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One Step Forward, Two Steps Back → Sebtana

Summary: Just when things are starting to look up for Santana a break in shatters her fragile steps to recovery. Good thing Annie and Sebastian are there to help pick up the pieces.

It was a bad night from the start. Annie had a nightmare and would not let go of him when he reached her bedroom. So he carried her to his bed, running a hand up and down her back and sang her favorite lullabies. It took a while but she finally fell back asleep after an hour, still clutching him. He followed almost immediately after and it felt like he only closed his eyes for a few minutes before his cellphone rang. He was a little pissed off at first but he saw a familiar name flashing on the screen. He pressed answer. "Santana?" He said, in a slightly groggy voice. The voice that answered was female but was not Santana. She introduced herself as Naomi and it clicked to him that it was the therapist. "How can I help you?" He asked quietly and careful not to disturb Annie. Naomi explained the situation and all Sebastian could say was 'Oh my God.' Santana's house was broken in by burglars. "Is she okay?" "She's shell shocked as you can expect. She was holding these drawings when we found her in her attic. They were Annie's I presumed so I thought to call you. Mr. Smythe I know it is late but can I bring Santana over to your house?" "Oh yes, yes please." He told her his address "Thank you. We'll be there in fifteen minutes."

Santana had had a good day, a step in the positive direction, at least a small one. She had interviewed that silly Justin Bieber and while he was almost like a girl, she liked the kid and knew he was a boy. She hadn’t missed a single beat and it was so good for herself. She was happily in her room eating a bagel and giving Emily bacon bits for a treat when she heard a little noise, a scuffle but she didn’t think anything of it. Must be the ranger doing his rounds and she wasn’t too worried. Little things popping out of the ground didn’t terrify Santana and she had almost let go of the thoughts of the world being after her. She had saw Annie a few times with her dad and she wasn’t that paranoid anymore. She was, but not too much. Well, she had made progress and that was super important for now. She stiffen again when she heard another scuffle and what sounded like two males whispering too each other. The first thing she thought was not now before her fight or flight kicked in. She had taken so many classes but this panic was getting the best of her. She heard the glass shutter and Emily started barking loudly and Santana couldn’t breathe or catch her breath and she almost froze, You stand here and you die Santana or get raped, Attic, get there and lock it. Her mind was working and reflectively grabbed the pictures that she had’t gotten to hang of Annie. She tried to quietly call Emily but the dog darted out the room and she heard one of the swear and Santana barely enough time to close the little ladder before she saw one appear. He looked deranged and started yelling at her to come down, but she locked the ladder up and shoved something over it. She couldn’t speak much more than saying someone was in her house and it took more than half an hour after the man started screaming, triggering a anxiety attack. She didn’t come down even when an officer asked her to, she was just looking at the picture of Emily that Annie had made. She wasn’t going down for any male and she stayed up there, in a panic. She couldn’t even count, all she did was rock there for a long time. Santana heard the soft reassuring voice of Naomi and she managed to push the trunk off the door and unlocked it. She spoke to Santana but she couldn’t think. The man’s eyes were burned into memory and a male officer poked his head through and Santana moved farther away with a choked sob and a furious shake of her head. Naomi made them leave and told them Santana would be useless tonight and she got her in Naomi’s car and Santana locked on the doors immediately. “Annie offered for you to come over. Would you like that?” Santana nodded as she gripped the pictures tighter. Her line to reality and not snapping was these pictures and She studied them hard even as Naomi knocked at their door and guided Santana in, taking Sebastian to the side. Her body was so drained, she saw a little throw of the child’s and she grabbed it and sunk into the seat, curling up with it.

Sebastian made sure Annie was tucked in his bed nicely before he moved to the living room to wait for Santana and Naomi to arrive. He was worried. A break in was no laughing matter. He was sure the culprits were from out of town. The residents of Moonlight Basin were too docile to commit something like that. Soon enough their was a knock on the door. He opened it to see Santana and a woman who bore striking resemblance to Ruth, Annie's therapist. He smiled a little in greeting and let them in. Santana was like a robot walking straight to his daughter's blanket on the couch and covering herself with it. "How is she?" "Well it's good that she doesn't exhibit negative emotions to your presence. That means she's comfortable with you. But I'm afraid I can't say the same for other men." He nodded. "Mr. Smythe, if it's not a big thing can she stay here for the night? I will bring her to my house but I live too close to hers." "Yes of course. I'd be happy to let her stay." Naomi smiled. "I will be contacting her friend Ms. Pierce. This is very considerate of you." "It's nothing." He said with a wave of a hand. He watched as the woman walked to Santana and spoke to her. The Latina quickly darted her eyes to him before nodding absentmindedly. Then it was time for Naomi to go.

Santana knew she wasn’t the most sane person to begin with and tonight, she had no semblance of it at all.. She wasn’t even weepy, just…she felt so detached from the world. Naomi’s touch made her jump slightly and she was scared a little. However she mentioned Brittany and Santana groaned inwardly. She needed her best friend, but she was going to stamp her foot down and demand that Santana move away. At least not live alone. But she needed her. She always held the caramel skinned girl during any panic attack she ever had. Naomi gave another gentle reminder that here was also a safe place and Sebastian was a good guy. All Santana knew was she couldn’t be alone but she nodded. The words barely registering. Sebastian was always cautious when approached her and he guided her to the spare bedroom. She attempted to stay in there after he left but there was a little noise outside and she had to cover her scream. This felt ridiculous but she was in his bedroom and sliding into his bed. She felt the tears streaming but she saw the little lump that was Annie and she sleeping so peacefully and Santana struggled for a moment, trying to get her emotions together. She didn’t have her friend as she attached herself to Sebastian. “I can’t…be alone.”

Sebastian noticed that she did not removed the thick jacket she was wearing even as she slid under the covers of his rarely used guest room. He was not sure how she would sleep with that on but he tucked her in, much like he would did with Annie and almost kissed her forehead too. "I'm just at the end of the hall if you need anything." He said. He left the door partially opened and the light on the hall on. His daughter was sleeping peacefully and he crawled in beside her smaller form. He was sure she would be pleasantly surprised tomorrow with Santana here. He barely closed his eyes when the door creaked open and his lids fluttered to look at his guest. He was surprised when she went underneath the blanket at his other side and wrapped her arm around his arm and tangled her legs with his. He nodded but frowned slightly at her apparel. "Aren't you uncomfortable with that jacket, Santana? You can take it off. It's okay. You're safe here. You'll sleep better as well."

Santana hadn't even noticed she was still in a coat. Naomi must have put it on her and she forgotten. The material suddenly suffocating her and she got up. She wasn't going be a mess or nuisance because she had a bad night. She hated disorder at times like this. She made her way back to him. It wasn't dawning on her this was the first time she slept in the same bed with a male but her need for someone she trusted was more. Santana spent a lot of time watching him with Annie and while she had her suspicions still, he was great with that girl and Santana reattached herself to the brunette male. She fell asleep almost immediately next to him. The evening had wore her beyond the point of exhaustion and Sebastian was warm and felt...safe.

Sebastian scooted a bit to give Santana more room but it seemed to be moot as she practically fused herself against his side. The smooth material of her pajama top brushing against the bare skin of his arm. It was weird to be sleeping with a grown woman after only sleeping with another man and a small girl. He spend a few moment looking at the ceiling before sleep claimed him. He woke up to the feeling of needles on his arms and a weight on his chest. He opened his eyes and learned that sometime during the night both of his bedmates had decided that his chest area was the perfect pillow. He freed his arm from under Santana, who grumbled and shifted closer to him, to check the time on his wrist watch. 8:18 am. Time for breakfast. He maneuvered his way out between the girls and smiled as they both gravitated to each and ended up cuddling together. He let them sleep in for a few more minutes as he made waffles for breakfast.

Santana had had a fairly restful sleep and she sure it was the exhaustion from the day before. She remembered being woke briefly, hearing but it was only Annie and Santana took that as a good sign. Annie was harmless and the girl was getting some water. Santana had fallen back asleep immediately. She only woke when the little girl shook her and whispered hello to Santana. She smiled, keeping it together for her sake. "Hi Annie...we had a sleepover." Santana mumbled through her sleep. Annie nodded with a grin and she pulling Santana out to their dining table. She managed to say hello to Sebastian before she noticed the food on the table. "It smells really good, but I don't...I.." She thought food still might make her upchuck. She sat down shaking her head.

Sebastian was in the middle of preparing his third and final batch of waffles when the door bell rang. He wiped his hand on his apron and walked towards it. He peeped through the window and saw that it was a Naomi. He opened the door and reflexively caught the ball of white fur that came barreling through. "Emily!" He exclaimed. He tried to be stern when he reprimanded the dog about jumping but it was difficult when she was licking his face. "She likes you." Naomi said. He nodded. The therapist declined his invitation to come in, stating that she only there to bring Emily and to say that Ms. Pierce was contacted and would be in Moonlight Basin the next day. He once again agreed to letting Santana spend the night. He said goodbye and he let Emily roamed free as he continued his cooking. His daughter stumbled in a few moments later with their guest. Sebastian nodded and smiled at the worried expression on Annie's face. "It's okay, baby. Santana's not hungry is all." He reached for a mug and made chamomile tea and place it in front of Santana. "By the way I have a surprise and good news."

Santana was sitting down and she caught the look on the little girl's face. She wished she could have explained it but she didn't try. She would have sounded nuts, among other things and she tucked some of her hair behind her ear as she looked at the cup of chamomile tea. She wrapped her hands around it, feeling the warmth and being glad she wasn't numb anymore. Something she had been afraid she would slip back into and not be able to return from. She was wrapped in her thoughts to hear Sebastian the first time, but he repeated himself and she looked up at him. Something about him was actually attractive in that moment but she shook her head. "Yes?" She asked quietly and he stepped away for a moment and then Santana heard the little yaps she had became so accustomed too. She didn't mean to squeeze Emily so hard, but Santana had been so scared. "You don't ever do that anymore." Santana reprimanded, kissing the white fur. "You could have been hurt or...killed or worst." Santana continued. She had been so convinced she had lost her dog, her constant companion. She wiped a tear, so happy to have the yapping dog back.

Sebastian smiled at the reunion. Annie walked straight to Santana curling herself against the woman for comfort while patting the yapping dog. There was something beautiful about the three of them together in his kitchen. Almost like a family. He cleared his throat to get their attention and to wave away the strange thought. "Naomi went here this morning with Emily. And she also said that a Ms. Pierce is arriving here tomorrow." He looked at Annie. "Tonight if Santana agrees, she will still be sleeping over, wouldn't that be nice darling?" The little girl nodded and smiled at Santana. "We can play?" She asked in her nice childish voice. It was music to Sebastian's ears whenever she talked. He also smiled their guest. "Would you still want stay over?"

Santana smiled down at Annie. She was incredibly happy in that moment and pressed a kiss to those dark curls. She felt much better than she did earlier but she still was shell shocked, so his clearing of his throat made her jump slightly. Brittany was coming, her sweet blonde best friend was going to come take care of her. She felt the pit in her stomach lessened a little. She nodded at Annie as she talked. She had such a pretty voice and something mindless was exactly what she wanted. "Yes please. I can't go...back." She said quietly, tapping her foot ten times, waiting a moment to tap it again. She rubbed Annie's arms before she told her after breakfast they could play together. She took her time sipping the hot tea, letting it calm her down from her still ultra sensitive stage. She reminded herself that she had Emily and Annie wanted to play. She was fine...at least physically. She was far away from...there and she was alive. Not raped or anything. So these were good. Santana heard Annie finishing and she realized she had a lot of the tea left. She left it on the table before she shook her head and made the girl help her clear the table before they spent the morning playing pretend until she passed out. Santana sat on the couch after Sebastian put her down. "Does she always have that much energy does she?"

Sebastian had lots of work to do that day so he contented himself to watching Santana and Annie playing while he was working on his laptop. At intervals, his daughter would pull him to play catch with Emily or be Daddy in their play pretend for a few minutes. But mostly he watched, until the little girl started to show signs of being sleeping. He scooped her up and rocked her for a bit before she was knocked out. "Oh she does." He replied to Santana's question. "Now more than ever. She's really recovering." He ran a hand along the child's curls. "Did she tire you out? Want to rest?" He asked, concerned. With everything that happened the past night he would not be surprised if she had not fully recovered.

Santana watched the man with his child. He was gentle and sweet with the little girl. Santana wasn't insensitive nor would she ever say anything, but was thinking of him and knowing that she wasn't truly his and he wasn't abusing her. She closed her eyes for a moment. "A little but Brittany is coming soon and I don't want to disappointed her by being asleep." She said in a quiet voice, looking down. "But I'll take a blanket to wait with, if you don't mind."

Sebastian smiled at his guest. "But Santana, she is arriving tomorrow. You have all the time to sleep and rest." He said as he stood up and shifted his daughter more comfortably in his arms. "You can sleep with Annie in the guest room. Believe me you'll need it for tonight. Annie will not let you go to sleep that easily." He smiled again. "What do you say?"

Santana had been confused momentarily and she blamed it on her lack of sleep period. She nodded at Sebastian, the thought of sleeping with Annie comforting and she was okay with sleep and where she was. Noe one was coming to frighten her here. She felt her stomach clench. "Okay." She simply said, even though she had the slightest fear of Sebastian doing something to her in her sleep. She sat it aside and focused on getting a little more sleep as she curled up with the curly haired girl, who immediately turned to rest on Santana and she was so fond if it. Another moment of pretending she could have her own child and be normal.

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: I'll...probably order something. Let's see, Snow White.

Sebastian: Okay. See you then.

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: Naomi thinks that Annie helps me as much as I do her and by extension, you. It's progress. Besides, if it's too much, my bedroom is right here.

Sebastian: Okay. We'll bring cookies. Any fairy tale you would like to hear?

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: You guys could come over here. I promise to try my hardest not to hurt you.

Sebastian: Are you sure? No need to force yourself.

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: I seem to have an uncanny way of stumbling on that subject. Well, this weekend is free for me if you guys aren't busy and Annie wants to play.

Sebastian: It's fine. Annie would love that. Are you coming over?

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: Why did she stop speaking?

Sebastian: *thought about it for a moment* Trauma. She was there when her Papa died.

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: Good, I guess a book is a lot to ask for off the get go. I'm glad to hear that. Can I ask something?

Sebastian: Sure

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: Good, so she's talking more?

Sebastian: She says Daddy now and yes and no and Santana and Emily. Quietly but still very big progress. Ruth said she has great motivations.

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Text→ Sebtana

Santana: Hi. I'm good and how are you guys?

Sebastian: We're good. Annie's been working very hard, just so you know.

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Text→ Sebtana

Sebastian: Hello Santana. How are you?

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Play Pretend → Sebtana

Annie learned that a girl Papa is called a Mama.

Santana always stressed punctuality to her staff. Santana liked order and everything should be done in a timely manner, She had fired people for being five minutes late to a meeting or phone conference. Of all the things she couldn’t stand it was being late. All her clocks ran fast and she was never late. She understood the importance of being on time and not keeping people waiting, People waiting equaled tempers and yelling and Santana shut down completely when people yelled, retreating inside herself. She had left her house two hours early, she wanted to be on time and this was a huge hurdle for her to jump over. There were 5 trips back to her house, a phone call to Naomi and 2 panic attacks but she was here, with about 30 minutes to spare. She mentally argued with herself about going up to the porch and knocking and then being prepared to die a slow painful death. Because she agreed to come and hear a story because the most adorable girl she had ever saw asked. It sounded like a bad Lifetime movie starring herself. She swallowed going to open her car down multiple times and only making it halfway before she was breathing heavily. Santana was sure this was the definition of insanity. Santana glanced down and saw that she had a minute left. She grabbed Emily and petted her for reassurance. She got out the car and dragged her feet to the door. She knocked softly. She couldn’t manage a pounding on the door if she tried. Her head felt light, her knees were weak and she was leaning against the siding. Sebastian opened the door and Santana handed him Emily and pointed to her car. She made her way back to it and had to spent 30 minutes in there calming her body down and suppressing tears that stung her eyes. Finally, she tried again and knocked.

Sebastian found himself being pulled out of his very restful slumber by a three year old, jumping on his bed. Annie was beside herself the whole morning and all Sebastian could do was shake his head and smile. It had been so long since she was this happy and excited. He called Ruth and discussed his fears. The therapist told him to ask Annie what she liked about Santana and see for himself if it had something to do with her appearance. He did that of course and his daughter wrote the oddest things. 'She smells nice and she has a nice voice.' Well no appearance there. Was he imaging things? Annie nudged him back to the present as she held up the bowl of chocolate chips they would be placing in the dough for the cookies they were making. It was the last dish for this afternoon. The beef stew what warming on the stove. The salad was on the fridge. He looked at the clock and saw that it was almost time. He wished that Crazy Lady would not be late because he hated that. On exactly 12 somebody knocked on their door. He opened it and saw a trembling Santana standing at his porch. She wordlessly handed Emily to him then pointed to her car. He took it as she left something on the car. He was about to offer to help her but Emily jumped out of his arms inside his house. He ran after the puppy and saw that she has found Annie in the living room. His daughter giggled when the dog licked her face. He turned and got out of the house. He walked towards Santana's car, only to see her, trying to compose herself. He frowned because he still did not get what it was that made her act like this. She looked at the brink of hysterical. He decided to give her a moment and went back to his house. He told Annie that her friend had a bit of business to attend to in her car and would come in a bit. His daughter nodded and helped him set the table. There was a knock again and when he opened it with Annie. Santana was there again, no better than the first time. "Hey." He said softly. "Why don't you come in? " His daughter grabbed the older woman's hand and pulled her inside.

Santana almost pulled her hand out of Annie’s, called Naomi and tell her nice attempt but this fear was too much and she would rather be forever alone than to overcome it by facing it. Her palms were sweaty and she was sure everyone could her rapidly thumping heart. She sure could and she needed to go home and hide under her covers. Instead, she squeezed her hand as she walked past Sebastian, letting Annie pull her in. She wasn’t able to talk right now and she wasn’t going to force herself. There was goosebumps on her arms as she walked in. No freaky sex toys all over, medieval torture devices or any frisky BDSM paraphilia over the house. It looked normal, like hers even. Neat orderly, but you knew a kid lived here, because there was the random toy. They walked into the dining room and Annie showed her that the table had been set and was ready for them. She scribbled for Santana to sit down, which she did as an excited Emily made her way to her. Santana managed a smile at the girl as she started counting. She grabbed one of the many water bottles in her purse. She still didn’t trust this and most certainly was not going to roofied. She cracked it open and took a sip, the cool liquor refreshing her dry mouth. Annie was moving around and playing with Emily until Sebastian announced it was time for them to eat lunch

Sebastian honestly thought that Santana would bolt any moment. But she was sitting at their dining table, sipping water. He announced that they were eating. He placed the salad on the table and Annie quickly served some to Santana, carefully tonging the vegetable on the older woman's plate before putting some in hers. Sebastian smiled when his daughter passed it to him. "I hope you like beef stew, Ms. Santana." It was different having three people on the table again.

Santana was watching Annie as she served her. She felt herself smiling a bit as she calmed down, watching the girl. Santana heard him say Ms. Santana and she snapped her eyes to him. It was fine when Annie did it, but when he said it it made her feel like she was a 100 instead of 26. There was a few things fucked up with Santana and the last thing she wanted to feel was old. "It's Santana" She stressed, anger making her a bit louder than normal. "I do like stew however." She said. She was actually a little worried about this. She just hoped he could cook. Santana wished she could engage Annie in a conversation to ease her mind again, but Santana focused on chewing the salad greens as her stew cooled off a bit.

Sebastian lifted an eyebrow at the slight raise of voice. At the corner of his eyes he could see Annie watching them carefully. Sometimes he cursed that his daughter was so perceptive. He smiled at the little girl before turning to the other person on the table. "I'm sorry. I shall keep that in mind." He ruffled Annie's hair as she polished off her greens. "Careful, sweetheart," He said, she took a spoonful of the stew. "It's hot." He stirred the stew in her bowl a few times, making steam rise up. He tested it before giving Annie her spoon. The little girl wrote in her iPad. 'Are you checking Ms. Santana too?' He shook his head. "She can do it herself."

Santana just nodded as he apologized. She never realized how tired your jaw could get from chewing the same bit of food for longer than necessary. Santana raised an eyebrow at his comment, but she had saw Annie writing on her iPad. Santana should have guessed it had something to do with her, but still. She didn't say anything, just ate the stew silently. It didn't taste roofied and Santana knew roofies had no taste but she had tested a few and there was a little distance taste. Enough that Santana knew he didn't roofy this. Annie slid the iPad her way and asked if she liked it. "It's very good." She assured her and Annie beamed. Santana was slowly starting to fall for that smile. She liked when Annie made it. "I'm surprised. Did not think your dad could cook."

Sebastian cleared his throat. "I would appreciate it if you two girls don't talk like I'm not here." Annie smiled widely at him before writing in her iPad, 'Daddy can cook anything!' She showed it to Santana before digging in her bowl of stew. "Would you like some bread?" He asked as he reached for one. He broke it in half and placed it in the small plate in front of Annie. "How about you?" He asked Santana. Sebastian was always the type to make sure a person was well fed. "Annie and I made them from scratch. Well, Pillsbury scratch, if you what I mean."

Santana felt herself giggling as Annie smiled at her dad. She looked at Annie as she showed her the iPad. Time might tell, if she let it go that far. She might let them invite her back over again. Santana took a little breathe as she nodded at him before she took one. "Understood. Bread is hard to perfect." She had managed two sentences again and was proud of herself. She broke off pieces of the bread and ate it slowly with the stew. Annie was all smiles as she ate, sliding the iPad as they finished eating. 'Will you play dress up with us?' Santana looked at Sebastian and she figured it would be great to see anyone have makeup on done by a three year old. "Only if you do your dads first." Santana said teasing her.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "You aren't here one hour and you're bending to her whims already." He told the two girls to go on and that he would follow in a bit. Santana seemed hesitant but Annie was pulling her before a refusal could even exit her lips. He was not the least bit surprised that he did not see them in the living room but instead in the playroom. Santana was sitting on the storytime rug, which was a colorful circular rug he and Patrick got in a flee market in Morocco. Annie was fleeting around the room getting the old clothes they usually used for dress up. He could see that there was a pile on their guest's lap too. "Enjoying yourselves?" He asked as he entered.

Santana just shrugged when he told her about bending to Annie's whims. She didn't mind bending to a kid's whim when she liked the kid. She had gotten to the kitchen but then she was supposed to go deeper in theor house. She let Annie drag her to her playroom and she loved it. It was whimsical and adorable. Annie sat her down and got to getting things together. She handed Santana some clothes, which she was sure was a guys and got to getting Sebastian's stuff ready when he got in. Annie beamed at him and wrote that they were playing house. Santana nodded, she had this, she could play pretend Mo-'Santana's going to be Papa.' She showed the pair. Santana blinked a few times as she attempted not to react. One, Santana didn't want to be papa and two, that...she couldn't pretend to be her dead papa. Santana just nodded at the girl who was dressing Sebastian. She pulled on the oversized clothing as she waited.

Sebastian let Annie dress him up but his mind was already turning. This was what he was afraid of. After his daughter finished buttoning up his shirt, he held both her arms and smiled at her. "Sweetie?" Annie tilted her head, an indication that she was listening. "Santana couldn't be papa." 'Why not?' She wrote in her iPad. She threw a wide smile at the older woman who was swimming in Patrick's old clothes. "Because she's a girl." He explained after a moment, because the simplest explanation worked the best almost all the time. His daughter looked at Santana. She nodded in understanding. 'What do you call a girl papa then?' She scribbled. "A mama or mommy, darling." Annie smiled and Sebastian barely read 'Can you be my Mama?' on her iPad. He grimaced because even though he knew his daughter was just asking for play but it still sounded bad.

Santana was glad Sebastian told her why she couldn't be the papa. She didn't know how to address it. It was weird. Mainly because Santana didn't like boys and she certainly didn't want to be associated with them. Santana eyes widen as she asked that. She couldn't say no and she certainly didn't want to explain why she couldn't be her mother. She just nodded, looking at Sebastian for a moment before she blushed. "So what all do we do playing house?" Annie smiled at her before she took Santana's hand and lead her to the play kitchen. She wrote on the iPad she was going to clean and cook before Annie went back to her dad and Santana banged some things around in an attempt to look busy.

Sebastian took Santana's place in the middle of the storytime rug. He sat Indian style as Annie left their guest in the play kitchen. She gave him a little bag and shooed him away. 'Go to work.' She wrote. He chuckled a little as he moved and stood just outside the room. He knew this game like the back of his hand. He saw Annie 'go to school' and saw as she 'came home' to 'Mama'. He smiled slight as Santana offered his daughter a plastic apple. After a moment Annie set up the circular kid table for teatime. She pulled Santana to help her. When she was satisfied with arrangement, she went and pulled him inside. He smiled at Santana who was sitting down on the floor. He sat down across her. He lifted his eyebrow when Annie crawled on Santana's lap. "So how was your day, darlings?"

Santana didn't really know what to do in the play kitchen. it hadn't dawned on her that this meant she was pretend married as well. She arranged the things as neatly as possible while Annie was at 'school'. Santana looked over and realized she had made Sebastian go to work. This was kinda weird, but Santana smiled anyways until Annie came back from school, announcing her arrival on the iPad. Santana patted her head and offered her an apple. "We can do your homework." She asked with a slight lilt to end. Annie nodded at her. Santana sat next to the toy stove and patted the space next to her. They diddled on the iPad, drawing on the little app for a while before Annie set them up for tea time with Santana's help. Santana liked that about Annie, she liked when she kinda forced her to do things she didn't want to. She resisted the urge to smooth Annie's hair as she sat in her lap. Because she didn't want to send the wrong message. Santana was free to roll her eyes at the usage of darling. Annie wrote that she had 'went to school' and 'came home'. Santana wasn't going to say anything in reply and they sat in silence until Annie wrote on the screen that 'Mama' had to talk to Daddy because that's what they did. Santana nodded, because of course that's what playing house was. "Um, I cooked...and cleaned...and sprayed air fresher?" She gave her another prompt to ask him about his day. "How was your day at the office, darling?" Santana asked, looking down at the table.

Sebastian nodded as Annie answered his question. He smiled as Annie nudged Santana to reply as well. The older woman answered haltingly and looked down at the table when she asked her question, which again his daughter prompted her to say. "Oh it was tiring day." He said, quite dramatically. Annie smiled, very much used to this game as well. "I am exhausted," He said with a sigh. "I wonder how I will regain my energy." The little girl giggled this time, moving away from Santana to Sebastian. She wrapped her arms around his neck and began kissing his face. he grinned and kissed her cheek after a minute. "Thank you darling, I needed that." She nodded. He looked down at the toy plastic tea set on the table. "How about some tea, now?" Annie nodded again and began pouring them cups of 'tea'.

Santana felt herself laughing in spite of herself. Annie was kissing him all over and like before at the restaurant, it wasn't that bad being in the room with him and seeing him with Annie made him less...male? offsensive? threatening? Santana helped her make the tea and pretended to sip hers, dramatically blowing the hot tea and getting a little more in the game. She hoped he didn't kill her later on, because he be a good dad and person, and being male was just a little below that. He still terrified her, but not as much as him alone. Emily wandered in barking and holding a shoe in her mouth. Santana dropped the cup and stood up. "Emily Nicole, you drop that shoe. I am so sorry." Santana said.

Sebastian scooped up Annie as Emily dropped the shoe in her mouth the floor. The dog whined at Santana's scolding. "It's okay, it's just a..." He trailed as he saw what shoe it was. "my Italian leather shoes." He saw the horrified expression on Santana's face and he was quick to reassure her. He was a father after all and toddlers could cause much damage. He still remembered that once time when Annie wrote on the wall of her room with crayons. "It is old anyway." A lie. He just bought it online, three months ago.

Santana glared at the small dog. Emily never ate her shoes, because she knew better. Santana didn't know what to do, especially when he said it was Italian leather shoes. "It does not look like it's old. Emily's going to have to go with her doggy pedicure and manicure. I'll replace these. She knows shoes are off limits." Emily whined, because she knew it was a bad thing she did as she sat down. Santana pasted a smile on her face. "Do you want to get back to the game? I can get the information about the shoes later."

Sebastian was sure that was the longest Santana had ever spoken to him directly. She must had felt really bad about the situation. He wanted to insist that it was nothing but it was playtime at the moment so he just made a mental note to say no to her offer or replacing it later. They continued on with playing house. Emily was whining at first, then slowly she walked and rubbed her nuzzle against Santana, asking for forgiveness. Annie frowned slightly when Santana did not react to it. 'Emily is sorry, Mama. And Daddy said it was okay. Forgive her?' The little girl wrote on her iPad.

Santana had made it a point ignoring the dog. She spoiled it far too much. She was not getting her doggie treat tonight. Santana almost shuddered at the thought of the dog eating a pair of her shoes. She had lots of expensive shoes she never wore anywhere important and boots she lived in. Still, even if she never wore the Louboutins outside the house, if Emily chewed on them, Santana would be upset. She should have brought the leash. Nope, she might be nuzzling up to Santana, but she was in a doggy timeout. Santana was in the middle of drinking more tea as a quietly dignified Southern belle, when Annie showed her her iPad. Santana looked at the dog and sighed. Maybe she was bending to the little girl's whims, because she patted Emily's head and told her she was forgiven but reminded her shoes were extremely off limits. Annie beamed at her and kissed her cheek. The rest of their playtime went off without a hitch and Emily was even included in the game until Annie gave a yawn.

Sebastian smiled softly when he saw Annie yawned. "I spy a little princess who needs a nap." The little girl shook her head in denial but was forced to succumb when she yawned again at the middle of it. "Okay get your pillow and your blanket. Then Daddy would read you a story." She nodded and pulled Santana to help her gather her nap accessories. Emily went with them as well, trailing at their feet. Annie made Santana sit on the storytime rug again and took a comfortable position between her legs. She leaned her body against the woman as she held out her iPad to Sebastian. 'Read The Princess and the Pea for Mama and me.' He wanted to tell his daughter that Santana was not 'Mama' but it was still technically play time. He smiled at both girls and began reading.

Santana didn't mind being dragged around by Annie much. She kinda liked it, it was like a preshow to her own future children. Annie was like this little ray of light. Better than words on a goal chart. She wanted to have her own Annie and that made Santana relax a bit. More than most things she had tried. Santana found herself playing with the girl's hair like she used to do Brittany's only child whenever she was over and visiting. Santana smiled as Sebastian started reading. She knew she had mentioned that to Annie. It didn't strike her as bad until she realized Annie had fallen asleep against her and she was alone with Sebastian. Santana moved her to her pillow and handed him her blanket as she stood up. She moved out of the room and spent quite a bit of time looking at her shoes as she thought of a way to leave. Naomi wanted you to tell him why...you're the way you are. Santana heard the door closed behind her and it made her jump a little. "Um...coffee...water?"

Sebastian was three quarters into the story when Annie fell asleep. He watched as Santana carefully placed the sleeping child on her pillow. He said a quiet thank you when she handed him her blanket. He heard her leave the room as he tucked Annie in and put a teddy bear beside her. He kissed his daughter's forehead and got out of the room as well. He saw Santana jumped a little before she stuttered drinking options. He smiled. "Would you like some real tea?" He asked. "I mean, don't tell Annie but I think her tea is a bit bland."

Santana took a deep breathe, tucking some hair behind her ear. Her buffer was gone and Santana realized that Emily had gotten left in the room. next to Annie. She nodded, give an attempt at a smile before she followed him. He hadn't drugged her yet and Santana had to trust that he wouldn't again as he made them tea. Blind faith was the best, especially for her nerves and she sat there, twisting her fingers, her nerves shot to hell. This might be the stupidest idea Naomi ever planted in her damn head. Exposure, talking this shit sucked and Santana really just wanted to go, lie next to Annie and forget about that crazy thing. But he was bringing over the tea and she added her sugar and there wasn't much left for her to do. Still, there was a long pause and few failed attempts at speaking to him. Because it was an him, with a penis and she was terrified of him alone. "Um...my...my therapist thought I should...talk to you." She had to set the tea down, her hands were shaking far too much. "Phobias, I have two." Except it wasn't irrational or that abnormal for Santana. Ever since that day when she was 12 and he had entered her life. She shivered. "Androphobia; fear of men."

Sebastian led the way back to the kitchen. He placed a kettle on the stove and plucked two ceramic mugs from the overhead cupboard. There was absolute silence between him and his guest. If he did not any better he would have thought he was alone at the moment. He leaned against his counter with his back facing her. This was the first they were alone together with no Annie nor Emily and even though he was still not sure what her problem was, he was sure it had something to do with him in particular. The shrill of the kettle grabbed his attention. He pour hot water on the mug with the tea bag and smiled as he was placed it in front of her. He decided to stay quiet as well. If she wanted to talk it would be in her terms. He lifted an eyebrow as she began speaking. Her therapist told her to talk to him? He frowned, slightly as she continued. Fear of men. This must be some sort of exposure therapy. He was pretty impressed that she was here then or that she was talking to him at all because he had read about anxiety disorders before. "I see." He said. "This must be terrifying for you." He smiled, a little. "You're a brave woman facing your fears like this. Should I make myself scarce?"

Santana closed her eyes as he talked."Incredibly." She admitted softly. "Thank you." She didn't know how brave it was because she was still terrified and barely able to talk. It's brave because you're doing it in spite of being scared. Santana shook her head. "No, no...It's because of Annie..." She made a little flourish with her between them. "Just sit there." She said quietly, grabbing the tea and grasping it hard to stop shaking. "I'm...trying."

Sebastian nodded. Annie was such a little angel. He looked at Santana. It striked him that both her and his daughters had issues. Issues that they were each other with. It was amazing how it worked. He smiled. "You don't have to force yourself to do anything. Do you want to go back in the playroom?" He knew that she must be straining herself to remain calm here alone with him. "We can talk there."

Santana nodded standing up. It would be easier, Annie was like a little buffer and Santana loved looking at her. She was sorta whipped. "Yes, please." She said, getting up and leading the way to it. It was a little calming to have her there, least...scary. She sat against one wall, cupping the tea. "She's amazing...I feel bad...I don't want her to...think...I'm her mom..."

Sebastian knelt beside his daughter, caressing her cheek lightly. "She's my angel." He pursed his lips. "It's just for play. Annie loves to play pretend, even when Patrick was alive." He sipped his tea. "She likes you very much though. You and Emily. You are her first friends here."

Santana smiled at Annie. "Okay, just as long as it is for pretend. I don't want to confuse her." Santana said softly. "I'm a little too messed up for my own kids." She said, looking at Annie. She ran an hand through her hair as she they sat there quietly until Sebastian got a phone call. He said he was going to take it outside and Santana nodded. She didn't know what to say to him anyways, so she didn't mean. Until Annie started moving and whimpering in her sleep. Santana watched her and saw that her cheeks were wet and she popped up out of her sleep when Santana shook her a little. She looked terrified and she only said one word, which was more than Santana thought she was capable of saying, "Daddy" before she attached herself to Santana. She was crying and Santana just did the best she could to relax her. She knew all too much about bad dreams and nightmares, so she rocked with her on her lap. Annie had her face buried on Santana's chest and she was stroking her head, telling her it was just a dream and everything was going to be okay. Santana didn't even bother correcting her when she heard her perfect little voice call her mama.

Sebastian finished his call from the office as fast as he could. Saturdays, he was not in the office but he was on call. Fortunately though, they just called for some clarification in some files. Even with his effort to hasten the call, it still took him a few moments before he was able to hang up. He pocketed his phone and went back to the playroom. There he saw Annie curled up against Santana. He could heard her little whimpers as the older woman rocked her. "Hey." He said as he crawled towards them. Annie lifted her head and his eyebrows creased at the tear tracks on her cheeks. "Daddy." She said, quietly as she reached for him. "Bad dream?" He asked but he knew it was a nightmare already because it was only then that Annie talks. He was surprised that his daughter did not curl onto his lap. She just held his hand. He gave Santana an apologetic look before he ducked down and kissed Annie's forehead. "It's okay baby. Just a dream."

Santana was stroking Annie's brunette curls as best she could when Sebastian got back to them. She was expecting Annie to go to her dad, but she cling more onto Santana, holding her dad's hand. Santana just sat there, because Sebastian was incredibly close. Santana, just held the girl, not knowing what else to do, even through she was acutely aware of Sebastian's male form next to hers. It wasn't his fault Annie had a nightmare and she needed to be consoled, even though Annie was pulling her dad extremely close, until he accidentally brushed against her. It set off several alarms inside her, but she wasn't scared of his touch. Santana swallowed, giving Annie a smile. "Nightmares suck, but they're just nightmares, I promise. The only that ever came true of mine was missing an important deadline." Santana said softly, running her hand through the car. Annie nodded against her but she still didn't move.

Sebastian was careful not to touch Santana but Annie kept on pulling him closer and he was sure that touch her at some point. He had to apologize later. He nodded as Santana talked and ran a comforting hand up and down Annie's back. "Nothing to be afraid of. Daddy and Santana are here see." Emily barked and he smiled. "And Emily too." His daughter nodded again but still did not let go of their guest. Instead she lifted her head and opened her arms, an indication that she wanted a hug. A big hug. But with the way she was holding the older woman it was clear she wanted her in the hug. He looked at Santana. "Can I?" He asked with a waved of hand, because there was no way he could give Annie a hug without hugging Santana as well.

Santana could tell Annie wanted a hug and Santana was okay with letting her to to her dad, but Annie wasn't letting go of her. Santana looked at Sebastian as he asked if her could include her. Her eyes were wide. "Um...you can try. I apologize if use any self defense. ..I'm not used to it." She said. Annie had a curious look cross her face but she redid the motion and Santana took a deep breathe, giving a little nod. Santana was sure she was going to flip him and beat the crap out of him, because her reflexes were amazing like that, so she kept her eyes on Annie who relaxed and Santana kept wondering when he was going to do something weird, but it was a genuine hug. He didn't her in a way that made her uncomfortable, it was just a nice hug and Santana was...relaxed. Which scared her even more. She cleared her throat after a few minutes.

Sebastian made sure he moved slowly as he hugged the both of them. He knew he should take Santana's warning seriously. But he got them both in with no hitch and he breathed a sigh of relief. It would have been rather difficult to explain to Annie why her new friend suddenly went berserk on him. He relaxed when the girls relaxed and he felt full. Santana was of the slight built and even with his daughter in her arms he could still almost span his arms around them. It was a nice and odd feeling. They stayed like that for a few moments as he murmured small comforting words that was intended not only for Annie but also for Santana because he knew him that close, she was living a nightmare. He slowly let go when Santana cleared her throat. He looked down at Annie, who looked okay now. He smiled. "How about some cookies and milk?"

Santana was thankful, confused, a bit panicky because she wasn't feeling panicky about him hugging her. She actually didn't mean it, so that made it even more confusing than if she felt gross and rejected and freaked out on him and smacked him across the face or something. She knew this should be a milestone, something she was happy about but it confused her even more. She shoved it aside as Annie nodded, but didn't let go. Santana managed to get up with the child on her and carried her to the kitchen. She sat her down on the corner and was playing patty cake with her.

Sebastian busied himself with getting the mugs and and the jug of milk. There was a feeling of overprotectiveness that was blooming inside of him for Santana. It was small and was adjacent to the much larger one that he felt for Annie. Patrick had always said that he had a 'hero complex' and that he could not help but protect and save everyone. He said that it was the reason why Sebastian was a lawyer, so he could do just that. He had rolled his eyes on that before but right now it would seemed that his late partner was right. He smiled at the girls as he placed down the mugs. "Pour the milk, please." He said as he put on the oven mittens and turned to take out the baking sheet full of chocolate chip cookies. He got a spatula and scooped them up in a plate. He put in front of them with a flourish. "Now this Santana is really from scratch. Annie and I slaved over it the whole morning." Annie smiled widely and nodded. "Dig in." He said.

Santana helped Annie with the pouring of the milk. They only spilled a little and Santana used a towel to wipe it up. The cookies smelled amazing and they were warmy and gooey and chocolately. She broke a bite and smiled as it melted on her tongue, the favors exploding. "They're worth the effort of the slaving." She commented, barely containing a moan that threatened to escape as she ate more of the cookie, dipping it in her milk as Annie did the same. She smiled at the girl brightly. Santana could cook well enough to get by but Sebastian was good at cooking. Santana was jealous. That made her shiver, she was jealous of a guy, but...He was kinda more than a guy or less of a guy. He wasn't completely terrifying, especially with Annie giggling beside her. "I might have to pay you two to slave over cookies for me."

Sebastian smiled as he watched both girls eat. He loved seeing people enjoy the food he prepared. He would have been a chef if his drive to be a lawyer was not as strong as it was. He took a piece himself, breaking it off to four pieces before dunking it in the mug of milk they poured for him. He smiled as Annie clapped in delight. She reached for her iPad and wrote, 'We're playing at your house? When?' He tried to stop his daughter from asking but the little girl was quick, already passing the iPad to Santana.

Santana looked at the iPad, cocking her head while she studied it. She wanted to be honest with the girl, but she decided this might take a little while. She pressed her lips together. "I have two sessions with Dr. Naomi this week. If she thinks it's good, this Saturday...Although I issue the same warning. I'm not good at my space not being all mine." Santana explained, looking at the ground. "Of course, your dad has to be up for it. I'm afraid me and Emily don't have toys." The little dog barked at her name. Santana exchanged a look with Annie. "How about we compromise? You come over to my place if you read me story that day." Annie looked confused about her choices. Santana looked at her phone and saw there was an emergency at the magazine. Santana sighed. "You text me later this week Annie and let me know. I'm so sorry but there is an emergency and I have to go yell at my staff." She gathered Emily and gave Annie a kiss on the cheek, reminding her to think about it before she left out. She didn't even have a panic attack in her car. Progress is progress.

[seb-the-dad]

A Giant Step → Sebtana

The road to recovery starts with one small step. Or a three year old playing matchmaker. 

Santana looked at her hands as Naomi spoke. “And nothing bad happened? He didn’t hurt you, the world didn’t end. Santana nodded, rubbing her fingers. “You’re right, but-“ I know what you’re going to say Santana, but pushing past what scares you is only going to help. Remember, you have goals and none of that can be met without hard work. Yes even if you have moments where you need to count or go away. You made progress and I think you have one jumpy little dog and girl to thank for that. “ Santana swallowed, taking comfort in the fact she had made progress and not worrying so much on the fear and terror she experienced afterwards, No pain, no gain, right? Still the thought of doing it farther terrified her. I have two little goals for you Santana. Before our next session, why don’t you attempt to Skype with Annie AND her dad. I also think you should tell him why you were a little hostile in your meetings.” Santana felt the color run out of her cheeks. “If he sees where I live he could easy come there and try to hurt me.” Santana said quietly. Naomi always told her her fears were allowed to talked about and they might hold some validity, but they won’t be allowed to stop her life completely. Naomi patted her knee. “You have my number on speed dial if you need an confident boost or help, but it would be good for you. I want you to try. Santana stood, as her hour had ended about 5 minutes ago. She gathered her purse, feeling the fear in her throat. “I’ll try, at least.” Santana said softly as Naomi led her towards the joint reception area. Her sister Ruth was a child Psychologist and Naomi specialized in Phobias. Santana didn’t miss a familiar back leaving the place. Naomi told her to relax as tense but Santana explained that was the pair that dominated most of her time today. Naomi nodded,, repeated her words. Santana felt even more terrible about what had happened about Annie’s papa and she repeated that she had to do it and walked after them. She didn’t have to increase her speed much to reach him. Annie was walking and their speed was slow. It took a moment but Santana managed a quick but firm touch to his back. “I needed to say sorry face to face.” She knew her face was red and she was tense, but she owed it to Annie.

Sebastian was not a bit surprised when Doctor Ruth asked him to come in a minute. It was how Annie's sessions usually ended. His daughter gave him a little wave before focusing on the picture she was painting. He could see that it was a white shaggy dog. He followed Doctor Ruth to her very colorful office and took a seat. After the pleasantries, she started to talk about his daughter. "Annie told me that she met new friends this week. A Ms. Santana and her dog, Emily?" Sebastian nodded. "Yeah, we met them in the grocery store. The woman's a bit weird but Annie liked her and her dog." Ruth smiled. "They are all she talked about this session. I think it is quite a progress that she is interacting with other people." She crossed her legs. "I highly recommend that you encourage her to cultivate the relationship." Sebastian pursed his lips. That would be easy if the woman wasn't skittish in his presence. "I'll do my best." He replied. They spent a few more minutes discussing Annie's new exercises before it was time to go. His daughter smiled widely when he said it was time to go. She grabbed her drawings and held his hand and they exited Ruth's office. They were about to reach the front door when he felt somebody touched his back and heard a familiar voice say "I needed to say sorry face to face." He turned around and saw that it was indeed Crazy Lady. Somehow he was not surprise to see her here. Obviously the woman had issues. Annie peeked from behind his leg and grinned at the woman when she realized who it was. Ruth suddenly arrived then, waving Annie's iPad. "Sebastian, Annie, you forgot this." He thanked the therapist and the little girl quickly reached for the gadget. She wrote something quickly and showed it to Santana. 'Hello Ms. Santana. Are you playing with Daddy and me today?"

Santana only looked at him for a moment before she focused on Annie. Still, she had touched a guy and she didn't die, the world didn't end and she wasn't hurt. Santana looked as she saw Dr. Ruth handing Annie her iPad. So maybe there was a real reason why Annie didn't speak. Santana just assumed she might be mute, which was not a problem that needed therapy all of the time, unless something really bad had muted someone. Santana read the words across the screen and she looked back and saw Naomi was watching. Santana looked down at her phone and saw the number to the therapist's direct cell phone and nodded at Annie, before speaking. "I'll try. I owe you, don't I?" Santana said before she initiated a hug with the girl. "I'm sorry again Annie for the other night." She stood and looked at Sebastian for a moment. "Any place in particular you want to go Annie?"

Sebastian was a taken a back by when Santana said yes to Annie's invitation and that she looked at him when she spoke. Doctor Ruth gave him an encouraging smile and he nodded. "Well, we're going to this pizza house that Annie likes. It's just a block away from here so we'll walk." Annie grinned as well, taking Santana's hand. "You can join us if you want."

Santana looked down at Annie as she took her hand. Santana took a deep breathe and smiled down at the girl as best she could. "Yeah...okay." She very well couldn't wretch her hand away and run to her car. Make progress, get better...be normal Santana followed them out the door. It's perfectly okay to go eat pizza and walk alone with a guy. Albeit he's one you do not know well. All you know is he has an adorable little girl, who he lets put make up on him and his partner died. Who knows he could of did it. Passion crimes. He's a lawyer, he clearly cares for Annie and he did not murder Emily. Lawyers make the best liars. Santana shook her head as her thoughts battled. She just whispered under her breathe to act normal. She didn't say anything to Annie or Sebastian as they walked. Because Annie's hands were full and Santana couldn't handle her thoughts and talking. She could only calm one storm at a time. Instead she let them lead the way to the restaurant.

Sebastian saw criminals walk the green mile before and he could not help but compare Santana to that. He led both of them both outside and once there Annie took his hand as well, so she was walking between him and her friend. Sebastian frowned slightly as he remembered that his daughter used to do this when Patrick was still alive. She even giggled as she made them swing her. She looked up to Sebastian with a wide smile and he could not help but return the expression. He glanced at Santana and decided to strike a conversation. "Where's Emily?"

Santana was surprised to hear her giggle as they swung her, but it touched her. She hide her smile and the thoughts stopped battling each other. She didn't want to run half as bad as she had. Because she was drawn to that. See, once you're better you can have children and made them laugh and love them unconditionally. Santana was glad that was the only thought. It was a little hidden wish shared only with Naomi once, added to her goal list. Santana realized his question was towards her and she took a moment to not lose it. Annie's giggle. Use it. "When I have my sessions, Emily gets to spend a few hours at a petsitter's. She loves it, gets to chase around dogs, jump on cats." Santana said as loud as she could muster but it wasn't that loud. Strill, that was two sentences out and she was okay, her palms a bit sweaty and her heart racing, but still standing.

Sebastian nodded. "That's good. Emily's a great dog." He lifted his arm in sync with Santana to swing Annie one more time. After she landed, she broke away from their hold and turned to face Santana, holding out her arms and signaling the older woman to carry her up. He lifted an eyebrow at that. He did not understand why his daughter was acting this way around this person. Annie was wary of strangers. Her baby sitter took three months to gain her trust. Until it hit him, like a bus to the chest. Santana could pass as Patrick's sister. She was a bit more relaxed now and he could see it, the similarities. "Annie, darling, I don't think Ms. Santana can carry you. Come here, let Daddy do it."

Santana nodded her head. Emily was great, Santana loved her to death. They swung the young brunette again and that same giggle erupted from her mouth and Santana felt herself melt a little more. Santana was surprised when she held her arms up for Santana to lift her, but it made her grin. "No, no. It's fine. I'll love to." She assured him quickly, not even realizing she was talking directly to him with no real fear. No, she had a little girl to carry and Santana scooped her up immediately settling her on a hip and touching her nose. "Do you remember my niece whose getting a puppy?" Annie nodded. "She hasn't been as tiny as you for a long time. She's almost 9 and once she turned 7 she told me she was too big to be picked up anymore." Annie's eyes widen a bit. "Crazy right, so you can be the only little girl I pick up now, deal?" Annie nodded at her eagerly as the little pizza place entered their sights. Santana carried Annie until they got inside and she settled her in a chair. Santana across from her as they handed her a menu. It was a male waiter and Santana attempted not to tense too much but she did.

Sebastian was not sure if he was happy or not about what was happening. Annie was smiling and was happier than he ever saw her in the past six months since Patrick's death and it was all because of this odd woman who looked a bit like their deceased loved one. He made a note to himself to call doctor Ruth tonight and discuss if this was healthy. He sat beside Annie and immediately noticed how Santana tensed when the server arrived. He frowned a bit as his mind tried to piece the information together. He ordered his usual and Annie excitedly pointed the lasagna again. "Yes darling, I know." He looked at Santana and smiled slightly. "Annie highly recommends the lasagna." Beside him, his daughter nodded her head vigorously. She took out her iPAD from her little backpack and wrote 'Emily liked the pepperoni pizza.'

Santana put her hands in her lap as she nodded. The waiter just had to ask again what she wanted and Santana looked at the ceiling. This was why she stayed at home most of the time. Notice all the men around you. All of them could grab you and hurt you just like Annie's smiling, she looks happy. Annie giggled. "Lasagna. Mt. Dew." Santana saw the little girl had wrote on the iPad and showed her. Santana smiled again. Exposure wasn't helping, Annie was. In this weird way. She said the right thing at the right time. Santana lifted an eyebrow. "Ah, she had real food with you. Is that why she's been whining? Must be quite the pepperoni pizza, huh?" Santana teased her softly. Santana glanced at Sebastian. He was looking at her and it made her look down at her hands. "Did Annie tell you I would give her a puppy when Emily has one?"

Sebastian answered yes, quietly. "She is very excited about that." He ruffled the little girl's curls as she leaned in against his side. Annie scribbled a 'Daddy said we'll buy the puppy a little bed to sleep in.' "That we will. But remember what I said. Puppies are big responsibilities." His daughter nodded solemnly. He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Why don't you show Ms. Santana your paintings?" She blushed a bit before she brought out four pieces of paper. One was the shaggy white dog with the word 'Emily' below. Then one of a crude but unmistakable rendition of him carrying her, labeled as 'Daddy and me.' One of Patrick, 'Papa' it said and lastly and most surprisingly one of Sebastian, Santana and her. Holding hands just as they were moments ago.

Santana smiled at Annie. She was glad she had agreed to let Emily mate and produce some puppies. Between Sophie's joy and Annie's, Santana was extremely happy with her decision, even if Brittany had to take the dog to the breeder's. It was well worth it. Santana thought about correcting her name, but she figured it had something to do with manners, the Ms. Even if it made her feel well beyond her 26 years on this planet. At least it wasn't ma'am. Santana saw the blush creep on Annie's cheek's. There was Emily, Annie and her dad, the man named Papa and the fourth one caught Santana off guard. She was it and it was a complete prediction of what happened a few moments ago. Santana raised an eyebrow. "Well, Annie if you're physic, I need to know a few things. Anytime you wanna draw my future, let me know." She teased as lightly as she could. But still, how could a kid predict that or know? Why did she want that? Santana shook off her questions. "I like the way you draw. Your dad must cover the fridge in them."

Sebastian chuckled when he read what Annie wrote on her iPad. 'What is a sci-kick?' He smiled and corrected her spelling before explaining what it was. Annie pouted. 'I'm not a psychic. I'm Annie.' "Of course, you are darling." He smiled and nodded at Santana's statement. He was sort of used to how she was speaking. "You should see my office. I have a wall just for her pictures." His daughter grinned before she plucked the drawing of Emily and offered it to Santana. "I think she wants you to give it to Emily."

Santana smiled as Annie pouted. It was really cute when she did that. Santana let the waiter sit down her drink before she circled her finger around the rim. "That's great, they're amazing. It would cheer anyone up. on a slow day." Again, she had did two sentences directly at Sebastian. Santana looked down at her pop, but she was doing it. Santana smiled as she looked up and saw Annie handing her the picture. Santana sat it on the empty space next to her. "I'll show her and put it up so we can see it. It's really good." Santana said encouragingly. Annie smiled, blushing again and scribbled something on her iPad. She showed it to Sebastian and giggled. Santana raised an eyebrow, but it wasn't showed to her. "So what's your favorite book, Missy?"

Sebastian felt the corners of his mouth drop to a slight frown when he read the words 'Ms. Santana is pretty, isn't she Daddy?" Annie did not notice it because she was too busy giggling. He had to really call Ruth. His daughter wiped the surface clean as Santana finished her question. 'Anything Daddy reads for me is good. Daddy is a good storyteller.' He lifted an eyebrow. If he did not know any better, he would have thought his daughter was playing matchmaker.

Santana looked at the gadget and nodded. "Well you have to have one thing you like to hear him read more to you than anything else. I always made my mom read me the Princess and the Pea. I'm a really light sleeper, so a pea would bother me in mine." Santana explained, tucking some of her stray hair behind her ear. Annie shook her head at Santana. "Well...what's a story you've read her?" Santana asked him. Talking directly to him left her panicky but not as much as it once did, but enough, she took a sip of her pop and counted down from ten.

Sebastian had to remind himself to speak evenly and quietly. "Well I had read quite a lot for her. Fairy tales and fables. She does love books of any kind." The waiter went back and placed their food on the table. Sebastian quickly cut up Annie's lasagna into manageable pieces before giving the fork to the toddler. He saw that she wrote an invite to a sleepover to their house to Santana so the older woman could read her a bedtime story.

Santana appreciated the fact he spoke quietly. It was less threatening, not as fearful for her. It didn't make her want to run as badly. Santana sit back a little ways, swallowing as the waiter sat down her food. Santana's nerves were grated as he spoke and said something to them. Thankfully Annie was showing her something and it took her by surprise. Santana looked down at her hands. "I couldn't stay all night, but I-I can try." Santana said softly.

Sebastian was again surprised that she agreed to Annie's invitation. Sort of. He still did not understand why she was tense in his presence but his daughter was clapping in glee and was writing, 'tonight?' "Now sweetheart, you know you shouldn't invite people just like that. Ms. Santana might be busy." Annie erased the word and replaced it with, 'sorry' before writing,'when are you not busy, Ms. Santana?"

Santana was grateful he told her tonight might not work. She was trying her hardest but she still needed a night or so. To recover and steel herself. "I think I have free day in a few. Saturday. Saturday would work well for me. Is that a good day for you two?" Santana asked, addressing them as a unit. "I could bring Emily while I'm over.

Sebastian nodded. "Yes that would be perfect." He took Annie's iPad and wrote their address and showed it to Santana. Moonlight Basin was not that large a place but with the type of terrain he had spend a few minutes telling her the route from the town center. "Shall we expect you at lunch?"

Santana listened to his directions as she typed it in her phone. She was going to see Annie and since it Annie and not Sebastian, she wasn't as bad right now. She felt a bit of a panic raise but she counted and it was gone but 30. Which was good for her. She normally have to get to five and think that was an accomplishment. "Lunch is fine for me." Santana said smiling at Annie.

[seb-the-dad]

Text → Sebtana.

Santana: Thank you. I'm going to get out of your hairs now. Tell Annie is she ever feels like texting, my phone is always on.

Sebastian: Yes. Good night.

[seb-the-dad]

Text → Sebtana.

Santana: I can't. I'm sorry. I just can't.

Sebastian: Okay. Okay. I'll just tell her.

[seb-the-dad]

Text → Sebtana.

Santana: I know I didn't but it's the things you don't know about people that can hurt them the most. Tell Annie I'm terribly sorry again.

Sebastian: You can tell her yourself, do you have Skype? We can video call. I'm sure she'll like that.

[seb-the-dad]

Text → Sebtana.

Santana: I am terribly sorry for your loss and the fact I made it raw for her. I'm at a loss for words and it's not often that happens. I feel terribly guilty.

Sebastian: Please don't. You don't know.

[seb-the-dad]

Text → Sebtana.

Santana: *takes a few breathes to pace herself* Santana is fine. Ms. Santana makes me feel old. I'm sorry. I hope I didn't start anything or upset her. I usually shut up and stay quiet. Is she okay?

Sebastian: She made me carry her but she'll be fine in a bit. She miss her Papa very much. We both do.