A/N: Didn't get to upload the previous chapter immediately so I'm updating twice today. Random Fact: This is the first chapter I wrote on pen and paper before typing. :D I should probably warn you by now that there's a few sentences in here that might make you have "the thoughts".

Disclaimer: Even if Glee owns me, I don't own it. The song in this chapter isn't mine either.

Upon arriving home from the Fabray residence, I staggered to my bed and plopped down. Leon, however, was very awake despite having just 4 hours of sleep. I don't know what he put in his coffee this morning. I was pretty sure it was the same blend as mine. Did he put extra sugar? Was he taking caffeine pills with the coffee? He sure seemed pretty hyper. Teach me, Leon. Teach me.

The first thing Leon did when we arrived was to get into the bathroom, shower as quickly as he could and running back out to the living room to watch TV and play video games.

On the other hand, I'm just lying here feeling drowsy. I always looked like I had eyebags, and I didn't want to know what I look like now. I let my eyelids win over me and I fell asleep. I'm not the one to dream every time, but if my dreams were like the one I had, I won't mind having these images in my mind every night. Except for the last part. My dream didn't really have a story. Just flashes of Quinn's face. Her smile… her eyes... her everything. I didn't want to wake up. That is, again, except for the last part.

"Jeffie?" Quinn said in my dream, with the pretty face girls make if they need something.

"What is it, Quinnie?" I asked, though I didn't sound as half as sweet as her. I don't know why, but I sounded so scared in my dream.

This was the point that the dream kind of hurt. Let me take that back. This was the part that really hurt. The last part. "I…" she stuttered in my dream. "I hate this feeling. I know this. Like… I need you. The way I felt I needed Sam, or how I needed Finn to feel powerful. But I need you, because I really do. But… I just really hate feeling like this, Jeff. I know you'd be there for me… But what if we – what if we won't last? I," she exhaled. "I just can't imagine. I love what I'm feeling right now, when I'm with you – but I don't want to feel too dependent." She paused and sniffed. "Maybe we should have time apart."

"Time apart?" I repeated, choking on my words.

My dream – or was it a nightmare? – ended quickly and I sat up from where I had been lying down. I was panting and sweating. But more than that, my throat was hoarse and I felt my heart sink even if it was beating as fast as it could. I couldn't believe how much I could hurt just because of that. What more if we ever split once we're actually together? I tried to calm myself down, knowing that it was just a dream. But what if… what if she really thought, really felt that way? I shook the thought away and headed for the shower. It's just a dream, Jeff. I reminded myself as the lukewarm water fell heavily on my back. Running my hand through my damp hair, I repeated the words "just a dream" in a breath. I blew gently against the water dripping down my face. Breathe, Jeff.

Once I got dressed, I decided to head to the kitchen but there was nothing in there that I could classify as a snack, but I don't really think my stomach could handle anything solid right now. When I checked my watch, it was already 2 in the afternoon. Wow. My dream was so short. I slept for almost five and a half hours. I grabbed my wallet and stepped out of the house, shouting "I'd be back" to no one in particular. It was a surprise Leon didn't notice me leave though.

"Darn it. I left my keys," I muttered to myself, shaking my fist. I exhaled. "Maybe I could walk." The convenience store wasn't far anyways. That was nice. A walk. I should walk that dream off. And then I'd buy snacks once my stomach could actually hold something in it. Then maybe I'd eat them on the way home. Perfect.

For once, I took time to watch each of the houses as I passed by. How long has it been since I walked around this neighborhood? Maybe I should have brought my bicycle. I haven't used it in years. Do I even remember how? But walking gave me a clearer sight of things and time to appreciate the view. "You'd see more if you walk," I whispered to myself, remembering a quotation I've read somewhere once.

As I passed, I greeted and waved to people on the way. Just the people I knew. Or the ones I used to know, a least. The old women in the neighborhood praised how "beautifully" I physically matured, and how much I was blessed during puberty. It was flattering; although it was creepy considering that they were several decades older. I winced by the time I passed another elderly woman who complimented me again.

When I passed more people my age, I realized how I didn't really know many people in Lima, despite living here for the past 3 years. Or at least for the summers and holidays. Where have I been? Dalton. Every friend I had in Dalton were either Warblers or my classmates. Most of them lived in other towns around Westerville – the city where the school was located. And like most students, a lot of my friends boarded. Nick went home every day, but he lived in the next town. I used to board, but I started missing home. And to tell you frankly, I missed how my parents used to drive me to school. Luckily, my dad's office is now in Westerville and I have a good excuse to go home every day. They've thought of moving there, but Leon refused and begged like a puppy for us to stay in Lima. The only Dalton students I knew that lived here in Lima were Kurt and Blaine, though Blaine lived in the other end of the town. Most of my weekends were spent studying, doing homework and projects. My phone was only used for important things, like school and my parents. That changed this summer, of course. With Quinn. Quinn, I sighed. To think of it, do I even have a social life?

The cold air of the convenience store enveloped me as I stepped in. It was a relief from all the heat. It really did feel like summer. It was too hot outside, but I guessed they might kick me out if I stay too long in here. Standing at the entrance, I realized that the walk earlier reminded me how much I missed how the sun felt on my skin. It was like a good kind of sting. Not knowing where to go, I went through every aisle and back, just to get my mind off things. The people who worked here didn't care if I endlessly wandered through their workplace. And that was perfect for me.

Around ten turns later, I sat in the space between two refrigerators that held all kinds of drinks. The two refrigerators had a column between them, explaining the gap that was wide enough for me to fit in. I closed my eyes for a second and opened them. Nothing changed. Then, I recalled the time I sat here years ago.

I felt alone that day. It was my first day in Dalton and I really didn't know anyone, so without anyone knowing, I took the bus home, sneaked into my room, changed into normal clothes and went here. My mom found me here that day when she was buying something, though I couldn't recall what. She convinced me to return to Westerville, to go back to Dalton and board there. Mom explained how expensive it would be to take the bus or drive me to school every day. I sighed in defeat and conformed.

When she asked why I didn't want to stay, I told her that it was because I didn't know anyone; therefore I didn't have any friends. Not that I ever had any beforehand. Mom, knowing Mrs. Anderson, introduced me to her son which was Blaine, of course.

We became friends quickly, finding many common interests. And he was the first one I ever opened up my bullying backstory to, the second one being Nick. I looked up to him, his talent, and how well-mannered he was. When I found out he was gay, there was a little gap. You know my beliefs. My hypocritical beliefs. I really wished I didn't freak out like that, knowing that others accepted him as lovingly. I asked myself, whatever happened to 'Love thy neighbor as you love thyself'? Even if he was gay, he really did look and act straight, his actions far more socially acceptable than others'. I got over that a while later, apologizing to him as many times as I could even if he had already accepted the first. Our friendship got fixed and we started hanging out again.

I remembered how Blaine would laugh at me every time I audition for a solo. "It's funny how you try," he said. I didn't take that personally. We're at that level of friendship that we can insult each other without being hurt. Nick and I auditioned, whenever given the chance. As always, no one could beat Blaine for the spot as the lead soloist. Well, the only soloist. I always told myself that I'd get that solo someday.

Recalling the look on his face when Kurt said he felt as if we were Blaine and the Pips instead of the Dalton Academy Warblers pained me and I tried not to confront the countertenor. It was true, everyone else at our school felt that way. It's just that no one had the nerve to say it to Blaine's face for the past three years. Of course it hit Blaine, which was why he proposed a duet with Kurt. I secretly wanted that spot as his partner, just to get a solo. Later, he revealed his personal intentions with the duet, even if it cost us Regionals. They won each other out of it. For them, it was better than a shiny trophy and a trip to New York. After all, we were all in the right tax bracket to travel there if we had time.

To myself, I laughed softly at the memories. Then I hear a voice that I have only heard last night.

"Hey, kid-from-Dalton-whose-name-I-can't-remember-right-now! What are you doing there?" The boy with the Mohawk reached out his hand to help me up. "What are you on?"

"Jeff," I corrected. "My name's Jeff. Nothing. I'm not on anything. I'm just… I just want to take my mind off things."

"What things?" he asked, opening the bottle of Coke he just took from the refrigerator. His head turned from left to right, making sure no one was watching.

"Aren't you supposed to pay for that?" I asked as he took a sip.

Puck hushed me. "I could get you one if you want."

"No, thanks." I refused.

"Now, what things?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Just a stupid dream. It's nothing much." No big deal. Just something that was a little too much to handle. And I thought after all these years of bullying… I thought it would be easy for me to handle emotional pain. I guess I'm mistaken.

He took a sip of his drink and leaned on a shelf. "Doesn't seem like it." The boy sighed. "If it's Quinn then… she does those things to people. She's the girl that you would want so much that it just hurt. The girl's got a fiery tongue, even in the dreams we keep getting because of her. She's trying to change. Last night she told me that she was looking for someone who'd respect her. And her crazy principles. That could have been me," he paused, "But I figured that it's you now. She feels like it's gonna be you."

Well, seems like I'm recommended by all three exes now. Great. The last thing Puck said made me smile.

"Maybe she doesn't have a type… though she usually dates football players. You're an exception. You play anything?"

I shook my head. "That's if you excluded musical instruments," I blurted.

"Guitar?" he chuckled.

"Acoustic and bass. And I also play the keyboard…" I trailed off.

He nodded and continued. "I guess you're the one she's want to marry. You're good-looking, smart, rich, good, talented… your moms know each other…" he paused. "Good for her reputation," he muttered. "And then you'd have beautiful children with a secure future. Something I couldn't provide," Puck sighed.

I didn't respond. I didn't know how. The boy, who was just an inch shorter than me even if he was bigger in physique, looked at me with his intimidating eyes which were softened by the small smile playing with on his lips. "I really loved her. So take of her, okay?"

Without hesitating, I nodded.

Puck patted my shoulder twice and said, "You should come with me."

"Where are we going?" I decided to ask a few blocks later.

Puck's grip on my upper arm was tight as we entered an alley. He hushed me, looking out for people that might see us. I was getting a bad feeling about this, especially now that this kid's wearing a hododie over a wife beater in the middle of the summer heat. And I've heard of the boy's history. Been warned of him many times. He didn't seem that bad, but I wanted to leave. I tried not to make it obvious but I was relieved when he pulled a guitar case out of the back of the closed dumpster, handing it to me. I opened the case and found a decent guitar inside. I started plucking at it to see if it was in tune.

"Why do you have two guitars behind a dumpster in a remote alley?" I asked, tuning the one I was holding.

The other boy strummed on the one he was holding and passed it to me. "Here, have this one."

We switched and he started tuning the one that was now his. I repeated my question, though I made it shorter.

"This one isn't mine," he said tapping the one I was playing. "I just found it on the street. The one I'm tuning isn't mine either. My guitar's back at home."

I tried to question him for just taking guitars he finds on the street, but I decided to shut up. You don't question a person like Puck, I told myself.

"Now I'm gonna teach you how to play a song, if that's okay."

"Why? What song?"

He didn't mind me and focused on the guitar. "Just watch and listen. Maybe you could play along," he said, bumping his fist gently against my shoulder. Puck started playing and I followed the chords and strumming. "See, you're catching up." He stopped and finally told me his purpose. "Tonight at 6, we're going to perform this at Quinn's house."

I nodded and Puck started going through the verse. No doubt, the song was just right for what we're trying to help her do.

"Are you sure this is safe?" I asked Puck as he started climbing up the tree.

He nodded, bending over from the roof near Quinn's bedroom window. "Pass the guitar," he said.

I tossed it as gently as I could. "The girl might be busy..."

"Don't be a sissy, Jeff. Man it sounds wrong talking to someone with their first name."

"My last name's Sterling, if that helps," I said, passing over the other guitar.

"Okay then, Sterling. Get your ass up here."

I blinked and grabbed onto his arm. "Okay…"

In no time, both of us were up the roof.

"Do you often serenade girls this way?" I asked while he was peeking at her window.

"No, but I serenade girls at every chance. Every time I feel like it." He bit his lip. "Don't think of this as me serenading her. Think of it as… you know, we're dedicating the song to her."

I shrugged, "Do you always know which song to choose?"

Puck shook his head, "Offended Lauren once with Fat Bottomed Girls. So I wrote her a song to make up for it."

"What was it called?"

"Big Ass…"

My brows scrunched.

"Big Ass Heart," he completed. "She's here," he whispered. "Got the note I made you write her?"

I nodded and passed the note which I folded into a heart. He looked at me weirdly and I just shrugged, "Learned that from the internet."

Puck pushed the note into the small opening of Quinn's bedroom window and tapped on it at various speeds.

"Morse code?" I asked.

"I have no idea what I'm doing, actually."

When the note was out of sight, we knew that she was about to read it. I heard the crumpling, unfolding of the paper and we hid on both sides of the window. We were trying hard not to slip on any of the roof tiles. That would just be messed up.

I heard Quinn wonder what it was and she read the note out loud.

"Dear Quinn," she began. "We're happy now that you're making progress, now that you're learning to accept your past, forgive others and understand what you're feeling about others. Last night must have been hard for you. But you were strong enough to say everything and talk to others about it. You're finally learning to let love in. There's something we'd like to tell you, though. We love the way you're changing, but we think that it's time that you prove to us that you could change without others helping you. We know you; you're strong enough, brave enough to do that. Tell us you could move on without waiting on us to help." She paused. In the past few sentences, she sounded so happy that it was as if she was about to cry. "Look out your window," she whispered the last line and obeyed.

"We see you've read the note," I whispered as she came into view.

"Jeff? We?" she was confused.

"Jeff and I had been practicing this song for you," Puck smiled.

"Puck," Quinn half-whispered, smiling at our awkward collaboration. She was probably wondering: Why them? We were an odd pair and we didn't look like the ones to be singing duets together. But he didn't look like the one to sing with the boy in the wheelchair, Artie – I think that was his name, either. So this wasn't too weird.

The tough-looking boy poked my rib with his elbow and we picked up our guitars. "Listen," I told her.

Quinn watched as our fingers moved across the frets. The look on her face told me that she wasn't familiar with the song. This put a grin on Puck's face as he started singing.

Little change of the heart, little light in the dark
Little hope that you just might find your way up out of here

The song wasn't in my natural key, but I tried singing anyways as I took the next two lines.

'Cause you've been hiding for days, wasted and wasting away
But I got a little hope, today you'll face your fears

Puck and I continued together.

Yeah, I know it's not easy
I know that it's hard, follow the lights to the city

Get up and go, take a chance and be strong
Or you could spend your whole life holding on
Don't look back, just go, take a breath, move along
Or you could spend your whole life holding on
You could spend your whole life holding on

It was at this part that we saw Quinn smiling, yet tears were in her eyes. I reached out to wipe her tears, momentarily refraining from strumming. "Don't cry," I mouthed as Puck sang the next two lines, putting emphasis on the words "I believe in you". We did.

Believe the tunnel can end, believe your body can mend
Yeah, I know you can make it through 'cause I believe in you

The next lines I sang were appropriate for what I really wanted to tell her. I can't help but smile as I sang.

So let's go put up a fight, let's go make everything alright
Go on and take a shot, go give it all you got

Oh, yeah, I know it's not easy
I know that it's hard, no, it's not always pretty

Get up and go, take a chance and be strong
Or you could spend your whole life holding on
Don't look back, just go, take a breath, move along
Or you could spend your whole life holding on
You could spend your whole life holding on

"Listen," Puck and I whispered as we continued. "Really listen," I said.

Don't wanna wake up to the telephone ring
Are you sitting down? I need to tell you something
Enough is enough, you can stop waiting to breathe
And don't wait up for me

Quinn squinted her eyes in wonder, understanding only a while later. She wasn't supposed to wait on us forever if she wanted to get a move on. She nodded and wiped the corner of her eyes. With her hand under her jaw, she continued to listen and, familiarizing the lyrics, began singing along.

Get up and go, take a chance and be strong
You could spend your whole life holding on
And don't look back, just go, take a breath, move along
You could spend your whole life holding on

Get up and go, take a chance and be strong
Or you could spend your whole life holding on
But don't look back, just go, take a breath, move along
Or you could spend your whole life holding on
You could spend your whole life holding on

Don't spend your whole life holding on, yeah

"I won't," she said, smiling. Quinn reached out to hug both of us from inside her bedroom. It was awkward. Her window wasn't wide enough to reach our shoulders. She laughed and invited us to get in. I hesitated, Puck did too. "Come on," she said, pulling me in.

Why me? I wondered. Her face bumped into my chest and we laughed. Puck successfully got in after a few tried and Quinn pulled us into a hug. I kissed the top of her head during the embrace, and I just didn't want to let her go. The other boy, pulling away ahead of me, patted my back and looked at her.

Now that Puck wasn't in the way, Quinn wrapped both arms around me and whispered, "We're gonna make everything alright."

I kissed the top of her head again. "Sure we are."

A/N: That was awkward. But I think I did well. Especially that I wrote most of it at school. XD REVIEW!