Puck was in a good mood.

He was walking down the hallways of the high school whistling like Snow freakin' White.

Usually, he hated waking up on Monday mornings. When he was younger, he had tried every trick in the book to extend his weekends: turning back the clocks, faking a high temperature, or slowly letting the air out of the tires on his mother's car.

Today, however, he had gotten up the moment his alarm had sounded. After getting dressed, he had even had a pleasant breakfast with his mother and sister. Since Rachel had helped him defuse the whole doll situation, Emily had given his mother a good report about their weekend alone. As a reward, his mom was going to order Puck's favorite takeout for dinner.

In addition to the promise of tasty mooshu pork, Puck was also looking forward to talking to Rachel. He wanted to know if she had listened to the CDs he had given her. Puck was hoping she liked them because he knew that Rachel was at least partially open to different genres of music. After all, he had been at the assembly where glee had sung "Push it," a number that had made him notice some of Rachel's best attributes—mostly her rack.

Puck started replaying that performance in his head as he put some of his stuff away in his locker.

Puck was singing—Push it/Push it real good—quietly to himself when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Confident that he knew who it was, Puck placed his last book (which he pretty much carried around for show since it had never been opened) on the shelf and asked, "Did you like the CDs?"

"What CDs?"

Puck spun around and was greeted with the sight of Quinn, his very own baby mama.

His stomach sank along with his good mood.

"Oh, hey Quinn. I thought you were somebody else."

Quinn had a sour look on her face. "I got your calls, all fifty of them."

Puck immediately felt a bit sheepish. "Sorry about that."

"The funny thing is, I called you back but you didn't pick up."

"I changed my mind."

Quinn got mad. "You changed your mind? I hope you're not planning on changing your mind about anything else, especially not our arrangement. I swear Puck, if you say anything I will just deny it."

Puck looked Quinn straight in the eyes. "I won't say anything. The reason I didn't answer the phone is because I finally realized that you are right."

"I am?" Quinn said seeming startled.

"Yes. You told me that you didn't want me involved, that you wanted to handle everything by yourself. I thought about it, and I decided that I am not going to interfere."

Quinn's eyes narrowed. "Is this some kind of trick. Are you trying to lull me into a false sense of security?"

Puck rubbed his mohawk in frustration. "No, it's not a trick. You made your choice, you said you wanted Finn. Personally, I don't get it since the guy uses both his fingers and his toes to count to ten, but whatever. I am done hanging around in places that I am not wanted."

Quinn's features softened with what Puck guessed to be pity. "I don't know what to say except thank you."

The last thing Puck wanted was somebody feeling sorry for him. He was only agreeing to stay away because frankly, he needed a break from Quinn and Finn. He hated having to keep up the lie when he was around them. Plus, desperately pleading his case with Quinn had yet to work, and he was sick of acting like a pansy ass around her. Some distance might be good for all of them.

Puck stared over Quinn's shoulder and was relieved to see Rachel close-by. He smiled at her, letting her know it was okay to interrupt. With caution, Rachel approached.

"Hi Quinn. Hi Puck."

Quinn gave a slight nod and said, "I was just leaving."

Quinn walked around the corner but remained within earshot so that she could eavesdrop.

"So," Rachel started.

"So," Puck echoed.

"So, how's Molly Dolly? Is her head still attached?"

Who the hell is Molly Dolly? Quinn wondered.

Puck let out a relieved laugh. "I put so much tape and glue on that thing. I bet it could survive a nuclear winter."

"That's good, I guess. Just be careful where you step from now on. I don't want to have to assist at any more operations." Rachel leaned in close and whispered, "In case you didn't know, I'm not a real nurse."

"Well, I couldn't tell. You could be my nurse any day."

Ewwww, Quinn thought. Were Puck and Rachel into some kind of kinky role-playing game?

Rachel felt a flush creep up her cheeks. To keep herself from getting distracted, she rooted around in her backpack before pulling out two small pieces of thick paper.

"Guess what?" she asked.

"Chicken butt," Puck automatically responded.

"Did you seriously just say that?"

"Sorry, fourth-grade reflex."

"I'll be more specific," Rachel waved the papers, "Guess what these are."

"They look like tickets."

"Tickets to…" she prompted.

Puck had a sneaking guess what the tickets were for, but he decided to mess with her a little bit.

"Tickets to…the movies…an art show…the ballet? I so love the ballet."

Rachel stamped her foot. "Be serious."

"I am being serious. I would never joke about my love of exploring culture."

"Fine, I am not going to tell you." Rachel acted like she was going to put the tickets away.

"Aw Rachel, I was just kidding." Puck's curiosity was piqued.

"Forget it."

"Come on," Puck pleaded

"Nope."

"Please?"

Rachel pretended to pause.

Quinn was prepared to go and grab the tickets herself in order to stop the vomit-inducing flirtation.

Rachel ended Puck's (and Quinn's) misery by saying, "Okay I'll tell you. I scoured several entertainment websites last night and read dozens of reviews. I finally found a musical that I think you will enjoy. These tickets are for next weekend. We're in the upper mezzanine."

"That's…" Puck searched for the right word to accurately convey his feelings, "…soon. I didn't think Lima had stuff like that close by."

"It doesn't. We'll have to drive for two hours to get there."

"I have to drive two hours to go see some dumb play?"

Rachel put her hands on Puck's chest, "It'll be worth it, I promise."

Puck raised one eyebrow. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because, this play has mystery."

"And?"

"And intrigue."

"And?"

"And fighting."

"Is that all?"

"It's also got a great score, an excellent cast, good direction, passion, romance, and a beautiful love story."

Puck yawned. Rachel could tell that she was losing him, so she pulled out the big guns.

"It's also got nudity."

Puck perked up immediately. "Really?"

"Tons of it, in at least three scenes."

"How do I know you're telling the truth? This doesn't sound like a play that you'd be into," Puck said skeptically.

Rachel defended herself. "I'm no prude. I'm not against showing the human form in a raw way as long as the scenes are not gratuitous and they are dictated by the storyline."

Puck put his hand under his chin and pretended to think for a second. "Okay, you convinced me."

"Men," Rachel muttered.

"Wait," Puck looked worried, "this play has chicks right? The last thing I want is to drive for two hours and show up at some play that's like a Chippendale's performance. Just so we're clear, I like girls…and boobs…together." He glanced at Rachel's chest to emphasize his point.

Rachel thought back to their drunken escapade. "I remember. Don't worry, the play has girls. I promise."

Puck muttered something about double-checking to make sure.

Rachel's eyes took in Puck's ripped jeans, Converse sneakers, and gray hoodie, and made a suggestion, "Although I'm probably the last person you want to take fashion advice from, you should try to dress nicely when we go to the play."

Puck looked down at his clothes. "What's wrong with the clothes I have on? I got them on special at K-mart."

"Not a thing," Rachel said hurriedly. "It's just that, I want us to make a good impression. Looking nice will only enhance your viewing experience. I'll dress up too."

Puck groaned. He could already tell this was going to be torture.

Continuing to listen, Quinn couldn't help but agree with Rachel on this one. Puck would look good in a suit.

Rachel immediately noticed his reluctance and tried to smooth things over. "Forget I mentioned it, you'll look good in anything."

Puck's ears perked up; that last statement was interesting.

Rachel got flustered. "I don't mean anything…no guy looks good in skinny jeans…but formal wear could only enhance your natural attributes…I mean dark colors really make your eyes pop…but who's gonna look at your eyes when you're so built…"

Puck stood there waiting to see how deep of a hole Rachel was going to dig herself into; at this rate she could probably reach halfway to China by noon.

Rachel took a deep breath and decided to change topics. "Hey, I listened to some of the songs you recommended yesterday."

Puck felt his good mood coming back to him. "What'd you think?"

"Jury's still out. There's just so much noise, it's hard to wrap my head around everything."

Puck pointed a finger, "Are you over-thinking?"

"Thinking is not a bad thing Noah. If you tried it once in awhile, you might get better grades."

Puck grasped his chest like he had been wounded.

"Hey, getting a C- average every semester takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I have to stay awake for most of the classes, Wikipedia tons of info for papers, and intentionally sit next to nerds for copying purposes. It's exhausting."

"Uh-huh." Rachel was not impressed.

Realizing the time, she held out her arm. "Walk me to class?"

Puck tucked her arm in his. "If you think I'm smart enough to get us there. Hope I don't bump into any walls."

"It's okay, "Rachel said reassuringly. "I'll lead."

Puck and Rachel walked off as Quinn sagged against the lockers. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Apparently, Rachel had spent some time at Puck's house and he had given her music to listen to. Quinn didn't even want to venture a guess as to what they were doing with a thing called Molly Dolly. Now, they were planning on seeing a play together that contained naked people. Quinn had to admit that they seemed pretty comfortable with each other. When Quinn had spread those rumors around about Rachel, she had no idea that they might actually be true.

Quinn knew that she should be relieved. Puck was finally backing off. When he told her that he wasn't going to call anymore, she had believed him. It had worked out perfectly. Puck had Rachel and Quinn had Finn. She should be feeling happy right now. Ecstatic even.

But, the one thing that Quinn felt was alone.

*******

Quinn was spending the lunch period by herself in an empty classroom. One of her teachers said it was okay to be in there due to her "special circumstances."

Mostly, Quinn was hanging around the classroom in order to avoid Finn. Whenever Finn talked about "their" baby girl, Quinn grew uneasy. Lately, that feeling had grown in intensity. She kept telling herself she was doing the right thing over and over as if repeating the saying would somehow make it true.

While pacing in front of the chalkboard, Quinn heard an unmistakable voice in the hallway say, "I'll be back, I gotta go take a leak."

It was Puck.

Quinn also heard Rachel's response, "Okay, I have to stop at the library anyway. I'll meet you back here in a few minutes."

Quinn risked taking a peak into the hallway and saw that Puck was walking in her direction.

Quinn felt her pulse quicken. She knew she should just stay put and let him pass. Just a few more seconds and he would be gone. Quinn saw a flash of a gray hoodie in the doorway.

Screw it.

Before she could rethink her decision, Quinn pulled Puck into the classroom with her.

"What the hell?" Puck was momentarily confused until he saw who had grabbed him.

"Why'd you do that? For a second I thought I was being kidnapped by some crazy ninjas."

Quinn bit her tongue before she could ask Puck in what universe would ninjas kidnapping a high school student from Ohio be a probable occurrence.

Puck noticed Quinn giving him a look and muttered, "It's just an expression."

Quinn exhaled slowly. "No ninjas, it's just me."

Puck looked around at the dark and empty classroom.

"Why are you in here by yourself?"

"Just wanted some time to think."

Puck looked deep into Quinn's eyes as if trying to read her mind.

"It looks like you're thinking some pretty heavy thoughts. Care to share?"

Quinn turned her back to Puck to get away from his close scrutiny.

"I've been thinking about everything, comparing where I was last year to where I am now. Last year at this time, I was popular, a Cheerio, a true member of the Celibacy Club," she paused, "oh yeah, and I wasn't a mother."

"So you've been having a crap-tastic year so far." Puck pointed out.

Quinn took on a more teasing tone, "All those things changed because of you."

"What? I'm only responsible for the last two, the celibacy thing and the whole baby thing." Puck scratched his head and thought for a second, "Although I guess you got kicked off the squad because of the whole baby thing, and then you lost popularity because of that too."

"That's right," Quinn moved closer. Rachel wasn't the only girl who could flirt at this school. "You played a large role in all of those things. So, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Puck thought of a dozen different ways to answer that question, he could apologize profusely, he could defend himself and refuse to take all the blame, he could try to joke his way out, or he could head straight for the window (they were only two stories up, he figured he probably wouldn't even break any bones).

He settled for something simple.

"Oops."

"Oops?" Quinn thought she had misheard him.

"Oops," Puck repeated. "It means, my bad, my fault, I'm a douche. You get the gist."

"I do. You can be so charming when you want to be," Quinn said only slightly kidding.

Puck winked.

Quinn's voice got softer, "That's why I was with you that night. Because you were so sweet. Not like how you normally act in school—like a sleaze that has to hit on every girl with a short skirt and a pulse."

"Not true," Puck said, "I don't hit on every girl. I check for cankles first. I can't date someone with cankles, they freak me out."

Quinn ignored that remark, and tried not to glance self-consciously down at her swelling feet. She decided to take a more direct approach. She was searching for some kind of answer from Puck; she just didn't know what she wanted to hear.

"You ever think about that night?" Quinn asked.

Puck felt like he was being set up. He had seen Candid Camera, he knew the drill. He shifted uncomfortably because he didn't know what to say and because his bladder was dangerously full.

Quinn continued. "You make me want things I shouldn't want and do things I shouldn't do."

Puck gulped. "I thought things were going good with Finn."

"They are. He got a job and he wants to help out. He's being very supportive."

Good ol' Finn, Puck thought.

"That's…um…nice."

Quinn stared at the ground, "How's Rachel? You two are pretty much attached at the hip these days."

"Good." Puck replied.

"Doesn't her voice grate on your nerves after a while?"

At first, it kinda did. But now, Puck had gotten used to it.

"Nah, if she talks too long, I can just zone out and make the noise sound like Charlie Brown's teacher."

"It doesn't seem like you two would have anything in common to talk about," Quinn said. "I mean she's the type of person who loves to go to plays and you're not."

Puck chuckled. "Rachel's actually dragging me to a play this weekend. I don't care what she says about proper theatre etiquette though, I'm not dressing up and I'm bringing snacks."

"She probably lied and said there would be pretty girls in it," Quinn prompted.

Puck shrugged.

Quinn's tone got harsher. "I guess it's…endearing…that she's trying to mold you into a perfect boyfriend. Just don't let her pick out any of your clothes like you're some Ken doll."

Puck shifted even more.

Quinn continued on her hunt. "I bet she's never even heard of some of the bands that you listen to. Your music is probably too loud and cluttered for her. In no time, she'll probably get you to give up on rock in favor of pop or show tunes."

Puck initially looked horrified, "That will never happen."

His eyes narrowed, "Why are you trying to turn me against Rachel."

"Because you guys won't last long…your personalities don't match. Everyone in glee just tolerates her diva act and spoiled behavior."

"You sound jealous of her," Puck astutely pointed out.

"She's trying to change you," Quinn squeaked in avoidance of the comment.

"So, you didn't want me, but you don't want Rachel to have me either?"

"Yes…no…I don't know!" Quinn burst out.

Puck grabbed both sides of Quinn's face. "Listen to me," he paused, "Are you listening?"

Quinn nodded.

"I know you're all freaked out and whatever because you have like a little person growing inside you and junk." Puck was having trouble trying to capture the magnitude of the situation in words. "But, you need to make a choice. Do you want Finn or do you want me?"

Quinn sputtered to a give an answer. "It's a non-issue. I'm dating Finn, and I'm giving the baby up for adoption."

Puck maintained eye contact. "But who…do you want?"

"Finn?"

Puck stroked her cheek.

"Or me?"

Puck's close proximity made it difficult for Quinn to breathe and think. His penetrating stare demanded that she tell him the truth.

In a voice barely above a whisper, Quinn said, "Both. I want you both."

Before Puck had time to respond, Quinn raised her face to meet his face; she pressed her lips against his lips, and kissed him in desperation.

Puck was stunned, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Quinn and moved closer. He had been waiting for this moment for months.

Since Puck's back was to the door, he failed to notice the pair of big, brown eyes that were peering through the glass from the hallway.

When Puck hadn't come back quickly from the bathroom, Rachel had gone looking for him.

Well, she had found him and his new blonde appendage.

Having seen enough, Rachel rushed away from the door. If she had stayed a minute longer, she would have seen Quinn suddenly break away from the kiss and run out of the room. She would have also seen Puck standing alone in the middle of the room looking angry, hurt, and confused (and uncomfortable because now he really, really, really had to pee).