Chapter Seven: Define dating

By the time Rachel was seven, she had created her own little imaginary world. Normally, when other kids went out to play in the snow or their backyard, she retreated to her fantasy world. There were three unused rooms upstairs, that were the brunette's to play in. Rooms with large walk in closets and desks with ancient computers,became the backdrop to her mock play.

Every day Rachel withdrew into the world of her imagination. There she was an assistant in a large company, living in New York City. The best part of this world was when she pretended to go on dates. She would make up monologues and perform them in front of the mirror. Usually, she was breaking up with her secret boyfriend because he was her boss, or telling her professor why they couldn't be together. Things were always too complicated. That was the way Rachel liked it. A complicated unresolved romance for her heroine. Of course, when she found herself in a relationship with the boy she had always wanted, those memories of breaking up in the mirror came flooding back to her.

It was odd this one particular night though. Rachel sat in front of her vanity, her hair pulled back, and swimming in Noah's hoodie. Things were going to change now. It was inevitable. She could feel it in her bones. The brunette had her first official date with Finn Hudson after school the next day. He was so excited when he asked her out a few days ago, after she waited for him by the boy's locker room.

When he asked, all the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Rachel became light headed as she nodded silently. Finn was too excited to talk after that. He drove her home in silence, the girl in his passenger seat stunned. After all, Finn kissed her publicly and asked her out within a four-hour time span. That had to be one for the record books. It certainly didn't happen every day at McKinley High.

he next morning Rachel was dropped off as usual but greeted by Finn, not so usual. The tall boy was smiling wide, his letterman jacket slung over his arm. It was still cold for February and Rachel was unsure of Finn's motives as he waited for her to reach him. He shook with anticipation like a child at Christmas waiting to open his gifts.

"Here," he handed her his jacket blushing slightly.

Rachel took the jacket slowly. The number five was emblazed against the white leather of the right shoulder. It was warm still, from Finn's body heat.

"Thanks," Rachel blushed holding the jacket awkwardly. This felt odd. Something was off but, she swallowed the feeling and smiled.

"Here, I'll help you put it on," Finn offered removing her jacket and draping it over his broad shoulder.

Rachel grinned as he slid the jacket over her small frame. It was huge, slightly bigger than Puck's sweatshirt but comfortable. Rachel pulled her hair out and turned to the tall boy.

"Are you sure about this Finn? I mean it may upset Quinn. And I don't want this to be weird with her," Rachel protested as the boy smiled down at her his goofy grin melting her reserve.

"Quinn and Puck are together. I don't think she cares about what we do Rachel. I saw them this morning," Rachel's heart sank. Quinn was her last hope. The idea of Puck and Quinn together wasn't helping the situation either. "Oh, well thanks then," Finn nodded taking her book bag and walking side by side with the brunette through the parking lot.

"You haven't forgotten about our date after school have you?" he asked perking an eyebrow with excitement.

Rachel had fallen for, so long ago that same innocent face. When Finn was like this, it was easy to forget her worries. The boy could be so sweet and caring yet, sometimes he had shown callousness and a total disregard for her feelings. Rachel shook the despair away with a grin.

"No, but I don't understand what all the fuss is about?" she asked as Finn laughed.

"Rachel you don't know what today is?" he inquired rubbing his hands together. Now that she was wearing his letterman jacket, he only had a sweatshirt and his jean jacket to keep him warm.

"Should I?" the brunette questioned.

Finn snickered opening the door for Rachel. She instantly noticed the pink and red hearts that decorated the walls of McKinley high. Valentines Day, Rachel usually ignored all the fuss on February 14th. The fact that the Holiday was in two days didn't stop the celebration at school. Rachel usually, did anything to get her mind off the fact that she was boyfriend less. This year though, by some amazing miracle, she had Finn.

Rachel waved goodbye to the boy and walked into her homeroom lost in thought. It was so strange, for years, she kept her head down and avoided most interaction with her peers. Nevertheless, that girl seemed so far away now. Heads turned as the students in her homeroom eyed her jacket. Tina was the first to talk to the brunette.

"Are you and Finn...dating?" she asked as Rachel nodded slowly. Tina was in shock, "since when?" she inquired.

"Since, he asked me out a few days ago. We're having our first date today after school," Rachel finished astounded by her own words.

"Your first date is on Valentine's day, how romantic," Tina gushed. Rachel smiled warming up to the idea.

"Technically it's not Valentine's day until Sunday, but yeah." Her smile fell when a thought came to her mind. "Wait, you're not stuttering anymore," Rachel whispered causing the Asian girl to frown.

"Rachel I dropped the stutter months ago," Tina replied a tad angry.

"Sorry, I just didn't want to mention it," she commented. Tina rolled her eyes sitting back in her chair.

Rachel shrugged turning towards the front of the class just as their homeroom teacher walked in. Maybe she had been preoccupied with her own drama to realize that she wasn't the only one changing. It was obvious to Rachel that Tina had been faking her stutter since junior high. Tina was a great girl and all, but not nearly as good of an actress as Rachel. She thought it was Tina's business to keep up the facade for so many years. It never occurred to Rachel that the stutter had become a hindrance in her life.

The rest of the day went by extremely quickly, too quick if you asked Rachel. For some reason she was dreading her date after school. Why did she feel this way, Rachel wondered. It seemed like she was going to the dentist, or doctors. Something just didn't fit.

When lunch came, Rachel sat at her usual table. However, she was surprised when a moment later, Kurt joined her. She stared at the small boy, peeling Finn's jacket from her shoulders. He raised his eyebrows watching her every move.

"Look, I heard you and Finn are..." he pause choking on the words a bit. "...dating now."

Rachel frowned slightly interrupting him. "Who told you that?"

Kurt shook his head and snarked. "You don't date Finn Hudson, parade around school wearing his jacket without people taking notice. Everyone knows Rachel," he replied taking a deep breath. "In addition, what I said earlier about living vicariously through you, I meant it. However, now I realized that it would be very hard to live vicariously, if I don't even talk to you. So, we're friends okay," he shook his head fanning himself as Rachel smiled.

It must have been hard for Kurt to be nice to Rachel. In fact, he had to swallow two insults within the last ninety seconds. This was extremely difficult for him, like a gazelle becoming friends with a tiger. Kurt considered himself the tiger of course. Any moment he could see himself pouncing on Rachel. The boy smirked at the quality of his imagination.

"Okay," she answered, Kurt nodded opening his lunch carefully. He was eating sushi packed tightly in a refrigerated bag. "You like sushi?" Rachel asked while Mercedes and Tina joined them at the lunch table. The two girls were unfazed by the change of seating arrangements. They chatted noisily as Artie wheeled up to the table with a hot tray in his lap.

"Do you think Principal Figgins is going to stop serving us prison food any time soon?" the boy in the wheelchair inquired, Tina laughed.

"Not unless the Cheerios fly coach next year," Tina joked smiling.

"Seriously what the hell is up with this food? If I have to eat another tuna sandwich I'm going to yomit," Mercedes added annoyed at her own lunch.

Artie laughed at the girl's new word high-fiveing her as she smirked. Rachel took a deep breath getting the nerve to add her two cents.

"Yomit?" Tina asked as Artie chuckled.

"Yack, and vomit for those not hip to the lingo," the boy in the wheelchair joked.

"Student Council is proposing a vending machine in the cafe next year. I heard Figgins is salivating over the increased revenue to his lunch budget," Kurt chimed in rolling his eyes.

"Well we could do pot luck," Rachel offered. The group looked at her with blank stares. "There's five of us so, someone brings in lunch for everyone on their assigned day once a week. I just thought..." she shrugged as Kurt smirked.

"That could work," Mercedes finally answered, the others nodded. "Yeah good idea Rachel," Artie smiled digging into his goopy lunch. Rachel smiled peeling away the wax paper from her cucumber sandwich. "So Rachel, Finn have anything planned special for today?" Mercedes asked. All the kids stopped eating and watched as Rachel blushed.

"Oh he has something planned, and on Monday we want the details," Kurt saved her taking a bite of his sushi.

"So I have dibs on Monday," Tina called as the others picked days of the week to bring in lunch.

Rachel looked around the table confused. She usually ate alone, and that was fine by her. Today was a different experience people came to her. Was this really the result of dating Finn? Could she just walk right into a clique?

It shouldn't have felt odd to be included, maybe this was how others felt too. When Rachel walked passed a tall blonde in-between classes she didn't even blink when the woman called to her. At first, she thought the women meant someone else however, when the woman called again adding "yes you! Hello!" Rachel knew it was she the teacher was calling.

"Hey Spam!" Rachel turned around confused. Was that what people thought of her?

"Excuse me?" Rachel asked as the woman smiled walking up to her.

"I'm sorry you just reminded me of a Spam I once knew. You're that Berry girl that took down those Vocal misfits right?" she asked, her perfectly plucked eyebrow raised high towards her hairline.

The woman had a slight southern drawl and looked perfectly manicured. She was not who you would normally see as McKinley High staff. Her hair was perfect in a high bun, her makeup maybe too heavy but, flawless. She was in her thirties but obviously took care of herself.

"I'm Mary Avery, you might have heard of me I'm..."

"The new Cheerios coach I've heard of you," Rachel interrupted.

"Well aren't you little Miss interruptus," the woman replied a sneer marring her pretty face. Rachel looked down embarrassed as the woman sized her up. "Well I just wanted to know what you are doing to my little Cheerios over there? I heard my ex-capi-tan is dancing with a belly full of bastard. All while my team is lacking in a blonde leader," she spat making Rachel wince.

"Well I believe Ms. Sylvester," Rachel started.

"Don't mention the witch," Ms. Avery ordered stopping the brunette in mid sentence. "It's bad enough Principal Figgins let her assist me in the coaching. I don't need to be reminded of her wrinkles outside of those two hours of terror," she finished.

"Well I think she kicked Quinn off the team because she's pregnant, which is not right..."

"Uh huh and what about the player, player who got her fat huh?" she asked her hands on her hips. The woman looked odd in her two-piece suit, her blue silk blouse and designer skirt seemed out of touch with her attitude.

"You mean N-Puck?" Rachel answered flustered.

"Yeah Ms. Stutters," Mary answered.

"He's in Glee Club with us," the brunette replied.

The Cheerios coach nodded slowly, her left eye twitched a little before she turned from Rachel. Her red high heels clanked as she marched towards the principal's office. The young girl sighed turning from the fleeting woman and heading to her next class.

When Rachel had her free period, she hurried to the gym. The large room was empty and she climbed the wooden bleachers slowly taking a seat and thinking. It was a few minutes of solace until she heard a familiar voice.

"Rachel Berry skipping last period, I am very shocked," Puck laughed as Rachel smiled meeting his gaze.

"I am not. I always have last period off to practice. What about you?"

"Skipping math," he answered with a nonchalant shrug, walking forward. "So he gave you his letterman jacket?" Puck questioned walking heavy footed up the bleachers.

Rachel grinned nodding as he sat next to her.

"Hi Noah," she laughed as he smirked.

"It's Noah today?" he joked quirking his eyebrow making her blush.

"Well, for now," Rachel replied.

"So if our wishes are coming true and everything, why the hell are we sitting here in the gym together?" he asked laughing quietly.

Rachel looked over at Noah her smile fading. Puck returned her stare and shrugged. They were lost in each other's eyes for a minute before Rachel broke the spell. She was the first to look down as Noah sighed chuckling dryly.

"Why aren't you and Finn friends anymore?" Rachel inquired looking back up at the boy.

"Maybe because I knocked up his girlfriend?" he answered sarcastically making the brunette roll her eyes.

"Yes, there's that. I mean you were best friends right?" she questioned, Puck shrugged.

"Ever since we were kids it's been Finn and Puck, Puck and Finn. Did ya know he nick named me Puck?" he asked, Rachel shook her head no. Puck nodded continuing the story. "He said it was cool cause, when we played the name game he could swear," Noah laughed at the memory.

Rachel listened intently, staring at the mohawked boy. She couldn't believe he was opening up to her. It had always been a nagging question for her as to how the two polar opposite boys became best friends.

"Finn was always leading the way. It is just how it's always been. Finn joins football, I join football. He plays baseball I play baseball. Then one-day girls were all over him and last year it was Quinn Fabray. So, I asked Santana out. I was always one step behind him, except with you, that was different," Noah paused staring at Rachel lost in his own words. The brunette looked at him unaware.

"W-what do you mean?" she asked as he shook his head waking from the dream.

"Nothing, you know, whatever," Puck coughed shaking the moment away and standing up. "I'll see ya around Rach," he called.

Rachel took a deep breath before looking up at his retreating form.

"Wait Noah, you didn't ask me if I was happy," she informed him, he shrugged.

"Why would I do that?" he questioned shaking his head. Rachel tilted her head with a sad smile. "Well are you?" Puck winced. How could he actually ask that question, he wondered.

Rachel thought about the question for a minute before smiling. "I think I am, or at least I will be," she replied. Noah took a deep breath, his bravado shaking. He turned from Rachel and walked out of the gym. When he was gone, the brunette's smile faded and the anxiety returned.

Why was it always Finn, Puck asked himself. He knew why he liked Quinn, it was inevitable when his best friend told him about his crush. Puck always wanted more, and more was always what Finn had. Falling for Quinn Fabray, sleeping with her, it had just perpetuated the pattern. For once in his life, he had hoped to have something all to himself.

Of course Rachel was in love with Finn. Puck was too blind to see that when he asked her out. He was in his own little world and didn't realize the brunette was into his best friend, at least not until it was too late. There was something growing between them already, it was too late to stop feeling something for Rachel. He understood the gravity of his feelings for the brunette, the afternoon she broke up with him on the bleachers. He was lost in thought that day, trying to figure out why he was always in second place. He had wondered when he would he climb from behind Finn Hudson's shadow? When she placed her hand on his shoulder that day it felt stifling, he spat at her and walked away. The rest of the afternoon, he brooded in his room listening to 'Counting Crows.'

First dates, Rachel had one before that she thought was perfect. Well that relationship had turned out horrible. So her expectations we pretty low when Finn found her after school, blindfold in hand.

"Don't peek," Finn instructed as he led Rachel through the auditorium blindfolded.

"Where are we?" Rachel asked her hands stretched out in front of her. "I like to use my four senses coinciding with each other. Although my auditory system is quite accurate, my optical system is my second favorite," she babbled.

"Okay, well we're here," Finn announced taking the blind fold away, confused by the girl's words.

Rachel beamed as she stared at the auditorium stage. There was a small picnic set up and blankets and pillows. Actually, it was the same setup from the first time Finn kissed her. Rachel's heart began to beat erratically as Finn jumped up onto the stage.

"I made a lot of mistakes Rachel. But, I wanted to do something about them. Ya know, make new memories," he laughed holding his hand out.

Rachel gave him her hand as he hoisted her up to the stage. Finn had spent a lot of time on this date. She was flattered as he led her to the blankets. Kurt had to have helped with the set up. There was a touch of femininity. Alicia Keys was playing in the background.

"I made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, that's all I know how to make. And I couldn't get the virgin cosmos right. So Kurt suggested virgin Bellini's instead, Sprite and orange juice," he whispered handing Rachel a plastic champagne glass full of the drink.

"It's wonderful Finn, thanks."

The tall boy grinned, "it's just...I have a lot to make up for," he sighed.

Rachel nodded sipping her drink while Finn pulled the sandwiches out. On top was a red heart with a gold star sticker stuck to it. She beamed taking the valentine from the top of the pile.

"Finn you shouldn't have," she gushed opening the card. It was simple, 'Bee mine,' it read with a bumblebee hand drawn inside. "It's very cute thanks Finn."

Rachel and Finn ate lightly talking about Glee Club and their day. She glossed over her talk with Puck. It seemed like the boy was still a sore subject for Finn. When she got home that night Rachel closed the door softly humming Alicia Keys. Her Daddy welcomed her home as she smiled giving him a hug. Her lips were still numb from kissing Finn, but she felt great.

"You are in a good mood," her Dad commented peeking his head in from the kitchen. He had a chef's hat and apron wrapped around his waist.

"I'm guessing the Valentine's date went well Richard, what do you think?" her Daddy asked flirting with his husband. Rachel paid them no mind and danced around the living room.

"I would say you're right Joshua, our little girl seems happy," Rachel stopped dancing and smiled. She was happy. Maybe her heart didn't pound and her skin didn't catch on fire when he touched her. Yet, Finn made her happy and comfortable she couldn't ask for anything more.

"Oh and Dad the others liked your Pot luck idea, we have Fridays," her father grinned his white teeth stark against his brown skin.

"I knew they would sweetie. See things are looking up, when do we start?" he asked rubbing his hands. "Gumbo on Friday or maybe a pizza to start?" Rachel shrugged hugging him. He was taller than her Daddy, more muscular from his basketball days when he played for the

Buckeyes. "Oh boy is it love?" he asked her. Rachel's heart dropped a little at the question.

"No, it's... good though," She replied.

"Well are you ready for dinner?" her Daddy asked as she danced up the stairs.

"I'm full, Finn made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," she answered walking into her room. Her fathers exchanged knowing glances.

"Well it looks like it's just the two of us Richard," the shorter man laughed pretending to dance like his daughter towards his husband. "Should we be worried Joshua?" Richard asked pointing towards the upstairs indicating their daughter.

"No," the bespectacled man assured. "Our gaydar might be a little off now a days. But I think we'll be fine with Finn Hudson. If anything, his mother should be worried. Our little girl is quite a woman now. I wouldn't be surprised if she chews him up and spits him out," he joked.

Richard laughed stirring his soup. "Takes after her father then?" he laughed as his husband hugged him from behind.

Rachel closed her door and turned on the radio. Her Broadway mix CD started to play and the girl collapsed on her bed with awe. 'Summertime' From Porgy and Bess sifted out from the speakers making the brunette smile rolling on her stomach. She grabbed Puck's sweatshirt and turned on her side. Maybe dating Finn Hudson would work after-all. It's not like she had many choices, she thought. Her dating record was dismal and pathetic.

Rachel imagined what it was like for the characters of Porgy and Bess. To go through all that heartache after being happy. Then she thought about the history of black actors and performers. How after years of having no parts, black actors finally got a show written especially for them. Rachel wondered if she could get away with playing Bess. Maybe a DNA test could prove she was really her Dad's daughter. The brunette shook the thought away. Not knowing who was really her bio Dad helped Rachel see both men as her real fathers. No part was worth the look on her parents' faces. After a few minutes, Rachel fell asleep when the cd skipped to "Favorite things' from The Sound of Music.

That night Rachel dreamed that she was driving down the highway in an open convertible with Puck. It was strange. She was wearing a wedding dress. Her train billowed behind her as they laughed, speeding down the long stretch of road. She felt free and liberated, as if she just got out of jail. The sky was blue, the radio was playing the best music she had ever heard. Noah looked happy, happier than she had ever seen him before. It was strange, maybe she should give the sweatshirt back now, she wondered mid-dream. After all, she was officially dating Finn now.