The Game

by ellikanellika

Puck is the slushy king of the high school. It's already his last year, but he and his friends make fun of Rachel Berry almost every day since good two and a half years. And now he came up with a more evil idea - The Game. Berry should suffer. T-language.

21. Having Friends

AN: Hello my dear readers! This is my first Author's Note! I was waiting for the magical 115 review to happen, but sadly it did not, so I gave up and decided to just post the damn chapter :p kidding… I apologize that it took me so many months to finally update this chapter – I had some nasty issues to solve and after that I had to fight against my laziness that didn't and didn't want to go away :p Anyway, I really would like to thank everyone who likes to read my stories and I have to give a special thanks to SassyBR who supported me throughout the whole circus in my life :)

Enjoy the reading….

---

Having Friends

It was a beautiful sunny morning when Rachel opened her eyes and sighed in content. She was lying on her big and soft bed, curled in her blanket like a cat as the sunshine reached her whole through her half-open window. The warm wind blew softly through the window and made the curtains wave gently. Rachel's whole room was bright and warm and the girl felt so good and happy at the moment that she almost did not want to get up.

Her hair was spread all over her pillow and she was lying on the left side of her body with her hands under her head. She slowly opened her eyes, blinked and groaned while putting her arm over her eyes. She turned around a little and tried to pull her blanket over her head.

She stopped moving for a moment and listened to the sounds outside her window; there was the noise of a soft breeze; birds cheeping; and leafs flying through the air. It was calming and nice and she almost fell asleep again.

But then she suddenly moved her arms away from her face and opened her eyes. She sighed and raised her body, then lifted her arms to yawn and stretching her muscles. She smiled to herself and got up from bed – it was 6 in the morning, a Saturday.

She walked to her desk and took her hair clip to pull her hair together in a messy bun. She stepped to the middle of her bright room full of books, CDs and some other stuff from all over the world; and started to warm herself up, while she was still wearing her shorts-and-T-shirt pyjama.

She started with her head and neck, continued with her shoulders, arms, hips and back and eventually warmed up her leg-muscles.

After that she walked out of her room into the bathroom and changed into her jogging pants-Shirt and socks. While she was standing in front of her mirror, she took her hair clip off and pulled her hair into a tight ponytail, folding her falling hair into a bun and secured it with the hair clip again. Not even one hair curl was allowed to fall out.

Then she washed her face and put a moisten crème over her lips and around.

She went out of the bathroom and shook her legs in order to warm up her muscles again while she was walking down the stairs. When she came downstairs, she grabbed her jogging snickers and sat down on the last step in order to put her shoes on.

She hummed to herself the whole time and when she was ready; she went into the kitchen, took an empty plastic bottle and filled it with cold water from the washbowl tap. Then she walked out of the kitchen and searched for her cap, which she found hanging on the coat-hanger. She put it on and pulled her hair-bun through the hole on the backside of the cap.

When she was ready, she walked to the front door and unlocked it. She pulled the door open and was met with the sunshine right into her face. She smiled and put her arm in front of her face. She breathed in the fresh morning air and listened to the sounds around her.

''Should I take the IPod with me?'' she asked herself and after a moment shrugged her shoulders.

''Nah…'' She stepped out and pulled the key out in order to lock the door from the outside. After locking the door again, she pulled the key out and looked around.

Good.

No one is watching.

She hid the key between the flowers next to the path that lead to the house from the street.

When she did everything that needed to be done, she walked down the path and stopped. She stretched herself again and smiled, jumping on the spot a little in order to prepare her body to start.

She looked around and laughed to herself, knowing that no one would be brave enough to wake up at 6 on a Saturday morning. She had the whole Lima to herself.

''But I have to make it till 9. We said at 10 o'clock, haven't we?'' she talked to herself while starting to run slowly down the sidewalk. After a few minutes, her pace became a little faster and soon she had a steady rhythm that enabled her to run as she wanted without getting too tired too quickly.

It really was a beautiful morning; the sun was rising very fast for it was almost summer; it was bright, it was warm and it was nice. The wind danced through the air and made Rachel take a deep breath here and there, enjoying the sweet smell and taste that came with it.

She could scent the smell of fresh baked bread, when she ran past the already open bakery and she waived to the postman on a bicycle who brought post from house to house through the whole Lima. He was a nice middle-aged man with a funny beard; they say he was a marine once and had his two-braided-beard since then. But who knows. He was a nice old man who greeted everyone because he knew everyone; and Rachel who jogged in the morning and whenever she had time was a good friend of the postman. She even knew the boy who drove around Lima and brought milk-bottles to families who had ordered them the night before.

People were in good mood today, as it seemed; which is why Rachel was even happier. She bounced when she almost ran into a stray cat, but laughed afterward. She jogged through Lima till she came to the Lima Park and started to decide how many circles around and through the park should she make.

''Whatever.'' She shrugged and decided that she will just do as many as possible and wait to see the mommy with her children who always came half past eight to the park to play – this is how she will know what time it is.

She jogged through the huge and wide park and watched the giant trees with full crowns that were above her making it seem as a roof over her head. Leafs were flying through the air; there were some butterflies and birds dancing from one side of the park to the other; and there were some squerls brave enough to run around in search of food.

The pavilion she sang in with the orchestra in front of Noah, his sister and a bunch of children and other people was empty and only birds who stood on the wood were it's company. The wooden building seemed like a faerytail-place in the middle of the park, surrounded by trees and flowers.

It was beautiful.

Rachel's heart beat very fast, but because she was running, but because she was excited. The view around her made her jumpy, but the thought of yesterday made her bite her lip and grin to herself.

She had such a good time with her new best friend. It has been such a long time since she just hung out with someone and played silly video games. But it was so much fun. And seeing him smile and laugh was the thing that made her even happier.

His shiny green eyes that were watching her sometimes and taking control of her thoughts; and yesterday… Those eyes were even closer; his face was closer; and she had nothing against it. It made her heart race twice as harder.

Rachel gulped and tried to stop the stupid grin that made its way on her face. Her legs felt great, her feet almost flying and there was sweat all over her body – but it felt great; she felt great.

She kept running, not noticing someone approach her from behind.

Fast steps ran after her; hands reached for her; and someone grabbed her around her waist, making her jump and scream in shock.

But soon enough she heard someone laugh behind her and was put down on the ground, turning back very fast.

''Noah?'' she called surprised when she saw the boy she was thinking about the whole time standing in front of her in shorts and a T-Shirt, as sweaty as she was.

''Hahahaha! Be-Berry …. Pfff ahahaha!'' he really could not stop. The rising sun illuminated his figure and made the sweat droplets all over his body shine like water. His cheeks were a little red and his breathing faster, but he looked better than ever.

Which made Rachel's heart beat faster even more.

''Noah! What are you doing here?'' she asked finally when she came to herself and Puck calmed himself down. His cheeky grin already on his face.

''Jogging, what else. I can't believe I meat you here!'' he told her and wiped the sweat from his front head with his arm. Rachel smiled at him and did the same: ''Well, of course; I told you I'm running sometimes. And I wanted to be fit for our study session today!''

Puck laughed and pinched her arm: ''Whatever you say, Berry. I know you wanted to be fit for the Puckzilla.'' And that made Rachel snort and burst out laughing.

''You really are full of yourself.'' She told him and gestured with her head to run with her: ''You run here often?'' she asked him without looking at him.

''Yeah, sometimes. I saw you running circles when I came here. When did you start?'' he took the bottle of water from her hand when she offered him and gulped down some water.

''I think it was something after six – what time is it actually?'' she took the bottle back and drank some water.

Puck looked at his jogging watch: ''It's 15 after 7. I started half past 6 and ran through Lima a bit – it's like no one's here!''

''Yeah I know. When I walked out from my house, only the postman and the milk-man were out. And it was so quiet. But-'' then she realized.

''Noah! You scared me to death!'' she shouted and hit him from the side. The boy jumped and laughed his ass off again.

''What? You were so concentrated on I-don't-know-what that I just had to do it! You should have seen you – and hear you! Hahahaha!'' he made fun of her and Rachel tried to pout in offence, but the amused expression on her face betrayed her.

She laughed with him and ran faster, screaming when he ran after her and tried to catch her. They jogged through the park laughing and screaming, making the birds fly away from the spot they put their feet on because they scared them so much.

People who finally woke up and decided to go for a walk laughed at the scene the two teenagers made and watched them in fascination for the synchronic way of jogging.

''Oh! It's half past eight!'' called Rachel after a while and made Noah looked at her in surprise.

''How the hell did you know that? As far as I can see you don't have a watch.'' He told her. But Rachel just smiled and gestured with her head towards a small family that walked around; the children screaming happily while playing: ''They always come here at the same time. I see them often and that's how I know what time it is.''

She grinned at him and changed direction to go back home. Puck ran just right next to her: ''Wow. Maybe I'll watch for people too.''

She hit him lightly because of the obvious indication of what he was actually saying; but then he looked at her and down her body while smirking, and suddenly she became very nervous: ''What?''

Puck took his time to look her up and down and then shrugged coolly: ''Looking good, huh.'' He told her and lazily smirked at her. If Rachel thought that her heart raced fast before than she did not know how to describe what it was doing now. He stomach made extreme flip-flops and she really had to clear her throat if she wanted to say something.

''Thank you.'' Good that they were running – her cheeks became even redder than they were before. Puck noticed all of this and his brain told him to fucking stop flirting and making her feel whatever she was feeling right now because it really was not fair of him.

But he could not help himself. He already realized that they felt the same way; however, he was the master of hiding everything involving feelings. But he knew that Rachel knew of them. It was obvious – she might be naive, but she was not stupid.

''It's true. You've got a nice body.'' He told her and smiled when he saw her choke on her saliva.

''Well, someone has an even better one.'' She mumbled to herself, but Puck heard it anyway. He smirked, knowing that – yeah, he had nice muscles – big but not too big; he was in shape and he was proud of it.

They were already in Rachel's neighbourhood and soon enough in front of Rachel's house. They stopped there out of breath.

''Thanks Noah. It was nice jogging with you. We should do it more often together.'' Rachel told him wiping her front head and smiling at him.

''Yeah, would be cool. Was fun; especially the first part.'' He told her cheekily and laughed when she blushed in embarrassment.

''What! You scared me! Suddenly grabbing me from behind like that! It could have been anyone!''

Puck just shrugged and smirked at her: ''But it was me.''

Rachel looked into his eyes and smiled so softly with such a gentle expression that it made Noah almost hug her.

''Yeah. I was happy to see you.'' She told him and bumped fists with him. He had no words for a moment; he was lost in her eyes; but soon enough he came back to earth.

''Mhm… See you then in an hour again?'' he asked and already stepped away.

Rachel nodded, already making her way to the front door: ''Yes. I'm full of energy now, so be prepared!'' she laughed at his whining and waved her hand: ''Take a warm and long shower – it's gonna make you feel great!'' she told him before she took the key from behind the flowers, unlocked her door and walked in.

Puck started behind after her for a few moments.

Damn…

Warm shower his ass… It will have to be as cold as ice…

Mental images of her while showering…

---

Puck came fresh and clean out of the shower, Axe-deodorant all over him, his mohawk shampooed and his dark-blue baggy-jeans and T-Shirt on.

Puh…

He was such a poser.

He gathered a few history books and a notebook from the desk in his room and started to look for his car keys, when his phone rang. Aaand the one who called him was the momentary reason for his model poses and that teeth-y grin on his face. He grabbed the phone from his desk and walked out of his room.

''Hello my fellow Jew. Am on my way.'' He greeted her wholeheartedly and jumped two steps all at once.

''Noah!'' was her panicked answer – which made him almost miss the next step.

''What? What's wrong?'' he asked her surprised.

''It's- god! I don't know how I could forget! I'm babysitting my cousins today! They came over a minute ago and I don't know what to do! I mean, we could work on history, but then, someone would have to- oh! Your sister! Is Danielle home? You could bring her here! And we could study somehow and-''

''Rachel.'' He stopped her drivel and made her shut up immediately. Well why you ask yourself? Calling someone by his name, especially Rachel makes impossible things to happen – like getting Rachel to be quiet.

For a moment the girl was concerned that he will just hang up the phone and leave it by that. But of course, Puck in his element and good mood is surprisingly helpful.

''I'll bring Elly. Aaand… Can I call a few more people? We could study together and in the meantime the siblings will watch over your cousins. How many are there actually?''

There was silence, like, for fifty years because Rachel was taken aback.

''…Um- uh- F-five. Three girls and two boys; from 10 to 13.'' She told him stuttering and made him smirk on the other side of the phone.

''Ok, see ya in 10.'' And he hung up. Making her stare at her phone.

However, Puck was in full mode today; jogging in the morning can make one happy and loaded with energy.

''Elly!'' he screamed through the house – and it seemed he woke the poor girl up because he could clearly hear her crash on the floor. Most probably from the bed. There were some 'unhealthy words' involved, but before she could destroy her vocal cords by using them too much against her brother, he continued to use his own ones.

''We'll go to Rachel! Pack what to you need!''

And then he heard the next crash accompanied with a squeak.

He laughed to himself and put his phone to his ear again. He waited a few minutes before a well-known voice talked his ear off.

''Look, I don't have time to fuck. I study, ok? I need those history points, ok? And you haven't been fucking around since… Why the hell are you calling me Puck?'' Santana blabbed without greeting him and without letting him say anything.

Puck however patiently waited for her to shut up and watched his sister almost flying down the stairs, taking whatever she could with her, her face flushed and her expression excited as if she was about to see a movie star. He smirked at her and threw her the car key to go in before him.

''Hi.'' He started and made Santana scowl.

''I'm hanging up.''

''Ok, ok. Wait. Where's your sister?''

''I'm really hanging up.''

''Me and Elly are going to Rachel. I need your sister to help my sister to babysit Rachel's cousins. We are going to study history in the meanwhile. It would be a good idea to call Britt and her bro or someone else.''

''Puckerman… I see and hear Berry every fucking day because I volunteered for the final show in school. Tell me - Why the fuck would I go and study with Rachel?''

''She already knows all answers for the exam…''

There was silence for a moment.

''Sofiaaaa! Pack! Rapido rapido!'' and she hung up.

Puck just laughed when he climbed into his car and drove off, knowing that the Latina will arrange everything. When he parked his car in front of Rachel's house 20 minutes later – yes, there was a traffic jam; he already saw Santana, her sister, Matt and his little brother climbing out of Santana's car.

It really was funny to see the 12-year-old Lopez and the 14-year-old dark-haired boy as excited as his sister was – knowing that you'll be able to visit Rachel Berry does things to the younger teenagers.

Weird.

She really must be popular. But what was even funnier was the picture of Santana and Matt carrying books. Books! As in a huge pile of paper, fastened together. Books.

Elly squeaked when she saw the younger ones and ran with her backpack as fast as she could towards them. Sophia smiled at her two-years-older friend and hugged her when they were close enough. Matt's brother Mark who was Elly's classmate smirked at his friend and have her a high-five.

Puck laughed while he was walking to Santana and Matt: ''Yo, jackasses. What's up?''

He bumped his fist with Matt and winked at Santana who just rolled her eyes and hugged her books closer.

''It's cool man, never thought I'm gonna study with Berry.'' Matt told him and looked towards the house. ''Actually I never thought I'm gonna study.''

''Well, we're gonna get points, I tell ya. Berry will help us rock the exam.'' Puck smirked when he saw the three younger ones chat and laugh as if they haven't seen each other for ages.

''Yeah yeah, just shut it you two. We'll make it if we do as Berry says. She's the smart one; I know what I want; but I'm not sure you two do.'' She told them and laughed at Matt's glare.

Matt wanted to say something, but Puck just shrugged, knowing the Latina was right and turned to walk towards the door. The other two and the younger ones followed him, while chatting about Rachel's latest performance.

Ts… Gossip…

When they stopped in front of the door, Puck did not even knock or rang the bell; he just opened the door and walked in like it was the most normal thing to do.

''Berrrryyyy! We're here!'' he called and put down his shoes and looking for slippers. Screams and laughing could be heard from upstairs and the teenagers were seriously asking themselves if someone was tortured.

Suddenly a small pigtailed girl came jumping down the stairs and laughed when she saw the surprised group standing in front of the stairs. Her soft pigtailed hair almost slapped Puck, when she jumped past him and ran around him. The others just laughed at Puck's confusion, but were soon scared for their dear life when two boys came jumping down the stair, screaming their heads off, prepared to murder the first person they saw. The pigtailed girl squeaked and hid behind Puck, pulling at his shirt and making him almost fall. She circled with him in front of herself as a shield, while the boys pushed the others back and tried to catch the blonde.

''Nim'as li!'' called an irritated Rachel from the top of the stairs. She was completely flustered and her hair was a bit messy, but she looked pretty good in her jean-shorts and T-Shirt. There was a black-haired girl standing behind her, laughing at what was happening down there, and there was another blonde girl holding Rachel's leg, like it was her only surviving chance.

''Nate! Jeremy! Leave Polly alone!'' she told the boys with a serious and loud voice, and even Santana got goose bumps after that. The boys stopped and looked at Rachel like sad puppies, but that did not make her melt. She was too used to it.

Rachel marched down the stairs still not acknowledging her visitors and watched her cousins like a lion his next victim. Invisible thunderbolts and gun shots were flying between them and finally the younger ones gave up and kneeled down playfully and loudly apologized as if they were on a stage playing musketeers: ''We are sorry, oh my lady. We will try to behave properly.''

Rachel nodded in satisfaction and crossed her arms, watching them superior: ''All right my fellows. Off with you.'' Then she laughed and the boys jumped up again and turned to their visitors.

Rachel immediately blushed at the approving looks on the faces of her schoolmates. She glanced at Puck who in return smirked at her and nodded.

''Hi guys. These are my cousins.'' Explained Rachel and pulled the boys in front of her, and rolled her eyes at the weird sounds the two made.

''I'm Nate.''

''And I'm Jeremy.''

''They are twins. Now shoo!'' she pushed them aside and pulled at the small girl behind her.

''This is Sherry. She is the youngest.'' The little blonde nervously looked from behind Rachel, nibbling at her lips and blinking innocently. Matt seriously melted in that particular moment.

''You already know Polly.'' Rachel smiled at the girl behind Puck and laughed when the blonde bowed dramatically.

''And this is Ana.'' The black-haired girl stepped from behind Rachel and smiled towards everyone. Santana could easily say that she was one of the most beautiful girls she has ever seen. Long black hair, big and dark eyes, her skin not really pale but also not really sun-burned; she was as tall as Rachel and wore the same clothes. And her smile was Rachel's smile.

She was like Rachel.

''Hi.'' Ana started calmly and looked around with confidence even Puck was jealous of.

''I told Rachel that there would be no need for her to worry. I'm quite capable of watching those-'' Nate snorted loudly and stiffed a laugh from somewhere in the living room.

''Anyway.'' Ana started again.

''But I'm happy that we got company. We, the younger ones will be somewhere in the house and you all can go study.'' She told them like a mother and everyone started at her as if she came flying from Mars.

''Um-'' Santana made herself known.

''Are you two sisters?'' she asked and looked at Rachel and Ana.

The two of them blinked at each other and laughed out loud, finally breaking the ice of awkwardness.

''Not at all. We are just cousins.'' Ana explained and grinned. Then she bowed like a princess and walked by in to the living room, where she screamed that ''If you brats don't stop running like- uff – Nate! Stop with-''

''I'm Jeremy!''

''Shush! I do know which one of you I'm talking to! Polly! Don't provoke them!''

''Pfffhahahahahahahaha!'' laughed Matt, while trying to put on the slippers and at the same time trying not to lose his balance. It was all needed to make the other teenagers laugh out at the same time and Rachel wiping her laughing-tears and blushing furiously.

All the awkwardness was finally broken and Matt's brother gathered enough courage to step forward and extended his hand towards Rachel.

''I'm Mark. Nice to meet you Rachel.''

Rachel gave him her hand automatically and blinked at the polite greeting. She blushed when Santana's sister Sophia did the same thing and finally smiled when Danielle ran to her and gave her a big hug that almost made her fall.

Rachel laughed then and made the three younger ones look at her like she was the most beautiful creature in this world – and for Noah Puckerman she was. Right now, at this moment, he saw her as light – his heart beat fast and it pumped against his chest so hard that it made his hands shake a bit. He took a huge but silent breath to come to himself and he had to try really hard not to walk towards her and caress her cheek.

Mark finally blushed and earned a playful punch over his head from Sophia – and that made everyone laugh again. Rachel finally led them into the small library room where they put their books on the table in the middle of the room. There were all kinds of books all around the room – the wall was filled with shelves of books and educational magazines and the other teenagers have never seen so many paper at one place – mostly because none of them went to the library; at all.

Puck whistled in amazement and circled around to see everything. ''A book store? Really, Berry?'' he teased and smirked at Rachel's flushed face.

''My fathers and I are well aware of the importance of education – so naturally they-'' she stopped talking, remembering that some time ago, someone almost killed her for talking about having enough money for books, when some people did not even have it for food.

''We love books.'' She ended simply and avoided his eye contact.

''What would you all like to drink?'' she asked slowly making her way out of the library. ''We have all kinds of juices and coca cola and lemonades and such. Oh, and I baked some cookies last night before bed.'' She talked while already being in the kitchen and rummaging through the huge fridge.

The others could only stare after her.

When Rachel came back with Ana and Elly helping her carry the drinks and glasses, she noticed that the three of her classmates were already looking through books and sighing in desperation. They really had to learn, like, million pages of human history… It is going to be a long day.

''Oh…'' Rachel finally noticed that their siblings were not here anymore. ''Where are your-''

''In the living room. I told them to go there.'' Puck commented and closed his book, trying to figure out if it was better to burn it or cut it to pieces.

''Berry, don't start explaining what's in your living room, because I already know. And if you give any more details about that huge, precious and most probably expensive LCD of yours, with all that games and programs Puck was bragging about, I seriously won't study today. Got it!'' Santana shouted annoyed and tried to resist the urge to just throw all these books to the side and go watch TV or play games.

Rachel just giggled at her, not concerned about Santana's tantrums anymore, for she had to endure them every day at rehearsals.

''Hey, I called Mike to come around, so he'll most probably bring his girlfriend with him. Is that all right?'' Matt asked Rachel when she gave him the bottle of juice.

''Of course! The more come the easier will it be to study!'' she answered with a smile and made him blush gently. Puck glanced at them from the side and rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Jezz…

Why is the guy blushing?

He should not look at Berry in that goofy way. Jackass…

''Berry!'' Puck gained her attention again, satisfied that she looked at him with a smile on her face. ''I called Fabrey and her two boyfriends.''

''Oh, no problem, I also called Kurt – so I was pretty sure he will bring his brother, Mercedes and Blaine with him.''

''And Brittany.'' Santana mumbled.

''Yes yes. Arty comes too.'' Rachel nodded, satisfied that she knew exactly who belongs with who and who she might expect. She quickly went over to a book shelf and scanned the books.

Which one should she use? That one is too detailed. The other is for children. Hmmm…. Maybe this one; it is thick but with simple descriptions. Alright. Next period. Dark ages, Wars, America, blah blah blah.

When she finally picked a few books, she was thrown out of her thoughts by the ringing cell phones of Puck and Santana.

''They're here!'' they both announced and answered the phones. They walked out of the library and out through the entrance door, where they waited for a few minutes.

''I hope you know what you're doing.'' Mumbled Santana and made him look up in confusion.

''What ya mean?''

''I mean that I hope that you know that you're pulling her into your circle of friends.'' She started quite seriously. ''And if you really are going to keep her in, that's great, but if you're an ass enough to go through with your game – I'm not a psychologist, but that shit might completely fuck her over.''

Puck glowered at her, but said nothing. He knew she was right. And Quinn already told him the same thing. And he would really like to just stay in those moments he had with Rachel – the game and those stupid bets forgotten.

But look at him.

Like a stupid and naive boy he did exactly what his friends told him to do. As if he had not his own will.

He sighed, knowing that he would have to draw a line as soon as possible if he wanted to keep his friends or Rachel. One or another – he could have both of course, but his friends thought so only while thinking that everything is just for the sake of the game. So what would he chose? He will have to do it. He was just not sure which of them to choose.

And choosing was something he was not good at.

''Oh, they're here!'' Santana brought him out of his thoughts and waived at someone she was looking at.

They came from the left side and obviously used the bright sunny day to walk instead of driving.

Brittany was pushing her boyfriend Arty on his wheel-chair and smiled gently down at him. He was telling her something that made her laugh the next moment and whisper it into the ear of her little blonde brother who was walking next to her, holding a part of her shirt. Patrick laughed at what his sister told him, but that was nothing new, for he was a naive 10-year-old who smiled at whatever he could.

Behind the three of them was the famous Asian couple Tina and Mike, walking hand in hand and laughing at something Tina's 11-year-old brother George said. He and Mike's sister, a 15-year-old black-haired girl with beautiful dark eyes, decided to walk on the street, jumping on the side-walk behind their siblings only when a car drove past – which happened just twice during their walk.

The whole group was carrying a few note-books and books, and Puck who waived at them thought that he has never seen a scene like that.

''I called Brittany to come with us, so I think she called her boyfriend who called his Asian ex who called her new one who called Matt at the same time as I did.'' Explained Santana to Puck who still could not believe what he was seeing.

''I also told them to bring their bro-sis brats so that we could actually do something.'' She continued, but shut up when they all heard three different bicycle bells from the other direction.

''Oh, I called the trio to come.'' Puck commented.

Quinn, Sam and Finn were riding their bicycles down the street and smiled when others waived at them. Sam's younger brother Ricky who had the same gorgeous blonde hair as his brother sat behind Finn who had the biggest bicycle. His little sister Christen was walking behind them with Kurt who held hand with his boyfriend Blaine, and Mercedes walking next to them.

''…Ok, everyone is here…'' Puck corrected himself and smirked at his friends.

''Yo man!'' high fived Mike with Puck and the others greeted each other.

''Never thought I would study with Rachel.'' Said Finn and Kurt punched him in the shoulder.

''Be happy, step-brother dear; Rachel is the best student of the school and she willingly helps you to get a good grade. We all know that she wouldn't if she knew…''

There was an awkward silence that caused them all to glance at the already loud house. No one dared to say anything because they knew that they were all in this – friends or not friends with her; if the game actually takes place, they all are the culprits for not telling her.

''Oh!'' they heard a surprised gasp from the door and saw Rachel smile at them with big bright eyes.

''So many came! Noah! Bring them in!'' she called and made few steps towards them.

''Hi Rachel!'' called Kurt and gave the girl a big bear hug, causing her to laugh out like Puck has never heard her. Her voice was loud and all girly and he really had to look away – if not, he might have stepped too close.

''I'm so happy you came! Oh! Blaine! Don't tell me you need to st-''

Blaine just snorted and shook his head. He put his hand over his chest and sighed dramatically: ''Rachel… I never knew you thought of me so lowly and- Ouch!'' Kurt punched him in the arm.

''Shut it smartass. You had your tests a week ago and I know how much you didn't sleep because there was a huge pile of books all over your bed.''

They all laughed at Kurt's teasing and Blaine's blush, but finally made their way inside.

''So, I know most of you, but I don't know the younger ones…'' Rachel started as she brought them in.

But all in all – her comment was unnecessary. Puck was still not sure why, but the young ones seemed to be all her fans or something because as soon as Rachel asked them to introduce themselves, they all shouted over each other, trying to be as near to her as possible.

Fanny, Mike's sister and George, Tina's brother even asked her for an autograph…

Even the innocent Patrick was completely overwhelmed when he saw Rachel Berry in front of him. He, like, literally jumped towards her and held her hand in admiration. One might think that an only child as Rachel would lose her shit with so many brats around her, but all she did was smile, laugh and hug them like they knew each other for a century.

The strange thing was that only Puck and Santana seemed surprised. Everyone else looked like this was every day appearance.

''Well it is actually.'' Told him Mike, when he asked him.

''Fanny watches all her YouTube videos and I bring her to all her performances – well it's usually because I dance in most of them with her and Brittany – but this would still happen even if I wasn't one of the dancers.''

Puck just blinked. YouTube videos?

''You should have seen Ricky and Christine when they first saw her play the Cinderella two years ago.'' Sam snorted. ''Love on the first sight, I tell you.''

Puck really has to surf on the internet more. His usually games take him too much time and energy to do anything else. And if all his friends knew everything about his old-new crush – where the hell was he these past years?

''Ok! You kids can have the entire house for yourself except for the library and kitchen. I would also suggest not running over the stairs so that no one gets hurt.'' Rachel started and called Ana to help her.

''In the living room is everything you kids love and you all can go into the yard too when you want. There are some swings and a lot of space for you to play. I think we have a couple of football, volleyballs and other balls somewhere on the grass.''

While Rachel was showing the younger ones around, the others just walked into the library and greeted their friends. Soon enough they realized that there was no space enough for them, so some of them walked out and sat down on the stairs. Mercedes opened her books, while leaning on the balustrade and just started reading.

Soon the others just followed her example and when Rachel came back, she was surprised to see all of them already loudly asking each other questions about the topics.

''Berry, sit down. I need you!'' whined Puck like a child and made her laugh.

Rachel walked up the stair and sat on the top to see everyone.

And so it started.

The music and laughing screams from the living room were ignored by the teens who studied like crazy. Some of them revised out loudly; some of them walked up and down and back into the library and back to the staircase; Brittany was even making some moves with her arms while listening to her boyfriend.

With each minute they got louder and louder and it just went up until everyone just listened to whoever they heard. They talked over each other and draw sketches of buildings or people and they argued about things they thought they knew and the others did not.

''The Pre-Columbian Era please!'' shouted Mercedes, Mike and Matt nodding next to her while going through a thick book. Rachel thought about it a little and finally started.

''Um… To make it simple… It is not definitively known how or when the Native Americans first settled here, but the prevailing theory proposes that people migrated from Eurasia, and then spread southward throughout the Americas. This migration might have begun 30,000 years ago and continued through to about 10,000 years ago, when the land bridge became submerged by the rising sea level caused by-'' and Rachel talked and talked and talked and explained everything to each of them as simple as she could.

Ana walked from the living room to the staircase to offer cold water and juices. Here and there she brought some cookies that Rachel made the previous evening when she could not sleep.

Brittany and Santana sat on the second step of the stair case next to Artie who was taken out of his wheelchair and carried to the staircase to be more comfortable. Tina, Mercedes and Kurt sat each on one step slightly further down from Rachel; and Puck, Finn and Sam somewhere in the middle. Quinn did not want to be too far from Rachel because she knew that the best way to learn anything is to have Rachel next to you – so she sat down there.

Blaine on the other hand was happily playing the Xbox with Jeremy and Nate in the living room, having no worries for any tests – he was lucky not to be a part of the McKinley High School.

He and the two boys were screaming their heads off while taking the game dead seriously. On the other hand Elly, Mark and George played Wii dancing contest and the girl dangerously won each and every round.

''Not fair! You're cheating Elly!'' called Mark and tried to kick her.

''Shut it loser! How can I cheat on a machine, dumpass!'' she exclaimed back, not even stopping her dance steps.

''How do I know! Puck's your brother, not mine!''

''What's that supposed to mean you jerkface! You think you can win everything just because you're a dancer?''

''Oh and you can because you're not?''

''Obviously!''

''Yesssssssssssss!'' interrupted them both George who finally won a round because the other two were too preoccupied to with glaring at each other. For a moment they both froze, shocked that the younger one defeated them.

''Heeeeyyy!''

''That's not fair!''

''Not my fault-''

Patrick was sitting next to Sophia and Fanny who were trying to teach him to play cards and were far more interesting than the other three.

Sophia and Fanny played Rummy. Fanny watched Sophia as the Latina took her time to study the cards. She could open the first round with her three aces and three kings, but then she had a diamond prince and princes and of course she could combine the diamond king with it; however what should she do with the other two kings? There is a possibility that she will not get the diamond king anymore and she saw that Fanny had the joker.

The young Latina sighed in defeat.

Whatever.

We'll see what Fanny will do next.

Sophia opened her round with the aces and kings and waited. Fanny had a straight face – she could do whatever she wanted but Sophia was not able to read her. But then she saw a soft smirk on the Chinese girl and knew she was dead.

''Eights; three heart kings, ace, king and princess, threes, and ace for you and done!''

''Noooooo! How the hell do you do it? It's the fifth time for fu-''

''Practice makes perfect.''

''Oh, you little-''

''Next round!''

''Damn right! You're going down!''

The girls mixed the cards again, Fanny laughing her head off and Sophia glaring at her with all her might. But both girls screamed in annoyance when Sherry, Polly, Ricky and Christine ran over their cards, making them fly around the room like leafs in the wind. The four of them were playing tag and they did not care who or what was in their way. They ran out of the living room, past the full staircase and into the library and then kitchen, making Ana scream after them.

When the first floor became too boring for them, they even ran up the stairs, not caring if there was a book or leg or hand they had to jump on. Annoyed and pained screams flew after them, but the four of them ignored them in their funny time, making everything in front and behind them a mess.

After some time they even realized that the second floor was even more interesting than the first. There was the huge bathroom and the room with the washing machine and the drying machine; the room of Mister Berries was sadly locked but the room next to it was full of wardrobes – unfortunally all four of them were not strong enough to make the sliding doors of the wardrobes slide! And then was Rachel's room! A treasury! Thousands of teddy bears and pillows and a huge fluffy bed! Heaven!

''Polly! If I find only one teddy bear on the floor you're cleaning my room!'' Rachel screamed from the staircase, making all four of them boooh. She laughed when she heard Sherry telling Polly to put something back and then answered another question from Finn.

The whole staircase was loud and in some rare moments completely silent when they read something – but all in all, they all talked over each other.

Until Santana asked the question.

''Who the hell is George Washington?'' called Santana annoyed and with her fingers massaging her head. The whole staircase became silent and all heads turned to her, blinking in confusion. Only the music and screams from the living room could be heard.

''What?'' asked Santana unsure, when she finally noticed the weird looks she received.

''You seriously don't kn-'' started Mercedes, but was interrupted.

''Um…'' Rachel tried to be as less-know-it-all as possible.

''He- um… He was the dominant military and political leader of the new USA from 1775 to 1799.'' She cleared her throat and bravely looked around, making her voice steady and strong.

''He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775–1783, and he presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787.''

''Oh… Thanks.''

And then they erupted in talking again.

''What about Martin Luther!'' chatted Quinn.

''You mean Luther King?'' asked Kurt from down there.

''No no. The German Luther.'' She looked at him curious.

''The first translation of the Latin Bible, sweetie. And the initiator of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.'' He told her, scanning his notes.

''Something about World War I. please!'' called Mike and received a very long but very good description from his girlfriend. She even knew which weapons were used on which side.

''Does anyone remember the name of that- uh- the guy in the French Revolution who killed almost everyone? You know that M something with the strange hair?'' asked Puck the group and Rachel was about to answer him, when Ana came around and answered for her.

''Maximilien Robespierre. One of the best-known and most influential figures of the French Revolution. He dominated the Committee of Public Safety and was instrumental in the period known as the Reign of Terror, which ended with his arrest and execution in 1794.'' She calmly explained, offered the strawberry juice and walked away.

Everyone turned towards Rachel in shock but she just shrugged her shoulder.

''Ana comes over often. Usually when I'm studying, so…''

''Are all of your relatives so smart?'' asked Finn and gained a kick from Sam. But Rachel just nodded her head and smiled. ''Pretty much, yeah.''

They started at her for a couple of moments after that, but quickly went back to screaming the stuff they had to know loud out.

Here and there one or two of the teens got up and walked to the kitchen to take a bight of something that was in the fridge; or some of them went into the living room to play a round or two with Blaine.

''I fucking can't anymore!'' screamed Puck at one moment and waved his arms in the air like a stubborn child.

''Six hours! Six damn hours! I have never sat with a book in my hands for more than half an hour!'' he whined and made Santana roll her eyes.

''I'm quite hungry, actually.'' Said Brittany who was, until now, talking only with Artie.

The teens looked at each other and nodded.

''Yeah, me too. I haven't eaten anything today actually.'' Told them Quinn and Rachel gasped at her in irritation.

''You can't do that Quinn! You have to have at least three meals a day! Your body needs it!'' she jumped up, putting her books in a neat pile and walked down the stairs. ''We're going to make some food. How does a picnic sound to you?''

''Hell yeah!'' they called in unison and stood up, leaving their books behind.

''All right. Boys, go into the yard – there's a yard chimney and a grill – make them ready for whatever.'' She told them and looked at Puck.

''You think you could provide us with meat – I don't have actu-''

''Got it Berry. Zizzes lives nearby and we could invite her over.'' He smirked at her when he put his phone on his ear and watched her blush under his eyes.

Rachel cleared her throat and turned around to face the girls: ''We could make some salads and prepare some vegetables. We have plenty of them.'' The girls nodded, some going to the toilet and others into the living room.

''Mike, could you and Matt get the potatoes from the pantry? In the garage, there's a huge door and that's the place.''

''Right away, miss.'' They saluted and went away.

''Finn, Sam! Could you go to the yard and-''

''We're on our way!''

''Great!'' Rachel laughed at everyone's cooperation and watched her new friends walk around her house like it was normal and an every-day event for them to spend time with her.

She walked into the kitchen moved some things around in order to make space. The counter had to be clean and the dishes had to be washed. Uf… Someone else should do that.

''Berry! Zizzes brought meat!'' Puck called from the entrance and let the strong girl in, while Rachel moved around in the kitchen, looking for ingredients.

''Err… yes yes, no problem!'' she called back and opened the fridge. There was lots and lots of food in it and Rachel was (for the first time in her life) happy that she had a weak spot for food-shopping.

''Uh… Girls! Could you help me here a bit!'' she called and reached for some tomatoes, red peppers, and onions.

Quinn came into the kitchen, holding hands with Polly.

''The young lady would like to help.'' She told Rachel and smiled at the young cheeky girl that watched Rachel with bright eyes.

Rachel smiled and reached for the footstool that was on the floor under the huge window.

''Here, Polly. You can help by washing the dishes.''

''Making her do the dirty work, eh Berry?'' Santana smirked, as she walked in with Kurt and Tina behind her.

Rachel smiled wickedly, when she saw Polly already doing her job. ''Noup. Just making her do the least dangerous job.'' She pulled a knife from a drawer and twisted it around with her fingers. ''We don't want her to hurt herself, huh.'' She laughed at the astounded expressions she received and turned back to the counter, reached for a small board, washed the tomatoes and started to cut them to slices like an expert cook.

''Damn that actress…'' Santana muttered and washed the egg-shaped pumpkins and also started to cut them to round slices.

''Rachel! I want to eat the Ratatouille!'' called Ana and after few moments came running into the kitchen.

''Oh yes. That would be very good. There are many vegetables in the fridge, Anny. Kurt, would you mind helping her to do it?'' Rachel told them both and without any complaints they both started; Ana opened the fridge and found many green peppers, red peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and some carrots. She let the eggs in the fridge because there was still time for them to stay there and they would just take up too much space. Kurt washed his hands and looked for another board to cut the vegetables on. He also stole one of the unions from Rachel and peeled the skin down.

Soon Rachel helped him and hummed a melody.

Puck walked into the kitchen a few minutes later to take some spices with him to the yard where he and some others would grill the meat and some vegetables. He was about to loudly announce his intentions when he noticed Rachel's, Kurt's and Santana's state.

''What the fuck?'' he exclaimed and watched Rachel sniffing into a handkerchief.

''Why are you all crying?'' he scratched the back of his neck and looked even more dumfounded when Kurt started to laugh hysterically.

''Sorry Noah.'' Rachel sniffed and made him look at her with soft eyes. He did not even notice Santana washing her face in fury or Quinn and the other girls laughing with Kurt.

''But the onions we have here are pretty sharp…'' Rachel continued and smirked at Puck's irritated expression that sprung out when she grabbed the peeled onion and pushed it into his face.

''Noooooooo!'' he screamed when the burning started to eat up his eyes and made him cry. He jumped away and ran like the crazy guy he was to the washing bowl, pushed Santana away and furiously washed his face.

Santana bitched him out a little, but her voice was drowned in the laughter of the others that cried and stumbled on their feet, trying to keep balance while their tummies hurt from laughing so hard.

''You just wait Berry!'' Noah exclaimed when he was wiping his face, his vice mumfed and whiny.

''I'm gonna get back at you!'' he warned, took some spices and quickly made his way out. But before he disappeared, he heard Rachel's giggling and he slightly turned his head back.

''We'll see Noah! We'll see!'' she called and laughed and made him humpf and run out.

''I have never seen Puck blushing!'' Kurt said between laughter and finally wiped his tears away.

''That's what he gets for trying to challenge me.'' Rachel smirked and continued with her onion business.

The others just watched her in awe for how different she was from her usual behaviour in school.

''You're pretty crazy, girl.'' Told her Santana and nudged her in the shoulder. Rachel shrugged and smiled. ''I would say open minded.'' They all laughed again, not knowing that in the mean time in the back yard Puck made evil plans.

The sausages sizzled as he turned them around to make them be grilled just right. He put some mini steaks on the iron net of the grill next to the sausages and mumbled under his breath, ignoring the screams and laugh of joy of the children running around him and playing ball with Mike, Matt, Sam and Brittany.

The four of them were worse than the kids. They ran around screaming and throwing the small ball to each other, making the younger ones scream in irritation when they tried to catch it.

''Not fair! Not fair!'' the twins called and jumped in the air like rabbits. But they soon exclaimed in happiness when Danielle tackled Matt and took the ball from him.

''Ha! Take that footballer!'' the girl shrieked when Sam started to run after her and hid behind Brittany. The blonde did not even need to move a finger; her stare was strong enough to make Sam stop and sigh in defeat.

''Girls…'' he muttered annoyed and watched them exchange those girly smiles – but that was also soon interrupted by the younger Evans siblings who tried to take the ball back for their brother.

As already said, Puck did not notice any of it. He grumbled and ruminated about his revenge.

''Puckerman! Watch the meat!'' Lauren called from the wooden table where she wrapped the unpeeled potatoes in foil papers.

''Yeah yeah…'' he mumbled back and turned one of the stakes around. It sizzled loud and the mohawked boy had to step back in order to not be burned.

Artie and Finn were cutting some red peppers in nice slices and added spices on them; although, Finn was more jumping around and stealing the done meat from the huge plate next to puck.

''You can grill these red peppers Puck!'' called Artie and Puck finally moved from his spot, enabling Finn to steal two small sausages. Lauren saw him of course and smacked him as soon as he walked past her. They argued loudly but Artie and Puck ignored them.

''You seasoned them?'' Puck asked as he reached for the plate with the vegetables.

''Yeah; I put some oregano, parsley and vegeta over them. I think it's enough for Rachel to like it.'' He told him and started to do Lauren's work as she was too busy fighting with Finn.

Puck took the plate and stopped in his movements. He suddenly smirked deviously and put the plate back on the table.

''Yeah…'' he mumbled as he reached for more vegeta.

''Just the right amount for Rachel to like it… Not!'' he laughed like a maniac, while he was seasoning the vegetables, making them too spicy for anyone's taste. Artie watched him in amusement and wrapped the last potatoe into the foil paper. He took the vessel and put it on his lap. Then he wheeled to the yard chimney whose flames were already strong enough and put the wrapped potatoes on the burning coal. He really loved baked potatoes from the chimney. When they were made, a pinch of salt made them the best dish in the world.

He looked at Puck's crazy eyes, laughed, but said nothing. After all, it was time for Rachel and Puck to tease each other – it was the teasing phase they had to go through. Who knows? Maybe something more will happen in a couple of hours.

In the meantime Ana made some ratatouille and laughed at Kurt's jokes about some fashion disasters Rachel made in the past.

''I hope you haven't seen her in that sheep's T-Shirt, darling! It was horrible! I thought I might die!'' he whined and made some funny gestures with his arms that made him look like a diva that was about to faint.

''Oh, shut it Kurt!'' Rachel called, while she was mixing the tomato salad and tried it here and there to make sure it tasted good. Santana broiled the slices of pumpkin covered with breadcrumbs and hummed her favourite melody. Tina helped Polly to wash the dishes and gently harmonised with Santana at the refrain of Amy Winehouse's Valerie.

Ana watched them while she mixed the ratatouille and shook the stew pan, making the vegetables jump in the air and right back in. ''You two are good.'' She complimented.

Rachel looked at them and smirked: ''You haven't heard her for real Anny. Her voice is like velvet!'' she told her cousin and winked at Santana.

The Latina just shrugged and turned one of the slices: ''No comment.''

''Aww… She's shy!'' exclaimed Kurt and started to snap his fingers in the rhythm of the Valerie song. Mercedes who opened the cup boards where the plates were smiled and clapped her hands as a counter rhythm to Kurt's snapping fingers.

''Come on girl! Hit it!'' she exclaimed and laughed at Santana's blush.

Quinn who was sweeping the floor laughed at her friend and started with the background 'papaparapas'. She danced around and made them all laugh, but Rachel, Mercedes and Ana sang with her.

''Ts…'' Santana huffed and started to sing, Kurt helping her.

Well Sometimes I Go Out, By Myself,

And I Look Across The Water.

She giggled when Ana looked at her in surprise.

And I Think Of All The Things,

Of What You're Doing,

And in my head I Paint A Picture.

Kurt danced around and made some strange but funny moves that swept Rachel with him and with Quinn in front of they jumped and swung their hips singing, clapping and snapping their fingers in rhythm. Ana soon joined them with Polly, and Santana and Tina just looked at each other and swang their hips while still broiling the pumpkins.

Tina has never seen the Latina in such a good mood; not that they socialized a lot (at all) but she was going to enjoy the time.

When Blaine came from the living room where he finally won one of the Wii games he played with Mark, Tina's brother and Elly, he stopped and looked like an idiot at the crazy dancing group of cooks that were loudly singing:

Valerie
Valerie
Valerie

For a good moment he just stared and did not notice his three co-game-players join him and watching the performance they were getting for free. Sherry, Ricky and Christine who finally had enough of Rachel's room, walked tiredly in front of them also stared at the singers in front of them. They suddenly laughed and joined them in the dancing. Even Patrick came running into the kitchen and danced around like the funny kid he was.

Blaine laughed too, winking back at his boyfriend who invited him with his finger to join them, and took Mike's sister's hand. The young girl giggled as he twirled her around and started to sing too. Mark and George looked at each other and laughed. They jumped in the middle of the crowd and danced around like professionals.

Mark took Rachel's hand and made her laugh by twirling her around like she was a feather. George on the other hand grabbed Quinn and took the broom from her hands and pushed it away. The blonde girl smiled brightly and sang with the others as loud as she could.

Did You Have To Pay That Fine,

That You Were Dodging All The Time,

Are You Still Dizzy.

Well Since I Come Home,

Well My Body's Been A Mess, And I Miss Your Tender Hair,

And The Way You Like To Dress.

Tina threw the made pumpkins on a plate while still dancing around and smiled at Mercedes who finally gathered a number of plates and carried them in her arms. Kurt, Santana and Ana gathered many cups and glasses, while Rachel then reached for the tomato salad and Mark for the ratatouille.

Quinn soon reached for the knifes, spoons and forks, and George gathered the salt, pepper and oil for those who would have liked it more on their food.

Blaine on the other hand opened the fridge and handed Fanny three different juices and he, himself gathered another few of them. Just by the way he reached for the roll of napkins and handed them to Sherry and the other younger ones. They took them, proud to be able to help and started to walk out of the kitchen.

Blaine whistled as a sign for them to finally get out and so they went.

Singing and dancing, with plates and food in their arms, they marched like goslings in a column into the living room and through the huge sliding door into the back yard.

The others in the yard froze in their movements when they heard and saw the singing teens and finally laughed and clapped their hands when the last refrain started.

Valerie
Valerie
Valerie

The singers and dancers filled the huge wooden table with everything they brought with them and made the other children that were running around before, skip towards them and wiped away the saliva that came out of their mouths with the smell of the food.

Valerie
Valerie
Valerie

Puck and Finn finally brought the three huge plates of meat and put them in the middle of the table. Artie and Lauren brought the potatoes and grilled red peppers and laughed when they were almost pushed away by Mike, Matt and Brittany.

Valerie
Valerie
Why Don't You Come On Over Valerie...

They all wooed and clapped their hand in excitement before they sprung on the two long benches on each side of the table and jumped the food.

The smell of sausages, potatoes and grilled vegetables danced in the air, making its way through each nose and brain that was in its proximity. The younger ones sniffed hungrily and looked as if they were about to die.

''Gimme some potatoes! Racheeel! I want potatoes!'' shouted the twins in unsion and made Ana slap them over their heads. Of course Rachel still reached for their plates and put on them everything they wanted.

The other boys shouted over each other for the meat, hitting and pushing each other in order to get it. Tina took her time and asked each and every one of them what they would like to drink, while Mercedes helped the younger to unwrap the hot potatoes and salted them.

Quinn sat between her two boyfriends and laughed at the jokes they told her, each in one ear. Brittany on the other hand sat on Artie's lap with a plate in her arms and fed him like a child.

Rachel helped Sherry, Patrick and Sam's siblings to choose what they would like to eat but the three of them just gulped down everything she gave them.

Puck watched with interest Rachel's motherly behaviour. She gently caressed Sherry's cheek when the girl ate a large slice of the pumpkin and smiled proudly. Rachel took her time to decide what she would eat. Some ratatouille, tomato salad, maybe a potato and a slice of pumpkin and- oh! The grilled red-peppers! She really has to take a bit of them! She loved them very much!

Puck ducked his head when he noticed what was Rachel about to do.

He smirked, stared hard at his plate and waited for the-

''Agh!'' screamed Rachel and made everyone look up at her. She quickly gulped down a whole glass of juice and purred herself another one. She coughed and had tears in her eyes and Sherry worriedly looked up at her.

''Rachel?'' she asked with a scared voice and took her hand.

Puck could not hold it in anymore.

''Buahahahahaahahahahaah!''

''Noah!''

''Not my fault!''

''Of course it is!''

''You ate it.''

''You made it!''

''You little-''

And the others stopped listening to them. While the two teens bickered over spiced red peppers like five-year-old-children the others just tuned them out and talked louder in order to hear each other over them.

''Elly! The salt please!'' called George Sophia from the other side of the table and raised to her feet in order to catch the salt that Elly threw in her direction. The younger Puckerman could not look up from her food – she had not eaten the whole day… Well, except for the cookies and those apples and grapes and those fantastically good home-made pudding that Rachel made!

Anyway!

Mark has a bigger stake than her!

''Hey! The hell! Find your own stake Elly!''

''Too late!''

''No! Give it back! No, don't ea-''

''Mmmm…''

''Puck your sister sucks!'' Mark called but the mohawked boy was too occupied with eating sausages and bickering with Rachel. She still ate those red peppers…

The merry atmosphere became even louder when Matt stole Elly's idea of stealing food and ran around the table, taking whatever he could from each plate that came in his way. His victims shouted at him and send some leftovers towards his head, but all in all he was successful and well fed. He practically collapsed at the grass few feet away and enjoyed the sun.

The others needed more time to eat everything up and even then most of them sat on the benches and laughed and talked and joked around. That was until Sophia, George and the twins had another idea.

They sneaked into the house and searched for the things that would help them go on with their plan. And a good half an hour later, when everyone was lying on the grass or playing ball and Frisbee – it happened.

Like a bomb the water balloon hit Lauren in the back.

There was silence.

The big girl rose from her spot and cracked her knuckles.

''It's so on!'' she called and everyone screamed. The water balloons started to fly around like birds and everyone ran around and laughed their heads off. Mike had the brilliant idea of getting the yard water tube and open it. The strong jet of water reached everyone and they all jumped around like some crazy little children – which they actually were.

Sophia laughed and saluted her murderous looking sister and threw her a balloon. Santana caught it and sighed that it did not blow up in her arms. She looked around found her victim. Kurt was successfully hiding behind the yard chimney and was now catastrophically shocked when a splash of water destroyed his perfect hairstyle.

He screamed like a girl and ran after Santana who quickly found the source of the balloons. It was a huge plastic vessel next to the sliding door, filled with hundreds of balloons. The teens put them there in order to be able to reach for them as fast as possible. Santana gathered a few of them and started to throw them around like a maniac.

When the circus they created became so loud that the whole neighbourhood could hear them, even some neighbours came peeping from the corner to see what in the world was happening by the Berry's. What they saw was a mass of completely soaked-to-skin teens that were running around and laughing hysterically.

One might think the neighbours would complain and if it were anyone else they would. But Rachel Berry was almost always alone at home. And she never had anyone over. So if that was not an excuse to let it all slide, they did not know what could it be.

So it went on…

Polly, who ran around did not see Puck in front of her and accidentally bumped into him. He consequentially bumped into Rachel who stood next to him. He grabbed her arms so that she would not fall and steadied her. They looked at each other for a moment and heard the little girl apologize. They laughed at the same time, telling her it is ok and glanced at each other.

They laughed again embarrassed with coloured cheeks and moved slightly away. Puck scratched his head awkwardly and Rachel pinched her nose. Of course the lovely dovly moment was interrupted by a swish of a balloon that flew dangerously near their heads and they quickly jumped away.

Puck looked at Rachel and smirked by himself. He grabbed her, lifted her up in his arms and ran with her through the water explosion in the middle of the yard. Rachel screamed her heart out, but giggled when others just could not stop laughing.

Only after a long long water fight, the balloons were gone as well as the sun. It was not cold, but the wet skin made the teens and preteens shiwer.

''Uh… Well, the boys won't have problems because there are a lot of clothes form my dads that would fit… Um, you girls can also wear my daddy's clothes – I mean, I know I'm kind of small and um- but if my clothes fit any of you, I have no problem lending them. We also have the drying machine, so I will just put the clothes into the washing machine and let them dry over the evening… If that's alright with you of course.'' Rachel finished her speech and took a deep breath.

The others looked at each other and laughed.

''That would be cool.'' Said Matt.

''But some of us have their own clothes. You didn't really think that you would get rid of us tonight, did you?'' Santana told her, laughed at Rachel's blush and gave her a long wet hug.

Rachel squeaked at the wetness and pulled her into the house.

Of course they made a mess by dripping wet all over the floor, but Ana, Rachel and surprisingly Sam cleaned everything behind everyone.

Girls were the first ones that went to the two bathrooms – the younger ones on the second floor and the teens on the firs floor. They did not really care if they saw each other naked because – well, it was not as if they would see something new.

Rachel went with the younger ones to make sure they would not do anything stupid. Elly helped her and they both ended bathing with Ana, Sherry, Polly, Sophia, Fanny, and Christine.

The boys on the other hand stopped waiting in the house and went out in the yard to clean the mess they made. Brittany stayed with them because she wanted to help Artie take a bath and Blaine and Kurt also wanted to take a separate bath from the others – they were not girls, but they also felt slightly uncomfortable taking a bath with boys.

''Maaaan! I lost my voice from all the screaming!'' whined Finn and earned a punch in the shoulder by Puck.

''You still talk cry baby.'' He mocked him and laughed as Finn returned the punch.

''But it was cool today, don't you think?'' Matt asked and looked around while collecting the garbage. The boys nodded and laughed when they started to bring up every funny moment that happened during the day.

Soon the girls came out in their PJs and the boys went to shower and bath. It took them half the time to clean themselves off than it took the girls; and finally Artie and Brittany went into the bathroom on the first floor and Blaine and Kurt the one on the second floor.

''Could someone come and help me gather the blankets and pillows for you to sleep on? There are many and they are all in the room next to my parents room!'' Rachel called over the rumpus in the living room where the kids were watching TV, playing games and cards and chatting their time away. Ana was even listening to her I-Pod and reading a book.

''Hoy!'' Rachel called again. ''I need help!'' but only few heard her.

Puck jumped up of course and pulled Mike and Matt with him.

''Come on girly. Show the way.'' He joked and earned a weak punch. The boys laughed and followed Rachel who looked like a small child compared with them. She led them up the stairs and into the room next to her parent's room. In were many huge wardrobes, filled with winter clothes, jackets and tens and tens of thick blankets.

''Here it is.'' Rachel sang and opened the huge slide door of one of the wardrobes. Matt and Mike quickly gathered some blankets and made space for Puck. Matt slowly walked out of the room and carefully went down the stairs as he could hardly see anything over the pile of blankets. Mike soon followed him.

''That's a lot of stuff you have in here.'' Noah told Rachel as he took his time to gather some huge pillows.

''I know I know. It's not like we have no space for these things in our rooms, but dad and daddy like to be organized and change the stuff in the wardrobes each season. It's tiresome, but it actually works! I always know where I can find all these stuff.'' Rachel explained and helped him stabilize everything he was holding in his arms.

She laughed when she could not see his face and took some pillows from his arms.

''I also can carry some of the stuff, you know…''

''Of course you can, midget…''

''Giant.''

''Hobbit.''

''Oaf.''

''Legs-''

''Hey! Are there anymore blankets here?'' interrupted Mike their bickering and walked into the room again. Rachel quickly jumped back and showed him the other wardrobes.

''Here are even more. So just take them all. We need them lo lie on and to cover ourselves with them.''

Soon enough the four of them brought enough pillows and blankets for everyone and Rachel tried to think about where will everyone sleep.

''Well, some of you can sleep in my room – the bed is big enough for at least three girls – but I wouldn't like you to go into my parent's room because it's just-''

''Hey, no problem Berry.'' Told her Santana and waived her hand. ''We will all sleep here – maybe the younger ones should sleep in your bed or something.''

Rachel thought about it and smiled: ''Yeah, that will do. Christine, Ricky, Patrick and Polly could sleep in my bed. Sherry, you will stay with me, alright?'' she told tem and they all nodded. Everyone got up from their spots and made space on the floor of the huge living room. They pushed the small table into the kitchen and the couch to the wall.

Finn and Sam outstretched the couch and prepared it for Artie and Brittany to sleep on it. The others put some blankets on the soft carpet and threw pillows around for anybody who wanted it. Then two by two got one blanket to cover themselves in.

The 'beds' were soon made, and in the end no one went into Rachel's room to sleep there because they all just fell asleep right on the spot. The TV was off, the lights were out and the cards were put back into the box.

It was dark and completely silent in the room. The whole day exhausted everyone and it would be strange if one of them would still have the energy to do something. In the middle of the night, Rachel suddenly woke up.

It was silent in the living room.

Rachel's heart was beating hard and she could and could not calm down. Adrenalin was flowing through her veins, preventing her eyes to finally become heavy and make her sleep again. She sighed and carefully sat up. She really did not want to wake up Sherry – or any of the energy-full children that were sleeping like someone hit them with a hammer on their heads. It would take just a slightly louder noise and the circus would begin again.

So she slowly sat up and looked around the dark room. Gentle snores could be heard all around her and she really had to stifle a laugh when she noticed the strange angle her friends were sleeping in. Kurt and Blain lying next to each other, facing and holding hands; Mercedes was used as a pillow by Patrick; George, Santana, and Matt were lying over each other and Rachel did not know whose legs or hands she was looking at.

Polly and the twins were cuddling next to Lauren; Elly, Sophia and Ana were actually the only ones lying quite normally; Sam's head was resting on Quinn's legs and her head on Finn's legs and his head on Sam's head; Ricky and Christine were somewhere between Mark, Fanny, Tina and Mike; and Artie and Brittany were silently lying on the outstretched couch, the wheelchair next to it.

Rachel smiled at the view and sighed in defeat.

She carefully stood up and without making a noise tip toed through the mass of sleeping bodies, legs and hands. She gently opened the glassy sliding door and stepped out on the terrace. She slightly pulled the door close but did not close it completely. Then she turned around and sighed at the view the sky offered her.

Thousands of stars were shining brightly over her head and illuminated the beautiful garden and terrace she was standing on. The branches of the trees gently moved with the soft breeze and leafs danced around the area, creating a soft sound that finally calmed Rachel down.

She sighed with content when she heard a gentle noise from behind her. Someone must have woken up. She turned around and her eyes caught those of the boy that was occupying her thoughts for months now.

Noah grinned at her when he slowly stepped outside and made Rachel's heart beat fast again. He looked sleepy and his shorts and a large T-Shirt were wrinkled here and there, indicating that he must have woken up from tossing and turning around. He looked like a cheeky young boy that was about to prank someone and was extremely anxious to do so.

''Couldn't sleep?'' he asked and stepped next to her, watching her smile at him. Rachel was happy to see him.

''I'm just excited that everyone decided to stay the night.'' She told him and looked up at the sky – dark and full of stars. A warm breeze danced through her long brown hair and tangled it just slightly. Her eyes were shining while watching the stars and a small and warm smile beautified her tired face.

''You didn't want them to?'' he asked jokingly. He knew that she was extremely happy to have company – spending your time alone for 75% of the year can make you excited for people even talking to you.

''Of course I did.'' Rachel looked at him and nibbled at her lip. ''It's just that-'' she looked back up at the sky, the curtain of her hair hiding half of her face, but he already noticed that she was as red as a tomato.

''It's kind of my- you know- my first sleep over.'' She whispered and tried to completely hide her face. ''I have never had classmates over my house to- to spent time with me.''

''Friends.'' He told her and made her look at him again in confusion.

''Not classmates, but friends. They are all your friends, Berry.'' He watched her as she got happier. She smiled again, slightly wider and he noticed that her eyes were slightly teary. But she turned her head again, hiding her face and nodded in agreement.

They were silent for a moment, enjoying the beautiful feeling of standing next to each other under the wide starry sky with warmth surrounding them. Rachel in her innocent admiration of nature did not notice his gentle gaze.

His longing eyes slowly travelled from down her body up to her face. Her soft skin of her face; her bright eyes; and her gentle lips – they all seemed to draw him to her and he had no control over his shaking hand that itched to finally touch that skin and caress it.

He breathed fast and deep and he was so nervous like he was the first time when he was with a girl he had feelings for. She was so beautiful. His chest seeked for her smell and Noah was really afraid that she might ask him any moment from now if something was wrong with him.

But Rachel was deep in her thoughts – but what he did not know was that she was even more nervous than him. She tried to keep her eyes on the sky and her hands next to her hips; she listened to his frantic breathing and tried to keep her breathing under control.

She was a great actress. She knew how to present a particular character – and right now she was the epitome of calmness.

Since the boy started to talk to her again she had a hunch that he might be attracted to her – and being an excellent character and psychological reaction reader, she had her prove now. He might be a very experienced male, but those reactions of attraction are all the same by all humans in the world.

And he seemed very nervous.

He finally reached with his hand for her arm, ''Hey, um Rach-'' when he was interrupted by a soft child's cry.

''Rachel?'' Sherry softly called and searched with her eyes for her cousin. She was too afraid to climb out from under the blanket, but brave enough to call for her favourite person who was not lying beside her when she suddenly woke up with the need to go to the toilet.

Rachel's eyes that were looking at the boy next to her for a moment, turned towards the open glassy sliding door that showed the dark inside of the living room.

''I'm here.'' She gently called back and looked at Noah again.

''Well, we better go inside. Sherry most probably needs to pee.'' She smiled at him and put her hand on his shoulder for a second to encourage him to go in too. He suddenly put his own hand over hers and made her look up in surprise.

He really wanted to do something. His raging hormones screamed in agony because his self-endurance became so strong. Thousands of thoughts flashed through his mind, but only one made him finally calm. The touch of her warm skin made him calm. And happy. Because he noticed that his touch caused goose bumps on her skin.

He smiled at her. ''You know… The day was actually pretty great.'' He told her and let her hand go. Rachel breathed out loudly and blushed furiously. She smiled and put her palm on her cheek to calm down. ''Thank you. It's all thanks to you that it turned out that well.''

Then she quickly walked into the house and as silently as it was possible Sherry and she walked towards the toilet. Noah watched her disappear in the darkness and sighed. Then he slapped his hand over his face and groaned in desperation.

''I'm so lovesick.''

And he really was. But he had no idea that he was more than that. And because after he returned back to his 'bed' he slept like a baby, he had no chance to think about his affection towards Rachel – which means he had no chance to look deeper into his thoughts and finally decide what to do with his feelings.

It was his first Sunday after a long time that he woke up without a hangover and that he woke up before noon. When he slowly opened his eyes, he breathed out in content and felt like he was in heaven. The sun was slowly rising and the clock on the wall showed eight in the morning.

He breathed slowly and enjoyed the sweet air that made him calm. His ears heard a gentle noise from somewhere and he listened carefully. It was sizzling and in a couple of seconds he already smelled something good. Something sweet and something salty. Mmmm… And was there cocoa also?

He slowly raised on his elbows and looked around. Everyone was still sleeping. Light snores came from all sides and he had to suppress a laugh when he saw the funny positions his friends were lying in. Where the hell is his camera when he needs it.

When he heard a slightly louder sound of some plates being moved around, he finally decided to get up. As carefully as possible he got up and tip toed towards the kitchen where the sound were coming from. What he saw made him smile in surprise and lean on the door frame.

The petit Rachel Berry was swinging around the pan with pancakes with one hand and with the other hand she purred the hot milk from a pitcher into small pots that were neatly arranged in four rows. She was an expert on a mission to make the biggest and best breakfast ever.

When the next pancake was made she threw it on a plate on the counter and it landed exactly there where she wanted it to land. Then she purred the mass for the next pancake into the pan and left it over the fire to take care of the fried eggs she was also making. When she turned around with the pan of eggs to put them on another plate and saw Noah Puckerman watching her, she almost threw everything into the air and screamed.

But she caught herself just in time and stepped back, inhaling deeply like she just had a heart attack.

''Noah!'' she whispered and glared at him. ''Do you want me to die? You scared me!''

Puck just smirked at her and watched her do her work. '''been just watching ya…' he told her and made her blush. She almost let go of the pan again, but she had more control of herself now. She huffed and started to make some coffee, but not before she turned the pancake around.

''Need some help?'' he asked, but was already moving towards her.

''Um yes… You could make coffee. I don't know how they like it and I'm also not that good at it because I really don't like coffee.'' She explained and made space for him next to her in front of the kitchen-range.

''Oh I know what you mean.'' He told her while waiting for the water to boil. He looked around for sugar and coffee in powder and Rachel pointed at certain cup-boards in which the two thing were in.

''I can't stand coffee.'' When the water boiled – it was in a huge vessel because the number of people drinking coffee was huge and therefore the coffee quantity also had to be – he put in a couple of spoons of sugar and waited for the water to boil again.

''My mum drinks it every morning and ok – I like the smell and everything, but the taste is horrible.'' He complained and finally put some spoons of the coffee powder into the boiling water.

''Oh yes I know. My dadds drink it too. And I also like the smell but… ugh…'' she made a strangled face and showed her tongue. Puck had to laugh at that and nudged her with his hip when she also started to giggle – as silent as possible of course.

''You know. You look like an expert – making breakfast and everything.'' He told her and looked at her. Rachel smiled and nodded. ''I like to be perfect at everything. And this is the least I could do to thank you all for spending the weekend with me.'' She told him, not facing him, but blushing furiously.

Puck smiled at her embarrassment and nudged her again. ''Hey it's cool. It was the best weekend ever.''

''You think so?'' she glanced at him.

''Hey… You doubting my words?'' he smirked.

''I wouldn't dare.'' She smiled and put the done pancake on the already full plate. There were actually four plates full of pancakes and three plates with fried eggs. She put fresh made bread and bread rolls, which she bought few minutes before when the traveling baker came past their house - into three small baskets. Puck watched her with a smile on his face, imagining her as a mother preparing breakfast for her children and her husband.

He could even see her with an apron around her waist, her hair made into a loose bun and she would move around the kitchen like the expert she was. Her three children would came running to her, making her turn around and laugh and hug them and then they would sit down on the table, chatting about things they would be doing that day. When she would turn to the kitchen-range again, a pair of hands would hug her around her waist and kiss her cheek from the side. She would giggle and lean into the bright chest behind her that made her feel happy and secure.

Noah could literally see himself holding her like that and winking at his cheeky little kids-

Wow wow….

That was a bit too much of information. Rachel his wife?

Too early.

No! Not too early! He meant just no. Like no! Like nev-

''Would you please reach for that salt on the small shelf. I run out of this one.'' Asked him Rachel sweetly and he complied right away.

''Thank you.'' She smiled and sprinkled salt over the eggs.

Noah watched her being so careful and attentive. She glanced at him with bright eyes here and there and asked him if she had something on the face.

''Nah…'' he shrugged.

''Just-'' he thought about it. ''When did you actually wake up? It had to take you at least an hour if not more to prepare all this.''

Rachel shrugged. ''I'm just used to wake up early. It wasn't a problem. But I'm happy that you came helping me.'' She told him and winked at him.

''Any time. You're pretty cool you know, dancing around the kitchen.'' He leaned on the counter and watched her. She was still wearing her pyjama shorts and T-Shirt, but there were no dark circles under her eyes and her hair was wavy and neatly combed. She was really beautiful.

She waived her hand: ''Ah you know. I'm just glad that there are so many people here. I like the house full and I'm extremely happy to be able to do that – you know.'' She told him, embarrassed that she kind of pointed out that she was alone for the most part of the year.

''Well… This can happen more often if you'd like to.'' He told her, his heart suddenly beating very fast. It was like he asked… something else.

Rachel's eyes shined and her cheeks became rosy again.

''Yeah…'' she breathed out. ''That would be…''

''Mmmmmm! What smells so goood!'' called a loud voice from the living room.

Both, Rachel and Puck smiled at each other and reached for some plates.

''Time for the service.'' They said in unsion and walked into the living room.

If someone told Rachel a couple of months ago that she would eat pancakes and drank cocoa for breakfast on the floor of her living room, surrounded with her cousins, geeks, jocks and their siblings, munching on the bread with jam and butter, or gulping down fried eggs and pancakes and drinking coffee, juice or cocoa – she would tell you to visit a specialist for head injuries.

Never in her life did she believe that she would chat her morning away with Santana and Quinn and that she would braid the young girls with Brittany and Tina. She did not even think about that she would make the whole bunch of sleepy people study again! And she actually was successful!

An hour after the huge and long chatty and giggling breakfast they shared, they all sat down in the living room and revised the whole stuff they learned yesterday. And an even bigger surprise was that they remembered almost everything.

Rachel has never had such a good time and she was not able to stop smiling the whole day. Not even when they were all finally saying goodbye at seven in the evening, with the house all cleaned up. She was grinning like she got the world as a present and her smile was really contagious.

''Yeah yeah. See ya. Whatever. I hate saying goodbye when it's only a couple of hours when I'll see you again.'' Said Santana when she, Matt and their siblings were climbing into her car.

Rachel laughed at her and hugged her anyway. As surprised Santana was, she just hugged her back, smirked and saluted her goodbye. Even after she waived goodbye to the others and kissed her young fans at their cheeks, Rachel was still in a daze.

Puck and Elly were the last ones to stand in front of the entrance and chatting with Rachel and her cousins about the stuff they did.

When Elly's phone rang she excused herself and walked to the car. Ana was smart enough to realize that she and her relatives should make some space for the Puckelberry Act 7 – or 20 – god knows how many moments those two already had. They were just too obvious.

And finally, when they were alone and all smiles, Noah gathered his courage and opened his mouth to make a quite dary step.

''Hey um, Rachel.'' He suddenly started, stepped closer and Rachel has never felt her heart beat faster. Her whole body was like a bomb of electricity that was about to explode.

''Yes?'' she asked, her voice unusually high. She watched him scratch the back of his neck almost nervously and his eyes were glancing around, not able to look at her. He took a deep breath and his arm was about to hug her.

''I was thinking ab-''

A loud horn interrupted his speech and Puck slapped his hand over his face and grumbled in annoyance. He almost seamed desperate.

''Noaaaaaah!'' screamed Elly and honked three times.

''Mum is calling! She needs you to take a look at her car!'' she told him and huffed.

''She's screaming my ears off over the phone!''

Rachel giggled and Puck chuckled depressed. He looked at her again and his eyes were so bright and so big that Rachel thought he might kiss her.

''Alright then…'' she started and pinched her nose nervously.

''Yeah… Um… It was fun. We- um- we should hang out more.'' He told her and shifted from one foot to another, his hands itching to touch her.

''Yes. That would be… wonderful.'' Rachel smiled stared into his eyes.

The tension was just too much. And Rachel could not hold it in anymore.

''If it's all right – I'm going to hug you now.'' She told him and did not even wait for his response. She stepped closer, raised her arms, hugged him around his neck and pulled him down. Puck was surprised for a moment but as soon as their bodies were touching he became calm and content and he hugged her back, sighing like a lovesick girl. His head was resting over her head as she was so small that her shoulder seemed too far – but he never felt so good as in that moment.

When they pulled apart and their faces were close, he was really about to just go for it and kiss her. And the better part of this was that she seemed even more eager to do what he wanted to do than he hoped.

''Noah! For Christ's sake!'' screamed Elly and made the two teens jump apart.

Rachel cleared her throat and glanced around. ''So… Um… Thank you for coming and … everything…'' she told him lamely and played with her hair curls.

''Um yeah… Then… See ya tomorrow.'' He told her, flushed in the face and quickly turned around and made his way to his car.

Was it strange when he could not stop thinking about her face and smile the whole day?