So after reading a recent review, I just wanted to explain something. I fully understand the sensitivity of the subject I am writing about. Rape is not a joke and I fully understand that. While I know I don't have to tell any of you this, a friend of mine was raped and I've been there for her every time she's needed me. It is a sensitive subject, but I believe it should occassionally be addressed, but tastefully. Another thing I'd like to point out is that while it might seem I'm rushing the sexual contact between Rachel and Puck, including the outfits she's worn, I believe that's the way it would happen with Rachel. Rachel is a very strong-willed character and as such, I believe she'd try her best to conquer every fear she has in order to continue with her life. That's my own opinion on the matter, and if you disagree, I completely understand. However, I hope you will respect my opinion and point of view. I apologize if it seems like I am attacking the review, but I felt like I needed to explain myself. I hope this doesn't deter you from reading my story. I promise, Puck and Rachel still have a lot ahead of them and much of it will be surrounding her rape.
Puck went to Rachel's house at about five in the morning. He hadn't gotten a lot of sleep the night before and just wanted an hour with her. He expected her to be asleep, but there she was, sitting on the couch with dark rings around her blood shot eyes. Puck rushed over and held her, kissing her hair and whispering in her ear.
"Damn it, Rachel. I told you to call me if you needed me. Why the hell didn't you call me?" Puck wanted to be calm, but he was totally panic-stricken.
"I can't have you with me every night. I- I want you to, but I need to be able to do simple tasks like sleeping without you being there if I have a nightmare. I need to learn how to cope with my problems and my past." Puck held her closer, in pure agony after hearing how dead Rachel sounded.
"Baby, I'm not going anywhere, okay? You can use me as long as you want if it makes you feel safer. You've made so much progress. I can't let you go back just because you think you need to be able to cope alone. I'm never going to leave you alone. You understand me Berry? Never. Even if we break up and you become a fucking lesbian, I will still sleep with you. Actually, I'd probably sleep with you more if you were a lesbian. Girl on girl is hot." He chuckled when she smacked his arm.
"Noah Puckerman, you are incorrigible."
"You like it," he teased, pressing a quick kiss to Rachel's lips. "Now let's get upstairs. You need a few hours of sleep. We'll miss the first 2 periods."
All she did was nod and let him carry her upstairs.
oOo
Once Rachel was rested, showered, and ready to go, she and Puck headed to school. Puck walked her to class and was walking to his class when Jacob Ben-Israel stopped him.
"Puck, care to comment on the rumors that you and Rachel Berry are sex addicts?" Puck simply chuckled as the scrawny ginger held a tape recorder to his mouth.
"Rachel and I are not sex addicts, not like it's any of your business Jew-fro," he pushed past him, brushing the accusations off.
"I have pictures Puckerman. You've spent every night over her house. You spend all your time together. You're not shy about PDA at school. Hell, you were even late to school today and it's clear Rachel is exhausted and newly showered. Are you going to stand there and tell me you guys don't fuck like jack rabbits?"
Puck lunged at Jacob, pinning him to the lockers. "How dare you! If you knew Rachel at all you'd know she is more than just a fuck buddy. You want a story to explain our relationship? Glee club, today, 3 o'clock." He pushed the boy against the lockers and started walking away. he turned back and said one last comment. "Oh and Jacob? If those photos come out, I'll kick your scrawny ass from here to Columbus. Got it?" Puck shook his head then walked away.
oOo
Puck had forgotten about his invitation to Jacob until he walked into glee and saw the boy setting up a video camera at the back of the room. Shit, Puck thought. I wasn't expecting him to record it. This is going to be all over his fucking blog for the whole school to see. His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened and the rest of the gang walked in. Rachel stopped when she saw her stalker setting up a camera.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Rachel fumed. Puck was somewhat shocked. Rachel never usually swore. Perhaps he was rubbing off on her. Jacob just smiled like an idiot, glancing at Puck.
"I invited him," Puck muttered. He received a collective 'What?' from his friends. "Long story. It's a one-time deal and it's for a good reason. Just ignore him." He walked towards Rachel and took her hand, leading her over to their seats. The rest of the club followed suit.
When they were seated, Rachel turned to Puck with curiosity in her eyes. "What's the good reason?" Before he had to lie to her (which he can't actually do) Finn walked in. All the girls gasped in shock. Finn's eye was swollen shut and a deep shade of purple.
"Finn, what happened to your eye?" Rachel asked. While Puck usually loved how concerned she was about everyone, he stiffened at how genuine her worry seemed for Finn.
Finn looked quickly at Puck then glanced at Rachel. "Like you care," he snapped. Puck growled at his tone. Finn shook his head. "Nothing Rachel, I'm fine." He sat at the back corner away from everyone. Rachel turned to face Puck, the question clear on her face. Did you do that? Puck just smirked and put his arm around his girl.
He bent his head down and whispered in her ear, "I told you I'd make him regret hurting you." Puck thought Rachel would snap at him, saying some bullshit about how violence was never the answer. He was surprised to see a smile come to her lips as she leaned against him. Puck tried not to laugh when he saw Jacob take a picture of Finn with his phone.
Mr. Shuester finally arrived. "Alright guys, let's get started. Who's song is ready?" Puck raised his hand. Rachel smiled up at him. "Puck, the floor's yours."
Artie, Sam, and Mike all got up with Puck. Rachel noticed them all put on matching black dress jackets. Puck did the same. While Sam and Mike took back up, Puck grabbed his guitar and Artie grabbed a bass. Puck, once finally settled, turned to the front.
"So this is a message to someone, obviously. I hope she gets what I'm trying to say." He briefly glanced at Rachel then started strumming. When he started singing, he looked directly into Rachel's waiting eyes.
I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow.
What started out as friendship has grown stronger.
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.
And even as I wander I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night,
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.
And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars.
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you.
I've been running round in circles in my mind,
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places that alone I'd never find.
And even as I wander I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night,
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.
And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars forever.
'Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
Even if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crushing through your door.
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.
When he finished, Rachel was crying. Puck managed to take his guitar off and put it to the side before Rachel jumped into his arms, kissing him deeply. He returned it with just as much passion. After a few moments, Puck pulled away and said the three words he'd been holding in.
"I love you," he whispered with his forehead against hers. "And I understand if you aren't ready to say it back, but I wanted you to know." She just smiled bigger and cried harder, kissing him again. They had almost forgotten where they were when they heard a cough. They pulled apart to see the glee girls crying and most of the guys looking really happy for them (the exception was Finn, who's jaw was clenched and his arms crossed).
Mr. Shuester, the cougher, stepped forward and patted Puck on the back. "Great job Puck. Perfect example of a ballad. And it had a purpose," he smiled at Rachel. "Well done." He was about to turn back to the club when Rachel stopped him.
"Mr. Shuester, I have a ballad I'd like to perform, if you don't mind." Mr. Shuester just nodded, giving her permission. Sam and Mike both patted Puck's shoulders when he sat down.
Brittany and Santana got up and stood behind Rachel. They had jumped at the chance to sing back up because they knew and loved the song. Rachel took a deep breath.
"This song pretty much speaks for itself." She nodded to the band who began playing a rather unfamiliar tune. When Rachel started singing, she had a huge smile on her face and her eyes were locked on Puck.
I don't like to be alone in the night,
And I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right,
And I don't like to have the rain on my shoes,
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
Puck felt his cheeks begin to ache he was smiling so hard. If he could, he'd go up and kiss her right then, but she'd be pissed if he interrupted a performance. So he just sat and watched his girlfriend tell everyone she loved him through song.
I don't like to see the sky painted grey,
And I don't like when, nothing's going my way,
And I don't like to be the one with the blues,
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
Love everything about the way you're loving me.
The way you lay your head upon my shoulder when you sleep.
And I love to kiss you in the rain.
I love everything you do, oh I do.
Puck and Rachel both smiled big after this verse. The lyrics were so appropriate for the couple it was uncanny.
And I don't like to turn the radio on
Just to find I missed my favorite song.
And I don't like to be the last with the news,
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
Love everything about the way you're loving me.
The way you lay your head upon my shoulder when you sleep.
And I love to kiss you in the rain.
I love everything you do, oh I do.
And I don't like to be alone in the night,
And I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right,
And I don't like to have the rain on my shoes,
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
But I do love you.
As the song was coming to a close, Rachel slowly made her way over to Puck. When she sang the last note, she held his face in her hands. The note was cut short when he pulled her close, kissing her deeply. They weren't paying any attention when Finn stormed out of the room. When they finally pulled away, Puck slid some stray hairs behind her ear and cupped her face in his hand, rubbing his thumb over her cheek. A tear rolled down her cheek when he said the words again.
"I love you Rachel."
"I love you too Noah."
Disclaimer: I do not own the songs ("Can't Fight This Feeling" is by REO Speedwagon and "But I Do Love You" is by Leann Rimes). Also, I do not own any of the characters. Please review!