What can I do? Will talking to her really make a difference? No, I have to, regardless. I love her and I need to hear her voice. I need her to look into my eyes and know I'm sorry. Jesse deliberated as he stood up. He took a deep breath before turning the corner and walking into the choir room.
"Oh shit!" Puck screamed before jumping on top of Jesse and punching him in the face repeatedley. Mr. Schue and half the glee club had to pull him off of the younger male.
"Stop it! Stop it!" Mr. Schue and Rachel both screamed. Puck's knuckles were bloodied from Jesse's mouth. Jesse coughed up the blood in his mouth on the carpet then was helped up by Mr. Schue.
"I deserve that." Jesse said, wiping at his mouth. Puck fought against the arms restraining him for another shot against St James, but didn't win.
"Now what the hell are you doing here? I told you never to set foot here again." Mr. Schue's tone was harsh and angry.
"Wait, what? When did you speak to him?" Rachel's tiny voice chimed in. Jesse's eyes shot to her, smiling. He loved her, but her eyes were sad and afraid. They both dismissed the eye contact.
"It doesn't matter. Now what are you doing here, St James?" he growled again.
"Listen. I'm not here to start trouble, I-I want to tell Rachel that I'm...I'm sorry."
"You son of a bitch." Puck still fought against the arms holding him back and got free for a second, giving it everything he got. Jesse was again on the floor spitting up the blood until Mr. Schue got a hold of Puck.
"Cut it out! He's getting blood on my floor." Mr. Schue said.
"Stop it! Just stop!" Rachel cried. Jesse smiled, thankful she still cared. "I'm not doing this for you, Jesse. I just hate my glee club being distracted from our precious work." Jesse's heart hurt, but he knew it was partially for him.
"Rachel. I-I didn't know that...that simple words I let leave my idiot mouth could hurt someone like that. I never wanted you so...so broken." he said taking a look at Puck who had since calmed down.
"I'm sorry, more sorry than you'll ever know. I deserve to die. I don't like who I am, okay? Sometimes I wish I was never born at all...but then I remember you. I remember how beautiful and talented you are. Thank you. I-I know you're not going to take me back and that Puck is so much better for you than I'll ever be, but...you-you needed to know I'm sorry." Jesse was in tears, honest tears. It obviously wasn't acting. Rachel knew that. The rest of the club may not have been so convinced, but she knew.
"I love you." he said, walking toward her. She turned away, not wanting to fall in love with him all over again. He tucked a finger under her chin to look at him.
"Please, Rachel. I-I just want to see your eyes again, Rach. Please." Slowly, Rachel lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. His eyes, so tear-filled, were hypnotizing, but she knew she could never love him, not like she did, ever again. But she would always love him. They both smiled.
"Rachel, I-I know it's a lot to ask...and you don't have to if you don't want to...but could you uh maybe...could I have a..." Before Jesse could figure out something, someway to say it, she gave in to his command. She wrapped her arms around him and he held her tightly. She cried silently into his shoulder and he took in her scent. God, he missed her smell.
"Jesse...I'll always love you. That'll never change. I-I just...I'm with Noah now." Rachel pulled back to see Noah's eyes also wet. He wouldn't cry, not in front of the club, but he would later. Same with Mr. Schue. They would both be a mess when they got home or everyone left. Probably most of the club would.
"Rachel, Rachel. I know. I know I screwed up and I'm glad that you're happy with Noah. Just know I'm sorry." Rachel nodded, crying a bit more in another hug.
"I love you." Jesse whispered, pecking her on the cheek, but he stopped. He held his lips to her cheek for a moment longer and the tension grew.
"I...I'm sorry." he whispered, then repeated it a bit louder to everyone. He turned, heading towards the door.
"Jesse, wait!" But he was gone. Rachel stopped everything, stopped blinking, stopped breathing. Then she ran. She ran out the door to Jesse as he was stepping into his car.
"Jesse!" she screamed. He stopped, closed the door and turned towards her.
"Rachel." he breathed, smiling.
She ran towards him and...she kissed him. She took his mouth with hers. He was shocked, but kissed back. She pulled back, and stared into his eyes.
Jesse had been forgiven, but now Rachel had to face the consequences with Noah.
What had she done?