Disclaimer: I don't own Glee.
Things to Know: For the purposes of this story, Puck and Rachel never dated. Quinn is pregnant with Finn's child and they are happily together. Finn and Rachel are not interested in each other. Also, Puck is not in Glee.
While Puck typically spent math class in the nurse's office, he spent history class hanging out under the bleachers. Every once in awhile though, his mother's voice crept into his head asking him why he was throwing his future away. So, he would attend one class and then the voice would go away and things would be back to normal. Today, history was the chosen class. He entered the classroom ten minutes late to the sarcastic greeting of his teacher.
"Mr. Puckerman, thank you for gracing us with your presence today. How fortunate for you that we are picking partners for the project that will take up the remainder of the semester and be worth half your grade. I pity the person who sadly ends up partnered with…."
All of a sudden, a voice interrupted from the back of the room. Rachel Berry announced, "I will be Puck's partner for this project."
The teacher looked at Rachel with curiosity. "That will be fine, Ms. Berry, though I question why you're attempting academic suicide."
Rachel spoke with unquestionable certainty. "I am confident that Puck and I will be successful in our endeavor."
Puck plopped down in his chair and though he barely spared a glance at Rachel, his mind was occupied with thoughts as to why the girl who he slushied on a semi-regular basis would request him as a partner for such an important assignment.
He approached her after class to ask her that question, albeit in his usual inappropriate manner.
"So Berry, what's with your eagerness to work with me on this project? Hoping to spend some quality time with my hot body?"
"This project is very important, Puck. It's worth half our grade and I know that you are failing. As you may have noticed, Quinn Fabray and I have recently initiated a friendship and she has shared with me her concerns about your academic record."
Puck had indeed noticed. It was difficult to not notice the former reigning Queen of the school befriending the Gleek. Quinn and Finn had discovered her pregnancy shortly after they both joined Glee. Rachel and the other Glee members had been some of the only few people in the school to not ostracize them. Rachel in particular had forgiven Quinn's former treatment of her and this had forged a friendship between them.
"Finn is greatly concerned about you and since Finn is concerned, Quinn is concerned. And strange as it may seem considering our past, since Quinn is concerned, I'm concerned."
"Whatever, Berry. I'm not stupid."
"Of course you're not!"
Rachel said this with such genuine certainty that it took Puck aback. He assumed that everyone just figured he was stupid and that was why he didn't do well in school.
He said more softly, "I'm not a charity case either."
"This isn't charity, Puck. Besides, there is no shame in asking for help."
"Whatever, fine, it's not like I have a choice."
"Excellent. However, you will be an active partner in this assignment. I am expecting your full participation."
"I am always a very active partner, Berry."
Rachel just looked at him with confusion.
"Okay, fine, Berry, we're partners. Good luck…I know it will be difficult for you."
"I'm confident it will not. You are an intelligent person who just needs some assistance applying yourself."
Puck smirked and sauntered away, responding, "I meant it would be difficult for you to not jump my hot bones every time we meet."
Just as he was turning his head away, he noticed a deep crimson blush come across Rachel's face and couldn't help but wonder if this project would be more fun than he expected.