Chapter 21
The two of them stayed in that room for a further quarter of an hour, sharing their newly found love. Rachel was more than happy to spend the time with James, enjoying kissing him, ones filled with the love that the both of them had admitted for one another. It felt right, to be there with him; the contact bringing her complete happiness.
Eventually, Rachel did manage to control herself and pull away from her boyfriend. Resting her forehead against James', she smiled happily as she tried to get her breathing under control. She loved the way that he was looking at her, the way his eyes were slightly hazed over, empowering her with confidence at knowing what effect she had on him.
Rachel giggled seeing that his lips were bright with the shade of lipstick she was wearing, and as she tried to wipe the lipstick from his lips; while he seemed intent on kissing her some more and adding the staining of his swollen lips. That amazing feeling she got from kissing James overwhelmed her again as they shared a few more tender kisses before finally managing to back away from him a couple of inches, albeit reluctantly.
"Come on handsome, your friends will be wondering where we are" Rachel stated, licking her lips as her hands were smoothing his shirt; lingering as she felt his chest through the material.
"Let them wonder" James replied, a smirk on his face as his hands resting on her waist pulled her close as he pressed his lips against hers. Rachel couldn't help but giggle as she denied his tongue entrance into her mouth when he ran it across her bottom lip. James groaned as he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. "I love you"
"I love you too" Rachel replied, smiling wide as the words left her mouth; feeling unbridled joy at expressing how she was feeling with a guy who was in love with her. It made the world seem a better place, and despite the fact that their relationship had to exist over a large distance where their only contact was over the phone, the two of them went large amounts of time without seeing another in person; they were making it work. The distance didn't matter nor did it stop their relationship from blooming, both of them now sharing their love with one another; their connection was something deep and meaningful.
"Come on, let's get back" Rachel said, kissing his forehead before stepping back and attempting to lead him out when he tugged gently on her hand, Rachel spun around and faced him again noticing the slight frown on his face. "What's wrong?"
"I need to tell you about our performance" James said quietly, his eyes staring at his hands as he held hers in his. Rachel tilted her head slightly and watched as his eyes portrayed him deep in thought.
"You can tell me; I love you and you can always tell me anything" Rachel said reassuringly; raising a hand to his neck and caressing his skin softly.
"I love you" James replied; a smile appearing on his face. "I never told you before, it never seemed that important who I danced with. At least not until you talked to me earlier about how my friendship with Heather worried you"
"I don't ever want to make you uncomfortable. You are the greatest, most important thing in my life and I don't ever want anything to ruin what we have together"
"You dance with Heather?" Rachel asked softly, wanting to confirm what he was trying to say.
James nodded, biting his lip as he looked at her. Her first thought was that she felt a little betrayed about the fact that he hadn't told her about Heather in the past; apparently this girl was a large part of his life and Rachel hadn't heard about her until a few hours ago. However, the main thing that touched her was the fact that he was telling her everything now; he didn't want to damage their relationship and was being honest with her.
"I should have told you earlier; we've been partners during performances for years. I didn't think to tell you, but-"
"It's okay, baby. I trust you when you told me that she is just your friend" Rachel replied, holding his face gently between her hands.
"I don't want to hurt you, and I won't dance with her again after tonight if it-" James started explaining again, and she pressed a kiss to his lips. She didn't want him to suffer any guilty feelings any longer, while she was a little upset that he had never mentioned Heather before, Rachel knew that he would never do anything to hurt her. Truthfully, if she considered how amazing and understanding he had been about her wanting to build a friendship with Finn then the least she could do was the trust him on this.
"I Love you and I trust you, just like you trust me with Finn. I know you don't have any romantic interest in her but she's someone who I was worried about; but not now you've explained what she is. I love you" Rachel said as she emphasised the last three words, wanting him to understand the true depth of her feelings; that he was the one she loved and trusted completely, she wasn't going to let anything get in the way of how perfect her bond and relationship with James is.
"I love you" James replied, kissing her again gently. They shared a few short chaste kisses as the two of them showed each other how much they meant to one another. After a few minutes they pulled away and as James licked his lips, Rachel giggled and led him towards the door.
….
As they headed back out into the foyer of the auditorium building, the two of them walking hand in hand, their bodies intimately close only a slight gap in between them. Rachel was wearing a happy smile on her face as she sighed happily at the closeness between her and James after sharing their feelings of love for one another.
They found his mom, sister and Hugh stood around talking to his group of friends in the Scale Blazers. Rachel couldn't help but smile at the fact that his mom took such an interest in supporting his ambition to become a star and head to Julliard in New York. As they approached, James released her hand and placed it on his mom's waist.
"Hey mom"
"Sweetie, we were wondering where you two had gotten" Andrea said, smiling as she embraced her son warmly; Rachel watching on happily at her boyfriend, knowing the spark in his eye and the smile on his face was down to them sharing their love for one another.
"I was just showing Rachel around the place" He said glancing at her, winking as he smirked. Moving to stand at his side, she curled into his side as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"I love you" He whispered in her ear as he leaned over to kiss her cheek softly, moving away as she bit her lip to control the huge grin that wanted to cross her face.
With only a short amount of time until sectionals began, they stood in the foyer with the group laughing and talking away. They were laughing at James as his mom talked happily about how attractive he looked with his hair slicked back; Rachel feeling uncomfortable at how Heather made a comment about the same thing before James noticed, and wordlessly squeezed her side softly in reassurance. Smiling, Rachel looked up at saw him laughing despite the shade of red that had grown on his face at what his mom had said to embarrass him in front of his friends.
As the time came upon them to enter the auditorium, Rachel watched as his mom had gone to get another drink along with Charlie and Hugh. Smiling, she turned to face James just as he turned his attention to her, leaning down and he pressed another kiss to her lips. As they separated she whispered so that only he could hear; "You look really sexy", biting her lip at the glint in his eyes as he smirked at her.
"Hello James" Rachel heard a voice, and she watched as he turned to face the direction it had come from. There was a murmuring from the Scale Blazers as they evidently recognized who it was.
"Mr Atherton" James said warmly. Rachel watched as a smile crossed his face as she turned her attention to the man; a tall, she would have guessed around 6ft, with short grey hair that looked to be in his early fifties. Curiosity gathered in her when James walked forward and embraced the man.
After a couple of seconds, they separated and the rest of the Scale Blazers all ran forward and gathered around the man in a huge group hug. Rachel stood off the side, smiling and laughing at the scene as the group were all talking to their former coach.
"Alright, Alright guys" Mr Atherton said laughing, his hand clasped on James' shoulder. "I missed you all too, but come on; its show time soon and your all stood around talking instead of warming up?"
"We got the final slot; we've got to sit through two other groups" Matt laughed.
"What's that I hear? You are taking it easy? I didn't think that's what I taught you the past three years" Mr Atherton replied, his voice serious and James smirked as he stood next to him.
"We've been taking it serious, don't worry sir"
A voice came over the music that was playing announcing that they should take their seats in the auditorium before the show started in ten minutes time.
"Good luck guys, I'll be in the audience and talk to you after you win" Mr Atherton said, and the Scale Blazers headed towards the doors to enter the auditorium. Rachel smiled, as she watched Mr Atherton lean in and whisper something in James' ear. James nodded as his teacher pulled away, and patted him on the shoulder before walking off.
Rachel stepped forward, leaned up and kissed James softly on the lips; pulling away giggling as she felt James smile against hers.
"That was your old glee director?" Rachel asked, her hand resting on his neck stroking his cheek gently.
"Yeah" James replied nodding. Rachel frowned at seeing a look of thoughtfulness on his face.
"You okay baby? What did he say?" Rachel asked, concerned.
"Just wishing me luck" James replied, and smiled widely at her; causing Rachel to smile back and she nodded as he reached down and took her hand in his, gesturing towards the doors with his head. "Come on lets go get our seats"
Nodding happily, Rachel leaned up and kissed him before they headed towards and through the auditorium doors.
….
Rachel was impressed by the size of his school's auditorium, definitely larger than McKinley's as it looked as though it seated around a hundred more people in its tiered pavilions of seats. Sitting in front of a middle balcony that ran from one side to the other where exit doors where located, Rachel gripped James' hand tightly as he sat in between her and his mom with Charlie and Hugh sat to her left near to the isle.
"This is huge" Rachel whispered to him, smiling at the smirk he was wearing. His response was to nuzzle her cheek after placing a tender kiss on her lips.
As she rested her head against his shoulder, the two of them stared out at the stage. The announcer boomed out through the speakers around the room as the lights went down with a spotlight appeared on the stage as a man wearing a suit walking out with a microphone in his hand.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the Road to Nationals Chicago 2012. Tonight three show choirs will compete, and one be crowned the Oregon Sectional Champion and will advance on to Regionals in the state capital in February. The three competing teams tonight are; Explosive Vocals, The Rhythmatics and The Portland Scale Blazers.
Rachel clapped politely as the crowd cheered the teams who would be competing tonight. Next to her James was resting his head against the headrest of the chair as he clapped softly. Nudging him with her forehead, he looked at her and winked causing her to giggle.
Our celebrity judges for tonight are; Local TV Anchor Jessica Watternberg, District Judge Luke Harton and Ohio School Inspector Arnold Mitley.
Each one of the judges stood up, and was met by a round of applause by the crowd in the auditorium and as they took their seats again, the lights on the stage faded as the red curtain came down covering the open space on the stage.
Now, our first competitors for tonight; all the way from Johnson City, The Rhythmatics!
Rachel turned and smiled at James as he focused on the stage as the curtain went up and a piano started playing the music to the opening, a female voice resounded through the auditorium enhanced by the microphone Rachel could see attached to her dress. As the first clubs set list came to an end, the three songs inspired by 80s rock music, Rachel applauded them as the group of sixteen bowed before the crowd who were cheering for them. Next to her, she smirked as James stayed in his seat unlike most of the audience who had stood to give them a standing ovation.
Giggling, she sunk back down into her seat with him and cuddling next to him, kissing his neck before he turned and pressing a tender kiss against her lips.
"What did you think?" She asked, licking her lips.
"They were good" James noted, and winked at her. Rachel had to agree with him, their vocals were good and the combination of songs was obviously aimed towards pleasing the crowd and making a strong impact as the opening act. As he gripped her hand and stroked the back of it softly, he added with a smirk "We'll be better"
After a short intermission, Rachel shifted in her chair as the announcers voice rang out again in the auditorium.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our second competitor tonight, from Harlen's High School; Explosive Vocal's.
"These are of the better groups in Oregon, we've only faced them at Regional's the past couple of years. Their lead was also in New York with us this summer." James whispered in her ear, and Rachel gulped feeling his breath on her neck as she instinctively tilted her neck to give him more room as she did when he was kissing her. Swallowing, she was glad when the music started playing.
The first song that the group did was a duet performed by a brown haired guy, who Rachel assumed was the one James was referring to, and a blonde girl. Rachel had to admit that their voices sounded good together, but neither of them possessed the same strength that James' or her own voice held. The final two performances the group gave were well choreographed routines that aroused large cheers from the crowed who all rose in the seats. Rachel stood along with James and the rest of the crowd in giving them a round of applause, giggling at him as she saw the way he kept a neutral show face throughout the whole routine as if he hadn't been impressed.
Settling back down into their chairs after applauding them with a short intermission taking place before the Scale Blazers performed, James whispered in her ear; "They were real good"
"Worried?" Rachel asked lightly, trying to tease him slightly. James chuckled at her as she moved her head pressing a kiss against her lips. After a few short chaste kisses, he pulled back and winked at her.
"I love you" He whispered, standing in his seat as she smiled at him.
"I love you too" She replied, blowing him a kiss as he turned and gave his mom a kiss before sneaking past them out into the isle.
"Good Lucky Buddy" Rachel heard Hugh say to him as they bumped fists. On her right, Andrea moved up a seat and settled into it next to her. Rachel linked her arms with his mom, and smiled at her widely as James disappeared off.
"Enjoying the show?" Andrea asked, smiling at her.
"Yeah, I always loved listening to show choirs; especially when they sing this well" Rachel replied. It was the truth, the groups were talented; begrudgingly she could admit that Explosive Vocals were almost as good as the New Directions but if the Scale Blazers performed well enough they should be able to win especially if they lived up to the hype of their national championship performances.
During the ten minute intermission, Rachel talked to Andrea about which performances where her favourite; both agreeing that Explosive Vocal's would be the group most likely to challenge James' for the sectionals victory. After a few minutes, the lights darkened again as the loud announcer sounded out throughout the room.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for the third and final performance of the night. From Stanley High, Portland; Give it up for Defending 2011 National Champions; the Scale Blazers!
As the announcer called out James' team, Rachel couldn't help the Goosebumps that she felt run up her arms and as the announcer finished his introduction that was a large round of applause in the auditorium; the sound almost thunderous as the home crowd advantage came into play. Rachel looked around and smiled widely before settling into her chair next to Andrea.
"Here we go" Andrea whispered in her ear, and Rachel couldn't help but bite her lip in anticipation.
The crowd finished cheering, and when they had taken their seats again there was silence for a few moments; Rachel watched as there was movement on the stage, and she could make out people walking out and taking places on the stage stairs. Suddenly, an electric guitar sounded out amplified by the speakers set up around the auditorium, kicking off their performance with a heavy rock introduction. Rachel smiled, looking to her left as she saw Hugh with a grin on his face as he too recognized.
….
As James' voice joins the band at the start of the song, the light shines on the stage revealing the Scale Blazers stood dressed in their purple performance outfits forming a pyramid style shape on the stage; Rachel sees James is at the very top of the fourth step in the middle on his own, flanked by two lines that run down to his left and right.
Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive and the world it's turning inside out Yeah!
I'm floating around in ecstasy
As he sings the first few lines, he walks slowly down the steps; his voice crystal clear, rising perfectly with the notes. The Scale Blazer's join in with the next line before James cuts in loudly on top of theirs as the music picks up pace.
So don't stop me now don't stop me
'Cause I'm having a good time having a good time
As James sings the next part of the song, the Scale Blazers start to dance behind him as he stands of to the side singing his solo part. He's mimicking their dance moves stood of on his own, as if setting the lead for them as the rest dance partnered up.
I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies
Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity
I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva
James points out with his left arm and then his right as he beckons them to come closer to him.
I'm gonna go go go
There's no stopping me
I'm burning through the sky yeah!
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm trav'ling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you
The Scale Blazers surround James and he joins in with their high energy choreography for the next chorus
Don't stop me now
I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball
Don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time
Just give me a call
Don't stop me now ('cause I'm having a good time)
Don't stop me now (yes I'm having a good time)
I don't want to stop at all... yeah!
There are some lifts of the girls above the guys shoulders as the crowd roars and gasps in appreciation. As they girls are lowered, they partner up with the guys; twirling them around as their legs are wrapped around the guys waist.
I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars
On a collision course
I am a satellite I'm out of control
I am a sex machine ready to reload
Like an atom bomb about to
Oh oh oh oh oh explode
I'm burning through the sky Yeah!
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm trav'ling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic woman of you
Rachel giggles and cheers along with them as she sees James strutting around the stage as the rest of the show choir sing the next few lines.
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
Hey hey hey!
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
Ooh ooh ooh (I like it)
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
Have a good time, good time
Don't stop me
Don't stop me
Ooh ooh alright
The Guys lift the girls in the group up on their shoulders again, before dropping them to their feet as a guitar player is at the top of the steps with the spotlight on him as the scale blazers continue to dance around.
Ooh I'm burning through the sky yeah!
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm trav'ling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you
Don't stop me now
I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball
Don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time
Just give me a call
Don't stop me now ('cause I'm having a good time)
Don't stop me now (yes I'm having a good time)
I don't wanna stop at all
As the song comes to an end, as James and the Scale Blazers are singing the final verse of the song; they form the same triangle shape on the stage with James stood in the middle on the top of the four steps.
...
Rachel applauded as the crowed settled back down after the performance. James had sounded amazing in the song, his voice hitting the changes in key and notes perfectly as his confidence during a performance was breath taking. Watching him was awe inspiring; his on stage persona was incredible as he strutted around it with as much passion and confidence in himself that she had never seen in anyone but herself and Jesse. He trusted in his talent completely and it showed as he captured the crowd as he performed.
The music for the second song blurred out and Rachel bit her lip in anticipation of hearing what they would sing. The music to Jessie J's Domino plays out as its sung by the girls of the Scale Blazers with, to Rachel's distaste for the girl still existent even after her talk with James, Heather leading them. The Guys are quiet as they play the dance partners throughout the song, with Heather herself dancing with James throughout. Some of the dance moves involve the two of them getting close to one another but Rachel reassures herself that its simply for the performance and not any actual real attraction; knowing James is in love with her and would never do anything to hurt her proving to be a soothing essence in her mind.
The Scale Blazers as a whole are incredible dancers, easily matching what she had seen from Vocal Adrenaline over the last couple of years; and it becomes evident to her that they are every bit as strong as the group from Carmel. She also has to begrudgingly admit that James and Heather move together well; the years of existing practise proving a key part of their groups performance.
….
A soft piano plays, and the spotlight shines on James standing by himself; his other team mates still in their sitting positions from the end of the second song. James' head is bowed as he sings the first line, raising it as he continues singing and staring into the crowed; his voice soft but still sounding powerful.
This is the moment!
This is the day,
When I send all my doubts and demons
On their way!
James turns and starts to walk up the small four stepped stage, his hand brushing over his team mates shoulder briefly as he pauses.
Every endeavor,
I have made - ever -
Is coming into play,
Is here and now - today!
James steps up the stage, walking past his team mates who are sitting as he stares ahead, pausing at the top as he turns to faces the crowd.
This is the moment,
This is the time,
When the momentum and the moment
Are in rhyme!
Give me this moment -
This precious chance -
I'll gather up my past
And make some sense at last!
This is the moment,
When all I've done -
All the dreaming,
Scheming and screaming,
Become one!
This is the day -
See it sparkle and shine,
When all I've lived for
Becomes mine!
As James' voice extends the note, the crowd stand up and cheer as he holds the note perfectly; his voice seemingly becoming more powerful along the way.
For all these years,
I've faced the world alone,
And now the time has come
To prove to them
I've made it on my own!
He starts walking down the steps, his voice seemingly attacking the music; a powerful, determined element to his voice that projects the song perfectly. Rachel notices that the crowd is completely captivated by his performance, and even she is a little awe struck.
This is the moment -
My final test -
Destiny beckoned,
I never reckoned,
Second Best!
James reaches the front of the stage, sings the rest of the song from there as his arms become more animated; fists clenched down to his side.
I won't look down,
James gestures behind him with his hand, shaking his hand as the words pour out of his mouth beautifully)
I must not fall!
This is the moment,
The sweetest moment of them all!
He sings the next verse, the scales blazers behind him and move to stand slightly behind him; leaving him to sing the powerful last few notes.
This is the moment!
Damn all the odds!
This day,
I'll sit forever
With the gods!
When I look back,
I will always recall,
That Moment for moment,
This was the moment,
The greatest moment
Of them all!
As James voice sings the last note, it extends as the crowd applaud loudly; his arms are out in front of his body in a conductor style stance as he culminates the music dropping his hands and bowing his body.
….
When the music ended, there was a thunderous applause as the audience stood up to give them a standing ovation. Rachel was grinning widely at the stage, the Scale Blazers performances had been absolutely breath taking; their voices combining beautifully with the choreography that left Rachel astounded and impressed. As much as she was amazed by the performance itself, the fact that they did the glee club had come together without a director to aid their preparations for sectionals was equally if not more incredible. Rachel felt immensely proud of her boyfriend, as the leader of the Scale Blazers, for stepping up along with the others on the council and creating their set list; causing her grin to widen as she giggled as Hugh whistled along with the applauding crowd.
On the stage, the Scale Blazers were congratulating each other and Rachel smiled warmly as she saw Matt hugging James tightly before they separated and the glee club turned to the crowd, bowing together in a line as they all held each other's hands before walking off stage.
The announcer's voice rang out through the speakers in the auditorium announcing that there was going to be half an hour intermission before the results would be announced. Rachel turned and followed Andrea, Charlie and Hugh as they made their way out into the foyer, her arm linked with James' mom as they walked out amongst the excited audience members.
"Wow, that was amazing" Hugh was saying, clearly impressed by the performance he had just watched in front of him on the stage as the four of them stood in the corner of the room talking about the performances they had seen over the last hour. "James' solo was incredible"
"It was, he was brilliant" Rachel replied, grinning widely. Smiling up at Andrea she continued; "You must be so proud of him getting up there like that"
"I am; he's perfect" Andrea said happily; and Rachel nodded listening to Hugh ask Charlie about the song.
"I don't think I've heard it before, at least I've never heard him sing it" Charlie responded, her hand entwined with her boyfriends.
"It's from Jekyll and Hyde" Rachel replied, the smile still resting on her lips. "It's one of his favourite musicals from the west end. We watched it like ten times this summer"
Charlie laughed, and Rachel felt a blush on her cheeks as his sister spoke; "You and my brother are just perfect for each other; you both know every song from every musical ever"
Rachel smiled widely at her, as Charlie squeezed her shoulder softly.
After the intermission, they had made their way back into the auditorium and found their way back to the seats ready for the results to be announced. Rachel had been a little disappointed that James hadn't come out to see them during the break, but she assumed that he would have been celebrating with his teammates after their amazing performance of their set list and she couldn't be too selfish in stealing him away from them all the time tonight.
The lights in the auditorium dimmed slightly and Rachel watched, biting her lip, as she saw movement on the stage as the three glee clubs made their way out and stood in the centre of it along with the three judges. To the left of the stage, there was a table carrying three trophies of increasing size for each of the places.
Rachel felt apprehension build up within her as she watched the man step up and stand in front of the microphone at the front of the stage ready for the announcement of the results.
"Ladies and Gentlemen; tonight we have witnessed three amazing performances from these outstanding show choirs, each one of them should be very proud of what they have done here tonight."
Rachel joined in with the applause, as the crowd asserted their agreement with the statement by the man. She watched as James' face was set neutral, unlike the other people in his glee club who were all wearing smiles or biting their lips nervously. She couldn't help the giggle that escaped as he stared down the stage floor, seemingly ignorant to his surroundings.
"Our 2nd runner up, for the Oregon sectional 2012…The Rhythmatics!"
There was a cheer from the stage as the group came up to collect their trophy and bowed to the crowd, who were giving them a polite applause as they left the stage; leaving the two clubs left on the stage.
"That leaves us with two teams, but only one of them can walk away as winners tonight. Without further ado, In 1st place and the team that will progress onto Regional's is…"
Rachel bit her lip, crossing her fingers in support of her boyfriend's team. On the stage James seemed the picture of calm, but she knew he was nervous within and she felt Andrea grip her hand tightly as they waited.
"The defending national champions, from Stanley High – THE PORTLAND SCALE BLAZERS!"
There was a large cheer in the crowd; Rachel screamed in happiness as she watched James and his team mates do the same thing. As the result was read out, James pumped both of his fists forwards as his face showed the joy he had let out as the Scale Blazers roared in their victory. Everyone in the club seemed to be hugging each other, and Rachel giggled as she saw Matt lift Lucy off the ground and spin her around. Her smile faded a little bit at seeing James hug Heather tightly, ecstasy on his face. Her worries were overcast by the pride she felt as her boyfriend walked over and hugged a couple of people on the losing team before collecting his trophy.
Even in victory, he was magnanimous enough to console the other team in their defeat and she couldn't but feel love for him overwhelm her. He was such a great person, and Rachel felt amazing that he had chosen to love her; and she was proud to give James her heart.
...
After the groups had left the stage, the four of them had made their way into the foyer with the audience as they flooded out through the doors. They stood around talking for a good ten minutes before there was commotion and soft cheer as Rachel saw the swell of purple outfits enter the room through of the side corridors. She smiled as she saw James walking with his arms wrapped around Heather and Matt, elation and joy evident on their faces as they were speaking to one another.
His eyes looked from his friends, and over to where she was stood with his family. His smile widened and seconds later, she felt him wrap their arms around her waist as she wound her arms around his neck, giggling as she felt him lift her up into the air. After a few seconds, James put her feet on the ground again and she moved to place her hands on his neck, her thumbs gently massaging his jawline. His forehead was glistening slightly with sweat from the stage lights, and some of his curls had come free of the slicked back look, curling down over his forehead.
"I love you" He said softly and as she smiled he pressed his lips against, her mouth opening beneath his touch as he delved his tongue into her mouth. They stood embraced like that for several moments before she heard a coughing, causing her to realize where they were and she giggled as they separated. Glancing around, Rachel licked her bottom lip before smiling as she saw Matt was stood there with an amused look on his face next to his family.
"You were really great" Rachel said softly, as she leaned her head against James chest, her arms moving down and wrapping around his waist holding him tightly as he placed his arms on her shoulders, gently holding her in his embrace as she sighed happily; feeling his love and affection for her.
"Thanks Berry" Matt said
"You were so amazing up there baby" Rachel said, tilting her head up to kiss his jaw as he stood there. James smirked and kissed her softly on the lips.
"Couldn't have done it without you" He replied against her lips, kissing her gently before he pulled away and resumed their comfortable hugging position. "You being here tonight made me want to be the best I can be"
"You were in the zone, bro" Matt said, patting him on the back as Rachel giggled.
"Heather, you were simply perfect up there; sweetheart" Andrea said, and Rachel turned to see his mom talking to the red headed girl of to the side.
"Thank you Andrea, it really all was James though; he was great tonight" Heather said, turning and smiling.
"Thanks Hev" James said smiling as he winked at her.
"You were really good as well Heather" Rachel said, glancing at James who nodded smiling at her; appreciation for the effort she was making sparkling in his eyes.
"That's nice of you to say Rachel, thank you" Heather said a smile on her lips, although Rachel noticed that it didn't reach all the way to her eyes.
"James, you were brilliant sweetheart" Andrea said, pulling her son into a hug as Rachel giggled to the side at his embarrassed expression.
"I was impressed, buddy; you sounded great" Hugh said as he high-fived James.
"I have to agree James, you were brilliant" The sound of Mr Atherton's voice came, and Rachel followed James gaze to his former teacher.
"Michael, I didn't know you were here" Andrea said smiling, and moved forward to embrace the man warmly. Rachel raised her eye slightly at the friendliness on display between his mom and his former teacher.
"I couldn't miss the chance to come back and see my favourite student and prodigy" Michael said laughing as he pulled back from the embrace. He then turned to look at James who was smiling lightly. "You were simply brilliant, James. Your rendition of "This is the moment" was perfect, your breathing and diction astounding"
"Thank you, sir" James said, as his former teacher patted him on the shoulder. His eyes glanced at Rachel and she smiled.
"Rachel Berry" Mr Atherton stated, smiling politely at her. "I didn't realize you would be here – so far from Ohio"
"Hi, you know who I am?" Rachel asked confused, subconsciously reaching for James hand as a sign of comfort.
"Of course, I am the coach of Vocal Adrenaline now; and you are my main competition" He said chuckling, and Rachel smiled nervously. Uncomfortable at the way the man kept looking at James with a look that was anything but innocent. "You are a very talented performer"
"Thank you" Rachel replied smiling.
"Anyway, I'm going to go talk to the other members of the Scale Blazers, but once again you were brilliant, James"
"Goodbye sir, thank you for coming" James said, shaking Mr Atherton's hand once more before he disappeared off away from them.
Rachel watched James glance after his former teacher before he returned his gaze to his family as his sister approached him and hugged him.
"I'm proud of you little brother; you're amazing" Charlie said, kissing her brother on the cheek as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "We've got to celebrate tonight"
"That sounds great" Rachel replied smiling at her. She had really liked talking to his sister earlier on in the day, the older girl having been a kind, thoughtful person who spoke to Rachel with a lot of respect.
"Aren't you coming over to my house tonight for my celebration party; you're coming right James?" Heather asked, and Rachel watched as he nodded.
"Yeah sorry Charls; Heather always hosts one at her house after we win a competition. It's okay if we go right Mom?" James said, turning and looking at his mom.
"Of course sweetie" Andrea replied, nodding her head as she spoke; "Don't stay out too late, alright sweetheart"
"You know I won't keep him too long Andrea" Heather chimed, nudging James' shoulder playfully. Rachel rubbed his arm protectively, chewing on her bottom lip nervously as she tried to convey that James was hers. She trusted James, he had her complete trust since they had met in New York; it had only increased since then and now that they had shared that they loved each other; Rachel knew that he was hers, just as she was his.
Even so, despite the fact that James had tried to reassure her to that Heather wasn't a threat to her, that he didn't have any feelings beyond friendship, there was something about the red headed girl that made her uncomfortable. Rachel smiled as James wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and she curled into his side; glancing at him as he smiled reassuringly at her, asserting he understood that she was uncomfortable.
"Charlotte, Hugh and I are going to head out to dinner" Andrea said, as she kissed her son on the cheek. Rachel smiled as she stood next to James. "Have fun Rachel"
"You were really great little brother" Charlie said kissing him on the forehead, as Hugh patted him on the shoulder before the three of them walked off and out of the auditorium.
"I'll see you in about an hour, okay?" Heather asked, smiling at James who nodded in response at her. Matt and Lucy and the rest of the Scale Blazers soon disappeared as well to their own families.
Rachel and James walked hand in hand out of the auditorium towards James' car as it parked in the carpark. Along the way, they were stopped by several people who congratulated James on his victory; complimenting him on his singing. It seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the Scale Blazers star performer and after fifteen more minutes than it should have taken, they were sat in the front two seats of his car. James pulled the car out of car park, driving them home.
"You were really great tonight" Rachel chimed after a few minutes of them driving in silence. Reaching her hand across the small gap in between their seats, she placed it on his; lacing their fingers together.
"I love you" James replied, and Rachel felt her mouth widen into a smile as she felt complete happiness at hearing the words from his mouth.
"I love you too" She giggled in response, squeezing her hand over his. Licking her lips, she spoke again; "So we're going to Heather's tonight?"
Rachel watched as his face creased as he frowned, turning to look at her with apology in his eyes. "I'm sorry baby, I should have told you. I'm making a mess of your visit; I keep ruining things."
"Hey" Rachel said stopping him, smiling to reassure him. She hadn't meant for the question to come as that she was angry at him for not asking her. The fact that he was upset about how he thought he was ruining the time she was spending with him in Ohio, almost brought a tear to her eye. "I didn't mean it like that, baby. Everything is amazing, I get to feel you holding me and you told me that you love me; nothing could make this any better"
He spoke again as he frowned sceptically. "I should have asked you about going to Heather's…we can just stay in and watch some movies if you'd prefer to do that"
"It's okay" Rachel giggled, watching as he smiled at the sound of her happy. He chuckled along with her as he pulled the car into his driveway at home. James shifted in his seat, turning face her as he sighed happily.
"You want to go to Heather's? It'd be really cool to show off my beautiful girlfriend in front of the school" James said as he moved his hand to rest on her neck, caressing her jaw lovingly. "Of course, we could just stay and make out in my room. My family will be out for a couple of hours."
Rachel couldn't help but giggle as he wiggled his eyebrows at her suggestively, and she moved her own hand to hold his wrist; keeping the contact between them. Licking her lips, she released a breathe before speaking; "You know how much I enjoy kissing you…but I want to go to Heather's party"
"You sure?" He said, moving forward in order to kiss her; pausing an inch or two away from her lips. Rachel sucked in a breathe as her eyes gazed down to his lips as he whispered; "I love you"
Rachel smiled forward, and closed the gap between their lips as she pressed hers against his. Moaning slightly as she felt him nip her bottom lip slightly before sucking on it gently. The two of them stayed in the car, enjoying the presence of being in each other's arms.
After a while of staying in that car as they made out for a good twenty minutes before they headed inside so that James could change out of his purple coloured shirt he had worn for the performance earlier in the day. Rachel stood around in James' kitchen looking through a magazine on the glass table as she waited for him. She was excited to go to Heather's house with James, to meet and interact with his friends just in the same way he had been when they had gone to Noah's house over summer when he had come to visit her in Ohio.
There was a few minutes before she heard footsteps coming down the staircase and Rachel looked up from the magazine she was reading and turning to the doorway, a smile crossing her face as she saw James buttoning up the black shirt he had pulled on. By the looks of it, he had washed the gel out of his hair and it was back to its fluffy, curly free flowing style on his head. Standing up, she moved over and walked to him, biting her lip as she saw him smiling at her.
"You're finally ready then handsome?" She teased him, placing her hands on his chest. James looked at her, shaking his head before placing a delicate kiss on her lips. As they separated, Rachel wiped her lips together before smoothing his shirt at the collar.
"Let's go" He said smiling, linking their hands together and leading her out to his car.
….
Heather's house was around a quarter of an hour away from James' by car, the two of them listening to one of her Broadway playlists. Surprisingly, Rachel didn't have any worried or nervous thoughts regarding her spending time around his friends as she had been earlier in the day on the way to his school in the morning. Instead, in their place was a feeling of confidence, ready to spend time with her boyfriend who loved her and his closest friends. All of this stemmed from what James gave to her; with how he cared for her as well as how amazing she felt around him, as if she was the most amazing, most loved person; as if she was the only person that mattered when he was around her.
As he parked his car on the street Heather's house was located on, he got out of the car and walked around to open the passenger door for her. Rachel smiled as she took his hand, climbing of his black Mercedes; leaning up to press a soft kiss against his lips before whispering; "Thank you baby"
He lingered close to her, his hand that wasn't clasping hers coming up to cup her cheek gently as he nuzzled her nose with his. "You look absolutely beautiful"
"I love you" She replied, grinning widely as he moved his hand away and kissed her cheek. James always knew how to make her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world when he spoke to her.
The two of them walked together towards Heather's house, as he pointed at a large house where there was the feint sound of music playing. Gripping his hand confidently they walked up the pathway up to her house and when they reached the door, James knocked on the door and turned to smile at her as wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Rachel closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his lips on her skin, a smile gracing her face.
"James, I was wondering when you would be getting here" At hearing Heather's voice, Rachel sighed as she turned and looked towards the door placing a smile on her face to attempt to try and make the effort to be friends with the girl. "Rachel, nice to see you"
"Hey Hev, thanks for inviting us" James said, stepping forward embracing the red headed girl in a one armed hug as he kept his grip on Rachel's hand during it. As he separated, Rachel followed him into the house; and as they made their way into the living room, she saw that there was a large amount of people hanging around laughing and chatting to one another.
"There some drinks in the kitchen, James; I'll be in the back room with Natalie and Kat" Heather said softly, her hand resting on James for a few seconds before he winked at her and she skulked off.
"Let's get a drink" James murmured, as he leaned down to kiss her cheek and as he pulled away she nodded; licking her lip as she followed him through Heather's house into the kitchen.
On the side were some bottles of wine, some beer and other types of alcohol on the side. Rachel wondered if he would drink; expecting him to want at least one and she was more than happy to drive his car home if he wanted to. Instead, and to her surprise as she watched him curiously, James instead headed over and opened the fridge in Heather's kitchen. She found it funny how at home he seemed to be acting as he took the bottle of lemonade out, moving over and taking two glasses from a cupboard. She giggled as he moved around this other person's house as if it was his own. James glanced over at her and raised an eyebrow at her as he poured them drinks.
"What's so funny?"
"You" Rachel replied, moving over and leaning the counter. "You just walked in here and start opening her fridge and cupboards"
"I come over here all the time" James chuckled, handing her a glass which she took smiling back at him.
"Thank you"
"You're welcome and besides Heather won't care" He said, raising the glass to his lips to take a sip.
Rachel watched him, and chewed her bottom lip; wondering why he hadn't taken a drink of alcohol. As he swallowed, he nudged her softly. "What's up?"
"You don't want to drink any of that?" She replied, gesturing to the table with a range of choices of alcohol on with her elbow. He followed her gaze before shaking his head. "I could drive if you want to"
"Nah, it's cool" He said, shooting her his smile that always made her think he looked extremely handsome. "I told you, I don't really like drinking that much"
Smiling at him, Rachel took his hand in hers as he led them towards the lounge looking for his friends. Over the course of the next hour, Rachel stood leaning into his side as they talked with Heather, Matt, Lucy and some of the other members of the Scale Blazers. It seemed that they were all really nice people, and Rachel was glad that she found herself enjoying spending time with them, with her even enjoying Heather's presence despite her earlier doubts about the girl.
A little more time passed, and she found herself sitting alone with Matt on the couch in the family room of Heather's house. She was happy for time to get reacquainted with him, considering how well Rachel had gotten to know him in New York; she had lost contact with him and certainly didn't speak with him as much as she wanted. The two of them had talked quite a few times since summer over Facebook; it was nothing like talking to him face to face, enjoying his sense of humour as he made her laugh telling her about the Scale Blazers rehearsal's and how James had been laying into them about the importance of putting on a good show.
"He was really pushing us, and himself hard: he wanted to win while you were here, he must have practised that song a hundred times"
"I was really impressed" Rachel smiled; "With all of you, all the Scale Blazers seem really nice"
"Even Heather?" Matt asked with a smirk "you didn't seem to like her very much earlier today"
"What makes you say that?" Rachel asked, swallowing.
"Come on Rach, you can't get anything past me; I saw the way you looked at her" Matt replied, placing a hand on hers.
"You're right…on both counts" Rachel replied, smiling slightly. "I didn't like how she came in and snapped James' attention away. I'd never even heard about her before this afternoon" Rachel said, frowning slightly
"Really?" Matt asked and as she nodded at him, he pulled a face and continued; "I'm surprised…her and James are really close"
"Do you know her well?" Rachel asked, curious to know about this girl.
"We aren't friends…frankly I can't stand her, but I've known her for four years now; she joined the Scale Blazers shortly after I did…the same time James joined" Matt replied.
"Has she always been so…touchy with James?" Rachel asked, biting her lip. That was the one thing that had bothered her; how Heather seemed to always be holding on to his arm or any other form of contact
"Yeah, I used to wonder why he let her; I mean they've never dated" Matt said, pausing to take a drink. "But, I've realized that I don't think he realizes she does it. Of course, I know why she does; she likes being the centre of attention, especially with James"
"She's very friendly towards him" Rachel said, chewing her lip.
"Yeah, Heather is very attached to James: has been for a few years" Matt responded
"James said they were close" Rachel commented, thinking back to their conversation earlier
"You asked him about her?"
"Yeah, He felt really bad about not bringing her up before; he said he didn't think it was important" Rachel replied, smiling slightly about how he wanted to reassure her.
"You shouldn't be worried about her, Rach. James isn't interested in Heather like that-" Matt started defending his friend and Rachel had to interrupt him
"I love him, and I trust him" Rachel smiled; and she giggled when he smirked at her
"Just so you know, Ana didn't like Heather either" Matt spoke again after a couple minutes of silence between them.
"Why?" Rachel asked, intrigued why James' ex-girlfriend didn't like Heather.
"The reason you were uncomfortable; Heather likes to be hands on with him, holding his arm or hugging him. They're close and when James would fight with Ana; he would go and find Heather to console him" Matt explained "I think that was the reason they broke up, or at least why Ana started to fall out of love with James and more interested in Tom. James can be real dumb sometimes, and Heather is one of those things. He doesn't realize how Heather is with him, he just sees her as a friend; nothing more"
"She likes him" Rachel said, the things starting to make sense about Heather "as more than a friend, she wants to date him"
"I think so" Matt replied "Don't worry Rach, James hasn't ever expressed any romantic relationship with her, especially not now he has you: he's crazy about you"
"He loves me" Rachel said happily "I told him I loved him before your show and he said it back"
"That's why he had the biggest shit grin on his face when you two came back from making out in the back" Matt laughed out loudly, slapping his knee as Rachel blushed.
"Yeah, I trust him completely and I know he's mine" Rachel replied; sighing before continuing "I just don't like Heather"
"I'm not surprised , many people don't"
"James said that as well" Rachel giggled
"He knows what she's like or rather what other people think of her; he just doesn't believe it , he tries to see the best in people" Matt explained "She's definitely a better person when she's around him; like a lot better. In many ways; I guess he's rubbed off on her over the years and she's a nicer."
"That's one of the reasons I love him, he doesn't see the bad side of people; he's always tries to make an effort with people, even with Finn he's been so understanding" Rachel said, feeling her heart warm as she thought about how much she loved him.
"He's a good guy, you're lucky Rach" Matt noted, smirking at her. Rachel found herself nodding with him; She was definitely one lucky girl to have found this amazing guy who she loved with all her heart.
….
They spoke for a further twenty minutes before Matt got up to get and get a drink. Rachel glances around and sees James laughing and talking with a few of the guys from the Scale Blazers. Smiling, she starts to get up and head over to her boyfriend, when out of the corner of her eye she sees Heather coming over.
"Hi Rachel, are you having fun?" The red headed girl said smiling that fake smile she had greeted Rachel with earlier. "You and Matt seem cosy"
"Yeah it's nice to catch up with Matt" Rachel said, trying to keep her tone of voice polite despite her dislike for the girl. "I spent so much time with him and James this summer; it's strange not to see them everyday"
"James definitely missed you" Heather remarked, her smile fading. "It's hard to see my close friend that distraught"
"Thank you" Rachel replied, feeling her eyes well remembering how hard it was for her to be separated from the man she loved; in a sad way, she was glad that it had affected him in a similar way; that they could share their heartache together. "I don't like thinking of him being upset"
"No need to thank me" Heather said, her smile returning; striking Rachel as sly and mischievous. "I'm not doing it for you; I'm just making sure he gets what he deserves"
"And what's that" Rachel asked, confused about what the girl was talking about.
"Someone he can actually talk to face to face, rather than some girl who has tricked him into thinking he's happy" Heather said, and Rachel looked at the girl shocked. She knew that the red headed girl didn't like her, but apparently it was time for her to bring up her problems to Rachel's face rather than hiding behind sly comments and dirty looks
"James is happy with me" Rachel defended herself, glancing over at James; glad to see that he wasn't in a place where he could see their argument.
"Is that what you think?" Heather laughed lightly.
"I know for a fact he is" Rachel smiled, putting on her bravest face possible; happy in the knowledge that she knew James loved her, that he wanted her and not Heather.
"How could you possibly know how he is, you're not around every day to see him" Heather remarked, leaning closer to her; Rachel tried to keep the sneer of her face as she felt her anger rising.
"And I suppose you are?" Rachel asked, gripping the side of her dress in her hands to stop her from hitting the girl.
"Yeah I am, I'm the girl who has been in his life longer than you have been, and I'll be in his life well after you've broken his heart and moved on" Heather said, and Rachel could hear the tone in her voice. Rachel hated what the girl was insinuating; it was what Finn had suggested to her a month ago and she hated it. She hated the idea that she could ever hurt him; not being able to imagine it considering how much love she felt for him.
"Me and James aren't going to break up, I love him" Rachel said defensively, clenching her jaw in frustration about how this girl was trying to come between them.
"We'll see" Heather smirked at her, and Rachel could have hit her.
"I know you like him" Rachel acknowledged. The smile faded from Heather's face and Rachel couldn't help but feel just a little but victorious. "You're jealous that he doesn't feel the same way about you; you hate the fact that he loves me"
"James doesn't understand how much I mean to him; how good I've been to him" Heather replied, her face in a smirk, the arrogance coming back to her voice now "I've been there for him the last few years, and he'll be mine before long. How does that make you feel knowing that I'm going to be around him every day, picking away at his relationship with you until one day he realizes that you just aren't worth it"
"I trust James completely" Rachel said confidently, smiling to try and hide the tears that were threatening to fall. "Me and James are in love, and we are strong; so I'm not worried about you trying to get in between us"
"Now, if you'll excuse me; I think I'm going to go and spend some time with MY boyfriend" Rachel continued, smirking as she saw the speechless look on Heather's face before she stood from the couch and made her way over to James' side.
….
…
A/N :
I changed James' ex-girlfriends name to Ana. Next chapter is the last of Rachel in Oregon before she returns home. Chapter 23 will pick up Ep2-3 of Glee season 3.