The Arrangement

Disclaimers: I do not own any part of Glee or its characters. This is purely for pleasure I get nothing else for this. Want to give a special thanks to Niekie for helping proofread this story for me. She's all kinds of awesome and an amazing author herself. Check out her Glee fic too.

Chapter 18

It had been two weeks since school started and a week since they brought Sugar home. Things at school had been tense at first but the students already knew not to mess with the unholy trinity, and they learned quickly that Rachel Berry was no longer to be messed with either. No one knew where the change in the girl came from, but after the way she took down Azimio Adams like he was nothing, no one was stupid enough to question it. After the first two weeks of school things totally quieted down and everyone just accepted seeing the couple together.

Things in glee were still very tense. Finn was just ignoring everyone, and the others were all trying to get used to this new Rachel. Kurt also made the mistake of calling Santana a slut, and after Rachel ripped him apart verbally, only failing to do it physically because Santana pulled her back asking her to stay calm, she pulled out of the competition with him telling him he was lucky that Santana had been there to stop her. After thinking about it she decided she didn't want to compete for the solo either so she would just not be in the competition at all. Besides, she wanted to see Santana, Britt and Mercedes doing the trio and Quinn doing the solo. She already had a plan in her head about the set list with those 4 highlighted.

Today was the end of the second week of school and day the competition. They were all gathered together sitting in the audience waiting for Mr. Shue and the other judges. Rachel sat back comfortably with an arm draped over the back of Santana's seat as she leaned forward talking to Brittany and Mercedes about last minute preparation for their performance.

Mercedes looked over to Rachel who was watching Santana as she spoke with a soft smile on her face. "Why are you listening in on our conversation?"

Santana opened her mouth to yell at the girl, but Rachel put a hand on her shoulder pulling her back into her. "I'm not sure why you perceive me as a threat. I'm not even competing. I'm just sitting here with my girlfriend."

Mercedes scoffed and sat back. "I still don't want you listening in to what we are planning."

Santana shook her head leaning closer to Rachel. "I don't give a damn what you want. She is staying right here. I told you last time that I wasn't putting up with this shit from you. She's not hurting anything sitting with me so get over yourself or I won't be performing with you and it won't matter anymore."

Seeing the seriousness in her eyes Mercedes huffs and sits back not saying anything more and Santana starts talking about what she had been before she had been interrupted.

Rachel just smiled and looked over to her other side where Quinn was sitting with her eyes closed mouthing the words to her song. "You're going to do fine Quinn. Stop stressing."

Quinn opens her eyes and smiles slightly. "It never hurts to run it through your mind one more time."

"I know, but if you don't stop the incessant shaking of your leg, you're going to dislodge your seat from the floor and fall on your ass. Calm down, you got this." She chuckled at the shove Quinn gave her.

Things between her and Quinn the last few weeks had been a whole lot better since school started. Quinn no longer watched every little thing Rachel did, and they were actually becoming really good friends. Once Rachel had defended not only Santana, but Brittany too, Quinn no longer felt the need to question her motives or sincerity. This last week of rehearsing and helping Quinn get better at her song, She and Rachel had become pretty close.

"I'm just so nervous. I don't know how I ever let you talk me into trying out for a solo. I'm not as good as you or half the girls in here." She looked to the side towards some of the others and lowered her voice, "this song hits kind of close to home for me, what if sh…" She shook her head and looked away, having reveled more than she had intended.

Rachel turned fully to her and pulled her face gently around to look at her grabbing her hand. "Stop that. You are just as good as any girl in this club and better than most. If you use all the things we practiced and just calm down and breathe, you will win the solo for Sectionals. I know you can do this and if whoever you are worried about doesn't like it or doesn't feel the same, sweetie that's their loss." She's pretty sure she knows who Quinn was talking about but used vague wording as to not stress her more.

Rachel dropped her hand from her face as she sees Quinn calming and rubbed her shoulder lightly. "You are an amazing girl Quinn and I have every confidence in you, you just have to have some faith in yourself."

Quinn smiled with a slight nod and made a conscious effort to stop stressing herself out, "Thank you." Taking a deep breath, she calmed some more and laid her head on Rachel's shoulder on a sigh. "Are you sure you don't want to just sing it for me?"

Rachel chuckled. "I couldn't sing it the way you do. This song was made for you. It's perfect for your vocal abilities and range. You got this."

Quinn squeezed her hand tightly before sitting back up and taking another big breath. "Ok," she said as she squared her shoulders looking more herself and starts going over the words of her song again with more confidence.

Rachel smiled and turned back to her other side when she feels Santana lean into her kissing her neck lightly. "Thank you," Santana said softly.

Pulling her closer she kisses Santana's lips lovingly. "For what baby?" she asked quietly.

Santana just shrugged and laid her head on Rachel's shoulder, "For just being you. I love you."

"I love you too," She replies but before she can say anything else, they all turn to the noise of the auditorium doors opening.

"Ok guys we're about ready to get started!" Mr. Shue said as he comes in followed by the other judges. They make their way to their seats and all get settled. "I've pulled all of your names out of the hat to choose the order in which you will be singing today."

He looked down at his list then back up to the kids. "First up we have Blaine."

They all clapped as Blaine took the stage. He smiled with a nod for his music to start and killed Katy Perry's Last Friday Night.

The room erupted in applause and Mr. Shue smiled and leaned into the microphone. "Excellent Blaine, if that doesn't win the solo, I can definitely see it as a group number with you highlighted."

Rachel shook her head not agreeing with him but said nothing. It was good, but she had other ideas if she had her way. She stopped clapping to lay her arm across Santana's shoulders as he called Puck, Mike and Sam to the stage. Once they got set the music started, all the girls smiled.

Puck moved forward and started singing…

[Puck]
Well you're a real tough cookie with a long history
Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
That's okay, let's see how you do it
Put up your dukes, let's get down to it

He stepped back and they all started singing and dancing in unison to what looked like the dance steps from the movie Rock of Ages. Everyone was laughing and started clapping along dancing in their seats.

[All Three]
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away

Mike stepped forward as they sang fire away and the Gleeks were all losing it seeing him with his hands on his hips looking sassy.

[Mike]
You come on with it,
come on you don't fight fair
That's okay, see if I care
Knock me down, it's all in vain
I get right back on my feet again

[All Three]
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away

Sam was up next, and they love it as he took over with a sexy shimmy

[Sam]
Well you're a real tough cookie with a long history
Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
Before I put another notch in my lipstick case
You better make sure you put me in my place

[All Three]
Hit me with your best shot
C'mon, hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away

Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away

They finished with a fist in the air and everyone was on their feet. The judges all smiled while clapping as Mr. Shue sat forward again. "You guys are going to make this hard for us. That was amazing guys, awesome job all three of you."

Kurt went next with his version of Whitney Houston's All the Man I Need and did a wonderful job. Rory did a beautiful rendition of Adele's To Make You Feel My Love. Santana and the girls were up next, and Rachel and Quinn shared a smile as they got set.

Mr. Shue looked on in confusion as quite a few Cheerios came in and joined them on stage. "I'm sorry girls, I'm not sure I understand. These are supposed to be solo, duets or trios. Why do you have so many extras with you and why are there so many Cheerios that aren't in our club with you?"

Santana stepped forward and shrugged. "What we wanted to do needed the extra dancers and the girls agreed to help us. Coach said that they could join just for this and to help with backup singing this is a trio, or more a duet I guess."

Mr. Shue shook his head and started to talk, but Sue butt in before he could say anything. "William, is it not the policy of this group to let anyone in that wants in, or have you dropped that mantra?"

"No Sue we haven't dropped that mantra, but these girls never auditioned, and I wasn't even aware of their presence in this number until now." Will looked up to the girls on stage and sighed. "I'm not sure I should allow this."

Brittany stepped up next to Santana. "Please Mr. Shue, we really need them for back up."

Rachel stood and crossed her arms. "In their defense Mr. Shue they didn't even know they were going to use the extra girls until a few days ago and didn't know if it was going to really work until two days of intense work. I think that they should be allowed to do this. They worked so hard for this."

Finn scoffed, "You are only saying that because Santana is in this group."

Turning a scathing look to Finn she shot daggers in his direction. "No, I'm not, I would feel this way no matter who wanted to do it. It's not fair that they all worked so hard and don't get to perform."

Sue leaned back in her seat and scowled at Finn then Will. "Think of this as their audition William and just let the kids sing."

Emma leaned toward Will and took his hand. "I think they're right Will. Let the girls sing."

Will sighed and nodded. "Ok girls but from now on all changes and additions like this need to be brought to my attention before the day of the performance."

The girls on stage squealed thanking him and got set quickly. Once everyone was settled the music started.

[Brittany and the other background girls]
Oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh
Oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh

[Mercedes]
She, she ain't real
She ain't gon' be able to love you like I will
She is a stranger
You and I have history, or don't you remember?
Sure, she's got it all
But baby, is that really what you want?

Bless your soul, you got your head in the clouds
You made a fool out of you, and boy, she's bringing you down
She made your heart melt, but you're cold to the core
Now rumor has it, she ain't got your love anymore

[Brittany and the other background girls]
Rumor has it, oooh-ooh
Rumor has it, oooh-ooh
Rumor has it, oooh-ooh
Rumor has it, oooh-ooh

[Santana]
Don't forget me, I beg (Rumor has it, rumor has it)
I remember you said (Rumor has it, rumor has it, rumor has it)
I heard that you settled down (Oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh)
That you've found a girl and you're married now (Oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh)
I heard that your dreams came true (Oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh)
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you (Oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh, oooh-ooh)

[Mercedes]
Woah, rumor has it (Rumor has it, rumor has it)
Yeah, baby (Rumor has it, rumor has it)

[Santana]
(Rumor has it) Don't forget me
(Rumor has it) I beg
(Rumor has it) I remember you said
(Rumor has it, rumor has it)

Bless your soul, you've got your head in the clouds
You made a fool out of me, and boy, you're bringing' me down
You made my heart melt, yet I'm cold to the core
But rumor has it I'm the one you're leaving her for

[Mercedes]
(Rumor has it, rumor has it) Yeah...
(Rumor has it, rumor has it) Yeah...

[Santana]
(Rumor has it) Don't forget me
(Rumor has it) I beg
(Rumor has it) I remember you said
(Rumor has it)

As they finish the group is once again on their feet and Sue leaned over toward Will. "See, that was more than worth letting them sing. That was amazing."

Will chose not to say anything to her and praised the girls before calling the next group. "Tina and Artie, you're up next."

Tina and Artie sang Turn the Beat Around by Gloria Estefan and it was great. Rachel sat back impressed after she stopped clapping. These guys were really bringing it and wanted to win. She smiled as Sugar got up and sang Cher's Strong Enough blowing them all away.

Mr. Shue clapped madly for the girl. "I must say Sugar you have improved my leaps and bounds since you joined us."

Sugar scoffed. "I was always great, but Rachel made me better." With that she smirked as she bounced off the stage to sit between Puck and Rory as they all laughed and looked up to the stage as Finn took his spot and he looked at Rachel with a smirk as the music started.

Santana and Rachel shared a look and it took all they had not to just crack up laughing at the idiot. Brittany and Quinn were not as successful and only calmed when Rachel smacked them both playfully.

Finn tossed a glare at the blondes before he started to sing.

I remember when we broke up the first time
Saying this is it, I've had enough, cause like
We haven't seen each other in a month
When you, said you needed space, what?

Then you come around again and say
Baby, I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change
Trust me, remember how that lasted for a day
I say, I hate you, we break up, you call me, I love you

Oooh we called it off again last night
But Oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you
We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

Like ever...

Finn was completely into the music sending little glares and smirks in Rachel's direction totally failing to notice that the entire group of kids were either laughing at him, shaking their heads in shame or just completely indifferent to the boy. Mr. Shue was just at a loss. He really didn't want all this drama starting up again.

I'm really gonna miss you picking fights
And me, falling for it screaming that I'm right
And you, would hide away and find your piece of mind with some indie record that's much cooler than mine

Oooh you called me up again tonight
But Oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you
We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together

You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

I used to think, that we, were forever ever ever
And I used to say never say never

Huh, she calls me up and she's like, I still love you
And I'm like, I'm just, I mean this is exhausting, you know
We are never getting back together, like ever

We are never ever ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together
You go talk to your friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

He ended the song with his hand raised pointing in Rachel's direction and the auditorium erupted in laughter and catcalls. Finn didn't seem to find anything wrong with this and made his way back to his seat with a smile. Mr. Shue thanked his lucky stars until Rachel stood.

With a smirk firmly in place she continued clapping as the others stopped. "Thank you, Finn, thank you. I am so happy that you finally got it through your thick skull that it's over. The song was cute, thanks for saving me the trouble of singing it. Taylor Swift, really?"

Everyone lost it laughing again and Rachel sat. Finn started to stand but Puck pulled him down whispering into his ear and he looked to him shocked then turned to the front to sulk. Mr. Shue gave a disapproving look to Rachel who just smiled and motioned for him to continue. He just shook his head and pulled the rest of the names out of the hat.

Along with Rachel, Lauren and Joe also decided to sit out of this competition so the only one left to go was Quinn. Taking a deep breath, she shared a look with Rachel once more and made her way to the stage. The music started and she took her mark.

Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one

I see you through the smoky air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare
You're so close but still a world away
What I'm dying to say, is that

She was a bundle of nerves and she was shaking inside but you'd never know in the way she sounded. She was flawless. She couldn't help as her eye tracked to the person this song made her think of. The one she wanted but had never had the courage to go after.

I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you

Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all

Rachel looked over to where Quinn's eye rested and smiled having her suspicions confirmed. She smiled even brighter seeing the look of the other persons face. Looked like Quinn had a shot.

Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see

As she goes into the chorus again, she loses herself in the other girl's eyes. She knows that she's laying herself bare now in front of all these people, but she doesn't care. The song has brought it all out of her and now that it's out there for the other girl to see, all she can do is sing her heart out and hope for the best.

I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
You'll feel it in my kiss because

I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss

I'm crazy for you
Crazy for you
Crazy for you
Crazy for you

It's all brand new, I'm crazy for you
And you know it's true, I'm crazy, crazy for you
It's all brand new, I'm crazy for you
And you know it's true, yeah, I'm crazy for you

As she finishes the song the entire room is on their feet cheering madly for her, but all she can do is stare into her eyes and wait. Mr. Shue starts to talk but stops as Brittany jumps out of her seat and runs toward the stage. The kids all continue to cheer as Brittany stops just in front of Quinn.

She looks out over the crowd unsure now that she's up here and looks back to Quinn. "Was that for me?" She asked so quietly Quinn almost didn't hear it.

Smiling she took her hand, "It was, if you want it to be."

Brittany smiled that megawatt smile that only she can. "Yea, I want it to be." She looked out at the audience again then stepped closer looking at Quinn's lips then up to her eyes, "Can I…"

Quinn smiled pulling her fully into her, "Yes."

With that Brittany pushed in and gently took her lips in their first kiss.

A/N: Ok so I know it's been forever, but I'm in the mood to write so here's a new one and I hope it was worth the wait. Don't hate me for the long delays my health sucks, I've had hell going on in my personal life with some family crap and I am finally getting back to the mindset for writing again. I've missed it tremendously but just wasn't able to concentrate long enough to write until now. I want to thank all of my dedicated readers that have been there since the beginning and all my new ones. You guys rock.

Quinn-Crazy for you by Madonna
Mercedes/Santana/Brittany-Rumor has it/Someone like you by Adele
Puck/Mike/Sam- Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar in the style of the movie Rock of Ages
Finn-We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift in the style of Tanner Patrick