In This Song [2/?]
Title: In This Song
Fandom: Glee
Pairing(s): Puck/Rachel
Word Count: 3674
Summary: It's different in this song. Jr year and a clean slate for Glee Club. Unfortunately, clean slate's can never last because this year, like last, has secrets, lies, love triangles and more...
Disclaimer: Don't own Glee
Twilight Zone
They file into the Choir Room at 3:30pm that first day of school chattering happily to everyone about their holidays and such, only to stop when they see Mr Schuester with his face in his hands sitting on one of the chairs. They exchange worried looks with each other, fearing that Figgins had done as he had promised and cut Glee Club.
Contradicting their fears, Mr Schue looks up to his students with a grin. "Welcome back New Directions!"
He laughs and the rest of them join in continuing to ask the teacher how he was and if he had enjoyed his holiday. Making his way to the front, he says, "All right, all right, settle down everyone." He calms everyone and they all scurry around to sit. "So," he can't help but grinning, "we're working our way to Sectionals. Now, just because you guys won last year doesn't mean you can slack off."
"But we kicked their butts last year!" Finn shouts out.
"Even after we had to come up with different songs!" Mercedes adds. Everyone expresses their agreement.
"You've forgotten that this year our Set List won't get leaked out." Mr Schue's eyes can't help but stray in Brittany's direction. "And I heard a rumour that we are going to be against different school glee clubs. Possibly Vocal Adrenaline."
They all hush down in melodramatic shock. Vocal Adrenaline was their worst found enemy. They had won Nationals for what seems like a million years. After winning Nationals again last year, even after their coach, Shelby Corcoran, resigned and moved away with her new adopted daughter and leaving Vocal Adrenaline searching for a new outstanding director, they now had won a million and one times.
"However, you have forgotten that their lead has graduated," a voice says. They all turn their attention away from Mr Schuester to Rachel who walks into the Choir Room. "Jesse St James has started the new school year at Julliard -"
"How do you know where he goes to school now?" Brittany inquires, confused.
"Isn't it obvious, she's a stalker so she just followed him there," Santana snickers.
"That's enough Santana," Mr Schuester tells her strictly.
"As I was saying, I know he goes to Julliard now because it's where that is where all aspiring stars go," she explains. "And while I was on holiday I ran into Jesse in France -"
"Does this story have a point?" Kurt interjects impatiently.
Rachel breathes a sigh of annoyance. "He gave me some dirt on Vocal Adrenaline."
They all perk up, even Mr Schuester, and proceed to listen intently to Rachel - for the first time ever they're interested in what she had to say.
"He was sorry for what he did and wanted to repay me. So, he told me that their new male lead is Ryan Green. It is traditional for the former lead to choose the next person to replace them." She gives her teammates a maniacal smirk. "Jesse admitted to me that Ryan is mediocre at singing and if he ever gets nervous, he can't tell the difference between right and left."
"So why did St Douche pick this Ryan kid?" Finn asks.
"His name is Jesse," Rachel corrects. "And… maybe he wants us to win Nationals this year; or maybe he wants to be able to tell reporters in his approaching future of fame and fortune that he was the essence of Vocal Adrenaline, so - naturally - the club met it's downfall due to his departure. I'm leaning toward the second option. That was the good news," she continues. "The bad news is that their new Coach is called Ms Monica. And she's… well, let's just say she's the Sue Sylvester of choreography."
Mercedes and Kurt theatrically gasp in terror. They were once on Sue Sylvester's Cheerio Squad (Kurt had had to resign to play in football once again) and knew of her strict training. If Vocal Adrenaline's Coach was anything like the blond-haired demon then they were doomed.
Tina clamps a hand over her mouth while Artie hides away in his wheelchair; Puck and Finn's eyes shoot up in horror; Matt and Mike shiver, both thinking about a Sue Sylvester doppelganger running around Lima; the two Cheerios and the ex-Cheerio gape at each other.
"So you see, we need to step up our game," Mr Schuester advises them, though he too was still shaken up about the news he had heard. "No slacking off."
"Plus, I think we should put more effort in our choreography," Rachel adds. "Ms Monica is apparently fantastic with creating dance steps, but very weak in spotting off-tune notes."
"Thank you for telling us this Rachel."
Rachel smiles then sits down in an empty seat next to Kurt. He tugs at her cardigan then whispers something to her and she cringes before nodding.
"So, we should get straight to business. Now, I don't want to hold auditions for newcomers yet because all of the students need to cool off from summer and get used to the early hours of school. So, here is your next challenge."
He starts walking to the whiteboard at the back of the room. Everyone groans at the mention of challenge. On the first day back, this isn't really what they want to be doing. In truth, most of them just want to talk to their friends and relax a little whilst jamming out on meaningless songs for the fun of it because soon, drama was going to sprout in glee - they were sure of it.
Babygate, anyone?
Their teacher writes one word: BANDS.
"Mr Schue." Brittany raises her hand as their teacher turns around. "That's not how you spell ballad."
They can't help but chuckle at Brittany's words. She had been away most of the summer on holiday with Santana and her family and it was good to have her back again, ignorance and all.
"No Brittany, I'm talking about music bands," Mr Schuester explains. "More specifically: rock, pop, heavy metal, alternative bands."
Tina smiles ear to ear thinking Evanescence; Artie, Puck and Finn all smile thinking of jamming out on their guitars/drums; Matt and Mike high-five; Quinn giggles at how enthusiastic her boyfriend is; all three divas: Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel scowl at the idea.
Rachel raises her hand and says (without even being called on, so what was the point of even raising her hand?), "Mr Schue, I fail to see what this has anything remotely to do with what I said -"
"The truth is, it doesn't," Mr Schuester puts simply. Rachel is now livid. "This is your first Glee task and I want you to enjoy it, which I know most of you -" he raises an eyebrow at Kurt, Mercedes and Rachel, "- will. It must be those genres but you can have any pairing. Solo, in groups, duets, etc." The teacher raises his hands before his students can get too carried away with their latest task. "But, before you all get to planning, how about a run of 'Don't Stop Believin''?"
Never let it be said that Will Schuester didn't know his audience because sure enough, Kurt, Mercedes and Rachel quickly dropped their foul mood to perform.
…
There's this supposed 'Girl Code' signifying you cannot sleep with your best friend's ex-boyfriend. Every self-respecting girl knows that rule. Hell, even the lunatic Rachel Berry knows that and she didn't even have friends.
Albeit knowing, Santana had still broken the Code. She had had sex with Finn Hudson, the ex-boyfriend of the ex-Cheerio Quinn Fabray. In the new Head Cheerleader's defence, it had been compulsory to do it. If she hadn't, she would have been kicked off the Cheerleading Squad and that is her life. Without the Cheerios, her life would be incomplete.
So yes, she had slept with one of her best friends' ex-boyfriend but that was that. No romantic shit or whatever; Finn had only given in because he had felt betrayed by Rachel, who was thinking of having sex with Jesse St James at the time. Win-win for both of them.
What Santana had not been expecting was for Quinn and Finn to get back together. (Seriously, he forgave all her shitload of lying?) So now, she feels guilty. It's a strange feeling for her and she freely admits that she's never felt it before, even after slushying nerds, geeks, dorks, and not forgetting Rachel Berry.
She hates it. The feeling sucks and she feels it every time Quinn says something about her 'being a good friend' which is a load of bullshit because they were never really friends, nor will they ever be.
Santana tries to remind herself that Quinn had been the one who started it. After all, Puck had been her boyfriend (they had an on-again off-again relationship lasting two days every time at most - but when she dumped him because of his credit-score it was a real break up) and Quinn had still slept with him. But she couldn't hate Quinn. More than usual. So, all her resentment went straight to the badass bastard Puck.
The day of their second Glee Club practice, Santana and Brittany are walking down the hallway together, pinkies linked with smiles on their faces. They are the best of friends and nothing could ever tear them apart. Even halfway through the summer, when Santana had had to go with her family to Hawaii, she had brought Brittany along too. Tanning on the beach all day long with your best friend is awesome.
"This is your class," Santana says to Brittany, stopping at a classroom door. Brittany pouts at Santana, whom had to go to her Science class on the third floor. Being away for 45 minutes was bad for them too. Luckily they have their cell-phones that allow them to text all the time.
"Bye bitch," Santana says affectionately and kisses the blond on the cheek. Brittany smiles and then walks into her English classroom whilst Santana heads for the stairs.
"Sup Lopez."
She bites back a growl when she distinguishes the all-too familiar voice. "What do you want Puck?"
"You."
"Gag me." Santana scowls. "You slept with Quinn when she was dating Finn. Plus we were dating at the time too. Anyway, you're not supposed to sleep with my friends. I don't blame her - much - 'cos she's never had wine coolers in life. You on the other hand… I'm not going to be your booty-call."
"You weren't thinking that when me and… Mercedes," he finally remembers her name, "were dating last year. You even sang a song about it," he adds tauntingly, smug that Santana had been jealous when he had been dating… Wait, was her name again?
"That was last year, and I'm over you. Find someone else to be your booty-call, I don't care. Go back to your cougars."
…
"Okay guys," Mr Schuester enters the Choir Room later that day. The room is already full with the entire Club laughing and chatting enthusiastically with each other. He couldn't help but smile at the fact they were all getting along, especially after the drama that had threatened to tear them apart the previous year. "I know it's only been two days but is anyone ready to show us what they've got?"
Shockingly, Santana raises her hand. "I am, Mr Schue." Everyone stares at her in awe - except for Brittany whom was smiling evilly, knowing full well of Santana's plan.
"Okay Santana, whenever you're ready," the teacher encourages her. Santana gives a wink to Brittany then gets out of her seat to stand to perform. She had already informed the geeky guitar players, keyboardist and drummer what song she had chosen. She signals them to start playing, then smirks at Puck who sat right in the middle in the crowd of the Club.
Superstar, where you from, how's it going?
I know you, gotta clue whatcha doing
There was no doubt in everyone's mind that she was singing to Puck who was sullen but also embarrassed, just like Santana had wished.
You can play brand new to all the other chicks out here
Santana looks over the Glee girls, her eyes resting on Rachel and Quinn especially.
But I know what you are, what you are, baby
Look at you, getting more than just a re-up
Baby you, got all the puppets with their strings up
Faking like a good one, but I call 'em like I see 'em
I know what you are, what you are, baby
Santana pulls Quinn and Rachel from their seats to join in with the chorus.
Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer,
Oh womanizer, oh you're a womanizer, baby
You you you are, you you you are
Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer (womanizer)
Mike, Matt, and Finn grin, trying to hold back laughter as they watch Puck's face turn sour; Mercedes and Kurt bop along to the beat and Tina giggles with Artie; Brittany smiles proudly at her friend because Santana was doing the dance moves she had shown her (Rachel and Quinn copying the moves effortlessly from years of ballet).
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
(You) You got me going
(You) You're oh so charming
(You) But I can't do it
(You) You womanizer
Quinn sings this with a grin spreading her lips apart, much to Puck's displeasure.
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
(You) You say I'm crazy
(You) I got your crazy
(You) You're nothing but a
(You) Womanizer
Rachel twirls whilst laughing at the words everyone used to describe her: crazy.
Maybe if we both lived in a different world (womanizer, womanizer, womanizer, womanizer)
Yeah
It would be all good and maybe I could be your girl
But I can't 'cause we don't, you
Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer,
Oh womanizer, oh you're a womanizer, baby
You you you are, you you you are
Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer (womanizer)
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
(You) You got me going
(You) You're oh so charming
(You) But I can't do it
(You) You womanizer
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
Boy don't try to front
I (I) know just (just) what you are-are-are
(You) You say I'm crazy
(You) I got your crazy
(You) You're nothing but a
(You) Womanizer
Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer,
Oh womanizer, oh you're a womanizer, baby
When they finish the Club (minus Puck) give a round of applause. Santana swings an arm over Rachel and the other over Quinn and gives them both a victory squeeze and beams at them for doing an amazing performance. The two girls look flustered; Quinn smiles back at Santana sweetly and Rachel nods to her triumphantly. The three turn their attention to Puck, only to find that he was sitting there, glowering at them. The Cheerio's plan had succeeded; she doesn't think he'll be asking for a booty-call anytime soon.
"Okay, okay, everyone calm down," Mr Schuester tells them sternly, then looks at the Cheerio, "I'm sorry Santana, even though your performance was lovely, that wasn't under the genre we were aiming for."
Santana shrugs and innocently says, "Oops. Sorry teach."
…
They all file back out of the Choir Room after Glee Club practice and Rachel hurriedly catches up with Brittany, Santana and Quinn whom were all walking together with the Head Cheerleader in the middle.
"I don't understand why you got me to sing with you," Rachel says to Santana, bewildered. "You could have easily brought Brittany in to sing with you, she has obviously been with Noah as well."
"Yeah, but that wouldn't fit right," Santana says, nonchalantly. "She's been with, like, everyone. And they never meant a thing, apart from me," she adds flicking her shiny black hair back. "You, me and Quinn were the only ones in a real relationship with the jerk-bag. You know, not just kissing but we actually talked sometimes. Plus he actually liked us more than the sluts in this school."
"You must be mistaken, Noah never liked me," Rachel tells them.
"He liked you enough to choose Glee over football," Quinn says. "That means something."
Rachel stops to frown in thought while the three girls walk away. Quinn and Santana were right. Noah, bizarrely as it seems, had chosen the low-life of being in Glee over the high-reputation of being a Jock for her.
Had Noah actually liked me?
…
Instead of going home like everyone else, Rachel heads to the IT room to print off the lyrics of a song she has in mind for their Glee assignment. It would be a lie to say she doesn't want to do the task but she's supposed to set an example as the female lead and as a team player. She phones her Daddy up to tell him to pick her up a little later before going back to the Choir Room.
She could just practice the song at home but something about just being in the room - the same room where they had rehearsed until their feet were sore - is bizarrely comforting. Normally she wouldn't have songs under the genre but this song was an exception. She hooks her iPod to the speakers and she's about to play the song and start singing when she hears the door open.
"Hey." Rachel jumps and turns to see Noah standing at the door, hands stuffed in his pockets.
"Noah? What are you doing here?"
"I just, uh, wanted to say sorry," he explains. "You know, for calling you a wannabe."
"Well… this is much unexpected," she says surprised.
Noah Puckerman is apologizing? Have I entered the Twilight Zone?
"I accept your apology," she continues, "but you needn't to do that because you were right. I should want to be liked for being my big-mouthed bubbly brainy ambitious self."
"Good, 'cos I like crazy-ass Berry, not quiet-ass Berry," he smirks.
"Thank you. And please forgive me for what I said about Quinn… I wasn't thinking, I -"
Puck puts his hand up, motioning for her to stop. "Don't sweat it. I should learn to keep it in my pants once in a while."
Rachel rolls her eyes. "But also, I'm sorry for singing with Santana. It must have been mortifying for you."
Puck grins, "Not really, I just loved seeing your skirt twirl. It's a whole lot better than the Cheerio skirts, you know."
She turns red with dire embarrassment. "As long as you are here, you can help me with this song." Rachel changes the subject, eager to get away from the subject of her skirts which, apparently, were 'a whole lot better than the Cheerio skirts'.
It was a demand rather than a request. "Fine Berry, but you owe me," he grumbles and walks over to her.
"I have chosen this song," she hands him the only copy she has of the lyrics.
"Damn Berry, I had no idea you even knew this band or this song."
"So you have the lyrics memorized?" Before he can even speak Rachel presses play and the music blares from the speakers and she begins to sing.
Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when September ends
like my father's come to pass
seven years has gone so fast
wake me up when September ends
It's "Wake Me Up When September" by Green Day, a surprising choice for Rachel to make but she thinks it is appropriate as they just started a new school year. What is more surprising for Rachel is Noah actually began singing along too. Rachel beams with joy as she sings with him, noting that their voices make perfect harmony together.
here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are
Puck can't resist the chuckle that escapes his lips when Rachel begins doing some ballet steps around the room. She sees his bemused look and for a moment he thinks she's going to get huffed up and stop but instead she rolls her eyes and pulls him with her to dance.
ring out the bells again
like we did when spring began
wake me up when September ends
here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are
as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when September ends
Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when September ends
like my father's come to pass
twenty years has gone so fast
wake me up when September ends
wake me up when September ends
wake me up when September ends …
They finally finish, unexpectedly with their foreheads resting against each other with no recognition on how they got to that position.
Puck knows that if he leans down a little lower he would meet her soft lips. He also knows that Rachel is extremely aware of this but she does not move.
Only an inch further...
Puck leans in and Rachel's eyes flutter closed but suddenly snap back open and she jumps when she hears clapping.
It was from Mr Schuester who was just entering the room after hearing the end of their brilliant performance. Puck mentally curses to himself, swearing revenge on that damn teacher.
"That was amazing guys!" Mr Schue tells them. "I'm glad to see you put effort into the assignment. Especially you, Rachel. Plus, you two should do duets more often, because you make a great pair."
They both know he means it in a musical sense but they both blush and avoid eye contact.