She's running through rifts, warming up before they step out on stage. She's nervous, not just for herself but for all of them. They actually have a chance to win and she wants it—more than anything she wants it.
"That dress looks nice on you."
Her breath quickens and she misses a note, can feel her hands shaking as she smoothes down the navy blue satin. He's leaning against the doorframe when she turns around, a small smile lifting his ridiculously handsome face.
"I always liked you in blue."
She nods, tucking her hair behind her ears. "Thank you," she adds politely. "It is one of the more prominent colors in my palette."
"Mine too."
He pushes away from the door, his posture impeccable and she hates that she can still be attracted to him after all the horrible things he's done to her. "What are you doing here Jesse?" she asks her voice hitching slightly.
"I watched you all perform at Sectionals," he states matter-of-factly, his eyes studying her for any kind of reaction, "and while you still lack the ambition and talent a well trained glee club should possess you have a pretty good chance of winning tonight."
It's a back handed compliment, she knows, but it's moderately reassuring. "We will win and we'll beat Vocal Adrenaline at Nationals."
"Good," he replies, his breath warm against her face. He's close, too close and she suddenly feels like all the air has been sucked out of the room, out of her lungs. "You deserve to win Rachel."
He settles his hands on either side of her neck, his thumb tracing her hairline and she thinks he's going to kiss her. She thinks maybe she wants him too. "You deserve to shine," he adds leaning in to press his lips against her forehead. "Like the star you are."