3 MONTHS LATER
The sound of doors slamming shut on the moving van echoed through the street, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Brett turned to Santana and Quinn, who were wiping tears from their eyes, a bittersweet mixture of sadness and excitement tugging at their hearts.
"We're not flying out for three more days" Brett reminded them with a smile, his voice tinged with amusement at their emotional display. Quinn sniffled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she looked at her best friends. "I'm already going to miss you guys" she admitted, her voice thick with emotion.
Brett placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Rachel is moving in next week" he reminded her, a note of optimism in his voice. Quinn shook her head, her expression pained as she wiped away another tear. "It's not the same," she insisted, her voice filled with longing.
Santana wrapped an arm around Quinn's shoulders, offering her a tight squeeze of comfort. "We've got lots to look forward to," Santana reminded her, her voice filled with optimism. "We can start planning the wedding, go dress shopping, and don't forget about the bachelorette party that you're organizing."
But Quinn's chin quivered as tears welled in her eyes, her heart heavy with the weight of impending separation. "But it's your birthday next week" she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'll miss it." Brett rolled his eyes, watching the scene unfold with amusement and exasperation. It was like watching a painful breakup play out before his eyes.
Santana nodded in understanding, her heart aching for her best friend. "I know, Quinn" she murmured, gently wiping away Quinn's tears. Quinn sniffled, her tears spilling over as she leaned into Santana's embrace. "You're going to be living with a boy" she reminded her, her voice trembling with emotion.
Santana squeezed her hand comfortingly, a sad smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I know" she whispered, "besides" she added with a playful grin, "Brett isn't that bad." Brett chuckled at Santana's jest, his heart warming at the sight of the two women he loved most in the world.
As Santana and Quinn made their way back into the building, Santana couldn't help but wipe away the tears that had pooled in her eyes. "It doesn't help that I'm hormonal" she confessed to Quinn, her voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion. The weight of their impending departure, coupled with the emotional toll of saying goodbye to their friends had left her feeling raw and vulnerable.
Quinn nodded in understanding, her own eyes shining with empathy as she wrapped an arm around Santana's shoulders. "I know, San" she murmured, her voice soft with sympathy. "It's a lot to deal with all at once."
As they stepped into the elevator, Santana let out a sigh, the tension draining from her body as she leaned against Brett for support. "I got my period this morning" she confessed, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Talk about timing."
Brett's heart went out to Santana as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. Gently stroking her arms, he pressed a soft kiss to her neck, his touch tender and reassuring. "I'm sorry, babe" he murmured, his voice filled with concern. "I know it's been a rough few weeks packing our lives up." Santana leaned into his touch, her body relaxing in the warmth of his embrace, "I just need some time to decompress" her voice muffled against his chest.
Back in the comfort of their apartment, Quinn set out to make dinner, her movements steady and purposeful as she moved about the kitchen. Santana joined Brett on the couch, the familiar weight of his arm around her shoulders providing a sense of comfort and reassurance as they settled in to watch TV together.
In the quiet of the evening, Brett turned to Santana, his voice soft with concern. "You didn't tell me you started your period" he murmured, his brow furrowing in thought. Santana let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping with the weight of exhaustion. "It's still early days, Brett" she reminded him, her voice tinged with frustration. "I only had my IUD removed two months ago, and my body is still getting back to normal."
Brett nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful as he processed her words. "Guess we'll have to keep trying" he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. But Santana shook her head, her voice firm as she gently reminded him of their agreement. "We agreed not to put pressure on this" she insisted, her tone gentle yet resolute.
Brett's expression softened at her words, a sense of understanding dawning in his eyes. Leaning in close, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I know, babe" he murmured, his voice filled with love and admiration. Santana continued, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Plus, we have a wedding to plan," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her tone. "And if I'm honest, I'd rather not look like a whale waddling down the aisle."
Brett couldn't help but laugh at Santana's candidness, the sound ringing out in the cozy confines of their apartment. He reached out to gently squeeze her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, babe" he reassured her, his voice filled with affection. "You're going to look beautiful, no matter what." Santana offered him a grateful smile, her heart swelling with love for the man beside her. Leaning in close, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her touch tender and affectionate. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude.
As they sat together, lost in their little world, Quinn walked in, her arms laden with plates of steaming pasta. "Pasta's ready, you two," she announced, her voice tinged with excitement.
Santana's eyes lit up at the sight of the food, her mouth watering at the delicious aroma wafting through the air. "Finally," she exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation as she tugged on Brett's arm, pulling him towards the kitchen island.
Brett chuckled at her enthusiasm, allowing himself to be dragged along by Santana's infectious energy. As they settled in at the kitchen island, Quinn joined them, passing out plates of pasta with a smile.
Before they knew it, the familiar skyline of New York had faded into the distance, replaced by the sun-drenched shores of Miami. As they touched down at the airport, Brett immediately pulled out his phone, dialing his dad's number to let him know they had arrived safely. "We're just waiting on one more bag, and then we'll be at arrivals," Brett informed his dad, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation.
Meanwhile, Judy spotted them from across the terminal, her face lighting up with joy as she hurried over to greet them. "Welcome home!" she exclaimed, her voice warm and welcoming as she enveloped them both in a tight hug.
"Let's get you home" she continued, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she linked her arm through Santana's. Brett followed closely behind, his hand finding Santana's as he flashed her a reassuring smile. As they made their way through the bustling airport, Judy couldn't help but ask about Santana's new job. "When do you start?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.
Santana smiled at the question, her eyes shining with excitement. "I start in a week" she replied, her voice tinged with anticipation. Judy nodded in approval, her expression filled with pride. "That's wonderful," she remarked, her voice filled with admiration. "And what about you, Brett?"
Brett grinned at his mom's question, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. "I've got a month before I start my new job" he replied, his voice tinged with excitement. "But in the meantime, we'll have plenty of time to get settled in." As they made their way to the parking lot, Brett filled his mom in on their plans for the next few days. "We're getting the keys to the apartment tomorrow" he explained, his voice filled with excitement. "And all our things from New York will arrive in three days."
Santana turned to Brett, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Don't forget, tomorrow we're headed out to look for a couch and a bed" she reminded him, her voice filled with determination. "Plus, we need to find a spare bed for the second room." Brett nodded in agreement, his mind already racing with plans for the next day. "Got it" he replied, his voice tinged with excitement.
Meanwhile, Judy looked on with a smile, her heart filled with pride at the sight of her children embarking on this new adventure together. "And when is Maribel flying in?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Brett's expression softened at the mention of Santana's mom, a sense of warmth filling his heart. "She's flying in on Friday" he replied, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Ready for us to head down to the Keys to look at the venues."
Santana nodded in agreement, her mind already filled with visions of the perfect wedding venue. "I think I know the one" she admitted, her voice filled with excitement. "But we need to make sure it's the right fit."
Brett couldn't help but tease her, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "The courthouse would be fine," he remarked under his breath, a mischievous twinkle in his eye "Much cheaper too" as Santana shot him a glare.
The following day dawned bright and clear, with the promise of new beginnings as Brett pulled into the bustling parking lot of Ikea, the iconic blue and yellow building towering overhead like a beacon of hope. As they stepped out of the car, Santana pulled out her list, her eyes scanning the neatly written items.
"Dinnerware, drinking glasses, wine glasses, towels for the bathroom, a bed for the second room, and maybe media storage for your TV" Santana recited, her voice filled with determination as she surveyed the items on her list.
Brett chuckled at her thoroughness, a playful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Is that all?" he teased, his voice filled with amusement as he glanced at the list. Santana shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Ikea is a mystery, Brett" she replied, her tone teasing. "We could come out with anything."
As they made their way through the sprawling aisles of the store, Santana's excitement grew with each passing moment. She couldn't help but marvel at the endless array of furniture and home goods, each item holding the promise of a fresh start and a new beginning.
Together, they wandered through the maze of displays, their cart slowly filling with items from Santana's list. They debated the merits of different dinnerware sets, deliberated over the perfect set of drinking glasses, and debated the necessity of wine glasses (though Santana quickly won that argument).
As they made their way to the bedding section, Santana's eyes lit up at the sight of a cozy-looking bed frame, its sleek lines and modern design catching her eye. "What do you think?" she asked Brett, her voice filled with excitement. Brett nodded in approval, his gaze lingering on the bed frame. "Looks good to me" he replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Let's add it to the cart."
Santana and Brett found themselves embarking on their next mission of the day: finding the perfect couch and bed at Pottery Barn. As they stepped into the store, Santana's eyes sparkled with excitement, her heart filled with anticipation at the prospect of finding the perfect piece to complete their living room.
"Come on, Brett," Santana exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she tugged him towards the couch section. "It's time to find our dream couch!" Brett let out a resigned sigh, knowing all too well the trials and tribulations that awaited them. But he couldn't help but smile at Santana's infectious energy, her excitement contagious as she pulled him along.
As they perused the various couch options, Santana's eyes danced with delight, her mind already envisioning each piece in their new home. Finally, she came to a stop in front of a plush sectional, its inviting cushions beckoning her closer.
"What kind of couch are you feeling, Brett?" Santana asked, her voice filled with anticipation as she turned to him for input. Brett threw himself down onto the fifth couch they had encountered, a contented sigh escaping his lips as he sunk into its welcoming embrace. "A sectional" he replied with a grin, pulling Santana down beside him. "This one is comfy."
Santana nodded in agreement, her fingers trailing over the soft fabric of the couch. "I like it," she remarked, her voice filled with satisfaction as she leaned back against the cushions. But as Brett glanced at the price tag, his eyes widened in disbelief. "$4,000?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with shock. "That's insane!"
Santana, however, remained unfazed, her mind already made up. "This is the one," she declared, determination shining in her eyes as she pulled Brett to his feet. "Trust me, it'll be worth every penny."
As they made their way through the store, Santana couldn't resist stopping to admire a Metal Canopy Bed she had spotted earlier. Brett eyed the price tag warily, his brow furrowing in concern. "$1,699," he commented. Brett continued to moan as Santana navigated through Pottery Barn, her mind already zoning out as she added items to their cart. Each groan and sigh from Brett was like a steady drumbeat in the background, barely registering as she focused on selecting the perfect pieces for their new home. But the real kicker came when the sales associate informed them that their couch and bed would take six weeks to arrive.
"Six weeks?" Brett echoed incredulously, his voice rising in pitch. "We'll be paying rent for six weeks and living at my parents' place?" Santana tuned him out, her eyes glazing over it was like listening to white noise, his complaints blending into the ambient sounds of the store. "Are you done yet?" she asked when there was finally a moment of silence, her tone sharp with impatience.
Brett took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "It's just frustrating," he muttered, his annoyance still evident. Santana rolled her eyes. "I get it, Brett. But complaining isn't going to make the furniture arrive any faster."
The car ride back to his parent's house was filled with Brett's grumbling, and Santana's patience wore thin. She had hoped this shopping trip would be a fun experience, a chance to start building their home together. Instead, it had turned into a test of endurance.
When they finally arrived at the Pierce household, Judy greeted them at the door, her smile warm and welcoming. "How was the shopping trip?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Santana forced a smile, her frustration barely concealed. "I should have just gone alone," she replied, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Brett shrugged, clearly still annoyed. "It was boring and too much money," he grumbled.
Judy raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and sympathy. "Welcome to the real world, honey," she said, patting Brett's shoulder. "Furniture shopping isn't always fun, but it's part of setting up a home."
Later that evening, as they lay in bed at the Pierce household, Santana turned to Brett, her hand resting on his chest. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light over them, creating an intimate cocoon that seemed to separate them from the day's frustrations. Brett wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "I'm sorry if I was short with you today," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "I know you wanted it to be a fun day, but I hate shopping," he added with a small laugh.
Santana smiled softly, appreciating his honesty. "Oh, I know," she replied. He pulled her chin up, giving her a tender kiss. His lips lingered on hers, conveying a depth of emotion that words often failed to capture. He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers. "Are you still on your period?" he asked, his voice low and intimate.
Santana shook her head no, before his hand trailed down her side, his touch gentle yet charged with intent. Just as he reached her hip, she stopped him, pulling back. "Not in your parents' house," she whispered as she turned her back to him, pulling his arm over her to be the big spoon. He nestled closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly, and his sigh transformed into a contented breath.
"I love you" she whispered, closing her eyes as she nestled into his embrace. "I love you too" Brett murmured, pressing a kiss to the back of her head. They lay there in silence, their breathing gradually synchronizing as they drifted towards sleep.
The following morning, they got dressed and headed downstairs, where Judy was already bustling around the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
"Good morning, you two" Judy greeted them cheerfully. "I hope you slept well."
"We did, thanks" Santana replied. She appreciated Judy's efforts to make them feel at home, even if it wasn't quite the same as having their own space. She glanced over at Brett, who was rummaging through his things in the entryway.
As Santana settled in at the table next to Judy, Brett finally located his shoes. "I'm headed out for a few hours," he announced, slipping them on. Santana looked at him, puzzled. "Where are you going?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice. Before Brett could answer, he came over, sneaking a bit of bacon off her plate and giving her a quick kiss. "I'll call you later," he said with a wink, rushing out the door.
Judy looked at Santana, her eyebrows raised. "What was that about?" Santana shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee. "I guess it's a pool day for me," she said with a small smile, trying to hide her curiosity and mild irritation. She didn't mind Brett having plans, but a little more information would have been nice. Judy chuckled, shaking her head "Men", flipping another piece of bacon.
After breakfast, Santana changed into her swimsuit and grabbed a book before heading out to the backyard. The Pierce's backyard was a serene oasis, complete with a sparkling pool surrounded by lush greenery and comfortable lounge chairs. She found a spot in the sun and settled in, the warmth of the morning sun instantly relaxing her.
The hours flew by, and Santana found herself completely absorbed in her book. She occasionally took breaks to dip her feet in the cool water and sip on the iced tea Judy had brought out for her. Just as she was starting to think about heading inside, Brett walked through the doors with a smile on his face. "Hey," he said, coming over to her lounge chair. "Sorry, I rushed out this morning. Had some things to take care of."
Santana closed her book and looked up at him, shading her eyes from the sun. "No worries," she said, though her tone was inquisitive. "What were you up to?"
Brett sat down on the edge of the lounge chair, taking her hand in his. "I was running some errands and making some plans," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I know I was a bit vague, but it was for a good reason. I have a surprise for you."
Santana raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?" Brett grinned, clearly enjoying the anticipation. "You'll see," he said cryptically. "But first, how was your day? Did you enjoy the pool?"
Santana nodded, still trying to read his expression. "It was nice. Very relaxing," she said, squeezing his hand. "Now tell me more about this surprise."
Brett laughed, leaning in to kiss her on the forehead. "Patience, my love," he teased. "All in good time."
Santana playfully rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help feeling a spark of excitement. Whatever Brett had planned, she knew it would be worth the wait. "Alright, I'll wait," she said, smiling at him. "But it better be good."
"It will be," Brett promised, standing up and pulling her to her feet. "Come on, let's head inside and get ready. We're going car shopping." They hurried inside to freshen up and change into more appropriate clothes for the day ahead. Santana opted for a comfortable sundress and sandals, while Brett chose a casual shirt and jeans.
"We're heading out," Brett announced, grabbing his keys from the counter. "Going to look at some cars for Santana." Judy looked up, a smile lighting up her face. "That sounds exciting! Have fun, you two."
"We will," Santana assured her, linking her arm with Brett's as they headed for the door. "Thanks, Judy."
Once they were in the car, Brett started the engine and turned to Santana with a smile. "Ready?"
"Ready," she replied, her heart fluttering with anticipation. When they arrived at the dealership, Santana felt a mix of nerves and excitement. She had never bought a car before, and the prospect was both thrilling and a little daunting.
A friendly salesman greeted them as they entered the showroom, his smile welcoming. "Good morning! How can I help you today?"
"We're looking for a car for my fiancée," Brett said, wrapping an arm around Santana's lower back. "Something reliable and stylish."
The salesman nodded, his eyes brightening. "Excellent! We have a great selection of cars that might interest you. Let me show you around."
As they followed the salesman through the dealership, Santana felt a growing sense of excitement. They looked at several cars, each one more impressive than the last. Brett asked thoughtful questions and made sure Santana felt comfortable and informed throughout the process.
After looking at a few options, they found themselves standing in front of a sleek, white Toyota Camry. Santana's eyes lit up as she took in the car's elegant lines and modern features.
"This one is beautiful," she said, running her hand along the smooth surface. Brett smiled, seeing the excitement in her eyes. "You like it?"
"I do" Santana replied, nodding. "I do." The salesman smiled, sensing their interest. "Would you like to take it for a test drive?" Santana glanced at Brett, who nodded encouragingly. "Go for it," he said.
Santana slid into the driver's seat, feeling a thrill of anticipation. Brett joined her in the passenger seat, and the salesman gave them a quick overview of the car's features before they set off.
As Santana drove, she felt a sense of empowerment and excitement. The car handled smoothly, and she could easily imagine herself driving it around Miami. As they walked back to Brett's car, Brett turned to her with a mischievous smile. "Are you ready for your surprise?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
Santana nodded eagerly. "Absolutely. What else could you possibly have up your sleeve?"
Brett chuckled as he started the car and drove towards their apartment. Santana's excitement gave way to confusion as he pulled into the parking garage of their building. "What are we doing here?" she asked, puzzled.
"Just come with me," Brett said, parking the car and stepping out. He held out his hand, guiding her towards the elevator. Santana's curiosity was piqued as they rode up in silence, the anticipation building.
When they reached their floor, Brett led her down the hallway to their apartment. "Ta-da," he said, opening the door with a flourish.
Santana stepped inside, her eyes widening in surprise. The once-empty living area now had two cozy armchairs positioned invitingly in the center. She turned to Brett, her face lit up with delight.
"Wait, there's more," Brett said, taking her hand and leading her to the guest bedroom. Inside, a neatly made bed awaited them. Brett grinned as he watched her reaction. "I went to Ikea and picked up some temporary furniture so we can move in tomorrow when our things arrive from New York."
Santana's heart swelled with gratitude and love. She threw her arms around Brett, hugging him tightly. "You did all this for us?" she asked, her voice filled with emotion.
Brett nodded, holding her close. "I wanted us to have a place that felt like home, even if it's just for a little while." Santana pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Brett. This is amazing. You're amazing."
He smiled, gently brushing her cheek with his thumb. "I just want you to be happy. And I know how important it is for you to have your own space. Plus, I can't wait six weeks for us to have sex because you won't let us do it at my parents'."
Santana laughed, the sound rich and heartfelt, filling the empty spaces of their new apartment. "You're disgusting," she said, playfully hitting his chest. "But I appreciate it. All of this."
They spent the next hour sitting in their new armchairs, sipping on the wine Brett had thoughtfully picked up, and talking about their plans for the apartment. Santana felt a sense of peace settle over her as she looked around their new space. It was still bare, but it was theirs. And that made all the difference.
