Hi marvellous people!
Thank you very much for the support you're showing me by favouriting, reading and REVIEWING! You are amazing and kind-hearted and I can't thank you enough!
Hope you'll like this chapter too! (I was drooling while writing about the food, because that's basically what I usually eat on Christmas! -with the exception of the Jewish specialties)
Rachel was working frantically to get everything ready. She wanted the evening to be absolutely perfect: the living room was flawlessly decorated and the gifts for their friends were lying under the Chrismukkah tree, waiting to be unwrapped later that evening. Finn helped her set the table and three candles were burning gently on it, just like the menorah on the shelf. As background music, Frank Sinatra was crooning some Christmas songs and, from the window, you could see the snow falling silently. It was like one of those perfect holiday houses and Rachel was pretty proud of it.
In the kitchen, she was pre-heating the oven so, as soon as the guests would arrive (everyone she invited except for Artie and Mercedes, who decided to spend the holidays in Chicago with his family) she could put in it her vegetarian lasagna, with spinach, cheese and béchamel and small vegetarian latkes were already waiting in trays on the table, ready to be eaten as appetisers. Sam told her that he would bring along the second course because he wanted to help her with the dinner, since she was so nice to invite them to celebrate Chrismukkah with them. In the morning she did her infamous sufganiyot with vanilla and chocolate cream (her bubbe's recipe) and a sweet lemon roll to eat as desserts.
Everything seemed in the right place so she decided to finally think about herself. She went to her bedroom and she started to do her make-up. When her eyes were smoky enough and her cheekbones were accentuate nicely by the blusher, she dressed herself in a long-sleeved short red dress that fit her like a glove. Finally, she put out of her hair the hair rollers that made her hair extra curly and combed it with her fingers. She stepped in her black stilettos and, as a final touch, she put strawberry gloss on her lips.
She wanted to be perfect as well tonight. For Noah. She wanted to sweep off his feet and leave him speechless. After what he told her at the diner, she couldn't stop thinking about it. He told her that he liked her! She knew that there was something more than just a simple friendship but knowing, for sure, that he liked her that way too was so overwhelming… She had a smile on her face since that day and it couldn't be erased.
She also knew that he was really trying to be a different man for her: Finn told her how his behaviour changed since they met, how he seemed more aloof with the women at work; and she deeply appreciated it. He was proving to herself that he was a worth-trusting man, that he wouldn't play with her heart just to toss it aside as the first bimbo would come in sight.
So, she decided that tonight she was going to let him know. Let him know that she felt the same way with real words: not supposition, or small flirty glances… She was going to tell him fair and square. The adrenaline was rushing through her veins and she could wait for it.
She stepped out of her bedroom and went to the living room where Finn was fixing up the last things. He lifted up his head and smiled fondly at his sister. "Rachie, you're stunning" he said, opening his arms to welcome her in a hug. After a few seconds, the two siblings broke the embrace and the woman straightened the knot of his tie and replied "You're very dashing yourself, Finn. Where are the Yamaclaus?". Finn pointed a basket next the door where a dozen of little fluffy red kippah with white pom-poms on top were lying; the petite woman clapped her hands together happily and ran towards them. She grabbed one and put it on the back of her head, giving one to Finn too.
The doorbell rang and Rachel rushed to the door, opening it with a big smile and saying "Merry Chrismukkah!". Brittany and Quinn replied enthusiastic at the greeting, hugged the host and marched their way to the living room to greet Finn and put down the gifts they brought under the Chrismukkah tree.
Santana, on the other hand, stayed on the door with a wicked smile. "What's wrong Santana?" asked Rachel a little bit worried but Santana quickly answered "Oh, nothing's wrong about me. I just hope that you have the EMT on speed dial 'cause when Puck is going to see you like this he's going to choke to death". Rachel laughed out loud and stated in a flirty voice "Don't worry, Tana. I know how to do the EAR, if the occasion arise".
"Wanky!" laughed the Latina but her smile turned into a frown when the petite woman put a Yamaclaus on her head. "No, Rach, not this thing again!" whined the black-eyed woman but the host quickly shushed her best friend by saying "It's not Chrismukkah without Yamaclaus, so you're going to behave and keep it for all the evening, okay?". Santana nodded reluctantly and mumbled her way to the living room.
Next to arrived to the dinner were Kurt and his father Burt. Kurt's mother died when he was a little boy and the two had become each other's rock since then: their relationship was marvellous. Burt would go every December to New York to spend Christmas with his beloved son, while his new wife would spend Christmas with her son in Tampa, and they were always been a lovely presence at the Berry-Hudson's Chrismukkah's extravaganza. He became a very dear friend of Rachel and Finn's dads and they even spent a couple of days at each other's house every summer.
Just a couple of minutes later, the doorbell rang again and, much for Rachel's joy, it was Blaine at the door. The woman was planning from a couple of weeks to introduce the short man to her soul sister. According to her, they would be absolutely perfect for each other and have so much in common: they were both polite, sweet and good-hearted and shared the same passion for music (Blaine was studying Drama and Musical Theatre Writing at Tisch and would graduate in the spring too). Sure, Blaine's favourite artists were more like Katy Perry and Maroon 5 instead of Barbra, Celine and Judy Garland but it could have been worst.
So, after introducing Quinn to him, she led Blaine towards Kurt and his father. "Kurt, Burt, let me introduce you Blaine Anderson. He's one of Finn's co-workers and he's studying at Tisch. Blaine, these are one of my dearest friend Kurt Hummel and this gorgeous man is his father, Burt. Kurt studies with me Musical Theatre at NYADA and Burt was a member of the Congress last year and owes a tire shop in their hometown" she said with a proud smile "I'll leave you to mingle".
Rachel walked through the room as everything was normal but, as soon as she stepped out of it, she hurried to her brother in the kitchen and stage-whispered "You have to drag Burt away from Kurt and Blaine". Finn looked at her amused and said "Why would I do that?" but Rachel looked at him as if he had lost his mind "Because they have to get to know each other alone! C'mon, Finnie… do that and the Chrismukkah's miracle will take care of the rest. I'm sure of it!". The tall man sighed, said "Fine! I'll do it…" and walked out of the kitchen thinking about how could he take away Burt from his friends.
The petite brunette opened the door when she heard the doorbell rang again. She welcomed in the house a very good-looking Mike Chang and gave him a Yamaclaus to put on his head too. "I saw Sam and Puck arriving too…are we the last ones?" asked the Asian man, giving his coat to her for hang. Rachel patted his back and said "Yes, but don't worry about it. Now that I know that we're all her, I'll put the lasagne in the oven and dinner will be ready in 20. Go in the living room and try my latkes in the meantime".
After hanging Mike's coat, she came back in the kitchen, took the lasagne out of the fridge and opened the oven. She was bent forward to put the lasagna in it when a very familiar voice said in a growl "Oh, fuck me". She closed the oven and turned around just to see a flabbergasted Noah and a smiling Sam staring at her. Noah was speechless and couldn't stop looking at her whole figure.
"Merry Chrismukkah, gentlemen!" she said happily and very aware of Noah's eyes on her. Mission accomplished.
"Merry Chrismukkah to you too!" said Sam with a wide smile "I think I can speak for the both of us when I say that you're beautiful, Rachel!". "Thank you very much. You two are just as handsome" she kindly replied and eyed the trays in the men's hands and asked at the blond "What did you prepare?". Sam beamed at her and proudly said "Chicken rolls with cheese and mushrooms. For you, instead of chicken, I used tofurkey… They're still warm but, before we serve them, it's better if I warm them over in a pan. Is it okay for you?". Rachel took the Tupperware containers and put them in a table. "Not a problem at all. I wanted to thank you so much for being so considerate about my diet, Sam. And for taking care of the second course. You are amazing" she said with a smile, which grew bigger when he blushed and giggled at the praise, "Please, go in the living room and try my latkes. I want your opinion on them! And don't forget your Yamaclaus!".
After Sam left the kitchen, she looked amused at Noah, who was still in his previous position staring at her. She went closer to him and put her hand on his forearm before saying "Noah, are you feeling alright?". "Fuck, B… your dress…" he managed to utter with a strangled voice.
What the hell was happening to him? He was Puckfasa, for fuck's sake. No way he would turn like a twelve-year-old boy who just saw his first pair of boobs just because Rachel was fucking amazing in that dress. When she was leaned on the oven, he had the greatest view of her ass… and you could bet your house that he would make good use of that image later that night when he would be alone in the privacy of his room.
Rachel was trying her hardest not to laugh at his response and asked coyly "What's wrong with my dress? Don't you like it?". Puck stared at her eyes like she was out of her mind "You crazy, babe? You're smoking hot! I just…I…". He really wanted to say something but his brain didn't want to cooperate at the moment: Rachel Berry made a babbling mess out of him.
She got closer and whispered in his ear and said with a low sultry way "Very good because I put it on just for you". That definitely caught Puck's attention but he was so stunned that the only thing he could do was watching her (and her glorious ass) walk away. He breathed deeply a couple of times and tried to regain control of himself.
After a couple of minutes, he walked in the living room and Finn introduced to him Kurt and his father and the blue-eyed man said "It was about time that they introduce us, Puck. I heard a lot of things about you" with a smile. Puck smiled and said back "I hope only good things" but Kurt shrugged and replied "Well, some were said by Santana so…". At that Puck couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder and, when he turned around, he was met by the sight of a stunning petite brunette with what it seemed a red fluffy kippah in her hands. "Noah, you have to wear the Yamaclaus!" she exclaimed and pointed at the one that she had on her head. He grabbed the item with a big smirk and asked "A what?". She huffed and started to explained "A Yamaclaus! A yarmulke mixed with the Santa Claus hat. It's the official hat of Chrismukkah so you have to wear it!" but he was still looking at her with amusement in his eyes. Then he said "You know that women do not wear the yarmulke, right?" but she replied pronto "Actually, it's not entirely true because women could wear it during some prayers. However, even if the kippah is manly worn by men, women can wear the Christmas hat without a problem. The Yamaclaus can't be questioned, just loved so put it on and shut up!"
She was about to turn on her heels and go to the kitchen but Puck was faster than her and grabbed her by the arm. She looked at him in the eyes while he, without breaking eye contact, got closer. "I definitely have to thank you for the dress, babe. I really, really appreciate it" he said in a low voice that made her shiver.
They were so close that they could feel the other's breathing on each other's skin. She licked her lips subtly and her eyes fell on his lips. She smiled and asked him "Good… Should I wear it more often?". He released a guttural laugh before answering "Babe, if you want to make me happy, then you shouldn't wear any dress at all". Rachel looked at him from under her eyelashes and grabbed her bottom lip between her teeth but she had to look away when the timer went off and she had to rush in the kitchen and take care of the food.
The dinner was flawless and the atmosphere around the table was bubbly and relaxed. The time flew very fast and, in a blink of an eye, they were relaxing on the couch and they were unwrapping the gifts: Rachel and Finn made a point to buy something, even if it was small things, to everyone so no one would feel left out. Rachel and Puck sat side by side on the couch with his arm around her shoulder. He liked feeling Rachel's weight next to him, hearing her laugh and feeling her eyes on him every know and then. He could definitely get use to the feeling; the realization made him smile so he held her tighter, kissing her temple. She blushed at the action and squeezed his thigh in acknowledgement.
When no one was paying attention to them, Rachel took his hand and led him to her bedroom. Once they were inside and she closed the door, he said cheekily "You want to take advantage of me, B? I'm not saying that I would be against it but I really hope you're not loud". At that, Rachel laughed out loud and smacked his chest before saying " Noah! You're deplorable! I just wanted to give you your present", but Puck furrowed his eyebrows and replied confused "You already gave it to me". She shook her head and, while opening a drawer, said "That is from both Finn and myself. This is just from me". She handed him a small box with a little card attached.
He smiled down at the present and opened the little envelope, pulling the card out. In Rachel's loopy hand-writing there was written
"Dream until your dream is true. Merry Chrismukkah. Rachel"
Rachel was standing there with a smile on her face and her hands linked together while he untied the ribbon and opened the little box. In the box there was a dark blue guitar pick with black streaking. Puck took it in his hand and turned it over; on the other side there was engraved in silver "Wish You Were Here". It was the most thoughtful present anyone ever gave him.
She asked him tentatively "Do you like it?" but he could utter anything because of the lump in his throat so he just nodded with a small smile. She took a step towards him "You told me that when you were little you wanted to be a lion tamer, an astronaut and a rock star. And a guitar pick is better than a spacesuit or a whip". He could argued about the whip but decided not to break the moment between them. Instead, he said with surprise "You remember?" and received the warmest smile ever as an answer and she added "I remember everything you tell me".
He took a step towards her too and caressed her cheek sweetly, making her head lean at the touch. Her hands fisted his jacket and they heads were getting closer and closer. Finally, the moment had come and they would share their first kiss. With eyes closed, they were millimetres apart when…
"RACHEL!"
He grunted and leaned his forehead on hers while she sighed in frustration and tightened her grip on the jacket. "Shit" he said "Cockblocked by our own friends". She was laughing dryly when Quinn's voice yelled for her again so she yelled back "COMING!". She let go of Puck's jacket and walked to the door but stopped abruptly. She turned on her heels and looked at him right in the eyes "I just wanted you to know that…I really like you, Noah. It's not even funny how much I do", flashing him a small smile and disappearing down the hallway.
Puck sat down on her bed. Shit, he wanted to kiss her so bad! He could practically feel her lips on his that much they were close! He looked down at the guitar pick in his hand and smiled again. This girl… HIS girl was fucking amazing. She believed so much in him, it made his heart swell with pride.
He put the guitar pick and the card in his wallet and dig his hand in the inside pocket of his jacket, gabbing a slightly larger box than the one she gave him. Even if he contributed in the present they gave her earlier that evening, he brought her a little something on his own too. He leaned it on her pillow and got out of the room, switching the light off.
Rachel and Finn just finished to clean up the living room after the dinner. The guests had left about an hour earlier and everyone had a blast. Like every year, the Berry&Hudson's Chrismukkah's party was a success and the woman was really happy of that!
However, Rachel couldn't consider herself plenty satisfied because she didn't kiss Noah and she really wanted to. If it wasn't for Sam who spilled his drink on the carpet, they would have kissed and she would be in a bubble of blissful happiness (but she wasn't mad at him because he didn't do it on purpose, poor Sammie…he looked so sorry, he was too cute to be mad at him!). And now, she would have to wait for New Year's Eve to see him again because the next day he would leave for a couple of days: he promised his mother and sister that he would visit them and wanted to spend some time with Beth and her parents too.
She wished Finn sweet dreams and went in her room, ready to put on her fluffy warm pyjama and sleep for the next twelve hours but, when she switched the light on, she noticed a box with a card on her pillow. She took the card and opened it; it was from Noah.
"When I saw it, I thought of you. And, as a person once told me, 'metaphors are important'… N"
She smiled reading it because it meant that he remembered everything she told him as well.
She put down gently the card and picked up the box, unwrapping it slowly. Once she opened it, she couldn't believe her eyes: a silver thin necklace with a star-shaped charm was resting on dark blue velvet. At the centre of the star, there was a little crystal Swarovski that shone bright under the light.
She was speechless: it was absolutely beautiful.
She gently took it in her hands and fastened it around her neck. She looked at her reflection in the mirror while passing her hand over the necklace; a warm smile appeared on her face. The smile grew at the mere thought that Noah linked her to something so perfect.
Rachel took her phone in her hands and, after settling on the bed and fixing her hair, she took a picture of herself with the necklace on to send him with a message attached.
To: Noah "Thank you so much for the necklace, Noah. It's stunning and, I'm sure, quite expensive. I really would had loved anything from you. Thank you again and have a save journey XO"
She got ready for bed and buried herself under the blanket. She was about to fall asleep when her phone went off and she grabbed it to read the message.
From: Noah "Babe, u got it wrong. It's not the necklace that's stunning but u. Def fave pic ever, will keep me warm while I'm away. Can't wait 2 come back and c my Jewish American princess on ny's eve. Sleep tight, B"
That made her giggle and blush like a high school girl. They exchanged a couple of text before she fell asleep with an happy feeling on her chest.
Sam and Puck entered in the crowded club and started to looking for their friends. They were running late because Sam had a clothes' emergency. He wanted to be perfect for Quinn: they met a couple of time that week and the southern man wanted to get lucky tonight. Not that he deemed the blonde woman as 'easy' or whatever but he could feel that she wanted it too. So he put an extra effort that night: he wanted to be irresistible.
Puck didn't have the same problem. He would be smocking hot even wearing a trash bag so there was no problem. He waited for the blonde for at least half an hour and that made him want to punch him in the face: because of Sam's white girl problems, he was running late for his meeting with Rachel. While he was away, the two wrote to each other quite often and he couldn't wait to see her again.
The two men scanned the crowd until they spotted Finn, Mike, Tina and a girl they never seen before next to the bar. They made their way towards them and greeted them. Tina introduced them to her friend Marley, who was making moony eyes at Finn. She seemed like a very shy girl but she was cute, with big blue eyes and long brown hair. Puck immediately noticed the absence of Rachel so, looking around the club, asked to his friends "Where's Rach?". The only one who answered someway was Mike who poked him in the ribs and, when he had his full attention, pointed at the dancefloor. Puck tried to focus on the spot that Mike was pointing at but it was a blur of heads. Finally he spotted her: she was dancing with Santana and Brittany and was laughing. She was fucking beautiful.
He made his way to the small group (which included Quinn, Kurt and Blaine too) and, from behind, he put a hand on Rachel's hip. She stiffed at the touch, thinking that one of the many drunk guys there was trying to make a move on her, but relaxed immediately when Noah's rough voice said "I had almost forgot how fucking hot you are, B". She smiled widely and turned around to face him and hug him. They held into each other and, while they were entrapped in the embrace, she kissed his neck, making him shiver in pleasure.
He waved briefly to the others and then turned all his attention to the petite brunette who was smiling at him. The music was deafening and the only way to communicate was to speak next to each other's ear (not that they were complaining… it was just another excuse to be closer). "I'm so happy to see you again, Noah!" she said excitedly and passed her hand on his neck while she broke the hug. However he didn't let her go, wanted to feel her as close as he could, and asked her "Missed me that much, babe?", lingering next to her and nuzzling his nose on the shell of her ear. Rachel closed her eyes at the touch and, when the contact disappeared, she re-opened them and, grabbing her lower lip between her teeth and smiling, she nodded at him. She raised on her tip-toes and asked back "What about you? Did you miss me?". Her hands were resting on his pecs and that was making the thinking very difficult for him. So he just nodded smiling, caressed down her spine and held her closer while her arms found her way back around his neck and they let the music wash over them.
They were moving on the beat of the bass: their hips in sync, hands roaming each other's body. Their eyes were entranced into the other and this, added to all the touching, were driving the two insane. Even when they weren't dancing, they were linked to the other in some ways. The only moment when they were apart was when she went to the restroom with Santana.
The Latina looked at her best friend from the mirror and smirked. "So, are you going to fuck him senseless tonight? No, fuck that…are you going to make it home? Because, from what I'm seeing tonight, you two are so close to rip off your clothes right on the dancefloor it's insane!"
Rachel's eyes were out of her socket at her friend's statement and her mouth fell open before saying "It's none of your business! I'm not going to say anything about that to you and I resent the fact that we were going to jump on each other in the middle of the dancefloor! I admit that it was quite… heated but we're two adults and we are more than capable of self-restraint" but Santana laughed out loud and replied "Bitch, please! You're talking to me and I know you. I know horny Rachel and tonight you're basically on fire for how much you're turn on!". The petite brunette glared at her friend and resumed to put gloss on her lips, making the Latina scoff and say "Come on! Just tell me! I deserve to know it!". This made Rachel laughed incredulously but the Latina kept talking despite her friend's reaction "It's like written on the bestfriendship's rule book", which was met by the other's question "Is there a rule book? But most importantly, did you read it? Because, if I'm not mistaken, the last time you read an actual book we were like sophomore in high school".
"So not the point, B!" Santana pointed at her with her lipstick "I have always told you when I was going to fuck someone… well, before Brittany. Fuck, even now I still tell you sometime when I'm going to fuck her!" she said with a wicked smile. Rachel promptly replied "Yes but without any demand from my part!" and looked at her best friend, who was now pouting, in the eyes. So, she rolled her eyes and answer to the initial question "I don't know what's going to happen tonight. Let's just say that if he would offer me to spend the night with him, I would probably say yes" but jumped when her friend yelled next to her in victory. "I knew it! I FUCKING KNEW IT!" she rejoiced "You totally have my blessing and I told you: you need to get laid and he looks like one hell of stud in the sheets. So go for it and have fun. And I want details tomorrow!".
"Santana!" Rachel reprehended her best friend "stop being so rude, uncouth and nosy! You're better than that!" and then mumbled under her voice "And he didn't ask me anything yet so…". The Latina looked at her confidently "Hon, worry not. I know how he thinks but, most important, I know what he thinks and believe auntie Snixx when I say that he already thought about ripping that little dress off of you with his teeth at least a bazillion times in his head. Seriously, I'm shocked that he didn't fuck you already!".
At that Rachel took her head in her hands and shook it slightly: how the heck did she end up being friend with Santana?! She was still questioning it when she felt the arm of said friend circle her shoulders and gently direct her out of the restroom. They were almost reunited with their friends when the black-haired woman told her "B, you're stunning and he is one lucky bastard. You know that I have you back anyway, right?". The petite woman looked in her eyes and nodded with a soft smile, receiving a soft peck on her forehead. "Satan, paws off my girl!" Noah's voice said jokingly and Santana laughed, raising her hands in defeat, and walked towards Brittany, not before winking at her best friend.
Puck's arms went immediately around her waist and settled there comfortably while her hands were caressing his lovely arms. "Your girl, Noah?" she said at him, trying to contain her excitement for the revelation; he smirked at her and replied "Babe, we're not in second grade so I'm not going to ask you to be my girlfriend because it's fucking lame. But I like you, a whole fucking lot, so yeah, to me, you're my girl". Her smile was bright as the sun but decided not to answer with words, she grabbed his face and kissed him; she didn't even care that their friends (her brother included) were right there. She just wanted to kiss him.
His lips were so soft she would have sleep on them if she could. She granted him entrance in her mouth and he slid his tongue inside, stroking against hers leisurely. She felt his grip tighten and he dragged her even closer, if it was possible. Her hands went up on his arms until they found the perfect spot in the back of his neck, playing with his short hair and keeping him in place.
Puck thought he was in heaven: Rachel's plump lips tasted like strawberry and her tongue was smooth, gently battling against his. The way she was playing with the end of the 'hawk sent shiver throughout his body.
They kissed until their lungs begged for air and, when they had to stop, he rested his forehead on hers, the both of them breathing heavily. They didn't even realise that the countdown had started, but, when the clock marked midnight, Rachel caressed his cheek and told him with a warm smile "Happy new year, Noah". He sighed deeply and smiled back, saying "Seems like is going to be an awesome one!". They nuzzled their nose against each other's and were about to kiss again when a very happy and drunk Brittany tackled them and yelled "Yay! Puckleberry is on! Lord Tubbington was totally right! This is going to be an amazing year!". Rachel laughed out loud at her and hugged her tight "Happy new year, Britt Britt!".
For the rest of the night, they were the only thing that mattered to each other. They were in their little bubble and had no intention to get out of it! It was like they were meeting for the first time, getting familiar with every move, every reaction and so happy that, even when they were kissing, they couldn't help but smile.
He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and took a look at it: apparently Sam accomplished in his task since he was going to spend the night at Quinn's. Puck looked at Rachel in the eyes and said "Come home with me tonight", but she laughed and asked "Is it a demand?". He shrugged his shoulders and replied "It's an invitation 'cause I want to spend the first night of the year with my fucking hot girlfriend. We could just sleep if you want to, even if it would be my fucking death. I don't want to force you doing anything you don't want to, you're fucking important to me".
She stared at him in awe, her boyfriend (boyfriend?! God, she couldn't believe it! She was so happy! Her heart couldn't stop beating fast in her chest at the mere thought of it!) might not be the most polite man ever but he seemed pretty perfect for her. So she said "First of all, you should really stop cussing so much. Second" she passed her index on hi chest "we don't want you to die, do we?". He grabbed her face and, before kissing her until their lips would turn red, mumbled something about how friggin' awesome his girlfriend is.
They're finally together! Did you like it? as Christmas' gift, I would really like to know your opinion about it so... review! ;)
Last but not least: I wish a very happy and serene Christmas to you all and your families! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad! Frohe Weihnachten! Joyeux Noël!
XOXO