Yay chapter 7 is complete :) Working on Chapter 15 or New Semester and got a one shot up today called Payback :) All in all it's been a successful writing day. Hope everyone enjoys this chapter!

Disclaimer: Don't own, sadly never will :(


Review Replies

Cherry Power: Thank you for your review! :) I'm glad you liked it!

Goldstar20: Thank you for your lovely review and for giving this story a chance! hope you continue to enjoy!

Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon: Hello love, i'm afraid you'll have to wait on the reaction, for the moment Matchel is enjoying no one knowing yet.

Angel JJK: Thank you! Hope you continue to enjoy :)

Marinka4: yes he is, though I dont' know if it'd be as fun if I was there dealing with him lol.

Lulubell76: Haha, that was a fun chapter to write, I'll admit :) Thanks for the lovely review!

Stereoskyline: Update as requested! lol Glad you liked it! now that i've given you your update *ahem* hint hint *ahem* your turn lol

GingerGleek: Thank you so much, love! Glad you enjoyed it!

Stardust923: They are adorable arent they ;) lol thank you for the review! I'm glad they finally got together to, it's nice being able to write a couple in one of my stories finally lol instead of just romantic tension :) Thank you for reading!

Kkaty: Haha, yes it gave me the giggles as well, especially him chasing that squirrel ;) I'm glad you liked it! And I don't think you have anything to worry about, not really. P/R's friendship is pretty strong.

Jeheyena Aj Jax: lol it was a lot of fun to write, though a sugar high mike in public might get him shot or at least knocked out lol. Believe me they wanted nothing more than to lock him up but they are good friends and resisted lol. thank you for the review!

Seacat03: I'm glad :) I do too!

Kezztip: I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far! Thank you for the nice review! hope you continue to read and like :)

Couragetcd: Thank you!


The next morning it was Matt who woke up first, surprisingly. He looked down at the tiny brunette still asleep in his arms and smiled.

A week ago he never would have guessed he'd have a shot with her. He had liked Rachel since freshman year. She had always seemed so confidant and collected. Always knew what she wanted and went for it. Never let anything, not the bullying, slushing or name calling, get her down.

He had never seen another girl like her and had hated seeing Finn toy with her time and time again. He couldn't understand how Finn could possibly let this gorgeous, amazing girl go and for Quinn no less.

"His loss is my gain" he whispered aloud before shifting so his face was beside hers. He pressed his lips to her forehead and when she didn't stir he kissed her cheek, still nothing. He smiled before kissing her lips.

He felt her kiss back before he pulled back and smirked, "You were faking" he accused.

She blinked her eyes open and grinned at him sleepily, "Maybe, but it still was a nice way to wake up" She replied.

He grinned back at her, quickly kissing her again before moving to get up.

"Matt" she called as he got close to the door.

"Yeah, Darlin'"

"Did you tell Mike about us?"He shook his head.

"Oh, so we get to keep it to ourselves a bit longer." She grinned, "This could be fun."

He turned back to her and smiled then frowned as a thought hit him.

"What's wrong?" She asked getting out of the bed.

He shook his head before deciding to clear all questions up.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" He asked, smiling at her.

She grinned at him as she came to a stop in front of him and slid her arms around his neck, "Well, Mathew Rutherford, I thought you'd never ask." She replied.

His grin widened at her answer before he leaned in and captured her lips in a searing kiss. He felt them walking back towards her bed and had to pull away, causing her to frown at him for a second, he noted.

He placed a quick kiss on her lips before saying, "School and waking Mike up remember?" He replied to her frown.

She sighed, but nodded, then got a mischievous smirk on her face, "You go ahead and get ready, I'll wake Mike up"

He shook his head,playfully frowning at her, "Nope, you lost your chance of waking up other guys when you agreed to be my girlfriend. I remember that first morning you woke me up"

She laughed at him, before pushing him towards the door, "Just kidding, though you aren't the only male I'll be waking up, normally, you know"

He cocked an eyebrow up at her in question.

"Noah" she reminded him.

He nodded, "Annoying fake twin brothers don't count as males" He replied, with a smile.

That earned him a bigger grin then asking her to be his girlfriend did. She ran and jumped on him, forcing him to catch her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, legs around his waist and kissed him. When she pulled away and slid to the ground, he just looked at her, "Wow.. Where'd that come from?"

"That answer was perfect…Finn always assumed that Noah and I were cheating because of our close relationship. Remember he tried to give me that sill ultimatum? Saying if I didn't stop being friends with Noah, it could be a deal breaker?"

Matt remembered that fight, that was just a few days before the party where Finn got caught cheating. He nodded, smiling down at her."Finn was an idiot for ever letting you go, but like I'm sure you heard me say this morning, his loss is my gain. Now seriously, we have to get ready. I thought you were the one that said we couldn't miss two days in a row." He mock lectured her trying to look stern.

She giggled at him, but nodded, "You're right, I'm going to go get a shower and get ready. Be down soon."

He nodded, silently calling her a tease for making him think about her going to the shower after that seriously hot kiss she had just given him but turned to leave all the same. Pounding on Mike's door to wake him up before he grabbed his clothes and jumped into his own cold shower.


Once they were all three ready for school, they met up in the kitchen.

"We have an hour before we need to be at school, who wants to just stop at Starbucks or something for coffee and breakfast?" Rachel asked,.

Both boys agreed so they left and drove to the Starbucks right next to the school. Ordering their drinks and getting pastries of some kind for breakfast. They sat at a little round table in the corner and sipped their drinks, Mike not as hyper yet seeing as it was his first caffeine of the day and Matt and Rachel both fighting the huge smiles threatening to come out as they weren't ready to let Mike in on their relationship yet.

During the breakfast, Matt and Rachel were holding hands under the table, however, causing both of them to be in an even better mood than usual.

Mike didn't notice anything different and as the caffeine and sugar started kicking in, he prattled on and on about how Brit had called the night before and she'd be back early tomorrow morning so he was going to go home that night so he could drive her to school the next morning.

Rachel smiled at him, "That's really sweet of you, Mike. I'm sure Britney will be glad to see you in the morning."

He smiled, and nodded before frowning, "Oh, you didn't need us to stay the night tonight did you?"

She shook her head at him, "No, Noah comes home today and I'm actually going over to his house after school to have dinner with them so I'll probably stay the night there. Mom hardly ever lets us out of her sight when we show up. Especially since she hasn't seen me in like a month."

Mike looked relieved, smiling back at her, "Yeah, Mrs. Puckerman is really something, isn't she?"

Rachel snorted, "That's an understatement. I'm half afraid the wedding books are going to come out tonight. She's still so set on Noah and I giving her, her little Jew grandbabies."

Mike laughed as Matt squeezed her hand under the table, smiling as well.

After that the conversation was pretty light and normal. Soon they finished up and threw their trash away and headed to school.


The boys gave her quick hugs when they walked in before running off to football practice. Rachel walked to her locker and was surprised to see Tina and Artie both waiting for her at her locker.

Smiling at the quiet due she said, "Good Morning, Tina, Artie. How are you both doing today?"

"Morning" Artie replied.

"Hi, Rachel. We're fine. How are you?" Tina said, in her quiet voice.

"I'm wonderful. What can I do for you both?" She asked, getting to the point because she was fairly certain she knew why they were there and knew what her answer would be. She had been waiting for them to approach since she left but couldn't find it in her to be as mean to them as she had been to Kurt or even Mr. Schue.

Artie looked over at Tina, obviously saying that she was the one who had something to say.

Tina looked up at Rachel, a serious look on her face as she opened her mouth, "I wanted to apologize, for everything. I know you have every right to hate me, Artie and everyone still in glee club. We were all awful to you and you didn't deserve it, at all, so I'm sorry."

Artie nodded, hesitated for a second and then added, "I'm sorry too. There were a lot of times in glee that you drove me and everyone crazy but you were just trying to do what you thought was best for the group and I see that now so sorry."

Rachel smiled at them both, "Thank you for that, apologies accepted but just so you know, I'm not coming back."

Tina nodded, "We know. Kurt and Mercedes told us about your performance in the park and we read Jacob's blog."

Artie nodded, "Even as they bitched about it, it sounded kind of awesome. When are you guys performing?"

Rachel couldn't help the tiny thread of suspicion that weaved in her mind as he asked for information but couldn't help but fight it down. Despite everything, these two had not been outwardly mean to her, at least not near as often as the rest of the club and they hadn't tried to get her to rejoin so she answered, "We have a competition in Columbus in about two weeks."

"Sweet, tell us where so we can come watch, alright?" Tina asked, still sounding shy.

Rachel nodded, "I'll print you a flyer later." She promised, giving a tiny smile to the two.

They both smiled back, before waving. "See you later" Tina called as she and Artie went down the hall towards their own lockers.

"Bye" Rachel called back, smiling a little to herself at the exchange. She had, of course, knew Artie was not her biggest fan and Tina, well Tina usually went along with whatever Kurt and Mercedes did so she probably wasn't a big fan of hers either but it was nice to see them both at least make an effort to undo some of the wrong that had been caused. With that, she skipped to her first period, deciding that this was the best day ever.


The day went on, much the same as any others and when last period came, Rachel walked in, dreading it. She was worried Finn was going to try and talk to her again.

Sure enough, he was sitting by her desk.

She walked to her desk, putting her stuff down and said, "Whatever you were planning on saying, Finn, don't. I don't want to hear from you today or any other day. You and I are through, for good so leave me alone."

His mouth dropped for a second at what she said before quickly replying, "I just want to be friends, Rach. I miss you. I'm sorry about the party and for accusing you of cheating on me and for everything. I know I was an ass, just please, I miss you."

She turned to look at him, glare in place, seeing he had his puppy dog eyes on that used to make her melt and give in to almost anything, "You will never change will you? You think you can do anything you want, mess with anyone's feelings you want and then say sorry and all is forgiven. It's not how it works. This is how it works. You messed up, you cheated on me and before that you were being a horrible boyfriend anyway, never coming around unless you knew I was hanging out with Noah, never calling unless you wanted something, so I'm through with all of it. We were never really friends, Finn. We were together and then we weren't and we're never going to be again. So give it up, I'm done with you."

She got up and Mr. Marshall looked up, surprised that she was leaving, after missing the past two classes, "Are you still ill, Ms. Berry?"

She nodded, "I'm sorry, Mr. Marshall. I understand the importance of being in class, really and I had no intention of missing these past three classes, I just can't seem to get over this bug"

He nodded, sympathetically and handed her a pass, "I hope you feel better"

"Thank you"And with that she headed out to the car and waited on her boyfriend and his best friend to get out of class so she could get home and get ready to see her family tonight.


They got out and were a little surprised to see Rachel already at the car, "Three days in a row? You really are spending to much time with Puck" Matt teased though the teasing didn't reach his eyes. He looked worried.

Mike got in the backseat and asked, "What'd the Douche do?"

She told them her conversation with Finn and they both were mad that he still insisted on trying to get her to forgive him.

"Do you want us to kick his ass again? Because we totally have no problem doing it." Matt offered.

Mike nodded, "Yeah, I didn't get to last time so it'd be nice to actually get a piece of the asshole for myself."

Rachel smiled at them both but shook her head, "Thank you guys, Noah offered the same thing but really I just want him to go away."

Mike got an evil smirk on his face, "If we told Quinn he was talking to you, I bet he'd disappear or at least leave you alone for a while, that chick's evil. I'm tell you." Shuddering from his last encounter.

Rachel however thought that was a brilliant idea, "That's an excellent idea, Michael! Why don't you text her and tell her to tell her boyfriend to leave me alone."

Matt cast a quick glance at her before looking back at the road, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Why not? Mike's right, if anyone can get Finn to leave me alone, it would be her."

Mike shook his head, "I don't want to text her. I don't want her to remember I'm alive. She'll murder me."

"If she comes near you, I told you, San and I will kick her ass. Please, Mike. I'll give you a Cherry sucker"

He frowned, still not wanting too, obviously.

"Two cherry suckers?" She offered.

"Fine, but I'm drinking a whole pot of coffee tomorrow before going to pick Brit up and then drinking more there as well" He threatened.

"Do not make that deal" Matt groaned at Rachel.

"Matt, he would have done that anyway, so at least now I get some compensation out of his sugar high" Rachel shrugged before looking back at Mike, "Now please"

Mike frowned but sent the text, shutting his phone off as soon as he finished.

Rachel cocked an eyebrow at him, "Why'd you shut your phone off?"

"So I didn't have to hear back from her, now give me my candy!"

She rolled her eyes at his childish act but reached in her bag and pulled out two of the promised suckers. "Thank you, Mike. That was very sweet of you to get over your fear for me"

"If she kills me I'm haunting you and Brit will kick your ass" Mike answered, taking the suckers from her hands, and shoving one in his mouth, still pouting.


They pulled into her driveway and Mike jumped out of the car and waited by his car for Rachel to get out.

She walked over to him and gave him a hug, "Have fun tonight. Hug Brit for me in the morning"

Mike nodded, hugging her back before waving at Matt, "See ya dude" he called as he got in the car and pulled out.

Matt watched Mike pull away before he and Rachel walked up to her front door and let themselves in, as soon as the door closed, Matt pulled her to him and kissed her. "I've wanted to do that all day" He said as soon as they pulled away.

She smiled up at him, "Me too, but I have to go get ready for tonight."

He frowned at her, "so soon?"

She nodded, "Mom said they'd be home around the time we got out of school. She's sending Noah to pick me up when they get there."

Matt checked his watch, "Text Puck and see if they're home yet."

She cocked an eyebrow but did as he asked. A few seconds later getting a reply.

"He says they're about thirty minutes away from Lima"

Matt smirked, "Seems like we have a little time then"

She put her hand on his chest, as he tried to move closer, "I'm beginning to think you only want me for my incredible kissing ability"

He laughed, "Not only but see your wonderful conversation skills I'm allowed to make use of in front of our friends. You're astounding beauty I can see no matter who's around. You're kick ass music ability and dancing we can put to use with everyone around. However, at the moment, you're incredible kissing ability, we can only do when we're alone which is next to never"

She smirked up at him, letting her hand slide up around his neck, "Well, when you put it that way…" She started as she brought his face down close to hers, "I still need to get ready" She breathed before pushing away, without the promised kiss, and running up the stairs before he realized what just happened.

When he did, he was chasing her up the stairs, yelling, "HEY, That wasn't cool"

He heard her laughing as she dashed into her room, he got in just before she shut the door, and couldn't help but smile as her laugh filled his ears. It was fun seeing her so carefree.

He pushed his way all the way in and grabbed her around the waist throwing her on the bed and quickly moving so she couldn't run away. He pinned her wrists with one hand and started tickling her with his other, much like the other day.

"Matt! Let me go" she whined, between laughing.

He shook his head, "No, that was really mean," He said, as he continued his tickle attack.

"I'm sorry" she said between laughs, "Let me make it up to you!" she got out after a few efforts.

He slowed his assault, "How are you going to do that?" He asked.

She pulled on her wrists and he let them lose, she pulled his head to hers and kissed him, letting him take control of the kiss she moved so she rolled them over and she was on top.

She had meant to get off at that point and run into her bathroom to get ready but somewhere between when the kiss started and now, she had forgotten the plan and had just went with the making out with her incredibly handsome and addicting boyfriend instead.


They stayed like that, forgetting the world and everything but each other, until they heard, "Rach? I'm home"

They jumped apart, "Damn it" Matt growled

While Rachel was frantically trying to fix the hair that Matt's hands had messed up. She gave up and with a last wink at Matt, she went out the door and ran down the stairs.

Seeing Rachel coming down the stairs, Noah grinned at her, opening his arms to which she happily jumped into, arms around his neck, as his easily tightened around her waist, spinning her around.

"Hey doll" He said, when they finally stopped and he put her down.

"Hey" She said, smiling at him.

"Miss me?" He teased, knowing the answer.

She smirked at him and shrugged, "You were gone?" She asked, playfully.

He grabbed his chest, "Ouch, that hurt, babe. Gone two days and you didn't even notice."

She kissed his cheek, giving him another hug, "You know I missed you. It's good to have you home"

"Good to be home, but sadly we can't stay. Mom said I am to come her, get you and go back or she will hunt us down."

Matt came down the stairs then and Noah raised his eyebrow, "Where are you coming from?" he asked with mock suspicion.

Rachel hit his shoulder while Matt rolled his eyes, "I was taking a nap, did she tell you about Mike's sugar high yesterday? None of us got much sleep."

Noah laughed at that, "Where is he? Did you kill him and hide the body? Because Brit will probably kill you for that"

Matt laughed, "Nah, we let him live because of that very reason. I don't want Britney coming after me. He went home so he could pick up Brit tomorrow."

Noah hit his hand to his head, "Damn it, San wants me to pick her up tomorrow but Mom wants us to stay the night…"

Rachel knew what he was getting at, he wanted to pick San up alone and if they both stayed at his house, they'd have to ride together, she looked over at Matt with a raised eyebrow.

"I'll pick Rach up, tomorrow if you want to pick Santana up." He offered, quickly catching the hint.

Noah smiled at his friend, "Yeah that'd be great, thanks, man."

Matt shrugged, "No problem, but I guess I better be heading home."

Noah nodded, "Yeah, we need to go too, before mom goes crazy. See you tomorrow, Matt"

"Bye, Puck" Matt called to Noah's retreating back as he headed out the door to wait for Rachel in the car.

Rachel hugged Matt, before reaching up and kissing him quickly, "I'll see you in the morning"

Matt hugged her again, "Yep, convenient he wanted to pick San up huh?"

Rachel rolled her eyes, "They need to tell each other already, they are both already basically dating anyway"

"Sounds like another couple I know" Noah remarked dryly from the doorway, where he had come to tell her to hurry her ass up.

"Oh, Noah, hi…um.. We need to be going. Bye Matt" She gave him another quick hug before turning to run out the door, dragging Noah with her, leaving Matt to close and lock up the house.


In Noah's truck, Noah told Rachel about his sisters newest obsession with Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. She had apparently played them all the way home, so he was forced to bust the speakers out of his headphones to try and drown them out.

She told him about Tina and Artie and also about Finn trying to talk to her again. She left out most of her and Matt's interaction though he asked.

"So you and Matt were home alone huh? How'd that go?"

She rolled her eyes, "He told you, Noah, he laid down for most of it" Which wasn't a lie, he was lying down for most of their time there, just not napping.

"Mmhmm. You two were alone, in the house and nothing? You guys are worse then me and San at least we make out and occasionally hook up"

Rachel rolled her eyes at him, "You and San are dating in everything but name and you know it."

Noah frowned at her but let it go only saying, "You and Matt might as well be. You're always cuddling on the couch and Mike said you two slept in the same room Monday."

"Mike has a big mouth" Rachel grumbled.

Noah laughed at her but let it go for then. They talked some more about his grandma and school before they pulled up to his house.

"Be warned, she is in a very good mood" he said in an ominous tone.

"She doesn't have the wedding books out does she?" Rachel moaned.

He shook his head, "Not when I left but she had the photo albums out and was asking if we got a bigger bed in my room if we would stay here more."

Rachel shook her head, "She really thinks we're sleeping together doesn't she?"

He nodded, "No point in telling her different. She won't believe it and if she did, she might not let me stay with you as much."

Rachel sighed, "I love Mom but geesh…"

He nodded, before grabbing her hand, "Time to go look at photo albums!" he said in fake excitement as they entered the Puckerman home.


As soon as the door was opened, Rachel was in Debbie's arms. "oh my goodness, honey, I've missed you" Debbie exclaimed as she squeezed Rachel to her.

"Missed you too, Mom" Rachel choked out as she fought to breath through the hug.

Noah saved her, pulling on his mom's arm a little, "Mom, hi, it's me, Noah, you're actual child. I'm pretty sure you're cutting off her air supply there."

Debbie let Rachel go but kept on smiling, gripping her arm, "Come into the living room, dear. I have something to show you."

And then Rachel found herself dragged to the couch where there were six big photo albums sitting on the coffee table."Mom, why are all of the albums out?" Rachel asked, nervously.

Debbie had always been big on pictures especially of the kids so there were thousands of pictures of all three of them at all stages of childhood up until 13 when Rachel and Noah split their friendship and then started again at 15 when they became friends again. There was a whole album of just this past year alone, which is the one she usually was messing with.

"I just realized how different everything is with you kids. The first five albums were filled with pictures from day to day things like watching cartoons or playing legos and coloring. This last album of you two is mostly pictures of you guys on holidays or birthdays because you're never around anymore" She said the last bit, sadly trying and succeeding in making them both feel guilty.

"We're sorry, Mom. We're just so busy with school and Glee" Noah answered, causing Rachel to raise an eyebrow at him.

Debbie sighed, "I know you kids are growing up and I need to learn to let go, but would it kill you to call every once in a while? It's been so nice having you around these past couple of days, Noah."

Rachel fielding this one, "We'll try to call more often, Mom, promise. Now where's Dani? I don't think it's ever taken this long for her to come down when we're home."

"She was tired, so she may have fallen asleep. Go ahead and go see, dear" Debbie answered, and Rachel got up to go, not missing Noah mouth traitor at her as she left him alone with his mom and the photo albums.


When she got to the little girl, whom she's claimed as a little sister since she was born's room, she smiled at the sight. Quickly getting her phone out she snapped a picture of the little girl sprawled out on the bed, clutching the big teddy bear that Rachel and Noah had both spent quiet a few dollars winning for her at the fair last summer, sleeping peacefully.

She hated to wake her but knew the girl would be mad if she didn't. Moving over to the bed, Rachel put her hand on the girls arm, "Dani" she said, quietly.

The little girl blinked her eyes open, sleepily for a second before noticing who was at her bed. She immediately jumped up and into Rachel's waiting arms. "RACHEL" she squealed delighted as she squeezed her big sister as tight as she could.

"Hey, squirt" Rachel laughed, "Missed you too"

Dani pulled away then and launched into a very long and in depth story about herself, a cat and Noah's favorite pair of basketball shorts. It was quiet amusing, and Rachel filed it away to make fun of Noah about later.

Soon, the girls were called for dinner and they both had to get up and go to the kitchen. When they got there, Noah stuck his tongue out at Rachel behind his mom's back causing both Rachel and Dani to giggle.

"There you girls are, I was beginning to think Rachel fell asleep on us too."

"No we were just having girl talk, Mom, catching up." Rachel replied, smiling at the little girl as she said it.

Debbie nodded, "That's nice, dears, now lets eat up. I made lasagna."

They all gathered around the table and filled their plates. Eating in silence for about five seconds before Dani asked, "So are you and Noah getting married yet?"

Both Noah and Rachel choked on their food as Debbie smiled, proudly at her daughter.

Rachel looked over at the girl and asked, "Why would you ask that?" While then turning a suspicious look at Debbie.

"Mom said that when two Jews love each other a lot they get married and when I asked Noah earlier if he loved you he said yes. You love Noah, too, don't you Rachel?"

Noah frowned at her but before he could say anything Rachel responded, "Of course I love Noah, Dani but I'm not planning on marrying anyone for a long, long time." Avoiding the fact that she especially wasn't planning to marrying Noah, because she didn't want to hear a well meaning rant from her mother figure.

"And I'm far to young to be tied down, twerp" Noah added, causing the little girl to glare at him and stick her tongue out at him.

Debbie seemed amused by the entire exchange and added, "But when they're older, we'll get out the wedding books, don't worry, dear"

Rachel and Noah both rolled their eyes but didn't say anything.

"Oh, I almost forgot, I called down to the furniture store in town. The biggest bed they have is a California King is that big enough for you two?"

"Damn, Mom what do you think we're going to be doing on that bed that we need it that huge?" Noah asked, astonished. Most mothers were telling their teenage kids, especially one that already gave a kid up for adoption, to not have sex and trying to lock them up in their rooms. His mother was pushing them to give her Jew grandbabies before they even graduated.

"Language, Noah" Rachel, Dani and his mom both said at the same time, causing him to wince at the loud, shrill tones of all three 'Puckerman' women. He considered Rach a Puckerman just not the way his mom wanted.

"I am just trying to entice you kids to come home more often. You can use the bed however you want, just lock the door."

Rachel and Noah both groaned while Dani looked confused, she was eight but she knew for a fact her mom used to get mad when Noah locked his bedroom door when a girl was there.

Debbie just kept on smiling as she talked, "Oh, the bed is going to be delivered tomorrow. I tried to get it today but they seemed to think it was to late in the day. Lazy people but they are shipping it and we get a discount since they are taking your old bed with them. I'm going to go out and buy new sheets and covers tomorrow so what colors do you two want?"

"Mom.." Noah started and Rachel knew he was about to say something that his mother wouldn't like or approve of so she cut him off.

"Whatever you think would look best, Mom. I'm sure whatever you pick will be great."

Noah shot her a look and got one from her in return. He frowned but shut his mouth.

"Mommy? Can I get new blankets too? I want yellow. It's my new favorite color."

"Sure you can, dear. We'll go when you get out of school tomorrow and pick all new bed sets for all of us."

Dani clapped her hands, excited. She loved when Rachel and Noah came home. Not just because she loved them but because her mom always went shopping afterwards and was in such a good mood that she always bought her lots of awesome stuff.

Noah rolled his eyes while Rachel said, "Your birthday's coming up, squirt. What do you want?"

She frowned at Rachel, torn between wanting to not be called squirt and wanting to answer her question. Finally the offer of gift won out and she gave her that 100 watt smile Rachel had taught her and launched into a list that included the new Taylor Swift cd, an ipod, a lap top, a new bike, the new Disney movies and a bunch of other dvds and cds.

Rachel nodded along, either actually remembering all this or figuring she'd get a list from Debbie, Noah wasn't sure which. He knew he didn't hear a word the twerp was saying, he was just glad that between her and Rachel, the topic was no longer him, Rach and a bed.


Finally dinner was done and they all went into the living room and looked at the photo albums while Debbie talked about the old days.

"Oh, Rachel look at this? Remember that picnic I took you and Noah on at the park? That's where you first started hanging out with Finn. Where's he been? I haven't seen him around in ages."

Rachel looked away while trying to figure out what to say to her, Dani solved their problem for them by saying "Finn's a douche bag who made Rachel cry, right Noah?"

All of them looked at the small child who had no idea what she had just said, so she just went on, "Anyone who makes Rachel cry is a jerk and can't come to my tea parties!" As if that was the worst punishment in the world and in her eyes, it probably was.

"How did he make you cry, Rachel? And why didn't anyone tell me about this? Oh and Noah, watch your mouth around your sister, how many times do I have to tell you that." Debbie said, even confused, she was lecturing, Noah thought.

"Oh, he and I got into a fight a few weeks back. Remember we were dating?" Rachel tried to play it off.

Debbie nodded, "Were dating? So you are broken up now?"

Rachel nodded.

"What was the fight about?" Debbie asked.

Rachel frowned unsure if she should bring up Quinn or just say she didn't remember.

"Finn didn't want her hanging out with me anymore" Noah answered, solving her problem for her.

Debbie frowned even more, "But you and Finn were getting along again, I thought"

Noah shook his head, "We were, sort of but not really. Just for sports and whatever but Finn didn't want Rach and I to be friends and he got mad because she refused to listen to him."

Debbie's face softened, "Aw you poor dear. I'm sorry but I'm so glad you made the right choice. The right boy would never make you choose like that"

Rachel nodded, "I know that, Mom. I warned Finn he wouldn't like the answer if he gave me an ultimatum, he didn't listen."

And just like that, Finn was out of the picture and Debbie moved on to a new album.


Three albums in, Rachel started yawning. Dani had already fell asleep on her lap.

"Mom, I think it's time for bed. We have school tomorrow" Noah said, cautiously.

Debbie looked up at the clock and then over at the two girl who were asleep or mostly so and nodded, "I suppose you're right. It's just so nice to have you both home. I don't want the night to end." She said, sighing.

"They're will be other nights" Rachel promised, through a yawn.

"Soon?" Debbie asked, hopefully.

Rachel and Noah both nodded and she beamed at them.

"I'm going to put Dani to bed" Rachel said, standing and picking the small girl who had been in her lap up.

"Oh I can do it" Debbie started but Rachel shook her head.

"I got it, Mom. I'll be back to say good night."

Rachel carried Dani into her room and laid her on her bed. Kissing her forehead, she pulled the covers over her and put the teddy bear beside her. As she turned out the light, Dani said sleepily, "Rachel?"

"Yeah squirt?" Rachel asked

"I love you"

"Love you too, Dani" Rachel said, smiling at her even though it was to dark to see.

"Come back soon, kay?" She asked, still half asleep.

"I will sweetie, promise"

And with that the girl was back to sleep and Rachel walked out shutting the door and heading back to the living room. Just outside though she heard voices.

"I'm just saying, you're not dating anyone and her and Finn are broken up. She's not going to be single forever, Noah"

"Mom, we're only 17. We're not looking for the rest of our lives or for kids right now. Rach is my best friend and we're both good with that."

"I just want what's best for you both" She started.

"I know you do, Ma and we love you for it but it's not for us. At least not now" He quickly added.

Rachel chose then to walk back in. "Dani's fast asleep and I'm about there so where's my hug?"

Debbie walked over to her and hugged her tight, "I've missed you, honey"

"I've missed you too, Mom. Promise it won't be another month before we come over okay?"

"Ok. Love you sweetie"

"Love you too. Goodnight."

"Good night, sweet dreams, both of you" She replied, hugging Noah as he walked up to her.

"Night, Mom" he replied before tugging Rachel's hand towards their bedroom, because since they were little that's what it's been, their room.


Once inside, he threw her one of his shirts to sleep in and turned around so she could put it on as he stripped down to his boxers.

Both of them climbed into bed, sighing as they cuddled up together.

"Well…" Noah started.

"That was fun" Rachel finished, giggling a little bit as he gave an exasperated sigh.

"Fun? That was fucking torture. How is it that I'm her son but you're still the favorite child?"

Rachel laughed, "If it helps when they're home, Dad and Daddy both like you better"

Noah rolled his eyes, "No they don't, or at least Daddy doesn't"

Rachel nodded, "Alright, maybe not Daddy but Dad does."

"Lot of good that does me, they're both home maybe a month out of the year." He moaned as Rachel chuckled.

"Well, you're my favorite."

He smirked at her at that, "Sure that's not Matt?"

She hit him before answering, "Like San's not your favorite. So I don't want to hear it. I meant you're my favorite Puckerman."

"And you're my favorite Berry" He replied, kissing the top of her head and ignoring the Santana comment.

"We do need to come over more, you know" She said, quietly.

"Yeah, I thought mom was going to strangle you when you came in or have a heart attack or something."

"And Dani's getting so big. She's growing up, Noah."

He nodded, "Yeah, she told me how she punched some kid in the nose last week because he said her singing was sucky."

Rachel giggled a little before looking up at him, "You're kidding."

He shook his head, "Nope it's just like third grade all over again."

"Hey, I didn't punch him because he said my singing was sucky. I punched him because he said…"

"That my singing was sucky, I know, Rach and then I yelled at you because I didn't 'need no stupid girl defending me'"

"And I cried all the way home because you yelled at me and your mom yelled at you for calling me stupid and gave me a cookie" she smiled at the memory.

"You deck a kid in the nose and get a cookie, I yell at you for it and get in trouble. Even then you were the favorite" He moaned, jokingly.

She stifled another yawn but he noticed, "Alright, Rocky, time for sleep."

She shook her head, "No, I don't want to yet, I missed you" She argued, even as she curled closer to him, tucking her head into the crook of his arm and chest.

He tightened his hold on her, pressing another kiss to her head before saying, "I missed you too but I'm back now and we'll have plenty of time to talk tomorrow"

Rachel shook her head again and Noah said, "I'll sing to you if you promise to try to sleep while I'm singing. If you're still awake when I finish we'll talk, deal?"

She nodded, smiling.

He smiled too as he started singing,

Where it began

I can't begin to know when

But I know it's growing strong

Was in the spring

And spring became the summer

Who'd have believed you'd come along

Hands touching hands

Reaching out

Touchin me

Touching you

When he got to the chorus he paused a second and looked and saw she was still fighting to stay awake so he kept going

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

I've been inclined

To believe they never would

But now I

Look at the night

And it don't seem so lonely

We fill it up with only two

And when I hurt

Hurtin runs off my shoulders

How can I hurt when I'm with you

Warm touchin warm

Reaching out

Touchin me

Touching you

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

I've been inclined

To believe they never would

That last line he sung softly as he noticed she had finally fallen asleep, smile on her face, hand curled into his shirt. He smiled at the image, kissed the top of her head and said, "Night Rach, sweet dreams" and then settled down himself and fell fast asleep, smile playing on his lips.


Alright, it is now 6 am and i am exhausted so you are lucky i finished editing that chapter :) if there are mistakes, i'm sorry I'm half awake...But I hope you enjoyed the chapter, next should have either lead up too or the competition it's self i'm not sure which but i'm betting on the lead up too and chapter 9 will be the competition. Everyone will be back next chapter so yay for that. I'm also working on 15 of new semester a couple one shots and Qualifications sequel so there should be more up tomorrow :) Everyone enjoy the rest of their weekend! thanks for reading! 3