Chapter 31
Rachel was wide awake before her alarm went off the next morning, a smile as she felt James breath on her next as he led sleeping next to her; his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. Biting her lip, Rachel turned over, careful not wake him up, in James' arms so that she was facing him; resisting the urge to giggle as she blushed when his hand moved against her bottom in the new position. Rachel watched her boyfriend sleeping, enjoying the smile and look of relaxation that sat on his face. Most of the few times that the two of them had slept in the same bed, James had been the one to wake up first and so it was a nice moment for Rachel to watch him sleep as she reached out and gently massaged his neck with her hand.
There was something incredibly intimate about being able to watch him sleep; giving her this feeling that she was special to have this opportunity to see him at his most peaceful, but also a feeling of privilege that he trusted her to see him at his most vulnerable while he was asleep.
As they led there, Rachel thought about how lucky she was to have James; how amazing she felt when he had told her the day before that he was moving to Ohio just so he could with her. It was such a romantic gesture; to give up a large part of his life so that he could be with the girl that he loved. This is what she had read about in the great romantic novels that she loved and also the great theatrics of Broadway and musicals; what she had dreamed about having the handsome prince do when she was a little girl. James had decided that she was what he wanted and he had chosen her above else in his life; she truly felt that she was the most important thing in his life.
He had become that to her as well, despite her realization in New York during nationals. With James, she didn't have to decide between her ambitions and love; they were synonymous. She could have all her dreams come true along with having him; knowing that he would always be there to love and support her. Rachel smiled at the realization, happy in the knowledge that James would always be there for her.
A few minutes later and her alarm went off; playing Kelly Clarkson loudly in her room. For a few seconds, she watched as James stayed sleeping before giggling as she watched his face grimace; a low groan escaping his lips as he woke up. Rachel reached over and shut her alarm clock off before turning and settling on her side in his arms again as she watched him wipe his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Good morning handsome" She whispered softly as he took his hand away; his eyes slowly opening and adjusting to the daylight coming in through her curtains.
"Hey" A low murmur escaped his lips as his eyes focused, a smile appearing on his lips as he realised who was in bed next to him. Rachel returned the smile and leaned forward to press a soft kiss against his lips, licking her lips as she pulled back. "Mhmmm Good morning…what time is it?"
"About 6:30" Rachel answered sighing as James nodded at her before moving his hand and brushing her bangs out of her eyes. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah" He replied as his hand lingered against her neck, his thumb gently caressing her jawline. "I love sleeping with you in my arms"
Rachel grinned at him as he said that; her hand resting against his chest. "Me too"
When he moved his hand away from her neck, she missed the contact as he shifted his body so that he was resting on his elbow, leaning over her slightly. "I wish you didn't have to go to school today. We could just stay in bed and cuddle all day long"
Rachel smirked at his words. Part of her, okay most of her, wishing that they could do that as well; a memory from the summer when they had sat cuddled up watching musicals flickering in her mind before she spoke; "That'd be amazing…but you have important things to do today"
"You're right" James replied, a smile on his face. "I have to go to McKinley and get my transfer completed so that I can wake up every morning with my beautiful girlfriend in my arms"
"Yes you do" Rachel said as she giggled in response, loving how his smile widened at hearing her laugh.
"But I think we have time for a little making out" James said slyly as he leaned closer to her before pausing a couple of inches away from them; Rachel tongue instinctively darted out to wet her lips as she felt his breath on them, looking up at him as he smirked at her. "What do you think?"
"I think we have plenty of time" Rachel replied before closing the gap between them as she pressed their mouths together, feeling him smirk against her lips as she opened her mouth for him instantly.
….
The two of them had stayed in Rachel's bed for a quarter of an hour before James had breathlessly stopped her as she was pressing open mouthed wet kisses against his neck. She had grinned at him as he stopped them, knowing that he didn't want to stop by the way he had pulled her close against his body and she could certainly feel that he didn't want to stop against her thigh. Rachel loved teasing him, the amazing sense of empowerment she got from how he reacted to her; but she was grateful that he knew she wasn't ready for things to go further than what they had already done.
After pressing a final kiss against his lips, Rachel had gone into her bathroom to get ready for school as James went across the hall to do the same in the guest room. Stood looking in her vanity as she brushed her hair after showering, she blushed as she saw the little mark James had left on her neck; a smile tugging at her lips as she knew for sure he would have one as well. Drying her hair, she pulled on a blue dress and smoothed the material over her stomach before picking up her white cotton jacket as she headed out of her bedroom and down towards the kitchen.
Straightening the sleeves of her jacket, Rachel smiled as she saw her Dads stood around the breakfast island as they were talking to Andrea who was laughing as she stood over a pan at the stove. Rachel heard the last part of their conversation as she headed through the room.
"Honestly Andrea; you and James are our guests" Hiram was speaking.
"Oh Hiram, You and Leroy are being incredibly generous allowing us to stay; the least I can do is make breakfast" Andrea replied, smiling at her Dads. "Besides, It's simple instinct; I cook all the time at home"
"Well, I for one am not going to complain about being made breakfast" Leroy remarked and three adults started laughing. Rachel giggled and made her way over to press a kiss against her Dads cheeks.
"Morning baby girl" Leroy said wrapping an arm around her as Rachel stood next to him. "Did you sleep well?"
"Amazingly" Rachel replied with a smile. "That smells great Andrea"
"Thank you sweetie" Andrea said flashing her a warm smile. "Is my lazy son up yet?"
Rachel giggled at him as she sat down next to her fathers, biting her lip as she nodded.
"I heard that mom" James voice as she was about to answer; Rachel giggled again as she saw him walking into the room with a smirk on his face.
"I'm sure you did sweetheart" Andrea laughed in response as he gave his mom a kiss on the cheek. Rachel watched the two of them with a smile on her face; taking in her boyfriends appearance. She could tell that he'd just had a shower by the way his hair, even if it was short, was in tight curls. He was wearing a pair of black skinny fit jeans and a blue hooded jumper. Her eyes lingered on the writing and she smiled sadly as she saw that it read "Scale Blazer's" in large orange letters on the back with the words "National Champions '11" underneath.
"Nice jumper, son" Leroy remarked and it snapped her attention from her daydreams as James walked over and joined them at the breakfast counter as poured a bowl of cereal. James looked up and smiled at them.
"Oh thanks" He said softly, pouring milk into his bowl of bran flakes. Rachel noticed that he looked a little sad about the memories. "We all got them for winning nationals"
"That's a nice memento of to keep hold off" Leroy replied and James nodded before taking a spoonful of cereal into his mouth.
Andrea served them up some scrambled eggs and toast a few minutes later, all five of them sat around the table together eating. Rachel couldn't help but smile as she glanced at James talking to his mom and her Dads; they all looked happy and comfortable around each other that it was heart warming,
"You're going to McKinley today, Andrea?" Leroy asked as he paused eating to take a drink of his coffee. Rachel watched as she chewed a mouthful of her breakfast.
"We are" Andrea replied, licking her lips. "Robert set up an appointment on Friday for me and James with the principal. We're going to get a tour around the school building before we finalize James' transfer"
"That sounds good; give you a chance to have a look around before you make your mind up" Hiram commented, glancing at James who chuckled.
"No way I'm going to change my mind" James said smirking at them. Rachel giggled at him as he winked at her.
"Afterwards, I'm going to check out the house that we've agreed to buy" Andrea said with an amused smile on her face as she watched her and James.
"Do you want to borrow one of our cars? I don't have to go into the office today" Leroy asked as they started to clean up the breakfast table.
"I was planning on getting a taxi, I didn't want to be any more of a burden" Andrea said softly.
"Oh nonsense, We're more than happy to have you here" Hiram replied with a warm smile.
"As long as you're sure you don't mind?" Andrea asked to clarify.
"Of course we are" Leroy said with a smile.
"Do you want to come with me sweetheart?" Andrea addressed her son who was tapping away on his phone as he leaned next to Rachel at the breakfast counter.
"To see the house?" He asked and when his mom nodded he shrugged his shoulders. "Sure"
"How are you getting to school, Rachel dear?" Rachel's eyes looked over at James' mom and smiled as she replied.
"I normally drive"
"I was thinking that I could drop you off if you want, considering me and James are already going to McKinley" Andrea said with a warm smile, and Rachel couldn't help but grin. "We can head to the house after our meeting with the Principal then"
"That'd be nice" Rachel replied
…..
Half an hour later and the three of them arrived at McKinley high, with Rachel giving Andrea the directions to the school. Parking the car in the guest car park, Rachel smiled at James as he gave her his hand in order to help her out of her dads Volvo; intertwining their fingers as they walked together towards the main entrance.
"This school looks nice" Andrea commented as they headed up the pathway, taking off her sunglasses as they walked through the glass doors. Rachel smiled and gripped James hand tighter. She glanced at him and saw James looking around the open corridor as he took in her, their, school for the first time.
"What do you think" She asked stepping in front of him as his eyes focused on her at her words.
"It's okay I guess" He replied with a small smirk on his lips that made her roll her eyes at him.
"Let me show you to the principal's office" Rachel remarked smiling as she tugged her boyfriend's hand and led him and Andrea down the corridor. When they arrived at the glass doors, Rachel was about to say she had to go to her locker and get her books as James opened his mouth.
"Mom, is it alright if I walk Rachel to her locker?" Rachel grinned at his words, nuzzling his shoulder with her nose as she pressed a kiss against the material. James squeezed her hand as she looked at Andrea who watching them a smile.
"Sure sweetheart, I'll be waiting in the principal's receptionist's office" Andrea replied, nodding her head. "Don't be long alright?"
"Sure" He said as he turned to her and winked. "Come on; show me where your locker is"
Rachel smiled to herself as she started to lead him towards her locker around the corner from the Principal's office.
"What do you have first period, Rach?" James asked giving her a warm smile.
"History with Kurt" She replied as they walked through the hallway.
"Maybe I'll get lucky and share that class with you" James said, winking at her.
"I'd love that" She said softly. "Though I don't think we'd get much work done; I'd want to hold your hand the hold time"
James laughed and gripped her hand tighter as the two of them walked down the corridor, their hands swinging in between their bodies as she led him towards her locker. A smile sat on her lips as she enjoyed the feeling of her hand in his. The thought that this was going to be a regular occurrence for her now, to be able to walk hand in hand with her boyfriend made her feel happier than she had been in a long time. Along the way, she couldn't help but notice some of the looks they were getting from some of the cheerleaders; pushing it to the back of her mind as she arrived at her locker and reluctantly released James' hand as she opened it and leaned in to grab her books.
"Is that a picture of us?" She heard him ask, rolling her eyes as she glanced at the picture of the two of them hugging in a pink picture frame on the inside of her locker. Letting the smile come to her lips Rachel turned her head and looked at James wearing a cocky smirk.
"Yeah" Rachel replied rubbing her lips against each other. "I wanted to have something here that would make me think a small part of you is here"
"Well" James said after she closed her locker door, stepping forward and wrapping his arms around her waist; Rachel giggled and moved to rest her hands on his arms as she shook the hair out of her face, biting her lip as she looked up at his smirking face. "I'm gonna be here all the time now"
"Good" Rachel giggled, leaning her head upwards so that she could press her lips against his. In the past she would have been embarrassed about kissing Finn in the corridors at school, but she didn't feel like that with James; he made her want to be bold and claim him as hers in front of other people. The two of them shared several tender kisses before she pulled away and licked her lips. One of his hands rose to her face and cupped her cheek in his palm as she instinctively lent into his warm touch. "I love you"
"love you too Rach" He replied as he rubbed his thumb across his skin. Rachel sighed happily feeling his touch against her skin, her eyes half closing at the relaxing motion as he spoke again; "What are you doing for lunch?"
"Sitting with the glee club probably" She said non committedly
James nodded, a small smile on his lips before he spoke again "I could meet you at lunch if you want, I'm sure there's a coffee shop around here"
"That sounds great" Rachel said feeling sad at the loss of contact as he moved his hand away from her cheek. "Meet me here?"
"No problem baby" He replied with a wink, leaning down to press one last kiss against her lips. "I'll see you in a couple of hours alright?"
"Okay; good luck" She said waving her hand at him as he backed away with a smirk on his face; blowing her a kiss before he shoved his hands in his pockets and turned around, walking off down the corridor. Biting her lip, she watched him as he turned around the corner before letting out a content sigh.
Rachel headed towards her first class, greeting members of the glee club as she made her way through the corridor. Walking into the classroom, she smiled and waved at Kurt as he was sat down already at their normal seats in the room. When he saw her, he raised his hand and waved back as she made her way over and sat down next to him.
"Hey Rachel, you look happy" Kurt noted with a smirk on his face and Rachel couldn't help but beam back at him with a wide smile "Could it have to do with a certain young man that sings like a dream?"
"Mhmmm, maybe" Rachel said giggling at him as he laughed back at her. "Oh Kurt, I can't believe he's actually going to be coming here"
"I take it he's finalizing his transfer today? Kurt asked and she nodded at him.
"Yeah! Andrea's here to sort everything out" Rachel replied, resting her elbow on the table as she support her head on her palm.
Rachel spent the five minutes before class started to fill Kurt in on the details that she'd be made aware of by James' mom since Rachel had spoken to him on the phone the night before. They were interrupted by their teacher coming into the room and starting the lesson. Rachel tried to keep her attention on school and her classes, but knowing that James was not only in Ohio, but that he was actually in the same building as she was made it more difficult than normal for her to concentrate. Luckily they were only reviewing the topics they had covered the week before, but she found her eyes darting to the clock more than normal as she wished the morning would go quicker so that she could meet James for dinner and find out if his transfer had been completed; a horrible lingering feeling in the back of her head that something would go wrong and prevent him from being able to change schools.
When her first class ended, she and Kurt met up with Noah as well as Santana before they headed towards the science block for their chemistry class together. Aside from Blaine, who Kurt had told; none of the other members of the New Directions new about James' transfer to McKinley. Noah was happy about the fact James was moving; the two of them having hitting it off straight away and become friends. Santana didn't say much, which Rachel thought was a little strange; she had at least been expecting a comment about having another hot guy in the club or something along the lines but pushed it to the back of head as she settled down as the teacher started the class.
That particularly class got more interesting than normal, when about half way through there was a knock at the door before Principal Figgin's walked into the classroom followed by two people. Rachel couldn't help but grin widely as she saw James and his mom enter the room; ignoring the smirks on Kurt and Noah's face as she tried to catch her boyfriend's attention.
Rachel watched as he looked around room before their eyes, her smile widening as he winked at her. The three of them only stayed in there for a few minutes as the principal introduced Andrea and James to Mr Phillips before they left; Rachel's eyes lingering on the door for a few seconds as James disappeared through it. When her attention was snatched back into the classroom
"Missing dreamboat already?" Kurt remarked quietly next to her, Rachel looked at with an exaggeratedly exasperated look before biting her lip to stop herself giggling as she saw him smirking at her.
The rest of her classes that morning seemed to fly by, seeing James in the classroom cemented in her head that this was actually happening and it seemed to calm her eagerness to see him again; not that she wasn't incredibly excited to meet him, but she was actually able to concentrate in class. When the bell rang for their lunch period, Rachel practically dragged Kurt by the hand through the corridors towards her locker as she all but ran the entire way. As they reached the stairs to take them down the ground floor, Kurt tugged her hand and she spun around giggling when she saw his normally perfect fringe had fallen out of place.
"Honestly, diva" Kurt said exasperatedly as he attempted to salvage his hair. "Is there any need for us to be running?"
"Sorry" Rachel said still smirking. "I'm just excited"
"I know" Kurt smiled back at her. "Just don't mess up my hair next time"
"Okay" Rachel giggled before threading her arm through his as they walked down the stairs and turned right down the corridor. A couple of minutes later as they came closer to her locker, Rachel grinned at the sight of the back of her boyfriend's head as he leaned against her locker, turning to Kurt to point it out but he had already started speaking.
"I know that's him; who else would be wearing a Scale Blazer hoodie?" He remarked and Rachel couldn't help but giggle back at him. Walking towards her boyfriend, she bit her lip deciding that she was going to surprise him before wrapping her arms around him from behind; giggling as she felt him jump in shock. She grinned as she felt him twist around so that he was facing her as a hand titled her chin up before he pressed his lips against hers. Rachel smiled as she felt him nip her bottom lip gently, causing a low moan to escape her throat as his hand slowly moved against her bottom.
Kurt coughing next to them snapped them out of their kiss and Rachel with a soft giggle, ran a finger over her swollen lips as she saw James smirking as he slung an arm around her shoulder. Rachel couldn't help but relax now she was back in his arms and settled her head against his shoulder.
"Hey Dude" James said casually as if Kurt hadn't just been witness to them kissing. Rachel couldn't help but shake her head at him slightly as the red tinge was still on her cheeks. "Nice pin"
"Thank you" Kurt replied, admiring his "We need a Unicorn" pin for his student body president campaign. "So I guess we should get used to having you around all the time now huh?"
Rachel smiled as James wore that cocky smirk on his face, gazing from her to Kurt. "Yeah, You should"
"Well, I'm certainly not the happiest member of the school to have you here" Kurt said, looking at her with a wink as he spoke. "But I suppose I've missed you a little bit"
"Only a little bit?" James asked putting an expression of hurt on his face. "Kurt, that hurts"
Rachel giggled as Kurt rolled his eyes exasperatedly at her boyfriend. "I won't be partaking in stroking your ego, that's what you've got Rachel is here for"
James laughed as Rachel's blush only increased. She glanced nervously at her boyfriend as he flashed Kurt a wide smile. "I've missed you too buddy"
"I suppose you won't be joining us for lunch?" Kurt asked, gazing at her.
"No, we're going to get a bite to eat at the shop around the corner" Rachel replied with a smile. Kurt nodded at her before he started walking off. "Tell Noah where I am so he doesn't come after James like a wild boar"
"I will" Kurt said before waving his hand at them. "Have a good time"
"We will" James called after him. When Kurt rounded a corner he looked down at her with that handsome smile that never failed to make her knees weak. "You ready?"
"Yeah" She replied with a grin, stepping out from his side and taking his hand in hers. The two of them started walking hand in hand out of the school building, Rachel wearing a large smile on her face at the simple fact that she had James here with her. As they made their way out of the school grounds, she bit her lip nervously as she glanced at him. "Everything went okay, right?"
"With my transfer?" He asked and she nodded gently, trying to ignore that doubt in the pit of her stomach. James smiled at her as he spoke again; "Yeah everything is signed and completed. Starting tomorrow, I am officially a student at William McKinley High School, Lima; Ohio"
"Yay" Rachel exclaimed happily, reaching up to kiss his cheek before cuddling into him as they walked. "I liked seeing you in my Chem class"
"Me too" He replied smirking. "I didn't think I'd see you; maybe some of the glee kids but I was kinda hoping we'd go into one of yours"
"Was the most interesting part of my classes so far" She said giggling. When they arrived at the coffee shop, James held the door the open for her as she walked in first, mouthing a thank you as she took his hand in hers again. After ordering, the two of them settled down in a corner table as Rachel insisted James show her his timetable at McKinley, wanting to see if they had classes together.
"You're taking Ballet?" She asked as her eyes skimmed over his class schedule. Looking up, James was chewing on a bite of his sandwich so he simply nodded at her. Rachel couldn't help but smile at the fact he would be taking the class with her; only a few students opted for the extra class and ever since Sophomore year with Jesse, she hadn't had anybody she particularly liked or talked to in the class with her. "I do too"
"I figured" He said after swallowing.
"Your not doing it for me are you?" She asked sheepishly. James was being amazing towards her and the thought of him doing all these incredibly affectionate, loving gestures for her was very touching but Rachel couldn't help think that their relationship was very one sided with him giving up a lot to be with her but by comparison she couldn't help but feel as though she didn't do enough for him.
"Wasn't my only reason" He shrugged and Rachel smiled slightly. "I've done Ballet for the last eight years. It just seemed natural to continue doing it; Julliard dance programmes are tailored towards that style of dance rather hip hop.
"That's the reason I take it as well" She replied "If I'm ever going to play my dream roles on Broadway; Evita, Funny Girl or Roxie I need to be able to be trained properly"
James nodded at her, a soft smile on his lips as he listened to her; his eyes full of affection, completely caught up in her as she spoke. Rachel shrugged and bit her lip before taking a drink of her coffee.
"Why did you think I took it for you?" He asked casually, leaning forward and supporting his head with his arm.
"Just curious...you're so sweet and I love you; but sometimes I get the feeling that I don't do enough for you" She admitted in a quiet voice, afraid that he would get upset by her opinion. Instead he looked at her with sad eyes and she felt him in her heart; a sense of guilt for making her feel the way she was.
"Is that how I make you feel?" He asked just as quietly as she had spoken.
"It's stupid..." She tried to shrug it off
"No- No it's not" He shook his head as he spoke, lifting his head of his hand and extending his hands out to her; asking for her to take his hands. Rachel smiled, taking his soft, strong hands in hers; instantly feeling relaxed as his thumbs gently massaged the skin on the back of her hands. "Baby, I don't want anything from you apart from your love. Alright? We're equals in this relationship Okay?"
"I just feel that you've given up a lot to be with me and by comparison, I'm a selfish girl who has made you transfer away from your friends and family" She admitted in a small voice, allowing her worries come to the forefront; feeling safe around James and knowing she could trust him to be open and frank how about she felt.
"Thank you for telling me" He replied after a few seconds; a sad smile on his face as he looked to be taking in what she had said to him. Rachel was surprised when he stood from his seat, releasing her hands as he walked and slid in on the bench seat next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Rachel rested her head on his shoulder as she leaned into his body, holding him tightly. "I love you baby"
"I love you too" She replied, tilting her head to look at him.
"Look, what you just told me…that doesn't make you selfish. I chose to transfer here; you didn't make me. If anything this makes me selfish…I've forced my parents to buy a house in another state just so I can be close to the girl I love; close to you." James said softly before pressing a kiss against her forehead that caused her eyes to flutter shut.
"I suppose we're both selfish" Rachel replied softly, chewing her bottom as she saw James smirk at her.
"Yeah I suppose we are" He chuckled causing her to smile. "But we're selfish together, okay?"
"Just like the way I like it" Rachel giggled, leaning up to press a kiss against his lips.
…
The two of them had sat for another twenty minutes in that coffee shop, cuddling up in the corner as Rachel looked over his school schedule. She was delighted and peppered him with tender kisses when she realised that they four classes together; Ballet, Chemistry, English and History. The thought of being able to sit next to him class put a huge smile on her face as they walked back to McKinley, the prospect of spending a least an hour a day sat next to her boyfriend was an exciting prospect; Finn and Jesse hadn't been in her classes when she had dated them so she often found herself alone with many people to talk to, unless she shared classes with the Glee kids, thanks to her reputation as the "Glee loser".
James was a little disappointed by the fact they didn't share Maths classes together and she remembered how he had admitted that he struggled with the subject; silently promising herself that she would help him with the work, knowing that he was too proud and self conscious about it to ask her himself. It was the little things about himself that he had confided in her, the flashes of weakness that he shared with very few people that made her realize that she did for him than she had realised earlier. He'd confided in her things that only Matt and his family knew and that meant the world to her. Squeezing his waist as she walked cuddled up against him, she had smiled to herself as they walked back towards school.
"Have you got Glee club tonight?" He asked as he leaned casually against the lockers next to hers, his hands shoved in his hoodie's pockets.
"Yeah, sorry" She replied smiling sheepishly.
"It's cool, I'm going with mom to see the house then up to Akron to see the restaurant" He said, shrugging his shoulders. Rachel closed her locker and stepped forward, placing his hands around his waist as she leaned against her locker.
"I'll see you at home though; we can cuddle and watch a film" She stated happily, gently massaging his lower back.
"I like that" He replied, leaning down and kissing her. Rachel nipped at his bottom lip playfully before kissing him tenderly. After a few seconds she pulled away and nuzzled his nose with hers.
"I'll see you later alright?" She asked stepping out of his arms. "love you"
"Love you too" He replied with a smile before turning and walking away from her. Rachel watched him leave, a happy smile on her face.
She'd practically skipped all the way to her next class; settling down in her seat next to Mike who have her an amused look at the look of utter happiness on her face.
"Hi Mike" Rachel said brightly, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey Rach…" He replied, smirking. "You look happy. Like, really happy"
"I am" Rachel said, her grin widening if at all possible. "James being in Ohio is just amazing and I don't think that I could be any happier than I am right now"
"I figured it might have something to do with him; Kurt wouldn't shut up about it at lunch" Mike laughed "And then Puck got protective saying that the boy best not mess with his hot American jewish princess"
Rachel giggled, rolling her eyes as she got her notepad out of her bag. "He's so silly; he likes James."
"Of course he does, I mean we all do; James is great" Mike replied and Rachel couldn't help the smile crossed her face. Mike was right, all her friends liked her boyfriend; all her friends approved of her relationship. "But Puck's always gonna be protective of you"
"I know, and I really do appreciate it" Rachel stated with a warm smile.
"Alright class, last week we were…" Their teachers voice droned on and Rachel let out a frustrated sigh, knowing that it was going to be a long afternoon before she could get home.
The afternoon did in fact fly by, which was a bit of a surprise to her but nonetheless a happy one. Before she knew it, Rachel was walking into the choir room that same wide happy grin sat on her face. The rehearsal wasn't particularly interesting, just as they hadn't been since the New Directions had performed at the school fundraiser; Mr Schuster drowning on at them about the importance of making sure that they worked hard for competitions as they ran through harmonies and vocal exercises. Rachel could tell that the drama with Mercedes leaving New Directions after throwing a diva storm out that could have rivalled her own was still weighing down on the club. It was bothering her as well, knowing that she'd apparently done something so horrible such as to want to play a role in the school musical that Mercedes also coverted.
Determined to make the best out of the situation, Rachel had told them about the fact that James had transferred to McKinley and that he planned on auditioning to join the New Directions later that week. Most of them had been aware, but that didn't stop the smiles growing on all of their faces; they knew how strong of a performer James was and at a time when they had lost Mercedes, finding a replacement was something they all could be happy about. Even Mr Schuster seemed to have a glint in his eye as he smiled back at her and said that he looked forward to hearing his audition.
After spending half an hour sat talking with Artie Blaine, Kurt, Finn, Noah and Tina as she filled them in, Rachel had gotten Noah to drop her off at home. Leroy was the only one in the house, with the others yet to return from what they'd been doing. She settled herself down in the lounge with the TV in the background as she completed her homework for the next; taking a break when her Dad had come home from work and pressed a kiss against her forehead.
Hiram had already started making dinner by the time that she heard the familiar sound of her Dad's Volvo park outside their house; a smile appearing on her face as heard her boyfriends in the corridor as the front door opened and closed, seconds before he walked into the living room alongside his mom. Climbing off the couch, she walked over and fell into his embrace as she heard him chuckle before wrapping his arms around her as he rested his head in the crook of her neck.
Pulling away after a couple of minutes of settling happily in his arms, Rachel wrapped her arm around his waist as they headed into the kitchen. Dinner had been nice; her Dads always got caught up properly hosting their guests and they particularly loved having company over as it gave them the chance to show off their wine collection to Andrea. Rachel was just happy that she had James there with her, holding onto his hand through dinner.
After helping her Dad's clean up; she had insisted on dragging James up to her room so that the two off them could sit and cuddle on her bed like they'd agreed. That's what they had been doing for a couple of hours already; Rachel eyes dropping close as she listened to the sound of the action film they were watching as she felt James' fingers run through her hair soothingly.
She was a little concerned that James seemed quiet throughout dinner, allowing his mom to tell them about the house and restaurant; her boyfriend offering a few short pieces of information.
"Baby" She murmured softly, shifting closer to him as she opened her eyes to look up at him.
"Yeah Rach?" He replied, pressing a kiss against her forehead. Rachel eyes closed for a moment, enjoying the feel of his lips on her skin.
"Are you okay? You seemed quiet this evening" She asked, pressing herself closer to him; a silent message that she wanted him to she was worried about him and wanted to make him feel better.
"Its just…" He said before stopping and letting out a sigh before he continued. "It was a bit strange realising that I'm going to be living in a new house; We've lived in the same one all my life"
"Do you feel that way about my room?" She asked kissing his chest gently.
"Your room is relaxing; You relax me and everything in here just reminds me of you" He replied with a smile and Rachel couldn't help the grin on her face.
"You're such a charmer" She replied giggling. "What did the room at the new house make you think of?"
"It was empty…nothing that I could identify as mine…you know?" He said and she felt him shrug his shoulders.
"I understand" Rachel replied softly nodding against his chest. "That'll go when you get some of your stuff in there"
"Yeah…I suppose" He said sounding unconvinced. They were silent for a few minutes as his fingers continued their movement through her hair. Rachel snuggled closer to him, enjoying the intimacy of their bodies pressed together. "Hey Rach?"
"Yeah baby?" She said, opening her eyes to look at him again.
"How do you want to decide our sleeping?" He asked and she frowned at him for a second. "You know, are we going to stay at each other's houses every night?"
"Right now the idea of sleeping in your arms every night sounds lovely" She replied, chewing her lip as she considered it. "But maybe we shouldn't? Instead have a few nights were we are apart?"
James seemed to consider her answer for a few moments, a slight frown on his face that made her think that she'd offended him. As she was about to correct herself and reassure him; his lips curved into a smile. "That's probably a good idea. Not that I'd ever get sick of you…but we don't want to crowd each other"
"I agree" She said nodding, smiling back at him. "We could alternate whose house we sleep at during the week and then have weekends apart?"
"Yeah that could work" He replied, smirking at her as he inched closer to her face; pausing an inch away from her lips as he spoke again; "I think that we should practise for when I get a bed in my new room; thinking about kissing you will make it feel more like home"
"I like that" Rachel giggled at him, licking her lips before pressing against his. As his arm tightened around her waist, she groaned against him, whimpering against his mouth; "I love you"
….
A/N : A nice little chapter just to get things rolling in Ohio for Rachel and James!
Thanks for the comments I appreciate them