*Hey Guys! I wanted to start this off by saying you should check out the Glee fanfic Muse by Crushed2 it's really great! Now on to my story!*

It's been a week and a half since everything went down with the General. Aaron flew back to New York the day after his meeting with the Secretary of Defense. He did not tell anyone what went on during the meeting. All he said was that he needed to do some work to get this all under control. Aaron did not want to get anyone's hopes up but the group had all their faith in him. If anyone was going to get to the bottom of this, it was Aaron. Quinn and Puck needed to get back to New York and just left yesterday. She needed to get back to work so she could take off some time when Brett came home. Puck decided to go with her because he did not want her to be home alone. Especially since Santana was spending the majority of her time at the hospital with Brett.

Santana was going to go home for a few days to tie up some loose ends and then come back but that turned bad really quick. When she came to the hospital to discuss it with Brett, he had a complete meltdown. He panicked, lashing out and screaming that if she left again, then he was never going to see her again. It took two security officers and intramuscular Haldol to get him to calm down. After that Santana called up her boss to take a small leave of absence. Luckily she hadn't taken a lot of vacation time over the years so she had a lot of time saved up. Sugar was able to get a continuance. In normal circumstances, Santana would never let that happen. But the defense was more than happy to agree to it since it gave them more time to get ready for trial.

Santana managed to run back to the hotel room for a hot shower and a change of clothes. San was able to convince Brett that she would be back by the time he was finished with his physical therapy session. She was hoping that his mind would be occupied and he wouldn't be sitting there and thinking about her being gone the entire time. She pulled on her leggings and one of Brett's sweatshirts. Slipped on some sneakers and made her way to the coffee shop just outside of the hospital She grabbed their coffees and a sandwich for him and a salad for herself for lunch. Brett was probably going to be hungry after his physical therapy session.

When she walked onto the ward that Brett was staying on, she saw the therapist outside his room talking to Brett's nurse. The therapist looked extremely angry and the nurse was attempting to calm him down. "What is going on? Is Brett okay?" Santana asked walking up to them. Since she had been there every day since being in Romania, Santana has gotten to know Brett's team very well. "I am sorry Ms. Lopez, but I am unable to be Brett's therapist anymore" Petre the physical therapist said. "What happened?" San asked. "Your boyfriend is completely out of control. He doesn't listen to me. Is pushing himself to the point of exhaustion and repeating different injuries. I can't keep trying to work with someone who just does what they want. I will recommend another therapist." Petre explained before stomping away.

Santana turned to Brett's day nurse in complete confusion, hoping that she could give her some clarification. "I am sorry. Petre is a new therapist in this unit. He is great but he is not used to working with soldiers. Soldiers tend to push themself to the breaking point and do what they want. They believe that they know what their body can handle so they tend to try and get back to their normal function too quickly, thus hurting themselves." Natalia explained. "Did Brett get hurt during his session?" Santana asked concerned. "He pushed himself way too far and is in a lot of pain. I tried to get him to take pain medication but he refused, he didn't want to fall asleep while you were gone. Brett also fired Petre, screaming at him for not pushing him hard enough. I was able to calm him down but just a fair warning he is extremely tense in there" Natalia explained. Santana groaned. "I am really sorry, could you please extend my apology to Petre. I shouldn't have left him, if I was here Brett wouldn't have acted that way" San explained.

"I have been working with soldiers for a while, I am used to it but I will reach out to Petre for you" Natalia said. "Thank you, could you also grab him some pain medication? Now that I am here, I think I can convince him to take some" Santana exclaimed. Natalia nodded and made her way to the medication room to grab some pain medication for Brett.

Santana mentally prepared herself before walking into Brett's room. Brett was sitting in the recliner chair next to his bed. He was lifting weights with his burned arm. Santana could see him physically wincing in pain but that didn't stop him from curling the 30-pound weight over and over. Brett looked up and smiled at his girlfriend, obviously excited to see her even though it had only been about an hour since he saw her last. "Hi, beautiful" Brett said still working his reps. "Put the the weight down, we need to talk," Santana said, placing the lunch and coffees on the table and taking a seat on an extra chair in the room. Brett looked at her confused but he placed the weight on the floor, "what's going on?" he asked.

Just then the nurse walked in, "I have your pain medication" Natalia said looking back and forth between the couple. "I don't" Brett started to say but Santana cut him off. "Perfect, thank you, Natalia. I can see that he is in pain just by the look on his face. And I brought lunch so he does not get too nauseous" Santana said. "Tana, I am fine," Brett said. "No, you are not. I saw you wincing in pain before you noticed that I was in the room. Please just take the medication, I hate seeing you like this. Plus I am not going anywhere any time soon so if they make you fall asleep, I will be right here when you wake up" San explained.

Brett wanted to show that he did not need some pain medication. He survived this entire ordeal without any pain medication or sedation, why should he use it now? Yeah, it made his body feel better but he does not need it. "Santana" Brett sighed. "I know they help, so let them help. Let us help you" San pleaded with him. She knew that the only way to talk him into anything was to give him the look. It was the same look she used when she wanted another drink at a bar or when she wanted him to take her home. It was her 'please do what I want' look and Brett melted every time she used it. "Okay, I will take them, Natalia, thank you," Brett said. Natalia smiled and scanned in his Dilaudid before giving it to him. He took the medicine cup and swallowed the pills before handing the cup back. "I'll come to check on you in a little while," Natalia said before walking out and shutting the door.

"There? Happy?" Brett asked, opening his mouth so Santana could see that he swallowed the pills. "Yeah I am happy, you are finally doing something to help yourself" She snapped back. "What the hell is that supposed to mean Santana?" He asked. "It means that you are not following the doctor's orders. You do not give a fuck what your physical therapist says and that is going to get you hurt" she exclaimed. Brett scoffed, "That is bullshit and you know it. I have been through this all before. I know what my body can handle. That guy that they send in, has no idea what I can do" he argued. "That is not what this is about. You are healing! You can't push your body to the point of pain and exhaustion like you normally do. Don't you remember when you came home from jogging and ripped through your stitches? Do you want that to happen again?" San asked.

"I was just lifting weights like I always do," Brett said back. "Yeah lifting weights with the arm that was completely burned and cut open with a knife. You are going to disrupt the healing process, what don't you get about that!" Santana said, raising her voice just slightly. "I am not going to just sit here like a gimp. I am a Soldier Santana!" Brett said, also raising his voice and slamming his hand down on the table. "Yeah you are but you are also my boyfriend who I want to come home in one piece!" she yelled. "Well that isn't going to happen," Brett said, his voice just barely above a whisper. Santana placed her elbows on her knees and leaned forward. She reached out and placed her hands on his, "What do you mean by that?" San asked. Brett slowly moved his thumb over the back of her hand but did not say one word. "Talk to me B" Santana pleaded.

Brett pulled his hands away from hers and leaned back into the chair. "It is all different now, everything is different" he muttered. Luckily Santana has dealt with Brett before and knew that once he started to talk it was best to stay quiet and let him say everything he wanted to say. "I was making so much progress. I was writing in my journal every night. Going to therapy and talking about everything, even the things I promised that I would never discuss again. Even when I got deployed I kept talking to Dr. Micheals, did you know that?" Brett asked looking at her. Santana shook her head no, they never talked about that when they skyped. She wanted to tell him that she was proud of him but she kept her mouth shut, he needed to get this out.

"Well, I did. And for exactly one week I had no nightmares, none at all. I finally thought that it was the end, that I was cured. But then I got into the helicopter and everything I worked towards was up in flames, just like the Pilot's body was. I witness that, I watched his skin burn. I watched my own skin burn. Then they captured me again and the nightmare that I had almost every night was my reality...yet again!" Brett explained. "I wanted to kill myself but I didn't. I made it out alive and I thought it was over. But just my luck, the hospital staff put me in a coma. I always thought that people in a coma just felt like they were asleep for a while but you know what Santana that is all a lie!" he yelled.

Santana let him yell, she wanted him to yell, he needed to. "I relived my torture yet again! For a third fucking time Santana! Do you know what that does to someone? I can't come back from this! I close my eyes and I see it. I fall asleep and I see it again. It's over and over and over. The only thing that keeps me from ending it is waking up and seeing you. A part of me wants you to leave, it would make my decision so much easier." Brett admitted laughing.

Santana couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes. "I am not in one piece Santana and I will never be in one piece, so get that out of your head! I am fucked up and I will be forever." Brett spat at her. "I gave my life to the United States and this is how they fucking repay me. But I guess I should have known this was going to happen. I deserved all of this. I deserved to be beaten by Russell, I deserved to watch my father shoot up heroin, I deserved to be ripped from my family, I deserved to watch my best friend die and my other best friend almost bleed out in front of me. I deserved to be captured and tortured. And I will deserve it when you finally grow a fucking pair and leave me." Brett said finally breaking.

He dropped to the floor ignoring the pain that shot through his leg and sobbed. Brett was not crying because of the physical pain, only the mental. "I de…sssee….rrveed it all" He sobbed. Santana slowly got on her knees in front of him. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him forward. Brett's face landed against her chest, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight. Santana ran her fingers through his hair, "let it all out baby, it is okay" she whispered. He needed this.

"Leave Santana, get up and leave already" Brett cried into his chest but he never let her go. Santana shook her head even though he couldn't even see her. "No, I am not going anywhere. You didn't deserve any of it. The only thing you deserve is happiness and to live the life you always wanted" She said, kissing the top of his head. Brett continued to sob into her chest. The light grey sweatshirt turned dark from the excessive tears coming from Brett's eyes. Santana just held him, letting his hands hold her sweatshirt tight. Every once in a while running his hand ran over her body to feel that it was still her. The tears slowed down over time but his rapid breathing continued. It reminded Santana of her panic attacks. The ones she started to get after Brett was reported missing and after she lost their baby.

"Brett I need you to listen to me and follow my breathing. Take a deep breath in for three seconds, hold for two seconds, and out for four seconds, okay? Now do it with me" She said. Santana took a deep breath in and she heard Brett do the same. She counted to three in her head and then slowly pursed her lips and breathed out for four seconds. Brett followed every word and replicated her actions. Santana and Brett breathed a few more times together. "Now I want you to do it again and focus on my touch, the way my body feels against your skin. Just make sure you keep breathing." She said. Brett slipped his hands under the bottom of her sweatshirt so there was no barrier between his hands and her skin.

He kept breathing, keeping count of the seconds in his head. His hands slowly moved against her lower back to feel her. Brett's breathing slowly returned to normal. "What do you want to do baby? Do you want to stay here or lay down?" Santana asked him, giving him all the power to make the decision. "I…I think I…Want to lay down" he managed to croak out. "Okay, let me help you," She said to which he nodded against her chest.

Santana slowly pulled herself out of his embrace and stood up. She reached out and helped Brett stand up, wrapping her arm around his waist so he could lean against her. Santana helped him limp over to the bed. She lifted his leg up onto the bed and elevated it on a pillow. Santana slid in next to him and turned off the light, letting the computer screen in the corner act as a nightlight.

Santana laid on her back and Brett wrapped his bad arm over her waist, placing his head on her chest. "Can I?" he asked, poking his hand just under her sweatshirt. "I like being able to feel your skin and your warmth. It reminds me of when we would be at home laying in bed" Brett explained. Santana liked feeling him too. "Yes, Absolutely," she said, running her hand through his hair and lightly scratching his scalp. Brett slipped his hand under her sweatshirt and splayed his hand over her flat abdomen. "I am so tired" he whispered. "Go to sleep baby, I am right here" she replied.

"I need to hear you, please" Brett begged. "What do you want me to say?" she asked. "Can you sing something?" he asked. She wasn't really expecting him to say that but it made sense. He always say that he loved her voice. And at this moment she would do absolutely anything for him. There was only one song that Santana could think of to sing to him.

"Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you"

Santana kept looking down at him as she sang a slow acapella version of an Elvis classic. Brett's hand wandered over her abdomen. He traveled up towards her breasts but something cold and metal stopped him. He instantly knew exactly what it was. Santana was still wearing his dog tags. He placed his hand over them, focusing on the cold medal and her warm skin.

"Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?"

Santana thought back to one night the couple stood in the kitchen together. Quinn was out with Puck and they were making dinner together. Brett grabbed her hand after switching on Spotify. He pulled her close as they slowly danced over the kitchen tile. It was this exact song that Brett put on.

"Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be"

What Santana did not know was that Brett was also thinking of that moment. It was one of his favorite moments with the love of his life. She was standing there in one of his big baggy t-shirts and boy shorts, with no makeup and her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. He remembered thinking how beautiful she looked. So beautiful that he just needed to hold her and dance. They both sang the song quietly as they danced. Brett twirled her and kept his hand pressed to the small of her back. Santana's hand was on the upper portion of his shoulder playing with the hair near the back of his neck.

"Take my hand

Take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you"

Santana could not see Brett's face but she could see a water droplet run down her sweatshirt. She could hear the sniffles from his nose. Brett was crying again but it was not the sobs that echoed in the room earlier. These were soft and broken. It was like he was pleading with the universe to back to that moment in the kitchen. Brett took that moment for granted, everything was absolutely perfect.

"Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be"

Brett's rubbed her flat abdomen. Feeling just how soft her skin was. He was obsessed with it. He never knew how it always felt utterly perfect. Even in this awful moment, the feeling of her made him feel safe. He could lay like this forever and be content. Her breasts under his head were like pillows, clouds he never wanted to evaporate away. The heat of her body was like a warming blanket wrapping him in a cocoon. Feeling her body like this was not about lust, it was about safety and tranquility. No one made him feel this way before.

"Take my hand

Take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you

For I can't help falling in love with you"

Brett's hand slowly stopped moving, his sniffles became less and less. His breathing became less rapid, it was now deep and slow. Santana knew that Brett had finally fallen into a deep sleep. He was able to lull the nightmares with the sound of Santana's angelic voice. He never got tired of hearing her sing. His favorite was when she did not know he was listening. Like when she is cooking and showering. Even when they are in the car and she jams out like she is performing at Madison Square Garden. But this may have just surpassed as his favorite signing moment.

Santana looked down at his hand. Her sweatshirt rose up over time. She could see his pale hand easily over her darker abdomen. The way he cradled it reminded her of the bump that occupied that spot not too long ago. Santana would have been 17 weeks pregnant, almost 18 if she hadn't had a miscarriage. Almost halfway done with her pregnancy. She knew that since she was just started to show at 13 weeks, there is no doubt in her mind that she would be showing right now. Santana imagined how Brett's hand would look embracing her bump right now. Would he have been happy if she showed up pregnant? Would he be holding her this way? Santana wiped her tears away, she just needed to get him home, and then she would tell him, tell him everything.


A Week Later

"How is my favorite patient doing?" Owen asked walking into the room. Nina was right behind him with a big smile plastered on his face. "I feel pretty good. The pain isn't unbearable but I do need pain medications every now and again, especially after physical therapy" Brett explained. "That's not uncommon and maybe like that until the knee is out of the brace" Owen exclaimed. "So what is going to happen to my arm?" Brett asked. "Your skin graft looks great. You are going to have to wear the compression sleeve for a few months and cover it while you shower," he said. Brett nodded, "I can do that. What about my head Major?" He asked. "You are going to have to continue with the vigorous therapy for TBIs, but you need to understand there are mental symptoms too like restlessness, agitation, confusion, and memory loss. All of this is completely normal and will lessen as your brain heels. Unfortunately, the incision on your head will result in a scar. But I think when your hair grows back you will easily be able to hide it" Major Thompson explained.

Brett nodded, "I can handle a few scars, plus Santana likes them," he said squeezing her hand. Santana rolled her eyes but did not say anything. Brett was right, his scars were sexy but that was between them. "So what is next, where do we go from here?" Brett asked. "Would you like to do the honors?" Owen asked presenting Nina to step forward. "You are going home," she said with a big smile. "What?" "What?" Both Brett and Santana said at the same time. "There is no point in keeping you here. We took the drain out of your head a few days ago. Your intracranial pressure and vitals are rock solid. Your knee is in great alignment and does not need any more surgery. The burns are healing and just need time. The only thing you need to do is physical therapy and I highly suggest going back to your PTSD therapist as soon as possible. Everything that you need to do, you can do in New York" Major Owen Thompson explained.

"Is it safe for him to go on a plane?" Santana asked. Owen nodded, "It's been over ten days since the initial injury so I think it's okay. I do however suggest booking a first-class seat so you can extend your knee out but other than that, you are free to fly" He exclaimed. "I have your discharge paperwork right here. We can set up a car service to the airport for you. You guys are going home" Nina said with a big smile. Santana sprang up and pulled Nina into a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you so much. You have no idea what it means to us" she whispered in her ear before pulling away. "What can we do to repay you?" Santana asked. "Absolutely nothing, it was our pleasure," Owen said. "Actually," Nina said quietly. "I would love a Christmas card every once in a while. I really would like to see how you are doing. Sometimes it's hard to be a nurse because patients just leave and we never get to see how they are doing in the long run" she admitted.

Santana handed Nina her phone, "Put in your address, I'll make sure to send you updates" she said laughing. "So what's going on with the General, have you heard from Aaron?" Brett asked. "All I know is that there are no halts on your file and my superior said it's okay to let you go. I have not seen or spoken to the General since he was here 2 weeks ago." Owen admitted. "Puck's talked to Aaron a few times and he just keeps saying that he is handling it. Carrie told me the exact same thing. Hopefully, once we get home then all of this will be put to rest" Santana explained. Brett nodded wanting to know more but accepting the news that he got.

"Now I need to go over your discharge paperwork, Santana why don't you buy some flight tickets? That way we can set up the car service" Nina explained. "When do you want to leave?" San asked Brett. "No offense to you two but as fast as possible," he said making the room laugh. "No offense taken" Owen replied.

Santana quickly went online and purchased two first-class tickets on the red-eye flight back to New York. Then she listened to the discharge instructions because she knows that Brett is only half listening. Once they signed the paperwork, that was it they were free to walk out. Santana went back to the hotel to grab her stuff and check out. When she walked back, Owen, Nina, and Brett were all outside. "Are we all set?" she asked. "Yup I just gave Brett some pain medication and some medication to take when he gets on the plane. You guys are all set" Nina explained. "I sent all your paperwork to your doctor over there. You have a follow-up in a few days so he can check in with you and set up therapy appointments. You need to make it a priority Brett. If you don't you may not walk correctly again, do you understand?" Owen asked. Brett nodded, "I'll make sure he does," Santana said wrapping her arms around Brett's shoulders. "I know you will, take care you two," He said giving them both a hug.

Nina hugged Santana one more time and then turned to hug Brett. He held her tight, "Thank you for taking care of me" he said. "I think this is yours" Nina replied presenting Brett's picture. The charred picture that spent weeks taped up in the ICU. Brett grabbed the picture and ran his fingers over it. "Thank you for keeping it safe," he said. "Absolutely, now you two take care," Nina said with a big smile.

They took the town car to the airport and boarded their flight. Brett took the anti-anxiety medication that Owen prescribed, which really helped keep him calm. The first-class seats were also a good idea and allowed Brett to stretch his legs out. Brett made sure to stay awake the entire flight. He did not want to have a nightmare and scare the crap out of the entire flight with his screaming. Santana however curled up to Brett's side and fell asleep with her head leaning on his shoulder. 12 hours later, Brett finally saw the New York skyline. Finally, after these past few weeks, he was home.


Puck's truck pulled up outside the airport, he was beeping nonstop. "Welcome home buddy!" Puck yelled getting out of the truck. "I got it Tana" Brett grabbed the luggage from her. "No, let me," Puck said grabbing the bag from his buddy. Brett was going to argue but his body was extremely sore after the long flight. Puck tossed the luggage into the bed of the truck, while Santana slide in to sit in the middle. Brett managed to hop up and slide in next to her. Puck jumped back into the driver's seat. "So where am I dropping you guys off?" Puck asked as he started driving.

"My apartment," Santana said just as Brett also spoke, "our apartment," he said. They both looked at each other confused. "Brett your apartment is a 3rd-floor walk-up" San pointed out. "So, I passed the stairs during my final physical therapy session" Brett replied. "I know you did but maybe you should sleep at my apartment for a little bit. That way you can take the elevator up, you know" she suggested. "I just want to sleep in my bed and see Lord Tubbington, speaking of LT how is he?" Brett asked. "I think he knows something is up, he has been running around like crazy going in and out of your room. He is going to be so excited to see you" Puck explained.

"Did you go see him while I was away?" Brett asked Santana. She nodded, "I even slept in your bed with him," San said laughing. Brett reached over and grabbed her hand, "you have no idea how much that means to me" he admitted. Santana squeezed his hand and leaned into him. "Dr. Michaels called me since I am your emergency contact. He cleared his schedule and put you in for tomorrow. Quinn is taking a few days off so she said she could take you" Puch announced. "Wait a second, why is Puck your emergency contact?" Santana asked a little offended. "He lives with me" Brett laughed, "yeah that's fine but why is Quinn taking time off?" He asked. "I need to go back to work since I took time off to be at the hospital. So Quinn is going to be around to drive you to appointments and stuff" Santana explained.

"I don't need a babysitter," Brett said defensively. "I know you don't but you need someone to drive you anyways," Puck said coming to Santana's defense, he was all for the idea. "I can just uber, I don't want to cause more problems than I already have" Brett explained. "If you don't want to cause a problem then let us do this. So I can go to work and know that you are going to be okay. Please" San begged. Brett sighed, "okay for you," he said kissing the back of her hand. "Thank you" she whispered planting a quick kiss on his cheek just as they pulled up to Brett's apartment. They all filed out of the car as Quinn came out of the front door. "What are you doing here?" Brett asked smiling at his little sister. "Did you really think I wouldn't be here to welcome my brother home? Welcome home big bro" Quinn said with a big smile as she pulled him into a hug.

"So how are we going to do this?" Santana asked looking at the bags and Brett's knee. "I will help Brett and you guys grab the bags?" Puck suggested. The girls nodded and grabbed the bags while Puck wrapped his arm around Brett. The two limped up the stairs. Brett had one hand on the railing and the other hand around Puck. The girls continued walking up ahead of them pulling the luggage up the stairs. They walked into the apartment together. "Are they almost up here?" Santana asked rummaging through her purse. Quinn peered down the stairs, "it looks like they are taking a break" she said. "Perfect, I have time to put this back," Santana said pulling something out of her bag. Quinn followed Santana as she walked down the hall and into Brett's room. "What are you putting back?" Quinn asked.

Santana grabbed the red bag that was still on Brett's bureau right where she left it. "The ring," San said as she slipped the ring box into the bag and covered it with the note. "Why are you putting it back?" Quinn asked confused, "I don't want him to know I saw it. I want him to ask me when he is ready" Santana explained as she placed the bag on the exact shelf Brett left it on when he was deployed. "He basically did ask you in the note" Quinn pointed out confused. Santana shut the doors of the closet. "He asked me in the note because he thought he was going to die. Now he is home. I want everything to get back to normal. In normal circumstances Brett would plan something special and propose, that is what I want." San said turning to her bestfriend. "He is going to ask you eventually," Quinn said with a smile. "And I can't wait to say yes," She said smiling back. "Now come on let's make sure Puck did not drop Brett down the stairs," Santana said laughing. She grabbed Quinn and walked out into the living room just as Puck was helping Brett sit on the couch.

"Tubbs! It is me!" Brett said spotting his kitten in the corner. He grew a lot since the last time he saw him but Brett would recognize that face anywhere. Lord Tubbington slowly walked over to him, still cautious of the man. Brett held his hand out toward the feline. Lord Tubbington took one sniff of his hand and catapulted himself on Brett's lap. He was purring loudly, rubbing his head against Brett's. "I missed you so much bud," He said petting his little buddy. Santana smiled watching just how excited her boyfriend was reuniting with his cat.

"So the group was hoping to come over and see you. I could cook us some dinner and we could all just hang out. Unless you want to just chill alone. Whatever you want. We don't want to overwhelm you but everyone is really excited to see you" Quinn explained. "I think that sounds perfect, but do you think we could do it here? I don't think I can go down those stairs and get back up them again later." Brett said laughing. "Yes, I'll send out a text to everyone. San do you want to come with me to the store? We can stop at our apartment so you can shower and maybe get a nap in" Quinn suggested.

Santana looked over and Brett, "Are you going to be okay if I go with her?" she asked. Brett looked around the room but didn't say anything. He didn't want to embarrass himself. Puck and Quinn both caught on pretty quickly. "Come in the kitchen with me so we can make a shopping list," Quinn said. Puck nodded and followed close behind her so Brett and Santana could be alone. "What is wrong B?" Santana asked sitting down next to him. "You're going to come back right?" he asked, terrified that she was going to walk out and never come back through the door.

"Of course, I am coming back. I am not missing a free meal from Quinn or everyone's reaction to seeing you. They are going to be so excited" San said with a smile. Brett nodded slowly, "as long as you are coming back, I will be okay" he admitted. "What do you say I pack a bag and sleep over here tonight? Does that sound okay?" she asked. Santana did not want to push him too far. Brett smiled, "that would be more than okay. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight since you'll be here" he exclaimed. Santana leaned forward and kissed his lips. "I'll see you later, if you start to get anxious just text me. Aaron got all your stuff shipped, your phone is somewhere in there" she said pointing to the boxes in the corner. "I'll have Puck help me sort through it," Brett said. Quinn and Puck came out of the kitchen, "so?" Quinn asked. "I am ready when you are," Santana said getting up. She leaned over and cupped Brett's chin. "Love you baby" she whispered kissing him once more time. "Love you too Tana," he said before his girlfriend and sister left the apartment.


Later on that Night

The girls and Mercedes left their apartment with the few bags of groceries they picked up earlier in the day, setting out on their walk to the guy's apartment. Santana checked her phone one more time and groaned, sliding it back into her purse. "Brett still hasn't texted you?" Cedes asked. "No but I got a text from Puck saying 'fair warning Brett is in a bit of a mood'" San explained. "What does that even mean?" Quinn asked. "I have no idea. I have been waiting for Puck to answer me for the last hour but nothing. I kinda want to know what we are walking into and whether this is even a good idea" Santana said. "Should we postpone this little get-together?" Quinn asked. "I don't know. I want him to be able to settle in but he said he wanted people to come over. Maybe the company will keep his mind occupied" San admitted.

"How's his attitude been?" Mercedes asked. "He has spent the majority of his time with Santana but I noticed that he seems on edge. Like we are just waiting for him to explode. What do you think San?" Quinn asked. Santana did not mention to anyone about Brett's meltdown at the hospital. But the fact that Quinn noticed Brett's attitude did nothing but confirm her worries. "I've noticed it too. In fact, I asked the doctors about it before we left Romania" Santana admitted. "What did they say?" Mercedes quickly asked. "They said it could be a symptom of his TBI or the way he is processing his PTSD," San explained. "Why didn't you tell us?" Quinn asked. "I did not want to worry you especially when you were so far away. I was hoping that once we got home then Brett would chill out but based on Puck's text I would say he hasn't" Santana said.

"I don't think it's his PTSD, he wasn't like this last time he came home" Quinn admitted. "I guess it could be a combination but I think it's mostly his TBI" Santana said agreeing. "I think Brett just needs time and therapy. He went through hell, who wouldn't lash out at people every once in a while" Mercedes said trying to just think on the bright side. "At least this time he is open to therapy again. Dr. Micheals is probably the best thing for him" San said. Quinn smiled and elbowed her best friend, "the best thing besides you" she said. Santana smiled.

"So is Puck going to be going home with Quinn so you and Brett can have some alone time?" Mercedes asked with a smirk. "Puck did not say he was going to come home with me but I can ask him if you want?" Quinn asked San. "I don't know if anything like that is going to be happening tonight" Santana admitted. "Why? He's finally home don't you want to jump his bones?" Cedes asked. Santana groaned. "Of course I do but this would be the first time I had any sort of intimacy since the miscarriage" She pointed out. Both Mercedes and Quinn made a humming sound and nodded. It's not that they forgot about the miscarriage, it's just they had other things on their minds. "I never got back on birth control after I lost the baby. I was so focused on getting Brett home that I didn't think about what we were going to do when we got home" Santana said. "Why don't you just wear condoms?" Mercedes asked. "Brett and I never used condoms, it would be suspicious now to just ask him to wear them, you know?" Santana said. "As much as I would rather not talk about my brother's sex life. You're my best friend so I will try to ignore who you are canoodling with." Quinn said making a gaging sound, both Mercedes and Santana giggled.

"Why don't you have him pull out? and … you know... Ejaculate somewhere else" Quinn said. "What do you mean Q?" Santana asked trying not to laugh. "You know exactly what I mean," Quinn said back. "No, we don't. Where would he ejaculate?" Mercedes asked. Santana looked over at Mercedes, they were both trying so hard not to laugh. Quinn however looked very uncomfortable. "Obviously there are other places," Quinn said. "What other places?" Santana asked. When Quinn didn't answer Santana looked over at Mercedes. "Do you know other places Cedes?" San asked. Mercedes shook her head, "No I don't Santana" she said. "Maybe you are talking about my mouth or my body," Santana said running her hand up Quinn's arm. "You guys are assholes" Quinn mumbled and she pushed away from her. "Ohh Quinn, we are just kidding with you," Mercedes said pulling her into a hug.

"Can we just get back on topic?" Quinn said a little annoyed. "I get what you mean but he always just cums inside me. It's just what we always do" Santana said deciding to stop making fun of Quinn. "No wonder you got pregnant," Mercedes said. "Yes I know, we were not safe. But I cannot handle getting pregnant again right now. There is a lot going on with Brett, he doesn't even know about the miscarriage. I can't just throw a baby onto his lap. Plus we do not even know why I miscarried, I can't go through another one right now" Santana explained.

"Dr. Garcia said she would keep a closer eye on you if you wanted to get pregnant again. You do not know if it will happen again" Mercedes pointed out. "I know but I can't take the chance right now, no matter how much I came to terms with the pregnancy" Santana admitted. "I know, you were excited," Quinn said rubbing her back. "I was and I will be excited when it happens again. When Brett and I plan for it" Santana explained. "We will all be there for you," Mercedes said. "I know you guys will, I could not have made it through the last few weeks without you guys" Santana admitted.

"So what are you going to do?" Mercedes asked. "I made an appointment with Dr. Garcia. The earliest she could get me in was in two weeks. So I guess I will just try to avoid it or take the morning-after pill." Santana explained. "Wow, it sounds like you are in college again," Quinn said. Santana couldn't help but laugh, "yeah it really does," she said. The three girls just laughed as they finally made it to the boy's apartment. They pushed walked up the stairs and pushed open the front door. Puck was sitting on the couch with pieces of his phone laid out in front of him on the coffee table.

"Um, what happened to your phone?" Quinn asked at the same time Santana spoke, "so that's why you didn't text me back" she mumbled. "Brett went a little rouge but I think I can put it back together. I am just going to follow the youtube video" he said pointing to his laptop screen. "Brett broke your phone?" Cedes asked, clarifying. Puck nodded, "he threw it," he said. "What did you guys do when we were gone?" Quinn asked not understanding why Brett would do that. "Everything was fine at first. We unpacked his stuff and got his phone working again, it was like the old Brett was back. Then he asked me to help him shower since he's had nothing but bed baths for the last few weeks. I looked through his paperwork from the hospital and it said not to get anything wet. So he kinda just leaned over the tub so I could wash his hair. It was kinda a disaster. Brett was pissed off that he couldn't just shower and his knee was bothering him. The bathroom got all wet, then he slipped and fell. I had to basically drag him to the couch. I understand where he was coming from. He was frustrated and wanted to just do what he wanted but obviously couldn't" Puck explained.

"That does not explain the phone" Quinn pointed out. "Oh yeah. So I was trying to help him get dressed to which he told me to fuck off. And then I went to the bathroom, when I came back I saw him looking at my phone. He flipped out asking why I ran to his girlfriend to tattle on him. Then he threw my phone and hobbled to his room. Refused to let me help him or even get his crutches. He slammed his door and has not come out since" Puck exclaimed. "So you have no idea what I am about to walk into?" San asked. Puck shook his head, "nope this was like an hour ago. I will say I heard some yelling about clothes so I think he may be attempting to get dressed. Not too sure" Puck said. "You guys get started on dinner and I'll talk to him," Santana said. They all nodded, "Good luck" Mercedes said smiling.

Santana walked down the hall and knocked on the door. "Puck I am fucking fine, just leave me alone" Brett yelled. Santana just took a breath and opened the door, "Not Puck" she whispered. Brett looked at her, "Sorry" he humbled before turning back to what he was doing. Santana shut the door and watched her boyfriend. Brett was on his bed trying to get his pants over his knee brace but was not doing well. "God damn it" Brett yelled throwing his fists down on his bed. "Do you want help?" Santana asked. "No Santana, no I don't. I am not in the hospital anymore, I need to be able to do things by myself for once" Brett said clearly frustrated.

She took a deep breath and walked toward him. She grabbed the manila envelope off the desk and poured the contents out. A small key hit the desk. "What is that?" Brett asked. Santana picked it up and walked over to him. She sat down on the bed. "Your doctor said that you could unlock the brace and take it off to get dressed and to bathe" She explained unlocking it. "Oh, I didn't hear him say that," Brett said softly. "I know because your mind was racing. You were anxious about getting discharged that's why I was listening for you." Santana said with a smile. She carefully took the brace off and helped Brett stand up. San reached down and pulled up his pants, he fastened them and then took a seat again. "Thank you" Brett whispered.

Santana reached out and forced him to look at her. "This is going to be a long recovery. We all want to help you so please let us. You can't get your anger and frustrations control you" she pointed out. Brett groaned. "You don't get it. Sometimes I feel like I can't control it" he admitted. "Your TBI is challenging. You need to rewire your brain and it's going to take some time." Santana explained. Brett reached out and pulled her over hugging her. "I love you, Santana, I really do" he whispered.

"I know you do, I love you too B," She said. Santana pulled away and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. "Now let's finish getting you dressed. Then we can go out there and celebrate your homecoming with our friends. What do you think of that?" San asked. Brett smiled and nodded, "that sounds really great." he said. Santana helped Brett secure his knee brace again and put the lotion that the doctor prescribed on his burns. They pulled the compression sleeve on covering the burns then pulled on one of his long sleeve shirts. Brett didn't want everyone to see his burns quite yet and Santana said that was okay. She assured him that no one would think anything of him but it was his decision to make.

"Maybe while I help make dinner, you could help Puck put his phone back together," Santana said raising an eyebrow at him. Brett looked down before looking back at her, "yeah that wasn't one of my best moments" Brett admitted. "Yeah, it wasn't" San added. She gave him one more kiss and helped him walk out into the living room. Puck was still on the couch but this time was accompanied by Mercedes. Quinn was in the kitchen starting on dinner. "Solider" Mercedes said getting up and smiling big. "I missed you Cedes" Brett admitted. Mercedes couldn't help but pull him into a tight hug. "You better not just be saying that" She mumbled. "Of course not, your my favorite" He whispered hugging her tighter and making her laugh.

Santana couldn't help but smile watching her boyfriend. Brett pulled back and looked over at Puck. "Hey dude, you need some help?" He asked sitting next to him. "Do you know how to fix this?" Puck asked. "No, but I can take apart a gun and put it back together. I bet I can figure it out plus I did it so I should fix it" Brett said with a little chuckle. "Yeah you did," Puck said laughing. "I am sorry for freaking out on you Puck," Brett said. "It's all good man, it's all in the past" Puck said patting him on the back. Brett smiled and started tinkering with the phone. He looked around and watched as Mercedes and Puck were talking. He saw Quinn laugh and yell at Santana for not cutting the vegetables the right way. He was finally home but why didn't it feel like it?

The song: Can't help falling in love by Elvis Presley.

*I hope you guys liked it! Thank you for being patient with me and allowing me to focus on healing. I am so happy to be back. Please continue to comment, I love reading them. *