Author Note: So I just want to apologize for the lack of update. I've been really busy lately with my show, Sweet Charity and I just finished my first story called "Let this be my story" and I'm halfway done with my other one called "Anything for her" which you all should definitely read and review ;). Anyway, I just want to thank those of you that did review/subscribe in the last chapter, I hope to get more as the story progresses so please let me know what you think! I DON'T OWN GLEE! but happy reading anyway :D (Flashback is in italics)

Noah P.O.V

Today was the big day, my first show with the Acafellas. I was sitting backstage trying to keep my cool while still managing to keep up my badass image, I mean anyone would be nervous when they're trying to impress the woman of their dreams right?

"You alright Puckerman?" Coach Tanaka questioned.

"Yea, I'm cool. I didn't expect this many people to show up" I said shrugging. It was true, I had honestly expected a light crowd, but Shue kept true to his word when he said it was going to be big.

"You sure, you look like you're practically shitting your pants" he smirked.

"Hell yea I'm sure. I'm not scared, I'm trying to impress someone and I don't want them thinking I'm some gay ass pansy for going out and singing with you two idiots" I snapped. I really didn't give a fuck about all the people out there, it just gave me more of a chance to show off my skills. The only person I cared about was Rachel.

I peeked out the curtain to see if I could spot her. She promised she would be here, so where the hell was she?

I made my way down the hall with a small grape slushy in my hands blocking out everything and everyone as I searched for my target.

"Hey Rach" I said smoothly.

"Ah!" she gasped as she covered her face with her hands.

"You okay?" I asked when I realized she wasn't moving.

"Just do it" she mumbled under her hands. She really did have the cutest fucking hands.

"Uh..this is for you" I said holding the drink out for her. "I know grape's your favorite cause we used to go to the 7-eleven all the time and I'd get cherry and you'd get grape" I said smirking, I was such a stud.

"Is that why you always toss a purple one at me?" she snapped.

Fuck I really wasn't expecting that.

"No, I just..shit I'm sorry..look I wanted to ask you something" I said uneasily.

This was usually the point where I pulled a stunt and tossed it on her or made a rude comment to distract her while I collected my nerves or adjusted my dick, depending on how short her skirt was that day. I couldn't even talk to her without getting those damn butterflies in my stomach, and that just wasn't badass.

"And what would that be Noah?" she asked as she took the slushy from my hands.

"I'm having concert with my group called Acafellas and I wanted to know if you'd come" I said, trying desperately not to stare at her lips as she sucked the drink through the straw. Now was not the time to deal with a hard-on.

"Acafellas, like the group that Mr. Shuester is in?" she asked.

"Yea, you heard about us?" I asked, feeling a burst of pride.

"Yes, you're the reason that Mr. Shue has abandoned the glee club and left us to hire a choreographer who was no help at all" she said angrily.

So much for pride.

"Oh my bad I didn't know all that, I just thought it's be cool if you came that's all" I said, trying not to sound defeated.

"And why would you want me there?" she asked.

"Because you're my friend and I know you're into music even if it's not broadway, so I thought you might like to come and expand your horizons or some shit" I said, rubbing my hand through my 'hawk.

"Noah you and I aren't friends" she said sternly. "Not anymore" she whispered so low I barely heard it.

"Sure we are" I said, knowing deep down that I treated her like shit and our friendship had ended on the first day of school, when I dumped a slushy on her.

"No we're not and I would appreciate it if you stayed away from me" she snapped as she turned to walk away.

"Whoa whoa whoa" I said, grabbing her arm to stop her. "Look, I know we've…had our differences, but I know you like this kind of stuff so I was hoping you'd come"

"Noah" she sighed. Uh oh, this couldn't be good. "I really appreciate your invitation, but unfortunately I'm going to decline" she said.

"Why?" I asked. I couldn't believe she was turning me down, no one ever turned me down.

"I have other obligations that I've already committed to" she said.

"Look Berry, no offense but if you have vocal lessons or dance or something I'm sure you can miss one class to have a little fun. We're singing some really awesome stuff and I want to have someone as experienced as you there to critique me" I smiled.

"Noah I'm sorry but I simply can't go, I've got a a very busy schedule right now and I don't even have a ride there" she sighed.

"I'll pick you up, just please come Rach. I know you don't believe me, but I really want you there and I want us to start over and be friends again" I said, tilting her chin up so I can look into her eyes.

I wasn't sure what it was, but something didn't look right. Her eyes weren't as shiny as they normally were and she wasn't holding her head up high like she normally did. What was going on with her?

"Why now Noah? It's been almost an entire year and now you've decided on becoming friends again" she said.

"I miss you" I said, stroking her cheek softly. God her skin felt like silk.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this" she said, pulling away.

"Do what? All I'm asking is for you to come to my damn concert" I said, getting mad.

"Fine, I'll come but don't expect anything more" she said, walking down the hall.

I continued to stare after her in awe. Never ever did a girl turn down the Puckster. I knew Rach wasn't just any old girl and I knew it'd take a while for her to trust me, but fuck I didn't know she'd be this difficult!

As she walked away, I stared at her ass swaying back and forth in that tiny skirt and I remembered why I was doing this. I liked her for who she was and what she looked like. I had never had feelings someone this strong nor had I ever liked someone both for their personality and their looks. My Ma always told me that beauty was within, but I had no idea what that meant until Rachel.

As I continued scanning the crowd, my eyes locked on a pair of gorgeous brown ones. She was here and sitting two rows in front of Ma and Sarah. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face when I saw her sitting there. She looked gorgeous in that red coat and she looked either really excited or extremely nervous.

"You ready for this?" Shue asked as he slapped my back.

"Hell yea, I'm always ready to charm the ladies" I smirked.

"Let's do this" he said.

After we had performed out last song, we headed backstage to bask in our glory.

"That was kick ass!" I yelled.

Our performance was fucking EPIC. We had the entire crowd on their feet and everyone was jamming to our versions of badass songs.

I quickly changed my clothes and went out to the reception area to find Rachel when I ran into a couple of cougars I had been with over the summer. I honestly had no interest in them anymore, so I dismissed myself and continued on my mission.

"Noah honey you were fantastic!" my mother Mariam shrieked as she threw her arms around me.

"Jeez Ma, I can't breathe" I gasped.

"Sarah wasn't you're brother incredible up there? Who knew my little boy was so talented?" she gasped.

"Yea thanks Ma, look I'll meet you at home okay" I said, heading off in the direction of the short brunette in the corner.

"I hate to interrupt, but I'd like to steal this pretty lady away from you" I said to the woman talking to Rachel.

"Hello Noah" she said, once we found some privacy in the hallway.

"Hey" I said cooly even though my insides were turning to mush. All it took was one of her smiles and I was a puddle of goo. "So, did I meet the standards for the ever so talented Rachel Berry?" I asked.

"You were amazing up there Noah, I had no idea you were that good. Have you ever thought about pursuing music as a career" she asked brightly.

"Wow thanks, that means a lot coming from you" I said.

"I mean it Noah, you could really make something of yourself if you decided to study music performance or something in that field".

"I've thought about it, but I don't think I have the grades for college or anything. Even if I did, I need something that'll guarantee me a job. I've gotta look after Ma and Sarah and being a music major ain't gonna cut it" I said.

"It's a shame you feel that way Noah, you're very gifted" she said kindly.

"Thanks" I smiled. "So you ready to go?" I asked.

"Go where?" she said, looking around.

"Home, where else?" I asked.

"Oh, Noah you don't have to take me home I'll be fine" she said.

"How'd you get here, I thought you didn't have a ride?" I asked.

"One of my dads drove me, I asked him to come home from work early and drop me off" she said convincingly.

"Okay, well then let's get you home" I said, pulling her out the door.

"Noah, don't worry about it, I can take the bus or walk it's not that far" she insisted.

"Hell no, there's no way you're getting on a bus this late at night, let alone walking anywhere" I said. Was she crazy? It's a winter night in Lima, it's dark and freezing outside.

"Noah, I assure you that I'll be fine. I'm quite capable of getting myself home on my own" she said, pulling away.

"Nope, not gonna happen babe" I said, tossing her over my shoulder.

"Noah, put me down!" she shrieked.

"M'kay" I said, placing her down in the front seat of my truck.

"Fine, I'll let you drive me home" she huffed.

"Hate to break it to you, but you didn't have a choice" I laughed.

On the way, we chatted about school and music and we even sang along to a few songs on the radio. I thought back to the time when we would just lie on her bed and talk for hours and never get bored. We would make up games when we would get tired of being around our parents and try to cook different things from my kitchen when we it rained outside. The times I spent with Rachel were always fun, and this was no exception.

Before I knew it I was pulling into her driveway and opening the door for her.

"Where's your dads?" I asked.

"They're inside why do you ask?" she said nervously.

"Cause their cars aren't in the driveway" I said, looking around. Was it me or was something different around here?

"Oh, they must still be out on their date then, you remember how they always used to go out on Friday nights" she rambled.

"Yea, but it's Thursday" I said, worriedly.

"Oh, I just remembered the new exhibit at the museum they went to see. They've must've grabbed dinner or something afterwords" she said quickly.

"Uh..okay. Do you want me to wait with you?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes.

"Oh Noah that isn't necessary, I'm sure you need to get home and get ready for school tomorrow" she said.

"Nah, I'm good" I smiled.

"Noah I really appreciate your offer, but I find it highly appropriate for a boy to be in my house with me when my dads aren't home" she said sternly.

"Relax Rach, it's me, besides it's not like I haven't been caught in your room before" I smirked.

"Yes, but that was before we were even thinking about any type of sexual situations" she said.

"Who said anything about sex?" I said raising my eyebrow and flexing my guns, the ladies loved my guns.

"Look Noah, I'm grateful for your invitation tonight, I had a lot of fun. Now I need to get to bed or else I will not get the eight hours of sleep I need in order to have a successful day in school tomorrow" she said.

"Alright, thanks for coming Rach, it really meant a lot to me" I said, wrapping my arms around her.

"You are very welcome Noah" she said, kissing my cheek.

Hell yea, my plan was working out perfectly. Rachel Berry was gonna be my girl in no time.

Rachel P.O.V

I couldn't believe I had just kissed Noah Puckerman. I had worked so hard to keep my feelings out of the way and here I was throwing myself at him. It wasn't like I couldn't help it because I could. Whatever feelings I had for Noah had gone out the door the day he decided to toss a purple frozen drink in my face and call me a hurtful name. And yet I couldn't help that building feeling when her picked me up, or when we talked and sang in his car, or when he hugged me. I loved the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me, it made me feel safe and that was a feeling I was craving more than anything.

I climbed the stairs to my empty house, knowing that it would remain that way. The only other thing there was my little black dog, Poppy who was passed out on my bed.

If there was one thing I hated doing, it was lying. I hated pretending that I was strong and confident when I was really falling apart. I hated telling people that I was busy with dance and vocal lessons, when I really working my ass off to pay the bills. I hated being alone all the time and knowing that everyone hated me. I hated that I had no one who loved me and that the only person I can rely on is myself.

I was disgusted with myself for getting so far into to this lie I had created to protect them. If anyone knew they had abandoned me at 14 years old, I'd be screwed. I'm no idiot, I know that I can't live alone at 15 in a house listed under my dads name when I had no idea where they were. I knew that they would take me away from the only thing I have left and I'd have to live in some group home until I was eighteen.

The only way I'd get out of this cow town was if I kept up my lie. I didn't need anyone in my life to screw that up, by finding out the truth. I needed to work the hours before and after school to keep the house paid off and food on the table. I needed to keep my grades at the top so I'd get a scholarship to Juilliard. I needed to focus on me and only me and that meant keeping everyone else out. It wasn't really that hard when people did't like me anyway, but there was someone who tried to work their way in. Take Noah for example. I knew when he approached me in school today that nothing good would happen.

We had been best friends at one point. That was when I was happy, when I had a family, and when I was loved.

I didn't believe in love anymore, it had only led me to heartbreak, despair, and disappointment.

I had loved my dads and they left me behind with absolutely nothing, but an empty house.

I loved Noah Puckerman, but he had made it his goal to treat me like shit.

I used to believe in god. Every night I would pray for my dads to come home and hold me in their arms and tell me I was their angel. Every night I prayed that Noah would come over and tell me he loved me back. When neither happened I came to a conclusion that either god didn't exist or that he hated me.

It seemed like no matter how hard I prayed, practiced, and studied nothing ever changed. I strived to be perfect in every way, hoping that maybe they would come back.

You must be wondering how it happened right? It all started one day when my daddy lost his job. He came home upset and my dad and I tried to comfort him. They told him he had taken off too many days that year. Of course he tried to reason and explain that he had a child to look after, but this did no good and he ended up blaming me for it. Things from there escalated between me and daddy. He would get upset when I asked him to come to a dance show, or when dad would take me to a vocal lesson. Dad didn't want to loose daddy, he would do anything to please him.

Eventually the lessons stopped and my dad had lost interest in me as well. They had stopped driving me to school. They stopped packing my lunch and making me breakfast. There were no more take-out dinners, and no more family karaoke nights. They began to ignore me and it seemed as though I didn't exist in their world anymore. The only thing I had left in my life was Noah, even though I never told him what was going on at home. Every time we wanted to hang out we went to the park or to his house, anywhere away from dad and daddy. Noah had been acting strange around me, his dad had left and he wasn't taking it well. Next thing I know, I'm waking up to an empty house. I got up to see where my parents were and to my surprise they were gone. Their bedroom was completely empty and the office had been cleared out. They had left me all alone with nothing.

I didn't cry about it, why should I? It wasn't like they had been around anyway. They didn't love me anymore. I honestly wasn't even that shocked, just a little aggravated that they didn't give me an advanced notice, a note would've been nice. The only thing I felt was fear. I hated being alone. I couldn't rely on Noah anymore, he would just push me away. He was starting high school and I still had a year to go. I decided it would be best to cut off whatever ties we had before I got my heartbroken. I knew it was bound to happen anyway, he had been keeping a distance between us and I had learned from my dads that separation resulted in nothing but pain.

When I went to knock on his door, I found myself looking into his gorgeous green eyes and I couldn't do it. I needed to hold onto whatever we had left. What else did I have to live for?

I should have went with my first instinct and protected myself because on the first day of my freshman year, Noah Puckerman broke my heart and destroyed whatever feelings I had left for anything and anyone.

It didn't matter anymore, nothing did. The only thing I wanted was a fresh start and nothing was going to get in the way of that. I had shut everyone out of my life and I blanked out any feelings. I put on a show everyday and strolled the halls with confidence that I know didn't exist. I was an actress, the best damn actress that ever lived.

When he asked me to come to his show, I had every intention of saying no. I tried to put on my show face and smile as usual, but it didn't work. Those green eyes brought back everything I'd been so successful at hiding and I felt myself falling for him. It only took 5 minutes of conversation for me to completely give in to him and that was what scared me. If I allowed myself to feel, then I would loose it all. I would feel the pain of being abandoned, the fear of being alone, the ache for attention and love, and most of all the feeling of being a human being.

I only had two more years left and if I could keep up the charade, then I would make it. I could not let Noah Puckerman get in my way, no matter how irresistible he was. I would not let it happen.

-Just some background on this story: It takes place in season 1 although I'm not exactly following the show. Quinn was never pregnant and Rachel never dated Finn. Puck is a sophomore and Rachel is a freshman and they were best friends as kids.

-If you have any questions/opinions feel free to send me a message I will respond! Also you can follow me on twitter msnikitaleigh_