Author's Note:

So this is the story which I have adopted from The Heartless Harlot. I included a little bit from the last chapter, to help blend in the last chapter with this one, but you may want to read the first chapter.

If you go onto her account it is listed there under the title "The Power Of Music."

My other story My Reality is Nothing compares to you, is taking much more of my time. This will be a 4 chapters story or 5 chapters at the most. I am working on alot of stuff all at once so it might take a bit to update, but I promise i will get an update up.

This is just "connecting chapter" if you will. It is connecting the Heartless Harlot's chapter with what will happen next. There are some nice St. Berry moments, and some Finn bashing... sorrrry if you are a fan of him. BUT i didn't really take him out of characters, because he did technically leave her in the middle of a parking lot alone.

The Work Place

The day was going great for Rachel. She had been looking forward to her first day at Soundwaves. Rachel imaged herself using the immense knowledge of music that she had acquired over the years to assist the many customers that came. Rachel pictured her lunch breaks spent with Finn and her friends, sharing stories of unruly customers over, but fate, it seems, had a different plan. Jesse St James, the man who singlehandedly ruined her life with a single egg just happened to be a key holder at Soundwaves.

A Key Holder, she thought as a wave of nausea hit her. That meant that not only would she have to spend her time working with him, but he was her superior. She dreaded the rest of her working hours that day, wanting nothing more than to storm out. The only images that crossed her mind now were of broken eggs and broken hearts.

Her jaw nearly dropped when she saw him bound around the corner after the assistant manager called him. Rachel assumed that Jesse would no doubtingly use his position to his advantage, limiting her hours and potentially compromising her job. A job she needed for both money and experience for college. She was so wrapped up her thoughts that she barely heard her manager explain her duties that day. She just stared at the curly haired boy, watching as what seemed to be remorse wash over his expression.

"I need you to take Miss Rachel Berry up to the instrument department, show her the ropes. You two will be working together today." At those words Rachel's attention snapped back to Don, before glancing back to Jesse. She watched as his smile widened to the point of looking painful. He turned to Rachel, extending his arm gallantly, his smug attitude reemerging to the forefront. What could only be defined as guilt still lingered slightly, but Rachel ignored it.

"I really think I should work somewhere else, where my knowledge of music would be more at use—" She spoke quickly as she turned back to Don, hoping the rate at which her words flew out would confuse him into submission. It was a tactic she used often to get what she rightful deserved.

"Sorry, Rachel, but as I told you before, the list is law." She tried to interject once more, but silenced herself after remembering that she was speaking to a superior. "You can bring it up with the manager when he arrives later next week, but for now, please follow Jesse to the second floor." Rachel sighed and reluctantly turned to Jesse, frowning at how unaffected he was by her obvious glare.

"Come on, Rach, let's get to work!" His voice dripped with excitement, which Rachel assumed was for their boss, and he once again extended his arm to her. She looked at it as if it was infected with an incurable contagious disease and brushed past him towards the stairs. Jesse hurried after her, grabbing her hand quickly and pulling her towards the elevator.

"We have stock to put away," he said motioning towards the two carts full of boxes. "You grab one, I'll get the other." She nodded and the two made their way up to the second floor in an awkward silence. Rachel not once glancing at Jesse who was staring at her in awe, and once at their destination, the atmosphere did not improve in the slightest.

Jesse quickly put the stock away with Rachel's assistance, taking his time in explaining what tasks had to be done by close. His directions were clear and concise, and although Rachel retained the information, she was hardly listening. The entire walk through the section, she never allowed herself to look at Jesse, as it was in the elevator. Her answers were, if not a nod, one word long. She attempted to avoid him, hoping to have as little contact with the boy as possible, which seemed highly unlikely.

Her mind still could not wrap around the fact that Jesse was here, working at her dream job. Rachel cursed fate, but then assumed that the reason for his presence there was for the same as hers: to get as much experience in the arts for college, along with the money. It made sense, like all her plans, but for the life of her Rachel could not comprehend the chances of him being at her place of business.

The world is against me she thought as she followed Jesse down the aisle of sheet music. Rachel could not stop herself from blaming something. The only man to break her completely being her boss was so unrealistic, that she could only assume God was playing some sort of sick joke on her. And it was not the least bit funny.

"The music equipment is expensive, so make sure that you help each customer who wants to look at it. They need to ask to use a product, obviously." Jesse's voice sang into her thoughts, distracting her from the floor and onto the grand piano in the middle of the aisle.

"Obviously," She responded, still sticking to her plan, not giving him any real answer, but at her sarcasm Jesse stopped mid-step. She was staring at the floor as she kept up behind him, causing her to bump into him slightly. Jesse wiped around to face her, forcing her chin up to look at him and not the floor. Rachel hesitated for a moment before her eyes locked with his, the anticipation of what he was about to do sent a feared chill down her spine. Last time she looked him dead in the eye he cracked her heart in two, and she would never admit it, but he was the only one who could put it back together.

"Look, I know you hate me, but can we at least clear the air so working together isn't so fucking tense." Rachel glared at him, not even correcting his use of profanity in the workplace. She watched him as his shouldered stiffened and his weight shifted in discomfort.

"No." Jesse ran a hand through his hair nervously, before speaking again in a much softer tone.

"Can we at least be professional about this then?" She nearly slapped him as he spoke.

"How dare you." She raised her voice slightly, poking him in the chest with her finger. "I am always professional, Jesse." Her rant was hushed, not wanting to draw attention to the two of them. The last thing she wanted was for the customers to see the employees having a dispute in the middle of the store. "I have to prepare myself for when I will be working with arrogant, conceded assholes, like you, on stage all day. So, maybe you are the one that needs to learn to be more professional."

Jesse nodded at her, before Rachel stormed off to begin her task, knowing that there was still stock to put away. She needed to get away from Jesse; the last thing she wanted was to hear him justify his actions. He stomped all over her love. He put out her flame with the toe of his shoe, much like putting out cigarette, but when the tears started to form in her eyes, she knew the embers would never be extinguished. She wiped her eyes, and glanced back at Jesse as she heard him whisper under his breath.

"Yeah, that was real professional alright." Jesse rolled his eyes as she flipped her hair and turned focused on the cart, but he could not stop the small smile that crossed his lips. She could see him smiling across down the aisle, and Rachel had no idea why her lips mimicked his.

As the days past, the routine remained the same. Each day before her shift, Rachel would approach Don and ask when Tyler, the manager, would be back from vacation. She would always receive the same answer, "I am not too sure Rachel. Definitely soon though." The remainder of the day would be spent in the musical instruments section, working with Jesse.

Rachel was surprised at how easy it was to work with Jesse. After he had showed her all the procedures, and stock locations, working together became a breeze. Around customers the two were very professional, and even friendly, but it was the time away from the consumers' eyes that was a little more difficult. Alone stocking aisles, they remained silent, and if they did speak it was some sort of a hushed argument. While in the break room, they sat on opposite sides of the room, avoiding eye contact and conversation. Their routine was fairly simple, until one day, Tuesday to be exact; Rachel, Finn and Jesse had to close the store altogether.

At one point during the shift, a customer asked Rachel to help him with the violins. Of course Rachel was courteous and respectful as she assisted the customer with all his questions and concerns. Her friendly attitude and helpful advice led the man to purchase the very expensive instrument, along with a hard carrying case and a box of sheet music. Rachel was ecstatic to make such a good sale. She was beaming at the thought of the commission she made on it. As the customer made his way to the counter, waiting for Rachel to bring the violin, Rachel grabbed the step ladder and attempted to reach the violin case at the top shelf.

Now Rachel was always very proud of her height. It was something that, while many believe may have hindered her chances in acting, differed her from all the other actresses that would be auditioning. It was something that would make her stand out amongst the many tall blondes in the waiting room, but unfortunately that little aspect of her figure, led her to slip off the step stool while reaching for the case.

Jesse was close by at the time. He raced over, and managed to catch her just in time, wrapping his arms around her waist quickly. The instant Rachel felt his heat around her, she felt at home. A security blanketed her, but as suddenly as it came, it was gone. He easily set her down on her feet and pulled away.

Rachel was still shaken, trying to catch her breath and prevent a blush from creeping on her cheeks, as she watched Jesse silently step up on the tiny ladder and retrieve the case for her. When he presented it with a smile, she reciprocated the action, still unable to speak. He gave her a small nod, understanding her unspoken gratitude and placed the case on the ground gingerly.

As he turned his attention to fold the ladder, Rachel placed a hand on his arm, and Jesse froze instantly. Their eyes met slowly; their locked gaze speaking a million silent words. It was Rachel's turn to nod, and she grabbed the ladder before he could move again.

"Would you mind bringing that to cash five?" She asked timidly, but Jesse was still frozen, regaining himself from her touch and the emotion he saw. "I am still a little shaken, and I just need a moment to get over it if that's ok?"

"Yeah, no problem." He said softly, before picking up the case, "Take all the time you need." He added before making his way down the aisle.

"Jesse," She called out, and he stopped turning to her with questioning eyes. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not to tell him what she really wanted. Thank you. I miss you. I forgive you. Her mind screamed out, but her brain finally decided to filter her words. "Brown hair, green eyes, freckles, with a gray sweatshirt, and buying a violin. You can't miss him."

"Thanks," He nodded before turning around again, "Nice sale by the way." He called from over his shoulder, and Rachel was left alone in her thoughts.

The truth was she forgave Jesse a long time ago, but she had only realized it the moment his arms embraced her. This week working with him was so easy and simple because of so much more than the professional attitude. Rachel Berry and Jesse St. James just had a bond that allowed their bodies, minds, voices and hearts to flow in perfect harmony, in any task. This week working with him had restored a happiness which was missing since the "egging." Whether or not she was ready to speak her feelings however, that was a completely different story.

The rest of the shift was uneventful. Rachel spent her fifteen minute break in the backroom with Finn, talking about the customers who had the most ridiculous questions. Her break seemed to draw out. She just wanted to get back onto the floor and when she did the time flew by much faster than she expected.

Before Rachel knew it, all the employees were suddenly leaving, making their way out the door and to their cars. Finn had linked his hand with Rachel's, slowly pulling her down the row of cash registers towards the door when she looked back to see Jesse. He was sitting counting the tills in the office, and Rachel continued to watch him through the office window.

"Finn wait," She said and stopped in the middle of the store, glancing at Jesse again briefly. "We have to follow protocol," she added and was about to recite the rule about employees leaving the store alone at night, but when Rachel saw Jesse fumbled with safe, she released her hand from Finn's. "I'll be back ok?" Before Finn could respond, Rachel walked through the office door and tapped Jesse on the shoulder, leaving him alone to watch her through the glass.

"Hey Jess?" She called him by his nickname, and he smiled softly as he finally managed to close the safe door. "I just wanted to say thank you, y'know for helping me today. I could have really hurt myself." Rachel spoke sheepishly, as she kicked at the ground gently.

"You were only two steps up Rachel, I hardly think you would have died." His chuckle made her smile and he stood up in front of her. A smile dazzled his face and her heart melted, "No problem, I would never let you get hurt." His voice whispered, sending a shiver down her back. Rachel had forgotten how each little feeling was heightened around Jesse. They stood in a comfortable silence for a moment, before Jesse's eyes glanced behind Rachel across the store to a silently fuming Finn. "It's late though and still got a lot to do in here, so I'll see you tomorrow?"

"You're working the close?" Rachel asked and Jesse nodded. "Then I'll see you in instruments sucker." A wicked grin spread across her face and Jesse raised a questioning eyebrow at her, "With the commission I made on that violin tonight alone, I beat your weekly sales goal. Thought you would have realized that Jess." And Jesse's laughter was louder this time, drifting through the air and echoing off the walls of the empty store.

His eyes shown in the soft light of the office as they gazed down into hers and Rachel made her decision. She needed to feel his embrace again. Taking a step closer to him, she nuzzled her face into his chest as she wrapped her arms around his waist, breathing in his cologne. Instantly his arms encircled her, his chin resting on her head, breathing in her scent.

"Bye Jess, see you tomorrow." She whispered as she pulled back and returned to Finn. It was that little hug that caused Finn to mutter a curse as she approached. "Finn?" Rachel asked as she saw him turn away from her.

"You shouldn't be talking to him at all after what he did." He snapped and Rachel's faltered slightly.

"This is my job Finn. I work with Jesse." She stated simply enough for him to understand. "What do you want me to do, yell at him in the middle of the store, not answer his question when he asks for a barcode number? I need the money and experience for Julliard; I don't need to get fired before of unprofessional behaviour." He scoffed at her response.

"Then what the hell was that?" He gestured to the office.

"Oh my God Finn, I hugged him, big deal." She rolled her eyes, and he just pressed the issue by repeating his question. "I slipped today on the step ladder, and Jesse managed to catch me before I hit the floor with a bunch of stock fall on top of me, ok? I went to thank him because I was too shaken to speak after I fell." Her voice was cold and full of her evident annoyance, completely bewildered by his sudden acts of jealousy. She was even more shocked when he stalked away from her like a toddler and out the door towards his truck. She followed him helplessly out into the parking lot.

"I can't talk to you right now, I am leaving." He called out the open window as he turned the engine on and pulled out of the parking lot faster than she was able to run to him.

"Wait," Rachel called out, but it was no use. Finn had already left her, alone in the middle of the night, in an empty parking lot. "How am I going to get home?" she muttered under her breath as the tears started to flow freely from her cheeks.

Jesse expected this kind of reaction from Finn Hudson. Finn was always very possessive over Rachel. Possessive and Premature, and not to mention stupid. Jesse expected him to argue with her over his conversation with Rachel, just because it was friendly. What he did not expect to see was Rachel sitting on the curb, crying as she clutched her cell phone, silently debating whether or not to call her fathers for a ride. The realization that Finn left the young girl alone in the middle of the night hit Jesse the instant he saw her in front of Soundwaves.

He had just locked up, and was about to make his way to the car when he saw her. Her eyes were fixated on the phone she was holding, not glancing up at him once, despite Jesse's less than stealthy approach. He silently settled next to Rachel on the curb, taking off his jacket and throwing it over her shoulders. It was a cool summer night, and he could see her shaking from both the wind and silent tears.

"Rachel?" He whispered brushing away a tear that rolled down her cheek with his thumb.

"Oh this is just great." She muttered, and pulled Jesse's jacket tighter around her body.

"Shouldn't you be home now?" He asked softly, and received no answer from Rachel. "Hey Rach, why are you so upset? What happened?"

"Just leave me alone Jesse," She snapped, and Jesse suspicions were confirmed instantly. He was the reason Finn left Rachel. "I have more important matters to attend to, like getting a hold of someone who would give me a ride."

"Isn't Finn driving you?" He opted for playing dumb, knowing full well that Rachel did not want him bad mouthing her current boyfriend. Plus, Jesse did not act much better when he had his shot with her.

"Do you see him around!" She yelled and threw a small pebble off the ground across the lot.

"Come on, I'll give you a lift." He said as he rose from his seat and offered his hand for her to take.

"No, I am perfectly fine on my own." And Jesse could not help the small chuckle that escaped his lips. Rachel was always so stubborn.

"Rachel, it's late," He sighed when Rachel refused to move or speak. "And my guess is your parents aren't home tonight again, so let me get you home safe, please?" She said nothing again. "Fine, I will wait with you until your ride shows up then." Jesse said and took his seat once more.

He fixated his attention on his car which sat across the lot, hoping that she would say something, anything. When he heard a choked sob, Jesse turned to look at Rachel. She had raised a hand to her mouth in an attempt to silence herself as she finally broke down fully. Instinctively he wrapped his arm around her drawing her close to him as she cried. They must have sat there for a half hour before she managed to say anything coherent.

"I don't have a ride," she finally sputtered out against his chest, in between her sobs.

"I know," He whispered softly, as he rubbed his hand up and down Rachel's back, trying to settle her down. "Come on Rach; please let me take you home." She nodded against Jesse's chest, and he let out a sigh of relief. If he could not stop this hurt, he could at least get her home safe and sound.

Well I hope you liked it! Please review, i love to hear feed back. I will try to get the next chapter up soon!

-D. Kenedy