Day 243 (Seven months later)
Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love
Listen to the music of the moment baby sing with me
"Let's give them a big welcome, ladies and gentlemen….Mr. and Mrs. Schuester!"
A roar of yells and claps filled the tent as Emma and Will ran in decked in smiles and flip-flops. Despite Kurt's protests, Emma would hear of nothing but a beach-themed wedding, set straight in the heart of Ohio.
As the happy couple took their seats, Finn stood hesitantly, walking to the center of the dance floor with a microphone.
"For those of you who don't know, my name is Finn Hudson and I'm one of Mr. Schuester's students. I'm also one of the survivors from Flight 439." A quiet settled over the small tent as Will pulled his arm
tighter around Emma. "The media nicknamed us the Miracle Kids. I think we all agree it took a lot of grace and faith to make it here tonight." Santana glanced at Brittany, smiling as the blonde linked her arm through hers, resting her head on her shoulder. "In glee club, Mr. Schue teaches us about teamwork and acceptance. I don't think any of us really understood it until we landed on that island. We became a family, which is what we wanted all along. So, Mr. and Mrs. Schuester, this song's for you. I know we don't always say it, but what you do for all us means everything."
So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours
Rachel watched her teachers softly sway on the dance floor, their faces bright and peaceful. She smiled, pulling away to remark on how far they all had come. With a loose grip on her waist, Noah stared at the floor, his shoulders tense.
Gliding a hand down his jacket, she asked quietly, "What's wrong?"
He jolted, shaking his head, "Nothing."
Her gaze dropped, "You've been quiet all night."
"What do you want from me, Rachel? We all can't talk as much as you."
Her jaw tightened. She met his eyes, but said nothing. Seven months with him and she knew by now when he was trying to pick a fight.
He sighed heavily against her shoulder as they continued dancing slowly. Rachel watched the happy couples around them, wishing for tonight they could be the same.
"You look pretty."
Her eyes shot to his. "Thank you."
"I know I'm being an ass. I just sometimes think you'd be better with Finn."
"What?" Rachel asked incredulous, "How can you say that?"
He shrugged, "You always wanted him. I came later. Maybe we're only together because of what happened on that island."
She shook her head, smiling at him, "Don't you see? That's why it's better. We made it through the hardest part together." Her eyes furrowed, pleading, "That's why this is real. I only want to be with you."
Noah lowered his head, whispering sincerely, "I love you."
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours
Music filled the tent, couples meandering to the dance floor. With a smile, Quinn watched Emma push a piece of wedding cake into Will's face, both laughing blissfully.
A drink appeared before her as Sam pressed his lips to her hair, taking the chair beside her.
Hesitantly, she turned towards him, pushing a small black box across the table. Sam took it, quirking his brow inquisitively. Opening it, his face fell with surprise.
"I know you hated selling it after your Dad lost his job."
Sam stared at the watch in his hands. "You found it?"
Quinn nodded, taking a measured breath. She practiced this speech a hundred times in her head, but it still took all her courage to give it.
"That watch symbolizes my promise to you to be true; to never pressure you; to listen to your problems; to tell you when you need to cut your hair; to come over to your house whenever your sister needs someone to play with. I promise to make you feel proud when you point across the room and say "That's my girlfriend." I promise to do all of those things and still go to color me mine." He smirked, staring at her incredulously, "I love you, Sam. And I don't care if we're the stars of McKinley High or not." She swallowed, feeling her heart beat in her ears, "I know the last year hasn't been easy."
"But we made it."
She nodded, keeping his gaze, "Because of you."
He shook his head, leaning forward and pressing his forehead to hers, "You saved us. None of us would even be here if you hadn't found that radio." Ducking his head, he kissed her soundly, whispering against her lips, "I'm gonna marry you someday, Quinn Fabray."