Pieces (10/16)
Title: Pieces
Pairing: Rachel/Santana, Shelby
Length:52,788
Spoilers: Up to season 3
Summary: Rachel never expected to find out she's a werewolf, and once the reality of it sinks in, she feels like a monster. Surprisingly enough there's someone unexpected who helps her keep onto the humanity inside her.
Note: This is written for the Glee Big Bang.
Rachel sighed as she looked through the books on the shelf in the library. That morning she had realized her books were due, so the first place she headed with the library. After returning them, she had headed back to where the other books were, and that was what led to now.
She frowned as she looked at them, realizing that she had already checked them out sign, she picked up one of the only two left and looked at it. She guessed she didn't need to read them anymore, she had Shelby, but it had become part of her everyday routine, to check them out and read them.
"What are you looking at?"
Rachel jumped and spun around to see Santana looking at her. Santana raised an eyebrow at her reaction and looked down in the book in her hands.
"Werewolves?"
Rachel paled and quickly put the book away. "No, it's for class, and… and we're going over mythological creatures and I just thought I would check some out, which, surprisingly enough, the library has been over sufficient number of them for me to-"
"Rachel!" Santana said, putting her hands on mutual shoulders, making her suddenly stop talking. "Breathe."
Rachel nodded. "I'm breathing," she said in Santana left.
"Good, and it's for class, that's all you had to say."
Rachel blushed and nodded.
"You're so cute when you do that," Santana whispered softly and Rachel almost didn't hear her. But she did, and she decided not to say anything about it. "Anyway, sit with me, Britt, and Q."
"Okay," Rachel said, knowing it'd be pointless to say otherwise. She follows sent him to the table, where Quinn and Brittany were sitting. Brittany looked up and waved at her.
"Hi Rachy!" She said loudly and Quinn, who'd been doing homework, jumped at the sudden outburst.
"Brittany, it's the library," Quinn said softly and Brittany smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry."
Queen smiled and looked up at Rachel. "Hey Rachel."
Rachel gave both of them a small wave as she sat down in front of Quinn, with Santana sitting in the chair next to her.
"Hello Quinn, and hello to you too Brittany."
Brittany smiled and Rachel watched as soon the three of them started talking together. She felt a little out of place, but she didn't mind. As long as they were paying attention to each other instead of her, everything was fine. It was better that way.
"Q, you guys are going to go down, right Britt?"
Brittany smiled and nodded. "Santana and Mercedes are really good," Brittany said and Quinn rolled her eyes.
"Don't get so cocky, we're pretty good, right Rachel?"
Rachel blinked. "What?"
Quinn frowned. Usually, Rachel would jump at the chance to talk about Glee, but then again, Rachel had it been her usual self.
"I said we're pretty good," Quinn repeated.
"Oh, yes, I suppose so."
The three others frowned at the lack of enthusiasm in Rachel's voice. To be honest, Glee had been the last thing on Rachel's mind for a while. She didn't even remember what they were doing now.
"Speaking of Glee," Quinn said, "you've been really out of it in there lately. Is something wrong?"
The words make Rachel pale a little. She knew Quinn was worried about her, she could tell by the way Quinn was talking and looking at her. But she still had to lie, and it hurt a little, because she was finally starting to see Quinn as a friend.
"Nothing, nothing's wrong," Rachel said. "It's just that I have a lot on my mind."
"Like what?" Brittany asked and Rachel shook her head.
"I have to go." Rachel stood up and walked away before any of them could say anything.
"What did I say?" Brittany asked frowning. "What's wrong with Rachy?"
"I don't know," Santana said, and turned Quinn. "She's been acting weird in glee."
"Yeah, I don't know why." The three frowned.
"But we'll find out, right?" Brittany asked and Quinn and Santana smiled at her.
"Hell yeah we will."
Rachel spent the rest of the day avoiding Santana, Quinn, and Brittany. She knew Santana knew where she ate, so she didn't go to the auditorium that day. Instead, she walked around the hall until she reached the classroom Shelby taught in. She peeked inside to see Shelby sitting at the desk, grading papers.
Sighing, she opened the door and walked in. Shelby looked up in surprise and watched as Rachel walked to one of the desks and collapsed in it. Rachel groaned and slammed her head down on it.
"Rachel, is something wrong?" Shall be asked and Rachel groaned again.
"I'm hiding," Rachel said.
Shelby looked at the door curiously and then back to Rachel. "From who?"
"Santana."
Despite how obviously distressed Rachel was, Shelby couldn't help but smile. She was glad Santana was doing more than she ever expected her to, more than she asked her to. Shelby didn't know why Santana cared so much for Rachel, and that she didn't bother trying to hide how much she cared.
"Oh," Shelby said and looked back at her papers. "Well, I think it's good that she's trying to get close to you. I think you need someone to talk to."
"Why?" Rachel groaned, hitting her head on the desk repeatedly. "Why, when I don't want anyone close to me, she shoves herself in my life and never goes away."
Shelby sighed and stood up. "First, stop that." She placed her hand on Rachel's for head stopping her from hitting her head. Rachel sighed and sat up. "Second, so it's true that you're shoving everyone away."
"I have to!" Mitchell said, looking up at Shelby. "If anyone got too close to me I could hurt them."
Shelby frowned and knelt down in front of Rachel. "Don't. Stop pushing everyone away."
Rachel frowned and looked away.
"Look at me." When Rachel did, shall be continued. "I won't let you hurt anyone."
"It doesn't matter," Rachel said. "I'm a monster and capable of easily killing someone."
Rachel looked away again. Shelby frowned and was going to say something else, Rachel spoke first.
"That's why I should Santana away, no matter how much she cares. I should because of what I am, but… I can't. I keep letting in, I keep talking to her because when she tries to reach out, it feels nice and I want to be… friends with her."
Shelby was speechless at her rant, but still, Shelby couldn't help but be happy Rachel trusted her enough to tell her this. Shelby finally knew what she was thinking and could help her.
"Shelby, what do I do?"
"I think," Shelby said with a smile, "you should let her in."
Rachel groaned again. "What if I hurt her?" Rachel asked.
"I already told you I won't let you hurt anyone."
Rachel nodded and shall be fully stood up and walked to her desk.
"Besides," Shelby said as she turned back to her papers, "she would be just for you."
Rachel didn't say anything and Shelby went back to grading papers. After a few minutes Rachel spoke again.
"She makes me feel completely human."
The words were so soft that Shelby almost didn't hear her. Shelby looked up at her and start Rachel looking toward the door, lost in thought. Shelby smiled and looked down at her papers.
Maybe Santana has been the best thing to happen to Rachel.
"You know, you really have to stop running off like that."
Rachel sighed. She had walked to her class to see Santana already there and the second she had sat down Santana leaned towards her and started talking.
"It's not like it's going to make me leave you alone."
"Trust me, Santana, I figured you wouldn't listen to me a long time ago," Rachel said and shrugged. "But that doesn't mean letting you get close was going to be easy."
Santana grinned as she looked at Rachel. "Wouldn't have it any other way," Santana said, and she really wouldn't. Rachel, no matter how hard she hit rock bottom, would never make things easy. Somehow, Santana found some confidence in that, because it meant not all hope was lost. A part of the Rachel she knew was still in there.
After class Santana won't Rachel to her class again before going to her own, and Rachel thought it was kind of sweet. However, as she walked in she saw Finn on the other side of the hall, glaring at her. Rachel quickly looked down and walked into class.
She didn't see Finn the rest of the school day, and as she stood at her locker she didn't think she would. They haven't talked to each other since they broke up, and Rachel was surprised to find that she didn't feel as heartbroken as she should have. She closed her locker and just as she was about to leave, Finn came up to her.
"A Rachel," Finn said, except this time his usual smile was gone.
"Hello Finn." Rachel looked down, not meeting his eyes.
"Hey, what's up between you and Santana?" He asked and Rachel internally groaned.
"Nothing Finn, and even if there was, it's none of your business."
Finn frowned at the words. "But, I used to do that. I used to walk you to your classes," Finn whined, sounding like a child who lost his favorite toy.
"Exactly, you used to, but now you don't, because they aren't together anymore. Excuse me." She tried to sidestep him, but Finn blocked her.
"But we can be," Finn said quickly and Rachel frowned.
"What?"
"We can be together again, and I forgive you for breaking up with me. So, let's get back together and forget this all happened."
Rachel finally looked up at him angrily, and he took a back. He always did this. He always played victim and then try to get back together. She was sick of it, sick of being the victim, sick of being blamed for everything.
"No, Finn. We're not getting back together, and that's that."
She could yell at him so much more, but she knew he wouldn't listen. He wouldn't listen before and he wouldn't listen now.
"But we should," Finn said. "I know you love me, and I can tell you pretty enough by it, because of how you look and act now and all."
"No Finn," Rachel growled out, her hands falling into fists. "I'm not at my best right now for reasons that aren't you. I have things going on in my life that don't involve you, and they're going to stay that way."
"But Rachel-" Finn started and Rachel's wolf side was almost close to coming out and attacking Finn. Luckily, Finn got interrupted before he could say anything else.
"Dude, back off."
Finn turned around and saw Puck coming up to him.
"What the hell man? This is between me and Rachel," Finn said and Puck scowled.
"She said no, so give it a rest."
Puck walked to Rachel and stood next to her. Finn frowned and looked between him and Rachel. He opened his mouth to say something, but close it and walked away. Rachel sighed and looked up at Puck.
"Thank you."
Puck looked down at her and smiled. "No problem. I was on my way to glee when I saw him bothering you," Puck said. "A, are you going where do you want me to drive you home."
Rachel sighed and looked in the direction Finn walked off at. "I was going to stop going to glee anyway."
Rachel could feel Puck stiffen next to her and she could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to look at him. She refused to see the wide eyes and gaping mouth she was sure he had.
"And now, I really don't want to go."
"You're… not going to glee anymore?"
Rachel nodded. The last time she went was horrible, and even then she didn't want to go. She couldn't handle Finn and that everyone else only wanted her because they needed her.
"Is it because of the reason you broke up with Finn?"
Rachel looked up at him and nodded. Puck sighed.
"Well, I'm going now, Noah," Rachel said, walking away.
Puck quickly walked up to her. "Hey wait up!"
Rachel stopped and looked at Puck.
"I don't feel like going to glee either."
Rachel sighed and Puck grinned. "Wanna come over to my place to hang out?"
"Noah…" Rachel started, but Puck interrupted her.
"C'mon, Rachel," Puck said. "You don't even hang out with Kurt or Mercedes anymore."
It was true, because of Rachel's plan to push everyone away, she talked to no one. Santana was the only exception, because she was so insistent.
"I shouldn't…" Rachel started, trying to think of an excuse.
"Mel misses you," Puck said and Rachel smiled a little. Melanie was Puck's little sister, and every time Rachel came over, Melanie would follow her around. "You know she loves you," Puck said and Rachel sighed.
"You just had to use Melanie," Rachel said lightly, grinning at Puck. "You know I can't say no to her."
Puck grinned back and touched her shoulder with his. "So…" He said and Rachel laughed lightly.
"All right," Rachel said and followed up to his car. As he drove them to his house, he talked about his family. Rachel sat back and listened because for whatever reason, the family loved her. Once they reached Fox house and went inside, it didn't take long until she was attacked by Melanie.
"A Rachel, I haven't seen you in a long time," Melanie said excitedly and Rachel smiled at her.
"Well, good thing I'm here now then."
Melanie nodded and Puck spoke up. "Hey Mel, go play with your toys or something. I need to talk to Rachel."
Melanie pouted but nodded and let go, and Rachel looked at him questioningly. Puck motioned her forward and they walked to his room. Rachel sat down on his bed while he went through his games.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Rachel asked us Puck put in a game and walked to the bed and sat down next to her.
"Are you gonna tell me what's wrong?" Puck asked and Rachel sighed.
"No," she simply said and Puck shrugged.
"Was worth a shot," he said and then turned to her. "You've been, like, ignoring everyone, except Santana."
Rachel looked away slightly. "Let me guess, you don't like that," Rachel said softly.
"It's not that," Puck said quickly. "You can hang out with whoever you want, just," Puck stopped and thought about what to say. "Just be careful, she might hurt you."
"She might," Rachel said softly. It wouldn't surprise Rachel, Santana had done it before. But now Rachel thought all of that was past them. "But she seems like she actually cares, Noah."
Puck watched Rachel looked lost in thought with a smile on her face.
"You really care about her, huh," Tuck said softly.
Rachel snapped out of her daze and looked at him. "Huh? Oh, well, sure, we're friends… I think."
Rachel frowned as she thought about it. Were they friends? Puck laughed lightly at her confused expression, and slapped her lightly on the back.
"You'll figure it out," Puck said, but Rachel didn't feel very encouraged.
"How do you know?" She asked and Puck grinned.
"Cuz you're Rachel Berry," Puck said and Rachel smiled at him.
He smiled back and handed her a controller. The rest of the day was spent playing video games, by Puck's choice. Rachel thought it was nice, spending time with Puck again, but she knew she had to push him away. Letting one person get close was one thing, but two? She couldn't let herself do that.
Pairing: Rachel/Santana, Shelby
Length:52,788
Spoilers: Up to season 3
Summary: Rachel never expected to find out she's a werewolf, and once the reality of it sinks in, she feels like a monster. Surprisingly enough there's someone unexpected who helps her keep onto the humanity inside her.
Note: This is written for the Glee Big Bang.
Rachel sighed as she looked through the books on the shelf in the library. That morning she had realized her books were due, so the first place she headed with the library. After returning them, she had headed back to where the other books were, and that was what led to now.
She frowned as she looked at them, realizing that she had already checked them out sign, she picked up one of the only two left and looked at it. She guessed she didn't need to read them anymore, she had Shelby, but it had become part of her everyday routine, to check them out and read them.
"What are you looking at?"
Rachel jumped and spun around to see Santana looking at her. Santana raised an eyebrow at her reaction and looked down in the book in her hands.
"Werewolves?"
Rachel paled and quickly put the book away. "No, it's for class, and… and we're going over mythological creatures and I just thought I would check some out, which, surprisingly enough, the library has been over sufficient number of them for me to-"
"Rachel!" Santana said, putting her hands on mutual shoulders, making her suddenly stop talking. "Breathe."
Rachel nodded. "I'm breathing," she said in Santana left.
"Good, and it's for class, that's all you had to say."
Rachel blushed and nodded.
"You're so cute when you do that," Santana whispered softly and Rachel almost didn't hear her. But she did, and she decided not to say anything about it. "Anyway, sit with me, Britt, and Q."
"Okay," Rachel said, knowing it'd be pointless to say otherwise. She follows sent him to the table, where Quinn and Brittany were sitting. Brittany looked up and waved at her.
"Hi Rachy!" She said loudly and Quinn, who'd been doing homework, jumped at the sudden outburst.
"Brittany, it's the library," Quinn said softly and Brittany smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry."
Queen smiled and looked up at Rachel. "Hey Rachel."
Rachel gave both of them a small wave as she sat down in front of Quinn, with Santana sitting in the chair next to her.
"Hello Quinn, and hello to you too Brittany."
Brittany smiled and Rachel watched as soon the three of them started talking together. She felt a little out of place, but she didn't mind. As long as they were paying attention to each other instead of her, everything was fine. It was better that way.
"Q, you guys are going to go down, right Britt?"
Brittany smiled and nodded. "Santana and Mercedes are really good," Brittany said and Quinn rolled her eyes.
"Don't get so cocky, we're pretty good, right Rachel?"
Rachel blinked. "What?"
Quinn frowned. Usually, Rachel would jump at the chance to talk about Glee, but then again, Rachel had it been her usual self.
"I said we're pretty good," Quinn repeated.
"Oh, yes, I suppose so."
The three others frowned at the lack of enthusiasm in Rachel's voice. To be honest, Glee had been the last thing on Rachel's mind for a while. She didn't even remember what they were doing now.
"Speaking of Glee," Quinn said, "you've been really out of it in there lately. Is something wrong?"
The words make Rachel pale a little. She knew Quinn was worried about her, she could tell by the way Quinn was talking and looking at her. But she still had to lie, and it hurt a little, because she was finally starting to see Quinn as a friend.
"Nothing, nothing's wrong," Rachel said. "It's just that I have a lot on my mind."
"Like what?" Brittany asked and Rachel shook her head.
"I have to go." Rachel stood up and walked away before any of them could say anything.
"What did I say?" Brittany asked frowning. "What's wrong with Rachy?"
"I don't know," Santana said, and turned Quinn. "She's been acting weird in glee."
"Yeah, I don't know why." The three frowned.
"But we'll find out, right?" Brittany asked and Quinn and Santana smiled at her.
"Hell yeah we will."
Rachel spent the rest of the day avoiding Santana, Quinn, and Brittany. She knew Santana knew where she ate, so she didn't go to the auditorium that day. Instead, she walked around the hall until she reached the classroom Shelby taught in. She peeked inside to see Shelby sitting at the desk, grading papers.
Sighing, she opened the door and walked in. Shelby looked up in surprise and watched as Rachel walked to one of the desks and collapsed in it. Rachel groaned and slammed her head down on it.
"Rachel, is something wrong?" Shall be asked and Rachel groaned again.
"I'm hiding," Rachel said.
Shelby looked at the door curiously and then back to Rachel. "From who?"
"Santana."
Despite how obviously distressed Rachel was, Shelby couldn't help but smile. She was glad Santana was doing more than she ever expected her to, more than she asked her to. Shelby didn't know why Santana cared so much for Rachel, and that she didn't bother trying to hide how much she cared.
"Oh," Shelby said and looked back at her papers. "Well, I think it's good that she's trying to get close to you. I think you need someone to talk to."
"Why?" Rachel groaned, hitting her head on the desk repeatedly. "Why, when I don't want anyone close to me, she shoves herself in my life and never goes away."
Shelby sighed and stood up. "First, stop that." She placed her hand on Rachel's for head stopping her from hitting her head. Rachel sighed and sat up. "Second, so it's true that you're shoving everyone away."
"I have to!" Mitchell said, looking up at Shelby. "If anyone got too close to me I could hurt them."
Shelby frowned and knelt down in front of Rachel. "Don't. Stop pushing everyone away."
Rachel frowned and looked away.
"Look at me." When Rachel did, shall be continued. "I won't let you hurt anyone."
"It doesn't matter," Rachel said. "I'm a monster and capable of easily killing someone."
Rachel looked away again. Shelby frowned and was going to say something else, Rachel spoke first.
"That's why I should Santana away, no matter how much she cares. I should because of what I am, but… I can't. I keep letting in, I keep talking to her because when she tries to reach out, it feels nice and I want to be… friends with her."
Shelby was speechless at her rant, but still, Shelby couldn't help but be happy Rachel trusted her enough to tell her this. Shelby finally knew what she was thinking and could help her.
"Shelby, what do I do?"
"I think," Shelby said with a smile, "you should let her in."
Rachel groaned again. "What if I hurt her?" Rachel asked.
"I already told you I won't let you hurt anyone."
Rachel nodded and shall be fully stood up and walked to her desk.
"Besides," Shelby said as she turned back to her papers, "she would be just for you."
Rachel didn't say anything and Shelby went back to grading papers. After a few minutes Rachel spoke again.
"She makes me feel completely human."
The words were so soft that Shelby almost didn't hear her. Shelby looked up at her and start Rachel looking toward the door, lost in thought. Shelby smiled and looked down at her papers.
Maybe Santana has been the best thing to happen to Rachel.
"You know, you really have to stop running off like that."
Rachel sighed. She had walked to her class to see Santana already there and the second she had sat down Santana leaned towards her and started talking.
"It's not like it's going to make me leave you alone."
"Trust me, Santana, I figured you wouldn't listen to me a long time ago," Rachel said and shrugged. "But that doesn't mean letting you get close was going to be easy."
Santana grinned as she looked at Rachel. "Wouldn't have it any other way," Santana said, and she really wouldn't. Rachel, no matter how hard she hit rock bottom, would never make things easy. Somehow, Santana found some confidence in that, because it meant not all hope was lost. A part of the Rachel she knew was still in there.
After class Santana won't Rachel to her class again before going to her own, and Rachel thought it was kind of sweet. However, as she walked in she saw Finn on the other side of the hall, glaring at her. Rachel quickly looked down and walked into class.
She didn't see Finn the rest of the school day, and as she stood at her locker she didn't think she would. They haven't talked to each other since they broke up, and Rachel was surprised to find that she didn't feel as heartbroken as she should have. She closed her locker and just as she was about to leave, Finn came up to her.
"A Rachel," Finn said, except this time his usual smile was gone.
"Hello Finn." Rachel looked down, not meeting his eyes.
"Hey, what's up between you and Santana?" He asked and Rachel internally groaned.
"Nothing Finn, and even if there was, it's none of your business."
Finn frowned at the words. "But, I used to do that. I used to walk you to your classes," Finn whined, sounding like a child who lost his favorite toy.
"Exactly, you used to, but now you don't, because they aren't together anymore. Excuse me." She tried to sidestep him, but Finn blocked her.
"But we can be," Finn said quickly and Rachel frowned.
"What?"
"We can be together again, and I forgive you for breaking up with me. So, let's get back together and forget this all happened."
Rachel finally looked up at him angrily, and he took a back. He always did this. He always played victim and then try to get back together. She was sick of it, sick of being the victim, sick of being blamed for everything.
"No, Finn. We're not getting back together, and that's that."
She could yell at him so much more, but she knew he wouldn't listen. He wouldn't listen before and he wouldn't listen now.
"But we should," Finn said. "I know you love me, and I can tell you pretty enough by it, because of how you look and act now and all."
"No Finn," Rachel growled out, her hands falling into fists. "I'm not at my best right now for reasons that aren't you. I have things going on in my life that don't involve you, and they're going to stay that way."
"But Rachel-" Finn started and Rachel's wolf side was almost close to coming out and attacking Finn. Luckily, Finn got interrupted before he could say anything else.
"Dude, back off."
Finn turned around and saw Puck coming up to him.
"What the hell man? This is between me and Rachel," Finn said and Puck scowled.
"She said no, so give it a rest."
Puck walked to Rachel and stood next to her. Finn frowned and looked between him and Rachel. He opened his mouth to say something, but close it and walked away. Rachel sighed and looked up at Puck.
"Thank you."
Puck looked down at her and smiled. "No problem. I was on my way to glee when I saw him bothering you," Puck said. "A, are you going where do you want me to drive you home."
Rachel sighed and looked in the direction Finn walked off at. "I was going to stop going to glee anyway."
Rachel could feel Puck stiffen next to her and she could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to look at him. She refused to see the wide eyes and gaping mouth she was sure he had.
"And now, I really don't want to go."
"You're… not going to glee anymore?"
Rachel nodded. The last time she went was horrible, and even then she didn't want to go. She couldn't handle Finn and that everyone else only wanted her because they needed her.
"Is it because of the reason you broke up with Finn?"
Rachel looked up at him and nodded. Puck sighed.
"Well, I'm going now, Noah," Rachel said, walking away.
Puck quickly walked up to her. "Hey wait up!"
Rachel stopped and looked at Puck.
"I don't feel like going to glee either."
Rachel sighed and Puck grinned. "Wanna come over to my place to hang out?"
"Noah…" Rachel started, but Puck interrupted her.
"C'mon, Rachel," Puck said. "You don't even hang out with Kurt or Mercedes anymore."
It was true, because of Rachel's plan to push everyone away, she talked to no one. Santana was the only exception, because she was so insistent.
"I shouldn't…" Rachel started, trying to think of an excuse.
"Mel misses you," Puck said and Rachel smiled a little. Melanie was Puck's little sister, and every time Rachel came over, Melanie would follow her around. "You know she loves you," Puck said and Rachel sighed.
"You just had to use Melanie," Rachel said lightly, grinning at Puck. "You know I can't say no to her."
Puck grinned back and touched her shoulder with his. "So…" He said and Rachel laughed lightly.
"All right," Rachel said and followed up to his car. As he drove them to his house, he talked about his family. Rachel sat back and listened because for whatever reason, the family loved her. Once they reached Fox house and went inside, it didn't take long until she was attacked by Melanie.
"A Rachel, I haven't seen you in a long time," Melanie said excitedly and Rachel smiled at her.
"Well, good thing I'm here now then."
Melanie nodded and Puck spoke up. "Hey Mel, go play with your toys or something. I need to talk to Rachel."
Melanie pouted but nodded and let go, and Rachel looked at him questioningly. Puck motioned her forward and they walked to his room. Rachel sat down on his bed while he went through his games.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Rachel asked us Puck put in a game and walked to the bed and sat down next to her.
"Are you gonna tell me what's wrong?" Puck asked and Rachel sighed.
"No," she simply said and Puck shrugged.
"Was worth a shot," he said and then turned to her. "You've been, like, ignoring everyone, except Santana."
Rachel looked away slightly. "Let me guess, you don't like that," Rachel said softly.
"It's not that," Puck said quickly. "You can hang out with whoever you want, just," Puck stopped and thought about what to say. "Just be careful, she might hurt you."
"She might," Rachel said softly. It wouldn't surprise Rachel, Santana had done it before. But now Rachel thought all of that was past them. "But she seems like she actually cares, Noah."
Puck watched Rachel looked lost in thought with a smile on her face.
"You really care about her, huh," Tuck said softly.
Rachel snapped out of her daze and looked at him. "Huh? Oh, well, sure, we're friends… I think."
Rachel frowned as she thought about it. Were they friends? Puck laughed lightly at her confused expression, and slapped her lightly on the back.
"You'll figure it out," Puck said, but Rachel didn't feel very encouraged.
"How do you know?" She asked and Puck grinned.
"Cuz you're Rachel Berry," Puck said and Rachel smiled at him.
He smiled back and handed her a controller. The rest of the day was spent playing video games, by Puck's choice. Rachel thought it was nice, spending time with Puck again, but she knew she had to push him away. Letting one person get close was one thing, but two? She couldn't let herself do that.