A/N: So I know it's been a little more than a month since I updated but December was a crazy month. School finished, I took an unexpected trip to Disneyland with friends, then Christmas and New Years and sadly a family member passed away. Thankfully though I have the next month off of school for winter break and I hope to update more. Thanks for sticking with this story. It means a lot. Please read and review!
A couple of hours later, Kurt, Quinn and Santana strolled back into the loft, briefly waking Rachel up from her sleep. She removed her arm that had somehow draped over Will's shoulder and made her way out to the kitchen to see what the commotion was about.
"Rachel, sorry, we didn't mean to wake you," Kurt said with a giggle.
"It's okay. Did you guys have fun?" Rachel asked, eyeing them curiously. They all seemed a bit unusual, either with a grin or a fidgety manner.
"Great, New York is awesome," Quinn said, cheerfully as she moved to the kitchen table.
"Did you have fun is the more important question," Santana replied back with a smirk.
"We didn't end up doing it," Rachel said awkwardly, now folding her arms in front of her.
"What do you mean? You had three hours to yourself," Quinn pointed out, disappointed.
"I know, it's just we didn't feel like it was the right thing to do after all," Rachel said, trying to put it into terms that they would understand their reasoning. Seeing their confused looks meant that they didn't though.
"I think we're both just a bit scared of taking the next step considering what happened the last time we were together," Rachel explained, hoping to clear things up.
"Rachel, if you keep backing out, it will never happen," Quinn stated bluntly.
"No, it's not that it will never happen. We just want to be more official for when the next time it does happen and for starters, he's taking me out on a date this weekend," Rachel said excitedly.
"Really? That's great, Rachel," Kurt said with a smile.
"What are you guys doing?" Santana asked, actually interested for once.
"I don't know. He said he would take care of everything," Rachel said, unable to hold back a smile. "I have no clue what he's planning," she added.
"So I guess it's better that you two didn't end up doing the dirty," Santana replied.
"Exactly," Rachel nodded back in agreement. "We want to wait until we are more comfortable with were we are in our relationship," Rachel added.
"Well good for you guys," Kurt said while Quinn nodded in agreement.
"Thanks, but listen, I'm still tired so I'm going to get back in bed," Rachel said as she felt a yawn escape.
"Yeah sleep sounds like a good idea," Santana agreed as she made her way over to her temporary bed on the couch, Quinn following Kurt in his room to grab a change of clothes from her bag.
"See you all in the morning," Rachel said as she made her way back to her bed with Will. She climbed in hoping not to wake him but he stirred awake by the rustle of the sheets.
"Sorry," Rachel whispered. "It's okay," Will replied with his eyes still closed. "The others back?" he asked.
"Yeah, they're all going to sleep," Rachel said as she made herself comfortable.
"Good, well see you in the morning Rach," Will said as he readjusted himself to his side.
"Good night," Rachel replied as she felt her eyes drift off to a deep sleep.
In the morning Will was the first to wake up. He laid in bed just thinking, unable to go back to sleep. After a few restless turns though, he reached over to his phone that was on the night stand to check the time and his clock read eight thirty in the morning.
Deciding it was time to get up, Will gently got up from the bed and made his way to the kitchen to make some coffee.
While filling up the pot, he knew that today was the day that he had to call Figgins. He knew he couldn't put it off any longer and that it was only a matter of time before Emma let something slip about what had gone on in his life recently.
Sighing deeply, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his work contacts. It was Friday morning, but Will had a feeling that Figgins would answer his phone since he was always at school early.
"Hello?" Figgins answered quit chipper.
"Principal Figgins, this is Will, Will Schuester," Will said a bit shakily into the phone.
"William, it's a pleasure to hear from you. I hope DC is treating you well?" Figgins asked.
"Well actually sir, that's what I wanted to talk to you about," Will said, feeling his pulse begin to quicken. He wasn't sure how Figgins would take the news and he worried that he may be forced to go back home and refill his teaching position.
"What about?" Figgins asked.
"I've run into some complications with my personal life that interfered with me participating on the panel," Will explained. Seeing Santana adjust herself on the couch, Will moved out into the hallway as to not disturb anyone still sleeping before continuing on.
"What kind of complication?" Figgins asked, voice turning to concern.
"Well, a, um, unexpected pregnancy," Will murmured.
"Congratulations, William. Send my best to Ms. Pillsbury," Figgins congratulated.
"No, see you've got it wrong. I'm no longer in a relationship with Emma," Will said feeling a bit awkward explaining his situation to his boss.
"Oh?" Figgins questioned.
"It's a long story but point is, I asked to take leave and they granted me it," Will said moving on.
"I just thought you should know," Will added after silence had crept through the line.
"Well, William, this puts me in a tricky place," Figgins said. "You're leave time from McKinley was only supposed to be for the panel and since you are not on the panel anymore, I'm afraid that you'll have to come back to refill your teaching position," Figgins explained.
"What?" Will asked, shocked. He couldn't leave Rachel, not now when things were just starting to get better between them. He wanted to stay and even though he loved his job, he knew he couldn't go back to it.
"William, you're under contract," Figgins added. "You're still a teacher in my school," Figgins said.
"But couldn't I get maternity leave or time off?" Will asked, desperate.
"Maternity leave is only for when the baby is born or close to being born. How far along is your baby?" Figgins asked.
"One month," Will said, quietly.
"William, you have eight more months before the birth. I'm sorry but I cannot give you eight months' time off. That would be unacceptable."
"What if I quit?" Will suddenly asked, surprising both parties.
"If you quit then you'll have all the time off you need," Figgins said. "But I would rather you not. You're one of my best teachers, Will," Figgins complimented.
"I know it's just I can't leave New York," Will said. "Not when I'm just getting settled in," he added.
"Well you should have thought of that before. I'll give you some time to think about it but I need an answer soon," Figgins said.
"Alright, thank you," Will said, sadly as he hung up the phone.
Will knew the logical answer to his dilemma, quit his job, but he had never had a more stable job than teaching at McKinley. If he quit, he would have no source of income to support Rachel and the baby and with Rachel being a student and a struggling actress, they had absolutely no money.
If he kept his position though, he would have to return to Lima by himself. He was sure that Rachel would not leave New York after just being there for six months. It wasn't fair to her future career and he knew he could never ask her to leave.
Sighing deeply, he walked back inside, head hanging low and a hand running over his neck. He took a seat back at the kitchen table and finished his coffee, thinking of how to tell Rachel his dilemma.
"Hi," a voice said, pulling him out of his trance.
"Hi, Rach. Have a good sleep?" Will asked as she walked over to join him at the table.
"I did, how about you? Have you been up long?" Rachel asked, taking notice of his coffee.
"Not too long, about ten minutes or so," Will replied while Rachel shook her head in understanding. She walked over and grabbed out of the cabinets a tea bag and an empty mug. Using the rest of the hot water, she made herself a cup of tea and sat next to Will at the table.
"So, Rachel, before I talk to you about what Figgins told me about my job, I wanted to let you know that I told my parents about us last night over Skype," Will said.
"Really? How did they take it?" Rachel cautiously asked, remembering how her dad's took the news.
"Well they were surprised, but I don't think mad, more confused I guess," Will explained as he thought about his parents reactions. His dad was angrier than his mom, and his mom was just lost. He had to explain several times before both could understand and question him about it. By the end of their conversation, his parents had come to terms with accepting the news which Will was more than thankful for.
"Well that's good that they know," Rachel said as she sipped some of her tea.
"Yeah, no more secrets to keep from anyone. The only people left to know is the glee club, which I 'm sure Finn has told by now," Will said.
"I would assume so," Rachel agreed. "I just have to tell my teachers at NYADA but that will come later," Rachel said, trying to hold the pregnancy and class as separate from each other as long as possible.
"But you will eventually won't you?" Will asked, nervous that she would keep the news to herself and over exert herself in dance class, causing stress to her and the baby.
"I will, just when the time is right and things have died down after the winter semester," Rachel explained. NYADA was busy at the moment with preparing for the show case and other school related events that Rachel did not want to interfere the planning or her chances of possibly performing in any of those events by outing her pregnancy.
"Okay," Will said in understanding.
"So what about Principal Figgins?" Rachel asked, remembering Will had more to tell her.
"Well I talked to him about my job," Will said, causing a rise of interest in Rachel.
"What did he say?" she replied.
"He said that my sabbatical was only until the panel was over and since I ended the panel early, I still technically have to go back to McKinley and refill my teaching position," Will explained carefully and calmly, because he knew once Rachel heard those words, she would go in a panic.
"Will, you can't go back," Rachel said, alarmed by the explanation. Things were finally good between them. He was going to take her on a date and they were going to fall in love and raise a child. He couldn't leave.
"I know and I don't necessarily want to, it's just that by keeping my job, I'll have income and we need income. You're just a student, Rachel. That can't support a baby," Will said. Rachel furrowed her brow as she took in his words. It was all true what he was saying but she still didn't want him to leave. They had eight months to get through together before the baby was born and she didn't think she could do it without him there.
"What if you got a job here in New York?" Rachel asked. Will looked up, doubtful. New York was a big city with people just like him and Rachel looking for work.
"I don't know, Rach. Think of all the people trying to make it in New York. There's a ton of people in this city and even more so in the teaching profession probably," Will said thinking of all the school districts they had as well. New York had so many that most schools didn't even have a proper name, just a number to identify them with.
"I know but if you look hard enough maybe you could find one, and who knows maybe now you could focus on performing like you were going to two years ago, remember?" Rachel said as Will thought back to that year the New Directions were first in New York and he was supposed to perform on April Rhodes show. It was his dream to be on a stage, but he wasn't so sure now.
"I don't know, Rachel, I mean, I'm old with no acting experience. I'm not a young and talented college student like you are. You're going to have many opportunities to act on the stage but I don't think I will," Will said, getting slightly frustrated. He knew Rachel was only trying to help but these options seemed to not work out in his favor.
"Not with that attitude, you won't, Will. You're talented and attractive enough to be a Broadway performer, you know that," Rachel said grabbing his face in her hands, making him look directly at her.
"I believe in you, okay? If you ever wanted to show me support, you would stay here, with me," Rachel said, letting go and placing her hands on his knees.
Will stared at her quietly, taking in her words.
"You know I want to support you, but, I don't know if I can do that without a job," Will finally said, regretting it after seeing Rachel's face fall at his words.
"Fine, if you really want to go back, then go," Rachel said with a huff and an immediate stand up from the table. She walked over to the loft door to grab her coat, Will following behind.
"Rachel, where are you going?" Will asked, frustrated.
"To NYADA, I'll be back later," Rachel said as she slid the door open and shut right in front of his face. Will stood there with a numb expression, surprised that she had left him.
"Everything okay?" Kurt asked, sleepily as he walked out of his room. He had heard the commotion but decided to lay low until everything had quieted down. He heard the door slide though and knew that the argument was more than what appeared.
"Yeah, it's nothing," Will said as he turned around, trying to make a face that showed he wasn't hurt or upset.
"Are you sure? I heard yelling," Kurt asked as he moved closer to the kitchen.
"It's fine, just a little dispute about my job back at McKinley," Will said.
"Oh," Kurt said, concerned. "What about?" he added.
"Whether I should go back and teach, which I technically have to, or quit and find a job here in the city," Will explained.
"And Rachel wants you to stay here obviously?" Kurt questioned.
"Yeah and it's not that I don't want to, it's just going to be difficult to find a job in the city. I mean it's one of the biggest cities in the world," Will said, sighing deeply.
"Well, I mean it's not impossible to find a job. I found one at Vogue," Kurt replied, encouragingly.
"I know, but you're lucky. I'm not," Will said with a chuckle.
"I just don't want to be sitting here day after day with no job and a baby on the way," Will added. "I don't want to be a deadbeat," he said quietly.
"Well then start looking for a job and if you can't find one, then go back to Lima. At least show Rachel that you tried," Kurt advised.
"Yeah, but how? I don't have any ties here, Kurt. There's no place where I have an in," Will exclaimed.
"Well then you just have to look around. You are an adult," Kurt said causing Will to give him a slight glare. It didn't sit well with Will when a former student was telling him to a grow up, even in an indirect way.
"What's with everyone being up so fricken early around here?" Santana suddenly yelled, emerging from the couch.
"It's almost nine o'clock, Santana," Kurt replied back.
"Yeah but when you go to bed at three in the morning that's only seven hours of sleep," Santana replied as she stumbled into the kitchen.
"And you two didn't even do it," Santana suddenly said as she grabbed Will's shoulder.
"Wait, you guys knew about that?" Will asked surprised. He didn't know that everyone besides him knew what Rachel's intentions were.
"Who do you think gave her the idea," Quinn stated, getting up and joining the group as well.
"Well this is awkward," Kurt said as he got up from the kitchen table.
"It's okay though because she told us that you were going to plan a date? That's sweet," Quinn said with a smile.
"Well I was but, she's mad at me today, so who knows," Will said with a sigh. He knew he was being dramatic but with Rachel, you could never tell where you stood with her when she was mad or being a diva.
"Yeah I heard you guys talking," Quinn said. "I just didn't make it known that I was awake," she added, seeing Will's confused look.
"Sorry," he apologized.
"It's okay, couples argue, especially when one is pregnant. I would argue with Finn about getting a job all the time when I was pregnant," Quinn commented as she remembered back to her own pregnancy.
"It's just different for us though. This whole relationship," Will said with a sigh.
"It's okay though. You'll get through it," Kurt said with a pat on his shoulder.
"I know we will and I do have to thank you guys for caring so much about our relationship. Not everybody was happy to hear the news," Will said with a shake of the head.
"It's a little weird, but we see that you two actually go really well together," Quinn said with a smile.
"Yeah and I had a personal bet with myself that Rachel would be the first New Directions member that you would hook up with, well besides Finn of course, we all know you had a man boner for him," Santana said causing Will to stare open-mouthed at her, wondering where she came up with all these crazy ideas.
"Um, okay?" Will said, not sure what else he could respond with.
"Santana, that's inappropriate," Kurt said for him. "That's my stepbrother you're talking about," he added.
"Calm down, lady Hummel it was a joke," she replied with a playful flick to his arm.
"So what are you guys doing today?" Will asked, as the laughter died down and a change of subject was in order.
"I guess wait for Rachel to get a back and then maybe go out and see some sites. I was kind of hoping to see her school," Quinn said, disappointed that Rachel had left without her. Knowing Rachel though, she knew that she wouldn't miss a chance to show off her fancy performing arts school.
"I've actually wanted to see NYADA for a while now also," Will agreed.
"I can take you guys and we can meet her there?" Kurt suggested.
"What do you think, Quinn?" Will asked.
"Yeah that's fine," Quinn replied. "What about you though? Aren't you still in the doghouse with her?" Quinn asked Will.
"Well I'm hoping she's calmed down a bit," Will replied back with a bit of uneasiness.
"She will be and especially if she gets a letter for the winter showcase, she'll be over the moon," Kurt replied.
"Winter showcase?" Quinn asked.
"A performance event at NYADA that is invite only. Today is the last day to get an invitation and Rachel has stressed all week because she hasn't received one," Kurt explained.
"That's probably why she chose NYADA to go blow off some steam," Will said while Kurt nodded.
"Yeah, so let's get ready and I'll text her giving her a heads up," Kurt said as he pulled out his phone. The others nodded and headed in separate ways to get dressed. Will went into Rachel's room while Quinn and Santana followed Kurt into his room.
Not long after they all departed, they were ready to go.
"So we just have to take the subway and then about a ten minute walk or so to NYADA," Kurt said leading them all down from the loft.
Once outside, Will pulled his beanie on that he had held in his hands. The late November air was chilly, especially in New York. He pulled it on and then adjusted the beanie to fit his curls. He had meant to get a haircut or shave it himself, but he just couldn't find the time.
"Okay, so here we are on the subway. I texted Rachel back when we left the loft and she said she would wait in the dance studio," Kurt said as he reread her text to make sure that it was correct.
"Okay great," Will said with a smile.
After the subway made several stops and the group chatted for a bit, it was time to get off. Kurt stepped off first with the others behind and he made the way up the stairs to higher ground.
"So NYADA will be on our right," Kurt said as he was still leading the pack through the busy streets.
"We'll cross here," he added while pushing the button to change the crossing sign of the busy intersection.
"Are you going to audition again, Kurt?" Will asked as they walked across the street.
"I want to. I just have a feeling of doubt though after being rejected the first time," he said sadly. Will shook his head in understanding. It was hard going back to something that didn't want you in the first place.
"Well you'll do great this time. You're a fantastic singer and performer," Will complimented.
"Thanks, if only I would have gotten more solos in glee club maybe I would have been more prepared," he joked.
"Yeah that totally makes sense now why Rachel got all the solos," Santana inquired.
"Guys, we've been over this before and I'm sure Rachel has told you too but we weren't involved in high school. She got them because she was a hard worker and I knew she could handle them," Will said with a shake of the head.
"We could have handled them too," Quinn said.
"I know, I should have made it fairer," Will replied.
"It's okay, it's in the past now," Quinn said with a chuckle.
"Who's running the glee club now that you're gone?" Quinn suddenly asked.
"Finn, I left him in charge the night I left. He put Grease together and really showed me that he could handle the club. I hope he's still running it even though he's pissed at me," Will said realizing he hadn't talked to Finn since back in Lima over Thanksgiving.
"I bet he kicked something over," Santana chuckled, Will just rolled his eyes at her.
"Okay, so the dance studio will be on our right," Kurt said as they entered the school. Will looked in awe as he took in Rachel's school. It was huge and filled with eager students, all probably anxious to make it on Broadway one day just like Rachel.
"This place is huge," Quinn said from behind the group, reading Will's mind.
"And here we are," Kurt said as he hung a right into and open dance area.
Will stopped as he watched Rachel do some turns and kicks. He took in her beauty as she was wearing a tight black dance leotard. He quickly glanced away after she realized the others had walked in the room.
"Hi, Rachel," Kurt greeted.
"Hi," Rachel replied quietly, a little out of breath. She glanced over to Will who had yet to move from the door frame. Kurt noticed and suggested something the others could do to let them talk privately.
"Santana, Quinn, let me show you around the main floor," Kurt said as he nodded out towards the main hallway. The two looked between Rachel and Will and immediately felt the tension.
"Yeah that would be great," Quinn said, following Kurt as they left the room.
"Are you sure you should be doing that?" Will asked once the others had left.
"I'm fine okay, the baby isn't even the size of anything yet," Rachel scoffed.
"I'm sorry," Will said after a couple of minutes of silence. Rachel looked at him as she reached down to grab her bag off the floor. She was taking in his facial features trying to read him to see if he really meant it.
"Me too," she finally said as she leaned in and gave him a hug. Will wrapped his arms around her small frame and held her tight.
"I understand that you love your job so if you think that's what is best for you to make money, then you should go back," Rachel said. Will took in her words with surprise. He wasn't expecting that response.
"Thanks Rachel, but I don't know. I'll definitely have to think about it a little more before I make a decision. You'll be the first to know though once I do," Will said encouragingly.
"I hope so," Rachel said. "So, I have some news," Rachel said as Will looked at her curiously, once they broke apart.
"You do?" he asked.
"Yeah," Rachel said as she pulled out an envelope with a smile, handing it over to Will.
Will took it and began to read the letter inside it out loud. "Rachel Berry, we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a performer in the 2012 Winter Showcase. The showcase is on December 15th, 2012 at seven pm in the performance hall."
"Rachel, this is amazing news. I'm so proud of you," Will said as he hugged her again, lightly lifting her off the floor. Putting her back down though, he noticed that he craved more than just a hug. Taking Rachel by surprise, he kissed her on the lips, making her lose all train of thought. It was slow, with Will taking his time. Finally they broke apart, causing Rachel to look back in astonishment.
"Wow," was all she could say.
"Yeah," Will replied, his head in a fog.
"I'm so happy for you. I'll definitely be there to watch you perform," Will added after a few minutes of silence. "Let's go tell the others," Will said taking her hand in his and leading her out of the dance studio.
"I'm sure the Jellybean is happy for its mom too," Will whispered down to Rachel as they walked out of the dance studio.
"I hope so. I don't want to be a failure to my child," Rachel said.
"You'll never be one, okay? Like you believe in me, I believe in you," Will said, gripping her hand tighter in his.
"Thank you, that means a lot," Rachel said as she looked up to him.
"I'm only telling the truth," Will said with a smirk.
"That's all I need," Rachel said with a smile as they finally made their way to the trio sipping drinks at the coffee shop. Each smiled at them and in that moment, Rachel felt happy and that life was finally back on a stable track.
"Everything okay?" Kurt asked, giving Rachel a slight look of concern as she was in her own bubble of thoughts.
"Rachel?" he asked again, this time causing Rachel to snap out of it.
"Perfect, everything's perfect," Rachel exclaimed as she pulled the envelope from her bag.
"You got it!" Kurt shouted excitedly.
"I did," Rachel replied back with a smile.
"Congrats, Berry," Santana said. "Yeah way to go, Rachel," Quinn said in agreement.
"Thanks guys," Rachel said. "Can I get you celebratory coffee?" Will offered as he pulled another chair over.
"Sure, that would be great," Rachel said as she sat down.
"Okay, I'll be back in a minute," Will said as he walked up to order two coffees.
"This is amazing, Rachel," Kurt said in excitement.
"I know, it's a huge honor," Rachel said. "All I have to do now is pick the perfect song and practice till perfection," Rachel added.
"Which you will have no trouble doing," Quinn replied, giving her confidence.
"I hope not," Rachel said. "This is bigger than anything I have ever performed at," she explained.
"You'll do great," Kurt said, reassuringly. "I'll be there to cheer you on," he added.
"Thanks," Rachel replied with a smile, happy to know that she had such supportive friends of her musical dreams.
"I'll even be there," Santana said. "Really?" Rachel questioned.
"Yeah, I don't have anything else going on," she replied.
"I wish I could go. That's right when finals begin though," Quinn said as she read the letter to herself.
"It's okay, we'll tape it for you and send it to all the old New Directions," Kurt suggested, causing Rachel to blush.
"One coffee for Ms. Rachel Berry," Will said as he brought back their drinks. He handed Rachel her cup while he sat in the empty chair next to her, placing his cup on the table.
"We have a star in the making," Will said proudly as he put his arm around her. Kurt gave her a raised eyebrow at Will's gesture but Rachel just smiled back, too happy from the outcome of the morning to explain.
"Well I couldn't have done it without any of you, so thank you for putting up with me in glee club all those years when I demanded solos and tried to choreograph everything," Rachel said with a laugh.
"So, what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?" Will asked.
"I don't know, it's up to these guys," Rachel said glancing towards the others. "I have everything I need right here," she added with a smile, truly happy and relieved that she was surrounded by friends, Will and a potential start to her Broadway career to look forward to in the near future.