Hey Everyone. I hope you enjoy this small story. Have a nice week!

No pressure, but I really appreciate it if you let me know what you think. Reviews, following and/or favouriting are always very heartwarming to get. So thank you :).

Chapter 1

"Britt? I'm home."

"Living room!"

Santana is just back from a hard day of work. It was a rough day. She's a social worker. Specifically helping families and people with big financial problems. She supports them getting a backing network, places where they can find help and tools & tricks to find them a way to survive.

It took the singer some time to find a job that stuck. Turns out, finding some sense of purpose and a nice office environment can do wonders.

Knowing her grandparents fought hard to find financial comfort in this land, brings a great sense of purpose towards the Latina to help others like that too.

After dropping her keys at the kitchen counter and dropping her coat and scarf on a chair she walks towards the couch and drops herself in Brittany's lap. The blonde objects a bit and tries to find a way to still see the screen that Santana walked in front of.

"Steer clear of the screen San, I'm watching a movie."

After not getting any reaction from Santana Brittany quickly looks for the remote and puts her movie on pause.

"San, what's wrong?" she asks with worry in her voice.

The singer shrugs her shoulders before nestling herself comfortable in the dancers lap. "It's nothing really. Just another family in financial trouble."

Brittany caresses her arm in a consoling way, keeping her other hand on her leg to give her some comfort. "Doesn't that happen a lot? What makes this family different that you can't seem to shrug it off?"

Santana shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know. Maybe it's the holidays. Knowing they don't have a warm house to go to in the evening, it just … it gets me sometimes. And they're from the hometown my Abuela's mother was from. It makes it more … close? I don't know. Anyway, ignore my feelings. I've got a plan figured out to help them, I'll execute it tomorrow. Now distract me please. It'll be better after a good night rest."

Brittany hesitates to give Santana what she wants. "You know, I get your struggle. Seeing bad … stuff makes you feel bad. Some think the solution to that is ignoring your emotions and plain out working on an automatic pilot. Yet sometimes it's good you're not stuck in a routine."

Moving her leg a bit, the dancer gets in a more comfortable position with Santana on her lap. "One day I was training a dog. It took me two seconds to find out he was neglected at home … and I didn't care. It made me feel awful about myself. It made me realise that being able to cope at work is important. I mean, if I would feel bad for every dog and cat I see that lives in a bad environment … we would be living in a pet hotel. But I can't. Though just ignoring everything isn't the solution either. It's a difficult bar between keeping yourself sane and positive or becoming heartless."

Trying to gather her thoughts Brittany pauses for a second. "Now I think I found a way to keep caring about every dog and cat I pass by, without them keeping me awake at night. I still care, but not in an overwhelming way."

Santana raises her eyebrows to the blonde. "So … you asking me to be more heartless?"

The blonde pats the brunette's leg playfully. "You know damn well I didn't mean it like that. I'm bad with words, which you are aware of. Especially if you catch me off guard."

Santana understands what Brittany was trying to say, but a bit of teasing can do no harm.

After a few minutes of silence Santana speaks up again. "Were you watching something? Did I interrupt a good movie?"

The blonde seems to figure out Santana wants the subject closed so she jumps into the conversation.

"It's bad San. Really really bad. I thought since it's the beginning of December I'll try a Christmas movie … but did you know there are bad Christmas movies?"

Santana laughs. "It took you 27 years to figure out there are bad Christmas movies? Have you SEEN love actually?"

Brittany hits Santana on her leg and gasps. "Do not EVER say love actually is a bad movie. I still can't believe you don't like that movie. It's like … forbidden to hate that motion picture. Christmas movie hater!"

Santana laughs more loudly. "Didn't you just say you're watching an awful Christmas movie? How come I'm the bad guy?"

Brittany grabs the remote and presses play on the movie. "Look at this San! I'm not the bad guy. This movie is. It's destroying Christmas. It's acted so badly and you can predict every sentence and action done in this movie. I have second hand embarrassment feelings! And don't get me started on the music. Such bad covers from Christmas songs."

"Well why do you keep watching then?"

Brittany inhales dramatically "How dare you ask that. You know I never stop in the middle of a movie. The movie would feel sad."

"And saying it's a bad movie won't make it sad?"

Crossing her arms and huffing the pet trainer responds "Don't start, smartass. Anyway, it gave me another idea too."

Brown eyes look into blue ones sceptically. She knows from experience that anything can happen when her girlfriend comes with an idea. "Yeah, and what's that brilliant idea of yours?"

"I'm going to watch 24 Christmas movies."

"Why 24?"

"Because that's Christmas day."

"Uhm." Trying to find a gentle way to correct the blonde she tenderly touches her forearm. "Maybe 25 movies are better then?"

"Why would I …" eyebrows shoot into the air, the lightbulb has light up. "24, 25 what's the difference." Santana needs to get closer to Brittany to hear her clearly, she's mumbling her words. "Who knows when Jesus was born. So many time has passed. Who says we're right about the date?"

Giving a forceful breath out she continues. "But okay, let's go with the traditional date. I'll watch 25 Christmas movies."

"Are there even 25 Christmas movies?"

A shocked look is visible on Britt's face. "I think there are more than three-hundred Christmas movies. Plus, you've got like a dozen classics."

Santana shuffles her feet out of her shoes and makes herself comfortable on the couch. "So …wait, let me rewind this conversation. Why would anybody want to watch 25 Christmas movies willingly?"

"It seems like fun. I can never choose which movie to watch. So I'm going to rate them, and then next year again, until I can find my top 10 favourite Christmas movies."

"But … you just said it was a bad movie."

The blonde shrugs. "So? I'm sure I'll find good ones. Come on, I'm only halfway through the film, you can watch it with me and then we can give it a rating." Brittany looks towards Santana, blue eyes twinkling because of her genius idea…

An idea she figured out throughout the week.

You see, ever since Santana started working as a social worker almost eight months ago, she's been distant. She's literally away from home a lot. And not the normal amount of away you can expect from a working human being. Brittany works fulltime too. Yet ever since that new job, Brittany feels like she's married to a ghost. She has had more imaginary conversation in her head with her wife then in real life!

Santana has been so absent this year, always working until very late in the night. Weekend is a foreign word in the social worker's dictionary. It makes Brittany feel insecure.

Insecure about her own passion for her job, though she rationally knows that what Santana is doing isn't healthy. She won't be able to keep on working on this tempo. She's insecure and worried her wife will crash one of these days.

Nevertheless… there's a stronger and stronger part of her that's afraid. She's starting to get afraid Santana is using her work as an excuse to stay away from Brittany. She knows her wife would never cheat. Never ever… but maybe this is her way to try to make clear to the dancer she isn't feeling it anymore?

Brittany feels like Santana's love for her is faltering. Not that their relationship is bad right now or something … it's just … they've been together for a while now. Been married for a few years. Maybe Santana got bored? Maybe she doesn't want to be with Brittany anymore, so she'll just stay at work or friends to go through her days?

Because of those feelings, Brittany thought of a plan. A plan with multiple purposes. A plan to help her wife find a more sustaining way to balance her energy-levels. A plan to see her wife more. Plus a plan to try to settle down her insecurities about Santana not loving her anymore.

The blonde figured the best way to settle down those insecurities is to be physically more around her wife. Then she'll see how her girlfriend acts around her.

So to find Santana more at home, the dancer figured starting a tradition with the both of them is an awesome way to get more together. And what better month is there to start a tradition together then at the last month of the year? A month full of tradition?

When the last few scenes on the television are passing by, the blonde readjusts her arm around Santana and speaks up again. "Ooh, San wait! Let's make this a tradition? I'll wait until you're home from work and then we can watch and discuss the movies together.'

Shrugging the suggestion already away before thinking about it her wife responds. "Honey, you know December is a really busy month for me. I'm sorry, but I can't promise you I'll be able to be on time for three weeks straight."

"All right Scrooge. Never mind."

Brittany gently pushes Santana of her lap, a little hurt by the lack of enthusiasm from her girlfriend.

Santana feels a bit guilty and tries to convince Brittany to forgive her. She gives some small kisses on the jawline of her wife, trying to make a pathway to her neck and lower.

The blonde protest. "Not now San, I'm trying to watch this movie."

The brunette huffs and walks towards the bedroom. "Stupid Christmas movie stealing my wife's attention."

"I heard that."

"Yeah well, I said it out loud didn't I? At least thanks for getting my mind off of work I guess. Now I get to feel mad about something else."

Hoping that would lure the blonde into the bedroom Santana walks towards the bathroom to change and crawl into bed. It takes another 15 minutes until Brittany joins her.

Looking up from the book she's reading Santana speaks up. "Well look who the cat brought in."

"Wait, I thought Lady Tubbington was sleeping in the kitchen?"

"Not the time for jokes Britt, I'm mad."

Starting to change into her night wear the blonde turns around. "You're mad? Why are you mad?"

Carelessly throwing the book on her nightstands Santana sighs. "I was totally wanting to get my mack on and you didn't respond to it."

"I was in the middle of my Christmas tradition San. I'm here now." The dancer is struggling with her shirt, almost tumbling onto the bed. It makes her not see the ridiculous eye-roll Santana is giving her.

"You haven't even seen two movies and you already call it a tradition." She rolls around, turning her back towards Brittany. "And now I'm not in the mood anymore. Goodnight."

Over time Brittany has figured out Santana's language completely. She knows when she has to keep talking, when to leave her alone and when to give a hug. The first thing she needs to do is give her some time to be stubborn.

The blonde makes herself ready in the bathroom. Soon after she turns off all the lights in the house. Before making herself comfortable she walks to the bedside where Santana lies and gives her a kiss before whispering she loves her.

Brittany gives out a relieved breath after hearing Santana say the same back. That means there's no damage done and she's not mad anymore. The blonde is not so sure if the same could be said for herself. She misses her girlfriend. She's extremely happy and proud she found a job she's got passion for, but it's starting to be a problem.

She doesn't care that Santana can't watch every movie with her for three weeks. That's completely logic. What hurt is that she wasn't even suggesting trying one evening out. Does that mean Santana is planning on staying at work late for the whole month? Or was she lying and just saying that so she wouldn't have to be with Brittany?

Before the dancer falls asleep she makes a note to herself to talk to Santana about taking some time off during the holidays.

For now Brittany decides to not make any fuss about it. She'll enjoy her Christmas tradition on her own then. Maybe Santana will figure what the blonde wants. Watching lots of Christmas films is going to be fun! Let's focus on that. What's not to like about Christmas movies with only happy endings?

Next evening 11pm

Santana drops her keys on the kitchen counter again, exhausted from the day she had. She's pretty happy right now. The family that got on her case yesterday has gotten some real help today and she was a big part of it. It made the Latina almost cry when the youngest child hugged her saying thanks. Though still so young, the child must have understand the importance of the situation.

Santana is not naïve, she knows that nothing is solved already. Nevertheless, it's the small steps that can bring so much. Witnessing that family taking a small step is indescribable to see.

When she walks into the living room she notices all the lights are already off. She calls out for her girlfriend but doesn't get an answer. Figuring that the blonde is already sleeping, Santana drinks a glass of orange juice before making herself ready to go to bed too. Long working days are very exhausting.

And it's only Tuesday!

Once in the bedroom Santana climbs into bed and greets Brittany. The dancer turns around before wrapping her arms around the singer.

"Hey San." A tired voice calls out. "How was work? Were you able to do what you wanted for that family from yesterday?"

Santana brings Brittany closer to her before giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Yeah, I think so." After seeing Brittany's eyes haven't opened she starts to whisper. "I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"No, I've only been in bed for ten minutes. My movie was terribly long… didn't made it more worth it."

Santana chuckles. "You're really going to go through with this challenge?"

She gets a mumbled yes in response before the blonde falls asleep. Having her love safely tucked into her arms it doesn't take Santana long to doze off too.

Next evening 10pm

After another long day at work Santana is glad to be home. She can't wait to jump into bed to get her cuddles on with her wife. What she wasn't expecting was seeing a teared-eyed blonde sniffling on their couch in the living room.

"Britt Britt? What's wrong honey?"

"Sssan?"

Santana rushes over to the blonde, wrapping her in her arms. Giving her a soothing touch Brittany speaks up. "Iii .. I didn't know there were sad Christmas movies. Why would they make a sad one? I wasn't prepared for someone dying."

The social worker is trying everything within her power to not throw the remote towards the TV, cursing whatever movie-name into infinity hell. How dare that movie make her wife feel sad!

Instead of being angry, she goes with a gentler approach. "Britt, it's okay. If you don't like the movie then don't watch it. Or maybe things will get better in the end?"

"I don't think so, I'm almost at the end of the movie."

Feeling guilty for only being home now, Santana is left a bit speechless. Normally they plan to stick closely together when they decide to watch a sad movie. Ever since they've met, they've made the promise to each other to not watch a sad movie alone.

Even though neither planned this sad movie, Santana partly feels like she broke that promise. Santana sheepishly sits down on the couch.

Instead of talking, she keeps Brittany close to her. Mumbling soothing words in her ear, trying to make her less sad. Fighting against her fatigue, Santana tries her best to keep the blonde close. Though it doesn't take long for Santana to fall asleep. Being exhausted from her workday took its toll on her the minute she sat down on the couch.

Only half conscious, Santana feels someone lifting her up and bringing her to bed. Brittany tries her best to change an almost unconscious Santana into her pyjamas for the night. After that it doesn't take another second before Santana is back to dreamland.

Friday morning

"Shit, I'm late for work." A startled voice calls out from the bathroom.

"Santana don't worry. You've been overworking for the past four days. One minute late won't be hell." After not receiving an answer Brittany grabs her own purse ready to leave for work before hesitating. "Do you want me to drop you off? I can drive and pick you up tonight too?"

Starting to get excited the blonde continues. "Then we can finally watch a Christmas movie together! I've been hoping to see a great one tonight, it gets great reviews the one I picked out for this evening."

Santana rushes back into the kitchen looking for her wallet. Only half processing what the blonde said she answers. "Uh sorry babe, but I think it's better I take my own car. I don't know how late I'll be home tonight. There's lots to do today."

"Come on Santana, it's Friday evening! You know, you make me feel so guilty sometimes, like I don't care enough about my job. I'm passionate and dedicated to my work too. Doesn't mean I'm working until midnight every day!"

Not really understanding where that outburst came from Santana freezes. "What?"

The blonde huffs, not feeling up to having that conversation right now. "Doesn't matter. Come on, go then, I'll close off the house. I'll be on time, work is closer for me anyway."

Santana gives a quick thanks and aims for a kiss. Before that's possible Brittany moves away a bit, which results to an awkward kiss on the cheek. Some alarm bells go off in that moment for Santana. Though the time to figure those alarms out is not now. After a rushed bye Santana is out the door and the blonde is left alone with her frustration.

Friday evening

Santana is walking with caution into the living room, not really knowing what mood her wife will be in at the moment. She gives a bit of a relieved breath out when she sees her wife captivated in a movie. It could probably make her sneak into the bedroom to freshen up a bit before talking to her.

"Ugh San, only ten minutes to go and I'm forever freed from this movie. This is the most boring Christmas movie ever!"

… Or not.

Though Santana knows now is not the time to say the next few sentences, Snixx has a saying too … and Snixx is not happy.

"Come on Brittany, I've had it. First it's bad acting, then it's too sad. Then it was too old because it was in black and white. Then the movie was way too long. Now it's too boring? Why are you torturing yourself with these movies. Just find another tradition!"

Brittany looks towards Santana a bit flabbergasted. "Well excuse you me. Sorry if I'm bothering you with my whining or if I'm annoying you, I'll just shut up then."

And she did. Brittany didn't say another word for the rest of the evening. Santana wishes it will just be a one evening thing. All forgotten and forgiven tomorrow…

Weekend – Saturday morning

"Hey sleepyhead. How'd you sleep"

Blonde hair jumps up from under the covers, giving an answer. "Great. You?"

Santana makes a silent fist bump in her head. Brittany is not not talking to her anymore!

"Awesome."

"So it's the first weekend of December. That means … Christmas tree time!"

Santana gives an apologetic look. "Oh honey, I'm sorry, I've got some work I need to finish today. We can go tomorrow?"

The blonde is pouting, feeling some disappointment come up. "But the shop is closed on Sundays. We need to buy the tree today."

"Well how about you go buy it and then we'll decorate it together tomorrow?"

Brittany stretches and steps out of bed and answers "Fine." Before walking towards the bathroom, making herself ready to go to the store.

Sunday

"Tree decorating time!" Brittany shouts excited.

Looking up from over her computer Santana gives a startled look. "Ow, would it be okay if I do a little bit work first?"

"What?"

"Yeah, paperwork. But I can do it here, in the living room. I can watch you decorate the tree?"

The blonde huffs. "Seriously Santana? You promised to help yesterday."

Santana shrugs her shoulders, not really understanding the big deal. "Yeah, but I didn't get to finish where I wanted yesterday, so I thought I'd finish it today."

Brittany starts opening up the boxes of Christmas ornaments they have, making more noise than necessary. Santana decides to just ignore that fact.

They work next to each other for a while. Santana working at the kitchen table. Brittany fighting with Lady Tubbington over the ornaments. Some soft Christmas music is playing in the background.

At some point a catchy Christmas song comes up and Brittany starts to dance cutely onto the beat of the song. "Come on San, join me!"

Before she can deny, Brittany is already walking towards her. After taking one last glance towards her computer she's being dragged towards the area between the couches and the television. Brittany leads them towards a nostalgic dance routine before ending the song with a twirl and catching Santana. Both got beaming smiles on their faces. "I love dancing with you B."

Getting a happy sigh in response Brittany answers. "Me too. Come on, let's do another one."

Gently pushing the blonde away, Santana starts to walk back towards the kitchen. "Sorry Britt, I've still got a lot of work to do."

Brittany pouts, trying to grab her wife's arm. "Come on San, one more dance?"

Feeling regretful Santana pulls her arm away and answers. "No I really can't."

Making a small sprint to block Santana's path the dancer crosses her arms and gets frustrated. "Santana come on. I don't like this."

"What?"

"I want to do things with you. it's December. It's family time. It's joy time. I want to do Christmas stuff with you. And all you do is work! I don't like it!"

Giving her wife a calculated look Santana stops walking. "Britt where is this coming from? Since when is doing Christmas traditions such an important thing for you?"

"Since ever. Come on San, work with me on this one. Can we please do some stuff together? Watch a movie together? Decorate the house a bit?"

"I really need to finish this right now B." Seeing her wife wearing a defeated look she tries to compromise. "But I promise I won't complain about the Christmas stuff and I'll try to help if I have the time. Deal?"

Not really convinced, but realising it's the best she'll get out of the brown eyed woman she reluctantly agrees... for now.