"So, we agree that Kurt is a groomsmen, not a bridesman?" Rachel said to Ryan, their wedding papers sprawled across the coffee table.
"Yes." Ryan said. "I'm sorry, but I'm not having Kurt in a skirt. And he's my brother, I want him by my side on that day."
"You're so sweet." Rachel smiled. "What about Blaine? Groomsmen?"
"Eh, no. I just don't want too many groomsmen, you know?" Ryan said.
"Too many?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah. I have to have my brothers, you know, Finn and Kurt, then I have to have Andy and Luke, because c'mon, they've been my best friends since High School. Oh, and if I could fit Brian Maceroy in that'd be nice too." Ryan explained.
"Wow..." Rachel sighed. "I hope I have that many female friends."
"Of course you do!" Ryan said.
"Well, no siblings, so no sisters," She began, "And no, I can't use Andy and Luke's girlfriends, they're nice, but we're definitely not close enough."
"Any high school friends of yours?"
Rachel thought back to her high school days. She spent so much time being a star that she didn't have enough time to make lasting friendships. She seemed to have scared most people off from being her friend. That couldn't be entirely true. She enjoyed High School, she had to have had friends. Oh, wait, Finn Hudson. That's why she loved high school. And that was why she didn't mind not having many other friends, because all she needed was Finn. And she had Glee Club. Of course, the glee kids! She loved them! There had to be one who was worthy, right? But it was easier said that done. Rachel had never been close to the Cheerios in Glee Club. Quinn Frabray hated her guts because she stole Finn from her. Santana Lopez stole Finn's virginity. Brittney Pierce would forget to show up. Rachel hadn't talked to the nicest girls in the group, Mercedes Jones and Tina Coheng-Chang, for years.
"No." Rachel sighed.
"There has to be somebody." Ryan said.
Rachel's mind instantly flashed to Finn. But, no, she was marrying his little brother. He was the best man. And he wouldn't look good in a dress. "Nobody that close to me." She said quietly.
"Well, you may be out of contact with them, but I know my brother Kurt is still quite close to Miss Mercedes Jones. You could ask her to be in the wedding."
"I don't know..." Rachel said uneasily.
"C'mon! You know her, Kurt knows her, Finn knows her, and considering the amounts of times she was over at our house, I know her pretty well too!" Ryan said enthusiastically.
"Okay, okay, so Kurt can call up Mercedes. Then what? College friends? I went straight to theater. And being as power hungry as I am, I'm usually clashing with other actresses, not making lasting friendships. I feel like now that I have you, it's been easier to meet people. I've finally realized there's more to life then being a star. You've taught me that. Now, I feel like people actually like me, not just learn to like me over the course of time. You've softened me up, Ryan." She said softly, then laughed. "Wow, do I sound like a loser."
"A cute loser." Ryan said brightly.
"That makes me feel so much better." She said, nudging him. Ryan caught her by surprise and kissed her.
"Come on," He said, "Let's go call Mercedes."
"Does my hair look okay, honestly?" Rachel fretted.
"It looks the same as usual." Ryan sighed.
"Are you kidding me? I spent an extra half hour on it!"
"And it definitely shows." Kurt smiled, then turned to Ryan and whispered, "C'mon Ry! You gotta pay attention to these things!"
"Alright, I gotta go, babe. Call me later." Ryan said, coming towards her to receive a quick kiss.
"You can't even stay for a little?" Rachel whined. "She'll be here any minute."
"Rachel," Ryan sighed, "It's just Mercedes. Not Beyonce."
"That's not what she thinks." Rachel mumbled before giving him a kiss.
"Rachel, you're such a drama queen." Kurt smirked.
"You don't understand! I spent all my high school years talking myself up, I need to ensure everyone knows I've reached my full potential! Mercedes was one of my biggest threats in high school, she needs to know I'm just as much of a star as I said I would be." Rachel babbled.
"Wow...Oh, Rachel, that's actually...pathetic." He said the last word darkly. "Mercedes is your friend and she came here for you. And I believe that time is now." He added as the doorbell rang. Rachel and Kurt went to the door.
"Mercedes!" Kurt called, opening his arms.
"Out of my way, Kurt, and let me see the bride to be!" She squealed, pushing him aside. "Rachel!"
"Mercedes!" Rachel laughed, suffocating in her hug.
"Congratulations!" She said.
"Thank you." Rachel smiled.
"Wow, I gotta say, in a million years I never would've guessed you two would've ended up married!"
"I know. It's pretty crazy, isn't it?" Rachel chuckled.
"Where is that future groom?" She demanded.
"Work."
"Work? I come all the way in town, I haven't seen him in years and he decides to go to work?"
"That's what I said!" Rachel agreed.
"Boy, when I get my hands on that Finn Hudson I am going to-"
"Finn?" Rachel and Kurt said.
"Yeah..." Mercedes said, then continued her rant, "seriously, next time I see him-"
"Mercedes," Rachel said slowly, "I'm not marrying Finn."
"Don't play 'round with me, girl, I specifically remember Kurt calling me up and saying that Rachel Berry was marrying his brother and she wanted me in the bridal party." Mercedes informed them.
"Oh, well maybe I didn't specify enough." Kurt said. "I do have two brothers, you know."
Mercedes stared blankly for a moment before her face lit up. "Oh hell to the no!"