A/N: I'm pretty sure this is the fastest I've updated in a long time, but this will also be the last update for a short while. Unfortunately, I have some school-related things I need to concentrate on. The sooner I get that stuff done, the sooner I'll be able to update my stories.

TheDivineMsEm has requested that I make this a story by itself...and I'm seriously considering it. So if you'd also like to see this made into it's own story, let me know.

Either way, I hope you all enjoy and please review :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. Only my OCs (who I apparently can't help but put into my other stories now that they've been created)


Walking through the house that was as familiar to her as her own, Holly quickly began to get discouraged. Maybe the person she was looking for wasn't here after all. With a frown, she began to make her way back to the kitchen to ask her aunt if the person in question was here when she ran into someone.

"Sorry!" she muttered.

"You know, for a ballet dancer, you're awfully clumsy," the other person responded.

"So I've been told. You're not much better yourself, Andi."

Andrea laughed as she hugged her friend.

"Don't remind me. I think Jesse was relieved when Rachel joined and Shelby assigned her as his dance partner instead of me."

"So whose feet are you stepping on now, then?"

"Nate. Although, oddly enough, I don't step on his feet as much as I did Jesse's."

"Sometimes I was sure you did it on purpose."

"Only a couple of times, but don't tell that to Jesse."

"I won't," Holly promised with a laugh.

"Where were you headed to in such a hurry, anyway?"

"Well, I was looking for Dominic, but he doesn't appear to be here, so I was going to ask Aunt Shelby if she'd seen him. If not, I was going to chat with her and my new uncles."

"Where's Rachel?"

"With Jesse."

"About time."

"If only Dominic were as easy to convince as Jesse."

"Jesse wasn't easy to convince."

"Well, I think Dominic has him beat. I've known him since freshman year. You know, back when I still attended Carmel."

"Why don't you just ask your parents to let you transfer back?"

"You try convincing my mother of anything. Though I am grateful that Aunt Shelby keeps insisting I help her throw these parties so I can see everyone."

"Why didn't you audition for the open spot?" Andrea wondered.

"I heard my mom and Aunt Shelby talking about Rachel auditioning. It sounded like she needed the spot more than me. Besides, I'm not really a singer."

"Shelby should just create a spot for you."

"If only," Holly replied with a sigh. "I'll let you get back to the party, though. I need to go find my aunt."

"If you're looking for Dominic, he was sitting out front the last time I saw him."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," Andrea replied, a smile playing on her lips as she walked away.


"Are you sure you want to go back on your decision not to date anyone here in Ohio?" Rachel asked as she and Jesse stood.

"I don't really see it as going back on my decision," Jesse responded, taking her hands in his as he spoke. "It's more like what you sang about during your first audition. Taking chances. I was drawn to you the moment we met, and then when we sang together, that's when I knew."

"So why did it take you so long to admit how you felt?"

"Because I was scared and I had talked myself into the idea of staying single until I got to New York. When I found out that you shared my Broadway dream, it kind of freaked me out."

"You know, most people would be happy to find out someone shared their dream," Rachel pointed out with a laugh.

Jesse grinned at her before he spoke again.

"Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm not like most people."

"Oh, I knew that already."

"So why were you so surprised?"

"Because you always seemed so sure of yourself. You're Jesse St. James, after all."

"Yes, and you're Rachel Berry. You know you're just as talented as I am."

"You really believe that?" Rachel asked in surprise.

"Of course I do," Jesse answered. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't."

"Sorry. Years of being told that I was talent-less loser aren't exactly easy to overcome."

"You don't have to apologize, Rach. Not to me. I know I'm lucky to have been enrolled at Carmel and not McKinley, to have been in Vocal Adrenaline since I was a freshman. I also know you weren't so lucky. Just know that things are different now, no matter what crap Giselle tries to spew. Everyone else likes you and thinks you're talented. They're confident that you can help lead them to victory again this year."

"I'm certainly going to try."

"I'll teach you everything you need to know. Then you can continue our winning streak at least another two years."

"I suppose I could do that," Rachel decided as she and Jesse began to walk into the house, eliciting a laugh from him as he opened the door.

"I should hope so."


Walking outside, Holly opened her mouth to greet Dominic when she saw that he wasn't alone. He was sitting with another girl from the team that she didn't recognize.

"Holly?" she heard Dominic ask as she turned to go back inside.

Turning around, Holly faced him, plastering a smile on her face before she spoke.

"Hi. I was looking for my aunt. I thought I saw her head out here. Sorry for interrupting."

"You weren't interrupting. We were just talking. I didn't know you were going to be here tonight."

"I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it, so I told Aunt Shelby not to say anything to anyone."

"You could have called or texted yourself."

"I just told you-I didn't know if I'd be able to make it or not. I didn't want to say anything to anyone if I couldn't make it after all."

"You couldn't call or text just to chat?"

"No. Because you're always telling me how busy you are with school and the team. I didn't want to bother you. It's why you and I can never work, remember? There would be no time for us."

"Holly…"

"It's the fact that I'm not a student at Carmel anymore, isn't it?"

"No."

"Then what is it, Dominic? Because unless I'm reading you completely wrong, which I don't think I am, then I have no idea why you and I can't work."

"He's scared," the girl said as she stood. "I'm Leslie, by the way. It's nice to finally put a name with a face. This is the first party I've actually been able to go to. I was feeling a little claustrophobic, so Dominic was nice enough to sit outside with me for a little while. You're Shelby's niece, right?"

"Yeah. I used to be on the team, a couple of years ago now, I guess. Aunt Shelby lets me come to the parties so I can see my friends."

"Are you planning on transferring back?"

"I'd love to, but I have to convince my parents. Well, my mom. My dad is okay with letting me choose where I want to go, but my mom is worried."

"Well, good luck. I hope to see you around. If I can stay on the team, that is."

Holly sent the other girl a confused look before she spoke again.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I'm currently barely passing French. If I don't pass, I can't stay on the team. You know Shelby's rules."

"Who do you have?"

"Mrs. Bouchard."

"I've heard bad things about her. She's difficult to understand, right?"

"Very. Her assignments confuse me, too. Dominic has been some help, but there are no French tutors at Carmel right now. I've gone to the other teacher for help, tried to get into her class, but even though she's been a lot of help, I couldn't get into her class."

"Too bad you don't go to Carmel anymore, Holl," Dominic said, only slightly joking. "You could be the new French tutor. It's not like you aren't qualified."

"You know, that wouldn't be a bad thing to bring up to my mom," Holly told him. When she saw the confused look on the other girl's face, she quickly explained. "I'm fluent in French. I've been speaking it since I was little."

"Would you be willing to help me? Even if you don't transfer back to Carmel?"

"Sure," Holly agreed with a smile before exchanging phone numbers with the other girl.

"You're a lifesaver," Leslie told her, giving her a hug before walking inside.

"Is what she said true?" Holly asked the boy standing next to her.

"About you being a lifesaver?" Dominic wondered as he and Holly walked over to the porch swing that he and Leslie had been sitting on earlier.

"Don't be stupid, Dominic."

"You mean about being scared?"

"Yes."

"There's some truth to that and the fact that you don't go to Carmel anymore," Dominic confessed. "I would feel guilty that I couldn't spend more time with you because of school and the team."

"I guess it's not really fair to ask you to give up your rare weekends off, either. You should be with someone you actually have a shot at seeing more than once a month at best."

"There isn't anyone who fits that description that I want to be with, though."

"There could be."

"No. I don't think so."

"Okay, I'll bite," Holly decided with a sigh. "Why don't you think so?"

"Because there's only one girl I'm interested in…and that's you," Dominic answered. "It's only been you for a while."

"So…what? We wait to see if I can transfer back to Carmel or until after I graduate?"

Dominic sighed as he shrugged.

"I don't know. I guess."

"I don't like either of those options."

"Me, neither."


"You want to do what?" Jesse asked as Rachel outlined her newest idea for him a couple of weeks later. They had been sitting in the library studying when she had told him she had an idea to improve the team.

"I want to convince my mom to make a spot for Holly in Vocal Adrenaline. We'll hold auditions for another guy, to keep the numbers even."

"Rach…"

"Holly needs to be at Carmel just as much as I do. She might be bullied at her current school, but I can tell she's miserable."

"You can tell that from talking to her for a while five minutes?"

"Yes. Please, Jesse? I need your help. You know Holly would be an asset to the team."

"She is a good dancer and a quick learner," Jesse agreed.

"So you'll help me, then?" Rachel asked hopefully.

"Something tells me I'm going to regret this, but sure."

Rachel grinned, hugging him tightly and giving him a quick kiss before settling back into her seat.

"Let's go talk to Shelby now," Jesse told her. "You know you won't be able to concentrate until we do."


Sitting in her office, Shelby sighed as she addressed the girl in front of her.

"Do you want to explain what this recent outburst was all about?" she asked.

"I've been sidelined for your daughter," Giselle replied.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but that's not true. You've been slacking, thinking you don't need to attend rehearsal, thinking you're better than everyone. That's not the kind of attitude I want on the team."

"I thought I was a valued member of Vocal Adrenaline?"

"You were, but you're not giving the same level of effort. I want to know why. Is there something going on at home? Are you struggling with a class? I'm genuinely concerned, Giselle."

"Everything is fine. I just don't want to be on the team anymore."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but it's your choice."

"I don't want to be on the team anymore," Giselle repeated.

"As I said, I'm sorry to hear that," Shelby told her. "However, I wish you luck with whatever it is you decide to pursue here at Carmel."

Biting back the retort she wanted to say, Giselle nodded and then left the room. As soon as she was back in the hallway, she quickly made a beeline for the gym. Spotting the dance team coach, she smiled before walking over to her.


"What was that all about?" Rachel asked as she and Jesse walked into Shelby's office, having nearly been run over by Giselle in the hallway.

"Giselle quit," Shelby revealed as she picked up her phone.

"Who are you calling?" Jesse wondered.

"My sister."

Glancing over at his girlfriend, Jesse could see she was trying to hold back her excitement. She and Holly had grown closer over the last few weeks, and he knew she'd secretly been hoping to find a way to get Holly back at Carmel and on the team.

After a brief conversation with her sister, Shelby turned her attention back to the two teens in front of her.

"Shouldn't you two be studying?" she asked.

"We wanted to talk to you," Rachel explained. "Although now there doesn't seem to be a need for what we were going to ask you about."

"Indulge me anyway."

"We were going to ask you if there was a way to make a spot for Holly on the team," Jesse revealed.

"That would have given us an odd number, which we could ordinarily work with, but not this close to a competition."

"We thought we would hold auditions for another guy," Rachel added. "It's not like there's a shortage of people who want to be on the team."

"That's not a bad plan," Shelby replied. "However, we obviously don't need to be that drastic anymore now that Giselle has given up her spot on the team."

"What did Aunt Sara say?" Rachel asked.

"She said she would stop by the school today and get Holly transferred."

"Just like that?" Jesse asked. "I thought she wanted Holly to stay at Lincoln."

"Holly said she talked to her the day after the party," Rachel revealed. "She asked me not to say anything because she didn't want to get her hopes up, but she thought it went well. She said they talked for quite a while, about a few different things."

"Obviously it worked."

"When would she start?" Rachel asked her mother.

"Hopefully within the next few days," Shelby answered. "I don't want to say anything to anyone else until everything is official. Not even Dominic. Do we have an agreement?"

"Yes, Mom," Rachel replied.

"Yes," Jesse agreed.

"Good. Now, since you two are here, we might as well rehearse your duet for Sectionals."


Walking into the principal's office to meet her mother, Holly was still trying to figure out what was going on.

"Mom? What's going on?" she asked.

"I'm trusting you when you tell me that letting you transfer back to Carmel is going to be a good thing," Sara answered.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. You just need to sign some papers here, and then we need to go over to Carmel and sign some there."

Holly nodded, unable to find any words to express how she was feeling, her hand shaking as she signed the necessary papers.

"I want you to promise me that you will keep your grades up," Sara told her daughter as they exited the office and walked towards Holly's locker.

"I promise," Holly replied. "Thank you."


By the time she started at Carmel a couple of days later, Holly could barely contain her excitement. Walking back into the familiar building, she began looking for her friends. When she spotted her cousin, she quickly started walking in that direction.

"Holly!" Rachel exclaimed excitedly, hugging her cousin tightly.

"Rach, you need to let her breathe," Jesse told her with a laugh.

"Sorry."

Holly laughed as she shook her head. She had to keep telling herself that this was real, that she was actually here.

"So Dominic still doesn't know?" she asked, looking back and forth between Jesse and Rachel.

"No. He wasn't there on Friday for your audition, so all he knows is that we filled the spot," Jesse answered.

"I need to go to my locker and then find my first class. Let's see how well I remember this place."

"What's your first class?" Rachel asked.

"Chemistry. I get to start off my day with my least-favorite class."

"But you get to end the day with us."

"Very true. I'm sure I'll see both of you at some point today, though."


Walking into her first class, Holly smiled when she saw Dominic already sitting at a table. Since his back was to her, he didn't see her enter.

"Is this seat taken?" she asked, her smile growing when Dominic's head snapped up at the sound of her voice.

"Holly?"

"That was my name the last time I checked. You didn't answer my question."

"No. It's not taken. What are you doing here?"

"I transferred back, effective today."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"It all happened faster than I expected, and then I decided I wanted to surprise you. You're not mad at me, are you?"

"No. I'm not mad," Dominic assured her. "So, what other classes do you have?"

Pulling out her schedule, Holly handed it over to him.

"I'm counting on you to help me with this class," she said as he looked over the schedule.

"I can do that. Just no throwing the book at the wall, this time."

"I did that one time and it wasn't even a chemistry book."

"No. It was Earth Science. You called it evil and threw it. You also happened to throw your pencil, which hit me instead of the wall."

"Hey, I had to get your attention somehow," she said with a laugh, "but I promise, no throwing books."

"Or pencils."

"Or pencils."


"Rach, you need to stop pacing," Jesse said from his seat at the piano in the music room.

"I told Holly to meet me here at 2:00. It is now 2:05. I'm worried," Rachel replied. "When I'm worried, I pace. Deal with it."

"Maybe her last class let out late."

"Noah said he has that class with her, I could ask him what time they got let out."

"Puck is probably in his last class right now, you don't want him to get in trouble for checking his phone, do you?"

Rachel sighed as she sat next to her boyfriend on the piano bench.

"No," she replied. "I'm still worried, though."

"If she isn't here in the next ten minutes, we'll go look for her. Maybe she stopped to talk to Shelby or something."

"That could be."

"Just relax. I'm sure she's fine. If something was wrong, Shelby would be alerted and she would tell us. Now, why don't we sing something while we wait?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"You'll see," Jesse answered before he began to play a familiar song, smiling to himself when Rachel immediately began to sing along.


"Where are you off to so fast?" Dominic asked as he saw Holly rush out of their dance class.

"I'm supposed to meet Rachel and I'm late," she answered.

"Meet Rachel for what?"

"Most likely to go over songs and choreography for Sectionals."

"Why?"

"Because I re-auditioned for Vocal Adrenaline and got in. I thought I told you that?"

"No. All you said was that you were a student here again."

"I thought you'd put two and two together."

"I probably should have."

"Yes, you should have. Now, I really need to get going. You know how Rachel gets when people are late," Holly replied before she once again began to walk in the direction of the music room.

"You know, if you want her to be your girlfriend, you're going to have to actually work up the nerve to ask her," a new voice said. "Unless you don't want that anymore."

"I've been trying to figure out how to ask her, and how we could possibly make it work, since I was sixteen," Dominic answered with a sigh.

"If you don't ask her soon, someone else might."

"Thanks for the confidence boost, Les."

"It's the truth," Leslie told him with a shrug. "I'm sorry. I don't know what else to tell you."


With Leslie's words still running through his head, Dominic walked out of rehearsal feeling more anxious than ever. What he hadn't told her was that he was also fairly certain he was in love with Holly, which was another thing he had no idea how to tell her. Seeing her interact with everyone at rehearsal, the way she got along with everyone, he had even more reason not to doubt what Leslie had said. She was right-if he didn't ask Holly out, then someone else would. As he was approaching Holly and another boy from the team, her words came true. The boy was asking Holly if she wanted to go out sometime.

"I'm sorry," he heard her say. "I can't. I'm sort of seeing someone else."

"I thought you said you were single?" the boy asked.

"Technically, I am, but there's only one person I want to go out with. I'm sorry."

"I see. Well, good luck, I guess."

"Thanks," Holly replied as she watched the boy walk away. Turning around, she was surprised to see Dominic standing there. "How much of that did you hear?"
"All of it," Dominic answered as he moved closer. "I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

"For letting you think something that wasn't true."

Immediately fearing the worst, Holly felt her stomach drop. With as much courage as she could muster, she asked her next question.

"What did you let me think was true when it wasn't?"

"That I needed you to be a student here in order to consider giving us a chance."

"What exactly are you trying to say, Dominic?"

"I'm saying that I never should have let the fact that you went to another school stop me from asking you out, from telling you how I feel."

"How do you feel?"

Reaching for Holly's hand, Dominic tugged on it to pull her closer, only releasing it to slide his arms around her waist. Feeling encouraged when she slid her own arms around his neck and tilted her face up to his, he closed his eyes and bent his head to brush his lips with hers.

"I love you," he whispered.

As soon as she processed Dominic's words, Holly's eyes flew open to meet with his. She could see that she was just as surprised to hear the words as he was to have said them.

"Holly, I-," he started.

"Please don't say 'I'm sorry' again," she told him. "If you do, I might hit you."

"Why would you hit me?"

"Because you don't say something like that if you don't mean it!"

"I never said I didn't mean it. I just wasn't planning on saying it yet."

"Why?"

"Because I was afraid that you either wouldn't feel the same or that you'd think I was moving too fast or something equally humiliating."

"I see," Holly responded before she took a deep breath and began to speak again. "Well, what if I told you that I love you, too?"

"Do you?"

"Yes. I love you, too," Holly told him before leaning up on her toes and pressing her lips to his.


"Well, it's about time they figured it out," Leslie commented as she joined Rachel and Jesse on the stage.

Rachel grinned at her friend as she continued to grip her boyfriend's hand tightly in an effort to contain her excitement.

"He must have told her something unexpected," she theorized.

"What makes you say that?" Jesse wondered, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer.

"The way they pulled back and looked at each other. Whatever it was, Holly must feel the same, because otherwise they wouldn't be kissing."

"I'm sure she'll tell us all about it later," Leslie said. "I'll see you both tomorrow."

"I think that's our cue, too," Jesse decided after he and Rachel bid farewell to their friend. "Come on, Rach, let's go. We'll go find Puck and then head home."

"Why do we have to find Noah?"

"His truck broke down on the way to school this morning. His mom was able to give him a ride here, but he needs a ride home. I offered to let him catch a ride with us since our rehearsal ended about the same time as his football practice."

"Poor Noah," Rachel lamented as she and Jesse walked out of the auditorium. "He was hoping the truck would last him a while longer."

"Is he saving up for a new car?"

"Sort of. He and his grandpa have been working on one that needed some repairs, but was otherwise in good condition. He was going to get the car when they were done with it. They're waiting on the last part to get here."

"When is that supposed to happen?"

"Next week, but his grandpa is out of town until the end of the month. I told Noah not to drive his truck because it was making funny noises."

"Since when do you know so much about cars?" Jesse asked with a laugh.

"I don't," Rachel replied. "I just figure it's not safe to drive it if it's making weird noises. That can't be normal."

"Good point. I'm sure he'll figure something out, though."

"I hope so."