Disclaimer: I don't own glee.

AN: First off, I wanna thank everyone for reviewing especially the three that wont quit until they see an update (Chloe, Christina & Louisa!)

Secondly, sorry about the puckleberry! Its not my fault (well it is because im a full shipper of puckleberry!) but from now on, it's all about the samchel relationship and puckleberry are just friends - promise.

And thirdly, I know! I hate the idea that one of my fics is coming to an end, but I wouldn't have made it here without you guys. Your continuous support means the world to me and to be honest, this story wouldn't have got so far without you all, so thank you. And don't worry, this will NOT be the last Samchel fic I write! Just be Chord is leaving, means I'll give up writing Sam/Rachel! Anyway, onto chapter 21! :D

Twists and Turns /21

"Berry, what's the rush? I wanna get a slushie first." Puck jogged past the cafeteria with longing eyes.

Rachel turned around and gave him an impatient look. "Noah, I assure you, that is NOT what you need right now." She rounded the corner muttering under her breath. "It'll only be thrown in Jesse's face anyway. What a waste of a $1.20"

Puck caught up in three easy strides and looked at her. She gave him an easy smile before walking into the choir room. Puck followed without question.

Everyone was seated in their appropriate rows, Sam was the first to spot Rachel and Puck coming through the door. He rushed down from the middle and stopped short in front of Rachel. He gave her a beaming smile, nodded at Puck. Rachel snuggled against him as he pulled his arm around her shoulders.

"Hey babe." He whispered, kissing her cheek gently. She beamed back and blushed a little. She was still not used to such public displays of affection. But with Sam, she didn't care. She looped her fingers with Sam's before following after Puck. Sam had saved two chairs in the middle row. He said to Rachel, he assumed she was finding Puck to apologise. He asked how it went and she told him that it was fine and that her and Puck were friends again. Sam didn't care because his girl was happy. Happy enough.

Rachel swallowed as she took a seat between Sam and Puck. Sam's hand was still linked with her. He was about to pull away because he knew she didn't like to much public affection, but she held on tighter. She gave him a look. And he understood. It was for security. Jesse were be strolling through the doors any second following Mr Schue and Sam didn't want Rachel to get upset. He shifted his chair closer and embraced her. Her head lolled against his shoulder. Puck sent him a wink.

Santana turned to Rachel and smiled. "Glad someone could talk some sense into him." She nodded up at Puck, who gave her a gentle shove followed by his infamous smirk. She rolled her eyes playfully.

"Hey San, you still up for what you texted me earlier?" Puck asked mischievously.

Santana laughed. "Think I'll pass."

"No fun." Puck said, wiggling his eyebrows. "You know how good it is."

Rachel turned in her seat, a look of horror mixed with disgust on her face.

"Guys, I really don't want to hear this conversation."

Santana gave her a look. "Shouldn't be eavesdropping then, Berry." Puck smirked. Rachel gasped.

"I-I wasn't. It's just… it's rather hard NOT to hear."

"Chillax B. Just messing. Either way Puckerman, I don't do that anymore."

Puck laughed. "Don't do guys either." He shot a look at Brittany who was chatting eagerly with Artie. Those two confused him. They broke up, but still remained friends which was weird because Artie was still like - in love with Brittany or something.

Santana's eyes softened as they found Brittany. "Yeah well. I like to stay faithful to my girl."

Puck shrugged. "Your loss."

Sam leaned across. "Brittany's gain mate." Rachel slapped him lightly, smiling up at him. He gave her a look, before chastely kissing her lips.

A tap on Rachel's shoulder broke her apart from Sam and she looked up. Finn and Quinn were staring at her intently.

"Hey Rach can i talk to you for a second?" Finn said softly. It was quiet, yet everyone seemed to have heard because everyones head shot up. "You know. On your own."

Rachel frowned. Quinn shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever, look. Finn just wanted to apologise about his outburst earlier. You know how he is. Now you've heard that, you can go back to making gross faces at your avatar boy."

Rachel bit back a laugh. She wasn't in the mood for Quinn's ridiculous comments. She squeezed Sam's hand gently. "Quinn, how can you make fun of Sam? You were the one who dated him first."

Sam looked up, his eyes shining with curiosity. Everyone else went silent.

Quinn stammered, before her eyes lit up with anger. "Exactly. Just like I dated Finn first. And Puck."

Puck shifted in his seat, his eyes away from the door. "Excuse me Q, we didn't date. And for the record…" He shot his eyes at Finn before looking back at Quinn. "I wouldn't wanna date you."

Quinn opened her mouth to say something, but bit her tongue and sat back in her seat. Rachel looked over at Noah and smiled gently. He nodded at her and then looked to Finn.

"Sorry dude, no offence." Rachel looked at Finn. His expression didn't change. Puck and Finn hadn't exactly mended their friendship, and they certainly weren't as close as they used to be, but at least Puck was talking to him. Surely Finn should appreciate that.

Just as the room fell silent again, Mr Schue entered the doorway. He clapped his hands, making everyone look up and greet him.

He gave a small wave and smile and gathered everyones attention. "Guys, I've got quite a bit to get through today. And it's all important." Rachel's arm shot up and Mr Schue sighed. It was that impatient sigh meaning he wanted to talk without interruptions. "Yeah Rachel?"

"Does that mean we wont be performing anything for Nationals?"

Mr Schue clapped his hands again, this brought Santana's eyes towards him because she had been focused on her nails. She handed the nail file back to Kurt who nodded and began using it himself.

"Actually, Nationals is the main thing I want to talk to you all about."

Rachel nodded. "Okay, go on." Sam sent her a small smile, the smile that sent flutters down into her belly. She snuggled against him again.

"Right so obviously, we have had some issues funding for New York. But the main thing is, we've finally managed to raise enough money to supply funds. So it's official. We're going to New York guys!"

Everyone started screaming. Tina and Brittany started squealing and hugging in their seats, Finn and Quinn were hugging. Puck and Sam were exchanging high fives with the guys. Kurt was screeching with Mercedes. And Rachel? Rachel couldn't breathe. Sam turned to Rachel. He touched her gently after seating himself back down.

"Babe?" He whispered, she didn't flicker her eyes.

Brittany turned in her seat. "Mr Schue, you broke Rachel!" She cried.

Puck pushed her gently. "Rach?" He asked gently.

Kurt pushed his way over to her and stared at her. His hands on his hips. "Rachel Barbra Berry. Broadway." he whispered. She whipped her head up to him and jumped. Throwing herself into his arms. He almost toppled backwards. Mike pushing him upright. Rachel had the biggest smile on her face.

"She's alright. Just needed a minute to catch up." Kurt laughed, hugging the diva a little tighter before letting her go.

"Alright guys, I know it's exciting. But there's more."

Everyone's excitement died down. Rachel was shaking and Sam couldn't help but beam at her. She was so happy.

"Originally the date of Nationals was the 29th. But, due to unfortunate circumstances… the date has been moved forward to the 15th."

Everyone's faces dropped.

"But that's in two weeks!" Mike shouted. Tina looked round wildly.

"We aren't prepared for that at all. THAT'S UNFAIR!" Finn cried.

Quinn stared at him and rolled her eyes. "Mr Schue, that's the day after prom."

All the girls looked at each other. "That's not fair Mr S. Theres no way we're ready for that."

Mr Schue nodded. "I get it guys. But I think with the right help, we can get there."

"How the hell are we menna get ready for this in time?" Puck shouted. His arms folded over his chest. Rachel squeezed her eyes shut. She knew the help Mr Schue was referring to.

"Well, I've actually resorted to someone who I think is more than capable of helping."

Everyone went silent.

Jesse St James, was standing casually against the doorway to the choir room, holding a few spare sheets of paper in his hands.

"Oh hell no! He isn't setting foot in here or else my foot will find his ass and boot him all the way to Kentucky!" Mercedes shouted, as Jesse strode into the middle of the room.

"Mr Schue, why is your son back? Nobody likes him." Brittany chimed, her delicate face holding a scowl.

Mr Schue and Jesse gave each other a look.

"Guys, I know that when Jesse was here last, things got a little complicated -"

"He threw eggs at me in the car park of this very school. That's not complicated."

Santana looked Jesse up and down. "Hey Jackass, if you don't turn your pretty face around and walk out that door - I'ma go all Lima Heights on your ass and it WONT be pretty."

"GUYS!" Mr Schue hollered. "That's enough. I've brought Jesse here to help us. Nationals is in TWO WEEKS! Can we honestly say we're prepared?"

Rachel sighed. Sam had both arms wrapped around her waist, he let her go gently, but she didn't move far.

"Mr Schue, we appreciate this, but nobody is willing to cooperate with him."

Mr Schue sighed, rubbing his temples. "I don't care if you wont cooperate with him. We NEED him. He was the one who helped fund New York, and in turn he's going to help us design a PROPER set list."

Rachel cast a glance to Sam whose fists were curled. She kissed the hand she held gently, before tucking her fingers into his. She looked to Puck. He hadn't said anything.

"Now, does anyone have a problem?"

Everyone mumbled 'No.' Rachel swallowed, rolling her eyes at Jesse's smug face.

"Good, we need to address the situation of Prom being so close to Nationals…now -"

Puck stood abruptly. Mr Schue looked up at him. "Puck?" He questioned.

Puck got to the bottom of the room, sized up Jesse who flinched backwards. Rachel smiled inwardly. Puck looked up at Schue, shrugged his shoulders and said "What the fuck ever." Before stuffing his hands in his pockets and striding out the door.

Rachel handed Sam a cupcake. "Freshly baked" She said, leaning in gently and kissing him. He pulled her into him, she fell gracefully into his lap on the couch. After school he had headed back to her house because they hadn't spend much time together since getting back together officially and, he missed her.

She leaned against him, tucking his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head and breathed in the smell of her.

"I know this whole…Jesse thing has complicated things, but, we're going to be alright, right?" She whispered, closing her eyes.

Sam shifted so his lips were close to Rachel's ear. "Of course baby. We're going to New York."

Rachel nodded excitingly. "It's been my dream for so long! And the first time I go, I get to spend it with you." Sam smiled, pulling her around so she was straddling his lap. "I wouldn't want my first time to be with anyone else." She said, staring at him intensely. Sam's smile widened. He cupped her face and kissed her so softly.

"Me either babe."

Rachel swallowed. Laughing lightly. "I-I meant that too."

Sam cocked his head in confusion. "Huh?"

Rachel blushed, looking away from him. "I-I said I wouldn't want my first time to be with anyone else." She looked up at him. "But you." She whispered.

His eyes widened. "W-what? Really?" He asked, a hiccup in his voice.

"You still want to take me to prom right Sam?" She asked hesitantly. Sam swallowed. Was she changing the subject? What? He had no idea what was going on in her mind. His thumb traced circles along her cheek. He nodded.

"Of course."

She swallowed nervously. "Well, after prom, I'll be ready."

"Ready for…New York…?"

"Ready to go all the way. With you." Rachel said, nodding along with her words.

Sam's eyes widened. He opened his mouth to say something. Anything. But he couldn't find the right words - and instead, Rachel started laughing.

"Sam." she said softly. "Let's not think about it."

Sam nodded, his mouth still open, he smiled lightly. He pulled her to him, hugging her. But, he wouldn't think about it. Even though he should be thinking about it. He couldn't. Because all he could seem to think about was her. And how insanely in love with her, he had fallen.

EBIEFIYFBIL. I'm just going to go and jump off a rock. Not a big one, just a little one, somewhere where I can break my arms so I can't use the computer to read the reviews because this chapter (excuse my French) IS CRAP!

My apologises for the rubbish chapter. I tried, my muse is tired, I've been working so much and I haven't had more than 4 hours sleep a night and I'm just not in the right mood. :( don't hate me too much okay?

All my love :) ox