Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all had a great one!
If you were curious (for the later parts of the chapter) Puck's look is inspired by this picture! Rachel's is inspired by the Prom Queen episode of season 2! Not this picture hehe. (just delete the bold x's if you wanna see it)
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Also I'm extremely sorry for not updating! But I hope you're still with me! Hopefully it's not too rushed! xx
The morning after their dinner at Rachel's, she convinced Finn that she didn't care that Dave didn't want to go with her anymore. She was more upset about not being able to go at all. He nodded because he believed her, but it wasn't enough to keep him from shoving Dave into the lockers and almost punching him the moment he saw him in the hallway though. After Rachel scolded Finn and the guys warned him about his behavior, things sort of went back to normal. Well… the new 'normal' at least.
Every morning after that, he'd gape at her like she was the most beautiful thing that's ever walked on this planet, every afternoon he'd turn into a green monster when Puck would bring up the fact that they were homecoming dates, during practice he'd throw daggers with his eyes at his teammates when he heard them talking about her (but now he's learned how to keep his thoughts and fists to himself), and later when they were learning how to dance he'd find more reasons to be attracted to her. He still didn't believe it was anything more than a simple crush though. He knew he loved her, but in the way that was for more than just friends? No way. Obviously that's ridiculous.
A week had now passed since Finn (sort of) realized his feelings for Rachel, which meant it was the day of the homecoming game against the Logan High Knights.
Rachel cheered as loudly as she could from her spot next to Tina at the bleachers. She watched with pride as Finn threw the ball into air and into Puck's hands. Puck ran to the end zone and once he made the touch down, he threw the football on the ground and thrusted his hips into the air. Mike did a little snippet of the Single Ladies dance before he, Finn, and Puck started clapping each other on the backs.
The wild crowd slowly settled down and Rachel turned to Tina and gave her a hug. She smiled at Tina and said that if she didn't see her later that she'd see her tomorrow at the dance. After their goodbye, Rachel walked over to the parking lot to meet Finn at his truck. He grinned as he opened the door for her.
She patted her black skater skirt down as she sat next to Finn in his truck.
"Here," She handed a foil covered container to him with a bright smile. "I baked you some banana bread to give you after your game, I know it's your favorite."
His lips curved into his lopsided smile as he handed her his trophy. "Thanks, Rach."
"Baking's my new hobby you know," She reminded him with a bright smile and fingered the engraved letters of his MVP trophy.
Finn nodded, his lips still curved into his own smile. He didn't want to tell her that he knows because she's been telling him all week long. He unwrapped the aluminum foil, revealing moist banana bread. He tore off a piece and moaned, "So good, Rach. This is definitely better than being MVP."
He spoke with a mouth full of bread, "Gonna need you to make s'more."
She beamed at him and watched as he ate the bread happily. This was the first of many batches of banana bread that she was going to make for him. Shortly after she gave it to him, Tina, Mike, and Puck walked up to Finn's truck window. Puck knocked on the glass of his window.
After they all congratulated each other and talked about the game a little, Tina animatedly talked about how she and the glee club were going to perform at this year's homecoming dance. She smiled as she tried a piece of Rachel's banana bread, "I have a solo so look out for me on stage tomorrow."
"Kurt! Hurry up," She whined. "The game is on and I need to watch it."
Kurt rolled his eyes as he helped Rachel get ready for the homecoming dance. "You need to stay still."
He had been meticulously getting her ready. He had to make sure that he curled each section of her hair for the same amount of time and was now tying it up into the "perfect" ponytail. She sighed in defeat, "Fine. I already missed most of it anyway."
Kurt ignored her and brushed some of her bangs out of the way. "Now, time for the makeup."
He grabbed the preselected makeup and started to apply it all. Rachel closed her eyes as he applied everything for a full face. He smiled to himself as he grabbed another makeup brush. He gave her a natural look with a pink lip. Once he was finished, she stood up and grabbed her dress.
Kurt zipped her up as she stepped into her heels. The soft pink, strapless dress ended just at her knees. A pink satin ribbon was around her waist creating a contrast between the mesh material of her bodice and the tulle part of her skirt.
He checked the clock on her bedside table and nodded, "Wonderful, we're just on time. Puck should be coming here soon."
Her eyes widened once the doorbell went off as Kurt clapped giddily, "That must be him!"
"Rachel!" Hiram called, "Puck is here."
Kurt quickly walked out, ready to announce Rachel's entrance but stopped with wide eyes.
"Oh my," Kurt said as he saw Puck walk inside. He put his hand over his chest, "What did you do to your top?"
"Nice huh," Puck smirked and flexed his arms, "These bad boys needed some air."
Rachel looked out of the door of her room and shook her head with a laugh. She knew he would do something like this. He ripped the sleeves off of his black button up, but at least he had a pink tie like he promised.
She stood up and Puck smiled, "My Jewish-American princess, you look great."
"Thank you," She said as she did a little curtsy. Hiram grabbed his camera as Kurt pulled out his phone. Hiram smiled as he took a candid picture of them, "Okay, get together. I need at least four pictures."
"Four?" Rachel repeated. She shook her head and gave her papa a look, "Just one."
"Oh, but bug it's your first dance. I'm excited. Come on," He said as he snapped more pictures. Puck laughed as she groaned. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled him closer to her.
Rachel looked up at him as his hands touched her bare skin. Puck gave her a gentle smile before looking at the camera. They smiled and changed poses at both Kurt and Hiram's requests. When they finally finished taking pictures, Rachel and Puck drove to school to meet everyone else. Finn had to pick up his date and Mike went to Tina's to pick her up.
By the time they got there, the lights were off and the music was blasting through the speakers. The two of them stood at the doorway as Rachel looked around the gym, her eyes tracing the streamers and balloons.
When Puck saw Mike sitting at at table with Tina, he nodded his head over at their direction. "They're over there-"
He glanced at Rachel and saw her chewing on her lip, "Hey, you okay?"
She nodded, avoiding his stare, "Just nervous I guess."
He turned to her with a bit of shock in his eyes. He shook his head, "Come on, princess. There's nothing to be nervous about. The Puckmeister's got your back."
When Rachel didn't look up from the ground, he grabbed her hand. Her breath hitched and her eyes flickered to his fingers being intertwined with hers. She slowly looked up at him and he smiled softly. "Everything will be okay."
Rachel gazed into his eyes before returning the smile with a nod. She let his strong hand ease her nerves and continued to hold it as he led her to their friends.
Mike slightly raised his eyebrows at them. Tina smirked after her eyes glanced at their hands, "Hey guys!"
Puck nodded at them and Rachel smiled. She looked at the empty chairs next to them, "Where's Finn?"
Rachel and Puck turned around when someone walked up behind them.
"Wow," Finn breathed, "You look-"
Finn stared at Puck's hand wrapped around Rachel's. He shook his thoughts away and continued, "You look amazing, Rachel."
She bit her lip, "Thank you, Finn. You don't look so bad yourself."
She paused before asking, "Where's your date?"
"I'm right here," Her high-pitched voice pierced through the music in the background. Her red hair bounced as she stepped next to Finn's side. She eyed the petite brunette icily, "Hello Rachel."
Despite the initial shock she felt, Rachel's eyes rolled with distaste, "Jen."
Finn's eyes focused on the way Puck's thumb caressed her hand as Jennifer corrected her, "It's Jennifer. Finn, let's go dance."
He lifted his gaze from their hands and turned around wordlessly. Rachel let go of Puck's hand and huffed as she sat down on her chair. Before any of them could comment, their attention was directed towards the door.
"Are you kidding me?" Puck glared as he watched Dave walk in with his arm around Santana.
Rachel watched them, a slight ache in her chest. "It's fine, Noah. I'd rather be with you anyway."
The four of them watched Dave and Santana head towards the punch table, but not before Finn stops them. His friends watched with interest.
Finn pulled Dave aside and glared, "Why'd you tell Rachel you didn't want to go with her?"
"Come on, Finn. You know how it is."
Dave laughed and attempted to walk back to Santana, but Finn stopped him with his hand on his shoulder.
He rolled his eyes and turned back to Finn, "Would you rather get with Berry?" He asked with a bored tone before nodded over with a suggestive tone, "Or Santana?"
Finn gave him a hard stare, letting Dave know he wasn't amused with his reasoning.
"Seriously? Don't tell me you'd pick a dude over a hot chick."
Finn stepped dangerously closer to Dave and grabbed him by the collar, "She's not a-"
Rachel tapped his shoulder before smiling politely at Dave, "Finn, Jen's looking for you."
Finn glared at Dave before letting him go with a shove. Dave glared back before smoothing out his button up shirt.
"You better watch yourself, Karofsky." Finn spat. Dave responded to Finn's cold stare with a roll of his eyes. He muttered "whatever" before walking back to Santana.
Finn kept his eyes on Dave as Rachel spoke. "You need to relax, Finn. I told you I didn't care, but if I did I could handle it myself."
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair before looking at her. "I know, I just-"
She shook her head, "It's fine, just go to Jen now. I'll see you on the dance floor."
Rachel smiled before walking back to the table and Finn turned around to Jennifer. Soon after, they all met up at the dance floor but somehow by the middle of the night, they drifted apart leaving Finn on the other side of the gym. He watched as Rachel threw her head back with laughter, her hand on Puck's shoulder.
Jennifer cleared her throat as the song changed to a slower one. Finn snapped his head towards her and got ready to put his hands on her waist, readying himself for the slow dance but stopped when she glanced to her side, directing his attention on the crying girl next to her. "I'll be back, my friend needs me."
Finn retracted his hands and nodded. He picked up a cup of punch and walked to the table, surprised to see Mike already sitting there with his own cup.
"Where's Tina?" He asked and Mike smiled, "Getting ready for her solo. Where's Jennifer?"
Finn shrugged, "With her friends."
He sat down next to Mike and watched as Rachel swayed gracefully to the music. Puck's hands were holding her close to him and when they turned, he could see her smiling up at him.
Puck pulled her a little closer, "So, how's the dance so far?"
Rachel laughed before admitting, "It's actually really great."
"And how about your date?" He smirked.
She smiled, holding onto his gaze. "He's really great."
Finn looked away, not sure if he could be able to handle watching them together. He took a big gulp of his punch as he tapped his foot to the beat. He watched the other couples and even watched the glee club members on stage for a little.
He glanced at Mike for a second and noticed his eyes bulge out. Finn removed his cup from his lips slowly and furrowed his eyebrows at his friend's expression. Just as he was about to ask what he was staring at, Mike pat Finn's arm, "Look at them!"
Finn gripped the plastic cup in his hand as he watched his two friends. He felt his heart pound in his chest, almost as if it were trying to beat its way out of him and he prayed to grilled cheesus that he was just seeing things. Puck and Rachel were slowly leaning into each other, soft smiles on their faces.