Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or "Boys Boys Boys" by Lady Gaga
Chapter 3-Watch Your Heart
"Rachie?"
"I'm in here, Britt."
When Brittany made it to the living room, Rachel was sitting on the couch with a glass of water in her hands. The blonde took in her new friend's appearance and rushed to hug her. "Oh, Rachie, what happened?" Rachel proceeded to tell Brittany everything that happened. The girls sat and talked for a while. Brittany cheered Rachel up by telling her all sorts of crazy stories involving Lord Tubbington. Britt had just finished a story before she clapped her hands together and squealed, "Oh, I know what will make you feel better."
Rachel smiled, "what?"
"A makeover and shopping, oh and we can sing song together in glee. It will be so much fun, Rachie."
The brunette frowned slightly, "I don't know, Brittany; the last makeover I had didn't go over well."
The smile never left Brittany's face, "That's because you weren't with me, silly. Please." She gave Rachel puppy dog eyes and pouted; a face that Rachel could not deny. When she relented, Brittany hugged her. "Ok let's get started," she said as she pulled Rachel up off the couch. The two girls went up to Rachel's room and started sorting through her clothes. Rachel did have some "normal clothes" but explained to Brittany that she decided not to wear them after the slushies began; not wanting her nice clothes to be ruined. Brittany grabbed Rachel's hand, "Don't worry. You won't get slushied again. I can't let those meanies slushy my new best friend. As president I forbid it."
Once the sorting of the clothes was finished, they went to the salon first. Rachel was a little nervous about cutting her hair, but Brittany assured her that she wasn't going to have them cut a lot off nor do something drastic to it. Brittany may not be the smartest, but when it came to fashion and makeovers she was a genius. So after the hair dresser cut a couple inches off and added some layers the two girls headed to the mall.
A few hours later, the girls collapsed on Rachel's bed; leaving shopping bags scattered on the floor. Rachel let out a laugh, "This is the first time I've actually shopped till I dropped."
"Well don't worry; we can do this a lot since we're friends now." Brittany said before sitting up, pulling Rachel up with her. Even Rachel had to admit Brittany had so much energy that she was having trouble keeping up. "Now we pick a song and figure out what you're gonna wear."
After hours of picking the perfect outfit and then a song and practicing it, the girls were exhausted. Brittany and Rachel made plans to meet in the parking lot in the morning so they could walk in together. Before Rachel went to bed she glanced at the outfit they had picked out and laughed. Brittany had thought it fitting to pick out a cute orange sleeveless shirt that had the word "free" written on it in cursive and the silhouettes of a few birds around it. The blonde had told her that it was perfect because Rachel was, at last, Finn-free. Skinny jeans were laid out beside it, along with a grey cardigan in case of the unpredictable Ohio weather. Sitting on the floor were orange peep-toe heels to go with it. With a smile Rachel fell asleep easily knowing that this was her new beginning and she have to go through it alone.
In the morning, she was greeted with a delicious breakfast from her fathers. To say they were shocked by her wardrobe change was a massive understatement. So as they ate she explained everything. They were furious of course, but when Rachel wasn't looking they sent each other relieved glances. The two men didn't like that their child was hurting, but they were thrilled Finn was out of the picture. Once she washed her plate off and informed them she was visiting the hospital after school she left.
"I love your hair Rae," Brittany chirped when they met. Rachel had left her hair wavy and placed a silver knotted headband in her hair.
Santana looked the tiny girl over and smiled sincerely at her, "Looking good, B." Rachel blushed slightly and mumbled thanks. She wasn't used to the compliments, let alone compliments and a non-malicious nickname coming from Santana Lopez. The Latina spoke again, "I know I haven't been very nice to you in the past…" Rachel looked at her with a raised eyebrow which caused the taller girl to laugh, "Okay so I've been absolutely terrible to you, but I want to change that. Britt means a lot to me and she cares about you so I do too. And I figure that if you and Quinn can be friends there is no reason why we can't."
Rachel smiled up at Santana, "I'd like that."
Brittany hopped up and down, "Yay! Now let's go show off our new best friend to everyone." The bubbly girl stood in the middle of the brunettes and held Santana's hand and linked her pinky with Rachel's. Before entering the school she turned to Rachel, "Rae, I hope you don't get mad, but I told Santana what happened. That way if Finn tries to bother you we can take care of him."
The diva smiled at her new friends concern, "that's fine, Britt. Thank you." As soon as the doors opened all eyes were on them and the attention made Rachel shrink.
Santana noticed and encouraged her, "Don't let them bother you. Act like you own the place and pretty soon you will." Repeating words her mother told her when she was insecure. Rachel smiled and held her head up, ignoring the whispers. The trio made it to Rachel's locker and just talked while she retrieved her things.
"Hey Rach!" Puck walked up and immediately froze when he took in her appearance and her company. Brittany heard him mutter a "whoa" under his breath and she excused herself and Santana for the moment, leaving the pair alone. "You look different."
Rachel looked up at him shyly, "Good different or bad different?"
"Definitely good different," he answered almost too quickly. He coughed, "Not that you didn't look good before, but this suits you. Nice shirt by the way."
"Thanks. Yeah, Brittany thought it appropriate given the circumstances."
Puck's brow furrowed, "What do you mean?"
"Well, it's like the shirt says. I'm free. Finn-free to be exact," she said with a small smile as she gestured to the ring-free necklace and finger. Rachel liked the way that sounded. It was like a weight had been lifted as she realized she was completely and forever over Finn Hudson.
"What happened? Are you okay?" He said with worry, trying to hide the excitement he felt. Puck couldn't help but think about how right Blaine was.
"I'm fine, Noah. I've never been better. Now you can walk me to class and I'll tell you what happened as long as you promise not to go off and try to kill someone, meaning Finn." Puck already didn't like the sound of that, but he begrudgingly promised before offering his arm. He couldn't help but wish he could have her on his arm all the time. Puck silently decided that he was going to try to get Rachel Berry back; completely unaware that it wouldn't be that hard and that Brittany was already way ahead of him. Down the hall, Brittany smiled at Santana as they watched Rachel link her arm with his as they walked to class before going to their own classes. Her plan was started and she was determined to get them back together.
By the time glee club started all of New Directions knew about the Finchel situation as they had been given the story at lunch. After they learned what had happened they began forming a protective barrier around Rachel whenever Finn was near. They even made sure she was never alone when she was in the halls. The ridiculousness of it made Rachel want to laugh, but she was also glad to have her friends backing her up. To say Kurt was unhappy with his step-brother was the understatement of the year. As usual the students arrived in the choir room before Mr. Schue, which gave Kurt the time to completely explode on Finn.
Mr. Schue walked in as Kurt disowned the taller teen. "What is going on in here?"
Kurt turned to their teacher, "Well, Finn, want to tell him what you did or will one of us have to?" Finn stayed silent in his seat. "Fine, Finn decided that yesterday at the hospital was the perfect time to confess his love for Quinn, just hours after he was supposed to get married to Rachel. He was rejected and offered our future Broadway star a ride home. Quinn told Rachel what happened before she left with him. On the way, he didn't bring it up and neither did she. When they reached Casa Berry, she realized he was just going to act like he hadn't professed his love to another and she was smart and broke it off."
Will stood there with a look of pure shock, not knowing what to say. Before he could formulate any kind of response Puck spoke to Finn with so much venom it even made the older man flinch, "Hudson, I should come over there and beat the life out of you. But I promised I wouldn't. You have her to thank for that; she should want me to, but she doesn't because she's ten times the person you are."
The choir teacher watched as Rachel placed a hand on the angry teens arm to calm him down. She gave him a smile before turning to Mr. Schuester, "Brittany and I put together a fun piece we'd like to share."
"Sounds good, whenever you are ready." Rachel took off her cardigan that way the word on her shirt could be read clearly. Her and the blond met at the front and smiled at each other as the music started.
(Rachel Brittany both)
Hey there sugar baby
Saw you twice at the pop show
You taste just like glitter mixed with rock and roll
I like you a lot lot
Think you're really hot hot
I know you think you're special
When we dance real crazy
Glam-aphonic, electronic, disco baby
I like you a lot lot
Think you're really hot hot
Boys boys boys
We like boys in cars
Boys boys boys
Buy us drinks in bars
Boys boys boys
With hairspray and denim
Boys boys boys
We love them
Baby is a bad boy
With some retro sneakers
Let's go see The Killers
And make out in the bleachers
I like you a lot lot
Think you're really hot hot
Let's go to the party
Heard our buddy's the DJ
Don't forget my lipstick
I left it in you ashtray
I like you a lot lot
All we want is hot hot
Boys boys boys
We like boys in cars
Boys boys boys
Buy us drinks in bars
Boys boys boys
With hairspray and denim
Boys boys boys
We love them
Boys boys boys
We like boys in cars
Boys boys boys
Buy us drinks in bars
Boys boys boys
With hairspray and denim
Boys boys boys
We love them
I'm not loose, I like to party
Let's get lost in your Ferrari
Not psychotic or dramatic
I like boys and that is that
Love it when you call me legs
In the morning buy me eggs
Watch your heart when we're together
Boys like you love me forever
Boys boys boys
We like boys in cars
Boys boys boys
Buy us drinks in bars
Boys boys boys
With hairspray and denim
Boys boys boys
We love them
Boys boys boys
We like boys in cars
Boys boys boys
Buy us drinks in bars
Boys boys boys
With hairspray and denim
Boys boys boys
We love them
We love them
Once the song was over the duet singers looked at each other and laughed. Rachel liked that she sang something sort of silly for a change; it reminded her that she didn't always have to belt out ballads. The rest of the club, minus Finn, clapped and cheered. The girls took their seats and the class went on. Soon enough the final bell went off and the gleeks parted ways. After Rachel, Brittany, and Santana made plans for a sleepover Rachel headed to the hospital.
"Hey Quinn," Rachel knocked before entering the bedridden girl's room.
Quinn was at first surprised by the girl's new attire before smiling, "Let me guess, Brittany?"
"Yep," the brunette laughed as she took a seat next to Quinn's bed.
"I like it. So what happened once you left?" She asked getting straight to point.
Rachel's voice got quiet and she gazed at the floor, "He wasn't going to say anything." Quinn reached and grasped for Rachel's hand. Rachel looked up at her, "he was just going to stay with me. If you hadn't said anything, I probably would still be engaged to him while he was in love with someone else."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. It's his. I just want to say thank you for telling me."
"Anytime," Quinn smiled, "now tell me what I missed. Did anything exciting happen?"
Rachel chuckled, "Well, this weekend I'm having a sleepover with Brittany and Santana." She put emphasis on the "and Santana" part, which made Quinn raise her eyebrow. "Yeah as of today Rachel Berry and Santana Lopez are starting over and being friends. Gosh I never thought I'd ever say that. Oh and you missed Kurt go off on Finn."
"Sounds fun," the blond pouted a little bit making both of them laugh.
While they were talking there was a knock on the door and Nurse Sylvia entered, "Hello, I just came to check on your vitals. Oh, hi Rachel. How are you, sweetie?"
"I'm good, thank you. And thanks for letting us use the lounge couch the other night."
"It's no problem, Hun," she said as she looked over Quinn. "You and that boy of yours make a very cute couple. I hope you two slept comfortably," Sylvia added. Before Rachel could say anything she was out of the room.
A blush crept up on Rachel's face as she thought of what Quinn had said the day before and the dream about Noah that night. "That's two days in a row now."
Quinn had been smiling at how flustered Rachel seemed before being confused, "What do you mean?"
"Well, yesterday when Noah and I walked in you told us we were sooo cute together."
"Huh, I don't remember that, but it's true."
The brunette's eyes widened and she was about to protest when a familiar voice came from the doorway. "What's true?" Rachel almost choked on air.
Quinn was very amused and she beamed up at him, "Well, speak of the devil."
"So you ladies were talking about me, huh?" Quinn nodded. "Are you going to tell me what about?" Quinn shook her head. "I figured." Puck settled into the chair next to Rachel's. Quinn didn't miss the way he draped his arm around the back of her chair or the way Rachel leaned in towards him without realizing it. She shot him a knowing look, which made him roll his eyes. Although on the inside he was happy that he wasn't just imagining things.
"So Rachel tells me Kurt went off on Finn?" she asked Puck. The blond had been surprised Finn hadn't ended up in a hospital bed when Puck found out.
"Yeah, he disowned him and everything. I have a feeling Carol and Burt aren't going to be much better. He's lucky Rach made me promise not to hurt him." Well that answered her silent question. "I still don't see why though."
Rachel shot him an admonishing look, "Noah, I didn't want you to get in trouble or hurt. Besides I already slapped him so…"
Both Quinn and Puck's eyes grew large. Quinn spoke first, "Wait, you slapped him? And why didn't you mention this before?"
"Or at least let me know so I could get a picture or something?" Rachel smacked Puck's arm. "Whoa, what happened to the violence is never the answer Rachel?" The three of them laughed. Puck and Rachel stayed until Mrs. Fabray arrived. Once they said their goodbyes they left the room. On their way to the parking lot, Rachel invited him over for dinner, which he accepted.
Puck always liked spending time with the Berry's. They were exactly how he had always pictured a dad was supposed to be like. Rachel's dads treated him like family. And they treated him normally despite whatever that had heard about his reputation; just like Rachel. It was one of the things he liked the most about her; that she never judged him off of how he used to act or sometimes still acted.
Rachel had managed to convince him to stick around long enough to watch a movie; not that he took much convincing when it came to spending time with her. Sometime during the film Rachel snuggled herself into his side, resting her head on his chest; the sound of his heart beating lulling her to sleep. Puck would have been content to just stay like that, but it was a school night and he didn't really know how Rachel would feel about that. So he gently picked her up and carried her to her bed. Once he was finished, he left for home with a smile on his face.
AN: Ok so not the longest chapter but hey things have been going crazy lately. Anyway hope you like it and sorry for any mistakes. I recently got a polyvore account going so if you want to see Rachel's "Finn-free" outfit go to www dot polyvore dot com/free/set?id=58188216 just take out the spaces, change the word dots to actual ones, and hopefully that works (I still haven't been able to figure out the best way to post links on here haha so sorry 'bout that) and if that doesn't work just look up my profile which is under reya-selene. :)