Back in Lima, Mr Shue and the class were talking about sectionals and what song they should sing. Mr Shue was thinking all day whether Puck would walk through the doors but he wasn't getting his hopes up because he knew Puck was stubborn and didn't want to face the reality of Finns passing just yet. Rachel was also struggling with Finns passing. Even though they weren't together when he died, she felt this enormous amount of guilt and she didn't even know why. She had questions but no one had the answers and she felt like she couldn't talk to anyone.
"Rachel? do you have any ideas about songs for sectionals?" "I don't want to sing anything, Mr Shue. I really don't" everyone paused their conversations and looked at Rachel in shock. "Rach, we know you're hurting but do you really think Finn would want you to stop singing?" Santana asked her friend. They had become good friends in the past 6 months. "Well if Finn isn't here to tell me that, how do I know the answer to that question?" "because he loved when you sung, are you kidding me Berry? he told me multiple times that his favourite sound is hearing you sing." Quinn just sat there with Sam nodding in agreement. Sam had become a real douche, especially to Quinn who just sort of took it because she didn't want to get hurt. Deep down, she was missing Puck too.
Everyone was trying to convince Rachel that she needed to be involved but she wouldn't have a bar of it. She didn't want to sing anymore. Not ever. Mr Shue calmed the class down "this is your last year here guys, I think we all should respect Rachels wishes an- Puck!" in walked Puck wearing a pair of jeans and a black jumper. Everyone looked at him like they saw a ghost. But Quinn had a little smirk on her face, she was more than happy that Puck just walked in. "Wow Puckerman. You're looking fine!'' Santana commented while Quinn death stared her which Sam caught on too. "Hey everyone. I just felt like I needed to explain why I left and why I didn't say goodbye. And to apologise for the way I handled everything. Mr Shue thank you for finding me and keeping in contact otherwise I don't know what would've happened." "I care about you Puck, we all do." The bell rang and everyone got up to talk to Puck. Except for Rachel, who walked straight out of the room.
Brittany kept touching Pucks facial hair that he'd grown in recent weeks "Where did you go Puck? And why didn't you text me? We used to text everyday!" "I'm so sorry Britt, I couldn't face Lima or anybody in Lima. But i did miss you all so much." He looked straight at Quinn who smiled a little and looked down to the ground. Puck could see Sam was getting irritated but he didn't care. He didn't care about Sam at all. "I'll be back after lunch so I can explain guys, I just want to go see if Rachel is okay" but before he could leave, Santana hugged Puck so tight and kept mentioning how much she missed his company which really infuriated Quinn inside who was still daggering Santana.
Puck looked all over for Rachel, even though they weren't the best of friends, he did care for her and he knew she was missing Finn just as much as he was. He found her outside at the benches near the field. "Alot of memories here" Puck said as he sat beside Rachel who had her face in her hands. She raised her head "yeah, he loved to play sports. Especially winning." "I remember after every game we'd go and drink some beers and sing all night. I miss those days so much, Rach." "I know Puck. But I just want to know one thing, why did you leave? Why did you leave us when we needed you?" "You didn't need me, Rach. You needed your family and your friends." "Puck you are my friend. I just want to know why you disappeared." "I'll tell you all after break and you can ask as many questions as you want. I know we we're close once and just know that I'm really sorry for everything. I came back because I know you missed me, Berry" They both let out a chuckle. "You're the only friend I can talk to about Finn without crying, Puck." "I'm always here for you Rachel. I'll always be your friend." Even though they were never super close, the only connection between Rachel and Puck was that they both cared for Finn. Rachel and Puck stood up to go back to the classroom "You know who else missed you? Quinn. She didn't tell anyone though, but I could tell everytime your name was mentioned" Puck smiled at that. Maybe Quinn would forgive him just as easy as Rachel did. So he hoped.
"Alright everyone, Puck is going to talk to you all now." "Thanks Mr Shue." Everyone sat around as Puck starting speaking "first of all I want to apologise. I know I confused you all and made you angry at me. I needed to leave. People grieve in different ways and I didn't want you to see me broken and in pieces. I was at my lowest. I grieved more than I ever have before and I couldn't bare for you all to see me like this. Finn was not just my bestfriend, he guided me in the right direction in every situation and I've realised he will continue to do so from above." "Exactly. So where have you been all this time?" Tina asked the question everyone was thinking. "Well I went to Iraq and joined the army. I didn't think I'd last this long to be honest." "Well the army did some wonders to you Puckerman, cause you are looking so hot these days." Santana smirked and looked straight at Quinn who knew she would be secretly angry at that remark. Especially since Quinn told Santana almost everyday that she missed Puck. Sam once again caught on to the looks. He knew exactly what Quinn was thinking.
"uhh..thanks San? I don't really know what to say to that." Puck was really happy to be back with his friends. Everyone was nicer than he thought they would be. All he wanted though was an alone moment with Quinn so he could tell her how he really felt. He came back a new man and wanted her to know it. But not with Sam around. Puck knew Sam wouldn't like it if Quinn was around him. But he didn't care.
"So how long do you plan on hanging around here?" "I don't know Mike, maybe a while" his response made Quinn smile. "I have a big house that I need to maintain 20 minutes from here. My family are here, my friends.." he smiled to Quinn "And I don't know if I'll be heading back to the army full time. I felt like that was an escape and now I know i don't need to run anymore. I'm where I need to be. For now." "So will you be attending the tribute for Finn tomorrow?" "I wouldn't miss it, Rach. Not for anything." Rachel and the rest of the class smiled. Pucks phone rang and he left the room to answer it. "What is with all those looks and smiles, Quinn? Stop looking at him!' Sam whispered to Quinn. She shook her head and couldn't be bothered arguing with him anymore. It was an unhealthy relationship but she was scared to leave him. Quinn got up and left the room to follow Puck and speak to him. She wanted to have an alone moment just as much as he did. She walked in to the maths room where Puck was on the phone and stood there. Puck got off the phone, turned around and saw Quinn standing there wanting to talk. It's the moment he had been waiting for, for 6 months.