A Very Puckleberry Redo Chapter 1, a glee fanfic

Okay, so this is my first stab at a Glee fanfiction. I'm not entirely sure how it will turn out, or if I will be able to portray the characters adequately. But I'm going to try my hardest! So this is going to be a Puckleberry story, but there will be some other pairings before we get to there.

I didn't want to just jump into them being in love, because I think that's ridiculous, so we'll probably see some Finchel along the way. But no worries, it will be very brief. I hope you guys like this and please review and let me know what you think and any errors I made.

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or anything associated with the show, sadly.

/*/

Chapter 1: Nowhere to go

Rachel watched as New Directions performed on stage, with that woman singing the lead. She couldn't believe that Mr. Schuester actually allowed April Rhodes anywhere near the stage, her stage. She was obviously a desperate move on his part, since he knew they couldn't make it without her.

Berry, she's completely taken your place. No one misses you and the only reason Finn wanted you back was to get a scholarship. Face it, you've been replaced.

But they won't really be able to go far. I mean, she's ancient! And a drunk!

But she's the one up in the spot light, isn't she? She's getting a standing ovation while you get slushy facials. And now that you've quit the play, again, you really have nowhere to go. No one wants you and you've lost any place you might have actually been able to shine. Good luck getting to Broadway when you aren't even in a choir group.

SHUT UP! I'm a star and I will make! I have to make it!

Rachel knew that she was extremely stressed when she started arguing with herself, but the sight of April Rhodes getting the applause that Rachel deserved was too much for her. She had planned to ask the Gleeks to allow her back into the group, but after witnessing the performance, she knew they wouldn't want her back.

That's right, because April Rhodes is actually a phenomenal singer. And she's got stage presence. Just look at Finn dance around her. Why would they want a loser like you when they can have someone like her?

Rachel felt her eyes tear up at the thoughts running through her head. She had to get out of the auditorium before she literally broke down in front of everyone. She quickly made her way to her car and went home before she could make a fool of herself, not wanting to suffer any more humiliation than she already endured.

/*/

The next day, Rachel made her way to Coach Sylvester's office, ducking into empty rooms and bathrooms anytime she saw a Cheerio or a letterman's jacket. She did not want to get slushied for the second time that day, having already changed into her spare outfit. Once she was certain she was safe, she approached the woman's door before knocking. After waiting a few seconds for the cue to enter, Rachel slowly pushed open the door.

Sue Sylvester had been watching a video of the Cheerios' practice from the day before when the knock came. When Rachel Berry entered, she let out a long suffering sigh before motioning Berry to step closer to her desk.

"What can I do for you Rachelle?"

"I know that I abandoned you again, but I would really like to come back to the play. I know my professionalism has not been up to par of a lead, but I can do better. I know I left you without an adequate explanation, even though you allowed me to rejoin and take the reins. And I'm very sorry for not appreciating the chances you took on me. But I promise that if you let me back in I will make it the performance of my life. I –"

"Whoa, let me stop you right there. I hate to inform you, but the play has been cancelled. After you left us, Ryerson made himself the lead. And I couldn't in good consciousness allow him to perform in front of students. So it has been cancelled."

"But I could direct it Coach. I know all about how plays working and how scenes should be staged and –"

"Sorry Rachelle, but you lost your chance. Now if you don't mind, I have to get back to work. My Cheerios are stars after all, and they need the best coaching possible."

Rachel bit her lip as she was dismissed, trying not to let the tears fall. She left the office, her shoulders slumped. She couldn't believe that she actually had nothing left anymore. She had no place to practice her craft, nowhere to shine. And no place to make friends or teammates. She was truly alone now.

Rachel was heading towards her locker to grab her lunch when she passed the choir room, the voices inside causing her to pause.

"I c…can't believe s…she actually w…won't come back. I t…thought she l…loved Glee." Tina's voice echoed through the room. Rachel looked around the hallway, making sure no one was paying attention before she eased herself closer to the open door, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Please, she loves getting all the solos. When she didn't get her way she threw a tantrum and stormed out. Rachel doesn't like sharing the spot light, and I'm glad she's gone. She can have her spotlight in the musical; I'll take the one in Glee." Mercedes replied, her dislike for the small girl evident.

"Actually, I heard the musical was cancelled." Artie supplied.

"That's great. That means she'll definitely come back now."

"And what makes you think we want her back Frankenteen? I think RaPaul got what was coming to her."

"Shut up Santana! We can't make it to nationals without her. And I thought we were supposed to be her friends and teammates." Finn shot back, trying to defend her.

"Manhands doesn't have any friends. No one wants to be associated with that freak." Quinn's voice was sharp, like a whip slashing through the air to cut down any of Finn's replies.

"Alright guys, let's forget about Rachel and focus on getting prepared for sectionals." Mr. Schuester's voice cut through the conversation, clearly wanting to get back to business. Rachel dashed away from the door when she heard the scrap of chairs, signaling that the clubbers had risen.

Well there's definitely not a question about how they feel about you. You blew your chances with them, and now you don't have anywhere else to go. How are you going to make it to Broadway without being in Glee? You've completely sabotaged any chances of achieving your dreams. I hope it was worth it Berry, because you'll never get out of Lima now.

Rachel pushed the thoughts away, not wanting to give into the blubbering that was close to the surface. She already got daily slushy facials; she didn't want to add the humiliation of crying in front of her unsympathetic classmates. She simply could not bear for that to happen, not with how the week had turned out.

/*/

After her last class, Rachel once more made her way to her locker, glad that at least it was Friday. This meant that she at least had two days to herself before she once more had to endure the taunts, cold beverages, and overall hell that was her high school experience. She had just reached the metal door when she saw Santana leaning up against the locker next to hers, a slushy in her hand. She smiled evilly at Rachel before tossing it in her face, reaching out to rub the corn syrup coated ice into her hair.

"There you go Yentl. You look better already. It's a drastic improvement on that god-awful sweater. Whoever told you that animal sweaters were attractive must have really hated you." Santana laughed as the cherry ice melted into the material of her sweater, permanently staining it. She made sure that all the drink was on Rachel before sauntering off, where she met up with Quinn and some other Cheerios, laughing at Rachel.

Taking a deep breath and swiping the sticky beverage from her eyes, Rachel quickly grabbed her books and her trolley bag before rushing to the bathroom, the students she passed laughing and taunting her as she went. Once she had absorbed as much liquid into paper towels, she washed her face before leaving the school, not bathing trying to clean her hair. Santana had made sure that the drink was literally on her scalp, and Rachel just wanted to take a hot shower and forget how much her life sucked.

/*/

Stepping into her closet, Rachel was about to pull on a sweater when Santana's words echoed through her head. She starred at the picture of a unicorn, not understanding why people were so concerned with what she wore.

Children are starving and they're worried about what I wear. That is completely ridiculous!

Yeah, but Berry, wouldn't you love to go through a day without being slushied? Or picked on? If you just stopped wearing them, then you might actually go unnoticed!

But my dads love these!

That's because they make you look like, what did Santana say before. A grandmother, yet a kindergartener at the same time. Your dads want you to wear these because they know no one would want to date you when you look like this.

But Finn showed an interest in me. And who cares what I wear? They're my clothes and I like my sweaters! I've been wearing them for…

Too long! You haven't updated your wardrobe in years. And when one outfit is ruined, you just buy a replacement one. And Finn doesn't like you that much.

I just…screw this! I am tired of being humiliated!

As if she was possessed by an enraged, animal-sweater-hatting force, Rachel ripped the offending clothes off their hangers. Once they were all off their hangers, Rachel gathered them up and rushed downstairs, shoving them into a garbage bag before running outside. She slammed the bag into the trashcan; her breathing raged as she slammed the lid down and wheeled it out to the curb, where it would be picked up the next day.

Once she was back on her front porch, Rachel was gasping for air, her mind clearing of the broken record of insults that had been a soundtrack in her head.

"What have I done?" Rachel whispered, her eyes glued to the green trashcan. She couldn't believe she had actually done such a thing; something that was completely unbecoming of a lady. She was about to make her way back to the curb when a truck pulled up into her driveway. When Noah Puckerman jumped out of the vehicle, Rachel's eyes widened in disbelief. Even though the two had known each other for most of their lives, had gone to the only Jewish Temple in Lima all their lives, they tended to avoid each other as much as possible. Well, except when Puck threw a slushy at her.

"What in the world are you doing here Noah?" Rachel's voice showed her surprise at seeing him, and her weariness as to why exactly he was standing on her front porch with her.

"It's Puck, Berry. And ma wanted me to check on you, since she had to go to work. Apparently your fathers asked her to keep an eye on you. So here I am." Puck shrugged, his face showing his reluctance at being there. Rachel rolled her eyes at him, moving to step back inside.

"Well, as you can see, I am perfectly fine. You may tell your mother that I appreciate her concern and I hope she and Eli are doing well." Rachel responded before attempting to close the door. Her efforts were for naught, however, as Puck's foot blocked the door from closing.

"Look Berry, I don't want to be here either, but I promised my ma that I would make sure you were okay. She made it clear that I was to check your food supply." Puck's voice almost growled, yes growled, in his irritation. I'm a fucking badass and I have to look after Rachel fucking Berry. The guys can never find out about this!

Rachel rolled her eyes again and moved away from the door, her years of experience with the Puckerman family having taught her that Noah did not leave until he had fulfilled his word to his mother. He was a complete and utter jackass to the rest of the world, but she knew how much he loved his family, and he never willingly broke his promises to Leah Puckerman. She made her way to the kitchen, knowing he would follow her.

Even though they had tried to avoid each other as much as possible, the fact that the Jewish community was so small, Hirman and Leroy Berry were fast friends with Leah Puckerman, meaning the two teens had to see more of each other than they would have liked. Even with this forced interaction, they barely ever spoke to each other, instead completely ignoring the other person. After all, the Berry men did not know to what extent Puck bullied their daughter, and he didn't want to inform them. And Rachel would not stoop to the level of tattle telling to her parents.

"See, the fridge is completely stocked, so you can go now." Rachel bit out, opening the doors and showing Puck the large amount of fruits and vegetables that filled the shelves. He shook his head, not understanding just how she could only eat rabbit's food. He couldn't go more than four hours without wanting a burger.

"Fine, great. Glad that was so easy. I guess I'll see you Sunday." Puck said, heading back towards the front door.

"Sunday?"

"Yeah, you know the annual bash? The one that happens every year?" Puck gave her a look that spoke of his thoughts about her mental capabilities. Rachel frowned, having completely forgotten about it. It was a "party" that all members were required to attend (unless you're out of town, like the Berry men or worked nights) to try and get everyone to interact.

"I forgot is all. No need to look at me like that Noah. It simply slipped my mind. I will see you Sunday." She said before shoving the taller teen out of her house and slamming the door in his annoyed face. Sighing to herself, Rachel moved towards the kitchen, completely forgetting about wanting to save her sweaters now that she was focused on the fact that she didn't have anything to wear.

Deciding to go on a small shopping trip the next day, Rachel made herself a fruit salad before going to the living room, where she watched The Sound of Music, letting the music and story wash over her and drive all remaining negative thoughts from her mind.

/*/

Sunday

Rachel sat at one of the round tables, watching various people around the room. Usually, she would be up and mingling, but since Friday, she had just felt too down to do much of anything. Besides homeworking and buying some new clothes, including the deep blue eyelet tube dress she was wearing, she had done almost nothing over the weekend. It seemed as if she was stuck in a rut with no way out or the will power to find one. She knew it was a complete 360 from her usual attitude, but Rachel couldn't find enough energy to care.

She was about to plug her headphones in when a small pixie hurtled into her. She grabbed Eliana before the young girl could fall, making sure she had her feet back under her before releasing her.

"Are you alright Eli?" Rachel asked, not able to keep the affection from her voice. She might hate Eli's brother, but she adored the small dark-haired girl.

"I'm okay Rachel. But please sing! Please please please! Everyone wants to hear you sing." The bundle of energy was bouncing in her sparkling shoes, a wide smile on her face. She idolized Rachel and wished she could grow up to be just like her, no matter what her mean brother said.

"Oh, not tonight Eli. I'm not really feeling all that well. Maybe some other time." Rachel tried to be as gentle as possible, knowing that Eli could be quick to tears. This proved true when Eli's lips began to tremble and her eyes watered. Rachel hated when Eli cried, even though she knew the tears had to be fake most of the time.

"Eli, don't cry. What if I sing one song? Will that be okay?" Eli nodded vigorously, reaching her small hand out to take Rachel's and practically drag her to the karaoke machine that was set up against one wall. Rachel was surprised when she saw Noah already next to the machine, a deep frown on his face and a glare tracking her movements.

"Oh, Eli I don't think this is a good idea." Rachel tried to pull away from the girl, but Eli was having none of it. She practically pushed Rachel next to Noah before running over to pick out which song she wanted them to sing. Rachel glanced at Noah, but he was still glaring at her so she quickly looked away. She took the mike Eli shoved into her hand before taking a breath and turning towards Noah, regretting not going on the cruise with her fathers even more. When the music started, both their eyes grew wide, their gazes whipping over to Eli, who just smiled broadly at them before moving over to stand with her friends.

(Rachel, Puck, Together)

"Tell me how I'm supposed to breath with no air

If I should die before I wake

It's cause you took my breath away

Losing you is like living in a world with no air

I'm here alone, didn't wanna leave

My heart won't move, it's incomplete

If there was a way that I can make you understand

But how do you expect me

to live alone with jus me

'Cause my world revolves around you

It's so hard for me to breathe

Tell me how I'm supposed to breath with no air

Can't live, can't breathe with no air

It's how I feel whenever you ain't there

It's no air, no air

Got me out here in the water so deep

Tell me how you gon' be without me

If you ain't here, I just can't breathe

It's no air, no air

No air, air

I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew

Right off the ground to float to you

There's no gravity to hold me down for real

But somehow I'm still alive inside

You took my breath, but I survived

I don't know how, but I don't even care

But how do you expect me

To live alone with just me

'Cause my world revolves around you

It's so hard for me to breath

Tell me how I'm supposed to breath with no air

Can't live, can't breathe with no air

It's how I feel whenever you ain't there

It's no air, no air

Got me out here in the water so deep

Tell me how you gon' be without me

If you ain't here, I just can't breathe

It's no air, no air

No air, air

No more

It's no air, no air

Tell me how I'm supposed to breath with no air

Can't live, can't breathe with no air

It's how I feel whenever you ain't there

It's no air, no air

Got me out here in the water so deep

Tell me how you gon' be without me

If you ain't here, I just can't breathe

It's no air, no air

No air, air

No more

It's no air, no air

Tell me how I'm supposed to breath with no air

Can't live, can't breathe with no air

It's how I feel whenever you ain't there

It's no air, no air

Got me out here in the water so deep

Tell me how you gon' be without me

If you ain't here, I just can't breathe

It's no air, no air

No air, air

As their voices trailed off, Rachel couldn't pry her eyes away from Noah, who was starring so intently at her she felt as if his gaze was scalding. She wasn't sure how long they stood there, eyes locked, but she could feel heat rising from her stomach up to her chest and finally to her cheeks. His eyes flicked down to watch the blush spread before he smirked at her and sauntered away. Rachel shook her head to clear it, not understanding why singing with Noah had affected her to such a degree.

You just haven't sung in a while, it was the excitement of singing. That's all. You like Finn, not Noah. Finn, the good, wholesome boy. Not the bad boy!

Yeah, he's so wholesome he got his girlfriend pregnant and tried to manipulate you back into glee.

Shaking her head to try and get rid of the bizarre thoughts, Rachel smiled at Eli, who was still clapping loudly, before she moved back to her seat. She shoved her ear buds in, wanting to tune out her surroundings until it was acceptable for her to make her exit. She could feel a gaze on her, and when she turned to look, Noah was staring at her intently, which made her blush again before turning back to her iPod. For the rest of the evening, that heated gaze never left her, which meant Rachel was almost running out of the building to escape it.

Rachel didn't understand why Noah seemed so interested in her, especially considering that before Glee, their interactions consisted of mainly bullying. But even as she tried to come up with an answer, she couldn't stop the blush that kept spreading over her whenever she felt the heavy stare. She just hoped he wasn't trying to come up with an even more humiliating form of bullying for the next day.

Please Review! Let me know what you think!

Song: "No Air" by Jordan Sparks