Chapter 3.
"Dude how's gayville treating you?"
Aaron rolled his eyes, "Karofsky why don't you go play with traffic."
"Why don't you go play with boys? I hear you like that."
"Dude come in here I want to talk to you." Aaron said aggressively kicking open an empty classroom door.
"Dude we used to be best friends. What the hell is your problem?" Aaron asked.
Karofsky shrugged, "My problem is when my best friend runs off and joins glee club. We spent our high school years making fun of those losers then you go join!"
"I have my reasons. And I am still your best friend."
Karofsky laughed mockingly, "Whatever you say."
"You know what's with you? You made that Hummel kids life a misery. Yeah I used to think it was funny, till you started getting violent with him. You are so anti-gay, whys it such a touchy subject?" Aaron asked curious.
Karofsky grabbed the collar of Aaron's letterman jacket and pushed him back, "I am not GAY!"
Aaron frowned trying to push his friend off him, "I didn't say you were man!"
Karofsky stared for a moment before letting go, "Whatever just leave me alone." He started to head towards the door.
"Wait." Aaron yelled, and then it clicked "Oh my god. You are gay!"
Karofsky stopped, "Shut up Aaron or I will kick your ass around this classroom."
Aaron couldn't believe it, man. It all made sense now. The way he acted towards Kurt Hummel and how he was so angry a lot of the time. Not to mention that one time they were at some party and Aaron swore Karofsky had tried kissing him.
"Whatever you are thinking stop!" Karofsky yelled his fists tightening.
"You know what you can talk to me bro."
Karofsky marched back over to Aaron and grabbed him again pining him up against the wall, "I will fucking kill you man!"
"Dave man, stop!" Aaron yelled, "I don't care what you say. I know. And you know what I don't care!" Aaron told him, he truly didn't. Aaron figured that he was still the same dude. Maybe he'd be less moody now he could talk openly about it.
"Look Aaron man it's not like that!" Karofsky insisted, "I'm not a fag!"
Aaron shrugged, "Okay fine you're not." He watched as his friends face soften and his grip loosen.
"Please don't say anything." Karofsky begged.
"I won't, listen you can trust me." Aaron said truthfully, "You are still my friend no matter what has gone on between us the last few months."
Karofsky sighed and buried his face in his hands, "I don't know how to deal with this crap."
"Maybe not being a fucking dick to a dude that is also gay might not go a miss."
"Look you don't know what it's like. I don't want to feel like this, I want to be normal." Karofsky told him.
Aaron sat on the edge of the desk, "Apparently being gay is normal. According to this show I watched once." He was trying to help, but was failing "I mean not that I don't think it is."
"See people acting like you. I don't want to be treated differently. Man I don't know what is going on in my head."
"So you're gay? Man everyone is these days." Aaron said, he was great and lying but when it came down to real advice he found it hard. He wanted to help his friend.
"Can we just pretend this never happened?" Karofsky asked.
Aaron nodded, "Course man. But look can you do me a favour, and yourself. Apologize to that Kurt kid a lot of people miss him here. Maybe having him here would be good for you."
Karofsky sighed, "I'll talk to Figgings tomorrow."
Aaron smiled, that was easy "But you know I am here right. I am a friend if you need me?"
"Look if you want to be my friend you will keep your mouth shut! And not talk about this again."
"Okay." Aaron said softly.
Karofsky left the classroom leaving a shocked and bewildered Aaron. Man things were getting weird.
...
Aaron liked Quinn he always had a soft spot for her. In a non-sexual way she had lived with them for a she was pregnant. Aaron did used to like to cause trouble between Puck and her, he a shoulder for Quinn to cry on when Puck was being a dick and when she had no one else to talk to. Yeah sure it had mainly been to annoy the crap out of his brother! But actually he liked Quinn.
"Yo Fabray!" Aaron yelled across the parking lot, "You need a ride?"
Quinn wondered over to where Aaron sat on the hood of his car, "Are you offering?"
"Maybe." Aaron teased.
"Look my Mom is supposed to be picking me up to take me to get my prom dress. She obviously had forgotten or is held up. The store closes early tonight, so yes can you please give me a ride!"
Aaron nodded, "Sure. All you had to do was ask babe!" he grinned.
Quinn rolled her eyes and got into the passenger seat, "So I never got round to asking you this, but you and Santana?"
Aaron started the engine and smiled, "Yeah what about us?"
"You never liked her before. In fact you always said you'd never go there again and have Puck's sloppy seconds."
"Things change. I like her, she is entertaining."
Quinn raised an eyebrow, "That's a word to describe her I guess."
"So you and Hudson are over huh?"
Quinn sighed and glanced out of the window, "I can't be with a guy that can't make up his mind who he wants. Laughs on him now, the two girls he loved now don't want him."
"Oh really? You think Rachel is over Finn?"
"I think so. I don't care if she isn't. I am not getting involved. Plus I have a feeling she likes someone else."
Aaron hoped it was him, "Who?"
"Who knows with Rachel."
"I heard you are best buddies now? All bonded over your mutual hate for Finn Hudson?" Aaron chuckled as he drove towards the mall.
Quinn scoffed, "No we haven't started so Finn Hudson ex-girlfriend club. And were not BFF's, but I am trying to get along with her."
"Cool. So you and Puck talk anymore?" Aaron asked.
"Not really. Why?"
"I mean you guys shared a life changing experience together and you don't even talk? I mean what happened to you guys? I never saw my brother into any girl like he was you?" Aaron watched as Quinn shifted in her seat.
"We had a kid, the kid is no longer ours. What else is there to say?"
"He talks about Beth and you a lot you know. Shame it never worked out. Know you were always that one girl for him." Aaron lied.
Quinn laughed, "You really expect me to believe that? Don't talk crap Aaron."
"I'm not but whatever, sorry I said anything. Deep down I just want to see my brother happy."
Quinn raised an eyebrow, "Okay.. so just drop me off here. Thanks for the ride Aaron, I'll see you at prom I guess."
Aaron nodded, "Yeah you will."
Quinn smiled as she got out and waved. Aaron smiled to himself, another seed was planted. Sure he liked Quinn but he had no problem letting Quinn believe something that wasn't true.
...
Santana sighed loudly, "I bet Artie gets Brittany a gorgeous corsage."
Aaron frowned, "Is that a hint that I have to get you a really good one or something?"
"No idiot. I am just saying."
"Can I ask you a gay question, like you are like a lesbian so you know about gay stuff."
Santana raised her eyebrows, "Are you seriously that dumb? Please I know you're not."
Aaron scratched his head, "Okay maybe I asked it wrong."
"Look just spit out whatever you are trying to say." She said frustrated stopping her activity of filing her nails.
"Fine like why you haven't just told everyone you like chicks. I mean you pretty much never give a crap what anyone thinks of you so why would you not just say?"
Santana let out another sigh, "I just am not ready. Look I know I am a strong, fierce, popular girl. And anyone that would try and take me on is pretty much doomed. But this is a big thing I saw how people treated Kurt, made me sick."
"I understand that."
"And it isn't just about Brittany and me, it's more than that."
Aaron nodded, "I think you should be like screw it! Glee club would understand and they are your true friends. I say you just be the chick you are."
Santana leaned back in her chair and stared for a moment, "Seriously! What is up with you?"
"Just telling you how it is." Aaron said, he actually was meaning what he was telling her.
"Are you asking for your own interest?"
Aaron shook his head, "I'm not gay, trust me! Trying to give you some friendly advice is all."
"When I want your advice I'll ask for it. Anyway I am wearing red so you got to match."
Aaron got up from his seat in the lunch hall, "It's all sorted. I got the flower thing and a tie all done. Trust me as fake boyfriends go I am pretty much the best you can get."
Santana smirked, "Indeed you do."
Aaron headed off to find Karofsky, he really needed to see if he was okay. It had been playing on his mind since yesterday,
"Aaron, I love you!"
"Whoa!" Aaron smiled feeling Rachel's arms fling around his waist out of nowhere.
Rachel squeezed him before letting go, "Kurt is coming back to school here. Apparently you encouraged David to apologize and try and mend his homophobic ways. I don't know what you said but I am truly thankful. Wait till everyone knows."
Aaron smiled nervously, "Oh yeah no problem."
"No problem? I am so happy, and yes although Kurt is competition for solos. Glee club is better with him apart of it."
"I simply made David see the errors of his ways. You can't treat people like that." Aaron started to talk crap again, it was like second nature it just flowed out.
"Thank you Aaron." Rachel wrapped his arms around him again.
Aaron liked the feel of her, "its okay." He started to feel guilty, all this was a plan and he never thought he start to care about anyone.
"What's going on here?" Tina asked appearing with Mike and Puck.
Aaron instantly saw Puck giving him one hell of an evil look, "Rachel was just thanking me. She has news."
"I was just at the Principles office and bumped into Finn who was there with Kurt's Dad. Karofsky apologized; he said he'll leave Kurt alone. Kurt accepted and he's coming home to New directions!" Rachel said beaming with joy.
"Oh my god!" Tina screamed.
"Wow nice work bro!" Mike said patting Aaron on the back.
Puck scoffed loudly, "You 'managed' to get Karofsky the biggest jerk off in this school to apologize to Kurt my boy that he bullied aggressively for months?"
"That's right, why you got a problem witch Kurt coming back?" Aaron asked cunningly.
Puck should his head, "No way. Glad to have the guy back, but Karofsky would never do that! Something seriously up with the situation. I know him man he really is a stubborn ass hold and wouldn't."
"Puck I'm his best friend. We had a long conversation I talked to him. "
"To be honest I don't care how you did it, but Kurt is back! That's good enough right Puck?" Tina asked trying to ease the tension.
Puck reluctantly nodded, "Yeah!" he muttered,
Aaron smugly continued his walk down the hall with Rachel on his arm talking some crap. Man things were moving quickly.
All hail Aaron Puckerman! Puck was pissed, he kicked open the bedroom door and grabbed his skateboard. He could hear Aaron singing in the shower. Mr Wonderful, everyone is glee was forever indebted to him for Kurt's safe return. No one thought it was weird, but Puck knew there was more to it.
"Dude you ready? We have to meet the girls at breadstick's in like twenty minutes."
"Who's idea was it to get everyone to go as a group?" Finn asked.
Sam smiled "Rachel and me decided it would be more fun this way."
Puck nodded, "Yup check out my tuxedo. Pretty awesome huh?" he asked Sam.
"Its old school, I like it."
"Man I feel like a clown I hate dressing up like this." Finn groaned as he sat on the Puckerman couch.
"Come on guys, were hitting prom as three single dudes. I got a bottle of vodka a stole from my uncle's house. We are going to spike the punch and tear up Prom." Puck told his friends, he was on a mission to enjoy himself and get buzzed.
Sam high fived Puck , "What about the girls?"
"Look they are all single girls that hate men right now. We'll have dinner with them and when we get to Prom it's all about the bromance."
"Wow you seem pissed of something?" Sam asked.
Puck was pissed, and he was majorly pissed at Rachel and he didn't know why "I'm cool. I'm just saying come on! Were single dudes we need to go out party hard and remember this night for a long time."
"I am with Puck! Chicks are crazy, I am all about fun from now on." Finn told them.
Sam shrugged, "I guess."
"Spit it out man, what's up?" Puck said knowing full well his friend had crap on his mind.
"Finn don't get mad alright. But I was going to see if Quinn was you know, interested in getting back together?"
Finn shrugged, "Quinn and I are well and truly over. I am not going to be mad."
Puck rolled his eyes, "Sam dude, why tie yourself down to one chick?"
"I like her okay, really like her. We had something, it just got messed up. I want to try and get back there." Sam explained.
"I thought you were going to say you like Rachel for a minute!" Finn laughed. Puck nearly choked on his gum.
Sam shook his head, "I like Rachel a lot, but she'd not my type."
"Why not man? She's smoking hot." Puck realized what he'd said out loud and who he was with, Finn shot him a blank look.
"She is good looking. But I couldn't handle her, she's too demanding."
Finn laughed, "Oh she is trust me. It's hard work dating Rachel Berry."
Puck never thought she was hard work, "Rachel hard work? When we dated she was nothing but cool." He didn't want to make his feelings to obvious.
"You guys dated? I knew you'd made out but never dated." Sam asked.
"For like a day." Finn explained, "Probably one of Rachel's let's make Finn jealous scams."
Puck resisted the urge to defend their ill faded romance, "Rachel's cool."
"Quinn is my kind of woman. Classy, beautiful, our kids would be pretty damn cute." Sam said with a love sick smile.
Puck turned his nose up, "Dude this is boys night out! Stop being a girl!"
The doorbell rang, Noah run to answer it quickly, "Artie man you okay?"
Artie nodded, "Yeah I guess. Brittany and I broke up. Can I come to prom with you guys?"
Puck smiled widely, "Hell yes. Come on in man, Sam come give me a hand bro." Sam and Puck picked up the wheel chair and brought him into the house.
"What happened?" Finn asked.
"We were fine but we had some stupid argument. I called her stupid; I know I should never have said that!" Artie told his boys.
Puck flashed him a reassuring smile, "Look you guys will work it out. Till then it's all about the single boys, tearing up prom."
Artie let himself laugh, "Were spiking the punch right?" he asked.
"You know me so well."
...
"Whoa!" Puck whispered under his breath, Rachel was a vision in pink.
"Hello guys!" Mercedes beamed happily leading the girls into the restaurant, "All looking hot right now." She grinned.
Finn stood up, "All of you girls look amazing."
Quinn didn't acknowledge him and slid into the booth next to Puck, "Hey!" she said with a smile.
Puck smiled back "You look nice." He mumbled he was finding it hard to keep his eyes off Rachel.
"Well isn't this evening lovely." Rachel sighed taking the empty chair next to Artie.
"Well hello Rachel Berry." Artie joked kissing her hand.
Rachel giggled, "Have you guys been drinking? I can smell liquor? I'm having flashbacks to the Rachel Berry house party extravaganza.
"We had a few shots to get us in the mood. Don't tell us you girls didn't have a couple of wine coolers to get you going?" Puck asked.
Mercedes laughed, "Yeah. My Mom got us some cheap champagne."
"See what's good for the goose is good for the gander!" Puck said laughing at himself maybe he was a little bit drunk.
"Well I never thought I'd be spending my junior prom with you guys." Quinn told the table.
Sam acted offended, "That a bad thing?"
"It's not as bad as I thought." Quinn smiled.
Puck watched as Rachel straightened her dress out, god she was fricken stunning. He just wanted to grab her and feel her lips against his and his hands over that tiny little body. Why hadn't he realized his feelings long ago, wasted so much time. He was going to make his move later. He knew he'd given the big speech about boys sticking together and what not. But he couldn't stay away from her in that dress looking perfect.
"You ready to party!" I gots some moves lined up baby!" Artie said slurring a little which made Rachel let out a laugh.
God Puck loved the way she laughed, "No more booze for Artie." Puck teased his eyes still glancing at Rachel occasionally.
"So what's everyone having, I am not eating anything with garlic or that might spill down my dress!" Mercedes asked grabbing a menu.
"Good idea!" Quinn said leaning over a looking at her friends menu.
"Is that Lauren and Jacob? Together, going to prom?" Finn asked looking over at the other table.
Puck looked and saw his ex, he smiled she looked nice and looked happy, "That's funny, but good for them."
"There is Aaron, where is Santana?" Rachel asked looking over at the door, she waved Aaron over.
"Where is your date?" Sam asked.
Aaron shrugged, "She broke up with me."
"Seems to be happening a lot tonight." Artie muttered.
"Well come join us Aaron!" Rachel insisted.
Puck felt his rage boil up, why did Aaron have to ruin everything.
Aaron looked at his twin brother, "You okay with that Puck?"
"Fine." Puck said through gritted teeth, he knew if he said no he'd look like a total jerk.
"Oh wait a second." Aaron rushed out of the restaurant, he was only gone a minute before coming back with white roses in his hand.
Puck watched as Rachel's eyes lit up, "Oh Aaron that is so sweet." She gushed as Aaron gave her one single white rose.
"Thank you!" Mercedes smiled accepting hers.
Quinn took hers, "Wow a real gentleman!"
"Sure know how to show us other dudes up!" Finn said laughing nervously,
"Sorry guys. I was on my way here and saw them."
Rachel grinned from ear to ear, "I think it's a wonderful gesture."
"Agreed!" Mercedes added.
Puck wanted to shove the roses up Aaron's ass, but he resisted the urge. He wasn't going to let him ruin his night. He had everything planned out and not even Aaron's presence was going to kill his buzz.
...
"Man I am with you! You are right we need to be single guys sticking together." Finn whispered as the entered the gymnasium.
Puck nodded, "Yeah bro's over hoes right?" he said pounding his fist against Finns.
"Yeah man. Best friends again, were not letting chicks get between us again,"
Puck wanted to kick himself he'd given the guys the big speech about being single dudes. But all he wanted to do was be with Rachel. And Finn was his best friend and he knew he maybe still had feelings for Rachel.
"Coach is guarding that punch bowl man! No way are we spiking that tonight!" Sam told Puck.
Puck had the idea of distracting her with his dance moves but figured she wouldn't fall for that, "Look we'll do it trust me! I got an idea we'll stage a fight to distract her."
"Come on guys what are you doing? Let's party!" Mercedes yelled.
"This band sucks, we would have been better!" Finn said.
Puck laughed, "Us performing at our own prom? That is just stupid." His eyes scanned the room for Rachel.
"Come on let's get a drink!" Quinn said linking arms with Puck.
"Did you see where Aaron went?" Puck asked.
Quinn shrugged, "He took Rachel to get a soda or something. Come on" she pulled Puck along.
Puck let Quinn lead him towards the refreshments, his eyes still looking for his girl. Then he spotted her laughing as Aaron probably told some lame joke he was passing her a soda. Puck now pulled Quinn towards his brother and Rachel.
"You guy having fun?" Puck asked.
Aaron smiled falsely, "Yeah great so far."
"I am so excited can't believe I am at junior prom with friends and having a wonderful time." Rachel sighed happily, "Quinn want to go to the ladies room?" she asked.
"Sure." Quinn replied letting go of Pucks arm.
"Not taking you away from Noah am I?" Rachel asked.
Puck shook his head, "No way. I was just getting her a drink. Hurry back girls I know you want to see me bust some Puckerman moves!"
Rachel and Quinn exchanged looks, "We will!" Rachel laughed linking arms with Quinn.
"Man you and Quinn on now?" Aaron asked with a grin.
"No. Anyway you need to leave Rachel alone, she is vulnerable right now. She doesn't need a guy like you hanging round her." Puck told him sternly.
Aaron laughed, "You jealous?"
"Rachel is a friend that's all. I am looking out for her."
"She's fine with me okay,"
Puck felt rage every time he looked at his twin, "Okay we'll see." He reminded calm though.
"What up guys!" Artie said joining the boys.
"You spoke to Brittany yet?" Puck asked he knew Artie was torn up over their break up.
Artie shook his head, "No she won't acknowledge me. She's spending the whole time dancing and having fun with Santana."
Aaron let out a laugh which turned into a cough, "Oh man."
Puck frowned, "What is up with you? Come on spit it out!" he knew Aaron knew something they didn't.
"Nothing I don't know anything. But are you guys that dumb? Anyone with any brains can see that they are into each other."
Artie didn't understand, "They are best friends?"
"Yeah right! Keep telling yourself that. Santana is a bitch, she's only ever nice to Brittany. I wonder why!"
Puck looked over to where Brittany and Santana danced hand in hand happily. Wait were they really lesbians? Santana defiantly went through guys like they meant nothing, maybe she was into girls. Damn that made so much sense.
Puck walked away from his buddies and tapped Santana on the arm, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
Santana rolled her eyes, "What's up?"
Puck took her by the hand and lead her out of the gymnasium and into an empty classroom, he'd know he'd be in trouble if they got caught but what the hell.
"What are you doing?" Santana asked confused.
"Are you a lesbian? Or bisexual? Whatever term you prefer?" Puck asked.
Santana laughed and shook her head, "You should know from our previous relationship I'm not." She ran a hand down his chest.
"Santana don't talk crap."
"Fine!" Santana yelled, "Yes I like girls. I like one girl, and I don't know what that means. And yes I have these feelings. And tonight I came to prom with Brittany and everyone thinks were just friends because we always act like this. But truth is I just want to kiss her, but I can't. I am too scared."
Puck's jaw nearly hit the classroom floor, "Whoa. Wait having sex with me didn't turn you gay right?" he didn't know if he wanted to hear the answer to that.
"No you idiot. You were just me trying to be a girl who liked boys. I did like you, it's just I never had those feelings you know? Like In the pit of your stomach for any guy like I have Brittany." Santana admitted her lip trembling a little.
"So Aaron was?"
"A beard a fake boyfriend plus he wanted to try and make Rachel jealous."
Puck let out a laugh, "I knew it."
"I've just told you I'm gay and you are not even bothered? You are all bothered that your brother was lying?"
"I'm not bothered you're gay because whatever you are Santana you are still a friend. Who you want to have sex with doesn't concern me. Though gives me nice images in my head!" Puck teased playfully, he was still a hot blooded male.
Santana smirked "You are just one person. Can you imagine the rest of the school?"
"You can handle it you are Santana Lopez from Lima Heights!"
Santana nodded, "True and I know I can be a bitch sometimes.. well most of the time but it's still one hell of a scary thing to do."
"You got us glee club kids. And were your friends, we'll accept you no matter what."
Santana let out a relived sigh, "You have changed so much since before you joined glee club. You used to be such a cocky jock who didn't give a crap about anyone, especially in glee club. Now look at you, giving advice and acting like you care about people."
"I do care maybe you should take a leaf out of my book once in a while." Puck smiled.
Santana raised an eyebrow, "You can take the girl out of Lima heights, but you can't take the Lima heights out of the girl. I'll try and be nicer to people but can't guarantee it." She winked.
"Just know none of your true friends will judge you when you choose to tell the world."
"Thank you."
Puck had to ask, "You like Aaron?"
"He's okay. He has a bigger agenda than Glee club, I don't know what it is but he's been nothing but cool with me."
Puck nodded and watched as Santana left the classroom.
...
"Rachel can I have this dance?" Puck asked holding out his hand and flashing her his charming smile.
Rachel nodded and gave her cup to Aaron, "Excuse me." She told him taking Puck's hand.
"Didn't think you'd say yes you looked pretty busy with Aaron!" Puck said glaring over at his brother.
"Not at all to be honest I've wanted to talk to you all night." Rachel told him.
Puck smiled pleased to hear that, "Oh really? What about huh? How hot I look tonight and how you can't keep your eyes off me?"
Rachel rolled her eyes, "No but I do say Noah you look very handsome."
"You look amazing."
Rachel stared up at him with those big eyes, he could just kiss her right then "This song it's pretty romantic. Who's the chick I forgot her name?" he asked as if he didn't talk he was bound to kiss her.
"Adele it's called make you feel my love very romantic indeed." Rachel tightened her grip and turned her head and rested it on his chest.
Puck held her hand tighter in his, "Rachel I have something I need to say."
"Go ahead Noah, trust me this is the right moment for anything you may have to say that might be considered lifechanging!"
"Puck you jerk, I am going to kick the crap out of you!"
Puck's eyes widened as Sam appeared, "No not now!" he said trying to nod Sam away.
"What is going on Sam why are you threating Noah?" Rachel asked concerned.
Puck sighed Sam was officially an idiot the fake fight wasn't supposed to start yet "Look its fine. Come back in a while."
"No I've had enough of you. You have pushed me too far."
Puck let go of Rachel, fuck it he may as well do it now then he could get back to Rachel "Well you made me man!" he pushed Sam.
"Stop this please." Rachel pleaded.
"No I can't Rachel he has been out of line." Sam yelled pushing Puck back.
Puck threw his arm around Sam's neck and pulled him into a headlock "You are out of line."
"I'm getting Coach!" Becky Jackson yelled running from where she'd been dancing with her date.
Puck and Sam were now on the floor wrestling, when he felt hands pull him up, "Aaron get off me!"
"You guys are ruining prom what the hell has happened?" Aaron asked getting in-between Sam and Puck.
"He's dancing with Rachel and I don't like it!" Sam said angrily.
Puck shook his head this wasn't the plan, "Sam man!"
"Oh going behind your friends back when he has feeling for a girl huh? Same old Puck I see." Aaron shook his head and laughed.
"What the hell Aaron stay out of this."
Rachel grabbed Puck's arm, "Noah please don't."
"Puck all you ever to is stab people in the back. You are a shitty friend and a horrible person" Aaron said disgusted as the music cut out.
"You need to shut your mouth before I shut it for you!" Puck said now pushing his brother.
"Getting violent again huh? You are a lima loser Puck."
Puck couldn't contain his rage anymore, he drew back his fist and punched his brother in the face which made Aaron fall to the ground.
"Puckerman and Evans you are out of here!" Coach Sylvester said suddenly appearing.
"Rachel come with me." Puck asked.
Rachel kneeled down in shock trying to help Aaron's bloody nose, "I can't right now Noah."
Puck threw up his hands and left, Rachel had obviously made her choice.
...
Puck jumped up on his kitchen counter and cracked open the bottle of beer , "Man you were supposed to wait for the signal. Which was me doing the riding the horse dance move."
Sam shrugged, "You were dancing right next to Becky and Artie said she'd run and get coach."
"Why start bringing Rachel into things?" Puck asked before taking a swig.
"We didn't cover what we were fighting over and I just saw Rachel so went with it." Sam explained. "Artie text saying they'd spiked it. Shame were missing it."
"Whose fault is that?" Puck muttered.
"Not mine man. Aaron shouldn't have got involved, man why did you punch him?" Sam asked looking in the refrigerator.
Puck downed the rest of his beer, "He had it coming. All over Rachel all night and pressing my buttons."
"Anyone would think you liked Rachel. But I know you are all about being the single dude with no ties."
Puck didn't know if he was being sarcastic or not, "Rachel's just a friend man."
"I know. Anyway you don't have any more beer." Sam slammed the refrigerator door.
"Let's go to the store and wait for some college guy to get us some."
"No need boys!" Quinn said entering with a bottle of liquor and some beers.
Sam rushed over to her side and took the alcohol off her, "What you doing here?" he asked surprised.
"Prom was a bust. Next year I am so running for prom queen. You boys mind me turning up?" Quinn asked perching herself on a kitchen stool.
Puck shook his head, "You brought beer and liquor of course your welcome anyone else with you?"
"Nope, I left everyone cooing over Aaron. Rachel was having an episode, I can't deal with that."
Puck sighed sadly and grabbed the liquor, "Lets party…!"
Puck's mission to get extremely drunk was succeeding. He'd nearly drunk the whole bottle of liquor. He pulled out his cell phone for the twentieth time since getting home. Still no reply form Rachel, he'd text her three times and tried calling. She was obviously busy with Aaron. Puck threw his phone across the kitchen.
"Sam is officially drunk and passed out on four beers." Quinn grinned as she joined Puck in the kitchen.
"That's my boy." Puck said trying to laugh.
Quinn jumped up on the counter next to Puck, "What's wrong? You might as well tell me Puck."
Puck didn't want to talk about Rachel, "Nothing babe just feeling the effects of thise booze. My Mom is out of town I text Artie told him to bring back the guys and girls. We're going to party till five in the morning!" Puck sung slurring.
"Everyone is going to Mercedes remember? Think it might be too late by now."
Puck rested his head on Quinn's shoulder, "Man I need more alcohol."
"You ever think about Beth?" Quinn asked.
Puck sighed, "Most days I do but you were right to do what you did. She is better off where she is."
"I miss us sometimes." Quinn said.
Puck wasn't sure what she meant by that, "Yeah we used to be tight. Funny we haven't spoken to each other most of this year."
"We could change that?" Quinn leaned into Puck.
Puck didn't quite realise what she was doing until she was doing it, she was kissing him. Puck frowned as she kissed his lips.
"What the hell!"
Puck pulled away from Quinn upon hearing Sam's voice, "Dude this isn't what you think!" he insisted.
"Sam what is your childhood drama?" Quinn asked confused to why he was upset.
"Forget it I hope you are both very happy. So much for single guy Puck who didn't want a chick in his life." Sam grabbed a couple of beers and left.
"Wait does Sam like me?" Quinn asked.
Puck nodded, "He is practically in love with you Quinn. Why are you kissing me?"
"Don't you want me to kiss you?" Quinn asked.
"It makes no sense we hardly talk anymore and we had a try at dating. No offence Quinn you are one hot milf but were to different and you don't like me."
Quinn got up embarrassed, "I've made a complete idiot of myself. I'm sorry I should go."
"No wait look you can't walk home now. You can have my bed I will take my sisters room. Quinn I'm sorry if you are into me I am just being honest."
Quinn sat back down, "I don't really like you. I just was looking for something I guess. Sorry Puck it was wrong of me."
"Sam really likes you Quinn maybe you should give it another go with him. You did used to look happy with Sam he is kind of a dork but come on he is pretty cool."
"I just want to be happy." Quinn admitted.
Puck put an arm around Quinn, "I understand."
Rachel watched as people danced around her she was anxious and wanted to get out of there and find Noah and tell him he was a thug for punching his brother yet she didn't care she still had unexplainable feelings for him. Rachel tried turning hell cell phone on for the twentieth time since going to Mercedes for the Prom after party. It still didn't turn on the battery was officially dead and no matter how many times she pressed the red button it wasn't coming back on.
"Kurt can I borrow your cell phone?" Rachel asked as Kurt collapsed on the coach next to her.
Kurt rested his head on his friends lap, "I left my cell phone at home. Finn has his in case of an emergency. Want me to go ask him if you can use it?"
"No its fine thanks." She couldn't have Finn finding out she was trying to get a hold of Noah.
"Oh life is amazing right now Rachel. Back at McKinley and no more Karofsky terrorizing me, and I have Blaine Anderson."
Rachel flashed Kurt a smile, "I am extremely happy for you Kurt."
"I am off to find my man." Kurt jumped up and made his way toward the Kitchen.
Rachel saw Sam come through to the living room, "Sam what are you doing here? Where is Noah?" she asked hopeful he was with him.
"Screw Puckerman I can't believe him."
"It's okay Sam. Artie told me about the plan and how you'd obviously just mentioned my name for effect."
Sam rubbed his eyes, "Yeah it was an act but now I want to kick his ass. I walked him on him kissing Quinn. He knows how I feel about her."
Rachel felt like someone had punched her in the stomach, "Quinn and Noah? They were kissing?"
"Yeah all over each other like some soft porn movie."
Rachel looked at the floor and tried her best to not cry, "They deserve each other Sam. If Noah knew you had feelings for Quinn he should have never done that. Maybe he isn't the man I thought he was."
"What's up with you guys?" Aaron asked taking a seat on the other side of Rachel.
"Your brother is an ass hole. No offence." Sam muttered.
Aaron put an arm around Rachel, "None taken."
"According to Sam he caught Quinn and Noah kissing."
"Whoa that is random. Can you blame them? They have a lot of history. Noah always goes on about how much he missed Beth and what could have been if they had kept her."
Rachel got to her feet, "Ridiculous considering they barley talk to one and other. Noah is a player and I hope they are happy together. Sam you need to realise Quinn Fabray is never satisfied now let's go get a jello shot and forget about those two. Sam I am here for you." she wasn't going to cry.
...
Rachel eyes opened and there was a poster of some bikini clad blonde woman staring down at her. Then the pounding in her head began. She sat up one hand clutching her temple.
"Morning Rachel."
Rachel looked at the side and saw Aaron lying beside her, "Please don't tell me I turned into a brazen jezebel last night and lost all my morals!" she pulled they sheet over herself, she realised she was just in a t-shirt.
"No I brought you back here because you were so drunk."
Rachel began having flashbacks, "I kissed you..,," she remembered kissing Aaron numerous times "And Sam!" she screeched.
"You turn into a huge flirt when drunk," Aaron teased.
Rachel laid back and pulled the sheet over her face in embarrassment, "Someone please kill me now."
"Think you even made out with Santana!"
"What!" Rachel jumped out of bed covering her legs with the sheet.
Aaron couldn't keep a straight face and laughed, "I was kidding. Although you went all dirty dancing with her."
Rachel felt her stomach churn, "I need the bathroom." She ran straight out of Aaron's room and headed to the bathroom.
Rachel gasped as she bumped into Puck coming out of the bathroom, "Noah oh my god."
"You stayed here with him last night?"
"Yes I did and what concern is it of yours?" she asked barging past him and slamming the bathroom door.
Puck banged loudly, "I want to talk to you hurry up!"
Rachel turned on the cold tap and drank from it for a moment until the sickness passed, "I have nothing to say to you Noah. If I were you I'd go see your so called best buddy Sam. Whom may I add is devastated."
"Wait you have seen Sam?"
Rachel flung open the bathroom door, "Yes he came to Mercedes house party last night. Inconsolable and upset that the girl he was in love with was kissing his friend."
Puck shook his head, "It wasn't what he thought. We were drunk and Quinn was just upset. It didn't mean anything."
"Keep lying Noah you are amazingly good at it!"
"What about you? You slept with Aaron? That's wrong!"
Rachel flicked her hair, "I never slept with Aaron. Unlike you I only want to sleep with people that mean something to me. That I love."
Puck's bedroom door opened and out came Quinn in Puck's McKinley high jersey, "Sorry I need the bathroom." She said awkwardly.
Rachel's jaw dropped then her eyes narrowed, "You are a lying jerk." She marched down the hall towards Aaron's room.
"Rachel nothing happened." Quinn called.
"I supposed nothing happened when you ended up pregnant after a few wine coolers either." Rachel yet again slammed another door.
"What's going on out there?" Aaron asked pulling on his sweat pants.
Rachel turned her back and hunted for her dress, "Quinn and Puck having a bathroom break,"
"Wait Quinn stayed here?" Aaron asked.
"Obviously Aaron come on they have already had sex it was bound to happen." Rachel found her dress crumpled at the end of the bed and pulled it up her legs.
"You okay you seem a little irate?"
"I am fine." Rachel lied, "My fathers will be worried and I need to get home." She found her shoes next and began slipping them on,
"I'll give you a ride home."
Rachel smiled "Thank you."
Aaron ignored Puck as he walked through the kitchen, "Morning Quinn. Like old times huh?" he asked.
"Rachel seriously nothing happened." Puck pleaded he pulled her one side as she entered the kitchen her head held high.
"That's none of my business anyway."
Puck scoffed, "How come you are here if nothing happened?"
"Because I was upset and got drunk and Aaron looked after me!"
"Why were you upset?" Puck whispered.
Rachel knew she was giving off the wrong signals, "For Sam of course. He's a sweet guy and a friend."
"Rachel did you speak to Sam? I've tried calling him a few times." Quinn asked interrupting.
"Not this morning Quinn. I doubt he'll want to talk to either of you!"
Aaron opened the back door, "Let's go Rachel."
Rachel glanced at Puck as she left and didn't say a word. She was so upset and why did Quinn have thing for every guy she liked? Rachel had officially had enough.
...
"Daddy I don't need a lecture." Rachel insisted sitting at her desk, "And I don't need condoms either!" she hissed handing the packet back to her father.
Leroy rolled put them in her dresser drawer, "I will leave them there for when you decide to need them."
"I stayed at my friend's place nothing sexual happened. Trust me I am still a fully-fledged virgin." Rachel turned on her laptop and tried not to die of embarrassment.
"Rachel honey I've always considered myself the cool parent. The good cop and I was your age once you know. Hormones are racing and you were at prom! God I remember my junior Prom…" Leroy drifted off into a happy daydream.
Rachel sighed frustrated, "When I have sex I will let you know. Right now my main priority is Glee club and winning nationals. I don't care about any boys." Maybe the last part was a lie.
"It's okay to get distracted by a boy. Your father would kill me if he heard me say this but nothing wrong with a little distraction. You like the Puckerman kid right Noah the one with the cool hair."
Rachel gasped, "Have you been reading my diary again?" she asked angry.
"No I haven't I actually just noticed how much you talk about him and how you have a Polaroid of yourself and him in your bedside table drawer."
"I may have had some bizarre feelings for him but trust me after last night they have gone. Noah Puckerman is not the man I once thought he was."
"Every time he has been over here he has been nothing but nice."
"Look Daddy I am sorry can you leave me alone for a while. I have a headache that threatens to burst through my skull at any moment and have to update my blog. I have a video of myself performing the Evita classic you must love me."
Leroy smiled to himself, "I am going over to Mrs Adler's. She has made some Babka and you know how much I love her Babka."
Rachel let out a sigh of relief as she logged into Facebook. She loved both her fathers but they didn't know when to leave her alone sometimes. Her Daddy was the worst always trying to be young and hip and the cool parent. 'Fourteen notifications?' Rachel said to herself out loud. Rachel clicked the notification and gasped in horror.
Santana Lopez tagged 14 pictures of you.
Rachel clicked the link and waited with baited breath and it was worse than she'd expected. She looked in complete horror as ictures of her grinding with Santana. Rachel had seen enough and grabbed her cell and scrolled through till she got to flicked through the pictures of her kissing Aaron and Sam. Then there were pictures of her trying to use a lamp as a pole and p
"What's up?"
"Santana this is Rachel I demand you take those dreadful pictures down from Facebook right this instance."
"How did you get my number?"
Rachel ignored her comment, "I am being serious Santana. Pictures like these can seriously come back to haunt me later in life. Someone could leak them to the press after my first Tony win."
"Sorry my internet just went down. I have no access to the internet now."
"You can come to my house and use mine."
Santana gave an annoyed sigh, "Like that is going to happen. I don't want to be attacked by a family of dwarfs when I enter your house."
Rachel felt outraged, "I will report you to Facebook."
"Like they are going to get mad over a few pictures of you kissing some guy and flashing your training bra."
Then Rachel had a flashback, "Fine. I'll just upload the pictures I took on my digital camera."
"Cool can I go now? I have far more important things to do than talk to you?"
Rachel smiled, "Some amazing shots here?"
"What pictures of the Shire when you were there visiting family in middle earth?"
"No mine is of us three in the back yard after you both informed me that I was pretty cool and you guys were dating! Some nice shots here of you guys kissing in a definite more than friend's way."
The line went silent for a moment, "I'll take the pictures down if you delete yours okay? Don't mess with me Berry because I am not a girl to be messed with."
Rachel tried not to laugh, "Take them down and I'll delete okay? And I want all copies deleted."
"You drive a hard bargain but fine. I know I was supposed to let everyone know but I just couldn't I'm not ready."
"I won't say anything Santana but please those pictures of me are humiliating."
"They are off!"
Rachel checked her Facebook and she was right the album had been deleted, "Thank you." The line went dead.
Rachel was pleased with herself she'd taken one picture of the three of them smiling. Santana was so obviously too drunk to remember how many Rachel took.
...
Rachel made her way downstairs she was hungry and knew they ordered Thai food on Sundays. As she wondered into the kitchen she was shocked to find Noah at her kitchen table eating Babka and looking rather pleased with himself.
"Uh what are you doing here?"
"I was coming over to talk to you when I bumped into your Dad. He totally made me have some of this bomb Babka."
"Daddy" Rachel yelled loudly.
Leroy entered from where he'd been in the basement, "What honey?" he asked he was carrying a guitar in his hand.
"What is going on here?" she demanded to know.
"I told Noah about my days in the band and how I used to rock out on guitar!"
Rachel wanted the ground to swallow her up, "Daddy Noah doesn't want to hear you play that thing. You haven't played in years."
"I am not going to play. This is worth some money I'd rather it go to a young Jewish boy who is going somewhere than live in the basement."
"Thank you, wow this is awesome."
"No problem take care of it though, it means a lot to me." Leroy winked at his daughter as he left them alone.
Rachel took a seat by Noah, "Mrs Adler makes good Babka huh?" she asked.
Noah finished his mouthful, "Yeah I need to come by more often. Look Rachel I swear nothing happened with Quinn and me, sure we kissed for like a second and she kissed me babe not the other way around."
"Why are you talking as if you cheated on me like we were a couple or something?" Rachel asked, not that she didn't mind him talking like that.
"Coz I felt like I had cheated on you or something." Puck admitted.
"Well to be honest when Sam informed me of the apparent meaningless kiss I felt crushed."
Puck put and hand on hers across the table, "It meant nothing. Did you do anything with my brother? Sleep with him? Tell me Rachel I need to know coz if he has done that I am going all Jackie Chan on his ass."
Rachel bit her lip nervously, "I maybe have kissed Aaron but only after I heard you'd kissed Quinn. I also maybe have kissed Sam and maybe Artie." She watched as his jaw tightened.
"Wow you were busy."
"I didn't make out with them or anything." Rachel told him.
Puck took a breath, "its fine guess we need to forget what happened that night."
"So where does that leave us?" Rachel asked.
Puck ran his thumb over the top of her hand, "I want to be with you."
Rachel smiled widely that was all she'd wanted to hear, "I want to be with you also Noah. But we can't tell anyone yet everyone is having drama this would just disturb glee even more. We leave things as they are till after Nationals and everyone has resolved their issues."
"Wait so we have to wait to be together?"
Rachel didn't like the sound of that either, "Well maybe we could continue to explore our new relationship behind closed doors."
"Just keep it between us? That would be pretty fun." Puck smiled leaning closer to Rachel.
"We keep it between us until things are better." Rachel leaned closer to Puck she could feel his breath "We've always had an undeniable chemistry."
Puck laughed before he pressed his lips against hers. Rachel felt a surge of excitement in her stomach god it felt good to kiss Noah again.
...
Rachel skipped happily down the hallway of McKinley High School. She was happy and all because of Noah he really knew how to make her smile. The previous evening he'd stayed at her house till eleven. He'd watched West side story and loved it and she was hoping he'd watch Funny girl tonight. She was the first in the choir room and took a seat, she couldn't wait to see Noah and exchange a look with him. A look that only they knew a secret smile across the choir room.
"Hey Rachel" Brittany said glumly as she was the next to enter the choir room.
Rachel had never seen Brittany so down, "Brittany what is wrong you look upset?"
Brittany shrugged, "I don't know what to do."
"Well tell me your predicament and I will advise you as best as I can." Rachel said patting the empty seat beside her.
Brittany sat down, "Well I love Artie but he called me stupid so we broke up. Then Santana told me she loves me and I love her to. But I don't know who to be with it's too hard to choose."
Rachel smiled "I happen to know a lot about being in the middle of a love triangle. Finn, Quinn and I then it was Finn, Jesse and I. Then Finn and Noah and I."
"Who should I chose?" Brittany asked.
"Close your eyes." Rachel instructed.
Brittany did it then opened them, "I can't I'm afraid of the dark that's why I blink really fast."
"Okay well think of Santana how does she make you feel?"
Brittany stared into space for a moment, "Great and loved."
Rachel nodded, "Okay now think of Artie."
"He makes me feel the same. I love Artie and I feel bad for him I can't hurt him like that. But then I feel bad for Santana if I got back with Artie!"
"I admit I have chosen wrong in the past. Just because Santana has finally admitted some form of human emotions doesn't mean you have to be with her. And you can't stay with Artie just because you'd feel sorry for him. So choose the one that makes you the happiest and that you think of when you get up every day."
Brittany again thought for a moment, "And the one lord tubbington likes the most?"
"Sure if that helps." Rachel laughed.
"Hey ladies" Puck said as he entered the choir room.
Rachel grinned followed his gaze, "Hello Noah"
The rest of Glee came in followed by Mr Schuster "Okay guys I have an announcement."
Rachel could feel Noah's eyes on her from a few seats down and smiled.
"Sam called me last night he has left New directions."
Rachel gasped "We lose Lauren and now Sam? I should talk to him he will come back."
"I don't think so Rachel he seemed pretty adamant he had to leave." Mr Schuester told his glee club.
"Well we still have enough people." Santana said "Although I'll miss those guppy lips."
Rachel stood up, "This is outrageous. Everything is getting ruined we won't even make it to New York if we continue like this."
"I agree and I notice you still haven't performed the group number I asked you guys to do? Come on get it together."
No one said anything. Rachel knew she needed to do something drastic she was practically the leader of New Directions, "I suggest that we have a glee in. This weekend we all come to my house and spent time practicing, bonding and working on material for Nationals."
"I got a shopping weekend out of town plan with Brittany." Santana said.
Kurt spoke next "I am sorry as well but I have plans with Blaine."
"I said I'd help my Mom with some baking for church." Mercedes told them.
"I promised I'd help Burt at the garage!" Finn added.
Rachel threw up her hands, "I tried Mr Schue all I can say is no one is as dedicated to Glee as myself. My father was taking me to see the Lima players production of Fiddler on the roof the Saturday. But I was willing to shake off my plans for the good of glee club."
"I'm with Rachel!" Puck said standing up, "She is right we need to get it together."
Rachel smiled at Puck, she was glad her man had her back "Thank you Noah."
"I am all for getting together but my Mom will be mad if I can't help her." Mercedes said.
"I can't cancel my hotel reservations either. Look we spend all week at school and focused on glee. The weekend is our relax time and I need to get my shop on." Santana told them.
Rachel shook her head disappointed that no one apart from Puck was willing to forget their plans.
...
Rachel stormed out of the choir room and made her way to her locker. She couldn't believe some people and their lack of support.
"Hey there my sexy Jewish sweetheart!"
Rachel blushed as she felt Puck at her side, "Noah we have to be careful." She closed her locker and looked around to make sure no one was watching.
"I know but no one is around babe. How about we head out to the janitors closet and have a mid-day make out session!" Puck licked his lip a little his eyes looking down her body.
Rachel frowned, "Do people actually make out in there?"
"Of course they do. Want to experience ten minutes in heaven with the Puckarone?"
"Although that does sound tempting I am too distressed right now."
Puck followed Rachel down the hall, "What is up babe?"
Rachel sighed dramatically, "Glee part is falling apart at the seams. All I want is for us to be brilliant and win at Nationals."
"Yeah we all want that." Puck told her.
"I just have a bad feeling and I am kind of psychic. When I get these feelings I am usually right, look at when I thought you had impregnated Quinn I was right."
Puck nodded, "Can you read my mind right now?" he smirked.
Rachel looked up at Puck's grin and rolled her eyes, "It doesn't take a psychic to work out you are thinking about sex. Since we started having our secret liaisons I brought a copy of this month's Cosmo. I read an article that men think about sex every six seconds."
"They make articles about that kind of thing?"
"Yes of course." Rachel said she leaned into Puck "They even have articles about the best sex positions!"
Pucks eyes lit up, "What did they advise this month?" he raised an eyebrow.
"We need to do something!" Rachel said ignoring Puck's last comment.
"Hell yeah we do, bring the magazine over later."
Rachel slapped Puck's arm playfully, "Noah I am being serious."
"So am i!" Puck muttered.
"I also have had an idea. We need to sing the final duet at Nationals I have even found the perfect song. Just need to convince Mr Schue that we are the right people to sing."
"Hey guys." Mike said walking past.
"Hi" Rachel and Puck said in unison.
Rachel pushed Noah away, "Quick go Noah. We'll reconvene at my place tonight. Don't be late and make sure you park your truck down the street."
Puck laughed, "Can't wait."
Aaron watched as Sue Sylvester leaned back in her chair, she was tapping her fingers on the desk.
"Aaron I have been expecting more from you. All you have done is got a couple of non-important members to leave. I will not be paying for your college education for this!"
"Look trust me it's all going to plan and before Nationals I am going to drop out so that will leave them with eleven members."
Sue scoffed unimpressed, "That will never work been down that road before."
"Fine well I need a favour and trust me this will work. I already have been on the phone. You remember that Jesse st James kid?"
Sue shrugged, "I do recall him. In fact I dedicated a journal entry to him and his Vocal adrenaline buddies for their brilliant and hilarious egging of Rachel Berry."
Aaron didn't think it was funny, "Yeah him. Well last time he went to McKinley he really shook things up so I called him and he was more than willing to help. That dude will do anything to get to the top trust me."
"What's the catch?" Sue asked.
"He's been kicked out of college the dumbass didn't go to any classes except music or whatever. His parents have cut him off and told him he needs to learn values."
"I see."
Aaron nodded "So yeah he needs some start up cash for his new business. He wants to be a show choir consultant."
"Why on gods name would he want to do such a hideous job?"
"I don't know but I said if he helps me bring down glee club I will give him the cash to help him start up."
Sue frowned, "By you, you mean me?"
Aaron nodded uneasily "Look I would fund if I had the cash but my mom's a single parent with three kids you know."
"Spare me the life story. I am disappointed Aaron."
Aaron gulped nervously he really didn't want to feel the wrath of Sue, "I'm sory i-"
"Disappointed I never thought of hiring that limp haired egger to do my dirty work before."
"Yeah trust me with him around they will fall apart." Aaron said proud of his idea.
Sue smiled, "I'll get him the first flight out here. I want glee club finished by Nationals and I mean finished. I want to see Will Schuester weeping into his Spanish homework. I want to see that Berry kid smug smile wiped off her face. And for god's sake that Asian kid to stop dancing around the hall ways, this isn't a damn performing arts school on New York."
"I want Noah's world to crumble." Aaron added.
Sue tilted her head, "What else you got planned? Oh Rachel was wearing an offensive sweater today. Hurt my eyes so do me a favour and make her cry."
Aaron nodded reluctantly "I will try."
"Good now get out of my office before someone's sees you. I'll book the ticket and have the money wired from my off shore account right away."
...
"New Directions I would like to introduce you to our new show choir consultant Jesse St James."
No one clapped apart from Rachel. Aaron glanced over at Puck who looked like her was ready to burst with rage "I should come kick your ass for egging Rachel!" he yelled getting to his feet.
"Hold on Noah its fine Jesse apologized." Rachel said quickly.
Puck frowned, "What?"
"I'd calm down if I were you Puck from what I've been hearing New directions is having serious problems violence in never the answer. " Jesse said.
"You are just sacred me and my boys are going to come kick your ass."
Rachel stood up, "If I can forgive Jesse for his cruel behaviour so can you. Now sit down." Rachel instructed.
Puck sighed and sat down; Aaron could tell he was majorly pissed.
"I don't trust this guy, how do we know he's not going to tick us into doing something stupid?" Finn asked.
"I don't think I need to do much tricking to get you to do something stupid Finn." Jesse said.
Aaron resisted the urge to laugh aloud man this guy was funny.
"Guys Jesse is just a consultant I still make all the calls. Now I have all the confidence in the world in you guys. I just think we can use all the help we can get. Because this is it Nationals we've been working so hard for two years for this moment. And that moment is finally here. Now I was talking to Jesse and he agrees we should continue with our successful trend of original songs for the competition. I was thinking one group number and one duet." Mr Schuester informed the group.
"Rachel and I should do a duet we killed at last year's regionals with Faithfully."
"Yeah killed us we lost." Quinn mumbled.
"I agree that Rachel should sing lead but Finn I think it's best if you sit this one out. Fact is most of the guys in here are better singers, and Mike Chang who can't even sing can at least dance. You kind of sing and dance like a zombie that has to poop."
Aaron burst into laughter along with Santana who sat beside him. Aaron saw most of the others laughing to.
"You see what I'm talking about this guys a jerk!" Finn shouted.
"Jesse maybe you could be a little gentler with your advice?" Mr Schuester asked.
Jesses frowned, "Gentle? I'm sorry I didn't know we were training for the good try ribbon at nationals. I thought we were in it to win the whole damn thing? And there is only one way we can do that !"
"Poison darts?" Brittany asked.
"The vocal adrenaline strategy is simple identify your best performer and build the entire performance around them." Jesse said.
"Rachel is obviously are best performer." Puck said loudly with a smile.
Aaron watched his brother publicly tell everyone Rachel was the best singer. Something was up and the way Rachel was smiling back like a love sick puppy.
"Hold up a minute Puckerman I don't know why you always feel the need to stick up and ass kiss Rachel. Maybe it's the Jew thing or the fact she is so short she resembles a small child and you feel sorry for her. But I don't think that is fair at all!" Santana protested.
"It's okay guys we are going to hold auditions l will post a sign-up sheet later this afternoon."
"Mr Schue don't you think this is kind of not our style?" Finn asked.
"Normally I'd agree with you Finn but this is the big time. I think we should listen to Jesse." Artie said.
...
"Are you trying out for Auditions?" Rachel asked as she signed the sign-up sheet.
Aaron shook his head, "No I don't have the confidence."
Rachel put a hand on his arm, "Aaron you have a decent voice you should try."
"Maybe next year." Aaron said.
Rachel pulled out a god star sticker from her purse and stuck it next to her name, "There" she said with a smile.
"What's with the star?" Aaron asked.
"It's a metaphor for me being a star Aaron. I lost my way for a little while but I am back to the old Rachel Berry determined and not running around like a love sick puppy after some guy."
"You happy bring single then?" Aaron asked watching her body language.
Rachel nodded, "Very happy right now and you know what when I do find a man who ticks all the boxes I require to be my boyfriend he won't hold me back from my dreams he'll encourage and push me towards them.
"Yeah bet he will."
Rachel nodded "I can't wait for the judges to pick me."
"Don't you need to practice your song?" Aaron asked.
"Not at all I have been singing my chosen song since I was a child and its one of the hardest I have ever sung but I am better just to warm up and go out there." Rachel boasted.
Aaron smiled impressed, "What is it?" he asked.
"My man from funny girl I love that musical and for some reason I think now's the right time to perform it."
"Why is that?" Aaron asked.
Rachel threw up her hands, "Oh no reason. Anyway I better go I am meeting a friend for lunch." She hurried down the hall.
Aaron watched her go, a friend for lunch? Why not just say a name? And singing that song and although he'd never heard it the title was pretty self-explanatory. Noah and Rachel were seeing each other, he had a gut feeling.
"Excuse me Aaron." Kurt said signing his name on the piece of paper "Are you signing up? I am yet to hear your true range?"
"Thinking about it man so what are you singing?" Aaron asked.
Kurt shrugged his shoulders, "I'm not sure."
"That Jesse kid must be into musicals right? He's all musical oriented. Maybe you should sing a song from one. I heard him humming a song from funny girl earlier." Aaron lied.
"Rachel already belted out don't rain on my parade at sectionals last year. I have to admit she was brilliant."
"Oh I see well isn't there any other songs you love from it?"
Kurt thought for a moment, "Well I do adore My Man. Would be very fitting for me considering Blaine and I are at that place in our relationship where everything is going amazing."
"That's great man. Doesn't a chick sing that though?" Aaron asked, he was surprised how good he was at lying.
"Barbara does sing it yes but this is old news. I often sing songs by female singer, we've had this issue." Kurt explained.
Aaron smiled "I say go for it. It's such a powerful hard song to sing. You would blow them away."
Kurt smiled knowing he would, "You are right. Keep this between us though if Rachel gets wind she'll be devastated I think she was saving performing it for the day her and Finn made it to their three month anniversary."
"Well they broke up so looks like she won't be singing it anytime soon."
Kurt nodded and pulled his bag over his shoulder, "See you later and thanks for the advice. Oh and since when have you watched Funny girl?"
"Puck watches sometimes. He says Rachel likes him to."
Kurt shook his head in disbelief, "The way Puck acts anyone would think he was in love with Rachel. Anyway see you later."
Aaron agreed you defiantly would.
