A/N: I took more liberties than usual with this chapter. Once I got the idea for how things could have been, it struck me as so much fun that I had to run with it... Thanks to all for the continued story alerts/favorites, and most especially the reviews. They really do warm my heart. :)

Someone to Love You – Chapter 10

"Puck's in juvie, and there's a new guy in Glee!"

She sounded almost breathless as she relayed her news, and he was picking up some unusual background noises.

"Where are you?"

"Oh, can you hear the traffic? I'm walking home."

"What's wrong with your car?"

"It's in the shop. Routine service."

I can't believe I'm about to ask this…

"Why isn't Finn giving you a ride, then?"

"It's a gorgeous fall day, and I wanted to enjoy it."

I was also craving some contact with you, and, since I know you didn't have classes this afternoon, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to talk.

"Well, now that you've satisfied my curiosity about that little matter, maybe you should explain about Puck."

"Apparently, he drove his mother's Volvo through the front of a convenience store and took off with the ATM."

"That makes no sense. I mean, Puckerman's got muscles, but to pick up an ATM? And how big a Volvo does his mom drive, for that sucker to fit in it?"

"Wow, you're right. When you put it like that, it doesn't seem at all plausible. I just took it for granted that Mr. Schue knew what he was talking about."

"Sounds more like some elaborate story the guy cooked up to hide whatever the real reason is."

"It certainly stokes his bad-ass reputation."

"True. So, how long is he out for?"

"Undetermined."

"Which is a problem in terms of competing."

He knows what's at stake without my having to spell it out. It's such a relief talking to someone who understands.

"Yes. Even with Sam joining…"

"That's the new guy?"

"Yeah. He's on the football team with Finn. Anyway, we're still short one guy."

Wish you could come back and sing with us… sing with me…

"Too bad I'm not around. I'd get a kick out of filling in for Puckerman while he's… otherwise engaged."

"You'd get a kick out of walking into the choir room and seeing the stunned looks on all their faces."

"Yeah, that too."

She could picture him smirking as his cocky tone came through loud and clear.

"You realize that, as soon as they got over their shock, the guys would be greeting you with their fists."

"You don't think I could sway them with my charm?"

"Good luck with that, Jesse. They still curse you anytime your name happens to come up."

"No surprise there. But the risk would almost be worth it, for the opportunity to sing with you again."

Scratch the almost. It would totally be worth it.

"I'd like that, too."

Her admission was so quiet, he had to strain to catch it.

"We'll just have to find a way to do it, then."

Instantly, they both flashed back to a far different it he had once proposed doing. Her stomach fluttered in response, while his pants became noticeably tighter. Each could detect a quickening of the other's breathing. Unwilling to risk her wrath, should she consider his comment inappropriate, he hurriedly offered an explanation.

"To sing. Together. That's all I meant."

As he picked up the sound of her soft chuckles, he visibly relaxed.

"I know. We're just friends, so there's nothing else I could possibly have thought you meant, right?"

Except the one thing I want so badly it hurts.

"Right. Let's move on. Tell me about this Sam."

"He's new to McKinley. Transferred from some all-boys school. He was the quarterback while Finn was off the team."

"Your boyfriend must just love him, then."

His sarcasm was unmistakeable.

"Finn's got the top spot back, so he's okay with Sam. In fact, he's glad to have another football player in Glee."

"Can the guy sing?"

"I haven't heard him yet. Finn did, a while back, and seems to think he's got a decent voice."

Considering that Finn's mediocre at best, he's hardly an astute judge of talent.

"What about looks? Are the girls already drooling?"

"He is cute, in a California surfer kind of way. Quinn might have her eye on him, but Kurt thinks he's gay."

"And you think?"

"Too soon to tell. Maybe our assignment for the week will make it clearer."

"What's Schue got you doing this time?"

"Duets."

Of course, you'll be paired with Finn, and there's not a damn thing I can do about it.

"Have you and Finn decided on your song?"

"What makes you think I'm singing with Finn?"

"Unless Schue has dictated who you'll perform with, there's no one else you'd choose. You two are an item, after all."

"You're right, we're teamed up."

But I'd prefer to be paired with you. We'd blow everyone away.

"So? Song choice?"

"Haven't even talked about it. It has to be something that will suit Finn's range, so that we have the best shot at winning."

"Winning? Schue's made it into some kind of contest?"

"Oh, did I forget the mention that part? Winners, as determined by the votes of the other club members, get dinner for two at Breadstix, courtesy of Mr. Schue."

"Hmm… not quite sure how that's going to work. Won't everyone just vote for themselves?"

"Surely they would see fit to reward superior talent."

"Seriously, Rach? Unless you're offering some kind of bribe, I predict this vote will end up in a five-way tie. Unless the odd person out backs you, but…"

He tactfully opted not to complete that particular sentence.

I know where he's going with this. Considering I'm still not that well liked, my odds aren't looking too good.

"What do you suggest I do?"

"Any chance Schue would cast the deciding vote?"

"Maybe, but that wouldn't likely work in my favour."

"Why not? He, at least, should acknowledge your abilities."

"Not necessarily. Remember, he's all about spreading the wealth. Motivate those who don't view performing as their life's goal, like you and I do."

"Oh. Yeah. Then I think there's only one way to approach this."

"Which is?"

"In order to spare yourself the public humiliation of not emerging the clear winners, you and Finn have to lose – on purpose."

In the conveniently deserted girls' washroom, Rachel went over the plan she and Jesse had formulated the previous night. They had considered and rejected several ideas before finally settling on the one they believed had the best chance of succeeding, and she was nailing down the details so that her delivery would be flawless. Jesse, having coached her on exactly what to say, had assured her that she had nothing to fear, in addition to reminding her of how supremely talented an actress she was.

"You can totally pull this off. I have absolute faith in you."

"I wish I shared it."

"Don't worry. If you stick to the plan, Finn will almost believe the whole thing was his idea."

While she wasn't certain that would be the case, she concluded that she had rehearsed this little part for as long as she could. Sparing herself one last glance in the mirror, she ran a brush through her hair, squared her shoulders, and set off to find Finn.

Several hours later, Jesse was just about to call Rachel for an update when his cell phone rang. His face split into a wide grin as her name appeared on his screen.

"Hey there. How's my co-conspirator this evening?"

She didn't bother to answer his greeting, choosing instead to get right to the heart of what was bothering her.

"Why is Finn so irritating?

"You don't really want me to answer that."

He tried, but failed, to keep the amusement out of his voice.

"I suppose not."

Although it would be interesting to hear what you actually think.

"What's your dou… dutiful lapdog done now?"

Good save. You even managed to make it sound like that's what you intended to call him all along.

"You shouldn't be calling Finn names."

Her defence of her beau was automatic, with no real reproach behind it, and Jesse caught her tone immediately. His response lacked any semblance of contrition.

"I shouldn't. Yet you know better than most that I don't always do what I should."

A snicker escaped her before she could prevent it.

"I'd say that's an understatement of epic proportions."

He laughed outright at her comeback.

"And you'd be right. But enough about me. How did the plan go? "

"Okay, I guess."

"That sounds half-hearted at best. Tell me what happened."

"It all started out fine. We practiced the number you suggested, and it went well. Really well. Finn was convinced that we'd win the contest with it."

"With your voice, you'd win anything you set your mind to. As for Finn… Since I'm trying to be good, all I'll say is that at least Don't Go Breaking My Heart was in his range."

In spite of her best efforts to feel resentment on her boyfriend's behalf, her lips twitched upwards of their own volition, and she suppressed a giggle.

"I'd say your assessment was accurate. Anyway, I proceeded to the next part of the plan. I 'admitted' to Finn that I wasn't a very nice person, and that I was only generous if there was something in it for me."

"I'm sorry I had you say those things, Rach. You know that's not at all how I see you, right? But I figured a little false humility would appeal to Finn, and help get the result you wanted."

"You didn't steer me wrong. I complimented him on his generosity and kindness, then went on to suggest that we had to throw the competition in order for Sam to win. I insisted that this would help him feel like he belonged, and push the team towards believing in him."

"So far, so good. Everything according to plan."

"Yeah, and I think Finn was buying it. He said that he'd never seen me like this, and then…"

Her voice trailed off, and Jesse detected an undercurrent of sadness to her words, in spite of her valiant attempt to keep her tone upbeat.

"What happened?"

"He decided that, since I was technically suggesting this so that we could win Nationals, there was something in it for me and it didn't really count as me doing something nice."

"Finn's an idiot!"

The sentiment exploded from Jesse's lips before he could stop it. At her end, Rachel was silent, and Jesse rushed to dispel any hard feelings he might have created.

"I'm sorry, Rach. I was angry that he hurt you, and that just slipped out."

"I wasn't going to argue the point."

Her quiet admission shocked him. Maybe I simply need to give Hudson enough rope to hang himself.

"He's wrong, you know. Given your talent, you throwing anything is a huge deal. Of course you care about winning Nationals, and your drive to be the best is to be admired, not belittled. Finding a way for Sam to feel accepted has advantages for you, but that doesn't make you selfish. Success at Nationals would benefit everyone. If anything, Finn's the one who's not seeing the big picture, here."

"It would be nice if he saw it that way, but I won't hold my breath."

Her bitterness was entirely unexpected and it, along with so many other hints she'd dropped that evening, reinforced to Jesse that all was not perfect in Rachel's current relationship. He had every reason to keep hoping.

"I assume you didn't call him on what he said."

"Of course not. I carried on as if nothing was wrong, while sporting a show face even you would have admired."

"I've seen your show face. It's impressive."

"Thanks. And to answer what I expect will be your next question – yes, the plan's still on. I eventually managed to convince Finn of its importance to the team."

"Excellent. So, will you be going with the 'tasteful song, tasteless execution' or the 'tasteless song, tasteful execution'?"

"I haven't quite decided yet. Let's go over some of the choices again…"

"We've hit a snag."

"Finn's changed his mind?"

What little there is to change, that is.

"No, no, it's not that. He's still on board. But ensuring Sam's victory just got a fair bit harder."

"Because?"

"Mercedes and Santana nailed their duet today."

"Interesting pairing."

"Well, Santana likely would have sung with Puck, but since that wasn't an option… And Mercedes might have chosen Kurt, except he was keen to have a go at it with Sam."

"In more ways than one?"

Rachel giggled.

"Oh, absolutely."

"So, what did the ladies wow everyone with?"

"River Deep, Mountain High."

"Ambitious."

"They pulled it off, though."

"Where does that leave Sam? If he's partnered with Kurt, he's at least got someone with chops."

"That's just it. I'm not sure if Kurt's going to back out, or if Sam might. Finn's been pushing both of them not to sing together."

"What's it to Finn?"

"Finn's worried that Sam will end up at the bottom of McKinley's admittedly skewed social ladder if he duets with an openly gay guy, and that he'll take so much crap because of it that he'll end up quitting Glee."

"And he had the nerve to call you selfish? Um, pot, meet kettle."

"I know, but I just can't spare the energy to care right now."

"I still don't think you have anything to worry about. As long as you and Finn vote for Sam and whoever he's with, he'll win. No matter how good any of the other couples are, I'm sticking to my belief that everyone will want that Breadstix dinner for themselves."

"There you are, the voice of reason again. You've almost got me convinced."

"Then let's see if I can seal the deal with a little extra persuasion…"

"For a minute, there, I thought I was slated to become Kurt's duet partner."

"How did that happen?"

"Kurt dissolved his partnership with Sam."

"Did Finn finally get to him?"

"Probably. Kurt said something about sensitivities that he didn't want to talk about."

"And then he asked you to sing with him?"

"Hardly. I made an assumption – a faulty one, as it turned out – that when Kurt declared he was going to duet with the most talented member of the Glee Club…"

"He meant you."

"Right. But he had someone else in mind entirely."

"I have to say, I'm drawing a blank. No one in that club can hold a candle to you."

She filed his praise away in her memory, knowing it would serve as salve for her ego the next time someone aimed a scathing putdown in her direction.

"He sang with himself."

"How was that a duet?"

"He did Le Jazz Hot."

"Okaaaay…"

"He wore a costume, and it was split down the middle. Half of him was a man, half a woman."

"Gotta give him points for creativity, I suppose."

"True. And it was a decent rendition, but he won't be any threat in terms of the contest. The good news is, Kurt's choice left Sam free."

"So he'll sing with Quinn, right?"

"We're working on it. She's being surprisingly resistant."

"Why?"

"Sam seems to have a crush on her – which appears to settle the gay question. She's been keeping all guys at arm's length since the pregnancy."

"Oh. Can't Finn get the guy to tone it down?"

"He's trying. I'm really hoping he succeeds, too, because if he doesn't, Sam may not sing at all."

"Everyone else is already paired up."

"Right. Tina with Mike, and Artie with Brittany."

"Artie and Brit? As in, they're together?"

"I don't know for sure. I think Artie wanted to make Tina jealous, and Brit was hurt that Santana chose Mercedes…"

"They got together by default, then."

"Pretty much. I can't even imagine what they'll perform."

"They haven't had their turn yet?"

"No. Today was Tina and Mike."

"Doing?"

"Sing! It was pretty cute, with Mike in the Kristine role, and Tina as Al."

"I can actually picture that. It suits them."

"Yeah. Mike's dance moves were awesome, as usual."

"What about you and Finn? When are you up?"

"Most likely tomorrow."

"And the musical selection you've chosen is…"

"Jesse! I told you I didn't want to jinx it."

"Can't blame a guy for trying."

"I can't, but you're not getting anything else out of me. I'll let you know once it's over."

"Okay, okay. I'll just repeat that I'm confident any of the choices we've discussed will work."

"I hope you're right."

"When am I ever wrong?"

"You don't really want me to answer that."

He chuckled at her echo of his earlier response.

"Musically speaking. Have I ever given you bad musical advice?"

She pretended to give his question serious consideration.

"Hmm… let me think…"

Her retort merely caused him to laugh harder, and within seconds, her laughter rose to meet his. Relaxed and comfortable, they kept on talking long into the night.

"So, how'd it go?"

She grinned at the excitement in his voice. He sounded just like a kid on Christmas morning, eager to find out what Santa had left under the tree.

"What do you want to hear about first? The duet, or the vote?"

"The duet, of course."

"Let's put it this way. If you'd seen the look on all of their faces, you'd have sworn we'd just done something wildly inappropriate, like me performing a striptease in front of them."

"I'd pay to see that."

"The look on their faces?"

I know that's not what you mean, but I can't resist teasing you.

"Guess again."

Her cheeks reddened as she envisioned putting her words into action.

"You wouldn't have to pay."

Did that just come out of my mouth? I wouldn't be nearly as bold if he was standing right in front of me.

Her tone was husky and low, and he let out a strangled groan as he felt himself harden.

"Geez, Rach, you're killing me here."

She began humming the chorus of Killing Me Softly. He burst out laughing, and the erotic tension between them eased.

"Sorry. My bad."

"You don't sound the least bit apologetic, but I forgive you anyway."

"Good, because you haven't even heard which song Finn and I performed."

"Based on the reaction you described, I figure you picked With You, I'm Born Again. And you added the costumes for good measure."

"You're too clever for your own good."

"I know. It's part of my charm."

She couldn't argue with him. She found his quick mind incredibly sexy.

"As are a great many things – which I'm sure you're well aware of. Shall we get back to the subject at hand?"

"Let's."

"Okay. Everyone in the choir room was staring at us, and they pretty much all looked totally repulsed. Which I actually thought was kind of a harsh response. We sang well."

"Were they reacting to the forbidden love thing? Or did they simply think the song itself was awful?"

"Can't say for sure. No doubt a bit of both."

"So, there were two pairs left. What happened with them?"

"Artie and Brit withdrew from the competition. I think they had a falling out of some sort. Sam did end up singing with Quinn."

"More details, please."

"They chose Lucky, and they were sweet."

We would have been so much better.

"Meaning…"

"They won. Except for myself and, I assume, Finn, everyone else voted for themselves, just as you predicted."

"Congratulations would seem to be in order, then."

"Why, thank you. In spite of a few rough patches, everything came together in the end. Which never would have happened without your input. Your suggestions were inspired."

"And they're yours for the asking, anytime."

"I'll keep that in mind. Oh, by the way, I did end up singing with Kurt."

"You did?"

"Yeah. He seemed so down after losing the competition, and I had this urge to make him feel better…"

And they accuse her of being selfish. Can't they see how much she cares?

"…so I offered him the chance to duet with me. Turns out we were fabulous. Gave Judy and Barbra a run for their money, if I do say so myself."

"Get Happy and Happy Days Are Here Again. I'm positive the two of you did it justice."

You understand every reference I make. God, I love that about you.

"Thanks – again. I must say, as pleased as I am with the outcome, I'm relieved this assignment is finally over."

"Any idea what Schue's got planned for you next?"

"I heard him mention something about Rocky Horror…"