There's Always Brooklyn - Chapter Seven
Title: There's Always Brooklyn
Author: Sio and Maura
Artist: raingoddess2040
Type: AU Post On My Way, future femslash with a het side pairing
Word Count: 195,092
Rating: NC-17 for later chapters
Characters/Pairings: Rachel/Santana, Quinn/OMC, past Quinn/Rachel, Santana/Brittany, near miss Quinn/Santana, Quinn/Rachel
Warnings (highlight to read): Explicit sexual content in later chapters, talk of presumed non-con (no actual), minor off-screen violence, strong language, external/general homophobia, child (not kink), parenting (not kink)
Summary: Six years ago, Santana Lopez disappeared following graduation. The costs for therapy and rehab to get out of her chair, made Quinn Fabray realize she couldn't have Yale, so she went with her second acceptance - NYU. Rachel Berry missed out on NYADA but made it into Tisch, only to find herself as roommates with Quinn after tearing herself away from Finn to go to New York. Eventually a gin soaked night led to a tormented relationship that eventually was surrendered to save their fading friendship. When Rachel finally managed to land a Broadway lead under Quinn's management, they were shocked by who showed up for the latest opening as Rachel's assistant.
What neither of them had ever expected was that she'd have a child with her. One she'd ran away to New York to be able to have without the shame Quinn had gone through.
Chapter Seven
Quinn was the first one to wake up, looking over and smirking to see that Rachel’s resolve to not cuddle and make Santana uncomfortable hadn’t lasted very long. The small woman was practically attached to the side of their friend, snuggled into her shoulder, with Brooklyn somehow wiggled into the tiny pocket between them. She barely kept herself from snickering as she tried to ease her way out of the bed without waking anyone.
It was early yet, and she yawned softly as she glanced out the window at the grey dawn before heading to the kitchen to set coffee brewing. Noticing the stockings stuck under the window like Rachel always did, she shook her head in fond amusement, sneaking to her coat and slipping a small wrapped box out of the pocket to tuck into Brooklyn’s stocking and the envelope with Santana’s Christmas bonus check to slip into hers. Hearing the soft gurgle of the coffeemaker as it finished brewing, she returned to the kitchen to pour a cup.
As soon as Santana caught of whiff of coffee her brain clicked awake. She blinked open her eyes and noticed that the two tiny brunettes that laid to her left had begun to cuddle each other. Santana shook her head and rubbed her eyes. She kissed Brooklyn’s crown before sliding off the bed and stretching before heading over to the kitchen.
“Merry Christmas, Quinn.” Santana grumbled out as she headed over to her backpack. She dug out a wrapped present and two smaller ones and put them under the small tree. She yawned and stood up and arched her back to crack her spine before heading over to find coffee.
Quinn had just finished pouring her a mug when she got into the kitchen. “Merry Christmas, Santana,” she smiled at her as she handed her the coffee. “There’s creamer and things in the fridge. Rach has that ridiculous almond milk stuff, but I snuck a bottle of hazelnut real dairy creamer in last night if you’re interested. Sugar’s in the jar on the counter but I warn you - it’s brown. Apparently the white stuff is bleached with bone meal. Kinda gross. How’d you sleep?”
“Better that I didn’t know about bleached sugar.” She scrunched up her face and poured her coffee and put some creamer in it. “It’s a good thing I don’t use sugar.” She said with a yawn. “I slept fine, Brooklyn kicks sometimes so that’s a bit rough but it was nice having a old school cuddle pile.”
“Yeah, I noticed you got Rachel the limpet attached to you and Brooklyn when I got up this morning,” she smirked, sipping her second cup of the morning. “What’d you do with the footie-pajama mafia anyway? Leave them snuggling?”
“Yep,” Santana said as she sat down and drank some of her coffee. “They are clinging to each other right now.” She rolled her eyes and shrugged, “Hey, I’m sorry I got over emotional last night. You know.. wine and me don’t mix.”
Quinn shrugged, “No big deal. You know what happens to me when I get a bit drunk. No one needs angry Quinn.” She offered a lopsided smile, “You needed to vent and we were here to listen to you get it out. It’s cool.” She reached over and gave Santana’s hand a squeeze, “So... how are you liking working with the midget?”
“It’s better than any other job I’ve had. It pays pretty well and Brooklyn’s happy, so that’s really all I care about.” She shrugged, “Though having a kid has made me a lot more tolerant of Rachel’s tantrums.”
“Oh, so you haven’t felt the urge to throw whatever you were drinking in her face yet?” Quinn smirked, “You’re doing better than me then. I actually have thrown a glass of water in her face a couple of times. Coffee’s too expensive to waste.”
“Nah, I got to watch that photographer throw a bucket on her. Fucking hilarious if I didn’t have to keep her from killing him...” She smiled and took another sip. “What do you guys normally do on Christmas?”
Quinn snorted, “Oh God, no wonder she insisted on cancelling every other shoot that used that guy and wrote that nasty review on him. Wish I could have seen it,” she chuckled and shook her head. “We don’t do much. Rachel’s pretty much done with her holiday by Christmas so usually I go to church around noon and if neither of us have a date - which lately, hasn’t happened to often - we go out to Pang’s for dinner with what seems like half her congregation.”
Santana chuckled, “Sounds nice.” She said as she took a long sip, “Who has a date on Christmas?” She asked curiously.
“Rachel did. Once,” Quinn laughed softly. “I think he was an atheist or something. He was so shocked when he realized just how much effort Rachel puts into her faith. If I remember right, he called her a stealth religious freak and a ninja Jew when they broke up.”
“Sounds like a real winner.” She said, “I don’t even understand how people are like that.” She got up and filled her cup again. “I’m so happy I don’t have to deal with that shit.”
“What shit?” Quinn asked curiously. “Some people are just that unpleasant. Hmm,” she considered, glancing at the cabinets as she got up to refill her own cup. “Do you think the girls would like oatmeal for breakfast? I’m sure Rachel’s got all we need for it and probably some fresh fruit and things to stir in.”
“As long as you have a banana it will be good.” She said, “I should go wake the short people up...” She said as she stood up, “I also need to put pants on.”
“Oh, you don’t have to,” Quinn smirked, getting the things out to make oatmeal. She glanced at Santana and waggled her brows, “I mean, you certainly haven’t lost your edge by having a kid, San.”
“Well, I was always the hottest at school.” She said leaning against the counter. “But, I remember you bouncing back pretty fast after you had yours.”
“I worked my ass off that summer,” she pointed out, bumping Santana’s hip with hers. “And had to crash diet ala Sue. It sucked.”
“I vaguely remember lots of five am trips to the track.” Santana reminded her, “Lots of sweat and tears on your part. I, on the other hand, am always this awesome looking.”
“I’ve noticed and am appropriately jealous,” Quinn teased. “But it is Christmas and we haven’t even gotten into presents yet, so there’s no rush to get dressed. If you’re self-conscious, you can steal something of Rachel’s. I’m sure her pants would fit you. Might even be a bit loose.”
“I can just put my jeans on when I wake...” Before she could even finish her sentence Brooklyn paddled out into the kitchen. She had her blanket over her head like a hood and her bumble clutched to her chest. She blinked her eyes and automatically moved into Santana’s arms. “Morning, baby-girl.” Santana whispered as she picked the little girl up and moved to sit back down in the chair and cuddle her daughter.
Rachel padded out a bit later, rubbing her eyes and yawning, “Is that coffee I smell?” she mumbled, blinking at having a full kitchen.
“Sure is,” Quinn responded, handing her the mug she’d started pouring when she spotted Brooklyn, knowing her friend would be up soon. “I’m making oatmeal for everyone too.”
“Mmm,” Rachel hummed, breathing in the rich aroma of the coffee with a pleased smile. “You’re an angel.” She sipped at the coffee as she walked over to get her box of almond milk and spoon in a bit of sugar, giving it a stir. “Would you like some juice, Brooklyn? I’ve got orange, apple, pineapple, and strawberry banana.”
Brooklyn mumbled something from under her blanket, “Brooke says apple, please.” Santana interpreted. “She’s not a morning person,” the young mother explained, “I have her Jasmine sip cup in that bag there.” She pointed to the pink backpack.
Waking up a bit more, Rachel set her coffee on the counter and padded over to the backpack, rummaging around for a moment before she came up with the cup. “Do you add ice, Santana, or does she prefer it plain?” she asked as she padded back over to the fridge to get out the jug from the co-op.
“I cut it with w-a-t-e-r.” Santana spelled, “It’s better for her.” She explained, “put like half of it juice and then top it off.”
Rachel gave her an odd look for spelling it out, but just shrugged and grabbed the filtered water pitcher filling the cup half full with juice before topping it off with water. Screwing the cap on, she put the juice and water away before giving the cup a little shake and handing it to Brooklyn. “Here you go, sweetie. Quinn’s going to have some oatmeal made soon. Do you like anything in your oatmeal?”
Brooklyn popped her head out of the blanket and blinked at the lights. Her hair was messy and she took the cup and mumbled thank you. Santana smoothed down her daughter’s hair and kissed her temple. “Ba-nana. Please,” she said taking a gasp of breath after trying to drink a lot of juice in a single breath.
“Don’t drink so fast, sweetie,” Rachel chided, before picking a banana from the fruit bowl on the counter and peeling and slicing it. “How about you, Santana? What do you like in your oatmeal?”
“I’m not really a breakfast person, I’ll just eat whatever Brooke doesn’t finish like I do at home.” She shrugged and looped her arms around her daughter’s waist and snuggled into her.
“Are you sure?” Rachel glanced back, “I’ve got some fairly tasty peaches and I’ll be slicing one up anyway for mine.”
“Nah.” Santana said, “I’m good.” She took another sip of her coffee before pulling Brooklyn’s hair into a ponytail. “Babe, do you remember what today is?”
“No?” Brooklyn looked up, then suddenly her face lit up. “Santa! Christmas, it’s Christmas, mommy!”
“Yes it is,” she smiled.
“Do you want to wait until after we eat?” Quinn asked, nodding towards the living room slightly as she started dividing the oatmeal into three fairly large bowls while Rachel tossed fruit bits into them.
“Yes,” Santana nodded, “Patience is a skill we need to work on.” She smiled and watched Brooklyn hum a Christmas carol softly to herself.
“Alright,” Quinn nodded, bringing the dishes over to the table.
Rachel grabbed the container of almond milk. “Santana, would you and Brooke care for some milk to cool your oatmeal? Or would you just like some ice?”
Santana looked at the box warily, “Ice. She’s allergic to tree nuts.” She explained, “It’s not severe but I’d prefer to not test it.”
“I do have cow’s milk,” she pointed out mildly, grabbing a couple of cubes of ice from the freezer to drop in Santana and Brooke’s bowl. “Quinn?”
“It’s really cow’s milk?” she asked, looking suspiciously at Rachel. “Last time it was goat’s milk,” she explained to Santana, “some sort of complicated revenge scheme.”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “It’s really cow’s milk, Quinn. Though I honestly don’t see what’s wrong with goat’s milk,” she huffed, getting out the small carton of regular 1% milk for Quinn before sitting down to eat.
“Goat’s milk is nasty.” Santana blanched, “My abulea made me drink it when we visited my family in Puerto Rico once.” She stirred around the ice in the oatmeal letting it cool off before helping Brooklyn start eating.
“See?” Quinn pointed at Rachel with her spoon before going back to stirring her milk, banana and peach oatmeal. “I told you it was gross. That was positively evil switching my milk.”
Rachel shrugged. “Taught you not to have me buy your groceries with such a vague list, now didn’t it?” She glanced at Santana, “The next list was very specific on what kind of products she wanted and shopping was much easier.”
“I get that, but yours take specific to a insane level.” Santana pointed out. “You put prices and aisle numbers.”
“I think the extra details help to make things go quicker,” Rachel remarked mildly. “All I was asking for was something more than just milk, bread, cereal, fish and peanut butter on the list. There are a great many varieties after all. Almond, soy, cow’s, goat’s, one percent, two percent, skim, whole... the list is quite absurd sometimes.”
“You keep thinking that.” Santana smiled as Brooklyn held the spoon up for Santana to take a bite. “Thank you.” She smiled and let her child go back to eating. “But there are a lot of types of cereal, Quinn.” Santana smirked.
“Oh God, tell me about it,” Quinn groaned. She ate a bit, then pointed her spoon at Rachel, “She came home with that nasty milk, some sort of little nugget cereal that looked like bird food or something, this gross bread that was nearly black and herring. At least I could actually eat crunchy, store brand peanut butter.”
“Precision is nothing to be laughed at, Quinn,” Rachel pointed out mildly, nibbling on a slice of peach she’d fished out of her bowl.
“That’s awful.” Santana said, “Rachel never gets to shop for me and Brooke. We needs our goods to be just right.” She said, “Right, babe?”
“Mommy teaches me to read at store.” Brooklyn declared proudly, “I like going to the store.”
“Sounds fun,” Rachel smiled at her. “And Santana, all you’d have to do is tell me what you want. Instead of leaving things incredibly generic the way Quinn was wont to.”
Quinn shrugged, “She did get better about it after I started specifying. Though if I didn’t ask for a specific brand, I got generic a lot of the time.”
“It’s cheaper,” she pointed out, “and there’s nothing at all wrong with generic. Most of the time it’s the exact same product as the brand name, even made in the same factory anyway, so why spend the extra money for the fancy packaging and marketing?”
“Yeah that’s what we do.” Santana smiled, “Generic is a brand in my world.” When Brooklyn had finished, Santana ate the last few bites and patted her daughter’s tummy. “Alright baby, let’s go get you changed then see if Santa came?”
“Santa!” Brooklyn cheered, wiggling to get down off her mom’s lap so she could get her change of clothes from her backpack and go change in the bathroom. “Come on, Mommy! We gotta change to see if Santa found me!”
Rachel laughed softly watching her scurry around. “It certainly makes for an interesting Christmas to have a child around on Christmas morning.”
“Wait until she experiences Jewish Santa,” Quinn chuckled, finishing off her oatmeal and getting up to put things in the sink.
Santana wrangled her daughter into a simple red dress with white tights and a little black flats. “Braid or straight?” she asked as she ran a brush through her daughters hair.
“Braid.” She asked, turning to the side so Santana could pull her locks into a long side braid.
“So after we see if Santa came here we need to go to church then home to open Christmas presents at home okay?” she reminded the girl, “Mommy will make dinner and we can go play in the snow if you want.”
“Yay!” Brooke smiled picking up her Bumble again as Santana got changed into her pants and a dress shirt. “You look pretty, mommy.”
“Thank you, Brooke.” Santana smiled before taking the girl out to the living room. “Close your eyes.”
While Santana and Brooke and been getting dressed in the bathroom, Quinn and Rachel and decided to follow the trend in the bedroom. “It feels entirely weird to be getting dressed so early on Christmas,” Rachel pouted, getting out of her pink footie-pjs with a soft sigh before dressing in a black velvet skirt and a red top over her white tights. Slipping on her Mary Janes, she tied a neat red and green bow in her hair.
“Just deal with it,” Quinn muttered, rolling her eyes as she smoothed down her white dress. “And you seriously need a fashion sense update. You look like a child in that.”
“What’s wrong with it?” Rachel pouted looking down at her outfits.
“Nothing,” Quinn shrugged, “if you were six.”
Rachel just pouted at her and flounced out of the room accompanied by Quinn’s laughter. Once she got out, she saw Brooklyn and Santana heading for the sofa and smiled delightedly. “Jewish Santa time!”
“Mommy! We looks alike!” Brooklyn pointed out as she looked at Rachel’s outfit. Santana nearly fell over at the comment.
“Oh sweet god.” Santana laughed as she sat down on the couch.
Quinn came in just in time to hear the comment and nearly doubled over laughing. “You see, Rachel!”
“What?” Rachel glowered at the two women laughing at her, “Just because she shares my impeccably classic taste in fashion doesn’t mean anything!”
Brooklyn’s eyes went wide when she saw the stockings, “Mommy!” she gasped, her little hand pointed to the window. “Santa found me!”
“He did, baby, Santa knows where all the little girls who are very good and very sweet are.” She smiled and kissed her daughter’s head.
“He’s an exceptionally clever man,” Rachel nodded, going to the window and making a production about checking package tags. “Oh, we have a stocking for Quinn,” she chirped, bringing it over to a smiling Quinn who rolled her eyes as Rachel plopped it in her lap and skipped back over to the stockings, “and Brooklyn,” she picked up the middle stocking and carried it over to the little girl who clapped before taking it with a little thank you. “And finally,” Rachel picked up the last stocking, “one for Santana.” Smiling she walked over and handed it to her.
Santana looked up from her daughter, “Really?” She asked softly, “Rachel...” She looked at her and blinked taking it reluctantly. “Thanks.”
“All good Christian and Catholic girls get a stocking on Christmas,” Rachel smiled at her, heading to the armchair to take her seat, “You’re quite welcome, Santana. Well, go on. What are you all waiting for? It’s present time!”
“I can open?” Brooklyn asked as she sat cross-legged on the floor. Santana nodded and the little girl opened the present and carefully took things out one by one and showed them to her mom. “Mommy a new toy like froggie!” She exclaimed as she held the beanie baby horse.
“Look at that!” Santana smiled and looked up and smiled to Rachel. “That’s amazing!”
Rachel grinned, “Wow, Brooklyn. Now you’ve got two little friends.”
Quinn carefully opened the wrapped rectangular box to reveal the pen set. “Oh, a new pen set! However did Santa know I needed a new one?” she asked, shooting a sly look at Rachel who blushed.
“I suppose he just knew,” she shrugged, smiling. “He is magical after all, right?”
“Mommy? What did Santa bring you?” She asked as she looked in her mom’s stocking. “Needs help?”
“Sure, babe,” Santana smiled as she let Brooklyn take the gifts out of her stocking and set them on the floor.
“Mommy look.” Brooklyn said, “You has a new book and card thingies.”
“That’s very exciting, darling, these are for the subway. Santa knew mommy needed them, he’s so smart.” She said with a kiss to her daughter’s head.
“They’re not all for the subway,” Rachel pouted, giving the little stack a nudge. “See? There’s another one too. See? It’s to a restaurant that you and Brooklyn can go to.”
Quinn blinked at the meager pile, “There should be an envelope in there too, Santana...”
Brooklyn found the envelope and handed it to Santana. “Thanks,” Santana said as she opened it and looked at the check before looking up at Quinn. “Quinn.. I’ve only been working for a few months.”
“Christmas bonus,” she shrugged. “Everyone in the office gets them when things are going well, which they are, so why should you be left out?”
Santana blinked away the tears that had gathered in her eyes, “Thank you.” She managed to get out as she helped Brooklyn get the tube in her stocking open. It had a Muppets colouring book and a new set of crayons.
“Thank you,” Santana mouthed to Rachel and Quinn as she watched her daughter introduce the horse toy to her Bumble.
Rachel just smiled, happy to watch the little girl enjoying the simple gifts. Quinn shrugged and offered Santana a lopsided smirk, mouthing “you’re welcome.”
“Did you get to the bottom of the stocking?” Rachel asked the little girl. “Is everything out?”
Brooklyn turned it over and smiled seeing the bright colored orange rolled out with a little baggie of gummy candies and a couple of small books with bright colored pictures. “Fruits, books and candy!” She squeeled, “Mommy! Santa brought me candies, he don’t know you don’t let me has them! Can I still keep?”
“Yes, Brooke.” Santana chuckled, as she took a moment to read the ingredents to make sure no tree nuts were present. “You can keep them, but only one a day.” Brooklyn nodded and smiling excitedly because Santa broke her mom’s rules.
“They’re actually vegan,” Rachel murmured softly to Santana. “And made with natural flavorings and sweeteners, nothing artificial. And they’re from a nut-free facility, though I didn’t know how important that was when I acquired them.”
“Thank you.” Santana said, not used to someone but her caring about the fact Brooklyn had allergies. “Not even her babysitter pays that much attention.” She said as she pulled her daughter on her lap. “Oh hey there are presents from me and Brooke under the tree for you two.”
“There are?” Rachel looked at Quinn curiously as the blonde headed over to the tree to retrieve them.
“See?” Quinn smirked, picking them up. “Told you we needed a tree.”
Brooklyn clapped as she saw them, “I helped!” she explained as she hugged her horse toy.
“Then I suppose I have to accept,” Rachel smiled at the little girl, though she wasn’t at all used to accepting gifts on Christmas any more. Carefully peeling back the paper to save it as Quinn sat back down on the sofa, she smiled at the shallow box. “I wonder what’s in here,” she murmured pulling the lid off, “Oh, wow. Quinn, look!” She held up the relatively neatly colored drawings she found nestled on top of the set of vintage hair hair accessories in the box. “I think I’ll have to frame these.”
“Really!” Brooklyn gasped, “You likes them?” she crawled over to Rachel and looked at the pictures in the box.
“I like them a whole lot,” Rachel smiled down at her. “No one’s ever colored me a picture before.”
“I color lots of pictures.” Brooklyn said with a smile, “I color these cuz you look like the princess.” She pointed to Belle on the page. “I didn’t know you yet,” She said to Quinn, “But mommy said you had yellow hair and looked like Cinderella.”
“Thank you, Brooklyn,” Rachel smiled down at her. “I’ve never been so proud to be considered ethnically white before,” she chuckled wryly, looking over at Santana.
“They’re very nice, Brooklyn,” Quinn agreed, smiling over at her. “Thank you. And this is a wonderful photo album, Santana,” she breathed, looking it over. “Where did you find it?”
Santana rolled her eyes, “At this awesome vintage store in the Bronx.” Santana smiled, “We find lots of cool stuff there.”
“You’ll have to show me sometime,” she smiled at her friend. “I love old things like this.”
“I thought you would.” Santana smiled as she gathered their stocking items up and put them back inside the vessel. “Brooklyn, remember we need to go to church today alright so don’t get to wrapped up in playing with Rachel.”
“Hey,” Rachel pouted. “We’re just discussing the merits of crayons over colored pencils. Not playing.”
Quinn rolled her eyes, “Sure you are. I’ve got church soon too. See you later for dinner, Rach?”
“I guess. Pang’s again?” she asked with a lopsided smile.
“Where else?” she laughed, getting up and hugging her friend.
Santana finished gathering their items up and putting them in their bags. “Alright beautiful girl, give hugs and kisses to everyone.” She said as she pulled Quinn into a hug. “Thank you,” Santana whispered as she hugged her friend.
“Any time,” Quinn whispered back, hugging her close. “You’re one of my best friends, Santana. You need anything, just ask, okay?”
“Merry Christmas.” Santana said with a smile. She switched with her daughter to hug Rachel. “Thanks for everything, its been amazing.”
“You are absolutely welcome, Santana,” Rachel replied, hugging back. “And consider yourself and your daughter welcome in my home whenever. It’s been a delight having you here.”
Santana smiled and pulled away. “I’ll see after Brooklyn’s birthday. Enjoy your days off... let me know if you need anything.”
“Just one,” she smiled lopsidedly, “do you think Quinn and I might be allowed to stop by to wish Brooklyn a happy birthday? We won’t bring anything if you don’t want us too...”
“She’s going to have big news, so please come.” Santana smiled, “and no, I’m not telling you what it is beforehand.” She said as she looked over at her kid. “Brooklyn, backpack on okay?” she turned back to Rachel. “Just come by in the afternoon.”
“Are gifts allowed or not?” she asked, teasing. “Nothing big. Just a book or two like the ones in her stocking.”
“That’s fine. I got her some painting stuff so none of that and nothing like electronic or whatever.” Santana whispered, “but, if you feel you must bring her something go ahead.”
“Electronics?” Rachel looked appalled. “She’s only going to be five, Santana. That’s far too young for such things. At five, my entertainment was dance and singing. I’ll talk to Quinn and we’ll get her some children’s books together. Or would you prefer a gift card to a used bookstore so she can select her own?”
“I’d prefer if you picked something for her.” She said, “Gift cards are a very abstract thing to a kid. She’ll want to unwrap something.”
“Alright. I can do that.” Rachel smiled. “Thank you again for coming and don’t forget the food! Please, it’ll just be thrown out if you don’t take some.”
“Alright, alright.” She said as she headed into the kitchen and took the portioned leftovers and headed to the door with Brooklyn. “See you.”
“Bye,” Brooklyn smiled and waved before walking out of the apartment with her mom.
“That was nice,” Rachel smiled at the door with a pleased nod. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah,” Quinn reassured, giving her a hug. “Thanks for inviting them. I was right about Mike though.”
She rolled her eyes. “Leave that alone, Quinn. There’s no point in involving him now. She clearly doesn’t want him involved.”
“Yeah,” Quinn shrugged, “But, it’s still... I kinda feel bad for him, he had a kid... he doesn't even know about.”
“Quinn,” Rachel chided softly, “let’s let Santana handle this. You know the circumstances were bad and is it worth messing his marriage to Tina up over?”
“What happens when Brooklyn starts asking questions?” Quinn sighed as she opened the door. “Alright, I’ll call you later for dinner.”
“That’s up to Santana,” Rachel insisted. “I’ll see you later, Quinn.” Leaning up on her tiptoes she kissed her cheek. “Enjoy your service.”
“Do people actually enjoy church?” Quinn laughed as she headed out the door.
Rachel just shook her head with a smile as she locked the door and started tidying up her apartment.
Chapter Eight
Author: Sio and Maura
Artist: raingoddess2040
Type: AU Post On My Way, future femslash with a het side pairing
Word Count: 195,092
Rating: NC-17 for later chapters
Characters/Pairings: Rachel/Santana, Quinn/OMC, past Quinn/Rachel, Santana/Brittany, near miss Quinn/Santana, Quinn/Rachel
Warnings (highlight to read): Explicit sexual content in later chapters, talk of presumed non-con (no actual), minor off-screen violence, strong language, external/general homophobia, child (not kink), parenting (not kink)
Summary: Six years ago, Santana Lopez disappeared following graduation. The costs for therapy and rehab to get out of her chair, made Quinn Fabray realize she couldn't have Yale, so she went with her second acceptance - NYU. Rachel Berry missed out on NYADA but made it into Tisch, only to find herself as roommates with Quinn after tearing herself away from Finn to go to New York. Eventually a gin soaked night led to a tormented relationship that eventually was surrendered to save their fading friendship. When Rachel finally managed to land a Broadway lead under Quinn's management, they were shocked by who showed up for the latest opening as Rachel's assistant.
What neither of them had ever expected was that she'd have a child with her. One she'd ran away to New York to be able to have without the shame Quinn had gone through.
Chapter Seven
Quinn was the first one to wake up, looking over and smirking to see that Rachel’s resolve to not cuddle and make Santana uncomfortable hadn’t lasted very long. The small woman was practically attached to the side of their friend, snuggled into her shoulder, with Brooklyn somehow wiggled into the tiny pocket between them. She barely kept herself from snickering as she tried to ease her way out of the bed without waking anyone.
It was early yet, and she yawned softly as she glanced out the window at the grey dawn before heading to the kitchen to set coffee brewing. Noticing the stockings stuck under the window like Rachel always did, she shook her head in fond amusement, sneaking to her coat and slipping a small wrapped box out of the pocket to tuck into Brooklyn’s stocking and the envelope with Santana’s Christmas bonus check to slip into hers. Hearing the soft gurgle of the coffeemaker as it finished brewing, she returned to the kitchen to pour a cup.
As soon as Santana caught of whiff of coffee her brain clicked awake. She blinked open her eyes and noticed that the two tiny brunettes that laid to her left had begun to cuddle each other. Santana shook her head and rubbed her eyes. She kissed Brooklyn’s crown before sliding off the bed and stretching before heading over to the kitchen.
“Merry Christmas, Quinn.” Santana grumbled out as she headed over to her backpack. She dug out a wrapped present and two smaller ones and put them under the small tree. She yawned and stood up and arched her back to crack her spine before heading over to find coffee.
Quinn had just finished pouring her a mug when she got into the kitchen. “Merry Christmas, Santana,” she smiled at her as she handed her the coffee. “There’s creamer and things in the fridge. Rach has that ridiculous almond milk stuff, but I snuck a bottle of hazelnut real dairy creamer in last night if you’re interested. Sugar’s in the jar on the counter but I warn you - it’s brown. Apparently the white stuff is bleached with bone meal. Kinda gross. How’d you sleep?”
“Better that I didn’t know about bleached sugar.” She scrunched up her face and poured her coffee and put some creamer in it. “It’s a good thing I don’t use sugar.” She said with a yawn. “I slept fine, Brooklyn kicks sometimes so that’s a bit rough but it was nice having a old school cuddle pile.”
“Yeah, I noticed you got Rachel the limpet attached to you and Brooklyn when I got up this morning,” she smirked, sipping her second cup of the morning. “What’d you do with the footie-pajama mafia anyway? Leave them snuggling?”
“Yep,” Santana said as she sat down and drank some of her coffee. “They are clinging to each other right now.” She rolled her eyes and shrugged, “Hey, I’m sorry I got over emotional last night. You know.. wine and me don’t mix.”
Quinn shrugged, “No big deal. You know what happens to me when I get a bit drunk. No one needs angry Quinn.” She offered a lopsided smile, “You needed to vent and we were here to listen to you get it out. It’s cool.” She reached over and gave Santana’s hand a squeeze, “So... how are you liking working with the midget?”
“It’s better than any other job I’ve had. It pays pretty well and Brooklyn’s happy, so that’s really all I care about.” She shrugged, “Though having a kid has made me a lot more tolerant of Rachel’s tantrums.”
“Oh, so you haven’t felt the urge to throw whatever you were drinking in her face yet?” Quinn smirked, “You’re doing better than me then. I actually have thrown a glass of water in her face a couple of times. Coffee’s too expensive to waste.”
“Nah, I got to watch that photographer throw a bucket on her. Fucking hilarious if I didn’t have to keep her from killing him...” She smiled and took another sip. “What do you guys normally do on Christmas?”
Quinn snorted, “Oh God, no wonder she insisted on cancelling every other shoot that used that guy and wrote that nasty review on him. Wish I could have seen it,” she chuckled and shook her head. “We don’t do much. Rachel’s pretty much done with her holiday by Christmas so usually I go to church around noon and if neither of us have a date - which lately, hasn’t happened to often - we go out to Pang’s for dinner with what seems like half her congregation.”
Santana chuckled, “Sounds nice.” She said as she took a long sip, “Who has a date on Christmas?” She asked curiously.
“Rachel did. Once,” Quinn laughed softly. “I think he was an atheist or something. He was so shocked when he realized just how much effort Rachel puts into her faith. If I remember right, he called her a stealth religious freak and a ninja Jew when they broke up.”
“Sounds like a real winner.” She said, “I don’t even understand how people are like that.” She got up and filled her cup again. “I’m so happy I don’t have to deal with that shit.”
“What shit?” Quinn asked curiously. “Some people are just that unpleasant. Hmm,” she considered, glancing at the cabinets as she got up to refill her own cup. “Do you think the girls would like oatmeal for breakfast? I’m sure Rachel’s got all we need for it and probably some fresh fruit and things to stir in.”
“As long as you have a banana it will be good.” She said, “I should go wake the short people up...” She said as she stood up, “I also need to put pants on.”
“Oh, you don’t have to,” Quinn smirked, getting the things out to make oatmeal. She glanced at Santana and waggled her brows, “I mean, you certainly haven’t lost your edge by having a kid, San.”
“Well, I was always the hottest at school.” She said leaning against the counter. “But, I remember you bouncing back pretty fast after you had yours.”
“I worked my ass off that summer,” she pointed out, bumping Santana’s hip with hers. “And had to crash diet ala Sue. It sucked.”
“I vaguely remember lots of five am trips to the track.” Santana reminded her, “Lots of sweat and tears on your part. I, on the other hand, am always this awesome looking.”
“I’ve noticed and am appropriately jealous,” Quinn teased. “But it is Christmas and we haven’t even gotten into presents yet, so there’s no rush to get dressed. If you’re self-conscious, you can steal something of Rachel’s. I’m sure her pants would fit you. Might even be a bit loose.”
“I can just put my jeans on when I wake...” Before she could even finish her sentence Brooklyn paddled out into the kitchen. She had her blanket over her head like a hood and her bumble clutched to her chest. She blinked her eyes and automatically moved into Santana’s arms. “Morning, baby-girl.” Santana whispered as she picked the little girl up and moved to sit back down in the chair and cuddle her daughter.
Rachel padded out a bit later, rubbing her eyes and yawning, “Is that coffee I smell?” she mumbled, blinking at having a full kitchen.
“Sure is,” Quinn responded, handing her the mug she’d started pouring when she spotted Brooklyn, knowing her friend would be up soon. “I’m making oatmeal for everyone too.”
“Mmm,” Rachel hummed, breathing in the rich aroma of the coffee with a pleased smile. “You’re an angel.” She sipped at the coffee as she walked over to get her box of almond milk and spoon in a bit of sugar, giving it a stir. “Would you like some juice, Brooklyn? I’ve got orange, apple, pineapple, and strawberry banana.”
Brooklyn mumbled something from under her blanket, “Brooke says apple, please.” Santana interpreted. “She’s not a morning person,” the young mother explained, “I have her Jasmine sip cup in that bag there.” She pointed to the pink backpack.
Waking up a bit more, Rachel set her coffee on the counter and padded over to the backpack, rummaging around for a moment before she came up with the cup. “Do you add ice, Santana, or does she prefer it plain?” she asked as she padded back over to the fridge to get out the jug from the co-op.
“I cut it with w-a-t-e-r.” Santana spelled, “It’s better for her.” She explained, “put like half of it juice and then top it off.”
Rachel gave her an odd look for spelling it out, but just shrugged and grabbed the filtered water pitcher filling the cup half full with juice before topping it off with water. Screwing the cap on, she put the juice and water away before giving the cup a little shake and handing it to Brooklyn. “Here you go, sweetie. Quinn’s going to have some oatmeal made soon. Do you like anything in your oatmeal?”
Brooklyn popped her head out of the blanket and blinked at the lights. Her hair was messy and she took the cup and mumbled thank you. Santana smoothed down her daughter’s hair and kissed her temple. “Ba-nana. Please,” she said taking a gasp of breath after trying to drink a lot of juice in a single breath.
“Don’t drink so fast, sweetie,” Rachel chided, before picking a banana from the fruit bowl on the counter and peeling and slicing it. “How about you, Santana? What do you like in your oatmeal?”
“I’m not really a breakfast person, I’ll just eat whatever Brooke doesn’t finish like I do at home.” She shrugged and looped her arms around her daughter’s waist and snuggled into her.
“Are you sure?” Rachel glanced back, “I’ve got some fairly tasty peaches and I’ll be slicing one up anyway for mine.”
“Nah.” Santana said, “I’m good.” She took another sip of her coffee before pulling Brooklyn’s hair into a ponytail. “Babe, do you remember what today is?”
“No?” Brooklyn looked up, then suddenly her face lit up. “Santa! Christmas, it’s Christmas, mommy!”
“Yes it is,” she smiled.
“Do you want to wait until after we eat?” Quinn asked, nodding towards the living room slightly as she started dividing the oatmeal into three fairly large bowls while Rachel tossed fruit bits into them.
“Yes,” Santana nodded, “Patience is a skill we need to work on.” She smiled and watched Brooklyn hum a Christmas carol softly to herself.
“Alright,” Quinn nodded, bringing the dishes over to the table.
Rachel grabbed the container of almond milk. “Santana, would you and Brooke care for some milk to cool your oatmeal? Or would you just like some ice?”
Santana looked at the box warily, “Ice. She’s allergic to tree nuts.” She explained, “It’s not severe but I’d prefer to not test it.”
“I do have cow’s milk,” she pointed out mildly, grabbing a couple of cubes of ice from the freezer to drop in Santana and Brooke’s bowl. “Quinn?”
“It’s really cow’s milk?” she asked, looking suspiciously at Rachel. “Last time it was goat’s milk,” she explained to Santana, “some sort of complicated revenge scheme.”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “It’s really cow’s milk, Quinn. Though I honestly don’t see what’s wrong with goat’s milk,” she huffed, getting out the small carton of regular 1% milk for Quinn before sitting down to eat.
“Goat’s milk is nasty.” Santana blanched, “My abulea made me drink it when we visited my family in Puerto Rico once.” She stirred around the ice in the oatmeal letting it cool off before helping Brooklyn start eating.
“See?” Quinn pointed at Rachel with her spoon before going back to stirring her milk, banana and peach oatmeal. “I told you it was gross. That was positively evil switching my milk.”
Rachel shrugged. “Taught you not to have me buy your groceries with such a vague list, now didn’t it?” She glanced at Santana, “The next list was very specific on what kind of products she wanted and shopping was much easier.”
“I get that, but yours take specific to a insane level.” Santana pointed out. “You put prices and aisle numbers.”
“I think the extra details help to make things go quicker,” Rachel remarked mildly. “All I was asking for was something more than just milk, bread, cereal, fish and peanut butter on the list. There are a great many varieties after all. Almond, soy, cow’s, goat’s, one percent, two percent, skim, whole... the list is quite absurd sometimes.”
“You keep thinking that.” Santana smiled as Brooklyn held the spoon up for Santana to take a bite. “Thank you.” She smiled and let her child go back to eating. “But there are a lot of types of cereal, Quinn.” Santana smirked.
“Oh God, tell me about it,” Quinn groaned. She ate a bit, then pointed her spoon at Rachel, “She came home with that nasty milk, some sort of little nugget cereal that looked like bird food or something, this gross bread that was nearly black and herring. At least I could actually eat crunchy, store brand peanut butter.”
“Precision is nothing to be laughed at, Quinn,” Rachel pointed out mildly, nibbling on a slice of peach she’d fished out of her bowl.
“That’s awful.” Santana said, “Rachel never gets to shop for me and Brooke. We needs our goods to be just right.” She said, “Right, babe?”
“Mommy teaches me to read at store.” Brooklyn declared proudly, “I like going to the store.”
“Sounds fun,” Rachel smiled at her. “And Santana, all you’d have to do is tell me what you want. Instead of leaving things incredibly generic the way Quinn was wont to.”
Quinn shrugged, “She did get better about it after I started specifying. Though if I didn’t ask for a specific brand, I got generic a lot of the time.”
“It’s cheaper,” she pointed out, “and there’s nothing at all wrong with generic. Most of the time it’s the exact same product as the brand name, even made in the same factory anyway, so why spend the extra money for the fancy packaging and marketing?”
“Yeah that’s what we do.” Santana smiled, “Generic is a brand in my world.” When Brooklyn had finished, Santana ate the last few bites and patted her daughter’s tummy. “Alright baby, let’s go get you changed then see if Santa came?”
“Santa!” Brooklyn cheered, wiggling to get down off her mom’s lap so she could get her change of clothes from her backpack and go change in the bathroom. “Come on, Mommy! We gotta change to see if Santa found me!”
Rachel laughed softly watching her scurry around. “It certainly makes for an interesting Christmas to have a child around on Christmas morning.”
“Wait until she experiences Jewish Santa,” Quinn chuckled, finishing off her oatmeal and getting up to put things in the sink.
Santana wrangled her daughter into a simple red dress with white tights and a little black flats. “Braid or straight?” she asked as she ran a brush through her daughters hair.
“Braid.” She asked, turning to the side so Santana could pull her locks into a long side braid.
“So after we see if Santa came here we need to go to church then home to open Christmas presents at home okay?” she reminded the girl, “Mommy will make dinner and we can go play in the snow if you want.”
“Yay!” Brooke smiled picking up her Bumble again as Santana got changed into her pants and a dress shirt. “You look pretty, mommy.”
“Thank you, Brooke.” Santana smiled before taking the girl out to the living room. “Close your eyes.”
While Santana and Brooke and been getting dressed in the bathroom, Quinn and Rachel and decided to follow the trend in the bedroom. “It feels entirely weird to be getting dressed so early on Christmas,” Rachel pouted, getting out of her pink footie-pjs with a soft sigh before dressing in a black velvet skirt and a red top over her white tights. Slipping on her Mary Janes, she tied a neat red and green bow in her hair.
“Just deal with it,” Quinn muttered, rolling her eyes as she smoothed down her white dress. “And you seriously need a fashion sense update. You look like a child in that.”
“What’s wrong with it?” Rachel pouted looking down at her outfits.
“Nothing,” Quinn shrugged, “if you were six.”
Rachel just pouted at her and flounced out of the room accompanied by Quinn’s laughter. Once she got out, she saw Brooklyn and Santana heading for the sofa and smiled delightedly. “Jewish Santa time!”
“Mommy! We looks alike!” Brooklyn pointed out as she looked at Rachel’s outfit. Santana nearly fell over at the comment.
“Oh sweet god.” Santana laughed as she sat down on the couch.
Quinn came in just in time to hear the comment and nearly doubled over laughing. “You see, Rachel!”
“What?” Rachel glowered at the two women laughing at her, “Just because she shares my impeccably classic taste in fashion doesn’t mean anything!”
Brooklyn’s eyes went wide when she saw the stockings, “Mommy!” she gasped, her little hand pointed to the window. “Santa found me!”
“He did, baby, Santa knows where all the little girls who are very good and very sweet are.” She smiled and kissed her daughter’s head.
“He’s an exceptionally clever man,” Rachel nodded, going to the window and making a production about checking package tags. “Oh, we have a stocking for Quinn,” she chirped, bringing it over to a smiling Quinn who rolled her eyes as Rachel plopped it in her lap and skipped back over to the stockings, “and Brooklyn,” she picked up the middle stocking and carried it over to the little girl who clapped before taking it with a little thank you. “And finally,” Rachel picked up the last stocking, “one for Santana.” Smiling she walked over and handed it to her.
Santana looked up from her daughter, “Really?” She asked softly, “Rachel...” She looked at her and blinked taking it reluctantly. “Thanks.”
“All good Christian and Catholic girls get a stocking on Christmas,” Rachel smiled at her, heading to the armchair to take her seat, “You’re quite welcome, Santana. Well, go on. What are you all waiting for? It’s present time!”
“I can open?” Brooklyn asked as she sat cross-legged on the floor. Santana nodded and the little girl opened the present and carefully took things out one by one and showed them to her mom. “Mommy a new toy like froggie!” She exclaimed as she held the beanie baby horse.
“Look at that!” Santana smiled and looked up and smiled to Rachel. “That’s amazing!”
Rachel grinned, “Wow, Brooklyn. Now you’ve got two little friends.”
Quinn carefully opened the wrapped rectangular box to reveal the pen set. “Oh, a new pen set! However did Santa know I needed a new one?” she asked, shooting a sly look at Rachel who blushed.
“I suppose he just knew,” she shrugged, smiling. “He is magical after all, right?”
“Mommy? What did Santa bring you?” She asked as she looked in her mom’s stocking. “Needs help?”
“Sure, babe,” Santana smiled as she let Brooklyn take the gifts out of her stocking and set them on the floor.
“Mommy look.” Brooklyn said, “You has a new book and card thingies.”
“That’s very exciting, darling, these are for the subway. Santa knew mommy needed them, he’s so smart.” She said with a kiss to her daughter’s head.
“They’re not all for the subway,” Rachel pouted, giving the little stack a nudge. “See? There’s another one too. See? It’s to a restaurant that you and Brooklyn can go to.”
Quinn blinked at the meager pile, “There should be an envelope in there too, Santana...”
Brooklyn found the envelope and handed it to Santana. “Thanks,” Santana said as she opened it and looked at the check before looking up at Quinn. “Quinn.. I’ve only been working for a few months.”
“Christmas bonus,” she shrugged. “Everyone in the office gets them when things are going well, which they are, so why should you be left out?”
Santana blinked away the tears that had gathered in her eyes, “Thank you.” She managed to get out as she helped Brooklyn get the tube in her stocking open. It had a Muppets colouring book and a new set of crayons.
“Thank you,” Santana mouthed to Rachel and Quinn as she watched her daughter introduce the horse toy to her Bumble.
Rachel just smiled, happy to watch the little girl enjoying the simple gifts. Quinn shrugged and offered Santana a lopsided smirk, mouthing “you’re welcome.”
“Did you get to the bottom of the stocking?” Rachel asked the little girl. “Is everything out?”
Brooklyn turned it over and smiled seeing the bright colored orange rolled out with a little baggie of gummy candies and a couple of small books with bright colored pictures. “Fruits, books and candy!” She squeeled, “Mommy! Santa brought me candies, he don’t know you don’t let me has them! Can I still keep?”
“Yes, Brooke.” Santana chuckled, as she took a moment to read the ingredents to make sure no tree nuts were present. “You can keep them, but only one a day.” Brooklyn nodded and smiling excitedly because Santa broke her mom’s rules.
“They’re actually vegan,” Rachel murmured softly to Santana. “And made with natural flavorings and sweeteners, nothing artificial. And they’re from a nut-free facility, though I didn’t know how important that was when I acquired them.”
“Thank you.” Santana said, not used to someone but her caring about the fact Brooklyn had allergies. “Not even her babysitter pays that much attention.” She said as she pulled her daughter on her lap. “Oh hey there are presents from me and Brooke under the tree for you two.”
“There are?” Rachel looked at Quinn curiously as the blonde headed over to the tree to retrieve them.
“See?” Quinn smirked, picking them up. “Told you we needed a tree.”
Brooklyn clapped as she saw them, “I helped!” she explained as she hugged her horse toy.
“Then I suppose I have to accept,” Rachel smiled at the little girl, though she wasn’t at all used to accepting gifts on Christmas any more. Carefully peeling back the paper to save it as Quinn sat back down on the sofa, she smiled at the shallow box. “I wonder what’s in here,” she murmured pulling the lid off, “Oh, wow. Quinn, look!” She held up the relatively neatly colored drawings she found nestled on top of the set of vintage hair hair accessories in the box. “I think I’ll have to frame these.”
“Really!” Brooklyn gasped, “You likes them?” she crawled over to Rachel and looked at the pictures in the box.
“I like them a whole lot,” Rachel smiled down at her. “No one’s ever colored me a picture before.”
“I color lots of pictures.” Brooklyn said with a smile, “I color these cuz you look like the princess.” She pointed to Belle on the page. “I didn’t know you yet,” She said to Quinn, “But mommy said you had yellow hair and looked like Cinderella.”
“Thank you, Brooklyn,” Rachel smiled down at her. “I’ve never been so proud to be considered ethnically white before,” she chuckled wryly, looking over at Santana.
“They’re very nice, Brooklyn,” Quinn agreed, smiling over at her. “Thank you. And this is a wonderful photo album, Santana,” she breathed, looking it over. “Where did you find it?”
Santana rolled her eyes, “At this awesome vintage store in the Bronx.” Santana smiled, “We find lots of cool stuff there.”
“You’ll have to show me sometime,” she smiled at her friend. “I love old things like this.”
“I thought you would.” Santana smiled as she gathered their stocking items up and put them back inside the vessel. “Brooklyn, remember we need to go to church today alright so don’t get to wrapped up in playing with Rachel.”
“Hey,” Rachel pouted. “We’re just discussing the merits of crayons over colored pencils. Not playing.”
Quinn rolled her eyes, “Sure you are. I’ve got church soon too. See you later for dinner, Rach?”
“I guess. Pang’s again?” she asked with a lopsided smile.
“Where else?” she laughed, getting up and hugging her friend.
Santana finished gathering their items up and putting them in their bags. “Alright beautiful girl, give hugs and kisses to everyone.” She said as she pulled Quinn into a hug. “Thank you,” Santana whispered as she hugged her friend.
“Any time,” Quinn whispered back, hugging her close. “You’re one of my best friends, Santana. You need anything, just ask, okay?”
“Merry Christmas.” Santana said with a smile. She switched with her daughter to hug Rachel. “Thanks for everything, its been amazing.”
“You are absolutely welcome, Santana,” Rachel replied, hugging back. “And consider yourself and your daughter welcome in my home whenever. It’s been a delight having you here.”
Santana smiled and pulled away. “I’ll see after Brooklyn’s birthday. Enjoy your days off... let me know if you need anything.”
“Just one,” she smiled lopsidedly, “do you think Quinn and I might be allowed to stop by to wish Brooklyn a happy birthday? We won’t bring anything if you don’t want us too...”
“She’s going to have big news, so please come.” Santana smiled, “and no, I’m not telling you what it is beforehand.” She said as she looked over at her kid. “Brooklyn, backpack on okay?” she turned back to Rachel. “Just come by in the afternoon.”
“Are gifts allowed or not?” she asked, teasing. “Nothing big. Just a book or two like the ones in her stocking.”
“That’s fine. I got her some painting stuff so none of that and nothing like electronic or whatever.” Santana whispered, “but, if you feel you must bring her something go ahead.”
“Electronics?” Rachel looked appalled. “She’s only going to be five, Santana. That’s far too young for such things. At five, my entertainment was dance and singing. I’ll talk to Quinn and we’ll get her some children’s books together. Or would you prefer a gift card to a used bookstore so she can select her own?”
“I’d prefer if you picked something for her.” She said, “Gift cards are a very abstract thing to a kid. She’ll want to unwrap something.”
“Alright. I can do that.” Rachel smiled. “Thank you again for coming and don’t forget the food! Please, it’ll just be thrown out if you don’t take some.”
“Alright, alright.” She said as she headed into the kitchen and took the portioned leftovers and headed to the door with Brooklyn. “See you.”
“Bye,” Brooklyn smiled and waved before walking out of the apartment with her mom.
“That was nice,” Rachel smiled at the door with a pleased nod. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah,” Quinn reassured, giving her a hug. “Thanks for inviting them. I was right about Mike though.”
She rolled her eyes. “Leave that alone, Quinn. There’s no point in involving him now. She clearly doesn’t want him involved.”
“Yeah,” Quinn shrugged, “But, it’s still... I kinda feel bad for him, he had a kid... he doesn't even know about.”
“Quinn,” Rachel chided softly, “let’s let Santana handle this. You know the circumstances were bad and is it worth messing his marriage to Tina up over?”
“What happens when Brooklyn starts asking questions?” Quinn sighed as she opened the door. “Alright, I’ll call you later for dinner.”
“That’s up to Santana,” Rachel insisted. “I’ll see you later, Quinn.” Leaning up on her tiptoes she kissed her cheek. “Enjoy your service.”
“Do people actually enjoy church?” Quinn laughed as she headed out the door.
Rachel just shook her head with a smile as she locked the door and started tidying up her apartment.
Chapter Eight