A Story of New York Chapter 4: New York: Rachel and James, a glee fanfic

Chapter 4

The Next day, Rachel and Kurt had eaten breakfast with her Dads as they had done every day for the last few weeks. After that they had gotten into a cab which had dropped them off at NYADA where this week's activities were taking place. The two colleges had split the month, with Julliard hosting the first half of the programme while NYADA held the final two weeks' worth of seminars and activities. As they headed into the main auditorium building, Rachel looked to see if she could see where James was. She had put more effort into her appearance in recent weeks, wearing more "pretty girl clothes" as she referred to them as, as a result of her confidence growing at the summer programme. She had found herself eager look nice for herself; but also secretly to impress James. She had worn a red poker dot dress with a blue Jean jacket with cream knee height boots. She'd bought the outfit when she'd gone shopping with Kurt a few weeks ago and was on her favourite items in her wardrobe now.

"If you're looking for James he's over there with Matt, Lucy and a few of the Vocal Adrenaline bunch" Kurt said next to her, and Rachel turned quickly following his outstretched arm to the far side of the room.

James was stood chatting with a group of eight people. Rachel felt a smile cross her face as she saw him.

As usual looking handsome. Rachel thought to herself as he laughed loudly grinning back at Matt. He was wearing a yellow hooded jacket, a white t-shirt visible underneath and black slim jeans. He had his bag pack slung over one shoulder and was wearing a huge smile as he talked the blonde girl stood next to Matt leaning against the wall opposite James who stood next to Lucy.

Rachel felt a feeling of jealousy at the fact that James was obviously enjoying talking to Stacey, the blonde vocal adrenaline member, and as she laughed at his comment, Rachel turned to Kurt and spoke firmly "Come on" as she led him by the hand over to them.

As they approached, Kurt whispered to her to relax, and she nodded at him before continuing her walk over at a slower pace. What am I getting jealous about

As they approached Rachel could hear the last few bits of their conversation.

"I told you, it's going to be so great having you" Stacey said smiling

"Not for us, it won't" Matt replied

"Dude come on, it'll be fine" James said and laughed at Matt's expression

"When do you" Lucy asked but was cut off as Rachel appeared as his side. "Hi Rachel Hi Kurt"

"Hey Guys" Rachel said, before turning to look at James who was staring at her with a mesmerised look in his eyes. She felt herself blushing under his gaze as he raised his arm and she instinctively hugged him; feeling his arm wrap around her shoulders. He leant down and kissed her cheek, before whispering in her ear.

"God Rachel, you look gorgeous" Rachel shivered at his breath on her ear and as he pulled away she smiled at him before leaning into him, her arm snaking around his back and she was glad to see that he didn't move to shift his arm from her shoulder. After a few moments she turned to the group, embarrassed to see that the others were looking at them with amused looks on their faces.

"So .what were you guys talking about" Kurt said, hiding his grin at the two them stood so close to each other and seemingly completely comfortable with it.

"Umm" Matt said looking at James, which caused Kurt to frown. Rachel on the other hand was busy whispering a thank you into James' ear at his comment.

"We were just talking about the party tonight" Lucy replied, as Matt looked at James who coughed. "I take it you'll be joining us"

Rachel bit her lip and half smiled before Matt spoke with a smirk "James said the other day he wanted to ask you, but apparently he finally found the confidence"

"Yeah, it's going to be so great to finally see you sing something that isn't broad way" James teased and squeezed her shoulder playfully. Rachel rolled her eyes at him and James smirked.

"You're all going?" Kurt asked.

There was a round of nods and confirmations. Stacey replied vocally "Yeah, we even convinced James to ditch these two and sing with the guys from Vocal Adrenaline"

"Hey, I said I'd think about it" James said, raising an eyebrow at her

"It'll be good practise" Kellie said, who was another girl from VA who had red hair tied in a pigtail

"For what?" Rachel asked confused, looking at her. She didn't see James bite his lip as he looked at Kellie with wide eyes.

"You know, for this year. Winning Nationals puts so much expectation on you to do it again" Kellie replied, "You guys have to sing as well. It's going to be great"

"I'm going to, I'm not sure what yet but", Kurt replied

"Wait, let me guess. Something that will probably be something deeply moving. Naturally, its something that was obviously written for you as well, Right Kurt?" Matt said, patting Kurt on the back, causing them all to laugh. Him and Matt had become friends and the teasing went both ways.

"Careful there Matt, you don't know when it'll come back to bite you on the ass" James smirked. He then looked at Rachel and she met his gaze instantly. "What about you munchkin?"

Rachel blushed at the nickname, he'd used it a few times over the last few weeks to tease her about her height. There was a few laughs from the others as she nudged him in the shoulder, causing him to laugh as well before rubbing her shoulder with the hand that had remained around her.

"I think I will. I love any opportunity to sing in public, you should know that by now" Rachel replied

"That is true...you're like Tinkerbell" He responded, biting his lip. "Height wise for sure"

"Well...I was going to ask you to sing with me...but if you're going to be like that..." She felt happy when his eyebrows rose, glad that she could have some fun with him. There was something about him that made her feel completely at ease and that was coming across in her demeanour around James.

"You were?" James asked softly, and Rachel nodded at him, he smiled "I'd love to"

"I'll have to consider now..." Rachel replied giggling, "I take comments about my height very seriously"

"I'm sorry, Rachel" James said smirking, Rachel smiled back at him "Will you let me have the honour of singing with you?"

"Mhmmm...maybe" Rachel murmured, biting her lip as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow "Alright, but only because I like you"

James laughed back at her, and a few of the others joined in as well. Rachel could see he was about to respond when Matt interrupted.

"Okay, im going" Matt said, standing up from the wall and picking his bag up. Gesturing to them two of them he continued "If this is what it's going to be like between you two now I'm going to kill myself"

Rachel blushed, and James laughed at him before shaking his head and replying. "Sorry Dude. But hey its time to go anyway"

The group headed off towards where the showchoir kids would be working together again with Cassandra July, the dance instructor at NYADA. Rachel and James hung back a moment neither of them speaking, as she was unsure how exactly to proceed.

"You do look beautiful" James said softly to break the silence. Rachel looked up at and smiled

"Thank you" Rachel said and then slipped her hand into his, grinning as he looked down at their linked hands and smiled. "Shall we?"

"Yeah, Lets" James replied before they walked off towards the auditorium hand in hand.

...

The rest of the Tuesday and the day after were easily the best days Rachel had enjoyed in New York. Her and James would have spent the majority of the day regardless of what happened; but by being able to sit and hold his hand; something she did at every opportunity since she discovered how soft they were; as they listened to the dance instructor run through the class. The glances he would give her, the wide smile he wore on his face every time he looked at her made Rachel feel a million dollars. They'd spent the last few weeks getting to know each other, and she couldn't help but develop feelings for him. For around a week, Rachel knew that things between her and James had gone past being friends. That same thought led to an easy peace between them; something that didn't have to be spoken. Both just happy to be in close proximity to one another, sitting together, enjoying the presence of the person they cared for. Rachel knew that eventually they would have to talk about what it meant, but for now she was just so happy and at peace.

After Wednesday's activities, the two found themselves sitting on the steps outside the auditorium; her in between his legs resting her head against his chest as his hands were placed softly on her shoulders; his fingers massaging circles Rachel couldn't help but be relaxed.

"Hey...Rachel?" James said softly, and she leant her head back further to look up at him; seeing that handsome smile that he wore every time he looked at her.

"Hmm?" Closing her eyes and murmuring back as he continued his actions.

"Are we..." He said nervously, as she opened her eyes again to see a strange look on his face

"What's wrong?"

"I'm confused...are we...together?" James responded, pausing his movement as she raised an eyebrow at him

"You think I let anybody hold my hand or be this close to me?" Rachel said, as he chuckled and moved from behind her to sit next to her on the lower step; taking her hands in his.

"No...but we haven't talked about what that kiss meant"

"Okay lets talk" Rachel said smiling

"I like you" James said softly, and Rachel couldn't help but giggle at him. His eyebrows raised in surprise and she rubbed the back of his hand

"I think I knew that already" Rachel laughed, James smirking at her, moving closer to him "You're didn't do a very good job of hiding it"

They both laughed before, he looked deeply into her eyes. "I care about you, Rachel. I…I want you to be my girlfriend" biting his lip as he finished, staring at her giving him his full attention as he waited for her to respond.

Rachel took a moment to reply, her heart having beaten faster when he spoke. After half a minute or so, she replied "I want to be your girlfriend"

Her heart warmed as she said the words, seeing the gigantic grin that had spread across his face. He nodded happily then he moved closer to her and kissed her, raising a hand to cup her cheek as he had done the night before. Rachel found herself smiling against his lips as they shared tender kisses for several minutes. There was something that felt so right about them doing what they were doing. Rachel felt a warm jolt as she felt his tongue run softly across her bottom lip, and she moaned softly as she opened her mouth and felt his tongue touch hers. She raised an arm around his neck and pulled his head closer intending to deepen the kiss, completely at ease with being intimate with him, when they were interrupted by a coughing in front of them. James rested his forehead against hers and grinned at her again as her eyes darted to see Kurt stood there arms folded.

"You are my least favourite" James remarked, and Rachel giggled at him as moved his head away only to put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him. Rachel happily lent into his side, still clasping his hand tightly in hers.

"Sorry to interrupt the obviously important conversation you two were having" Kurt said sarcastically, "But we have a party to prepare for"

James frowned and looked between the two of them. "Do you hear that Rachel, he thinks what we were just doing isn't important. I for one disagree"

"Me too" Rachel giggled back and titled her head to kiss the underneath of his jaw

"For god sake...Come on lover boy...time to let me take care of Rachel" Kurt said, grabbing her hand and attempting to pull her up; James however didn't release his hold of her causing all three of them to laugh.

"I better go...I'll see you tonight?" Rachel said as she and James both stood. James nodded and Rachel went into his arms, a warm embrace as he kissed near her ear.

"You bet" James said softly, and as they pulled away he kissed her once on the lips. "Want me to come to your hotel and meet you guys?"

"No, we'll meet you there" Kurt says and pulled Rachel away towards their cab; Rachel smiled, and glanced over her shoulder waving as James blew her a kiss.

...

"Having fun?" Kurt teased as sat down in the back of the cab, before telling the driver the address.

"Yeah" Rachel sighed happily, "James is so great. He told me he cares about me, and wanted me to be his girlfriend"

"So you're official?" Kurt asked, smiling

Rachel nodded happily, biting her lip.

"I'm happy for you two" Kurt said, and then frowned for a second "Have you spoke about what's going to happen after this week?"

"No" Rachel shook her head "But I care about him, and cares about me. We can make it work"

"Even though you'll be in Ohio and he'll be in Oregon?" Kurt said softly "That's a long way away, and I don't want you to get too excited. Things could change while you're back in Ohio"

"Aren't you happy for me?" Rachel said frowning at him, a hint of anger in her voice "It doesn't matter how far away we are, I care about him. I'm not getting back together with Finn no matter what you say"

"Wow…Rachel, that's not what I mean" Kurt replied "I don't want you to get back with Finn, I'm glad you've realised you need someone who will put you before anything else. But, I just want you to get hurt; especially considering you've only known James for a month"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you" Rachel replied as they got out of the cab around ten minutes at their hotel. She linked her arm with his; "I know that things have gone quickly with us, but we've spent every day of the last few weeks together. I know everything about him and so does he about me"

"I know" Kurt said and nudged her shoulder softly, "he does care about you, but be careful; I don't want to see you get hurt. I'm just looking out for my best friend"

"Thank you" Rachel said as they got into the lift "Can we please talk about something happier now? I'm happy and let's get ready for tonight"

"Of course"

…

A couple of hours later, Kurt and Rachel were walking towards Callbacks laughing and chatting happily. Kurt was wearing a dressy red shirt and black suit pants. Rachel had dressed in a backless white dress that flowed to just below her knees. She also wore a small black jacket that covered her shoulders. She wore high heel shoes. Both of them had agreed that she looked stunning and James would have a hard time focusing on anything else that night.

As they walked towards the building, they saw the bright sign outside and a few of the summer programme kids were stood chatting outside getting some air. They waved to Kurt and Rachel. They pushed the door of the club and then they were engulfed by the sound of a dance track. The place absolutely packed, some of the students were dancing on a small dance floor in the corner near the band. More people were stood around talking to one another. Rachel bit her lip, standing on her tiptoes to try to see where James was. Kurt was likewise looking around.

"Do you see them?" Kurt asked,

"No" Rachel replied, shaking her head. "Where are they?"

"Let's get a drink" Kurt said and they walked over to the bar. When they got there, they ordered some drinks. Rachel ordered a lemonade drink. They got their drinks when Matt came up behind them; and squeezed her shoulders.

"Hey guys" Matt said, releasing her and ordering a drink.

"Hey Matt" Rachel said smiling,

"You look nice" He said to Kurt, then winked at her "You too Kurt"

"How long have you been here?" Kurt replied,

"About an hour or so. Oh thanks" Matt said, getting his drink from the bar.

"Is James here?" Rachel asked softly, then took a drink.

"Yeah, of course" Matt said smirking, "He's over the far side of the band with Jake, Mike and some guys from Vocal Adrenaline"

"Thanks" Rachel said, and walked off to find him. She pushed her way through the crowd with Kurt and Matt behind her. She glanced around after working past the band who were taking a break while some dance music played over the stereo. He was stood laughing and joking with some of their friends. She took a short breath taking in his appearance. His hair had grown longer over the past few weeks, it had become fluffier as the curls lost their tightness. There was a tousled, messy look to his hair that Rachel found was incredibly cute. He was wearing a short-sleeved black shirt that once again showed of his muscular arms.

He punched Jake's arm playfully as they both laughed. A moment later, she saw him gesture to James with his head and he turned around wearing a huge smile on his face. He put his drink down on a table and walked towards her. She walked towards him, and he paused in front of her taking her hands in his. She looked up and grinned as she saw him wide eyed and looking at her. After a moment he found his voice

"Wow" James breathed out, smiling at her. "You look…wow"

"I like wow?" Rachel teased, blushing.

"Shut up" He said softly, leaning and kissing her gently on the lips. They shared chaste kisses for a few seconds before pulling back and leaning their foreheads against one another.

"Come on" He said linking her fingers with hers and led her back over to the group he was with before.

"You look hot" Jake remarked smiling smirking at James. Rachel blushed furiously and mouthed a thank you as James looked like he was going to kill him. she rubbed his back softly, and he looked at her winked.

"Wow, not beating me up" Jake smirked

"Maybe next time" James replied, leaning over and nuzzled the side Rachel's head, kissing her gently

"So what's the deal with the band?" Kurt asked, joining them.

"They're taking a quick break" James replied; "But you just go up and ask them to sing. Pretty simple really"

"Have you performed yet?" Rachel asked him, leaning into his side.

"No" James nodded his head, his arm around her waist, his fingers rubbing her side softly. "I will do later, I just want to spend some time with you for a bit"

An hour later and the group had found a booth to sit in while they listened the band playing songs for people to sing along to. Rachel was sat next to James, holding his hand with one and tracing shapes on the back of his hand with the other, as he spoke to Matt and Jake about football. On the other side of her, Kurt was talking to Lucy and a girl called Kate from a California show choir about a fashion designer. Rachel was lost in her thoughts, once again happy at the group of friends she had made while in New York; hopeful that she would keep in touch with many of them. In fact, she wondered that if she would be with some of them next year when she came to New York to study for real. Rachel sighed and lifted his arm over her shoulder, snuggling into James' side, which caused him to look at her and smile.

"You having fun?" He asked softly, abandoning his conversation; Matt and Jake continuing without him.

"Yeah" Rachel replied, nodding and kissing his shoulder. He smiled at her, and the two of them watched the pair of girls singing a Kelly Clarkson song. A few more kids got up to perform, and after a while; two guys did a hilarious version of "Barbie Girl". James laughed and kissed the top of her head. Looking up at him, Rachel leaned and kissed him on the lips, cradling his hand against her chest.

"Okay...James" Matt said, Rachel pulled back biting her lip and saw he was looking at them with a smirk "Before you turn into a complete pussy; Me you and Jake are singing"

"Dude, you and Lucy do this, like, all the time" James frowned, before Jake grabbed his arm and tried to pull him up

"Yeah, but not when we've got some singing to do. Move your ass" Matt replied, causing the group to laugh. James kissed Rachel one more time whispering "Be right back" before he followed them towards the band. Rachel licked her bottom lip before turning to talk to Kurt, Lucy and Kate

"You two really are cute together" Kate remarked smiling. Rachel couldn't help but grin

"He hasn't been this happy in a long time" Lucy said

"Do you know what they are singing?" Rachel asked, craning her neck to look at the three boys who were talking to the band.

"Could be anything" Kurt said, sipping his drink.

...

The Music started with the three of them singing stood behind microphones. Matt echoing the other twos words.

No Apology (No Apology)
We will not back down (No Apology)
We are not afraid (No Apology)
Not a drop of doubt

James sings solo for the verse. His voice with a slight rasp to it. The other two slowly join in as the verse goes on.

Let's start this from the happy ending
Just another white trash train-track kid
Fighting for survival
Trying not to do like his daddy did
Double down the devil at three-card Monte
No apology, he just knew when to quit
Push your luck, say your prayers
Make believe you don't care
Take a chance, sometimes it's all you need

As the song goes into the chorus, the three of them jump up and down on the stage as a large amount of people in the bar do the same. Rachel and Kurt along with the girls are dancing some simple, silly dance moves while they are sat in the booth laughing and giggling as they listen.

You wanna start a personal revolution
Think you living somebody else's life
You can lie about retribution
But there ain't no fire in your lover's eyes
Seems like everybody's selling you dreams 'round here
But no one's buying and it's closing time

James sings with the other two echoing his words. they sing the last line all together before going into the chours.
Light the fuse, make your breaks, there's no time left to waste
Baby just like freedom, nothin's free

You wanna start a personal revolution
What else you gotta do tonight

(No Apology)
No Apology (No Apology)
We will not back down (No Apology)
We are not afraid (No Apology)
Not a drop of doubt (No Apology)
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No Apologies
(No Apology)
No Apology
(No Apology)
No Apology
Hand in hand across this land
Our voices shouting out
No Apologies

(No Apologies - Bon Jovi performed by James, Jake and Matt)

...

A few minutes later, the boys sat back down in the booth. Rachel pulled James towards her as he sat down and kissed him several times before pulling back and looking at him biting her lip.

"That was hot" She whispered, causing James to smirk and kiss her again.

"Glad you liked it" He chuckled and sat down, Wrapping his arm around her shoulder again.

They sat around for a further half an hour, listening to a few more people sing before Rachel pulled James and Kurt up to dance as a couple of people from Vocal Adrenaline sung footloose. For the song, Rachel enjoyed dancing linking her fingers with James as they goofed around to the music; not doing any real moves simply having fun to the music.

"You're amazing" James laughed, kissing her as the music finished. Rachel smiled against his lips linking her arms around his neck. After a few moments; Kurt pulled her away towards the stage, Rachel peeking over her shoulder and blowing James a kiss as they walked to the stage.

"You two are like a pair of lovesick rabbits" Kurt laughed as they got to the band. They spent a few minutes debating what to sing while a couple of girls sung a Katy Perry song. Rachel flicked through the lists of songs; she grinned massively as they came across "Come So Far" from the Hairspray movie soundtrack. She showed Kurt and they both laughed again.

"Go get James and Matt, we need them for it"

After running and dragging them over to sing with them; something they were more than happy to oblige to. As they told the band what song.

"I love this side of you" James muttered in her ear; and Rachel couldn't but grin back, knowing that the fact she was completely at ease in his and their other friends company. The Rachel last year wouldn't have picked such a fun song; instead she would have picked a ballad. She was having fun tonight and that spilling out of every pore of her body. She was radiant. She winked at him as the music started.

...

Kurt started singing the first verse of the song. Rachel dancing on the spot behind her mic; while James next to her laughed at the reaction of some of the people on the dance floor. Most people had massive smiles on their faces; including his friends who were laughing hard.

Hey old friend, let's look back
On the crazy clothes we wore
Ain't it fun to look back
And to see it's all been done before

James took over the singing, dragging his hand across his face; causing Rachel to laugh next to him.

All those nights together
Are a special memory

Rachel sung, nudging Kurt's shoulder at the last few words.

And I can't wait for tomorrow
Just as long as you're
dancing next to me

Kurt and Rachel singing. James and Matt providing backup harmonies

Cause it's so clear (oooh)
Every year
We get stronger
What's gone is gone
The past is the past
Turn the radio up
And then hit the gas

Cause . . .
I know we've Come So Far
But we've Got So Far To Go
I know the road seems long
But it won't be long 'till it's time to go

So, most days we'll take it fast
And some nights lets take it slow
I know we've Come So Far
But baby
We've Got So Far To Go

James sings, taking his mic of the stand and walking to stand back to back with Matt. Rachel and Kurt both giggling as they sing backup for the verse. Rachel loved the performer that came out of him.

Hey old friend, together
Side by side and year by year
The road was filled with twists
and turns
Oh but that's the road that
got us here

(Kurt and Rachel sing)

Let's move past the bad times
But before those memories fade
Let's forgive but not forget
And learn from the mistakes we made

Cause it's so clear
Every year
We get stronger (James and Matt flexed their arms as they joined in singing with them)
So don't give up
Don't say when
And just get back on the road again

Cause . . .
I know we've Come So Far
But we've Got So Far To Go
I know the road seems long
But it won't be long till it's
time to go

So, most days we'll take it fast
And some nights lets take it slow
I know we've Come So Far
Oh but baby, baby
We've Got So Far To Go

Hey old friend come along for the ride
There's plenty of room so jump inside
The highway's rocky every now and then
But it so much better than
where I've been

Just keep movin', at your own speed
Your heart is all the compass
you'll ever need
Let's keep cruisin' the road we're on
'Cause the rear view mirror only shows
what's gone, gone, gone

Cause it's so clear
Every year
We get stronger
So shine that light
Take my hand
And let's dance into tomorrow land

Cause . . .
I know we've Come So Far
But we've Got So Far To Go
I know the road seems long
But it won't be long till it's
time to go

So, most days we'll take it fast
And some nights lets take it slow
I know we've Come So Far
Oh but baby, baby
We've Got So Far To Go

...

The four of them sat back down laughing in the booth. Lucy, Kate and Jake looked at them as if they were a bunch of mental patients.

"You guys are mental"

"That was so much fun" James laughed, Rachel giggled and took his hand in hers again.

"You were really great" She whispered in his ear, kissing his cheek as she pulled away. He smirked back at her.

For the next couple of hours they stayed in the bar, talking and occasionally getting up to dance with one another. A little while later, Rachel found herself strolling down the street towards her hotel, swinging her and James' arms as they walked hand in hand; Kurt next to them. They'd gotten out of the taxi a few blocks away so that she could spend as much time with James as possible; knowing that he needed to get home himself.

"I had so much fun tonight" Kurt said, James smiled back and nodded his agreement.

"So did I" Rachel replied. They walked for a couple more minutes before they arrived at the hotel. Kurt said goodnight to James before walking inside to leave the two of them to say goodnight.

Rachel stepped closer to him, and he leaned down to kiss her, her hands linking behind his head as he kissed her. They started tender, short kisses before she deepened it as he pulled her closer to him running a hand softly up and down her back. Rachel was incredibly happy in the position and they remained like that for several minutes before he pulled back and pecked her softly on the lips.

"You looked so beautiful tonight" He murmured softly, and she kissed him once more before removing her hands from his neck.

"Thank you" She whispered softly, he smiled back at her nodding his head.

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" He said, his hands still on her neck; thumbs rubbing circles on her cheeks.

"Bye" She replied, before kissing him once more before they walked away from one another.

Twenty minutes later, after saying goodnight to her Dads who murmured their response from bed and having washed and gotten changed, Rachel found herself in bed eyes closed, with a huge smile on her lips as she drifted of to sleep thinking of the amazing night.

...

A/N :

Fluffy Chapter. Rachel has made a number of friends; some will pop up throughout senior year! One more chapter left of Summer in New York before Kurt and Rachel head back to Lima!