Broken Strings

They walked past the diner and around the corner to where Dani's flat was located. Santana grips her hand tighter with every step they take. Dani turns to face Santana as they walk. 'Santana, you're kind of cutting off my circulation.'

'What?' Santana looks to her and Dani nods her head down to their entwined hands. 'Oh shit, sorry.' Santana realises and lets go. Dani lets out a small chuckle before taking the Latina's hand once more, gently rubbing her thumb over the back of it.

'It's going to be okay.'

'I know.' Santana lies. 'I'm sorry, I should be worrying about you, not the other way around.'

'It's fine Santana, I know you're worried for me. I think it's cute.' Santana smiles at the smaller girl until Kurt's voice sounds.

'We're here.'

'What number are you Dani?' Rachel asks as they walk up the steps to the front door.

'Seven, why?' She asks.

'I'm going to ring the buzzer.'

'You know I have a key right?' Dani says sarcastically.

'I know that Dani, I figure we can buzz to see if your dad answers.'

'Good thinking Rachel.' Santana says. Rachel beams as she heads for the buzzers.

'I do have my moments Santana.' She reaches the small metal square of apartment numbers and presses down on number seven until a horrific buzzing noise begins. She holds it down for a few seconds and they wait. Nothing happens.

'Maybe he was bluffing?' Kurt says.

'Let's hope.' Dani prays as she gets her key out of her bag and opens the door.

As they make their way up the stairs Santana notices moments of pain cross Dani's face. 'Are you okay?' Santana asks, holding on to her arm.

'I'm fine, my ribs hurt sometimes but there's not much I can do about it.' Santana smiles sadly at her as they reach the fourth floor of the building. They walk down the hallway, all the way to the end, before they set their eyes on the number seven, a metal cut out stuck onto the front of a door.

'Hang on guys.' Kurt says, stopping them as he walks closer to the door.

'What is it Kurt?' Santana asks. Kurt reaches the door and pushes in on it gently.

'It's open.' He informs them and they move closer, concern on their faces.

'What?' Dani whispers, looking at the broken lock on her door.

'Someone broke through the lock.' Rachel observes.

'No, not someone. My dad.' Dani says angrily. 'He did this.' She pushes into the apartment, knowing what she would find. As she suspected, the place was trashed. Santana stands next to her in shock as Rachel and Kurt walk further into the room.

'This is horrible.' Rachel says, covering her mouth as she studies the wrecked home.

Santana watches Dani as she looks at her things. She didn't have much but what she did have was ruined. Santana knew what she was looking for. Dani bends down painfully and picks up what remains of her guitar. It's snapped down the middle and the strings have been torn off at one end. She stands holding it when Santana puts a hand on her back. 'Let's just get what we can and leave, okay?'

'Yeah, whatever.' Dani says, defeated as she drops the guitar back to the floor. They are about to start packing when a voice sounds from behind them.

'Do you like what I've done with the place?' Kevin's deep voice booms and they all turn to face him. He filled the doorway with his presence, blocking their way out.

'Dad...' Dani whispers as Santana moves closer to her.

'Danielle. I knew they were hiding you.' He steps into the room as Rachel and Kurt move to stand with the girls.

'Why did you do this?' Dani asks.

'Why?' Kevin shouts, making her flinch. 'You know why, and it'll only get worse if you don't come home with me Danielle.'

'My name is Dani.' She responds, taking no notice of his threat.

'Sir.' Kurt says, stepping forwards. 'With all due respect, we need you to leave before we call the police.'

'With all due respect...' Kevin mimics as he steps closer to Kurt, easily towering over him. 'I need to take my daughter home. She does not belong here.'

'You're wrong.' Santana says. Kevin's eyes fix on her.

'Excuse me?'

'I said, you're wrong. This is exactly where she belongs.' Santana lifts up their linked hands to show him. 'With me.'

'Danielle, you're really trying my patience.' He lets out an agitated breath. 'This phase needs to end.'

'It's not a phase dad.' She says strongly, trying to recover some confidence. 'This is who I am and if you and mum don't like that then you just need to stay away from me.'

'I promised your mother I would bring you home.' Kevin says. 'It's taken me two years to track you down and I won't go home now.'

'Then it looks like we have a problem.' Dani says, lifting her chin. 'Because I'm not going anywhere.'

'Danielle. Do you know what this has done to our family? Daisy hates me, your brother hasn't been home in months, all because of you. You ripped our family apart!' He shouts at her, stepping forward aggressively.

'Hey!' Santana shouts back at him, pulling Dani behind her. 'Watch it.'

'Danielle.' Kevin's voice softens. 'Please, just come home with me.'

'No, dad, I mean it. I'm not leaving.' Dani grips Santana's hand firmly. 'You can't keep treating me like shit. I will never come home.'

'Then I'm just going to have to make you, aren't I.' Kevin says, turning back to his darker side.

'If you lay another hand on her we will call the police.' Rachel says, trying to stop her voice from trembling. Kevin laughs and looks at his daughter.

'Have you told them what I do for a living?' Dani looks down, Santana trying to work out the look on her face. 'I am the police.'

'That.. that doesn't matter.' Santana says, trying to sound sure. 'No one is allowed to do this shit.'

'We'll see.' Kevin smiles. 'I'll let you be for now Dani.' He starts backing away from them. 'But this is far from over. Do you understand me.' Dani doesn't respond and doesn't make eye contact. 'I'll see you guys around.' With that he leaves the apartment and Santana feels Dani release a long breath.

'Are you okay?' Santana asks her. Dani nods but only because she doesn't trust her voice completely. Santana see's a tear roll down her cheek and quickly wipes it away. 'Hey, come on. It'll be okay.' Santana smiles, trying to assure her.

'Yeah..' Dani turns to her and puts her best smile on. 'Yeah, I know it will.' Rachel moves to the other side of Dani and puts a hand on her arm.

'What do you want us to pack?'

'Erm.. anything that's not destroyed I guess.' Dani responds, trying to laugh but more tears flow. Santana pulls her gently into a full hug and rubs her back.

'Let us do this Santana.' Kurt says. 'Take Dani home.'

'Thanks guys.' Santana says, leading Dani out of the ruined apartment.