Hey all, here's chapter 5. I'm not sure how it will be received so let me know what you guys think. Enjoy!
All mistakes are my own.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Glee or any of its characters.
Chapter 5 – Chaos
"Good morning, gentlemen." Coach Beiste greeted as she walked out onto the field.
"Good morning." Greeted all the guys that had came to the first day of football tryouts.
"Today and tomorrow as you all know will be tryouts. There may be a cut today, but it's doubtful. Not unless you're sucking it up that bad. If you think that may be you then go on home now to save yourself some trouble." Coach Beiste explained as she examined her clip board.
"No one?" She asked looking up at the group, "Good deal. We're going to do a little conditioning first to weed out the lazy folks. I hope no one ate a big breakfast. Everybody on the line. Down and back!" Coach Beiste said before she blasted her whistle.
"Hustle up!" Beiste yelled as the boys crossed the fifty yard line running back toward her.
"Good job guys. Walker, get your hands off your knees and stand up straight." Beiste yelled at the boy who was slumping over. "Slow deep breaths guys. On the line. Again, down and back."
After three more sets of running the length of the field Charlie and the rest of the guys trying out were pretty winded.
"Nice work fellas. Grab some water and get back over here in a straight line facing me. You have two minutes, hurry it up!"
After all the Titian hopefuls returned to the line like the Coach had instructed, she took the time to look them over.
"I see a few new faces this year so I need to know who you are and what position you're trying out for. Name?" Coach Beiste asked a slim dark skinned boy.
"Douglas. James Douglas. Wide receiver." James informed.
"Douglas, good running out there son. Go stand over there, please." Coach Beiste pointed off to the right.
"Puckerman, it's good to see you're not in juvie. Over there with Douglas. If you were part of my starting offense last year please step forward and go with Puckerman. My defensive players go group over to the left. I'll be with you in a minute." Beiste pointed.
"Hudson, how's the arm son." Beiste asked.
"Good, Coach." Finn informed her.
"Who are you? Why are you here?" Beiste asked the fit blonde boy in front of her.
"Quinton Fabray, ma'am. I'm trying out for Quarterback." Charlie told her.
Coach Beiste arched her brow, "Quarterback, huh? Excellent. Go stand by Hudson."
"Another new face, what's your name son?" Beiste asked noting her clip board.
"Will Gatling. Halfback." William told her.
Coach Beiste smiled, "Outstanding, go over with my offense please sir."
"Alright offense, give me my group from last year. Same with you defense, go light the first time please. It's too early for injuries. Hudson, on the ball. Let me see if these boys still remember how to catch."
Finn called a basic shotgun play and managed to get the ball to Mike who was tackled immediately.
"Hudson! You gotta see the field. Harris was wide open. Tighten up on them some defense. Run it again." Beiste yelled.
Finn called a similar play and dropped back a few steps before he was pushed down from the side by a linebacker who had slipped through the offensive line. He ran one last pass play and threw the ball down field to Puck who barely managed to catch it before being forced out of bounds just before the endzone.
"Yes! Good catch, Puck." Finn called as he pumped his fist.
"I want the new players to step in at their desired positions. If you know someone else is trying out for your spot step aside please."
Charlie and the other new players stepped into their position and awaited instruction.
"Fabray, I want to see what kind of arm you have. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just get them the ball." Beiste instructed before blowing her whistle.
As soon as the ball hit Charlie's hands he dropped back 5 steps and scanned the field looking for his best pass option. He waited in the pocket a second to long and was pulled by his jersey. He spun out of the tackle before he looked down field and saw Douglas with his hand up calling for the ball. Charlie threw the ball hard before he was finally brought to the ground. He heard cheers coming from the sideline as he got up. Douglas was jogging out of the endzone back toward them with the ball in his hands.
Douglas jogged over to Charlie, "Nice throw Fabray."
"Thanks, nice hands Douglas." Charlie replied with a high five.
"Good play boys. Let's run it again." Beiste told them.
"Hey Will," Charlie called to the halfback, "This one is coming to you."
When Charlie caught the ball he looked out at the field to fake the defense before he turned in and tucked the ball into Will's hands before the halfback blasted through the defense, running twenty yards before he was dragged down. Their Coach was on the side lines looking very pleased with the new recruits.
Charlie called for another pass play and dropped back looking for an open man. The defense was playing tight after just getting burned twice in a row leaving no one open. Charlie threw caution to the wind as he scrambled around his tightend and sprinted full speed up the field. He ran fifteen yards before being contested, and he broke for the side lines to get out of bounds.
"Good running son. Way to use your head!" Beiste shouted. "Looking good out there guys. All of you! Grab a quick drink and come on back."
The tryout continued for another two hours before Beiste let them go home for the day. Charlie turned to run over to the sideline rest of the team but was called back by Coach Beiste.
"Do you play like that all the time or is this just a good day for you?" Beiste asked.
"This is how I usually play, but everyone has a bad day. Plus I had a lot of help out there. James, Puck and Mike were on it today." Charlie told her.
Beiste nodded, "They were, but you had a lot of darn good throws. I want you to do that for me every game, can you do that?"
"I can try my best to do that. Does that mean I'm on the team?" Charlie asked hopefully.
"Son, I think I'm just going to start calling you Chaos. The team looked better out there today than it did all of last year." Beiste informed him.
"Chaos?" Charlie asked with a laugh.
"The leader, of sorts, of the Titans? Greek mythology? Ring any bells?" Beiste explained.
"I know who Chaos is." Charlie laughed.
"Well as my new Quarterback I think it may be fitting here before too long." Beiste said, slapping him on the back.
"Come back out tomorrow and we'll work with the receivers one on one and see what you got, okay? I'm already getting excited for this season, son, you should be too. Stay hydrated. I'm out of here. I got a Hee Haw marathon to catch. See ya tomorrow."
Charlie walked over to the bleachers and grabbed his personal gallon water jug and took a huge gulp.
"What was Beiste talking to you about, Fabray?" Finn asked, looking irritated.
"Football, obviously." Charlie replied, taking another drink, trying his best to ignore Finn.
"What about it?" Finn asked, fuming.
"It's not really any of your concern Finn. If you wanna know ask her yourself." Charlie told him as he turned around taking another drink.
In his aggravation Finn tried to snatch Charlie's water jug away from his face but accidently ended up knocking it hard into Charlie's lip, busting it. Charlie spit the blood and water that had collected in his mouth out onto the ground before squaring off with Finn.
"What the heck is your problem, Hudson?" Charlie asked stepping toward Finn.
"That was an accident. I was just trying to get your attention." Finn defended himself.
"You could've said my name, I would've responded." Charlie yelled as he spit again. "Look a here, we're gonna be on the same team now so it's best for everyone if we get along. I know you feel threatened by me for some reason, but you need to get over it because I'm not going anywhere."
"Did Coach tell you that you got my spot?" Finn asked, fuming again.
"I'm not a liar so I'll be honest with you. Not in those words but if I keep playing well then yeah, she did say there was a chance of it. Maybe not now, but before our first game I will be taking the snaps. Like I said Finn, we're going to be a team." Charlie told him touching his swollen lip with his fingers.
"Not if I have anything to say about it, Fabray." Finn said, pushing Charlie hard.
"Touch me again Finn and I'm gonna lay you out right here boy." Charlie told him, almost daring him.
Finn had never been the brightest crayon in the box so it was understandable that he didn't seem to know any better than to not wave a red flag in front of an angry bull. Finn took a step toward Charlie and reached out pushing him firmly on both of his shoulders in mockery. Charlie had had enough. He dropped his water jug and dove at Finn knocking him to the ground. He swung his right fist and connected solidly with Finn's arm covered face. Finn tried to kick Charlie off but he was relentless and kept swinging at Finn's head. Finn managed to sneak a punch to Charlie's already busted lip before covering his face again with his arms. Charlie finally landed a solid punch to Finn's cheek before the others guys rushed over and pulled them apart. Finn managed to kick Charlie hard in the ribs as the other guys pulled him away from Finn.
"What in the hell is going on?"Puck yelled, holding Finn back. "You guys are so lucky Coach Beiste already left you or would both be outa here."
"I'm good." Charlie told Mike so he would release him.
"Sorry guys, but he just kept on. I'm outa here. See yall tomorrow." Charlie told them before grabbing his bag.
"I'm telling Coach Beiste you sucker punched me, Fabray!" Finn called to Charlie's retreating form.
Charlie froze before turning around and walking back over toward Finn. Mike and Walker stepped up to impede him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah?" Charlie asked Finn, "Well you just be sure you tell her the whole story. Don't leave any of it out."
Charlie nodded to his teammates, "Later yall."
After Charlie left the football field he drove straight to Santana desperate for someone to talk to. When he got to Santana's he jumped out of his truck and walked up to the door before ringing the doorbell. The door was answered by a lanky young boy who looked to be around thirteen. He had dark hair and eyes that matched Santana's.
"Hi, is Santana here?" Charlie asked the smaller boy.
The little boy just stood there with the door open before shouting back in the house, "San! Your boyfriend is here!"
Since the boy left the door wide open before he bolted back into the house Charlie assumed it was okay to go inside. He waited around in the living room for a few minutes before he decided that Santana wasn't coming downstairs. He started up the stairs and came to a stop at Santana's door before he knocked twice.
"Not now Marco." Santana said through the door.
Charlie ignored the dismissal before going ahead and opening the bedroom door before walking in.
"Ahhh!" Santana and Charlie squealed in unison. Santana yanked up a blanket to cover herself.
Charlie stood inside the room covering his eyes with his hand while feeling for the door with the other.
"I am so sorry Santana, Brittany." Charlie said, still feeling for the doorway.
"It's okay. I thought you were my brother. We're wearing underwear so you can uncover your eyes." Santana told him. "Shut the door though, I don't want Marco to be able to see in here. He's a little perv already."
Charlie just shook his head with his eyes still covered.
"Shut the damn door Hillbilly or get out. What happened to your face?" Santana asked, getting up from the bed.
She picked up her shorts and slid them on before walking over to Charlie pulling his hand away from his eyes so she could inspect his entire face. Charlie glanced down at her bra clad chest before closing his eyes.
"Someone punch you?" Santana asked.
"Things got outa hand with Finn at football tryouts today. I tried to keep my cool but he kept pushing me." Charlie told her.
"Open your eyes. You look like Stevie Wonder talking with your eyes closed." Santana informed him. "So tell me what happened with Finn. Start from the beginning. Take a seat." Santana said, pointing to her desk chair.
After Santana and Brittany were wearing a Charlie approved amount of clothing he filled the two girls in on the whole Finn issue. Everything from the words they shared at movie night to all that was said at football.
"So he's whiney because you're better than him at football? Sounds like Finnept to me. And he's jealous that the hobb-Berry wants you." Santana observed.
"Have you talked to Rachel, Charlie?" Brittany asked.
Charlie shook his head, "Not since movie night when she evacuated my truck like it was on fire."
"Clearly I have to babysit you, Q. Every time you're outa my sight chaos ensues." Santana joked.
Charlie exhaled deeply, "I'm not worried about Finn, I just wanted to vent. I'd really like to see Rachel again before school starts but now I have football every day."
"Charlie, can I you a question?" Brittany asked him sweetly.
Charlie nodded, "Sure Britt."
"Have you ever had sexy times?" Brittany asked as she played with Santana's hand.
Charlie blinked, staring at Brittany with a shocked expression. He hoped to any higher power that was listening that she wasn't asking what it sounded like she was asking. He looked to Santana for confirmation.
"Uhhh..." Charlie let out in a strangled voice.
"She's asking if you're a virgin, Q. Ya know, fucked a girl. With a vagina. With your c-"
"I know what she means Santana!" Charlie whispered harshly. "And no, Britt, I haven't."
"Well that explains alot. No wonder you're so damn awkward around Berry. You want in those granny panties so bad it's making you crazy." Santana commented as if it were obvious.
"I do not." Charlie told her. "There is more to liking someone than just wanting to get them naked, Santana. Rachel is very beautiful and yes I am attracted to her but it's a lot more than that."
"Not to sound like an asshole, but why haven't you been with anyone? You're an attractive guy, surely you've had offers." Santana stated
"Yeah so? Doesn't mean I wanna do that with them though." Charlie told them.
"That? So you have done other things?" Santana clarified.
Charlie nodded.
"What all have you done Charlie? I love talking about sexy times. Me and San had sexy times right before you got here." Brittany announced, bouncing lightly.
Charlie's entire face tinted pink at Brittany's confession, he was clearly not use to talking about anything involving sex so openly.
"I've done some stuff. I just don't talk about sexual stuff with anyone. It's private and I think it should be kept that way." Charlie explained.
"I can tell you're embarrassed Charlie so you don't have to tell us, but friends talk about this stuff, right San? If you can't talk about it with us then who will you talk about it with?" Brittany asked.
"Friends usually do B, but he's a prude so he doesn't want to say." Santana told her, patting her leg.
"I'm not a prude." Charlie said in his on defense.
"Then tell us. We won't judge or tell anyone. Plus, who do you think you're going to come to when you need pointers in that area, huh?" Santana asked, pointing to herself then at Brittany. "We know what girls like. We'll be able to give you way better advice than Puckerman I promise you."
Brittany nodded, "Santana is way better at sexy times than Puck."
Charlie could not believe what he was hearing. He had never met anyone like Santana and Brittany.
"So, Hillbilly, feel like sharing?" Santana asked.
"Girls have done...ya know...stuff." Charlie told them, his voice barely audible.
"So some chick jerked you off?" Santana asked, "Or gave you head?"
Charlie just nodded his head.
"Which one?" Santana asked.
"Both." Charlie mumbled, clearly uncomfortable.
"Have you ever had a serious girlfriend, Charlie?" Brittany asked.
"Back home I dated one girl off and on for a few years. I just never really had the time to dedicate to a girlfriend with school and sports." Charlie told them.
"Dude, I'm not buying that. Me and B both keep up with our classes, the Cheerios, and Glee Club. We still find time for each other. Wanna give me another excuse?" Santana asked.
Charlie exhaled deeply, "It's really tough for me to keep up with school. Every class I take is advanced. My GPA is a 3.97 and that still might not be good enough. My dad wants me to go to Stanford like he did, like all the men in his family did, and he says he's not paying for my school unless I do just that. I'm not moving across the country so it looks like I'm paying for college myself. The more money I can get from athletic and academic scholarships then better off I am."
"Wow, dude. Suddenly I don't even wanna crack sex jokes on you anymore. Where do you wanna go to college?" Santana asked.
"I've already discussed a future at Tennessee with the football coach, but college is to long of a way off to dedicate myself to anything. I could get injured or anything. But in a perfect world I'd move back home to go to school. I have cousins that are going there. I think it'd be fun." Charlie told them.
"So what makes you think you can manage a girlfriend now, the prime college prep years, on top of everything else? Much less manage a girl like Berry, she's high maintenance my friend." Santana warned.
"I don't know that I can, but I want to try. I just have a gut feeling that Rachel could be something in my life that I've never had. That one person who supports you and is there for you for everything. Like a best friend and lover thing. It's hard to explain but I've never felt like someone could be that for me until I met Rachel. It's crazy, I know, but I feel…drawn to her. And we've barely spent any time together. It's insane and hard to explain." Charlie explained awkwardly.
"I know exactly what you mean." Santana answered honestly while looking over a Brittany. "But why you feel that for the hob-Berry, I'll never know." Santana added.
"Yeah well, hopefully I'll be able to give you dozens of reasons why eventually. I just gotta quit goofing up every time I get around her." Charlie grumbled.
"Don't be too hard on yourself Charlie. You're a super sweet guy. Any girl would be lucky to have you as a boyfriend. If things don't work out with Rachel you'll still have me and San, right San?" Brittany assured him.
"Uhhh, yeah B." Santana agreed.
"Thanks Britt. Well I think I'm going to head home. Thanks for listening y'all. I really appreciate it." Charlie told them before heading home.
Football went great for Charlie next two weeks. Coach Bieste was more than impressed with his football capabilities on the field. Charlie had only received minimal lip from Finn, much to his surprise and gusto. Summer was drawing to a close and Savannah and Charlie's Aunt were due in Lima the following day. Savannah told him regretfully that they were only going to be able to stay for three days before flying back to Tennessee.
The following day Charlie had driven to Cleveland to pick his family up at the air port. He was standing by the baggage carousel when he heard a loud shriek before he was being hugged within an inch of his life. He managed to pry Savannah's arm away from his neck before he actually had to gasp for breath. Savannah held him at arm's length for a moment, examining him before she hugged him again.
"You're skinnier." Savannah told him.
"Thanks, your hair cut makes your head look big." Charlie told her, hugging her tight.
As much as Charlie valued Santana and Brittany's friendship he couldn't help but feel relieved to have his best friend around him again. Savannah stepped back to allow Charlie to hug his Aunt.
"Quinton, you look so handsome! How are you son? How's your mom?" Charlie's Aunt Jen asked.
"And you're as lovely as ever Aunt Jen. Mom is good. You should know since I'm pretty sure you two gossip daily." Charlie told her, giving her a hug.
"Not every day Quinnie. But you know you're mom, she always wants to dish the dirt about everyone." Aunt Jen said.
"I think I know another certain other someone like that too." Charlie replied with a wink.
Charlie grabbed both of the ladies bags before ushering them to his truck. Savannah insisted they stop for coffee as soon as she climbed up in the back seat but her request was denied. Charlie managed to convince her to wait until they got back to Lima by reminding her of a certain incident involving a friend's car, a goat, and a Route44 sweet tea. Savannah was never allowed near the friend's car with a beverage again.
They stopped at the local Starbucks to satisfy Savannah caffeine fix when they got to Lima. Of course there was a line so they waited. They chatted, catching up on the happenings over the past month.
"I knew you would make Quarterback, Q. I told ya. All the boys back home miss you and wanted me to tell you hey for them." Savannah told him, tugging on his arm with a smile.
"Logan told me they put Bobby Mac in your spot, can you believe that? That boy can't even figure out which boot goes on which foot without a little direction. It's hopeless, Quinn, I'll tell ya." Savannah added.
"Bobby isn't that bad. He played some last year and scored a few times. It might work out alright." Charlie told her hopefully.
Charlie smiled at his cousin before turning to see a familiar face sitting with two men at a table in the back. Charlie bumped Savannah in the side before nodding his head toward the back.
"Come on. I want you to meet somebody." Charlie told her.
Charlie made a path through the other customers toward Rachel's table. Rachel smiled her sweet smile when she saw Charlie approaching her table. Her face fell instantly when she noticed the gorgeous blonde following behind him.
"Hey Rachel," Charlie greeted, "Hello sirs. I'm Charlie Fabray." Charlie greeted the two men with a hand shake.
"Hello." The shorter white man replied, "I'm Hiram Berry."
"Is this a friend of yours Rachel?" The dark skinned man asked, "Hi, Leroy Berry." He told Charlie.
"Hello Charlie." Rachel greeted, "Yes Daddy, Charlie just moved here about a month ago with his family."
"And who is this beautiful lady?" Leroy asked him, sipping his drink.
"Oh, this is Savannah." Charlie explained, "She's visiting from back home in Tennessee."
"You look really pretty today Rachel." Charlie told her.
Rachel coughed into her coffee, shocked that Charlie would say such a thing in front of his girlfriend.
"Thank you Charlie, but I think that comment was completely inappropriate to say in front of present company." Rachel told him, cutting her eyes to Savannah.
Charlie looked and Savannah who looked a little mad at the unappreciative comment the little brunette had just made to her cousin.
"She doesn't care." Charlie told her, feeling confused.
"Well I do. It's disrespectful to blatantly compliment another women in front of her. I mistakenly mistook you for a gentleman."
Hiram and Leroy shared a look before looking to their daughter who was clearly getting upset at the blondes that stood in front of them. Charlie removed his hat and scratched his head lightly before putting it back on.
"He is a gentleman. I think you're the one that's being rude." Savannah said smartly to Rachel. "I mistakenly mistook you for not being a bitch."
"Savannah, stop it!" Charlie demanded.
"Now you listen here young lady, you will not speak to my daughter that way." Leroy whispered loudly, trying not to make a scene.
"Sir, I deeply apologize. Rachel, I'm sorry if I offended you in some way. I promise you that that was not my intention when I spoke." Charlie tried to assure her. "Mr. Berries, I apologize for interrupting your family outing. I just wanted to say hey to Rachel and introduce myself."
Rachel sat in her chair fuming, her arms crossed tightly over her chest while looking toward the wall. Charlie looked down at the little diva, desperate to make this right before leaving. Charlie crouched down next to her chair and lightly patted her arm to try to gain her attention. Charlie looked to the Berrymen and then to Savannah, all who were watching him intently, before focusing back on Rachel.
Charlie patted her again, "Rachel. I'm really sorry we upset you. I just wanted to come over and say hi since things kinda left off weird after the movie night. I just- I'm sorry for what Savannah said." Charlie told her before turning around toward Savannah.
Charlie snapped his fingers at his cousin, "Apologize." Charlie commanded.
Savannah looked at him for a moment seeing the desperation in his eyes, "I'm sorry Rachel, for calling you a bitch for being rude and ungreatful."
It was possibly the most insincere apology that Charlie had ever heard but he let it slide. He turned on the balls of his feet back around to Rachel, looking up at her in her seat, silently pleading with her to not make him leave her upset, again.
"My cousin can be a bit obnoxious sometimes, I'm sorry." Charlie added.
At that Rachel whipped her head around to look down at the crouched blonde. Searching those beautiful hazel eyes for an explanation of what he just said.
"Cousin?" Rachel whispered.
The Berrymen sat across the table watching their daughter with matching smiles. Savannah stood behind Charlie, pouting, clearly not impressed by the little diva that her cousin practically pleading with.
"Yeah, she's my cousin from Tennessee. Can't you tell?" Charlie told her, confused again.
"Don't say it like that, Q, I'm way better looking than you are." Savannah told him, kicking him in his butt.
"Who'd you think she was?" Charlie asked her.
"I didn't know." Rachel said, clearly not going to reveal her foolish assumptions.
"Okay." Charlie replied, "Are we okay now?"
Rachel nodded her head, "Yes. Savannah I'm sorry for being rude. I'm Rachel Berry, it's nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Savannah replied. "Quinn, can we please get my caffeine now and momma's been in the car for like twenty minutes." Savannah reminded him.
"Aw heck, I forgot about Aunt Jen. Yeah, let's go." Charlie told her.
"Mr. Berries, it was very nice to meet you both. I'm sorry again for intruding." Charlie explained, shaking each of their hands again.
"It's quite alright Charlie. We always enjoy meeting friends of Rachel's." Hiram commented.
Charlie turned to Rachel and took off his hat. "It was good to see you Rachel. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. I'll see you when school starts soon." Charlie told her as he reached for her hand, caressing the backs of her fingers lightly with his thumb before and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Have a good evening ma'am." Charlie told her before replacing his hat and going to stand by Savannah in line.
When Charlie as made it to the front of the store Hiram Berry turning to his daughter, "Honey, if you don't date him, I will."
"Me too!" Leroy chimed in.
"Dad! Daddy! You two are terrible." Rachel shrieked, as they too headed toward the exit.
"Bye Charlie and Cousin." Hiram called as Leroy waved at them with his fingers all while Rachel tried to hurry them out.
Charlie tipped his hat to the Berries as they made their way out of the coffee house.
"Are things always that chaotic around here?" Savannah asked him.
"You ain't seen nothing yet, Shorty. I've got a couple of Cheerios I'm dying for you to meet." Charlie told smirking.
"Cheerios?" Savannah questioned.
"You'll see..." Charlie told her with a laugh.
TBC
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