The Best Revenge

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. All recognisable characters, content or locations belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Summary: When Eli Puckerman walks out on his family, Noah doesn't act out. Instead, he opts to become the best person he can, because the best revenge is living well. OOC. AU.

When Noah Puckerman watched his father walk out on his family, he didn't act out. He grew up, took on more responsibilities around the house, and with care for his sister, too. He'd taken up odd jobs within their small community, had given every cent to his mother, and had committed himself to becoming the best man he could be. He poured all of his hard work into JCC and Hebrew school, sports, music, and academics, and somewhere along the way, he'd managed to shrug off the legacy Elijah Puckerman had left behind.

At sixteen, Noah Puckerman was quiet and kept to himself, with a select number of close friends, but a large variety of acquaintances. He wasn't William McKinley High School's golden boy, but neither did he want to be. Instead, he was somewhere near the top of his class, a solid and talented athlete with unspoken ambitions and a promising future. He'd worked hard to get to where he was, and he still continued to do so, and thus, the sophomore had very little time to commit towards personal interests and hobbies.

When word had spread of Mr Schuester's decision to reinstate the Glee Club at William McKinley High, Noah hadn't been interested. He'd had a 7th Grade piano exam to worry about, he'd just started a job at Wal-Mart, his sister had a stomach bug, and thus, show choir was the farthest thing from his mind.

But then the 'New Directions' started making waves, and the show choir became difficult to ignore.

At first, it was because Rachel Berry had joined. Noah himself wasn't surprised, because as long as he'd known the girl, she'd always been a performer. Glee Club was just another in a long list of accomplishments, another stage to add to her resume. In truth, he had only noticed due to the increased number of slushie facials, and although his hands were tied, the guilt still ate him alive.

Shortly thereafter, Finn Hudson wound up in the Glee Club, and despite the golden boy's half-assed efforts, the persecution of Rachel and co. continued. What followed was a plainly painful to watch dance between Quinn, Finn, and Rachel, and that was when Noah got himself involved.

"What are you doing with Hudson, Rachel?"

"Nothing," Rachel answered primly, "Finn and I are simply friends and members of the same team."

"Is that why you're salivating over him like a dog, Berry? I have to say, pathetic doesn't look good on you."

"I am doing no such thing, Noah Puckerman, and I'm offended that-"

"Rachel," Noah interrupted, "You're trying to get between the golden couple. Whatever, I don't even care. Just ask yourself: is that who you want to be? If yes, then are you doing it for the right reasons?"

With his piece said, he left Rachel to her thoughts, retreated to the parking lot, and made his way to work. His boss was one of his mom's friends from synagogue, a decent enough dude who'd cut Noah an awesome employment deal, but who didn't have the patience for anyone's shit - Noah's least of all.

His shift passed uneventfully, his night followed the same vein, and the following morning, he learned that Quinn Fabray, Santana Lopez, and Brittany Pierce had each joined the Glee Club.

"Do they have orgies in the choir room or something?" Dave karofsky asked the locker room. Crude suggestions ensued, Puck rolled his eyes, and made a quick retreat as soon as possible. His closest friends, Mike Chang and Matt Rutherford, followed his lead, and in the corridors, Mike addressed him.

"Will you join?"

"I wasn't planning to," he answered.

"It'd look good on college applications," Matt interjected, perpetually reasonable.

"Dude," Noah grimaced, "I do not want to be on a team with the 'Unholy Trinity."

Mike popped and locked, and acknowledged, "I don't know, I think it bears consideration. Triple threat, you know? Academics, Athletics, Arts, not to mention the scholarship opportunities…"

Noah hunched his shoulders, shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans, and frowned thoughtfully. He'd not flaunted his musical talent around, aware that he'd be more or less crucified for it within the halls of McKinley High. He was good though, trained and practiced, but did he want to sacrifice what little free time and anonymity he still possessed for Schuester's 'New Directions', of all things?

"I think it's worth it," Matt admitted, his head bowed, a contemplative expression on his face, "Dad doesn't have much money. If this could help with college…"

Mike gave Matt an encouraging slap on the back. "I'm in, too. It'll be cool to dance again."

Noah sighed, exasperated, and carded his fingers through his hair. He'd never done anything without Matt and Mike by his side: peewee football, dance, driving lessons. He wasn't about to bail on them — not when they'd had his back forever. Noah would be damned if he'd admit that, however.

"Guess I'm joining the show choir."