Disclaimer: I don't own Glee.
Guys, I'm sorry I'm such an asshole on updating this fic. I'm just really freaking out about going into my SENIOR year of school. Holy shit. I'm almost done, guys. So close. Unlike this story (which I am adamant on NOT abandoning. I will finish this story-there's no mystery to that).
A lot has happened since I last updated... I mean, the world is changing out there. First off, R.I.P Cory Monteith. He was a great guy and a talented actor/singer. He will be missed. Secondly, I got a pet cat who (as of right now) keeps biting my leg and scratching my arms. I think it hates me. Thirdly, I'm screwed when school starts because I have NOT even started my summer assignments for my AP classes. Lastly, because so much madness is happening in the world right now. Shit's cray.
Anyways, sorry for the long-ass author's note. I hope you enjoy the update! :D
"Alright let's gather 'round," Mr. Schuester said, anxiously strolling into the choir room.
The club quieted down and he sighed, taking a seat in front of the grand piano.
"Sorry I'm late, I was with Principal Figgins and it turns out," he said. "Puckerman's in juvie."
"It really was just a matter of time," Tina blatantly said.
Quinn frowned. She had known about Puck getting thrown into juvie earlier in the morning. But upon her boyfriend's request, she'd still gone to school after he'd told her not to say anything.
It seemed that the message of secrecy didn't get across.
"What did he do?" Mercedes asked.
"He drove his mother's Volvo through the front of a convenience store and drove off with the ATM."
All eyes turned to Quinn. The blonde straightened up.
"What? Don't look at me like that! I may be dating him but even I can't dictate what he can or can't do."
Despite her statement, Quinn hid her face slightly.
"Well," Rachel sighed. "When is he getting out?"
"That's unknown for now," Mr. Schuester said.'
Brittany laughed. "He may be the dumbest person on earth and that's coming from me."
Half of the group laughed at once.
"Guys, can we not look at the negative?"
"What? For a guy that took care of his own needs before the team?" Finn questioned. "We need his voice and his bad boy stage presence!"
"How? To save ourselves from further embarrassment?" Santana asked.
"No, look at it as an opportunity to welcome our newest member: Sam Evans."
Mr. Schue shook the blonde kid's hand.
"Hello everybody, I'm Sam."
Anne's lips turned up a bit. It was the same boy that had spoken to her on her first day at McKinley. She'd overheard Finn complaining to Rachel how he had taken Finn's spot as Quarterback on the football team.
"I am... And I don't like green eggs and ham."
Anne fought to remain composed. He didn't seem like such a smooth talker now that he actually opened his mouth.
"Wow, he's got no game." Santana stated.
"Okay!" Finn exclaimed, jumping out of his seat to break the ice.
"So, any idea who you're going to duet with?" Rachel asked Anne.
The younger girl shook her head. "I- I'm not sure yet. I mean, what do I do, just walk up and ask them?"
Rachel nodded. "Yeah, there's no big deal in asking." She grabbed two bottles of water and handed one to Anne.
Anne took it graciously, holding her tray as she followed Rachel to the lunch table.
"I'm just... I don't know," Anne shrugged. "And then you have to labor on a song that fits the both of you and I-"
"Anne!" Rachel exclaimed, laughing. "Look, I get that sharing a composition may be hard at first but duets are a lot of fun. It's almost like... Like a push and pull feeling."
Rachel smiled, thinking back to the first time she had sung a duet with Jesse. Their voices had meshed together so perfectly, the dynamic moving back and forth in a way that was practically indescribable. Although she was a bit biased considering she was in love with Jesse. When she sang with Finn, it was also endearing. She did have to admit that Hudson could sing.
"Duets are fun. Trust me, when you find that right person to duet with, you'll know."
Anne let out a held breath, shaking her head. "If you say so..."
"Please, I know so," Rachel said, smiling.
"Jesse! Wait up!"
Jesse turned, his hands gripping his duffel bag as Grant ran to catch up with him. They were currently in the airport parking lot, desperately trying to locate Jesse's aunt.
"Well, if you'd walk a bit faster..." Jesse fished, smiling.
His brother caught up with him. "Don't be an ass. You're lucky I even volunteered to wait for you while our aunt picks up a few party essentials."
"Whatever."
"Anne's going to be glad to see you," Grant mused.
"Yeah, how has she been, anyway?" Jesse asked.
"Good. Rachel's definitely helping her break out of her shell," Grant scratched the back of his head. "How long are you staying?"
"Just for the weekend. I wouldn't miss our uncle's birthday now, would I?"
"Wouldn't expect you to, the guy is a rockstar."
Grant paused, contemplating his own words.
"Well, a retired rockstar."
Jesse rolled his eyes, yawning slightly. College was busy and as much as he wanted to say it wasn't killing him, it was. He didn't have time for much these days. All of his days consisted of classes, homework, and theatre rehearsals. He'd been lucky enough to get a main role in one of UCLA's productions. However, the work was just as demanding as Vocal Adrenaline rehearsals.
In fact, college was just high school times a hundred. Everything was amped.
He felt a pang of guilt, remembering Rachel. He hadn't contacted her in weeks and he knew that she was probably freaking out and assuming the worst. If he hadn't had also lost his phone a week ago, he would've tried to call or text her or something. Skyping hadn't been an option what with Rachel never logging on in the first place.
A honking in the distance broke his reverie and he smiled, waving to his aunt.
It felt good to be home.
"You want to sing 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'?" Rachel asked Finn over the phone. There was a rustle on the other end before he responded.
"Yeah- It's a nice duet."
There was a small pause before he spoke again.
"Besides, I know that things have been a bit awkward between us since the whole Jesse fiasco and I wanted to show that things don't have to be like that. I get it. You moved on to him."
"Finn," Rachel sighed, running a hand through her hair. After a second of contemplating, she bit her lip. "Am I selfish?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"It's just..." she twiddled her fingers. She wondered if it was appropriate to discuss Jesse's absence with Finn. They may have never properly dated but that didn't mean she was ready to be best-friends with him after moving on.
"Well... I mean, it's pretty obvious that I don't think about other people much. Just look what I did to Sunshine."
He chuckled. "Rachel, I think that's just a part of who you are."
"What?" she asked.
"You're pretty ambitious and yeah, sometimes you don't think things through all the way. I mean, I have to admit that used to tick me off sometimes... Sometimes it still does and-"
"Finn!" she exclaimed. "You're point?"
"My point is that it's who you are. You do have tendencies to be selfish but when selflessness is needed you always pull through. I mean, you fixed the damage done with Sunshine and I can see that you're helping out Jesse's sister."
Rachel pursed her lips. "Thanks, Finn."
"No problem," he said. "And we're going to smoke this competition and get coupons to Breadstix. We'll go as friends."
Rachel wanted to agree but paused shortly. If she really wasn't selfish as Finn saw her, then maybe it was time to let others win and take the spotlight. Besides, she was pretty sure she'd be getting a solo for every competition and it was the least she could do. Besides, Breadstix was a tad bit overrated when it came to dinner venues in Lima.
"Actually, I have another idea."
"What is it?"
She smiled. "I was thinking that we should throw the competition. Let the new kid win so he'll stay."
There was a momentary lapse before he responded, "Yeah... That's actually a pretty good idea, Rachel."
There were two things that Anne St. James was uncertain of at the moment and they were A) getting a duet partner and B) building up guts to ask somebody in the group to be said partner.
She couldn't muster up the courage to actually talk to one of her peers. Shutting her locker, she sighed in frustration only to come face to face with Sam.
Her eyes widened.
"Hey- Anne, right?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yes. Can I help you?"
Way to sound like a jerk... she thought silently.
"Actually, yes. I was kind of hoping if you'd meet me after school in the science room?"
She blinked. "Um, sure..."
Sam seemed satisfied. "Cool. See you there."
That was how she found herself alone in a classroom with the new Glee kid. He had brought a guitar and Anne wondered if maybe she should've brought something too. She didn't exactly play an instrument but she hated being that girl who was kind of left out.
"I love astronomy," Sam stated, moving to look at the displays. "There's something about space that makes my problems seem kind of small."
She bit the inside of her cheek to avoid retorting that that was just how space worked. It was infinite and kind of frightening.
He pointed to a red display. "That one's Venus. The planet of love."
Anne smirked slightly. "That's Mars actually. The planet of war."
He smiled nonetheless. It seemed like Sam was always in a good mood. It was refreshing.
"And which one are we on?" his voice seemed to drop an octave, the mood in the room shifting suddenly.
Anne cleared her throat. "Earth." she stepped around the desk, running a hand through her brown hair. "Did you ask me to come here because you want to sing a duet with me or...?"
Sam smiled again, nodding. "Actually, I did." He bent down and swooped up his guitar. "We'll start off with the choreography."
Anne watched him cautiously.
"Singing will be easy so I'll just start playing," he said, beginning to lightly strum the guitar, the sounds of the chords echoing slightly in the room.
"And now get behind me," he instructed. Anne rolled her eyes. "Get behind me," he persuaded again. She kept her lips shut, trying not to smile and failing as she did as she was told. "Good now grab my hips," he said.
Anne let out a choked laughter.
"Come on and we'll start swaying."
She shook her head as he kept strumming away. Suddenly, he ceased as he looked at her squarely. "Now here's the cool part... Do you know how to play?"
Anne swallowed and shook her head. They were pretty close. Close enough that she could feel his body heat.
Like space, there was frightening feeling at the pit of her stomach.
"Give me your hand," he instructed again. "It's pretty easy."
Hesitantly, she did as told. Her heart beat picked up when he gently grabbed her hand. She couldn't deny that it felt kind of nice. Well, nice and scary.
He murmured something about finger placements but she vaguely paid any attention, moving them stiffly back and forth as he said. Daringly, she looked up from her hand locked eyes with him.
Sam stopped strumming as they kept their eyes locked. Before she knew it, she saw him lean in.
Oh god. She thought.
She felt his breath span her face and that was all it took for her to pull back, her eyes blinking. "No... I can't. I'm sorry."
Sam shook his head. She could tell he was kind of hurt by her rejection and it wasn't her intention to her hurt him but she couldn't fall for another boy. Not so soon. Not so easily.
"Look, Anne-" Sam said, feeling guilty for almost kissing her.
She shook her head, grabbing her bag. "I have to go. This was huge mistake."
"Wait-" she heard Sam say.
Rachel yawned and rubbed her eyes. It seemed that science really wasn't a strong suit of hers considering how long it had taken her to finish up the homework. Nonetheless she had done it along with giving Finn the idea of throwing a competition for the sake of her team.
She sighed, pulling her hair up into a bun. There was a knock on her bedroom door. Her eyebrows scrunched together from puzzlement. It was so late at night- she'd been sure her dads were already in bed.
She pulled open her bedroom door and gasped, her hands covering her mouth. It hadn't been either of her dads. It was Jesse.
"Hey Rach," he said, smiling.
She blinked before launching herself into his open arms. He grasped her tightly to him, taking in the feeling of her being in his arms. Her warmth was radiating. It was comforting. She was his home.
"I missed you so much," she said. Her voice was slightly muffled as she buried her face in his shoulder.
"Me too, me too," he said softly.
A few seconds passed by before he felt her stiffen and draw back quickly. He frowned.
"Rach?"
"Why haven't you answered any of my calls? Or texts?" she asked.
"I lost my phone a week ago," he said. "Not to mention UCLA has been kicking my ass. I've been trying to keep up with my classes and I got a lead role in a production for their theatre." he gave her a look. "I really am sorry. I know you must've been thinking the worst case scenarios."
She shook her head. "I was, actually." Despite her tone, her grimace dissipated and she smiled. "I really did miss you."
"You have no idea how much I missed you," Jesse said, smiling. He leaned and she met his lips halfway, smiling into the kiss.
Rachel pulled away later, her eyes sparkling. She reached down and grasped his hands tightly in hers. She gave him a mischievous smile.
"I think it's time I gave you a proper 'welcome home' greeting."
His eyebrow arched. "Oh?"
She nodded, pulling him into her bedroom and shutting her door quickly, a giggle emanating from her.
Anne stared, her mouth slightly open as Rachel and Finn finished singing Born Again.
Nobody clapped. How could they? It...
"Do I even need to say it?" Mercedes stated.
Sam shifted beside her. "Yeah- that was really rude."
"But like, really rude." Tina seconded.
Anne watched as Rachel's jaw dropped. She seemed offended. If anything, it seemed like she had done it on purpose.
"I seriously wanted to punch both of you," Quinn said.
Mr. Schuester shook his head. "I have to agree. It's a great duet but what you guys did with it was really inappropriate. Your costume choice was, frankly, a little insensitive and I'm really disappointed in the two of you."
Finn shook his head. "Are you serious?"
"What?" Rachel demanded.
"I'm-" Finn started, stuttering.
"Shocked." Rachel said for him. Anne raised her eyebrows. Something was definitely off about it but from what she'd gathered of Rachel over the past couple of weeks was to never question her ideas.
"We're shocked and we hope this doesn't cost us the competition," Rachel said, moving to find her seat. Finn followed suit and Mr. Schuester sighed.
"Well, getting back on track, who's next?"
Anne gulped and stood up with Sam.
"Alright." Mr. Schuester said, taking his seat again.
Sam had apologized for almost kissing her and shortly after, she'd reluctantly agreed to sing a duet with him. She was still edgy about it all but she figured that they should move past it. After all, they were both newbies to the group and it seemed like they had something to prove even if neither really verbally acknowledged it.
"Okay, I just wanted to say that I'm really excited and that I couldn't have asked for a better partner," Sam said, glancing briefly at Anne.
She smiled small as Sam started strumming his guitar.
Do you hear me, I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying...
He smiled coyly at her and her heart pattered. There was a slight fluttering in her stomach that made her uneasy. But there was something about him-something that she just couldn't say no to.
Boy, I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
She smiled back at him, moving around him. She did a quick turn around, their eyes meeting again.
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard...
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Their feet moved accordingly, their voices syncing and meshing. Somehow the world seemed to fall away and all that was left was just the two of them singing. She knew it was a bad idea. But he was different. She could tell.
They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you, I promise you, I will
Sam watched in awe as Anne sang next to him. Being the new kid was hard. Hell, being a teenage guy in general was hard. He also hadn't had much experience with the girls and approaching the tiny brunette hadn't been simple. He'd seen how shy she acted but there was something in her eyes that intrigued him from the moment he saw her. She was like this box that held secrets. She was tempting and she, unknowingly, had him hooked.
He just had to have her.
Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home someday
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
The group clapped and Anne glanced down at her and Sam's joined hands. She hadn't really noticed but somewhere along the way he must've grabbed her hand. Or maybe she had done it, she wasn't exactly certain.
Blinking, she wiggled her hand free from his, ignoring the pleasant shiver that ran up her arm at their skin-to-skin contact.
She bit her lip. This is a very, very bad feeling.
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Drop a review and let me know!
I wasn't sure how to approach the whole Sam/Anne relationship and I (personally) would like to see more of it but let me know if you guys would like them together or if I should just let it fizzle. I just didn't want Quinn/Sam since in my story-universe Quinn and Puck are together and have Beth. I do think that more of Anne's story could be better described through a potential relationship with Sam but let me know if it's a yay or a nay on your part! Thanks guys!
-Fanatic4Fiction :)