DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Glee.
Chapter 11 – Don't Bite the Hand that Feeds You
Q-ball, this is Sexy Mami. Come in.
Charlie smiled slightly at the sound of his friend's voice and rolled over on his bed so he could reach the walkie-talkie that sat on its charging dock on his bedside table.
"This is Q-ball, over." Charlie answered as he spoke into the walkie-talkie.
Ya know, Q, I usually don't mind at all when a hot blonde blows up my phone late at night, but I definitely don't like it when said hot blonde starts jumping down my throat about a certain singing midget. Savannah told me what happened, Q, are you alright?
Charlie pressed the walkie-talkie to his forehead before sighing and pressing the button to respond. "I'm okay. Mad as heck, but okay."
You don't sound okay. Do you like wanna talk about it or something? I can come over if you want.
Charlie chuckled, thankful to have good friends like the fiery Latina. "No thanks, Santana. It's late and we have school tomorrow. I'll just see you in the morning."
Suit yourself. I'm going pop Streisand right in her big ass nose as soon as I see her in the morning. I've just been waiting on her to fuck up so I'd have a good excuse to it.
"No! Rachel is off limits, San. I know we had a fight or whatever but I still…" Charlie sighed out.
Fiiiine. Just be glad that Savannah doesn't live around here man because she is pissed smooth off, like I had to convince her to not drive up here. She's like a crazy momma bear with you…it's kinda weird.
Charlie smiled at the mention of his cousin before answering. "Yeah, she's crazy all right."
I'll see you in the morning Q. Get some sleep.
"Thanks. Good night Santana and thanks for checkin on me. It was really nice of you." Charlie told her with a smirk.
Yeah whatever, don't mention it. Ever. Over and out.
The next morning Rachel had been at school all of three minutes before she was yanked into an empty class room by an angry Latina and an annoyed looking Stacey Davis.
"Did you're abnormally large nose throw off your center of gravity recently causing you to fall and hit your head resulting in some sort of temporary brain damage, Dwarf? Because the way you acted toward Q yesterday was pretty fucking stupid." Santana seethed as she pushed Rachel into the corner of the classroom.
"You're blaming me for what happened? It's her fault," Rachel explained, pointing toward Stacey, "Because she can't keep her skirt on around other people's boyfriends."
"You better watch your mouth Berry." Stacey warned, "Yes, I made a mistake, and I do owe you an apology and maybe even an explanation, but you will not dis me to my face. Make no mistake here, we still run this school."
"Because of your amnesia you're lucky to even have a boyfriend anymore, Yentl. Did you forget that you were dating one of the best guys in this school? I mean seriously, why would you believe anything Finn told you? He's a fucking idiot and barely knows which day of the week it is and you let him convince you of some whack shit he wasn't even there to see?" Santana asked frankly, placing a hand on her hip.
Rachel's eyes were brimming with tears before she turned to Stacey. "Why would you even try anything if you knew he had a girlfriend? You ruined everything."
Stacey scoffed, "No, you ruined it. Don't be confused about that Rachel. And as for why, umm have you seen him? He's gorgeous and yes I want him, but he made it very clear that I don't stand a chance with him so I'm settling for being his friend. That's why I'm here right now. He has been completely faithful to you and you basically sided with Finn against him. It's your fault, so don't even try to blame me. I'm sorry for thinking with my hormones and not my head, but after seeing what he's offering, uggh, let's just say you are a very lucky girl Rachel. And if you ever mess up again, he's free ends. Good day, ladies."
Santana waited until Stacey was out of the classroom before she rounded on Rachel again.
"The following conversation never took place, understand?" Santana stated clearly. "Nod, so I know you understand me."
Rachel nodded, becoming increasingly nervous as the Latina advanced on her.
"The only reason I haven't punched you in your massive beak is because, sadly, I'm under strict orders not to. You hurt one of my best friends, Berry, and I do not take kindly to that, so I am still currently struggling with not knocking you out right here." Santana sassed as she popped her knuckles.
"For some reason you make his kind heart go pitter-patter and I want you to get your shit together and go to him and fucking beg for forgiveness because that's what you deserve to have to do in order to get him back. He's hasn't told me himself, but a rather angry source told me that your Dad threw him out of your house, is that true?" Santana asked curiously.
Rachel nodded sadly.
Santana's jaw tightened as fresh waves of anger rushed through her. "How fucking embarrassing. False accusations and then gets tossed out on his ass, nice Berry, really nice. I wish he would move on from you but he doesn't want to for only God knows what reason, so you need to fix this. Quickly. If you don't care about his feelings, then do it for your own good, unless you wanna bathe in slushy again soon, if you catch my drift. As a little friendly advice, I'll tell you this," Santana continued, "so turn up your hearing aids and listen. As far as men go, you have a good. He's a fucking perfect ten. There will always be other women who want him Rachel, so things like this will always happen." Santana told her seriously. "If you want your relationship to last at all you have got you get over whatever insecurities that you may have and trust that boy. Understand?"
Rachel nodded and wiped her eyes. "He is perfect. I know he could do better and I don't want to lose him and I'm just scared and I don't know what to do or who to talk to about any of this. I've never been in love before, Santana. I don't know how to handle this." Rachel said in ragged breaths between gasping cries.
Santana pressed her hand to her forehead, not believing she was having this conversation. "Oh for fucks sake. I hate you Fabray, I fucking hate you." Santana mumbled under her breathe.
"Listen Berry, as much as it pains me to say this, and it does pain me, you have a lot going for you." Santana said as she rolled her eyes, "You are going to do great things with your life. I know it. You know it. Everyone in this cow town knows it. You deserve a good guy to put up with your shit, and obviously Q wants that job. Don't doubt his feelings for you, he talks to me, I know things. You can trust him. Trust me." Santana finished lamely. "And if you need guy advice you can talk to me and B. Preferably B though."
"Thank you, Santana." Rachel said as she wrapped Santana in a tight hug.
"Whoa! I draw the line at hobbit hugs. Get the hell off me Berry." Santana commanded.
"Sorry." Rachel said as she stepped back from the Latina.
Santana straightened out the imaginary wrinkles in her uniform before addressing Rachel again. "You do owe him the apology of the century though, but don't go all 'Berry' on him. Ease into in. Be sure you do it soon. I'm outa here, gotta get to class."
"Santana," Rachel called, "Thank you."
"Don't mention it Berry, literally, this conversation never happened." Santana told her with a raised eyebrow.
Later that afternoon in the choir room Finn had held Rachel back after practice again much to her displeasure.
"No, I'm sorry Finn I can't." Rachel told him as she put away her sheet music.
"Rachel, you clearly don't trust the guy. I really think we should give us another shot." Finn told her desperately.
"No. I am very emotionally invested in my relationship with Quinton. I'm sorry, but I can't offer you anything other than friendship." Rachel quipped shortly.
Finn stepped closer to Rachel and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Rachel, please, don't you see how awesome we could be together. It's totally cool when we kissed and stuff and we have a connection. Don't count us out."
Movement by the door caught Rachel eye and caused her to turn to see Charlie standing in the choir room doorway. He looked down shyly, unsure if he should continue into the room or not.
"Quinton…" Rachel said softly, causing Finn to look around.
"I didn't mean to interrupt or anything. I was just looking for you Rachel." Charlie told her shyly.
"Dude, we're talking-" Finn started before he was cut off by Rachel.
"No, not at all. Come in please." Rachel told him gently.
Finn looked at Charlie angrily, not taking too kindly to Rachel's easy dismissal.
"Yeah, you are. We were talking and you're interrupting." Finn assured.
"Finn, I ask that you respect my decision or we won't even be able to remain friends. Have a good evening." Rachel told him shortly before turning her attention to Charlie.
"Whatever, I don't have time for this." Finn said before he walked out of the room, shooting daggers at Charlie along the way.
"Come in, please." Rachel said, beckoning him closer.
Charlie took off his baseball hat before he approached Rachel. He was having mixed feelings about seeing the girl. His heart was telling him to kiss the tiny brunette and his head was telling him to turn around and leave. Charlie smiled sadly at her trying to find a middle ground.
"Hey." Charlie said softly.
"Hi." Rachel whispered back, desperately wanting to shout apologies at the blonde in front of her.
"How are you?" Charlie asked curiously.
Rachel softly bit her bottom lip, fighting back tears that wanted to badly to make their presence known. "I've been better."
Charlie nodded in understanding. "Yeah, me too." Charlie told her sadly.
Then the damn broke, "Charlie, I am so so sorry for what happened yesterday. I-"
Charlie held his hand up to silence her. "Not here Rachel. We need to talk about things, but not here okay?"
Rachel wiped her eyes to rid them of her tears before nodding in agreement.
"Are y'all coming to the game tomorrow night?" Charlie asked.
"Do you want us to come?" Rachel asked.
Charlie shrugged and nodded his head. "It's a big game, District Championship. I'm sure your Dads would enjoy it."
Rachel nodded, fighting back tears again. "I'm sure they would. I'll suggest to them that they go."
Charlie frowned, "You don't wanna come watch?"
"Only if you want me to." Rachel said softly.
"Of course, I do sweet girl." Charlie told her gently.
A few tears escaped Rachel's eyes at hearing the term of endearment from Charlie. When Charlie saw the tears he reached out to her, pulling her to him for a hug. Rachel buried her head in his chest and breathed deeply, savoring his scent and basking in the feel of having him close to her again. Charlie held her for a few minutes before pulling away again.
"Tomorrow night after the game, we can talk if you want. I'm pretty certain that I'm not welcome at your house, but you can come over to mine and we'll talk okay?" Charlie asked hopefully.
Rachel nodded frantically, "Yes, okay."
"Good. Until tomorrow then. Bye." Charlie told her with a nod before he turned around and walked out of the door and slipping his ball cap back on.
The next day McKinley High was buzzing with excitement. Game days had become a big deal in Lima recently since the McKinley Football team was still undefeated this season, a new record in and of itself. Charlie Fabray was on edge about tonight, not just about the football game, but about talking to Rachel afterwards. He had two objectives for this particular Friday: Win the game and get his girl back.
Charlie rounded the corner as he headed toward the cafeteria for lunch with Santana when he caught sight of Rachel standing in the hall chatting with Kurt and Tina. Charlie smiled softly at Rachel adorable appearance. Farther down the hall Charlie spotted Dave Karofsky headed toward the Gleemates with a big gulp in hand. Charlie walked toward them quickly trying not to draw attention to himself.
"Hey Berry! Thirsty?" Karofsky asked as he pulled his arm back preparing to launch it at Rachel.
Charlie got there just in time as he grabbed Dave's arm by his jacket, stopping its motion and causing most of the slushy to splash up into his face. Karofsky threw the cup containing the remaining slushy at Charlie who barely ducked out of the way and pushed Dave away from him toward the wall.
"Bad move Fabray! You forget who protects your ass on the field dude." Dave told him as he slung slushy off his face, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you punk, remember that."
Charlie watched him slink away with a small smile on his face before he turned to the Gleeks that were staring at him wide eyed. Charlie smiled at them before nodding his head in greeting, sent a wink in Rachel's direction, and headed off to meet Santana.
The rest of the day passed with a blur and Rachel Berry was in a hurry that afternoon to get home to get her homework done before the football game. When Rachel got out to her car she found a red box sitting on the roof of her Beetle Bug. Rachel cautiously pulled the box down and eyed it slowly. She shook it slightly before deciding that nothing harmful could be in it, she hoped not anyways. Rachel lifted the lid and smiled down at its contents. Folded neatly in the box was a crisp McKinley lettermen jacket with Fabray embroidered across the back. On top of it was a note:
Dearest Rachel,
It's going to be a cold one out there tonight so be sure to dress warm and show your school pride. This should help.
See you tonight,
Q
Rachel beamed before tossing the box in her passenger's seat and slipping the jacket on. It was way too big but she didn't care in the least because it smelled just like Charlie.
That night at McKinley High School the stands were packed. The town had essentially shut down because everyone was at the football game. The noise levels from both sides were deafening. The crowds were participating in cheers and McKinley's National Award winning Cheerios had never looked better. Back in McKinley's locker rooms the players were chomping at the bit in anticipation of getting on the field.
"Come on Titans, let's kick some butt out there tonight! Who's with me?" Coach Beiste yelled as she finished her pre-game speech.
"Yeeeaaaahhh!" Came a collective roar from every single player in the locker room.
"Then let's get out and win this! Captain?" Coach Beiste yelled, turning the floor over to Charlie.
"Alright boys! Let's get out and show them what it's like to clash with the Titans! One more game and we're going to State! Y'all ready? We got this! Titans on three! One! Two! Three!" Charlie yelled as he jumped up and down in place.
"Titans!" They yelled before they broke apart and headed out to the field.
"Fabray!" Beiste yelled, calling Charlie over to her.
"You ready for this Son?" Beiste asked him seriously.
"Yes ma'am!" Charlie told her with a smile.
"That's what I wanted to hear! Bring the chaos! Bring the rain! Now, go win me a ball game!" Beiste yelled before shoving Charlie toward the door with a beaming smile.
Charlie ran out of the locker room and ran out toward the football before slipping through the gate and jogging out onto the field. The McKinley stand erupted with applause as Charlie jogged toward the 50 yard line for the coin toss. McKinley lost the coin toss resulting on the defense taking the field.
As Charlie jogged back on the sideline he looked up into the stands and found the Berrys sitting in their usual spot cheering like crazy along with the rest of the fans. Charlie beamed at the sight of Rachel wearing his lettermen and waving like a wild woman. Charlie lifted his helmet in greeting before turning to focus on the game.
Going into half-time the score was tied 21-21. The Titans exploded back out onto the field in the third quarter by scoring both another offensive touchdown and magically pulling a defensive touchdown out of the hat as well, the first one of the season and it couldn't have came at a better time. The score was 35-21 with four minutes left in the game and McKinley could taste the State tournament on the tip of their tongues.
Charlie called a quick option pass play and was tackled as soon as he got the ball for a huge loss of yards.
"Guys, come on. Keep it together here. We only have a few minutes left in the game. Just keep it together y'all!" Charlie yelled at they broke huddle and hustled back into position.
Charlie called for a shot gun pass route to try to make up for those lost yards. He dropped back in the pocket and waited for someone to get open.
"God bless you Mike Chang." Was the last thing that passed through Charlie's lips before he released the ball and was blasted on his left side by a huge defensive lineman.
Karofsky turned and looked after the linemen that he had just purposely let by him as he slammed Charlie to the ground. "Bet you won't slushy me over some little bitch again, punk." He mumbled as he looked at the fallen quarterback.
While the ball sailed effortlessly into Mike's hands and consequently ending up in the endzone for another touchdown Charlie Fabray was still laying on the field, unmoving.
When Mike scored the stands erupted again with cheers and applause. It was only when people started to notice that the Titan quarterback was still lying on the ground did the applause die away.
Coach Beiste ran out onto the field and pushed her players back while she checked him over. The force of the hit had knocked Charlie's helmet clean off and it was lying a few yards away. Beiste signaled for the trainer and medic to come have a look at the injured played.
All of the Titans took a knee and watched the scene in front of them, waiting not so patiently for their Quarterback to get up.
Over in front of the bleachers the Cheerios watched nervously. "Take a knee." Santana commanded the squad as she clasped her hands together and brought them up to her lips, mentally pleading for her friend to move.
In the bleachers every fan was at a standstill and a very worried Rachel Berry stood pressed against the rail.
"Get up, Q." Rachel chanted, "Please get up."
Rachel wiped around to face her fathers who were increasingly worried. "Daddy! Daddy! I demand that you go arrest the boy that tackled him at once!" Rachel demanded before she turned to face the field again.
"I can't do that pumpkin. I'm sure it was an accident." Leroy said, trying to soothe his daughter.
"I'm sure he'll be fine honey." Hiram said the doubt clear in his voice.
Tears started to well in Rachel's eyes the longer Charlie laid there.
Back out on the field Charlie was coming around due to the smelling salts that was being waved under his nose. Charlie slowly opened his eyes and looked around disoriented.
"Thata boy. How many fingers am I holding up?" Beiste asked him as she held up three fingers.
Charlie squinted before replying, "Three? My shoulder…it hurts."
The medic looked him over quickly, "Possible dislocation, Coach. Let's get him up and to the hospital. His head needs to be checked too."
Charlie groaned in pain as they picked him up and he leaned on Coach Beiste as they slowly moved him over to the bench. A mild nervous cheer came from the stands.
"Hudson, get out there and finish the game." Beiste yelled down the bench at Finn.
"Yes Coach." Finn cheered as he took the field.
Back over in the stands Rachel turned to face her fathers again. "Dad, you're a doctor! Go check on him!" Rachel shouted at her Dad as her eyes brimmed with fresh tears.
Hiram Berry looked to his husband and Leroy urged him on.
Hiram hurried down to the field and jogged over to the Titan bench. "I'm a doctor, may I take a look?"
Beiste waved him over hurriedly. When Hiram got to Charlie he was barely able to sit up right.
"Charlie. Do you know who I am?" Hiram asked him.
"Yes." Charlie replied weakly.
"Do you know where you are?" Hiram asked him.
Charlie looked around dazed before he leaned over and vomited on the ground.
"Coach, this boy needs to go to the hospital immediately." Hiram told Beiste from his place beside Charlie.
Hiram pulled his pen light out of his shirt pocket and quickly flashed it in Charlie's eyes causing him to wince from its brightness.
"I think he may have a concussion." Hiram accessed.
"Shoulder." Charlie gasped as his head lulled to the side.
"The ambulance is on its way." Beiste informed Hiram.
A frantic looking Russell and Judy Fabray arrived on scene just before Charlie blinked weakly before being taken over by darkness once more.
TBC
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