The chapter a lot of people have been waiting for! The italics is Brett's stories that he is telling to Santana. (Warning- Child Abuse)
Third Person POV
Brett (7 Years Old)
Brett woke up abruptly to the sound of yelling. He could immediately tell that it was his mother and his step father. Before he could even process what was being said, his door slowly opened. A little girl with bright blonde hair that was still crazy from being in bed came prancing in. "B they are yelling again" she whispered. "Come here Quinnie," he replied. Quinn shut the door and ran full speed at her big brother's bed. She made a running leap, catapulting herself into his arms. Brett pulled her close, "when are they going to stop yelling?" she asked. "I don't know but I will never leave you Quinnie" he whispered, kissing her on the head.
Brett's bedroom door flew open, he could tell that Russell was very angry. Russell was about to start yelling but his eye caught the little girl that was also in the bed. "Quinn honey, come see daddy" Russell said. Quinn peeled herself away from her brother and walked towards her dad. Russell enveloped her into a hug. As Brett watched, he wished that he could have a dad to love him.
"Why don't you go into your room, i'll be right in to tuck you in'' he said. Quinn smiled and said goodbye to the 2 most important men in her life. Russell watched as she walked down the hall and waited until her door was closed before speaking.
"Why the hell did you tell your teacher that I hit you?" Russell screamed. Brett moved back toward the wall, trying to put some distance between him and Russell. "She asked me where the bruise came from" he whispered. "Are you fucking stupid! You couldn't have thought of a lie" His step-father yelled. "Mom said not to lie," Brett stuttered. "The bat barely grazed you!" Russell yelled, "want to feel what a real hit feels like, you little Brat"he added.
Brett tried to scramble away but Russell was too fast, he grabbed Brett's foot pulling him towards him. Russell was able to plant 5 solid slaps on Brett's bottom. "That is what it feels like to be hit and I promise you that if you tell anyone it will be alot worse" Russell threatened, before retreating out of the room and slamming the door. Brett pulled his legs close hugging them. That was the first night that Russell physically hit him and it was only the beginning.
Brett (8 Years Old)
Brett stepped up to bat. This was it, the score was now tied, it was a full count, bottom of the 9th and his team had 2 strikes. Everyone was chanting his name. Brett looked around wishing that his mother and sister were there to cheer him on, but not one person from his family showed up for the championship game. He took a breath and pushed that from his mind, it was normal for them not to show up so why was he so upset? As the ball came speeding towards him, Brett planted his foot and swung the bat. Brett made the connection and the ball bounced off, flying over the pitcher's head toward the outfield.
Brett took off running, rounding 1st and then 2nd. His 3rd base coach told him to keep going. Brett made a beeline towards home, sliding and beating the catcher to bag. He did it, Brett scored! His entire team celebrated him and when all was said and done, the boys all went to their fathers. Brett packed up his bag, getting a pat on the back from a few of the other children's dads before walking to the parking lot. Brett sat for at least an hour before he realized that Russell was not coming.
Brett started the long 3 mile walk home. When he came closer to the house, he could see Quinn playing outside in the sprinkler while his mother and step father sat in a lawn chair. "No one picked me up from baseball," Brett said, dropping his bags.
Judy immediately looked guilty, "I am sorry baby, we got caught up….."she started to say before Russell cut her off. "Don't apologize to him, be grateful that we even pay for you to play" he said. Brett could smell the alcohol coming off of his breath. "Now apologize for making your mother upset" Russell demanded. Brett knew that there was no fighting back when he was in this state, "I am sorry mom" Brett said. Judy smiled, "Brett! Come play with me" Quinn yelled running through the water. "No thanks Quinnie," Brett replied.
"What if I do this?" Quinn asked as she pointed the water toward Brett. The water immediately soaked him and Brett was mad. "Now that you're wet, you can play" she yelled laughing. Brett charged over to her and pushed her down. It wasn't a hard push by any means, just kids being kids. Right when she hit the ground, he knew that he was going to get it.
Quinn started to cry and Russell abruptly got up. Brett ran as fast as he could going into the house. "Get back here you ungrateful brat" Russell screamed. Before Brett could make it to the bathroom, he slipped on the wet floor which slowed him down. Russell grabbed his jersey spinning him around. Russell landed 4 hard slaps to Brett's face knocking him down. Brett could see his mother's face behind his stepfather. She was watching everything but refused to stare her son in the eyes. Russell pulled his foot back and landed a hard kick to his step son's stomach. "Don't you dare lay a hand on my daughter again" Russell spat at him before going back outside. That was the first time his mother watched Russell abuse him and did nothing about it.
Brett (10 Years Old)
"Hey can I play with you guys!" Brett asked a group of boys at recess. One of the boys turned around and slowly looked Brett up and down. "We don't play with kids who don't have dads'' he said before turning around. "I have a dad, I wouldn't be alive if I didn't," Brett said laughing. All the boys turned to Brett, not one of them were laughing. "We all know your dad left you" another boy said. "My parents told me when you joined the baseball team, that is why you never have anyone at the games" A third boy said. "My parents are busy," Brett said, biting his lip. He was trying everything not to explode.
"Yeah busy leaving you" a boy said laughing. "We all know they love your sister more than you," another boy said. The laughter among the boys continued. "Your real dad left you because he didn't love you," the main boy said. That is what broke Brett, making him snap. He pulled back and connected his fist to the kids jaw. Brett sent him barrelling to the floor. Even at a young age he was strong. Brett did everything in his power to make himself stronger, that way one day he could fight back against Russell. The rest of the boys were shocked.
They dropped to the ground to check on their friend who was out cold. They started screaming for the teacher, who came over and grabbed Brett by the ear; pulling him inside while the other teachers tended to the injured child.
Brett sat in the principal's office for 25 minutes listening to them reprimand them. No matter what he did to try and plead his case they said there is a no violence policy. They called his parents and all Brett could hope for was that his mother would show up. When Russell walked through the door, he knew it wasn't going to be good. "What did he do now?" Russell asked, not even bothering to look at Brett. "Your step son punched a child and rendered him unconscious" the principal replied. Russell took a deep breath. "I'll have him write an apology, now I need to get back to work. You could have told me this over the phone" Russell exclaimed. "You don't understand Mr. Fabray, Brett is expelled and you need to take him off school property immediately" The principle said. Brett watched, it is like he could see the smoke coming out of Russell's ears. "I need to go to work, what the hell am I supposed to do with him now?" Russell yelled, still not referring to his step son by name. "That is not my problem, I am sorry. I will have all his school stuff put together and you can get it on Friday" His principle said.
Russell was pissed and the silence on the way home scared Brett more than any slap. The only reason that Russell didn't react was probably because Quinn also sat in the back seat. Once inside the house Russell screamed for Judy, she hurried down the stairs. "Go up to your rooms, NOW!" Russell screamed at the children. They both ran up the stairs but sat at the top to listen to the conversation.
"Your delinquent ,no good ,rotten brat got expelled from school for knocking out another child!" Russell screamed. "I am sure he had a reason," Judy whispered. "The only reason he did is because he is exactly like his father!" he said. "Brett is nothing like Brian" She yelled back. "He is exactly like that drug dealer, I want Brett out of this house!" Russell screamed. "He is my child" Judy pleaded, tears escaping. "Either he goes or Quinn and I do! Your child is dangerous and will hurt Quinn" Russell explained. "PLEASE don't make me choose" she pleaded again. "Get rid of the brat or I am leaving with our daughter, you have 24 hours" Russell threatened.
Quinn looked at her big brother, "B" she whispered. He turned to her, "You would never hurt me right?" Quinn asked. Brett pulled her close, "I will never hurt you or let anyone hurt you Quinnie. I love you" he said, placing a kiss on her head. "I love you too, you're the best big brother" she whispered into his chest. The pair heard their parents coming to the stairs so they each ran to their separate room. Brett sat there for hours, nobody came into his room. No one brought him dinner so he ate the uneaten snacks from his backpack.
The next morning the sudden intruder woke Brett up. His mother and stepfather stood in front of him. "Pack your bags, you are going to live with your biological father" Russell said with a slight smirk. "When am I coming back?" he asked, getting out of bed. "You're not, you are going to live with him forever" Russel said. "Mom, I am sorry! Please don't get rid of me! I'll be good" Brett pleaded, hugging his mother. "GET OFF OF HER" Russell yelled, ripping Brett from his mother. "You are leaving in 30 minutes, pack what you can. Anything that isn't packed with you is getting thrown out" Russell explained before pulling Judy out of the room.
Brett stood on the steps of his home with Russell as a car pulled into the driveway. The car was extremely old and made a weird sound. A man in his 30s got out of the car. He looked like he hadn't been cleaned in weeks and smelled of cigarette smoke. "Brian" Russell mumbled, "Russell" Brian mumbled back. "Hey kid so I am your dad and I guess in charge of you now?" Brian said, looking confused. Russell nodded and pushed Brett forward.
The two walked toward the car. "BRETT" Quinn screamed, running out of the house. Brett turned around quickly to see his little sister running toward him crying. Russell grabbed her before she could make it any closer. "YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULDN'T LEAVE ME" Quinn yelled. "I love you Quinnie, i'll always protect you, even if I am not here" Brett yelled back. Brett could see his mother trying to hold back tears but she was clearly failing. "GET HIM OUT OF HERE BRIAN" Russell yelled, still holding a flailing little Quinn. Brain pushed Brett into the car. "DON'T LEAVE ME BRETT, I LOVE YOU" she screamed, tears streaming down her face. The car door slammed in Brett's face and he leaned against the glass. "I love you Quinnie, I am sorry" he whispered, even though he knew that no one heard him. That was the day he was ripped from his home, ending one nightmare just to begin another.
Brett reached up and wiped the tear from Santana's cheek. "Don't cry" he whispered caressing her cheek. "Why aren't you crying?" she asked. "I spent a lot of time crying over it when I was young, I guess I just ran out of tears" Brett said with a chuckle, hoping to make Santana smile. She laid her head into his hand, "I am so sorry all that happened to you" Santana whispered. "Don't be sorry, it made me who I am today" Brett said. "It doesn't matter, Russell abused you and should be in prison" Santana said kinda yelling. "I know but no one would have believed me and it's too late now" Brett pointed out. "I am not sure what the statute of limitation is for Ohio but I can find out. Then we can call Judy and Quinn to the stand to testify for you" Santana said, getting up to grab her law book.
Brett quickly pulled her back down on the couch, "Quinn doesn't know" he said. Santana pushed her glasses up, "what do you mean she doesn't know, you just told me that she saw you get ripped from your home" She pointed out. "I know and she did but she doesn't remember it." Brett explained. Santana looked at him confused. "I was talking to her and brought up when I left home and asked me why I was just gone one day. She believes that she went to bed and then I was gone the next day. Quinn was only 6 years old, she made up her own scenario of what happened." Brett said. Santana's mouth opened and then closed again before she could talk. "She was so traumatized by it that she just pushed it so far down that she forgot it" Santana said, Brett nodded. "I am not going to remind her of what really happened. I know what I went through but I have no idea what she witnessed and I will not open those wounds." he explained.
"Brett this is not healthy for either of you" She pointed out. "We are both fine so it's not hurting anyone" Brett said, starting to get defensive. "You don't know how Quinn feels and you and I both know that you are not fine" Santana said. Brett took a deep breath, trying not to get angry. "I did not tell you all this for you to run to Quinn, I told you so you understood how big this dinner is for me" Brett said. "Was that the last time you saw Russell?" she asked. Brett shook his head, "no it wasn't" he replied.
Brett (23 Years Old)
Brett finally finished his first tour overseas. It was his first time back in Ohio since he went to basic training camp so long ago. He started writing Quinn when he was 15 years old. Quinn managed to hide all the letters and eventually she just sent him her email so there was no way her parents could intercept them. The last email, Quinn talked about how excited she was for senior prom and how she wished he could see her dress. When his leave matched up with prom day, Brett took it as a sign to go home.
Brett drove his rental car from the airport to his old childhood home. He walked up to the same door that closed as his biological father drove away 13 years ago. Brett gave the door three heavy knocks. Large footsteps approached the door and then it swung open. Russell stood in front of him, the color and smile fade from his face. "What the hell are you doing here?" Russell asked. "Long time no see, I am surprised you recognized me" Brett said, a bit cocky. "You're still a pathetic brat now what the hell are you doing on my property" He said. "I came to see my mother and sister." Brett explained. "No, you need to leave. This is supposed to be a joyous occasion and you are going to ruin it" Russell said sharply. "Quinn wants to see me," Brett pleaded. "No she doesn't. Everything has been perfect since you left, she is perfect and I will not let you ruin her. Now leave or I will call the cops" Russell threatened and then closed the door.
Brett walked back to his car. A part of him wanted to just say screw Russell and go see Quinn but he was still the man that scared him as a small boy. Brett drove the car down the street just enough that he was out of sight but could still see the house. He watched as Russell and Judy got in the car and left. Brett followed the car to a large house not too far from the Fabray's home. There were many teens all dressed to the nines standing on the front lawn of this beautiful home. He watched as Judy and Russell hugged a girl in a beautiful purple dress. He knew it was Quinn, she wasn't the little girl he remembered but just as stunning. They were happy without him. Taking one last look Brett smiled, his sister was happy and that's all that mattered. Brett picked up the phone, "Hey Aaron, can I take you up on that offer to come and stay with you?" Brett asked. That was the last day he saw his parents.
"You came to prom pictures?" Santana asked in disbelief. Brett nodded, "She went on and on about her dress, I needed to see it for myself. Now that I think about it I think I remember you there" he said. "Well it was my house that we had pictures at," Santana explained. "You were in a red dress weren't you?" Brett asked. Santana nodded, "Well you looked beautiful" he said. Santana smiled and blushed, "Thank you."
"So you just never saw your family again?" Santana asked, clarifying. "That was the last time I saw Russell and my mother. I saw Quinn when I went to see her at college. I tried to see her as much as I could but made excuses so I didn't have to see Russell and my mom" Brett explained. Santana nodded, "So this dinner is a big deal since I haven't seen them in years'' he added. "I don't want to go anymore," She admitted. "I already promised Quinn and I really need you there with me," Brett said.
Santana took a deep breath. All of this was a lot to process. One part of her wanted to cry and another part of her wanted to unleash Snix. Here was this guy who sacrificed his life for his country, a guy who always wanted to protect his little sister, and got physically and verbally abused for years. Ripped from his family and handed to a birth father who he never even met. Santana wanted to ask what happened during that part of his life but she didn't think she could handle it. "Hey come here" Brett said pulling Santana on his lap. "What are you thinking about?" he asked.
Santana let her arms fall around his neck. She tucked his hair behind his ear, "I am just picturing you in my head, so young and scared." Santana admitted. "Don't think of that Tana" Brett said. "I don't want you to sulk about this because what matters is that I am here with you and Quinn" he explained. "Whenever you think about that I want you to think about this instead" Brett said before capturing her lips. He pulled her close, kissing her passionately. Santana matched his passion eagerly. They only pulled away when they were desperate for air. She leaned her forehead against his. "Please come to this dinner," Brett pleaded. "I am only going for you" Santana mumbled. "Thank you Tana" Brett said, pulling her into a hug, wrapping his arms securely around her waist. Santana's arms tighten around his neck and her head settles in the crook of his neck.
Santana pulled away and smiled wide. "What" Brett asked. "Let's do something fun," she said. His eyes widened and his eyes traveled down to her chest. Brett let his hands travel from her waist under her shirt but stayed at her side. "What do you have in mind?" Brett asked, looking at her eyes again. "Not that" Santana said laughing. She got off his lap and pulled him up to his feet. Santana pulled him toward the kitchen, "But maybe later" she said turning around and winking at him.
"What are we doing?" Brett asked as Santana started pulling things out of the cabinet. "Well I stopped at the store to pick up some stuff so we are going to bake" She said smiling. Brett stared at her, he just poured his heart out and now they are baking? "Don't look at me like that! We need to lighten the mood and I want chocolate" Santana said smiling wide. Just one look from Santana smiling like that would make Brett do absolutely anything even baking. "Fine but no nuts" he said giving in.
"Grab the flour!" Santana said, pointing to the top of the cabinet. "Why do you even put things up here when I know that neither of you can reach?" he said laughing, grabbing it. "Shut up, I am not that short" She replied laughing. Santana plugged her phone into the speaker and turned on her playlist. "Stacy's mom" by Fountains of Wayne came through the speakers. Brett grabbed a large bowl, placing it on the counter while Santana started measuring the flour. He turned around admiring the girl in front of him. Santana stood there dumping the flour into the bowl all while shaking her hips along to the music. "Grab the eggs" Tana yelled, bringing Brett back to reality. He grabbed them as Santana continued to put the ingredients together.
"What are you even making?" he asked finally. "Brownies, duhhh" Santana said, as if it was obvious. Brett reached over grabbing a handful of chocolate chips, popping them in his mouth. "AHHHH" Santana said, opening her mouth. Brett laughed, tossing a few into her mouth. Santana continued to stir the mix while the music continued in the background. "I think we need more chocolate chips," Brett said, putting more into the batter. "You can never have too much chocolate," Santana said, laughing. "Preheat the oven to 350" she called out over the music. Brett followed her directions. Santana dipped her finger into the batter and scooped some out, plopping it into her mouth. "Yummm" she moaned. Using her other hand, Santana dipped it in again grabbing more batter. Before she could stick it in her mouth Brett grabbed her wrist gently. He pulled her closer and brought her finger up to his lips. Brett opened his mouth, bringing her finger into his mouth. Santana didn't object and compiled willingly. Brett closed his mouth around her finger. Wrapping his tongue around her finger, pulling the batter off of it. Brett didn't know if he liked the taste of the brownie batter or her more. Moaning a bit, he let go of her finger with a pop, "Delicious" he said winking.
The oven rang out signaling that it was done preheating. Santana bit her lip, smirking as she placed the dessert into the oven. Shut up and Dance by Walk the Moon started playing through the speakers, Brett put his hand out. Santana looked at him confused, "dance with me" he said smiling. She grabbed his hand. The two started singing loudly, knowing all the words to the song. Brett twirled Santana around. They weren't dancing romantically or sexually, it was just all fun. Brett started doing the shopping cart while Santana died laughing. She battled him back doing the sprinkler. The two continued spinning around together. After everything Brett disclosed tonight, this is exactly what he needed.
They continued to dance around the kitchen as they cleaned up. Santana realized she had flour all over her hands when she got an idea. "Hey Brett" she said, making sure her voice was extra sultry. Brett turned around, she could see the sparkle in his eye. Santana smirked and walked closer to him. Brett cocked his eyebrow, what was going through this girl's mind. Once she was close enough, Brett was just about to sneak his arms around her waist. Santana quickly smacked her hands on his cheeks, bringing them down his chest; getting flour all over him.
Brett's mouth dropped, looking down at the flour covered shirt then looking back to her. Santana was giggling, biting her lip. "You're going to get it," he said, dipping his hand in the leftover batter. Before she could run out of the kitchen, Brett wrapped one of his strong arms around her waist, capturing her. He whipped the batter on her face, covering her lips and cheek. Brett backed away admiring his work. Santana's mouth was agape, Brett watched her eyes travel. He matched her gaze to the flour on the counter. They both lunged for it.
Santana grabbed it first but Brett was right behind her. She tossed some flour at him while he grabbed the bag from her. The flour bag ripped and went everywhere covering the couple. Both were dying laughing admiring the mess of the kitchen and each other. The music continued to play loudly in the background. Brett grabbed her hand pulling her close. Santana reached her arms up, wrapping them around his neck. Brett didn't care that they were covered in brownie batter and flour, he captured her lips.
She ran her fingers through his hair, deepening the kiss. Brett's hands traveled down her waist to her ass. He gave it a squeeze making Santana groan. Brett cupped her ass pulling her up, Santana caught the memo and jumped up wrapping her legs around his waist. The latina moaned as his tongue slipped into her mouth. Her thighs squeezed around his waist. It's not like she needed to do that because there was no way he was going to drop her but she needed to apply pressure to her core. Brett pulled back breathless, the batter was now all over his face. He licked his lips, "you taste delicious." Brett walked forward placing her on the counter. Santana leaned forward licking the batter off his lips, "so good" she whispered. Brett pulled her flush against his body. "Do you know what those glasses do to me?" he whispered. "Why do you think I put them on?" Santana replied, smirking. He dropped his head to the crook of her neck, groaning. He found more batter and licked it, running his tongue from her pulse point up to her ear. Santana started laughing at the tickling of his tongue.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING" Quinn yelled. Brett jumped back leaving Santana sitting on the counter.
Both Brett and Santana looked at eachother then back to Quinn. "We are making brownies," Brett said, trying to smile. "Really because it looked like you were licking Santana's neck" Quinn said, pissed. "Quinn" Santana said, jumping off the counter. "No San, I asked you not to get with my brother! What the hell is this?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips. "I know you did but" Santana tried to say but Quinn cut her off. "But what? You seduced my brother after I specifically asked you not to" Quinn said, pissed.
Brett stepped forward, "Hey! She didn't seduce me" he said, trying to calm the situation. Quinn rolled her eyes and turned to her brother, "and you, my best friend! Really?" she asked in disbelief. "Quinn, this wasn't some plan to go against you" Brett said. "It just happened," Santana added. "What exactly has happened?" Quinn asked, looking between the two. Santana opened her mouth then closed it again. Should she tell her best friend that she slept with her brother? Should Brett be the one to say it? Tana looked over at Brett who had the same expression as her.
"You guys fucked didn't you" Quinn asked, her voice breaking. "Quinn" Santana said, stepping forward toward her best friend. She tried to hold her hand but Quinn pulled back. "When? How many times?" She asked. "It doesn't matter Quinn" Brett said. "It does though, did you guys just wait till I went to sleep so you could screw all night long?" Quinn asked. "Of course not Q" Santana said, using her best friend's nickname. "Is that why I found your phone in his bed this morning?" She asked. "We didn't sleep together last night Quinn, she fell asleep watching tv. That's it, I promise" Brett corrected her. "You've been lying to me all along, why should I believe it now" Quinn asked, shrugging her shoulders.
Quinn rolled her eyes and just shook her head. "My brother finally comes home after he is injured in fucking war. I finally get him back you just have to throw yourself at him" Quinn yells at Santana. "Quinn I am sorry but do not insinuate that I am some slut" She responds, stepping closer to Quinn. "Why shouldn't I? You obviously care more about getting laid then you care about our friendship" Quinn asked. Santana was trying not to go to her bad place. One part of her was pissed while the other part was heartbroken. "That is not true!" Santana said, her voice cracking.
Quinn just laughed and turned around walking toward the door. "Quinn where are you going, we need to talk about this' ' Brett yelled. He stepped around Santana who was just standing still, staring at her feet. Quinn opened the door and began to walk out but turned around first. "I am going to Puck's so you two can finish your little date and I will not be home tonight so you can fuck later too" She said before slamming the door.
I really hope you guys liked it! Last chapter, I had the most comments I have ever gotten on a chapter! I absolutely love reading them so please keep commenting. Until next time, please stay safe!
