Skinny Love
"Who will love you,
Who will fight?"
-Bon Iver
Hey guys, this is my first fanfic!
I don't own glee or it's characters but, I wanted to try my hand at a story.
What happens when Rachel outs herself and reveals a secret all in one day?
It's going to be a crazy summer and junior year; because the person she least expected to love her finally decides it's time. G!p Rachel.
Read & Review: Don't be shy! : )
Shannon Beiste squared her shoulders and rolled them a few times while bouncing on her toes while she was preparing herself for her first serious parental talk.
"You can do this Shannon, she's harmless like a bunny. Just go down there and talk to her." The older lady muttered under her breath a little bit more before she started trekking down the stairs to the "Barb's-Cave" which consisted of a black door with the Batman symbol painted on it, only a few weeks old. One more deep breath and she decided to bite the bullet and knock.
"Little bear, how about we go for a walk?" There was no answer but she could feel the vibrations of the sound system shaking the soundproofed room. Between the sound system and Rachel's need for privacy it was an easy decision to convert the basement to her space completely. A large chunk of the space was converted to Rachel's Barbs' Cave but, a good size was also converted to a workout area equipped with an elliptical, weights, punching bag, yoga mat but most importantly studio space for the little brunette to practice dance routines outside of class. This was something Shannon and both Mr. Berry's insisted the little songbird have so that she'd feel comfortable working out away from inquiring eyes at a public gym.
Shannon knocked a couple more times, and when again there was no response she decided to take a chance and enter without permission.
"Little B," she called out entering the dark room. She squinted and waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. The multi-colored lantern light bulbs that had been strung around the entirety of the room were turned off. She took a few steps and turned the corner to fully enter the room and found that that the only light in the room was being emitted from the obnoxious 60ft. 3-D Smart TV mounted in the lounge section of the tiny diva's bedroom. The sight that she was greeted with disturbed her.
Sitting there in her personalized recliner was Rachel Berry, in bright pink American Eagle boxer briefs; a black sports bra and pink fuzzy socks. On her head were her bulky Xbox 360 headphones and the reason Shannon's knocks went unanswered however, what disturbed her was the brunette gameplay she was witnessing.
"Where the hell is my sniper! I can't kill these fuckers without more cover."
"Dude, you're scaring me."
"You should be scared. I'm Rachel fucking- oh wait headshot! As I was saying before I acquired another kill for my kill death ratio, which, is currently 12-4. I'm Rachel Fucking Barbra Berry"
"That's my Jewish American Princess."
"Is her behavior not scaring anybody else?"
"You guys are totally only saying that because she's not on your team."
"Thank you Samuel."
"No problem Yoda."
"One more kill and these chumps are done."
"Well then allow me to end this match."
Shannon stood rooted to her spot watching as Rachel's gaming character took out a knife and slit her enemies throat for a game-winning kill.
"That's right bitches, no one messes with the Barbs!"
"Get your friend help bro."
"You guys are just sore-losers."
"Whatever."
"Hey Yoda, do you realize how much you curse while we're gaming?" Puck asked.
"Like a fucking sailor," Sam threw in.
"Well Samuel, to answer your question I don't really recall how much I happen to curse in the heat of the moment." Puck let out an obnoxious snort in the headphones. "I can understand your disbelief but, when we're gaming it's much like practicing for a role, and the best actors completely immerse themselves in the role to the point that everything becomes second nature without them having to think about what they're doing."
"So, what you're saying is that you have to work to not cuss but, if you were behaving naturally you'd curse like a sailor all the time."
Rachel let out an irritated huff and listened to Puck's obnoxious laughter coming through the headset.
"No Samuel, that is certainty no what I'm saying."
"Ok but, just so you know that totally sounds like what you were saying."
Puck was still snickering; annoyed Rachel decided to leave their team. "When you two are ready to be mature, do let me know."
"Wait Yoda-"
"Princess Yoda-"
And with that Rachel exited out of the game completely returning to her Xbox's home screen fully intending to find something entertaining to watch on Netflix. Shannon chose to finally make her presence known.
Rachel, still oblivious, heard someone clear their throat, frightened, she tried to stand too abruptly and swiveled out of her chair too fast which lead to her being sprawled out on the floor in front the love seat situated next to her recliner.
"Holy Barbra Big Bear! Are you trying to send me to an early death," she yelled still on the ground.
"Sorry Little B, I knocked a couple of times before I came in." The older woman extended a hand and helped the smaller girl up. It was then that the girl realized how underdressed she was. She crossed her hands in front of her crotch covering the bulge most girls her age didn't have to worry about. Seeing how vulnerable Rachel looked Shannon decided to try and make the girl more comfortable.
"Go put some clothes on Little B, I'll wait here." Rachel ducked pass her intent on heading to the part of her room that contained her bed, dressers and closet but stopped in her tracks. Shannon noticed and too stopped in a squatting position halfway down to sitting in the recliner. "What's wrong Little Bear?"
Rachel cleared her throat.
"Well you're aware that I love you B but something's are just sacred." Shannon gave her a perplexed look still in a squatting position. Motioning to the chair with her hands Rachel started speaking again. "As I was saying while I love you and all, I cannot allow you to sit in my gaming chair which, has been acclimated to my body and gaming mojo in general. Any occupant that isn't myself has the potential to ruin the Chi I've managed to create."
Shannon's facial expression hadn't changed until the end of Rachel's rant in which it morphed into a baffled one. Instead of responding verbally she decided to once again return to a standing position, take one step over, and slowly sit on the loveseat waiting for the tiny diva to protest. Rachel gave her a beaming smile and turned on her heel to go and retrieve clothes. Shannon could only shake her head in shock that the diva was deadly serious about her beliefs in gaming. All she could think was that people didn't know the brunette as well as they thought, hell even she was still learning.
Dressed in Nike sweats and a Batman t-shirt, Rachel made her way back to Beiste flicking a light switch along the way allowing the light bulbs to light up the whole room.
"So what would you like to converse about B?" Rachel asked as she once again entered the lounge.
Shannon mulled it over and decided to address the first reason she needed to talk to the diva and save the discussion about the disturbing gameplay for another time.
"Rachel, you haven't left the house since the incident three weeks ago." She saw Rachel open her mouth intending to interrupt but she held her hand up. "Let me correct myself. You haven't left the house unless it was for vocal lessons, dance lessons, or Aikido and Kickboxing classes." Rachel clamped her mouth shut." You're hiding, and I can't let you do that Little B. I'm sorry everything happened in the midst of your fathers leaving but, I'm here and I've always been here."
"With all due respect madrina, I haven't been hiding. I simply have no other reason to go out."
"Piccolo, who are you trying to fool? I know you and you're hiding." With that Rachel jumped to her feet and started to yell.
"No offense B but you don't have any idea what the hell I'm going through! You weren't born with a penis and breast! You don't have to look in the mirror and question whether or not anyone will ever love you! And you most certainly did not accidentally out yourself to the entire school in a town full of homophobes!"
Rachel took a deep breath, she was apprehensive about what she was getting ready to do but she knew it needed to be done. Both Noah and Sam had encouraged her and had kept her secret for years, if things got bad they'd be there for her. She glanced down the hallway and spotted Finn at his locker. Deciding to get it over with as soon as possible she shut her own locker and began quickly walking towards her soon to be ex-boyfriend.
She could do this.
Everything would be fine.
Finn would understand, right?
Right?
Right…
Finn wouldn't understand
It wouldn't be fine.
She couldn't do this.
She felt herself start to hyperventilate and turned back around before Finn could spot her. She gripped her books a little tighter, which, was difficult since her palms were starting to sweat profusely. Before she could take more than five steps someone yanked her into an empty classroom. She let out a loud yelp and tried to resist.
"Chill out little foot, it's us."
Rachel let out a huff and started re-arranging her books and clothes. "I don't appreciate being man-handled Noah and Samuel, and Brittany would kill you if she heard you calling me that," the bubbly blond had called dibs on the nickname years ago, and was furious when anyone else tried to use it.
"Ughh Rach when are you going to call me Sam, just Sam."
"Samuel, we've been friends for four years, this argument is becoming redundant therefore, I won't entertain it and can you please explain to the purpose of us being in this room?"
"Oh well that we can do, we saw you getting ready to pussy out and figured you needed a pep talk."
"Noah! Must you be so crude?"
"Must you change the subject?"
She let out a long sigh. "I just feel really anxious about this ok, I have a lot to lose."
Puck and Sam shared an understanding look; they knew this was a big moment for Rachel, and that she couldn't do it without them.
"Hey Yoda." Puck used his thumb and pointer finger to tilt Rachel's chin up. "The three of us are amigo's, brothers and sister, the ultimate Lesbro's." Sam nodded his head in agreement. "No matter what happens we will be here to take you home eat vegan ice cream and game until our eyes hurt.
"Right on," Sam said still nodding his head. "Furthermore, what would Bruce do Rach? Would he allow his fears to defeat him or would he conquer them in order to put on the Bat suit." He could see her start to grow more confident. "And what about the Barbs? Did she let her nose keep her from taking Broadway by storm?"
That was the sentence she needed to hear. Rachel swelled up with pride and nodded her head with determination swimming in her eyes.
"You guys are right. I can do this, I'm gonna do this."
"You go make Bruce and Barbs proud Rach."
Rachel put her books in her book bag, adjusted the strap on her shoulder and held her head a little higher than before. With a new sense of confidence she headed for the door but before she reached the knob she spun around and threw he arms around her best friends that nobody had any idea about.
"Thank you guys for everything, you're the best Lesbro's a girl could ask for." With that she made her way to the door without turning back around.
As soon as she left Puck turned to Sam with apprehension in his eyes.
"We should stay close to the choir room. As much as I want to believe in Finn my gut's telling me he's gonna act like a dick when Rachel dumps him, especially when she tells him why." Sam let out a long sigh.
"I hope you're wrong but, let's go just incase." By the time the boys were heading out of the classroom they were just in time to see Rachel leading Finn into the choir room. Trying to appear inconspicuous Puck decided to casually lean against lockers a few feet away from the choir room door and hit on the girls making their way down the hall. Sam saw what he was doing and immediately followed suit.
"Thank you for agreeing to talk with me Finn."
"No problem Rach," he said grinning in a way that was supposed to be charming but instead it made Rachel grimace, and she felt a pang of guilt for using Finn for her own personal gain.
"Finn I know this is the last thing you want to hear before the summer begins but, I think it's best if we break-up." With that Finn's grin quickly disappeared and was replaced with a look of confusion.
"Wait what?" he asked.
Rachel let out an exasperated sigh and knew she was going to have to be patient with Finn. "Finn we can't stay together. Besides the fact that we barely speak outside of glee, I also have personal reasons for wanting to call things off." A constipated look crossed Finn's face and Rachel knew whatever he said next would be foolish.
"You can't break-up with me, losers don't break-up with popular kids Rachel, besides we're in love so let's just drop this." He stopped talking for a second before he got a look on synonymous to a light bulb going off. "I'll even take you to Breadsticks tonight," he said looking proud of himself.
Rachel clenched her jaw and took a calming breath before she spoke again. "First off, I don't like Breadsticks Finn, they don't offer a large vegan variety. Second of all I can break-up with you if I want to. Third of all," she paused before she continued speaking, "I'm gay," she said quietly with conviction. In typical Finn Hudson fashion, he turned into a jackass and started laughing. Rachel just started at him and rolled her eyes slowly losing her patience. "Finn, I'm being serious."
"Rach you're just confused," He said still trying to reign his laughter in. "Your fathers just confused you, it's no big deal," and if Finn knew Rachel well enough he would've recognized the fire anew in her eyes at the mention of her fathers making her gay.
Slightly raising her voice Rachel responded, "My fathers most certainly have not made me confused Finn," she spat. At the new tone Finn stood a little stiffer and Rachel could tell he was getting angry.
"Having two gays for a father is screwing you up Rach! I know it is but you know what, if we have sex it'll probably fix everything," he stated confidently. Without hesitation Rachel took the necessary steps separating her and Finn, and delivered a slap so hard the sound of it reverberated throughout the choir room.
"Fuck you Finn Hudson, we are done." Rachel held onto her book strap fully intent on leaving but before she could take two steps Finn had recovered from the slap. Finn charged towards Rachel kicking over a few chairs along the way and yanking her arm causing her to turn and face him leaving her back to the door. So caught up in Rachel he didn't notice Sam and Puck slipping into the room ready to intervene if necessary.
"Dammit Rachel! Stop being difficult, I'm trying to help you. If we stay together and have sex people won't treat you like such a freaking loser." Yanking her arm free from Finn's grip Rachel didn't back down.
"I'd rather be a loser than be with you and let you anywhere near my body."
"You should be happy someone like me even wants you," he sneered.
Completely forgetting about her surroundings Rachel lost it. "I'm pretty sure you wouldn't enjoy sex with me seeing as how I have a PENIS but by all means Finn if that's what you're into there's plenty of fish in the sea!" she roared, and as soon as her words registered back in her own head her eyes become wide as saucers.
Finn just stood there red-faced with his breathing becoming heavier and heavier. "You freak!" He took a threatening step towards Rachel, and she retreated taking two steps back but before anything could happen Sam was in front of Finn shoving him back, and Puck had Rachel in his arms.
"Dude, calm down," Sam said trying to contain Finn.
"Calm down, calm down? Rachel's a fucking freak! I was dating a freak." His words were so harsh tears were beginning to pool in Rachel's eyes but she blinked them back because Finn had a right to be upset, and she didn't want him to think she was weak.
"I understand you're upset but I'm not letting you hit a girl," Sam said still shoving Finn backwards.
"A girl, she's not a girl. She's a f-" before Finn could finish his sentence Puck had left Rachel's side in two strides and decked Finn right across his jaw.
"That's a-fucking nuff! Rachel's still Rachel and you're going to respect her as such or I'm going to kick your ass."
Feeling overwhelmed Rachel decided to slip out of the choir room with the hopes of escaping home but as soon as she stepped out of the choir room she knew that wouldn't be the case. Staring back at her was a sea of students who obviously heard a decent amount of Rachel and Finn's spat do to the varying degree of facial expressions.
Some people looked absolutely shocked. Some people looked downright disgusted but most people looked curious. Before she could dwell on anything her worst fear in the form of David Kravosky and Adam Amizmo. Stepping away from the crow they decided to make their presence known along with a few members of the hockey team.
"Well, well, well. We were right all along about the fag spawn."
"Don't talk about my fathers," Rachel said through clenched trying to keep her voice steady.
"Shut it Ru-Paul," Amizmo spat out.
"We decided to throw you a coming out party Berry, and what would a party be without party favors," Kravosky and the rest of the guys sniggered. She looked to each of their hands and counted at least twenty slushies since all of the guys were carrying two. She glanced around the crowd looking for an escape or at least a friendly face but two years of torture had prepared her for the disappointment she'd feel when no one came to her rescue. Not even the glee club that was amongst the crowd made a move to help her.
Artie, Mike and Tina looked apologetic but stayed rooted to their spot. Mercedes and Kurt looked like they were just enjoying the show, and last but not least the Unholy Trinity. Brittany looked like someone kidnapped Lord Tubbington but Santana and Quinn were interesting; there was cracks showing in their mask. Quinn was trying to look neutral but Rachel could tell something was bothering her. Santana though, something about the look in her eyes made Rachel stare a little harder.
The look in those mocha eyes was so sorrowful. It looked like she was physically in pain. When their eyes met Rachel could see remorse but just as quickly as she saw it, it was gone and she wasn't even sure it was there to begin with.
"You ready freak?" Amizmo taunted. Her last hope was Sam and Noah and she knew they must've still been arguing with Finn and wouldn't get there soon enough. With that thought she closed her eyes and not a second later she felt slushies hit her from all sides and she was instantly drenched. The laughs immediately followed and she had never felt so small.
For the first time ever in McKinley's hallway Rachel let herself cry due to the bullying. Usually she lasted until she got home but she felt so hopeless she couldn't hold it in, and she figured she was so dowsed no one would even notice the tears. Her face stung from the force of the slushies and she started to shiver violently seeing as how she was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and her usual pleated skirt with knee-highs and Mary Jane's.
"What the fuck is going on here?" at the sound of Noah's voice she finally started to try and wipe the slushy from her eyes. She felt another pair of hands and a shirt helping her too. When she opened her eyes Sam was standing in front of her in his undershirt, face contorted in rage.
"Chill Puckerman, we just threw Treasure Trail a coming out party, checkout the rainb-" again without warning Noah lunged for Kravosky and started landing blow after blow. Amizmo reacted instantly and got in two good punches before Sam was able to reach him and land punches of his own. Before it could become an all out brawl freaking Sue Sylvester saved the day. Everyone could hear the screech of her megaphone coming down the hallway.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON DOWN THERE MOUTH BREATHERS!"
At the sound of Coach Sylvester's voice students began to scramble left and right. Sam grabbed a reluctant Puck who had Kravoksy pinned to the ground and started leading him in her direction so that they could leave.
The last thing she saw was Santana's angry eyes but, the last thing she heard was Amizmo's warning to Noah.
"You're done Puckerman! Enjoy the bottom of the food-chain with the freak!"
"How am I supposed to show my face madrina? The whole town probably knows by now. Don't sit there and tell me not to hide when you don't understand what I'm going through."
"You don't think I know what you're going through? Look at me. I'm no where near your average woman and I'm reminded of that at least once a day." Rachel dropped eye contact with her godmother and rightfully looked ashamed because she did know. She'd been with her when people made rude comments.
"I'm sorry Bear. I didn't mean to sound inconsiderate, you know I think you're beautiful." And Shannon did know, there was sincerity in tiny brunette's eyes whenever she said it.
"It's ok Piccolo, I know you didn't mean anything by it." Shannon sighed and clenched her jaw. She was upset for her goddaughter. She didn't want to see her so defeated; it wasn't the Rachel she was use to. She hadn't been like this since her early elementary school days, before she was able to accept that she would have a penis for the rest of her life. It seemed like all that progress had been thrown out the window. "Let's start with baby steps."
Rachel looked at her skeptically. "What do you have in mind?"
"I haven't looked at any of the football equipment since I received my position as the school's new football coach. Come with me to check it out?" Shannon asked with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. Rachel sighed and shook her a little.
"I don't know about that B."
"Look it'll just be us there, I'm the only one with the keys besides that pyscho cheerleading coach." Just the mention of Coach Sylvester was enough to make both women shiver a little. "Call Noah and Sam too, we'll grab a bite after."
Rachel bit her lip and thought about the pros and cons of leaving the Barb-Cave. She knew she needed to stop hiding before she regressed even more. With a reluctant sigh she nodded in the affirmative." Yea B, let's do it."
"Yes!" Shannon fist-pumped and wrapped Rachel up in a bear hug.
"Madrina, can't…breathe," Rachel rasped out. Shannon dropped her back on her feet and gave her a sheepish smile.
"Sorry," she said with a smile and a shrug. "Throw on shorts, I might need you guys help sorting things out!" She threw over her shoulder already heading for the stairs.
When she was gone Rachel walked over to her bed flopped backwards and sent out a text to Noah and Sam. She crossed her fingers and hoped they made the outing unscathed.
Noah spotted them first and wasted no time jogging across the parking lot to scoop Rachel up and twirl her around like they hadn't seen each other in years. Admittedly Rachel had been avoiding Sam and Noah in person because she felt guilty for them fighting.
"Noah, you buffoon, let me down," she said in between giggles.
"No! If I let you down you'll hideout in the Barb-Cave again." The guys hadn't got a chance to see her new room yet; they had only been given the description she gave them.
"I'm sorry guys, I just needed some time." When Noah finally decided to put her down Sam wrapped his arms around her and picker her back up.
"Yoda, alive and in person with mouth of a sailor!" Rachel tried to swat at his arm to the best of her ability seeing as how one oh her arms was trapped.
"Samuel! I explained to you it's the intensity of the moment!"
"Yea, whatever you say," he said while ruffling her hair and setting her back down." She secretly loved that the boys were affectionate with her. They made her feel normal without even trying and it was something she needed. Shannon observed the scene with a smile on her face.
"Alright guys this won't take long. I just want to see what the teams working with and then we'll go and grab food."
"It's good to see you again Coach. Noah Puckasarus Puckerman, number ten on the field, number one in the ladies hearts." Sam and Rachel scoffed in unison.
Amused Shannon let out a small chuckle. "Wide receiver correct, Puck?"
"Yes Coach, the best one you'll have on your team, and cornerback," Puck stated with a cocky attitude.
"Well Puck that's yet to be proven."
They reached the equipment room and Coach Beiste set them off to work right away, asking them to help take inventory of items the school had and what was missing. After a half-hour she let them take a ball out to the field to mess around while she finished up.
"So Rach, you think we'll win more games this year with Coach Beiste?"
Rachel tilted her head from side to side before answering. "Without being biased I'd say yes. My godmother has a knack for sports and experience coaching professionally. She's great at improving fundamentals and creating successful strategies for her team, while counteracting her opponent."
Puck nodded his head satisfied, "Sweet, we win more games, I bang more chicks." Rachel scrunched her face in faux disgust while Sam laughed.
"Dude, how about you guys win a game and we'll see where you go from there."
Puck just narrowed his eyes. "Whatever. Let's play a game of keep away," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Rachel stomped her foot.
"No way! I'm not tall enough to get it away from you guys," she said starting to pout.
Sam laughed. "Yoda can you even catch the ball." Rachel eyes squinted in annoyance as the two boys bent over laughing.
"Tell you what Obi-Wan and Artoo-Detoo I bet you I can score a touchdown on both of you." Rachel said laying out the bait. Both boys looked at her and proceeded to bend over and start laughing again. Noah pretended to wipe a tear from his eye while Sam leaned on him for support, Rachel's face remained stoic while waiting for an answer. When the boys saw that she was serious they stopped laughing.
"Alright Smalls, what are your terms," Noah asked still trying to real his laugher in."
Rachel thought for a moment before coming up with an answer. "Loser has to clean the winner's car for a month, for Sam it'll be his room."
"Obi-Wan is down for the challenge," Puck responded
"Artoo-Detoo also accepts the terms so, how we doing this Rach?" Sam asked. Rachel walked over and took the ball out of Noah's hand and then proceeded to stand on the twenty-yard line.
"I'm going to run it in," she could tell they wanted to start laughing again as soon as she said it but they but they bit their lips in order to stop. Internally she was celebrating because there was something's they still didn't know about her. Like the fact that she had been playing flag-football since she was ten whenever she went visit Coach Beiste. It was something they did to bond since she had her own co-ed team. Over the years she had gotten really good especially when she started martial arts and dance as well. She didn't have cleats or gloves but she had no doubt she could do it. Both boys nodded their head and dropped into a defensive stance.
Shannon came out just in time to see them start lining up. She shook her head with a smile on her face because only Rachel would challenge two guys twice her size. She had faith in the tiny diva but she knew she'd never faced guys this size so she had no idea what the outcome was going to be.
"The only way you guys can win is if one of you gets me to the ground, or forces a fumble and scores a touchdown of their own." Again both boys nodded their head and they actually started to take the bet a little more seriously taking note of the look in Rachel's eyes, it was deadly.
"On my whistle," Shannon yelled out making her presence known. She counted to three in her head and gave the signal blowing her whistle.
The three teens were lined up in a ninety degree triangle with Rachel lined up on the opposite side of both boys directly in the middle. It was clear that they planned on ambushing her from both sides, when the whistle blew Sam was the first to react. She smirked.
Using her lessons from Aikido she waited for Sam to close in on her a bit more while keeping Noah in her peripheral. As soon as Sam was close enough she took one quick step forward and without stopping spun in the direction Noah was coming from. The unexpected move caused Sam to jerk in the same direction and Noah to lunge too soon, which caused the boys to collide into each other, face first. By the time they recovered and tried to get up in order to give chase Rachel had a twenty-yard advantage and it was clear she was going to score. Five yards before the goal line she decided to turn around and moonwalk the ball into the end zone.
"Rachel Barbra Berry bitches!" Rachel yelled out while spiking the ball. Both boys stood there too shocked to be embarrassed but a certain coach stood there calculating and already forming plays in her head. She blew her whistle again.
"Little Bear, watch your mouth, or I'll make you run this field!" The boys sniggered and Rachel ducked her head in embarrassment. "Does either of you guys think you could throw her one?" Sam nodded his head yes and Rachel threw her a questioning look. "Little B, line up on the twenty again and run a slant route." Without questioning Shannon Rachel jogged back down the field and tossed the ball to Sam. "On my whistle." Sam lined up on the twenty and Rachel did the same in a wide receiver stance, one leg forward, one leg back, and upper body slightly bent like a runner's stance. Shannon blew the whistle and again both teens reacted.
Sam dropped back two steps and waited for Rachel to complete the route. Rachel took off at a sprint. When she reached about the forty-yard line she started to slant in and look for the ball. Sam threw a perfect throw across the middle that would meet Rachel in the middle of her route. Rachel had to jump but she caught the ball straightened out and ran it in again.
Well I'll be damn Shannon thought. Noah just looked baffled.
"Why the hell didn't I know my two best friends could play football?" he yelled. Sam shrugged and Rachel did the same making her way back down the field.
"Not to brag but, I caught that and I don't even have gloves on," she stated with fake nonchalance dusting non-existent dirt of her shoulders. Before the guys could comment Coach Beiste made her way across the field.
"Sam, you have one hell of an arm but, I don't remember seeing you on the roster."
"I used to play before I moved here, and I still throw around with my dad and little brother but, I didn't want to get mixed up with the guys that play here, no offense Puck."
"None taken."
"Would you be interested in trying out for me? I can promise you that I'll be changing the atmosphere on this team." Before he could even answer Puck dropped to his knees and playfully started to beg. He wrapped both arms around Sam's legs and gave his best puppy-dog eyes.
"Please, please, please say yes. That one throw was better than Finniodt's last twenty. Pleassseeee."
Rachel let out a small chuckle at Noah's antics and Coach Beiste just shook her head in amusement.
Sam glanced down at Puck who was still trying his hand at puppy-dog eyes, he glanced up to Rachel who was nodding her head yes. Finally he met the coach's gaze. He could tell she meant business and as Rachel's godmother he felt like he could trust her. He let out a sigh.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to tryo-" before he could finish his sentence Puck was lifting him in the air whooping.
"Whoop! There's a new quarterback in town!" He yelled spinning Sam in circles. Sam who was struggling to get down finally succeeded and just shook his head at Noah while bumping his fist. All of the sudden three sets of eyes turned to an oblivious Rachel who had just been watching the interaction with a smile. She glanced at all three of them nervously.
"What?" she asked confused.
Shannon glanced at both boys silently communicating that she had to be the one to do this. "Little B, you were great out there in running shorts and no cleats." As soon as the words left her mouth Rachel understood what was going on and started shaking her head in the negative.
"No way, I hate those guys."
"Come on smalls, you'd have us there," Puck tried to argue. Rachel scoffed.
"I would never play with them, they don't deserve it."
"What about Sam and I? It's junior year. With two winning seasons we could have shots at scholarships but I honestly don't see that happening without you out there Yoda." Rachel started grinding her teeth and looked away from all three inquiring gazes.
"Little B this could be just what you need. I know you start work tomorrow but you'll only have night shifts. During the day you three could get together and train until tryouts in six weeks, and when the season starts you stick together. I'll protect you as much as I can and make sure you have a comfortable environment to change in."
Rachel turned her head back around to face everyone. If she hadn't made up her mind then staring at the three pleading faces she certainly did. She rolled her eyes.
"Yes," both boys' faces broke out into wide smiles and she was hoisted into the air on Sam's shoulders.
"And this is why you are Yoda," Noah said flashing her a bright smile. Rachel let laughter bubble up her throat and shook her head at how absurd the day had turned out to be. Coach Beiste gave Rachel's thigh a squeeze and let them know to head back to the car while she locked up.
"You guys know this is crazy right?"
"Fuck that, we're going to be McKinley High's very own Avengers, saving football one game at a time."
"No way, DC superheroes dude."
"I second that."
"Fine, I call The Flash." Dammit Sam muttered. Sam gave Rachel a sideways glance.
"Don't even think about it Samuel, Batman is mine." Shit he muttered
"Guys," he whines out.
"Bro, Cyborg?"
"Lame."
"Green Lantern?"
"Nope."
"Robin?"
"I'd rather be Night Wing but, no."
"Samuel!"
"Alright, Alright. I'll take Green Arrow."
"Nice."
"Adequate."
Rachel and Noah shared a significant look and knew that they would have to address Sam's superhero choice sooner or later.
As they made their way to Shannon's car Rachel couldn't believe the turn of events. But she looked up to see her godmother smiling at her, and she turned to her left where her Lesbro's where arguing about Marvel and DC Comics and she couldn't help but feel as if things were looking up.
"Don't forget you have to wash my car for a month bitches." They both groaned
"Piccolo!"
"Sorry madrina!"
As they made their way to the parking lot, no one noticed the raven-haired cheerleader watching from afar with longing eyes.