Author's Note: Sorry it's been a little longer than I expected to update, but I had a busy couple of days. Let's just say West Side Story is amazing on Broadway and John Arthur Greene was my favorite. Best portrayal of Riff I have ever seen! Now on with the story3
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any songs I use!
Rachel's POV
"So Rachel, what are you up to this morning?" Brittany questioned linking her arm through mine as we walked out of the hotel, ignoring Quinn and Santana's glares. Mr. Schu didn't want us at the restaurant till noon so we had a few hours to hang around.
"I'm really up for anything Britt." It was nice having a friend. I knew we weren't really hanging out yet for a full day, but something about her was easy to trust and see she was genuinely nice, much like Noah. I felt comfortable around them both and a part of me knew I shouldn't (because well…hello they have been torturing me for the last two years!) but I just knew that they were genuinely being nice and not planning some evil scheme.
"Okay, well we should probably find Puck, first than we can figure out what to do." She said stopping us by the entrance to the beach.
"Why do we need to find Noah first?" I questioned confused, yet a little excited at the thought of hanging out with Noah all day.
"If we don't find him he'll be freaking out thinking about all the guys who will be flirting with you…and well just trust me it wouldn't end well." She stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. I thought she was acting crazy, but something about her demeanor seemed different to me. She seemed to present herself normally and not like the ditzy blonde she usually is.
"Why do you always act so clueless in school? Right now you seem rather intelligent?" I asked without thinking. I immediately started back tracking, "I mean…You aren't..."
"Rachel, it's okay. I'm not offended. I am not as stupid as I pretend to be because I'm not really book smart. I figure why act normally and fail, I may as well have people expecting me to fail, it's easier. Plus it added to the cheerleader image." She stated and before I could reply I felt someone's arms snake around my waist.
"Hey there," whispered a voice in my ear. I was disappointed that it wasn't Noah's voice or arms around me.
"Hi James," I said as excitedly as I could, but I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. Seeing Britt's questioning look I quickly got out of James' grasp and closer to Brittany. "James this is Brittany, Brittany this is James." I said gesturing towards each of them respectively.
"So what do you want to do today?" James asked stepping closer and kissing my neck. What the hell was I thinking yesterday?
"I'm sorry, I can't hang out my teacher has the entire day blocked off for us, so I'll talk to you later?" I asked, a small part of me hoping he would say no.
"Of course," he said kissing me passionately on the lips, ignoring me trying to end it as quickly as possible. After he stopped he walked away and Brittany looked at me waiting for an explanation.
"Well, I met him yesterday, you see? And I don't know we just ended up hanging out a little bit. I was alone and really didn't want to be, I guess I don't know what happened. One second we were talking and the next he was making out with me. At the time it felt nice to be liked, but I don't know…" I trailed off loosing my breath. Brittany just smirked as I felt arms wrap around my waist once again, but these arms were stronger.
"Hey Berry, what's up?" Noah questioned and I relaxed into him, for a moment before straightening myself up and stepping out of his hold. Part of me could've sworn he had a slight bit disappointed, but it was there so briefly that I was sure my eyes were playing tricks on me.
"Nothing at all, Puck we were just deciding what to do today, and it appears the ocean is out." Brittany answered. Why would the ocean be out? Oh yeah! I told James I was busy the whole day…wow that girl is way smarter than she lets on.
"Well you ladies can come with us, we were just on our way over to the pool." Puck finished.
Us? I questioned to myself. I do not think it's a good idea to go with the whole group. I know that Noah and Brittany like me, but the rest of them don't seem that okay with me.
"Of course we'll come," Brittany answered before I could reply hopping ahead of us, throwing a quick wink over her shoulder, before disappearing from sight.
"I'm not sure Noah. I think I'll just hang around in my room until we go to the restaurant."
"Don't worry Rach. No one is going to mess with you and if they do I'll kick their asses." He said wrapping his arm around my shoulders, giving a little squeeze before leading the way to the pool. It actually felt really nice to be in his arms and know he was looking out for me.
I think after last night everyone was afraid to cross me, so they all ended up keeping to themselves, while Brittany, Mike, Noah, and I hung out. Mike was actually really sweet and I can't remember him ever being mean to me, he was always just quiet. With our love of dance the conversations with him were always easy and he always had a joke to crack. He was absolutely in love with Britt though and I can tell Britt feels the same way. It is now somewhat of a mission, for myself, to get those to together before the end of the week.
"Come on Rachel, we need to get on the bus." Noah said banging on my door. I was so lost in thought that I didn't even realize that I was supposed to be downstairs two minutes ago.
"Sorry," I apologized as I stepped out and shut the door. "I lost track of the time."
"No problem. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't stuck on that bus without you." He smiled before he seemed to realize something and continued on. "I mean between Mike and Britt with all the googly eyes they make at each other, I need someone to keep my mind sane." He smirked looking down at me as we entered the elevator.
"I know, I wonder when those two will realize they are perfect together." I said with a smile. Noah just smiled back, staring into my eyes before the ding of the elevator caused us to jump apart. I quickly stepped out and boarded the bus, Noah following me and sitting down next to me with Britt and Mike in front of us.
The bus ride was short and surprisingly pleasurable. It was filled with the four of us joking around and having fun. It was nice. After we got to the restaurant everyone settled into their tables and we were waited on quickly after that. It was decent food, but for the first time in a long time, I enjoyed the company more.
"Okay everyone, I want you all quickly on the bus, I Have a huge surprise for you!" Mr. Schu exclaimed as everyone finished their lunch.
"Is it me or does Schu act like a five-year-old hyped up on sugar way too much?" Mike joked as we sat on the bus.
"I know, it's annoying how he tries to live his crappy teenage years through us all the time." Brittany chuckled. Before anyone else could comment, the bus stopped outside a club.
"Everyone this club has karaoke day today and I want all of you to sing one song before we leave here. I don't care if it is a solo, duet, trio, whatever, I just want you to sing and I want everyone to be supportive of one another." He glared at me briefly and I glared back. I was never non supportive of my team mates, they were the ones who never supported me.
"Don't worry, Rachel, Schu is an asswhole." Puck said, loud enough for Mr. Schu to hear as we stepped off the bus. The whole club grouped off in the corner checking the place out.
"Hey Rachel, isn't that the boy who kissed you earlier." Brittany pointed off whispering to me. I looked to see James with some blonde as he leaned in for a kiss. Part of me was upset…I thought he was interested in me… but another part was relieved I had a reason to stay away from him. I felt Puck wrap his arm around my shoulder.
"Do you want Mike and I to kick his ass, Berry?" He questioned sounding pissed.
"That's quite alright, I have my own ways of humiliating him." I smirked up and I could tell he knew I was going to go up there and sing.
"You go show him who is boss, and exactly what he is missing Berry." Noah leaned down and kissed my forehead, we stared at each other shocked for a moment before he smiled and nudged me toward the stage. I went over to the guy and asked him to start a personal favorite of mine
I quickly hopped up on the stage and prepared myself to tell James off in my own way. I winked towards Britt, Noah, and Mike before the familiar beats started to play. I began to belt it out.
You better take it from me, that boy is like a disease
You're running, you're trying, you're trying to hide
And you're wondering why you can't get free
He's like a curse, he's like a drug
You get addicted to his love
You wanna get out but he's holding you down
'Cause you can't live without one more touch
I slowly walked off the stage. Acting mysterious, eyeing my target that has yet to realize that I was in the room. I stopped in front of him and his shocked face was just the thing to make this whole situation better.
He's a good time cowboy casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
I slowly trailed my hand down his arm making him shiver a little bit.
Looks like a cool drink of water
But he's candy-coated misery
He's the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don't want to fight
You better run for your life
I turned my attention to the girl he was with and pointed my finger toward her acting out the entire seen.
I see that look on your face
You ain't hearing what I say
So I'll say it again
'Cause I know where you been
And I know how it ends
You can't get away
Don't even look in his eyes
He'll tell you nothing but lies
And you wanna believe
But you won't be deceived
If you listen to me
And take my advice
He's a good time cowboy casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
Looks like a cool drink of water
But he's candy-coated misery
He's the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don't want to fight
You better run for your life
I turned away from him and walked towards Brittany, who thankfully acted with me. Pointing and glaring as we sang the bridge.
Run run away
Don't let him mess with your mind
He'll tell you anything you want to hear
He'll break your heart
It's just a matter of time
But just remember
I slowly backed toward the stage and gave my all on the last refrain.
He's a good time cowboy casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
Looks like a cool drink of water
But he's candy-coated misery
He's the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don't want to fight
You better run for your life
I blew James a kiss as I wrapped up the song.
Oh you better run for your life
Oh you better run for your life
The applause echoed throughout the room. I saw Puck, Mike, and Brittany stand up cheering my name. I ran over and Puck opened his arms and encircled me in a hug.
"That was amazing Berry! You totally told the asswhole off and gave him a piece of your mind. I am so proud of you!" He kissed me on top of my head giving my stomach butterflies as I buried my head into his chest. It felt so nice to be in his arms. For some weird reason I felt safe, which is ironic since he was one of my biggest tormentors for the past two years.
"That was really good, Rachel." Brittany said after Noah released me. Mike nodded and gave me a quick hug. We all chatted and smiled as the rest of the glee club got up to start performing. Tina went after me singing Taylor Swift's Crazier. Quinn and Santana sang Your Love is My Drug. Finn, Artie, and Matt sang Our Time Now. Kurt and Mercedes sang 4 Minutes.
After a lot of persuading I got Mike and Brittany to go up and sing a duet and let me pick the song. Noah asked me to dance as the familiar chords of Two is Better than One began to play. I smiled up at Mike and Britt who seemed lost in each other's eyes and looked back to Noah as he spun me around.
"Very clever, Berry," he smirked down at me. "I had no idea you could be that manipulative."
"There is a lot you don't know about me Noah." I teased lightly.
"Well I intend to find everything out." He teased back and we stayed in each other's arms until the final note of the song finished. Noah quickly gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before grabbing my hand and leading us to Mike and Brittany who stared skeptically at our hands, which we quickly released.
"Puck you're up now." Mr. Schu said quickly and walked off.
"What are you going to sing Noah?" I asked excitedly.
"You'll see Berry, just be patient." He smiled and walked off. Brittany slowly came up to me and grabbed my arm dragging me to stand in front of the stage.
"I will get you back for that stunt you pulled with Mike and me." She whispered, but quickly added on. "Thanks for it though, I know you were only trying to help me." She smiled as I turned my attention to Puck onstage as an unfamiliar song began to play.
She is fine, most of the time
She takes her days with a smile
Moves like a dancer in light
Spinning around to the sounds
But sometimes she falls down
His eyes captured mine. The words swirled in my mind. As everyone else slowly disappeared.
Breathe, just breathe
Take the world off your shoulders
And put it on me
Breathe, just breathe
Let the life that you live
Be all that you need
She likes New York at night
She dreams of running away
He winked at me and I realized the words seemed to describe me perfectly.
Shine on, bright like the sun
When even the sky turns grey
I need you to hear me say Breathe, just breathe
I need you to hear me say
Take the world off your shoulders
And put it on me
Breathe, just breathe
Let the life that you live
Be all that you need
Let go of the fear
Let go of the time
Let go of the ones
Who try to put you down
You're gonna be fine
I couldn't seem to drag my eyes away from his. His intense green eyes held mine seeming to try and make me understand.
Don't hold it inside
If you hurt right now
Then let it all come out
Breathe, just breathe Breathe, just breathe Breathe, just breathe Breathe, just breathe Let go of the fear
Take the world off your shoulders
And put it on me
Let the life that you live
Be all that you need
Take the world off your shoulders
And put it on me
Let the life that you live
Be all that you need
Let go of the time
Let the life that you live
Be all that you need
Let go of the fear
Let go of the time
Take the world off your shoulders
And put it on me
I think I understood what he was saying and I ran up to him and threw myself in his arms and he buried his head into my hair.
"I will always be here for you Rachel. You got that?" He questioned his hand under my chin holding my face to look up at him.
"Yes, Noah I know." I whispered leaning into his lips.
"God Puck what the hell is wrong with you?" Quinn came up behind me breaking the moment completely. "Why the sudden interest in manhands? She is such a slut. Making out with some random guy yesterday and now she goes after you?" She sneered at me.
"Fuck off bitch!" Noah snapped at Quinn.
"Don't say that to my girlfriend." Finn snapped coming towards us.
"Tell your bitch to leave Rachel alone then." Noah yelled at Finn. The next thing I knew Finn punched Puck and they started attacking each other. I tried to break it up, but Finn shoved me back and I whacked my head on something.
"Rachel!" I heard Noah yell. The whole room was spinning and than everything went black.
Puck's POV
I was so close to kissing Rachel, than I heard Quinn come up and bitch to her and I snapped. The next thing I knew Finn was pissed at me for bitching at his girlfriend and punched me. I saw Rachel come towards us to try and break it up and then Finn shoved her hard. I lost it. I punched Finn so hard that he became unconscious. I looked and saw Rachel laying on the ground I yelled to her, but she didn't answer.
"Call 911!" I yelled at Mike as Brittany and I continually called Rachel's name trying to get any movement out of her. I noticed blood started to color her hair and felt tears come to my eyes.
Author's Note: Duh, duh, duh! What will happen? Is Rachel going to be okay? Will Puck and Rachel ever get together? You'll have to read and find out. Anyway the song Rachel sand was Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood and the song Puck sang was Breathe by Ryan Star. Reviews are always appreciated ;)
