Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. If I did then I wouldn't be as miserable as I am this season. Sorry, but it's the truth.

Sorry for the gigantic absence. There were complications in my life that I'd rather not repeat- aside from the usual stress of the buttload of schoolwork and such. I hope you enjoy the chapter!:D


So this was what it was like to be a winner.

The halls seemed to part as her energetic stride kept her going. Rachel could still hear the opening chords of "Don't Rain On My Parade" inside of her head and it just made her want to smile all the more.

Well, it's about time we're recognized for our obvious talent.

"Hey babe, looking good!" Mercedes greeted cheerfuly. Clearly, she wasn't the only one excited about their victory.

Rachel nodded. "Feeling good, Mercedes."

"This is amazing! Ever since Glee club won Sectionals everybody looks at us differently."

"I couldn't agree more," Rachel commented. Behind them they faintly heard Jacob Israel proclaim his stalker love to her.

Mercedes rolled her eyes and Kurt cut in. "We're glitterati- I feel like Lady GaGa."

"Oh, get used to it, guys," the brunette said. "We're stars now on par with all the jocks and popular kids. It's the dawn of a new era here at McKinley and we are going to rule this school!"

But knowing her luck, every word seemed to retract as her face came in contact with the iciness of slushy. Her mouth dropped open as Karofsky and Azimio laughed.

"Welcome to Loserville. Population: you!"

So she was mistaken. Hell, it wouldn't be the first time.

Great. She thought sourly. Beside her Kurt whimpered.

"This is Armani..."

Mercedes groaned. "I knew I should've brought an extra pair of clothes. I always did before."

"I guess this was too good to be true," Rachel sighed, blinking and trying to regain her vision.


"St. James!"

Jesse halted and turned slightly, a small smile forming on his lips. Some things just never changed- like the sweet recognition of moving from Sectionals to Regionals. It was the usual greetings whenever he brought home yet another first place trophy.

Look at me, calling the hallways of Carmel High home.

So he let people pat his shoulder, shake his hand, and of course, give high fives. But did it really matter anymore? He could remember his freshman year when he'd first gotten his golden trophy. There were stars in his eyes when people congratulated him so genuinely. Jesse honestly thought that it'd never get any better than this. Yet with time the feelings of excitement faded. It began to be the usual boring routine and the only time he ever got that rush of excitement was when he performed.

Of course, there was another contributor: a petite statured, boisteriously confident brunette who, although was two years younger than him, possessed such authority. And now that he thought about it, it'd been a while since they'd last hung out in person. Jesse didn't count video chatting or phone calls.

Maybe I should surprise her, he thought half heartedly.


"Hello?" Mr. Schue asked again and this time, the group of teenagers shuffled and laughed, returning his greeting.

"What do you guys say when you answer the phone?"

Mercedes smiled, "What up?"

"Who this be?" Artie said.

"No, she's dead. This is her son," Kurt answered gloomly. Nobody moved.

"Oh-kay," Mr. Schuester commented. "Alexander Grambell, inventor of the telephone, liked to say 'Ahoy ahoy' when he answered the phone. It was Edison who later decided that 'hello' was a more appropriate greeting." he waited for comments but when no one did, he continued but with a little less enthusiasm. "I am really proud of what you guys did at Sectionals. But, as most of you have realized by now, it hasn't made a bit of difference in your daily day at school."

"I have a slushie stained training bra to prove it," Rachel interjected nonchalantly.

Mr. Schue continued on, "Fact is, we're going to have to be better, even more spectacular at Regionals. It's time for some reinvention. Some new New Directions. We need a new 'hello'." he pointed to the board and smiled. "Here's your assignment for the week: come up with a fresh number but it has to have 'hello' in the song title. Alright?"

Rachel felt Finn squirm and her forehead crinkled. She leaned forward with concern stricken on her face, "Are you okay?"

"I hate when he does that. Gives us assignments that are so specific- I never know what to do, you know?"

She nodded. "If you want, I can help you find something?" she offered. Behind her she heard Santana snicker.

"Careful Finn, being friends with Yentil here might drag you down further in the food chain."

Finn's eyes widened slightly but continued on. "How about tomorrow?"

Rachel shrugged. "Sure, how about here before rehearsal?"

"Yeah, yeah."


"...However, we need every single one of you to give this packet to your parents. Both must sign in order for you to go on to Nationals, am I clear?

Chris yawned. "It's nearly one in the morning, can we go now? I still have homework."

Shelby Corcoran nodded and tossed him the thick packet. "When I hand you a packet then you're free to go," she handed Jesse one. "And Jesse? Congratulations on the UCLA scholarship."

He smiled small. "Thanks Ms. Corcoran."

On the way to his house, Jesse couldn't stop thinking about his entire senior year so far. He had friends, he'd been to parties, he'd dominated Sectionals yet again. Hell, he'd found someone to care about. And now, he'd officially been accepted to the one place he dreamed about attending since before he was a part of Vocal Adrenaline. Of course, he'd always known he was a shoe in but when the official documents had made it into his mail in the morning, everything had just turned utterly realistic.

But throughout all of his achievements, there hadn't been anyone to talk to about it. His family didn't care- they never had. The only thing they ever did for him was provide money so he'd shut up and not bother their all too strictly scheduled lives.

He reached his driveway, parked, and opened his front door cautiously. The lights were off and he tiptoed upstairs to his bedroom. Tossing the packet aside, he grabbed a stickie note and a sharpie.

Sign ASAP. For VA. -Jessie.

He sighed, plastering the note on the front of the packet and descending the stairs again. His hand carefully pulled at the handle of his dad's office door. He let the thick pack of papers slam on the metal desk. He caught a glimpse of a photo on the surface. It was a St. James family portriat- old, because there Jesse was only nine years old. The fake smiles of his parents made him want to vomit.

Hypocrites.

The door creaked. "Jesse? What are you doing in my office?"

Jesse turned around to face his father. He'd expected him to be in his pajamas but he was fully dressed in his suit. His eyes scrunched slightly as if trying to get a better look.

His father shifted. "What?"

"Nothing, it's just that, it's one in the morning. Shouldn't you be in bed?"

He cleared his throat. "Shouldn't you? It's a school night."

"I had rehearsal. Just got home."

"Oh."

Jesse watched his father place his briefcase down beside the desk. His eyes were dark and seemed secluded. That's when he noticed the small stain of red lipstick on his white collar shirt.

This wasn't his father- this wasn't the man he'd known nine years ago and it pained to see that Mr. St. James, head of the household, was a cheater. Out of all of the negative aspects he had, this was the worst. In fact, he wasn't a man but a coward. And what Jesse saw was a coward who was probably the biggest hyopcrite, snarkly, inconsirable asshole.

"Do you need something?" Mr. St. James questioned, authority heavy in his tone. Jesse shook his head.

"No, I think I'm done here."


So, she was mad.

Rachel had waited half an hour in the choir room and Finn never showed up. During rehearsal he'd avoided her gaze and it started to piss her off. After the bell rung, he practically ran out of there but oh, he'd have to do much better if he wanted to avoid the wrath of Rachel Berry.

Finally, she spotted him at his locker surrounded by Santana and Brittany. They dispersed once they saw her coming their way and bumped her shoulder on the way past her.

"What did they want?" she asked hotly.

"Oh, nothing- just the time," he mumbled while avoiding her gaze. Shrugging away from her, he walked on and she followed.

"I know that being my friend is a challenge. I'm not Quinn- I don't have an impressive social status accompanied by what you call 'groupies'. Not to mention my personality- it's very high maintance but.." she sighed, dragging him by the arm and aside from the crowd. "I'll always be honest with you because you're my friend. But all I ask of you is that you be honest with me."

"I don't want to be your friend," he answered with the tone of not caring whether it destroyed her or not.

"W-What?" she stuttered. Was he being serious?

He looked away. "Look Rachel, you're really awesome and stuff but I think it's better if I try to get my-"

"Place in the social ladder back?" she offered. His feet suddenly caught his attention.

"I just want to find out who I am," he said at last.

And the jock knows English!

"I'll tell you who you are," she started. Uh oh, she could feel a long speech coming on. "You're a scared little boy. You're afraid of being my friend because, although you'd never say it out loud, your reputation is all you care about. You'd rather be surrounded by those who abandoned you the minute you joined Glee but me," she choked up a bit. "I just see you for you are. Unlike you who can only see me as this silly girl who made a fool out of herself at our first Glee club rehearsal. And that's where you lose, Finn. Because if you'd take a second look at me, then you'd see a person who cares who will support you, no matter what." with that final word, she bowed her head and walked away, trying to avoid the people in the hallway that bumped into her. She couldn't let them see her this fragile, not now.

Although they hadn't been close, Finn's outward confession reminded her of who she was, and where she stood in the school. He reminded her that although she was talented, she'd have no friends to truly share the talent with.

And that made her want to break all the behind the grief lied anger. She hated the way he'd handled things and she was going to show him at their afterschool Glee rehearsal. She passed through the agonizing hours of her classes but jumped when the final bell rang. She darted to the choir room and waited until everyone gathered in and Mr. Schue gave his spiel. When he asked who was ready, her hand shot up and he nodded for her to go. Oh, Finn was going to pay.

...I wake up every evening

With a big smile on my face

And it never feels out of place.

And you're still probably working

At a 9 to 5 pace

I wonder how bad that tastes

When you see my face

I hope it gives you hell, I hope it gives you hell

When you walk my way

I hope it gives you hell, I hope it gives you hell

Now where's your picket fence love?

And where's that shiny car?

Did it ever get you far?

You never seem so tense, love

I never seen you fall so hard

Do you know where you are?

She glared at Finn as she sashayed her hips. He seemed to shrivel in his chair and it brought her satisfaction that for once, she was the one singling him out. The sudden endorphin rush made her feel ultimately powerful- strong, and so very independent.

And truth be told I miss you

And truth be told I'm lying

When you see my face

Hope it gives you hell, Hope it gives you hell

When you walk my way

Hope it gives you hell, Hope it gives you hell

If you find a man that's worth the damn and treats you well

(Treats you well)

Then he's a fool you're just as well hope it gives you hell

Hope it gives you hell...

The members clapped and soon chattered in the comments about how well she'd sung her rendition of such a good song.

If only everyone had praised. Mr. Schuester sighed, "Guys, guys! I don't want to be a buzzkill but, the assignment was 'hello'."

"Sorry, I was focused on the first syllable." Rachel explained with sass, glancing at a not so amused Finn Hudson who was still planted in his original seat.

"You know what? I don't think you guys understand the seriousness of what we're up against. While we were busy winning Sectionals, Vocal Adrenaline was busy winning theirs. They are last year's National Champion. They haven't lost a competition in three years," he emphasized. The group looked down with soft guilt. "This is the big leagues, guys. And if we don't place at Regionals, Glee club is over."

Rachel breathed out, feeling like she'd just hurt the team. Her eyes darted back to Finn one last time. He'd gotten under her skin this time, but never again. From now on, Rachel couldn't care less if he was her friend or not. This was about Glee- this was about winning for the team. Nobody was going to get in the way of that, ever.


The day had been hell. Literally. Not that he was tormented or anything- no, that never happened to him. It'd been bad because although he'd found out about his father's indiscrepancies, he couldn't tell his mother. If he did, it would crush her.

Now, he found himself at the local music store trying to find something good to opt for as VA's Regional set list but his heart and mind just weren't into it today.

He almost missed the brunette hair pass by him on the way to the piano song books. Looks like he didn't need to schedule a meeting place with Rachel because here she was, forcefully looking for something in the pile of books.

He walked up to her silently. She had her face completely covered with a Lionel Ritchie book and he smiled, letting his hand gently lower it down until he saw her face.

"Lionel Ritchie, huh? One of my favorites."

"Oh my god, you're Jesse St. James," she teased. He chuckled softly. A smile crept up on her lips. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

She shrugged indifferently. "I have an assignment and this is one of the best music stores within driving distance of Lima. What about you?"

"I needed ideas for our Regional set list." he just couldn't take his eyes off of her. It'd been a couple of weeks since he last saw her in person but she hadn't changed at all. Her eyes were still a soft brown and her cheeks still had a rosy tint to them that complimented her olive skin. He glanced at the Lionel book and took it gingerly. Rachel's eyebrows furrowed in question. "Come on," he said, leading her to the grand piano in the middle of the store.

She looked at the people who were staring. "Jesse, what are you doing?"

"It's okay, Rachel." he answered, scooting to one end of the piano bench. He waited until she sat down with caution. "I do this all the time."

"In here?" she squeaked.

He nodded as another chuckle escaped his lips. God, she was just so cute sometimes. "Yes, now we're going to sing together, okay?"

She nodded and watched with admiration as her boyfriend began playing the piano. The opening keys to "Hello" filled the air and people began to gather around, waiting for the show.

I've been alone with you inside my mind

And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times

I sometimes see you pass outside my door

Hello, is it me you're looking for?

His voice made Rachel want to melt- hell, in fact, she felt like her bones were turning to mush right then and there. And with that twinkle in his eyes it seemed like he knew just exactly what he did to her.

I can see it in your eyes

I can see it in your smile

You're all I've ever wanted, (and) my arms are open wide

'Cause you know just what to say

And you know just what to do

And I want to tell you so much, I love you …

She sat down tentatively. Her arm momentarily brushed against his, sending a wave of electricity coursing through her veins. The way their voices blended together was amazing- they seemed to perfectly harmonize naturally. In a way, it seemed as if it were meant to happen this way.

I long to see the sunlight in your hair

And tell you time and time again how much I care

Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow

Hello, I've just got to let you know

As the tempo built up, so did Jesse's heartbeat. In fact, singing something like Lionel Ritchie had never been too enjoyable for him but as he mended his voice to Rachel's angelic one, suddenly the song seemed so much better. He had to pay extra attention to make sure his fingers didn't slip up and play the wrong key. Vaguely, he knew people were looking at him. But inside, the only thing that mattered were Rachel's endless brown eyes.

'Cause I wonder where you are

And I wonder what you do

Are you somewhere feeling lonely, or is someone loving you?

Tell me how to win your heart

For I haven't got a clue

But let me start by saying, I love you …

When they were done, she couldn't stop from blushing and looking down. There were so many people that had stopped what they were doing and watched them sing. She'd never had stage fright but for someone to notice her that quickly? Well, it'd never happened before.

"Do you want to grab a bite?" Jesse offered, closing the book.

Rachel nodded. "Yeah, I'm starving."


Friday morning, Rachel was greeted by Finn who looked a little flustered.

"Can I help you?" she asked sourly. The tall boy shuffled his feet a bit.

"Look," he started. "I know I screwed up by telling you that I didn't want to be your friend. But after everything that happened with Quinn and Puck... I don't have anyone else to talk to."

She pursed her lips before slamming her locker shut. "What made you change your mind?"

"I realized that people don't really care about me anymore."

"Well, I'm glad you've come to that realization, but you're too late. The other day at Glee was the last time I had anything left to say to you. You made it perfectly clear that you didn't want to be my friend. I'm only obliging to your requests."

"Why are you being so bitchy?" he retored angrily, stopping her from walking away. "When I first joined Glee, you were kind of all over me... But after the whole thing with Mr. Schue quitting to join a boy band, then me joining it then it going down the drain... You've been distancing yourself away. Why?"

Now, I could either straight up tell him about why I had lost my brief obsession with him or I could tell him to go to hell...

She remembered when Jesse had asked her if she'd regret telling people about their relationship and how she'd said no. Well, now was the perfect time to prove that.

"If you really must know, it's because I've found a boy who cares about me in a way that goes beyond superficial entities."

"A boy?" he stated dumbfoundly. "Do I know him? Is he bigger than me?"

"His name is Jesse St. James and if by bigger you mean older then yes, he is. He's a senior and I couldn't be happier to have found someone who shares my passion for show choir."

"He's in a show choir?"

"Yes- he is."

Finn huffed. "Rachel, is there by any chance a reason why he's dating you? Say, maybe because he's our competition?"

"For your information, Hudson-!" she started. "I started dating him way before we even performed Sectionals. In fact, we've been together that long."

"You've got to be joking!" he exclaimed.

"Hardly, now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to Geometry." Rachel smacked his arm away and smiled, feeling overly-confident. She felt like nothing could touch her now.

Wow, and I freaked over what? I just told somebody and everything is ay-okay.

Rachel opened the door to the choir room. The girls plus Kurt had directed her to meet them precisely at the start of lunch. And hey, who was she to skip out on 'friends'?

"Hey guys!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Cut the butter, Benedict Arnold," Kurt interjected, causing Rachel to frown. "We heard about your new boyfriend."

Wow, rumors travel fast.

"Look, Rachel. We're all happy that you're happy but we've worked too hard in Glee club to let you throw it all away on a relationship that might not even be real."

I can't believe this!

"We heard about his little... Team," Kurt added.

"Why?" she asked. "Because he's in Vocal Adrenaline?"

"Their motto translates to 'Murder or be murdered'" the boy added, crossing his arms.

"They also give their dancers human growth hormone," Tina said. Rachel rolled her eyes.

Mercedes shook her head, "Look, we're not saying the dude is playing you-"

"-He's playing you," Rachel almost wanted to smack Kurt for his stupid, biased attitude.

"We just think that until Regionals are over, we can't risk the possibility that he is," the sassy diva finished, placing her hands on her hips.

"None of us want to go through what happened at Sectionals again," Tina commented, crossing her arms now.

Rachel interrupted before anyone else could speak up, "Okay, seriously? You decide to use that as an example of why I shouldn't continue my relationship with Jesse? You didn't go through that! Quinn, Puck, and Finn did. So you know what? Stop making it about yourselves. Not everything has to do with you!" she turned to Kurt next. "And just because I have a boyfriend, it does not give you the right to assume he must have an ulterior motive. You know, I can be pleasant if you'd all just stop with the assumptions and get to know people!"

What. A. Hypocritical. Group. Of. People!

"Oh shut it, Rachel. You were the one idolizing Finn when this whole thing began." Kurt bit back. "Just because you have one boyfriend, it doesn't mean you're in love. If anything he just wants to get in bed with you."

Don't say anything you'll regret, she thought over and over again. There was a pause until she built up the courage to talk.

"Okay, look. Jesse and I might not be true love... But what if we are?" her voice wavered a bit, making her sound fragile when she really didn't want to be, however with this situation, she wanted to get the point across that hey: this has nothing to do with anything else but herself and Jesse. Either accept it or don't. "I know who I am... How many chances at this am I going to get?"

Mercedes looked at Kurt and he seemed to contemplate something. After a short second, he responded. "If you don't break up with him- you're out."

Her mouth dropped open. "What? You can't do that!" she screeched.

"We can if we must," Tina said.

Artie nodded, "And we can all quit if Mr. Schue doesn't kick you out."

"Well, good luck finding someone to win Regionals with," Rachel bargained.

Kurt flipped his hair once and glared. "Everyone is replacable, even you."

"How could you do this to me?" she asked desperately. "I thought we were a team?"

Mercedes stepped forward, "How could you do this to us?"

Excuse me?

"You? Um, last time I checked, you're not in my relationship. You don't get to just thrust yourselves into the scenerio."

She ignored Rachel's comment. "We're a team, and all you've ever wanted was for us to be great. To be a part of something special. Now, is that still true or not?"

"I-I don't know." she looked at all of their faces once before settling on Mercedes'. "Honestly? I don't have a clue anymore."

"Then hurry up and figure out which side you're on because if you can't make the decision, we're making it for you," Kurt finalized.

So that's how Rachel found herself wandering the auditorium of Carmel High. She would've just called him but she felt like this was too dire for a phone call. Oh, who was she kidding? She just wanted to see his face when she told him about the ultimatum.

"Jesse?" she projected across the stage. Nobody answered and she was getting antsy. Suddenly, bright lights nearly blinded her and her hands immediately went to her tote bag. "Who's there?"

No answer.

"I carry a rape whistle!"

"It's just me," Jesse chuckled from the alcove. He had his hands in his pockets and a smug grin plastered on his face. Obviously she didn't find it very funny.

However, she relaxed from her stiff position and let out a heavy breath as he walked towards her. She took a few paces herself, tucking her hair behind her ear and away from her line of vision. "I have to ask you something," she started. He nodded once. "And I need you to tell me the truth because if you don't then there will be consequences. Life and death consequences,"

Jesse's eyes widened at the 'life and death'. What could possibly have her being so drastic?

"We've known each other for a few months now... But I need to know why you haven't just dropped me. I care about you and I know you've said you care too but... How do I put this? I...I'm not ready for... Uh- See, if I give myself to you and it turns out that you're just playing me- I might die." she held up a hand to stop him from saying anything. "Not literally but emotionally, like Barbra in 'The Way We Were'."

"Oh my god," he finally said with a soft laugh. His hands found her waist and he pulled their bodies together.

"What?" Rachel grumbled.

"You're more of a drama queen than I am." he licked his lips once. "What's gotten into you that's made you doubt my feelings for you?"

"Everything. People found out about us and they disapprove. In fact, they threatened to kick me out of New Directions-"

"They did what?" he asked with a concerned tone. "They can't do that just because we're together."

"That's what I said but what can I do? That school is full of hypocrites."

"I know the feeling. My own dad is a hypocrite."

She frowned. "Jesse, please answer my question."

There was a momentarily silence before he pushed her slightly away. Her eyes looked at him in question. He took a step back and held out his hand.

"Hi, I'm Jesse."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm proving to you that I don't care what anyone else thinks of us and that there's no way in hell we're breaking up just because they say so- now shake my hand."

Rachel shook his hand.

"Everyone knows Jesse St. James: star of Vocal Adrenaline and your competition at Regionals. But for you- and only you... I'm introducing you to Jesse. The guy who's nuts about you and would never do anything to hurt you," he held onto her hand tightly. It'd been so long since he'd been nervous. "They might never understand but it's you that I care for. I don't care for my team winning when I'm with you. Rachel, you make me a better person... Someone I hope makes you realize just how special you are."

Rachel's lip quivered with threatening tears and she let herself fall into his awaiting arms. They encircled her and she felt warmth radiate throughout her.

"Hey," he whispered. She fit so perfectly into his arms, almost like they were made just for her.

She let a few tears escape as she clutched onto him for dear life. Rachel never wanted this moment to be over- ever. She just felt so safe and secure in his arms. "I don't want anymore people to know about us- they won't understand."

Jesse sighed, letting his chin rest on the top of her head. "If that's what you want then okay."

She removed her head from his shoulder and looked straight into his clear eyes. "Thanks."

He leaned in and she met his lips halfway. The kiss was chaste, almost as sealing their conversation and when he pulled away, she saw the hunger he had. Rachel was warm all over and she let out a breath before pressing her mouth against his again. He responded enthusiastically and deepened the kiss. They were both so enveloped in the kiss to notice that Shelby Corcoran had been witnessing the entire conversation.

A small smile played on her lips as she turned and stealthily left the two teens on stage. Fate just kept coming back to bite her in the ass and she was used to it now. But as she pushed open the exit door, Shelby couldn't contain her thoughts from trying to piece together a way to get Rachel on her side.


Again, my apologies for the longest wait in the history of forever. Be expecting more updates later in the month, and then in June and July :D

Feedback is highly considered and appreciated, you guys reviewing inspires me to keep writing- it's my muse.

-Fanatic4Fiction