Two Strangers Learn to Fall In Love Again

Summary: There have been five years, marriages, tears, and children. Will anything convince them they belong together?

~X~

Through time and space, always another show.

Wondering where I am, lost without you.

And being apart ain't easy on this love affair.

Two strangers learn to fall in love again.

I get the joy of rediscovering you.

~X~

Rachel Berry-Hudson did not cry as she signed her divorce papers and became Rachel Berry again. Her marriage of two years to Finn Hudson was not working out. Unfortunately, their daughter Allison was three years old. Finn didn't want anything to do with her, she was all Rachel's. Rachel didn't know how she was going to juggle her Broadway career and being a single mother. Luckily, her best friend, Quinn, and her mom lived nearby. Her mom had a daughter of her own, Beth was ten.

Quinn loved children and was expecting one of her own in a few short months. Quinn's husband, Noah Puckerman, wanted to name the magical little boy James, but with the similarities to his name, Quinn was protesting.

He was Rachel's ex and one reason her marriage didn't work out. She still loves him; even after all he did to her. It's been ten years since Rachel Berry saw Jesse St. James.

The other reason was her baby. Finn never wanted a child, but when Rachel got pregnant she was overjoyed. She always wanted to be a mother and felt that she would have talented children. At first, once Allie was here, he was okay with it. Then he got cold and detached. So, finally, for her daughter's own good, Rachel asked for a divorce. They hadn't been getting along well for months. She didn't blame anybody, just bad chemistry.

The funny thing was that she knew where Jesse was. He was in New York, a Broadway star like her. Luckily, they hadn't run into each other yet, but she has gone to every one of his shows. And when she thinks about him, she remembers the way it felt to run her fingers through his curls and kiss his soft lips. She remembers the way their voices sounded as they sang. But most of all, she imagines that he was Allie's father. She wasn't sure about his personal life; he might have a girlfriend, or even be married.

"Hello, Rachel." Jennifer said as the younger girl walked into her apartment to drop off her baby. She knew that Rachel was divorced and heartbroken, but not about the divorce. Honestly, she didn't fully know the circumstances. The girl's husband didn't even like the baby, as cute as she was. Jennifer only met Finn Hudson once, but she didn't like him.

"Hey, Jen. Thanks for doing all this for me. I've been stressed lately."

"You need to date again."
"I can't!"

"Why not?" She asked the adamant younger girl.

"Because I still love him!"

"You never loved Finn, Rachel. Even I could see that."

"Not Finn. I met a guy in high school. I fell in love with him, he broke my heart, but I've always felt that deep down, he really loved me. He just did what he had to do to get out of Ohio." Allie Berry, her name was changed when the divorce was finalized, started crying at this point.

"Mama, don't leave me!" Rachel's gut wrenched.

"I'm going to play the piano and calm her down." Rachel said as she walked into the other room. Someone was already there, playing a familiar song.

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? The brunette flinched when she heard the familiar voice, but she joined in at her original cue. Allie calmed down the minute her mother's voice joined the song.

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.

I want to tell you so much, I love you.

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.

'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.

Is it me your looking for?

'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. Rachel had tears running down her face when Jesse St. James turned around to look at her for the first time in five years. The toddler sitting next to him calmed down and snuggled into her father's arm.

"Rachel?" he asked.

"Hello, Jesse." She was really surprised when he stood up and hugged her.

"Oh, god, I missed you."

"Rachel? Mr. St. James?" Jennifer walked in behind the embracing pair, confused.

"Just call him Jesse." Rachel said.

"Rachel Barbara Berry! Who said you could tell her that? Not that I mind," he added.

"Jesse Michael St. James!" she mocked.

"I take it you two know each other." Jennifer said in reply to the arguing two.

"Since high school." Jesse replied.

"We dated." Rachel added bitterly. Jennifer's eyes widened.

"So, he's…"

"Yes!" Rachel replied, sort of angry sounding.

"Rachel, this is my daughter, Juliet." The brunette raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. She understood the parallels of his daughter's name and their Romeo and Juliet romance of so long ago.

"Allison."

"Hudson's?"

"Not anymore. We're divorced. He didn't want her."

"Anna felt the same about Jules." So he's divorced, Rachel thought. Interesting.

"You two need to talk about some issues. I'm the babysitter, so leave your children. You can stay away as long as you want." Jennifer commanded. Rachel rolled her eyes, but grabbed Jesse's wrist and left, after putting Allison down and saying goodbye to the girls. They went to an Italian restaurant and decided to just sit and talk.

"Why?" was the first question Rachel asked.

"Why did I break up with you? There are many reasons. Why did I throw eggs at you? There are reasons for that too."

"Both."

"I broke up with you for a combination of several reasons. You had to realize that you didn't love Finn. And a long distance relationship wouldn't have worked. Also, I needed you to learn to be less naïve. I couldn't stand if you got hurt because you were so trusting."

"But why the eggs?" She interrupted, accepting his previous reasons.

"I needed to make you hate me, for Finn. So you could move on."

"Alright, I forgive you."

"So easily?"

"It's been years, Jesse. I forgave you a long time ago, I just wanted to know the answers. And I hurt you too. Or do you not remember Run, Joey, Run?"

"I hate that song now." She laughed before grabbing his hand and leaving the restaurant. They walked down the streets of New York, laughing and catching up. Unfortunately, they both had to go to work.

"I have a confession to make." Rachel stated just before they parted. "I've been to every one of your shows."

"That's funny. I've been to all of yours." They wrapped their arms around each other for a quick hug and left to go to work.

~X~

Hey, Rachel. Dinner tonight before we pick up Allie and Jules? Rachel grinned before replying to Jesse's text message.

I'd love to. Just let me know where and I can meet you.

Lattanzi at eight?

A Jewish/Roman restaurant, Jesse?

Does this mean you don't want to come? You are Jewish, after all.

Of course I want to come. I'll see you then.

Bye, Rach. I have to go back to work now.

Bye, Jess.

Rachel smiled as she said goodbye before rushing home to change before her 'date.' Actually, she wasn't entirely sure what it was. She threw on a pink tie-dyed dress and white leggings. Rachel grabbed her white cardigan sweater and pink Mary Jane flats before running out of the door of her apartment. (AN: This outfit is under my polyvore account. Search VampireLover26).

"Hi, Jesse," she said breathlessly once she reached the restaurant. She kissed him on the cheek and sat down, looking at the vegan section of the menu.

"You look beautiful, Rachel." He complimented.

"Thank you. You look rather dashing yourself." She replied formally before laughing. They ate luxuriously, just wanting to spend time together.

We were at the door to my apartment when he paused, hesitation visible in his eyes.

"You can kiss me, if you want to." She said with a slight smile. He complied. They kissed gently for a few minutes before his mouth moved down to his neck.

"Come inside." She whispered. He pulled back to look at her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." She said without hesitation.

"What about the girls?"

"Hold on." Rachel pulled out her cell phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hi, Rachel." Her best friend said.

"Hey, Quinn. Can you do me a favor?" she asked the heavily pregnant girl.

"Sure."

"Will you go pick up Allie from Jennifer's?"

"I'd love to. Do you want her to stay here too?"

"If you don't mind. One more thing. Will you pick up Juliet too?"

"Juliet?"

"Jesse's daughter."

"St. James?"

"Yes."

"Why am I picking up his daughter and having her spend the night at my house?"

"Because he's currently at mine…."

"Rachel Barbra Berry! I want details tomorrow!"

"Alright. Thanks, Quinn."

"No prob, Rach." The girls hung up and Rachel let Jesse into her apartment. He was nibbling on her ear when she suddenly yelped.

"What's wrong?"

"My earring. You pulled on it."

"Since when have you had your cartilage pierced?"

"I got it done the day you broke up with me." He was slightly shocked, she could tell.

They didn't pause again until he was sliding her leggings over her hips.

"A tattoo, Rachel?" he asked, staring at the star pattern on her right hip.

"The day I filed for a divorce." She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to her bedroom.

~X~

Rachel Berry put on Jesse St. James's black button up shirt before getting up and making some tea for the man.

The pair was sitting on the couch, just talking about their past and how they still loved each other when there was a knock at her.

"I come bearing children!" Quinn yelled through the door. "So, make sure you are decent."

"Quinn Allison Puckerman!" Rachel reprimanded as she opened the door.

"St. James, ever heard of a shirt?"

"Puckerman, ever heard of manners?"

"Yeah, I have, and they don't include being naked in front of other people."

"We weren't in front of other people. Therefore, I didn't need a shirt until you came barging in."

"You are still an ass."

"You are still a bitch."

"Enough, there are little ears." A sleeping Allison heard her mother's voice and woke up.

"Mama!"

"Hi, baby girl. Did you have fun at Aunt Quinn's?"

"Uh-huh. I got to feel the baby kick!"

"Oh, honey, that's great." Jesse walked over and grabbed Juliet out of her stroller too.

"Daddy!" the three year old yelled, wrapping her arms around her father's neck. The adults introduced each other to their children and Jesse agreed to take the girls to lunch.

"Don't go into too many details, Rachel." He said with a grin before leaving with two three year olds in tow.

"How was the date?"

"Amazing! He still loves me! And he explained earlier about everything."

"Jennifer told me you went out for coffee. Now, how was the sex?"

"Quinn!"

"That good, huh?"

"Yes." Rachel admitted sheepishly.

"So, are you officially back together? And did he notice the tattoo?"

"Yes and yes."

"Go get dressed. I want to go shopping. I need baby clothes!"

"He isn't due for two and a half months, Quinn."

"And? James is going to need clothes. He can't come home naked."

"So, you agreed to the name?"

"I did, now go get dressed." The brunette quickly dressed in a light blue skirt with a bow and a black cardigan sweater. The look was completed with her black bow tights and blue flats. She paired it with the silver heart and star necklace Jesse got her in high school.

"I want a baby." Rachel complained hours later. "I miss Allie's little stage."

"Well, talk to that boyfriend of yours."

"Talk to me about what?" the aforementioned boyfriend said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Nothing."

"I don't believe you."

"I love you!" he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Okay, fine, I miss having a baby."

"I do too, but Rachel, it's too soon to have a baby."

"I know, it's just…" he laughed and kissed her forehead.

"Let's give it some time."

~X~

Rachel Barbra St. James smiled before texting her husband.

Can you come home? And bring me a few boxes of pregnancy tests?

I'll be right there. Twenty minutes later, he was running into the door of their apartment. Allie and Juliet were at daycare and Rachel has been sick lately. Hence why she was home alone. He wrapped her in his arms as they settled down to wait.

The pair both took deep breaths when the timer finally went off, before looking down at the results of the four tests.

Pregnant.

AN: It will be at least a week before I have the next one up. I'm at church camp next week, without a computer. I leave tomorrow and get home a week from Monday.