"Rachel" Quinn looked up at Rachel, who was standing in the closet picking out an outfit for Quinn, "I don't think I can stay."
"Quinn, of course you can! Everything will be fun" Rachel said trying to assure Quinn.
"Rachel, you saw us today. It was awkward! I mean we shook hands for goodness sake! I've known Puck since elementary school and we're at the point of a handshake?" she was rambling.
"What do you expect, you guys haven't been in touch in three years. And it wasn't awkward Quinn, you were being awkward. Tonight will be okay, there will be a lot of people and I'll be by your side" she smiled and tossed a beautiful turquoise dress at Quinn.
"I, I hope your right" Quinn smiled at Rachel, "But can I ask you something?"
"Quinn, how long have we been best friends? You know you can ask me anything!"
"Does Puck hate me? Like has he ever said anything about me since then?"
"Quinn, why? That's all in the past, maybe you guys can be friends again."
"Please just tell me" Quinn was practically begging.
Rachel let out a sigh, "You can't tell Finn I told you this, because I'm not even supposed to know this" Quinn motioned her hands pretending to lock her lips and throw away the key, "One night when they went out drinking somehow you were brought up. Puck was really angry and Finn said he was talking about practically every moment you have ever spoken like even before high school."
"And?" Quinn asked, now more curious.
"Eventually, after recalling every moment together you guys had and he wasn't angry anymore, Finn said Puck told him he never hated you and even got to the point of dialing your number to talk to you a couple times. Of course, he couldn't bring himself to it. Pretty much that's it."
"Pretty much?" Quinn knew Rachel was leaving something out.
"Urgh! Fine, he said he'd probably never get over and I am quoting 'The only women who knew how to push my buttons to the point of anger but the only one who could make me let my guard down completely' and he said he'd always love you." Rachel rushed out the last part in a very low tone.
"Rachel! When did he say this? Why didn't you tell me?" Quinn was more interested than ever.
"Over a year ago, it was a couple months after Finn proposed. Finn made me promise not to tell you or Puck would kill him and I don't think he wanted you to know."
Quinn looked down with a little smile on her face. "You know I still love him; Right Rachel?"
Rachel sat down next to Quinn on the floor, "Quinn, everyone knows you love Puck and always have. We were all waiting for you to realize it."
"I know. I realized after I practically ruined my life that I shouldn't have done or said anything that I did to Puck because I did- I do love him. I can't believe I messed this up so badly."
"We all make mistakes Quinn and you and Puck have been through so much together" Rachel was comforting her friend, "but you guys haven't had any sort of relationship in so long, so you can't expect everything to go back to normal."
"I know, I just wish it could. But I am willing to do everything I can to make things right, even if it means Puck and I will only ever be friends" Quinn said smiling.
"Quinn Fabray, how grown up of you" Rachel said playfully, "I'm kidding, but it's good that you have that mindset"
"One more question and then I promise we can get ready!" Quinn over-exaggerated a pout until Rachel nodded her head in approval, "Is Puck seeing anyone?"
"Not that you have any business knowing that, BUT, I honestly don't know. Every time we've talked or had a party he hasn't brought anyone or talked about anyone. And Finn hasn't told me about anything either. I guess, that'll be a discussion you guys have when you're friends again. Now let's get dressed, it takes a lot more to make me look good these days!" Rachel laughed as she got up.
"Thanks Rachel and you look beautiful so I have no clue what you're talking about."
Quinn and Rachel got ready together and about an hour later people started to show up. A lot of people were Finn's friends form school and a few from Rachel's classes. There were some people Quinn knew, but there were also those she had never seen before. There was tons of food, good drinks, and loud music. Quinn mostly helped Rachel out because she didn't want her to over exert herself and at five months pregnant Rachel thought she could still do everything. When the doorbell rang, Rachel sprang up from her seat to go get it.
"Rachel, will you sit down! You stay with Finn, I'll get the door. You need to chill for a bit." Quinn made Rachel sit down; although she wasn't happy about it, she understood she had to do what was best for her baby.
Quinn went and answered the door and a large group of people, none of which she knew, came pushing in. Quinn stepped outside to catch some air; it was hot with all those people. She zoned herself out and stared out the window to the city. Millions of people and lights were coming from every direction. She missed not being able to look out the window to see the stars here, but tonight, the city looked beautiful. She was brought back to reality when a hand was placed on her shoulder.
"Quinn, are you okay?" It was Rachel checking up on her.
"Sorry, I was getting hot in there." She walked inside to meet the rest of the party.
Puck showed up a couple minutes later. He was nothing like the person he was in high school. He was dressed nicely, not like in a suit or tie, but a nice sweater and jeans that had zero holes. He came alone and went right up to Finn and Rachel. When he walked into the kitchen for a beer, he noticed Quinn, who was now looking outside through the kitchen window.
"You know, usually when there's a party, people socialize" he said standing at the fridge.
She didn't notice the voice and answered while still looking out the window, "But it's so nice out there"
"So go look outside and not through the window" he said.
"That's a good idea" she turned as she said it and finally saw Puck standing there, drinking a beer, "Hey Puck, how are you?"
"I'm good and you" he said before taking another sip of the beer.
Quinn took a few steps closer, "Puck, are we really going to make it like we've never met before? I mean we know each other, we have known each other since we were like six."
"We don't know each other anymore" he said calmly, the words still stung her, "But no we don't have to make it like we have never met I suppose." Who was this man? This is not the Puck who always had a sarcastic response to everyone, the one who was always joking, and the one who would always be real with Quinn.
"Puck, I really think we should talk" she stepped closer, "About everything."
He looked at her with a smile, "Okay, but not tonight. This is for Finn and Rachel. How about tomorrow, meet me at 8, at the coffee shop down the road?"
"Noah Puckerman will be up at 8 am?" she was kidding, hopefully he picked up on it.
"Like I said, we don't really know each other" he looked at her, noticing the sad look on her face he added, "Let's go hang out with everyone, I mean I'm Puckzilla, it ain't a party until I get it started." He put his hand out motioning for her to come over. He put his arm around her shoulders. She couldn't tell if it was the alcohol in him or if he was just being a nice guy; she really didn't care at that point.
The party went great. Puck and Quinn didn't really have any conversations with substance, but they were able to joke around with each other; the alcohol definitely contributed to making everything easier. Quinn woke up at 7am, a bit hung-over, but not caring at all. She took a quick shower and picked out a cute outfit. Cut off shorts, a printed t-shirted, and a pair of matching sneakers. She rushed out to meet him. When she arrived, he was already there sitting at a table with his laptop out. Puck was early.
"Hey Puck, you're here. Um, Good morning!" she tried to mask her shocked voice.
"Of course I'm here, I told you to meet me? He laughed, "Good morning, how you feeling?"
"Eh, my head is sort of spinning but I'm alright, at least it isn't bright yet, or I'd be dead right now."
"I guess some things never change" he took a sip out of his mug, smiling, he said "I'll go get you a coffee." He stood up and walked up to the counter. When he returned, he handed it to her, their hands barely touched.
"Thank you and I'll have you know I handle my liquor much better than I could" she laughed continuing their conversation.
She was about to add some more but Puck got right to the point, "So, what exactly do you want to discuss?" He was being friendly but Quinn's stomach still started to turn into knots.
"First, I wanted to apologize to you, for everything" before she could continue he interrupted.
"You don't have to apologize Quinn, it was a long time ago" he said, putting his computer into his bag and scooting closer to the table.
"No, I do have to. I want to." She looked at him waiting for a response. He nodded his head allowing her to say what she needed. "I regret everything I did to you. From the day you moved here and I was a bitch to leading you on and being a bitch again. I'm sorry for everything I said about not wanting to be friends with you and not wanting to be in a relationship. I never meant to hurt you I really didn't We'd been through so much and it wasn't right for me to throw it all in your face because I didn't get what I wanted. I'm sorry for everything, for not talking the past three years to always hurting you. I'm just really sorry for everything I ever did to make you hurt." She almost had tears in her eyes.
"Quinn, don't get upset, please. It's okay. I mean, even when you did terrible things, you were still a better person than I could ever be. I knew you didn't want a real relationship with me, but I still kept pushing it. I'm sorry I said everything about you being a conquest for me, because it isn't like that at all. I guess, basically, we've both done so many things to each other we just need to move on and start over."
"Puck, you aren't a terrible person." She said looking him directly into the eyes.
"Maybe not anymore, but I was, I was for a long time. But like I said, we have to move on from it." He looked at her and half smiled.
"But can we really move on from it all? Like where do we begin?" she asked him, honestly not knowing what she was supposed to think.
"Of course we can Quinn; we just graduated and haven't seen each other in god knows how long. So, how are you? How was school and what did you end up majoring in? How was dance?" he seemed genuine with his questions.
"Well, for awhile I was terrible but I'm good now. Dancing was amazing, I loved performing and I got a job teaching dance which was amazing. I majored in teaching, but I have yet to volunteer or get into schools to work; but it'll happen sometime. School was good I made some great friends." She took a sip from her coffee before continuing, "But what about you? When did you decide to go to college? What was your major, why didn't you tell me? Have you been working?" she could have gone on with all the questions she had.
"I enrolled when I was angry at everyone right after the fight we had when I first got here. I didn't tell anyone except Artie. At first it was something I could do, so when I finished I could rub it in all of your faces as a big screw you. But that bitterness only lasted a few days. I told Finn and Rachel not to long ago but I told them not to tell you. I'm not sure why but I figured we hadn't spoken so it didn't matter. Rachel wanted to tell you but eventually she agreed not to. I majored in business and have been working at a bunch of different places. Now I work in an office building, which is the place I would never have expected myself to end up, but I love it."
"Puck, that's so amazing! I'm really proud of you. I always knew you were smart and could do anything as long as you set your mind to it!" Quinn was grinning from ear to ear.
"So, anything else been new with you?" Puck asked.
"Not really. I've been hanging out with Rachel to keep me sane but with her being pregnant, oh lord; you have no idea what it's like!" She and Puck shared a laugh, "She is 100% crazier than she was in high school."
"Yeah, Finn has told me a few stories about running out at 3 am for tofu and just weird shit" he looked up at Quinn, "You never had cravings for healthy food; it was always bacon or ice cream."
Quinn's hands were starting to shake, this was an important part of their lives they usually skipped over, "But you were great about it! I was terrible to you but as soon as I'd wake you up, you'd do anything for me. I really do appreciate all that you did for me. Thank you, really."
"Don't worry about it Quinn. You don't have to say thank you. I wanted to do those things for you- for her." He smiled and grabbed one of Quinn's hands. "It's okay to talk about her you know. I can see you getting upset but don't worry we made a good call. I mean, now we are both doing well but we were messes for awhile."
"Yeah, I know. It's just hard. I always wonder if she knows about us or if she is doing okay."
"Oh, believe me, I do too. It's just something we have to tell ourselves is okay and get over it."
"I guess you're right." She smiled and stared at him for a moment, "She'd be so proud of you Puck. I'm so proud of you. You are doing amazing things and you are in so many ways, different from who you were back then"
He chuckled a little, "Thanks, I figured I'd have to grow up sometime, so I whipped myself into becoming a better person. At least now she can be proud of both her birth parents and not just you."
"I don't know about that. You at least have a job and a degree. I may have the degree, but I remain jobless."
"Nah, she'd be proud of you. After everything you've been through, she'd be proud. I know I am" Puck said sincerely.
"Thanks you, it means a lot to hear you say that."
They talked about everything that day; people, life, school, family, hopes, dreams, wishes. Quinn was hoping the topic of relationships would come up but they never did. Then again, she thought it may be a good thing because nothing to say meant he wasn't with anyone.
"Wow, it's almost noon. I gotta get going Quinn, time for work." Puck said gathering his things as he stood up.
"Oh, yeah. I'm sorry; I've been talking your ear off!" she said standing up with him. They walked to the door together.
"Um, I guess I'll see you around?" Quinn said, unsure of the status of their relationship. She put her hand out for him to shake; she thought it was his new thing.
"Definitely" he said with a smile on his face as he took her hand. He pulled her into a friendly hug. "I'm sure since we're on good terms now, Rachel will be planning something."
"You're probably right. But have a good day Puck, don't be a stranger."
"Thanks Quinn; you too. Don't be afraid to call if you need to talk about anything." He said as he walked away.
For the first time in three years, Quinn's heart wasn't broken. She felt good about how they left things. She went home that day and practically forced Rachel to come over; of course, Rachel wanted to hear about it all anyway.
They saw each other a lot after that day. A few times they met for coffee, they had dinner at Finn and Rachel's, and they both planned the baby shower. They were friends. For the first time since high school, they were normal friends and had no problems that they were used to. They talked a lot, hung out a couple times, and had fun with each other.
A few months later, Quinn went over to Rachel's apartment for dinner. They hadn't seen Quinn so happy in a very long time. They basically talked about the baby and how excited everyone was for him to finally arrive. Rachel made a weird tofu meal but surprisingly, it tasted good. After they ate, Quinn cleaned up the table and put the dishes in the sink. As she washed dishes, Puck texted Rachel:
- Hey Rach! Um Quinn isn't answering her phone but I think I know someone who may have a job for her. Tell her to meet me at the coffee shop tomorrow at noon to meet them. Thanks, back to work! Hope you're feeling better, only three weeks left until Finn Jr. comes!-
- That's great! I'll let her know! Feeling much better now and I can't wait to meet him. And he is not Finn Jr; we are waiting until we meet him to choose his name. Enjoy Work!-
"Hey Quinn, Noah just texted me; he said your phone wasn't working. He said meet him at the coffee shop tomorrow at noon, he knows someone who may have some work for you!" Rachel said plopping on her couch.
"Really! That's amazing" she pulled her phone out of the pocket to check it. But it wasn't dead and it had no missed calls. Weird. "Well, I'll see you guys tomorrow then! I have to pick out an appropriate outfit and get to bed" She hugged Finn and Rachel and headed for the door.
"Oh Quinn" Rachel called out.
"Yeah" she answered.
"Make sure you're dressing for the job, and not Puck!" she began laughing.
"Very Funny Rachel! And yes, I know" she was beginning to shut the door when she added, "But if he likes the outfit that's just a plus."
author's note: thanks for reading!