Santana sat at the table, surrounded by familiar faces and the comforting buzz of conversation. The Italian restaurant exuded warmth and charm, its cozy ambiance a perfect setting for a night out with friends. She raised her glass as the group clinked together, the sound of crystal meeting crystal echoing softly in the air.

Kurt took a sip of his wine, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia as he remarked on the rarity of their reunion. "It feels like ages since we've done this," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness." Santana nodded in agreement. "It's nice to take a break from the chaos and catch up with each other," Mercedes chimed in."

As the evening wore on, they delved into a myriad of topics—work, relationships, dreams for the future—each conversation deepening their connection and reaffirming the ties that bound them together.

Santana found herself at the center of attention as Kurt directed his question her way. She met his gaze with a smile, the warmth of his inquiry evident in his eyes. "How are things with Brett?" he asked, his curiosity genuine.

A fondness washed over Santana at the mention of Brett's name, and she couldn't help but smile even wider. "Things are going really well, actually" she replied, her voice laced with affection. "It's his birthday next week."

Rachel chimed in with a playful comment, her eyes dancing with mischief. "At least it'll make your ages a little closer for a few months," she remarked, her words punctuated by laughter from the group. Santana chuckled along with them, appreciating Rachel's humor. "Yeah, I guess you're right" she agreed, her tone light.

A mischievous glint sparked in Santana's eyes as she continued, her smirk playful. "And besides" she added with a suggestive raise of her eyebrows, "he may be young, but he knows what he's doing - especially with his tongue."

The table erupted into laughter at Santana's candid remark, the tension of the moment diffused by her playful wit. Kurt shook his head with a chuckle, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Leave it to Santana to keep us all entertained," he remarked, his tone affectionate.

As the evening wore on, they continued to share stories, laughter, and memories, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. As Santana looked around the table at the faces of her friends, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, she knew that moments like these were what life was all about—laughter, love, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

The soft glow of Brett's phone illuminated his features as he lay in bed, scrolling absentmindedly through TikTok. The gentle hum of the apartment filled the air, a familiar backdrop to his quiet evening routine. Brett's attention was drawn away as he heard the door creak open, signaling Santana's return home.

Looking up from his phone, Brett greeted Santana with a warm smile. "Hey there, how was dinner?" he inquired, curious about her evening. Santana stepped further into the room, "It was nice" she replied, a contented smile playing on her lips. "And I brought you some leftovers for tomorrow."

Brett's smile widened at the gesture, grateful for Santana's thoughtfulness. "Thanks, babe" As Santana began to undress and prepare for bed, Brett watched her quietly, admiring her graceful movements. He admired the way she moved with confidence and purpose, a sense of determination evident in every step.

As she settled onto her side of the bed, Santana turned to face Brett, her expression softening with concern. "What time is your physio appointment tomorrow?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Brett checked the time on his phone before responding. "It's at 10 in the morning," he replied, setting his phone aside. "But I'll need to leave a bit earlier to make sure I get there on time."

Santana nodded in understanding, her brow furrowing slightly with worry. "Do you need me to come with you?" she offered, her concern evident in her voice.

Brett shook his head, reaching out to take Santana's hand in his own. "No, it's okay," he reassured her, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be fine on my own. Besides, I know you have your own things to take care of."

Santana nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay," she said softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss on Brett's cheek. "Just let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Brett returned her smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for Santana's unwavering support. "I will" he promised, pulling her close for a comforting embrace. "Thank you, Santana."

Santana stirred awake, blinking away the remnants of sleep, she glanced around the room, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar sensation of waking up alone. With a contented sigh, Santana swung her legs over the edge of the bed and pushed herself upright. She had taken the rest of the rest of the week off work to celebrate Brett's birthday tomorrow, and she was determined to make it a memorable occasion.

Padding out to the living room, Santana's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight before her. The kitchen had been transformed into a sea of red, with heart-shaped balloons adorning every available surface. A smile tugged at Santana's lips as she realized what Brett had done.

"Wow," she breathed, her voice filled with awe and appreciation. At the sound of her voice, Brett turned away from the stove, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Happy Valentine's Day," he greeted her, crossing the room to envelop her in a warm embrace.

Santana returned his kiss with equal fervor, feeling a rush of affection for the man standing before her. "You didn't have to do all this," she murmured, her heart swelling with gratitude.

Brett chuckled, the sound deep and melodic. "I wanted to" he confessed, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before releasing her from his embrace. Santana's eyes sparkled with mischief as she gestured to the apron Brett was wearing. "Are you naked under there?" she quipped, unable to suppress a giggle.

Brett's laughter filled the room, warm and infectious. "Maybe I am" he teased, winking playfully at Santana before turning his attention back to the stove.

As Brett plated up their breakfast, Santana couldn't help but feel a surge of love for the man standing before her. Brett decided to add a little surprise to their Valentine's Day breakfast. Ignoring Santana's laughter, he headed out of the kitchen and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving her to wonder what he was up to. Moments later, he emerged with a vibrant bouquet of roses in hand.

Santana couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Brett, a grin spreading across her face as he approached her with the flowers. "Brett, you're ridiculous" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Brett flashed her a sheepish grin, his cheeks flushing slightly under her amused gaze. "I know, I know" he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "I couldn't resist getting you something for Valentine's Day."

As he handed her the bouquet, Santana's laughter faded into a soft smile, her eyes shimmering with appreciation. "Thank you, Brett," she murmured, her fingers brushing against the velvety petals of the roses. "They're beautiful."

Brett's heart swelled with happiness as Santana leaned in to press a tender kiss against his lips. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their love and the simple joy of sharing a special morning together, he felt a profound sense of contentment wash over him.

With their Valentine's Day breakfast forgotten for the moment, Brett and Santana lingered in each other's arms, savoring the sweet intimacy of the moment. And as they stood there, wrapped up in each other's embrace, Santana's smile widened as she reached out to playfully slap Brett on his bare ass, eliciting a surprised yelp from him. "Get yourself ready," she said, her voice laced with amusement. "We need to into the city to check into our hotel."

Santana watched with a mixture of pride and amusement as Brett maneuvered effortlessly on his crutches, his determination evident in each swift movement. Despite the challenges, Brett had made remarkable progress in his recovery, and Santana couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for his resilience.

"Look at you go," she remarked, her voice tinged with both admiration and amusement as Brett sped past her on his crutches. "You're practically racing me to the subway."

Brett grinned at her words, the playful glint in his eyes reflecting the joy he felt at being able to move with such freedom once again. "I told you I'd be back on my feet in no time" he replied, his voice filled with determination as he reached out to take Santana's hand in his own.

Together, they made their way through the bustling streets of Manhatten, the sounds and sights of the city enveloping them as they headed towards their destination. With each step, Santana felt a sense of excitement building within her, anticipation coursing through her veins as they drew closer to the Renaissance Hotel.

As they approached the entrance to the hotel, Brett's excitement was palpable, his eyes lighting up at the thought of the spectacular view that awaited them. "I can't wait to watch Times Square tonight from our room" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation as they stepped inside.

Santana smiled at Brett's enthusiasm, her heart swelling with affection for the man beside her. "It's going to be amazing" she agreed, her own excitement mirroring his as they made their way to the front desk to check in.

After a brief exchange with the hotel staff, they were soon on their way to their room, the anticipation of the evening ahead hanging in the air between them. As they stepped inside, Santana couldn't help but gasp in awe at the breathtaking view that greeted them, the dazzling sights of Times Square stretching out before them in a mesmerizing display.

"It's even more incredible than I imagined" she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sight before her.

Santana and Brett ventured out into the bustling chaos of Times Square, the vibrant energy of the city enveloping them as they navigated through the throngs of people. The neon lights and towering billboards illuminated the streets, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across their path as they soaked in the electrifying atmosphere.

"Isn't this incredible?" Santana exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder as she glanced around at the dazzling spectacle that surrounded them. Brett grinned at her enthusiasm, his eyes alight with excitement as he took in the sights and sounds of the iconic landmark. "It's like nothing else," he agreed.

Together, they explored the myriad of stores and attractions that lined the bustling area, their laughter mingling with the sounds of street performers and the hum of the crowd. They paused to admire the towering skyscrapers that loomed overhead, marveling at the architectural wonders that defined the iconic skyline of New York City.

As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city streets, Santana and Brett found themselves drawn to the inviting ambiance of Juniors, a renowned restaurant nestled in the heart of Times Square. With its classic diner aesthetic and mouthwatering menu, it was the perfect spot for a casual dinner date.

Seated at a cozy booth, Santana and Brett perused the menu, their mouths watering at the tantalizing array of options before them. After much deliberation, they both settled on burgers and, of course, they couldn't resist indulging in a slice of Juniors' famous Devil's Food Cheesecake, a sinfully decadent treat that promised to delight their taste buds.

As they savored each delicious bite, Santana couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her, grateful for the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with the man she loved. Across the table, Brett's eyes sparkled with mischief as he teased her about stealing the last bite of cheesecake, their laughter filling the air as they basked in each other's company.

With their bellies full and their spirits high, Santana and Brett made their way toward the theater, anticipation coursing through their veins as they prepared to immerse themselves in the magic of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Though Santana had never seen the iconic film on which the musical was based, Brett had assured her that she would love the theatrical adaptation, and she couldn't wait to experience it for herself.

As they settled into their seats inside the opulent theater, Santana felt a surge of excitement building within her, her heart pounding with anticipation as the lights dimmed and the curtains rose. From the moment the first notes of the overture filled the air, she was captivated, swept away by the dazzling spectacle unfolding before her eyes.

For the next few hours, they were transported to a world of romance, passion, and spectacle, they followed the captivating journey of the star-crossed lovers at the heart of the story. With its breathtaking choreography, electrifying musical numbers, and sumptuous set design, Moulin Rouge! The Musical was a feast for the senses, leaving Santana utterly spellbound from start to finish.

As the final curtain fell and the audience erupted into thunderous applause, Santana turned to Brett with tears of joy in her eyes, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the unforgettable experience they had shared.

Brett leaned back in the chair, his gaze fixed on the panoramic view stretching out before him. The hum of the city filled the air, a symphony of sound that served as the backdrop to their quiet moment of reflection. Beside him, Santana settled into his lap, her warmth enveloping him like a comforting embrace as they shared the intimacy of the night.

"Can you turn off the lights?" Brett murmured, his voice a soft whisper against her ear. Santana obliged, the room bathed in darkness as they sat in the glow of the city lights, the soft hum of the city below serving as a lullaby to soothe their souls.

As they watched the world pass by outside their window, Brett and Santana found themselves lost in a game of imagination, weaving stories about the strangers below based solely on the snippets of their lives they glimpsed from above. With each passing figure, they conjured tales of love and loss, hope and heartache, their laughter mingling with the soft murmur of the night.

"There's a man down there," Santana began, her voice filled with mischief as she pointed to a figure crossing the street below. "He's on his way to meet his secret lover, but little does he know, she's planning to surprise him with a romantic dinner."

Brett chuckled, his arms wrapped around her waist as he pulled her closer. "And what about her?" he asked, nodding towards a woman hurrying down the sidewalk with a bouquet of flowers in hand.

"She's a florist," Santana replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "She's rushing to deliver those flowers to a wedding, but she's secretly in love with the groom."

Their laughter echoed through the darkness, a melody of joy that filled the room with warmth and light. For in that moment, as they sat together in the quiet embrace of the night, Brett and Santana found solace in each other's arms, their love a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of the world below.

As the night wore on and the city below began to quiet, Brett and Santana remained lost in their own little world, their hearts intertwined as they watched the city sleep beneath a blanket of stars.

Brett's lips trailed along Santana's neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses in their wake. His breath was warm against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her earlobe.

"How about a special early birthday treat for the birthday boy?" He wiggled his eyebrows playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he waited for Santana's response.

Santana couldn't help but laugh at Brett's antics, her heart fluttering with affection for the man she loved. She turned to face him, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she considered his proposal.

"A special birthday treat, huh?" she teased, her voice filled with amusement. Brett's grin widened at Santana's response, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He took her hand in his, pulling her closer as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "So, how about it?" he asked, his voice soft and full of anticipation.

Santana pretended to consider his offer for a moment, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Hmm, I suppose I could be convinced," she replied, her voice teasing as she looked up at him through her lashes.

With that, Brett's face lit up with delight, and he pulled Santana into his arms, planting a sweet kiss on her lips, his arms wrapping around her in a warm embrace.

With that, Brett's face lit up, a delighted smile spreading across his features. He eagerly enveloped Santana in a warm embrace, pressing his lips to hers in a sweet kiss. As she stood up, he unfastened his belt, anticipating what was to come. With Santana now on her knees, skillfully undoing his pants. "Is this the treat you had in mind?" she asked with a sly grin, to which he simply nodded in response.

Brett observed as she took him with her hand, feeling him grow harder under her touch. She teased him a bit before finally bringing his now-hardened member into her mouth.

Santana's lips were soft and warm against his skin as she took him deeper into her mouth. Brett let out a low moan, feeling her tongue swirl around his tip. He leaned back against the chair, his head falling back in pleasure.

"You feel so good San" he groaned, his hands tangling in her hair.

Santana chuckled, the vibrations sending shivers down Brett's spine. She continued to pleasure him with her mouth, using her hand to stroke him at a steady pace. Brett couldn't believe how incredible it felt, everything from her touch to the way she looked up at him with those seductive eyes was driving him wild.

He could feel himself getting closer to climax, and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold on for much longer. "I'm going to cum" he managed to say through gritted teeth. But before he could finish his sentence, Santana pulled away with a satisfied smirk. "Not yet" she teased. "I want you inside me."

Brett immediately reached out to help Santana stand up from her kneeling position. She draped her dress over his lap, facing him as she leaned in for a passionate kiss as she positioned herself above him. With precision, she guided him inside of her and began to move in sync with him.

Her hands ran through his hair, pulling him closer to her as they moved in perfect rhythm together. Brett couldn't believe how incredible she felt, the tightness of her walls gripping him tightly as she moved up and down on top of him. He reached up to run his hands over her body, feeling every curve and dip as they continued to explore each other in this intimate moment.

Their moans and gasps filled the room as they picked up speed, their bodies moving in unison toward a shared pleasure. Brett could feel Santana getting closer, her breaths coming quicker and her movements becoming more urgent.

"I'm so close" she whispered, her voice filled with need and desire. "Me too" Brett replied, their eyes locked in an intense gaze.

Santana reached her peak with one last thrust, bringing Brett to climax as well deep inside her. They both sat there breathless and fully satisfied. "Happy Birthday," she whispers into his lips, pulling him in for a passionate kiss.

The next morning, Santana awoke with the sun, her naked body entwined with Brett's. She couldn't help but smile as she watched him sleeping peacefully, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

Slowly, she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips, hoping to wake him gently. But instead of stirring, Brett pulled her closer, a playful grin forming on his face as his eyes remained closed.

"Good morning, my birthday boy," Santana said, unable to hide her own smile. "What would you like to do on your special day?" Brett's grin widened as he opened his eyes and pulled her in for another kiss. "You" he replied, his voice filled with mischief.

Brett reclined comfortably against the plush pillows propped up against the headboard, his arm draped casually around Santana as they lounged in the cozy confines of their hotel room. The afternoon sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the space and filling it with a sense of tranquility.

Eventually, hunger spurred them into action, prompting Brett to call room service and order food for them to share in the comfort of their room. They feasted on fresh cobb salad and a chicken avocado sandwich, savoring each bite as they laughed and talked about everything and nothing.

After food, they indulged in a leisurely shower together, the warm water cascading over their bodies as they washed away the remnants of sleep and indulgence. Brett had relished the feeling of Santana's skin against his own, reveling in the intimacy of the moment as they shared kisses and whispered words of affection.

Santana glanced up from her phone as Brett mentioned the time, her eyebrows knitting together in surprise. "Already?" she exclaimed, momentarily taken aback by how quickly the afternoon had flown by. She had been so engrossed in their lazy day together that she hadn't realized how late it had gotten.

With a reluctant sigh, she set her phone aside and turned to face Brett, who was already beginning to sit up in bed. "I guess we should start getting ready then," she said. She had been enjoying their time alone together, reveling in the simple pleasure of being in each other's company without any distractions.

Brett nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we don't want to be late for our reservation" he replied, pushing himself off the bed and stretching his arms above his head. Despite the prospect of leaving their cozy haven, he couldn't deny the excitement building within him at the thought of trying out a new restaurant with Santana.

Once they were both ready, they made their way out of the hotel and into the bustling streets of the city. As they neared a bar Brett had mentioned, Santana felt a surge of excitement coursing through her veins. She couldn't wait to see what the night had in store for them, to indulge in good food, good company, and the promise of new adventures yet to come.

Santana sat perched on a barstool, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her cocktail glass as she watched Brett beside her, his gaze filled with a warmth that made her heart flutter. The soft glow of the bar's ambient lighting cast a gentle halo around them, cocooning them in a bubble of intimacy amidst the bustling energy of the city.

As Brett lifted his glass, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, Santana mirrored his gesture, their glasses clinking together in a harmonious melody of celebration. "To us" he toasted, his voice tinged with a hint of sentimentality.

Santana's heart swelled with affection at his words, her gaze softening as she met his eyes. "To us" she echoed, her voice a tender whisper as she leaned in closer, the warmth of his presence enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

Brett's gratitude washed over her like a gentle wave, filling her with a sense of contentment that she hadn't felt in a long time. Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his cheek, the softness of her touch a silent testament to the depth of her affection. "Thank you" she murmured against his skin, her voice a gentle caress as she savored the sweet intimacy of the moment.

Brett turned to face her, his eyes shining with unspoken emotion as he reached out to cup her cheek, his touch sending a shiver of electricity down her spine. "No, thank you" he insisted, his voice thick with emotion. "For everything. These past six weeks have been... incredible. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday, or a better partner to share it with."

Santana's heart swelled with love at his words, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she leaned into his touch, her soul singing with joy at the depth of their connection. "I love you" she whispered, the words a fervent declaration of her devotion.

Brett's gaze softened, his heart swelling with emotion as he returned her sentiment with a tender smile. "I love you too," he replied, his voice a gentle murmur as he pulled her into his arms, the warmth of his embrace a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world.

Santana's anticipation bubbled within her as she and Brett strolled towards Momofuku Noodle Bar, the vibrant energy of the city pulsating around them. She couldn't contain her excitement, her steps quickening with each passing moment as she eagerly anticipated the culinary delights that awaited them.

Turning to Brett with a wide grin, she couldn't help but express her enthusiasm. "I can't believe we're here" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've always wanted to eat at Momofuku!"

Brett chuckled at her enthusiasm, his hand finding hers as they made their way inside the cozy establishment. "I'm glad we could make it happen" he replied, his own excitement evident in his voice.

As they were ushered to their table, Santana's eyes danced with delight at the sight of the menu. She eagerly scanned the options, her mouth watering at the thought of the savory dishes that awaited them. Glancing up at Brett, she couldn't help but share her excitement. "Everything looks amazing," she remarked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Brett nodded in agreement, his eyes alight with anticipation as he perused the menu alongside her. "It all sounds delicious," he agreed, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. "But I think we should start with the Pork Belly buns to share. What do you think?"

Santana's face lit up at the suggestion, her stomach growling in agreement. "That sounds perfect," she replied, her mouth already watering at the thought of the succulent pork nestled within fluffy buns. "And for our mains, how about we both go for the Ramen? It's a classic choice."

Brett nodded in agreement, his excitement mirrored in her own. "Ramen it is," he confirmed, his gaze lingering on her with adoration. "And to top it off, how about a glass of Marie de Louvoy to accompany our meal?"

Santana reached out to squeeze his hand. "That sounds perfect," she murmured, her voice filled with warmth. "So, what are your plans? When do you want to go back home to Miami?"

Brett glanced at her, his expression thoughtful as he considered her question. "I'm not sure," he admitted with a shrug. "Honestly, I'm happy here with you. I haven't really thought about going back yet."

His words brought a surge of warmth to Santana's heart, but they also fueled her curiosity further. She squeezed his hand gently, unable to suppress the questions that danced on the tip of her tongue any longer.

"Are we serious, Brett?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Brett paused, his eyes meeting hers with a tender gaze. "Yes, Santana" he replied earnestly, his lips brushing against her knuckles in a gentle kiss. "We're serious."

Relief flooded through Santana at his words, but she couldn't stop there. There were still more questions that needed answers, and more uncertainties that needed to be addressed.

"What are your plans for the future?" she pressed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you see yourself settling down, starting a family someday?" Brett's brow furrowed in confusion at her sudden barrage of questions. "What do you mean?" he asked, his tone tinged with uncertainty.

Santana took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she continued. "I mean, do you see yourself having a family? Kids?" she clarified, her gaze searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

Brett's expression softened, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of tenderness and apprehension. "Of course I do" he replied, his voice filled with conviction. "But not for a long, long time. I'm too young. I'm about to go to college later this year. I need to focus on my studies, on building a career, on being secure before kids are even a thought."

Santana nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of his words. She understood his perspective, she truly did. But there was a part of her that couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the prospect of waiting so long to start a family.

"I understand, Brett," she began, her words measured and deliberate. "But I need to be honest with you. I can't afford to wait three to five years to start a family. I'm turning 30 this year, and time is not on my side."

Brett's brow furrowed in concern as he took in her words, his expression reflecting the weight of her revelation. He reached out to grasp her hand, his touch a silent reassurance amidst the storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm them both.

"I know, Santana," he murmured, his voice soft with understanding. "And I hear you. I just... I need some time."

Santana nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of their conversation. She knew that this was a pivotal moment in their relationship, a crossroads that would ultimately determine their future together.

"We've only been official for three months" Brett continued, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Santana's heart sank at his words, the fear of rejection clawing at her insides but she refused to let her emotions get the best of her.

"I understand, Brett" she replied, her voice unwavering. "But I need to know where we're headed before we get too deep. I can't afford to invest my heart in something that doesn't have a future."

Brett nodded thoughtfully, his gaze searching hers for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But Santana held his gaze, her resolve unyielding despite the uncertainty that hung in the air between them.

As the waiter brought out their food, they fell into a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts. In that moment, Santana knew that whatever the future held, she would face it with courage and conviction