Hey everyone and welcome to chapter 22 of the story. In this chapter we see the unexpected return of someone we haven't seen since one of the very early chapters. This particular person is here for a little romance and writing this character romantically was a first for me, so I hope it turned out well. I hope you all enjoy it and remember to review like crazy. All the legal stuff belongs to Ryan Murphy & FOX except my characters. So please read, review, rewind, then read and review again…enjoy!
There was a bunch of people buzzing around the studio as Finn, Blaine, Sam, Puck and Ryder sat back waiting for when they were needed. Finn was feeling extra nervous, because today was another step in people finally hearing his hard work; and also the world finally hearing the band's first album. It had taken awhile because he had been working with different artists on their albums while also working on the bands album as well. Now that it was finally finished they now needed some pictures for the album as well as a few for promotional purposes. Which is why Finn and the guys found themselves in the freezing cold studio watching the crew setup.
Finn always hated the whole picture thing, because he never could get the whole natural pose thing to work. For example if you looked at some of his old high school yearbooks, you'd think he was scared shitless by the look on his face. But the reality was something just snapped in his face right before the picture was taken that made his face go extremely weird; it was like he had Tourette's of the face. The only time he could look remotely normal in his opinion was when he took a picture with Rachel. It was like somehow Rachel was able to relax him sufficiently enough to be able to take a reasonable photo. Speaking of his beautiful girlfriend, Rachel had quizzed him that morning to make sure he had all the relevant poses down for the album cover shoot…
That Morning…
Finn stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at his reflection. As he was about to have a shower, he was only dressed in his pajama pants and no shirt. It was weird because he liked what he saw and he also didn't like what he saw. Finn didn't have a clue where these body issues of his came from, but he did know they concerned him greatly. Maybe his body issues arose from constantly being called fat and a whale by Santana or maybe it went as far back as, Melissa Rinehart's eighth birthday. Where she decided to have a pool party and invited the entire grade. Finn's problem came when it was time to go swimming and being the rambunctious boy he was, whipped his shirt off and jumped in with the other kids. Until he was cornered by the birthday girl and her friends after a game of Marco Polo finished and Melissa announced to the entire grade that, "Finn had boobies!". To say he was embarrassed would be an understatement and ever since that day he had always worn a shirt when swimming; except that time him and Rachel went skinny dipping in the lake at Lima, but that's a different story. Then again it could also be that all throughout high school he had to share a locker room with guys like Puck and Sam and Mike Chang. Even though all these guys are his friends he was still subconsciously jealous that you could probably do your laundry on these guys washboard abs; whereas the only thing his were good for was cuddling and keeping him warm in the winter.
Just as Finn was squeezing his love handles to see how much body fat he had, was when Rachel came through the bathroom door. Caught in the awkward position of holding his flab while staring at his girlfriend like a deer in the headlights, Finn did the only thing he could think of.
"Umm! I was just wondering if these pajama pants made my butt look big." Finn tried to brush off as he quickly went about grabbing his toothbrush to clean his teeth.
Rachel being Rachel could of course see right through Finn's lame attempt at an excuse. "Finn what's really going on?"
"What makes you think something's going on?" asked a nervous Finn, as he was about to put his toothbrush in his mouth.
"Well for one you put anti-fungal cream on your toothbrush instead of toothpaste." Stated Rachel as Finn looked down at the tube he was holding and then at his toothbrush before quickly throwing it in the sink. "Secondly, I know you Finn, which means I can read you like a book." Added Rachel as she wrapped Finn in a big hug and stared up at him with those big brown eyes.
Finn being unable to resist Rachel and especially those damn eyes of hers replied. "Me and the guys have our photo shoot today for the album cover."
"Aw! Are you nervous Finny?" asked Rachel as she started her rigorous morning cleansing ritual.
"It's just…I look like this…" Finn said while motioning to his body in the bathroom mirror. "And Sam and Puck look like…well Sam and Puck!"
"SO!" stated Rachel simply.
"You know what I'm talking about Rachel! They've got six-packs whereas I have a freaking keg." Finn frustratingly replied as he squeezed his gut while looking at himself in the mirror.
Rachel stopped her morning ritual before turning her full focus on Finn who she could tell was really troubled by this. "First of all Finn you do not have a keg, okay and who cares if Sam and Noah have well defined abs. I tell you a secret that most women will never admit to. Sam and Noah's abs may be nice to look at; and here's the secret part most women, namely me, prefer abs slightly softer so we can snuggle."
"Are you sure? Maybe I shouldn't do it. I mean I don't even have a go-to pose like you do." Replied Finn once again looking at himself in the mirror.
"Finn Hudson you are doing this photoshoot! This is your dream and I'm not going to let your insecurities ruin it for you. Plus you promised me I could have some of the photo's for my twelve months of Finn Hudson calendar!" Rachel answered back.
"But Rach!"
"Don't Rach, me Finn Hudson! Your going and your going to let them capture your gorgeous face so I can look at it every month for a year." Rachel cut Finn off.
"Do you seriously want to look at twelve months of this…?" Finn said while he showed Rachel an awkward smile.
Rachel just brushed Finn's concern aside and replied, "Please Finn, now your just being stupid. You have a beautiful smile, I know it, you know it, and now it's time for you to let the world know it." Rachel said while running her hand along Finn's face causing him to smile. "See! There it is…just do that and you have nothing to worry about."
"But that's because I was thinking of you." Replied Finn.
A deep red blush spread across Rachel's cheeks at Finn's comment, "Then just think of me Finn. Here I'll give you some tips."
Rachel positioned herself in front of Finn and the mirror, "Alright this is the determined yet hopeful smile…" Finn watched as Rachel produced a smile that made her look determined but still hopeful. "Got it! Now you try it."
Finn looked at himself in the mirror and smiled, "How's this?" asked Finn trying to talk while holding his smile.
"Good. But it's not exactly determined…it's more I want to punch you in the face. Loosen your face up a bit and relax your eyes as well as the space between your eyes." Rachel rubbed her fingers around Finn's face until his face loosened up. "There you go! Now that's a determined yet hopeful smile!" cheered Rachel.
Finn once again looked at himself in the mirror and realized his smile didn't look to bad, "Wow! That does look pretty good."
"See, I told you that you've got this Finn. Your album is going to go number one just from the album cover alone. All those girls around the world are going to want a picture of my Finny." Rachel said while she lovingly caressed Finn's chest. "They can have their picture because unlike those loose hussy's I get the real thing!" Rachel told Finn before reaching up and kissing him deeply against the vanity in the bathroom.
So for the next hour, Rachel and Finn spent their time alternating between practicing smiles and poses as well as making out like horny teenagers. Finn finally emerged from the bathroom feeling like he could do the photoshoot; and if he got nervous he could always daydream about the amazing blowjob Rachel had just finished giving him for good luck.
Back at the photoshoot…
Finn felt an extremely hard punch to his shoulder and turned around and saw Puck sitting beside him smirking.
"What the hell was that for Puckerman!" groaned Finn as he rubbed the spot where Puck punched him.
"I had to get your attention somehow. They're almost ready for us and you've been over here staring into space with a stupid smile on your face." Replied Puck as he leaned back and put his feet up on the small coffee table in front of him. "You looked constipated…your not constipated are you? Seriously dude that's bad, I heard a story once about this guy who was constipated and he didn't do anything about it, and his bowel like exploded or something. So unless you want pieces of your bowel plastered all other the set, you should probably go ask one of the assistant people for a laxative, bro!"
"Puck, I'm not constipated!"
"Hey, I'm not judging! I'm just looking out for my number one bro and his bowel!" replied Puck. "I love you an all bro, but there's no way in hell I'm helping you empty your catheter bag because your bowel exploded!" added Puck.
"Thanks for looking out for me Puck, but I can assure you I'm not constipated. I was just practicing some smiles Rachel coached me to use for the photoshoot."
"Well maybe try a different smile for the actual shoot." Puck said while patting his friend on the back. "Remember it's an album cover not an ad for Metamucil."
Just as Finn was about to reply, the shoot's photographer coming over to where the guys were sitting interrupted them. "Hi guys, I am Tori Daley and I'm going to be your photographer today. Just got to say I'm a huge fan and if you guy's want to come over were ready to start."
The guys all got up and followed Tori over to the set the crew had built for the album cover shoot. The set was a series of different backdrop locations that they could get photographed in front of. There was a classroom, an office, an auditorium as well as many more.
"Alright guys before we get started I just thought I would tell you that we actually have somebody interning with us to get some work experience. Is that cool with you guys?" asked Tori.
Finn looked around at Blaine, Puck, Sam and Ryder who were all acknowledging it was okay so Finn spoke for the group. "Yeah, that's fine."
"Cool bananas! Now what was the interns name again?" Tori asked herself while scratching her head. "LISA! GO GRAB THE INTERN FOR ME!" Tori yelled towards her assistant. "Sorry about that, I'll just introduce you to the intern who will be helping me out and then we can get started."
After only a short amount of time waiting the guys in the band and Tori saw two individuals coming through the crowd. One of them was clearly Tori's assistant and the other was…
"Oh look here they are now." Mentioned Tori looking in the same direction as Finn, Sam, Puck, Blaine and Ryder. "So guys this is our new intern, and she's even hails from your home state of Ohio, isn't that a hoot! Anyway guy's this is…"
"Marley?" exclaimed a confused and shocked but extremely happy Ryder who also subconsciously started fixing his hair and checking his breath.
"Hi guys," replied Marley cheerfully.
"Hey, yourself! Get over here and give us a hug!" exclaimed Sam as he and Blaine rushed over and greeted their former Glee Club team member.
"Wait a second, you guys know our little resident intern Myley?" asked a confused Tori as she watched Blaine, Sam and Ryder greeting Marley.
"Yeah we were in Glee Club together back in high school" explained Finn.
"We're all proud members of the McKinley High New Directions and by the way Tori my name's Marley not Myley." Marley said confidently which didn't go unnoticed by Finn who was glad Marley had finally found her self-confidence just like he had. "Finn was also believe it or not my Glee Club director."
"Wow! This is some totally awesome full circle fate stuff right there!" stated Tori as she marveled at the unsuspecting high school reunion. "Anyway enough, 'This Is Your Life' emotional stuff. Were here to do a job so let's get started." Stated Tori showing the guys where they needed to be on set. "To make you guys more comfortable and to help create an atmosphere on set, I'm going to play a song from your debut album."
Finn and the guys got into position on the set as Tori signaled for Marley to press play on the sound system. Tori got into position to take some photographs as the music started playing…
Clean shirt, new shoes
And I don't know where I am goin' to
Silk suit, black tie
I don't need a reason why
For the first setup Tori had the guys standing around in an upscale bar dressed in expensive looking tuxedos. Finn and Puck were posed sitting at the bar, while Sam, Blaine and Ryder were posed around the pool table with Sam pretending to take a shot.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
The next shot had the guys on an old fashioned stage with a big banner draped across the background that said, McKinley High class of 2010. Everyone was dressed old school white cardigans with big red 'M's' embroidered on the breast, with black slacks. The hair of all the guys was slicked back as was the fashion in the fifties and sixties.
Gold watch, diamond ring
I ain't missin' not a single thing
And cufflinks, stick pin
When I step out I'm gonna do you in
Next they had the guys sitting in random seats of the empty auditorium. With some of them staring at the camera while others were looking back at the people behind them laughing. They had Finn sitting leaning forward tapping a drumstick on the chair in front of him, while twirling the other drumstick in his other hand. Sam was posed on the side looking over at the guys while holding his guitar. Puck was posed next to Finn seating there with his feet up on the chair in front of him and his arms crossed, wearing a pair of black sunglasses. Blaine was in the middle with his hair as per usual full of product and was wearing a leather jacket with a bowtie lying untied around his neck. Meanwhile Ryder was posed leaning over dressed in black telling Finn something.
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
Now it was time for the solo shots of the guys and Puck was first one up. They had Puck sitting on a kitchen chair backwards dressed in long pants and a tight singlet. As he stared straight at the camera with his arms crossed across the top of the chair, showing off his new guitar tattoo. Next was Sam who they had dressed in jeans and a t-shirt leaning against the wall as he looked at the camera. Blaine was positioned behind a microphone stand as he mimed singing into the mike while he swung the stand to the side with his other hand. When it was Finn's turn they had him sitting behind his drum kit in a sleeveless shirt, which showed off his tribal tattoo as he smiled at something off to the side of the camera. For Ryder they had him dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a casual flannel shirt unbuttoned over the top looking into the camera doing the iconic hand horn symbol with his hand.
Top coat, top hat
Well I don't worry 'cause my wallet's fat
Black shades, white gloves
Lookin' sharp and lookin' for love
They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man
Tori handed Marley her camera to pack away as the music began fading out and a wrap was called on the album cover shoot. After Finn and the guys had finished changing back into their regular clothes, Tori promised to send them some copies of the photos for okay before they went to the publisher. Tori even gave Finn some copies of a few outtake shots for Rachel to keep or use for her Finn Hudson calendar. When it was time to leave the guys made Marley promise she would meet up with them before she had to head back to Lima. Which she agreed and as they left none of the guys except for Ryder realised that maybe just maybe their reconnection with Marley was more then coincidence and might just be fate. As he once again had a chance with his former high school crush Marley Rose.
Kurt and Santana had were just arriving home from long days at work, Santana waitressing at the diner and Kurt with his internship at Vogue. As they came up to the front door to the loft, the weird noises emanating from within abruptly stopped their conversation about the merits of another, Sex in the City movie. Instead both Santana and Kurt were fixated on what or rather who could be making such a racquet inside the loft. Because ever since Rachel moved out the loft had always been empty while the two of them were at work.
Kurt's eyes widened as Santana pulled out what looked like a big yellow gun, "What the hell, Santana! Where and when did you get a freaking gun?" Kurt harshly whispered as both him and Santana crouched down low by the front door.
"Relax Piglet, it's not a gun; it's a Taser. I don't want to kill the bastard who broke into our apartment; I just want to incapacitate him, so I restrain him, then kill him." Santana harshly whispered back.
"Firstly I'm not even going to acknowledge you trying to use that adorable, Winnie the Pooh character as an insult; because that's wrong on so many levels. Secondly I'm pretty sure Tasers are illegal in New York."
"Are you sure?" Santana asked before continuing, "What about the second amendment then; you know the right to bear arms, thing?"
"I'm pretty sure they're illegal Santana. The second amendment doesn't apply because the United States government doesn't consider Tasers a firearm." Stated Kurt.
Santana stood up from crouching after Kurt's statement and looked at her friend in wonder. "No shit!" exclaimed an enlightened Santana. "Look at you Hummel being all knowledgeable and stuff. You know if you ever get tired of doing the whole Carrie Bradshaw thing at Vogue, it seems like you could be a good Erin Brockovich." Finished Santana.
Kurt stood up alongside his friend feeling rather chuffed at her statement of his abilities. "Thanks Santana, I always…" Kurt was interrupted from finishing by another loud sound coming from inside the loft.
Santana and Kurt once again dropped into a crouch position, but this time Kurt pulled out a small black can from his satchel. Now it was Santana's turn to stop and stare at Kurt's weapon of choice.
"What the hell is that is that Hummel? Are you going to try and subdue our intruder with your hairspray?" mocked Santana.
"Please, you think I'd waste perfectly good hairspray on a burglar!" huffed Kurt before adding; "It's pepper spray if you must know Santana!"
"Whatever! Let's just get this over with, he's probably already halfway to wherever his fence is to sell off our stuff." Snipped Santana.
So the crouching duo moved towards the front door and as silently as possible opened the door and crept through. The first thing they noticed was the lights were on in the loft; what type of criminal turns the lights on before robbing the joint. Regardless Santana and Kurt crept further into the apartment and saw the loft was covered in papers and books. The walls were covered in photos of each individual member of the Glee Club, but mostly just pictures of Quinn and Puck.
"Holy fuck! We got a stalker! I don't know whether to be pissed off or flattered." Commented Santana as they were now crouched behind the couch.
Kurt simply shushed her that in any other circumstance would've brought out Santana's alter ego, Aunty Snixx. But this time Santana made an exception when Kurt pointed to the fact the intruder was exiting one of the bedrooms. Santana readied her Taser while Kurt primed his pepper spray as they could hear the intruder mumbling something about the code; I have to break the code.
"Alright this is it Hummel on three you drench the bastard with your pepper spray and when he can't see shit I'll zap him with my Taser!" said Santana while Kurt nodded his head in agreement
Kurt watched while Santana held up one finger…then two fingers…then as soon as Kurt saw the third finger, he jumped up from behind the couch. "EAT PEPPER SPRAY, CRIMINAL!" yelled Kurt as he squeezed the trigger on the can of pepper spray unloading a painful torrent of spray into the intruders face.
As soon as Santana saw Kurt's attack had been successful she also jumped up from behind the couch and shot her Taser straight into the back of the now staggering intruder. While they watched the intruder drop to the ground in violent spasms and a burning face, they both reconvened at the entrance to the lounge room. Once the intruder's body stopped convulsing in spasms and was lying sill, Santana and Kurt could now see their intruder wasn't a man at all; but rather a woman.
A curious Santana grabbed a broom and poked the unmoving body with the handle to see if there was any response. After not getting a response Santana decided to see who exactly their intruder was. So she grabbed the shoulder of the unconscious criminal and turned the body over to reveal…
"What the fuck?" exclaimed Santana.
"OH MY GOD! WE KILLED RACHEL!" screamed Kurt as the two friends looked down at the unconscious body of their former roommate.
"Settle down Kurt! First of all we just simply knocked her out; we didn't kill her." Stated Santana.
"Are we really arguing about semantics right now Santana!" yelled a freaking out Kurt as he started pacing around the room. "What the hell are we going to do?" asked Kurt as he walked around in circles. "FUCK! Finn is going to kill us for killing Rachel! What the hell are we going to do Santana? Were to pretty to go to jail!"
"Relax Hummel! Finn is not going to kill us because as I said we did not kill Berry. Now here is what were going to do." When she saw Kurt stop pacing and actually listening she continued. "Were going to lay Berry down on the couch with a cool washcloth on her forehead and we'll monitor until she wakes up. Then if there's any ill effects after she's awake we will take her to the hospital okay."
"Okay"
Now that they were both in agreement Kurt helped Santana lift an unconscious Rachel off of the lounge room floor and onto the couch. Kurt went and got a clean washcloth that he dunked in some ice water before carefully placing it on Rachel's forehead. Then the both of them sat down in chairs near where Rachel was lying to monitor her until she was able to wake up.
An hour later…
Santana and Kurt were still sitting in the lounge room watching Rachel to make sure she had no ill effects from being shocked with the Taser and pepper sprayed. It wasn't long before they heard some groaning coming from where Rachel was lying. Rachel sat up on the couch groaning and holding her head.
"Ah…argh my head…mmm…ah, where am I?" groaned Rachel.
Both Santana and Kurt jumped up and went over to Rachel and handed her a glass of water. "Rachel honey, it's Kurt how do you feel?"
Rachel drank the entire glass of water and handed it to Santana for another one while she answered Kurt. "Argh, my head is pounding! What happened?"
"Umm!" procrastinated Kurt as he looked over at Santana trying to get any insight on what he should say. "What do you remember?" Kurt finally asked.
"Well I remember Finn was working today so I came over to see you guys but you were both at work. So I decided to stay and do some work, then I walked out of the bedroom because I heard some noise and thought you and Santana might be home and then…BAM…nothing." Answered Rachel.
"How strange!" replied a sheepish Santana while Kurt gave her a look of what the hell are you doing.
"Guess I must've been tired and passed out or something. But that doesn't explain why my eyes feel like their literally on fire." Queried Rachel.
"Excuse us for a minute Rachel." Kurt rushed Santana into the kitchen so Rachel couldn't overhear their conversation. "Santana what are we going to do, we can't just lie to her?"
"Why not she doesn't remember us knocking her out…so why rock the boat so to speak." Replied Santana.
"Umm! Maybe because Rachel's our friend!" admonished Kurt.
"Speak for yourself!" Santana flippantly replied back.
"SANTANA!"
"Relax Hummel, don't get your panties in a twist! I was just joking!" quipped Santana.
"Whatever! Were going to go back in there and tell OUR friend the truth, because it's the right thing to do." Stated Kurt.
"You and your damn morals Hummel! But fine let's do it your way." Replied Santana as she followed Kurt back into the lounge room and over to where Rachel was sitting rubbing her head.
Santana and Kurt both not knowing what to say both stood there staring at Rachel, which was freaking her out. Both Santana and Kurt would open their mouths to say something then close them and look at the other person. Until Rachel couldn't take it anymore and responded, "What's going on with you two?"
There was another moment or two of tense silence until Kurt suddenly blurted out, "Santana Tasered you!" and then immediately clapped both hands over his mouth in a state of disbelief that he just blurted that out.
"WHAT?" screamed both Santana and Rachel.
"Nice Hummel! Or should I say Judas! Where the hell are your morals now?" sneered Santana.
"I'm so sorry! It just slipped out." Apologised Kurt. "You know I don't deal well with conflict!"
"Wait a second! What the hell do you mean Santana Tasered me?" queried an agitated Rachel.
"Well!" procrastinated Santana.
"Don't well me, Santana and answer the damn question!" snipped Rachel.
"Fine! We thought you were an intruder so we snuck in and I Tasered you ONLY AFTER Kurt pepper sprayed you in the face." Admitted Santana.
"I was pepper sprayed as well?" yelled Rachel
"Sorry!" apologised Kurt. "But can I just say your really pulling off the stoned zombie look; and your red irritated eyes are really making your skin colour pop!" exaggerated Kurt.
"Really! Because I have been using a new skin moisturiser!" exclaimed Rachel excitedly and temporarily forgetting that she was mad at Santana and Kurt. "Wait a minute! Nice try Kurt Hummel but I'm onto your games and I'm still mad at you!" yelled Rachel once she had remembered she was angry.
"Damn! Missed it by that much!" replied Kurt.
"Ha Ha!" laughed Santana. "Kurt's still in trouble!" jeered Santana.
"I wouldn't be laughing is I was you Santana because I haven't forgotten about you. Tasering me!" interjected Rachel.
"What the hell were you doing here anyway? Because in case you forgot Berry you don't live here anymore!" asked Santana trying to turn the tables.
Rachel suddenly and groggily jumped up and shouted, "THE CODE!" before grabbing onto a nearby table, as she was still a little wobbly on her feet. "I almost figured out the Gleek Code. It started with a little club that nobody knew about, then fate or something made my Finny join which caused us to go up in popularity. Then other people joined and Finn was with Quinn but we were flirting while she was flirting with Noah. Santana you slept with Finn that still makes me want to stab you in your sleep. Then Kurt also had a crush on Finn, also he found out Beth wasn't his. Noah and Quinn were together for awhile then mysteriously broke up that wasn't discussed or nobody knew about until she started chasing after my Finny again…"
"Rachel…RACHEL!" interrupted Kurt.
"Yes?" asked Rachel as she momentarily stopped from rummaging through some of the papers lying on the ground.
"What's with the whole sordid love triangle history of early Glee Club?" asked Kurt in return.
"Because I have to figure out why Quinn and Noah broke up so I can fix it and get them back together! Duh!" Rachel replied as if what she said was extremely obvious.
"Why do you care if teen pregnancy Barbie and Jewish Ken get back together and live happily ever after in their trailer park dream house?" quipped Santana.
"I care Santana, because Quinn really helped me get over some issues and gave me another opportunity to reconnect with my mother. So thanks to Quinn and you guys my life is really great at the moment and I want Quinn to be as happy as me; and I believe if I get her and Noah back together she could be happy." Explained Rachel.
"Rachel you realise Quinn is already happy with or without Puck. What makes you think her life is going to be any happier with him in it?" asked Kurt. "And Santana judging by Pucks current vocation I believe he would be more dream house than trailer park."
"You know what they say Hummel, you can take the boy out of Lima, but you can't take Lima out of the boy." Santana quipped back.
"What are you two talking about?" asked a confused Rachel. "Anyway! Yes I do realise Quinn is already happy and she doesn't need Noah to validate that; just like I don't need Finn to validate my happiness. Which I think the past year or so can greatly attest to that. But what people don't realise is there are different types of happiness and the happiness that comes from being loved…truly loved by another human being is truly remarkable. Just the feeling that no matter how bad a day you had or how successful you are, there is somebody who you can just go and be your self with, regardless of what is going on in the outside world.
I have that with Finn and every time he's in the room it's like my heartbeat is the rhythm and his is the bass beat to the music of our lives. So forgive me if I want Quinn and Noah's life music to be in tune like Finn and mine's. That's why I need to know why they broke up!" finished Rachel.
"Maybe because Puckerman is a douche." Quipped Santana.
"Santana your totally not helping right now!" chastised Kurt before turning his concentration to Rachel. "Rachel I think it doesn't matter how they broke up but rather how you plan to get them back together."
"I thought of that too!" exclaimed a once again excited Rachel as she ran into one of the bedrooms and came back with a series of storyboards. Each storyboard Rachel had created had pictures of Puck and Quinn in different scenarios.
"See, this one is a plan I like to call the snatch and grab. I invite Quinn shopping or to hang out and Finn and Noah just happen to be there. We decide to go for a walk down the street and then someone like Sam or anyone playing a mugger comes and steals Quinn's handbag. Then we get Noah to chase the mugger down and retrieve her handbag and…BOOM instant chemistry!" explained a very enthusiastic Rachel.
"Umm! I think we might need to work on some of these ideas diva," offered Kurt trying to let his friend down gently that her ideas were a little crazy.
"I have others," replied Rachel.
"We can see that." Replied Santana as she flicked through the different storyboards. "Rachel quick question. Why in all these storyboard scenarios is Finn dressed in his army uniform?"
"Who doesn't love a man in uniform?" Rachel simply explained.
"I thought you hated the idea of Finn in the army?" a confused Santana asked.
"The part of Finn being in the army that I hated was the war and killing part. I'm all for hot, hard, grizzled commando Army Finn dressed like a God in his tight uniform! And since we live in these tough economic times, I think Finn and I are being rather frugal in getting some other less typical uses out of his uniform." drooled Rachel
"Oh My God Berry! Are you telling us that you and Finn have been roleplaying sexually with Finn dressed in his uniform?" asked Santana.
"Let's just say I can be a very good villager in need of assistance to Finn's heroic UN peacekeeper; and of course my villager likes to show her heroic peacekeeper just how thankful she is!" Rachel quipped back.
"I'll bet!" exclaimed an excited Santana that she now had some new juicy info to tease Finn with.
Meanwhile Kurt was walking around in circles singing, "LA LA LA DUM DUM BING LA LA!" to try and drown out any chance of him hearing about his best friend sexual roleplaying games with his brother.
"Oh hush you!" Rachel shouted at Kurt. "Need I remind you of a certain story you told me and a certain Warbler Blazer?"
Kurt all of a sudden stopped walking around in circles and looked straight at Rachel with a mortified look on his face. "You wouldn't! That story was supposed to be locked forever in the Hummelberry friendship vault!"
While all this was going on Santana was bouncing up and down with glee (excuse the pun) with this treasure trove of information she was uncovering. "Somebody up there or at least somewhere likes me, because this has been the best day ever! First I get to Taser Berry, then I find out Finchel like to role-play using Finn army uniform and now it seems Klaine get freaky with Blaine's Warbler blazer."
"Okay, enough idle threats were supposed to be coming up with ways to get Puck and Quinn together again
"Kurt's right! We got distracted come on guys let's get back to work." Agreed Rachel.
That's exactly what they did; they got back to work on Rachel's operation get Quick together. The trio of friends worked long and hard on different ways to try and get a Puck and Quinn reunion. Even Santana helped out, once she stopped cursing Puckerman under her breath every twenty seconds.
Ryder wrapped his coat around him tighter as he felt the ice-cold New York wind seemingly sweep right through him as he stood outside on the sidewalk. He was nervously pacing around outside the entrance to the diner, hoping the visitor he was expecting would arrive soon. After he and the guys had unexpectedly been reunited with Marley at the album cover shoot. Ryder thought it must have been fate that offered him up another chance with his high school crush. So a day or so after the shoot for the album cover, Ryder gathered all his courage and rang Marley's number from the details he got from the shoot photographer Tori and invited Marley to come have coffee with him at the diner.
There was just something about Marley that really clicked and he really hoped that it clicked for Marley too. It wasn't that Ryder was short of female attention. Being young and reasonably good looking and part of one of the hottest up and coming bands in America definitely helps with that. None of that female company compared to the girl he could only at best call a friend, because he didn't have the balls to tell her how he really felt back in high school. But as they say today is a new day and he was going to seize the day and hopefully the girl, because Ryder didn't really want to admit, but he was feeling rather lonely.
Here he was in the city of dreams, a young good looking successful guy who should be on top of the world right now. But in reality the past few months have been really hard for him even though working and rehearsing in the studio have been great distractions from his loneliness. Nothing is worse then after a long day coming home to an empty apartment and having nothing to do except change into his boxers and watch ESPN while eating cold pizza. He was of course supposed to be sharing an apartment with three other guys, Sam, Blaine and Puck. But all three of those guys had once again been bitten by the love bug and rekindled their relationships with their girlfriends or in Blaine's case boyfriend.
Ryder was brought out of his musings when he felt a tap on his shoulder and saw the amazing Marley Rose smiling back at him. For some reason just seeing that smile made him forget all about his problems and loneliness and all he could do was just smile back.
"Marley! Thanks so much for coming!" greeted Ryder as he gave Marley a hug.
"Well when you get invited for coffee by the next rockstar heartthrob I'd be a fool to say no." joked Marley as she returned Ryder's hug.
"Believe me when I say I'm far from being a heartthrob, now Sam, Puck or Finn I believe but me, nah! Come on let's get inside out of this cold!" replied Ryder as he guided Marley into the diner.
"Oh I don't know! I don't think you should sell yourself so short Ryder, because I can definitely see you being a heartthrob!" Marley subtly flirted which caused Ryder to blush. "Wow! So this is the famous Spotlight Diner you guys all hang out in?" asked Marley as she looked around trying to take everything in.
"This is it!" responded Ryder as he marvelled at the wonder on Marley's face as she looked around.
"I know it's an ordinary diner, but I can't help but feel like I'm in the Central Perk Café from Friends." Stated Ryder.
"If Rachel heard you say that you'd be her new best friend." Joked Ryder as they sat down on one of the booths.
"Speaking of Rachel has she learnt your name yet?" jested Marley as she started perusing the menu.
"Not really, I'm still Rick or Riley strangely enough she even called me Ronald once. Which still has Santana asking for fries every time she see's me." Replied Ryder.
"So Mr. Lynn what does a Spotlight Diner veteran such as yourself recommend a newbie like me should order on her very first trip here?" asked Marley.
"Finn seems to be very fond of the Pecan Pie for some reason but for me the diner makes a great club sandwich." Answered Ryder.
"That sounds great, I'm getting one of these famous club sandwiches and a coffee and what do you say we then split a slice of the Finn favourite Pecan Pie?"
"You got yourself a deal!" responded Ryder as he called a waitress over and gave her their order.
While the pair waited for their meals to arrive they continued to catch up with one another. But at the moment Marley was currently telling Ryder about how Kitty and Unique were doing back in Lima, when Ryder couldn't help himself but stare at how beautiful Marley was. Deciding it was now or never Ryder needed to know if there was any hope romantically for him and Marley.
"Sorry can I just interrupt for a second." Asked Ryder just as Marley was telling him about how Unique was trying to start her own fashion line.
"Sure! I wasn't talking to much was I?" asked a nervous Marley.
"No, I just need to know something." Assured Ryder. "Marley…umm…do you like me?" Ryder asked nervously.
"Of course I like you Ryder! What made you think I didn't like you?" Marley asked back.
"No I mean…Listen I'm just going to say it. I really like you Marley as in more than a friend; you were there for me when I was going through stuff in high school. You have a really beautiful soul Marley Rose and I don't know about you but I feel you and I have a really great connection." Stated Ryder
"Ryder are you trying to ask me out?" asked Marley.
"Yes…yes I am!" replied Ryder.
"Bout time!" quipped Marley.
"Excuse me?" asked a completely confused Ryder.
"Well all I'm saying is it took you long enough. I've been waiting for you to ask me out since about halfway through senior year of high school." Explained Marley.
"Wait a minute your saying you've liked me all this time?" asked Ryder.
"I thought it was pretty obvious, even Finn noticed and he's not exactly known as Mr. Smooth with the ladies." Stated Marley.
"Now I feel stupid." Lamented Ryder.
"Remember what they say it's better late then never. So you like me, I like you, what do we do now?" asked Marley.
Ryder looked over towards the empty stage and had an idea, "I know exactly what we can do. It's sort of a tradition here for our group of friends to sing a song every time we're here. So what do you say we keep that tradition going and sing a song together?" asked Ryder as he gestured over towards the stage.
"Sure, but what song should we sing?" asked Marley as she and Ryder walked over to the stage.
Ryder helped Marley up onto the stage and answered, "It doesn't matter what we sing as long as it comes from the heart! Start the music!"
Marley smiled as she heard the familiar music emanating from the sound system as everyone in the diner turned to watch them…
RYDER:
It's art that made the mould
It's the difference between the big and the small
It doesn't have to be witty or smart
Just as long as it comes from the heart
MARLEY:
Oh I get it
RYDER:
It doesn't have to be classic or rock
Just as long as it comes from the heart (Marley: From the heart)
Just put more heart into you voice (Marley: Uh Huh)
And you'll become the people's choice
RYDER/MARLEY:
Just make up your mind from the start
That the song's gotta come from the heart
Just make up your mind from the start
That the song's gotta come from the heart (Marley: Tell me more!)
RYDER:
Don't be afraid you'll make your grade
Why you can sing as good as Bing
That's why I say when you start
That the song's gotta come from the heart (Marley: I get it Ryder!)
MARLEY:
It doesn't have to be witty or smart
Long as it comes from the heart
It doesn't have to be classic or rock
Long as it comes from the heart
I'll give 'em that
I'll give 'em this
I'll strut away
RYDER:
Boy! You can't miss!
MARLEY:
Just put a star on my chart
RYDER:
They won't need this anymore!
MARLEY:
Cause the song's gonna come from the heart
RYDER:
Don't work cheap!
RYDER/MARLEY:
On opening nights, your name in lights
RYDER:
Why we won't stop, 'til you reach the top
RYDER/MARLEY:
We'll order our meal a la carte
That's expensive!
If the song comes from the heart
MARLEY:
We'll be tremendous!
RYDER/MARLEY:
If the song comes from the heart
RYDER:
Can't call up Gable
RYDER/MARLEY:
If the song comes from the heart!
H-e-a-r-t!
The music faded out and Marley and Ryder both bowed as the crowd in the diner erupted in cheers. Once they had finished bowing to their adoring crowd they hopped off the stage laughing and hugging each other.
"So Ryder Lynn, you can pick me up tomorrow night at seven; and just so you know I expect to be wowed." Quipped Marley.
"Yes Ma'am!" Ryder quipped back and mock saluting causing Marley to laugh.
The happy pair went back to their table to finish their meal and coffee's and continue their date. Happy in the knowledge that despite so many missed opportunities and various different experiences they have an opportunity to create something really special.
Hope everyone enjoyed the latest chapter and the surprise return of one of the former Gleeks in Marley. Marley and Ryder are trying the romance thing (yay or nah?). I wonder if Rachel's matchmaking with Quinn and Puck is going to go well or if it's going to crash and burn. The songs used in this chapter were, 'Sharp Dressed Man' by ZZ Top and 'The Song's Gotta Come From The Heart' Barry Manilow (with Jimmy Durante) version. Like always see you next time. Have a good one and don't do anything I wouldn't do.