Hello everyone! I loved seeing your predictions as to how Chase will turn out. I already know what I'm going to do with him so you will find out soon enough. Rachel's outfits in this chapter will resemble season 3 just so you know. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 5: The Perfect Duet

When they got home, Puck grabbed a chair so they could get on the computer and look up songs. He couldn't believe he was helping her. Normally, he never paid much attention to Schuester's lessons but knowing that Rachel wanted to sing with him made him oddly…excited.

Rachel looked at the computer in amazement. Mercier wasn't tech savvy so she wasn't used to any of this. "America has so much technology."

"Yeah I guess. It gives us the right to be lazy," he smirked. "So you said the assignment was country music right?"

Rachel nodded. "Yes."

"Okay well I don't know much about country music but judging by what my mom listens to, I have some people in mind."

For the next hour and a half, they went through artists and songs to try and find the right song for them but they weren't having a lot of luck. Every song they found, either Puck hated it, Rachel didn't think it was good enough, or both of them just disliked it altogether.

Frustrated, Puck got up from the chair. "I'm going to get a soda."

Rachel nodded and looked at the song suggestion list on youtube. As she looked, she found a song that caught her eye so she clicked on it and started listening. While he was in the kitchen, Puck heard the music playing and stood in the doorway, watching Rachel watch the music video. He had never seen her so intrigued by something and that's when he knew they found their song.

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When Maria came home with Sara that evening, the last thing she expected was to find Puck and Rachel sitting at the table, doing homework together. She walked in the room and stared at the two in shock as they looked over at her.

"Oh hi Maria," Rachel smiled. "Noah was just helping me with my studies. Since I am unfamiliar with everything we are learning, he said he would help me."

Maria looked at Puck to confirm this and he nodded. "Yeah I just figured that I should be helpful for once."

Not wanting to question this any further, Maria simply nodded to the explanation. "Okay well carry on while I get dinner started."

As she walked into the kitchen, Sara jumped in Rachel's lap. "Rachel guess what? My class is having a bake sale and I was hoping that you would help me bake something."

Rachel considered it. She had always snuck into the kitchen to help make something back at home so this shouldn't be any different. She nodded at smiled. "Of course I will help you. We can start tomorrow."

"Great," Sara smiled, excitedly.

"Sara follow your brother's example and go start on your own homework," Maria instructed from the kitchen. Dejectedly, Sara grabbed her backpack and trudged up the stairs as Puck and Rachel continued their work.

As she caught a glimpse of Puck trying to figure out a math problem, Rachel smiled to herself. She didn't think that they would get to a point where they were friends and could actually get along with each other. It made her feel more at ease about being here with them and made her feel like she was finally starting to fit in with him and everyone at school.

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That night, Puck was walking back from the bathroom when he heard cries coming from Rachel's room. Normally, he would just ignore something like this. He hated seeing girls cry so he knew that he wouldn't be much help. But listening to Rachel cry was practically unbearable for him so Puck decided to take a chance and check on her.

Knocking her door, he remembered he had to be quiet so he wouldn't wake his mom or Sara. "Rachel? You okay?"

A few seconds later, Rachel swiftly opened the door. "Yes I am alright."

"Are you sure? I thought I heard you crying."

Rachel shook her head. "It is nothing."

But when Puck looked closer at her face, he noticed the tear streaks. "I don't think this is nothing. Come on Rachel you can talk to me."

Knowing that he wasn't going to let it go, Rachel opened her door wider so he could come in. After quietly closing the door behind him, she sighed. She couldn't tell him about her fears for her parents and her country who is at war because of her. "I guess I am just feeling a little homesick."

"Well it's understandable." Then he realized that this would be the perfect opportunity to get to know more about Rachel. "You never mentioned where you were from."

Remembering what she told Kurt and Mercedes, Rachel decided to go with what she told them. "Germany."

Puck looked at her confused. "And they don't have this type of technology there?"

Realizing how obvious her amazement at technology was, she quickly tried thinking of an excuse. "I live in a poor part of the country where we do not have access to the technology."

Deciding that it was reasonable, Puck nodded in understanding. "Well I'm sure your parents miss you too. Have any siblings?"

She shook her head. "No I am an only child."

"That's a surprise. You're so good with Sara I figured it was because you had younger siblings back at home."

"No just me. Although I do wish I had a brother or sister. Someone to talk to. My own friend," Rachel frowned, realizing everything she was missing at home. She didn't have friends like Kurt and Mercedes to help her or defend her in certain situations. While she desperately missed her old life, it was one thing that made her wish she didn't have to go back to it.

Puck stared at her. Despite her being from a different country, he couldn't help but feel a connection with her. Something that's never happened to him before is happening with someone who won't even be here long. "So how long are you here for? Not that I'm trying to kick you out or anything."

Rachel thought about this. Normally foreign exchange students know how long they are in a certain place for, even though she had no idea how long she would be here. She shrugged and decided to go with an indefinite answer. "A while."

Luckily, he nodded and decided not to question it further. When he looked at the time, his face fell. They had school the next day and they were performing their song so they needed to sleep. He turned back to Rachel. "Well I think we need to get to sleep so we can be up for school. Are you okay now?"

Rachel nodded. "Yes I am fine. Thank you for checking on me."

"You're welcome. I'll see you in the morning." Rachel nodded as he walked out of her room, closing the door behind him. She laid down and smiled to herself, pleased with how things were going with them and happy to know that Puck cared about her.

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As she sat in glee club the next day, Rachel couldn't help but be nervous to sing in front of the club. She and Puck had practiced after dinner and they had sounded great. But could she do that in front of the whole glee club? Everyone was so talented and some of them even wanted to make careers in the field of singing. Sure they admired her voice when she had first auditioned but what if they realized that it was nothing special?

Noticing how nervous Rachel looked while Quinn was singing a Carrie Underwood song, Puck put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Rachel nodded. "Of course, how could I not be?" When Puck gave her a knowing look, she sighed. "Okay I am terrified. I mean, everyone has such beautiful voices and I'm afraid mine will not quite match theirs."

Puck thought to himself. He wasn't good with pep talks but he had to do something before Rachel was ready to run out of the room to puke. "You have a beautiful voice too Rachel. You're just as good as everyone else, if not better. Trust me you'll be fine. Just keep your eyes on me and I'll help you through it."

Rachel smiled at him. Hearing him say that made her feel ten times better and it made her feel ready to perform. As Quinn finished her performance and Mr. Schue gave his comments, Rachel felt the nerves creep back in but she refused to let them mess her up. If Puck believes she can do it, then she can do it. There was no doubt about it. Mr. Schue called them up to go next so they got up and took their places on the floor. Puck had his guitar so when he was ready, he started strumming and the rest of the musicians followed. Taking a deep breath, Rachel began her part.

Rachel Puck Both

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor
Reaching for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore

Puck noticed how Rachel was still nervous so he walked closer to her to grab her attention. When she looked at him, she sighed a breath of relief and continued to sing.

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

Following Puck's instructions, Rachel never took her eyes off of him. It was like there was no one else in the room but them and it made everything much better for her.

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone, and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call, but I've lost all control, and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Puck knew he wasn't much of a singer but for some reason, he really wanted to impress Rachel. And staring at her during this performance wasn't helping him figure out why. It was like she had some kind of power over him that just made him fascinated by her.

Another shot of whiskey, can't stop looking at the door
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk, and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call, but I've lost all control, and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Whoa
Whoa...

Everyone in the classroom couldn't help but notice the way Puck and Rachel looked at each other. It was like they made this song fit just for them. Like they could possibly have real feelings toward each other.

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone, and I need you now

Seeing Rachel's smile of encouragement for the rest of the song, Puck felt like his spirits were lifted so he gave his all into the next notes.

And I said I wouldn't call, but I'm a little drunk, and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now
Oh baby, I need you now

As the music ended everyone burst into applause, bringing Puck and Rachel out of their little world. Mr. Schue went over to them.

"Great job guys," he smiled. "That was beautiful. And Rachel, no one would ever know that you're not familiar with the music here."

Rachel smiled before looking at Puck. "Well I have a great teacher." Puck smiled back as looks were exchanged throughout the club. But no one noticed the disapproving look on Santana's face.

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While Rachel was getting a book out of her locker, Chase walked over to her.

"Hey Rachel," he smiled.

She looked at him and smiled back. "Hi Chase."

"So I was thinking, we should go out tonight. There's this party my friend's throwing and I wanted you to be my date."

Excited about the idea of going to a teenage party, Rachel quickly nodded. "Yeah I'd love to go."

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven." As he walked away, Rachel couldn't help but squeal in excitement. Her first date and she was ready for it.

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As Puck was at his locker, Santana stormed over and slam it. He looked at her in confusion.

"What's up your ass?"

"What the hell was that with you and dwarf girl in the choir room?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said while trying to walk away from her.

"Oh yes you do. Everyone in the room could see you two eye fucking each other the whole time you were singing. So what's going on? Are you fucking her?"

"No I'm not. We're just good friends that's it." Although he couldn't deny that he possibly wanted something more than friendship with Rachel.

Sensing that he was hiding something, Santana gave a smug smile. "Well I sure hope you are because she's going with Chase to a party tonight. Maybe she'll give him her cookies instead."

As she walked away, Puck couldn't help but feel disappointed at Santana's news. Rachel was really dating that guy and there was nothing he could do about it. He just wanted to know why Chase asked her out now, after her big makeover. But it didn't matter. Chase wanted Rachel and Rachel wanted him so he would have to live with it.

Sounds like Puck has a crush! What do you think will happen at the party? Let me know. Bye for now :)