OKAY EVERBODY ARE YOU READY! It is now time for the dramatic conclusion to It Started with a Phone Call (celebratory trumpets blaring) I'm sorry I didn't mention the last chapter was coming soon but surprise and don't worry I have written and awesome Epilogue and it includes Pucklebabies! On with the story
Also I put off posting this because I was waiting for (drumroll please) MY NEW LAPTOP! Happy 18th b-day to me! I should now be able to get updates up sooner now, so thank you for waiting and I hope this chapter puts you all in Puckleberry feels!
Disclaimer: I do not own glee or the various songs or references I am about to put in this fic
Last Time….
But then Regionals happened…
"It's too damn early to be up on a Saturday." Sam complained before burrowing his head into Tina's back (he told Mike it was because she had the darkest clothes and don't be a jealous bitch it's too early)
" I didn't even know 7:00 existed on Saturday." Finn said before taking another huge gulp of his energy drink.
"Those bitch judges better appreciate our awesomeness if their getting us up this early." Mercedes said as she leaned against Matt, he petted her head.
Mr. Sheu sighed he had to agree; it was way to early to be up. But the drive was over two hours and the competition started at 10.
"Okay guys I swear we will stop for coffee let's just all get in the bus."
He heard a bunch of sleepy groans as the kids slowly moved on the bus.
Puck grabbed his duffel with his stuff in it before looking for Rachel. He saw her talking to Quinn and Artie and looking pretty secretive about it. He walked over to them.
"Yo Rach."
Rachel jumped and spun around to see Puck "Noah you were over there." She said frantically pointing to where he had been standing. Noah looked at her confused, " Yeah but then I walked over here." He told her.
Quinn and Artie snickered and Rachel glared at them.
"Okay Rach when you're done being psycho you want to get on the bus?"
"Oh." Rachel looked back at Quinn and Artie "I was actually hoping to sit with Quinn on the ride there, can you sit with Artie?" Rachel asked. Puck looked at her, he wouldn't think it was suspicious if she hadn't been trying to separate the newly crowned golden couple of glee.
"You guys cool with this?" Puck asked.
Quinn nodded and grabbed Rachel's hand "Artie needs guy time right?" she said turning to Artie.
"Whatever my lady says." Artie said winking at Quinn. She rolled her eyes but giggled as she pulled Rachel on the bus with her. Puck stood there for a second,
"Why do I have the feeling that something is going on here?" he asks
Artie just scoffs "Your just paranoid." Artie says. Puck sighs and rolls him towards the bus.
TIME JUMP!
Artie sang the ending notes to I've Got a Feeling, and everyone on the bus clapped.
"Okay who's next?" Mr. She called. He tried to keep the kids occupied so he suggested they practice with some free styling.
"Oh I've got the perfect song." Kurt says and then started into La Vie Boheme. As Puck yelled out certain parts of the song he looked over to Rachel. The whole bus ride she had been jumping from person to person, checking their phones, writing stuff down and whispering.
'What the hell is up' Puck thought.
When Rachel got close to the back where Artie and Puck were sitting he reached out and grabbed her arm. Rachel jumped 50 feet in the air and squeaked as she turned around to see who grabbed her arm. Puck didn't miss her sneakily turning off her phone and hiding it behind her back when she realized it was him.
"Rach?" he asked questioningly
"Noah?" she said mocking him.
Puck rolled his eyes "Why are you jumping around like you took 5 hour energy?" (they had found out one day in glee when they were bored, they gave Rachel some and after it had finally worn off they all swore to never let her have any again.)
Rachel looked at him confused or at least she tried to but Puck could see right through it. She was defitnitly hiding something.
"I have no idea what you are referring to Noah." Rachel said as she tried to get her arm out of Puck's grip. Puck snorted "Okay, let's pretend for a second that's the truth, what's on your phone?"
Now Rachel looked flat out panicked, "Nothing." She said quickly and pulled on his grip harder. Puck rolled his eyes at her weak attempt and grinned as he pulled her at least a foot closer to him. She squeaked in surprise and he laughed.
"Let's try that again." Puck said teasingly as he reached for her phone. But it seemed the universe was totally screwing with him today because just as Puck gripped Rachel's phone the bus ran over a huge bump. Causing Puck to fall backwards in his seat pulling Rachel with him and right into his lap. Their faces inches apart both of them just stared at each other breathing heavily. Hazel stared into deep brown and they heard nothing….
Actually nothing was being said. Rachel blinked in confusion when she realized the singing had stopped. She tore her eyes away from Puck to see everyone on the bus staring at them with silly grins on their faces.
"What are you bozos staring at?" Puck called when he saw them all looking at them.
"I don't know Puck you tell us." Mike said trying to hold back laughter. Mr. Sheu then decided to take control of the situation as he clapped his hands making everyone jump from the sudden noise and pay attention to him.
"Okay guys let's settle down, how about another song? Unless you want to sing another Journey song?" he laughed as several paper balls and wrappers were thrown at him. Puck sighed when the eyes were off him. It was then that he noticed that Rachel was still on his lap and was back to staring at him.
'God she is beautiful.' He thought to himself as he watched her intense dark eyes look him up and down. He slowly put his arm on her shoulder and shook it.
She immediately blinked and looked at him, he grinned he knew she had been spacing out.
"Came back to earth yet Rach?" he said and she smiled
"Sure Noah." she said and got up.
Puck had to restrain himself from grabbing her and putting her back in his lap, but he knew that would be overstepping a huge line. One that he still didn't know if Rachel was ready to cross yet. Rachel smiled at him, "Thanks for catching me." She said and flounced off. Puck sat back and sighed. A low whistle sounded next to him making him jump. He forgot Artie had been next to him and witnessed that whole debacle.
"Dude you got it bad."
Puck just groaned and put his face in his hands. 'Great people notice.'
TIME JUMP
"All right now we all need to hydrate. Who is coming to get water with me?" Rachel said as she stood up from the chair she had been sitting in. They had arrived at the hotel where regionals were being held and the girls and boys had split off in different rooms to get dressed. Rachel had been the first one ready as everyone helped make her hair perfect and wavy and her makeup making look like she was sparkling. The other girls were in various states of hair, makeup and dress.
"Seriously Rach? Slow down we aren't running on Rachel time." Mercedes said as she applied mascara Rachel rolled her eyes at that comment.
"We all need to hydrate especially you guys with the big number." Rachel grinned happily. The whole room exchanged happy secretive smiles.
"Well what about you and your number with Puck?" Santana said as she fake fanned her face pretending even the mention of Puck's name was making her hot. Rachel blushed and looked down at the carpet. She started playing with her hands.
"Rachel?" Tina said walking up to her friend. "What's wrong?"
Rachel bit her lip and looked up at her best friend "What if this doesn't work? What if I missed my chance?"
Tina smiled and took Rachel's hands in hers
"You haven't."
"How can you know?" Rachel asked scared.
"Please did you see the way he was staring at you on the bus? He is wrapped around your finger." Quinn said as she fixed her hair. Rachel smiled as she remembered how it felt to be sitting in Puck's lap as if she belonged there.
"But" she started to say and Tina covered her mouth with her hand "No more buts it will work." Tina said Rachel sighed but nodded. Tina removed her hands and walked back over to the makeup mirror. Rachel smoothed the white and black chiffon dress,
"But I am right about hydrating, so I'll get Kurt to help me with the water." Rachel said and spun out of the room.
IN THE BOY'S ROOM
"I'm serious guys what is going on?" Puck said as he stood in the guy's room with his arms crossed looking at all of them annoyed.
"And we are telling you Puck we have no idea what you are talking about." Matt said as he laid on the couch.
Puck rolled his eyes, "Right, so what was Rachel saying to you all on the bus?"
Finn shrugged, "She was talking to the girls, not us dude." Puck threw his hands up in frustration, "Something's up I know there is, Rachel is hiding something and she doesn't hide things from me." He stated. Sam smirked at him,
"Oh so Rachel is making you feel left out. Poor Puck." Sam teased. Puck groaned in frustration and turned to storm out, right as someone was getting ready to knock. Puck physically had to pull himself back so he wouldn't crash into Rachel for the second time that day.
"Rachel!" he said surprised. She looked flustered to see him.
"Noah! Um I.." She rung her hands as they stared at each other. She then shook herself out of it and stood up straight.
"We need to hydrate and I need Kurt to help me carry the water back to you guys." She said. Puck still stared at her as Kurt came quickly out the door and shoved him aside. But Puck didn't even notice, he was to busy staring at Rachel, with her smoky eyes and red lips framed by crazy waves of jet black raven hair. She looked gorgeous right now and he was trying to keep his eyes from popping out of his head. He then felt a nudge as Kurt gave a little shove.
"Okay Puck, enough ogling the talent, go wait in there and we will be back." Kurt said before grabbing Rachel's arm and pulling her away. Puck shook himself out of his daze as Kurt and Rachel walked off.
'Dammit, I've got to get a hold of myself.' Puck thought as he walked back into the guy's room.
TIME JUMP
"Rachel I swear you have got to get a hold of yourself or your going to mess up the whole plan." Kurt lectured her as they walked back with both their arms full of water bottles. Rachel huffed, "I'm sorry but it's hard, he's just there and I get the feeling that I just want to grab him by his maroon shirt collar and-"
"There will be no grabbing of shirt collars yet missy, you better follow the plan." Kurt said turning and walking backwards so he could fully lecture Rachel.
"Rachel I swear if you ruin this beautiful plan I will be-"
But Kurt never got to finish his threat as he bumped into someone and dropped all the water bottles he was carrying.
"Shoot I'm sorry." The person Kurt knocked into said. Kurt sighed in exasperation and turned around to see the guy already on the ground picking up the bottles. Rachel nudged Kurt and gestured to the blue blazer with red piping.
Warbler, our competition. Rachel mouthed to Kurt. Kurt nodded and leaned down ready to thank the guy and send him off. But then he looked up and Kurt's eyes met his beautiful deep brown ones and all the words froze. He just stared as the handsome stranger also froze from handing Kurt water and was staring at Kurt too.
Rachel looked between both of them; on one hand this was an important moment. She could tell, maybe this was even love at first sight but on the other hand if she kept standing here she was going to drop all the water she was carrying and then they would have an even bigger problem. So she cleared her throat snapping Kurt and the stranger out of their first glance that could rival the first glance between Cosette and Marius.
"Sorry." The boy mumbled as he ducked down to gather more water bottles.
"Oh it's fine." Kurt stuttered and cleared his throat as he begun to gather bottles as well. Finally they both stood up and the guy got closer to Kurt and slowly gave Kurt the rest of the water bottles. The guy's hands lingered on Kurt's making sure he had a grip on them.
Then they just stood their once again, just staring. Rachel decided it was a good time to scamper off, leaving just the two of them.
"So.." the stranger said "I'm guessing your hear to sing?" he asked.
Kurt nodded as he tried to remember how to talk, "McKinley." He said and cleared his throat.
"I'm from McKinley."
The guy nodded "I've heard of you guys, your good."
Kurt smiled "Thanks."
Then the stranger almost nervously stuck out his hand
"I'm Blaine, I go to Dalton, and I'm your competition." He said smiling.
Kurt stared at his hand and then his hands full of water.
"Oh right." Blaine said pulling back his hand embarrassed.
Kurt just smiled "I'm Kurt." He said
Blaine smiled again "Well nice to meet you Kurt."
"You too Blaine."
More standing there, smiling, neither knowing what to do next. Just then another guy in a blazer called to Blaine, he turned and gestured that he was coming.
"Duty calls." He said to Kurt and Kurt nodded. Blaine started to walk away then suddenly turned around.
"Hey." He called and Kurt perked back up. "When all this singing is over do you want to grab a coffee or something?"
Kurt almost started jumping for joy
"That's probably weird because you just met me." Blaine started to babble when Kurt didn't answer right away.
But Kurt shook his head, "No, not weird at all um. Yeah I would love a coffee."
"Cool." Blaine said happily. They nodded at each other and then Blaine turned and walked away. It was five minutes later when Kurt actually started walking again and huge grin on his face.
Later all the new directions were sitting in the auditorium watching the other teams go (Kurt smiled when Blaine went up and his heart almost stopped when he heard how beautiful his voice was) Rachel and Puck were sitting next to each other. Both were restraining themselves from grabbing the others hand. At one point Santana leans over and whispers to Brittany,
"If this plan doesn't work we are locking them in a closet until they start making out."
Brittany giggled, all to soon it seemed it was New Direction's turn. Puck took a deep breath before getting out of his seat; he looked at Rachel and took her hand. She looked up at him "Good Luck." He said and squeezed her hand before going to one of the doors he would have to enter from. He then tried to get in the right mindset. He had one song with Rachel and he was going to make it count. He closed his eyes and leaned against the door. The applause slowly died down and the music started. Puck waited to hear Rachel's voice and for her to start her solo.
Hey Hey Hey oooooooohhhhh wooooaaahhh
Won't you come see about me
I'll be alone dancing you know it baby
Puck's eyes opened in confusion, Rachel had kept the solo secret so he didn't know what to expect. "Don't you Forget About Me" was a great song but….. That wasn't Rachel's voice singing the song. Puck turned and opened the door a crack just in time to see Quinn who had just been singing spin away from the microphone as Tina turned to take it.
Where was Rachel? Puck looked around then he closed the door and turned to see Rachel waiting a little bit away at her entrance for their song.
"Rachel." Puck whispered not wanting to disturb the song. Rachel looked up and smiled and waved. Puck walked over
"What's going on?"
Rachel looked at him "Ummmm the girls are preforming now."
Puck sighed "I know but shouldn't you be up there right now?"
Rachel then smiled at him and shook her head "Everyone deserves there time in the spotlight Noah, mine comes in a few minutes."
Puck just stared at her. Rachel Berry had stepped down to give someone else room in the spotlight. He couldn't believe it! He smiled at her before wrapping her in a hug, he whispered in her ear "I'm so proud of you Rach."
She held him tighter but Puck pulled away knowing he had to let go. He smiled at her again and turned to walk away. Rachel suddenly grabbed his hand; he turned to look at her.
"Noah." She said hesitantly. He looked at her, she then slowly smiled. "Thank you."
He looked at her confused. She continued, "For looking out for me that night at the tree lot and defending me and singing with me and being my friend." She took a step closer to him. "Thank you for being kind and sweet and making me laugh when I needed to and wanting nothing but my happiness that you were willing to step out of the way so I could live my dreams." Puck was frozen he tried not to hope, but he started thinking this was leading to something. Rachel stepped closer to him, she dropped his hand and smoothed out her hands on his shirt collar. She started talking softer and slower. "Thank you for being all that I need and all that I hope you will be but most of all." Rachel suddenly grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him close so their lips were only centimeters apart.
"Thank you for waiting." And before Puck could fully comprehend what she meant Rachel crashed her lips on his.
Rachel was kissing him…
Rachel was kissing him!
RACHEL WAS KISSING HIM!
Once Puck realized that this wasn't a dream, it was truly happening he started kissing her back hungrily. There lips moved together in this amazing warm passionate way. Puck put his arms around Rachel's waist and pulled her in before lifting her feet off the ground. Rachel yipped and separated from Puck in surprise only to have him lean in and kiss her again. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled him in tighter, his tongue slipping into her mouth making her moan, as their kiss got deeper. Then suddenly they heard silence and applause starting, they both literally jumped away both were heavily breathing, clothes rumpled, lips swollen and Rachel's hair messed up. They stared at each other but quickly snapped out of it. Puck re tucked his shirt while Rachel fixed her hair the applause started to die down before Puck turned back to his door. He turned to Rachel who was rubbing off the rest of her smeared lip-gloss on her face.
"I just hope you know now, that was my okay, not even your stubbornness is going to stop me from being with you."
Rachel smiled "Who said anyone is stopping you?"
The music started, Rachel walked through her door and Puck ran to his bursting through just in time to see Rachel staring at him from across the row of seats. She had this deep look in her eyes and a smile on her face.
(Bold: Puck Italic: Rachel Underlined: both)
Kiss me to fiercely
Hold me to tight
I need help believing
Your with me tonight
They both slowly walked down the aisles, their gazes locked on each other. Rachel's arm snaked around herself as if she was hugging herself. She then stopped suddenly and fully faced him reaching out.
My wildest dreaming's
Could not foresee
Lying beside you
With you wanting me
As Rachel held the last note they ran to the end of the aisles and stood across from each other. They slowly walked towards the middle.
Just for this moment
As long as your mine
They met in the middle
I lost all resistance
And crossed some borderlines
As Rachel said those words Puck looked straight into her eyes, he could tell they saying, listen to the song, and believe me. He smiled and raised his hand to cradle her face.
And if it turns out
Its over to fast
Rachel smiled and covered Puck's hand with her own
I'll make every last moment last
As long as your mine
They stared at each other as they slowly separated and ran to opposite sides of the stage. Puck started to sing as he arrived on the edge and stared across at Rachel.
Maybe I'm brainless
Maybe I'm wise
He reaches his hand out to Rachel as once again they walked towards the middle
But you've got me seeing
Through different eyes
They meet again and Rachel takes his outstretched hand and in one quick movement he pulls her closer. Curling his free hand around her hip.
Somehow I've fallen under your spell
And somehow I'm feeling
Puck was smiling wide and happily at Rachel, as he belted out the last note
It's up that I fell
Rachel moved her hands to cradle Puck's face and Puck moved his hands around her waist.
Every moment
As long as your mine
I'll wake up my body (Puck threw in a devilish glance there)
And make up for lost time (Rachel gave him an apologetic face here)
Puck separated them a little and took her hands in his
Say those no future
For us as a past
Though I may know
I don't care
Puck suddenly flings Rachel out keeping hold of one of her hands as she spins out
Just for this moment
As long as your mine
Rachel slowly spins back towards Puck
Come be how you want to
And see how bright we shine
At that Rachel and Puck looked towards the audience in fake amazement
Borrow the moonlight
Until it is through
They slowly locked eyes once again and Rachel laid her hand on Puck's chest, Puck wound his arm around Rachel's waist and they slowly circled each other.
And know I'll be here holding you
Suddenly Puck grabbed Rachel's waist again and hoisted her up swinging her around.
As long as your mine
Puck then put Rachel down and they got close to each other, arms wrapped around each other, foreheads touching.
Rachel giggled
What is it?
It's just for the first time I feel Wicked
Puck grinned and dipped Rachel down as the music ended. They stopped there frozen and smiling. Soon it was broken by applause and Rachel laughed as she put her hand on Puck's face and cradled it. He pulled her back up and just stared at her. Both of them with these adorable looks on their faces and they stayed that way until they heard the first few notes of, "Live Like Were Dying". The rest of the glee club started coming out and reluctantly they went to their places and finished the last group number.
But throughout the whole song their eye's only seemed to leave each other for a few moments. When the song ended and the applause started Puck literally ran across the stage and grabbed Rachel's hand, dragging her off. She laughed at him as he ran until they were out in the lobby.
He dropped her hand and turned to her, "So." He said smiling. Rachel rolled her eyes but smiled back, "so what do we do now?"
Rachel's mouth dropped open and she laughed "Seriously Noah? I think I picked the stupidest person to be my boyfriend." She said. After Rachel said boyfriend Puck full on laughed in happiness. He then grabbed Rachel and started spinning her around and Rachel laughed.
"YES! She said it!" Puck shouted.
Rachel started laughing in embarrassment. "Noah stop." She said
Puck stopped spinning but didn't put her down; he smiled up at her "Why should I? My Caroline just became my girl." Rachel smiled softly at the nickname he gave her.
Puck slowly let Rachel down, only to cradle her close. They soon locked into another kiss and broke only when they heard someone shout "FINALLY"
They both turned to see who it was and saw the glee club cheering, catcalling and taking pictures. Rachel buried her face in Puck's chest and Puck wrapped his arms around her.
"Alright guys." Mr. Shuster said as the group turned to look at him. "Enough teasing."
"But Mr. Sheu this is historical, do you know how long we have been waiting for Puckleberry 2.0?" Brittany said. The glee club giggled and Puck rolled his eyes, Rachel was still buried in his chest. Mr. Sheu chuckled.
"Alright, well as much as I am happy that your guys matchmaking skills have worked the judges are almost done and I think we really won this one so come on." The glee club paired off and ran back to the theater. Rachel and Puck separated and held each other's hands as they walked back to the theater Rachel leaning against Puck's arm. Rachel randomly chuckled, Puck looked down at her and nudged her arm, and she looked up at him.
"What's up?"
Rachel smiled and shook her head. "It's funny."
"What?"
"Well to think that this." Rachel said as she lifted up their joined hands.
"All started with a phone call….."
THE END….
EXCEPT for the bonus chapter I am adding! Get ready as I show you what the glee club looks like while they wait in the hospital for Pucklebabies to be born yay! See you all in the epilogue.