Disclaimer: I own nothing except the computer I typed this on.

Author's Note: I know people think I have abandoned "Like a Star" but I swear I'm just deciding where to go next. This story has been arguing with me to write it for a while, so I gave in.

I'd never admit this to anyone, but sometimes I wish I were different. Not differently talented, mind you, my skills are phenomenal and they will help me earn everything I deserve in life. But still… I wish I was the kind of girl that got to go on dates and hang with friends. I've spent so much time alone that you might assume that I prefer it that way. And being the multi-faceted actress that I am, I let people think that. Think that I don't want someone to just… want me. A girl to wander around the mall aimlessly with me as we try on a ton of items we have no intentions of buying. A guy to put his arm around my shoulders as we snuggle in a darkened theater watching as some young ingénue meet her demise.

I'm so glad school is out. Sure losing at Nationals was a jagged little pill to swallow, but we lost honestly. No cheating was involved, another school was just better. I can accept that even while making it my goal to make sure that the tragedy is not repeated next year. Eventually I'll start picking out music and seeing if I can organize everyone for a couple of session, but for now… I just want to drift. I don't want to deal with anything with Glee. I don't want to go back to the uncomfortable feelings that became the music's partner in awkward.

I still can't believe that Finn forgave Quinn. I mean my personal capacity for forgiveness is huge, but I don't know if I could have glossed over the betrayal as quickly as he did. I know everyone thinks that I spilled the beans so that Finn would be my very own. Maybe I did. But in my future being cutthroat is going to help get me where I want to be. No one gave me a guidebook to figure out when using those tactics is acceptable. I wanted Finn and Quinn was in the way, so I took the route given to me to try to dislodge the obstruction. Unfortunately, Finn likes being obstructed. So oh well, I'm trying to consider it his lost, but when I think of his slightly confused face, my lips upturn on their own accord. It's not as passionate as it was previously, more of a distant yearning in fact. Hopefully by the end of the summer it will be completely non-existent.

As I look in my closet, I try to decide how to spend this first day of freedom. I could go out and try to see if there's someone interested in spending time with me, but considering I just gave a long speech during our final meeting about voice preservation I'm sure my associates are slightly sick of me and would appreciate a break. As I pull a bikini from a drawer and snip the tags, I mentally debate what playlists would best facilitate the mood I want to flow throughout this day.

My solitude is shattered as I walk out on the patio and see Noah Puckerman cleaning our pool. Seeing my former paramour doesn't bother me, but considering he was one of the people I lectured yesterday, it might bother him. I honestly think about going back in the house, but I square my shoulders and keep moving. My house, my pool, my afternoon. I'm not going to let anyone disrupt it. I nod a hello to him as I settle my ipod and bottled water on the table beside my selected chaise. I see him watching me out of the corner of my eye as I unzip my cover-up and lay across another chair.

As I drape myself onto my post, I slide my sunglasses down over my eyes and openly ogle the boy in front of me. He is tanned and toned and sort of obviously muscled. I usually prefer a lean dancer's body but I can admit to myself that his raw physical appeal is powerful in its own right. As I watch a drop of sweat trickle down from his temple to collect near his collarbone, I take a deep breath and close my eyes, trying to ignore him.

"Berry."

Sighing, I open my eyes. Ignoring someone only truly works if the other person is doing the same thing. I slide my glasses to the end of my nose and peer at him over the top.

"Puck…"

He stares at me silently intimidating, but as a slushie survivor, I know that my own silence might save me from ridicule. Our standoff only lasts a few seconds, but I feel triumphant when he speaks again.

"Why are you out here alone?"

I shrug and push my glasses back up. "I couldn't think of anyone who would want to sit with me. School just ended. I don't want to burn my bridges too early in the summer."

He gives me a look that I can't decipher, almost like he's disgusted that I would think so little of my company. I don't bother to correct his obvious assumption because really… he's going to think what he wants to anyway.

A few more moments pass without conversation, so my eyes drift back closed and I begin to hum with the music playing from the ipod. I'm not sure how much time passes, but I feel a shadow over me and when I look up, Noah is standing over me. He's put on his own sunglasses and I see myself mirrored in them. I tilt my head to the side waiting for him to explain and when he doesn't I shove my glasses back on top of my head.

"What's wrong? Did my fathers forget to pay you?" I get to my feet and turn towards the house. "How much do I owe you?"

I take two steps before he grabs my wrist. His grip isn't tight at all, I could pull free if I tried, but I don't. Instead I stare at him.

His voice is gruff. "You're free all afternoon?" I can only nod as he removes his shades. "Spend the day with me."

I'm not sure what to say because to call this unexpected is an understatement. Puck and I haven't spent any serious time alone since our faltering relationship and his motives to change that now were unclear.

"Where are we going?"

He shrugs. As I stand there with him holding my wrist, I think about how I wanted this summer to be carefree and fun. I was just wishing a boy would want to spend time with me and here one is. Maybe I should just follow the signs.

"Let me grab some things and I'll meet you at your truck."

He nods and walks away. As I jog into the house to throw some clothes over my suit, I'm intrigued and confused.

What the fuck are you thinking Puckerman. No, seriously what the fuck. I have no idea what possessed me to ask her to spend the day with me. I mean she looks smoking hot in that pink bikini but that wasn't an excuse. I had been up since the crack of dawn cleaning pools, the Berry house was actually my last stop. I had planned on spending the rest of the day at the being as lazy as possible. And then she looked at me with those fuckin bambi eyes and I found myself saying shit I hadn't thought through. Where the hell was I going to take her?

She had looked so solemn when she'd explained that she was spending the day alone so her friends wouldn't get sick of her. I was slightly disgusted at the way people treated her, but realized that I probably do the same thing. Maybe that was what caused him to speak up. I watch as she comes of out her front door. She's pulled on a white tank top and some short denim shorts. I can totally see her entire bikini top through her shirt. Fuck… that's hot. When the fuck did Rachel Berry get so hot. And how the hell can she be that short and have legs that long. She's like a freakin little person. I could probably fit her in my pocket.

Just the thought of that causes my shorts to become a little tighter, so I walk to her door and open it. The surprise in her eyes makes me feel bad. A girl that looks like this should be used to being treated well. She glances between the ground and the seat with a slight frown and I chuckle because there's no way she's getting in the truck without help. I put my hands on her hips and deposit her in the vehicle.

"Thanks." Her voice is soft and I have to stop myself from groaning as she bites her bottom lip.

I jump in, turn the key, and we're off. I expected her to immediately start fussing with the radio and when she doesn't I know she's uncomfortable. Well if she keeps that up, today's gonna suck so I start flicking through the stations until I hear Kings of Leon tell me they could use somebody. As she sings along, I decide on our destination. I pull up in front of a corner market and get out. She turns down the radio and looks at me expectantly.

"Be right back."

When I return her eyes are closed and she's got her head tilted back. I store my purchases in the cooler I keep in the bed and get back in the truck. She doesn't open her eyes as I pull out of the parking lot and down the street. I know she's awake because she's humming low in her throat (heh… that's a nice thought) but I use the silence to contemplate my life.

I've got a daughter about to be born that will only know me from a distance. Someone else will raise her, put her to bed at night, wipe her tears, and scare her boyfriends. I'm happy that she will have that type of life, but sad at the fact that I can't give it to her. I wish I could just blame it on Quinn and her selfishness but deep down I know that she's right. I'm not prepared to do everything needed to take care of a baby. I want my daughter to have the best life available and I'm not too stupid to realize that to get that she can't stay with me. But still…

I'm glad that Finn found it in his heart to forgive us. He definitely forgave Quinn quicker than me, but I just refused to stop apologizing until he started accepting. I know I walk around like I couldn't give a fuck about people but Finn has been one of the only constants in my entire life and I would do anything necessary to not lose him. I'm even happy that he and Quinn are back together. I thought I wanted Quinn but that had to be just residual sex feelings because when I see her now, I just see a chick carrying my kid and my best friend's girl. I have to admit though, seeing them together does make me kind of want someone of my own. I never thought that I'd want one girl, but being on the brink of having a child makes you reevaluate the childish bullshit that flows through your general day to day.

I mean I could keep banging broads but that shit's so damn empty. I want someone to be there for me. Someone to talk to and laugh with. I think I'm growing a vagina, I might need to go to the hospital. I close all thoughts of relationships from my mind as I park the truck and open my door. As I grab the cooler, I see Rachel slid down from her side. She meets me in the back of the truck and we both stare at the little pond before us. People always forget about this watering hole and head to the lake so it's empty except for us. I nod towards the truck and she grabs the blanket I keep there. I follow her as she walks to a shaded spot on the grass and spreads the cover on the ground. I sit the cooler on a corner to keep it from blowing and slip out of my shoes.

I watch as Rachel places her flip flops neatly side by side and stretches out. I sit next to her and grab a beer from container. I grab a water bottle and try to pass it to her, but she shakes her head. She keeps eye contact as she takes my beer and pops the top. She brings it to her mouth and takes a long drink. Okay… that might be the hottest thing I've seen in a while. Look at Little Miss Innocent chugging beer like a big girl. I toss the water back in the chest and grab a second beer. After opening it, I reach out and tap my can to hers. The answering grin is infectious and I smile at her before taking my own first sip. Jesus Christ…there is nothing beating an ice cold beer on a hot day.

Rachel leans back on her elbows and crosses her legs. One tiny foot swings idly and I can't stop looking at her cute little toes. She's so freaking small. It's kind of adorable. Our silence is companionable and I realize that this is why I wanted to spend the day with her. Despite her various personality flaws, Rachel is an easy person to be around. She's comfortable to be with. Add in the fact that I can totally see down her shirt as she's reclined and it just makes this day seem perfect. I'm not sure how long I've been watching her, but I realize my mistake when she clears her throat. I meet her eyes and her gaze is smug and knowing. And then she says something so out of character that I choke on my beer.

"See something you like?"

She laughs outright as she sits up and whacks me on the back. Or I'm assuming it was meant to be a whack but her little fist felt like it just poked me. That's all secondary to the most important part though… Rachel Berry wants to Puck. Okay that's kinda crude but seriously that little smirk on her face, it's just for me and that's hot.

"What if I said I do?"

I smirk back at her and trail a finger from her knee to her ankle. She sucks in a breath and nibbles her bottom lip again. I can't help that groan that escapes because I've kissed those lips and I know exactly what they are capable of. My eyes widen as she leans towards me and stops close enough that her breath is brushing against my mouth.

"Swim with me Noah."

As she jumps up and pulls her shirt over her head, I'm speechless and stunned. When she wriggles those shorts down her hips though, I'm on my feet pulling off my shirt. When she runs to the water and dives in without stopping, I'm right behind her.

I don't know what made me say that to him. I know exactly the type of boy Noah Puckerman is and it's not smart to get mixed up with him, but I'm so damn tired of doing what's expected. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode if I don't do something crazy. And not the normal Rachel Berry brand of crazy everyone is used to… I'm talking the kind of crazy that has you drunk and spinning around a silver pole on amateur night. I want to have fun damnit. I know that Noah wants nothing more… so maybe I should take my turn on the sin wagon.

As the cool water laps against my overheated skin, I have to flip my hair out of my eyes so I can fully appreciate Puck, shirtless with water dripping down his stomach. My breath whooshes out and I can't stop the giggle that escapes. The obvious muscles I mentioned earlier? So sexy.

"See something you like?" I snort when he repeats my question back at me.

"What if I said I do?"

He strides to me and stands close enough that I can feel the heat coming off his body. When his hands lift me under my arms, I'm dazed and my body tightens with anticipation. He slowly drags my body across his and I shudder at the contact. His eyes deepen to a forest green and I nervously bite my lip. His eyes follow the movement and I close my eyes waiting for him to kiss me. I'm caught off guard as I feel myself become airborne. My eyes flash open just in time to see him laughing before I hit the water with a splash.

I'm sputtering when I surface and he's still laughing because he's too stupid to know he's a dead man. I shove my hands against the water and send a huge torrent of water into his face. He chokes as it goes up his nose and it's my turn to laugh. The look in his eye makes me try to swim away but he catches my ankle and pulls me back to him. He tries to pick me up to throw again but I wrap my arms and legs around him and cling. We're both laughing breathlessly and he has water droplets sparkling in his eyelashes.

Somehow we stop laughing, but I still have my legs wrapped around his waist. He's looking at me and somehow this becomes a moment. I'm immediately self-conscious and duck my head so that my hair swings to stick to some of my face. Noah easily shifts my weight and holds me up with one hand while he uses the other to brush my wet strands back. My fingers are still linked behind his neck when he shifts and his thick length presses against my core. I suck in a breath and he nods as I finally understand. With no further warning, Puck crashes his lips to mine and I whimper because it feels that damn good. His tongue sweeps across the seam of my mouth and I part my lips for his conquering tongue. He tastes like beer and cherries and the combination is heady. I can't stop myself from grinding my hips against his and he groans. We break apart. Our chests are heaving, we're struggling to breath. I can't stop myself from leaning forward and giving him a friendly peck. As he smiles into my eyes, I drop all my weight. He's unable to balance and we both tumble into the water.

When we surface, we're laughing again and the tension is gone.

The drive back to her house is silent and companionable again. If you'd have asked me this morning if it was possible to have one of the best days ever with Rachel Berry, I would have said you were fucking nuts. If you would have told me that her hot little mouth would kiss me until I damn near came, I would have died laughing. Yet both of those things happened today. She's so relaxed now that school is out. She jokes and laughs and it feels good to be around her. I didn't expect that when I asked her to come with me, but it is what it is. I glance at her as the streetlights flash across her skin. She's sitting with her legs tucked under her and she's quietly singing a song I haven't heard before.

"What's that song?"

She blinks sleepily. "Unthinkable by Alicia Keys."

"Sing it for me."

Her voice fills the small space and I'm immediately happy. Her voice is so pure, like she honestly feels every verse she sings, and she wants to make sure you feel it too.

You give me a feeling that I never felt before

And I deserve it (I think I deserve it)

It's becoming something that's impossible to ignore.

And I can't take it.

I was wondering maybe, could I make you my baby?

If we do the unthinkable, would it make us look crazy?

If you ask me, I'm ready.

If you ask me, I'm ready…

Her last note dies off as I pull into her driveway. I arch a brow at her.

"Giving me subliminal messages Berry?"

She snorts as she pulls her bag up off the floor.

"I just like the song. And I'm shocked that you even know what subliminal means."

I walk her to the door. "So this was… interesting."

Her voice is soft like it hasn't been since earlier. "It was."

I'm not sure what to do and I'm disgusted with myself. This wasn't a date, so why am I standing here like some fucking dork waiting for a good night kiss? I'm trying to decide my move when she sighs at my indecision.

"Give me your phone."

I hand it to her and watch as she keys something in, then hands it back. She leans forward and kisses my cheek before opening her front door.

"Good night Noah."

I don't look at my phone until I'm off her street. She's entered her phone number under RB*. I can't help but laugh that she put the star on my phone, but I don't erase it. I'm humming the song she was singing as I park in front of my home. I lean against the bed and look up at the sky as I go back over today's events. As I think about the kiss, I make a decision. I'm going to spend more days with Rachel Berry, because the combination of the total hotness that is her body and the calming effect of her personality is too good to ignore.

If you ask me, I'm ready…