fic: Challenges - Part Two
Title: Challenges - Part Two
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Quinn/Alyson Tyler, Mike, Brittany, Puck, Sue, Kat Tyler, Missy Watters, Wendy Kort, Clara Lopez, Artie, Becky, other OCs
Rating: R
Summary: Rachel and Puck make a wager that coincidently allows Sue to test her Cheerios.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~16,800
Spoilers: Previous stories in this series
A/N: Follows Some Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist
Part Two
"Holy fucking shit, Rach…"
For once, Rachel doesn't try to reprimand Noah's cursing.
"I can't believe that you actually…"
For once, Rachel doesn't know what to think of the awe in Noah's voice. "I told you I could," Rachel replies.
"Well, sure, some of the pranks have been elaborate, but you always have help with those."
"I should be insulted," Rachel tells him. "As you know, I have a theater background and while performing has always been my primary creative outlet, I have engaged in backstage endeavors as well. I felt it was my duty as a performer to be well rounded."
"Yeah, but I thought you meant that you like helped paint something or whatever."
"Hardly," Rachel scoffs. "I've done load ins, light hangs, changeovers, and strikes."
"Huh?"
"I've built and taken down numerous sets."
"Does it work?" Noah asks.
"Now I am insulted," Rachel retorts. "Of course it does."
Rachel grabs a melon from the basket of melons sitting next to the base of the device. She places it in the head cradle. She walks over to the tree that has a rope tied to it. The rope is controlling the pulley that's holding the heavy blade. She unties the rope and lets the blade fall. It drops and slices through the melon with ease.
"Shit."
"You can never doubt me ever again," Rachel tells him.
"I never will," Noah assures her solemnly.
"So pay up," Rachel says as she pulls out her cell phone.
Sighing, Noah stands in front of Rachel, waiting for her to give the go ahead.
"I'm a little teapot," Noah sings. "Short and stout. Here is my handle." Noah puts his left hand on his hip. "Here is my spout." He sticks his right arm straight out. "When I get all steamed up, hear me shout. Just tip me over and pour me out." Noah leans to his right.
Rachel claps. "Second verse."
Noah sighs again, but starts singing again, hands still in position. "I'm a clever teapot, yes it's true. Here's an example of what I can do. I can change my handle to my spout." Noah puts his right hand on his hip and sticks his left straight out. "Just tip me over and pour me out." Noah tips to his left.
"Yay," Rachel cheers as she stops recording on her phone. "So awesome."
"You better not show anyone that," Noah tells her.
"Like you wouldn't have shown people if you'd won," Rachel replies.
"Yeah, but Rachel Berry doing Marilyn Monroe? No one would believe me."
"Just promise me," Rachel says. "I don't care if you're lying or not, but promise me you didn't pick that because it's some big fantasy of yours."
"It's not, Rach, I swear," Noah assures her. "Like you, I tried to pick something you'd never agree to otherwise. Right?"
"Right."
…
When Santana arrives Saturday morning, she finds Rachel in the kitchen reading the paper.
"Where's Puck?"
"Apparently he didn't want to spend the night again," Rachel replies. "I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not."
"Is he still pouting that you haven't hung out with him more this summer?" Santana asks.
Rachel shrugs. "Maybe. I don't know why, actually. Besides, he should know he could stop by anytime."
"Well there are pools to clean and cougars to defile."
"He could stop by after," Rachel replies.
"Like you want him around you when he's covered with cougar sex."
"Ewww. Hopefully he'd shower first," Rachel says.
"It's Puck, Rach, what do you think?"
…
Sunday morning, Rachel is woken up by a text at 5:45 am. It’s from Coach Sylvester. She has fifteen minutes to get ready because three guys are coming over to pick up the Halifax Gibbet. Rachel briefly wonders if Coach had to pay extra for Sunday service. Actually, knowing Coach Sylvester, she’s probably blackmailing a moving company; that seems more like her style.
At 5:55 am, Rachel is dressed in jeans, converses and a t-shirt, sitting on her front step. She’s surprised when a few minutes later, a familiar truck pulls into her driveway. The passenger door swings open and out step Ron and Billy Saunders. Rachel blinks in surprise as Tommy joins them.
“Hey Rach,” Billy Saunders greets her. “I thought this was your address.”
“What are you guys doing here?"
"Sue said she had something insane and enormous for us to pick up. And then she gave us this address."
"Interesting," Rachel says. "Well, I'll show you where it is. I hope you brought a dolly or a cart with."
…
"Holy shit," Tommy says.
The four of them are standing in front of the Halifax Gibbet. Billy's jaw has actually dropped.
"You built this?" Ron asks.
"I did," Rachel nods.
"Why?" Billy asks.
"A bet."
"Oh. Wow."
"Then why are we delivering this to Coach Sylvester?" Tommy asks.
"She wants to borrow it." Rachel shrugs. "I don't know what for."
"Huh," Ron says.
"Sometimes it's better not to ask," Tommy mutters.
They carefully load it onto the cart and wheel it to the driveway. There, they carefully push it into the back of the truck. Rachel then lays the fake blade next to it.
"We're supposed to bring you," Billy informs Rachel.
"I'll follow you," Rachel tells them. "That way I'll have a way to get home."
Tommy nods and the three brothers climb into the truck.
When Rachel arrives at McKinley, the Saunders brothers are already unloading. Rachel follows them as they push the cart into school.
It's odd to be here during the summer, Rachel thinks; even if it's a Sunday.
They stop at Coach Sylvester's office and Rachel knocks on the door.
After a moment, "Enter."
Rachel sticks her head in the office, surprised to see Becky there as well. "Where do you want this thing, Coach?"
"Becky, show them to the room."
Becky nods.
…
Rachel trails behind Becky, feeling apprehensive. Behind her, she hears the Saunders' brothers struggling with the Halifax Gibbet; it really wasn't made to travel.
They finally arrive at a door, Rachel doesn't recognize. Becky pulls out a key and unlocks it, raising Rachel's suspicions. Just when she thought Coach Sylvester couldn't surprise her anymore.
It's a small room, maybe ten by ten feet, at most. While Rachel watches, Becky directs the brothers to set up the Halifax Gibbet in the corner, farthest from the door.
Looking around, Rachel notices there's another door that has a tripod and video camera set up near it. There's a bunch of cables running underneath the door. Curious, Rachel goes to try the door.
It opens, to her surprise. On the other side of the door, she finds Artie with his head behind a small TV, sitting on a small table.
"Oh. Hi Artie."
"Oh. hey Rachel," he greets. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same of you," Rachel returns. "I'm dropping something off for Coach Sylvester."
"Oh. Is it the reason she asked me to set up this TV and camera?" he asks.
"Probably," Rachel shrugs.
"That should do it." Artie backs away from the TV and turns it on.
After a moment, an image of the other room pops up. Artie and Rachel watch as Tommy holds the cart steady while Ron and Billy slide the Halifax Gibbet onto the giant duct tape X on the floor.
"What the hell is that?" Artie asks.
"It's a Halifax Gibbet," Rachel answers. "Coach Sylvester asked to borrow it."
"What the hell is a Halifax Gibbet and why do you have one?"
"It's like a guillotine," Rachel tells him. "And I built it."
"What? Why? How?"
"Noah and I made a wager," Rachel replies. "And I don't know, I just did."
"And it works?"
"Of course it works."
"Rachel Berry, you might be my hero," Artie tells her.
"Excuse me?"
"I've been wanting to build a time machine," Artie continues. "If I can ever figure out the science, you're helping me."
"Okay," Rachel agrees slowly. "But I actually know very little about that sort of thing."
"Or something else, then," Artie says.
"Okay."
…
The five of them follow Becky back to Coach Sylvester's office. Everyone follows her in like soldiers being summoned by their superior officer.
Coach Sylvester doesn't look up when they enter. She only asks, "Is it all set up?"
"Looks good, Coach."
"Saunders," she says. "You three are dismissed."
Tommy nods. "All right then. Let's go, guys. Rachel, nice to see you again."
"You too, Tommy. Ron. Billy."
"Bye Rach." Billy gives Rachel a quick hug and runs after his brothers.
"Wheels," Coach says after all the brothers have left.
"Yeah, Coach?"
"You have that camera set up exactly as I specified?"
Artie nods.
"Berry."
"Coach."
"That contraption of yours is fully functional?"
"Of course it is Coach," Rachel answers.
"And you brought both blades?"
"You know I did, Coach."
"Fine. I expect to see you tomorrow with Lopez then."
Rachel nods.
"Dismissed."
…
When Rachel arrives home, she's hoping to just slip back into bed. It's certainly early enough that Santana will most likely still be sleeping.
Tip toeing into her room, Rachel quickly begins stripping. However, as she's pulling back to covers, Santana speaks up.
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Out. On an errand."
"Oh?"
Rachel nods as she curls into Santana.
"But you're not going to tell me where?" Santana asks.
"I can't."
"You can't?"
Rachel nods again.
Santana sighs. Rachel can feel how tense Santana is, despite their relaxed position.
"Will you tell me, eventually?"
"Yes."
"Okay then."
Rachel feels Santana relax and she tightens her hold around her girlfriend in gratitude, letting herself drift off to sleep for a few more hours.
…
Monday morning, Santana sleepily slips into Rachel's car.
"I don't understand why you want to come to another practice," Santana mumbles.
"Maybe I just don't want to be away from you for too long," Rachel replies, smiling.
"Uh huh. Whatever Berry." Santana lifts her left leg. "Now pull the other one."
…
Rachel watches practice, not really paying attention. She has her prank notebook with her, but for once, she doesn't feel like brainstorming ideas. Instead, she's content to let her mind wander as she watches the flashes of red and white flow and glide across the field as others fly through the air.
She's pretty sure she knows what Coach Sylvester is planning, but she's not sure why she needs to be there. Maybe in case something goes wrong.
Practice is almost over when Rachel senses Coach Sylvester's presence.
"Berry."
"Coach."
"You'll be the one dealing with you little device," Coach says.
"I figured as much."
"Then I'll assume you've figured out what I want to do?"
"I have a few ideas," Rachel replies. "I'm not sure I see the point, though."
"I have my reasons," Coach Sylvester says. "Besides, I do like to keep people guessing."
"Consider yourself successful," Rachel mutters.
Ignoring her, Coach Sylvester pulls out her bullhorn. "All right you pathetic excuse for athletes!" she shouts. "Get out of here and clean the failure off yourselves. Then I expect you all to be in room 166 in fifteen minutes."
Everyone staggers off the field, though a few, mostly the seniors look at Coach Sylvester in confusion since she rarely has everyone stay after. It's usually for the newbies to see how far she can push them.
Lowering the bullhorn, Coach Sylvester turns to Rachel.
"C'mon, Berry," she says. "Let's get this started."
Rachel just stands and follows Coach Sylvester down the bleachers.
…
"All right, listen up rejects," Coach Sylvester says.
All the Cheerios are gathered in the small room with the TV. It's currently off.
"As most of you know, I like to assess your mental state to make sure none of you are going to have a nervous breakdown on me this school year. I'm particularly pleased to have finally found a worthy test."
Coach Sylvester pulls out a small remote and turns on the TV. The Halifax Gibbet is on screen. Coach Sylvester pulls out a walkie talkie. "Berry, show 'em what it does."
A moment later, Rachel appears on the screen and places a small watermelon in the head cradle. She disappears from the screen and then suddenly a large blade falls, splitting the watermelon in two.
There are audible gulps going through the room.
"That's good, Berry," Coach Sylvester says. "Set up the safety blocks. You have the protective gear?"
On screen, Rachel holds up a catcher's mask and helmet.
"Good." Coach Sylvester turns to her Cheerios, blocking their view of the TV. "While Berry sets up the safety blocks, let's chat. I'm sure most of you have figured out what is about to happen, but for those of you that took the short bus here, I'll explain. You're each going to experience the Halifax Gibbet. Berry's been able to rig it that it will stop millimeters from your mask. If you can do this without wetting yourself, then you should be able handle anything I throw at you this coming year. Any questions? Good." Coach Sylvester ignores the four hands that shot up. "Who's first?"
No one movies. Several pairs of eyes shift to Quinn. As captain, she's expected to be the scapegoat for a lot of things.
"I'll go."
Shocked, everyone looks at Brittany in surprise.
"I can go first, Coach," Brittany repeats.
"Hmmm. All right, go ahead, blondie." She picks up the walkie talkie. "First victim coming through, Berry."
Everyone watches as Brittany, looking cheerful and exuberant as always, goes into the other room.
…
Everyone watches as Brittany enters the other room. There's no sound, so they can't tell what exactly Rachel is saying to the blonde as she hands over the catcher's equipment. They watch as Brittany puts it on and is led to the Halifax Gibbet. Rachel helps her lie down so her head is in the cradle. Then Rachel disappears off screen. She must ask Brittany if she's ready because the blonde nods and then gets impressively still.
And then screen goes black.
…
"Huh," Coach Sylvester says, not looking surprised. "What a shock. Our A/V equipment is faulty." She walks over to the TV and gives it a smack.
There's a quick shriek from the next room.
"Ready for the next person, Coach." Rachel's voice comes through the walkie talkie.
"All right Berry." She turns to face the rest of them. "So who's next?"
A hand shoots up and a voice asks, "Just to be clear, Coach. You want us to lie under a real blade and trust that Rachel Berry rigged it properly?"
Santana growls at the implicating tone, but doesn't speak up, trusting Coach Sylvester to say something.
"I am," Coach smirks. "If you can't handle that, you might as well leave now."
No one moves.
"So who's next?"
…
Santana goes next, knowing her trust in Rachel is the best way to defend her.
"Hey babe," Santana greets, walking into the room.
"Hi tiger," Rachel smiles. "Ready?"
Santana nods. Rachel puts the mask on her and pulls the helmet on. She leads her to the device and has her lie down.
"Don't be nervous," Rachel says.
"I trust you," Santana replies.
"I know, San," Rachel tells her. "Just relax."
Santana closes her eyes. She hears Rachel take several steps. She hears her girlfriend count to three and then the whoosh of the blade falling. The whole thing shakes with a thud and she feels something against her face. Opening her eyes, she finds a Styrofoam blade in her face and Rachel chuckling to herself. The blade disappears and she's pulled to her feet. She quickly whips off the equipment.
"So you switched the blade?"
"Of course," Rachel replies. "I'm good, but there's no need to be completely careless."
"Thank god."
"Coach just wants to know who'll step up and who won't."
Santana shakes her head. "Like she's not dangerous enough without your help."
"Maybe so," Rachel agrees. "But now she owes me two favors."
"You are the most powerful person in this school," Santana tells her.
"I know," Rachel smiles.
…
Quinn is next, looking extremely nervous. Reverting to her old insults as comfort, Rachel just ignores her, telling her to relax.
"I'll relax when I'm out of this torture device that you apparently build Man Hands," Quinn snaps.
Rachel just smirks and lets the blade drop.
…
One by one, the Cheerios reluctantly enter the room and accept the catcher's mask and helmet. Not everyone succeeds. A couple jump up before the blade can be released and two won't even lie down. Rachel wonders if the waiting has driven them crazy, because they're all being extremely timid or overly harsh, giving Rachel flashback to the beginning of sophomore year.
Wendy Kort is the eighth one to enter. Rachel has to admit she's surprised that Wendy is trying it before Missy, since she seems to always follow the other girl's lead.
"Hey Rachel."
"Hello Wendy," Rachel replies. She hands over the safety equipment.
Wendy accepts it looking worried. She puts it on and lies down under the blade.
"Ready?"
"No. But go."
Rachel chuckles and lets the blade go.
…
They're allowed to leave once they've experienced the Halifax Gibbet. Since Rachel is her ride, Santana decides to go hang out in Coach Sylvester's office and wait, since it seems to be one of the few rooms in the school actually receiving air conditioning.
"Hey Becky," Santana greets, slipping inside.
"Hi Santana. How'd it go?"
"I passed or whatever," Santana replies.
"Good."
Santana pulls out her phone to check the time when Becky speaks up again.
"Santana?"
"Yeah?"
"Rachel's like your girlfriend, right?"
"Yeah."
"She's pretty awesome."
"I agree," Santana says.
"Did she really build that thing?" Becky asks.
"Seems so."
"Do you think she'd build me something if I asked?"
"I don't know. Can't hurt to ask."
"Cool."
…
Rachel's removing the fake blade because she's finally finished when the door opens. She's surprised to see Tommy Saunders again.
"Hey, Rach."
"Hi Tommy. What brings you here?"
"Oh, Coach Sylvester wanted us to come get this thing and put it back in your yard."
"Wow, she is quick."
"Definitely," he agrees.
Billy appears a moment later with the cart with Ron trailing behind.
They quickly load the Halifax Gibbet onto the cart and Ron pushes it out with Tommy helping. Billy grabs the real blade while Rachel grabs the fake one.
"I didn't realize you guys had your own delivery company," Rachel comments as she and Billy walk through the school.
"We don't," Billy replies. "Coach Sylvester just calls us when she needs something. She knows we have a truck."
"Oh."
"She pays really well, so we really don't mind being at her beck and call."
"Fair enough," Rachel says.
Once everything's loaded, the Saunders brothers drive off towards Rachel's house, even though she told them she wouldn't be following them.
"We'll just put it back where we found it, Rachel," Tommy tells her.
"Thanks guys."
…
Rachel finds Santana in Coach Sylvester's office, watching the video with Becky and Coach Sylvester. Having experienced it, she's not really interested, but she can tell her girlfriend is amused.
"I'm disappointed in you Santana," Rachel announces, entering.
"What? Why?"
"Because you weren't first," Rachel replies. "Did you not trust me?"
"What? Of course not," Santana says. "I just… I was caught off guard."
"Uh huh," Rachel says. "Well, at least Brittany trusts me."
"She's got a point, Lopez," Coach Sylvester adds. "Your nicer blonde BFF trusted Berry."
"Hey, I went second."
"Oooh, second."
"Whatever."
"I'm going now, Coach," Rachel says. "I helped the Saunders brothers lead it up and they're heading back to my house."
"Perfect. I owe you one, Berry," Coach Sylvester says. "This has been my best test yet."
"Yeah, maybe next time you can tar and feather 'em," Santana quips.
"Hmmm," Coach Sylvester thinks. "Maybe."
…
"So is this what you were doing yesterday morning?" Santana asks as Rachel drives back to her house.
"It was."
"But you weren't allowed to tell?"
"Of course not," Rachel replies. "You know how important the element of surprise is."
"Hmph. I don't see what I couldn't have had a small heads up."
"It wouldn't have been fair," Rachel says.
"Life isn't fair," Santana retorts.
"I am well aware, Santana," Rachel replies. "But I promised I wouldn't and I keep my promises."
…
This week Kat wants to go the history museum. Rachel assumes it's related to the creation in her backyard that Kat was fascinated by the week before. Rachel doesn't mind; she likes Kat's enthusiasm and she can admit that history has become more interesting to her lately, as well.
…
Mike and Rachel are watching TV after Rachel dropped Kat off at her house. Rachel keeps glancing over at Mike. He hasn't said anything about his date last week and she's dying of curiosity.
"So?"
"What?" Mike asks.
"Your date last week. How'd it go?"
"Oh. Pretty good."
"That's it?" Rachel asks. "Just pretty good?"
"Yeah. I mean, we had a nice time and since the summer's almost over and she's going to school soon, we're just going to hang out and have fun."
"So no more dates?"
"No," Mike replies. "They're still dates. But we're keeping everything causal."
"Hmmm."
"There's nothing wrong with having a little fun without anything serious attached," Mike defends.
"I didn't say anything."
"But you were thinking it," Mike points out.
"Yes, but I then thought that was unfair of me to think," Rachel replies.
"Well, I guess that's a start."
…
"So how are things going with Quinn?" Rachel asks Alyson.
Because Coach Sylvester is demanding extra practice this week, Rachel asked Alyson if she wants to hang out.
"Pretty good, I think," Alyson replies.
"You think?"
"Quinn's still… Well, she's still working on getting comforting with this whole liking girls thing."
"That's what I was afraid of," Rachel says. "I was hoping once she admitted it to herself, she would begin dealing with it, but in true Fabray fashion, she's avoiding it."
"It's understandable," Alyson defends.
Rachel smiles. "It's totally understandable," she agrees. "I just feel bad. I don't want anyone to get hurt and if Quinn isn't ready--"
"Rachel," Alyson interrupts. "It's fine. I like Quinn. I've had fun hanging out with her and… other stuff."
"You're sure?"
Alyson nods.
"Then I'll try not to worry."
"Ha," Alyson scoffs.
…
"So I think I know what your first prank of the year should be," Santana announces Sunday morning.
"What?"
"Giant slushie."
"Excuse me?"
"There's gotta be a way to slushie everyone. Like with the sprinklers."
"That might actually work," Rachel says, mulling it over. "Though what is your obsession with slushing people. I don't ever remember you throwing one."
"I do prefer the verbal assaults," Santana agrees. "I don't know. Maybe because this is different. This is revenge, sort of."
"Well, in theory, it sounds easy enough. Though I'd rather not be slushied and our absence will be noticed."
"Just be the good fairy, like you were before and warn certain people," Santana replies. "We'll give the others umbrellas and then it won't be so odd."
"They're going to think it's you," Rachel says.
"All the better for me," Santana smirks.
"Are you trying to steal my spotlight?"
"Course not, babe," Santana replies. "But if it's going to be pointed my way, I might as well use it. Right?"
Rachel doesn't respond.
"Unless you're going to step up and admit that it's you," Santana continues.
"Figgins would probably expel me," Rachel retorts. "Besides, I doubt anyone would believe it's me."
"Well, Figgins might."
"No, I'll stick to my original plan," Rachel replies. "And you're right. It would be silly not to use the reputation of the prankster."
"Don't worry, babe," Santana says. "The important people know what a badass you are."
"You mean you, Noah and Brittany?"
"Yep."
"That's less comforting than you'd think, San."
…
“Bro,” Noah greets when Rachel answers her cell Monday afternoon.
“Noah.”
“We're having an end of the summer bar-b-que at your place Friday afternoon.”
“Excuse me? Says who?”
“Dude, come on,” Noah replies. “It makes perfect sense. And it’s our senior year. We have to make sure it starts off on an epic scale. Right?”
“Certainly,” Rachel agrees. “But why does it have to be at my house?”
“Cause your dads are never around,” Noah points out. “I mean, no offense. But it’s true.”
“I’m not sure I want-“
“Please, Rach,” Noah asks. “I promise I’ll totally help out. And it’ll totally be mellow. The parties didn’t turn out so bad, did they?”
“Depends on what you mean,” Rachel mutters to herself. “Fine. But no other Cheerios. And I’m inviting Quinn’s girlfriend, so you better not give her a hard time.”
“Awww, Rach, come on, if I don’t give Q a hard time, I-“
“No, Noah.”
“Fine,” he huffs.
“And make sure people bring their own meat. Just because I’m fine with everyone else choosing to be murders, doesn’t mean I’m fine having dead animal carcass in my fridge.”
“Course. Of course. I’ll take care of it all, okay, bro?”
“You better,” Rachel threatens. “Or you will owe me.”
Noah gulps.
“And I always collect.”
“Right. Course. All right. I’m gonna start calling people.”
“Keep it small, Noah,” Rachel warns.
“Aye, aye, boss,” Noah says before hanging up.
…
Wendy's starting to doubt Missy. While Cheerios practice is always exhausting, Lopez's anger has made it grueling. As the summer drags on, she finds herself more and more tired. It takes a supreme amount of effort to even drive home, walk up the stairs and collapse onto her bed.
She mentions this to Missy one morning as they're getting ready. Her best friend just scoffs at her.
"After this, the school year will feel like a piece of cake," she retorts.
"Not if you keep pushing her," Wendy replies.
"There's too much going on during the school year," Missy argues. "She'll get distracted and forget about us."
"I think you're mixing up Lopez with Pierce," Wendy replies.
"You worry too much, Wendy. Besides, we're going to be in insanely good shape."
"Great, we'll be ready for that triathlon, we've been meaning to run then," Wendy mutters.
…
“You’re coming to the party, right?” Rachel asks Mike
“I don’t know. I mean, I’m supposed to do something with Michelle this weekend, since she’s going to Ohio State next week.”
“Bring her with,” Rachel tells him.
“Are you sure?” he asks. “I thought she and Santana don’t get along.”
Rachel shrugs. “If I tell San Michelle’s coming as your date, hopefully that will help mellow her out a bit.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I mean you guys don’t have to stay that long if you want some alone time,” Rachel replies. “But I was hoping to see you for a bit.”
“Well, if you’re sure,” Mike says. “I’ll ask Michelle if she wants to stop by for a while.”
"I'm sure. I'll talk to San and it'll be fine, Mike, I swear."
"Famous last words," Mike mutters to himself.
…
"San, I need to tell you something," Rachel says.
It's Thursday night and they're stretched out in the grass in Rachel's backyard.
"Yeah?"
"So you know how Mike had a date last week?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, they hit it off and so I told him to bring her on Saturday," Rachel says.
"Good. Chang needs a little action."
"It's Michelle Jamieson."
Except for tensing up, Santana doesn't acknowledge the statement.
"I know you're not her biggest fan, but it would be rude to tell Mike not to bring her just because the two of you don't see eye to eye."
"As long as she keeps her hands to herself, it'll be fine."
…
Knowing she'll most likely be told no, Rachel, nonetheless invites Kat to the party. Rachel knows that the Tylers will most likely say no to their thirteen year old daughter hanging out with high schoolers, but Kat's pretty mature for her age. Besides, Alyson will be there.
To her surprise, they say yes. Apparently, Rachel made a very good impression over dinner. They also love Quinn, who they think is simply a new friend of Alyson's and knowing she'll be there as well, probably helped. Or maybe it's the fact that Rachel invited Josh as well.
Kat is, of course, very excited. Though more so because she's being included. The Tyler siblings seem to have a pretty good relationship, but Rachel knows it's tough for Kat because she's not considered old enough to hang out with Josh and Alyson like they apparently all did when they were younger.
…
Annoyed that her last Saturday of the summer with Rachel is going to be interrupted, Santana spends Friday night as well.
"Do you feel like we haven't spent enough time together this summer?" Rachel asks as they lay in bed.
"No," Santana replies. "I just thought it'd be nice to spend the last weekend before our senior year together. You know?"
"Awww."
"Shut up."
…
Saturday Puck shows up a bit after one to start setting up. Rachel and Santana are at the kitchen table, so they just watch as he rolls a keg into the backyard, followed by a grill. He sets up a banquet table next to the keg and sets a stack of red plastic cups on it. He then sets two large trash bins; one by the grill and one by the patio door. The final part is two large coolers filled with ice.
Entering the house, Puck puts a six-pack of beer in the fridge, minus two and joins Rachel and Santana at the table.
"Impressive," Santana says, accepting the beer from Puck. "Rach must really be rubbing off on you."
"Bro said she didn't want to do any work. And I did promise."
"It looks great, Noah."
"When did you tell people to show up?" Santana asks.
"Like two."
"Please tell me you didn't invite that many people, Noah," Rachel says.
"No way. Just the few like last time. And then whoever you invited."
Santana looks to Rachel.
"I invited Marisa and told her to bring people. And then I invited Josh, his girlfriend and Kat."
"You invited a thirteen year old?" Santana asks.
"What?" Rachel questions. "She's Alyson and Josh's sister. And she's pretty mature. And I figure things won't get too crazy until later, when I plan to drive Kat home."
"Whatever," Santana shrugs.
"And Felix might stop by," Rachel continues.
"What?"
"He said he had plans, but he'd try to stop by."
"Why would you invite him?" Santana asks.
"Because I like him," Rachel retorts.
"You're the only one," Santana mumbles.
…
Everything's in full swing by three. Puck is manning the grill and chatting with a couple of guys from the football team. Since this is more Puck's deal than her own, Rachel is leaning against the tree in the corner of her yard talking with Kat and Brittany.
Everyone else is spread out through the yard, talking, eating and drinking. Rachel made sure Puck understood that he was also the bouncer for this party. He readily agreed, figuring it wouldn't be that big of deal. Rachel also made him swear one more time to leave Quinn alone.
"I make no promises if I get wasted, bro."
"Then don't get wasted Noah."
"But, Rach, it's a party."
"If I have to drag you away from her, I will," Rachel promises. "And you won't like it."
Gulping, Puck nods.
…
Around six, it becomes obvious that inebriation is starting to set in. Looking around, Rachel is pretty sure she's one of the few sober ones.
Finding Alyson, Rachel tells her she's going to take Kat home since things are becoming unsuitable for Kat.
Looking around, Alyson sees Finn, for some reason, trying to do a headstand; he's also not wearing a shirt. "Agreed."
Rachel finds Kat talking animatedly to Quinn, Josh and Marisa.
"Hey kiddo, Alyson and I are thinking it's time to get you home."
"Ahhh."
Josh looks around. "Yeah, I think she's right, munchkin."
"But Josh," Kat protests. "It's only six thirty."
"Doesn't matter, kid," he replies. "Aly and I promised mom and dad that we'd send you home when the party rating is no longer PG-13."
"Fine," Kat huffs, stomping away.
"Thanks for driving her, Rach," Josh says.
"It's not a problem. See you guys in a bit."
…
"I know you're not happy about leaving," Rachel says as she drives towards the Tyler house. "But you at least had fun while you were there, right?"
Kat nods.
"Well, I'm glad you were able to come with. I think it was a good day."
Kat sighs. "Sorry, Rachel. I just can't wait till everyone stops treating me like a kid."
"There's always going to be someone older who sees you as a kid, Kat," Rachel replies. "I still get told I don't understand because I'm only a teenager."
"Yeah, I guess."
"All right, we're here," Rachel announces.
"Thanks for inviting me, Rach," Kat tells her. "That was really cool of you."
"I'm glad you came," Rachel returns. "Call me next week and let me know how the first week of school is going, okay?"
"Okay. Bye Rachel." And Kat bounces out of the car.
Rachel waits until Kat is safely inside the house before pulling away.
…
"You guys seen Rachel lately?" Santana asks Marisa, Beatrice, Artie, and Tina
"Yeah, she said she was going to take the kid home," Marisa answers. "Like five minutes ago?"
"Hmph. Nice of her to tell me."
"She said something about texting you since she couldn't find you?" Marisa adds.
Santana pulls out her phone and finds that she has a text from Rachel.
S I'm taking Kat home. I should be back shortly. Love, R
…
Rachel pulls into her garage and climbs out of her car. She decides to go through the house than around it. However, when she reaches the door that leads into the house, she finds her way blocked by Missy and Wendy.
"Hello girls," Rachel says.
"Hi Rachel," they coo together.
"We really need to stop meeting like this," Rachel tells them. "Were you invited or did you crash?"
"Crash," Missy replies. "We overhead Brittany talking to Quinn about it on Thursday, so we decided we should stop by."
"That is such a bad idea," Rachel tells them. "Which you know because you're hiding in the garage."
"Maybe we just like the garage," Wendy volunteers.
"That's… weird."
"Ignore her," Missy says. "We'd like to once again submit our application to be part of your harem."
"I do not have a harem," Rachel replies.
"That's not what Brittany says," Missy tells her. "She said you already have three harem girls."
"Three?" Rachel questions.
"Yeah," Wendy replies. "Her. Some theater chick. And someone named Kat."
"Uh, Kat's thirteen."
"Whoa, that's--"
"I don't have a harem and if I did, Kat wouldn't be in it," Rachel says.
"Brittany thinks you do. And if she's a member, then I don't see why we can't be," Missy insists.
Rachel feels like she's seconds away from screaming in frustration. "Wait a minute. Did you say you want to submit your application?"
Missy smirks, believing that Rachel's changing her tune.
"We did."
Rachel stares at them for a moment, thinking. Finally she says, "Give me one of your phones."
"Why?"
"Just give me one," Rachel insists.
Wendy hands over her phone.
Rachel opens a text message and begins typing. Both Missy and Wendy watch as she types for a while, mumbling to herself. Finally after what feels like forever, Rachel hits send and hands Wendy back her phone.
"I sent Missy a text. It has everything I want answered on the application. I refuse to discuss this any further until I have a piece of paper with every single question answered about both of you. Understand?"
Figuring Rachel didn't have time to think of that many questions, they both nod.
"Good. Now you better get out of here before Santana sees you and decides to put you back in the Halifax Gibbet."
They both nod and Rachel watches them scramble out of the garage.
…
"Jeez, what'd you do? Walk the kid home?" Santana asks when Rachel exits the house.
"I had an unexpected… delay," Rachel retorts. "Missy and Wendy."
"Seriously?"
"They're quite tenacious," Rachel says.
"Do I even want to know how you got rid of them?" Santana asks.
"I think the more pertinent issue is why is Brittany encouraging them," Rachel replies.
"Say what?"
"Brittany apparently told them that she's in my harem."
Santana just groans. Her best friend sometimes takes messing with people too far.
"Does Britt even know what a harem is?" Mike asks, walking up to Rachel. "And do I even want to know what you're talking about?"
"Mike," Rachel exclaims, giving him a one armed hug. "I thought you weren't going to show up."
"Sorry. We lost track of time."
"Uh huh. Right, Mikey."
"Hey Michelle. Nice to see you again," Rachel greets.
"You too, Rachel."
"Jamieson."
"Lopez."
"Well, this is awkward," Mike says. "I'm going to get a drink. Michelle, want to come with me?"
"No, I’m enjoying the awkward."
"Of course," Mike sighs.
Rachel would rather leave, but she decides she better stay and referee.
"How's your summer been Lopez?"
"Fine. Yours?"
"Great."
"Good."
"Thanks again for inviting me, Rachel," Michelle says. "I was worried I wouldn't see you before I left for school."
"Just promise me you're not just using Mike," Rachel replies.
"We've just been having a very brief summer fling, Rachel, I swear."
"All right then." She turns to Santana. "San, I'm going to go talk to Brittany about, you know. I'm trusting both of you to be civil."
"Of course babe."
"If you say so, Rachel.
…
"Holy shit," Puck says as he joins Rachel at the keg. "Are you voluntarily getting yourself a beer?"
"It looks that way, doesn't it?"
"Why?"
"This was a terrible idea, Noah," Rachel replies.
"What are you talking about?" Puck looks around the yard. "I think it's going pretty well." And then he spots Santana and Michelle together. "Huh. Well there is that."
"I'm hoping San is mellow enough that she's able to ignore Michelle's jabs."
"Hey, you're the one that insisted on inviting her," Puck replies.
"Well, it'd be rude to invite Mike and not her."
"Why?" Puck asks. "It's not like they're dating."
"Still."
"Your logic is so weird sometimes, Rach."
…
"Are you having a good time?" Quinn asks Alyson.
"I'm with you, aren't I?"
Quinn fights a blush as she glances around making sure no overheard that. "Quiet you."
"You love it."
Quinn smiles shyly and leans in for a kiss. "Are you still spending the night tonight?"
Alyson nods. "My mom still thinks the Fabrays are fine upstanding Christians, despite the divorce and your, uh… So she said it's fine. But I have to be back home at ten, so they can say good bye properly."
"Good."
"And you know I'm not expecting anything right?" Alyson asks. "I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms."
"I know," Quinn replies. "I'm really going to miss you."
"Me too. But remember, we weren't going to talk about it. We're just going to enjoy the day together, right?"
"Right."
…
When Missy and Wendy get far enough away from Rachel's, Missy pulls out her phone to see what sort of questions Rachel wants answered. Looking over her unread text messages, Missy sees ten text messages all from Wendy.
"So? How bad is it?" Wendy asks.
Missy opens up one and begins scanning.
"Holy shit," Wendy says reading over Missy's shoulder. "How the hell did she come up with all those questions so quickly?"
"It just proves Brittany wasn't lying. These must be questions she asks. It's the only thing that makes sense."
"So?" Wendy says. "We go type it up all nice on your computer and print it out. Maybe if we bring it over before school starts up, it'll give us an edge."
"Hmmm. Maybe."
…
When people drunkenly suggest trying out the Halifax Gibbet, Rachel decides the party's over. Though she just had the one beer, she's certainly not in the mood to deal with such a dangerous device at the moment.
Puck is, of course, too drunk to deal with them. As punishment for not dealing with the rowdy rabble, Rachel asks Brittany to take him home.
"Okay Rachel."
"And you can just leave him in the yard or something," Rachel continues. "It's not supposed to rain tonight, I don't think.
"If you say so, Rachel."
"And then later, we're going to talk about you telling people you're in my harem. Right, Britt?"
"But I am, Rachel," Brittany insists. "I would totally sleep with you again if you guys let me."
"Thank you?"
…
"I'll email you next week," Rachel tells Alyson.
"Sounds good."
"We'll figure sometime to visit," Rachel continues.
"You're sure?" Alyson asks. "That's a lot to ask of you and Santana."
"I don't think it is," Rachel replies. "Besides, Quinn wouldn't do it by herself and it needs to happen, don't you think?"
"Well, I'd like it to."
"Then it's settled."
Alyson smiles. "You're definitely one of a kind Rachel."
"You better not forget that up there at your fancy college."
…
Rachel can't be bothered by the mess that is her backyard. And Santana's tipsy enough to agree.
"You should wake Puckerman up at like six a.m. and make him come over and clean up."
"Oh Noah will be cleaning this up. Just not at six in the morning, because I plan on sleeping in tomorrow."
"Thank god."
…
Santana is woken up by Rachel tapping her on the head.
"What?"
"Your phone has been ringing for like five minutes straight," Rachel sleepily tells her.
Santana groans, sitting up and looking around for her phone. It's quiet at the moment and she's just about to go back to sleep, when it rings again. Climbing out of bed, she snatches it off Rachel's desk.
"What?!"
"S, it's me," Quinn says. "I'm outside. Let me in."
"You better have been shot, Fabray," Santana growls, pulling on boxers and a tank top. "Or stabbed. And there better be a lot of blood."
Santana turns to tell Rachel that Quinn's here, but her girlfriend has already fallen asleep.
"Figures."
…
Santana opens the door, letting Quinn scurry in. They settle in the living room, Quinn taking the couch and Santana stretching out in the recliner.
"What the fuck is so important that you had to show up here at 4 a.m.?"
"I slept with Alyson," Quinn says.
Santana sits there, waiting. "So?"
"I had sex with Alyson."
"Yeah, I heard you the first time. Again, I say, so?"
"So? I woke up a little bit ago, and we were both still naked and it just sort of hit me. So I got dressed and came here before I completely hyperventilated."
"Wasn't she staying at your house tonight?" Santana asks.
"Yeah."
"So let me get this straight," Santana says. "You and Alyson had sex. In your bed. In your room. At your house. And then fell asleep. And then later when you woke up, you freaked. So you left her. Alone. At your house. So you could drive here. To talk to me."
"That sums it up."
Santana starts laughing. "I can't believe you left her alone at your house."
"Shut up, Santana," Quinn snaps. "I said, I panicked, okay?"
"I hate to say it, but Rachel might be better qualified to--"
"I don't want to talk to Berry about this," Quinn hisses.
"Well she's better at this feelings shit than I am."
"Maybe I don't want sensitivity," Quinn replies.
"Well then, here's my advice," Santana says. "Get over it. You like Alyson. She seems to care about you."
"I know."
"Do you feel like she pressured you?" Santana questions.
"No."
"Was it good?"
"Very good," Quinn nods.
"Well then there shouldn't be a problem," Santana says. "Yeah, long distance sucks, but you know Rach and I would totally drive up there with you and then disappear, so it's not like you'll never see her."
"Yeah."
"And she has her own car, so she could totally come here," Santana continues.
"I know."
"Rach even said Alyson could stay here if she needs a place to stay."
"I know."
"Then explain to me what the problem is," Santana huffs.
Quinn has been sitting cross legged on the couch, looking at her lap. She finally looks up at Santana, tears shining faintly in her eyes. "I'm gay, San."
Santana tries not to feel completely exasperated. "I thought we already knew that, Q."
"There was still this little part of me that thought maybe I wasn't. That when I actually… you know, it would totally freak me out and then I would see that I'm not."
Santana sighs. "I take it, that it didn't happen that way."
Quinn shakes her head vigorously. "It wasn't scary like I thought. It was… amazing."
Santana hides her smirk. "Yeah it is."
"And then we fell asleep, cuddled together," Quinn continues. "And it just felt… right." Quinn sighs. "I am so gay."
"Yeah. You are."
"I know I am."
"You feel any better about it?" Santana asks.
"A little."
"It'll get easier, Q," Santana tells her. "I swear."
"If you say so." Quinn is quiet for so long that Santana feels herself falling asleep. "I think I might be in love with her S," Quinn says so quietly that Santana almost misses it. "Or at least falling fast."
"Huh," Santana says. "That's… unexpected."
Quinn nods. "I feel like I’m drowning."
"You sort of are."
"It's terrifying," Quinn continues.
"I know."
"I don't know if I can do it."
"It's gonna happen no matter what, Q."
"And it's a good thing. Right?"
"It is."
"Thanks, I guess."
"I'd let you stay," Santana says. "But you should probably get back to Alyson, don't you think?"
Quinn looks self-conscious. "Yeah."
"Talk to her," Santana tells her.
"It's embarrassing," Quinn replies quietly.
"Yeah. A little, but she'll understand and you don't want her to think it's something that she did. Or that it's her."
"No."
"Then you need to talk to her."
"She leaves tomorrow."
"You can still take twenty minutes to explain, Q," Santana replies.
"Okay."
"You better," Santana says. "Or I'll sic Rach on you."
"You wouldn't," Quinn replies.
"Not only does she care about you, but she's friends with Alyson too," Santana informs her. "Plus, she still hangs out with Alyson's little sister, sometimes, you know."
"When does she sleep?" Quinn asks. "Between all her lessons, you, building that monstrosity; when does she find time to sleep?"
Santana shrugs. "It's just one of those things."
…
No longer freaking out, Quinn feels a bit stupid driving home at 4:30 a.m. in her pajamas. But Santana did make her feel better, so she supposes it was worth it.
She opens her bedroom door as quietly as possible, but it doesn't really matter since Alyson is sitting up in bed, waiting.
"Oh. Hi," Quinn says quietly.
"Are you okay?" Alyson asks.
Quinn nods.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"It can wait till morning," Quinn answers.
"Obviously not, since you drove into the night," Alyson replies.
"Sorry if I woke you."
"It's fine," Alyson says. "I was worried about you." Alyson pats the bed next to her. "I didn't mean to pressure you tonight."
Quinn slips back under the covers. "You didn't. I wanted to. I thought I was ready. But when I woke up earlier, I felt like I couldn't breathe, so I drove over to Berry's to talk to Santana."
"Uh huh. Did it help?"
Quinn nods. "She help put things in perspective."
"That's good," Alyson says.
"And I'm sorry I made you think you pressured me. I was hoping you would just sleep through it."
"I've always been a light sleeper," Alyson volunteers.
Quinn lays down, pulling Alyson with her, so she can curl into her side and place her head on her shoulder. Despite being taller, Quinn still ends up being the little spoon most of the time; she finds she doesn't mind.
"I just got overwhelmed," Quinn explains, finding it easier to talk without direct eye contact. "I mean, I was in love with Finn, but it never felt like this."
"Like what?"
"Like everything's better when you're around; like I want to be better person, that person you see that makes you smile that adorably happy smile of yours."
"Adorably happy?"
Quinn half shrugs, arms still wrapped around Alyson. "It's how I see it."
"Yeah, well, just don't Josh," Alyson says, closing her eyes. "He'll never let me hear the end of it."
…
"Who were you talking to?" Rachel asks Santana as she slides back into bed.
"Quinn," Santana replies. "She drove over here to talk to me because she was freaking about sleeping with Alyson."
"Oh. Oh."
"Uh huh."
"Please tell me you weren't too mean," Rachel says.
"I was honest," Santana replies.
Rachel sighs. "Did it help?"
"I think so," Santana says.
"Wait a minute," Rachel says, waking up a bit. "Did she leave Alyson alone in bed at her house?"
"Yes," Santana chuckles.
"She must have really been freaking out."
"Yeah, well, maybe that's she's accepted that she likes clam jousting, she can relax a bit."
"Santana. Must you?"
"Yes I must."
…
Things are less awkward than Quinn expected when she wakes up. She's now laying fully atop Alyson, who has her arms wrapped tightly around her. Quinn feels safe. It's nice.
But then reality comes crashing in and Quinn remembers that Alyson has to leave in a few hours. Glancing over at her clock, she's surprised to see that it's only eight. She wonders if it'd be horrible to wake Alyson up, so they could spend another couple hours together.
"Hey baby," Alyson whispers.
"Morning," Quinn says shyly.
"What time is it?"
"8:05."
"Good."
"Good?"
"That means I get two more hours of you."
Quinn smiles. "Oh?"
Alyson nods. "I don't suppose I could get a good morning kiss."
"Morning breath."
"Don’t care."
Quinn can't keep the smile off her face as she leans in for a kiss. It's brief and rather chaste, but it has her grinning widely.
"Why are you so smiley?"Alyson asks.
"Because I got to wake up with you."
The smile that spreads across Alyson's face is so full of simple joy that Quinn actually feels her heart clench. Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach trying to tell her something, Quinn leans in for another kiss.
…
Around nine in the morning, Rachel is woken up by her cell phone. Finding it on the floor by her bed, she reaches down to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Uh, Rach?"
"Yes, Noah?"
"Why am I sleeping outside in my front yard?"
"Because the driveway would be very uncomfortable?"
"I'm serious, bro," Puck says.
"Because you were practically comatose and no one wanted to risk waking up your mom and sister," Rachel explains. "We figured you'd wake up in a couple hours and drag yourself inside. But if you just woke up… You seriously broke your promise to me, Noah."
"What? No I didn't," he replies. "I said I'll be over some time today to clean up and I will. It's only like nine. I didn't plan on being over there until noon at least."
"I meant, yesterday," Rachel says. "You were going to keep people from being rowdy drunks, but by the time that happened, you were highly intoxicated."
"Okay, I admit I got carried away a bit," Puck admits. "I apologize. I really didn't think I drank that much."
"Well the keg is bone dry, so you guys must've drank plenty."
"I'm sorry, Rach. Really."
"I'm still tired, Noah," Rachel says. "We'll talk when you stop by later to clean up. Okay?"
"Okay. Bye Rach."
…
"What are you so smiley about?" Alyson asks Quinn as she looks around for her shirt.
"Besides the obvious?" Quinn asks, pointing to their state of undress.
Alyson nods.
"I didn't freak," Quinn says. "I was kind of worried I would. And this time was even better than last night."
Alyson smirks.
"I feel kind of torn," Quinn continues.
"How come?"
"You're leaving, which makes me sad," Quinn answers. "But I know I'll never forget the last twenty-four hours."
"I won't either," Alyson says. "You've helped make this summer amazing, Quinn."
"You too."
"I don't want you to go," Quinn says.
"I wish I could stay too."
"You'll call me tonight?"
Alyson nods. "We're talking every day. I want to know how your first day of senior year goes."
"Same here."
They've already decided to not draw out the good byes, so Alyson pulls Quinn into a tight hug before kissing her softly. Quinn then walks her to the door. They kiss again; this time it's full of sweetness and longing.
"Bye Aly."
"Later, Quinn."
…
Rachel waits impatiently for Santana. Since they couldn't convince Santana's parents to let her spend Sunday night at Rachel's, they decided that Rachel should just stay at her house because it'd be easier for Santana to sneak out on her own. She's got everything in her car that they need, but Santana's late. Rachel is starting to worry that she got caught.
Santana shows up a couple minutes later on a bike.
"Sorry babe," she huffs. "Couldn't take my car, so I figured this is the next best thing."
"It's all right," Rachel replies. "I was just getting worried."
They climb into Rachel's car and drive to McKinley.
In the parking lot, Rachel pulls as close to the gym door as possible. She goes to pick the lock while Santana starts unloading cooler after cooler.
"This car hold more than you'd think," Santana remarks when she's got all eight out. She snatches the duffel bag out of the front seat and slips it over her shoulder.
They quickly pull them all inside and let the door whish close behind them.
It takes a bit of effort, but they manage to drag all eight coolers to the maintenance closet. Santana hands Rachel the duffel bag. She watches her pull out a wrench and some other tools and then disappear into the closet. There's some clanking and some faint grumbling and then the sound of water. And then Rachel appears again with a hose and a funnel.
Between the two of them they manage to lift one cooler onto another, so the funnel can be placed under the spout in the cooler. Opening it allows grape slushie to flow out and into the funnel.
"How the hell did you get the schematics of McKinley's fire sprinklers?"
"City hall," Rachel replies.
"Huh."
They empty all eight coolers and it's time consuming. Santana is less impressed with gravity than usual since it's not helping the slushie exit the coolers faster. They then rinse the coolers out, which goes a bit faster and put them near the gym door.
Next, they find everyone in glee's locker, including their own, along with a few others and place a full rain gear ensemble in it with a note that says, 10:47 A.M. The weather man predicts slushie.
"That's almost clever, babe," Santana says as she closes her locker.
"Thanks," Rachel replies, dryly. "Like you thought of anything better."
“I didn’t have to, you said you’d take care of the raincoats and I’d get the coolers.”
“And did I criticize the job you did?”
“No, because I’m awesome,” Santana retorts.
"Or I don't want to listen to you whine," Rachel mutters.
…
"This is going to be a good year," Santana says as Rachel drives away from McKinley.
"What makes you say that?"
"We still have one more day of freedom. Me and my girl just set up an awesome prank for the first day and I already have an idea what we should do next."
"Already?"
Santana nods and then realizes Rachel isn't really looking at her. "Yeah I do."
"Well?"
"Later. Let's just enjoy the awesomeness of this one."
"Whatever you say San."
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Quinn/Alyson Tyler, Mike, Brittany, Puck, Sue, Kat Tyler, Missy Watters, Wendy Kort, Clara Lopez, Artie, Becky, other OCs
Rating: R
Summary: Rachel and Puck make a wager that coincidently allows Sue to test her Cheerios.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~16,800
Spoilers: Previous stories in this series
A/N: Follows Some Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist
Part Two
"Holy fucking shit, Rach…"
For once, Rachel doesn't try to reprimand Noah's cursing.
"I can't believe that you actually…"
For once, Rachel doesn't know what to think of the awe in Noah's voice. "I told you I could," Rachel replies.
"Well, sure, some of the pranks have been elaborate, but you always have help with those."
"I should be insulted," Rachel tells him. "As you know, I have a theater background and while performing has always been my primary creative outlet, I have engaged in backstage endeavors as well. I felt it was my duty as a performer to be well rounded."
"Yeah, but I thought you meant that you like helped paint something or whatever."
"Hardly," Rachel scoffs. "I've done load ins, light hangs, changeovers, and strikes."
"Huh?"
"I've built and taken down numerous sets."
"Does it work?" Noah asks.
"Now I am insulted," Rachel retorts. "Of course it does."
Rachel grabs a melon from the basket of melons sitting next to the base of the device. She places it in the head cradle. She walks over to the tree that has a rope tied to it. The rope is controlling the pulley that's holding the heavy blade. She unties the rope and lets the blade fall. It drops and slices through the melon with ease.
"Shit."
"You can never doubt me ever again," Rachel tells him.
"I never will," Noah assures her solemnly.
"So pay up," Rachel says as she pulls out her cell phone.
Sighing, Noah stands in front of Rachel, waiting for her to give the go ahead.
"I'm a little teapot," Noah sings. "Short and stout. Here is my handle." Noah puts his left hand on his hip. "Here is my spout." He sticks his right arm straight out. "When I get all steamed up, hear me shout. Just tip me over and pour me out." Noah leans to his right.
Rachel claps. "Second verse."
Noah sighs again, but starts singing again, hands still in position. "I'm a clever teapot, yes it's true. Here's an example of what I can do. I can change my handle to my spout." Noah puts his right hand on his hip and sticks his left straight out. "Just tip me over and pour me out." Noah tips to his left.
"Yay," Rachel cheers as she stops recording on her phone. "So awesome."
"You better not show anyone that," Noah tells her.
"Like you wouldn't have shown people if you'd won," Rachel replies.
"Yeah, but Rachel Berry doing Marilyn Monroe? No one would believe me."
"Just promise me," Rachel says. "I don't care if you're lying or not, but promise me you didn't pick that because it's some big fantasy of yours."
"It's not, Rach, I swear," Noah assures her. "Like you, I tried to pick something you'd never agree to otherwise. Right?"
"Right."
…
When Santana arrives Saturday morning, she finds Rachel in the kitchen reading the paper.
"Where's Puck?"
"Apparently he didn't want to spend the night again," Rachel replies. "I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not."
"Is he still pouting that you haven't hung out with him more this summer?" Santana asks.
Rachel shrugs. "Maybe. I don't know why, actually. Besides, he should know he could stop by anytime."
"Well there are pools to clean and cougars to defile."
"He could stop by after," Rachel replies.
"Like you want him around you when he's covered with cougar sex."
"Ewww. Hopefully he'd shower first," Rachel says.
"It's Puck, Rach, what do you think?"
…
Sunday morning, Rachel is woken up by a text at 5:45 am. It’s from Coach Sylvester. She has fifteen minutes to get ready because three guys are coming over to pick up the Halifax Gibbet. Rachel briefly wonders if Coach had to pay extra for Sunday service. Actually, knowing Coach Sylvester, she’s probably blackmailing a moving company; that seems more like her style.
At 5:55 am, Rachel is dressed in jeans, converses and a t-shirt, sitting on her front step. She’s surprised when a few minutes later, a familiar truck pulls into her driveway. The passenger door swings open and out step Ron and Billy Saunders. Rachel blinks in surprise as Tommy joins them.
“Hey Rach,” Billy Saunders greets her. “I thought this was your address.”
“What are you guys doing here?"
"Sue said she had something insane and enormous for us to pick up. And then she gave us this address."
"Interesting," Rachel says. "Well, I'll show you where it is. I hope you brought a dolly or a cart with."
…
"Holy shit," Tommy says.
The four of them are standing in front of the Halifax Gibbet. Billy's jaw has actually dropped.
"You built this?" Ron asks.
"I did," Rachel nods.
"Why?" Billy asks.
"A bet."
"Oh. Wow."
"Then why are we delivering this to Coach Sylvester?" Tommy asks.
"She wants to borrow it." Rachel shrugs. "I don't know what for."
"Huh," Ron says.
"Sometimes it's better not to ask," Tommy mutters.
They carefully load it onto the cart and wheel it to the driveway. There, they carefully push it into the back of the truck. Rachel then lays the fake blade next to it.
"We're supposed to bring you," Billy informs Rachel.
"I'll follow you," Rachel tells them. "That way I'll have a way to get home."
Tommy nods and the three brothers climb into the truck.
When Rachel arrives at McKinley, the Saunders brothers are already unloading. Rachel follows them as they push the cart into school.
It's odd to be here during the summer, Rachel thinks; even if it's a Sunday.
They stop at Coach Sylvester's office and Rachel knocks on the door.
After a moment, "Enter."
Rachel sticks her head in the office, surprised to see Becky there as well. "Where do you want this thing, Coach?"
"Becky, show them to the room."
Becky nods.
…
Rachel trails behind Becky, feeling apprehensive. Behind her, she hears the Saunders' brothers struggling with the Halifax Gibbet; it really wasn't made to travel.
They finally arrive at a door, Rachel doesn't recognize. Becky pulls out a key and unlocks it, raising Rachel's suspicions. Just when she thought Coach Sylvester couldn't surprise her anymore.
It's a small room, maybe ten by ten feet, at most. While Rachel watches, Becky directs the brothers to set up the Halifax Gibbet in the corner, farthest from the door.
Looking around, Rachel notices there's another door that has a tripod and video camera set up near it. There's a bunch of cables running underneath the door. Curious, Rachel goes to try the door.
It opens, to her surprise. On the other side of the door, she finds Artie with his head behind a small TV, sitting on a small table.
"Oh. Hi Artie."
"Oh. hey Rachel," he greets. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same of you," Rachel returns. "I'm dropping something off for Coach Sylvester."
"Oh. Is it the reason she asked me to set up this TV and camera?" he asks.
"Probably," Rachel shrugs.
"That should do it." Artie backs away from the TV and turns it on.
After a moment, an image of the other room pops up. Artie and Rachel watch as Tommy holds the cart steady while Ron and Billy slide the Halifax Gibbet onto the giant duct tape X on the floor.
"What the hell is that?" Artie asks.
"It's a Halifax Gibbet," Rachel answers. "Coach Sylvester asked to borrow it."
"What the hell is a Halifax Gibbet and why do you have one?"
"It's like a guillotine," Rachel tells him. "And I built it."
"What? Why? How?"
"Noah and I made a wager," Rachel replies. "And I don't know, I just did."
"And it works?"
"Of course it works."
"Rachel Berry, you might be my hero," Artie tells her.
"Excuse me?"
"I've been wanting to build a time machine," Artie continues. "If I can ever figure out the science, you're helping me."
"Okay," Rachel agrees slowly. "But I actually know very little about that sort of thing."
"Or something else, then," Artie says.
"Okay."
…
The five of them follow Becky back to Coach Sylvester's office. Everyone follows her in like soldiers being summoned by their superior officer.
Coach Sylvester doesn't look up when they enter. She only asks, "Is it all set up?"
"Looks good, Coach."
"Saunders," she says. "You three are dismissed."
Tommy nods. "All right then. Let's go, guys. Rachel, nice to see you again."
"You too, Tommy. Ron. Billy."
"Bye Rach." Billy gives Rachel a quick hug and runs after his brothers.
"Wheels," Coach says after all the brothers have left.
"Yeah, Coach?"
"You have that camera set up exactly as I specified?"
Artie nods.
"Berry."
"Coach."
"That contraption of yours is fully functional?"
"Of course it is Coach," Rachel answers.
"And you brought both blades?"
"You know I did, Coach."
"Fine. I expect to see you tomorrow with Lopez then."
Rachel nods.
"Dismissed."
…
When Rachel arrives home, she's hoping to just slip back into bed. It's certainly early enough that Santana will most likely still be sleeping.
Tip toeing into her room, Rachel quickly begins stripping. However, as she's pulling back to covers, Santana speaks up.
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Out. On an errand."
"Oh?"
Rachel nods as she curls into Santana.
"But you're not going to tell me where?" Santana asks.
"I can't."
"You can't?"
Rachel nods again.
Santana sighs. Rachel can feel how tense Santana is, despite their relaxed position.
"Will you tell me, eventually?"
"Yes."
"Okay then."
Rachel feels Santana relax and she tightens her hold around her girlfriend in gratitude, letting herself drift off to sleep for a few more hours.
…
Monday morning, Santana sleepily slips into Rachel's car.
"I don't understand why you want to come to another practice," Santana mumbles.
"Maybe I just don't want to be away from you for too long," Rachel replies, smiling.
"Uh huh. Whatever Berry." Santana lifts her left leg. "Now pull the other one."
…
Rachel watches practice, not really paying attention. She has her prank notebook with her, but for once, she doesn't feel like brainstorming ideas. Instead, she's content to let her mind wander as she watches the flashes of red and white flow and glide across the field as others fly through the air.
She's pretty sure she knows what Coach Sylvester is planning, but she's not sure why she needs to be there. Maybe in case something goes wrong.
Practice is almost over when Rachel senses Coach Sylvester's presence.
"Berry."
"Coach."
"You'll be the one dealing with you little device," Coach says.
"I figured as much."
"Then I'll assume you've figured out what I want to do?"
"I have a few ideas," Rachel replies. "I'm not sure I see the point, though."
"I have my reasons," Coach Sylvester says. "Besides, I do like to keep people guessing."
"Consider yourself successful," Rachel mutters.
Ignoring her, Coach Sylvester pulls out her bullhorn. "All right you pathetic excuse for athletes!" she shouts. "Get out of here and clean the failure off yourselves. Then I expect you all to be in room 166 in fifteen minutes."
Everyone staggers off the field, though a few, mostly the seniors look at Coach Sylvester in confusion since she rarely has everyone stay after. It's usually for the newbies to see how far she can push them.
Lowering the bullhorn, Coach Sylvester turns to Rachel.
"C'mon, Berry," she says. "Let's get this started."
Rachel just stands and follows Coach Sylvester down the bleachers.
…
"All right, listen up rejects," Coach Sylvester says.
All the Cheerios are gathered in the small room with the TV. It's currently off.
"As most of you know, I like to assess your mental state to make sure none of you are going to have a nervous breakdown on me this school year. I'm particularly pleased to have finally found a worthy test."
Coach Sylvester pulls out a small remote and turns on the TV. The Halifax Gibbet is on screen. Coach Sylvester pulls out a walkie talkie. "Berry, show 'em what it does."
A moment later, Rachel appears on the screen and places a small watermelon in the head cradle. She disappears from the screen and then suddenly a large blade falls, splitting the watermelon in two.
There are audible gulps going through the room.
"That's good, Berry," Coach Sylvester says. "Set up the safety blocks. You have the protective gear?"
On screen, Rachel holds up a catcher's mask and helmet.
"Good." Coach Sylvester turns to her Cheerios, blocking their view of the TV. "While Berry sets up the safety blocks, let's chat. I'm sure most of you have figured out what is about to happen, but for those of you that took the short bus here, I'll explain. You're each going to experience the Halifax Gibbet. Berry's been able to rig it that it will stop millimeters from your mask. If you can do this without wetting yourself, then you should be able handle anything I throw at you this coming year. Any questions? Good." Coach Sylvester ignores the four hands that shot up. "Who's first?"
No one movies. Several pairs of eyes shift to Quinn. As captain, she's expected to be the scapegoat for a lot of things.
"I'll go."
Shocked, everyone looks at Brittany in surprise.
"I can go first, Coach," Brittany repeats.
"Hmmm. All right, go ahead, blondie." She picks up the walkie talkie. "First victim coming through, Berry."
Everyone watches as Brittany, looking cheerful and exuberant as always, goes into the other room.
…
Everyone watches as Brittany enters the other room. There's no sound, so they can't tell what exactly Rachel is saying to the blonde as she hands over the catcher's equipment. They watch as Brittany puts it on and is led to the Halifax Gibbet. Rachel helps her lie down so her head is in the cradle. Then Rachel disappears off screen. She must ask Brittany if she's ready because the blonde nods and then gets impressively still.
And then screen goes black.
…
"Huh," Coach Sylvester says, not looking surprised. "What a shock. Our A/V equipment is faulty." She walks over to the TV and gives it a smack.
There's a quick shriek from the next room.
"Ready for the next person, Coach." Rachel's voice comes through the walkie talkie.
"All right Berry." She turns to face the rest of them. "So who's next?"
A hand shoots up and a voice asks, "Just to be clear, Coach. You want us to lie under a real blade and trust that Rachel Berry rigged it properly?"
Santana growls at the implicating tone, but doesn't speak up, trusting Coach Sylvester to say something.
"I am," Coach smirks. "If you can't handle that, you might as well leave now."
No one moves.
"So who's next?"
…
Santana goes next, knowing her trust in Rachel is the best way to defend her.
"Hey babe," Santana greets, walking into the room.
"Hi tiger," Rachel smiles. "Ready?"
Santana nods. Rachel puts the mask on her and pulls the helmet on. She leads her to the device and has her lie down.
"Don't be nervous," Rachel says.
"I trust you," Santana replies.
"I know, San," Rachel tells her. "Just relax."
Santana closes her eyes. She hears Rachel take several steps. She hears her girlfriend count to three and then the whoosh of the blade falling. The whole thing shakes with a thud and she feels something against her face. Opening her eyes, she finds a Styrofoam blade in her face and Rachel chuckling to herself. The blade disappears and she's pulled to her feet. She quickly whips off the equipment.
"So you switched the blade?"
"Of course," Rachel replies. "I'm good, but there's no need to be completely careless."
"Thank god."
"Coach just wants to know who'll step up and who won't."
Santana shakes her head. "Like she's not dangerous enough without your help."
"Maybe so," Rachel agrees. "But now she owes me two favors."
"You are the most powerful person in this school," Santana tells her.
"I know," Rachel smiles.
…
Quinn is next, looking extremely nervous. Reverting to her old insults as comfort, Rachel just ignores her, telling her to relax.
"I'll relax when I'm out of this torture device that you apparently build Man Hands," Quinn snaps.
Rachel just smirks and lets the blade drop.
…
One by one, the Cheerios reluctantly enter the room and accept the catcher's mask and helmet. Not everyone succeeds. A couple jump up before the blade can be released and two won't even lie down. Rachel wonders if the waiting has driven them crazy, because they're all being extremely timid or overly harsh, giving Rachel flashback to the beginning of sophomore year.
Wendy Kort is the eighth one to enter. Rachel has to admit she's surprised that Wendy is trying it before Missy, since she seems to always follow the other girl's lead.
"Hey Rachel."
"Hello Wendy," Rachel replies. She hands over the safety equipment.
Wendy accepts it looking worried. She puts it on and lies down under the blade.
"Ready?"
"No. But go."
Rachel chuckles and lets the blade go.
…
They're allowed to leave once they've experienced the Halifax Gibbet. Since Rachel is her ride, Santana decides to go hang out in Coach Sylvester's office and wait, since it seems to be one of the few rooms in the school actually receiving air conditioning.
"Hey Becky," Santana greets, slipping inside.
"Hi Santana. How'd it go?"
"I passed or whatever," Santana replies.
"Good."
Santana pulls out her phone to check the time when Becky speaks up again.
"Santana?"
"Yeah?"
"Rachel's like your girlfriend, right?"
"Yeah."
"She's pretty awesome."
"I agree," Santana says.
"Did she really build that thing?" Becky asks.
"Seems so."
"Do you think she'd build me something if I asked?"
"I don't know. Can't hurt to ask."
"Cool."
…
Rachel's removing the fake blade because she's finally finished when the door opens. She's surprised to see Tommy Saunders again.
"Hey, Rach."
"Hi Tommy. What brings you here?"
"Oh, Coach Sylvester wanted us to come get this thing and put it back in your yard."
"Wow, she is quick."
"Definitely," he agrees.
Billy appears a moment later with the cart with Ron trailing behind.
They quickly load the Halifax Gibbet onto the cart and Ron pushes it out with Tommy helping. Billy grabs the real blade while Rachel grabs the fake one.
"I didn't realize you guys had your own delivery company," Rachel comments as she and Billy walk through the school.
"We don't," Billy replies. "Coach Sylvester just calls us when she needs something. She knows we have a truck."
"Oh."
"She pays really well, so we really don't mind being at her beck and call."
"Fair enough," Rachel says.
Once everything's loaded, the Saunders brothers drive off towards Rachel's house, even though she told them she wouldn't be following them.
"We'll just put it back where we found it, Rachel," Tommy tells her.
"Thanks guys."
…
Rachel finds Santana in Coach Sylvester's office, watching the video with Becky and Coach Sylvester. Having experienced it, she's not really interested, but she can tell her girlfriend is amused.
"I'm disappointed in you Santana," Rachel announces, entering.
"What? Why?"
"Because you weren't first," Rachel replies. "Did you not trust me?"
"What? Of course not," Santana says. "I just… I was caught off guard."
"Uh huh," Rachel says. "Well, at least Brittany trusts me."
"She's got a point, Lopez," Coach Sylvester adds. "Your nicer blonde BFF trusted Berry."
"Hey, I went second."
"Oooh, second."
"Whatever."
"I'm going now, Coach," Rachel says. "I helped the Saunders brothers lead it up and they're heading back to my house."
"Perfect. I owe you one, Berry," Coach Sylvester says. "This has been my best test yet."
"Yeah, maybe next time you can tar and feather 'em," Santana quips.
"Hmmm," Coach Sylvester thinks. "Maybe."
…
"So is this what you were doing yesterday morning?" Santana asks as Rachel drives back to her house.
"It was."
"But you weren't allowed to tell?"
"Of course not," Rachel replies. "You know how important the element of surprise is."
"Hmph. I don't see what I couldn't have had a small heads up."
"It wouldn't have been fair," Rachel says.
"Life isn't fair," Santana retorts.
"I am well aware, Santana," Rachel replies. "But I promised I wouldn't and I keep my promises."
…
This week Kat wants to go the history museum. Rachel assumes it's related to the creation in her backyard that Kat was fascinated by the week before. Rachel doesn't mind; she likes Kat's enthusiasm and she can admit that history has become more interesting to her lately, as well.
…
Mike and Rachel are watching TV after Rachel dropped Kat off at her house. Rachel keeps glancing over at Mike. He hasn't said anything about his date last week and she's dying of curiosity.
"So?"
"What?" Mike asks.
"Your date last week. How'd it go?"
"Oh. Pretty good."
"That's it?" Rachel asks. "Just pretty good?"
"Yeah. I mean, we had a nice time and since the summer's almost over and she's going to school soon, we're just going to hang out and have fun."
"So no more dates?"
"No," Mike replies. "They're still dates. But we're keeping everything causal."
"Hmmm."
"There's nothing wrong with having a little fun without anything serious attached," Mike defends.
"I didn't say anything."
"But you were thinking it," Mike points out.
"Yes, but I then thought that was unfair of me to think," Rachel replies.
"Well, I guess that's a start."
…
"So how are things going with Quinn?" Rachel asks Alyson.
Because Coach Sylvester is demanding extra practice this week, Rachel asked Alyson if she wants to hang out.
"Pretty good, I think," Alyson replies.
"You think?"
"Quinn's still… Well, she's still working on getting comforting with this whole liking girls thing."
"That's what I was afraid of," Rachel says. "I was hoping once she admitted it to herself, she would begin dealing with it, but in true Fabray fashion, she's avoiding it."
"It's understandable," Alyson defends.
Rachel smiles. "It's totally understandable," she agrees. "I just feel bad. I don't want anyone to get hurt and if Quinn isn't ready--"
"Rachel," Alyson interrupts. "It's fine. I like Quinn. I've had fun hanging out with her and… other stuff."
"You're sure?"
Alyson nods.
"Then I'll try not to worry."
"Ha," Alyson scoffs.
…
"So I think I know what your first prank of the year should be," Santana announces Sunday morning.
"What?"
"Giant slushie."
"Excuse me?"
"There's gotta be a way to slushie everyone. Like with the sprinklers."
"That might actually work," Rachel says, mulling it over. "Though what is your obsession with slushing people. I don't ever remember you throwing one."
"I do prefer the verbal assaults," Santana agrees. "I don't know. Maybe because this is different. This is revenge, sort of."
"Well, in theory, it sounds easy enough. Though I'd rather not be slushied and our absence will be noticed."
"Just be the good fairy, like you were before and warn certain people," Santana replies. "We'll give the others umbrellas and then it won't be so odd."
"They're going to think it's you," Rachel says.
"All the better for me," Santana smirks.
"Are you trying to steal my spotlight?"
"Course not, babe," Santana replies. "But if it's going to be pointed my way, I might as well use it. Right?"
Rachel doesn't respond.
"Unless you're going to step up and admit that it's you," Santana continues.
"Figgins would probably expel me," Rachel retorts. "Besides, I doubt anyone would believe it's me."
"Well, Figgins might."
"No, I'll stick to my original plan," Rachel replies. "And you're right. It would be silly not to use the reputation of the prankster."
"Don't worry, babe," Santana says. "The important people know what a badass you are."
"You mean you, Noah and Brittany?"
"Yep."
"That's less comforting than you'd think, San."
…
“Bro,” Noah greets when Rachel answers her cell Monday afternoon.
“Noah.”
“We're having an end of the summer bar-b-que at your place Friday afternoon.”
“Excuse me? Says who?”
“Dude, come on,” Noah replies. “It makes perfect sense. And it’s our senior year. We have to make sure it starts off on an epic scale. Right?”
“Certainly,” Rachel agrees. “But why does it have to be at my house?”
“Cause your dads are never around,” Noah points out. “I mean, no offense. But it’s true.”
“I’m not sure I want-“
“Please, Rach,” Noah asks. “I promise I’ll totally help out. And it’ll totally be mellow. The parties didn’t turn out so bad, did they?”
“Depends on what you mean,” Rachel mutters to herself. “Fine. But no other Cheerios. And I’m inviting Quinn’s girlfriend, so you better not give her a hard time.”
“Awww, Rach, come on, if I don’t give Q a hard time, I-“
“No, Noah.”
“Fine,” he huffs.
“And make sure people bring their own meat. Just because I’m fine with everyone else choosing to be murders, doesn’t mean I’m fine having dead animal carcass in my fridge.”
“Course. Of course. I’ll take care of it all, okay, bro?”
“You better,” Rachel threatens. “Or you will owe me.”
Noah gulps.
“And I always collect.”
“Right. Course. All right. I’m gonna start calling people.”
“Keep it small, Noah,” Rachel warns.
“Aye, aye, boss,” Noah says before hanging up.
…
Wendy's starting to doubt Missy. While Cheerios practice is always exhausting, Lopez's anger has made it grueling. As the summer drags on, she finds herself more and more tired. It takes a supreme amount of effort to even drive home, walk up the stairs and collapse onto her bed.
She mentions this to Missy one morning as they're getting ready. Her best friend just scoffs at her.
"After this, the school year will feel like a piece of cake," she retorts.
"Not if you keep pushing her," Wendy replies.
"There's too much going on during the school year," Missy argues. "She'll get distracted and forget about us."
"I think you're mixing up Lopez with Pierce," Wendy replies.
"You worry too much, Wendy. Besides, we're going to be in insanely good shape."
"Great, we'll be ready for that triathlon, we've been meaning to run then," Wendy mutters.
…
“You’re coming to the party, right?” Rachel asks Mike
“I don’t know. I mean, I’m supposed to do something with Michelle this weekend, since she’s going to Ohio State next week.”
“Bring her with,” Rachel tells him.
“Are you sure?” he asks. “I thought she and Santana don’t get along.”
Rachel shrugs. “If I tell San Michelle’s coming as your date, hopefully that will help mellow her out a bit.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I mean you guys don’t have to stay that long if you want some alone time,” Rachel replies. “But I was hoping to see you for a bit.”
“Well, if you’re sure,” Mike says. “I’ll ask Michelle if she wants to stop by for a while.”
"I'm sure. I'll talk to San and it'll be fine, Mike, I swear."
"Famous last words," Mike mutters to himself.
…
"San, I need to tell you something," Rachel says.
It's Thursday night and they're stretched out in the grass in Rachel's backyard.
"Yeah?"
"So you know how Mike had a date last week?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, they hit it off and so I told him to bring her on Saturday," Rachel says.
"Good. Chang needs a little action."
"It's Michelle Jamieson."
Except for tensing up, Santana doesn't acknowledge the statement.
"I know you're not her biggest fan, but it would be rude to tell Mike not to bring her just because the two of you don't see eye to eye."
"As long as she keeps her hands to herself, it'll be fine."
…
Knowing she'll most likely be told no, Rachel, nonetheless invites Kat to the party. Rachel knows that the Tylers will most likely say no to their thirteen year old daughter hanging out with high schoolers, but Kat's pretty mature for her age. Besides, Alyson will be there.
To her surprise, they say yes. Apparently, Rachel made a very good impression over dinner. They also love Quinn, who they think is simply a new friend of Alyson's and knowing she'll be there as well, probably helped. Or maybe it's the fact that Rachel invited Josh as well.
Kat is, of course, very excited. Though more so because she's being included. The Tyler siblings seem to have a pretty good relationship, but Rachel knows it's tough for Kat because she's not considered old enough to hang out with Josh and Alyson like they apparently all did when they were younger.
…
Annoyed that her last Saturday of the summer with Rachel is going to be interrupted, Santana spends Friday night as well.
"Do you feel like we haven't spent enough time together this summer?" Rachel asks as they lay in bed.
"No," Santana replies. "I just thought it'd be nice to spend the last weekend before our senior year together. You know?"
"Awww."
"Shut up."
…
Saturday Puck shows up a bit after one to start setting up. Rachel and Santana are at the kitchen table, so they just watch as he rolls a keg into the backyard, followed by a grill. He sets up a banquet table next to the keg and sets a stack of red plastic cups on it. He then sets two large trash bins; one by the grill and one by the patio door. The final part is two large coolers filled with ice.
Entering the house, Puck puts a six-pack of beer in the fridge, minus two and joins Rachel and Santana at the table.
"Impressive," Santana says, accepting the beer from Puck. "Rach must really be rubbing off on you."
"Bro said she didn't want to do any work. And I did promise."
"It looks great, Noah."
"When did you tell people to show up?" Santana asks.
"Like two."
"Please tell me you didn't invite that many people, Noah," Rachel says.
"No way. Just the few like last time. And then whoever you invited."
Santana looks to Rachel.
"I invited Marisa and told her to bring people. And then I invited Josh, his girlfriend and Kat."
"You invited a thirteen year old?" Santana asks.
"What?" Rachel questions. "She's Alyson and Josh's sister. And she's pretty mature. And I figure things won't get too crazy until later, when I plan to drive Kat home."
"Whatever," Santana shrugs.
"And Felix might stop by," Rachel continues.
"What?"
"He said he had plans, but he'd try to stop by."
"Why would you invite him?" Santana asks.
"Because I like him," Rachel retorts.
"You're the only one," Santana mumbles.
…
Everything's in full swing by three. Puck is manning the grill and chatting with a couple of guys from the football team. Since this is more Puck's deal than her own, Rachel is leaning against the tree in the corner of her yard talking with Kat and Brittany.
Everyone else is spread out through the yard, talking, eating and drinking. Rachel made sure Puck understood that he was also the bouncer for this party. He readily agreed, figuring it wouldn't be that big of deal. Rachel also made him swear one more time to leave Quinn alone.
"I make no promises if I get wasted, bro."
"Then don't get wasted Noah."
"But, Rach, it's a party."
"If I have to drag you away from her, I will," Rachel promises. "And you won't like it."
Gulping, Puck nods.
…
Around six, it becomes obvious that inebriation is starting to set in. Looking around, Rachel is pretty sure she's one of the few sober ones.
Finding Alyson, Rachel tells her she's going to take Kat home since things are becoming unsuitable for Kat.
Looking around, Alyson sees Finn, for some reason, trying to do a headstand; he's also not wearing a shirt. "Agreed."
Rachel finds Kat talking animatedly to Quinn, Josh and Marisa.
"Hey kiddo, Alyson and I are thinking it's time to get you home."
"Ahhh."
Josh looks around. "Yeah, I think she's right, munchkin."
"But Josh," Kat protests. "It's only six thirty."
"Doesn't matter, kid," he replies. "Aly and I promised mom and dad that we'd send you home when the party rating is no longer PG-13."
"Fine," Kat huffs, stomping away.
"Thanks for driving her, Rach," Josh says.
"It's not a problem. See you guys in a bit."
…
"I know you're not happy about leaving," Rachel says as she drives towards the Tyler house. "But you at least had fun while you were there, right?"
Kat nods.
"Well, I'm glad you were able to come with. I think it was a good day."
Kat sighs. "Sorry, Rachel. I just can't wait till everyone stops treating me like a kid."
"There's always going to be someone older who sees you as a kid, Kat," Rachel replies. "I still get told I don't understand because I'm only a teenager."
"Yeah, I guess."
"All right, we're here," Rachel announces.
"Thanks for inviting me, Rach," Kat tells her. "That was really cool of you."
"I'm glad you came," Rachel returns. "Call me next week and let me know how the first week of school is going, okay?"
"Okay. Bye Rachel." And Kat bounces out of the car.
Rachel waits until Kat is safely inside the house before pulling away.
…
"You guys seen Rachel lately?" Santana asks Marisa, Beatrice, Artie, and Tina
"Yeah, she said she was going to take the kid home," Marisa answers. "Like five minutes ago?"
"Hmph. Nice of her to tell me."
"She said something about texting you since she couldn't find you?" Marisa adds.
Santana pulls out her phone and finds that she has a text from Rachel.
S I'm taking Kat home. I should be back shortly. Love, R
…
Rachel pulls into her garage and climbs out of her car. She decides to go through the house than around it. However, when she reaches the door that leads into the house, she finds her way blocked by Missy and Wendy.
"Hello girls," Rachel says.
"Hi Rachel," they coo together.
"We really need to stop meeting like this," Rachel tells them. "Were you invited or did you crash?"
"Crash," Missy replies. "We overhead Brittany talking to Quinn about it on Thursday, so we decided we should stop by."
"That is such a bad idea," Rachel tells them. "Which you know because you're hiding in the garage."
"Maybe we just like the garage," Wendy volunteers.
"That's… weird."
"Ignore her," Missy says. "We'd like to once again submit our application to be part of your harem."
"I do not have a harem," Rachel replies.
"That's not what Brittany says," Missy tells her. "She said you already have three harem girls."
"Three?" Rachel questions.
"Yeah," Wendy replies. "Her. Some theater chick. And someone named Kat."
"Uh, Kat's thirteen."
"Whoa, that's--"
"I don't have a harem and if I did, Kat wouldn't be in it," Rachel says.
"Brittany thinks you do. And if she's a member, then I don't see why we can't be," Missy insists.
Rachel feels like she's seconds away from screaming in frustration. "Wait a minute. Did you say you want to submit your application?"
Missy smirks, believing that Rachel's changing her tune.
"We did."
Rachel stares at them for a moment, thinking. Finally she says, "Give me one of your phones."
"Why?"
"Just give me one," Rachel insists.
Wendy hands over her phone.
Rachel opens a text message and begins typing. Both Missy and Wendy watch as she types for a while, mumbling to herself. Finally after what feels like forever, Rachel hits send and hands Wendy back her phone.
"I sent Missy a text. It has everything I want answered on the application. I refuse to discuss this any further until I have a piece of paper with every single question answered about both of you. Understand?"
Figuring Rachel didn't have time to think of that many questions, they both nod.
"Good. Now you better get out of here before Santana sees you and decides to put you back in the Halifax Gibbet."
They both nod and Rachel watches them scramble out of the garage.
…
"Jeez, what'd you do? Walk the kid home?" Santana asks when Rachel exits the house.
"I had an unexpected… delay," Rachel retorts. "Missy and Wendy."
"Seriously?"
"They're quite tenacious," Rachel says.
"Do I even want to know how you got rid of them?" Santana asks.
"I think the more pertinent issue is why is Brittany encouraging them," Rachel replies.
"Say what?"
"Brittany apparently told them that she's in my harem."
Santana just groans. Her best friend sometimes takes messing with people too far.
"Does Britt even know what a harem is?" Mike asks, walking up to Rachel. "And do I even want to know what you're talking about?"
"Mike," Rachel exclaims, giving him a one armed hug. "I thought you weren't going to show up."
"Sorry. We lost track of time."
"Uh huh. Right, Mikey."
"Hey Michelle. Nice to see you again," Rachel greets.
"You too, Rachel."
"Jamieson."
"Lopez."
"Well, this is awkward," Mike says. "I'm going to get a drink. Michelle, want to come with me?"
"No, I’m enjoying the awkward."
"Of course," Mike sighs.
Rachel would rather leave, but she decides she better stay and referee.
"How's your summer been Lopez?"
"Fine. Yours?"
"Great."
"Good."
"Thanks again for inviting me, Rachel," Michelle says. "I was worried I wouldn't see you before I left for school."
"Just promise me you're not just using Mike," Rachel replies.
"We've just been having a very brief summer fling, Rachel, I swear."
"All right then." She turns to Santana. "San, I'm going to go talk to Brittany about, you know. I'm trusting both of you to be civil."
"Of course babe."
"If you say so, Rachel.
…
"Holy shit," Puck says as he joins Rachel at the keg. "Are you voluntarily getting yourself a beer?"
"It looks that way, doesn't it?"
"Why?"
"This was a terrible idea, Noah," Rachel replies.
"What are you talking about?" Puck looks around the yard. "I think it's going pretty well." And then he spots Santana and Michelle together. "Huh. Well there is that."
"I'm hoping San is mellow enough that she's able to ignore Michelle's jabs."
"Hey, you're the one that insisted on inviting her," Puck replies.
"Well, it'd be rude to invite Mike and not her."
"Why?" Puck asks. "It's not like they're dating."
"Still."
"Your logic is so weird sometimes, Rach."
…
"Are you having a good time?" Quinn asks Alyson.
"I'm with you, aren't I?"
Quinn fights a blush as she glances around making sure no overheard that. "Quiet you."
"You love it."
Quinn smiles shyly and leans in for a kiss. "Are you still spending the night tonight?"
Alyson nods. "My mom still thinks the Fabrays are fine upstanding Christians, despite the divorce and your, uh… So she said it's fine. But I have to be back home at ten, so they can say good bye properly."
"Good."
"And you know I'm not expecting anything right?" Alyson asks. "I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms."
"I know," Quinn replies. "I'm really going to miss you."
"Me too. But remember, we weren't going to talk about it. We're just going to enjoy the day together, right?"
"Right."
…
When Missy and Wendy get far enough away from Rachel's, Missy pulls out her phone to see what sort of questions Rachel wants answered. Looking over her unread text messages, Missy sees ten text messages all from Wendy.
"So? How bad is it?" Wendy asks.
Missy opens up one and begins scanning.
"Holy shit," Wendy says reading over Missy's shoulder. "How the hell did she come up with all those questions so quickly?"
"It just proves Brittany wasn't lying. These must be questions she asks. It's the only thing that makes sense."
"So?" Wendy says. "We go type it up all nice on your computer and print it out. Maybe if we bring it over before school starts up, it'll give us an edge."
"Hmmm. Maybe."
…
When people drunkenly suggest trying out the Halifax Gibbet, Rachel decides the party's over. Though she just had the one beer, she's certainly not in the mood to deal with such a dangerous device at the moment.
Puck is, of course, too drunk to deal with them. As punishment for not dealing with the rowdy rabble, Rachel asks Brittany to take him home.
"Okay Rachel."
"And you can just leave him in the yard or something," Rachel continues. "It's not supposed to rain tonight, I don't think.
"If you say so, Rachel."
"And then later, we're going to talk about you telling people you're in my harem. Right, Britt?"
"But I am, Rachel," Brittany insists. "I would totally sleep with you again if you guys let me."
"Thank you?"
…
"I'll email you next week," Rachel tells Alyson.
"Sounds good."
"We'll figure sometime to visit," Rachel continues.
"You're sure?" Alyson asks. "That's a lot to ask of you and Santana."
"I don't think it is," Rachel replies. "Besides, Quinn wouldn't do it by herself and it needs to happen, don't you think?"
"Well, I'd like it to."
"Then it's settled."
Alyson smiles. "You're definitely one of a kind Rachel."
"You better not forget that up there at your fancy college."
…
Rachel can't be bothered by the mess that is her backyard. And Santana's tipsy enough to agree.
"You should wake Puckerman up at like six a.m. and make him come over and clean up."
"Oh Noah will be cleaning this up. Just not at six in the morning, because I plan on sleeping in tomorrow."
"Thank god."
…
Santana is woken up by Rachel tapping her on the head.
"What?"
"Your phone has been ringing for like five minutes straight," Rachel sleepily tells her.
Santana groans, sitting up and looking around for her phone. It's quiet at the moment and she's just about to go back to sleep, when it rings again. Climbing out of bed, she snatches it off Rachel's desk.
"What?!"
"S, it's me," Quinn says. "I'm outside. Let me in."
"You better have been shot, Fabray," Santana growls, pulling on boxers and a tank top. "Or stabbed. And there better be a lot of blood."
Santana turns to tell Rachel that Quinn's here, but her girlfriend has already fallen asleep.
"Figures."
…
Santana opens the door, letting Quinn scurry in. They settle in the living room, Quinn taking the couch and Santana stretching out in the recliner.
"What the fuck is so important that you had to show up here at 4 a.m.?"
"I slept with Alyson," Quinn says.
Santana sits there, waiting. "So?"
"I had sex with Alyson."
"Yeah, I heard you the first time. Again, I say, so?"
"So? I woke up a little bit ago, and we were both still naked and it just sort of hit me. So I got dressed and came here before I completely hyperventilated."
"Wasn't she staying at your house tonight?" Santana asks.
"Yeah."
"So let me get this straight," Santana says. "You and Alyson had sex. In your bed. In your room. At your house. And then fell asleep. And then later when you woke up, you freaked. So you left her. Alone. At your house. So you could drive here. To talk to me."
"That sums it up."
Santana starts laughing. "I can't believe you left her alone at your house."
"Shut up, Santana," Quinn snaps. "I said, I panicked, okay?"
"I hate to say it, but Rachel might be better qualified to--"
"I don't want to talk to Berry about this," Quinn hisses.
"Well she's better at this feelings shit than I am."
"Maybe I don't want sensitivity," Quinn replies.
"Well then, here's my advice," Santana says. "Get over it. You like Alyson. She seems to care about you."
"I know."
"Do you feel like she pressured you?" Santana questions.
"No."
"Was it good?"
"Very good," Quinn nods.
"Well then there shouldn't be a problem," Santana says. "Yeah, long distance sucks, but you know Rach and I would totally drive up there with you and then disappear, so it's not like you'll never see her."
"Yeah."
"And she has her own car, so she could totally come here," Santana continues.
"I know."
"Rach even said Alyson could stay here if she needs a place to stay."
"I know."
"Then explain to me what the problem is," Santana huffs.
Quinn has been sitting cross legged on the couch, looking at her lap. She finally looks up at Santana, tears shining faintly in her eyes. "I'm gay, San."
Santana tries not to feel completely exasperated. "I thought we already knew that, Q."
"There was still this little part of me that thought maybe I wasn't. That when I actually… you know, it would totally freak me out and then I would see that I'm not."
Santana sighs. "I take it, that it didn't happen that way."
Quinn shakes her head vigorously. "It wasn't scary like I thought. It was… amazing."
Santana hides her smirk. "Yeah it is."
"And then we fell asleep, cuddled together," Quinn continues. "And it just felt… right." Quinn sighs. "I am so gay."
"Yeah. You are."
"I know I am."
"You feel any better about it?" Santana asks.
"A little."
"It'll get easier, Q," Santana tells her. "I swear."
"If you say so." Quinn is quiet for so long that Santana feels herself falling asleep. "I think I might be in love with her S," Quinn says so quietly that Santana almost misses it. "Or at least falling fast."
"Huh," Santana says. "That's… unexpected."
Quinn nods. "I feel like I’m drowning."
"You sort of are."
"It's terrifying," Quinn continues.
"I know."
"I don't know if I can do it."
"It's gonna happen no matter what, Q."
"And it's a good thing. Right?"
"It is."
"Thanks, I guess."
"I'd let you stay," Santana says. "But you should probably get back to Alyson, don't you think?"
Quinn looks self-conscious. "Yeah."
"Talk to her," Santana tells her.
"It's embarrassing," Quinn replies quietly.
"Yeah. A little, but she'll understand and you don't want her to think it's something that she did. Or that it's her."
"No."
"Then you need to talk to her."
"She leaves tomorrow."
"You can still take twenty minutes to explain, Q," Santana replies.
"Okay."
"You better," Santana says. "Or I'll sic Rach on you."
"You wouldn't," Quinn replies.
"Not only does she care about you, but she's friends with Alyson too," Santana informs her. "Plus, she still hangs out with Alyson's little sister, sometimes, you know."
"When does she sleep?" Quinn asks. "Between all her lessons, you, building that monstrosity; when does she find time to sleep?"
Santana shrugs. "It's just one of those things."
…
No longer freaking out, Quinn feels a bit stupid driving home at 4:30 a.m. in her pajamas. But Santana did make her feel better, so she supposes it was worth it.
She opens her bedroom door as quietly as possible, but it doesn't really matter since Alyson is sitting up in bed, waiting.
"Oh. Hi," Quinn says quietly.
"Are you okay?" Alyson asks.
Quinn nods.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"It can wait till morning," Quinn answers.
"Obviously not, since you drove into the night," Alyson replies.
"Sorry if I woke you."
"It's fine," Alyson says. "I was worried about you." Alyson pats the bed next to her. "I didn't mean to pressure you tonight."
Quinn slips back under the covers. "You didn't. I wanted to. I thought I was ready. But when I woke up earlier, I felt like I couldn't breathe, so I drove over to Berry's to talk to Santana."
"Uh huh. Did it help?"
Quinn nods. "She help put things in perspective."
"That's good," Alyson says.
"And I'm sorry I made you think you pressured me. I was hoping you would just sleep through it."
"I've always been a light sleeper," Alyson volunteers.
Quinn lays down, pulling Alyson with her, so she can curl into her side and place her head on her shoulder. Despite being taller, Quinn still ends up being the little spoon most of the time; she finds she doesn't mind.
"I just got overwhelmed," Quinn explains, finding it easier to talk without direct eye contact. "I mean, I was in love with Finn, but it never felt like this."
"Like what?"
"Like everything's better when you're around; like I want to be better person, that person you see that makes you smile that adorably happy smile of yours."
"Adorably happy?"
Quinn half shrugs, arms still wrapped around Alyson. "It's how I see it."
"Yeah, well, just don't Josh," Alyson says, closing her eyes. "He'll never let me hear the end of it."
…
"Who were you talking to?" Rachel asks Santana as she slides back into bed.
"Quinn," Santana replies. "She drove over here to talk to me because she was freaking about sleeping with Alyson."
"Oh. Oh."
"Uh huh."
"Please tell me you weren't too mean," Rachel says.
"I was honest," Santana replies.
Rachel sighs. "Did it help?"
"I think so," Santana says.
"Wait a minute," Rachel says, waking up a bit. "Did she leave Alyson alone in bed at her house?"
"Yes," Santana chuckles.
"She must have really been freaking out."
"Yeah, well, maybe that's she's accepted that she likes clam jousting, she can relax a bit."
"Santana. Must you?"
"Yes I must."
…
Things are less awkward than Quinn expected when she wakes up. She's now laying fully atop Alyson, who has her arms wrapped tightly around her. Quinn feels safe. It's nice.
But then reality comes crashing in and Quinn remembers that Alyson has to leave in a few hours. Glancing over at her clock, she's surprised to see that it's only eight. She wonders if it'd be horrible to wake Alyson up, so they could spend another couple hours together.
"Hey baby," Alyson whispers.
"Morning," Quinn says shyly.
"What time is it?"
"8:05."
"Good."
"Good?"
"That means I get two more hours of you."
Quinn smiles. "Oh?"
Alyson nods. "I don't suppose I could get a good morning kiss."
"Morning breath."
"Don’t care."
Quinn can't keep the smile off her face as she leans in for a kiss. It's brief and rather chaste, but it has her grinning widely.
"Why are you so smiley?"Alyson asks.
"Because I got to wake up with you."
The smile that spreads across Alyson's face is so full of simple joy that Quinn actually feels her heart clench. Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach trying to tell her something, Quinn leans in for another kiss.
…
Around nine in the morning, Rachel is woken up by her cell phone. Finding it on the floor by her bed, she reaches down to answer it.
"Hello?"
"Uh, Rach?"
"Yes, Noah?"
"Why am I sleeping outside in my front yard?"
"Because the driveway would be very uncomfortable?"
"I'm serious, bro," Puck says.
"Because you were practically comatose and no one wanted to risk waking up your mom and sister," Rachel explains. "We figured you'd wake up in a couple hours and drag yourself inside. But if you just woke up… You seriously broke your promise to me, Noah."
"What? No I didn't," he replies. "I said I'll be over some time today to clean up and I will. It's only like nine. I didn't plan on being over there until noon at least."
"I meant, yesterday," Rachel says. "You were going to keep people from being rowdy drunks, but by the time that happened, you were highly intoxicated."
"Okay, I admit I got carried away a bit," Puck admits. "I apologize. I really didn't think I drank that much."
"Well the keg is bone dry, so you guys must've drank plenty."
"I'm sorry, Rach. Really."
"I'm still tired, Noah," Rachel says. "We'll talk when you stop by later to clean up. Okay?"
"Okay. Bye Rach."
…
"What are you so smiley about?" Alyson asks Quinn as she looks around for her shirt.
"Besides the obvious?" Quinn asks, pointing to their state of undress.
Alyson nods.
"I didn't freak," Quinn says. "I was kind of worried I would. And this time was even better than last night."
Alyson smirks.
"I feel kind of torn," Quinn continues.
"How come?"
"You're leaving, which makes me sad," Quinn answers. "But I know I'll never forget the last twenty-four hours."
"I won't either," Alyson says. "You've helped make this summer amazing, Quinn."
"You too."
"I don't want you to go," Quinn says.
"I wish I could stay too."
"You'll call me tonight?"
Alyson nods. "We're talking every day. I want to know how your first day of senior year goes."
"Same here."
They've already decided to not draw out the good byes, so Alyson pulls Quinn into a tight hug before kissing her softly. Quinn then walks her to the door. They kiss again; this time it's full of sweetness and longing.
"Bye Aly."
"Later, Quinn."
…
Rachel waits impatiently for Santana. Since they couldn't convince Santana's parents to let her spend Sunday night at Rachel's, they decided that Rachel should just stay at her house because it'd be easier for Santana to sneak out on her own. She's got everything in her car that they need, but Santana's late. Rachel is starting to worry that she got caught.
Santana shows up a couple minutes later on a bike.
"Sorry babe," she huffs. "Couldn't take my car, so I figured this is the next best thing."
"It's all right," Rachel replies. "I was just getting worried."
They climb into Rachel's car and drive to McKinley.
In the parking lot, Rachel pulls as close to the gym door as possible. She goes to pick the lock while Santana starts unloading cooler after cooler.
"This car hold more than you'd think," Santana remarks when she's got all eight out. She snatches the duffel bag out of the front seat and slips it over her shoulder.
They quickly pull them all inside and let the door whish close behind them.
It takes a bit of effort, but they manage to drag all eight coolers to the maintenance closet. Santana hands Rachel the duffel bag. She watches her pull out a wrench and some other tools and then disappear into the closet. There's some clanking and some faint grumbling and then the sound of water. And then Rachel appears again with a hose and a funnel.
Between the two of them they manage to lift one cooler onto another, so the funnel can be placed under the spout in the cooler. Opening it allows grape slushie to flow out and into the funnel.
"How the hell did you get the schematics of McKinley's fire sprinklers?"
"City hall," Rachel replies.
"Huh."
They empty all eight coolers and it's time consuming. Santana is less impressed with gravity than usual since it's not helping the slushie exit the coolers faster. They then rinse the coolers out, which goes a bit faster and put them near the gym door.
Next, they find everyone in glee's locker, including their own, along with a few others and place a full rain gear ensemble in it with a note that says, 10:47 A.M. The weather man predicts slushie.
"That's almost clever, babe," Santana says as she closes her locker.
"Thanks," Rachel replies, dryly. "Like you thought of anything better."
“I didn’t have to, you said you’d take care of the raincoats and I’d get the coolers.”
“And did I criticize the job you did?”
“No, because I’m awesome,” Santana retorts.
"Or I don't want to listen to you whine," Rachel mutters.
…
"This is going to be a good year," Santana says as Rachel drives away from McKinley.
"What makes you say that?"
"We still have one more day of freedom. Me and my girl just set up an awesome prank for the first day and I already have an idea what we should do next."
"Already?"
Santana nods and then realizes Rachel isn't really looking at her. "Yeah I do."
"Well?"
"Later. Let's just enjoy the awesomeness of this one."
"Whatever you say San."