Author's note: Inspired by the release of the deleted scene from season 1.
Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Heart
Jesse drove home on an emotional high. When he'd agreed to befriend Rachel, as per his coach's request, he had expected to be somewhat bored by the experience; quite certain that it would be a true test of his abilities as an actor to convincingly fake interest in the younger girl. What he hadn't expected at all was for said younger girl to be as obsessed about Broadway and singing, to be as knowledgeable, driven and talented, as he was. It was exhilarating!
Now, as Jesse pulled into his driveway and turned off the ignition, he let his head loll back against the leather headrest and considered matters in more detail. Yes, Rachel Berry had indeed been a complete surprise. The first time they'd met she had been shy and barely spoke, which had led him to misjudge both her conversational skills and her intelligence. Tonight had been a total revelation. He'd discovered that they had so much in common, so much to talk about (and sing about), and it made his heart race in a most unusual way.
Jesse tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music in his head and replayed the night's events once more. A grin split his face as he remembered their jostling for mirror time, the way she had grabbed the other hair brush and met his performance note for note. His heart jolted then sped up whenever he recalled the feel of her in his arms when he'd spun her around, or the sensation of her lips pressed against his.
No, befriending her would not be a test or hardship at all. But now Jesse was craving more than that - much, much more. He couldn't get the scent of her hair, or the feel of her silky skin, or the taste of those soft lips out of his mind. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so free, so alive or so happy and he wasn't about to give up these feelings anytime soon.
It was no longer just about what Shelby wanted, it was about what Jesse needed. It was both heady and a bit terrifying to think that what he might need most was a certain Rachel Berry. He resolutely squashed that thought for the moment, not wanting to consider too closely just what these feelings might mean for Jesse St. James, the boy everyone said was a heartless, soulless automaton. Instead he set his mind to the pleasurable task of planning his next date with the intriguing Rachel Berry.