And again I say I love my reviewers! I love my readers as well, which I haven't said enough, so know that every visitor I see on my story traffic page makes me do a somewhat awkward yet adorable happy dance. I updated fast because a) we're getting to the juicy stuff and b) like ripping a band-aid off, sometimes you just have to get through the painful stuff.

I am the one who knows you.
I am the one you fear.
I am the one who's always been here.
I am the one who'll heal you.
I know you told her that I'm not worth a damn,
But I know you know who I am

"You know about my dad. Hell, everyone in a 20 mile radius knows about my dad. He wanted to be a rock star and that meant he couldn't have a wife and two kids dragging him down. One night he left a note that said he was sorry and booked it and we haven't heard from him since. Abbie was just 3, she couldn't remember him at all, but I do. I remember thinking he was the coolest guy, and then suddenly he didn't give a shit about me." Puck stopped for a second, thinking about how he probably sounded like Rachel right now, ranting on and on, but Santana had said to talk, so he was gonna talk. "And I asked Rachel about her future and she said that people weren't variables in her decision. She kinda has a good point because a lot of people have screwed her over before, but I guess I'm not sure if I'm up to her standards." Puck heard the bell ring, signaling the end of last period, and he knew he had to get going soon to find Rachel.

"I get what you're saying. I mean, I'm a Cheerio, we're pretty much the most ambitious group in the school. There are those that are willing to put the effort in and those willing to trip a girl to make her look bad and move up a spot." Santana paused. "Rachel seems like the type who would push the captain off the top of the pyramid." Puck laughed a little.

"She doesn't support violence."

"I didn't mean it to fit exactly. You saw what she did when Schue started taking away her solos, she quit! She came back when she thought she'd get her way, and when she didn't, she quit again."

"But then she came back."

"I'm just saying that she wants things her way, and she'll do whatever she needs to to find that path." Santana turned so she was facing Puck. "I was a bitch to you before. I dumped you for a dumbass reason, but seeing you different with Rachel made me see you're a decent guy, Puck. And, as a friend, I don't wanna see you get screwed over when she decides that she's going onward and upward. All I was thinking about was money and I dumped you. She wants fame, bright lights, the whole deal." She sighed. "You and me, we think alike. We both just want out of this town. Doesn't much matter if it's one county over or the West coast, am I right?"

"Yeah. I just don't think I'm gonna be enough for her. I mean Quinn called me a Lima Loser and she wants Finn by her side to keep her popular."

"Good enough for her? What happened to you, Puck? Where's that ego that tamed a hundred girls? And seriously, this is the same girl who you said makes you want to light yourself on fire." Puck laughed.

"She still does, in some ways. She's still the same crazy, ambitious girl. But even though she's a challenge, I kind of like it, you know?"

"You like driving yourself crazy trying to please the most high maintenance girl in the school?"

"Yeah." He smiled as he stood up, ready to go talk to Rachel.

"Wait, Puck." Santana jumped up. "I just wanted to say… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for underestimating you and treating you like shit. I was wrong."

"Damn, Lopez. Never thought I'd hear you say anything like that."

"Change happens. Embrace it." Puck was surprised when she walked forward and hugged him.

"I…" Puck started to say that he had to go get Rachel, but he was cut off by Santana suddenly kissing him. He didn't react for a moment, and then instinct kicked in. Santana was secretly thrilled when he didn't pull away. After a moment passed, she pulled back, smiling.

"Puck…"

"Shit." Puck saw a flash of brown hair and heard the side stage door screech open. He took off towards the door, hoping he'd be fast enough to catch her. "Rachel!"

Ruh-roh, Puck made a mistake! Stick with me, it will get better… eventually. It's short, but the next few will be too. Blame it on setting them to shorter songs. Thanks for reading, and don't give up hope.