"So, Santana is the chick you've been banging, then?" Puck blurted out, a mischievous grin on his face as he met the disapproving glares of everyone in the room. The comment hung in the air, a bold declaration that echoed through the sterile hospital walls. Brett's cheeks flushed, and he shot Puck a look that said, 'Not now, man.' Quinn, not one to mince words, voiced her disdain, "Puck, my mom is in the room"
Puck shrugged, seemingly unfazed by the disapproving looks. "Just saying, Brett, that's impressive. I can't believe you hit that" he quipped, his smirk widening. Brett cut him off before he could dig himself into a deeper hole. "Puck, seriously" he warned, his tone a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Santana, seated quietly by Brett's bedside, remained composed but couldn't help but roll her eyes at Puck's audacity.
Quinn, on the other hand, looked between Santana and Brett with an expression of disgust. "Puck, that's my brother and best friend you're talking about" she scolded, her protective instincts kicking in. The dynamics in the room had shifted from lighthearted banter to a more serious tone. Puck, held up his hands in a mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I get it. Touchy subject" he conceded, his trademark smirk fading a bit.
Quinn took a moment of silence, staring at Brett who was engaged in conversation with Santana, seemingly oblivious to the storm brewing within Quinn. Puck's bold remark about Santana and Brett's relationship lingered in her mind, prompting Quinn to seek clarity.
"Puck, did you know they were dating?" Quinn inquired, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and a hint of hurt. Puck, always candid, looked at Quinn and shook his head. "Nah, Brett spilled the beans about having the feels for someone last week, but I didn't know it was Santana, until now" Quinn's expression shifted, a kaleidoscope of emotions playing across her face. Hurt seemed to dominate as she realized that neither Brett nor Santana had shared this significant aspect of their lives with her. She felt a sense of betrayal, a fracture in the trust that had long been the bedrock of their sibling relationship.
She looked away, focusing on a point in the room that seemed to offer solace. It wasn't that she expected to be involved in every detail of her brother's life, but this revelation struck a nerve. Puck, sensing the tension, tried to ease the atmosphere. "Look, Quinn, Don't take it personally" Quinn, however, was struggling to come to terms with the situation. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before responding. "It's not just about them dating, Puck. It's about not feeling like I'm in the loop. Puck nodded, understanding the weight of Quinn's words. "I get it, Quinn. It doesn't mean they don't care about you."
Quinn glanced back at Brett and Santana, who were now sharing a light-hearted moment. The distance she felt from their connection stung, but Puck's words resonated. It wasn't necessarily intentional exclusion; life had a way of weaving its intricate patterns without always considering the feelings of those on the sidelines.
The hospital room seemed to exhale a sigh of momentary peace as Judy, Puck, and Quinn stepped out to grab some lunch for everyone, leaving Brett and Santana alone. The air, once dense with unspoken words, now carried a softer ambiance. Santana sat in the chair next to Brett's hospital bed, her hand entwined with his, as they shared the quiet companionship of the room.
Brett, feeling a surge of gratitude for Santana's presence, broke the silence that had settled between them. His fingers gently traced the contours of her face, a tender gesture that spoke volumes. "I'm so happy you're here with me," he expressed, his voice a soft murmur, laden with sincerity.
Santana, her eyes reflecting the depth of her emotions, smiled in response. With his eyes reflecting a mixture of playfulness and longing, shifted the tone. "You know, it's been over a week since I last saw you, and I haven't even had a kiss yet" he teased, a playful whine lacing his words.
Santana chuckled, a sound that brought warmth to the room. She stood up, leaning over the bed to press a sweet, lingering kiss on Brett's lips. It was a kiss that spoke of resilience, of finding solace in the midst of life's uncertainties. As their lips parted, she looked into his eyes, her gaze a testament to the unspoken promise they shared.
"I love you" Brett whispered, his words a heartfelt affirmation of the emotions that had taken root in his heart. "I love you too" Santana echoed, her response carrying a quiet strength, a pledge to stand by each other through the peaks and valleys that life may unfold.
Brett, breaking the pensive silence, shifted his focus to the practicalities that lay ahead. "What are your work plans?" he inquired, his voice a mix of concern and curiosity. Santana, her eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and determination, looked at Brett. "I've taken a personal week, but I'll work from your parents' place next week, then I have the week off for Christmas before heading back to New York" she explained, the weight of responsibility evident in her words.
Brett nodded, absorbing the information. The reality of the situation settled in — an extended recovery, a temporary shift in their routines. He knew the coming months would demand patience, resilience, and a shared strength to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.
Santana, sensing the heaviness in the air, reached for Brett's hand as she assured him, her voice carrying a gentle reassurance, "You won't be going through this alone."
A sad sigh escaped Brett's lips, encapsulating the frustration and helplessness he felt. "This sucks" he admitted, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if searching for answers in its blank expanse. Santana, her fingers gently intertwining with Brett's, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "Yeah, it does" she replied, her voice echoing the shared sentiment.
Santana and Brett engaged in a quiet moment and looked up as Judy, Quinn, and Puck entered the room. The aroma of fresh sushi permeated the room, instantly lifting the spirits of its occupants. Judy orchestrated a makeshift dining area on the small table beside Brett's bed, arranging the various rolls and sashimi with a sense of ceremony.
"Thought we'd bring a taste of the real world in here," Quinn declared with a grin, gesturing to the spread of sushi. Puck added, "Hospital food's gotta be the worst, right?"
Brett chuckled appreciatively, his eyes scanning the assortment of rolls. Even in his current state, the prospect of a flavorful meal provided a welcomed diversion. Santana exchanged a grateful glance with Quinn, acknowledging the effort they had made to infuse a semblance of normalcy into this challenging chapter.
Amid the lively exchange, the door to the room swung open once more, and the attending doctor reappeared. His arrival prompted a momentary hush as the group shifted their attention to the medical professional who held the key to Brett's recovery.
"Good to see you're in good company," the doctor remarked, eyeing the array of sushi with a hint of approval. The room, now filled with a mixture of hospital antiseptic and the more appetizing scent of sushi, had become a temporary haven where medical concerns took a backseat.
Brett, glancing at the doctor, acknowledged his presence with a nod, setting aside his chopsticks. Santana, ever attuned to the nuances of the situation, adopted a posture of attentive concern.
"I hope you all enjoyed your lunch," the doctor began, a brief smile softening his professional demeanor as he proceeded to outline the intricacies of Brett's recovery plan, delving into the specifics of his double patella fractures.
Santana, with a keen interest in Brett's well-being, sought clarification on various aspects of the plan as the doctor explained the importance of physical therapy, and gradual progression of weight-bearing exercises as she absorbed the details of the prognosis, her mind already formulating plans to support him during the upcoming journey.
"It's good news that you'll be more mobile within six weeks" Santana reassured Brett, emphasizing the positive aspect of the doctor's prognosis. She sought to infuse optimism into the situation, aware that the road to recovery would require not only medical interventions but also emotional support.
Brett, ever pragmatic, interjected, "Yeah, but the doctor also said it'll be almost a year for a full recovery." His words hung in the air, a reminder that the path ahead was marked by gradual progress and a commitment to the healing process.
Santana nodded, acknowledging the reality of the situation. "A year might seem like a long time, but we'll get through it, together" she affirmed, "You'll be home next week," Santana continued, injecting a note of reassurance. The prospect of transitioning from the sterile hospital environment to the familiarity of home brought a flicker of anticipation to Brett's eyes. He appreciated Santana's commitment to being there for him, recognizing the depth of her care.
Brett, a genuine smile playing on his lips, posed a question to Santana, "You'll stay with me, right?" His eyes, seeking confirmation, held a vulnerability that contrasted with his usual confident demeanor. Santana, without hesitation, nodded in affirmation.
"Of course" she replied softly, her voice carrying a warmth that echoed her genuine concern. The bond between them, forged through shared experiences and a deep connection, solidified the commitment to weathering challenges together.
Quinn, observing the interaction from her vantage point across the room, couldn't help but feel a twinge of mixed emotions. The depth of Santana's dedication to Brett was evident, and while Quinn respected their connection, she couldn't shake the lingering questions about the timing and nature of their relationship.
As Santana and Brett continued their conversation, Quinn decided to join them, crossing the room with a supportive smile. "Looks like you've got your own personal nurse" Quinn teased, attempting to lighten the mood. Santana chuckled, acknowledging the playful remark.
"It's not official until I get the uniform" Santana quipped, her playful banter providing a momentary diversion from the weighty topics that had dominated the day.
In the following days, Brett found himself immersed in the challenging yet crucial phase of rehabilitation at the hospital. The stark walls of the medical facility became a backdrop for his determined efforts to regain mobility, and the support of loved ones played a pivotal role in this arduous journey.
Each day brought a series of exercises and physical therapy sessions, pushing Brett's body to adapt and heal. Quinn and Santana, unwavering in their commitment, made regular visits, becoming familiar faces in the hospital corridors. Their presence served as a source of encouragement and motivation for Brett, a reminder that he wasn't facing the challenges alone.
One particular day, as the rehabilitation session reached a demanding point, Santana assumed the role of the supportive partner. With a gentle touch and a reassuring smile, she helped Brett transition from the hospital bed to a chair. Despite the physical strain, Brett huffed and grumbled, the frustration evident in his demeanor.
Santana, attuned to his struggles, felt the tension in the room. The unspoken challenge of recovery weighed heavily on both of them. However, the atmosphere took a tense turn when Brett, overwhelmed by pain and frustration, snapped at Santana. His words, a momentary release of pent-up emotions, hung in the air.
Quinn, who had been observing the proceedings, couldn't ignore the tension. The dynamic between Santana and Brett, usually characterized by warmth, had momentarily shifted under the strain of rehabilitation. Quinn, never one to shy away from confrontation, stepped forward, her concern etched on her face.
"Brett," Quinn interjected her tone a mix of understanding and firmness. "Stop being an asshole" her words a straightforward call to accountability. Quinn, protective of Santana, didn't mince words when it came to ensuring a healthy and respectful dynamic.
Brett, caught off guard by Quinn's directness, looked at her with a mixture of surprise and realization. Santana, too, shot him a pointed glare. "I'm in pain" Brett defended, attempting to justify his outburst.
However, Santana wasn't one to accept excuses. She crossed her arms, her expression unwavering. "Then use your words," she insisted, her voice firm. "Don't expect me to know how you're feeling if you don't tell me."
Santana gracefully exited the room in search of a nurse, Quinn, ever the vigilant friend and sister, remained by Brett's side. Concerned for Brett's well-being, broke the heavy silence that enveloped them. "Are you okay?" she inquired, her voice a gentle prompt for him to share the burden of his feelings.
Brett, his eyes filled with tears, simply shook his head. The raw vulnerability he displayed marked a stark contrast to the confident and jovial demeanor he typically wore. The pain, both physical and emotional, had stripped away the layers, leaving him exposed and fragile.
In Santana's absence, the room took on a somber tone. As Quinn maintained her watchful presence, she became a silent pillar of support—a reminder that, despite the tumultuous moments, Brett wasn't alone.
Santana returned, a nurse in tow, carrying a small cup containing painkillers. However, the scene that greeted her was unexpected. Ever attuned to his emotions as she approached cautiously "Are you okay?" Santana asked, her concern evident in her eyes. Brett, unable to articulate the depth of his emotions, found solace in a simple shake of his head. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks, a testament to the emotional storm raging within him.
In that vulnerable moment, Brett took a deep breath, his voice breaking as he apologized for his earlier outburst. "I'm sorry for being mean to you" he confessed, his words a desperate plea for understanding. Santana, however, responded with a compassion that transcended the surface.
Santana, rather than harboring resentment, enveloped Brett in a warm hug. Her actions spoke louder than words, offering a reassurance that transcended any verbal apology. In the quiet intimacy of the embrace, Santana pressed a gentle kiss to Brett's forehead—an unspoken acknowledgment that forgiveness and understanding were the cornerstones of their connection. "It's okay" Santana whispered.
Santana lay on his bed as he sat beside her, "Hey, are you excited to go home in a couple of days?" Brett's eyes, though reflecting a hint of excitement, also betrayed a nervousness. The reality of his limited mobility weighed on him, and the familiar surroundings of home suddenly seemed to present new challenges.
Brett, however, couldn't help but express his anxieties. "I can barely walk" he admitted, a vulnerability surfacing in his voice. The prospect of maneuvering within the confines of home, once a place of ease, now presented a set of physical hurdles. "You've got this, Brett. And you won't be doing it alone" Quinn assured him.
As the conversation shifted to lighter tones, Brett couldn't resist injecting a playful note. "I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again" he confessed, a glimmer of anticipation brightening his eyes. The familiarity of his own space, with its comforting nuances, held a promise of solace after the clinical confines of the hospital.
"And to have you snoring next to me," Brett added, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. Santana, caught off guard by the accusation, huffed in protest. "I don't snore," she declared, feigning offense. Quinn exchanged a knowing glance with Brett. The unspoken camaraderie between siblings played out in shared laughter. "You do snore, San" Brett teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"The doctor said we can have sex in about three to four weeks" Brett confessed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. The twinkle in his eyes suggested a mix of mischief and anticipation. Santana, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic, couldn't help but chuckle at Brett's unabashed candor. "Three to four weeks!" she repeated, a teasing smile playing on her lips. The prospect of returning to a sense of normalcy, both in their relationship and daily life, brought a sense of joy.
However, before the conversation could delve further into the realm of intimacy, Quinn, who had been quietly reading a magazine in the corner, interjected with a pointed comment. "Guys, seriously? I don't need to know about your sex life" she exclaimed, feigning disgust as she held up her magazine to shield herself from the details.
A mischievous glint danced in Brett's eyes as he chuckled, thoroughly enjoying his sister's discomfort. Santana, always quick to sense the mood, shared a conspiratorial smile with Brett.
Quinn couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity as Brett and Santana exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. "Okay, spill it. How did this happen?" she asked, her eyes bouncing between Brett and Santana.
Brett, with a casual demeanor, took a sip of his water before launching into the tale. "Well, it all began at NewYear'ss." Quinn's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her curiosity piqued. "New Years? Seriously?"
Santana chuckled, sharing a glance with Brett as she nodded. "Yeah, it was a bit…" Brett continued, "You know, things got a bit wild. It was just a drunken thing, nothing serious."
Quinn, still processing the revelation, looked between the two of them. "So, this whole time, almost a year, and you didn't say anything?" Brett chimed in, "No. It started as a drunken New Year's thing, but it became something more when I was there this summer". Santana shared a glance with Brett, the unspoken understanding between them evident. "Well, that's when we realized it was more than just a fling. We started officially dating around June."
Quinn's eyes widened once again, the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. "So, you two were sneaking around behind my back, huh?" She shook her head, feigning mock disapproval. Brett's laughter resonated in the room, and Santana joined in.
Brett leaned in, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he glanced at his sister and he whispered, "We have a bigger secret." The air grew thick with anticipation as Quinn's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "But you can't get mad, Quinn" he cautioned, a playful yet serious tone underscoring his words. "And whatever you do, don't tell Mom."
"Pinky promise," Brett urged, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he extended his pinky finger towards Quinn. It was a simple gesture, a pact that held the weight of trust and shared secrets since their early years. Quinn hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Brett's earnest expression and the gravity of the situation.
With a resigned yet intrigued smile, Quinn finally hooked her pinky with Brett's. "Okay, spill it. What's this bigger secret you're talking about?"
Brett watched Quinn's expression morph from confusion to disbelief as he dropped the bombshell. "Santana and I went on vacation together" he confessed with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Quinn, perplexed, turned her gaze to Santana, seeking confirmation "You haven't been on vacation" Quinn stated, her brows furrowing in confusion. Santana, who had been quietly observing the exchange, met Quinn's gaze and decided to spill the beans.
Brett seized the opportunity to reveal the surprise. "We spent Thanksgiving together in Vegas" he announced with a hint of excitement, watching Quinn's eyes widen in shock.
"What!" Quinn exclaimed, the word echoing through the room as her mind tried to process the unexpected revelation. Brett nodded, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. He could sense Quinn's surprise and relished in the dramatic reveal. "But wait, there's one more thing" he added, building the suspense.
Quinn, still grappling with the Vegas bombshell, looked at Brett with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "One more thing?" she echoed, her voice a blend of anticipation and apprehension.
Brett leaned in conspiratorially, his eyes locking onto Quinn's. "We got married in Vegas" he confessed, dropping the bombshell that left Quinn utterly stunned. The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of Brett's revelation hanging in the air. Quinn's jaw dropped, and her eyes widened even further. The idea of her baby brother getting married in Vegas, and keeping it a secret, was beyond anything she had imagined.
"You got married?" Quinn finally managed to utter, her voice a mixture of shock and disbelief. Brett couldn't contain his excitement as he dropped the bombshell on Quinn. "Yes, we got married, Santana is my wife" he announced, a mischievous spark in his eyes. Before Quinn could fully process the information, Santana's disapproving tone cut through the revelation.
"Stop, Brett" Santana interjected, a stern expression on her face. Brett couldn't help but chuckle, amused by Santana's attempt to halt the revelation. Quinn, on the other hand, looked like she was about to have a meltdown.
"Stop" Santana scolded, shooting him a disapproving glance. She turned her attention to Quinn, trying to ease the shock. "We didn't get married. He's just messing with you. We did go to Vegas, though" Santana clarified, throwing Brett a warning look.
Quinn, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, stared at them both with a mixture of relief and disbelief. The rollercoaster of revelations had left her feeling like she was teetering on the edge of an emotional cliff. "You didn't get married?" she questioned, seeking confirmation.
Brett shook his head, still grinning. "No" he admitted, reveling in the playful mischief of the moment. Santana shot him a look that suggested she wasn't entirely amused by his antics.
"So, you spent Thanksgiving together?" Quinn confirmed, her voice a mix of curiosity and incredulity. Santan, nodded casually. "Yeah, we did" she replied, her tone light but guarded.
Quinn, however, wasn't about to let it slide. "Why?" she probed further, her eyes narrowing inquisitively. She directed her question at Santana, searching for an explanation that would satisfy her curiosity.
Santana shrugged a nonchalant gesture that belied the complexity of the situation. "We just wanted to spend some time together" she offered, avoiding Quinn's gaze momentarily. Quinn, not one to let things slide, persisted. "No," she continued, her tone firm, "why didn't you tell me?"
Santana sighed, realizing the weight of Quinn's inquiry. "I didn't want to cause any issues. We needed to see if... if it was serious first" she explained, her eyes meeting Quinn's with a mixture of sincerity and hesitation.
Quinn absorbed the information, her mind processing the rationale behind Santana's decision to keep their Vegas trip a secret. The complexities of relationships, especially when involving close friends and family, were never straightforward. She nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. "Is it, serious?" she finally asked, her gaze shifting between Santana and Brett, searching for confirmation.
Santana and Brett exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. "Yeah, it is" Brett chimed in, his voice carrying a sense of certainty and commitment.
Quinn took a moment to absorb the revelation. Her brother and Santana, embarking on a serious relationship, was a significant development. She could see the sincerity in their eyes, the shared glances that spoke volumes beyond words. "Quinn, I know this is a lot to take in. We didn't mean to keep things from you; we just wanted to make sure it was real" Santana explained, a softness in her voice.
Quinn nodded, appreciating Santana's honesty. "I get it. Just caught me off guard, you know?" she admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. "How's a new relationship going to work with this distance?" Quinn's voice held a mixture of concern and curiosity. She leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Brett, seeking reassurance.
Brett took a deep breath, considering his response. "I've been meaning to tell you," he began, "I'm going to move to New York." Quinn's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she exclaimed, caught off guard by the revelation "When?" Quinn pressed for more details, her mind racing to process the sudden turn of events.
Brett shrugged a casual gesture that belied the significance of his decision. "I've applied to go to NYU" he explained, watching Quinn's reaction closely.
Quinn sat back, absorbing the information. Her brother, who hadn't shown much interest in college, was now considering a move to New York for school. It was a decision that caught her off guard, but as she looked at Brett, she saw a determination and clarity she hadn't seen before.
"Why?" Quinn finally asked her voice a mixture of confusion and concern. She needed to understand the motivation behind Brett's sudden change of heart. Brett met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a sense of purpose. "Meeting Santana made me realize I have no future where I am currently. I want to do something with my life, and I think New York is the place to make it happen" he explained, his words carrying a sincerity that resonated with his newfound conviction.
Quinn took a moment to process her brother's response. The influence of Santana on Brett's perspective was evident, and while it surprised her, she couldn't deny the genuine connection that had.