Disclaimer: If I had owned Glee, it's characters or the used songs I wouldn't be still living in the Netherlands and Glee wouldn't have ended.
Thanx for your patience, the follows, Favs and reviews.
Guest 28-10: The families will keep coming back in the story. As will Holly since she is going to take over New Directions with Little Band of Misfits as advisors. Jake might come by every once in a while but him nor Marley will be joining the band.
English still isn't my native language. I don't know anything about the American education system, buying a house in the US, working with an architect or owning a private jet / yacht other than my extensive research has taught me.
Special thanx for my beta is jenmer61977, who has some amazing stories of her own please check them out, for helping me getting this story get along.
The next morning Cassie leaves to get bagels with cream cheese and coffee while the others get ready for the day.
"How are you feeling Rae? Did ya sleep better last night," Santana asks a little worried.
"I bet she did," Quinn laughs at her friend's expense. "The minute I got into bed she was clinging to me like a koala bear."
"Sorry. I just miss Noah I guess," Rachel shrugs blushing.
"Don't be embarrassed. I don't mind," Quinn reassures her.
By the time they are all dressed and ready Cassie is back and they all settle at the table for breakfast.
"So, what's the itinerary for today Rae," Santana asks chewing her bagel.
"Don't speak with your mouth full, and you have cheese on your face." Rachel admonishes.
"Let me see," Lexi turns and wipes the cheese off Santana's cheek with her thumb and licks it flirty making Rachel quirk her eyebrow.
Shaking her head at the two Rachel answers, "I wanted to get some of my things from the loft so I'd like to suggest we go there first and head to West Orange after lunch."
"Do you need all of us to go with you?" Shelby asks.
"I don't know if Kurt's already back in town. So yes, some back up for if he is would be nice." Rachel admits. With that it's decided they all go to the loft.
By the time they've finished their breakfast the intercom buzzes indicating their driver Justin has arrived. They take their luggage and the trash and head to the elevator.
Luckily for them the loft is abandoned when they arrive but from the looks of it not too long ago and they're right. Just as Rachel and Santana reach the curtains of their respective bedrooms the door slides open and Kurt enters the loft followed by Mercedes holding grocery bags.
Noticing their 'visitors' Mercedes opens her mouth. "I told you we should have changed the locks. What are you doing here, in my apartment?"
Rachel and Santana look at each other. 'Did we miss something?' They ask each other silently, Rachel shaking her head.
"That's right Treasure Trail. Kurt asked me to move in. This is my apartment now," Mercedes cocks her head smugly. "So I ask you again. What are you doing here before I call the cops and have you arrested for trespassing." She smirks, trying to hit Rachel with Sue's words.
Rachel laughs at her. "Go ahead. I have every right to be here since it is my name on the lease so changing the locks wouldn't have made a difference. We just came to collect some of our things." She tells them as she turns to enter her 'bedroom' not noticing Kurt turning even paler then he already was.
Quinn however does notice how pale the boy gets when Santana and Rachel make their way to their bedrooms to pack some off their things. "Kurt, what did you do?"
The boy mumbles something unintelligible glancing at Mercedes for help. "He said we threw and gave it all away." The obese girl goes to stand beside the boy.
"No, you did," the boy defends himself. "I wanted to put it in boxes and store it away."
"You did what?" Santana looks ready to murder her former classmate but Lexi is quick enough to grab her before she does.
"You do know that that could be considered theft," Shelby says as she tries to contain a furious Quinn who's struggling to be let loose and attack the two occupants of the apartment.
"We didn't think you would be back for it," Mercedes shrugs indifferently.
Seven jaws drop in shock. "You didn't think we w… Oh my god, I can't believe I'm hearing this. In each room there was a bed, a closet full of clothes and shoes and a dresser full with sleep- and underwear. Some of those items were very expensive. Have you lost your minds?" Rachel screams. "I was planning on letting you two live here after remodeling this apartment, rent free by the way. You know, a nice open floor plan, new kitchen, two maybe three real bed and bath rooms with real walls instead of curtains. But after this little stunt I get the very strong urge to just evict you and have you both arrested." Shaking her head she searches for her phone.
"You can't do that," he yells at her, turning to Shelby a little more insecure. "Can she?"
"Oh but I can Kurt," Rachel smirks as she turns back to him. "Not only is my name on the lease and not yours because when we signed it they wouldn't even let you co-sign because you had no money or an income and your dad couldn't help out while my parents could have helped us out which wasn't necessary because I did have money remember? I bought the whole building six months ago. So you see I have every right to throw you out. Especially now that you stole our things and clothes and just threw them away."
"If you needed the space for Wheezy's fat ass to fit in, you could have just picked up your phone and called." Santana hisses in a tone that makes both off them back away in fear. "Or you could have put it in boxes and in storage. Either here or in a rented storage unit that is just around the corner. We're gonna sue your asses for all the damage you have caused."
Meanwhile Rachel is making the call she wanted to make. "Good morning Burt, I have you on speaker. How are you and Carol doing?" She asks glancing at Kurt, whose eyes go wide upon hearing his dad's name.
"We're dealing, you know? How are you doing sweetie?" if possible Kurt's eyes grow even wider at the gentle tone his dad is using for Rachel and calling her sweetie.
"To be honest, thanks to your son and his new roommate not so good," Rachel replies sincerely. "We're debating on either having them arrested for trespassing, theft and vandalism or just kick them out of the loft effective immediately and sue them for caused damages.
"Oh god, what did they do now?" Burt sighs knowing about the hatred both his son and Mercedes are harboring towards Rachel. Although from his son's side it probably is more jealousy and pressure from Mercedes then it is hatred.
Rachel sighs, hating that she has to do this so shortly after the man lost the boy who was a second son to him. "As you know we, along with all the others that are moving to New York, have decided to stay in Lima for the time being. At least until the seniors have graduated McKinley. But Santana and myself still had a closet and dresser full of clothes and other stuff here at the loft. Since we were in town we thought it would be a good idea to get some of it out of Kurt's way but Kurt and Mercedes beat us to it. Apparently they needed space for Kurt's new boss to move in so they thought it would be a good idea to just throw our stuff out."
The mechanic groans rubbing his face. "Could you please turn off the speaker?"
Rachel does as he asks walking to the kitchen for some privacy, "it's just me now."
"Is there any way we can settle this without having Kurt arrested?" He asks her desperately.
Rachel hesitates. "Some off the clothes were really expensive, especially Santana's. Those can be replaced but there were some items with emotional value they threw away without a second thought just because they thought we weren't going to come back for them. I understand having them arrested will affect their future but they went too far this time."
"You're right, they went too far. But you're also right about how having them arrested will affect their future," Burt agrees with her. "And I know you well enough that you don't want that to happen. You rented that apartment right? I mean, the lease is in your name?"
"Yes, but I also own the whole building." She admits. "I was planning to have the concierge ask them to leave temporarily for some remodeling. Making it a real apartment instead of one big space with curtains as dividers but after this stunt I don't want to even admit I know them. What do you suggest?"
"I understand how upset you are and I don't blame you one bit. How about this? You kick them out and I tell them to come back home while the Jones's and I go talk to your dads to come to an arrangement to pay you and Santana back for the damage those two caused?" Burt suggests. "I also think it is time he knows what you have done for us."
Rachel sighs, "I don't know Burt. They've gotten away with way too much up until now. They need to learn their actions have consequences. Telling what I have done for you might just fuel their hatred. Prove the opinion they have of me wanting to control everything."
"When have you tried to control how I run my business since you saved me from bankruptcy?" She doesn't have an answer other than 'never' to that question. "That's what I thought. The only time you even gave me advice on what to do was the other week when you suggested I hire Dwight Evans as my accountant, which I took by the way. From the minute he starts his business he's going to take care of all things concerning money. You my dear are a lot of things. A lot of wonderful things but controlling isn't one of them." The idea of those two working for the group so they could see for themselves the girl is anything but controlling or selfish already forming in his head. He decides against telling the girl what was on his mind but to talk to the parents in question first.
"They might not agree with you on that. Especially Mercedes, she already thinks I'm controlling everyone around me. Specifically those in the band," She tries to protest.
"You don't worry about her anymore. I'll talk to her parents." He reassures her. "Now walk back to the others and put me on speaker again so I can order those two to come home for a few days or maybe even weeks."
As Rachel walks back to the living room where the two groups were in separate corners she puts her phone back on speaker. "Kurt, Mercedes here's what's gonna happen and it is not up for debate, do you understand?" Burt's voice booms through the room. Both murmur something. "I said is that understood?"
"Yes sir," Kurt looks at the ground while Mercedes shoots daggers towards the other corner of the room.
"Rachel was nice enough to give you two days to pack up before she has the locks changed so I want you back in Lima on Thursday at the latest," Burt's voice booms through the room.
"How kind of her," Kurt snarls sarcastically while Mercedes shoots daggers towards the other corner of the room.
"That gives you time to pack your things and either put them in storage or ship them home. In the meantime I'm telling Mercedes' parents what happened over there and we'll talk with Hiram, Leroy and Maribel about how you two are going to pay back Rachel and Santana for the damage." Burt demands.
"But I have work," Kurt struggles in an attempt to avoid the inevitable.
"What work?" Burt asks. "The one that doesn't pay or the one that doesn't pay enough to cover rent?"
"Vogue is paying for my school so in a way they are paying me," he tries to be smart.
"If you know what's good for you, you explain to your boss at Vogue what you did and that you have to go home to make arrangements to pay back the damage you have caused."
Kurt gasps and stands in shock, "I can't do that I'll lose my internship and they won't pay for my schooling."
Burt scoffs. "You should have thought about that when you decided to destroy other people's property. You two did this so you both will deal with the consequences."
"I didn't even do it. Mercedes threw it all out not me." Kurt says throwing his hands in the air.
Mercedes lets out an indignant 'hey' at being thrown under the bus and Burt sighs angrily. "You allowed her into their home, giving her a key and didn't stop her from doing it. This is as much your fault as it is hers. Now, I don't want to hear another word from either of you. Do as you're told and you had both better be home by Thursday like I said. I'm leaving the house now and heading over to the Jones's to talk to them. Pack your things and count your blessings that Rachel and Santana aren't calling the cops on the two of you. Rachel, Santana, I am so sorry for what they have done and I promise it will be dealt with."
Santana and Rachel share a sorrowful look then Rachel turns back to her phone. "We'll let this go for now but it had better be taken care of. I hate to be this way Burt but some of those things are irreplaceable. I know that some of the jewelry in San's jewelry box was passed down through her family and all of our pictures and electronics. My back up computer alone had tons of pictures stored in it that I cannot replace. This is just so not ok Burt."
"I know Rachel and I am so sorry. I need to go but I'll talk to you soon." With that they hang up and Rachel takes a deep calming breath.
"Happy now?" Mercedes snaps at her former friend.
Kurt nudges her harshly and Rachel holds up a hand. "You don't know half how much. You have until Thursday morning to have your things removed from my loft and my building. The super will do a walk through with you to make sure that you haven't damaged the place in any way and you are to give him the keys. If you leave anything here after that it will be removed and thrown out so don't leave anything. You will not be returning here ever again."
Kurt looked to her apologetically. "Rach I…"
She cuts him off quickly, her voice cold and hard. "I don't want to hear it Kurt. You went too far this time. Is there anything left in this loft that belongs to us?"
He sighs and goes to his room and bringing back a box. When he opens it he lifts out a wooden box and Santana pounces on it. "I don't know if I found it all but I got what I could."
She drops to her knees pouring the box out sifting through the jewelry and sighs in relief holding up a ring to show Rachel. "Oh thank god. This was mi Abuela's engagement ring that was passed down for generations. I thought it was gone for sure."
Lexi kneels beside her and rubs her back gently. "Is it all there San?"
Santana looks through it all for a few minutes more and looks up to her with tears in her eyes and nodding her head. "Yes, even my conformation necklace that mom gave me is here and so is the ring that was mi Abuelo's that papi gave me after he died."
Lexi pulls her into a hug sending a glare to the two that are just staring dumbfounded. Kurt shakes his head sadly and shoves the box in front of him to Rachel. "I was able to salvage this."
Rachel drops to her knees, pulls out her back up laptop and looks through the shoebox with pictures. It was just one of the many boxes of old pictures that she kept of her, Brittany, Mike, Noah and Matt from when they were kids, "This in no way makes up for all that we have lost."
Shelby walks up to her and wraps her arm around her on one side as Quinn steps to her other side leaning into her. "I think it's time for us to go now Rae. There's nothing more you can do now."
Rachel looks up at her mom with a tear in her eyes. "I know." Wiping her eyes she looks back to the two that she really just never wants to see ever again. "Get out of my loft by Thursday like Burt told you or I will call the police and have you arrested."
With that she allows Shelby and Quinn to hug her once more and she kneels down to help Santana. "Come on San. I'm so sorry. Let's go talk to the concierge." She looks to the others. "We'll see you down stairs."
Santana just sent a glare to Kurt and Mercedes allowing Lexi and Rachel to help her put her things back in the box and help her up then she and Rachel head out the door.
"I can't believe she just kicked me out," Kurt whines defeated.
"Well I can. It is Rachel Man Hands Berry we're talking about, I can't believe you gave them anything back. The selfish bitch is just jealous you found a new roommate so quickly. One who isn't stupid enough to let her control their life." The black woman comforts her friend.
"You should talk to you father Kurt. He can tell you exactly how selfish Rachel really is," Quinn comes to Rachel's defense. "Or to Sam's dad about how selfishly she's helping him set up his own accountant business and offering them their house in Lima. Or ask Artie how she bought him an arm bicycle so he can participate in our spin classes instead of just watching. If what she's doing now for all of us is any sign of what the future might bring, I'll stupidly let her control my whole life and I'd take a bullet for her on any given day. You have no idea how good of a friend you just lost. Goodbye Mercedes, Kurt." Looking at Lexi she jerks her head towards the door indicating her to follow.
Shelby lays a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "You have no idea how stupid you are. You just lost a very loyal friend."
"I'm the loyal friend here and he hasn't lost me," Mercedes raises her chin conceited. "She left him for her new so-called friends."
Shelby shakes her head. "She only left because Kurt couldn't help himself to gossip about something he thought she told him, in confidence if I may add. For putting somebody on a pedestal who doesn't deserve it and for listening to you." She points to the door. "That girl is as loyal as they come. She is starting a business in which she is creating a future for everyone who in her eyes deserves it including their families. She was also ready to make room so you, Kurt, could start you own clothing design studio. She is also creating the village it takes to raise children, not only for her own but for all future children she and her friends may have. That girl will throw herself in front of a firing squad to save any of her friend's lives."
She debates whether she should say the next thought that came and ultimately decides to say it. "Over the years she has had numerous times she could have left New Directions. When I met her I offered her the lead in Vocal Adrenaline with all benefits that came with it. The summer before junior year she got offered a spot in three of the most prestigious Performing Arts high schools in the country in Houston, New York and Los Angeles on full scholarships and all expenses like housing paid. When I got offered the job at McKinley I offered her the lead again. All offers she turned down because her loyalty was with the New Directions. While you," she points at Mercedes. "Went running for the hills when you thought she was getting the attention you thought you deserved. Something that wasn't true at all, now was it? She has had to fight you and that sad excuse of a teacher/director of yours tooth and nail for every solo she got. So yes, you just lost the most loyal friend you will ever find. I wish you all the luck in the world finding an apartment in a respectable neighborhood." She ends her rant by storming out Rachel Berry-style, Cassie smirking hot on her heels.
Kurt and Mercedes just looked at each other as they closed the door and turned defeated to start packing.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Puckerman, Ms. Corcoran, Ms. Lopez and Ms. Fabray," the contractor greets the girls when they arrive at the house after leaving the apartment and stopping for a short lunch. "All modifications are done. We made the whole first floor including the entrance to the pool as well as the carriage house wheelchair friendly. Let me walk you through the house to see if you are satisfied with what we've done."
While the contractor leads them through the first floor Santana and Lexi lag behind stealing glances and whispering to each other unable to keep their hands to themselves. As he is showing them the kitchen where part of one of the counters has been lowered for Artie, Santana moves in behind Lexi and molds her body to her back leaning into her ear as she rests her hands on her hips. "All I can picture in this room is you sitting on this counter here with me standing between your legs ravishing you."
Lexi bites back a moan at the thought and whispers back. "Do you really think we'll ever find a moment alone in this house to do something like that in here San?"
Santana just nips her ear. "If I have my way we will."
Shaking out of her Santana haze Lexi notices the others leaving the kitchen going into the living room and grabbing Santana's hand to follow. While he's explaining the modification to the recessed floor that he raised to be the same level with the other floors on the main level Lexi leans into Santana's side wrapping an arm around her waist and whispers in her ear. "What about that fireplace San? I can see it being the only light in the room and you all spread out for me on the rug I'm going to insist we put in front of it."
Santana almost moans out loud and takes a raged breath. "Aye dios mio, we have to find a way to make that happen."
Lexi just giggles as she moves to follow the others again. Every room it is the same with one of them finding something about it to tease the other with until finally Rachel has had enough.
"What the hell is wrong with you two," she hisses at the couple as the others walk ahead. "That nice man is explaining what modifications they did on the house and all you can do is touch each other whispering and not pay attention."
"What's the matter Puckerwoman? Jealous 'cause I have my girl with me while your candy is at home?" Santana teases her friend spilling her and Lexi's secret.
Rachel's eyes grow wide before looking annoyed. "Damn it San, why couldn't you have asked her four days ago, then I would have won that bet."
"What? She doesn't get the sister talk? I'm hurt," Lexi feigns being hurt.
"Nope," Rachel shakes her head. "While you are my sister, San is my sister from another mister. I'm not going to sit in the middle when you two are fighting. Find somebody else to complain about the other, leave me out of it but you better damn well treat each other right and that's all I have to say."
"Well. I'll be damned. Our little girl is growing up," the Latina smirks, touching Lexi once more.
Rachel swats both girls' hands. "Now stop touching each other and pay attention or I'll separate you two." Making both girls bark out in laughter and after sending them one last glare Rachel walks ahead to catch up with the contractor.
"So we soundproofed all the bedrooms and installed an intercom. For this room however," he opens the door to the room next to the master. "That intercom is actually a baby monitor that leads to the master bedroom, living room, kitchen, the carriage house and maids quarters." When she cocks her brow questioningly he shrugs. "Your Uncle Steve told me you are pregnant with twins. We were installing the intercoms anyway so instead of an intercom in here we installed a baby monitor. As you can see this room is big enough for these two as well as any possible future children."
Rachel just looks to the others. "If needed can we change what rooms have the monitor and receiver for it? We hadn't decided on who would take the master yet."
"There's no science about that. You're our leader you're the one taking the master." Quinn looks at Rachel with a look that says she will not accept no for an answer.
"But…" Rachel tries anyway.
"No," Santana intercepts. "She's right. You're our leader. Besides that, you're already married and pregnant with twins and they already did up the monitor system in the room next to the master for the nursery. You're taking the master. End of discussion." As Lexi nods her head firmly in agreement the pregnant woman holds up her hands in defeat.
He closes the door to the nursery and walks up to the master continuing his to explain all he has done, "We painted each room plain white. If you want another color we can come back."
"Can we contact you on that? We have to ask the others if they want their room painted in another color." He nods his confirmation. "We also still have to decide who's going where."
Santana turns to the contractor. "Can we get a copy of the floorplan so we can go furniture shopping and choose whose gonna get which room and add the color they want?"
"Sure, I can email it to you," he answers looking at Rachel who nods.
When they finish the house they move on to the rest of the property. Steve really did an amazing job on the recording studio in the carriage house. The 'Live room' is big enough to set up several instruments and to host the whole group while in the 'control room' they can put a couch and some chairs for the control panels. There's also a stairwell to the second floor where they can create a design studio for Lexi.
Once outside again the contractor turns to the group, "If there isn't anything else you like to be done other than painting the bedrooms I'd like to say Welcome Home Misfit family." He says handing over the keys to Rachel.
Once they are back in the car Justin asks them where they want to go. Since it's already five Shelby suggest getting something to eat before takeoff.
"I don't know mom. I'm exhausted so I'd really like to get home." Rachel yawns.
"I understand honey but you need to eat and we do as well. If we don't do that now it will get too late," Shelby rubs her arm understanding. "I know just the place. It's right across the street from the aviation service. Justin, bring us to 'Houlihan's' and this time you're coming with us. You need to eat as well."
"Yes ma'am," Justin salutes her and after they have eaten he brings them to the airport where they leave him with a large tip.
The minute Rachel steps off the plane Noah, who is waiting for them with Beth, knows by the look on her face that something happened while they were in New York.
"Everything okay with the babies?" Is the first thing he can think of. When she just nods, exhausted and not wanting to talk he looks at Shelby and his mom for confirmation.
"The babies are fine Noah," Shelby assures him, taking Beth from his arms. "Was she good? No problems?"
"Of course she was good, right Beth?" he looks at her while the little girl nods her head. Looking back at Shelby he asks impatiently, "then what the hell happened?"
"Kurt and Mercedes is what happened. But I do believe it was more Mercedes," when he looks at her questioningly Quinn clarifies. "She moved in with Kurt. Because she needed room for her stuff and thought Rae and San weren't gonna come back for theirs she decided it was a good idea to just throw and give their stuff away."
"She did what?" Noah can't believe they would do such a thing.
"Yeah, she threw all the clothes San and Rae still had in the apartment away and gave their beds and linens to goodwill." Lexi confirms. "Luckily Kurt was able to save their jewelry and Rae's back up laptop but everything else they still had there is gone."
"Where does her vindictiveness stop?" He starts to wonder.
"Hopefully here. Apparently Puckerwoman here had one more secret to share," Santana smirks proudly. "It appears that she just happens to own the apartment building we were living in. Also the lease was in her name, so she kicked them out. But before she did she called Burt and he ordered the two of them to come back to Lima to hear what kind of agreement he has made with the Jones's, my parents and the papas Berry for how they are gonna pay us back for the clothes and stuff they threw away."
"Good," Noah says taking Rachel in his arms. "How are you doing Babe?"
Rachel smiles and melts into him with a sigh. "I'm fine. Missed you though." She blushes.
"I missed you too Chellie," he smiles, kissing her forehead whispering "how about I get you home so I can show you how much."
Without verbally answering she grabs his hand dragging him to the car. "See you guys at home and tomorrow." She yells over her shoulder.
They all laugh as he helps her into the car and runs to the driver side quickly making their way out of the airport lot.
Catching her breath from laugher Lexi shakes her head in amusement. "Thank god we came here with separate cars and I have house keys."
"And that her bedroom is soundproofed," Shelby wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
Laughing some more they make their way to gather their own and Rachel's luggage and head home to get some rest.
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Up next: The agreement