Disclaimer: This Glee fanfiction is based upon the television show of the same name. All characters and situations other than my own are sole property of Ryan Murphy Productions and 20th Century Fox Television.

A/N: Refers vaguely to events in episode 2.09. This was just an idea that wouldn't leave my head, these two never interact so this is a missing scene to explore a possible dynamic between these very different characters.

Sam peered around the corner before casually walking down the corridor towards the door. He wasn't hiding or anything. It's just that after the scene in the dressing rooms he kind of needed to escape. It was cool that they accepted him and all, but he wasn't around for all the background drama and some of it just made him uncomfortable to think about.

Sam glanced back down the corridor one last time before ducking outside with a dramatic sigh of relief. This was interrupted when he oh so gracefully stumbled over his own feet trying to avoid stepping on the small figure sitting on the stairs in front of him.

Sam figured that he may have lost the element of surprise, what with his flailing and cursing. So sneaking off wasn't really an option.

"So... um, sorry. I didn't think anyone else would be here. I'll just leave you alone now."

"Of course you will." Rachel's disdainful reply came immediately. "You wouldn't want anyone to catch you in my presence. After all, loser is contagious."

"That's not fair; you were looking kinda mopey so I figured you might want some privacy." That seemed to get rid of the disdain, but unfortunately it was replaced by irritation.

"I am not mopey. I am melancholy! There is a clear distinction and if you clearly cannot tell the difference then apparently the already low standards by which I judge the intelligence of the majority of McKinley High students needs to be lowered further." Rachel deflated and tried to surreptitiously wipe her eyes. "You should go. I will just take a moment to gather my thoughts before I return."

Sam cursed himself later for not just escaping when he had the chance. He took one last look and realised that anyone could see she didn't want to be alone. The tiny singer just couldn't ask for company.

"Look, I'm sorry. What happened in there, everyone ganging up on you like that? It was harsh."

"Yes, well it is my burden to bear. Not everyone understands or appreciates genius. They are simply jealous of my talent and don't know how to constructively express themselves." Sam could just feel himself getting more than a little frustrated after her little speech.

"Sure it could be that, but it could also be that you're kinda weird. You could try fitting in occasionally and not being so... Rachel Berry all the time."

Rachel leapt to her feet and pulled herself up to her full (not very tall) height. "Of course, I should keep my opinions quiet, moderate myself, and cultivate interests that others find appealing." Rachel practically spat the words out as she advanced on him. "Maybe one day if I'm lucky I will have managed to suppress every aspect of myself that really defines me as an individual so that I can fit in with ordinary teenagers, except wait, McKinley already has one Sam Evans!"

"Excuse me? What the hell does that mean?"

"It means that you seem so obsessed with your social standing that the only thing that you publicly express an opinion on is your own body. You never disagree with anyone and anything you admit to liking never goes beyond the bounds of what is considered normal by your peers. Do you even like Quinn or are you just dating her because of the effect dating the head cheerleader will have?"

"Of course I like her, she is my girlfriend." Sam stopped backing away, stung by her accusation.

"Why?"

"Why, what?"

"Why do you like her? What drew you in so much that you had to be a part of her life?"

"I don't know. She's hot, smart, funny..." Sam was almost glad when she interrupted because he was getting thoroughly confused by the whole conversation.

"Let me guess, she's also 'fun' or 'cool' or just really awesome?"

"I have no idea what you're getting at."

"Not one of those things specifically describes Quinn, you could be talking about half the girls in the school."

"Well fine." Responded Sam defensively "Why do you like Finn?"

"I love Finn because he always sees the best in people, because he tries to do his best by everyone even if he doesn't always know how and because he was the first to take a chance on Glee." Rachel's voice started to falter "To take the time to realise that we aren't just freaks and misfits, that we are people with voices, opinions and hearts. That is why I love Finn." Sam pretended that he couldn't see her eyes getting redder and just tried to salvage their conversation.

"So I'm not as good with words as you. Maybe I don't know how to be as articulate, but just because I don't say it doesn't mean I don't feel it." Sam didn't even understand why he cared so much what she thought, but he couldn't bear to be thought as some sort of soulless robot. He felt somewhat gratified by the apologetic look on her face.

"You're right; I have no right to judge your relationship, especially when I know so little about it. It's just that I hear you talking about your popularity but you never appear to care about making friends." By this point Sam had given up trying to work out how the conversation had gotten where it had, but that last bit just threw his brain for a loop.

"Hang on, so I'm worried about being popular, but not about making friends? Care to explain that, 'cause where I'm standing they're the same thing."

"No, not at all. A friend is a confidante, someone with whom you can share your highs and lows. A person who cares how you feel and wishes to make your life more enjoyable. To be popular simply means that others want to be on your good side. Whether that is because they think you are suitably cool or fear you or simply want to be around the 'right people'. To have popularity may seem an admirable goal, but it is much shallower and emptier than having true friends." Rachel's condescension always pushed people's buttons and same couldn't resist having the last word.

"Well one out of two aint bad and maybe I don't have a group of bosom buddies, but I'm a step ahead of you." Sam wished he could have taken that back, being cruel wasn't his style. However instead of a patented Berry hissy fit or floods of tears all he got was a steady, slightly sad look.

"Yes I suppose you are." Was all she said before brushing past him to disappear inside.