A.N. "The Underdog" by Spoon was a suggestion for Glee in general on the TWoP boards by a poster called Girl86star. Thanks to chrpangel for branching out ; ) and suggesting "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers for Finn, and to PoliVamp for suggesting "Baby I Love You" by Aretha Franklin. For that song, backup singing is in parentheses. Group singing is bold. The main girls' lines are underlined. Boys' lines are italics only. (Not a big deal though.)
There are lots of meanings for the chapter title "The Underdog". See how many you can come up with!
Disclaimer: I still don't own Glee or any songs.
…
February, Junior Year
Quinn spent much of Saturday after the Valentine's Dance and Sunday trying to explain the concept of an open relationship to Finn. She tried speaking more slowly. She tried to use simple words and short sentences. Now, by Monday at lunch it seemed like enough repetition had finally gotten the idea into his brain. Quinn found herself stunned that she put up with his stupidity.
But then he smiled at her and said, "So you really think that was all worth it? Explaining all of that to me? When you could've just given up and said you were just gonna date me?"
Quinn couldn't help but let out a little laugh and shake her head. Sometimes it seemed like Finn knew how to use his characteristic dimness to his advantage—by playing it up. Had he seriously been playing dumb in the hopes that she'd get exasperated and just say he was the only guy for her? Really? Well, he had gotten the exasperated part right, if that was his goal, but she probably would have gone the other way with her choice in men. Still, there was always just something about Finn Hudson, wasn't there?
Then Finn explained himself a bit more. "I mean, I'm not sure I wanted to know all of that. It might have been better for me if you'd just lied and said you wanted to date me and didn't tell me about Josh. But I guess I'm glad you can be honest with me now."
"So," Quinn said, "is that a yes?"
"Better to have some of you than none at all," he shrugged with his charming half-grin. "I guess I'll see ya around, Quinn. Maybe we'll do something this weekend?"
Quinn nodded and smiled. Finn picked up his tray and left Quinn looking after him. Just when she thought she was getting control of her relationships… It seemed like whenever she was with one of them, she was falling for his charms. But she'd fall just as hard for the other boy's charms when she was alone with him. She supposed that was the good thing about having the open arrangement. She could figure things out on her own without being dependent on the affections of one boy to make her feel worthwhile. Heck, she might end up being single at the end of the year! Well, maybe she shouldn't go too far… Finn would be the perfect Prom date. And it's not like she could ask Josh to Prom. But she found herself wondering what Josh would look like in a tux.
…
Finn took the open seat next to Quinn in glee that afternoon. "So, I was thinking. I still don't like the idea really. And he's so much older than you, Quinn. Like does he pressure you, you know?"
"Finn! No!" Then she whispered, "Not that the details of my relationship with Josh are part of your business. Your business is that I am in casual relationships with both of you. Remember when I explained that? But I will tell you that we recently had a conversation about taking it slow."
"Because he knows you're 17?"
"That's not why we're taking it slow."
"So he thinks you're older, like Puck, right?"
"Finn, do you really want to talk about this here, now?"
"I guess not." Finn said. He could see she was getting upset, and that wasn't really the way to win over a girl. Besides, Mr. Schue was walking into the room.
"Ok, guys," Will announced, "I have a new song for us to perfect in the next two weeks that's going to give everyone a chance to shine in ensembles again. Particularly the girls since the boys got a lot of time with I Want You To. It's upbeat for great choreography, but it's a classic the judges should know."
"Well, end the suspense already," sniped Santana.
"Right," Will gave her a puzzled look. He wasn't sure what her problem was today, but he decided to let her remark slide since everyone might be on edge in preparation for the competition. "It's Baby I Love You by Aretha Franklin." Santana actually smiled, so Will figured he did pretty well. Mercedes looked like she was about to burst with excitement. Rachel didn't seem to be paying much attention. "Alright, so let's try to learn your singing parts before we add the choreography later this week. We'll have an ensemble of girls for the main backups: Tina, Quinn, Brittany, Sunny, and Jules. Mercedes, Santana, and Rachel, you'll be heavily featured. And guys, you'll be in one main group together."
Kurt was about to protest that the boys should be divided by their vocal ranges, but he decided not to say anything that might make him sound too whiny in front of Alex.
Mercedes started the song:
If you want my lovin'
If you really do
Don't be afraid, baby
Just ask me
The boys sang back to Mercedes in a slightly risky choice on Mr. Shue's part:
You know I'm gonna give it to you
Oh and I do declare (I do)
I want to see you with it
Santana picked up where Mercedes left off:
Stretch out your arms little boy,
You're gonna get it
'Cause I love you (Baby, baby, baby I love you)
Ain't no doubt about it
Baby I love you, (Baby, baby, baby I love you)
I love you, I love you, I love you
I love you, baby I love you
Rachel got a solo:
If you feel you want to kiss me
Go right ahead I don't mind
The boys sang back to Rachel:
All you got to do is
Snap your fingers, and I'll come running
I ain't lying (I ain't lying)
Then Mercedes, Santana, and Rachel sang together. Surprisingly well:
I heard you once little boy
You know you got it
I'd deny my own self
Before I see you do without
'Cause I love you (Baby, baby, baby I love you)
Ain't no doubt about it
Baby I love you, (Baby, baby, baby I love you)
I said, I love you, I love you , I love you
I love you, baby I love you
Someday you might want to run away
And leave me sittin' here cryin'
But if it's all the same to you baby
I'm gonna stop you from sayin' goodbye (Goodbye)
Baby I love you (Baby, baby I love you)
Baby I need ya (Baby, baby I need ya)
Said I want ya (Baby, baby I want ya)
Got to have you baby (Baby, baby I love you)
Don't let your neighbors tell you that I don't want you
Don't let your low down friends tell you I don't need you!
Baby, I love you!
Quinn seemed in a hurry to leave glee rehearsal at the end of the day. She avoided continuing her conversation with Finn about Josh. It was clear that was going nowhere.
Rachel was in a hurry too. She had an important appointment.
…
Rachel convinced her dads that it was imperative they go to family counseling so they could discover how unreasonable they were being. So that's just what they did. And what did they find out? That they were being unreasonable. Rachel gleefully recounted the highlights (every little detail) to Puck on the phone after the first appointment on Monday. At the session, they all told the story of the dinner fiasco that had prompted the counseling. They mostly agreed on the details, with Rachel emphasizing her boyfriend's wonderful behavior, and her dads had no choice but to admit to Rachel's accuracy.
"And then Dr. Baxter said my dads have stage mother syndrome! You should have seen their faces!" Rachel gushed. "I love my dads, but I kind of loved Dr. Baxter for that. He said that they are so tied up in my future success as a star, they aren't seeing my youth realistically. And they said they should feel lucky. Lucky! Because I appear to have such a caring young man at my side."
Puck felt a little rush of warmth at that. Not only hearing Rachel saying it, but the idea that some outside party had actually said it. Not that Dr. Baxter knew anything about him.
And not that Puck cared or anything.
Rachel continued, sounding a little more subdued. "I think what really got to my dads though is when Dr. Baxter said that if I had remained a sheltered little girl in Lima like they appeared to want, I could really get taken advantage of in New York. Or whatever big city I move to when I follow that star they're pushing me toward."
Puck felt like he'd been punched in the gut. "Shit, Rach," he said involuntarily.
"I know! My dad said that those words really kicked him in the stomach!"
"I know the feeling," said Puck miserably. The lead weight of everything those words meant hit him hard. First, the idea of Rachel getting taken advantage of was horrifying. Puck hadn't been paying much attention, and he and Rachel rarely went "out", but now all the flashes of the leers Rachel would get from jackasses when they were in public together were making him sick. And on top of that, her words about leaving to become a star just brought up a fear that had been making its home in some dark corner of his mind. Now that cold coil of fear had bubbled to the surface.
Puck probably interrupted something Rachel was saying, but he didn't know. His panic forced the words out of his mouth. "You're going to leave me."
"…What?" Rachel stopped talking mid-sentence to ask him what in the world he was talking about—certainly his words had no relation to what she had been saying.
"You're going to leave me," he repeated the words, testing their sound, their feel. They sounded…true.
"I heard what you said; I just don't know why you said it. Of course I'm not leaving you! What possessed you to say that?" Rachel was concerned, confused, and a little defensive. His tone wasn't accusing at all. He spoke like he was stating a fact. Like he knew.
"I don't mean now. I just mean one day. Like next year, I guess. If not sooner. You know, for New York or wherever." He spoke flatly. Part of him thought it was funny that he'd never said it out loud before now. Funny because it was so obvious. And he had been ignoring the elephant in the room like an idiot.
"If you hear anything that I've said to you on this phone, hear this. I love you, Noah Puckerman. I'm not going anywhere without you."
"Rach, be serious. It's not like I'm going to be able to afford to go to school in New York."
"I have several things to say in response to that, so listen well," she said sternly. "First, why do you think I've been making you study for the SATs with me? I'll tell you. It's to help you qualify for any school you want and have a chance at scholarships that span academics, sports, and the arts. Second, there are lots of financial aid programs outside of merit-based scholarships that make going to school anywhere in the country more affordable. Third, who said I have to go to college in New York? I can go to a college here in Ohio for fine arts, and then move East or anywhere."
"You've really thought this out, haven't you?" Puck started to feel the knot in his stomach release. As long as he could be with her, he wouldn't worry as much about her getting taken advantage of in New York either.
"Of course I've thought about all of the viable scenarios," said Rachel matter-of-factly. "It's me."
"I'm sorry, I should have realized," Puck apologized with a smile into the phone.
"Yes, you should have," said Rachel seriously. "Don't scare me like that again!"
"My humble apologies. If only there was some way I could make it up to you… Think it's too soon after the dinner from hell to sneak into your room?"
…
Finn sat next to Quinn again in glee on Tuesday, but he didn't bring up Josh this time. Quinn just smiled at him sweetly and scooted her chair closer to him. For some reason, seeing her made his stomach hurt. Or maybe it was because today was Taco Tuesday and he'd gotten double lunches.
"Rehearsals are going to be intense since Regionals are at the end of the month! Two weeks from Saturday!" Kurt enthused. He was excited that he was finally going to perform "Defying Gravity". He reached out to grab Rachel, who was sure to share his enthusiasm. She just sat there limply.
"Usually you're quite energized for more rehearsals and competition. What's up with you?" Kurt asked, a little offended at the brush-off.
"Is this about seeing Jesse again?" Tina asked from the row behind her.
Rachel shook her head no, but Puck looked back at Tina and barked sharply. "Who the hell is Jesse?"
Rachel turned toward him, "You don't remember? We had a thing?"
Puck was dumbfounded.
Rachel shrugged. "I'm not surprised. You had a lot to deal with at the time. Quinn. The baby."
"So, a little help then?"
Tina answered. "Jesse was the lead male vocalist for Vocal Adrenaline. Last year, he and Rachel started dating and the glee club staged an intervention to force Rachel to stop dating him. You were part of that, you know?" Tina eyed him. He really didn't remember?
"Well, Jesse was like the male version of Rachel. They would have been too competitive to have lasted much longer as a couple," Artie reasoned aloud. "Still, I apologize, Rachel, on behalf of everyone involved, for breaking you two up."
"We were convinced he was a spy." Kurt interjected to defend their actions. "Turns out that it was the director, Shelby or whatever, who was the real threat." He figured Puck deserved to have his memory jogged, and their new members (the sophomores and Alex) deserved to know a little background.
Rachel stiffened at the mention of the director, but Puck didn't notice. He was too busy worrying about this Jesse guy. This was his second reminder that other guys, besides Finn, noticed Rachel. And it made his stomach churn fiercely. He took it for granted that Rachel's status at McKinley was pretty low, and so was his somewhat compared to how he'd started out in high school. But even so, he was too much of a badass for anyone at McKinley to think about messing with his girl. Some schmuck from Carmel—that could be another story. And he'd have to put a stop to anything that dude might try. He vaguely remembered the whole thing that had happened leading up to Regionals last year. Vaguely. And he remembered at the beginning of this year Rachel had told him that she'd kissed that douchebag. Ugh. He hated thinking about how far Rachel might have gone with this Jesse. Or Finn. He felt like he was gonna hurl.
He was interrupted from his thoughts by Mercedes saying, "Yeah, wasn't it weird to find out Mr. Schue was all up on that chick when she looked so much like Rachel!?"
That's when Puck noticed. It dawned on him. This wasn't about some stupid singing dude. (Thank God.) This was about Rachel's family…her mother. They hadn't talked about it really. When Rachel talked about not knowing about her mother and wanting Puck to take advantage of his open adoption, he knew she was sad about her own situation. One day she had said something about the disappointment when you find out information about your family too late. Puck hadn't pushed her. Now he wished he would have. There was no way that the Vocal Adrenaline director was Rachel's mom, right?
He didn't have time to ask her now. Besides, that was a better question to ask in private. He just put his arm around her as Mr. Schue walked into the room to start rehearsal. Rachel jumped a little at his touch, but she looked up at him with a grateful smile.
…
At the earliest opportunity after glee rehearsal, Puck spoke up. "So, I uh, noticed that you seemed to react when Mercedes brought up that Shelby lady. Do you wanna talk about it?"
"Yes. And no."
"Uh, that wasn't very helpful. Or very Berry." He nudged her gently.
"I'm sorry," she smiled up at him sadly. "I'll tell you everything."
Puck nodded and put his arm around her protectively. "Let's get outta here."
…
Rachel thought about it on the drive home with Puck.
Rivals, that's all they were. That's how Shelby saw her sister, Rachel's birth mom. And that's how she saw Rachel. They were rivals.
It had started at Regionals last year. Her dads had been in the audience. They thought they recognized the director of Vocal Adrenaline from their spots in the crowd. They thought she was her.
Rachel had encountered Shelby before the competition, and she thought she saw a passing resemblance, but really lots of people had dark hair and dark eyes and slightly prominent noses. And sure, it was kind of incredible that they both were talented singers, but really, who sees a stranger and thinks that she's her bio-mom? But when her dads got all anxious and asked to come backstage and meet Vocal Adrenaline even though New Directions had lost, Rachel had felt a sinking feeling. It was strange that it wasn't a pleasant feeling she'd experienced when she thought she was about to meet her mother. But now she knew that her psychic tendencies proved right.
Meeting Shelby had been…disappointing.
Her dads asked her to wait when they approached Shelby and began gesturing animatedly. Rachel watched Shelby shake her head 'no' with wide eyes. Eventually, Shelby appeared to relent and her dads motioned Rachel to join them.
"Rachel, I'm not sure you'll believe this, but this is Shelby, your mother's sister. And this is our star vocalist," proudly gesturing to Rachel.
Rachel nodded and shook Shelby's hand politely. Shelby did the same. She didn't comment on Rachel's talent.
"Listen, Rachel, it is nice to meet you, but I need to clear up a few things for you. You and your dads are looking at me with these hopeful eyes, and I just need to set the record straight."
Rachel was taken aback, but she nodded.
"My sister and I are estranged. We don't talk. At all. She left for Broadway a long time ago and never looked back at her sister left in Carmel, Ohio. I guess I haven't seen her for as long as you've been alive," Shelby looked down her nose at Rachel.
"You don't happen to have any contact information for her at all, do you?" Rachel asked hesitantly.
"No," she said sharply. "But even if I did, I would honor the agreement that was made all those years ago when the arrangement was closed. My sister performed her services and she left with that money to try to make it big."
"Do you know if she did? Make it big?" Rachel was dying to know something, anything.
"I don't. I do know that at least she hasn't 'made it' using her real name, but she might have taken a stage name. Who knows? I guess if you see someone who looks like me or you on Broadway, you'll know she did."
She was so flippant about the whole thing. Rachel was shaking. Her fathers noticed.
"Thank you for your time, Shelby. It was nice to meet you, maybe we could…"
Shelby cut him off before they could extend an invitation for future contact. "I look forward to doing this next year. It's empowering to beat the competition," said Shelby before she turned to walk away, leaving Rachel and her dads speechless.
"Congratulations on winning Regionals. I wish you luck at Nationals," Rachel said to the retreating figure. She may have sounded slightly spiteful through her clenched teeth.
…
"Seriously? She just said that and walked away?" Puck was shocked. That was harsh.
Rachel nodded. "And I haven't heard anything from her since. And now I have to face her again."
"We're gonna kick their fucking asses this year!" Puck said vehemently.
"You always know just what to say," Rachel laughed. But she meant it. "You're right. I shouldn't let this get to me. I really want to completely blow them out of the water!" Her hands clenched into fists. Puck would have commented on how hot she looks when she's mad and determined, but something else was on his mind.
"So, you don't think she's like really your mom and was just making up the whole sister story?" Puck asked tentatively.
"Oh! That thought never even crossed my mind. I mean, how cold would you have to be to look your own daughter in the eyes and make up a lie like that? I guess it's possible, though. Maybe if I'm a big mistake…or a disappointment…" Rachel was starting to tear up.
"Oh shit, I shouldn't have said that. Fuck, I'm sorry, Rach." Puck thought he could be such a fuck up sometimes. He pulled Rachel into his arms and began stroking her hair.
"No, it's ok. It's a valid question. It just makes me sad to think about it. Really, I'm sad about the whole situation."
"Hey, that's why you've got me to comfort you." And for once Puck didn't mean it sexually. Well, not when he said it, he didn't.
Rachel just hugged him. She didn't care how he meant it. It sounded sincere and she needed him in all the ways he would give himself to her.
And that's what she told him. "I need you now, Noah."
And as he kissed away her tears, she was glad they had some time before her dads would get home from work.
…
Finn was finishing up his homework and listening to music Tuesday night, but he couldn't really concentrate. Yeah, Finn thought it might be better if Quinn hadn't explained the open relationship to him. He couldn't stop thinking about what he had overheard Quinn saying to Rachel at the Valentine's Dance. Josh wanted Quinn to have sex. Which was so unfair because if there was anyone Quinn should have sex with now, it should be Finn. So yeah, he was jealous because it should have been him last year. And it should be him this year, not some crusty old dude. Ok, maybe crusty was a little too far, but still.
His chest hurt to think about Quinn getting pressured to have sex with that guy. (Even though she denied it.) She should be with him, in a nice, safe high school relationship. Maybe they weren't in love with each other, but they had been through a lot together. Josh hardly knows her! And they're only in high school, so it's not like they need to be thinking about marriage or anything crazy. Besides, maybe they could be in love again if he could just have a chance.
It was in the middle of these thoughts that the next song he heard really did a number on him... Mr. Brightside.
I'm coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all
It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss
Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he's having a smoke
And she's taking a drag
Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest
Now, he takes off her dress
Now, let me go
I just can't look its killing me
And taking control
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside…
The sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach was overwhelming just hearing that song and thinking about Quinn with Josh. Finn decided he couldn't just sit around and let Quinn go back and forth between the two of them "casually". He had to tilt the odds in his favor. And he had an idea of what he could do. He called Josh. He still had his number from when he'd played with the band.
Josh answered, "Hello?"
"Hello, Josh?"
Josh didn't recognize the voice answering back. "Yeah. Who's this?"
"It's me, Finn. The stand-in drummer." Then Finn slapped his hand to his forehead. He could've kept it anonymous.
Josh grinned as he heard the smack through the phone. "What do you want, drummer-boy?"
"I want you to back off with Quinn." Finn was pleased by his toughness.
"What the hell? What business is it of yours?"
"She's not right for you. Do you know anything about her, really? You know, like how old…is her daughter?" Finn decided not to come out and say what he really wanted to say. Let Josh figure things out.
"Well, I know she was sixteen when she was born, so she's probably about five," Josh said defensively. Though Josh remembered Puckerman saying specifically that his daughter wasn't five. He was getting confused and didn't know why he even bothered to answer this prick's question.
He heard Finn laugh harshly. "You need to do some homework."
"What do you mean?"
"You're the college boy. Figure it out." Finn hung up. He replayed the conversation in his head. He was pretty awesome. Except for the part when he told Josh his name.
What the hell was that about, wondered Josh. Well, the first thing Josh thought to do was Google Quinn Fabray and see what came up.
And shit, did something come up.
…
The rest of the week was a haze of glee rehearsals, basketball for Puck, counseling for the Berry's, and "wholesome" activities for Puck and Rachel in front of her dads per the counselor's orders. Weird.
Ever since their private moment after Rachel's revelation, Puck had been at Rachel's house after glee or basketball practice every day that week so they could finish the stupid season 1 dvd of Rachel and Kurt's favorite show. And by "they", he meant that in addition to Rachel, Kurt and Alex AND Mercedes and Eric joined them. It was some group bonding time or some shit. Rachel had explained her dual purposes for appeasing her dads with some harmless group activities to build their trust, along with building friendships between their new "couple friends", but Puck zoned out when Rachel talked about the reasoning. (Or he had tried to.)
…
Quinn was surprised to get a call from Josh in the middle of the school day on Thursday. She had told him (lies) about her schedule in the past, so he wouldn't call her at school. She happened to have her phone on during lunch. She hoped he might be calling about date plans, so she decided to answer. She left the cafeteria and walked into the hall where it would be a bit quieter.
"Josh?"
"Hey, you busy? I think we need to meet."
"Meet? Well, I am busy now. Until about six." (Glee after school, then about thirty minutes to drive to his side of Lima in traffic, right about six o'clock.)
"Yeah, I thought you'd be busy. You can come by after dinner instead, say eight?"
"Yes, sure. What should I wear?"
"Huh?" Josh had no idea where that came from. Then he realized she probably thought he called to hook up or something. "Just casual. It's not a date."
"Oh, well, what's this about?"
"I'll tell you when I see you." He hung up the phone.
Well, that didn't sound like a romantic invitation to Quinn. He might be mad that she missed his show last week for her mysterious engagement (which happened to be a high school dance) instead of spending time with him on Saturday.
When Quinn saw Puck step outside the cafeteria, she started to say 'hi', but he put his finger to his lips to silence her. He finished his conversation and closed his phone.
"Something's up. I think Josh knows," said Puck.
"Knows what?" asked Quinn.
"You know! Our ages."
Quinn scoffed. "What makes you think that?"
"He called you too, right? He wants to meet you tonight?"
She nodded.
"This is what they call a confrontation," said Puck knowingly.
"That doesn't explain anything. Why do you think he knows just because he wants to meet us both tonight?"
"He said he's been doing some research and we have some things to discuss."
"That could be band stuff," said Quinn. But she sounded uncertain.
"Ri-ight. Well, I'll see you later. Tonight should be crap-tastic."
"Wait! What do you think he'll do?!" Quinn called.
Puck just shrugged as he walked away. He knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. But he couldn't help thinking that if Quinn hadn't been involved, Josh probably never would have done the research.
Puck was right.
…
Puck and Rachel finished the dvd marathon with their "couple friends" over pizza, and Rachel actually got permission from her dads to go with Puck to his band practice as long as she was home by eleven. The Berry men were scared out of their minds but mostly resigned to their situation.
"See the progress?!" Rachel exclaimed to Puck on their way out of her house.
…
Josh opened the door and motioned for the three of them to take a seat on the couch. Puck usually brought Rachel along, and Josh had invited Quinn, but he was almost surprised that he didn't see Finn with them. They were the fantastic foursome now, weren't they?
Puck nodded in greeting to Trey and Eddie, who were at their usual practice spots. Josh began pacing in front of the couch. "So, you may have guessed why I called you here tonight. But let me summarize the evidence. It's basically irrefutable."
Puck rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. Quinn looked at Josh with wide eyes. Josh almost stopped his summation; she looked so worried—and hot. But he shook it off and continued.
"Exhibit A. Archived entries from a blog of one Jacob Ben-Israel, dated, with photographic evidence of all of you. Most prominently this one. At a dance. In December. A high school dance."
The three in question sat in silence. It was the horrible picture of Finn and Puck basically fighting over Rachel with Quinn in the background. The picture was like a slap in the face to all of them as they recalled that night.
"Exhibit B. A printout of the email conversation with Mr. Ben-Israel confirming that the blog had not been tampered with in any way and the dates are accurate."
"When'd you go all Veronica Mars, dude?" Puck interrupted.
Quinn raised an amused eyebrow at Puck. Rachel clapped her hands together and bounced a little on the couch, thrilled at his comment.
"Dude, what the hell are you talking about? Are you calling me a girl?" asked Josh, confused.
Puck actually felt his ears burn with embarrassment. He just made a reference to Rachel's favorite show. In front of the guys. "No, forget it. Just continue describing how you uncovered the mystery of our youth or whatever."
"Ha! So you admit it!"
Puck shrugged casually, "Yeah." Quinn nodded, blinking.
Josh shrugged back at them, "Well, that takes the fun out of the interrogation I had planned."
"So, am I still in the band?" Puck asked, getting to the point as far as he was concerned.
Trey and Eddie nodded and rolled their eyes as they waited for Josh.
"I suppose," Josh said reluctantly as he looked back at Trey and Eddie. "But if you ever get carded and get us kicked out of a gig, you're out," he threatened.
"Thanks, captain." Puck saluted. He got up from the couch to plug in his guitar for practice.
"What about Quinn?" Rachel asked, shoving Quinn a little so she'd be standing in front of Josh. Quinn shot Rachel a dirty look. It came naturally. And Rachel looked back at her with a hurt expression. Just like old times. Quinn looked apologetic before she turned back to face Josh.
"Maybe we should talk about this in private?" Quinn suggested hopefully.
Josh nodded. "Band practice is canceled."
…
"You know, I blame you for this," Puck told Rachel on the drive home.
"Me? I had nothing to do with you lying about your age! Or Josh canceling the practice!"
"No, not that! I never would have known about Veronica Mars to say anything in front of the band if you hadn't made me sit through it with you. And Kurt. And Alex. And Mercedes. And Eric."
Rachel giggled.
"It's not funny!" Puck flashed back to the super-awkward moments with Kurt and Alex cuddling on the couch. Cuddling. And Mercedes with her tiny freshman beside her on the floor. The sight of the cute blond on the tv was much better than getting freaked out by the sight of the other two bizarro couples who joined them. Plus Rachel wouldn't make out with him in front of everyone and with the threat of her dads around the corner. So yeah, he actually watched the damn show.
"You know you liked it," teased Rachel. "Especially the finale!"
"Yeah, that did pretty much kick ass," he admitted.
…
Meanwhile, Josh led Quinn inside, leaving Trey and Eddie in the garage to practice on their own or go home. Josh didn't give a shit. He actually hadn't figured out what he was going to do, but he had figured that at least the band should be present to make a decision when he revealed Puckerman's age.
Once they were inside, Josh plopped down on the couch and motioned for Quinn to sit. When he didn't say anything, Quinn began. "I'm sorry I misled you, Josh. I just went along with Puck's story because he didn't want to be kicked out of the band. I hope this doesn't change how you feel about me."
"Well, I'm kind of shocked about the whole thing. So this means you're what, a junior in high school?"
Quinn nodded.
"And your daughter is like, still a baby?"
"Yes, well, she's almost one," Quinn said fondly.
"It's kind of blowing my mind. So all that stuff we talked about last weekend, about how things were between you and Puckerman. I thought that was like years ago, but really it was more like months ago?"
Quinn nodded reluctantly. "Almost a year though. I moved back in with my parents at the end of the summer."
"Shit, Quinn. What are we gonna do?" Josh ran a hand through his straight blond hair. Quinn watched as it fell back into place. She realized she didn't know what he was talking about.
"What do you mean? If you want to still date me, I still want to date you. What else do we need to figure out?"
"Yeah, that's right. You've always known how old I am so this isn't so weird for you."
"No, it's really not. Three years isn't so far apart, is it?" she asked him, leaning closer.
Shit, she had to know she was pretty much irresistible, right? "Well," said Josh slowly, "I have to admit that after I stumbled upon the blog, I did some more research…"
Quinn looked at him expectantly.
"The age of consent in Ohio is 16."
Quinn sighed and leaned away from him. "So that's what this is about?"
"Whoa. Hold up. I'm just saying I did the research because when I found out, I was still interested and wanted to make sure you weren't jailbait, you know? What I said last weekend, before I knew your age still stands. About taking it slow."
Quinn softened. "Oh. Good."
"Do you wanna stay and watch a movie? I mean really watch a movie?"
"Yes, that sounds nice."
About 20 minutes into the movie, Quinn initiated a make out session. They were sitting upright next to each other on the couch when she snuggled closer and leaned in to nibble on his earlobe as she let her hand wander. She felt him freeze and then relax.
"This might take some getting used to again," he whispered to her.
"Let me help you with that," she said seductively.
It was nice to know that he was willing to just watch a movie with her, but she couldn't help herself. And it was nice to know that he was willing to indulge her in that too.
…
At glee on Friday, Finn sat next to Quinn again. He whispered to her, "Do you wanna go out on Saturday after Regionals?"
"Sure, Finn. That would be lovely."
"Have you talked to Josh lately?" Finn asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Quinn narrowed her eyes at him. She could see something in his face…poorly concealed satisfaction. "I should have known he didn't just start checking up on me for no reason!"
Finn couldn't prevent the smile from creeping onto his face. "So, did he break up with you?"
"Of course not!" answered Quinn indignantly. "We're two mature people and we've decided that age does not matter."
"Except legally!" Finn protested.
Quinn just huffed and folded her arms over her chest as Mr. Schue walked into the room.
Before Will could get rehearsal underway, he saw Puck step to the front of the room.
"So, I have an idea for a song that could be like our theme. We don't have to perform it, but I thought we could have a listen. It's The Underdog from Spoon. It's like our F U to Vocal Adrenaline."
Will gave Puck a disapproving look, but didn't bother to do much since at least he didn't use the actual f-word. Besides, the idea of psyching the kids up seemed like a winner. "Ok, watch the language, Puck. But thanks, let's hear it!"
Picture yourself in the living room,
Your pipe and slippers set out for you
I know you think that it ain't too far
But I
I hear the call of a lifetime ring
Felt the need to get up for it
Oh you cut out the middleman
Get free from the middleman
You got no time for the messenger,
Got no regard for the thing that you don't understand,
You got no fear of the underdog,
That's why you will not survive!
I want to forget how conviction fits
But can I get out from under it?
Can I gut it out of me? Oh-ho!
It can't all be wedding cake
It can't all be boiled away
I try but I can't let go of it
Can't let go of it, uh-huh
'Cause you don't talk to the water boy
And there's so much you could learn but you don't want to know
You will not back up an inch ever,
That's why you will not survive!
The thing that I tell you now
It may not go over well
And it may not be photo-op
In the way that I spell it out
But you won't hear from the messenger,
Don't wanna know 'bout something that you don't understand
You got no fear of the underdog,
That's why you will not survive! Right!
(Hey!)
All the kids seemed to like it and so did Will. Giving Vocal Adrenaline a little snub sounded like fun. Especially after last year. "Maybe we'll see if we could learn this in time, but if it becomes too much, we'll drop it. Sound good?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"That was an excellent song choice, Noah," said Rachel crisply. She was pleased that Noah seemed to do this for her, but she was also very focused. "The Underdog was very stirring. I too think that we should be pumped up for Regionals."
Almost everyone knew what this meant. Rachel Berry was back. And their fears were realized. She was a total terror. In her own special way.
Rachel began passing out laminated lists to the group. "I have made lists of several dietary suggestions for the whole group to follow. I didn't do individualized plans like Dakota Stanley, but I think those of us who experienced his tactics agree that they don't work."
"And this is your way of being different from that little twerp?" asked Mercedes skeptically.
"Yes," Rachel answered simply. "You'll notice that the lists contain food and beverage items I recommend avoiding during these days leading up to the event. You'll also see items I recommend for you to increase in your diets. I've suggested some great vitamins and supplements as well. You will also find vocal and breathing exercises to do in your spare time, provided that you don't exceed the limit of vocalizing per day, as noted. We don't want anyone straining vocal cords or losing voices. Finally, you'll see that there is a recommended amount of physical activity to increase stamina during our dance routines, so if we don't get enough activity in glee or extracurriculars like our athletic teammates here, we should be exercising on our own."
She heard a few groans. "You're right; we should have started this much earlier. But, if we begin now and we do win Regionals, we will have a month to continue our healthy regimens before competition at Nationals!"
"Well, Rachel, thank you. That was very…thorough," said Will in the characteristic way he tended to address Rachel.
…
And after a week of strict rehearsals and constant reminders of Rachel's "suggestions", they were all in the school parking lot at 7am on Saturday. On the road to Regionals.
…
A.N. The Veronica Mars bit was inspired by a conversation with Maiqu reminding me of my VM love. But this actually happened to my boyfriend a few years ago. He made a Veronica Mars reference at his work without even thinking. He was so embarrassed because nobody (all males) had any idea who Veronica Mars was. (I wasn't present, but I made Rachel witness to Puck's reference.) Had to share!
I wasn't going to address the whole Idina casting issue directly because it seemed like a big thing that would've happened in Rachel's sophomore year which hadn't been mentioned in my story. But comments by Maiqu and Power2corrupt encouraged me to try to do something. I hope you like what I came up with! In an early chapter I had already mentioned Rachel kissing the then-nameless male lead of Vocal Adrenaline, so that was going to be the focus until I got inspired by Idina/Shelby.
And thanks Power2corrupt for awesome reviews! I wish they were signed so I could write you back!
Next up: How does Rachel deal with encounters with Jesse and Shelby? How does Puck deal with Rachel now that she's on the warpath? I'll give you a hint—badly. But it's gonna be fun!
Junior Year is wrapping up soon. Regionals will be the end of February. Then we just have March and April and The End! My plan is that the end will be posted before new episodes of Glee return (and my story is ruined by whatever really happens). I think I have plot ammunition for about 4 more chapters, so I hope you'll all stick around for the end!