,' "We should go inside, Finn,' murmured Rachel as she nestled closer to his chest, unmoving. They sat in his truck in the lot outside of McKinley High School.
" Ah, Rach, we've got like 10 minutes before first bell,' Finn moved his mouth persuasively over hers," that's plenty of time .."
The steering wheel cut into her side and Rachel moved, melding herself closer to him.
"I love you " breathed Finn, stroking her hair. He couldn't believe it'd been nearly a month already since they'd finally gotten together and life was pretty great.
"I love you too " whispered Rachel, resumed kissing her passionately.
There was a loud rap on the window startling them both apart , prompting Finn to bump his head and accidentally elbow his girlfriend in the eye . She let out a little cry.
Kronvosky 's face leered at them," Losers!"
A grape Slushie hit the windshield and Finn let out a curse. He would have thought the asshole would have let up after all this time but the bully still insisted on torturing Finn about glee and now Rachel. It was getting old and he knew how upset it made Rachel.
Finn rubbed the knot on his head and wondered if there was a different way of tackling the moron that would kill him and look accidental.
Rachel moaned and buried her face back in his chest" Ow, my eye"
Finn let go of his head, bringing his hand back down to pull his girlfriend back to examine her. "Sorry, Rach," Finn kissed her eyebrow," are you alright?'
Rachel nodded," It isn't bruised .Is it? I would hate for people to think you accosted me '
" I would never hit you," said Finn, automatically," or any girl"
"I know, Finn," Rachel pressed her lips softly to his,' I suppose this means that we should go inside. " She peered at herself in the mirror," I may need to find Kurt -he's bound to have a cover up stick to hide the red '
"But Rach, ten minutes " protested Finn, resting his head against the back of the seat but his girlfriend was already collecting her things and getting out of the truck.
Rachel tapped her foot impatiently,"Finn, you don't want to be tardy for class. That reflects badly on those scholarships you applied for and I know how important that is to you"
' I hate when your always right, Rach" grumbled Finn but climbed out of the truck.
He took her hand into his and they walked inside to face the new day.
"Your right plenty of times, Finn " smiled Rachel as they passed two jocks. Both waited, he cringed but they were bypassed-thank God, maybe the newness of them had worn off.
Kurt and Mercedes were drinking their coffees by the lockers as the couple joined them.
"Rachel, that outfit is hideous," spoke up Kurt of her choice of attire. It was a short lavender dress with tiny flowers all over it with a white tee beneath and pale pink ballet flats," I would have thought being with Finn would have improved your fashion sense "
"I like what she's wearing, Kurt " informed Finn, smiling down at her.
"That's because, my friend, " sighed Kurt," sadly, she has you whipped '
"It isn't whipped that Finn loves his girl," corrected Mercedes,' though I'll whip your ass, Finn, if you've been throwin her around. Rachel, what happened to your eye?'
"it was an accident ' defended Finn," Korosky interrupted us , Mercedes"
Rachel winced," Is it that hideous? It didn't look that bad in the truck mirror '
"Kurt, give me the concelear," ordered Mercedes as he slapped a shiny make-up bag in his friends hand ," come on, Rachel" She herded the diva into the girls restroom," I don't understand why you cant keep the basics with you, girl. I don't care if you only wear mascara and damn fruity lip-gloss for Finn….Tina and I talked to you about this "
Finn chuckled as the girls disappeared," Good thing Rach likes Mercedes or they'd be chick fighting for how she's talking to her '
" How you handling the backlash of dating Rachel?' asked Kurt, not unkindly.
" Kronsky and Enzio haven't let up any but I can deal," admitted Finn," for once in my life, I don't care what other people think. I'm really happy, Kurt "
"Glad to see that," said Kurt , honestly," you wouldn't happen to have a gay relative you could fix me up with?"
Finn scratched his eye, thoughtfully." Pete dresses pretty weird but I'm pretty sure he's straight," remarked Finn of his second cousin," Mom's always talking to my aunt about how he dates bimbos. Sorry, dude, cant help you there "
"Never mind,' dismissed Kurt,' I think I hear the ladies coming" As if on cue, Mercedes and Rachel reappeared, having repaired the redness around her eye as well as another coat of strawberry lip-gloss. "Thank you for your assistance,Mercedes,' Rachel grabbed Finn's hand," but we have to go or we'll be late to class, for sure '
Finn lifted a hand," See you guys later'
"Come on, Finn, we have 4 minutes " says a panicked Rachel, pulling his hand.
Lunch time found Artie and Tina sharing a table and a rather heated discussion involving their weekend plans. They had been dating each other technically going on near three weeks and his nobility was driving Tina nuts. Sure, the boy was getting more involved as far as the kissing with but it was other aspects of this new change in their relationship that he was having trouble adapting too. " It's not that big of a deal, T," stated Artie," its too much of a hassle for me to go shopping besides I hate it." he picked up her hand," Besides I didn't think you cared about my keen fashion sense, my rocker chic '
Tina sighed," You look cute no matter what you wear, Artie, but come on, I'm not saying that I want you to dress like Kurt or anything. I'm just saying we could go buy some tee shirt s to go with those jeans -you rocked that look when you guys did that mash-up'
"You want me to look normal " Artie's voice fell, worried.
Tina leaned over and kissed him, softly.' I think you'd be sexy shirtless with those suspenders, Artie. I don't want to change anything …tell me, you like that vest '
The shirtless comment had him coloring and instead of answering, Artie returned her kiss.' It's not one of my favorites, no " admitted Artie," but can we table this for later "
"Fine," She let it drop," shopping is out for our weekend date "
"We don't have to go out," offered Artie," I would understand if you'd want to go shopping with Mercedes and Kurt. We don't have to go out every Friday.."
" Friday is date night," declared Tina, firmly," and I want to be with you, Artie '
Before he could respond, Artie spotted Finn and Rachel and waved at them to join them.
"Hey, Artie, Tina," Finn held out the chair for Rachel as she sat," thanks for the seats'
" Do you two have any plans for tonight ?' asked Rachel as she handed Finn her sandwich. He passed her an apple," I understand the new romantic comedy is playing at the theatre -my Dads have simply been dying to go see it "
"We've seen a lot of movies," explained Tina," actually we were trying to decide what we wanted to do. Artie is against trying the mall with me…"
"I'm with you there , dude ' Finn and Artie exchanged high fives.
"Rachel and I are going bowling,' brought up Finn," you guys should join us '
Tina's eyes lit up at the prospect." You mean like a double date," questioned Tina, looking at Rachel," are you sure we wouldn't be intruding, Rachel?"
"Of course not, Tina," says Rachel, her smile genuine," Finn wouldn't have issued the invitation if we didn't want your company '
"I don't know," Artie had misgivings," I cant exactly, you know, bowl"
" You don't know that," cornered his girlfriend," you've never tried "
"You cannot be any worse than I am, Artie," contributed Rachel," and Finn has been working with me to improve my game but he still beats me"
"She sort of flings the ball" grinned Finn as Rachel elbowed him, playfully.
"I've gotten one strike" informed Rachel, thinking of their very first date.
"It was kind of a miracle," added Finn," but our first date doesn't count" He dropped a quick kiss on her lips," On her last ball, she nails every single pin"
"You only say that because of your guilt, Finn " chided Rachel, smartly.
"Probably," admitted Finn, honestly. Then to Artie," Its cute the way she bowls '
"The bowling alley does have a ramp," cajoled Tina, the idea perking her spirits up," come on, Artie, it sounds like a lot of fun. You'd still probably have the advantage the way you wheel that thing- and don't use it as an excuse . You dance in it'
"I think she's got you there, Artie " chuckled an amused Finn.
Artie's smile was rueful."If it means that much to you, Tina," conceded Artie," we 'll go bowling. Are you sure you guys don't mind us horning in on your date?"
" I've never been on a double date before," chirped Rachel," it'll be fun'
"Cool," said Artie," Tina and I are in"
"A night out on the town" exclaimed Tina, happily as she gave him a smacking kiss.
"Rach, come on," Finn glanced at the clock and pulled his girlfriend out of her seat," we've got like ,a whole ten minutes before class…"
"See you guys in glee " called out Rachel as her boyfriend pulled her away from the table and out of the cafeteria, passing Kurt and Mercedes on their way out.
"Where's the fire ?" inquired a curious Tina as the two took the vacated seats to join them.
Kurt took a sip of his Evian water." They make out in the auditorium" told Kurt
Tina, Mercedes,and Artie gaped at him.
"What," remarked a bored Kurt," Finn told me. Believe me when I say that now that those two are together, I have absolutely no desire to know all of the sordid details of their love life. "
"Why did Finn tell you then?" asked a suspicious Artie .
"I accidentally interrupted them," elaborated Kurt," it appears that now when they practice their duets together, they slide right into the making out part "
"Don't get your hopes up, T," Artie caught her hand," they still haven't got the ramp installed yet. We'd have to make out while I rolled us in…"
Her grin was mischievous," I'd jump you now if it wouldn't embarrass you to death'
She flicked his glasses and moved in for a kiss. It was sweet and fleeting.
Artie regained his composure though he did let out a breath, wishing they were alone.
"We don't want a show, Tina " scolded Mercedes," much as I know that you would jump Artie first chance you got., I think that's best done in private '
Tina blushed as pink as her favorite eyeshadow."Your just jealous , Mercedes'
Artie waved a hand in the air."Girls, I'm still sitting here " reminded Artie, evenly.
"Relax,Artie," spoke up Kurt ," we all know that Tina's usual shyness is right out the window when it comes to her wanting to jump your bones. We accept that '
Artie frowned as he tried to make sense of it." I don't know if I like that or not '
"Take it as a compliment ," informed Kurt ," we all share here, Artie "
"So, Friday," brought up Mercedes," you two got big plans for tonight?"
"Bowling with Finn and Rachel " chimed in Tina, excitedly.
"Seriously ?" repeated Mercedes,surprised," a bowling date. Your not lying?'
"They invited us to join them," added Artie," Rachel was actually ..nice about it '
" We don't always have to hang at the mall," an idea took hold in the fashionista and she nudged Kurt ," and bowling might be fun. I've got like twenty five bucks to my name this weekend and you know that wont cover the mall and dinner …"
"We did hit all the good sales last week," allowed Kurt," and my father wasn't exactly thrilled with my splurges at Macy's. The shoes are so passé but it might be a change of pace if we hung out with our friends "
"I think the alley has karaoke " teased Mercedes,knowing full well it did .
"Which would make it more than passable if we're belting out Beyonce " said Kurt
"Cool," said an energized Mercedes," I cant remember the last time I went bowling '
"Wasn't it like the sixth grade ?" added Tina, thinking back as well.
" Uh,guys," cut in Artie," I don't know if all of us is what Finn had in mind '
"Finn wont mind a bit," stated Kurt without a qualm," we're all friends here'
Later that afternoon, Kurt was answering a text from his girl Mercedes when Brittany ran over and gave him a hug." Kurt, you were right,' gushed a thrilled Brittany,' the mineral base doesn't rub off as easily as Lancôme does. Thanks for the tip"
"Sephora is the only organic make-up that holds up through our day here ' said Kurt
"Santana should have listened ," said Brittany, conversationally," her nose is shiny'
'I believe that ' replied Kurt ," always glad to be of service, Britt'
He scanned the hallway and found it to be safe ." So, what is the latest juice ?'
"Well, Santana is still pretending that she doesn't want Matt,' informed Brittany," I've never seen her act this stupid. I mean she was bitchy when she dated Puck but that's been like, months ago, so it doesn't even count. I told her I thought she was being stupid and unlike some of the guys she's dated, Matt is really nice "
"Old news," dismissed Kurt ," anything else within the last two hours ?'
"Oh," Brittany perked up as if suddenly remembering something," Kristie and E.J. are throwing a party out at the orchard tonight. Its causing all sorts of talk because of who she's invited- I'm surprised you haven't heard about it yet?"
Kurt rolled his eyes," I'm hardly popular, Britt, and I didn't get an invite "
"I heard she invited Finn and Rachel ," said Brittany ," and Puck and Quinn"
"Not happening," Kurt beat her to the punch," Finn and Rachel are going bowling. Double date with Tina and Artie- I heard it first hand, myself. Mercedes and I are joining them for the bowling and karaoke…"
" I didn't know that," replied Brittany," But I know Finn thanked her and said they'd try to come to the next one. Kristie was cool about it- I think she figured Rachel doesn't drink or something. I cant see Puck and Quinn going - I mean, she defiantly cant drink with the baby and all." She paused," Mike and I are going'
"Hey there, Kurt " addressed Mike Chang, slinging an arm around his girls shoulder.
"Mike," addressed Kurt ," just telling Britt here that those of us not invited to a night of free booze and casual sex will be hanging together at the bowling alley '
" Is it a glee thing ?' Mike wanted to know." Oooh," Brittany just made a connection," wait, you said karaoke, Kurt. I love to karaoke!"
"And enough fat and carbs fried in grease to make one gain five pounds " started Kurt, wistfully.
"Cheese fries are my favorite " added Brittany," even though its against Sue's policy about fried foods. She'll be coming back from Florida in like two weeks and then I wont be able to eat normal food again"
"We might stop by later," decided Mike, good naturally," come on, Britt. We'll catch you in glee, Hummel"
The football player and Cheerio walked towards their next class arm in arm.
Meanwhile upstairs , Matt Rutherford and Mercedes Jones shared the same bio class.
"Why cant we go back to dissecting frogs," grimaced Mercedes," I can handle a dead frog'She made a face ," Ew, pig babies "
"Embryos ," laughed Matt," and I'll do that part. You can do all our paperwork'
"Thanks , Matt," said Mercedes," but really I'm not squeamish. Seriously I'm even cool with bugs but in this case, I just feel sorry for the pig"
"That's cool, Mercedes," said Matt, arranging their scalpels," Santana is all girly with that kind of thing."
"Didn't think you were still dating her ?" inquired a curious wasn't like she and Santana were actually friends( more like glee mates) but she and Matt were.
She could never understand why a nice guy could like a bitchy Cheerio.
Right, it was a guy thing. Beautiful, bitchy cheerleader . Finn had been with Quinn till he wised up and she fit that bill Santana was in that same category- she'd exclude Brittany just for the reason that the girl was about as harmless as a fruit fly and made a point to make friends within glee. She and Kurt had argued the logic of this last week.
"So, you got big plans for tonight," cut in an interested Matt, testing the waters," you and Kurt hanging out at the mall tonight? That's usually what you guys do, right?'
Mercedes cell went off and she pulled it out. A text from Tina.
" Mostly," said a distracted Mercedes," except for the mall part. We're going to hang with most of glee tonight at the bowling alley. Finn's idea. ….you?"
Matt scratched his shaved head and thought back to History. Finn hadn't mentioned anything about hanging out-they'd mainly talked about the new football plays, the skin flick that was on last night, and the dude went on and on about Rachel.
"Don't know," shrugged Matt," there's that party out at the orchard tonight.
You hear about it?"
"Kristie's right," remarked Mercedes," big deal cause its hers and her new boys. Got the 911 from Kurt like four texts ago. We were all surprised she invited Finn since he's with Rachel and the rest of us in the wrungs of glee didn't get our invites "
' Kristie's cool," explained Matt," when she first moved here, Korosky made a really big play for her and Finn punched him. They've been friends ever since and since he's with Rachel these days, I doubt its an issue with her. She's civil with Quinn- "
"I heard they once had a bitchfest and Kristie beat her " added Mercedes, with a grin.
"Don't know about that," Matt continued since this conversation wasn't going in the direction he wanted. He forgot that the girl loved to talk" you could come"
"Right," chuckled an amused Mercedes, only half-listening as she answered Tina's text ," like I'd get a personal invite at this late hour. No thanks, I'll stick with bowling'
Matt frowned, confused. Didn't he just ask her ? "maybe I'll swing by the alley '
"Whatever," commented Mercedes, busily typing away," we'll all be there'
Maybe it was the Santana thing-had he answered her about that?
He couldn't remember-girls were weird about things like that.
Matt sighed and sent her what he considered one of his sexy smiles.
The girl was still texting.
Smooth, Rutherford," thought Matt to himself," real smooth'
By the time the end of the day rolled around, everyone always arrived in glee early to hang out before arrived. The fact that it was Friday night loomed on everyone's mind, after all ,once glee practice was over then it was officially the weekend.
Finn was behind the drums, Rachel sitting on his lap, as he tried to teach her to play.
She was all serious as he put his arms around her and showed her the correct way to hold the sticks. "I wanted to do this the first time we went bowling " said Finn
Rachel turned her head up at him," Put your arms around me'
" I resisted" said Finn, ruefully as he nuzzled her neck," but now I can hold you all I want '
The drums were forgotten as they exchanged a soft kiss. " Stop feeling guilty , Finn," chided Rachel," we're past all of that finally. Now what is the rhythm of this ?'
Finn shook his head and began to explain how he learned to play the drums.
Artie strummed a couple chords on his guitar and the couple tried to pick it up.
"How about this, Finn?' Artie began the opening rifts of a familiar song.
"Springsteen, cool," Finn loved the classics from the 80's," Rach, let me have those for a sec" His girlfriend recognized his excitement and the song," Have fun" She kissed his cheek, handed him the drumsticks, and slid from his lap to join the girls and Kurt as Finn and Artie broke into 'Glory Days'.
Brittany was busy trying to braid Santana's hair for her irritable best friend.
" Matt isn't dating anyone," informed Brittany," apologize to him"
"I don't do apologizes to guys," said a pissed off Santana," you know this. I get that your nuts for Mike and I'm glad for you, Britt, but give it a rest '
" Quinn is being nicer," said Brittany, softly," you might try it once in a while'
Santana glared at her ,' Quinn is hormonal , I 'm not. Matt isn't the end all of cool football players in this school and I can certainly do better "
Brittany let go of her friends hair."Now your just being plain mean about him"
"Your supposed to support me, Brittany,' retorted a hurt Santana," glee has made you like these freaks. What did I tell you about making friends with them? Not to do it'
" They are nice to me," said Brittany in her defense," even when I wasn't nice to them. Even Rachel and I have defaced her picture in the yearbook dozens of time, Tina helped me bring up my math grade to a C, and Kurt knows all the best make-up tips .."
Santana scrunched her face up in disgust."I get it, I get it," said the Cheerio," okay, change of subject. I am not talking about Matt again so you know"
" which is why we're sitting up front so he can see you when he comes in" pointed out Britt, knowing her friend well. She wasn't dumb, just a little slow.
That wasn't a bad thing, Finn could be slow too. It didn't mean a person wasn't smart.
"He isn't worth my time" sniffed Santana, airily.
"Because he isn't a jerk," Brittany was disappointed ," I know you, San. He hurt your feelings and when that happens you pick the guy- you could have made a sex play for Puck or that coy thing with Finn but you didn't. You like Matt and your very wrong "
"Brittany," Santana turned around in her chair," drop it. The party starts at eight and so does the free beer- E.J. also invited some of his college buddies from Dayton"
Brittany rolled her eyes." I'm happy with Mike"
"College guys," repeated Santana, more than a little irritated at her best friend," you need to test drive more than one guy. Quinn talked about this is Celibacy club"
"I remember," said Brittany, dully," but it didn't work out so well for her. Look, I know your looking forward to the party and all but Kurt and everyone is hanging out at the bowling alley tonight"
"The bowling alley," repeated the gorgeous Latina girl," have you finally lost your mind? This is the party, Britt. Why would you actually want to hang out with those losers?'
Mercedes overheard her and snapped," We prefer freaks and Brittany is a hell of a lot nicer than you are, Santana '
Santana scowled at the plus sized diva and pointedly ignored her as if she hadn't spoken.
"It's one thing if its for glee," stated the Cheerio," but Friday nights aren't "
Quinn was on hormonal overload and seemed to have no control over her emotions, her appetite, or the fact that she couldn't seem to stop crying. Glee wasn't any different for her except that she had to watch Finn and Rachel together."This isn't fair," sobbed Quinn, resting her head against Puck's shoulder," look..look at them? They are all…happy and in love. W..we don't look like that. You know we don't, Puck'
He patted her back and sighed, heavily." If you'd get your emotions under control, babe, I bet all of the guys in here would say that we seem pretty happy together "
She sniffed," Your just saying that to placate me, Puck. "
" I haven't ever lied to you, Quinn, and I'm not going to start now ," informed Puck, glaring at Mike who was watching them," we're not doing so bad together '
" No,' told Quinn,' do you still want me even if I'm fat?"
Panic welled in his gut." Your not fat, baby," Puck tried to soothe her ," your glowing."
Thank God, he'd watched that chick flick with his mom or he would have no clue about what to do here." What have I been telling you, Quinn? You are the hottest babe here and my baby mamma, that makes you doubly hot. Please, just stop crying '
She grabbed a fistful of his white tee shirt," I'm so sorry, Puck. Your so special and attentive to me and I act like a raging bitch'
"it's okay," Puck kissed her hair," I get why your bitchy '
She wiped at her eyes and sat up. It no longer bothered her that she had emotional break-downs in glee- it was probably the safest place for her to have them.
"It doesn't help that we got a pity invite to Kristie and E.j.'s party tonight ," admitted Quinn," I have never gotten a pity invite ever -that's for freaks like Rachel "
"It wasn't a pity invite," assured Puck, confident that he could fix this," Kristie knows that your with me and she's cool. I went out with her ….once"
He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth," it was just a one time thing. You were still with Finn, I was in between Santana dumping me , no big deal"
Quinn reared back, blue eyes blazing." You slept with her. I should have known"
Puck raised his hands," I never said that, Quinn. It was a date. Dammit, chill"
She sent him an icy look that had always sent Finn reeling ." then you just go right onto Kristie's party all by yourself, Puck," informed Quinn, every word laced with ice," there is no way in hell that I am going with you so that I can watch you hit on the next girl that will give it up to you'
All eyes in the room were glued to the drama taking place in the center of the room.
"That boy got himself into another hot damn mess,' commented Mercedes," you'd think after a month Puck would learn a thing or two about Quinn'
"Puck is a dog in its basest form " agreed Kurt, solemnly.
"Dammit,Quinn," growled Puck, at a loss at what to do," we've had this fight like ,what, twenty times since we got together. Do you want me to repeat every time we fight that I only want you and I haven't even hit on another girl since you said you'd try with me.
Cut me some slack here for a change"
Quinn crossed her arms across her chest."I don't know," said Quinn, " I don't plan to feel this way. I don't care what you do, Puck, but I want our baby to know that its parents care about one another. I shouldn't have to contemplate what kind of life our daughter will have if her mother is reduced to spending Friday night alone while her father is off whoring around Lima "
"Harsh " commented Finn, under his breath. He tried not to pay too much attention to Quinn and Puck these days but sometimes it was kind of hard. He actually sort of felt almost bad for Puck because he'd been on the other side had no mercy when she was attacking. Thank God, Rachel wasn't psycho like that.
Rach could be highly emotional but nothing like his ex. Damn, he was really lucky in love with Rachel.
" Poor Puck," commiserated Artie," the guy isn't lying. I even actually overheard him turn down Rhonda yesterday…though you probably don't care "
"Not really, dude " answered Finn, honestly.
Finn wasn't touching that one. .
"We're not putting a show on for everyone in here, Quinn," Puck grabbed her wrist, lightly," and I'm not letting you use me as your punching bag because your on bitchy and weepy this week. We'll settle this outside, Quinn"
"Let go of me, Noah Puckerman " cried Quinn, settling down to a simmer.
Rachel couldn't stop herself from interceding though she was aware that Finn might not like what she was about to do." Noah, calm down," says Rachel, soothingly," Quinn is reacting to the hormonal imbalance of your pregnancy and I'm sure she doesn't realize that the gravity of her insults hurt your feelings especially since your doting on her '
"Shut up, Tubbers " cursed Quinn, blue eyes meeting her enemies brown eyes.
Finn was at his girlfriends side in an instant, placing a protective hand on Rachel's arm.
"Don't start with her, Quinn " warned Finn, quietly.
"I can handle this myself, Finn " assured Rachel, touched by his concern.
"stop being a damn white knight ,Finn," retorted Quinn," Berry can hold her own "
"All of you just mind your own damn business!" Puck told all of the glee club.
"Your in glee," pointed out Mercedes," your making it our business "
" See how much trouble one party can cause," chirped in Tina," I am glad we're going bowling . It might actually be the one time I'm glad we're not popular '
" Bowling is tame compared to this smack down " agreed Artie
"hey guys," Will walked into glee and hoped it wasn't going to be too insane to work," Quinn, Puck, take your seats please. '
Glaring daggers at them, Quinn moved away from Puck and sat beside a peeved Santana.
Puck plopped down on the other side of the risers beside Tina and Artie.
seemed to be in a good mood so they would have a 50/50 shot of guessing how could have contributed to this mood. Kurt was running the bets.
"Now I realize that its Friday and your all siked to begin your weekend," replied Will," but we've got a lot of work cut out for us. Lets run through the Eagles number first '