This fic was started back in season 2, and it has become so AU that I might as well warn any new readers now. Also, somehow this fic started being more about Ramos/Sunshine than Rory—but to be fair, he doesn't have much of a character beyond the innocent, Irish transfer student. Anyway, reviews, suggestion, welcome. I don't own anything.

Chapter 20 ~ Of Leprechauns and Elves

1. Foreign

He's got an accent, she's got an accent. People barely understand him and don't bother trying, people have given up trying to understand her when she's going full blast. It's as good a reason to bond as any.

Besides, they find it hilarious that they're able to communicate perfectly. (more or less.)

2. Sigh

Sunshine can't help being glad that Artie's over Brittany when Rory starts mooning, (there really isn't any other way to say it), over the blonde, oblivious cheerleader. She's helped the wheel-chaired boy through heartbreak before, and no offense, but she really doesn't want to do it again. Luckily, Artie's head's still in the stars after getting the director's role in the upcoming musical, and while Rory can be less than tactful, even he knows better than to announce his feelings in front of the other boy.

Or serenade Brittany in front of him.

She hopes.

3. Mythology

After hearing Brittany's enthusiastic greeting one day, Sue Sylvester decides to dub them the Leprechaun and the Elf, much to Rory's embarrassment and Sunshine's amusement. It's not as if she hasn't been called small before, but Rory's almost head and shoulders taller than her and the contrast is striking. Still, Brittany's laughing about it, so he lets it slide and she pretends she isn't laughing when she hears the familiar nickname wafting down the halls.

4. Suspicious

"You sure you ain't got a thing for him? Last time I checked, you were pretty into foreign guys."

"Mercedes—he's head over tails for Brittany."

Mercedes rolled her eyes, knowing that Ramos, who was surreptitiously eavesdropping two bookshelves away, wouldn't like that answer. "Sweetie, love got nothin' to do with whether a person's taken."

Sunshine doesn't answer, choosing to turn back to her history book instead with a muttered, "he's cute, I guess," and Mercedes swears she can hear a growl vibrating from Ramos' general area. No, he isn't going to like this at all.

5. Comforter

The tension only thickens when Rory is rudely rebuffed by Brittany, who declares that she's too busy focusing on her career, (as future class president, naturally), to spend time on boys. Sunshine slips into the role of comforter, listening and making sympathetic noises as Rory pours out his confusion to her.

Ramos starts being blatantly antagonistic after he overhears Kurt commenting that, "That's how all great romances start."

6. Commentary

"Kurt, I love you, but why the hell did you have to say that in Ramos' hearing?"

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."

"Your voice squeaks when you're lying, and you never project unless you want to be heard. We've been best friends for three years—you think I don't know that?"

"Mercedes—"

"I agree. Kurt, what were you thinking?"

"Rachel—"

"We're not going to leave you alone until you spill, you know."

"Fine! They've been tiptoeing around each other all year. I thought maybe a bit of jealousy might speed things up a bit."

"You never thought that siccing Ramos on Rory is like setting a wolf on a puppy?"

"…you do have a point there.'

"Poor Rory."

7. Plot

She supposes she could have just Ramos what he wanted and said she wasn't interested in Rory, but she's really getting tired of him sticking his nose in her business. Besides, does he really think she can't see him two bookshelves away? It's enough to drive a girl to frustration.

Besides, Rory is cute, if you like puppy-dog looks and sweets. Sunshine, however, much prefers the kind of guy who she doesn't have to mother.

8. Cupid

He gains a new nickname after the school thing blows over and suddenly Ramos and Sunshine are officially together. Not that he minds—after all, Brittany was the one who bestowed it upon him with a kiss on the cheek and a huge hug.

9. Honest

He knows that his straightforward way of talking is awkward for some people—cough, cough, Finn—but he can't resist letting Sunshine and Ramos know that he thought they were already dating. Just in case, you know, there'd been any misconceptions.

Sunshine blushes and grins, and Ramos eyebrows reach his hairline, but they don't comment. Kurt, on the other hand, suddenly develops a coughing fit that has Rory worried and confused. Why did everything in America have to have subtext?