A/N : Me, writing Pezberry in this year 2019? It's more likely than you think! Anyway, as usual, the holidays make me miss them and I weirdly felt inspired to write another chapter for this fic. I feel at peace with the pairing and after so long, I thought, you know what, why not, one last time for old time sake. I hope I still have their voices right.
So if some of you are still reading this, let me know what you think! Happy Holidays!
It was Christmas Eve and soon, the Berry-Lopez's house would be full of guests. Like every year, they celebrated the day before Christmas with everyone to allow their friends to enjoy their own family on Christmas day.
The evening was fast approaching and Rachel and Santana were finishing getting ready in their room.
Santana applied the last touch to her makeup before looking at her wife who was still ironing her hair. "Rachel, hurry your butt, everyone is gonna be here soon!"
Rachel glared at her. "Well if you hadn't insisted on having a 'quicky' in the shower, we wouldn't be in this situation right now, would we?"
"Insisted…" Santana snorted. "I don't think you were complaining five minutes ago when my tongue was…"
"Santana!" Rachel cut her off with a groan. "Please, just… Go check on Quinn and the girls, I'll join you soon."
Santana chuckled. "Fine, I'll leave you be." She kissed her wife's cheek. "See you in a bit." She grabbed her Mrs. Santa's hat and left the room. As she made her way downstairs, she started singing Santa baby. "Hurry down the chimney tonight…" She stopped in the hallway to check her reflection in the small mirror, smoothing her red dress and readjusting her hat before entering the living room. To her surprise, Quinn's girlfriend was there and she was playing with her daughters. She approached Quinn. "I didn't know your girl was here."
"I came to tell you but you were busy, apparently…" Quinn offered her a glass of wine.
Santana smirked. "Did you enjoy the show?"
Quinn made a face. "You're disgusting!"
"What? I was making love to my wife before all the crazies show up and force me to celibacy." Santana sipped her wine.
"God, you're such a horndog." The blonde shook her head.
"And here I thought having a girlfriend would loosen you up…" Santana wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and smiled proudly when Quinn blushed. "Oh, Quinnie…" She laughed. "Anyway, I'm gonna go check on the girls and say hi to your giiirrrlllffrieenndd."
"You don't have to say it like that every time." Quinn rolled her eyes. "And she has a name, you know."
"Where is the fun in that?" Santana chuckled as she walked toward where her daughters were playing. "Hey mijas, are you having fun?" She turned to Quinn's girlfriend and gave her a quick hug. "Hi."
"Yes! Auntie Claire helped us build a house with our Legos!" Gabriella exclaimed, proudly showing her masterpiece.
"It looks great, mija!" The mother congratulated. "Just don't let your sister play with the small pieces, okay?"
"I'm not a baby anymore." Siobhan pouted.
"I removed them before we start," Claire said with a smile.
"Thanks." Santana smiled back at the redhead.
Claire waved it off. "It's no trouble, I love playing with my nieces and nephews so I'm used to it."
"You do?" Santana raised an eyebrow. "And do you want kids?"
"Huh, yes, I think so, if the opportunity arises..."
"So, having kids with Quinn is something you could consider?" Santana continued to interrogate while casually sipping her wine. She knew they had been dating for a little less than a year and it was too soon to consider any big commitment but she needed to have her girl's back, no matter if Quinn wasn't sure if she wanted another child or not. She wasn't one to think people should have kids just because society said so but it was best to know early what your partner's opinion was on the subject. So what if it wasn't any of her business, it was Christmas, family always got into each other's business and she liked Claire enough to care about it.
"Well, huh, it's a bit early… I mean, we… huh…" Claire stammered.
"I hope you are not bothering your guest, Santana." Quinn declared as she joined them, a glass of wine in hand for her girlfriend.
"Of course not, we are just talking, right red?" Santana winked at her.
"Yep, just two girls having a friendly chat," Claire reassured, grabbing her glass and kissing Quinn's cheek as a thanks.
Suddenly, Santana's phone rang. She pulled it out of her cleavage, ignoring the amused look her friends gave her and picked up the call. "Si, mami? Qué? No, just the regular one is fine. Okay, see you in a bit." She hung up. "They went on a last-minute shopping trip with Rachel's dads, they should be here soon."
"Where is your lovely wife?" Claire asked, changing the subject completely.
"She's here!" Rachel announced with a big smile as she stepped into the living room. She greeted Claire warmly before grabbing Quinn's arm and leading her to the kitchen. "I need your help with something, we'll be right back." Once alone and away from the kids, she asked. "Is the kitten okay? Are you still bringing her tomorrow?"
"Yes, she's fine. We'll bring her around 9 AM before we drive to Claire's parents." Quinn answered. She had kept the cat at her house for a few days so Rachel and Santana could surprise the kids on Christmas morning.
"Okay, good." Rachel nodded to herself. "Good… But why do I feel like I'm forgetting something? We have everyone's gifts, the table is set, the food is in the oven and…"
"Rachel, just relax." Quinn put her hands on the woman's shoulders to stop her. "Everything's perfect, your guests should be here soon, so just have a drink and enjoy, okay?"
"Yes, thank you. It's just… Kurt is usually here early to help but since he wanted to see his dad before he and Carole take their plane, I…"
"We managed just fine." Quinn reached out for the bottle of wine on the counter and poured some in a glass for Rachel. "Here, it should help."
"Thank you." Rachel took a large gulp of her drink and then bit her lower lip nervously.
Quinn studied her friend. "Okay, what is it?"
Rachel frowned. "What do you mean?"
"You're always stressed before the festivities start because you want everything to be perfect but you seem ready to freak out." The blonde pointed out. "And I don't think it's about Christmas…"
"What? No, everything is fine!" Rachel forced a laugh.
Quinn rolled her eyes. "Cut the crap, Rachel. We'll have enough drama at dinner."
Rachel nervously tapped her teeth with her index before caving in. "Fine, but you have to promise me to keep this between us."
"Don't tell me you're pregnant." Quinn joked.
"Ah ah, very funny," The petite woman deadpanned.
The blonde sighed. "Yes, I promise. Now, tell me why you're twice as intense as usual."
"Well, you know that despite Santana's abuela coming around regarding our family, she has never really… warmed up to me…" Rachel started. Alma had never said anything mean to her, as she was clearly trying to patch things up with her granddaughter but she hadn't said anything nice either. Even though it would never be the same with Santana, she was glad that Alma was a part of her daughters' lives.
"Understatement of the year." Quinn snorted, remembering the mess Alma had made before her friends' wedding and how Rachel had kept trying to build something with her since. "But honestly, you tried, you shouldn't blame yourself. At least, she's nice with the kids."
"I know but, that's the thing," The Broadway singer paused. "I called her a month ago…"
"Why would you do that?" The blonde frowned. "Don't tell me you invited her without asking Santana first."
"No, I would never do that." Rachel defended herself. "It's up to Santana to decide how much her abuela should be involved in our lives."
"Wow, I'm surprised by how much you've grown since high school!"
"Quinn, now is not the time!"
"Sorry, please continue," Quinn said, pursing her lips to avoid another comment.
"I called her because…" Rachel sighed. "I want to renew my wedding vows."
"Oh, tell me everything." The blonde smiled then frowned. "Wait, what does it have to do with Alma?"
"I wanted to propose to Santana - since she did it the first time - and have a little ceremony to show the world that our love is still going strong." The petite woman explained.
"And you need Santana's abuela's green light for that?" Quinn asked in confusion.
"No, but I need a special ring. I wanted Alma's old engagement ring because I know what it would mean to Santana despite everything, so I called her and asked."
"Okay, I'm going to ignore how nauseously romantic the whole thing is to focus on the main problem." The blonde locked eyes with Rachel. "You did what?" She questioned, her voice rising.
"Shh!" Rachel quickly shushed her. "I know it sounds…"
"Exactly like something you would do." Quinn cut her off.
"Yes, but…"
"Let me guess, she said no." The blonde guessed.
"Yes…"
"I'm sorry." Quinn reached out and patted the woman's arm in comfort.
"But wait." Rachel wasn't done with her story. "She said no at first, but then she called me 10 minutes ago to tell me she had changed her mind. Apparently, she thinks Santana should have it now instead of after she passed away."
"That's morbidly thoughtful of her but it's great! Why are you freaking out then?"
"Because I was starting to work on another plan and now Maribel is bringing the ring with her and I need to hide it from Santana." Rachel said in one breath. "You know she can tell when I'm lying."
"I can keep her busy while you talk to Mrs. Lopez and then you can put it in my purse. I'll keep it safe until you're ready." Quinn offered.
"Really? Oh my God, Quinn!" Rachel threw her arms around her friend and hugged her tightly. "You're the best!"
Quinn chuckled. "I know."
"Do you think they're cheating on us with each other?" Santana's voice suddenly filled the room.
"Right in front of our salad?" Claire replied, the hint of a smile on her face.
"Good one!" Santana laughed as she noticed the bowl of salad on the counter. "Can we join at least?"
Quinn broke the embrace and glared at Santana. "Please, keep me and my girlfriend out of your sick fantasy, thank you very much."
"You wish." Santana chuckled. "Anyway, if you're done Shelby and Beth are here."
Rachel frowned. "I didn't hear the doorbell."
Santana shrugged. "They just knocked and came in." Quinn and Claire left the room but before Rachel could do the same, Santana stopped her. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm just making sure everything is perfect." Rachel moved closer to her wife and hugged her.
"Don't stress yourself, babe, it's just us." Santana kissed Rachel's forehead before pulling away. "Why don't you go say hi to your mom and I'll finish up here."
"You're the best, thank you." Rachel kissed her lovingly. "Don't touch the cookies, they are for dessert." She said over her shoulder as she left the room.
Santana rolled her eyes. "Yes, ma'am." She waited a few seconds to make sure Rachel was in the living room before grabbing a cookie and smiling. "As if I would wait."
Once all the guests were there, they all sat at the table, ready to eat.
"Before we start eating, I want to thank my little star for inviting us here for the holiday despite her busy schedule and for preparing such an appetizing dinner," Leroy stated, lifting his glass for a toast.
"Thank you, dad, but I have to share the spotlight on this one. Kurt helped with the preparations and Santana with the food."
"Well, thank you, Kurt and Santana," Hiram said, moving his glass toward them.
"It's always a pleasure to work with our little diva," Kurt replied with a chuckle.
"I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family." Rachel smiled, putting a hand to her heart. "If my 17-year-old self could see me now, I'm not sure she would believe it."
Santana shook her head, amused by her in-laws' antics. "Is the Berry family aware we are not celebrating Thanksgiving?"
"Honey, we can be grateful for what we have every day! Anyway, I'm glad to have you here, and I know Santana is too, even though she doesn't always show it." Rachel laughed as she put her glass down to start passing the plates. "Bon appetite!"
"Thank God, I was starting to have a cramp from keeping my glass up." Santana declared before taking a sip.
"Tell me, princessas, have you been good this year?" Maribel asked her granddaughters. "You know Santa is watching."
"Yes!" Siobhan exclaimed, smiling with her mouth full of mashed potatoes.
Gabriela nodded energetically. "Very good."
Maribel smiled. "Oh really? And what do your moms have to say about that?"
Santana booped Siobhan's nose. "I can see your nose growing, Pinocchio!"
Siobhan giggled as she touched her nose. "It's not true."
"We were good, right, Mama?" Gabriela asked, suddenly worried she wouldn't get a gift from Santa.
Rachel laughed. "Good enough to be on Santa's good list, Cricket, don't worry." She kissed her daughter's forehead.
Gabriela smiled proudly before going back to her plate.
Before the dessert, the girls started to get sleepy so Rachel left the table to put them to bed. Santana stood up, ready to help with Gabriela but her mom stopped her.
"Let me, mija," Maribel said, gently lifting Gabriela up from her chair and holding her close.
Santana sat down. "Are you sure?"
Maribel nodded. "Si, just enjoy your dinner."
Quinn noticed Santana was ready to argue so she rushed to help, hoping it would give Maribel a moment alone with Rachel, like she had promised. "Your mom had to deal with you your whole life, God knows how hard it must have been, so I'm pretty sure she can handle putting your kids to bed."
"Look who just made it to the naughty list!" Santana glared at her.
Maribel ignored the conversation and followed Rachel upstairs. She put Gabriela in her bed, tucking her up. "Do you want a story?" When her granddaughter sleepily shook her head, she smiled. "Okay, buenas noches, mi hermosa niña." She kissed the top of her head before living the room. Instead of going back downstairs, she waited for Rachel in the hallway.
A couple of minutes later, Rachel joined her. "She went out like a light." She murmured. "Is Gabby okay?"
"I'm pretty sure she fell asleep as soon as I closed the door," Maribel said with a soft smile.
"Are you okay? Do you need anything?" Rachel questioned.
"I think you are the one who needs something." Maribel reached out behind her neck and unclasped her necklace, previously hidden under her shirt. She gently slipped the ring off. "I think you asked for this." She grabbed Rachel's hand and put Alma's engagement ring on it.
"Oh my God…" Rachel stared at it with misty eyes.
"She told us you wanted to renew your vows."
"I…" Rachel tore her eyes away from the ring. "Yes, I'm sorry I didn't tell you beforehand but to be honest, I never thought she would agree to it."
"Well, I don't know what you said to that old witch, but it did the trick." Maribel laughed. "I'm glad Santana can have it and it makes me happy to see my daughter has a wife that keeps cherishing her. She really found happiness with you and the girls."
"Thank you, it means a lot to me." Rachel hugged her mother-in-law.
"I hope we are invited to the ceremony!" Maribel said as she broke the embrace.
"Of course, first row." Rachel gave her a watery laugh. "But I need more time before asking, I want it to be perfect."
"I'm sure no matter what you do, she will like it," Maribel reassured. "Come on, m'hija, let's join the others."
After dinner, they all gathered around the piano to sing some Christmas songs before exchanging their gifts.
Shelby settled behind the piano. "Honor to the host, we do you want to sing first, sweetheart?"
"Oh Holy Night, my favorite." Rachel smiled at her mom.
Shelby smiled back and slowly started hitting the keys of the piano.
"O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
[…] O night divine…"
"What next?" Shelby asked as the song finished.
"Oh, River!" Rachel exclaimed.
"God no, can we have something more cheerful," Quinn replied. "Please."
"Yes, diva, we are celebrating, not mourning past lovers." Kurt agreed.
"But…" Rachel pouted and looked at Santana for support.
Santana kissed her. "Sorry, babe, but I have to agree with them on that one. It's fucking depressing."
"Chimpmunk song- Christmas don't be late," Elliott offered. "Kurt told me all about that time when…"
"Nope!" Kurt shook his head. "Definitely not."
Santana nodded. "We're not wasted enough for that anyway."
"I don't want to know the silly things you did when you were young, mija." Maribel tutted.
Quinn laughed. "Definitely for the best."
"Jingle Bell Rock?" Dr. Lopez suggested. "I brought my guitar, I could accompany Shelby with it?"
Everybody cheered at the offer. "I guess we have our winner, thanks papi."
"Okay, I think it's enough Christmas songs for today!" Santana declared when she realized they had been singing for a while and it was almost midnight.
"Yes, time for presents!" Beth shouted, making everyone laugh.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Rachel declared as everyone handed out their gifts.
"Merry Christmas, babe." Santana pulled Rachel closer, kissing her lovingly.
"Merry Christmas, darling."