Nothing lived, nothing grew Till I loved you

Every sky ever gray, never blue

You were my friend, good friend

And sometimes I would wonder

Could the one to save me

Possibly be you?

The early morning sunlight felt warm on Rachel's face as she busied herself outside surrounded by the colorful flats of woodland violets, pink gerbera daisies, bluebells, and bright tulips that she and Daddy had bought at the Garden show with the intent of creating their own fairy path up the walkway to the house. Unfortunalty her fanciful fathers interest had been swept from fantasy into a busy workload leaving Rachel to tend to it in his stead but this was fine with her. It was such a lovely day for puttering in flowers which is why the tiny brunette ,kneeling in the grass, hardly mindful of the sheen of light dew on her knees immersed herself in the chore with delight.

After a vigorous work-out on the elliptical this morning and feeling quite happy with her stylish new do, Rachel was in a cheerful ,positive mood and though not an outdoor girl in the least, the sun and the sweet scent of blooms had spoken to her.

It only seemed natural that she sing to them as so many fairytale heroines did .

I was lost, I was blind

Till I loved you

wouldn't see, couldn't find someone new

You were my friend, good friend

Until that certain moment when I loved you

Finn ambled out of his pick up , a spring in his step, and his hand tucked into a pocket on his jean shorts to make sure the precious box that held his gift to Rachel was indeed still there. Yea, he hadn't misplaced it or lost it . Too important .

He heard his girlfriend before he spotted her, singing Barbra ,if he wasn't mistaken( he was pretty sure it was cause Rachel totally killed when she sang a soft Barbra song) and his heart thudded erratically against his chest at the sight that greeted him.

Rachel, surrounded by flowers in all colors, dressed in short denim shorts, a white oversized button down shirt with the sleeves rolled to her elbows and a hint of a pale yellow tank peeping at the top , her hands covered in pink gloves and to complete the picture , she wore a wide brimmed, floppy straw hat to shade her delicate skin from the rays of the sun. He was once again, awestruck by her beauty .

' What a pretty sight ' said Finn, approaching her with a half-grin.

Rachel looked up, pleasure and happiness lighting up her brown eyes at the sight of her handsome boyfriend.' Finn!' tossing her gloves on the grass, she launched herself in his arms and laughed in sheer joy as he lifted her up for a sweeping hug and a kiss.

She hugged him tightly around the neck,' Good morning'

' You look adorable ,' blurted out Finn,' like some angel playing in the flowers'

Her face softened at his heartfelt compliment,' Oh , that's very sweet, Finn'

'Cute outfit, too' Finn couldn't resist teasing her,' like the hat, babe'

She smacked his arm ,lightly then leaned in for a softer, light as a butterflies wing kiss that spoke of their adoration for one another.

'Not my usual style, I must admit,' confessed Rachel, ruefully,' but really its much more practical for tending to a flower garden. Aren't these woodland violets lovely?'

Finn glanced at them-they were purple and he was pretty sure he'd seen them at his house and mowed them over but whatever. " uh, sure,' answered Finn,' I didn't know you actually liked…planting flowers and stuff yourself, Rach'

'While I must admit that my hobbies mostly consist on my talents in music and performance arts ,' says Rachel, honestly,' I do occasionally enjoy puttering around

With flowers. When I was very young, Dad had the most beautiful rosebushes in the neighborhood and I loved helping him plant ,tend, and watch them spring to life'

" does your dad still have the rosebushes ?' inquired Finn,' cause you said had..'

' Only a few in the back,' says Rachel, wistfully,' I am afraid since Dad expanded the business to the greater Dayton area as well, he hasn't had much time with the roses'

' Sorry, baby,' Finn hugged her to the side,'maybe I could help you with that. You know my Mom is into all the flower gardens and stuff in the summer .I usually get stuck hauling all the fifty flats of flowers she buys ,and the mulch so I'm good with it'

' That would be nice,' beamed Rachel,' and I am sure that your mom appreciates all your help . I must remember to bring her some nice posies my next visit to your house'

"You don't have to bring Mom flowers,' insisted Finn,' she loves you' he paused , took her hand and just stared at her, watching the curiosity burning in her eyes.

' Your hair…you did something different with your hair'

She touched the bangs then played with a curl,' I did…do you like it?'

"Its shorter,'realized Finn, wrapping his finger around a curl,' and you have more curls or something. Its …really pretty '

' just a little change,' explained Rachel, nervously,' Kurt talked me into it. I was hesitant at first but well, I simply do love it. It's a bit more softer , I think'

' I like,' he kissed her again,' its pretty and so are you'

' Your being a very sweet boyfriend this morning, Finn' teased Rachel, smiling at him.

' that's just me,' shrugged Finn, swinging her hand,' come on, baby, I am going to take you out for a picnic in the park'

' Picnic,' asked an incredulous Rachel,' you packed a picnic for us?"

'yeah, I did,' Finn tugged her hat off of her head to press a kiss to her hair,' don't act so surprised. I can be romantic too, you know'

Her brown eyes went all soft on him ' I know how sweet and romantic you can be, Finn. I wasn't questioning that ..this is just a wonderful surprise'

' that was the idea,' replied Finn,' your not the only one in this relationship who is full of surprises. Go grab your shoes and things, Rach. I want to get our spot set up before the park gets really packed …'

'It's barely eleven, Finn' says Rachel, retrieving her gloves from the ground.

' It's also suppose to hit the 90's today,' remarked Finn,' the park will be packed'

' I just need a quick shower and time to change,' declared Rachel,' ten minutes'

He pulled her back to him, catching her by surprise, and he inhaled the sweet smell of her perfume .' baby, you smell fine,' assured Finn,' and you look hot in what your wearing plus it's a picnic. Just grab some sandals and your purse, Rachel'

Rachel chewed on her lower lip as she led him in the house.' these are my old clothes, Finn,' muttered Rachel,' and my knees are green. Just let me wash them , at least'

' I like the green knees,' joked Finn,' fine, go on but five minutes'

' did you remember to pack a blanket ?' asked Rachel, walking into the kitchen.

' Its in the truck with the basket,' assured Finn, tilting her chin up as their eyes locked,' you are beautiful in just about anything you wear. I love you, Rachel, but this is my surprise . Okay?"

' I love you too,' Rachel pressed her lips against his in an achingly ,sweet kiss,' just let me write me dad s a note and get my purse. '

' RACHEL' said Finn, affectionately.

' I just love surprises!' declared Rachel, excitedly as he watched her with his own grin.

Their relationship would never ever be boring.

SH

I can show you the world

Shining, shimmering , splendid ,' sang Matt, lifting Santana up onto his lifeguard perch at the park pool,' Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?'

'Matt, don't ,' protested Santana though her heart was slowly melting,' your acting like one of those…los..' she stopped herself short of calling him a loser because she hadn't meant it and he wasn't ,' we're not in glee right now so just…stop'

Matt folded his arms across his chest and stared at her, trying to guage her emotions.

Her dark eyes usually so guarded held a hint of softness during the song and God, she looked every inch the Arabian princess today . Her black hair was loose and almost wavy against her shoulders, she wore a white and gold bikini that was gorgeous but subtle and without her usual flash and it suited her better. A white sarong draped at her waist and gold hoops glittered in her ears and man, he was sucker punched for her.

' It's your favorite Disney song, princess,' said Matt , his voice low with pent-up desire he couldn't quite hide,' and you look like my very own, sexy princess, Santana '

'Oh Fuck' breathed Santana, her own breath hitching . Her knees actually wobbled a bit but there was no need for him to be aware of this new development. She wasn't used to the flowery words, swore that she didn't need them but the tiniest part of her did.

None of the others guys had ever considered this and that had been good with her.

Sex was sex. No need to get messy with emotions and shit.

She could be as casual as a guy but Matt was showing her different .

Everyday spent with him was something new and she was very afraid that somehow her heart had gotten back into the picture. It threw her off balance.

He knew this -they actually had managed to talk about this ,even.

Sneaky bastard.

' You know, Matt, you don't have to resort to that sappy shit for me to sleep with you,' reminded Santana, after all, I've been cool about doing things with us your way for a while now but aren't you tired of waiting …'

' I'll manage until you say the words, san,' Matt caught hold of her foot which was encased in sexy ,gold ,lace up sandals that were hotter ,' and I am just trying to give my girl a taste of romance. You know you don't fool me about not needing it, you forget that you made me sit through all those chick flicks when we were dating the first time'

' So, I like chic flicks,' shrugged Santana,' doesn't mean I need all of that. I don't…'

So if I found a genie or a magic carpet,' said Matt,' I couldn't sweep you away?'

She set her lips' Are you taking crazy lessons from Puckerman and Hudson ? You and I are good, Matt. I am good without all this….silly, romantic shit '

' Your eyes are telling me a different story' informed Matt, swooping in for a kiss. She lifted her leg, aiming to gently nudge him with her foot but he caught hold of it and pressed a kiss on her knee. ' take you wonder by wonder

Over, sideways, and under

On a magic carpet ride '

" if this is your idea of foreplay,' purred Santana , winding her arms around his neck,' it …is kind of hot , okay. Even though I think we can skip past that to the actual sex…'

God, wasn't Matt horny by now? She was going insane with wanting him and the closer they got, the more Santana really wanted to be with him but he had been holding strong to that stupid rule of his. She cared about him. wasn't that enough?

Couldn't she make it enough for him? She didn't know if she was capable of loving .

' tempted but no,' groaned Matt, inwardly ignoring his baser instincts that had him taking her on the wet tile in the pool's locker room but he had to be strong. Had to look at the big picture with her and right now , he was making progress,' your not ready to commit to me …to us all the way. Yet, Santana '

'Commit?' Her voice was hoarse,' whoa, we're dating. I gave you the exclusive thing, Rutherford, because I wanted to but don't go throwing around committed'

' My rules and terms,' reminded matt, firmly,' and you agreed to them. This is dating, san, and we're in a relationship and not screwing other people'

' Why do you keep fucking with my mind?' Santana hit his shoulder,' I don't like to be confused in this shit. I'm not …and cant you fucking leave them like it is ? I'd like to add in the sex cause I think it'll be way better than before with us because of all this new crap between us. '

Well, she was starting to show signs of being afraid and weakness which wasn't any part of who she was so Matt knew that this tug of war with her wasn't for nothing.

She was starting to cave into him and he hoped against hope, her heart opened .

' admit that you love me singing cheesy songs to you, san,' taunted Matt, leaning in close to her ,' admit that all this romantic shit makes you feel all girly'

She felt her lips twist into a small smile,' okay there might be some tingling ..'

Matt teased her lips' A whole new year'

Why,oh why, did he have to be the only guy in Lima to know her sad, sorry pre-teen obsession with Aladdin and jasmine ?

She teased his ear with a manicured red fingernail' A whole new world. A dazzling place I never knew but when I'm way up here, its crystal clear that now I'm in a whole new world with you'

' So I can take that for a yea' replied Matt, grinning widely at her .

' yea, I guess you can,' relented Santana, hesitation in her tone,' it is, Matt. Is that anywhere near what you want to hear from me?"

' It's a good start,' said Matt,' and I love you'

Her heart raced like a freight train at his words. " You really think I'm a freaking Disney princess?' blurted out Santana, surprising them both.

Growing up with Quinn fabray who looked every inch the Cinderella princess with her perfect skin and blonde hair, Santana had always felt so much less.

Not the ugly stepsister cause Santana was aware of how hot she was but never the princess. Deep within, she longed to be the princess or she had until her fathers affairs had shattered his marriage, destroyed Maria, and taken that notion right away from his daughter. Somehow, Matt was tapping into that at an alarming rate .

If she was smart , she needed to end this before her heart overrode it and snag somebody new. Some boy toys, arm-candy….but they wouldn't be Matt Rutherford.

'My smart ass princess ' added Matt, glancing over his shoulder at the pool.

Lots of parents with their kids playing in the shallow end and a few teenagers in the deep end. There was no screaming, no signs of danger, or drowning .

He was doing his job and paying extra attention to his girlfriend.

' I've been called everything from hot to bitch before ,' told a thoughtful Santana,' one hot bitch is probably one of my favorites but never a princess'

' No one else knows you like I do' it was that simple to Matt.

Santana allowed herself a moment to relax against him and hoped no one popular was paying them any attention. She was enjoying her summer and she didn't want to have to think about popularity or her reputation until it was absolutely necessary.

' I know I hurt you..before,' whispered the Latina over the lump of fear and uncertainty lodged in her throat,' dumping you like I did . We ….we were getting …closer so that's why I really ended it. I was a bitch to you but that's why'

' We don't need to do this here,' Matt gestured to the crowded pool,' might be better if we didn't . Aren't those girls freshman Cheerios ?"

She dismissed him and sucked in a breath,' no, I think I want , too'

' I don't know if I want to,' admitted matt,' its old, dirty laundry, San '

' look I still don't know how I feel about this sharing relationship but I don't go halfway,' went on Santana,' so, your giving me romance and shit which I kind of…like so my turn. Since I still haven't got you hot and bothered enough for you to stop being a chick about, I owe you some truths, I guess' his eyes were wary and he scanned the pool area once more then back on her,' Puck and I use each other , okay. Easy sex and it was a good arrangement …worked for both of us until he fell for fabray and knocked her up'

' I already figured that one' cut in Matt, gravely. He couldn't listen to her name all her sex partners and he wasn't that cool. He had a feeling at some point, he would be moved to do violence ,' you don't have to tell me. Its sort of …nice that you want to but don't . the guys and I hashed this out man to man after Sectionals and Baby gate ..'

However Santana had made up her mind and was determined before she changed her mind.' Finn meant less than nothing. He was business ,really. I needed a younger man so Sue wouldn't kick me off of the squad , he was all unhappy that Rachel was with Jesse so it was a win , win situation. I told him it would make her jealous and that's all the push he needed to come to my bed but seriously, Matt, nothing. Less that nothing '

' Stop,' Matt had hashed this out with the guys in an almost smack down so he was past it but he didn't need any more cold,hard facts or visual reminders,' I don't want or need a list. We weren't together and you never made it a secret that you slept around and I moved past that …with you…and them' he shuddered and imagined how difficult it must have been for nice girls like Quinn and Rachel to know how blatant and casual Puck and Finn had been in their separate flings with Santana. He meant what he said and they hadn't been together so she didn't owe him explanations but he cared and it had hurt when he had found out. The McKinley gossip mill was faster than anything in this town.

' Really, Santana, it means a lot that you want to be honest with me '

' I thought that's what you wanted,' accused Santana, eyes hot,' honesty. I hear Berry blathering on about that all the time to Hudson and I've heard Quinn go on about it to pucker man. This is fucking new territory and I am trying to do something to show you I care but I don't know what the fuck you want this relationship with me?"

She didn't like this brand new flood of emotions that he seemed to open up in her but they were here and damned if they didn't shake her up .

' You know….you know its only been sex with the other guys. Except with us…I have never, never, Matt, admitted that to a soul" She paused, piercing him with her direct gaze,' Not even Britt and she's the best friend that I have'

He took hold of her hands and watched her squirm and he was thankful that they were in a secluded corner for this conversation or surely he would already be fired for his lack of attention to his job. Santana liked her business public and this , the park pool, was about as public as it went and he just hoped he could keep her from yelling or being crude.

' No, this is what I want,' assured Matt,' you being honest with me. '

' I want to do something for you, Matt,' she rubbed her hand over his shaved head which was a total turn-on to her,' I suck at the mushy shit.I do better with showing you ..I want to show you how I feel about me…if you'll let me'

She rubbed her nose against the side of his face, scattering kisses on his jaw line' if you'll change your mind , Matt, and let me'

I love you and because I love you,' said Matt,' get tested for me, for us '

She let go of him as anger , like a hot fist in her chest, rammed inward as the hurt skidded along the edges of the insult.' ' Tested,' sputtered Santana, seeing all forms of rage,'you,you think I have ..diseases or something ? You lying cocksucker sack of shit, proclaiming you love me when you think I'm some sort of walking disease ho'

He gripped both of her arms before she could bolt.' You're the one that thinks your that,' Matt's voice was low but intent in his meaning,' not me. I have never called you that and I I was pissed off at you but …God, I just want to know your safe. '

' I was and am always safe' informed Santana , ice in her blood.

' good then if you even care for me just a fraction ,' went on matt,' do this for us'

"Us'

God, why was he asking this of her? She wasn't stupid, he never treated her like that.

It was all so much and felt like sensory overload was going on in her brain and she couldn't think. It was all jumbled and fucking screwed up and they were an us.

Us was intimacy. She had let him in and now he was asking for more.

' Your not Aladdin ' spat out the young woman,' your not a fucking prince. This isn't some stupid fairytale or pretty Woman…..'

' I know,' Matt's hands gentled on her arms,' don't go back to where you used to be'

She almost didn't hear his soft plea of 'please'but she did.

It was as if they were dangling on a delicate precipice on that magic carpet ride that was Matt and Santana's relationship.

' I cant go back to where I used to be….' sang Santana , under her breath,' but I'll do this'

He breathed a sigh of thanks as he held her close, whispering his thanks and love.

She relinquished her hold on the rest of her controlled emotions and as he gave her a sense of warmth, Santana realized with absolutely no uncertainty that she was falling for Matt Rutherford again and she was completely without a doubt, terrified.

Terrified and the happiest that she had ever been.

SH

" Your right ,' says Rachel, taking in the laughter of the children playing on the jungle gym, made a quick reach for her boyfriends hands as two ten year olds raced past them on skateboards as they came upon a quieter spot ,' it is a perfect day for a picnic, Finn"

' I have my moments ' Finn gave her a lopsided smile that turned her upside down.,' I like this spot, Rach. ' It was really grassy and shaded by large trees,' it looks pretty private and we wont be that close to the trails which means more privacy'

' You have a good eye' smiled Rachel, unfolding the plaid blanket and spreading it out with a keen eye and precision until it was just right,' there. I think that'll do'

He dropped his mom's old basket on the ground and flopped down beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist and loving the feel of her in his arms. ' I figured you'd like it'

She rested her head against his heart, feeling it beat against her ear . ' I do,' says Rachel,' um, did you want to set up our picnic now? I must admit I am a little curious as to what our menu is for this impromptu lunch you have planned for us'

' Let's wait a while,' said Finn,' I love this park. When I was a kid, Mom took me here all the time to just run and play and do stupid stuff ten year old kids do'

Rachel imagined a cute ten year old Finn chasing other kids through the playground and laughed to herself. Would their children have his brown hair and energy ?

She hoped so but that was her dreams and she and Finn were hardly ready to discuss their far into the future that included marriage and their children.

She was blissfully happy and content being with the man of her dreams and of her heart.

' I was in ballet and dance classes when I was ten. I loved it and I still do'

' your pretty doing all those ballet moves,' Finn nuzzled against her neck,' I love watching you. I didn't think I was cause I always thought they were lame but you look really soft ..'

" Thank you' Rachel bit back a laugh at his interpretation ,' I work incredibly hard to make my movements appear soft and effortless…but we were talking about you. '

' I want to hear more about your memories of this park, Finn'

' I have tons of em,' went on Finn,' I'll have to take you out to the playing field '

He watched her look of confusion and cuddled her closer,' the ballpark, babe. When I was a kid, me and puck played all of the Little leagues out here '

' Baseball ' understood Rachel, placing her hands over his,' I must say, Finn, I have always admired your grace and agility in football and basketball but is there any sport that you don't play ? I know you prefer football to basketball though its more aggressive '

' That's part of the fun,' chuckled Finn,' hitting the ground after tackling the enemy'

' if you say so…so you enjoy all sports ?'

' Not all of them,' answered Finn,' you know I've never really gotten into volleyball. Know lots of dudes totally into the game but not really my thing . I also don't get lacrosse which I guess is kind of like hockey and im love that but lacrosse sounds weird'

' Isn't it a sport predominant to Britain?"

' I don't know about that,' Finn's brows furrowed in confusion,' but I think it's a girls game. You know who kicks ass in volleyball though is matt ..he's dangerous'

' I would have never imagined,' commented Rachel,' but then I would never imagine Matt would be interested in Santana. I like him as a friend and I fear she'll hurt him'

' sometimes a guys got to do his thing, Rach,'replied Finn,' I mean, Puck and her are some sort of friends there, too. Matt must really be into her and even though I don't really like Santana much, I gotta respect the guys knows his own feelings '

He kissed the shell of her ear and felt her purr .' like I know mine for you'

She touched the side of his face lightly, loving the warmth in his eyes , the mole on his cheek, the crinkles around the corners of his eyes and considered herself to be very lucky.

Finn could be quite a romantic guy when he wanted to be and she was fortunate that she was his girlfriend and on the receiving it as it were. ' This is so nice, Finn,' murmured Rachel,' relaxing in your arms and learning more about one another'

' I think its pretty cool, too' agreed Finn,' so since we're discussing all of this..emotional stuff and our likes and stuff, my turn. Are pink daisies really your favorite or did you just say they were cause I gave you one before class? Cause I know you deserve roses and I ..well, me and the guys had to listen to Kurt explain about roses and girls…and I know flowers are sort of a big deal and all'

Rachel pressed a kiss to the back of his hand.' Roses are exquisite,' explained Rachel,' and I have no doubt that during my rise to fame as a star, I will receive them on a regular basis however that doesn't change the fact that pink daisies are still my favorite'

He eyes her with suspicion.' Your not saying that to hurt my feelings?"

'No, silly,' assured Rachel,' pink daisies are my favorite.'

He kissed her hair and ran a hand gently down her leg' Good, I had hoped I wasn't wrong cause I know you, Rachel. You know I think your beautiful and sometimes you just take my breath away…your passionate and crazy which drives me nuts and is like totally hot, and your sweet and compassionate and I wish everyone would see that about you and I don't know if I ever told you all of this but I love everything about you'

Tears glistened in her eyes as a bright smile lit up her face,' You're my best friend '

' Your mine, too, Rach,' continued Finn, feeling brave and courageous as he pushed through ,' and your special. I think I got that the first time we met, the first time I heard you sing and it ..you woke something in me. I know being in a relationship is hard especially when its forever …and that's how I feel about us..that it'll take work cause your kind of controlling sometimes and your you and we'll probably argue and fight about stuff. People that love each other a lot like we do…fight sometimes'

' Which means that when we do that we'll just have to work through our problems together ,' added Rachel,' because we're worth all the fight and effort'

She smoothed her lower lip and turned her long lashes on him,' Forever ?'

' faithfully,' answered Finn, his throat deep with emotion direct from hid heart ,' I mean, we love each other and we are meant for each other. We've been through so much crap to finally be able to be here and in love though I have always been in love with you but I figure we're long term, Rachel. I want us to be the whole long -term deal with us…and I hope that you want that for us, too'

' Oh Finn,' Rachel sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck, loving him so much more than she ever imagined ,' how can you even ask me that ? Of course I do….I feel exactly the same way…you're the love of my life. You own my heart …I love you'

She peppered his face with sweet, frantic kisses ,' Oh, and how you think you are awful with words when that was the most romantic thing I have ever heard, Finn Hudson'

' Sit down for a sec, baby,' Finn said, quietly, urging her onto the blanket,' please'

' Your being awfully serious this afternoon, Finn' Rachel pulled a frown, not understanding.

' we've been in love for a long time but we're just now really together,' said a nervous Finn, who had practiced his speech repeatedly to himself at least a dozen times then three on his Mom ,' but I wanted to get you something special to show you how much you mean to me' He took out a small ,velvet box from his pocket and handed it to her,' that says I love you and that I am proud to have you as my girl ..and that I want everyone to know it, too'

Her hand flew to her mouth as a tear slid down her cheek as Rachel gasped at the delicate gold chain that lay nestled in the box and the words 'FINN' hanging from the chain.

'Ohhhhh….Finn' spluttered Rachel, hand on her heart as the meaning behind his gift threatened her speechless,' I…its beautiful. I love it….I love you'

She traced the lines of his name,' I should probably …tell you how barbaric and caveman it is but I don't care…its wonderful and I love it . I just love it'

' good' said a satisfied Finn, inordinately thrilled with her response,' lets see how it looks'

He fumbled ,lifting the necklace out of the box,' Lift your hair, Rach"

Her voice caught in her throat,' It's the most thoughtful, loving present I have ever received….I'll never take it off. I..I don't even know what to say..'

He chuckled , fastened the clasp and kissed the soft skin there.' That's a first'

'There…' said Finn, huskily,' now everyone will know your mine'

She saw only the look of pure love and adoration behind his eyes and pounced on him, eagerly.' Its perfect and so are you. I love that you thought of it' she kissed his jaw' I love you ' Rachel 's lips moved oh so softly across his face , driving him wild.

He tugged on the loops of her jean shorts and pulled her body tight into his ' No doubts.'

Their eyes met and locked with the same powerful love and desire.' Of course not'

' I don't either,' whispered Finn , against the soft skin of collarbone,' but I need for you to know that I don't have any ..no more doubts at all about us, babe'

' I believe you, Finn,' reassured Rachel, knowing exactly what he needed as she pressed her forehead against his,' thank you for loving me'

' I love you so damn much, Rachel' declared Finn as their lips met in the kind of kiss that was soul shattering, love affirming, heart rendering beautiful and true.

' OH MY GOD, its Finn and Rachel,' exclaimed Quinn, nostrils flaring in disgust as she caught a sight of the couple as she and Puck pushed Beth in the stroller along the walkway ,' why are they suddenly everywhere we go! I cannot even spend a day out with my family without running into their sickening displays of love!"

In the stroller, Beth looked up at the sound of irritation in her mothers voice and made baby talk as if to question why she was so upset and raising her voice.

Puck took the stroller from his girlfriend, glanced at the couple making out on the blanket, then back at Quinn. Berry must have loved the necklace Finn had given her!

He was totally gonna score for that ! And he had made a nice profit from that sale..

' Are you having post-partum, Quinn/? Cause I know Berry and Hudson are gross but you get used to them after a while and we actually have only seen them in glee '

Quinn ran a tired hand through her fine blonde tresses and realized she probly needed a trip to the salon. Scratch that, maybe Mercedes could trim her hair because she wasn't comfortable letting her Mother do the usual things for her these days.

' I know and I'm just being a bitch,' relented Quinn, reaching out to stop him from pushing the stroller so that they could talk,' frankly, I don't even really care about them. I am strangely enough glad that Finn is happy with Rachel ..'

' So, what's the problem,' asked Puck, taking hold of her hand,' I thought you were excited about us taking Beth to the park together. '

' I am,' admitted Quinn,' but its everything, Puck. Look at me, I am a Teen Mom'

' you're a hot Mom,' stated puck, afraid her hormones were going nuts after,' and we don't have problems like they do except for your asshole dad '

She moved closer and indicated her outfit; white capris, and a loose blue eyelet blouse that she had worn during her pregnancy.' I cant lose all my baby weight ,' rattled on Quinn, feeling tears close to the surface,' these are my maternity clothes …I cant fit into my good capris yet. I didn't curl my hair because I had to feed Beth and to top it off, Mom is overcompensating and suffocating me because she let dad in the house '

'It's all too much sometimes, Puck, and I just don't know if I'm doing the right thing'

He turned her around and noticed how close to tears she was and he couldn't handle her tears; he thought she was done with that after she had Beth but she still cried a lot.

'' You look hot even with the couple extra pounds,' Puck tried to help,' I mean, your not fat . I have always liked that outfit on you so who cares if its maternity or shit? I mean if its such a big deal or whatever, I bet Hummel and Mercedes could take you shopping if its just the after pregggo thing that's freaking you out '

' What I need is to fit into my old clothes,' Quinn's voice was shrill,' not buy new '

' You could work out with Berry,' Puck lifted a brow and hoped she wouldn't kill him for suggesting it,' Hudson mentioned how she works out on that elliptical thing every morning at like six. I could watch B while you work out cause I'm thinking your not cool with working out with Britt and Santana right now'

' Listen to Rachel's super cheeriness first thing in the morning " dismissed Quinn,' I don't know if I can handle that without wanting to do something violent '

He spread his hands in defeat,' don't know what to tell you then, babe. I guess your Mom could watch b for us if you wanted to run with me a couple times in the morning '

' Have you not been listening to me?' asked an indignant Quinn,' Mom is half the problem. I know she's trying but I don't feel like she has any control , I mean she let Daddy in the house and practically ignored our daughter ! I do not want to turn into her…I refuse to be that type of mother to our daughter'

'Come here' Puck pulled her in his arms, holding her and smoothing her hair,' you may have Judy's hotness, Quinn, but your not like her. Beth knows her mom loves her but here's what I think we need to do and you got to let me do it'

She sighed,' Noah, we talked about this a dozen times. I did our budget..'

' so did I,' interrupted Puck, confident in this arena ,' your not the only one who knows how to survive, Quinn. We have to move out …you and Beth need to move out and I just need to iron out a couple things before we get our own place'

' I know you mean well,' Quinn touched his heart,' its sweet of you, Puck, it really unless we are living in the Lima crack house district , we cant afford it with my savings, the programs we're on, and both of our part time jobs'

''hey now, I wouldn't go that far,' Puck rubbed his hands soothingly down her arms,' we can get a decent place in town. …nothing in your neighborhood but trust me'

'I do trust you ,' admitted Quinn,' and I think I'm done with Dudley road '

'me too,' Puck kissed her soundly,' so your cool with me finding us a place'

' yes,' answered Quinn with a warning glint in her hazel eyes,' no drug dens/'

'hey, I wouldn't set us up in someplace that wasn't safe for us to raise Beth,' countered Puck, stubbornly,' we can stay with my Mom and Jessica till I get things all squared away with our place. I need to stop by and see them anyhow so just leave this to me'

' Your Mom still hates me' pouted Quinn, well aware that she was being a bitch.

'So make her like you , like I did your mom,'said Puck,' I know you can manage that .I'm working on using her Jewish guilt on her …its either my moms .or yours'

' I cant believe I thought you were a delinquent ' teased Quinn, teasing him with a kiss.

' never question my bad-assness,' grinned Puck, kissing her back,' or that I love you'

Beth made a noise as if adding her agreement or letting them know she was still there.

' Sorry, Bethasarus,' Puck bent down to look at his daughter in the stroller,' mommy and daddy didn't mean to ignore you …'

' how is it that our life was much easier when I was pregnant, giving her up, and living with you and pretending we didn't love each other ?"

' because we changed things when I started thinking about naming her ,' explained Puck,' after naming her Beth, it was easier to be in a relationship and be in love plus how could we not keep her once we saw her, babe/? She's the best of both of us'

' Your such an ass but your right,' Quinn patted his back ,watching him fuss with Beth's little sandals,' but your right. In case I forgot to mention it , I do love you'

' We love you too, Momma ' puck blew her a kiss and Beth gurgled and pumped her fist.

' She is most certainly your daughter ' said an amused Quinn as he took her from the stroller and held her . It was such a tender sight and her eyes misted a bit at it.

' She's daddy 's girl, aren't you?' puck talked to his daughter who stared intently at him.

'She is ' Quinn pressed a kiss to her downy soft hair,' but little one, you are way too young to start following after your daddy and beating mean kids up'

' Beth is a Puckerman,' stated puck,' she can defend herself when she's older'

' OH MY God,' exclaimed Carole Hudson, striding towards them still in her nurses scrubs and walking beside Burt Hummel,'Quinn, Noah, hello. Is this your baby?"

Puck and Quinn exchanged nervous smiles because of their residual guilt in lying to Finn about Beth in the first place. He had forgiven them and somehow they had moved past it but this was his mother and that was a completely different story.

' Mrs. Hudson, Mr. Hummel,' greeted Quinn, ever polite,' this is a surprise '

' Yea, Carole,' said puck,' this is our Beth …'

' she's lovely,' smiled Carole,' and I am on a break . Burt and I were just taking a little stroll before I have to get back to work ..'

' I promised Carole a couple of dogs and some cokes for lunch' told Burt

Carole moved in closer to examine the baby then sent a warm smile towards this young man that had always been the childhood best friend of her son.' She is a beautiful baby, Noah,' expressed Carole,' she has your nose , I think, and Quinn's coloring '

' thanks,' breathed Puck, visibly relaxing,' I think she's pretty gorgeous for a baby'

'She is an awfully pretty baby,' commented Burt,' this the little one that Kurt ordered that fancy little gold dress for ? I think he called it the baby Regionals dress ?"

' Its exactly like our Regional dresses, Mr. Hummel,' Quinn pulled out her cell to scroll up the pictures,' Beth looks so precious in it. I want to get pictures of me and her in it once I've..once I can fit into my dress again and I'm hoping to get one with all the girls and Kurt. You do know that Mercedes is her Godmother …'

' So I hear,' chuckled Burt , smiling at the pretty baby in gold,' good picture '

' Auntie Kurt is going to spoil her ' gushed Quinn,' he's been wonderful for her'

' Uncle ' spoke up puck who was showing Beth off to Carole,' the dude and I covered this. Beth wont understand why she's calling him that till she's like 5 or something '

' Its his choice, not ours' stated Quinn,' he wants to be called auntie Kurt and that is fine by me. ' then embarrassed by their little argument, she flushed and sent the adults wan smiles,' I'm sorry but we don't agree on this at all. '

' Ah , my boy will stick with whatever is stuck in his craw he wants,' dismissed Burt, knowingly,' your probably stuck with Beth calling him Auntie Kurt cause I have heard him and Mercedes talking about your kid here. Just let him have the title , Puck'

' right , ' agreed Puck as carole handed his daughter back to him.

' Well, Carole, we should leave the kids alone ,' Burt placed a protective hand on her back,' get us a couple of dogs before your breaks over, hon'

"Your right ,' said Carole,' it was good to see you kids again" She took hold of Burt's arm as they strolled past the young couple heading in the direction of the concession stand.

She leaned into him, slightly.' I love babies. It has been a long time since Finn was ever that little..course he was a big baby when he was that age' She let out a chuckle,' My boy'

'Now he's nearly a grown man and love struck. Where does the time go?"

' it does seem to fly by,' Burt put his arm around her,' Kurt was such a tiny little thing when he was born. " he blew out a breath,' nowadays I get this feeling that he's really lonely with Mercedes having a boyfriend now and all his friends coupling up . I know he wants that too and I hate that I cant do anything about that cause he deserves to find someone special .God, Carole, I am terrified he's gonna get hurt'

' I understand,' commiserated Carole,' Finn had to grow up fast when Quinn lied and told him he was going to be a father and while I hate what he had to go through, he matured a lot from it. Now Quinn and Puck are going to have to grow up fast and be parents but you know , I just think its all a part of growing up '

SH

' Whoo hoo ,push me higher !" screamed Mercedes in delight as Bo gave the swing a push and she pumped her legs, exhilarated as if she was seven sixteen.

' isn't it about my turn?' teased Bo , grabbing the swing to stop it as she came back down and he held tight to the chains , bending in for a quick kiss,' Huh, Mercedes?"

She ruffled his hair ,' I thought you liked the monkey bars'

' I do but swings come in second,' said Bo, kneading the small of her back,' besides I am not fighting those evil eight years olds over there for a shot on them'

' I think you could probably take them, Bo' Mercedes let out a purr,' this was a good idea.'

' Well I figured you were needing some downtime from my lunch with your family the other day ,' Bo tugged on her bright purple scarf around her hair then took a seat in the swing beside her as well as taking her hand,' I know I passed the inquisition '

' I was never so embarrassed in all my life when dad started asking your intentions and what your religion is, I could have crawled under the table' Mercedes shook her head in dismay,' I should have invited Kurt to distract them. He's great at that'

"It wasn't that bad and your family is really great,' he pressed a kiss on her big gold ring,' they just love you and it shows. My family puts the dis in dysfunctional'

' You know my thoughts on April,' growled Mercedes,' do you really want me to repeat?"

' No,' Bo got a far away look in his eye as if he was remembering another earlier time,' you know when Pam and me were little kids , Mom used to take us here every Sunday when she and dad were still deciding on the whole marriage thing. She was usually sober and all momish those days …pammy loved the slides but Mom and I would swing and sing side by side. Somewhere Over the Rainbow…that's what we would sing'

' That sounds like an awfully good memory to me, Bo'

' That was before she went on her adventures chasing her dreams of the big time or rich men,' countered Bo, ' or whatever was more important to her than her kids'

' Just stop this, Bo" ordered Mercedes, stopping and walking over to wrap her arms around his neck and holding tight to him,' I know April hurt you. You cant keep torturing yourself like this and if you want your relationship with April to change then you have got to stop whining about it and just go talk to her about it'

' She hasn't left yet. I've been waiting for her to pick it up and head to New York but she's still here and leaving me insane messages on my voicemail'

Mercedes was quiet because she knew he wasn't looking for her to answer ; he needed to work through and find this answer on his own and she was a good listener.

' April is right in town but I really miss her. I miss my mom'

' Are you ready to tell her that ?" questioned Mercedes, softly.

' I think I am' he kissed her knuckles,' honey, this ring is killer on my being romantic '

Mercedes chuckled at her bling.' My bling is fashionable and my thing '

' totally understand that but that's a huge ass ring ' chuckled Bo,' I'll buy you a smaller one'

Her heart pinged and she closed her eyes, wanting and knowing they weren't there.

' I don't need you to buy me any rings, Bo . Just go talk to your Mom'

' Sassy, sexy, and strong,' Bo moved in for another kiss that took her breath away,'I am so very glad you and Kurt were fighting that day outside of Hot Topic'

' Me too' She kissed him back,' not that I like fighting with my best friend'

' So I should thank Kurt instead,' joked Bo,' gotcha'

She nudged his shoulder and rested her head against his shoulder,' I really like you, Bo'

' Just like me,' teased back Bo, playfully,' not like, like?"

Mercedes slapped his hand away.' This isn't 7th grade, Bo'

' I was going with Saved By the Bell lingo for like, like but seventh grade works too'

' you're a NUTCASE,'mercedes gave in and kissed him again,' I don't know what I see in such a pop culture reject like yourself, Bo Rhodes'

He dropped a kiss on her nose' cause I am insane over your hot curves and your beautiful smile,' Bo was sincere,' and you make me feel like Duckie at the end of Pretty in Pink'

"Your comparing me to a skinny white girl with high hair and shoulder pads, BO?"

'YOUR all my favorite women combined in a curvy, gorgeous you, Mercedes,' He tucked a short strand of black hair behind her ear,' and I'm over the moon for you'

' Back to the future' quipped Mercedes, trying and failing miserably at steadying her heart. Oh god, she had been afraid this would happen and thought she had prepared herself for it-she was a realistic girl but now it had happened .

She didn't want to fall, had been afraid to but how could she not ?

And Sweet Jesus, and I am telling you? Dear God, help her heart!

'I love you ,' bo didn't mince words,' everything about you, Mercedes Jones'

Her throat clogged, she reached for it and his hand found hers and she was lost.

' thank you'

Bo could only gape at his girl , dumbfounded . He was so sure that she felt the same as he did and he'd spent 20 minutes discussing when was the right time to tell her with Kurt.

Kurt knew her best and dammmit , why was she just staring at him?

Generally the other girls he had dated before her would have been all about those words and Mercedes was thanking him. The girl was the ultimate diva , where was her proclamations of love ? He was really starting to panic here and Kurt Hummel was seriously going to pay for his bad advice.

'Not what I was expecting at all,' stumbled Bo, picking himself back up,' this is like our big, epic movie moment and I waited for the right moment and everything '

' you know I care about you, Bo,' Mercedes moved away from him, trying to sort through her jumbled emotions,' you know that cause I like knowing where we stand. My Mom's always been real clear with my dad on stuff like that and I'm cool with that but are we more than just a summer night ? I don't mean to be mean , I just need to know'

' We're us ,' Bo followed her ,' we're Mercedes and Bo. Here and now '

' so you've finally decided that your going to stay in town,' challenged Mercedes, hating every word that spilled from her lips but too afraid to give in to the truth of the matter,' your gonna go to Lima community college, study to become a chef in Ohio, and we're going to continue our relationship until I graduate from high school?'

' I have more than enough time to decide all of that,' Bo wrapped his arms around her , sensing this sudden sadness flowing from her aura ,' I haven't exactly decided on the whole chef thing anyhow , honey. You know I haven't , I told you that but that has nothing to do with you and me….that's not important '

' it kind of is, Bo,' said Mercedes, softly,' maybe more than us '

'

" Do you love me ,' Bo wouldn't give up. He cuddled her closer and felt her relax ,' even just the slightest bit, my Mercedes?"

She bit her lip and met his startling eyes that always got to her.' A ..little '

'That wasn't so painful,' countered Bo, pleased but afraid to press and spook her more than she was already. She was sixteen, he was eighteen , and he understood that she was new to relationships and romance even if this was a milestone in theirs,' was it?'

" Not until you break my heart in two '

' I will always love you' deadpanned Bo, making her laugh ,' love you'

' My very own Kevin cosner' Mercedes reveled in the happiness of being in love even though her troubled heart said it wouldn't last .

SH

Brittany walked along the edge of the water, mindful of the old men playing checkers on the bench and the little kids fishing on the other side of the park ,as she opened the loaf of bread and began to meticulously tear several slices into little pieces and throwing them towards a family of ducks that were swimming. She wasn't in the best of moods after another fight with her mom about her'Wild ways' needing tamed and Santana hadn't even bothered to answer her texts. She really had lost all interest in adding anymore notches to her four poster bed because thirty-three was a good number.

Not as impressive as Santana's but Maria had put a stop to those notches last year.

She hadn't bothered with much make-up knowing that she was hot with just the basics and three coats of mascara , she was dressed for comfort in a pair of short ,black spandex pants and had thrown a long ,green and white tank top over it.

It's not like any hot guys would stop her for some flirting when she was feeding ducks.

'here duckies, look at all the wheat bread ,' called out Brittany, as the Mama Duck seemed to hear her and pecked into the water,'eat all you want. it's a much better diet for you than worms all the time and I have enough for all of your duck families '

Mike jogged aimlessly down the footpath , no real destination in mind, thinking about his ever growing guilt that was in the form of Tina Cohen-Chang and the fact that he felt like a real prick for even kissing her in the first place. Man, Artie was his friend and he had turned down another invite on Halo out of guilt and it was eating him up ,literally.

He needed to talk to Tina about it but she seemed quieter around him(it wasn't helping that their mothers had teamed up hoping for some Asian fusion between them ) which led him to believe that she hadn't told her boyfriend yet. Not that there was anything to tell because if he looked into his heart and all that emotional shit, Mike knew he hadn't gotten over one Brittany . He was hoping her phase would be on the way out so that he could try to convince her they were worth another shot .

Maybe it was the fact that he was thinking about her but yanking out his ear buds, Mike veered off the path spotting the willowy blonde chatting to the ducks as if they were her best friends. He laughed to himself and slowed until he stood beside her, waiting .

' Bad reputations are supposed to make everyone like you more,' chatted the blonde in all earnestness,' but I don't know how true that is anymore. I mean I've had sex with at least three college guys but one of them called me Bobbi and that's not my name ..'

' Brittany ,' asked Mike,' what are you doing here all by yourself ?"

She turned her eyes on him, recognizing him easily by the musky soap he always wore- no other jock ever smelled as good as he did.' Hi mike '

' Santana isn't with you ?' inquired mike, looking around for the other girl.

' oh, no, San is life guarding with Matt at the pool,' answered Brittany, thoughtfully,' you remember what I said that time at McDonalds ? I am right - she's finally let it happen'

Which Mike translated from Britt speak easily enough.' She loves Matt '

' Pretty sure of it,' answered Brittany,' Santana has practically spent every day with him . I would know because all of her texts is something about him and Maria said she's been spending loads of time with him. I don't think its all sex either cause he wont give it '

Mike let an an embarrassed cough and squeezed her hand,' hopefully this is good'

He knew that Matt was resolved that he would do whatever it would take this time.

He just hope the guy didn't get a stake in the heart instead.

' The mallards very good listeners ?' asked mike, casually. She had been heartbroken when her pet duck had been discovered dead in her locker at school last year.

' The ballads are very insightful, mike,' smiled the girl,' but you know that. I think these are related to the same ballads that you took me to visit last spring right here'

He pretended to study them ,' Extended family, maybe '

She flicked her eyes to their hands and thought it felt nice, she had always liked holding hands with Mike. ' You know I was just telling Louie that I thought if I did everything right this summer then maybe I'd feel more like I could have a shot towards Head Cheerio instead of just another lieutenenant in Sue's squad but I don't '

' You haven't been having a good summer' it wasn't a question.

' Not really ,' admitted Brittany, tossing a slice into the water, carelessly ,' glee has been fun but I have been really lonely. This must be what Rachel felt like before Finn lost his mind and decided to be with her, I mean. It's not a really good feeling '

' I don't suppose that it is but the summer isn't over yet, Britt' reminded mike

'The only other thing is that now I'm super tanned and even more hotter '

She bent forward, taking his lips in a kiss and smiling into him' there '

" Britt ?' Mike tugged on her hand ,' what ..'

' I still love you but I want to know about you and Tina ' Brittany waited for him, expectantly ,' you check her out a lot in glee. I know you check her out because I check you out all of the time and you have been sitting behind her and artie lately '

' I wasn't checking out Tina,' insisted Mike,' with all of her feminist thing, I wouldn't dare. She'd kill me but I do think we have some of the prettiest girls in glee'

' I'm way hotter than Tina is, mike ' pouted an unsure Brittany,' but I'm not Asian '

' I wouldn't want you to be,' Mike closed the distance between them and gathered her in his arms ,' and the truth is I am still really into you '

There was hope visible in her eyes that always reminded him of Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe all rolled into one but he had a weird, romantic eye .'

'Even if I'm a mean, horrible slut ?' asked Brittany , innocently.

' You are not any of those things,' corrected Mike,'I would never lie to you'

She wound her arms tightly around his neck and squeezing it ,tightly .

' Can we get back together now or do I have to try dating artie ?"

He laughed,' I was hoping you wanted us to get back together, Britt'

' Goody,' trilled the girl, bounding up and down on her heels,' I never should have broken up with you at the beginning of summer. I was very wrong '

' I think I can forgive you for it,' Mike kissed her ear,' I know my mom was awfully hard on you because your Dutch . I will make her be nicer to you , I swear it '

' oh, I've never really liked your Mom either so its not a big deal,' assured Brittany ,' besides I'm dating you. I wouldn't want to date anyone else in your family'

'dad might be heartbroken over that,' teased Mike,' he thinks your hot'

' Your Dad has really good taste' she kissed him, happily,' I really did miss you'

' me, too,' Mike swung her hand ,' you want to finish letting the ducks in on our getting back together ? Cause that's completely cool if you do…'

' No,' Brittany glanced over her shoulder,' I'll tell them later '

' they like the juicy make out stuff, right ?' joked mike, as she waved at the old men.

' They like all the sexy stuff,' deadpanned Brittany,' you know Mrs. Duckie is having an affair with Bill the main goose down the waterway so she doesn't get love at all'

He didn't even want to touch that one-that was just his girls overactive, childlike imagination in a half-woman/half-child form. Its what made her Brittany .

' You want to go make out for a while or hit the pool,' brought up Mike,' we could steal Matt's old boom box and put on a show for the kiddies '

' Oh, we haven't danced together in ages !' Brittany clung to his neck, excitedly,' and our dance lessons we wanted to teach this summer! I bet we could still get students…'

She let go of his hand, swiveled her hips in a provocative manner and what could have easily been picked up from a Brittney spears video, she sashayed towards him and her partner pulled her against his chest then let go as she spun and spun, wildly.

' I don't think that's our style ,' laughed Brittany ,' too much rumba in it to be fun'

"Old school hip hop,' Mike pop and locked ,' my way, not '

'With some Brittney and Madonna thrown in for the girls ,' Brittany grabbed his hand, practically dragging him towards the park pool,' I bet we'll get tips '

Glad that she wasn't like all of the other girls and that they were on the same wavelength made for a better getting back together , he didn't question it or worry about her motives.

They were a couple again.

He was glad that he had decided to hit the park or he wouldn't be following her now.

Life was starting to fall back into place…' Britt, wait up!'

SH

Sam Evans eyes were shaded beneath his sunglasses as he leaned coolly against his camaro, his cell in hand, as he busied himself with taking in Lima's park with an observant eye and wondered why he was dragging his feet on this date.

He wasn't in the least nervous but he was still uncomfortable in this tiny cow town and he didn't have the best judgment when it came to making new friends .

He wasn't going to think like this-that was in the past. New town, new year.

He scrolled thru Kurt Hummels' Facebook page with ease of a veteran on the site , ignoring statuses that he had stayed up reading the past night and went through the short list of friends that his new friend . There were about 13 and two were obviously teachers.

It clearly didn't say much on Kurt's popularity at school here .

Still he couldn't deny that the fashionable dude was really nice, even if he sounded like faith Hill on the links that he had sent him but whatever.

The friend invite had come through easily and accepted in kind .

Rachel , the tiny brunette with the killer gams, had been right ; Kurt was witty.

Sam was a simple guy who appreciated people with a good sense of humor.

He and Kurt had talked via the phone as well as face book several times already and although he didn't exactly understand half the stuff the guy was talking about, it was still nice to have made a new friend in him.

He didn't make friends easily , he wasn't good at it. Lima would be different .

Why did he keep having to remind himself of this ? Be cool, Sam.

Sam really wanted to make a good impression, to fit in, hang with the super cool kids so when Kurt had issued the invitation to hang out at the park with him, he'd said yes right off the bat. Which probably wasn't cool at all but it was hard to tell since he'd went to an all boys school last year …besides Kurt had a nice,little inner circle of friends.

Sam was hoping to be included among them.

Just judging by what he'd seen and skimmed in their profiles , most of the guys seemed pretty cool or looked liked they would be cool to be friends with.

There were also some really hot girls ,too.

Rachel Berry was pretty in an unconventional way and true to her word, had already accepted his friend request shortly after he had accepted Kurt's .

Quinn fabray- he couldn't get past her picture . Silky blonde hair, hazel eyes, just beautiful and that porcelain skin made him think of princesses and china dolls.

The Gothic one-Tina something or the other, was kind of cute if one went for that look.

The heavy pink eye shadow kind of freaked him out though.

Mercedes -that girl had curves in all the right places and was Kurt's BFF. He wouldn't want to cross her or that could spell a world of hurt for him, he was sure.

He hadn't exactly met anyone besides Kurt and Rachel but he was optimistic.

Sam blew out a breath, running a hand through his shaggy hair making it appear tousled , when the text came in .

I see that you are fashionably late or I hope for the fashion part, Sam(:

I am waiting for you by the picnic table by the concession . K

Typing quickly , Sam answered him back, tucked the Blackberry back into his pocket , and found himself ambling into the park, a stranger in a new land.

For a town the size of Lima, this was more like a state park with winding trails and sidewalks for bicyclists and joggers moving to the rhythm of whatever was playing on their mp3's , a couple making out beneath a oak tree oblivious to the canopy of sounds that surrounded them. He stopped allowing a grandmotherly type dressed in a hideous orange velour tracksuit walk her poodle that had hair in the same ridiculous style as its owner and paused to take in the sounds and laughter of children chasing one another and hanging upside down from the monkey bars and the jungle gym.

Sam turned ,only to get distracted when a whir of black hair on rollerblades zoomed past him ' Watch where your going !' Sam called out, startled as he was nearly taken out or his leg was by an insane person in a wheelchair .

' HEY! You almost killed me here !' shouted an indignant Sam, rubbing his thigh.

' Sorry , sorry' called back Artie , intent on catching up with his very adventurous and speedy girlfriend ,' Tee, slow down for a minute. This is nuts '

Tina turned and stuck her tongue out at him,' the park was your idea, Art! I had …other ideas about how we could spend our day together '

' We could still do that,' said artie with a grin,' I'm all for that but you said this sounded like fun. Besides you know I can totally take you with my chair if we're racing '

'Are you challenging me, Artie Abrams ?' Tina skated over to her boyfriend.

A sexy grin slid into place beneath his glasses ,' I thought that's what you were doing with those wicked ass blades of yours, Tina '

She caught onto his armrests to steady herself and leaned into him, she gave him a firm kiss on the mouth.' You are so on'

' Race you to the concession'

Eyes winking at her and a just as sexy grin on his face, artie wheeled past his girlfriend with the speed and grace of someone who had been in a chair since he was eight .

'ARTIE! OOOOOH, You are so going to get it !' shouted Tina , speeding after him.

Just to the left of the walkway of where artie and Tina were having their race, puck had taken Beth out of the stroller while Quinn fussed with the white eyelet cotton hat on her little head and she gurgled her dislike at having to wear it.

' take it off, Blondie,' said Puck,' she doesn't like it'

' no, I am not,' argued Quinn,' she's too little and I don't want her to get burned .Do you want this sun to burn her ? " his face fell as he rocked his girl in his arms,' NO'

' There, Beth, all done,' Quinn soothed her daughter, straightening the matching booties with equal care,' mommy is all through . Its just a hat …it'll protect you'

Beth stopped fussing and chewed on her fist and looked at her daddy.

' I don't remember getting her this outfit,' noted Puck of the white eyelet dress with matching hat and booties,' its too…white and frilly. " he tucked his daughter closer,' daddy bought you a cool pair of baby jeans and a tee shirt just like mine'

She looked back at him with the eyes the same colors as her mommas and he smiled.

' we didn't,' answered Quinn as she took several pictures of them with her phone,'Finn and Rachel got it for her . I think she looks like a little baby model'

' We are not putting Beth into any of those stupid pageants ' stated puck, putting his foot down,' I don't want her to be a brat '

' 'Fine ' agreed Quinn, sending the pictures to everyone in glee on her phone.

' Come on, Beth, let's go feed all those ducks ' said Puck as she let out a yawn.

' Puck, that's very sweet but she's way too little to do that ' smiled Quinn

'it's cool, ' Puck leaned over their daughter to give her a sound kiss,' Beth can watch me feed them . This is something I need to do with her….okay'

She didn't question him but understood. ' Alright ,' Quinn gestured to the bench,' have fun'

' Your not going to come with us? Pressed Puck,' This is like a first . Babe, this is our family day and even if Beth doesn't understand or know what a duck is, it'll be the first time she'll see them. ' She leaned in and kissed Beth's head and then his forehead.

' I love you but I need some down time ; just a minute to myself, Puck'

' got it,' understood Puck,' I'm going to go get some feed out of the machine for me and Beth . I figure we can save some of it to put in that baby book that we got '

' We can do that,' agreed Quinn,' it's fine. I am fine …go on and have fun'

Quinn watched as Puck and Beth headed across the grass to feed the ducks as she settled onto an empty bench , the wind blowing her hair and her thoughts raced from the wonderful father that Puck was turning out to be to the stretch marks on her skin.

Would she ever go back to her life …before ?

It was only a matter of time before school would start and her life was so different.

She could be a good mom and regain her spot on the Cheerios again and be in glee ; there was absolutely no reason why she couldn't do it all.

She was Quinn Fabray - she just had to drop about ten pounds and get rid of all of these after baby hormones . Wasn't all the hormones stopped since she had Beth?

Oh no, she found herself still hormonal and sad , not to mention crying still.

She and Puck were in an honest to God relationship and it was really good.

'that's an awfully sad face to be on such a beautiful girl ' Sam stopped short in front of her, transfixed by her , and blocking her from her vantage point of her family.

'That is a cheesy line 'countered Quinn with a slight smirk,' and I am fine'

' you most certainly are …fine ' His lips turned up in a smile as his cell blasted.

' crap! I am really late '

' I wouldn't want to keep you ,' Quinn lifted her hand in a mock wave,' bye now '

She waved as the bleached blonde stranger jogged away from her towards the pool.

Well she may be a little overweight but she was still hot.

Small favor but it did make her feel slightly better about herself .

'Puck,' Quinn looked up just as Puck decided they needed a closer view and raced down to rejoin her family,' you do not need our daughter that close to the water'

SH

' I am not being stood up ' was the mantra in Kurt's head as he sipped impatiently on his diet coke, checking his cell for the fifth time ,' its not a date, per say'

It was two new friends hanging out which didn't translate to a date, that would be utterly ridiculous. Still he couldn't deny that it seemed as if Sam had been flirting with him and it certainly had felt as if there was an undercurrent of attraction between them.

Damn Rachel and her insistence on this matter !

As if her insane love story with Finn gave her any perspective at all on these things!

He smoothed the collar of his newest purchase from the Marc Jacobs summer collection via Ebay- a very summery green /white short sleeved button down shirt, a cream colored scarf at the neck , and his dark colored skinny jeans .

It was tres chic , casual with an almost breezy feel to the ensemble.

Very appropriate for a casual day of hanging out at the park with a new friend.

His musings were interrupted when he spotted Sam jogging over to him and a relieved smile lit up his face.' Sam, you made it. I was afraid you had gotten lost'

' Kurt, I am so sorry I'm late ,' apologized Sam with a wry smile,' there's a lot of people here and I get distracted very easy. I didn't realize this was close to the pool..'

He let out a nervous laugh,' of course, I should have warned you of the crowds. Most Ohioans know to take advantage of this heat wave we're in the midst of '

'I believe that,' said Sam,' I nearly got plowed over by some crazy rollerblades. '

He paused to give him a dazzling if not chagrined smile,' I hope your not mad at me'

' Mad,' Kurt shook his head, flipped at his bangs as was habit,' of course not. Shall we get a light lunch or would you like the official tour of the park first ? I believe that there are a handful of my friends loitering around here somewhere that I could introduce you too'

' sounds cool but I am like starved,' answered Sam with a charming smile,' how about I buy you lunch ? It's the least I could do since you had to wait for me for ten minutes'

'It was more like fifteen but whose counting,' said a flustered Kurt, pressing a hand to his heart as if willing it to slow way down,' that is very thoughtful of you, sam'

' Sure ,' sam gestured for him to sit,' you chill out here and I'll get it. What's your meal of choice, Kurt ? Or do we just have candy bars and hot dogs to choose from?"

Kurt sank down onto the wooden bench, trying to refrain from the giddiness he felt, because apparently Sam was a gentleman. Which was really hot.

'A diet and a BLT I suppose are the healthiest alternatives to that , and I rarely eat chips '

'cool, so you watch what you eat too,' commented Sam, flexing a muscular bi-cep and missing Kurt nearly swoon,' I'll get the same. I work out a lot so I really watch what kind of foods I eat and a bag of ranch Doritos means an hour of extra crunches'

Kurt let out a flustered laugh,' Most boys I know would just eat the Doritos'

' Guess I'm a bit of a dork then,' Sam patted his hand,' and I speak Avatar'

' One of my favorite movies of the year..' slipped Kurt, trying to breathe.

'Why don't you text your friends to join us, Kurt ? I'll get our lunch'

Kurt touched his cheek and prayed that he wasn't blushing . He wasn't rushing, nope, absolutely not making any sort of assumptions regarding Sam and himself.

Not until he had witnesses and he got Mercedes take here.

His gaydar had been way, completely way off before and he didn't want to be .

Not this time and not regarding Sam.

He texted in rapid fire speed

You and bo. Concession in five. Stat.

Kurt closed his cell , stole a furtive peek at Sam's handsome profile and prayed to whatever God was listening that he wasn't wrong.

Not this time .