Title: Ambitions Deleted Scene Seven: Mules and Turkey
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Michael Yellowhammer, Jake Racham, Tomás Lopez, Clara Lopez, Felix Lopez
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Telling her fathers that she and Santana are dating again, doesn't go well for Rachel.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~5,775

August 2012

When Rachel informs her fathers that she and Santana are no longer together, their reaction is expected, but not appreciated.

"Oh, honey, it's probably for the best," Michael says.

"He's right, sweetie," Jake adds. "High school relationships are doomed to fail."

"Especially long distance ones," Michael offers. "Now you'll be free to become everything you're supposed to."

Rachel hadn't been expecting them to be sad over the news, but she'd thought for sure that they'd be sympathetic for her sake. Apparently not.

October 2018

It's almost Halloween and if Rachel tells her dads that she and Santana are dating again, Santana will dress up at the Phantom to match Rachel's costume as Christine.

"You're not serious."

"I am," Santana nods.

"But why?"

"Because you need to tell them, babe," Santana replies. "Keeping this a secret is taking its toll on you."

"It's not as if I haven't kept secrets from them before," Rachel points out.

"Most people can say that about their relationship with their parents," Santana counters.

"Exactly," Rachel says. "Besides, I don't want to have that conversation with them."

Santana pulls Rachel into a hug. "I know, babe. But you'll feel better after. Really."

"Even if we have a huge fight?"

"Yes," Santana replies. "Because all the "what ifs" are killing you."

"I'm not ready."

Santana sighs. "All right. Fine. If you call them by this weekend, then next Wednesday, I will wear whatever costume you want me to. Though I do have veto power if it's something like the cast of Cats."

"Really? Whatever costume I want?"

Santana nods, looking apprehensive.

"Okay. I'll call them tomorrow then."

And Rachel has every intention of calling them Wednesday evening, but talks herself out of it. The same thing happens Thursday night as well. And as they lay in bed that night, Santana teases Rachel about her quickly dwindling time.

"This is a once in a lifetime offer, you know," Santana says. "I mean, once I'm a lawyer, I'll be far too dignified."

"You dignified? Ha!"

"Tick tock, babe."

So Friday night she slowly dials her dads number. She takes a deep breath and hits CALL.

Her daddy answers on the fifth ring.

"Hi daddy."

"Rachel, honey, so nice to hear from you."

"Are you busy?"

"Always," he replies. "But I can certainly spare a few moments for my favorite daughter."

"I'm fairly certain that I'm your only daughter."

"Only fairly?" Rachel can hear him smiling over the phone. "You'd still be my favorite, no matter what."

Somehow, Rachel doubts that. "I'm glad you think so," Rachel says instead. "Is dad around? I have something to tell you both."

"Good news, I hope."

"Um…"

"Hold on, I'll get him," Michael says.

Rachel hears him set down the phone and call for Jake. A moment later, the other line picks up.

"Hello sweetie."

"Hi dad."

"Your daddy says you have some news," Jake continues.

"I do."

"Well? We're waiting," Michael says, picking up the phone.

"Um, well, the thing is, I'm seeing someone and it's pretty serious."

"And what's his name?"

"Daddy, why do you just assume that it's a man. You know I identify as bisexual."

"I know that honey," Michael replies. "But we all know you need a strong leading man."

"Actually I don't," Rachel says. "What I need is someone who understands my strong ambitions and perhaps has some of their own."

"So you're telling us you've found such a person," Jake says.

"And it's a woman," Michael finishes.

"I am," Rachel nods, despite knowing they can't see her.

"I see."

"So when are we going to meet this woman you're dating so seriously?" Jake asks.

"Yes, well, here's the thing… It's actually Santana. You remember her, I assume?"

The silence on the other side of the line lasts so long, Rachel checks her phone numerous times to make sure they didn't just hang up on her.

"You ran into her in New York?" Michael asks, finally, his voice far too calm and quiet for Rachel.

"I did," Rachel replies.

"And now you're back together."

"We are."

"Rachel, honey," Jake says. "I think your daddy and I should talk about, just the two of us. I'll call you back. Okay?"

"Okay, dad."

Rachel hangs up and stretches out on her bed. She wonders how long it'll be before they call back and if there's enough time to have a study break with Santana. Though she'd rather not until he whole matter is settled.

A few minutes later her cell rings and trepidatiously, Rachel answers it.

"Hello?"

"Rachel, sweetie, it's dad."

"Where's daddy?"

"Oh… he's around," Jake hedges. "Listen honey, your daddy and I decided that this s a conversation that should happen in person."

"All right."

"So we're going to buy you a plan ticket for Thanksgiving and mail it to you. We can talk then."

"Thanksgiving? Really?"

"Yes. We're not much for holiday traditions anyway."

"What about Santana?"

Jake sighs. "What about her?"

"Well I'd really like to spend the holiday with her."

"Rachel, honey, you know that's not a good idea."

"But dad—"

"Rachel. Please."

"Very well then, dad," Rachel says. "But I am not pleased."

"Join the club," Jake mutters to himself. "I'll send the ticket as soon as possible."

"All right dad."

"Good night honey."

"Night dad."

…

Rachel's been on the phone with her dads for a long time and Santana is starting to get uneasy. She decides it's time for a study break and heads to the bedroom. She finds Rachel sitting on the bed with her chin on her knees and her arms wrapped around her legs. The look of sadness on her face is heart breaking.

"I take it, it didn't go well," Santana ventures as she gently joins Rachel on the bed.

Rachel sniffles as she shakes her head.

Santana sighs and sits behind Rachel, wrapping her arms around her. "Did you just finish?"

Rachel shakes her head again. "The conversation was incredibly short, actually."

"Oh?"

"Yes," Rachel replies. "Once I told them we were back together, well, they basically demanded that we discuss the situation in person."

"Uh…"

"So they're buying me a ticket home for Thanksgiving and mailing it to me."

"Seriously?"

"Mmm hmmm."

Santana sighs.

"You're coming with me," Rachel says.

"I am?"

"Yes," Rachel confirms. "We'll figure it out somehow, money wise. Maybe I could get a part time temp job."

"It'd be easier if were living together," Santana points out.

"Yes it would, but I can't do that to Kelly," Rachel replies. "Besides, it's only been six weeks."

"And yet you called your dads about it," Santana counters. "Seems pretty serious to me."

"Because it is." Rachel turns so she's facing Santana. "Now that I got you back, I'm never letting go of you again."

"Feeling's mutual, babe," Santana smiles.

…

The ticket comes a few days later. It has Rachel leaving New York Wednesday afternoon and flying back Sunday morning.

Rachel's surprised that it doesn't have her leaving Friday. No one think that the confrontation is going to end well. Rachel's surprised that her dads wouldn't want to get rid of her sooner.

Rachel buys a ticket for Santana on the same flight and puts it on her credit card. She just hopes she can earn enough extra money to pay off most of the cost. She has a month long temp doing some back logged filing and scanning for a law firm. She can't afford to pay 18% on a $500 ticket.

Despite how busy she is, Santana tries to earn extra money as well. She tutors some first years for a big test and earns a couple hundred bucks.

Once Rachel has both tickets, Santana calls her mom to let her know, she'll be visiting for Thanksgiving. She assumes she won't be welcomed at Rachel's house.

"You're coming home for Thanksgiving? What a lovely surprise, honey. I presume Rachel will be coming with?"

"Uh…"

"And how can the two of you afford two plane tickets?"

"Well here's the thing…" Santana explains the situation with Rachel and her dads.

…

"My mother was adamant that I tell you that you're always welcome at the house. In case things don't go well with your dads," Santana tells Rachel that night.

"In case?" Rachel questions. "Does anyone actually think it'll go well?"

"Um…"

"Exactly."

"Well, either way," Santana continues. "And she insists on paying you back for my ticket."

"San…"

"Rach, come on. They love you, us. Let them help."

"It's not that," Rachel replies. "It's just sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am. Your parents have always been so amazing."

"You bring it out in them," Santana tells her.

"Thanks San."

"It'll be okay, babe," Santana tells her quietly, pulling her into a hug.

…

The closer it gets to Thanksgiving, the tenser Rachel becomes. Santana tries to distract her, but her last year of Columbia is the busiest yet and just trying to find time to actually spend with Rachel is challenging.

Rachel tries to hold it together, but her brain keeps creating horrible scenarios of what returning to Lima will bring.

…

It's finally the day before Thanksgiving. It's a frenzied blur as they both get ready to go and when they're finally sitting on the plane, waiting for it to take off, Rachel takes a deep breath and realizes she has no idea how she got here. She just hopes she finished everything on her checklist.

She doses lightly, her head on her shoulder, ear buds quietly providing the Funny Girl original cast recording to relax her.

Santana spends the flight studying. With her bar exam looming in the near future, she takes every opportunity to study she can.

…

Felix picks them up at the airport.

"Nice to see you, lil sis," he greets as he hugs Rachel. "San."

"Felix."

"You're both ridiculous," Rachel says, pushing them into a hug. She looks around. "Where's Olivia?"

"Oh, she's exhausted," Felix explains. "She worked a double and her shift ended right before we had to leave. She's napping."

In the car, Rachel can tell Felix wants to ask about her dads, but thankfully doesn't. Instead, they talk about the show she's opening soon and Santana's last year of law school.

Eventually Felix pulls up in front of Rachel's house.

"Talk to you later, babe?" Santana asks, turning around in her seat.

Rachel nods and they lean in for a kiss. "I may need a ride."

Santana sighs. She opens her mouth, but after a moment, she snaps her jaw shut and nods. "Good luck."

"Yeah, good luck, lil sis," Felix adds.

Rachel nods and quietly climbs out of the car. Felix jumps out and gets her rolling suitcase out of the truck. Then he and Santana watch Rachel slowly enter her childhood home.

…

Rachel uses her key to let herself in. The house is quiet. What a surprise. They're not home. She heads up to her room. Despite not being home in years, nothing's changed. Setting her suitcase on the bed, she decides to take a shower.

…

"So what's going on?" Felix asks as they head home. "The folks won't say."

"Her dads don't approve," Santana replies.

"That's old news," Felix says.

"It is," Santana agrees. "But I guess they figured it wasn't a concern anymore."

"Ah."

"Yeah. They didn't react well," Santana continues.

"I really don't understand her dads," Felix comments.

"Me either," Santana shrugs.

…

Rachel's contemplating dinner when she hears a car pull into the garage. A few moments later, Jake enters with some take out bags.

"Hello honey," he greets.

"Hi dad."

Once everything's on the counter, he pulls Rachel into a hug. "It's great to see you."

"It's nice to see you too, dad."

"Your daddy should be home any minute now," Jake continues. "He texted that he was leaving the office as I was waiting for the food."

"I guess I'll set the table then," Rachel says.

Jake nods and they both begin setting everything out.

They're just sitting down when Michael walks in.

"Rachel, you're here."

"Hello daddy."

Michael kisses the top of Rachel's head in greeting and joins them at the table.

They eat mostly in silence, exchanging bits and pieces about their days.

Once they're finished eating, Rachel stands. She returns with a bottle of water for herself, a scotch for her dad and a beer for her daddy.

"What's this for?" Jake asks.

"We should talk sooner rather than later, don't you think?" Rachel replies.

"I do," Michael nods.

Jake looks helplessly between the two for a long moment before sighing and slumping into his chair. "Fine."

No one speaks immediately. Instead they all sip their drinks, staring at the table.

"So you're dating that girl again," Michael starts.

"Yes, Santana and I are dating again," Rachel replies.

"It's been six years."

"It has."

"Certainly you've both become different people," Michael continues.

"I presume as much, yes."

"And yet you still think starting up again with her is a good idea?"

"I do," Rachel nods.

"How do you know you two aren't just trying to recreate something that's no longer there?" Jake asks.

"Because I do."

"That's not an answer," Michael replies.

"I can't really explain it," Rachel says. "It's just something I feel."

Michael sighs.

"I suppose you don't like that answer," Rachel says.

"I understand your need to follow your heart, sweetie," Jake replies. "We're just worried that you're letting nostalgia guide your decisions."

"Because I'm dating someone I dated in the past?"

"Yes."

"People break up and get back together all the time," Rachel argues.

"Six years, Rachel," Michael says.

"I know daddy," Rachel replies. "And I missed her the whole time. All 2,258 days."

"Just because that's how you feel, doesn't mean that she does," Michael counters.

"You mean besides her saying so?"

"Words are easy."

"You're reaching a bit, aren't you?" Rachel questions.

"Aren't you?"

"Fine. You don't approve," Rachel says. "But now? I'm an adult. And I've had other relationships. You can't say I haven't experienced enough anymore."

"She's right," Jake tells Michael.

"Whose side are you on?" Michael snaps.

"There are sides?" Rachel questions. "That seems…not right. Or fair."

"What does fairness have to do with this?" Michael asks.

"I suppose expecting to be treated like an adult is too much to ask?"

"Rachel, honey."

"No dad, please don't," Rachel interrupts. "We all know this conversation is really between daddy and I. Not to be rude, but you're not the one I need to convince."

"She's right," Michael agrees.

"Fine," Jake says, standing. "If you I'm not needed, then maybe I should just go."

"Come on, dad."

"No Rachel, you're right," Jake says. "It's probably best if you two work this out on your own."

Jake takes his drink and exits the kitchen. Not wanting to hear the eventually expected screaming, he heads upstairs.

"What is it, really daddy?" Rachel asks once they hear the master bedroom door slam shut. "What exactly do you have against Santana?"

"She's not good for you."

"How would you know? You've never seen us together."

"I don't need to," Michael argues. "Besides all the bullying she did at McKinley, she also turned you into a delinquent."

"What Why? Because of the pranks? Because that's unfair-and untrue."

"You're just lucky no actions were taken to punish you. They could have withheld your diploma."

He really has no idea, Rachel thinks. "I agree," is all she says. "I was very thankful."

"Your whole future could have been destroyed."

"Why are you arguing about something that happened half a dozen years ago?"

"Is she really the right partner for you?" Michael asks. "You need someone that will both enhance and add to your career as well as be able to deal with the immense level of success you deserve to achieve."

"Thank you, daddy," Rachel says. "And Santana is that person."

"You're twenty-four years old. How could you possibly know that?"

"I just do."

"That's not an argument," Michael counters.

"It's the truth, though," Rachel replies. "I just know. She's the only one for me."

"She's the one? What is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly how it sounds," Rachel says. "She's it for me."

"Rachel sweetie," Michael says. "Please tell me you're not thinking of spending the rest of your life with that girl."

"I am, daddy."

"No."

"Yes."

"You can't."

"Daddy, I am."

"You're engaged?!"

"Well, no," Rachel says. "Santana's still in school and I'm still trying to catch my big break, so a wedding seems a little out of reach at the moment."

Michael lets out a sigh of relief. "Wait a minute, she's still in school? Are you sure she's ambitious enough?"

"Law school, daddy," Rachel replies. "She's in her last year of law school."

"Oh."

"She wants to work in the DA's office," Rachel continues. "I know you don't believe me, but she's more actually more driven than me."

"I find that extremely difficult to believe."

"Well, it's true."

Michael stands and walks to the fridge. He grabs another beer and stalks back to the table. Looking up at him, Rachel's not sure she recognizes the look on his face.

"Despite all these things you supposedly see in her, I still don't think this relationship is a good idea."

Exasperated, Rachel asks, "Why not?"

"It's just something I feel," Michael replies. "I've always felt it in relation to her."

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Rachel says. "Because I will be spending the rest of my life with her."

"Don't speak too soon, honey," Michael counters. "You're not engaged yet."

"Yet being the key word."

"You don't know for sure," Michael argues.

"I do."

"Well, I forbid it," Michael says.

"You forbid it?" Rachel asks, chuckling darkly.

"I do."

"I'm not sure that matters," Rachel tells him.

"My opinion doesn't matter?" Michael questions. "A sure sign of immaturity."

"I could say the same to you," Rachel counters. "After all, you seem unwilling to even entertain the notion that Santana is the one for me."

"Because she's not."

"You don't even know her," Rachel accuses.

"I don't need to," Michael replies. "But I do know that if you marry her, I won't be present."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, young lady," Michael says. "I won't be there. I'm not going to support something I don't believe in."

"You would boycott your own daughter's wedding? Because you don't like my partner? Whom you refuse to even give a chance?"

"Yes."

"That's…incomprehensible."

"Don't pretend you wouldn't do the same thing," Michael defends.

"Skip out on one of the biggest days of your only child's life? Because of your principals?"

"Exactly."

"I wouldn't."

"You might."

Rachel refuses to look at her daddy as she finishes her bottle of water.

"Rachel, honey, I don't mean to—I'm not trying to—I just can't, sweetie. I can't pretend to support this. I can't."

"I thought that's what family is about, daddy," Rachel says. "Supporting each other." She stands. "If that's really how you feel—"

"It is."

"Then I can't be here."

"Excuse me?"

"Daddy, I'm twenty-four years old. I realize I still have a lot to learn, but I think I've earned the right to at least have an adult conversation with my father about my current paramour. And the fact that you can't be present at my wedding if I marry Santana… well, then I can't be in this house anymore."

"Rachel…"

"It's for the best, daddy," Rachel continues. "I'm going to say bye to dad and grab my suitcase."

Rachel walks out of the kitchen and texts Santana.

Can you come get me, please?

She then knocks on her parents' bedroom door.

"Come in."

Jake looks up as Rachel enters. "Hi honey. Have you two hashed it all out?"

Rachel shakes her head.

"Smoke break, then?"

Rachel smiles sadly. "I'm leaving dad."

"What? Why?"

"Because there's no point. Neither of us are going to budge. And I can't be in this house anymore."

"Rachel honey," Jake says, sliding off the bed. "I know he seems unreasonable, but he's just trying to do what he thinks is best for you. Sometimes we forget that you're an adult now."

"I realize that dad," Rachel replies. "But he's crossing lines. I mean, she's the woman I love, the person I plan to spend my life with."

Jake pulls Rachel into a hug. "Why don't we all sleep on it and discuss it in the morning?"

Rachel shakes her head. "Nothing's going to change. It'll be better if I just leave now."

"I was looking forward to spending time with you," Jake sighs.

Rachel chuckles sardonically. "Well maybe once my show opens, you can come see it."

"Maybe."

Rachel pulls away from Jake. "So I'm going to go."

"Where? It's eight p.m. the night before Thanksgiving."

"You know where I'm going," Rachel replies. "Just like you know I didn't fly here alone."

"I am sorry, honey."

"I know dad."

They hug again before Rachel heads to her childhood bedroom to retrieve her suitcase. She carries it downstairs and is relieved to see Felix's car in the driveway. She sees her daddy still sitting at the kitchen table.

"Good bye daddy," she says. "I'm sorry we couldn't…"

"Good bye Rachel."

…

Rachel's thankful that Felix isn't pushing for details. She needs to see Santana. After that, everything will be okay.

Felix carries her suitcase up to Santana's room as Rachel is swept up in a hug from Tomás.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers.

"Thanks dad."

Santana appears a moment later and Rachel is engulfed in a hug she never wants to leave.

"I'm so sorry, babe."

Santana then leads Rachel into the kitchen where Clara gathers Rachel up in her arms.

"I'm so sorry, sweetie," Clara says. "But you know Tomás and I are always here for you."

"Thank you."

"We're just going to go up to my room," Santana tells Clara.

"Of course, sweetie," Clara replies.

Arm still wrapped around Rachel, Santana leads her out of the kitchen and upstairs. In Santana's old room, they fall onto the bed and Rachel curls up in Santana's arms.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I just don't understand what he has against you," Rachel sniffles. "All his arguments about your supposedly holding me back aren't really valid more. I mean, it's like he's just arguing for the sake of arguing."

"Well, he's never been a fan," Santana says. "I guess it's tough to let go of some things."

"How can he still think you're not good enough for me?" Rachel questions.

"I don't know."

"I told him that I'm spending the rest of my life with you," Rachel continues.

"You did?" Santana smiles. "I feel the same way, babe."

"Except…"

"Except what?"

"He said if we get married, he wouldn't be there."

"You can't be serious."

"I am," Rachel replies. "He says he can't support this relationship, in any way, shape or form."

"But to skip your own daughter's wedding," Santana says.

Rachel doesn't respond as she tries to cry quietly.

"Hey. You're allowed to cry, you know," Santana whispers.

"I know. I just didn't think it'd hurt like this," Rachel replies.

"I'm sorry, babe," Santana says. "But my family loves you. I love you. I know it's not quite the same-"

Rachel leans in and kisses Santana softly. "It's amazing."

Santana smiles sadly. "You deserve so much more."

Rachel kisses her again. "You are so sweet."

"I love you."

"I love you," Rachel replies. "Can we just stay curled up like this? Just being with you helps."

"Of course. I feel the same way."

…

Santana is surprised when she wakes up before Rachel Thanksgiving morning. It's barely seven a.m., causing Santana to consider going back to sleep, except there's something she needs to do and this just might be the best opportunity. So she quietly climbs out of bed, careful to not disturb Rachel.

In the kitchen, she finds her dad reading the paper and sipping coffee.

"Morning, San," he greets. "I certainly didn't expect to see you up this early."

"Me either," she replies, pouring herself coffee. "Couldn't sleep anymore, I guess."

"How's Rachel?"

"Cried herself to sleep." Santana sinks into a chair, across from her dad.

Tomás sighs. "That family of hers…"

"You and mom have been amazing through all this," Santana says. "Thank you."

"We've always liked Rachel," Tomás replies. "When you two broke up, it was a sad day for this whole family."

"Yeah, I remember," Santana says. "Another reason why I think you like her better."

Tomás chuckles.

"I just wish her dads would care about her even half as much as you and mom do."

"You said it yourself, San," Tomás says. "She told them off. You both had to know it wouldn't be the same after that."

"Well, considering how it was before, it could have gone either way."

They lapse into silence as Santana sips her coffee, hoping for an answer.

"Papa?"

"Yes, San?"

"Can I borrow your car?"

"Why?"

"Because maybe if I go over there, I can talk some sense into them," Santana answers.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Tomás asks.

"No. It's probably a horrible idea," Santana replies. "But Rach is upset and it's my job to try and fix that. So I need to go talk to her dads."

"Well, if you're sure, you can take my car," Tomâs says.

"Thanks, papa. I'm going to go get dressed," she tells him before running up the stairs.

…

Thirty minutes later, hands shaking, Santana rings the doorbell. It's a long moment before the door slowly swings open.

Santana lets out a sigh of relief that it's Rachel dad who answers the door.

"Morning, sir," Santana starts. "I'm not sure if you remember me, but-"

"I remember you, Santana," Jake interrupts. "What can I do for you?"

"I was hoping we could speak for a few minutes."

Jake doesn't answer immediately, instead studying Santana for a long moment before nodding and stepping aside.

Santana offers a hesitant smile and slips inside.

She follows him into the kitchen and joins him at the table.

"I was hoping I could change your minds about not attending the wedding if Rachel does me the honor of marrying me."

Jake sighs. "It's not me who has the problem."

"That's not entirely true," Santana counters.

"Okay, so I have some…concerns, but I would never not attend my daughter's wedding."

"Does she know this?" Santana asks.

"She should."

"You should tell her."

Jake nods. "I will."

"Do you think he'll ever change his mind?" Santana asks.

"I don't know."

"Do you think he'd agree to talk with me?" she asks.

"I really don't know," Jake replies. "Are you sure that it's a good idea to even try?"

"No," Santana admits. "But I'm going to anyway."

"All right. Stay here. I'll go find him."

"No need," Michael says, appearing in the kitchen doorway.

"Good morning, sir," Santana says, jumping up. "I was hoping we could speak about Rachel."

"I have nothing to say to you," Michael replies. "About anything, especially my daughter."

Santana sighs. "You don't like me, fine. but I would hope that you'd at least trust Rachel's judgment on the matter. She's an intelligent, ambitious and talented woman whom I respect and love more than I thought possible and I would never get in the way of her achieving her dreams."

"Rachel says you're in law school," Jake says.

"I am," Santana nods. "Third year."

"And that you want to work for the DA's office," Jake continues.

"I'm going to be elected DA one day," Santana states.

"Really?"

Santana nods. "We're a perfect match, that way; driven to the point of obsession to get what we want."

"You still have to pass the bar," Michael says. "And New York state has one of the toughest in the country. The failure rate is over 50%."

"I'm not worried."

Michael chuckles darkly. "You should be."

"Michael," Jake warns.

"Sir, there's nothing I can do to change the past," Santana says. "I know my history with Rachel is spotty, but that's all in the past. Rachel's forgiven me for my undeserved treatment of her. I think you need to trust her judgment. After all, she's already kicking ass in New York. Why would us being involved, slow that?"

"It won't," Jake pipes up.

"I don't want her to have anything to do with you," Michael says. "Besides, just because she forgives you, doesn't mean we do."

"That's fine," Santana replies. "Because I still don't forgive you for abandoning her."

"We did no such thing!"

"Keep telling yourselves that," Santana retorts. "You basically left her to raise herself while she was in high school. If that's not abandonment, I don't know what is."

"If you ever become a parent, you can judge me," Michael replies. "But until then, I'm not going to be scolded by a twenty-four year old law student. Life isn't as cut and dry as that."

"Oh really?" Santana counters. "Is that why you refuse to give me a chance, no matter what I do?"

"Cheetahs don't change their spots," Michael says.

"Why would they want to?"

"Just because you're together in a brand new city, doesn't mean you've changed," Michael replies.

"I haven't claimed to," Santana tells him. "The only thing that I can say absolute that has changed is that your reasons for not liking me are gone."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Santana snaps. "You don't have a leg to stand on. Michael."

"Why you little—"

"Okay," Jake interjects. "I think that's enough for now. Santana, maybe it'd be best if you left."

Santana sighs. Taking a deep breath, she gives Michael a hard stare. "Don't cut Rach out of your lives. She doesn't deserve that. She's your daughter. Even if you don't like me, that doesn't mean you have to disown her. You don't want to see me? I don't want to see you, either. But Rachel needs her dads."

"It's not that simple, kid," Michael says, quietly. "I wish it was, but…it's not."

"Fine," Santana says. "But you're pushing away one of the best things to ever happen to you. I won't be making that same mistake." She then spins on her heel and walks out of the house.

She slides in to her car, feeling as if she let Rachel down. She hates the idea of driving home and telling Rachel she wasn't successful. As she reverses out of the driveway, Santana wonders if she can just not bring it up. After all, it's not like Rachel even knows where she went. She knows her dad wouldn't have told her. It could work.

…

Rachel isn't sure what's more surprising when she wakes up Thursday morning; that it's 8:37 or that Santana appears to be up and about. She heads downstairs in search of her.

She finds Clara making breakfast in the kitchen.

"Morning," Rachel greets as she heads to the coffee machine.

"Good morning, sweetie," Clara replies. "Did you sleep all right?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose." Rachel takes her coffee and sits at the table. "Where's Santana?"

"You know, I'm not sure, dear," Clara says. "I haven't seen her. I assumed she was still sleeping."

"I suppose Felix and Olivia are still sleeping?"

"I believe so."

Tomâs enters the kitchen looking for some coffee. "Good morning, Rachel."

"Hello Tomâs," Rachel replies. "Have you seen Santana?"

"Not lately," he answers.

Just then the front door slams and Santana appears.

"Hey everyone," she greets. "Morning babe." She sits at the table next to Rachel and leans in for a kiss.

"Where have you been?"

"Out."

"Where? It's Thanksgiving. In Lima. What could possibly be open?"

"The gas station," Santana replies. "And I didn't really go anywhere. I just…"

"Uh huh," Rachel says. "Out with it."

"Well, I may have gone to talk to your dads," Santana replies.

"Why?"

"I was hoping they might change their mind about shutting you out," Santana explains. "I just thought maybe if I went there and took all the blame, you and they could patch things up."

"How can I patch things up with them when the refuse to accept you?"

"Well, since it didn't quite turn out that way," Santana says. "I suppose it's not an issue."

Tomâs sighs as he sinks down at the table next to Rachel.

"I'm sorry," Santana continues. "I think I made things worse."

"No surprise there," Rachel replies. "You and daddy are worse than Coach Sylvester and Mr. Schue about getting along."

"Please tell me I'm Coach Sylvester in this scenario," Santana says.

"Anyway," Rachel continues. "I appreciate it, tiger. I really do, but I could have told you it was a lost cause."

"I guess it is the thought that counts," Santana says. "And of course I'm going to do everything in my power to make things better for you."

"You are so sweet sometimes." Rachel leans in for a kiss.

After a few moments, Tomâs clears his throat.

"Oh, sorry dad," Rachel says, pulling away. "I kind of got caught up in the moment."

"It's sweet," Clara says.

…

Thankfully, Thanksgiving isn't a huge family affair at the Lopez house.

"That's Christmas," Santana explains. "Thanksgiving, everyone just spends it with their families, since Christmas is so chaotic and crazy."

"I'm relieved," Rachel replies. "Not that I don't want to meet your family, but I'm just not up to a huge meet and greet at the moment."

"Lucky for you then," Santana says. "It'll just be the six of us."

Rachel lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry, but I wasn't looking forward to family mingling."

Santana laughs. "Don't worry, babe. I understand."

…

The weekend passes quickly and pleasantly. It's one of the best Thanksgivings Rachel's ever had.

"You can't be serious," Santana says Saturday night.

They're stretched out together on the couch with the TV blaring the newest reality show, but neither is paying attention.

"Well, certainly there are exceptions," Rachel replies. "But my dads were never ones for the big turkey dinner."

Santana barely holds back a growl of anger. "Why are they so…"

"It's okay, tiger," Rachel assures her.

"It's not," Santana insists. "But I'm going to make sure you have amazing holiday memories from now on."

"You are?"

"I am."

Rachel leans in and kisses her sweetly. When they eventually pull apart, Rachel snuggles further into Santana's embrace.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you," Rachel says. "But I might be the luckiest girl in the world."

"Hey, that's my line."