Hi everyone, so yes I know I have an active story, which I am not done with so don't worry about that. But this idea just would not leave me alone! Like I mean it has been on my mind for weeks. I finally had a free afternoon and this is what came out. It is a slow burn though, there will be romance, but much later and I am not sure who with who. Also I appologize if I get some of the Army jargon wrong. It's not what this story is about, so please be kind. Please let me know what you think? Hope you like. BR

Santana Lopez was still in wonder. She had just gotten to New York three days previous, she couldn't believe it. She felt like a fish out of water. Even after nearly a year back State side she felt like she didn't belong. Granted a good portion of that year was spent in Hospital and then on Base near Houston. Now after ten years in the Army she had a posting in country, she really had no other choice. And of all places a new program in New York. She had very little time to pack up the few belongings she did have and report for duty. Even less time to find a place to live. She was after all an Officer now and could do that. And she had to as well. So she had done just that. And she had found a small but nice apartment close to where she would now be and instructor to hopeful combat medics. And now she was jittery and tired and standing in front of a huge Starbucks a little overwhelmed. This was a civilian world that Santana didn't know if she still knew how to handle. She had decided on a whim that she would like something that didn't taste of army just once. And it was after all her first day. So she had walked the five minutes to Starbucks, and now didn't know what she was supposed to ask for. Coffee was after all out of the question. But everything sounded so foreign and that made Santana snort. New York felt foreign to her. But give her a desert filled with people trying to shoot and she felt right at home

The boy behind the counter had to look twice. In the last few months they had gotten quite a lot of military folks there, but none looked quite like this woman. Even with the jagged scars that criss-crossed the right side of her face and neck she was quite something. 'Ma'am how can I help you today?' He stammered slightly.

Santana smiled at the boy apologetically. 'Hi, maybe you can help me out here. I need something to get me through to lunch time and is not coffee? You think you can get me something like that?'

'The boy blinked, this lady was nicer than most of the other customers. She actually treated him like a person. 'Well sure, would you like something fruity or rather something creamy or maybe tee?'

'Well I think fruity would be nice.' Santana shrugged then winced, she had to remember to loosen up before she went to work. He shoulder had been shredded by shrapnel and she was still not back to normal. Likely never would be.

The boy cocked his head then nodded, he had the perfect drink for her. 'Maybe something simple like Strawberry Frapucino?'

'You know what...' Santana took a quick look at the name tag and smiled. 'Kevin that sounds great. Thanks.'

'Any time ma'am.' Kevin was mortified when he felt his ears burn red. He couldn't believe that he was blushing. He quickly took her money and was surprised when she told him to keep the change. It was a rather big tip. 'Thank you ma'am.'

'You work hard, you deserve it. Have a nice day Kevin.' Santana chose to ignore the blush and gave him a last smile before moving on to get her drink. He really couldn't help it, and he was so utterly harmless. And with how she looked she found it rather flattering too. She grabbed her drink then checked her watch. 'Damn!' She was still early, but in the army if you were five minutes early you were late. So she had to hustle or she would be late for her first day. And the damn uniform didn't help. For her first day it was required that she wore her Service Uniform. She absolutely hated it. It was stiff and you couldn't move at all. At least it was only for Monday assembly's. The rest of the time she would be back in her combat uniform or PT. No matter how hard they try this damn uniform will never be comfortable! And bloody heels. As if I can do anything with these.

Quinn huffed, she was tired and now her partner wanted to stop for coffee. They were of shift as soon as they got back to the house and could hand back their on duty car, but no. Her partner wanted to stop for coffee. 'How can you not wait ten minutes for coffee? I swear Kerry you are such an ass.'

'Oh suck it Quinn. Forgive me if I don't have a lead lined stomach that can handle the swill that passes as coffee back at the station.' Kerry shrugged not very concerned with Quinn's anger. She was always grumpy if they didn't get back by end of shift. 'Besides it's you turn to buy.'

Quinn huffed but finally got out of the car and walked across the road and into Starbucks. At least the rush seemed to be somewhat over. As she waited she people watched a little. Not much else to do. Huh she seems to be a little out of her way. But the uniform looks oh so good. Quinn looked the woman at the front of the cue up at and down. She had to admit the uniform hugged the woman in all the right places, but that wasn't what had her so interested. No it was the fact that she was sure that she knew this woman. But for the life of her she couldn't place her. But her mind was telling her she should remember and that is was important that she did. There was something so utterly familiar in the way the woman moved and the gestures she made. It was so very familiar and yet utterly foreign. As the woman moved on to get her coffee Quinn ordered and lost track of the woman. As she turned to go get their coffee she finally caught a glimpse and felt the blood drain. How could she not have seen it. Not immediately known. 'Santana.' It came out as nothing more than whisper and by the time Quinn could move Santana was already nearly out the door. For gods sake Fabray move! Damn it move! Or she'll vanish again. She ran as Santana opened the door. She had to catch up to her. 'Santana? Lopez!' Quinn called out and for a second she thought that maybe, just maybe her mind had been playing tricks on her, but then Santana turned, and Quinn could clearly see utter confusion in her face. 'It is you.' She breather after a second.

'Quinn?' Santana asked completely confused. She was obviously having some sort of weird dream. There was no way that Quinn could possibly be there, could there? She hadn't seen her in ten years. Ten long years. And yet the woman standing in front of her really couldn't be anyone else. This is not happening. 'I...I have to go.' She supposed it was it was her flight or fight instinct kicking in and because she had never thought that she would ever see Quinn Fabray ever again flight won out.

Quinn desperately searched her pockets for a one of her cards and a pen. 'Wait! Santana please!' She called after Santana desperately.

For some reason Santana stopped and turned around. 'I can't, I have to go.' Santana took the card that Quinn shoved her way anyway.

'Please...please just call. Santana...please?' Quinn stumbled over her words, she was probably still in shock. At least now I know you are ok. If nothing else I know you are ok.

Santana gripped the card tightly, she didn't know what to say. She would more than likely not call, but she also didn't want to tell Quinn that. 'I have to go.' She turned and this time didn't look back as she hurried away from part of her past.

Quinn stood there until she couldn't see Santana any more then walked back to the car and her waiting partner. She was in a complete daze. Damn it Lopez you better call! Please don't just disappear again.

Kerry glanced up at Quinn and frowned. Where was her damn coffee? 'Hey Fabray what's the big idea?' Kerry turned to Quinn fully when she didn't get an answer and blinked. 'Shit you look like you just saw a ghost.'

'I might as well have.' Quinn muttered softly, off al the people she thought she would run into in New York when she had moved here years ago Santana Lopez was not at the top of that list. 'Get us back to the station. I need to get home.'

Kerry nodded without further question. She knew when to push and when to do as asked. 'I'll take care of the paperwork.'

Santana pulled at her jacket to make sure it was straight then took a deep breath. She remembered what one of her Drill Sergeants told her when they had graduated basic training. He had told her it's not about knowing everything it's about looking as if you do. So Santana squared her shoulder then marched into her classroom. I'm a teacher. How in the world did that happen. 'Morning.'

All eight Privates jumped to attention. 'Morning Sergeant!'

Santana eyed them up and down, they looked like a good bunch. If she wasn't mistaken this was the group that was nothing but trouble though. They all had reprimands in their files. And they were also the group that showed the greatest potential. Which is why she had them. Dolly and me would have fit right in here. 'At ease and sit down.'

'Yes Sergeant!' They all sat down and waited for Santana to continue.

Santana only had two groups, but this was the one she would have the most involvement with. She took the list from her folder, first things first. She would try and see where the group was at later. You couldn't do that in a classroom. 'Brooks.'

'Here Sergeant!' Brooks called out. They all knew how Roll call went after all.

Santana looked up so she could match the face with the information she had memorized. Brooks had one reprimand on file for hitting his commanding officer. The only reason he was still there was because it seemed the commanding officer was making advances that the lady he was with did not appreciate. After the incident Brooks kept his nose clean. 'Mills.'

'Here Sergeant.' Mills didn't straighten her posture or even look at Santana.

Santana's eyebrow arched, yes this was the biggest trouble maker. She had been switched out of two Platoons because none of the NCO's knew what to do with her. She talked back did things her way and showed absolutely no respect. But she was clever enough to do it just beneath the level where they would be able to kick her out. Not with me. 'Mills you just earned everyone drill time. Congratulations. After roll call you have fifteen minutes to change into full combat gear and meet in the courtyard. Understood?'

They all groaned and glared at Mills. 'Yes Sergeant!'

'Mills my office, now.' Santana pointed to the door and waited for Mills to move.

'I don't know where your office is Sergeant.'

'Then I suggest you find it fast.' Santana turned back to the others as Mills grumbled and stalked out the door. Don't let them even start of with thinking they can get away with showing disrespect. If you do, they'll walk all over you. 'Jensen.'

'Here Sergeant.' Jensen replied easily.

Santana looked up and nodded. He was the joker in the bunch. Never in any real trouble, but also didn't take things to seriously. He would learn. 'Willis.'

'Here Sergeant.' Willis bellowed loudly.

Santana winced. Yip over enthusiastic, but not quick to take orders. Liked to do things his way. 'Harris.'

'Here Sergeant.' Harris replied with a small grin.

Santana groaned, right the womaniser where would they be without one of those. She was so blatantly checking Santana out that it made her skin crawl. That is all I need! Dolly seems you gonna be my wifey again for a while. 'Saber.' That name has got to hurt.

'Here Sergeant.' Saber snipped.

And there was Santana's anger management issue. Saber liked to talk with his fists, a lot apparently. 'Polter.'

'Here Sergeant.' Polter said softly, he pretty much always kept to himself.

Santana sighed, Polter she would have to bring out of his shell. His test scores were off the chart. Social skills were non existent. 'Lewis.'

'Here Sergeant.' Lewis answered confidently.

Santana sighed inwardly, and Lewis was the know it all. Seemed everyone had made it. 'You have fifteen minutes I suggest you move.' She said and smiled amused as the seven soldiers scrambled to get out of the room and to their rooms. After a few seconds she made her way to her office. Finding Mills leaning against the wall outside it. 'Mills stand up straight.' She snapped as she opened the door.

'Yes Sergeant.' Mills ground out as she followed Santana into the office. She looked around and was surprised that the only things there were a locker neatly squared away and a desk also neatly squared away. No personal affects at all. Probably has a hubby at home and hasn't gotten around to displaying all the cutsie pictures. Where do they find these people.

Santana opened her locker and opened it hanging up her jacket then taking out what she needed and put it on her desk. 'You have talent, and you know it. You think you can handle yourself in all situations and are better than others. And more than likely you are, and maybe you even could although I doubt it. And you can keep going the way you are, and I will gladly sign off on you and watch as the army posts you somewhere so of the map you can't even imagine it. And there you will be king of the mountain and absolutely useless. Or you can let me teach you and become a good soldier and be useful. It's up to you. But Mills you used up one of your three strikes. Third one you are gone. Do we understand each other?'

Mills was red in the face. She was going places not like this bitch. 'Yes Sergeant.' She would have her day.

'You have ten minutes to get into gear. Don't be late.' Santana dismissed her then quickly changed into her combat fatigues. She had no illusions, she knew that Mills would be trouble, and if she couldn't nip it in the bud she would be big trouble. She sighed as she stretched so her uniform could settle properly immediately comfortable in her own skin again. This is better. She would deal with Mills as things came up. She could handle her.

Quinn was still pretty much in a daze as she made her way to her room so she could lock her gun away. She lived in a ridiculously big house because her friend needed her too. And even after nearly a year she still felt out of place. And after seeing Santana again after so may years she felt antsy. Where the hell have you been Santana?

'Quinn? You home?'

'Yea in my room!' Quinn lay down on her bed and stared at the ceiling forlornly. What was she supposed to do with all her unanswered questions running around her mind?

'I thought I heard you. You have a hard day?'

Quinn lifted her head and shook it. 'No, no Brit it was fine.'

Brittany walked in and joined Quinn on her bed then ran her fingers trough Quinn's hair. She knew it relaxed Quinn it usually put her right to sleep. 'Then why do you have your worried face on?'

Quinn debated with herself whether she should tell Brittany about Santana or not. When Santana disappeared Brittany had been completely broken. They might not have been dating any more, but Brittany and Santana had always been like family, and it was like Brittany had lost a family member, and she guessed that in Brittany's mind she had. And I still have no clue what had happened. But she has a right to know. 'Lets get comfy Brit.'

'Ok now I'm really worried.' Brittany lent against the headboard next to Quinn fingers still sifting through Quinn's hair, it was habit that she had never been able to break. To relax Quinn and let her think she used to do the exact same thing for hours.

'I don't know if it something to really worry about per se.' Quinn said softly trying to stall.

Brittany rolled her eyes, she knew all of Quinn's stalling tactics. 'Quinn.'

'I saw her.' Quinn sighed out softly.

Brittany frowned, now there was a ambiguous answer if she ever heard one. 'Saw who? Mother Theresa?'

Quinn groaned, leave it to Brittany to make a joke when Quinn was trying to be serious. 'I was getting coffee for Kerry when I noticed this woman in Uniform, and I swear Brit I knew I knew her, but I couldn't place her.' Quinn closed her eyes to try and remember as much detail as she could. It was something she had learnt a long time ago, she remembered more when she did that. 'She was wearing an Army Medical Corps pin and had a lot of ribbons. And some sort of rank, not sure what, but high enough. Perfectly put together. She had some scaring on the right side of her face and neck.' Quinn frowned trying to remember more, but that was it. The moment she had seen who it was her mind had simply stopped working.

Brittany waited, she knew how Quinn's mind worked, she was processing and would get to the point when she had it all clear in her mind. But she would love to know what the point was Quinn was getting at. And who is her? 'Quinn?'

'It wasn't until she turned that it hit me.' Quinn blinked her eyes open and looked Brittany in the eye. 'It was Santana Brit.'

'What?' Brittany asked softly she was sure she had heard wrong.

'I saw Santana. She's in New York.' Quinn stated more firmly.

Brittany bit her lip, it had been ten years since she had last seen or talked to Santana. And she still missed her terribly. 'Can we call her, is she ok? Where was she?'

'Brit!' Quinn stopped Brittany before she went into total over drive . 'I don't know. I saw her for maybe five minutes in total.'

Brittany completely deflated. 'But she's ok?'

'She looked good.' Quinn agreed, she would leave out the fact that she had given Santana her card. She was still unsure what to make of the less than enthusiastic hello. She looked scared. She looked terrified of me. Like I was going to smack her, or something.

'If she is here you have to find her.' Brittany suddenly said as she snuggled into Quinn her head resting on Quinn's chest. 'You are the Police. You can do that. You have to.'

'I can't just do that Brit.' Quinn sighed as she hugged Brittany closer. This was one reason why she did like living with Brittany. Brittany always knew what she needed. And having her close right then was exactly what she needed.

'I don't care, you find her Quinn. I...I need to see for myself that she is ok.' Brittany admonished Quinn. And in the end she knew that Quinn would do as she asked. Quinn always put her first and herself second. It had been that way for ten years, no matter what had happened.

Quinn nodded stiffly. She would give Santana some time, but if she didn't call in the next few days she would go make a few calls and she would find Santana, whether Santana wanted her to or not. 'I will find her, I promise.'

'Thank you Quinn.' Brittany mumbled.

'How was your day? Did you make to the studio, or did you work from here.' Quinn asked while she played a little with Brittany hair. When they were both home at the same time they would very often end up just like this.

Brittany sighed loudly. She had been working on going back to her studio to work on the choreography projects she had, but she had as of yet not made it. 'I nearly made it.'

'How close did you get?' Quinn asked, she knew why Brittany hadn't gone back to her dream, and why she tried every day. It was understood that Quinn would ask about it.

'Across the road.' Brittany whispered as she felt tears start dampening Quinn's crisp work shirt.

'You'll get there.' Quinn soothed. It was also understood that unless Brittany brought up the why, they didn't talk about it. And Quinn could understand she had her own issues she didn't talk about either. A lot can happen in ten years.

Santana sighed, she had a lot of work if she was going to get her group into any shape at all. The morning drills had gone dismally bad. And now the PT hadn't gone better. And she had taken it easy on them. Only a ten mile jog through the city. And damn it she was the one that was not up to par yet she was running circles around them. 'Ok make sure to stretch properly. We will be doing this twice a week. I do it four, any of you want to join me on my morning runs for the other two times are welcome. Just let me know.' She stretched sighing in pleasure. Nothing like a proper run to loosen up muscles and mind.

'Why in gods name would we do that Sergeant?' Jensen puffed as he tried to suck in enough oxygen so he wouldn't pass out. He couldn't believe that they had gone on a run with their Sergeant. In his experience they gave orders and stood back and watched. But apparently not Sergeant Lopez. How the hell can she still look so relaxed.

'Well first of because its a disgrace that an injured Sergeant can run circles around every single one of you.' Santana grinned proudly, she wasn't one to brag about where she had been and what she had done. But her body was something she did brag about. And why not? 'And I might or might not hand out very useful tips for anyone who was willing to listen.'

'And what could you possibly have to tell us that could help us Sergeant?' Saber asked shortly.

Santana rolled her eyes, well wasn't that just rude? 'Don't judge a book by its cover, and if you do take a good look at the cover first. The offer stands. Take it don't I go anyway.' She shrugged it really was only in their own best interest. But they had probably not yet found her bio. She was pretty sure their opinions would change once they had. 'First four chapters for tomorrow, no excuses. Now you are dismissed. Have good evening.' Santana said as she walked off leaving the eight to stretch out and get themselves squared away before dinner. She had better things to do. She was done for the day. That still felt like a novelty. Now time to go get my baby and go home.

Santana made it to the daycare in record time. The old woman who ran it shook her head and chuckled at her. She didn't seem al that surprised though. 'Hi.' Santana smiled a little sheepishly, she knew she probably looked like a mess. She hadn't bothered to change out of her PT uniform. She was to anxious to see her baby.

'Oh sweetie don't you worry, you are fine. A little on the sweaty side, but just fine. It's nice to see a mama that is so anxious to see their little one.'

Santana grinned at Millie Kilbourn. She was a godsend. She had been a complete wreck. She had never left her four month old, but Millie was like a good natured Grandma. And Santana felt comfortable leaving Alejandra with her. 'You know Millie I can't remember the last time anyone called me sweetie and I didn't punch them in the face.' Santana followed Millie into her home and to the crib where her baby was peacefully sleeping. She still felt a little odd to call Millie Millie, but the woman had insisted.

'Oh you army types are all so easy sweetie.' Millie shrugged as she watched Santana practically moon over Alejandra. 'But I think it's way past time for someone to treat you like the beautiful young lady you are.'

Santana snorted happily. Millie had absolutely no hang ups saying exactly what was on her mind. 'Was she good for you?'

'She had some trouble this morning when you left, but once we got her settled she was ok. Cranky, I am guessing just like her mama, but ok.' Millie gently ran a finger through Alejandra's hair. She was a little carbon copy of Santana.

'Hey I am not cranky.' Santana tried to defend herself then blushed when Millie arched an eyebrow in that all knowing fashion that mothers every where were so good at. 'Sorry.'

Millie cackled happily. Yes Santana was a sweetheart and such a well mannered one. If only all the mothers she dealt with were like her. 'You are just fine Sweetie. Now why don't you say hi, like I know you are itching to and I'll go get her things.'

'Thanks.' Santana said as she focussed all her attention on Alejandra. She very carefully picked her up. Her baby girl was tiny, but then she guessed that was to be expected. She had almost lost her, she was born three months early. But now, now she was growing and thriving and she was everything to Santana. 'Hey baby.' She nuzzled Alejandra gently, there was nothing that smelled as good as a baby Santana was sure. 'It's so good to see someone that isn't a silly monkey with an attitude problem. And I have eight of those now, can you imagine? No? Well neither can I.' Santana kissed the baby softly on top of the head as she talked about her day and what she had been up to. 'I saw someone today baby, and I didn't think I would ever see them again. You remember the stories I told you about my family back in Lima. Well today I ran into Quinn. I haven't seen her in ten years and I got scared and ran. She did give me her card though.' Santana frowned, she was still not sure why she had just run away. 'I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that.'

'If you ask me, you should call her.' Millie said as she rolled Alejandra's stroller into the room. 'Because sweetie I get the feeling you are lonely. And a young lady like yourself should not be lonely. So give your old friend a call. The worst thing that could happen you catch up and never see each other again or you find yourself a friend.' Millie rolled her eyes at Santana's scowl. 'Take it from an old lady, you can never have to many friends.'

'I am not the person that she knew any more.' Santana mumbled softly as she strapped Alejandra in.

Millie snorted to be young and so naïve. 'And you think she is the same person? But if she gave you her card she obviously wants to at least see what did become of you. She might like the new you. I know I like you well enough.'

Santana chuckled, maybe she would call Quinn. Maybe not. 'Geez thanks Millie way to make a girl feel special.'

'Oh git girlie before I make you feel real special.' Millie swatted Santana lightly as she walked them to the door. 'See you tomorrow honey, and call your friend.'

'I might. Bye Millie.' Santana was completely lost in thought as she walked home. So much had happened and ten years was such a long time. But what do you have to loose? Millie is right, and you know Dolly would kick your ass if she finds out about this. Well more like when. That woman has like spidey senses.

Later after she had showered and Alejandra was fed and clean Santana lay on her bed with Alejandra sleeping peacefully on her chest. It seemed the only way Santana could get her to fall asleep. Her girl liked to feel her and hear her heartbeat. And Santana couldn't say she wanted it any other way. 'I should call huh?' She murmured then finally picked up the card Quinn had given her. She snorted when she finally took a look at it. 'Damn Millie you weren't joking when you said that she wasn't the same as I remember either.' Santana finger ran over the simple print and Quinn's name. She carefully crabbed her phone and decided that this was as good a time as any. So after only a few more seconds of hesitation she dialled.

'Fabray.'

Santana closed her eyes, things might have changed, but something never would. Quinn still sounded like she smoked a pack a day and washed them down with whiskey. Santana had always thought it was Quinn's best asset, she sounded like sex personified. 'Ten years is a very long time Quinn.' Santana said without really thinking. It was just what came out.

Quinn shot up in bed, she had not expected Santana to call back that soon or actually at all. She had rabitted so convincingly. 'Santana?'

'Yea.' Santana said softly her free hand drawing slow circles on Alejandra's back. It was soothing her frayed nerves.

'I'm glad you called.' Quinn said honestly. But now that Santana had called Quinn had no idea what to say.

'I very nearly didn't, you should thank Millie.' Santana breathed sadly. Millie had been right of course. She was lonely, Alejandra was everything to her, but she still missed her friends all of whom were a long long way away.

'Well give me her address and I'll personally send her the biggest bunch of flowers I can find.' Quinn said lightly, she didn't think that having heavy conversations over a phone was ever a good idea. But she couldn't help wondering if Millie was Santana's girlfriend.

'She would get a kick out of that.' Santana kissed the top of Alejandra's head to get some sense of balance. Quinn unnerved her more than she cared to admit.

Quinn blinked she was pretty sure that someone was with Santana, and that whoever it was Santana had just kissed them. If it was possible Quinn suddenly felt as if things were ten times more awkward than they had already been. 'Can we crab a cup of coffee sometime this week?'

Santana bit her lip, this is what she had wanted. So why it felt so hard was a mystery to her. 'I am pretty booked, but I can manage Wednesday lunch or Friday after work around five.'

Quinn bit her lip, this was not the Santana she remembered. She was so easy going. 'Wednesday works for me. I'm on nights for the rest of the week.'

'Then I'll see you at the same Starbucks at twelve?' Santana asked just to make sure to have her facts straight.

'That sounds good. I'm really looking forward to this Santana.' Quinn smiled as she said it, because it really was true.

'Same. Look I have to go, I have an early morning. See you soon Quinn.' Santana closed her eyes, she hoped that if they saw each other they could have a not so awkward conversation.

'See you then.' Quinn hung up she felt out of sorts and decided to get up and try and do something constructive since she knew she wasn't going to get any sleep. She left Brittany sleeping peacefully, no need to wake her up. She would talk to her in the morning.

Santana swallowed hard, god she had thought she was done crying over the past and the could haves a long time ago. But of course seeing Quinn again brought it all back. 'I think I need to talk your Auntie Dolly.' She gently placed Alejandra in her crib next to her bed then lay back down. She knew she wouldn't get much sleep, but she had to at least try. The past had a way of taking away the peace she had found in her waking hours in her sleeping ones.