Disclaimer: I am just borrowing them for the fun of writing, BUT I do own the plot, ideas and original characters.
A/N: I edited this chapter, so all mistakes are mine.
A/N2: This story is mostly AU after Mash-up (1x08), but with some of the topics discussed in the later episodes and music used, I may sneak in a conversation, cover the same topic, or use the same song, but I will put my own twist on it and may use some of the music.
...
A/N3: It's time to move on with the characters and get them through the year instead of the pace it's been going. I've known it has been dragging a little, but I did want to touch on the Shelby and Rachel storyline from the show and twist it to my liking, so this chapter will conclude that and begin the progression of the fic into later times; closer to Puck leaving for boot camp; touching on important moments for the couple and their close family members and friends, but it won't all be good; there are a few major bumps in the road, but I hope you guys won't hurt me for them.
...
As Monday arrived, everyone at school was curious how dinner with Shelby went and as Rachel and Noah relayed the day's events, Ethan came up to McKinley for lunch with Deborah, "I'm going to talk to Shelby today," Ethan told her in the staff lounge.
"Why?" Deborah eyed him curiously.
"Something's up with her and I want to find out what it is. I don't trust her and I'm not going to let Rachel or anyone in our family get hurt because of her," Ethan explained, "and I think of all people, I'm the best to talk to her because I've been there," he added.
Deborah thought for a moment and agreed that Ethan had a valid point, "so it has nothing to do with the uniform you're wearing right now, right?" She asked.
"No, though now that you mention it, I won't change," he winked at her. "Just don't say anything to the kids when they see I'm not at Glee this afternoon," he said just as Ben and Will joined them.
"Why are you getting out of Glee today?" Ben asked sitting down next to his sister.
"I have to go to Columbus for work," he motioned to his uniform and shrugged, "don't know how long I'll be."
"It's quite alright. We all understand," Will said pulling out another seat as Emma came over to join them.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Officer Ethan Ballard," Logan Anderson, Ethan's former boss and now teacher of Noah's criminology class at McKinley, said.
"It's actually Lieutenant Ballard-Puckerman now," Ethan replied with a smirk, standing up, "good to see you again, Logan," he added shaking the man's hand.
"You too, Ethan. How's the department treating you?" Logan asked.
"Like I've been there for years," he admitted, "glad I came home."
"You two know each other?" Will asked, knowing Logan as a teacher.
Ethan and Logan nodded, "Logan taught me everything I know about the SRT. He was my first boss in Detroit."
Deborah's eyes widened, "wow, what a small world!"
"Tell me about it. I had Puck as a student last year and I had a feeling I knew of him and it wasn't until I bumped into him and Ethan at the gun range over the summer that I found out he was Ethan's son, so yes, it is a very small world, Deborah," Logan agreed.
"I see you know my wife," Ethan said.
Logan nodded, "of course, but it didn't click that you two were married until you said your name was Ballard-Puckerman now. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Deborah smiled, "so you were Ethan's boss when he became an officer on the Detroit SRT?"
"Yep," the man laughed and patted Ethan on the shoulder, "oh the stories I could tell you about him and his buddy Mike," he grinned as Ethan turned McKinley red.
...
As Ethan pulled into the parking lot of the Camel High School Auditorium, he took a deep breath and relaxed a moment once he parked the car, thinking of what he wanted to say. He didn't want to attack Shelby, or threaten her, he just wanted to talk to her, let her know that he had been in the same position before and try to see what's going on in her head.
Sliding out of the car; he was using Deborah's for the trip, he headed inside and followed the music just like Rachel, Deborah and Puck had the week prior and when he walked in, he headed down the aisle, seeing her at her table watching the teens practice, "hey Shelby," he said when he got near her.
When Shelby heard an unexpected man's voice, she jumped and whipped around, seeing his uniform first, so she stood up, "can I help you officer?" She asked, and as she focused more in the dim light, she realized who it was, "Ethan, right?"
Ethan nodded, "yeah, Noah's dad. We met this weekend," he held up his hands, "I'm off duty; just didn't change when I left work."
"Oh, okay. I didn't know you were a cop. What brings you down here?" She asked curiously.
"I wanted to talk to you," he admitted. "I've been where you are... I left my wife when Noah was six and she was pregnant with our daughter and only recently rekindled a relationship with her and our children. I know what it's like to be a single person with kids somewhere in the world, yet you don't have anything to do with them... I saw some of your looks this weekend and I thought... I thought you might want to talk to someone who has been there before," he explained.
Her shoulders relaxed and she nodded, "I would. Give me a few moments," she said, moving over to the students and after talking to them briefly, they began filing off the stage, so she moved back to her table where Ethan was sitting in an auditorium seat near it. She turned her desk chair around and sat facing him, "so, what exactly did I say that piqued your interest?"
"It's not what you said, it's what you did. You didn't want to let go of Abby until the last second and I saw the jealous look you gave Rachel when she was interacting with Abby. I'm quite familiar with that look because I had it a lot when I was a cop in Detroit and saw kids with their dads," he replied.
Shelby bit her lip and nodded, looking at the floor, "I... I really wanted a daughter," she admitted, "and to see my only biological daughter caring for a baby at seventeen, makes me regret so many choices I made in my life... She's doing a really good thing and I am so happy for her, I just... It hurts to know that she has what I always wanted and I gave up my only shot to have that," she explained, rubbing her hands over her face.
"There is plenty of time for you, Shelby. If you want a daughter, you could adopt. When I came back into Deborah's life, she kept me updated on the kids and it was two years before I ever saw them; they didn't even know she and I were talking. I knew Noah was an adult, Arin was ten and there was no way I could get back those ten years I missed, but I accepted that and started over from the moment I came back into their lives. Are you willing to start over? You missed seventeen years and Rachel's got a lot going on in her life. She's a mom and has a daughter now; she's not a child and if you have any hint of jealously towards her, that's not a very good way to start a relationship with her," Ethan said softly.
Taking a deep breath, Shelby nodded, "I love her and that's why it was so important to me to make that bond with her, but you're right. I wanted my baby back. Rachel's an adult now and she doesn't need me."
"I never said she didn't need you, I'm just concerned that if she finds out your feelings later on, she's going to be hurt you didn't tell her sooner. She probably will think the only reason why you continued to speak with her is because she has what you want and are using Abby to make up the time you missed with Rachel," Ethan paused and rubbed his forehead, "look Shelby, I can't tell you what to do, but if you really love her, you have to tell her the truth. She deserves to know how you feel and if you're willing to let go of the jealousy, great, but if you can't, you should really think if you want to continue a relationship with Rachel."
"Yeah," Shelby nodded, "I get what you're saying and I will be doing a lot of thinking here soon," she admitted. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Ethan nodded.
"Why exactly did you come down to talk to me? I don't think it was really about my relationship with Rachel," she told him.
"Rachel is part of my family and I'll do anything to protect it. My son is deeply in love with her and she is with him and she doesn't deserve to be hurt; she's an amazing young woman and has willingly taken on the mother role to Abby, even when she didn't have to, and I'm thankful my son is with her and I'm proud to have her as a daughter. I just want to make sure she doesn't get hurt, because if she hurts, Noah will hurt and start thinking it's all his fault and they don't need that stress on them," he explained standing up.
Shelby nodded in response, "it was nice to talk to someone who's been through what I'm going through. It seemed to work out for you, so I hope it can with Rachel and I to some degree," she said.
"Me too, because I know she wants to have you in her life and to know you, but how far, I don't know; that's up to Rachel," Ethan said pulling out his wallet and digging for something, "if you ever want to talk," he held out a business card to her, "that's my cell and office number at the Lima Police Department," he explained closing his wallet and slipped it back into his pocket.
The woman stood and took the card from him, seeing his official title as 'Lieutenant Ethan Ballard-Puckerman - LPD SWAT/HNT', "thanks, Ethan. I will call," she told him.
"Okay," he nodded at her and extended his hand to her, "it was nice meeting you, Shelby."
"You too," she replied, shaking his hand.
As their hands broke, he nodded at her once more, "goodbye."
"Bye; drive safe," she replied watching him walk up the aisle and towards the exit. Once he was out of sight, she sat back down and stared at his card and then thought about their discussion and the things she really needed to think about.
...
Ethan hit Shelby's feelings on the nose and really got her to think about what she wanted. Ethan told David and Alan that he had gone to talk to Shelby and the two dads felt bad the hadn't thought of standing up to Shelby about her exact feelings, but they were both glad that Ethan had done it and hoped the woman would do the right thing.
On Thursday, Ethan and Deborah both missed Glee because she had a doctor's appointment that Ethan wanted to go to and Puck thought it had something to do with her trying to get pregnant and seeing if she could, since she was getting to that age where even though she could have kids, she may have issues that would make having a baby difficult.
Rachel and Shelby exchanged a few emails during the week; keeping the information simple. Rachel still didn't trust Shelby, and while Shelby was thinking about what she and Ethan had talked about, she didn't want to get too attached by asking anything personal right away, but on Friday, Shelby emailed and told Rachel she'd like to meet for lunch the following day, so Rachel agreed, knowing her boyfriend would be at football practice and they decided on a restaurant in Lima, so Rachel didn't have to drive too far alone.
"Are you sure you want to do this alone?" Puck asked.
Rachel nodded, "I don't see why not. We've met, she's not a complete stranger now and we'll be in a public place; we'll be fine."
"Alright, just be careful and I'll call you as soon as I get out of the locker room after practice is over to see how you're doing," he told her.
"Thank you," she smiled and kissed him, "I love you, Noah."
"I love you, too, babe," he kissed her back and hugged her tight before letting her go and grabbing his bag, "tell Abby the same," he asked.
"I will," Rachel promised and walked him outside and waited on the porch as he climbed into his jeep and headed off to practice.
Moving back inside, Rachel busied herself with some cleaning and laundry before she left the house with Abby to go meet Shelby at Breadsticks. When she arrived, she went inside since she was early and got a table and sent Shelby a message that she was there.
"Hey Rachel," Shelby said about ten minutes later when she arrived and took a seat across from her.
"Hello," Rachel smiled at her, "did you find it alright?" She asked.
"Yes, I did. I have a GPS, so once I had the address it was a piece of cake," she explained, "how are you?"
"I'm okay. How about you?"
"Okay," Shelby replied glancing over the menu briefly. "It was a nice drive up here," she admitted.
Rachel nodded and the two studied their menus for a moment, deciding on what they wanted and once their orders were turned in, they settled into talk while they waited. Their conversation seemed to remain similar to two long lost friends catching up over missed time and once their meals came, Rachel looked at Shelby, "I know why you're here," she said softly.
Shelby looked at Rachel, wondering if Ethan had said something to her, "why is that?"
"To say 'goodbye'," she replied.
"I really wanted this to work," Shelby sighed, "do you know what really turned me?" She asked and at Rachel shaking her head 'no', she continued, "when you told me that Deborah has been teaching you how to cook. I can't replace her and we're never going to have anything like that. It's too late for us. I just think that anything we share right now is gonna be confusing for you and Abby."
Rachel bit her lip, "I just don't understand... I feel awful right now. I know who you are, yet I don't feel like you're family," she said honestly.
"It's because I'm your mother, but I'm not your mom," Shelby told her, "and I'm not family. Our only connection is that you share my DNA. I wasn't around when you were growing up and now you're a mom and have in-laws who love you like their own children; you don't need me."
"So what? Do we just pretend we don't know each other now?" Rachel asked taking a deep breath.
"No," Shelby shook her head, "that seems silly. Let's just be grateful for one another, from afar, for a while. I want to keep in touch, so we can still email, text and call and we'll see each other at competitions, but for now, let's just keep it at that and see how things go while you're still in school. It doesn't hurt to be in touch and be friends, but I don't think we should plan for any more. Like I said, it'd be confusing."
"Yeah, I think you're right," Rachel nodded, "that's the best idea. Keep things simple and work on being friends."
Shelby smiled, "good and don't think for a second that I'm gonna go soft on you during competitions," she teased.
Rachel laughed lightly, "bring it," she smiled. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Shelby nodded and took a sip of her drink.
Glancing at Abby, content in her car seat, Rachel turned to the woman across from her, "what do you really think of me being a mom?"
She had thought long and hard about what she really wanted to tell Rachel, and realized that Ethan was right; Rachel deserved to know the truth, "I'm jealous that you have what I always wanted," she admitted honestly, "a daughter, but I'm really proud of you for doing what you did; sticking by your boyfriend and helping him out. I'm glad you didn't follow in my footsteps because that road is full of heartache and pain," Shelby explained.
"What footsteps?" Rachel asked, trying to keep calm.
"I know you wanted to be on Broadway. I did too. I tried and it didn't work out. As much as I know you have what it takes, I'm afraid if you hadn't done this," she motioned to Abby, "that you would really follow exactly what I did. Try, fail and come home with your tail between your legs, take a job coaching kids and encouraging them to do what you failed to do, all the while never having free time for a relationship or to start a family," she sighed and sat back in her seat.
"So what are you going to do now?" Rachel wondered.
"I don't know. Continue coaching until I find Mr. Right, I guess," Shelby explained, digging out her credit card and slipping it into the bill holder.
Rachel nodded and looked at her, "so friends?"
"Yes, I'd like that."
Once the bill was paid, the two got up and gathered their things, making their way outside, "I have something for you in my car," Shelby admitted.
"You do?" Rachel asked surprised.
"Yeah," Shelby nodded and guided her over to it, "first, can I have a hug?" She requested.
Rachel nodded, "sure."
With one hand occupied by Abby's car seat, Rachel slipped her arm around Shelby's waist as they hugged, feeling relief at the discussion of the day; she felt better knowing she didn't have to work towards a mother-daughter relationship with Shelby; that they could just be friends.
As they pulled away, Shelby smiled, "can you do me one more favor?" She opened her trunk and pulled out a small gift bag, "when you're cooking next, could you wear this?" She asked, pulling out a black apron covered in gold stars, "gold stars are kind of my thing."
Rachel's eyes widened as a gasp escaped her lips, looking at the apron, "oh my," she smiled, "of course, this is amazing. I love gold stars," she admitted.
"I thought you might," Shelby admitted with a grin, "this isn't goodbye, I'll talk to you soon," she promised.
"You will. Take care. Drive careful on your way back," Rachel replied.
With a nod to Rachel, she tickled Abby's cheeks, "see you later, little one," she smiled and opened her door, sliding into her car.
Rachel moved over to her car an aisle over and down a few spots and opened the back door once she'd unlocked them and buckled Abby's car seat in and set her bags next to Abby, but made sure she had her phone and then slid into the driver's seat, taking a moment to soak in everything they'd talked about and what they'd decided to do before she began her trip home, her phone singing 'Sweet Caroline' about the time she pulled into the driveway. Knowing it was her boyfriend, she reached for it and hit the answer button, putting it to her ear, "hello Noah," she said.
"Hey babe, how did things go?" Puck asked as he was walking out to his jeep.
"It was emotional, but we had a good discussion and came to an agreement about what we plan to do with our relationship," she explained.
"Okay... Are you okay? Do you need me to come get you?"
"No, it's alright. We actually just got home when you called," she admitted, "I'm doing okay," she added.
Puck slid into his jeep and nodded, "alright, good, well, I'm glad you're okay. We can talk when I get home in like ten minutes."
"Okay, we'll be here," she smiled, glancing into the backseat at a sleeping baby.
...
Rachel told her boyfriend of the conversation and he was also relieved at their decision to remain 'just friends' and keep the 'mother-daughter' relationship away. The two relayed the information to their parents and close friends and let life get back to normal.
Monday, September twentieth, the Glee Club celebrated Quinn's eighteenth birthday with Carole and Burt bringing a birthday cake to the choir room; Quinn didn't want to celebrate at all, much like Rachel had, but she enjoyed the small party they had for her with gifts being presented, since Rachel and some of the Gleeks had been planning it for awhile.
...
Sunday September 26, 2010
The Sunday after Quinn's birthday, it had been about a month since Puck, Rachel, Abby, Ethan, Deborah, Arin, Ben, Susan, Jessica, Hannah, David, Alan, Carole, Quinn, Finn, Burt and Kurt had all been together, so it was a nice opportunity to get together and talk without worry of work or school getting in the way and once dinner was over, everyone found seats in the living room and Deborah and Ethan moved up to the front.
"Deborah and I have something to you tell you guys," Ethan said looking at his wife with a smile before looking back to their friends and family.
"I think most of you know I haven't been my usual self lately and I got tired of feeling like crap, so I made an appointment with Brad and a little over a week ago we went to see him and after a few tests he knew what was going on," she looked at Arin and Puck, "about the time Abby turns a year old, she will get an aunt or uncle and you two will have a brother or sister," she smiled brightly at them.
"Yes!" Arin exclaimed jumping up and running over to them, hugging her parents.
Puck smiled and stood up, "I've had a feeling you were pregnant for a while," he told them, "so it's not a surprise, but this is awesome news," he hugged his mom first and kissed her cheek, "love you mom."
"I love you, too, Noah," she replied, glad the kids were okay with it.
As the two pulled apart, Puck turned to his dad and didn't even say anything, just threw his arms around him, "congratulations, dad. Love you. Glad you're home."
Ethan smiled, "me too. Love you, too, Noah," he said as he pulled away, "and just because we're having another baby, you know we will still love you all the same right?" Ethan asked, looking at Noah, Arin, Rachel and the other teens in the room they considered family.
"We know," Arin nodded, "does this mean when Noah's gone I get to pick on him or her?" She asked with a grin.
Deborah glared at Puck and Ethan laughed lightly.
Puck grinned, "hey, she learned from the best," he boasted, giving his sister a hi-five.
Rachel got up and moved towards them, nudging her boyfriend in the shoulder, "Noah, that is not something you need to be teaching her," she told him and then turned to her parents, "congratulations, this is amazing news!" She grinned, giving them both a hug.
Slowly the rest of the guests got up, congratulating the couple and as the sparkling apple cider came out to toast to them, David and Alan looked at Puck and Rachel, "don't get any ideas," Alan commented.
Rachel blushed and shook her head, "dad, daddy, that is not going to happen any time soon," she promised.
"What she said," Puck pointed to Rachel and then took Abby from her, "we already have a beautiful daughter; we can wait a few years for another one," he said.
"Good, just checking," Alan smirked.
...
September came to a close with a month behind everyone and hoped October would be less emotional. The first Saturday in October was the first Detroit Red Wings hockey game that Ethan and Puck had tickets too, so father and son left Lima just after Puck got home from football practice and made it to Detroit, in time to get to the stadium and grab something to eat before the game started.
"Are you nervous for Wednesday?" Ethan asked as they sat in the stands waiting for the game to start.
Puck shrugged, "a little, but I thought about it and we've talked. I've talked with Nate and Keystone and everyone in the family seems supportive, so I'm gonna do this," he replied.
Ethan nodded, "yeah, we all do support you and we'll help you, Rachel and Abby out any way we can, but I was talking about the fact that you're going down to Columbus on Wednesday and will be signing away your life to the Navy for a few years; that's a big deal; are you nervous?"
"I'm terrified," Puck admitted, "but it's now or never."
Ethan slipped his arm around his shoulders, "you'll do great. I have faith in you."
Puck smiled, "thanks, dad."
"Anytime, son," he smiled and nodded in reply.
...
With a winning game for Detroit behind them, Ethan and Puck returned to Lima and continued on with their lives, but Wednesday arrived all too soon for everyone. The sixth of October is the day that Puck's recruiter, Petty Officer Jack Keystone, was taking him to the Military Entrance Processing Station, known as MEPS, where he would have a complete physical by one of their doctors, talk with a counselor who will go over the contracts, he'd sign his enlistment contract and be sworn in (1).
Rachel knew the day was coming, but as she got ready for school, she realized the big step he was taking that day and he wouldn't be home that night; it usually took more than one afternoon to complete everything needed, so he was staying in a hotel in Columbus for the night. "Are you sure there is no way you could come home tonight?" She asked.
Puck zipped up his overnight bag and nodded, "I'm sure. I wish I could come home tonight, but it'll only be one night; I'll be back tomorrow," he promised wrapping his arms around her. "Oh wait," he pulled back from her.
"What?" Rachel got confused at what he did and watched him.
Standing in front of her, he tugged his shirt up and looked at the metal nipple rings that he'd had for so long; they were one of his last physical signs of being a high school badass and now he had to remove them, another step in growing up and part of joining the military, so he carefully unhooked them and once they were out he put his shirt down and took her hand in his, laying the rings in her palm, "these are yours now," he said softly, gently closing her fingers around the rings.
Rachel blinked her eyes and stared at her closed hand before sinking against him, "it's really happening," she murmured, trying to hold back the tears.
"It is," he nodded, pulling her into his arms and holding her close, "we're going to make it."
"I know we will. It all just became more realistic," she admitted. "I'm trying not to cry because I'll have to get used to you being gone, but I'm going to miss you so much tonight," she murmured, looking at her hand again, "and having these is just another way to show it's not that long before you really leave."
"I'll miss you so much, too, baby," he kissed her forehead and then lifted her closed hand to his lips and kissed it gently, "when I'm done tonight, Aunt Carmel and her family are coming to meet me at the hotel and we're going to dinner, then I'll call you when we get back, I promise."
"Okay," she nodded, sighing lightly as they pulled apart, "when will he be here?"
"Any minute," he admitted, slipping his phone into his pocket and grabbing his bag.
The two headed downstairs where Abby was occupied in her bouncer and he picked her up, kissing her cheek, "I love you, baby girl. Be good for mommy today and tomorrow and I'll see you soon," he murmured, snuggling her.
Rachel smiled and notice the recruiter's SUV pull up in their driveway, easy to tell by the 'NAVY' painted on the side. "Noah, he's here," she said softly.
Puck glanced outside and nodded, kissing Abby once more before putting her back in her bouncer and wrapping Rachel up in a hug, "love you. See you tomorrow."
"Love you, too, Noah," she hated to let him go, but when his recruiter knocked on the front door, she had to.
Moving towards the door, he pulled it open, "good morning," Puck greeted him, stepping aside, "come in. I just have to grab my jacket," he admitted.
Jack moved into the house, "good morning," he replied, taking off his hat.
"Keystone, this is my girlfriend Rachel, Rachel, this is Petty Officer Jack Keystone," Puck said motioning between them before stepping to the closet to grab his sweatshirt jacket.
"It's nice to meet you, Rachel," Jack said holding out his hand.
Rachel shook it, "and you as well," she smiled. "Would you like something to drink or eat before you leave?" She asked.
"No, but thank you for the offer. My wife made me eat before I left," he laughed lightly.
"Sounds familiar," Puck smirked as he put his sweatshirt on and grabbed his bag, "I'm ready when you are."
"Then let's head out," Jack replied, turning to Rachel, "I'll get him home as soon as I can," he promised.
Rachel smiled, "thank you. Have a safe trip guys," she told him.
"We will," Puck promised, hugging her and kissing her once more before he and Jack headed outside and over to the SUV.
...
Rachel watched the SUV pull out of the driveway and took a deep breath, "okay, you can do this Rachel; it's only for a day. He'll be home tomorrow, probably by the time Glee is over. Just relax and take things one step at a time," she thought, giving herself a mental pep talk before she got on with her morning.
...
When Jack and Puck arrived at MEPS, he joined numerous other guys his age and older joining and going through the same process he was. The first day they focused on the medical portion, testing everything from sight and hearing to drug screening and getting blood drawn for a battery of tests, along with numerous physical tests before any of them could move onto the next step which was talking with the counselor.
Puck was glad to get out of there just after four, and by five, his aunt along with her husband and their two sons picked him up and they went into town for a relaxing dinner and by six-thirty he was back in his room calling his parents first to tell them how his day went before calling Rachel, "hey beautiful," he greeted once she picked up the phone.
"Noah! I'm so glad to hear from you!" Rachel replied with a bright smile, "how are you?"
He groaned, plopping down on his bed in the neutral hotel room, "I have been looked at from head to toe, inside and out all day. If I have a hair out of place they'll probably find it," he muttered.
Rachel giggled lightly, "but they have to make sure you're fit to go to boot camp, right?"
"Yeah, I know, but I didn't realize they'd do these many tests," he said, "how was your day?"
"It was alright. School was weird without you there, but I managed. I think Abby knows something's up because she keeps looking around, like she's looking for something or someone," she stressed the final word.
"I miss you both," he said, "and I'm sure she's looking for me."
"I know she is," she added, "mom, dad, dad, daddy and Arin were over for dinner tonight and she knew you weren't there."
"She's a smart kid," he told her.
Rachel nodded in agreement and after a few moments of discussion, she was curious, "so what is going on tomorrow?"
"Well, if they pass me, I will sit down with a counselor and go over my enlistment contract and negotiate terms with them. They look over my tests and find out where I placed into and then we discuss my job options and when I can go to boot and all that. Once all that is over and the contract is signed, a bunch of us get sworn in and I'll be done for the day, I think," he explained.
"Oh alright. So it'll be official tomorrow?"
"Yes, it will be," he smirked, "tomorrow at this time you'll be sleeping with a sailor."
Though she had been thinking it, she didn't mean to say it out loud, but the words slipped out before she could stop herself, "I can't wait to see how hot you look in your uniform."
Puck coughed a little in surprise, not used to her making comments about how 'hot' he was and grinned brightly, "what was that babe? Did you say you can't wait to see me in my uniform?"
"I... Yes. I am allowed to fantasize about you, right?" She asked, trying to recover, the blush grew quickly on her cheeks.
"Of course you are, but the best time is when you tell me so I can make your fantasies a reality," he replied, "or would you rather wait until I have my official uniform?"
"Your official uniform. I'd love to see you in one sooner, but then it wouldn't be as special as it would be when I see you for the first time in yours," she said.
"Good point. Nate was telling me during boot camp all recruits have their pictures taken in their uniforms, kind of like what they do for school pictures and then when we get the pictures, we can send them home, so you'll see me in my uniform in a picture before we see each other," he explained.
"That's alright. For now, I quite enjoy the mental images I have of you," she grinned, "though I'm not used to talking about this."
"I know. You never talk like this, but I'm liking the change," he grinned, "got any other fantasies you wanna tell me about?"
"Not while we're apart," she muttered.
Puck grinned, "oh yeah? How about tomorrow night? You know, Halloween is coming up; perfect time to buy some costumes."
"Noah," she groaned, rubbing her forehead, "it's not fair to do that while you're not here and..." She stopped and actually was curious what he was thinking because her mind was jumping around at various ideas.
"... and what?" Puck raised a curious eyebrow, knowing exactly why she stopped, "are you thinking about what I'm getting at? 'Cause there are a lot of ideas I've got and would love to see you in a few specific costumes."
Rachel took a deep breath, "Noah, can we please talk about this when you get home."
"Oh we will," he replied with a grin, "we so will."
...
Thursday morning arrived and though Puck missed his girlfriend sleeping next to him, he did manage to sleep, and the butterflies and nerves he had from the day before seemed to be gone as he waited to go in and talk to the counselor. Out of the nine other guys and the six girls there from the day before, one of the girls and two of the guys failed their physicals, so they couldn't join, so it was down to Noah and twelve others.
Being passed onto the next phase, Puck talked to a service counselor. They discussed what he was getting into, his personal life, his marital status and other questions they needed answers for. She was impressed by his scores on the test he'd taken in August and had many jobs open he fit into, and there was an opening for Master-at-Arms field with perfect timing for him to leave for boot camp in late June, so he took it and after a little more discussion about other details, including the fact that he would start out as an E-2 (enlisted sailor, second step, instead of the first step where most start at), he moved off to the room where he'd be sworn in, finding Keystone there waiting for him.
The room had wood paneling for walls with large service plaques around the room and against one wall were several flags sitting behind a small podium where the officer would stand. Puck and the others in the room were waiting for the other applicants to finish up so they could all be sworn in at the same time.
Looking at his watch he saw what time it was and pulled out his phone, texting his girlfriend with, "so I was thinking about a doctor/nurse? *wink*" and hit the send button; he knew it was lunch time at McKinley, so she would be sitting with their friends, thoroughly embarrassed at his message, so he sent a few more, "how about damsel in distress/knight in shining armor?" "Or be cop/robber." "Batman and cat woman?" "Oh! What about Danny and Sandy #2?"
"What does he keep texting you?" Kurt asked, reaching for Rachel's phone when he saw her red face while she stared at her phone.
Before Rachel realized what had happened, Kurt was reading her most recent text messages, "Kurt, I can..."
"Oh! You're trying to figure out what to be for Halloween? Awesome! I want to throw a party," Kurt admitted, "and that's so cool that you two want to match," he added.
Rachel blushed and nodded, taking her phone back, "we can't seem to agree on anything; I thought of Romeo and Juliet, but he turned that one down," Rachel said, trying to go along with the Halloween costume idea.
Finn and Jessica exchanged glances and Finn took out his phone, casually snapping a photo of Rachel's red face and added it to a text message to his brother with the words, "Kurt snagged Rachel's phone and thinks you're texting Rachel about costumes for Halloween. Why do I have a feeling you're not?" in it and sent it to Puck.
Puck smirked at Finn's message and picture of a very embarrassed looking Rachel and replied with, "because I'm not, LOL. She started it last night when I talked to her on the phone." He then wrote a message to Rachel, "love you, babe! Getting sworn in now. See you in a few hours!" He sent it quickly and slipped it into his pocket, knowing it was almost time.
A higher ranking enlisted sailor came into the room and began calling all of the applicants forward, so Puck moved a few steps to the center of the room and lined up, evenly spaced with the others as they waited and after just a few moments, the enlisted sailor that had been assisting them called out, "applicants, attention!"
All of them snapped to attention and a captain walked in and over to the podium with the flags behind him. He allowed them to shift into parade rest; feet shoulder width apart, hands on top of each other, resting on the small of their back. The officer spoke to them, explaining that after the oath, they would all go into another room and sign their contracts, but before they could do that, they needed to be sworn in. Once he was sure that no one had any questions, he asked for all of them to raise their right hand and repeat after him, so Puck did as requested, following the man's words to a 'T'. "I, (Noah Aaron Puckerman), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God (2)."
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Underlined text is from Glee's 1x20 - Theatricality, which actually should be 1x21.
References (remove spaces):
1. ( en . wikipedia . org/ wiki/ United_States_Military_Entrance_Processing_Command )
2. ( en . wikipedia . org/ wiki/ Oath_of_enlistment )
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A/N4: I hope you guys enjoyed! Let me know what you think! It's official. Puck is now a sworn sailor of the military. I've waited a long time to get into this part of the story and I'm glad it's finally here. I promise I won't pile on the military stuff, but I'll explain it so you guys understand what's going on.
A/N5: I'm sooooo sorry it's been almost three weeks since I updated last. I feel really bad. I've just been so busy and working on other fics I have going that time just got away from me. I updated 'Starlight' and now 'Out of the Blue'. I promise I didn't forget you.
A/N6: I've been watching the Glee episodes, even though the Finn/Rachel scenes makes me gag, but tonight's episode 'Never Been Kissed' was really good. I so knew that about Karofsky! I never said anything because I figured people would think I'm crazy, but I'm so glad I was right! I'm happy that Puck is back; that whole storyline is BS and I felt bad for him when he was in Figgins' office with Will and his probation officer, but I hope things work out so we can have Puckleberry in season 3. Puck/Rachel and Mark/Lea need to make beautiful babies together and Puck and Rachel NEED SCENES TOGETHER and Mark/Lea need to be PHOTOGRAPED TOGETHER! Okay, lol, enough Glee rants from EJ, lol. Mark's album 'Pipe Dreams' is AMAZING and there will be a few songs of his featured in 'Starlight' and also here in 'Out of the Blue'.
A/N7: I'm on Twitter as EJ8302. When I go to Seattle I tweet the SCCA and also post pictures of places I go, so add me and let me know you're following me so I can add you to my 'reader' list and it's also a way for you to write me. I sometimes tweet about fics or well real life, so add me!
A/N8: I'm thinking about setting up my own website; mostly to post my fics on: an archive that works if LJ or FF is down (which seems to happen about once a month). I'd still post them here, too, but I'd love to have my own website, but I'll only start one up if people would be interested in checking it out. Let me know what you think.
Note about my mom: October 29th, mom finished her last external radiation locally and on the 5th of November we went to Seattle for her first internal radiation treatment. It's a long process; the first day longer than normal, about 5 hours, so while she was at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), I drove out to Ballard 'Ethan's Town' and went to the locks, Golden Gardens and did some stuff I wanted to do; giving me a chance to relax; sight-seeing and driving relax me, so I had fun even if it was overcast and kind of raining. She had her next appointment on the 8th and it wasn't as long, but I still had about three hours, so I got some neat pictures of the Space Needle and went back out to the Golden Gardens in Ballard and got some awesome pictures. She's been feeling ill, still like she was before, but after Friday it was bad; enough that her doctor on Monday (the 8th) told her they didn't have to go through with the treatment if she didn't feel up for it, but she did go through with it. She's on some new meds to help settle her stomach and is feeling better. Her doctor is still looking at a 100% recovery and her tumor is an eight of the size it was when they started, so it's almost gone! That is amazing news! I'm doing alright. I am writing (I have two more Puckleberry fics in the works to post soon) and with work and taking care of errands for mom, I'm keeping busy. Your comments, prayers, thoughts, everything, mean so much to us! I am really sorry that it's been so long since I last posted, but I hope that will change, soon... When you guys see teal, think of us; that's the color for cervical cancer and January is cervical cancer awareness month, so I'm trying to come up with ways to celebrate; the SCCA wants to know. Do you have any? Hugs to all! Thank you and love you!
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