This story takes place in the same AU/Future as my story Clowns. This can be seen as it's sequel. I hope you like it.


Jesse stands on a stage in front a handful of young actors, Rachel included. Also there is Steve Barnes, the director; James Lacond, the writer and a limited orchestra.

He stands there with confidence that comes from an inner knowledge that he can make it as a star. As his eyes sweep the crowd Rachel offers him a small smile and a thumbs up. Jesse wants to shoot her a grin, but he won't risk breaking this strong demeanour.

Jesse has just finished singing the title song of the play 'Oh Darling!' by The Beatles. It's the song that presents the central conflict to the show, a show dealing with betrayal, heartbreak and a happy ending and all centred on Beatles songs.

Rachel is playing the female lead Michelle and Jesse is auditioning for the lead male Jude. The show would follow their progress as friends, to lovers, through an accidental betrayal and case of mistaken identity with the culmination of their reunion over the title song.

James Lacond and Steve Barnes had gotten permission from everyone with a stake in The Beatles estate to allow them the permission to stage such a play. It definitely didn't hurt that Paul McCartney was friends with James and helped speed along the process.

"That was wonderful Jesse. You have the vocal range for the show, but now I think that we need an acting test." Steve says, "Rachel take the stage, we'll take it from the scene where the two of them meet for the first time."

The acting test between Rachel and Jesse blows everyone sitting in the audience away. They all felt the chemistry and the connection that the two of them had on the stage and everyone sitting in the audience knows that with these two as leads the play is sure to be a success.

Jesse lands the role of Jude and immediately workshops resume on the show so that the show makes the necessary changes for him as and actor and singer.


A week into the workshops with Jesse catches Rachel on her way out of rehearsals.

"Rachel do you want to grab something to eat?"

"Sure." Rachel responds, looking nervously at Jesse.

The pair hadn't gone out since that night two weeks ago after the showcase and Rachel wasn't sure if trusting Jesse with her heart or more than friendship would be good for the production. Jesse was happy that Rachel was willing to accompany him, but he could sense the apprehension in her face and her voice.

Silently the pair makes their way to a diner not far from the rehearsal theatre. Rachel keeps her eyes forward, watching the bustling New York street part a little as they walk. Jesse continuously glances down at his companion, hoping to read her mind, wondering why they haven't really talked since that night almost a month ago.

They find a secluded corner in the diner and place orders for water and a large plate of fries to share. Jesse knows that he has to be the one to break the silence, take the plunge into this conversation.

"So," He starts and immediately stops, feeling the nerves that he so long ago scoffed at.

"So." Rachel mimics.

"Look Rachel I don't know what being cast along side you is going to mean for us, our relationship," Rachel's eyes widen at the word relationship, so Jesse quickly continues on. "What I mean is with everything that we had between us, all that immature shit that I pulled all of the unresolved issues and that night a month ago, I just want to know where we stand? Because Rachel I need this role, and I don't want to lose it or screw it up and I don't want to lose whatever is rebuilding between us either. So please let me know that you are ok with all of this, ok acting opposite me, ok with letting me in again on some level."

Rachel draws her eyes down to the green speckled table top. After all that Jesse has just said she needs a moment to form a response that won't hurt him – and herself – and that states some of what she has been feeling since she last saw him and discovered that he most likely would be playing her male lead in this new play.

"I am ok with all this Jesse. I know what it's like to want something this bad, hell for me it's been this show." Rachel says and she notices Jesse visibly relax. "And being completely honest if something were to happen that would mean you have to leave it would screw things up for me as well because you were meant for this role and I don't think that anyone else could fill it now."

"Thanks Rachel."

"As for what's building between us I know that I don't want to lose that either. I know that we are going to have to let each other in and trust each other on some level and I'm ok with that. However based on certain events," Rachel tilts her head, emphasizing that she's referring to their past but not wanting to voice the actual events "and the fact that we will be together almost everyday I think that,"

"We should just be friends." Jesse finishes for Rachel.

The pair looks at each other as the words are put out into the open. They both know that this is the best course of action; they both can't help but feel a little regret over the mutual decision.

"Well as friends, I'm Rachel Berry." Rachel says extending her hand.

"I know who you are," Jesse says chuckling. He takes her hand shaking it. "I'm Jesse St. James."