Artie had known Quinn Fabray all his life. They had practically grown up together, even if she hadn't noticed him. It was clear to him of course, that they would never be together, since Quinn was the head cheerleader and Artie was, well, wheelchair-bound.
There was something about Quinn that stood out to Artie, not that she wasn't extremely beautiful, because she was and of course that was the first quality that stood out to the crowd, but the fact that she could be such a nice and caring person on the inside really charmed Artie. Of course, he had been in love since the 4th grade when he accidentally brushed by her chest with his elbows, but seeing Quinn mature over the year with him and the rest of the Glee members made it clear to him that if Quinn wanted to be that respected, obedient, mommy's girl that she could, and that she could also be the best girlfriend anyone ever had.
Artie wheeled to class just like he always had, only to see Quinn alone with Puck.
"I can't, I've got fight club this afternoon."
"God, you're such a jerk Noah Puckerman!" And with that, both of them looked up to see the familiar face roll into the room.
"Hey guys, I'm sorry if I was intruding. I-I...I'll leave you guys to it, I'll just go over there and listen to my iPod."
"No it's fine" Quinn replied, "Noah was just leaving."
"I was?"
"Yes you jerk."
And with that, Noah was gone and a familiar, awkward silence dawned upon the room. Artie had been in this situation before, but never had it been clearer to him that he had feelings for Quinn Fabray then right now. Brittany had just broke up with him because she was in love with Santana, and that gave him some time alone to reconsider his emotions, and then he realised that it was right there in front of him all along. He liked Quinn. No, he loved Quinn. He could have for the rest of his life.
"Sorry about that." Artie broke from his train of thought to the apologetic Quinn. "He's been...God! Why are all guys such assholes! Sorry... I didn't mean..." Quinn quickly covered her mouth to stop herself from saying anything else that would hurt the poor guy's feelings.
"It's fine. I get it. I mean, I don't know what's going on with you and Puck, but I'm sure you guys will figure it out..." Artie replied, trying to prevent gazing right into those beautiful eyes of Quinn. He was sure those were the most beautiful pair he had ever seen.
"I don't think we will this time, see.., I don't think I should be unloading on you with my problems. I'll deal with..."
Artie interrupted, "No it's fine...I mean, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here." He hoped that this little gesture would open up this long overdue friendship that obviously meant more to Artie than Quinn.
"I, um..." Quinn shifted uncomfortably. She had never known Artie quite that well, despite knowing that he had been to the same schools as her all through their lives. She never made an effort to know Artie, and that didn't seem to bother her. Until now.
Quinn was just about to pour out her troubles to Artie when the rest of the glee members strolled in, including Puck, who, upon catching the gaze of Quinn, gave an apologetic smile and mouthed "I'm sorry."
Artie saw the look on Quinn's face, the same one that he had wanted to see her give him. The "I'm in love with you" look. But he knew that it was never going to happen. He looked painfully at his legs, both with regret and sorry for himself. "WHY DON'T YOU WORK?" He thought to himself.
What he didn't see, was that Quinn had turned to look at him, right as he looked down. With the look... or something close to it.
