I can honestly say I'm sad to see this story end…so sad in fact I'm contemplating writing a sequel. Find out what happens after prom, lol. I don't feel like I'm thanking you all properly for all the review and story alerts. It truly is humbling to have so many people like this story. I wish I owned Glee and the characters, but sadly I don't.
Sam's eyes wandered around the table, observing each and every one of his friends. Not that he was particularly close with any of them, but it was more than he ever had at his old school. Tina sat on the edge of Mike's knee as Mike and Puck pumped their fists in the air. Puck slapped his hand flat on the table while Mike formed his fingers in to a small pair of scissors. Mike threw his hands up in the air in victory. Artie leaned forward in his wheelchair and high-fived Mike. Lauren slapped Puck on the back as he shook his head, mumbling something about Mike cheating.
Rachel had swapped seats with Sam. She sat huddled close to Kurt, while Mercedes bounced up and down in her seat. She was squealing about the song that had just begun to play. Mercedes grabbed Kurt's hand, pulling him from his chair. Kurt reached back to latch onto Rachel's hand, pulling her behind him. Sam watched as the three of them bounced around the dance floor, arms draped over each others shoulders. Before long, Mike, Tina, Brittany, and Puck had joined them. He actually laughed aloud as he watched them dance around each other.
Rachel stopped mid-dance and curled her finger, motioning for Sam to join them. He grinned, but shook his head, content to sit back and enjoy the show. She shrugged and turned her attention back to the song.
"I swear they must all be drunk." Lauren called over to Sam and Artie, who were still gathered at the table.
Now I'm feeling so fly like a G6, like a G6, like a G6.
Rachel threw her head from one side to the other, her hair flipping against Kurt's chest as he danced behind her. Mike launched into a split, grabbing Rachel's hand as he stood back up. He spun her around the floor a few times. After releasing her hand, she clumsily fell against Brittany. Both burst into a fit of giggles as the song ended. All seven cheered loudly, slapping hands and hugging before walking back to the table.
"Rachel Berry, I didn't know you were such a party animal." Sam laughed.
"Weren't you at my infamous party?" she blushed, as she sat next to him.
"Well yeah, but I don't think anyone remembers much about that night." he smirked. The shrilling of the microphone being taken from the stand made them all turn their attention to the stage. Coach Bieste was once again seeking their attention.
"Well folks, it's almost time for this magical night to end. Please be sure to pick up your prom memorabilia located at the table next to the exit doors on your way out. And with that, the DJ is going to play one last slow song…make sure to dance with the one that brought ya." she winked as she placed the microphone back on the stand.
Before the music could even begin playing, Sam stood up, turning to Rachel and extending his hand. "Shall we?" Rachel smiled, placing her hand in his. She stood, following him to the already crowded dance floor. Music began filtering through the speakers as Sam put his arms around Rachel's waist.
When the rain is blowing in your face,
And the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace,
To make you feel my love.
When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
And there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years,
To make you feel my love.
"Have I told you tonight how pretty you look?" Sam asked.
"Well not in those exact words." Rachel smiled.
"I'm really glad you asked me to be your date." he chuckled, as she dipped her head down sheepishly.
I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
But I would never do you wrong,
I've known it from the moment that we met,
No doubt in my mind where you belong
"I am too." she replied, finally returning her gaze to his face.
"So does this mean you'd want to spend more time with me? I mean after tonight, that is." he asked. His hair had fallen just over his left eye. Without thinking, Rachel reached up and brushed the fallen hair away.
The storms are raging on the rolling seas,
And the highway of regret,
Though winds of change are blowing wild and free,
You ain't seen nothing like me yet.
"I would love to." Rachel beamed, draping her hand back over his shoulder. Sam grinned with excitement. He found Rachel fascinating. Her determination and tenacity were almost contagious. He felt like she brought out qualities in himself that he had never known existed. Sam promised himself that he would tell her those things one day.
I could make you happy make your dreams come true,
Nothing that I wouldn't do,
Go to the ends of the earth for you,
To make you feel my love.
Rachel hadn't realized the song had ended and people were starting to clear the floor. Sam pulled her close, his lips hesitating before sweeping across hers. She reached her hands up from his shoulders and anchored them onto the back of his neck. Her eyes were squeezed tightly shut. Santana had always mad fun of Sam's lips, but Rachel had to admit they were perfect for kissing. When they both finally broke free, Rachel slowly opened her eyes. Sam's eyes were wide, a huge grin plastered across his face. Rachel giggled at his reaction. He pulled her into a bear hug, holding her close. She turned her head, leaning it against his chest. She listened to his rapidly beating heart, as she watched students and chaperones file through the doorway. She spotted Finn talking to Mike. His mouth was moving, but his eyes were on her. He stopped talking, nodding his head at her and smiling briefly. She returned the smile and watched the two of them disappear into the crowd. Sam released his hold on her, reaching for her hand instead.
"I better get you home. I certainly don't want your dad's mad at me." he said, as they followed the crowd through the exit, stopping briefly to pick up their prom souvenirs.
"I promise I won't turn into a pumpkin." Rachel laughed, as she twirled the champagne flute in her hand. "Funny they give this to us and we're not even old enough to drink."
"How would you like to go to lunch tomorrow?" Sam asked, as they walked across the parking lot hand in hand.
"Technically you mean today." Rachel corrected. Sam glanced down at the watch on his wrist and frowned.
"Ok, how about a late lunch? I could pick you up around 1:30. I'll even find a vegan place for us to go to." he said, remembering his goof from earlier in the night.
"That sounds lovely." Rachel replied, stopping briefly as they reached the car. Puck was leaning against the passenger's door of Sam's car, hands stuffed deep into his pants pocket. Sam eyed him wearily.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, eyes darting from Rachel to Sam, who hovered closely behind her. Rachel turned to Sam. He nodded silently in an understanding that he was being excluded as he walked around to the driver's door. He gave Puck once last glance before opening the car door and sliding behind the wheel. Puck pulled his hands from his pocket and started to walk away. Rachel hesitated a few seconds and then followed behind him.
"I'll tell Figgins on Monday about the ballots." Puck finally said, stopping mid-step and turning to face Rachel. "I know you're disappointed in me and I'm sorry. Damn, I can't believe I just apologized for something." Puck shook his head, shoving his hands back into his pockets and turning to walk away. Rachel reached out, grabbing for his arm. She missed, pulling on the bottom of his jacket instead.
"Noah, wait." she called out, as the fabric of his jacket slipped through her fingers. He continued walking away, his dress shoes clicking against the pavement. "I don't want you to turn yourself in."
Puck stopped walking. He could see Rachel's shadow moving closer to him courtesy of the overhead lights in the parking lot. She slowed and paused next to him. They stood side by side in silence for a moment before Rachel spoke again.
"Look Noah, I don't condone what you and Lauren did." She peered over at him. He sighed loudly, fully expecting another full blown Rachel Berry rant. "But I really like Sam and well, winning seems to mean a lot to him."
This got Puck's attention. He turned to look at her. She was looking up at him with her big brown eyes.
"So what exactly are you saying?" he asked.
"How about we keep this our little secret." she smiled, reaching up to link her arm through his.
"You know what Berry, you really are crazy." Puck laughed.
"So I've been told." Rachel smirked, gently releasing her grasp on his arm. "I better go. I don't want to miss my curfew."
Before she could turn and walk away, Puck draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.
"Thanks for not blowing the whistle on me. I'll try and behave myself from now on." Puck snickered. Rachel patted him on the chest and broke free from his embrace.
"Thanks for making me a queen." she flashed him a smile before turning and walking back towards Sam's car.
Puck watched her sink into the passenger seat and turn towards Sam, leaning over and placing a quick peck on his cheek. He wondered if she would tell Sam what they had talked about.
Rachel glanced in the side mirror of the car as they pulled out of the school parking lot. Puck was still standing where she had left him. She turned her head to look at Sam and then back to the items in her lap. A keychain, champagne flute, and picture frame. This was it, she thought. Our junior prom is over. She ran her fingers over the words etched on the champagne flute. A Night to Remember. Yes, it most certainly was. Sam reached over with his right hand and gave her hand a squeeze.
Wow, I can't believe this is over. I hope you all liked it!
Songs in this chapter were Like a G6 by Far East Movement, featuring The Cataracs & Dev and Make You Feel My Love by Adele (or a host of other folks, but that's the version I love).