A/N: This story still gets a lot of readers every months which is really nice to see.
I desperately want to finish this story. LONG chapter. James and Rachel have a lot of issues, this is the road to them forgiveness!
Hope you enjoy :)
Finn kissed Rachel at Puck's new years eve party while James was back home. Rachel rejected Finn because she loves James, but was afraid to tell him about because she ready to go all the way with him and now everything is going to be ruined. Kurt and Quinn told her to tell him but he somehow found out by himself and now he's not talking to Rachel. And that's what you missed on Glee!
Chapter 59
The week after the meal at her moms had been one of the worst of her life.
If it wasn't so devastating then she'd be able to appreciate him how much of an amazing job James was doing of avoiding any situation where he would have to speak to her. Really she was a drama queen and he was doing her proud. Classes were easy, she'd give him that. But lunch? He was suddenly surrounded by the group of his basketball teammates; she knew that James was one of those guys that was always going to be popular but in that moment, where he had become more comfortable around them than with her, Rachel just felt more lonely.
Predictably, it didn't take long for the knowledge about what was going on between them to spread around McKinley, by that afternoon it was common knowledge that her and Finn had kissed. She'd been accosted after second period, pulled to once side by one of the cheerios and asked if she had really ditched James to get back together with Finn. When the girl had made comments about James being back on the market, Rachel had wanted to tear the girls hair out as she turned and stormed away
He was also doing it outside of school. The previous night she'd tried texting him but they went unanswered. She knows he's got a very good reason to ignore her, a fantastic reason in fact, with her lying to him and him discovering the truth. But when she had looked on Facebook an hour after texting him only to see him online playing a game with Noah, well that just hurt.
She was sat alone in the choir room during Thursday lunch, since she was sick of people whispering and watching her as she sat at the same table as Finn with the rest of the glee club. She appreciated that everyone in New Directions had been rallying around her and trying to put the record straight but the rumour mill was vicious and she was tired.
"Rach, you don't need to hide away in here" Kurt voice made her look up from where she sat on the floor in the corner of the room. She smiled as she saw him wandering in with Quinn.
"I'm tired of being laughed at" She replies as he sat down next to her.
"No one is laughing at you" Quinn says quickly, sitting on her other side.
Kurt's arm goes around her as she murmurs "It feels like it"
"I hate seeing you like this" Kurt leaned his head against hers "You should be able to sit with us the cafeteria"
"I'm public enemy number one at the moment" She closes her eyes as he starts rubbing her shoulder soothingly
"You didn't do anything wrong"
"Finn has been telling people who ask him that he's the one that kissed you" Quinn adds
"I don't really care what Finn is telling anyone" Rachel says shaking her head "It doesn't make things better..."
"Noah told Finn off the other day. Really kicked off when he found out what happened" Quinn replied with after a pause of silence
"I'm not even mad at Finn anymore..."
"You're not?" Kurt asked
"No, I'm done with him. I've tried to be friends and he keeps trying to ruin things" Rachel sighed
"Still..." Kurt said softly
"He doesn't matter to me anymore" Rachel shrugs "I'm frustrated and just pissed at the girls that keep asking me about James"
"I heard you bit Chloe's head off" Quinn remarked and the three of them laughed
"She deserved it" Rachel laughs "I mean...it was sort of funny"
"You blew up at her in the hallway" Quinn joins in laughing
"Did she really ask if James liked blondes?" Kurt teases
"Yes" Rachel leans her head back against his shoulder "Bitch"
They sat there together for a few silent minutes before Quinn spoke up again "So, I found out who told James"
She looked up at that, turning her head to look at Quinn. "Who?"
"Sebastian Smythe" She replies with a sad smile
"The warbler?" She asked, frowning as she looks between the two of them "Why? How does he even know?"
"I don't know...but Sam told me" Quinn shrugs, Rachel frowned as Kurt brushes her hair out of her face "He doesn't know all of the details, James has only spoke about it once. Sebastian added him on Facebook and told him the whole story. Well, a story...You and Finn were at Puck's party together and you ended up kissing"
"It seems Sebastian has declared war on the New Directions" Kurt adds "Some of my old contacts at Dalton have been passing me intel. He's their new leader..."
"But why me?" Rachel moaned "This is way too personal..."
"I don't know" Kurt squeezed her tightly "Go after the strongest player..."
"Artie, Mike and Puck are planning on egging his house" Quinn added and the three of them giggled
As she sat there, listening to Kurt and Quinn talking about the situation: Rachel wondered where Sebastian had found out. There wasn't any way that he could know, he hadn't been at the party. Maybe someone had seen and given him false information. Suddenly, It all made sense to her in that moment. If she could just talk to him then she'd be able to explain properly and he'd be able to forgive her. "Where is James?"
"Rachel...?" Quinn asks uncertainly
"I need to try talk to him again and explain" She says firmly "This time he'll understand"
"I don't think that's a good idea..." Kurt murmurs "He looks really devastated still"
"I need to try Kurt"
She'd hoped that maybe she could catch him during rehearsal but James arrived just as it was about to start: arriving from practise with Mike and Sam, the three of them were all on the basketball team that year, she watched him from her normal seat next to Kurt as he walked across the front of the room and sat in the corner alongside Sam. From her seat at the back, she could see the fake look on his face that made it look like he was paying attention to what Mr Schue was saying; Rachel knew better. Despite all of that, she could see that he wasn't really in the room, his eyes gazing off into the distance.
He was an excellent actor, never betraying anything was different in his world while he took part in the rehearsals, joining in with the boys as they sang Beat It, showing that he really was a great team player and absolutely one of their best dancers behind Mike, but Mike was special.
Her heart hurt at how far away he seemed, even when he had been in Oregon they had talked or texted; but having him here not even looking at her was the worst punishment. No matter she, and the rest of their friends, denied the rumours to the entire student body, they didn't seem to stop. She hated that how James would be feeling as the rumour spread more and more.
...
The next day, Rachel made her way downstairs with a soft smile on her face. Noah had been messaging her on Facebook the previous evening as he told her of his plan to get revenge on Sebastian, she'd thought it sweet but she didn't want him going back to juvie because of her mistake. SO she made sure he understood when she said that she didn't want him to get into trouble over Finn doing something stupid. When Noah made clear he wasn't after her permission, she said he needed to make sure he didn't get caught.
One more day and it was Friday and her movie night with the girls and she couldn't wait: being able to just sit down with them and eat popcorn, chocolate while they laid out at Kurt's would hopefully take her mind off things. Saturday too gave her something to look forward to, she was heading to James' moms new restaurant and she was looking forward to seeing Andrea again, aside from the obvious reasons... she hadn't seen her for a while due to the busy schedule of opening the restaurant. The added bonus was that she would hopefully try and get to talk to her boyfriend.
Her Dad was leaving for work as she came down the stairs dressed ready for breakfast, giving him a quick kiss before he closed the door behind him and she went to sit in the kitchen. Leroy placed her bowl down in front of her and squeezed her shoulder as he kissed her softly on the top of her head before taking his own seat.
"I'm going to be late home tonight" Rachel spoke up after finishing breakfast "I'm meeting Mr Schue and Shelby after glee to talk about my solo for regionals"
"Ooooh is that today? So exciting!" Leroy replied "Will you text us? Your dad and I both want to know what you pick!"
"Of course I will! You'll both be the first to know as soon as I find out" Rachel grinned
"Alright sweetheart" He replied smiling "Have a wonderful day baby girl"
"I won't Daddy" She nodded, rising from her seat and kissing him on the cheek "Love you"
After driving to school and parking her car in the senior lot, Rachel was walking through the corridor towards her first class of the day. She was early but was trying to get there and meet Kurt as they had planned. She greeted Lauren and Tina as they passed her, as well as the other glee students - trying to ignore the few people that muttered and whispered about her as she walked past. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Sam standing at his locker.
Taking a deep breath, She spoke up as she approached him "Hey Sam"
Rachel held in her giggle as the boy in front of her jumped. His head had been deep inside when she decided to strike, a chance with him cornered to get him to talk to her and get some answers. Slowly, the boy in question withdrew from his locker, his hand holding a textbook "Uhh…Hi Rachel"
"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you" She replied watching as he shifted nervously in front of her. "How are you?"
"Its okay" He murmured, leaning down to put the book in his hand into his backpack. "Tired, tough week but you know...nearly the weekend"
"Thank god we get to do something fun in glee huh?"
"Yeah" Sam nodded "I love MJ"
"Have you found a song you want to do yet?" She watched as he stood back up and scratched the back of his head
"Yeah I have...I'm...I'm trying to get Mercedes to sing it with me"
Rachel smiled at that. She knew that the two of them had been flirting around the idea of getting back together since Mercedes and Shane had split up over Christmas "That's so sweet, you two will sound amazing together"
"I think so too...thanks Rachel" He smiled and there was a silence between them for several long moments. He glanced away from her before speaking again "I should be getting to class"
"Oh" Her face drops instantly. "You don't believe the rumours do you?"
"Huh? No of course not" The speed at which he answers and the honesty in his face makes her relax
"It's just...I…"
"What? Are you not allowed to talk to me now?" Rachel bites her lip
"Rachel...I don't want to sound..." Sam paused rubbing his neck "You and James aren't talking...All I'm trying to say is that I don't want to get involved. He's been really great to me since I moved back and...we're close"
Rachel feels her smile fade "I thought we were friends too?"
"Yeah, we are" He replied, letting out a sigh
"I just don't understand why you've been ignoring me too" Rachel could feel herself getting upset as she spoke
"I...I'm not ignoring..." He replies awkwardly "It's not really any of my business..."
"I know you told Kurt about what Sebastian said to James" Rachel carried on before he could try and get away "I know he's still angry with me for not telling him and I deserve it. I know that I do, but he's my boyfriend and if I could just talk to him I could make things right. If you could-"
"Rachel..." He sighs scratching his head again "Please don't ask me to get involved"
"I…." Rachel pauses, letting a soft sigh out as she feels her eyes water
"Please don't cry..."
"Sam please" She says pleadingly, sniffing. "I miss him"
He's silent and the understanding look he gives her makes her realise how much her heart aches. Everything that she had been holding in the last few days, those things that she kept silent to try and keep herself from crying just weigh so heavily on her. Before he can say anything she pours out exactly what she's thinking.
"He doesn't come anywhere near me, Sam. He doesn't speak to me...I've never gone this long without speaking to him...ever. He doesn't sit with us at lunch, he's moved away from me in almost all of our classes and when he does sit next to me he just blanks me"
"Rachel…."
"It's so hard, I love him so much and he won't even…I see him and he looks so devastated and hurt...all I want to do is just hold him and...I hate that I did that to him. I know that I messed up and I know its my own fault but I just miss him so much"
She can feel the tears running down her cheeks, the wetness dripping down her face as she stops her flurry of words, raising her hand to wipe her face with the end of her sleeve. She's silent as she stands there trying to compose herself, to stop the tears from falling. To his credit, Sam doesn't look at her with pity and she's grateful for it: he just watches her with a soft expression on his face in what she hopes is him considering what she's said.
After a silence that feels like it lasts an eternity, Sam lets out a sigh "I don't know what to tell you..."
"How is he?" She asks, smiling at him through her sadness
"He's struggling with everything" He replies shifting from foot to foot "I'm not saying it to upset you but he's hurting..."
Rachel just nods, closing her eyes as she squeezes her lips together.
"What Sebastian told him..." Sam pauses
"It's okay Sam...tell me" She urges, opening her eyes and pleading with him
"He didn't want to believe it. But when he spoke to you about it, it just...if you were lying about that to him for weeks...he's having a hard time working out if he can trust you" Her heart aches as he speaks and by the time he finishes speaking its in an extremely soft voice "I'm sorry Rachel, I shouldn't have said anything - please don't cry..."
"No its okay" She nods closing her eyes to try to escape the tears "It's what I was expecting"
"He misses you too" Sam says quickly and she sees the truth in his face when she looks at him "I went to play 2k with him the other night and he was just sat there with a photo of the two of you in hands..."
Rachel laughs, wiping her eyes again "Can you just tell him that I miss him and want to speak to him to try and make things right? If you don't mind...and I love him"
Sam gazes at her for a few long seconds before he nods twice. "I'll try"
"Thank you Sam"
...
They go their separate ways after that even though they share a class. After stopping at her locker, she goes to the girls bathroom to freshen herself up and reapply her makeup.
Come on Rachel Berry. Don't let them see you upset She tells herself, putting a smile and a brave face on before she leaves to head to her first class.
As she walks in she notices Sam and James leaning towards each other talking quietly, she smiles at the sight feeling herself filled with hope and she feels thankful that Sam would do this for her. Giving Kurt a smile as she sits down, the two of them making small talk about their plans for that night before their teacher begins the class.
Friday is a day that always goes quickly and she gets through it without any comments or questions from the students at McKinley. When she walks into the cafeteria Rachel can't help the happiness the blooms, a little bit of the weight she's been feeling seems to have been lifted at just the fact James had sat at the lunch table with them. He'd sat at the far end away from her with Sam, Artie and Mercedes but it was progress.
That warmness of James sat with them at lunch and with the excitement of meeting Mr Schue and her mom to discuss regionals, the rest of the day seems to fly by. Glee rehearsal is cancelled that day as the boys in the basketball team are playing a road game, so when she walks into the choir room it's just the three of them.
"Hi Rachel" Shelby smiles widely at her
"Hey Rach" Mr Schue greets her warmly "Come join us we're just going over a few things"
"Hi" She replies happily, "Sure, I've had a few ideas"
"Of course you have" Mr Schue laughs "Well, that's the point – We've been talking too and there's a few songs we want to run through. Shelby, why don't we go through Rachels first?"
"Sounds fabulous"
Rachel obviously had selected a number of songs that she'd added to her repertoire over the summer in New York and during the school year – seeing nationals last year and the fantastic range that had been displayed by the Scale Blazers, Vocal Adrenaline, Throat Explosion had inspired her that she needed more than the standard musicals and pop anthems to compete with the best.
Her mom and Mr Schue had selected a number of different songs from traditional artists and more obscure Europeans artists. All three of them had different ideas on what would be good and after an hour they had whittled it down to three or four maybes but nothing that all of them could agree on.
"You know…" Shelby spoke up as she took a break to have a drink "There is another one that I think has some potential…"
"Another one?" Rachel replies as she returns to them at the piano "We can't decide between the ones we have now"
"I know but I think it could be the one for you" Shelby smiles "Will, It's up to you – what do you think?"
"It can't hurt to have another option to play around with?" He agrees "What is it Shelby"
Rachel watches as her mom's face gets a mischievous look on her face as she goes over to her bag, pulling out some sheet music.
"It's probably something you're not used to singing but I think we can play around with the lyrics and arrangement for the competition" Shelby passes them both sheet music, Here's to us – Halestrom "You did want her singing rock as well"
"You have the original track to play?" Mr Schue asks
"Of course"
As she sings the song, Rachel is in love with it. The lyrics and perfect, she feels her heart soaring as she goes through it – feeling that warm feeling in her heart and in her stomach as she sings, the feeling she gets whenever she does a solo that really hits her deeply.
"Wow, that was amazing" Mr Schue says clapping as she finishes the last note "Rach?
"I love it"
"You did so fabulous darling" Shelby grins widely at her, squeezing her arm gently as she looks between them "I think we found our number?"
"Absolutely" She agrees "I don't think I could sing anything else if I wanted to now"
"I agree, Rach you were outstanding" Mr Schue nods along "I can't wait to hear how it sounds once we get the rest of the group backing you up. Shelby how did you find it?"
"Well…." Shelby says with a sly look "I can't take all the credit, James came to see me and suggested it"
"James did?" Rachel asks feeling butterflies at his name
"Mhmmmm" Shelby nods, grinning "I think you're a very lucky girl"
"Well, I need to thank him" Mr Schue says happily "Apparently I need to get him more involved because if he can nail your song selection what else am I missing out on?"
"He'll love that" Rachel agrees, biting her lip.
For the rest time in nearly two weeks, she can feel herself feeling happy. The awful emptiness she'd felt at the situation with James had broken into something more, the simple fact he had taken the time despite being upset with her to find such a perfect song meant the world to her.
It also gave her hope.
...
She manages to resist the urge to text him that night, instead taking the opportunity to celebrate her solo with dads and enjoy the warmness of their love. That doesn't stop her looking for him during the course of the next day but aside from sitting with them at lunch, he is still giving her the silent treatment. The song was a start she knew and hopefully it wouldn't take too long for him to talk to her.
When she walks into history the next day, she notices the whispering straight away. Ignore it Rachel, just sit at your desk and ignore them.
"Did you see that fight between James and Billy?" Two boys in her class were sat behind her and she couldn't help it. The mention of his name and the word fight had her ears perked up, she knew it rude to eavesdrop but really the amount of hatred she'd had to put up with was too much - if they were talking about her she was entitled to listen.
"Yeah dude. They're both going to be fucked when Figgins is done with them"
"For sure. Didn't know he had it in him, not bad for a glee loser"
"My James?" Rachel spoke up before she knew it
"Uh yeah"
"Is he okay?
"I think they're both in the nurses…"
Without waiting to hear what he says next, she's up grabbing her bag and rushing out of the door before the teacher turns up. Her heart is pumping viciously as she makes her way through the corridors towards the nurses office, hoping that James is okay but fearing the worst and what state she'll see his handsome face in.
As soon as she turns the next corner she almost runs straight into Quinn, both of them dropping their bags on the floor in shock.
"Woah Rach, slow down" Quinn laughs as they both kneel down to collect their things
"I need to go" Rachel says quickly "Sorry – James is in the –"
"Nurses office, I know" Quinn touches her arm "I was just coming to get you"
Rachel takes a breath "Is he okay"
"Well, he looks awful...but he's fine" Quinn gives her a soft smile as she replies "Lets go see him yeah?"
Rachel gives her a quick nod as they both set off "What happened"
"So, I was at my locker when I heard him and that Billy kid from the hockey team squaring up to each other. Next thing I know there is a big crowd and they're trying to kill each other"
"Oh my god" Rachel murmurs, feeling her eyes prick with tears
"He knows how to fight...He looks better than the other guy" Quinn says as she reaches down and squeezes her hand.
Rachel nodded in response as the two of them walked together in silence, within a minute they approached the nurses office.
"Yes?" the nurse says looking up from her desk "Miss Fabray...I told you no visitors"
"I know you did but-" Quinn starts to talk before the nurses cut hers off
"The principal doesn't let anyone other than parents when its a situation like this"
"His parents are away and Rachel is his girlfriend" Quinn explains
"Can we see James please?" Rachel adds timidly "I promise we'll be quiet"
The nurses sighs "Quickly, and don't cause me any trouble. The principal will be coming soon and you can't be here when he does"
Rachel nods as they are gestured towards the curtained off cubicle where James must be. She vaguely recognises that Billy must've already been taken somewhere as they were all alone in the room. She takes a deep breath as they slip between the curtains.
"Principal Figgins, Look I didn't-" She hears James start to explain himself before he pauses as he stares at her
"Oh James" She says instantly, her heart dropping as she sees his face. Before she can see much more, he turns away from her.
He's laid back on the bed which has been propped up so he can sit upright, holding an ice pack over his left eye. His nose is still bloody, there is also a few cuts on his face – Her heart aches at the sight.
"I told you it was awful" Quinn murmurs quietly
He glares at Quinn "I thought I said not to get her out of class"
"Yeah well, what am I supposed to do" Quinn snaps "Ignore her and not tell her when she's worried?"
Rachel moves closer and he looks down. She can't help herself, despite all the drama and the fact he isn't talking to her, she cups the side of his face that isn't hidden by the ice pack. After a few seconds he lets her tilt it so he is looking at her and knowing that she wants to see, slowly he moves the ice pack away. "James…"
The skin around his eye is already bruised heavily and he looks in so much pain as she touches his cheek gently.
"I'm okay" He smiles, moving to put the ice pack back over his eye but instead she stops him and takes it out of his hand to do it herself.
"It looks so painful baby" She strokes his cheek lovingly
"It looks worse than it is" He tries to sound nonchalant
"That's good" Quinn snorts behind them "Because it looks fucking horrible"
"Thanks" He rolls his eyes.
"I'll leave you two to it" Quinn says, touching her arm
"Thank you for coming to get me" Rachel turns and gives her a warm smile
Quinn replies "I'll make some excuse for why you're not in class. Glee club or something"
"Thanks Quinn" James replies "You know, for staying with me"
"Don't worry about it"
When Quinn leaves, Rachel sits herself down on James bed as close as she can manage. She presses the ice pack to his face carefully, pleasantly surprised when he doesn't move to recoil away from her or stop her fussing over him. He just gazes back at her as she strokes his lip with her thumb
"I was so worried" She says after a few minutes of silence
"I'm sorry Rach" He sighs "I didn't mean to..."
"What happened James" As she speaks, her boyfriend looks away, her heart skips a beat "He said something about me didn't he"
James nods and meets her eyes again "He was bad mouthing you. I told him what I thought about that and then...well, I just snapped and punched him. He got a few good hits in..."
Rachel sighs "Baby, you'll get in so much trouble"
"No one talks about you like that in front of me" He replies stubbornly
"What did he say" She asks though she knows probably what the reason is
James looks away again, clenching his jaw. "It doesn't matter"
"Was it about me and Finn?" She smiles at him, scooting closer on the bed and moves her hand to hold his clenched one in his lap. Pausing, Rachel runs her fingers over his bruised knuckles.
Rachel tries to blink back the tears when he just nods once. "I'm so sorry James, you shouldn't have to get into trouble because of what I did"
"And assholes like Billy shouldn't talk about you like that and expect to get away with it" He counters, turning to gaze into her eyes
She gives him a smile "Even though we're not talking?"
"Rachel..."
"You don't want to hear me try and explain it but please don't break up with me" She sniffs back her tears
"Rach…" He sighs "Just because…..I know I've been ignoring you but I…I need time"
She takes a deep breath and nods at him "I know I messed up and I'm not trying to rush you into forgiving me. I just need you to know that I love you James"
They sit together quietly for a few minutes and she can't help but let her heart soar, he is letting her be with him – not running away or avoiding her but just being with him. When he does speak, Rachel is a little surprised that he is the one to break the silence. "Are you still coming to my moms party tomorrow at the restaurant?"
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for anything" Rachel pauses
"I didn't know if you would" He says with a shrug "My mom was asking if I knew..."
"I'd love to see your mom" She replies "Is she excited?"
"Yeah, majorly worked up" He laughs "Driving me up the wall actually..."
"Are you going to be there?" She asks hopefully
"Yeah, I'm under strict orders from Charlie to be as helpful as possible to mom" James replies "And...I hear you have a new dress?"
Rachel laughs as she looks down into her lap, knowing not to push him too much but her heart soars at the familiarity of their conversation "Andrea and Charlie took me shopping last time your sister came"
"Then i'm glad you're coming"
She bites her lip as she hears the words come out of his mouth. It's not an "I love you" but it feels close.
"So I had my meeting with my mom and Mr Schue" Rachel says, looking to see what his reaction is. She can't help but grin at the sly smile on his face
"Oh yeah?"
"Mhmmm and they told me that you suggested the song to them…"
"I might've done yeah" He laughs, pausing as he takes her face in "Did you like it…"
"James I loved it" She replies, smiling widely at him "How did you even think of it? I was looking at so many other songs and I just couldn't find the right one"
"I know your voice...and you" He says simply
"You did such a good job" Rachel moves her hand up to his jaw and strokes his cheek "The lyrics…"
"Mr Agrisino, I am very disappointed in you-" She springs apart from him, so she is just holding the ice pack, at the sound of Figgins voice "Miss Berry, what are you doing here. Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Ummm"
"Well, Miss Berry. I understand your relationship but I need you to go back to class while I deal with James" Figgins replies "I am aware that your parents are away. Your mother has Mr and Mr Berry as the emergency contact number.
"She's just sitting with me until you get here " James explains for her, moving to hold her hand "Its okay Rach. I'll text you later?"
"Okay"
...
Her dad had asked her as soon as she had got home because he had been the one to get the phone call that James had been in a fight. Thankfully he didn't question her too much when she let the tears show in her eyes. When his text comes, she is more than a little surprised but extremely happy that he kept his word and let her know he was okay. They don't text for much, but even the few bits of back and forth make her feel so much better.
Later that night, Rachel is having her weekly girls move night and after the week she's had, God does she need it.
They had congregated in Kurt's bedroom for their weekly movie night and were on the second part of their Harry Potter film marathon. Quinn had joined them again which filled her with happiness; their small group now expanding. She missed the days when it was just the three of them but her friendship with Quinn had finally turned into something serious.
"Any developments with Samcedes?" Quinn asks
"He did take me to the auditorium after glee" Mercedes said in a careful voice
"Ooh this is going to be good" Kurt clapped excitedly "Rach, pass me the popcorn"
Rachel laughed as she handed over the bowl.
During the previous weeks expanded edition where all of the glee girls had shown up, Mercedes had mentioned to them all that Sam had been making serious moves to win her over and also about how close she had been to breaking and accepting his date invitation. The only stickler had been leaving enough time since she had broken up with Shane.
"Did he ask again?" Quinn asked eagerly, looking over from her own owl of chocolate.
"No" Mercedes replied "But he asked me to sing with him"
"Which MJ song did he pick?" Rachel asked giddily, remembering he had mentioned it to her only the day before
"How did you know?" Mercedes raised an eyebrow
"Oh I spoke to him yesterday morning" Rachel replied giggling
"We'll come back to you knowing about that in a bit" Kurt said with a shocked expression "Did you do it?"
"Yeah" Mercedes grinned "It was lovely"
"What did he pick?" Quinn pressed
"Human nature" Mercedes said with a far off look on her face, clearly remembering the duet
"And how was it?" Rachel asked grinning
"It was…perfect" Mercedes with a growing smile. Pausing for a moment before "We kissed afterwards"
"NO WAY" They screamed, laughing as they all bombarded her with questions trying to get more detail.
"Get off, Get off – I'll tell you" Mercedes protested, laughing herself
Mercedes spoke for the next few minutes, telling them about how he had gotten hold of the stage lights and spelt her name with them; to serenading her with guitar before some of the band had appeared to accompany them. Rachel couldn't help but smile as she listened, so happy for Mercedes for getting that sweet moment and hoping that it led to the two getting together.
"Are you two together then now?" Quinn asked
"I want to…I really like him" Mercedes sighed "And after today, its just confirmed that he's who I want to be with"
"You need to go for it" She grinned in response "I wished you'd have told us earlier last year but don't let anything stop you"
"Rachel is right– you'll be fantastic together" Quinn added hugging Mercedes.
"You guys are the best" Mercedes murmured
"We know and that's why we expect to be the first invited to your wedding" Kurt replied cheekily
"Kurt!" Mercedes laughed as she spoke. The three of them giggling loudly "I don't know what you're laughing at Fabray. You and Puck have been dancing around just as much as me and Sam"
Rachel giggled and Kurt snorted as Quinn blushed furiously. "Its...complicated"
"We know you've been dating" Kurt laughed
"We've been on dates, its just...there's so much drama in our past" Quinn admitted, pausing "We don't want to mess it up this time"
"That's fair" Rachel agreed. "You both make each other happy. He's been really mature this year"
"He has and I do love him" Quinn smiled "We're just taking it slow"
"Who would have thought that I would have the least drama in my life!" Kurt broke the silence, causing them all to break down into laughter.
"So missy" Mercedes nudged her elbow "How did you know about Sam and me singing?"
"Well, I had a little chat with Sam yesterday before first period" She replied, reaching for another handful of popcorn "I wasn't snooping I promise"
"Does that chat have something to do with why James sat with us at lunch yesterday?" Kurt asked as Mercedes smiled reassuringly
Rachel smiled "I think so. I asked him if he would talk to James for me. About talking to me so we could try to work things out"
"That's so sweet of him" Quinn replied
Rachel nodded before explaining her conversation with Sam to the girls. She was so thankful for her friends, they'd been there for her during her hardest time and stuck by her despite all of her craziness. In that moment, if you'd asked her to explain it she'd struggle but she was so overwhelmed by how they listened and didn't' judge.
"I think Sam will get through to him" Mercedes said confidently
"There's something else as well" Rachel smiled "You know my solo at regionals?"
"Did you decide a song with Mr Schue?" Kurt asked excitedly
"Super jealous by the way" Mercedes replied holding up a finger
"Did it end up being a rock song?" Quinn added
"Sort of" Rachel grinned, reaching into her pyjama pants to get her phone "Here's to us by Halestorm. It's just an amazing song"
"Oh wow, that's unexpected" Kurt commented as they listened to it "But I like it"
"It'll suit your voice so brilliantly though" Quinn agreed, smiling widely
"Did your mom find it for you? It's a bit too modern for Mr Schue" Mercedes said and the four of them laughed
"She got the sheet music" Rachel paused, biting her lip to contain her smile "But she told me that James actually suggested it"
There was silent moment during which Rachel let her smile show as she watched her friends. Quinn was the first to speak "That's really good Rach"
"I hope so" Rachel nodded squeezing her eyebrows together and sighing.
"Sam did good" Kurt grinned, to which Mercedes added "Hell yeah he did"
"You just have to think "Why would he do that?" Quinn said "Its obvious that he loves you and he'll forgive you"
Rachel smiled widely, that hope blooming inside of her that Quinn was right. The little changes that had taken place since she'd spoke to Sam had reignited that happiness inside of her after days of heartache. James was always hard to read as he wasn't much of a talker about his feelings, preferring to keep things close to his heart when he was suffering. Him taking the time to find a song for her for regionals and managing to find one that was so perfect to her. She couldn't hope but feel his love.
"I'll never understand boys" Mercedes sighs and Rachel gazed at her "I don't understand why he got into a fight with Billy. I've been expecting him to punch Finn"
"It reminds me of when I hurt Sam" Quinn remarks "I imagined that both of them would have gone straight and punched Finn but they didn't..."
"James is much too calm to do that" Rachel replies "Even if he's hurting…he'll keep it all bottled it to himself"
"That's probably why him and Sam get on so well" Kurt adds
"True" Quinn nods her head "Was it awkward when he was with the nurse?"
"No...it was like normal you know? He let me be there and it wasn't weird..." Rachel smiles
"He's too nice" Mercedes murmured, shrugging her shoulders when the other three looked at her "He is, Finn kissed his girlfriend and he's taking it out on you by ignoring you instead of dealing with it"
"Mercedes" Kurt said softly
"No, it's okay" Rachel replied "You're right and it hurts. But when we're talking again properly, I'm not going to just let him get away with ignoring me. But when we first started dating I promised him that there were no secrets between us, that we'd always tell each other everything"
"And that's why he's upset" Mercedes summarised. Rachel nodded
"Well the good news is that I don't think there is anyone in the world that can ignore you" Kurt added "So its going to be impossible for James to "
"And he won't…James will talk to you when he's ready" Quinn smiled
"I know he will, I just have to try and not let it hurt me how he's acting right now" Rachel sighed sadly.
"You know what we need girls" Kurt said a few moments later "Something to cheer us up…Lets see if I can get us some wine while my dad is out"
"Shocking Kurt!" Rachel and Quinn giggled as Kurt stood up "Make sure you bring four glasses!"
...
The next morning, she goes to the mall with Quinn, Mercedes and Kurt to get breakfast and to do some retail therapy. After a few hours and spending some of her dad's hard earned money on clothes, Rachel feels quite happy with herself as she makes her way home. Her dad has been working weekends recently, so the time with herself and daddy is something she treasures as he is rarely at home in the evenings until late. They spend all afternoon in the kitchen together, baking and trying new recipes all the while show tunes are in the background.
When her dad does get home around 4pm, her attention turns to getting herself ready to go to the restaurant. She is truly looking forward to it, she knows how much effort and hard work that Andrea has put into getting it ready to open and despite all of that pressure James' mom has been an amazing presence in her life. As she sits in her dads care as they drive to Akron, Rachel thinks about how his mom has managed to handle bouncing back and forth from Akron to Lima, to Portland, looking after two teenage boys, helping her with her NYADA application, being a womanly presence in her life when she needs someone to talk. The woman is honestly a saint.
Rachel wore a pretty maroon dress that she'd picked out shopping with Andrea and James' sister the last time Charlie had to visit. It definitely classed as a "pretty girl" dress and she had no shame in wearing it these days, even though they were having troubles – the confidence James gave her was so amazing. They pulled up in front of a beautiful stone-faced building, the parking lot full of different cars of all the people who had been invited or managed to book for the opening. Rachel had seen the write up expecting promising things out of the new vegan friendly place James' parents had set up. Their other two were hugely successful and popular and Rachel really hoped it went the same here. James' parents had let him move across the country to go to school with her, they deserved it to be a success.
"It's beautiful" She murmurs looking around the entrance way that has a bar set off just to the side. It's honestly stunning, dotted around are these lovely green leather couches with wooden tables, the bar area has large bay windows that are decorated with the most gorgeous patterned curtains
"They've done such a good job" Hiram says, giving her shoulder a squeeze
"Oh look through there! It's gorgeous!" Leroy remarks, pointing at the restaurant area.
There are a mixture of private tables and open plan seating areas, all of them beautifully decorated with white tablecloths and the shiniest of cutlery and tableware.
"There you are!" Andrea's voice breaks her out of her admiration of the restaurant, turning to see James' mom giving her dad's huge hugs and cheeky kisses. "I'm so glad you could all make it!"
"We wouldn't miss it for the world" Hiram replies grinning
"Oh it looks fabulous Andrea" Leroy adds
"She's done such a good job" James' father appears at his wife's side, shaking hands with her dads.
"Oh Robert! We didn't know you would be here?" Hiram asks
"Last minute change of plans let me come...Hello Rachel"
"Good to see you Mr Agrisino" She smiles softly, even though she knew he had tried to be about more for his son in recent months – the initial unflattering opinion lingered. She turns towards James' mom and gives her a huge cuddle. "You look stunning darling"
Rachel feels Andrea give her a kiss on the cheek and a tight squeeze before they separate. "Oh Charlotte is going to be so pleased you wore that dress. It's perfect"
Rachel flashes her a smile as she links arms with her "Thank you Andrea, I couldn't resist wearing it"
"James is going to die when he sees you" Hiram grins to laughter from the adults
"Lets get a drink" Robert gestures towards the bar
"Where is James by the way?" Leroy asks, peering around the room
"Oh I think he's still trying to convince Michael to let him be a waiter for the evening" Andrea replies, her laugh easy as she guides Rachel towards the bar. "James sweetie"
Rachel spots the curly hair straight away, her boyfriend had let it grow past his ears now and it hung so fantastically.
"Hiram, Leroy!" He grinned, giving both of her dads a warm hug
"Hello James, you're looking smart" Leroy compliments him before frowning at the state of his face
"What happened to your face?" Hiram asks for both of them, moving a hand to stroke her boyfriend's cheek
"Oh, stupid fight at school" He shrugged
"Looks painful? Have you been checked out" Hiram asks
"Yeah the nurse..." James shrugs
"I wish you would tell me what its about darling, its not like you to be fighting at school" Andrea says and Rachel can hear the worry.
"We raised you better than that '' His dad scolded, Rachel felt Andrea give her arm a quick squeeze, knowing how Rachel feels about her husband.
"I know dad" James eyes look down as he answers his father softly
Rachel notices her both her dads watching her face, she knows they're looking for any giveaway about what James got into a fight about and to try. When her daddy gives her a wink, she smiles at feeling the reassurance that he's about to run interference.
"Your hair is getting as long as when we first met you" Leroy says clasping James on the shoulder
"I can't believe that was so long ago now" Hiram adds
"I know" James smiles, gazing at her dads warmly "I'm glad I'm about here seeing you guys all the time"
"I think it needs cutting" Robert says glancing at them with a frown "It's unruly"
"Why don't you show Rachel the rest of the restaurant sweetheart, we'll have a catch up with Leroy and Hiram for a little bit mhmm?" Andrea interrupts her husband and Rachel just adores her, for preventing James from unnecessary judgment and for the alone time with him.
"Uh yeah sure" James says, Rachel smiles as Andrea strokes his cheeky lovingly "Shall we?"
"Yep" She replies moving closer to him and holding his arm gently
"Don't take too long" Robert adds "We're eating in thirty minutes"
James just nods as he leads her towards the seating area, greeting a couple of the waiters as they walk past. She can't help but smile at the warmness he gives to everyone that works there, the same way his mom is: despite the fact they're her employees, Andrea treats everyone like family.
As they wander around, James pointing out little bits of information he knew, the only way to describe the restaurant is breath-taking. The attention to detail and the small little touches that Andrea had decided upon really made sure that while it was a classy place to eat, there was a warmness to the whole place which would make everyone feel comfortable.
Once he finishes giving her the tour, they linger just out of the way of the bar area, Rachel smiling as she sees James biting his thumb nervously
"Hi" She says to break the silence "Has your dad been like that all day"
"Hey" He says shrugging "you know how he gets"
Yeah" She smiles turning towards him "I didn't even know he was coming? When did he get here?"
"Last night…was just there when I got home" James explains, his voice still with that quietness his father brings out of him
"What did he say to you"
"The usual" James shrugs again, giving her a quick smile "Gave me a hard time about why my face is all messed up…"
"What did your mom say" She asks
"It was just him so he just…" He trails off
"Did you tell your mom about him giving you a hard time?" Rachel says squeezing his arm
"Nah" He shakes his head "Things have been good between them recently because he's not been…"
"Like his usual self?" She finishes for him
"Yeah…."
"James…your mom would want to know" She says softly, before taking the chance to move and kiss his cheek, lingering a few seconds with her lips against his skin "She loves you and you don't deserve him railing on you..."
"I know…I just" He pauses at her look "I will tell her. Just not tonight, yeah?"
"Okay" Rachel smiles back at him, squeezing his hand affectionately "He's wrong about your hair as well, I love it all long and curly"
"I know you do… " He gives her a grin, his cheeks colouring. He pauses and bites his lip "Thanks for yesterday by the way…You didn't need to stay and take care of me, you know with me being distant"
"Thank you for letting me" She replies "And you did defend my honour…so…."
He laughs softly "I just haven't been the best boyfriend the last couple of weeks and I'm sorry about that"
"So you are still my boyfriend?"
"Duh" He snorts "I am sorry –"
Her breathe hitches "I understand. I do. I'm just glad we're still together"
James moves closer to her and as he runs his hands up her arms and over her shoulders, Rachel feels the tingle throughout her body. Finally he settles his hands on her neck and rubs her jaw with his thumbs "Just give me a few more days yeah? What Sam said you'd told him got me thinking properly"
"He's a sweetheart" She replies smiling
"Yeah, he's a good friend" He agrees "Quinn is to you as well. Gave me a proper telling off"
"What did Quinn say?"
He smiles "When I was in the nurses, she was asking me what'd happened and then she sort of set me straight you know. How much I've been hurting you"
"I didn't ask her too…"
"I know" He nods interrupting her "But she did and I realise now that I wasn't being fair to you. You know I love you yeah?"
"I love you too" She replies instantly moving forward to kiss him.
"Ouch" He flinches at the contact and Rachel pulls back as he wipes his lip with his thumb, one of the cuts on his lips bleeding.
"Sorry baby" She coos going to her bag to give him a tissue. "I forgot"
"No its fine" He laughs, dabbing his lip
"Sweetie? Rachel?" They both turn at his mom's voice "We're going to eat now if you want to sit down? Why are you bleeding?"
"Just one of the cuts" He shrugs as Andrea cups his cheek "Its fine honestly"
"I've got some cream in my bag – It's at the table, why don't you take Rachel there now and get it out okay?" Andrea says with a soothing voice "We'll all be in a minute okay?"
They are joined a few minutes later by all of the guests. Their table is her dads, James' parents and a few of his parent's friends from Portland that had come over for the opening. After a short speech by Andrea to the packed eating area, the first starters had been brought out.
The evening had been arranged as a tapas style night with lots of different dishes available to start with, the taste was without a doubt unbelievable and every course that was laid in front of them was amazing. Rachel loved the bright and vibrant colourful dishes that were laid in front of them.
After they were all finished with the food, drinks were handed out to all of the guests and people started to flit between tables talking and meeting people they knew. Her dad had started talking to some friends they knew in Akron and she was sat people watching with her daddy at the table.
"Mind if I join you two?" She heard Andrea followed by a gentle squeeze of her shoulder "Where's James?"
"His dad taken him to meet some bigshots from his work" She replies, watching as Andrea joins her at the table
"Mhmm" Andrea sighed "I don't know how many times James has to tell him..."
"James hates when he does it" Rachel agrees
Hiram replies "He reminds me of my father, was always trying to mold me"
"He needs to leave him alone" Rachel adds bitterly, biting her lip as she watches Andrea close her eyes "I'm sorry, I didn't-"
"I know none of you are that fond of Robert but he does try his best" Andrea replies shaking his head "And I know Rachel, its fine…my husband is a difficult man but he really does love him. He is so proud of James and all he's done, Robert just…"
Hiram nods, moving to hold his moms hand "You don't need to justify it to us Andrea. We know he does. We're biased because we only see when James is upset. Every father wants their son to follow in their footsteps"
Andrea smiles at them both, squeezing her dads hand
"I didn't mean...I just care about him" Rachel smiles when Andrea takes her hand.
"I know, its why I love you so much" Andrea replies leaning over to kiss her on the cheek "Don't worry darling"
"I'll go and get us some more drinks, this is supposed to be a party!" Hiram says a few moments later, kissing both of them on the cheek. "Wine Andrea?"
"Please"
When he disappears, Rachel speaks again as Andrea turns to her fully "I've missed you. you've done such a fantastic job. I didn't get to say earlier but it's so beautiful"
"That's sweet I've been looking forward to seeing you too, especially so I could see your dress and it looks gorgeous darling"
"Thank you" Rachel can't help the grin that spreads across her face "You must be glad the restaurant is open now?"
Andrea lets out a laugh as she moves to hold her hand again "Honestly I'm just relived it's over. Organising and setting up a new place is the worst part"
"I bet its so much more fun when you can actually get to cooking and everything" Rachel asks
The two of them talk for a few more minutes before she notices James across the room stood next to his father subconsciously rubbing his black eye.
"Do you know what he was fighting about?" Rachel turns to look at his mom and sees the worrying in her eyes
"Andrea…" Lying to Andrea feels like the worst thing in the world, as if she was lying to one of her actual parents
"I know, he's asked you not to say. Its just he's my baby and I hate thinking that he's in some trouble?" Andrea says softly, rubbing her lips together "Or he's getting bullied?
"He's not" Rachel shakes her head
"I just worry because neither of us is around much at the moment and if something is bothering him..."
Her heart breaks to see his mom this upset, taking a breathe Rachel explains "Someone at school just…got to him you know? About me and he's so protective"
"Oh James...I know he is protective but fighting? Andrea shakes her head and then seems to realise something "Are you two okay? Is that the reason you haven't been staying over?"
Rachel opens her mouth to deny it but she can't lie to his mom "We're um...yeah you know, not talking properly"
"Oh sweetheart" Andrea sighs softly "I hope he didn't do anything?"
"No, it was me. I think we'll be okay. Yesterday and today have been so much better" Rachel says smiling reassuringly
"Try to remember that you both love each other? A proper love that is so amazing to see" Andrea moves to hug her
The rest of the evening flows smoothly and quickly and by the time they are saying their goodbyes to the Agrisino's, and by the time Rachel gets home and sees a text from James asking her if she had a good time - Rachel knows that things are well on the way to being better.
...
The following day she'd agreed to meet several of her friends at the Lima bean ahead of school the next day.
"I've got such a good feeling about regionals" Tina said smiling widely "I don't think we've ever had this much optimism going into a competition before"
"Its the spirit of MJ, yo" Artie added
"All of us are so jazzed about doing him again" Rachel squeezed her hands together "I think its so amazing when we can just all come together"
"We're going to crush regionals with Michael" Kurt said happily before taking a sip of coffee.
The mood of all of the New Directions was infectious. Just that morning she'd been humming to You Rock My World as she pottered around the house, her Dads laughing and commenting on how much happy she seemed to be.
"I wondered what this little sorority meeting was over here" Rachel turned as she heard Sebastian approach their table. Just the sight of his face made her want to leap up and smack him right in the face. "Hey Blaine, Hello Everyone else...oh Rachel I see that you've come out of hiding"
"Just having a nice afternoon coffee with my friends" Rachel replied, smothering her giggle at the sight of Santana's glare
"Does he live here?" Kurt added a look of repulsion on his face as he turned from Blaine to the new arrival "Seriously, you are always here...nothing better to do?"
"Hello Chipmunk, no friends to hang out with?" Santana quipped back
"We're just discussing regionals" Blaine interrupted the building argument
"Is that right?" Sebastian grinned
"Yep, we're super happy with our set list and looking forward to competing" Tina replied
"I don't think you will be so happy in the end" Sebastian chuckled
"And why is that?" Artie asked. Rachel hated the smug look on Sebastian's face, turning to look at Kurt who simply rolled his eyes.
"Because we're doing MJ for regionals" Sebastian replied with a smirk "You see Warblers are performing first. So as soon as I heard what you plan was I changed our setlist accordingly"
Rachel gazed around the group of them, a look of confusion on their faces. Rachel turned back to him "How did you hear?"
"Blaine told me last week" Rachel's head swivelled around to face Blaine who covered his face with his hands. Sebastian laughed before continuing "I was just asking for some advice on getting red wine out of my blazer and he would not stop going on about it"
"Blaine..." Santana almost growled
"I may have mentioned it..." Blaine said quietly and she would have felt sorry for him, if it wasn't for the fact the guy who tried to ruin her relationship was still laughing.
"How often do you two talk?" Kurt asked quickly
"Oh my god Kurt, don't be jealous. We're just friends" Sebastian continued, that stupid smirk on his face
"Okay, I think its time that somebody showed you a little Lima heights hospitality" Santana exclaimed rising from her seat "I am about to grab your-"
"Santana" Artie and Tina each grabbed one of her arms as she strode towards the Warbler, who simply stood there laughing.
"Why are you doing this" Rachel murmured a frown on her face "What have I done to you, what have we done to you for you to be this angry"
"Rachel, you're sweet" Sebastian said with a patronising look "Let me bring you up to speed and please make sure you tell all of your little loser friends, you know if they're talking to you. I am captain of the Warblers now and I'm tired of playing nice. I am going to destroy you at regionals and I will do that in any way I can. if I have to break up a couple of relationships up along the way, then well that's just fantastic"
"You're a monster" Tina replied
"Thank you" Sebastian laughed and waved at them "Now I have to go. I've got Michael to practise"
Rachel closed her eyes and took a few deep breathes before gazing at her friends: all six of them sat there with glum expressions on their faces as they contemplated what had just happened.
"I'm so sorry guys..." Blaine was the first to speak, a horrible look of shame on his face. "I wasn't thinking...it was just after we decided to do it. I was just excited"
"It's not your fault..." Tina reassured "We didn't know he was out to get us at the time
Blaine nodded and turned to Kurt "I'm so sorry. We don't talk much, once or twice a week. I stopped after we found out it was him that told James..."
"I believe you" Kurt replied, moving to hold Blaine's hand.
"Me too" Rachel agreed
"This all nice and all but we have a serious problem" Santana raged "What are we supposed to do about regionals?"
Rachel had raged when she got home. She'd barged straight upstairs, leaving her two dads amused and very confused, as she slammed bedroom door behind her as she paused in the middle of the room. Glancing over at her desk, she saw one the pictures she had of her and James. They were happy, happy until Sebastian got involved. Picking up the nearest thing to her, Rachel threw it at the wall.
"Sweet pea?" Her dads voices snapped her out of her wallowing "What happened?"
"I..." She murmured, following his gaze to the glass she'd smashed against the wall "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that"
Leroy walked into the room and walked over to her, giving her a cuddle. "Tough day baby girl?
"I'm sorry daddy" She murmured turning into his shoulder. She stayed in his arms for a long moment as she felt her dad join them.
They separated a few minutes later and her dads guided them over to the bed. Her dad brushed her hair out of her face "None of that, we're worried about you"
"Dad, I"
"Sweetheart" Hiram gave her the look that made her heart melt. Damn him. "Tell us what's wrong"
She explained everything. The situation with James, what happened at Noah's new years eve party and the fact they weren't talking. She finished explaining why Sebastian had decided to target her and his next move.
"I'm just so angry" She finished, sniffing.
"Well sweet pea" Leroy replied, wiping her tears. "You remember what we always taught you"
"That we should never react with anger" She says "But daddy..."
"But nothing, there's always a better way" Leroy said with a smile
"Let him have his fun and steal your set" Hiram continued "Get together with your friends and choose another one. Don't let him think that he's got under your skin"
Rachel smiled at them both "I really want to get him back"
"We know baby girl" Hiram laughed "Don't let it bother you like this. You've been so different recently, quiet and not at all our little girl"
Rachel nodded as her Leroy added "And James? He'll forgive you"
"Thanks Daddy"
...
The conversation with her dads stays with her that night as she considers what they said. It was good advice, the only problem being that she knew the rest of the New Directions wouldn't give up that easy and honestly, she didn't want to this time. Michael was their choice and to let some pretty bully barge in and steal from them? She couldn't accept that.
He was stood talking, laughing in fact, with a few of the boys from glee club; his face lit up in a grin as the others laughed at something he said, his brown eyes gleaming in the light as they stood at the front of the choir room around the piano, waiting for Mr Schuester to come and start today's rehearsal. His tongue darted out to wet his bottom lip as he nodded at Sam, her thoughts couldn't help but linger on how it felt when they kissed on Saturday, what it felt like to have his arms around her.
Ever since had admitted that Finn had kissed her, she had tried to explain why she didn't want to tell him and hurt his feelings; because she loved him so much that she couldn't bring herself to hurt him, James had been acting as if she didn't exist and it hurt, more than she could have imagined it would; more than anything that had happened between her and boys in the past. But Saturday had been a point where she was able to get out of her head; to realise that he wasn't breaking up with her.
"You're staring at him" She heard Kurt murmur next to her, Rachel's eyes darting away from her boyfriend, to her best friend who was looking at her with a small, sad smile on his face.
"I can't help it" She replied softly. "Ever since Saturday, I just can't get it out of my head"
"I know sweetie" Kurt said, his hand coming to rest on top of hers as she kept them in her lap "But you have to let him have his space; he's hurt and he needs to figure things out for himself"
"When did you get so smart?" Rachel mumbled
"He's looking at you now" Kurt said softly and Rachel took a breath before she looked up, across the room and met James' gaze; his deep brown eyes watching her carefully as he stood with the boys. Instinctively, she smiled at him; hoping for a reaction, something that would tell her that he still loved her. James looked deep in thought as he held her gaze for a few moments, and she saw something flicker in those beautiful eyes of his before he broke the contact and turned, smiling at something Sam had said.
"So guys I want to get started on the Michael song"
"Sorry Mr Schuester...we can't do MJ at regionals" Tina says and then explains.
"Look, Mr Schue's no violence policy is great and everything but we need to teach those Warblers a lesson" Santana said firmly after they'd all made their way outside after rehearsal.
"Santana's right...If we let them get away with messing with us now then we're are they going to stop?" Noah agreed, "We need to give a beatdown. An EPIC beatdown"
"Show them they don't mess with ANY of us" Mercedes added, nodding firmly
"Will they meet us?" Rachel asks, nibbling her lip
"They will if I text Sebastian...you guys are right. They can't just try and mess with us anymore. I'm all for a friendly battle between teams, but they've gone too far by trying to mess with us" Blaine said, reaching for his phone. "I'll text you all the location we're meeting"
...
Blaine's text had come later that night with the plan for their Jackson off with the Warblers. Sebastian had agreed to meet and go head to head with them in a parking lot in Lima the following evening. As she led in bed, Rachel felt confident they were going to show the Warblers exactly why you don't mess with the New Directions.
The entire day had flown by and they'd all met at lunch to discuss the plan, all of them in agreement about the plan. Keeping it a secret from Mr. Schue was hard, she hated that look of trust on his face as they went through his new idea for their group number at regionals.
A few hours later and Rachel was in Blaine's car with Kurt as the three of them made their way to where they were meeting the rest of the New Directions. She'd only told her dads that they were meeting the rest of their friends as she made her way out of the house. When they arrived, parking his car on one of the upper layers, they found most of the other kids downstairs waiting. Artie, Tine and Mike were the last three to arrive and once they had, they discussed about what was going to happen and how they to needed to make sure they all presented a unified front with the warblers. It was important not to give Sebastian anything to hold against them.
Soon after, they heard footsteps echoing and voices from the entrance to the bottom floor of the parking complex.
"Here we go" Finn muttered
She watched as the warblers approached - all still in their uniforms compared to their own leather jacket and jean outfits they'd agreed to wear. She noticed James standing to her side with Sam, sharing a small smile as their eyes met. While they still weren't talking, the revelation that he'd picked the song for regionals and how together they'd acted on Saturday, signalled something had definitely changed and she was hoping he would forgive her soon.
"New Directions" Sebastian said with a smirk
"Glad to see you turned up" Puck mocked.
"When Blaine text me, how could I resist" Sebastian replied, shooting her a cocky look at Kurt. "Is this going to take long?"
"We've got something to settle" Blaine said "Both of us want to use MJ but only one can"
"Well, we're here. What do you propose" Sebastian replied, crossing his arms
"We're having a Jackson off - the winner gets the king of pop for regionals" Santana added a cocky smile on her face
"There doesn't seem to be much point" Sebastian gazed back at them smirking "We're performing first at regionals. I can already choose to do Michael without this and there's nothing you can do about it"
"Cut the crap. You turned up didn't you?" James spoke up and she looked up at him seeing his clenched jaw.
"Maybe I just wanted to watch and enjoy the result of my plans" Rachel reached over and squeeze James' arm as Sebastian words made him tense
"Look, chipmunk. We all know why you're here...because you want to prove you're better than us. Quit stalling" Santana insisted
"Oooh. You're all confident aren't you" Sebastian laughed, the warblers following suit "Do you really think you're bad?"
"Prove you can beat us at Michael then" Santana taunted "Unless you don't think you can?"
Their performance is epic. Rachel knows that the Warblers are worried they're not good enough, she can see it as Artie, Blaine, Santana and Tina take the leads on the vocals - they're expressing themselves so much better than the the Dalton Academy boys ever can. The look only intensifies as their group performance only goes from strength to strength, the weeks and weeks of booty camp had almost completely fixed their issues.
It all happens slowly, as the song comes to an end Sebastian is handed a slushie from his team and he throws it at Kurt. Blaine has obvious seen it and has a much quicker reaction as he jumps in front of his boyfriend and takes the slushie. The next thing she knows Blaine is on the floor screaming in pain.
"Blaine!" Kurt cries out and she watches as the warblers turn and sprint away from them. Something has gone horrible wrong.
"Somebody call an ambulance!"