A/N: Hello again!

Wow, it's been a while.

This is technically still a rough draft, but I was really eager to get it published (I know, not very professional) because it's been so long since I've updated.

And it's basically just fluff. Plot will develop after this chapter.

Enjoy!

Rachel was grateful that the week was finally over. She had to avoid accusing, hateful glares from Finn, along with the rest of the senior student body. Gossip really spread quickly at McKinley High. Although the glee club drama was not often discussed, Jesse was still known as the mysterious, bad boy throughout the school; it was a position that he was secretly proud of and willing to keep. His lasting impact in the school was another large boost to his ego, a boost that he probably didn't need in the first place.

Her teammates, on the other hand, couldn't believe Rachel was dating the enemy yet again. She was ignored by most of New Directions, although Santana had resorted to insulting the smaller girl in advanced Spanish terms. Quinn looked positively murderous. Everybody seemed to be taking Finn's side of the story, which turned her entire club against her.

The singer was glad to be home, curled up against Jesse's chest. He cradled her easily in his arms, as his frame was much larger than hers. They were both staring mindlessly at a documentary about the history of Broadway theatres. Neither of them were paying much attention; they had each seen this program many times previously. As future patrons of the theatre, they both felt as if they needed to be as fully prepared as possible.

Rachel looked up at her new boyfriend. "Jesse?"

"Hm?"

"Do you think we carried this relationship along too quickly? I mean, you showed up, kissed me, and I was head over heels for you again. I'm almost positive that Finn is planning your demise via large monster truck… and I really don't want to see you run over."

Jesse only chuckled, interlacing his fingers with hers. "Babe. We were meant to be together. That's what you need to realize, and what you need to stop doubting. Don't doubt in a St. James. Besides," His smile spread into a smirk. "Hudson can't hurt me. If he did… let's just say I have insurance in high places."

"That doesn't even make any sense," Rachel tried to keep her face stern, but only ended up giggling. She knew how rich Jesse's family was, and was not surprised by this at all.

"So? It's only true. You have nothing to worry about. Trust me, okay?"

Rachel sat up, looking back at him. Her warm brown eyes studied him carefully, even though he had one of his most unreadable showfaces on. He was great at masking his emotions. "I should probably take a shower. I don't want to take one alone, though."

Jesse knew well enough that Rachel wasn't asking to be intimate. He wasn't planning on pushing her, either; he had learned enough from his previous experiences that she simply wasn't ready. He had enough self-control for one shower.

Truthfully, Rachel was afraid to let Jesse out of her sight. She was working hard to gain back the trust and proximity the couple once shared, and she was not one to give up easily. If it meant revealing herself to him in a shower, she would do it.

Dragging herself away from her thoughts, Rachel stood up, pulling Jesse with her. She led him to the bathroom, where they both silently undressed, eyes never leaving one another.

Jesse leaned against the wall, a small smirk playing on his face. As Rachel turned on the water, he spent a large amount of time admiring her in her full beauty. He knew she was gorgeous, but he could have never imagined it this degree.

Rachel felt his eyes on her and instantly turned red.

"You're beautiful, you know," Jesse murmured, sensing her discomfort.

"As you've told me many times, Jesse." She rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious," Jesse wore an amused look on his face, his eyes glittering. "I don't think you realize it. You've never had anybody look at you the way I do."

"You're incredibly cocky, Jesse St. James." She giggled lightly, grabbing his hand and pulling him into the shower.

Rachel instantly relaxed the second the warm water hit her skin, instinctively curling close to Jesse. He admired the way she could trust him so easily, given everything they had been through in the past year.

"You're really tense," He said quietly, rubbing her shoulders gently. "Rough week"

"Very. Everybody hates me a little bit more now. I mean, I suppose it's okay since I have you, but…" She trailed off, glancing up at him. "Your hair is very, very sexy when it's wet."

"My hair is always sexy, darling." He smirked as she reached up to play with it, her small hands running through his wet curls. "And don't think you can get away with this. I want to know about school."

Rachel wasn't surprised at Jesse's persistence. As she knew, years of training in Vocal Adrenaline prepared him for anything, including being thrown off topic by a certain girlfriend. She smiled at the thought. "We'll finish talking tonight, okay? I want to enjoy this moment with you now."

"Understandable." Jesse's eyes were shining as he looked down at her. He had never felt so strongly for a girl in his life, and he had a massive track record. She was special; he wouldn't let her slip through his fingers any longer.

"I didn't feel this… safe with Finn. I always thought he would run off at any minute, and I'm Rachel Barbra Berry. The superstar. I can't have boys cheating on me."

Jesse laughed. "You have an ego to match mine, Ms. Berry."

"That's why we love each other!"

"I know."

Rachel was quiet for a moment. "I'm going to find a way for my teammates to accept you, no matter what it takes. It's very silly that I'm being defied because I'm dating you."

"They don't have to like me. It won't effect out relationship in the least. I understand that you should be welcomed, don't get me wrong, but… nothing can come between us. Not Hudson, not anybody. I swear I'll never leave you."

Rachel hugged Jesse tightly in response, sniffling. "You're perfect, Jesse. I'm so glad you came back."

He smiled and hugged her back, content on staying in the embrace all night.

"I'm not leaving anytime soon."

So. Fluff. Yeah. I need to work on a plot.

I'll be back with a new chapter soon.

Please review!

Hugs and butterfly kisses, Jaclyn