AN: Alright y'all. Totally not my usual. Since my usual is like… solely femslash. But this goes along with idratherbeinthesun's Quinntana story Crossing Boundaries (read it, seriously). She's the awesome person that puts up with all of my "BUT WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS" texts at random times during the day so yeah, check her out. We also write together just about everywhere in any ship (and I do mean any).
Once Kurt managed to physically pry the microphone out of Rachel's hands and hide it God-knows-where, she found herself at the punch bowl, the taste much, much different than the one she taste tested to perfection before the rest of her chosen family arrived. She settled into the couch with a giggle, trying not to spill the artificially-flavored beverage all over the pristine uniform of the one, the only, Noah Puckerman.
"Woah, there…" the man laughed, catching the sloshing cup and taking it from the small girl. His arm wrapped protectively around the small girl's shoulder, a smile that was usually only reserved for that particular girl on his lips. "You holding up okay, superstar?"
Rachel giggled a little bit and turned in his arm to look up at him better. Her eyes got a little glossy – he looked so good in his uniform. He was grown up, responsible, and for once so rightfully proud of himself. She was proud of him. "I'm just perfect, Noah. Honestly," she chirped. She bit her lip, grinning up at him. "Does anyone else know you're this sweet, or is like… solely reserved for me? You were always protective of me, which is only a little weird. Not weird in a bad way just… peculiar, I suppose," she shrugged.
Puck eyed her curiously before smelling the cup, then wincing. "Damn, San," he muttered under his breath. "Yeah, sure. People see it," he shrugged, trying to brush it off, but the pressing gaze from the petite girl pushed him further. He sighed lowly. "I don't know. Maybe it was Beth?" he ventured. "I mean… I held my daughter. And suddenly it was like… you know… she's my daughter. Everyone is somehow…" he trailed off. "I have a reason to be a good guy now, I guess. Is that what you're looking for?" he chuckled.
Rachel nodded, a little proud of herself for getting Noah to open up to her. "Yes. Exactly. Thank you," she chirped. She looked around at the group and sighed internally.
"Dude's up there grinning that dufus grin of his, you know…" he said softly.
Rachel bit her lip before looking up at him. "What in Barbara's name are you talking about, Noah?"
"You're trying to get everyone to celebrate, my beautiful Jewish Princess, just so they don't miss him so much. Don't think I don't see straight through it. He'd be really proud of you."
Rachel looked back down to her glass. "Is it that obvious?" she chuckled. When she felt Puck nodding, she continued. "I just can't help but wonder where we'd be today. If we'd still be together… if we'd be married… what…" she sighed.
"Look, Rach. I know how much you loved him. And I know how much he loved you… I know he wouldn't want you ruining your holidays because you're missing him. Or letting life pass you by. I see a lot of people's lives cut short. And a lot of them wish one thing for the people they're leaving behind. That they'll be happy," he said slowly. "And as his best bro, it's my job to make sure you're doing that."