another pea. 'I just get so tired…all the time, I hate it.' Just yesterday she had to convince Brittany that she would rather stay in bed all day and cuddle then go outside and play in the sunlight. Truth be told she couldn't think of anything more strenuous then getting up, just the thought of moving sent her heart racing and breathing soaring. Luckily Brittany was easy to convince and she settled on opening all the windows and snuggling into one another under the streams of warm light pouring into the room. Not that Brittany was complaining, but deep down Santana hated that she couldn't do everything for her like before.

At least soon Brittany would be going away, and she can find people who were fun and exciting and can match her insane energy levels. That's what she needs.

'It'll get better, just stick to the list.' She heard her father grunt from across the table. Ah yes the list. The list her father had given her which clearly stated what she could and couldn't do. It ranged from limited exercise to getting plenty of sleep each night, and staying away from stressful situations. That's why the house had been so quiet recently. No one was willing to talk, because in this house talking led to arguments, and arguments led to fights. At the very bottom of the list was 'remain positive' and Santana scoffed every time her eyes landed on the words. How was she supposed to remain positive when she was losing everything she's ever cared about?

'I'll show you where you can stick your list…' Santana mumbled under her breath.

'Excuse me?' Dr. Lopez warned, he brought his fists back down to the table to prove his point. Maria flinched, Santana didn't need to. Instead she stood from her chair and threw her napkin onto her half empty plate.

'I said I'm going to Britts.' She stated.

'Is that a good idea Sant – ' Maria started as she too stood from her seat.

'Yep.' Santana cut her off. She was already halfway to the door before Maria spoke again.

'Well at least let me drive you, it's a long way, I don't want you running out of breath dear.'

She could hear her mother's feet scurry along the wooden floor to catch up with her. Santana noticed her father had decided to remain quiet. At least he knew when to shut up.

'Yeah we wouldn't want that would we…' she muttered.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When Santana arrived at Brittany's she helped finish off decorating the cupcakes Brittany and her mom were doing before settling on the couch with Britt.

They were currently snuggled up together watching American Idol. Brittany had decided to make it a game to guess who would get through and who wouldn't before they sung. The winner got a kiss, so Santana wasn't complaining, and she certainly wasn't going to point out that it was a win-win situation.

'Ugh ok San you win that guy sucked.'

'Told you.' Santana smirked as Brittany leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. 'mmm.' She hummed when Brittany pulled back.

'When the world hears you sing, you're going to blow everyone out of their chairs!' Brittany's smile was as big as the sky. 'And then when you wink at the screen everyone's going to melt onto the floor like I do.'

Santana was smiling, she was so happy, but there was something itching at the back of her conscience. This thing had been chipping away for a while now. Brittany constantly talked about the future, well Santana's future anyway, and it was starting to worry her. She was happy that Brittany had such high hopes and was staying strong for her, but…Did Brittany really think she will get better? What if she didn't get a heart? Does Brittany even understand what's going to happen?

Santana shuffled closer to Britt and braced herself. She needed to do this, they had to have the talk. She had been dropping hints all over the place but maybe just discussing it head on was the best option to make sure she understood. The last thing Santana would want would be to leave this world and have Brittany not know what was happening and where she had gone. Santana shook her head, willing the image in her head to go away.

'Britt?' she started. This caught Brittany's attention and she turned her head from the tv to look in to worried mocca eyes. 'You understand what will happen if I don't get a heart in time right?' Santana watched carefully as Brittany nodded slowly. She wasn't quite convinced so she decided to just be blunt. 'I'll die.'

Hearing the words come out of her own mouth sent a shiver up her spine.

'But you will get one in time.' Brittany stated firmly, almost like this conversation wasn't even relevant. Santana grabbed her hands and squeezed them gently. She had to understand this.

'But what if I don't – '

'You will.' Brittany was adamant and it only made her heart hurt even more.

'Ok…but I still want to talk about this.' She tried again, hoping that the blonde would at least give her a chance to help her understand. 'Please.' She asked again when Brittany tucked her chin into her chest.

'I don't like talking about it.' She heard Brittany mumble.

'I know.' She placed a small kiss on a crinkled forehead. 'We have to though ok? I need to know that you will be alright.' Santana spoke softly.

'I'll be in my happy place San.' Brittany stated with a confirmed nod. Santana smiled widely. Good. This is what she needed to hear. Even when she's gone Britt can just go to her happy place in her head and everything will be fine. Brittany can get through it, all she needs is her brilliant imagination.

'Good.' Santana scooted forward and pressed a firm kiss to pink lips. 'No matter what happens, I need you to stay in that happy place ok can you do that for me?' Brittany nodded quickly.

'I'll stay in my happy place and wait for you.'

Santana winced. No. that's the last thing she wanted to hear. 'No, no baby don't wait. When I'm gone I want you to be free, I want you to go out and enjoy life ok, be whatever you want to be and…' she stopped and took a deep breath. 'love whoever you want to love.'

She watched Brittany intently for her reply. She needed an 'ok', she needed to know that Brittany would move on without her.

'I'll wait.' Brittany said.

'No…britt…please.' Tears were falling from Santana's eyes now and she couldn't fight them. This wasn't happening. Brittany needed to understand! 'please don't wait baby.' Brittany was shaking her head furiously, blue eyes filling with tears too. 'Say it, say you won't wait.' Santana grasped Brittany's cheeks and shook her, like she was trying to shake sense into her body.

'…I'll wait.' Brittany breathed as a tear slid over her cheek.

'Dammit Brittany!' Santana dropped her hands and kicked the coffee table away from the couch. It screeched across the floor and sent the room into silence. Her breathing had picked up considerably but she was able to control it with a few deep breaths.

When she looked back to Brittany she was watching with sad eyes. She took Brittany's hands again and was so relieved when the blonde didn't flinch. 'I'll already be waiting for you Britt, there's no point us both waiting. Please just promise me you'll be happy?' She asked gently.

Brittany nodded against Santana's forehead. 'I'll be happy. Promise.'

'I love you.'

'I love you too.'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next day the two girls walked into glee club hand in hand. They hadn't let go since Santana had picked Brittany up that morning, and they certainly weren't planning on letting go of each other all day but as soon as they walked into glee, they were separated. Santana tried to hold on to Brittany by her fingertips as she was pulled in the opposite direction by a very excited Rachel Berry, but eventually she had to let go. Like she needed another reason to hate the hobbit.

Santana was dragged by Tina to a set up table at the side of the room full with party food. What the hell was going on?

'What is this Chang?' She asked when Tina handed her a plate of cake.

'Uh w-well it's a celebration!' Tina stuttered.

'Of what?'

'Of uh..y-your life?' Tina recoiled as soon as the words left her mouth 'u-uh we l-love you Sant – '

'Beat it Chang!' Santana scowled and Tina scuttled as far away as possible. Seriously what the fuck? Must be Berry's idea the fucking annoying little - 'Fabray!' She called when she saw Quinn walk in. Quinn spotted the scowl instantly and rolled her eyes.

'Santana.' She approached carefully and handed her a pink bag with a bow around it. Santana took it with a quirked eyebrow. 'Here. Rachel said we were doing presents, but' Quinn looked around at all the empty hands. 'I guess that message only got to me.' She rolled her eyes.

Santana opened the bag and pulled out a yellow cardigan. 'A cardigan? How… unlike anything I would ever wear Q.' she smiled sarcastically. She was still pissed at Berry for taking Brittany away. The bitch.

'It's to warm your heart.' Quinn smirked back with just as much sass.

'Hardy ha. At least someone's treating me like a human being today.' Santana smiled and tossed the bag onto one of the red chairs.

'Yeah well I didn't want your head getting too big with all this love and support being thrown around.' Santana looked around and Quinn sure was right. Artie, Mercedes, kurt and Rachel were all crowded around Brittany and patting her on the shoulder, probably asking how she was coping with everything. Brittany however, only had her eyes on Santana. Brittany mouthed an 'I love you' and Santana sent her a wink back.

She smiled knowing that when she had to go that Brittany would have people to love and support her. Even if Britt moved to LA she was sure most of the glee kids would still visit when they could. But then again… none of them were her. Rachel's too annoying, Finn's too fat, Kurt's too gay, Mercedes is too sassy, Sam's too weird, Puck's too sexual, Tina and Mike are too Asian, and Artie is too lame. Brittany needs someone who is popular enough to keep her safe from idiots, smart enough to help her through school, and strong enough to put her first. Always.

There's only one other person who can do that for Brittany, and she happens to make up The Unholy Trinity.

'Quinn I need to talk to you about something.' Santana whispered quickly and pulled Quinn further from the table of treats.

'Quinn? No stretchmarks?' Quinn quirked her brow at the use of her actual name but when she saw the look on Santana's face she knew it wasn't time for jokes. 'What's up?'

Santana shuffled her feet from side to side and held her bottom lip between her teeth. She didn't quite know how to start this off. After a few options in her head failed she just started speaking her thoughts. 'We have been through a lot of shit together haven't we?'

'Understatement.' Quinn replied steadily.

'For a good portion of time I even hated you.' Santana shook her head thinking how much of an idiot she was for being mad about her sleeping with Puck.

'Ditto.' Quinn nodded.

'But through all the shit I know you are the only person I can trust with what I am about to ask of you.'

Quinn eyed Santana suspiciously. Something was definitely off. 'Santana what is this about?'

Santana looked back over to her girlfriend who happened to have a good portion of cake on her chin and she smiled. It looked like Rachel was trying to tell her but Brittany thought she was trying to steal her cake and was running away from her. 'I need you to look after Brittany for me when I'm gone.' She whispered.

'San…' Quinn started but Santana was quick to stop her.

'No ok, Quinn you have to stay strong for me here because you're the only person I know who can.'

Quinn took in a shaky breath and straightened her back. She blinked her eyes a few times to will the tears away before breathing out an 'Okay.'

Santana was looking at Brittany again. This time Brittany was trying to shovel more cake into her mouth while Rachel wiped her chin with a cloth. 'I need you to protect her.'

'Ok.' Quinn nodded as Santana turned to face her again. The look in her eyes told Quinn how serious she is.

'This means making sure she always has a ride to school and back, helping her with her schoolwork so she can get her grades up to graduate' she was listing things on her fingers now. 'and beating the shit out of anyone who tries to be mean to her.'

Quinn nodded quickly. 'Done.'

'And most importantly, make sure she's happy alright?' Santana took a step forward, if anyone was watching they would know something intense was going down. Luckily everyone was too busy eating and singing random songs from the journey album. 'If Brittany wants to go to the park and feed the ducks, you take her to the fucking park to feed the fucking ducks, clear?'

Quinn nodded once again. She had never felt so short of words. Santana Lopez was actually making her shake in her booties. She would protect Brittany, of course she would. She had been around the two enough to know that Santana guarded and protected her with her own life, and she was honoured that Santana picked her to take over when she no longer can.

She would protect Britt from everything dangerous and make sure she doesn't date any – shit, dating….

'Santana, what about uh…boys and uh…girls she might um…' How the hell was she supposed to ask Santana about what would happen when Brittany decided she wanted to start dating again?

Santana took a step back and bowed her head. She kicked at the floor a few times, trying to avoid eye contact.

'That's for her to decide.' She whispered but Quinn heard her clearly. Her heart sank at the deflated girl in front of her. 'Just make sure they treat her right, and if they don't – '

'A beating?' Quinn suggested with a smirk. Santana lifted her head and nodded with a smile.

'Lima heights style.'

Both girls laughed for a moment. An overwhelming feeling suddenly came over Quinn. Here Santana was, asking her to take care of the person she loved most in this world because she couldn't do it anymore. Through all the shit that's happened Santana chose her. Tears began forming in her eyes and she leaned in closer to the Latina.

'Santana…I'm really going to miss – '

Santana threw up her hands. 'Nope, nuh uh do not do that to me Q.' Quinn had already captured her in a bone crushing hug and Santana felt a tear coat her cheek. 'Take care stretchmarks.'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

'Quinn!'

Quinn sighed loudly. She was JUST about to have some cake that she's been eyeing off for the last half hour but now a bubbly blonde is bouncing towards her at the speed of light. She'll never get to eat this delicious looking cake. Quinn sighed again and put down her plate.

'Hey Brittany, where's Santana.' She asked, looking around and only seeing the other glee members huddling around the piano singing.

'Finding me a straw.'

Quinn quirked an eyebrow 'We didn't buy any straws.'

Brittany smiled widely. 'Yeah I know, I uh needed to talk to you alone for a second.'

'…okayyy.' This day was getting weirder and weirder for Quinn. She watched as Brittany pretty much took up the exact same stance Santana was in only twenty minutes before hand. She fidgeted with her hands and looked down at her shuffling feet. Here we go again.

'San doesn't like to show it too much, but she respects you Quinn, you're like the robin to her batman.' Brittany finally blurted.

'Alright.' Quinn had no idea where this one was going, at least Santana was straight forward.

'Because she respects you she will listen to you.' Brittany was looking at her now with deep blue eyes. Quinn always saw Brittany as innocent and young but looking into her eyes now she picked up on a maturity that she's never seen before. Brittany was actually having a really serious conversation with her, and it scared the crap out of her.

'Britt what's this about?'

'If you told her she was moping or being mean or sad she would listen to you…She would yell at you, but she would listen. I need you to make sure Santana stays happy and safe.'

What? This doesn't make any sense…

'Why? Isn't that usually your job?' Quinn asked curiously.

'Dad says you can never have too many people looking out for you…and I need your help.'

Quinn was definitely sceptical but at the words 'I need your help' she melted. Santana had just told her to look out for the blonde and if Brittany needed her help then that was a pretty good place to start.

'What can I do Brittany?'

Brittany smiled widely and bounced on her feet a bit. She was excited Quinn guessed.

'First of all, once Santana gets her new heart and is back on the cheerio's she will need a shoulder massage every second day because she gets very tense, secondly –'

'I'm not doing that Britt.'

'What? Why?' Brittany looked absolutely shattered. 'Quinnie…' she whined.

Quinn rolled her eyes. 'Brittany, why can't you do these things?'

'You know I'm leaving for Bernards school of dance soon so…' Brittany shrugged. Quinn watched her body language change again. Brittany was avoiding looking at her like she felt guilty or something. She knew the blonde well enough to know that when she felt ashamed or guilty or sad she avoided eye contact like it was the devil. Quinn quirked a brow.

'Hmm yeah I heard, that's in LA right?' she quizzed.

'Y-yeah.' Brittany answered shakily and coughed a little to recover. Quinn watched her closely.

'Yeah my cousin goes there. Funny he had to go on a waiting list to get into that school for two years, he went on countless auditions for it too.' Quinn smiled as the colour drained from Brittany's face. '…but you've never even been to LA have you?' Brittany slowly shook her head. 'it's like they just offered you a place out of nowhere.'

Brittany gulped loudly and turned to start piling food onto a plate. Quinn watched the flustered blonde with an amused smirk. 'S-Santana says I h-have a way with p-people.' Brittany stuttered.

'Brittany?' Quinn asked quietly and stilled the movements of Brittany's moving hands.

'y-yes?' Brittany whispered.

'Care to tell me what the hell is going on?'

Oooh is Quinn going to figure it out?

Also i teared up a little when i wrote some of this haha