*Sorry it took so long! Life has been incredibly hectic! Hope you enjoy it!*
As they drove toward Brian's house Brett could feel his hands start to become sweaty. Why was he so nervous? He felt something on his thigh. Brett pulled his gaze that was staring out the window to look at his leg. Santana's hand was slowly rubbing his leg, making little shapes. Brett looked up, connecting with her eyes. Brett smiled and covered her hand with his. He mouthed "thank you" and Santana just gave him a sweet smile back.
Quinn pulled the car into the driveway of a large house. A house that Brett never thought a guy like his father would ever own. "Do you think Brett's dad will have any food?" Puck muttered. "Puck shut up, we are here for Brett not to feed your stomach" Quinn muttered back. They both got out, "Q I am hungry" Puck said. "Shut up" Quinn replied, shutting the car door. "Are you ready?" Santana asked. "Ready as I'll ever be," Brett replied. They both got out of the car and made their way up to the front door. Brett pressed the doorbell and waited. Part of him felt like this was all a dream. Here he was standing in front of a gorgeous house, waiting to introduce the most important people in his life right now to his father. The other shoe was about to drop right, there is no way life is actually going well.
The door opened quickly revealing Brett's dad in an ugly Christmas sweater. "You made it! Come on in!" Brian said, stepping aside so the group could come into the house. "Dad. This is Quinn; my sister and Puck her boyfriend." Brett said. "Wow you look just like your mother" Brian said to Quinn. "I get that a lot" Quinn replied, laughing. "It is very nice to meet you," Brain said, shaking both of his hands. "And this is my girlfriend, Santana," Brett said, wrapping his arm around her waist to pull her forward. "It is very nice to meet you " Santana said. "Oh please call me Brian and the pleasure is all mine" Brian said, shaking her hand.
"Now come in, Melanie laid out a bunch of appetizers and drinks for everyone," Brian explained. He waved them forward and made his way down the long hallway while everyone followed. "I am starving," Puck said, which earned him a smack from Quinn. At the end of the hallway was a large great room with an open floor plan and a modern kitchen. Melanie was standing there in a matching ugly sweater. "Welcome! Everyone sit and eat up. I made enough to feed an army." Melanie said, laughing.
The group took a seat on the couches. Puck quickly grabbed a plate and started filling it up. Quinn just rolled her eyes. "I have some red wine, would anyone else like some?" Melanie asked. Both Quinn and Santana said yes. Brian grabbed Puck and Brett some whiskey. Once everyone had their drinks, they all settled in.
Melanie couldn't help but look at Brett smiling. "You look just like your father," she said. "He does, doesn't he" Brian added. "Thank you so much for coming, Brett. I know Brian won't say admit it but this means the world to him. When we met, every story he had was about you and how you were going to do amazing things in life." Melanie explained. "Well I was right. My boy in a marine" Brian said, proudly. "I wouldn't say that is an amazing accomplishment" Brett replied. Santana scoffed, "It is an amazing accomplishment. Don't put yourself down" she said. Brian smiled, "I like her" he said, which made Brett smile at his girlfriend, "me too" he muttered.
"So Quinn, how is your mother? I haven't seen her in years." Brian asked. "She's okay. They moved to New Haven when we went to college" She explained. "That makes sense. I always wondered why I never see her around town" Brian said. "How did you meet my mother?" Quinn asked. Brett was also intrigued, his mother was always so prim and proper while his father wasn't. "You don't have to if you don't want to" Brett said, gesturing to Melanie.
Brian waved him off, "Oh please Melanie knows everything." he said. "When you are in recovery, it is very important to be completely honest with everything. Also everyone has a past, who am I to judge" Melanie said, grabbing ahold of her husband's hand. "Your mother and I met in a tattoo parlor," Brian said laughing. Santana and Puck couldn't help but laugh, they could not picture Mrs. Fabray getting a tattoo. "My mother was getting a tattoo," Quinn said. Brian nodded, "we were both in there getting one and just got to talking. One thing led to another and we started hanging out" Brian explained.
Quinn looked at Brett, "Mom has a tattoo" she said in disbelief. Brett laughed and shook his head, "I just can't believe it" he muttered. "I wonder where?" Puck said out loud, they all gave him a look. "Come on, I am not the only one thinking about it," he said. "We got into a relationship and she got pregnant, with you Brett. I remember her parents were so mad, they hated me. I don't blame them. I was a low life who got their religious daughter pregnant and was addicted to drugs." Brian said.
"When you were born, I remember holding you and you reached out and grabbed my finger. Your hand was so small, I just couldn't believe that I helped create you" Brian said, smiling. Brett couldn't help but smile back. "Judy's parents said I wasn't allowed to be around as long as I was doing drugs. I tried so hard to stop but I didn't. I chose drugs over you and I am so sorry for that Brett." Brian said. Santana reached out and grabbed Brett's hand.
"Then Russell came into the picture. I remember Judy changed completely. She used to be so spontaneous and fun. But he made her into the perfect housewife. The drug addict ex-boyfriend was not good for their social image so he wouldn't allow me to see you." Brian explained. "I hate him so much," Quinn said. Puck abandoned his food and took her hand in his. "When Russell called me to come and get you. I was so excited. I don't know if you remember where I took you the first day" Brian said. Brett cut him off, "Chuck E cheese" he said. Brian smiled, he couldn't believe that Brett remembered.
"You ate so much pizza that you threw up" Brian said, everyone laughed. "Then you took me to the corner where I watched you buy heroin for the first time," Brett said. The laughter slowly stopped, Brett could tell what he said really hit his dad hard. "Dad, I am" Brett started to say but Brian stopped him. "Why are you apologizing. It's the truth." Brian said. Melanie smiled, she knew how hard it is for Brian to hear this, but he needed to.
"I was not a good father and I know that" Brian said. "That is the thing though. You made mistakes but at the end of the day you never hit me. You always found a way to pay for me to play baseball and football. Every game you were there cheering as loud as you could." Brett explained. Santana squeezed his hand as she watched a tear fall from Brian's eyes.
"I was so angry at you when I was younger. I think it was because I didn't get it. All I saw was a man who chose drugs. I went from a guy like Russell who abused me to a man who did heroin on the couch. Then when I went into the army I saw first hand what addiction was. I knew veterans who lost their life because of it. But when I saw you at the theater, all that anger came back. I assumed you would have come and found me, but you didn't. It was like another parent abandoned me all over again." Brett said. "What I am trying to say is that I forgive you. I can't keep dwelling on the past. I need to focus on how amazing my future is going to be and I really want my dad to be a part of it" Brett added.
Brian couldn't help but let the tears fall. I think everyone at that moment was crying. Both Brett and Brian got up and embraced each other in a hug. For once in his life, Brett felt truly loved by a parent.
Brian, Brett and Puck went into the office so Brian could show them some pictures. Santana and Quinn made their way into the kitchen to help Melanie clean up. "Santana, how long have you and Brett been together?" she asked. "Not long, like 2 months I think" Santana replied. Melanie placed the platter back on the counter. "Really?" Melanie asked in disbelief. Santana looked at Quinn and then back at the woman, "Yeah, why is that so shocking?" San asked.
"It seems like you guys have been together for so long," Melanie said with a smile. Santana blushed, "It does feel like it." she admitted. "They are in love," Quinn added. Santana whipped her head around to stare at her best friend, "really Quinn?" she said. Melanie couldn't help but laugh. These young girls reminded her of herself with her best friend. The first time she realized she loved Brian, the first person she told was her best friend. It was her best friend that convinced her to tell Brian. "Love isn't a bad word Santana" Melanie said lovingly and in a motherly tone. "Girls, sit. I want to tell you a story" she said. Quinn and Santana took a seat at the kitchen counters.
"I have a very similar story as Brian. I thought I was in love with this man. He use to yell at me all the time but I would tell myself that he loved me and that is why he would yell. We had Joshua together and I thought everything was great. Then he started hitting me, over and over. I would take every blow if it meant that my baby would not get the next blow. One night I finally got the courage to sneak away with my baby and never look back. I was terrified, walking around the streets trying to figure out, what the hell I was going to do. That is when I met a man. A man that was fighting his own battle. We helped each other. He showed me what love was really about. Brian took Joshua under his wing. I think a part of him wanted to make it up to Brett by being a good father figure to Josh. He was everything I wanted, but I was too scared. What if he was exactly like Josh's father. I wanted to run but my best friend stopped me. She said 'Mel if you don't go and scream that you love him then I am going to do it. You will not lose this man because he is your person'. I did just that. I told Brian I loved him. And now look at us! Married with Josh and now Brett. I wouldn't change anything. It isn't my business but I think you should tell him" Melanie explained.
Quinn wiped the tears away, "one more thing to make me cry" she said with a chuckle. Santana nodded. "I need to tell him," San said. "Yeah you do" Puck said walking into the room. "How much of that did you hear?" Santana asked. "The whole thing," he said. "Please tell me Brett didn't hear it and run," San pleaded. "No he is in the other room with his dad. They are talking about Brett's injury and I thought it was more of a father and son moment." Puck said, sitting down next to the girls. "What injury?" Melanie asked.
"Brett was injured in the war, that is why he is home" Quinn explained. Melanie gasped, "what happened?" she asked. "Brett was shot multiple times by the enemy," Santana explained. "It was bad, he was in the ICU for a while. We were not super close then so I didn't even know until he asked to come and stay with me" Quinn added. "Is that how you guys met?" Melanie asked Santana. San nodded, "Quinn and I live together. So I met Brett when he moved in" she explained. "Quinn was pissed when they got together," Puck said, popping a grape into his mouth. Quinn elbowed him. Santana laughed, "she got over it" she said. "Wow, I feel like I am in a Hallmark movie," Melanie said. The group couldn't help but laugh. It really did feel like one.
Brett and Brian walked back into the great room laughing. Brian went around the counter to stand next to his wife. Brett came up behind Santana and wrapped his arms around her, planting a quick kiss to her cheek. "So I think we should get going," Brett said. "Why?" Quinn asked. "Well Rachel called me 3 times asking when we were coming back since dinner was almost ready. Then told me not to tell Santana that she was asking." Brett said laughing. "I am going to kill her. I told her that we would be back later and to not bother us" Santana said, grabbing her phone. "Her and her stupid itineraries" Santana muttered under her breath. Brett quickly grabbed her phone, "you are not going to kill her. It is fine, it is getting late anyways." he said.
"When are you going back to New York?" Melanie asked. "Tomorrow, we all need to get back to work," Brett said, helping Santana with her coat. "I've never been to New York. We are going to have to come and visit. Would that be okay?" Brian asked, looking at his son hopeful. "I would love that," Brett said, smiling. "I'll see you soon dad," Brett said, hugging him. Melanie pulled Santana into a hug, "tell him" she whispered before giving her a wink. Brian pulled Santana into a hug next, "please take care of him" he said. Santana pulled back, "I will don't worry," she said.
The drive home was a lot better than the drive to Brian's. Brett wasn't nervous anymore. The whole evening couldn't have gone better. "Your dad is pretty cool, better than Russell," Puck said. "Everyone is better than Russell," Quinn said, laughing. "Thank you for coming, guys. It meant a lot to me having your guys there" Brett said. Santana squeezed his hand, "thank you for inviting us" she said. He pulled her hand up and kissed the back of her hand. "This Christmas hasn't been half bad," Quinn said. "Bet you are glad you came" Puck said, looking into the back seat at Brett. "I am so glad that I came," he replied with a smile.
They made it back just in time. Rachel was placing the turkey in the middle of the large table. Santana walked in and gave her the dirtiest look. She was about to go all Lima Heights Adjacent on her. Santana specifically told Rachel that they would be home later and to start dinner without them. She was not going to interrupt Brett and his father's bonding time so Rachel's itinerary would stay on track. Just as Santana walked past her chair, Brett grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back. He took his seat and made Santana sit in hers next to him. "Dig in everybody!" Rachel said, taking her own seat, oblivious to Santana's smugness.
"Why did you pull me back?" San whispered to her boyfriend. "Because it is Christmas and you are not going to go Snix on her" Brett said, smirking. "I specifically told her to not interrupt us," Santana said. "It is fine. If I didn't want to leave then I wouldn't have. I had enough time with my dad. I wanted to come back here and have Christmas dinner" Brett explained. He grabbed the mashed potatoes and placed some on his plate than Santana's. "Now let's eat," he said, smiling.
Santana rolled her eyes and started to fill her plate. Everything was perfect. The whole gang together, eating and drinking together. There were no sad looks among the group. The room was filled with laughter and conversation. Evan Santana couldn't hold a grudge and was laughing with the group.
"Brett, how was the meeting with your father?" Mike asked. The group turned their attention to him since they were all intrigued to find out how it went. Brett smiled, "It went really well," he said. " Will you will see him again?" Mercedes asked. He nodded, "He even mentioned coming to New York for a trip. He has never been to the big city and now he has a reason to see it" Brett explained. "That is awesome," Tina exclaimed. "I am so happy to hear that," Rachel added. Santana leaned her head on his shoulder. "Maybe your dad can adopt me" Quinn said, making the group laugh.
"I want everyone's opinion about something," Tina said. The entire group looked her way, "Really Tina" Mike mumbled. "Yeah because you dismissed me so I might as well ask everyone. I am planning to get a boob job." Tina announced. Finn choked on his food and Rachel quickly hit his back to help him out. Puck smirked, "I think that is a great idea," he said. Mike gave him a look. "You know I am all for it," Santana said with a laugh. "What do you think Brett, since you have experience with them" Kurt asked. Brett was so confused. "Um I guess if that is what you want then do what makes you happy but I am not sure what that means. I don't know anyone with fake boobs." Brett exclaimed. Everyone at the table burst out laughing.
"Why is everyone laughing?" Brett asked with an uncomfortable laugh. "Santana, he doesn't know?" Mercedes asked. "We didn't talk about it but it is not exactly a secret" She said. "Okay I am really confused now" Brett announced. "I thought you were a boob guy," Puck questioned. Santana grabbed his hand, "stop making fun of him" she said. "What is going on?" Brett asked her. "Brett babe, I had a boob job" San said, trying not to laugh. "No you didn't" he quickly said. "Yeah she did, in highschool" Quinn said. Brett's mouth dropped.
Brett couldn't help but reach out and pull her shirt out a bit. This allowed him and only him to peer down her shirt. "Brett!" Santana said, pushing his face away laughing. "I would have known if you had fake boobs," Brett said. "Feel them," San said. "And really concentrate this time," Puck said. Quinn hit his arm quickly. Brett reached out and grabbed her boobs. "They feel so real, I had no idea," he exclaimed, still feeling them. "I know I had a great surgeon," San giggled. "Tina if you are going to go through with it. Go to Santana's surgeon because they are amazing" Brett said with one final squeeze before pulling his hands away. The entire table started laughing, "I'll give you his number" Santana said, winking at Tina.
Once dinner was over. Everyone helped clean up as a group. They then made their way into the living room where Rachel had a Christmas tree decorated with Hanukkah ornaments. Brett took a seat on the ground and pulled Santana between his legs and up against his chest. The same position they took on Thanksgiving. Finn handed out the spiked hot chocolate that they had just made while Mike started a fire in the fireplace.
Santana cuddled back into Brett's chest, loving the way he held her so close. She looked around at all her friends. The couples held each other close while Kurt and Mercedes were under a cozy blanket on the couch. "I think it is present time!" Rachel yelled out. She walked over to the tree and started handing some of the gifts out. Santana knew that she didn't have any which was completely fine. She and Quinn always exchanged gifts in New York before going to Lima since they were too lazy to bring it on a plane.
"Santana," Rachel said, handing her a small gold-wrapped box. Santana took it and looked at it shocked. Who the hell got her a gift? She opened up the little card on top. "To: Tana, From B" She read. Santana looked over her shoulder at Brett who was smirking. "Brett," she said. "Yeah?" he replied with a cheesy grin. "We said that we were not going to get each other gifts, that we were going to have a nice dinner when we got back to the city," Santana said, reminding him. "I know but do you really think that I was not going to get you a present on our first Christmas together" Brett said. "But I didn't get you anything because we talked about it," Santana said, internally freaking out. "I know that. I don't want anything" Brett explained.
They were in their own little moment as everyone was exchanging their gifts. Santana turned her body to the side so she could see Brett's face better. "I look awful right now, not getting my boyfriend a gift on Christmas," San said. "Baby calm down," Brett said, rubbing his hand up and down her thigh. "I saw this and I just had to get it for you. It is just something small. Please just open it" He said, smiling at her. Santana sighed and slowly pulled the bow apart. She took the gold paper off the box. Inside was a small black box. The only good thing was that Santana knew it wasn't a ring box, it was too big. She slowly opened it and gasped.
Inside were a pair of gorgeous white gold diamond earring studs. Santana looked up at Brett. "This is not small," she said. "I saw them and just had to get them for you. Especially after you told me that you lost your other ones. I think they would look amazing on you to wear out or in the courtroom." he explained. "They are beautiful Brett, but this is too much," San said, running her fingers over the diamonds. They were exactly what Santana wanted. She had a pair that her father gave her when she graduated from college. It was one last present that he gave her to try and persuade her not to go into law school, which obviously didn't work but she took them anyway.
A few weeks ago while she was at work, Santana reached her hand up to move her hair when her hand brushed against her ear. That was when she realized that one of her expensive earrings were missing. Santana crawled all over her office trying to find it. She even made Sugar retrace every step she took that day but it was no luck. The earring was gone. Normally Santana would just tell her father, and he would buy her a brand new pair to replace them but that is kinda hard when they will not talk to her.
That night while they were in bed, Santana was venting to Brett about losing them. She explained how upset she was. Santana also explained how those diamond studs were always her go too earrings since they match absolutely everything. When she looked over at the bed, Brett was looking at his phone. So Santana assumed that he was not truly listening but she now realized she was wrong. What Brett was actually doing was looking up places to buy new diamond earrings for his girlfriend. Santana had absolutely no idea.
"No, it's not. In my opinion, it isn't enough. You deserve so much more and I wish I could give you everything but this is going to have to do" Brett said with a chuckle. "Merry Christmas Tana" he whispered. Santana pushed her head forward and captured his lips. Her arm wrapped around his neck to pull him closer.
Santana pulled away but kept her forehead pressed against him. "Do you like them?" Brett asked. Santana pecked his lips and pulled back. "Of course I do, they are gorgeous. Thank you, baby" She whispered back. Santana was even more excited than she was leading on. A part of her was always a bit upset whenever she would put on her old earrings. It was like a reminder of how disappointed her parents are. Whose parents basically buy their daughter whatever they want, trying to talk them out of law school.
Sometimes when she would put them in, Santana felt that she was allowing it. By wearing the earrings, it was saying that she agreed with what her parents were doing. Now when she puts the new earrings in, which were even prettier than her old ones; Santana would think of Brett. Think of the man who went out of her way to find the best present for her. Santana looked at those beautiful blue eyes, she loves this man. She loves him so much and he really needs to know.
Brett caressed her face and pulled her lips to his. Santana ran her tongue over his lips. Brett parted his mouth and slipped his tongue into her mouth instead. Santana groaned when she felt his tongue. She kept her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, wanting no space between them. Brett's hand slipped under her shirt so he could feel her soft skin.
Brett kissed down her jaw to her neck, finding her pulse point. Santana whimpered quietly so Brett was the only person who heard her. He sucked on her neck, making sure that a mark would turn up later. Brett ran his tongue over the neck bruise before kissing up to her ear. "God I wish you weren't on your period right now" He whispered. "I could do something for you," Santana whispered back. She looked around and saw that nobody was paying attention to them. San ran her hand down to the front of his pants, squeezing his package making Brett hiss.
"Why don't we go downstairs?" Santana suggested. "What about the rest of them?" Brett asked, looking around the room. "Who cares, I need to thank you for my earrings," she said, smirking. Brett adjusted his arms so she was on his lap bridal style. He quickly got up, still holding her. "Where are you guys going?" Finn asked. "We still have to play charades?" Rachel called out. "We'll be back" Santana yelled back, looking over his shoulder. Brett carried her down the stairs and into their bedroom they were staying in for the trip. Brett placed her feet on the ground. Santana ran her arms from around his neck, slowly down his chest until she got to his pants.
"Do you really like the earrings? I can return them if you don't" Brett said, squeezing her waist. Santana smiled. "I love the earrings and…..I love you" She whispered. Brett's face froze. What the hell did she say? Did Santana just say that she loved me, Brett thought to himself. He slowly let go of her waist, letting his hands drop to his sides. Santana's smile slowly faded from her face. "What did you say?" Brett asked. "I have been feeling this for a while and I can't just keep suppressing it. I love you Brett" Santana said.
Brett didn't know what to say. Did he love Santana? What even is love? Brett opened his mouth but nothing came out. "You don't have to say it back," Santana said quietly. She didn't want to say that because all she wished for was for him to say it back but what else was she going to say at that moment. "Hurry up you two!" Kurt yelled from the top of the stairs. "I'll meet you upstairs, to play the game," Brett said quickly before walking around her and up the stairs.
Santana stood there in disbelief. Her greatest fear just came true. She finally fell in love with someone. Santana struggled with her emotions and when to tell Brett just how much he meant to her. She let everyone around her convince her that she needed to tell Brett that she loved him. He just gave her diamond earrings, now was the perfect time; right? He didn't say it back.
The man she loved didn't say that he loved her back.
How could he just walk away and leave her in the basement alone? A lone tear fell from her eye and she quickly wiped it away. Does Brett not love me? She thought to herself. "Santana" Mercedes said from behind her but Santana didn't turn around. "Brett just came upstairs and he looked kinda sad. Then when you didn't follow him up I assumed that something happened. What happened Santana?" Mercedes asked.
Santana slowly turned around until she was face to face with Mercedes. "I told Brett I loved him but he didn't say it back. He just walked away, ``she explained. Mercedes' mouth dropped. "Oh San" Mercedes said, pulling her close. She just hugged her friend, holding her. Santana did everything in her power not to cry. She was not going to cry over this. Mercedes pulled away quickly, "I am going to fucking kill him" she said. "No please, don't say anything to him or anyone else" Santana pleaded. "Are you sure that he understood what you were saying, maybe he got confused and walked away" Mercedes said, trying to figure something out that makes sense.
"I literally said 'I love you' how much more straightforward could I have been" Santana said, throwing her hands up in the air. "He gave me these beautiful earrings and then just walked away. I don't get it" San added. She opened up the box, showing Mercedes the jewelry. "Wow! These are amazing and probably worth a lot of money" Mercedes said, admiring them. "I know! It makes no sense. Why would he do so much for me and get me these just to walk away" Santana asked. "He loves you, Santana. I know he does, we all know he does. There has to be something else going on" Mercedes said.
Santana sat on the bed and looked up at her friend. "What could be going on that he won't tell me about?" she asked. "I don't know," Mercedes muttered. "How much more can I do! I have told him time and time again that I want him to be honest with me. I know that he has been through absolute shit but I would never judge him for any of that" Santana said. "I know you have Santana," Mercedes said, sitting next to her friend. Santana turned toward her, "then why doesn't he love me" she said quietly, tears still slowly dripping from her eyes.
"That is what I am saying. I know he does. But you of all people know that Brett has a lot of inner demons. I know you will never judge him for that but I bet he still struggles with it all. You need to remember that this is all so new to him. He hasn't really had anyone before you" Mercedes said. "That's not true," Santana said. Mercedes looked at her confused which indicated to Sanatana to keep talking. "Brett had a previous girlfriend. He was going to propose to her but she cheated on him while he was deployed" She explained. "How do you know this?" Cedes asked. "Brett told me. I asked him about his previous relationships since he knew my history with Sebastian. Her name was Katie" San said.
Mercedes didn't really know what to say. "So he was going to propose to someone which means he loved her. He obviously just doesn't love me" Santana said, defeated. Mercedes shook her head. No matter what Santana said to her, she didn't believe that Brett didn't love Santana. There is just no way this guy wasn't head over heels for her. Brett looks at Santana like she is the only girl in the room. Mercedes was convinced that if a stripper was shaking her tits in front of Brett, he would still turn to stare at Santana.
"Look at me, San," Mercedes said, forcing her friend to turn toward her. "I have no idea what went down with Brett and this Katie girl. I bet you don't even know what truly went down. So for all, we know Brett didn't love her so when you said, 'I love you' maybe it scared him. What I do know is that Brett deeply cares about you. I think he has had so much going on with his life that he is scared to completely give in. If he says that he loves you then he is really putting himself all out there which I bet terrifies him. Just give him some time and he will come around. Brett just needs to process his feelings, he is so used to just running which is exactly what he did in this situation." She explained.
"Should I go and talk to him?" Santana asked. She needed her friend's advice but at this moment all Santana wanted to do was cry. "I think now is not the time. So many people are here and I don't think either of you needs an audience. Plus it is Christmas, don't let this ruin your night" Mercedes said. "My Christmas is already ruined," San said. Mercedes gave her a look, "No it isn't. You are with all your friends and your boyfriend. Who just gave you gorgeous earrings that are definitely worth hundreds of dollars." She explained. "Do I still have a boyfriend?" San asked. Mercedes got off the bed and pulled her friend up, "Now you are just being silly, of course you still have a boyfriend. Now let's go before Kurt sends a search party down here" Cedes said with a smile. "Thank you Cedes," San said.
The girls walked back up the stairs. Brett was sitting in the same place he was prior to them going downstairs. Instead of Santana taking a seat on her boyfriend's lap like she normally would, Santana and Mercedes took a seat on the couch. She didn't even want to come upstairs, but Mercedes convinced her that it would look suspicious if she didn't return but Brett did. Santana couldn't help but steal a glance over in Brett's direction. He was looking at his hands. Brett looked so sad.
Mercedes saw that Santana was staring at him. "Go sit with him, he looks so defeated" Mercedes whispered to San. She shook her head, "no I can't right now. It still hurts" San whispered back. Mercedes didn't blame the girl, she basically just got her heart broken.
As they played the game, Santana managed to pass every turn she had. Even Brett did the same thing, both claimed that they didn't feel that great and blamed the alcohol. Quinn watched the whole scene unfold. She knew something was wrong with the two. Especially since Santana is normally always within Brett's grasp or on his lap since they are still in this honeymoon phase. Quinn peeled herself from Puck's side and plopped down next to her brother.
"Okay, everyone! Now that my team won the game, it is time for the movie" Rachel announced. Another one of their traditions. It was time to watch Elf. "What is going on?" Quinn whispered. "Nothing, did Puck like the new guitar strap you got him?" Brett asked, trying to defer the conversation. "He loved it but that is not important. What is going on between you and Santana?" Quinn asked again, being more specific. "We are fine, why are you asking?" Brett asked. "You are not fine. You two were making out in the corner then left. I saw the giggle and the look on Santana's face so I knew you guys were fine. Then you come upstairs looking like someone just kicked a puppy and she followed 25 minutes later also sad as fuck. Something happened downstairs." Quinn said.
Brett looked at his sister, "nothing happened so just drop it" he said. Quinn was kinda taken back at the hostility in his voice. "Brett" she whispered, hoping not to get anyone else in the room's attention. Little did they know, both Santana and Mercedes were watching the exchange. Brett didn't say anything, he just turned his attention back down to his hands which were on his lap. "Talk to me, Brett. What the hell got you so down?" Quinn asked again. Quinn is doing what Quinn does best, which is pushing people. She was always able to get the answer out of Santana this way but it didn't seem to be working on Brett.
Brett just couldn't stand being in this room right now. He could feel his chest start to tighten and the room started to get really hot. Brett looked up and saw both Santana and Mercedes staring back. Those beautiful brown eyes looked so empty, the only other time she has looked like this was after the whole thing with Sebastian. When that asshole had the audacity to put his hands on her. Now Brett was making her look the exact same way. Brett needed to leave. "Just drop it, Quinn," he said before getting up. As he was walking out of the room, Brett heard Rachel call after him. "Brett the movie is starting" She called out. "Just start it, I'll be back" He yelled back before completely exiting the room. Quinn turned her attention to Santana who was still holding Mercedes's hand.
They heard a door open and then slam shut. "Was that the front door?" Puck asked. "Did Brett just leave?" Tina asked. Everyone looked over at Santana. "That was definitely the front door, why did Brett leave Santana?" Rachel asked. The silence in the room was deafening. "He needed a second. Now start the movie and stop looking over here" Mercedes said in a sassy tone. You thought Santana was scary when she was mad, Mercedes was even worse and they were not going to ignore her. The group quickly turned towards the television but the air was still thick. Quinn looked over at Puck, giving him the look. He knew what she wanted. Puck grabbed his jacket and followed Brett.
Puck walked outside, hugging his jacket close; shielding him from the frigid wind. It wasn't hard to find Brett. He was sitting on the stone wall at the end of Rachel's driveway. "I didn't know you smoked," Puck said, announcing his presence before he sat next to him. "I don't normally but I just really needed one" Brett replied taking a long drag. "You want one?" he asked, holding out the carton. "Nah, Quinn would kill me," Puck said with a chuckle. Brett silently slid it back in his pocket.
"Listen, I am not going to beat around the bush. Quinn gave me a look and I knew she wanted me to follow you out here. You don't need to tell me anything but I am going to sit here for a little while so Quinn thinks I am helping you" Puck explained. His blunt honesty made Brett laugh. "I fucked up," Brett muttered. Puck knew better than to interrupt him so he just stayed silent. "Santana told me she loved me," Brett explained. Puck couldn't help but smile, she finally grew a pair and told him.
"I didn't say it back and I bolted," he said. Puck quickly turned to look at his friend. "What the fuck do you mean?" he asked. "Exactly what I just said. Santana and I were in a moment and she said 'I love you'. I just left her there, standing in the room alone" Brett explained again, finally turning to look at Puck. "Why the hell would you do that?" Puck asked. Puck was pissed. Even though he and Santana bicker, she is like a sister to him. Puck would do absolutely anything for her and to hear that Brett just left her like that, made him so angry.
"Puck I panicked. I didn't know she was going to say that" Brett said. "I get that you didn't know she was going to say that but why are you shocked, of course, she loves you" Puck pointed out as if it was obvious. "I don't get why" Brett whispered. Puck felt bad for Brett. "She loves you because you are amazing for her. I have never seen someone support her like you do." Puck explained. "I am not amazing for her though. I am messed up. I know we are dating and everything but I don't want to bring her down. What is going to happen when I get deployed again?" Brett asked. "We will figure that out when it comes but she already loves you. She isn't going to just stop because you walked away. Santana is already committed to you and there is nothing you can do about it" Puck said.
Brett groaned. "What did you think was going to happen? You two were going to date and then you were just going to leave?" Puck asked. "I don't know Puck. I guess I just assumed that she was going to want to break up once I needed to go back overseas." He explained. Puck started laughing, "That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. She is not going to leave you because you go back to war. She loves you and I think wants a future with you" Puck pointed out. "I want a future with her" Brett said back. "Then why are you pushing her away?" Puck asked, raising his voice.
The group could hear the yelling coming from outside. They couldn't hear what was being said, it was all just muffled. Mercedes just couldn't take it anymore and got up. She walked over to Quinn. "Go sit with San, don't ask her any questions. Just be there" Mercedes said. Quinn could hear the seriousness in her voice and did exactly what she said. Quinn walked over and pulled Santana close, holding her; no questions asked. Rachel could see what was happening and just turned up the movie. Mercedes walked out of the house and made her way next to Puck. She didn't say anything, letting Brett have his moment.
"Because I have no idea how to be in love" Brett yelled back. Puck finally got Brett to break. "I have had nothing in my life. I had one other serious relationship and I spent my entire savings on an engagement ring only to find her in bed with another guy. That fucked me up Puck and I don't even think I ever loved Katie. I was just proposing because that is what she wanted. What is going to happen if I tell Santana I love her and then I just leave. Is she going to feel abandoned? Will she find another guy while I am halfway across the world? I can't deal with that. " Brett said, getting up off the wall. He threw the cigarette to the ground and stomped it out. Puck and Mercedes stayed quiet. Brett needed to vent.
"My mom gave me away, My dad wasn't there, my stepfather abused me then a girl who I really cared about slept with another guy while I was getting shot at. Then I met Santana. An amazing girl who deserves everything. The only thing I can give her is a life of uncertainty and doctor's appointments because I am fucked up in the head." Brett yelled.
"Can I ask you a question?" Mercedes asked. Brett took a couple of deep breaths and nodded. "When I say the name Santana, what do you think of?" she asked. Brett couldn't help but smile a little thinking of his girlfriend. "I think of a beautiful, smart, and successful woman. Someone who I don't know how many times has talked me down from a PTSD episode. Santana deserves everything in life that she wants. I have never met someone who genuinely cares about the people around her even if she doesn't always show it. Her sassiness and the way she scrunches her nose when she wakes up always makes me laugh. Even her adorable little snores that she makes when she sleeps makes me smile. Santana is everything" Brett explained. Mercedes and Puck looked at each and both smiled.
"You know what that is right?" Mercedes asked. "What is it?" Brett asked, not really understanding where she was going with this. "You love Santana. Everything that you just said proves how much you love her. Saying it is so scary but you basically just said it to us" she explained. Before Brett could say anything else, Mercedes cut him off. "I know you have been through so much shit but I know Santana would never cheat on you. You said that Santana deserves everything she wants, well she wants you." She pointed out. "I fucked up," Brett said again. "You did but it's not over, you can fix this" Mercedes said.
The trio stayed outside for a while. When they finally went back inside, the living room was empty. Which indicated that everyone already went to bed. They all went to their respective bedrooms. When Mercedes walked into her room, she noticed that Santana was in her bed. "Can I sleep in here with you?" Santana whispered. "Yes but I think you should be with Brett," Mercedes said honestly. "What did he say outside?" Santana asked. "You need to talk to him. I am not telling you it needs to be now but it has to happen. Brett is battling a lot of emotions and I can't be the one to tell you, it has to be him." Mercedes explained while she got into bed with Santana.
Brett opened the door to his bedroom slowly. He thought that Sanatan was going to be asleep in the bed but it was completely bare. Brett turned on the light and shut the door. He just sat in the middle of the bed, alone.
*Trouble in paradise? Sorry but it had to happen, let me know what you think! Until next time!*
