Hey guys, first off I am so so so sorry for making you wait so long. It has been very hectic for me. Things are slowing somewhat and I hope I?ll be able to find more time ti write, as I am no where near finished with either of my stories, but please just bear with me. It might take some time between chapters. Anyway I know it sucks when an author talks a lot and doesn't brng the goods. So here is another chapter, I hope you like. Enjoy.

Quinn morosely watched as the coffee in her cup swirled slowly as she stirred it. She sighed loudly and once again took in the empty kitchen and didn't know whether she should be pissed or saddened by the fact that Brittany had disappeared before she had even woken up. I feel like a one night stand. The thing was things were changing, and rapidly, and while Quinn was struggling with it she was sure so was Brittany. And for the life of her she just couldn't quite pull of being pissed at Brittany. She never had been able to. 'This is ridiculous!' Quinn picked up a pen and pad and wrote a short note for Brittany then grabbed her phone and dialled walking back to her room to get dressed. She was not going to spend her day moping around like some slighted teenager. We are going to talk B. I don't like things the way they are. No running.

'Lopez.' Santana barked into her phone as she tried to wrestle a very cranky Alejandra into her onsie. She was really not cooperating.

Quinn smirked, Santana sounded exasperated and that was new making her wonder why. 'Hey. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?'

Santana stopped what she was doing deciding that this round went to her little trouble maker. But she grinned none the less, she was exited to spend time with Quinn and Alejandra. 'No, no Dre is just a little fussy.'

'Is she ok?' Quinn asked her biting her lip.

'She's fine Quinn, don't worry. She is just cranky, I think the cast splint is bothering her. Thanks for asking.' Santana smiled and tickled a wriggling Alejandra making her gurgle happily as she tried to grab a hold of Santana's fingers.

Quinn sighed in relief, she didn't know exactly why she liked Alejandra as much as she did and she wasn't going to ponder it. 'Well that is good. So I was hoping we could meet up in say an hour to go to the Zoo, if you still wanted to?'

'Course I do, you said something about lending your navigational skills, so it's on.' Santana chuckled as she spoke, Quinn had turned into such a laid back person. And Santana could easily see them spending a lot of time together. She is being a really good friend.

'Well I am just taking pity on poor Alejandra, I mean it's not her fault her mama is totally useless at showing her the greatest Zoo ever.' Quinn teased as she frowned at the contents of her closet. God Quinn you have basically nothing casual! When the hell did that happen?

'One time! I got lost one time, and you are never going to let me forget that, are you?' Santana whined and picked up Alejandra to try and get her calm and more cooperative.

'Nope, it's way too funny to let you forget it.' Quinn grabbed her only pair of jeans, they were worn, but then she was not going to wear a suit to go out on a Sunday to the Zoo. I was sure I Still had some sneakers in here, now if I could just find the fuckers. I think Brit might be right, I work too much. 'So I was thinking of meeting you at Nothing But Chocolate. It's a Café about ten minutes from your place. I figure something hot before we go would be good. You in?'

Santana blinked then grinned stupidly, Quinn didn't suggest a coffee shop and she was sure it was because she now knew why she was not drinking it at that moment. She suggested something she knew Santana would still love though. 'Sounds perfect, text me the address and we'll meet you there in an hour.'

'Will do.' Quinn bit her lip, not sure if she should say more or not. 'I'm really looking forward to this Santana.' She finally said, she didn't care if it made her sound pathetic, it was what she felt.

Santana grinned. Like two peas in a pod, who would have thought? 'Me too, more than you know. See you soon Quinn.' Santana said before they hung up, she had to get Alejandra ready.

Quinn shook her head and chuckled. 'You always did like getting in the last word.' She checked her watch then quickly finished dressing, she would have to hurry, or she would be late.

Brittany sat on the steps of her soon to be new dance studio and frowned. She felt utterly guilty. She had treated Quinn like crap, and she knew that Quinn wouldn't say it, but she would definitely feel it. Why didn't you just stay and talk to her? You know she needs to, you know that she is finally ready. You might not be, but she is. 'Fuck!'

'Well I would say it's nice to see you sweet pea, but I would be scared what came out of your mouth next.'

Brittany looked up and actually managed a genuine smile. 'Holly.'

'You rang and I came. Now come here and gimme a hug.' Holly pulled Brittany up and gave her a long hard hug then took her in at arm's length. 'So you worry me when I get these strange early morning calls.'

'It's ten.' Brittany arched her eyebrow, Holly always did have a strange perception of time.

'Like I said it worries me when I get these early morning calls. So want to tell me what happened? Usually you talk thing out with Quinn.' Holly's eyes went wide when she saw Brittany's expression. She had seen a few times before. Well crap. 'Ok sweet cheeks lets walk and talk then. I can really use some coffee right about now, but I don't have a clue where we can find some.'

'Around the corner on the left there's a Starbucks.' Brittany said softly as they started walking. 'I don't know where to start.' She said after an uncomfortable silence.

Holly shrugged, she wasn't one to push. Brittany would talk when she was ready. 'Anywhere, nowhere. Doesn't matter, I'll listen regardless.'

Brittany stopped in front of the Starbucks and bit her lip. 'Santana's back.' It wasn't what she actually wanted to talk about, or maybe it was since it was what popped out of her mouth. She was just completely confused. 'I acted like such a bitch, she must hate me.'

Holly blinked a couple of times, now that was the last thing she had expected. But boy was that a huge can of worms, and she didn't even know the particulars yet. She just knew that when Santana had disappeared Brittany had been broken for a long time, and her suddenly being back? Well she wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. I'm going to need a really big cup of coffee for this one. 'When did that happen?'

'Quinn ran into her about two weeks ago. She's in New York.' Brittany mulled it over in her head. Should she tell Holly everything, or just the basics? She was sorely tempted to just give cliff notes, but she knew that was only because she felt so utterly ashamed of how she had acted. It's not Santana's fault I acted like a scared asshole. It's mine, I should have stayed and talked to her like she talked to me.

'OK?' Holly prompted a little as they stood in line to get their coffee. She would definitely need more information to puzzle out why Brittany had actually called her. Not that it was a rare situation. Whenever Brittany got in over her head and she couldn't talk to Quinn, she would call Holly. Over the years they had gone from teacher student to siblings. Holly had gladly taken the spot of older sister to Brittany. She had known from the first time they met that Brittany and her would grow into something more.

'And yesterday I met her, and then I freaked out and ran.' Brittany grumbled, she was sure that Holly was completely lost. Welcome to the club Holly.

'You know I love your process girly, but I am going to need a little more than that. Cause I get the feeling I am missing some vital components here. So why don't we take these lovely coffees grab a table and you can tell me from the start what is up?' Holly arched her eyebrow.

Brittany nodded, maybe that is exactly what she needed, to start at the beginning and figure out what she should do next about everything. 'Ok, but don't judge, I was an ass.'

'Do I ever?' Holly teased Brittany, she was not the epitome of good decisions after all. She was ready for a long day, but that was ok Brittany was one of her favourite people. She would sit there for days if that was what Brittany needed.

Quinn rushed into the Café ten minutes late. She couldn't believe she had missed the subway, the one time she decided to take it and she missed it and had to wait for the next one. Making her late, and Quinn hated being late. She spotted Santana at a table tucked away in the back with Alejandra on her lap and rushed over. 'I am so sorry I am late.'

Santana chuckled amused. Quinn could be such a stickler. 'Just sit down Quinn, you're not late. I just got here. And by the way this place is great!'

Quinn smiled sheepishly, but did what she was told. 'Yea, it is and it's close to home for you.' Quinn bit her lip a little, that sounded weird, she was sure. She had no business making suggestions to Santana.

'It's sweet of you Quinn, now stop over thinking it. You did a nice thing for me, and I am grateful.' Santana smirked when she saw Quinn blush. Yea Quinn I can still read you. Plus that was just written all over your face. 'Now do you have any suggestions?'

Quinn cleared her throat to try and hide her embarrassment. 'Alejandra your mama is being mean.' She finally muttered as she grabbed the menu. Although she already knew what Santana would like she now felt obligated to at least look like she had to think about it.

'I was not.' Santana huffed still utterly amused. 'And I thought we already had the do not corrupt my daughter talk.' Santana pursed her lips, but started snickering a few seconds later Quinn looked to cute all worried. 'Quinn for god's sake calm down. We are just both really happy to see you, now don't go all shy on me. It's just me.'

'I'm sorry, I am just on edge.' Quinn put the menu down and signalled one of the waiters then turned to Santana. Should I bring it up? Quinn quickly gave the waiter their order then turned back to Santana. 'I just...Brit talked to me when I got home.'

Santana blinked rapidly, this had not been part of the days plan. But she should have known, and Quinn would of course bring it up. What am I supposed to say to that? That I balled my eyes out and got next to now sleep? That that broke me, again? 'It didn't go as I had hoped for.'

'She hurt you, and I am so sorry.' Quinn said softly, she could see it in Santana's eyes, her mask was good, but not her eyes.

'Quinn, just don't.' Santana sighed deeply scrubbing her face with one hand. 'You don't have anything to apologize for, you did nothing wrong. And really after everything I hoped for better, but really expected worse.'

Quinn scratched the back of her neck, then just shrugged. Santana was her friend after all that meant she was allowed to call her out. 'Bullshit Santana. Sorry baby girl, you should not listen right now key?' Quinn said softly to Alejandra before she looked up at Santana again. 'And you don't look at me like that. Brit behaved horribly, and you don't even know why. And you have the right to know the whole story.'

'But you aren't going to tell me.' Santana said it matter of fact. She knew that Quinn wanted too, but it was obviously not her story to tell. What the hell happened?

Quinn sighed and fiddled with the sugar packets, this had been supposed to be a fun day out, not this. It was time to get them back on track. 'No, I can't. And she ran because she was scared, not because of Alejandra. When she comes to you, and she will.' I'll make sure of it, even if I have to drag her kicking and screaming. 'Hear her out. But now I think our drinks are just about to get here. So let's enjoy them then get to the Zoo. It's a perfect day to be outside.'

Santana mulled over Quinn's statement then finally nodded slowly. Brittany had given her a chance to explain her side of what had happened, and she would do the same when Brittany came to her. That didn't mean what she did hurt any less. But there were obviously some things that Santana wasn't aware of, that she should be to understand Brittany's motivations. 'I want you there.' She hadn't planned on saying that, but she meant none the less. She needed Quinn there to hold her up if things went wrong.

Quinn looked startled at first but finally nodded. 'You give me a call and I'll be there.' She held eye contact with Santana to let her know how serious she was.

Santana nodded then on whim got up and walked to Quinn and very carefully handed Alejandra to Quinn. She hadn't missed the longing look Quinn tried to hide. It actually thrilled her to no end. 'Can you hold her? I need a quick bathroom break.'

'Of course.' Quinn's grin could all but light up the whole of New York. She was that thrilled. 'Hey there Alejandra, remember me?' Alejandra gurgled and immediately zeroed in on Quinn's necklace and yanked causing Quinn to huff out surprised and Santana to laugh.

'I think she remembers you just fine.' She laughed softly before heading to the bathroom. She threw a last look at the two and shook her head. Quinn seemed to have infinite patients with Alejandra. She was very gently prying her necklace out of Alejandra's fingers all the while having a grand all time chatting with her. Those two are going to be a handful, I can feel it.

'You are a little angel, aren't you?' Quinn kissed Alejandra on top of the head, she couldn't believe that the little girl could be anything but cute and sweet, but Santana kept insisting that her liking Quinn was a big thing. If it was really true Quinn counted herself very lucky. She was already head over heels for Alejandra, and if Alejandra hated her it would suck. 'You won't ever hate me, will you?' The only response Quinn got was a happy babble and bright eyes focused on her fingers.

Holly shook her head as Brittany finished. Well that is a clusterfuck situation. They all are so beautifully broken, it is enough to make you cry. But what she found so phenomenal was the fact that although they were so very broken, they had all pulled their pieces together and in spite of what people threw at them they had become more and better than even they had ever hoped to be. If only they could see that as clearly as she could. 'You already know what you have to do little B. It's a mess I'll give you that, but it can be fixed. You have to let go, it's time to let go.'

Brittany bit her lip until it became painful. She had convinced herself that she wouldn't cry, her tears never got her very far after all. Everything was still exactly the same after. 'I don't know if I can.'

Holly reached across the table and squeezed Brittany's hand. 'Sure you can sweets. Maybe not all at once, but you can start.' Holly gave Brittany an encouraging smile. 'You go and talk to Santana, because that girl has been through enough and deserves better from you than what you did.' Holly said sternly. 'And then you have to talk to Quinn. Sweetie it's time to let her go.'

Brittany looked up alarmed at that statement. No she couldn't lose Quinn, she would break if she did. 'No, I need her!'

'I know, I am not saying you have to throw her out. But you have to let her heart go, it's not fair to her.' Holly bit her lip before deciding if she should say more. Sometimes saying more was necessary. 'I know what you two agreed on, but sweet cheeks you knew that Quinn still had feelings for you. And you can't give her what she really wants. She wants a partner someone who she can love and who loves her back. And as much as you wish you could, we both know that boat sailed a long time ago. But for her you have to tell her and you have to stop sleeping with her, because at this point you are using her and it is going to end up hurting her. She deserves better and you know it.'

Brittany nodded, she already knew that. God how she wished that she could be in love with Quinn, because things with Quinn had always been so easy. She loved her she just wasn't in love with her. And in the last few months it had become more and more obvious that Quinn wanted more, was ready to either start something with her or move on. She wanted someone to be in love with her. 'I don't know what to do without her.' She finally admitted what was really bothering her. She wanted Quinn happy, but she didn't know how to be without her. To be by herself. She hadn't been alone in years and even back when she had been she hadn't really been.

'You won't lose her, it would be impossible for you to lose her. She cares about you Brit and she will never let you fall, you'll learn how to do things on your own. And she needs to find her great love the way you did.' Holly said the last part so softly that Brittany nearly missed it. But she didn't and Holly swore she could see every drop of blood drain from her face. Too much Holls to damn much! 'So I have been hearing rumours, that a certain blonde dancing sensation was opening another studio, tell me it's true.'

Brittany took a few deep breathes, to calm down. She hated the way she still reacted to the mere mention of it. But at least now she could calm herself down. 'True, it's completely true.'

'Sweet cheeks you have to tell me everything! And why now?' Holly asked excited. Brittany was doing better, so much better.

'If you are sure, I have it all planned out already and I am only signing the papers on Monday. It might bore you.' Brittany grinned crookedly the thought of her new project very effectively pulling her out of her down. All temporary, but I'll take it.

'Everything sweet cheeks, tell me everything!' Holly reiterated then sat back and waited. Now this was a lot more fun and Brittany had such a clear idea of what she wanted, that much was obvious.

Santana shook her head and snorted. She still wasn't sure how Quinn had kidnapped Alejandra from her. Well maybe it was her own fault for handing her over in the first place. She just never thought that Quinn would not give her back. Oh shut up San you love seeing Dre with Quinn, the oddest couple, but so cute. When she had come back from the bathroom she found Quinn discussing Art and Literature with her little girl, who seemed utterly fascinated. And when they left Quinn hustled her into letting her take Alejandra for a while. So there they were Alejandra securely in her sling on Quinn's chest, with Quinn looking as if she won the lottery. 'You do realise she doesn't know what you are going on about, Voltaire just sounds pretty to her.'

'She does too.' Quinn pouted with a grin, she knew she was maybe going a little over board, but the idea that she could maybe take Alejandra with her to some Museums and read her some of her beloved Classics were bringing out her inner child again. 'She is just a lot more cultured than her mama. So I can see how you would think she doesn't know.'

Santana smacked Quinn's shoulder lightly and scowled. 'Hey don't call me uncultured, just because I find paintings of dead people boring doesn't mean I am not well read or uncultured you know.'

'Hey no smacking the woman with the baby!' Quinn smirked waggling her eyebrows playfully. 'And of course you aren't completely uncultured, you hung out with me enough that some of it rubbed off.'

Santana pursed her lips and arched an eyebrow. 'Look out Quinn your geek is showing.' She said it so dryly that Quinn couldn't help but burst out laughing which only got Santana laughing as well.

'It's been a while since anyone has accused me of being a geek.' Quinn finally managed once they were able to calm down a little.

'I think that might have something to do with the gun and badge you usually carry around. People get a lot more careful with their words when confronted with those.' Santana said as she looked Quinn up and down. She had to admit Quinn looked very good in jeans. I wonder why she never wore them in school? 'But with that shirt, total geek!'

Quinn scoffed a little, but she knew her ears were tinted red. It was one of her favourite shirts. It was a gift from Brit for her 21st. It was also one of only a few t-shirts she still owned the rest having vanished along with all her other casual clothes. 'Hey there's nothing wrong with my shirt, it's one of my favourites.' She defended, very happy that said shirt was nicely hidden beneath her jacket and Alejandra.

Santana snickered, obviously having hit some sort of nerve. 'Quinn you are wearing a Freudian Slip T-shirt and you are proud of it. Total geek.'

'Ugh you aren't going to let that one go are you?' Quinn sighed.

'Not a chance.' Santana smirked happily. 'As they say paybacks are hell.'

'Ok then I confess. I had absolutely nothing to wear. It seems that I only have suits in my closet. And this was the only casual clothes I could find, and I only have them because they were both gifts.' Quinn blushed bright red, not even sure why she had felt the need to share that little tad bit. It was embarrassing. Why do I have the need to explain myself to Santana?

Santana blinked then shook her head chuckling. Who would have thought, we used to both be so obsessed with how we looked. And now? 'I am so glad I am not the only pathetic one here.'

'Uhm...what?' Quinn looked at Santana as if she had grown a second head.

'See these?' Santana patted her jeans and waited for Quinn to nod. 'I admit these are mine, and I have worn them maybe four times...in five years.' Santana smiled when she saw comprehension flit across Quinn's face. 'The shirt? Not mine, I have no idea who's it is, just got mixed up in my gear, and I sometimes sleep in it.'

Quinn snorted enjoying Santana's teasing self-deprecation. 'And you were bad mouthing my shirt, at least I know where mine came from.'

Santana shrugged grinning widely. 'That shirt was just asking for it.' Santana scrunched her nose in delight when Quinn gave her the Quinn look. She couldn't remember the last time she had had this much fun. 'Now let's get on with the inspection though, shall we?'

'Oh please do.' Quinn glared at Santana. She liked her shirt, so sue her.

'You are so easy, the shirt suits you Quinn, I was just teasing.' Santana gave Quinn's shoulder a squeeze. 'Now where was I?'

'Well we had the neglected jeans. A stranger's shirt. That leaves the jacket and the shoes.' Quinn looked Santana up. It's not fair that she makes just about everything look this good. Although I like her better in Uniform. Suits her.

Is she checking me out? No, just stop she is just looking. Santana shook herself from her thoughts. There was no way that Quinn would ever look at her like that. 'Oh yes, well let's see.' Santana fingered the jacket and smiled wistfully. She would have loved it if Dolly was there with them, but the little piece of her with her was a small comfort at least. 'This Dolly sneaked into my pack. She is always mothering me, so I guess she wanted me to have at least one non army issue jacket.'

'Dolly?' Quinn cocked her head, Santana had not really talked much about her current friends or the people in her life so Quinn was of course very curious.

Santana grinned, oh Dolly and Quinn would be fun to watch. 'She is still in Iraq, we are family. You would love her and hate her at the same time. She is a hand full.'

'You light up when you speak about her.' Quinn said softly, wondering what place in Santana's life Dolly held.

Santana's lips quirked, she wanted to laugh because Quinn's implication was so easy to read. 'She is my best friend. We have gone to hell and back, and it has made us close.' Better keep our playing house to get people of our backs to myself for now. 'But Dolly is the straightest woman I have ever met! So no she isn't my significant other.'

Once again Quinn wanted to curse her blond hair as she turned bright red. 'I didn't mean to imply anything.'

'Oh for the...Quinn I thought we already discussed this! No more awkward.' Santana teased, she really didn't want things become awkward again. They were having to good a time. You just like spending time with Quinn and Dre. 'And it wasn't such a ridiculous thought you know.'

Quinn bit her lip then finally nodded. 'Fine, just sometimes I forget how easy going you are now.'

Santana blinked a couple of times. 'Well I could say the same.'

Quinn actually snorted then bumped shoulders with Santana. 'I'm glad you have someone that you are so close with Santana.'

Santana nodded, letting Quinn get them back to their previous topic. She could ponder Quinn's statement and her reaction later. As well as her own. 'She has been there for me.' Santana smiled at Quinn then pursed her lips, it was time to get back to having fun.

Quinn could for a second see something flit across Santana's face, but before she could even try and work it out it was gone and was replaced with what Quinn was starting to recognize as Santana's playful face. She looks so content and carefree when she does that. 'I hope I will get to meet her.'

'Oh you are bound to. Now I think I still have to tell you about the boots?' Santana wiggled her eyebrows making Quinn chuckle. 'These do actually have a story and yes they are mine. One of the few possessions I have held onto for years.' Santana looked at the boots, yes they were special. She started laughing when she remembered. She missed Quinn's cocked head and the pleasure that spread across her features as she watched Santana. 'I bought these with the first pay check me Dolly, Jess and James ever got.' Santana looked at Quinn then snorted, she had to explain that she knew. 'Just bear with me.'

Quinn nodded and kissed Alejandra on top of the head to keep herself from staring. Whatever it was Santana was remembering it was obviously a very good memory. 'I am not going anywhere.' She is opening up so much, I didn't think she would after what happened. Or maybe that is exactly why.

'Well then.' Santana closed her eyes and pulled up the picture of her friends. James was harder and harder to get a clear picture of. Jess's face just made her heart thud dully. But Dolly made her grin. Hold on to the good memories, you have so many of those. And sharing them keeps them alive. 'It was the first weekend we got to go off base. And everyone headed for the closest bar to drink their pay checks away. But I had stopped drinking, so we spent our time just walking around. Now it was a small town and there wasn't much there.' Santana glanced at Quinn and wrinkled her nose when she saw Quinn openly assessing her, not in a manipulative way. No Santana knew how Quinn looked when she did that. This was more in a way that told her Quinn was trying to puzzle her out just as much as she was trying to puzzle her out. 'Now it was a very small town in the middle of nowhere, but we found some shops. And ended up going into a saddle makers place. Now the guy who ran the shop was this old leathery, and yes leathery old man. He looked a lot like his saddles. And we got to talking and he suddenly disappeared into the back then came back with these.' Santana pointed to her boots.

Quinn smiled at the obvious delight on Santana's face. This is important to her. So listen up Quinn.

'He came back after a few minutes and slapped these on the counter and said they were made for me.' Santana shook her head, she remembered that she goggled at him like he was crazy, but when she had looked at the boots she knew she had to have them. 'He was of course right. They were everything I wanted and opposed everything I had been taught was ok for me to wear. In other words they were a big f you to my parents. I don't know how he knew, but he just did.' Santana rolled her eyes dramatically. She never did ask him how he knew, it seemed impolite. And you didn't know whether you could handle the answer.

Quinn chuckled, now that did sound like Santana. Strong sure and not afraid to give people a taste of their own medicine. 'So he had you pegged from the word go.'

'Yes, yes he did. But the boots were way out of my budget. I didn't really have much of anything back then. That I can tell you was a huge wake up call.' Santana shook her head and sighed. This was not what she had wanted to think about. 'But I couldn't take my eyes of them. Dolly and Jess noticed and kept telling me to buy them. 'Dolly was very pushy that I should get them. At that point I hadn't told them everything that had happened, that my parents threw me out you know.' Santana offered up the last part awkwardly. She knew that Quinn and Brittany had talked, but Quinn never let on how much Brittany had told her.

Sensing Santana's sudden discomfort Quinn lightly squeezed her arm and smiled encouragingly. She wasn't sure exactly why the sudden change, but really wanted to get Santana smiling like before. 'Well don't leave me hanging, you have me at the edge of my seat here.'

Santana chuckled, and felt a lot lighter. Things with Quinn seemed to easy now. And not for the first time she wondered why they had been so hard when they were younger. Because you were both scared and repressed and angry. But that is just a theory. 'Right anyway I finally managed to politely decline and herd the gang out of the shop, but I think I might have glanced back one to many times. And the next thing I knew Jess stomped her foot and growled at me to go back and get the f-ing boots already.' Santana giggled as she remembered talk and built Jess throwing a temper tantrum like a five year old. It had been so shocking at the time that she had blurted out the truth behind her not getting the boots. But now it was just hilarious and always made her laugh. 'In total shock I blurted just about my whole life story. You see Jess was always calm and easy going, and the sweetest person you could imagine. That was my first experience of her very Irish temper.'

Quinn laughed lightly at Santana's expression. It was somewhere between wonder and complete shock. She still has the ability to pull you in. Spin a wonderful tale. Dramatic and funny. 'Oh come now Santana you had to deal with a lot of tempers in our high school years. Mine included.' Quinn said the last part with an arched eyebrow and as dry as a desert wind.

'Yes, all true, but with you I expected it. Jess was quiet, kind, sweet and considerate. I just didn't see it coming.' Santana tilted her head back and sighed deeply. God I miss them, so much. She shook herself, this was not the time for introspection. 'Before I really knew what was happening though James and Jess had each grabbed an arm and with Dolly leading the charge we went back there and with all four our pay checks I bought the boots. I have never gone anywhere without them since.'

Quinn watched Santana without saying anything. She was showing more of herself that Quinn had ever seen before. She misses them. She looked lost in thought and the past. Happy and sad at the same time. And then realization hit Quinn, she had seen that same contemplative look before. Many, many times. Alejandra started really rooting around which made Quinn chuckle, she was also the perfect change of topic. Because Quinn needed time to process and think about the implications of her realization. Santana had lost friends, and it seemed like she had lost friends with whom she was extremely close. 'I think she wants her mama.'

Santana took Alejandra and started laughing when she caught onto what Quinn meant. 'Ahhh yes, treat me like the milk factory why don't you!' She accused Quinn lightly as she and Quinn found a secluded spot.

'Well if she shoe fits.' Quinn shrugged as she looked away while Santana situated Alejandra so she could drink.

'You know Quinn for a lesbian you sure are skittish around breasts.' Santana bit her lip as she watched the tips of Quinn's ears turn bright red. She found it utterly endearing.

Quinn whipped around to protest, but as soon as she saw Santana's breast, even if it was obscured, she turned bright red and turned away again. What the hell was that Quinn? Seriously! 'I have never had any complaints before.' Quinn muttered, she knew it was too little too late.

Santana snickered, she would never have guessed Quinn to be shy about anything. But apparently her breastfeeding was making Quinn very shy. 'Whatever you say Quinn, whatever you say.' Santana lent back and closed her eyes and just enjoyed the feelings running through her. She was having a good time. She was with her daughter and Quinn, who was becoming so very important to her. This is turning into a great day.

Rachel stared at the screen in front of her and blinked. She didn't really trust her own eyes, because if they were really seeing what she thought they were seeing she felt even worse. God I was such a little bitch back then. 'Pat! Pat can you come here real quick?'

Pat stuck his head into Rachel's office. 'It lives! Well colour me impressed.' He walked in and dropped a kiss on Rachel's lips.

'Ha ha, very funny.' Rachel muttered as she motioned to the screen. 'I am not imagining things am I?'

Pat looked over Rachel's shoulder then whistled loudly. 'Did you click on the link they provide?'

'Yes, god Pat it's so...she was blown up Pat. Santana was seriously injured by an IED in Iraq!' Rachel's voice was scratchy and horse. She had been so shocked when she had first seen Santana's name in connection to Iraq.

Pat squeezed Rachel's shoulder in support, he felt for her. But he just couldn't imagine how badly she really felt. 'What does it say?'

'Not much about Santana. Simply that she got hurt pretty badly. And that the other soldier with her, Jessica Masterson died on scene.' Rachel took his hand then opened the other tab with the link. 'This one on the other hand...they were close Pat.'

'Damn.' Pat said softly, he had first-hand experience with war zones, but he had never lost anyone because of it. 'What are you going to do with this?'

'I don't know.' Rachel sighed unhappily. 'On the one hand I think I should send it to Brittany, but on the other? I don't want to heap more onto her.'

'Or this could help her.' Pat countered, he knew that Rachel was unsure of herself otherwise she wouldn't have called him there. 'She asked for information. You found...well quite literally the mother of all information. And can she really get worse?'

Rachel sat back and mulled things over. Pat was of course right. She knew from what little Quinn told her and what she herself had seen, that although Brittany was functioning she was a shadow of herself. Maybe knowing where Santana is and what happened to her will help. 'I do have some other information I could send her at the same time.'

'There you go. You did what she asked and are keeping her informed.' Pat kissed Rachel on top of the head then headed for the door stopping just outside. 'You're doing the right thing.'

Rachel sighed then opened her E-mail. Maybe Pat was right, and maybe he wasn't. But she was going to send this article regardless. 'Thank you Pat. I'll be out soon.' After quickly jotting down all she had managed to find out she attached the article then hit send before she could get second thought. Rachel sat back and stared at the screen. 'I hope I did the right thing.'

Quinn watched Santana closely as she pointed out the different animals to Alejandra, who didn't seem interested in the least. But she was, she found it so incredible to watch Santana with Alejandra, they were extremely close and Santana loved her without reservation. And it stuck her that Santana was giving Alejandra what she had never had. A loving caring family. One that would never let her fall. She is an incredible mother, who would have thought.

'God you still think so loud that it could wake the dead.' Santana scowled at Quinn playfully. She had felt Quinn watch her, it should have bothered her, but it didn't. But she was curious what had put such a pensive look on her face.

'Now you sounded like Kerry. She is always complaining about my thinking.' Quinn smiled a little, not having quite shaken her thoughts away.

'So tell me what you were thinking about so hard?' Santana had turned to fully face Quinn. Her whole attention now on her. She was amazed how much fun they were having. The three of them.

Quinn bit her lip, then looked up at Santana. 'Well I was wondering what the point of our earlier talk was.' You are such a liar! But then I couldn't really tell her what I was thinking, now could I? That would be over stepping.

'And that would be a total lie.' Santana said pointedly, but let it go. Some thing's were just not meant to be shared. They were still very much getting to know one another, and pushing was not going to get them very far at all. 'No matter. We did get side-tracked before didn't we?' Quinn nodded and waited for Santana to continue. 'Well my point was that we are both workaholics, and that we needed to get a life. With that said, it also means we actually need civies.' Santana grinned, she knew Quinn wouldn't like the next bit. 'So since I am being kidnapped already to go shopping for my apartment I say we should do a little clothes shopping, since we both need it.'

Quinn groaned, their past experiences with shopping weren't the best and Quinn was very loathing for a repeat. 'Do we have to?' She finally whined making Santana burst out into laughter. I don't care that she is in essence laughing at me. That is just a beautiful sight.

Santana nose wrinkled and she nodded. 'Yes, we have too. But hey we have both grown up, I'm sure we can manage to do this without insulting each other.'

'Well ok fine, but if you so much as mention my ass in conjunction to a hooker I will kill you.' Quinn arched her eyebrow meaningfully and waited, she was sure Santana would eventually get the reference. She did like to tell me that my ass looked like that of a hooker.

Santana frowned, for the life of her she couldn't figure out what Quinn meant. After a few minutes it finally hit her and she howled. 'Oh my god! I said that didn't I?'

'On several occasions.' Quinn replied dryly. 'So do we have a deal?'

'I promise to not tell you your behind looks like that of a the corner hooker.' But I don't promise not to check it out, for being gay you haven't figured out I was simply checking you out back then and then panicked and turned it into an insult. But boy you have a very fine ass Quinn. Always did. Santana shook herself, this was not the time for thoughts like that. Actually she shouldn't be having those kinds of thoughts at all.

'Ok fine so we will go on a shopping trip next weekend.' Quinn sighed dramatically, but couldn't help the small grin. Spending time with Santana and Alejandra was not a hardship.

'Good.' Santana checked her watch, it was time they got back. She still had some work to finish and she had to try and find a baby sitter for Alejandra since Millie was out for a few days. This sucks! 'I am sorry to say, but I have to get back home.'

Quinn's knew that her disappointment more than likely showed clearly on her face. But she couldn't help it, was it crazy to think she just liked having Santana close and spending time with her? 'Of course, I've kept you two long enough.'

'No, really Quinn I would love to stay longer, but I have to get some work done. I need it for tomorrow, otherwise I would have stayed longer. This was a great idea.' Santana lightly touched Quinn's arm as she explained, she wanted Quinn to know how serious she was.

Quinn nodded, she knew how that went. She took work home more often than she liked, but that was just how it went. 'Walk you home?'

Santana chuckled, but nodded. 'So gallant. I never knew you could be such a gentlewoman officer.'

'Oh shut up.' Quinn laughed as they took off.

Brittany bit her lip until she could taste the faint taste of blood. But she couldn't stop, when she had opened the E-mail Rachel had sent her, she hadn't expected this. 'I was such a fucking bitch. I should have told her I should have explained. But no I ran. Probably making her feel worse than she already does.' God San I am so sorry, so very sorry.