*Welcome back! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!*
"So you talked to Santana?" Dr. Michaels asked. Brett leaned back against the couch and nodded. "If she didn't come over, would you have gone out of your way to discuss your feelings with her?" Dr. Michaels asked. Brett really thought about it. Would he have told her the truth? "I am going to guess that based on your silence and perplexed look on your face, the answer would be a no," The doctor said. Brett looked down, he knew he was right. "Brett, I want you to close your eyes and lean back," he said. Brett followed his commands and did just that.
"Think back to when you were a child living with Russell. What was one thing that you always wanted?" Dr. Michaels asked. Brett remembered all of the things from his childhood. Every boy that he ever wanted. But one thing really stood out to him and it wasn't a toy. "I wanted Russell to stop beating me," he said quietly. "Did you ever get that?" Dr. Michaels asked. "Yes," Brett replied.
"What did you have to give up to get that?" He asked. Brett remembered the moment he left the Fabray residence. "I had to give up Quinn and my mother," Brett said quietly. "So then after that, you moved in with Brian. Your father who you barely knew…. When you were living with him, what did you want?" the doctor asked. "I wanted him to get clean," Brett said without missing a beat. "So with that, what did you have to give up to make that happen?" Dr. Michaels asked. "I had to give up my father and a future with him," Brett admitted.
"Then you left and went into the service. I know we already talked about Drew and that night. But during that mission, what did you want?" Dr. Michael asked. "I wanted to make sure that no more of my men got hurt," Brett said. "To do that, what did you have to give up?" The doctor asked. "I had to leave Drew's body behind," Brett said, he could see Drew's body behind his closed eyes. "Now, as we sit here. What do you want?" Dr. Michaels asked.
The only thing that entered his mind was his beautiful girlfriend. "I want Santana to be happy" he whispered. "So what does that mean?" the doctor asked. "It means I have to give something up," Brett said, continuing with the trend of his life. "What are you going to give up?" Dr. Michaels asked. "I have to give her up," Brett said, sadly. "Wrong," he said quickly. Brett's eyes opened abruptly. "What?" Brett asked, confused. " I said you were wrong?" said calmly. "Then what do I have to give up?" Brett asked.
"That is what I am trying to get you to understand. You are so used to having to make all these sacrifices in order to get what you want. So you are trying to find something to give up, but Santana is already happy. You don't need to give something up to make it happen. This is your time to be happy and have what you want without giving anything up. She loves you and wants to be with you. This is the end of the cycle. You have been through so much hell and heartbreak. That you saw and tasted happiness and automatically realized that something bad needed to happen. Stop thinking like that! Go and enjoy your life with your girlfriend because she sounds pretty amazing." Dr. Micheals said with a smile.
Brett wiped a tear from his eye. This session had been really hard for Brett. They started off talking about his captivity. Dr. Michaels made him talk through every torture technique that they used on him. Brett had to relive every waterboarding, slash, and gunshot that was inflicted on him. While reliving that, Brett admitted to having Santana in his dream after the last session. She was living through what he had to endure. Which is how Dr. Michaels got into this conversation. It was Brett's mind trying to tell him that he was bad for Santana. His subconscious was trying to get Brett to give her up so she didn't need to go through something he battles with every day.
"I want you to repeat after me," Dr. Michaels said. Brett nodded. "I deserve happiness," he said. Brett took a deep breath and repeated the words. "I didn't hear you," Dr. Michaels said. Brett then said it a little louder. "No scream it" Dr. Michaels yelled. Brett yelled at the top of his lungs, "I DESERVE HAPPINESS" he screamed. "Now you just need to believe it. I can tell you scream and yell it over and over. But only you can make yourself believe it" Dr. Michaels said, sitting back and crossing his arms. "I will try," Brett said quietly.
"That is all I ask. I think this was a good session which means tonight might be bad. So I want you to try and get some sleep. If something happens make sure you write it all down in the notebook I gave you and we will discuss this during our next session." Dr. Michaels said. "What is my homework?" Brett asked. "I want you to plan something for Santana. I want you to do something completely out of your comfort zone and embrace the happiness you deserve. Do you think you can do that?" He asked. Brett nodded, "I think I can," he said, confidently. "Good, I'll see you some time next week," Dr. Michaels said.
As Brett walked toward the gym he decided to give Santana a call. "Hello," a woman's voice said on the other line, it was definitely not Santana's voice. "Um hi…. Who is this?" Brett asked. He looked down at his phone to make sure he called the right person. There, written across the screen was "Tana", so he knew it was her phone. "Oh Brett, this is Sugar. Santana's assistant" she said. Brett nodded, "is Santana there?" he asked. "She is actually in court right now. But she informed me that if you called and it was an emergency then she can ask for a recess" Sugar explained. Brett rolled his eyes, of course, Santana would stop everything to talk to him. "No it's fine, just let her know I called," Brett said. "Of course, bye Brett," she said before hanging up.
"Hey man," Aaron said, bringing Brett in for a hug. Brett happily hugged him back. "I swear this gym gets busier and busier," Brett said, looking around at the packed space. "Channel 5 did a story on our reopening. I am pissed that Sebastian destroyed the place but we have increased our membership by 35%" Aaron explained. "I guess there is a light at the end of the tunnel," Brett said as he opened his office door. "Absolutely," Aaron said. He shut the door and sat down across from Brett's desk.
"So are you going to tell me why you have been calling out?" Aaron asked. Brett groaned, "I am sorry about that. I have been dealing with a lot." he said. "I understand that but I am running a business. I need you here when you are supposed to be here" He explained. Brett nodded, "That makes complete sense, it won't happen again" He promised. "I know it won't because you care about this place just as much as I do. Which means wherever you were must have been really important" Aaron said, hoping the Brett would spill. "I went to therapy" Brett admitted.
Aaron was not expecting that since Brett had been so reluctant to go in the past. He sat back and crossed his arms, "Was the sleepwalking the last straw?" Aaron asked. Brett nodded, "I actually put my hands on Santana and hurt her. I will not do that again. If therapy is the only way to make sure that happens then I will try it" he explained. Aaron smiled, "I think that is a great idea. Remember when I pulled my gun on Carrie?" he asked.
"How could I forget? I have never heard Carrie so distraught before" Brett admitted. "I had the same thinking as you. Once my demons started affecting her I knew that something had to be done. Within a few months, I wasn't even having any nightmares. It was amazing, I was actually sleeping. Plus we got stronger as a couple, it was a win-win." Aaron said. "That is what I am hoping will happen. I just didn't realize how hard it was going to be. I feel more triggered than ever" Brett said. Aaron nodded, completely understanding where he was coming from.
"I was the same way. Carrie would stay up and wake me up when things got bad. We had a lot of sleepless nights during the first few sessions" Aaron explained. "I just don't want Santana to have to go through that. She didn't sign up to go to war and have PTSD, why should she have to have sleepless nights you know?" Brett asked. "I get it but Santana signed up to be with you. Let her decide what she wants. I bet she just wants you to let her in," he said. "I know that's what she wants, she told me. I promised that if things got bad then I would call her" Brett explained. "Good, then make sure to do that, it will put her worries at ease," Aaron said. "I will, I had a session this morning so I will probably have a rough night" Brett admitted. "If you need to come in late tomorrow just let me know. I can do the early shift if you close" Aaron offered. "I think that would help, thanks man" Brett smiled. "No problem, now get back to work or I'll have to fire you," Aaron said in a joking voice before he left.
After a few hours working, Brett heard a knock at the door. "Come in!" he yelled. The door opened and revealed Puck and Quinn. "Hey, guys! Come in" Brett said, waving them in. "Look at you and your fancy new office" Puck said looking around the room. "Hey Quinnie," Brett said, kissing the top of her head before they all took a seat. "How was your therapy session?" Quinn asked. "You can't just ask that," Puck quickly said. "It's fine, I told Santana she could tell you," Brett said. "It was good, a little draining but they always are," he admitted.
"I am so proud of you," Quinn said. "Please don't scream tonight, It always scares the crap out of me," Puck said. "Really! Do you need to be so inconsiderate" Quinn said. "Hey, I am kidding!" Puck exclaimed, putting his hands up. "No you're not," Brett said laughing. He knows that his nightmares scare the shit out of Puck. One time Brett woke up screaming, it was the first one since moving in with Puck. So Puck had no idea what was going on. He ran into Brett's room naked holding a baseball bat. That was how Brett learned that Puck likes to sleep naked.
"I will try not to be too loud, '' Brett said, trying to calm down the situation. He wanted Quinn to know that this was how he and Puck were. They messed with each other. "We have everything set up for Santana's birthday," Quinn said. "She knows about it right?" Brett asked. Quinn nodded, "If I tried to throw her a surprise party I think she would walk out or get called into work. It would just never work" Quinn said. " We booked that speakeasy lounge, Peppi's Cellar," Puck said. "She loves that place. We went there for one of our dates'' Brett pointed out.
"It's perfect. Sam and Artie are coming up from Lima. I invited some of the people she likes from her office, our law class, and her cousins." Quinn explained. "Are you going to invite her parents?" Puck asked. "That is what I am not sure about. We did something for Santana's 25th birthday and I invited her parents to that. But that was when she was dating Bash" Quinn said. "I think you should just ask her. As you said, she doesn't like surprises and I think if she doesn't want them there and you invite them. It might piss her off" Brett explained. "He's right, a pissed-off Santana is not good for a party" Puck said with a chuckle. "You're right, I'll just ask her when she gets home tonight. By the way, I invited Aaron and Carrie too, I hope that's okay?" Quinn asked. "Of course! They love Tana. and I bet Carrie likes having some more friends around" Brett added. "She was so excited," Quinn laughed.
"I was actually thinking you guys could help me with something," Brett said. Both Puck and Quinn looked at him suspiciously. "My therapist said I need to do something for Santana basically to embrace my happiness and step out of my comfort zone. I have the perfect thing in mind but I am going to need some help pulling it off." Brett explained. "I am so intrigued, tell me more," Quinn said.
"We the jury find the defendant, Jonathan Jones; Guilty of rape in the 1st degree," The foreperson of the jury said. Santana smiled big. She won, she won the case. Santana looked behind her where Sugar was holding the hand of the victim. "The defendant is remanded without bail until sentencing. This court is adjourned" The judge said before the sound of the gavel echoed in the courtroom. Santana collected the files and placed them all in her briefcase. She turned around and was quickly pulled into a hug.
"Thank you so much, , I really didn't think they were going to find him guilty but they did because of you," Lena said crying. "You're welcome," Santana said before pulling away. "He is going away for a long time," Santana said, reassuring her. "I feel like I can finally breathe, finally heal," Lena admitted. "It is going to be hard but now you don't need to worry about him being out on the street. You are so strong Lena, I know you are going to be okay" Santana said. Lena nodded, "Thank you again," she said before grabbing her mother's hand and walking out of the courtroom.
"Nice one Ms. Lopez," Sugar said giggling. Santana rolled her eyes and walked out of the courtroom with Sugar next to her. "On to the next one. Can you make sure all these case files are appropriately sorted and stored" San asked, handing them over. "Absolutely and here's your phone back" Sugar replied, giving San her iPhone back. "Anyone call?" San asked. "Just Brett," Sugar said, shrugging her shoulders.
"I told you to tell me if he called," Santana quickly said. "He said it wasn't an emergency," Sugar said. "You told him what I said? I wanted you to tell me if he called either way because it could be important but I knew he wouldn't admit it if it was important" Santana corrected her assistant. "Oh, sorry boss," Sugar said quietly. "It's fine," San said with a groan. She looked at the clock and realized that Brett should still be at the gym. "I need to run. Can you go back to the office and do this for me?" Santana asked. "Sure, I'll see you tomorrow," Sugar said before walking away.
Santana made it to the gym in record timing, especially in heels. "Hey Santana," Aaron said when she walked inside. "Hey Aaron," San replied. "Wow this place looks great!" she added looking around. "Oh yeah, You haven't been here since it was trashed. Doesn't it look so much better? Carrie did an amazing job" Aaron said, taking in the new decor. "That she did, is Brett here?" Santana asked. "Yeah he is in his office," Aaron said. "I forgot you gave him an office," San admitted. "My manager and best trainer deserved it. Just go down the hall and it's the door with his name on it" Aaron said pointing. "Thank you," she said, before making her way down the hall.
"That sounds like an amazing idea," Quinn said with a big smile. "I think Tina will definitely be willing to help," Puck said. "Do you think she will be mad if it is a surprise?" Brett asked. "I think if it was anyone else then yes but there is no way Satan will be mad at you," Puck said. "Omg I am so excited," Quinn said, clapping. Santana opened the door to the office, "What are you excited about?" San asked. Quinn and Puck whipped around to face her. "She was just talking about booking your favorite speakeasy for your birthday," Puck said. At that moment, both Brett and Quinn were so happy that Puck could lie so easily and so quickly.
"Wait, you got it!" San asked. Quinn nodded, "Just found out like 2 seconds ago" she lied. "That is amazing, it is going to be so much fun!" Santana said. She walked around Brett's desk and leaned down to peck his lips. "How was court?" Quinn asked. "We won, that asshole rapist is going away. I am going to try and get the maximum but at least he will be on the registry" San explained. "Congrats babe," Brett said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Look at you getting all the rapists off the street, good job" Puck said. "Now you just need to get that murderer," Quinn added. "I know I feel like we are so close," San admitted. "You'll get him," Brett said, squeezing her side.
"What are you guys even doing here?" Santana asked. "Working out," Quinn said. Santana started laughing, "Since when do you work out willingly?" she asked. "Puck called me fat," Quinn said. "That is not true" he quickly said. "You said, my ass felt fuller," Quinn repeated. "It does!" Puck exclaimed. "Really Puck," San said. "Yeah dude, you aren't supposed to say that" Brett added. "You know I love your ass Q," Puck said, hoping to redeem himself. "Shut up," Quinn said, making Brett and San laugh.
"Come on, San obviously came here to see Brett and not us," Quinn said, getting up and pulling Puck with her. "Dude, what are we doing for dinner?" Puck asked. "I'll just bring home pizza after I lock up," Brett said. "Perfect! Now we can go Q" Puck said leaving the office. "Of course this guy only cares about his dinner. I'll see you at home San'' Quinn said, following Puck out. Right when the door shut, Brett grabbed ahold of Santana's waist and pulled her down onto his lap. "Brett!" she laughed, taken completely by surprise by his actions.
Brett started kissing her neck, his hand rubbing her thigh. "Brett, I am wearing a skirt," Sanatana said, trying to shut her legs. "Even better" Brett mumbled, pushing his hand under her skirt. "You're at work, someone could walk in," she said with a smile. Brett groaned and pulled his head from her neck so he could look at her. "You're right even though I would love to take you right on top of this desk," He said. Santana felt a spark go straight to her vagina. Brett normally turned her on but hearing him speak this way, in more of a dominant tone made her extremely hot. So hot that Santana actually pushed her legs together.
"You are killing me right now," Santana said. Brett smirked, "now you know how I feel every time you are around," he said with a cheeky grin. Santana rolled her eyes. "I am sorry I didn't answer your call earlier, I told Sugar to tell me when you called so I could take a recess," San said. "It wasn't an emergency. I don't expect you to stop what you are doing when I call you" He said. "I know but I wanted to be there for you since I knew that you went to therapy this morning," She said, her hand finding its place on his cheek. "You are there. You are on my lap right now, I wouldn't want anything more." Brett said, holding her closer. "How was your session today?" San asked, she really needed to know.
"It was one of the harder ones. He had me talking through everything that happened while I was taken captive" he explained. Santana felt a knot in her stomach, she knew he was taken captive but hearing about it made it a reality. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked even though she did not want to talk about it. "I think I relived it enough today." Brett laughed. "I can sleepover at your place tonight, what do you say?" Santana asked, hoping that he was going to say yes. All Santana wanted was to cuddle with him and celebrate her win in court. "I would love that but you know I can't especially after such a hard session," Brett explained. "It was worth a try" She giggled, playing with his hair.
Brett leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss. He just needed to, her luscious lips were too tempting. A knock at the door pulled Brett from Santana's lips. Before she could get off his lap, the door swung open. One of the trainers was standing there, "Shit, Brett sorry I didn't know you had company" he said, blocking his eyes. Santana scrambled off his lap and smoothed out her skirt. "It's fine man, you can open your eyes," Brett said. The worker did that, "Um a customer just wants to talk to a manager and Aaron already went home" he explained. "I'll be there in a second," Brett replied. The worker nodded and left.
"Imagine if you were having sex on your desk," San said. "I would have murdered him if he walked in on you naked. I am the only one allowed to see you naked" Brett said. San wrapped her arms around his neck, "Absolutely, I only want you looking at me" she said. Brett smiled and pecked her lips. "You have a customer waiting for you," Santana reminded him while walking to the door. The two left the office and walked toward the main gym. "Have a good night babe" Brett said. "I love you," San said, leaning up to kiss him one last time.
Brett said his goodbyes and walked up to the customer. "Hi I am Brett Pierce the manager," he said, shaking his hand. Santana watched how proud he was in his role. This man has come so far. She smiled and left the gym making her way home.
Once Brett was done with his shift he locked up the gym, grabbed a pizza, and made his way home. When Brett opened the front door, he heard Puck on the other side. "Finally, I am starving," he said, grabbing the pizza from Brett. "Hey Puck, it's so good to see you," Brett said laughing. Puck just grunted and plopped on the couch with a slice of pizza. Brett followed and cracked open the beers that Puck got them when he realized Brett was home.
"I reached out to Tina to see if she could help us with your surprise for Santana. She was really excited" Puck said. "I already started writing it," Brett said. "San is going to be so shocked." Puck laughed. "Are you sure she won't be mad?" Brett asked. "Like I said back at your office if it was anyone else I think Santana would be pissed. Since it is you and she has kinda been asking you for a while, I think she is going to love it" Puck explained. "Does anyone else know my plan?" he asked. "I only told Tina because you wanted me to ask her. But this group doesn't keep secrets well. So I think by this time, everyone but Santana probably knows" Puck said with a chuckle. Brett groaned, "I shouldn't have told you guys" he mumbled. "There is no way you could pull this off alone," Puck replied.
Once the hockey game was over, Brett and Puck both retreated back to their rooms. Brett didn't really want to try and fall asleep but he knew that head a full day tomorrow and needed sleep. Brett turned the constellation light on and tucked himself into bed. The last thing he saw was the picture of him and Santana that he kept next to his bed. Brett smiled and slowly fell asleep.
Brett pulled and pulled against the bindings that were holding his hands together behind this back. He needed to do something. Brett had no idea if his men were able to decipher his code. If they did then they should be trying to find him right now. If they didn't figure out it was him, then his team is traveling in the opposite direction than where he is being kept. Brett knew that his captures were getting fed up with him. There is no way that he was going to give up those codes. So that means Brett either needs to get the hell out or he is going to die trying.
Just as Brett felt his hand starting to slip out of the binding, the door opened up and the light was pulled on. "I am getting extremely aggravated with you, Brett. We have gotten to know each other pretty well. I have been extremely patent with you and I think it is time to just give up the fucking codes" Aazar said. Brett couldn't help but laugh. "I will never give you the codes," he said. Aazar groaned and dragged the chair from the corner, sitting in front of Brett.
"You do realize that I will kill you. I have killed many people and it doesn't scare me one bit to decapitate you, leaving your head on display for your platoon to find. We can avoid all of that. Give me the codes and I will leave you here for your platoon to find you, intact." Aazar explained. "And I thought you knew me," Brett said. "I do know you," he said, quickly. "Then you would know that I have nothing to live for. I don't really have a family. Sure there are a few people at home that would be upset if I were dead but they would get over it. So if you decide to kill me then so be it but those codes are going to the grave with me" Brett explained.
Aazar stood up and walked around Brett. He realized that his hand bindings were loose and tightened them. They were now so tight that Brett was convinced that the blood flow to his hands was gone. Aazar grabbed Brett's shoulder hard making Brett scream out. He felt a slice of a knife run across his chest. Brett looked down and saw the blood running down his chest. "I will kill you so slowly," Aazar said before using the knife to inflict another wound up his arm. "Let you bleed out on this floor, you are going to wish that you gave up the codes," he said. Brett tossed his head back, trying not to focus on the pain.
Jabbar came into the room quickly. "We need to go," he said. Brett watched as Jabbar pushed against the wall and a large secret passageway opened up. How did Brett not notice that there was a secret door in the room? "You just gave away our passageway," Aazar said. "It doesn't matter. His team is here and we are completely outnumbered." Jabbar explained. Brett couldn't help but smile, they understood his codes and found him.
"He didn't give me the codes!" Aazar yelled. "At this point, it doesn't matter, kill him and let's go. We will get another soldier, once who isn't so tough to crack" Jabbar suggested. Aazar groaned and pulled the gun with the silencer attached from his waistband. "I really thought we were going to get along but I guess I was wrong. Good thing you don't have anyone who cares about you" Aazar said. "Go to hell" Brett managed to get out through the pain. "I'll see you there" he replied with a smirk.
Aazar raised the gun. Brett closed his eyes, preparing for the shot to the head. This was it. He fought hard for his country, gave it everything he got. Brett wondered who they would call when they found his body. Would they tell Aaron first? Or call his mother? He wondered if anyone would tell Quinn that he was dead. Who would come to his funeral? So many things were running through Brett's head. A part of him wished he got married and had a baby. Prove that he wasn't like the people that raised him. But that future is gone. The shot rang out before he felt it.
Brett was prepared for a shot in the head and instant death. He should have known that these fuckers would have never let him off that easy. The bullet hit his chest, it was like getting hit by a truck. Brett's eyes opened wide. Both Aazar and Jabbar were laughing, "Enjoy bleeding out" was the last thing Aazar said before they disappeared inside the passageway, shutting the door tightly behind them.
The blood was really falling. Brett realized that it was getting extremely hard to breathe. As he tried to slow his breaths, it sounded like Brett was underwater. He knew what that meant. His lungs were filled with blood. "BRETT" he heard some scream. Brett opened his mouth to shout back but nothing came out. His eyes became heavier and heavier. Just as reality started to float away, a United States uniform came barging through the door. "I FOUND HIM, GET THE MEDICS" the man yelled. Brett recognized the voice, Brenner; one of his men. "We are here Brett, just hang in there," Brenner said as he untied his hands. But it was just too hard, the pain was unbearable. "BRETT" Brenner yelled, That was the last thing Brett heard before everything went black.
The next thing Brett saw was a casket, with a large American flag laid over top. 'What the hell is going on?' Brett looked around, no one was paying attention to him. Brett realized that he had to be dreaming but what is it about now?
Brett walked closer to the group that surrounded the casket. The cries were deafening. Brett noticed Puck first, dressed in his airforce uniform. Puck looked completely out of it. Like he was trying to hold it all together but it wasn't working. The tears in his eyes proved it. He was holding Quinn who was sobbing. "Quinnie" Brett whispered but she didn't flinch. 'Who's funeral is this' Brett thought. He found his answer quickly when he looked to the top of the casket. There was his military portrait displayed with bouquets of flowers surrounding it. "It's my funeral," Brett whispered to himself. How could he be witnessing his own funeral?
Brett looked around at all his friends. The people that he just met but have welcomed him like family. They were all clearly upset. Brett realized just how loved he actually is. Brian is sitting in the corner with his face in his hands. Melanie is rubbing his back lovingly. There is one person he can't find. Brett kept looking around, that is when he met those eyes sitting in the last row. The big beautiful brown eyes that love him. Brett walked around the people to get closer to her. Mercedes has her arm wrapped tightly around her. Kurt is sitting on the other side holding her hand.
Mascara is running down her face, following the path of the tears that are flowing. She looks empty. "Santana, I think we should move up front," Mercedes said. Brett watched Santana shake her head. "They are going to give you his flag sweetie," Kurt added. Brett always wondered who would get his casket flag. "I can't," Santana said, her voice breaking. "I need to leave, I can't be here," Santana said. "You need to be here, San. For Brett" Mercedes whispered.
Brett walked up to Santana and kneeled in front of her. That was when he saw it. Santana's hand was cradling her growing baby bump. "He doesn't know about our baby. I never got to tell him," Santana said. Kurt rested his head on her shoulder. "He knows Santana. He is going to be with you two for the rest of your lives" he said.
Brett couldn't help but reach out and touch Santana's bump. He could feel the fluttering against his hand. Him and Santana's baby. "Kurt is telling the truth, I will always be there with you" Brett whispered, even though he knew she couldn't hear him. Brett could feel the baby kicking against his hand. Santana moved her hand down to where the baby was kicking, she covered Brett's hand and felt something. Santana looked down. She could feel those blue eyes she loved looking at her but saw nothing. "I think he is here," Santana whispered. "I am right here baby," Brett said. "I bet he is," Mercedes said, rubbing her back.
"Brett, come back, please. I can't be a single mom. I need you." Santana cried. She was staring right at him but Brett wasn't really there. "Tana" Brett whispered. "I love you, Brett, I love you so much" Santana cried. Brett couldn't do this anymore. He couldn't watch her cry as she held their child. Brett got up and ran. Turning his back on everyone. The sounds of their cries were getting louder and louder as he ran further and further away. "Brett, please come back," Santana yelled. Brett dropped to his knees and covered his ears, "wake up, wake up" he mumbled over and over.
Brett shot out of bed. He was covered in sweat and tears. Brett looked over at the clock which read 2:45 am. Brett hated these types of nightmares. It's one thing to relive his war times but to see his own funeral. Watching all the people he cares about crying over his casket. Santana sitting there pregnant with his child is more than he can handle. Brett hated the nights after his sessions and this is exactly why.
Brett got up and changed his clothes. They were basically sticking to him because of the sweat. A part of him wanted to go out and just run but he promised Santana that he wouldn't. Brett threw on a sweatshirt and walked out into the living room. He decided to just sit out on the fire escape, get some fresh air. Brett climbed out and sat with legs hanging off the side. Brett was so use to the quiet of the desert. New York was the complete opposite but he loved it. The lights and the sounds reminded him that he wasn't alone.
Brett was just staring off into space when a sound pulled him back, "Meow". He looked around but saw nothing. "Meow" Brett heard again but this time it sounded like it came from above him. Brett looked over at the latter and right at the top was a tiny kitten, trying to get down to his level. "Hey, little guy" Brett whispered. The cat meows loudly again. "You must be so cold," he said, getting up. Brett reached up and let the kitten smell him. The cat then rubbed up against Brett's hand so he took that as permission to hold him. He let the small kitten walk into his hand and once he was settled, Brett brought him close to his chest. The kitten was shivering so Brett quickly climbed back through the window into the warmth of the apartment.
Brett carried the kitten into the kitchen. He placed it on the counter with a little bowl of water. The kitten gulped down the water as if it hadn't drank in days. Brett didn't have any cat food, so he pulled out a can of Puck's tuna. Brett placed some on a small plate and placed it next to the water bowl. The kitten wasted no time, quickly switching to the tuna. Brett petted the little kitten while he ate. "I always wanted a kitten," he whispered. He picked his head up from the tuna and meowed at Brett, before going back to eat again. Brett smiled big, "I think we are going to get along great" he whispered.
Once the kitten finished eating, he let out a big yawn. "I think it is time for bed, little one," Brett said, picking him up. Brett placed the kitten on his bed. The kitten pranced around the bed, his tummy swaying as it ran. "For a homeless kitten, you sure have a chubby belly," Brett said, getting into bed. The little kitten ran up next to Brett and cuddled up under his arm. "I think Lord Tubbington is a good name. What do you think?" he asked. The kitten looked up and meows before it curled its head into his body and started purring. "Lord T it is" Brett whispered.
Brett tried to fall asleep but it was no use, his mind was still racing. When he would close his eyes, all Brett would see is a pregnant Santana crying. He needed to hear her voice and make sure she was okay. Brett grabbed his phone and hit his girlfriend's name. After 2 rings, Santana answered the phone. "B, is everything okay?" she asked. Her voice was extra raspy which is how Brett knew he woke her up. "Sorry to wake you up Tana," Brett said. "It's okay, I left my ringer on in case you called," San said. Brett smiled, of course, she would do that for him. "I had another nightmare," Brett mumbled but Santana heard him loud and clear.
"I am sorry B. I know that these sessions are really hard on you but just think, you are one step closer to no more nightmares" San said. Brett nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "I know Tana, I just wish that they would stop now. I don't know how much more I can take" Brett admitted. "Brett," San said. Brett could hear the fear in her voice, "Don't worry baby, I am not going to do anything. I am just frustrated" he explained. He heard Santana release the breath she was holding. "How can I help?" she asked. "You are already helping by letting me hear your voice" Brett replied. "I am right here," San whispered.
"Can I ask you a question?" Brett asked. "Sure," San replied. "Would you tell me if you were pregnant?" he asked. Santana giggled, "Um yeah but you do know that I am not pregnant, right? I take birth control" she said. "I know you are, I was just wondering," Brett said. "Where is this coming from?" Santana asked. "My nightmare" he mumbled. "So me being pregnant is your nightmare?" Santana asked, needing clarification. "No, no, no that is not what I meant. It would be amazing if you were pregnant. I would love to have a child with you eventually" Brett exclaimed. Santana smiled. Of course, she has thought about having children, and then when Brett came into her life, it had always been his kids that she imagined.
Hearing Brett say that he would love to have kids with her made her heart flutter. "So then what was your nightmare?" she asked. "I died and watched my own funeral. Everyone was there in front of my casket. You were there and when I walked closer to you, I realized you were pregnant. But you never got to tell me" Brett explained. Santana sat up in her bed, still clutching the phone to her ear. "It was just a nightmare. You know I would tell you" Santana said. "I know it was just so surreal," he said. "Hey Tana," Brett whispered. "Yeah baby," Santana asked. "I want you to live life to the fullest if any" Brett started to say but was cut off. "No, do not say anything. It was a nightmare and that is it. You are not going to die" Santana said. Brett took a deep breath. He wanted to tell her that anything is possible but the last thing he wants is to upset her. This is not a conversation to have over the phone especially when Brett doesn't have a deployment date. "You're right," he said. "I know I am, I am always right," Santana said, confidently. Brett laughed, he heard Santana yawn through the phone "It's almost 4 am, why don't you go back to sleep" he said.
"No, it's fine, we can keep talking," She quickly said. "No it's okay, I feel a lot better. Thank you babe" he said. "I love you B, if anything happens you can call me back. I am leaving my phone on" Santana reassured him. "I will, goodnight beautiful," Brett said. "Goodnight, sweet dreams," she said before hanging up. Brett put his phone on the side table and turned to lay down. Lord Tubbington was still curled up next to Brett, purring loudly. Brett closed his eyes and pictures Santana, pregnant. Except for this time they were happily together.
*So what did you guys think? Do you think this is foreshadowing anything? I also hope you guys liked the sneak peek into Brett's therapy. Please comment, I love reading them! It really inspires me. Until next time, stay safe!*