Chapter 8: Puckleberry date

On Friday Mr Shue dragged the kids to Buckingham palace; the only teen who seemed to appreciate this was Kurt. The others couldn't care less, considering all they could do was stare at the outside of the building. The same went for the tower of London, none of them were particularly bothered, and instead they spent most of the day planning what they were going to do over the weekend.

After a few minutes of gentle persuasion, Puck finally managed to get Rachel to agree to go to dinner with him that evening. He had even cleared it with Mr Shue, thinking that he wouldn't be able to get away with not being at the group meal, and that Rachel wouldn't be able to eat two lots of dinner, even though he could probably manage it.

He couldn't afford anything too fancy, like, there was no way he would afford to eat at a Gordon Ramsey restaurant or anything like that. However whilst they were wandering around the city, Puck had noticed a small restaurant that looked as though it would be romantic and cosy in the evenings. He even made sure that they catered for vegans. Puck had told Rachel to dress up, thinking to himself that I don't care what she wears, she always looks hot, although I don't think she'd feel comfortable if everyone else was dressed all posh and that. Puck put on a suit, and met her in the lobby of the hotel at 7 o'clock. The other members of the group had gone out for dinner earlier, which left both him and Rachel more space to get ready for their romantic evening.

Puck was pacing up and down the lobby, when he saw Rachel arrive, her hair up, a small amount of makeup making her eyes look bright, and wearing a sky blue dress.

Puck: Wow, Rachel, you look stunning

Rachel: well, thank you Noah, it was nice of you to arrange this evening, who would have thought you could be romantic.

Puck handed Rachel a single red rose and linked his arm with Rachel's as they exited the hotel and made their way to the small restaurant. It was getting dark now, and the Restaurant was lit up with fairy lights hanging from the roof, it looked like something out of a children's story book; the perfect setting to woo one Rachel Berry.

They took their seats at the table, with a candle lit in between them. Rachel was surprised at how polite Puck was being, allowing her to order first, and not even attempting to order any alcohol. He did consider ordering some wine or something, but eventually decided that if anything happening between them, it was going to be when they were both sober and because they both wanted it.

The pair had no trouble making conversation during their meal; Rachel laughed often at Pucks attempts to make jokes. He loved that laugh.

Puck's pov:

Damn she looks beautiful. I hope she's enjoying herself, she must be, and she keeps laughing at my lame ass jokes. Her laugh is so god damn sexy, it's so real, and honest. I really want to kiss her… no, I cant.. I need to be romantic.

When their dessert arrived, Rachel was about to dig in before Puck cleared his throat and began to talk, fidgeting a little as he brought a small package out of his jacket.

Puck: I, erm, I saw this yesterday, and it just screamed Rachel Berry; I couldn't resist buying it for you. It's not much but, I hope you like it.

Rachel careful removed the tissue paper that was wrapped neatly around the trinket box that Puck had brought from her from Covent Gardens. Her eyes went wide, and a beautiful smile grew across her face as she revealed her gift.

Rachel: Noah, it's amazing, thank you, I love it. You know, gold stars are my thing

Noah: well, I'm glad you like it, and it's not just that. I want you to always remember that you shine like a star Rachel. When your around us, you make us all believe in ourselves just a little bit more. I know that you steal the spotlight a bit, but you also make us better. I know that's just a piece of junk or whatever, but hopefully you'll keep it, and one day when you're a Broadway star, you'll look back and remember us, and how your dreams came true, and know that you will always shine.

He didn't even really know where that speech had come from, he hadn't planned it or anything, it just sort of came out. When he finished he looked up to see Rachel looking directly into his face, tears brimming in her eyes, dangerously close to trickling down the side of her face.

Puck: wait, no, I didn't want to upset you, don't cry

Rachel: you didn't upset me, that is the kindest, most amazing thing, anyone has ever said to me. Thank you Noah

Still holding the trinket box, Rachel leaned forward and lightly pressed her lips against Pucks, he smiled at the taste of her berry lip gloss.

Puck: Rachel, I know I only just got out of a relationship, but it got me thinking, I never wanted to be with Lauren. I catch myself staring at you all the time, just watching you, you're so perfect. Would you, maybe, consider being my girlfriend?

Rachel: I've never seen this side of you before Noah. I knew you weren't as completely badass as you like to think, but you're actually really sensitive, and nothing would make me happier than to be your girlfriend.

After their meal, they walked back to the hotel hand in hand. For the rest of the evening they did nothing but kiss, hold hands, and cuddle. They spent time in the games room with the others, and when Puck could see that Rachel was becoming tired he walked her back to her room. If it was any other girl he probably would have followed her in without even asking, but with Rachel, things were different. He simply gave her a hug, and kissed the top of her forehead.

Puck: sweet dreams Rachel

Rachel: good night Noah, see you tomorrow