Brett's POV
It's been a few days since the dinner party. Quinn and I haven't really talked about what went down on the couch. I don't understand why she feels like she can tell me what I should and shouldn't be doing. I know jumping down her throat was not a good look for me but in my defense, It has always just been me. I never had to check with someone else before making a decision. Santana and I on the other hand have been just fine. Nothing has really progressed but we are still having our stolen glances and winks. When Quinn's not around, I'll steal a kiss or two. Even at night, once Quinn is asleep we would cuddle up on the couch eating ice cream out of the cartan.
Luckily my nightmares haven't been that bad recently. I've woken up sweating but at least I haven't woken up anyone else. In total, I am lucky if I get 4 hours of sleep which I guess is okay. Working at the gym has actually been a lot of fun. Aaron will not let me train anyone physically but i'll watch people use the machines and tell them how to fix their form. I can't wait till I can finally get in the ring and fight. In fact, I've been helping out Puck ever since he mentioned he comes to the gym. I can't wait to get him in the ring for a few rounds. He is actually a pretty great guy, I am still waiting for him to tell me that he's seeing Quinn. But like Santana said, I'm too scary.
It was about 6:30 am when I got back to the apartment from my morning run. When I can't sleep, going for a run tends to be my go too. That way I get to clear my head and it makes me more tired so I can fall asleep easier. I dropped my iphone and headphones on my bed and then took a large sip from my water. "What the hell are you doing up?" I heard a sexy raspy voice say from behind me. I turned to face her, god she is beautiful. Her hair is messy and barley in the bun she placed it in last night. Her big t-shirt reached mid thighs, blocking any view of the shorts under it; if she even has shorts on. "I went for a run, it was nice," I said smiling. "Brett, it is 6:30 in the morning" she said completely dumb founded. "I couldn't sleep so why not go for a run" I said, shrugging my shoulders. Santana stepped closer to me, "Are you having nightmares again?" she whispered.
I looked away before looking back at her, "yeah, sometimes" I mumbled. "Brett, I told you to wake me up" Santana said. "I know you did but then I'd basically be waking you up every night. You need sleep too, I know how you get when you don't get enough" I said, remembering how grumpy Santana usually gets in the morning; especially when she doesn't get her beauty sleep. She lightly grabbed my arm, "Well I am telling you again, wake me up next time please" she begged. I sighed, I don't know what we are but she already has me wrapped around her little finger. I bet down and kissed her lips gently, "I promise, now go back to bed" I told her. "I have to start getting ready for work anyways, get in the shower you smell" she said pushing him, before retreating back into her bedroom.
I quickly showered and put my pajamas back on. I decided to venture into Santana's room since the door was open when I got out. She was sitting at her vanity putting on makeup. I layed on her bed and just watched her, "You do not need make-up you know" I finally said. She giggled, "Oh I know but I like make-up"she said smiling. "What are your plans today?" I asked. "We are still working that upper west side case so i'll mostly be down at the station helping the detectives" she explained. I couldn't help but be a little upset that she had a full day. "I saw that face, what is it?" Santana asked, turning around in her chair. "I didn't make a face," I said chuckling. "Yeah you did, what is it?" she asked again. "I was just hoping you were going to be around today that's it?" I explained. "Why? Is something happening today?" she asked, confused. "I just have a doctor's appointment at 5 that's it" I said, nonchalantly. Santana smiled, "You want me to go with you?" "Yeah but you're busy so don't even worry about it" I replied. "No, text me where and I'll meet you there" she said smiling before turning around to finish getting ready.
"What are you doing in here?" Quinn asked, appearing in the doorway, holding her bath towel. Santana stopped immediately turning to Quinn. "Nothing just talking to Santana, I couldn't sleep" I said shrugging my shoulders. I watched as Quinn eyed both Santana and I. "Well since you're both awake, I just wanted to let you know I won't be home tonight" she said. "Why?" "After work, i'm going out with a friend and I'm just going to crash at their place," she explained. I saw Santana smile in the reflection of the mirror. "Going out with Puck?" I asked, smirking. Santana started laughing and Quinn looked shocked. "Really Santana, you told him?" Santana put her hands up, "I did no such thing". "I saw the way you guys were talking at the dinner party and the way he was looking at you. It was kinda obvious" I explained. Quinn looked shocked, not really knowing what to say. "Don't worry sis, he's a good guy" I said, smiling. Quinn blushed and shook her head before going to the bathroom to shower.
"You didn't have to embarrass her" Santana said laughing. "Yes I did, I'm her big brother" I replied before going back to my bed.
Finally Quinn made her way out of the bathroom wearing her robe. "Where's San?" she asked. "Just left a few minutes ago for work," I said. Quinn just shook her head and made her way to her bedroom. "Hey sis, can we talk for a second?" Quinn paused before nodding and taking a seat on my bed. "I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have snapped at you the night of the dinner party" I admitted. "I appreciate your apology, you know I love you. I just want to help" she said. I nodded, "I know but I've been by myself for so long, it's hard to let someone in. I am not used to having someone care about me so much" I explained. She reached out and took my hand, "I get it, I'll try to back off a bit" she said smiling. "And I will try to explain how I am feeling better" I said, giving her hand a squeeze.
Once Quinn was all ready for work, she was packing up her purse at the dining table. "So what are you and Puck doing tonight?" I asked. "Just dinner and a movie, nothing special" She said. "Don't forget to use protection," I said laughing. Quinn's jaw dropped and her face turned the shade of an apple. "I am not even going to say anything about that". "It's true, just looking out for you sis" I laughed. "So what are you going to do tonight?" Quinn asked. "Nothing, probably just hang out with Santana" I said. "Is something going on between you two?" She asked, eyeing me. "No why?" I said, lying. "She is my best friend, which means she's off limits," Quinn said. I just laughed. Quinn doesn't need to know what is going on between Santana and I. We don't even know what we are so telling Quinn makes no sense right now. "Are you listening to me" Quinn said again. "Yeah" I nodded. "I mean it, Santana is off limits" she said again. "Why?" I was intrigued. "Santana doesn't do relationships, I'm shocked she lasted with Sebastian as long as she did. I just don't want you to get hurt. Plus it would be weird for my best friend and my brother to be together, you know" Quinn explained. Why would Santana hurt me? It just doesn't make sense, Quinn doesn't understand our relationship.
I decided to go down and get some food to cook tonight for dinner. Since Quinn was gone it would just be Santana and I, so I wanted to make it a little special. There is only one thing I know how to make even semi-well which is chicken, broccoli and ziti. Which means we are having italien night. I grabbed all the ingredients along with garlic bread and a bottle of wine. I decided to spend the rest of my morning preparing everything. That way when we get home from the doctor, I just have to put it all together. I sent Santana a quick text telling her to meet him at the local VA Hospital at 4:45 for the appointment.
I walked into the hospital and started looking around. Santana said she was on her way which means she was most likely already there. "Brett" I heard a voice say, and there she was looking absolutely perfect as always. "Thanks for coming, It means alot" I said, smiling down at her. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it. What is this appointment for anyways?" she asked as we walked through the halls. "Just to see how my wounds are healing, let me hold that for you" I said, grabbing her briefcase. "You don't need to hold that for me" she said trying to grab it. "Nope I got it" I smiled, opening the door for her. She just shook her head and walked through.
"Brett Pierce" The doctor said, smiling big! I walked over and gave him a hug, "Gosh have I missed you doc". "Who is this?" he said looking at Santana. "This is Santana my...umm..friend" I said not really knowing what she is. "Santana, this is David Hartman, he was part of my troup and my doctor" I explained. "Nice to meet you" Santana said, reaching out and shaking his hand. "You also, come on back, Brett" he said, waving. I started walking back to the exam rooms when I realized Santana wasn't with me. I turned back and saw her sitting in a chair staring at me. "What are you doing? Come on" I said waving her over. She looked at me confused but still got up and came closer to me. "You want me to come back there with you?" she asked. I nodded, "why do you think I asked you to come?" "I thought I was just moral support" She said following me this time. "Exactly but you're not just sitting in the waiting room" I laughed holding the exam room door wide so she could walk through.
Santana sat in the open chair while I took a seat on the exam table. David took off my sling and then pulled my shirt up and over my head. "How are the injuries feeling?" he asked, while taking off the ace bandages. "The shoulder feels good but a bit stiff and the chest has been fine" I explained. "It was bleeding," Santana said. We both turned to her. "The chest wound was bleeding last week" she repeated. "Oh yeah, I went running and kinda opened it back up" I explained. "Really Brett, I told you to take it easy" David said. I looked past him and saw Santana smirking, I mouthed to her saying shut up which made her laugh. "I want you to reach your hands up in the air" he said which I followed. "How does that feel?" he asked. "It doesn't feel bad but I feel like it's stretching here" I said pointing to my chest. "See the problem is when they stitched you up, you had like zero fat they really had to stretch the skin" the doctor explained.
"I am going to keep the shoulder out of the sling and I want you to slowly start exercising it. I will still send the sling home with you because it will be sore after you start exercising so you might want to wear it after." He explained, I nodded. "As for your chest, I'm not surprised that it isn't healed great. You were shot twice at point blank range when you were captured" he said. I looked behind him toward Santana. No one knew I was captured, not even Aaron. Her hand was covering her mouth, it looked as if her eyes were glossed over. Was she going to cry? David kept talking, "You had 2 chest tubes and a collapsed lung, you cannot push yourself. I am going to put in some more stitches which will fall out in a few days" he explained. I kept my arms up while he put in the stitches. I kept my eye on Santana but she did not look at me once. She just sat there playing with her fingers. The doctor wrapped me up again before stepping out to grab a few print outs of exercises that should help my shoulders.
"Santana" I whispered. "Please look at me" I begged. She looked up making eye contact, her big brown eyes looked so sad. "Come here" I said, reaching out to her. She grabbed my hand and came to stand in front of me. "You were captured?" she asked. I reached up wiping a lone tear that escaped, "Yeah, I wasn't ready to talk about it" I explained. "I'm not mad that you didn't tell me, I am just shocked" Santana said. "I am okay" I said, pulling her into a hug. She tried to pull away, "I don't want to hurt you" she whispered. "You could never hurt me Tana" I smiled, making her hug me. "Tana?" she asked, looking up at me. "Everyone calls you San, I need a nickname for you that only I call you" I said smiling. She just laughed.
The exam room door opened which made Santana pull completely away from me. "Here are those exercises" David said, handing them to me. "You watch him. He won't listen to me but I bet he will listen to you, so make sure he takes it easy" David said to Santana. "Absolutely, I'll watch him" she said, smiling. "Also here are some extra badges, make sure you change the gauze every day and put vaseline on too" he said handing the extras to Santana. She turned around to place them in her purse. David turned to me and whispered, "You have a good one here, don't let her go". I smiled, "Don't plan on it".
As we walked out of the hospital I intertwined our hands, "Do you have to go back to work?" I asked. "Nope, I am done for today" she said smiling. "Good because I have a surprise for you," I said. "A surprise, what kind of surprise?" She asked, squeezing my hand. "Think of it as thank you for everything you've done" I smiled. Making Santana smile is one of my favorite things to do. Who would have thought that getting shot may have been the best thing to happen to me in years. If this didn't happen I don't think I would have come home anytime soon. By the time that I did I bet Santana would have been married and I would have never been able to see where this was going to go.
"Go take a shower and get changed into something more comfortable" I said, giving her a quick kiss. Santana gave me a puzzling look before walking away. While she was getting ready I got all the things together. Finished the food, poured the wine and set the table. Just as I was lighting the candle, Santana made her way out into the common room. Even in sweatpants, a tank top and her hair in a ponytail, she looked beautiful. "Brett what is all this?" she asked, smiling. "I made us dinner, sit" I said as I scooped some onto her plate. "I thought Quinn said you couldn't cook?" She raised an eyebrow at me. "Every year on the cook's birthday we would let him have the day off, so I would cook this for the whole platoon," I said, taking a bite. I watched as she tasted it for the first time, "It's actually really good" she laughed. "Don't tell Quinn or else she will make me start cooking!" I said laughing.
"Have you thought anymore about talking to someone?" she asked while we ate. I had been trying to avoid this conversation. "I really don't know Tana, I just don't know if I am ready" I admitted. "Will you ever be ready?" she asked me. She was right. I ran my hand through my blonde hair. "I know that going to therapy and talking about experiences is so normal for people here but it isn't in the military. They tell you to push the thoughts away and to focus on the mission at hand" I explained. "I know but you aren't on a mission, you are here and you are struggling. When was the last time you had a good night's sleep?" she asked. I thought about it, "I guess maybe when Aaron was stationed with me" I said. "This is exactly why, you can't live like this." She said. "I'll clean up" I said, picking up the plates.
"Brett" she sighed as I brought the plates in the kitchen. "Want more wine?" I yelled. "Sure but this isn't over" She yelled back in a very sassy tone. By the time I made my way back out in the living room, Santana was sitting up on my bed with her glass. I grabbed mine and the bottle sitting down next to her. I poured us both some more before wrapping my arm around her, she put her head on my shoulder. "I think it would be good, you know, to talk to a professional," Santana said. "Why can't I just keep talking to you" I groaned. "I want you to talk to me too but I don't know how to help you," she admitted. "You've done more in these few weeks then some people I know have done in their lifetime" I said placing a kiss on her forehead. She groaned, "Is there anything I can say to change your mind?" "Nope, I'll just keep my personal therapist, ADA Lopez" I said smiling. Satana laughed, "Don't call me that, it's too formal" "fine ADA Tana" I said smirking. Santana just rolled her eyes and turned back toward the movie.
It's nice to just sit here with Santana like this. We didn't need to talk or anything. Just sitting here embracing each other makes it comfortable and homey. I don't know what else to say other than we just fit together.
Santana let out a big yawn, "Why don't you go to bed?" I said. "How the hell are you not tired" she asked, rubbing her eyes. "When you barely sleep, you learn to run on no sleep" I said, laughing. "You better wake me up if you have another dream" she said getting up. "Yeah yeah yeah" I said, pulling at her hand trying to give her a kiss. "No not until you promise me" She said, pulling her arms away and crossing them over her chest. "Fine, I will wake you up if I have another dream" I said. She rolled her eyes before leaning down and placing a quick kiss on my lips. Santana pulled away and walked toward the hall, "That's it?" I asked, wanting more time against her lips. "Yup I don't really believe you" she said before shutting her bedroom door. I am definitely falling for her.
Please let me know what you guys think! Also Happy Thanksgiving! Stay safe!