fic: Try, Try Again - part two
Title: Try, Try Again
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Brittany, Marisa, Becky, Charlie Zingler, Sue, Tina, Mike, Puck, Quinn, Mercedes, Kurt
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Rachel's multiple attempts to prove to Figgins that the prankster isn't a Cheerio.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~10,300
Spoilers: Previous stories in the series
A/N: Follows Solving Some Problems This is what Rachel is helping Becky build.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist
Part Two
Sunday night, Rachel knocks on the Lopez door. It is quickly opened by Tomás. "Evening, Rachel," he smiles.
"Hello Tomás."
"Look who showed up," Tomás announces as he leads Rachel into the kitchen.
"It better be Rachel," Clara says. "I told her that San being gone is no excuse."
"As if I would miss dinner with you two," Rachel says.
"Sweet talker," Clara smiles, turning around. "Do you mind setting the table?"
Rachel nods and goes to the silverware drawer.
"So how do you think they're doing?" Tomás asks.
"I'm sure they're doing quite well," Rachel replies.
"Knowing Coach Sylvester," Clara says. "I'm sure they're winning."
"True," Tomás agrees.
"So what have you been up to without Santana?" Clara asks as they sit down to eat.
"Oh, plenty," Rachel replies. "But what I'm most proud of is that I was able to build a hugging machine."
"A hugging machine? Really?" Tomás asks. "For what?"
"A sister of a friend of a friend," Rachel answers. "She's autistic."
Tomás nods.
"And how did you know how to?" Clara asks.
"Oh well, they found instructions online that we followed," Rachel explains.
"Well that was very nice of you dear," Clara says.
Rachel blushes slightly. "I enjoyed the challenge."
"Still, I'm sure her parents appreciated it," Tomás says. "Those things are expensive."
"Does this mean you'll build something if I need it?" Clara asks.
"It depends," Rachel answers. "If I'm able."
"What do you need built?" Tomás asks.
"Nothing now," Clara replies. "However, it's nice to know."
Tomás just shakes his head as Rachel tries to hide her giggle.
"So you're just a contractor for hire?" Tomás asks.
"Not exactly," Rachel replies. "Becky knows I have the ability, so she asked."
"Lucky for her," Clara says.
"Indeed," Rachel agrees.
…
Feeling a bit lonely, Rachel is reluctant to leave, so Tomás pulls out a chessboard and begins teach Rachel the finer points of the game.
"You're getting the hang of it," Tomás says after three games.
"Thanks," Rachel replies. "I've been trying to get Santana to teach me, but we just seem to get frustrated."
"Well that could just be her," Tomás says. "She doesn't really have the patience to teach anyone chess."
"I can see that."
"I actually taught San and Felix at the same time," Tomás says. "And Santana seemed to just know where it took Felix a bit more time. I remember that Santana tried to help teach, but had no patience for Felix. She just couldn’t understand why he was having trouble when it was crystal clear to her.'
Rachel chuckles.
"Poor Felix eventually gave up because he didn't want Santana looking over her shoulder and commenting."
"So she's always been this way," Rachel laughs.
"Oh yes," Tomás replies. "From the moment she could talk."
"You know she's going to be annoyed that you told that story," Clara says, coming in to check on the pair.
"Pshaw," Tomás replies. "It's Rachel."
"I suppose it depends on how much you tease her, dear," Clara says.
"She'll be fine with it," Rachel replies. "I mean she told me about the time Felix tricked her into drinking spoiled milk and she threw up until her stomach was empty."
"I'd forgotten about that," Clara says.
"I don't think she's drank milk since."
"Besides," Rachel continues. "She knows I just find stories like that adorable."
"I still haven't figured out how you've managed to have that girl wrapped around your little finger," Tomás says.
"Uh… I'm not sure you want to," Rachel replies. "And the feeling is mutual."
"We know," Tomás says. "Otherwise I'd be concerned."
"Thanks." Rachel looks at her watch. "I better go. It's a school night."
"All right, dear," Clara says. "We'll see you next week."
"Next week," Rachel agrees.
"We'll play a game or two," Tomás adds.
"That sounds lovely. Good night."
"Night Rachel."
…
Driving home, Rachel feels torn. The fact that she's been so welcomed by Santana's family has always been a pleasant surprise; more so, after her own fathers' rejection. And she tries to bask in every moment of family togetherness. Especially since it all might disappear soon.
Despite asking permission to marry Santana in a decade, Rachel is also considering breaking up before they head to college. It's the most pragmatic solution to the problem that long distance college relationships cause. Rachel doesn't want their relationship to end with anger, harsh words that can't be taken back and screaming.
Even though Rachel knows this, she's still be struggling. There are some moments, like tonight, where she has to stop and reconsider her plan. It wouldn't just be breaking up with Santana, it would be ending her relationship with the whole Lopez family and that thought is almost as crushing as ending things with Santana.
Maybe her plan needs to be reevaluated again.
…
It's around two in the morning and Rachel is back at McKinley. It's time for another prank. And while this one is relatively simple, the set up time is lengthy.
…
Rachel finishes a little after 4 a.m. and heads home. When she's safely back in her garage, she sets up the mass text warning people, including herself. It's too early to send it, but if it's ready, she can just hit send on her way to school.
Looking at the clock, Rachel sees there isn't that might time to grab a nap, so instead she begins planning the next prank. Just in case Figgins still believes the prankster to be a Cheerio.
Rachel really hopes it doesn't come to that because this final prank isn't something she wants to do. But it's the only thing she's come up with to clear the Cheerios.
…
When Mike arrives at McKinley, he's careful to watch his step, just as the prankster's text said this morning. At his locker, he pulls out the necessary books and over hears people complaining of tripping.
"Have you heard?"
Mike looks up and finds Tina in front of him. "Prankster?" he asks.
Tina nods. "Trip wire."
Mike whistles. "Harsh."
"I know, right?"
"I think we pissed him off," Mercedes says, appearing next to Tina.
"So you don't think it's Santana?" Tina asks.
"No way. That's Kurt's thin," Mercedes replies. "Besides, aren't all the Cheerios gone until this afternoon?"
"Well maybe someone else set it up for her?" Kurt offers, suddenly appearing.
"Who?" Mercedes asks. "Rachel?"
"Uh…"
"Exactly," Mercedes says.
"I don't think it's Santana," Tina says.
"Yeah, I can't see Rach being okay with it," Mike adds.
"Just because they're dating," Kurt says. "Doesn't mean that Santana is just going to stop--"
"Actually, I think it kind of does," Tina interrupts.
"Why does it matter?" Mike asks.
"Don’t you want to know who is warning us?" Kurt questions.
"Sure I'm curious," Mike replies. "But why rock the boat?"
"Yeah," Tina agrees. "What if he or she gets annoyed with your investigation and stops warning us?"
Mercedes elbows Kurt. "If we stop getting warnings because of you, we will so be fighting."
"You guys are unbelievable," Kurt says, as he walks away.
…
Having received the text from Rachel, Santana is careful when she enters McKinley. It helps that she's not the first off the bus and can watch others trip as they walk in. Though she has to wonder why Figgins hasn't had the janitors get rid of the wires.
"They're probably working on it," Brittany says. "After all, they're kinda hard to see."
"Rachel is getting a little vicious, don't you think?"
Brittany shrugs.
"I mean, if anything, this is implicating us even more," Santana continues.
"I think she's trying to make a statement."
"And what would that be?"
"I have no idea."
"Well, maybe the two of us should have a talk," Santana says as they reach her locker. "Speaking of talking, how's it going with Marisa?"
Brittany smiles. "Pretty well, I think."
"Rachel's worried someone's going to get hurt."
"It's always a possibility in relationships," Brittany replies.
"Yeah, that's true," Santana agrees. "But you like her?"
Brittany shrugs again. "Yeah. I just… She's cute and funny and I've just wanted to pull her into a hug and never let go."
"That's nauseatingly adorable," Santana says.
"YaY!" Brittany claps. "It's just like you and Rachel."
"Hey!"
…
Sue hasn't been back to McKinley for more than five minutes before she's being summoned by Figgins. Still a bit high off their win, she goes without her usual stalling.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Sue, congrats on this weekend."
"As if there was any doubt we'd win."
"Yes, well," Figgins says. "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Listening."
"As I'm sure you're aware of, the prankster struck in your absence."
"Did he?"
"She did indeed," Figgins says. "And while I applaud the attempt, not for one moment do I believe that one of your Cheerios weren't involved."
"When did this prank happen?" Sue questions.
"This morning."
"Then it couldn't have been any of mine," Sue replies. "We all just got back."
"As if they don't have enough influence to have someone else do it for them," Figgins tells her.
"Believe what you want," Sue says. "But my Cheerios aren't behind these."
"I'll believe it when I have hard evidence, Sue."
"Whatever you want to tell yourself," Sue replies. "But I have better places to be." She turns and stalks out of the office, intent on finding Berry.
…
"Personally, I'm worried we pissed him off," Mercedes says at lunch.
"How can we piss off an anonymous person?" Mike asks.
"I don't know," Mercedes shrugs. "But trip wires seem kinda cruel."
"And a school wide slushie shower isn't?"
"Uh, no," Kurt says. "If it's been done to us, then it's not."
"Well, technically, you have been tripped, Kurt," Tina points out.
"Not with wire."
"Now you're just splitting hairs," Mike says.
…
Surprisingly the way that Rachel learns the Cheerios have returned isn't because of a text from Santana. Instead, she's summoned by Coach Sylvester.
"Sit down."
Rachel does so.
"It didn't work."
Rachel nods. "I thought it might not."
"If you knew this one wouldn't work, why bother?"
"I didn't know it wouldn't work, but I'm not completely surprised that it didn't," Rachel explains. "And I really didn't want to do what I have to do next. I was hoping this would work."
"Well, it didn't," Coach Sylvester replies. "Though I'm starting to think Figgins is being stubborn on purpose."
"He's very good at it," Rachel agrees.
"So you've got another plan?"
"I do," Rachel nods. "I'll begin putting it together and hopefully have Figgins off your back by the end of the week."
"It better work this time, Berry," Coach Sylvester says. "I've already given you too many opportunities to fix this. Don't fail me this time."
"I won't," Rachel assures her. "And two chances could hardly be considered too many opportunities, Coach."
"It is for me, Berry. And you know it. So fix this."
…
"Hey Coach," Becky greets, entering the office.
"Hello Becky. We missed you this weekend."
"Thanks for letting me stay here, Coach," Becky says. "Finishing the hugging machine took all weekend."
"Of course," Coach Sylvester replies. "And you got to spend time with Charlie, right?"
Becky nods. "We're dating, actually."
"Excellent," Coach says. "Though I may have to talk with him about the proper way to treat a lady."
"He knows," Becky replies. "He was a perfect gentleman on our date Saturday. Plus, he was so grateful for the hugging machine."
"Yes, Berry does good work."
"It's pretty awesome," Becky agrees.
…
Since Santana's been gone all weekend, her parents gave permission for her to spend the evening at Rachel's as long as she's home by ten. So after practice, the two head to Rachel's house in Rachel's car.
"Trip wires?"
"It had to be something school wide and relatively easy to set up," Rachel explains.
"But still, tripping people? It seems mean."
"Maybe a little," Rachel agrees. "But I'm building towards something, so to speak."
"What does that mean?"
"It means it didn't work and so I'm going to have to try something more drastic."
"Something more drastic than tripping everyone?" Santana asks.
"Yes."
"Okay."
"And you're not going to like it," Rachel continues. "I'd like to apologize beforehand. But I feel like my hands are tied. It has to be like this."
Santana sighs. "You know I hate it when you get all cryptic. So let's just drop it."
"Okay. I am sorry, though."
"Rach, babe, drop it. We'll talk about it after it happens, okay?"
"Okay."
…
Tuesday afternoon, Puck makes his way to glee, surprised that he might actually be early for once. However, this changes when Rachel grabs him and drags him into the nearest classroom.
"Hey bro," he says, cautiously.
"I need your help."
"Course. You know I'm here for you, Rach."
"Good," Rachel says. "I need to play a complicated prank and I need your help."
"Awesome. You've been doing the last couple solo. I was feeling left out."
"I'm sorry. But it had to be that way. I need you to meet me here tomorrow morning, at five."
"What?!" Puck exclaims. "That's really fucking early."
"It is," Rachel agrees. "And was the cursing necessary?"
"Yeah."
"So will you?"
Puck sighs. "Yeah, I will. But this prank better be awesome."
"Well, it depends on how you look at it, I suppose," Rachel answers as she exits the class room.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Puck calls after her.
…
Getting a ride home from Santana is normal for Brittany. But she's surprised when Rachel asks to come inside for a moment. Brittany expects Santana to follow, but Rachel requests she wait in the car. Brittany just barely holds back a giggle at the annoyed look on her best friend's face.
It takes a moment to dig out what Rachel is looking for, but once she hands it over, she's rewarded with a huge Rachel Berry smile and a kiss on the cheek.
"It'd be on the lips," Rachel says. "But I don't want to make things difficult with your girlfriend."
Brittany grins. "Same here."
"Thanks, Britt," Rachel says. "You're the best." And then she's hurrying down the stairs and out the door.
…
Once Santana heads home for the night, Rachel begins preparing for the next morning. She pulls out her list and makes sure she has everything she needs, which she does. It's a habit to check and double check things. As far as Rachel can tell, everything should go off without a hitch as long as Noah shows up as promised. She even has a contingency plan she has if he doesn't. Though she hopes she won't have to resort to it; it's a lot more work. And while Rachel Berry isn't one to shy away from hard work, she also knows that she wants this whole thing to be as simple as possible.
…
Up an hour earlier than usual, Rachel goes through her morning routine of exercising, a shower and a fruit smoothie. She then calls Noah's cell until he picks up.
"Whaat?"
"It's four-thirty," Rachel tells him. "Get up so you can meet me at school."
"Rachel?"
"Yes, Noah," Rachel sighs. "I need you to get up and get ready. Okay?"
"Yeah, okay, bro. I can do that."
"If you aren't at the school in thirty minutes, I will be very upset with you, Noah," Rachel tells him before hanging up.
…
Rachel hands Puck an Egg McMuffin when he arrives.
"Thanks, bro," he replies. "So are you going to fill me in on this prank?"
"We're going to kidnap all the Cheerios and chain them to that gate I set up."
Puck looks over at the front of the school and finds a huge metal gate in front of the door.
"How'd you do that?"
"Well, it's just cemented down," Rachel explains. "I had the Saunders' brothers do it for me late last night."
"You're insane."
"I'm following the old adage, go big or go home," Rachel tells him.
"I'm not sure this is quite what they meant," Puck replies.
"Noah," Rachel says. "I need to clear the Cheerios as suspects. Coach Sylvester told me that Figgins believes it to be someone on the squad. And though extreme, this is the only thing I could think of to clear their names."
"What does Santana think of all this?"
"She doesn't know," Rachel replies. "I thought it'd be better that way."
"I guess."
Rachel sighs. "If you don't want to help me that's fine. I just need to know so I can execute plan C instead."
"What about plan B?" Puck asks.
"It doesn’t matter."
"I'll help, Rach," Puck replies. "It's just… it's kinda early for me and this whole plan is kinda… whoa. You know?"
"I do."
"But I'm here for you, bro," Puck says. "So just tell me what you need me to do."
…
Cheerios begin showing up thirty minutes later. No one wants to be late for one of Coach Sylvester's practices. Rachel's thankful that Brittany has so much chloroform, though she's curious where she gets it all. If she gets it in bulk at a cheaper rate, Rachel should really take advantage of that and get some for herself, just in case.
Rachel asks Noah to grab Santana, Brittany and Quinn, afraid she wouldn't be able to do it. Noah gleefully accepted, pulling the ski mask down that he insists on wearing and springing into action as soon as he sees Quinn's car pull up.
Lucky for them, no one shows up in threes and fours, just a few pairs, so they're able to take everyone down without the others becoming any the wiser. When Becky shows up, Rachel explains the situation to her and asks her to inform Coach Sylvester that no one will be showing up for practice. Nodding, Becky agrees to tell Coach Sylvester, but promises she'll be returning to watch.
Noah meanwhile is setting each Cheerio next to the gate. Rachel underestimated how big it should be, so it's a bit squished, but they figure no one will noticed once they're awake.
Once everyone's in front of the gate, Rachel begins the process of attaching them to the gate. It's time consuming, but with Noah's help it doesn't take as long as Rachel had planned.
Coach Sylvester appears just as they're finishing.
"Go big or go home might be an understatement for you Berry."
"I hope this works," Rachel replies. "I'm running out of ideas."
"Really?"
"Well that aren't completely cruel," Rachel clarifies.
"And what would you call this?" Noah asks.
"Slightly cruel," Rachel replies.
"It's awesome," Becky says.
"I'm a bit worried about what the rest of the student body will do to them like this," Rachel says.
"Well, as long as they're awake, they can handle it," Coach Sylvester replies. "I'm sure most of them will just try to get revenge later."
"How are they going to get out of this?" Noah asks.
"It's actually quite simple," Rachel says. "I'm sure Brittany will figure it out."
"Not your girl?"
"I believe she'll be too annoyed," Rachel replies.
"Very true," Coach Sylvester chuckles.
…
There's a terrible pounding noise when Santana wakes up and she's having a difficult time figuring out where the noise is coming from. She tries to roll over and shut off her alarm clock and finds her movement restricted. Groaning, she struggles to open her eyes.
And then she's slapped in the face.
Her eyes shoot open and she finds a smirking Quinn Fabray in front of her.
"Watch it, Bitch," Santana growls.
"You need to get your ass up, so we can figure out what the hell is going on," she says.
"Yeah, San," Brittany adds, suddenly appearing behind Quinn. "It isn't a good thing."
"Could you keep your voices down," Santana replies. "My head is already filled with a god damn marching band."
Quinn sighs. "Just stand up and look around, S."
Still annoyed, Santana stands with Brittany's help and finds her right hand is chained to something.
"Actually, I think they're manacles," Brittany says.
"Of course," Santana grumbles.
Looking around, Santana sees all the Cheerios are lined up against a gate and connected with manacles.
"Fucking prankster," Santana growls.
"You think?" Quinn snarks. "I blame you for this."
"You would."
"We're going to get a lot of crap once everyone starts showing up," Quinn says.
"I know," Santana sighs.
"Maybe we can get out of these before everyone arrives," Brittany says.
"Good luck," Quinn replies. "I was one of the first ones awake. We've been trying."
"Well I know how to pick locks," Brittany says. "We should be out in no time."
"No key hole, Britt," Santana tells her as she examines the cuff.
"How unexpected," Brittany says, leaning against the gate.
"What the hell is going on?!"
Everyone looks up to find Principal Figgins standing in front of the gate looking aghast.
"What the hell does it look like?" Santana asks.
"If this is some kind of stunt--"
"Does this look like a stunt?" Coach Sylvester questions, appearing on Figgins' right. "And what would something like this accomplish?"
"With you, Sue, I've learned that I understand very little," he replies.
"Then you're actually learning," Coach Sylvester replies. "But this isn't me."
"How did this happen?"
"We were on our way to practice and then blackness," Brittany says. "When I woke up, I was chained to this gate."
"Stupid prankster has gone too far this time," Quinn adds. "No one chains Quinn Fabray to anything."
"Until now," Santana says.
"Shut it, Lopez."
"Make me, Fabray."
"Quiet," Coach Sylvester says.
"Are those manacles?" Figgins asks, looking closer.
Santana nods.
"Who has manacles in Ohio?" he questions.
"Better question," Quinn says. "Who has so many?"
"Even better questions," Santana says. "How the hell are we getting out of these things?"
"Yeah," Brittany says. "There's no key hole and it'll take forever to cut through any of this metal. Plus, I bet the school doesn't have the proper equipment for that."
"Who would?" Figgins asks.
"So we're stuck like this?" Quinn asks.
"Of course not, Ms. Fabray," Figgins replies. "We'll figure something out."
"Oh that's reassuring," Santana snarks.
As Santana and Quinn argue with Figgins, Brittany begins carefully examining the cuff. She knows Rachel would never put them in a situation they couldn't get out of. Partly because she's too nice, but mostly because she wouldn't do that to San or Quinn or herself. Brittany knows there's a way out of these cuffs. She just has to figure out how.
…
Figgins finally manages to pull himself away from a very angry Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez and heads inside. He has his secretary call Tony the head janitor to deal with the problem, hoping he'll have some fresh ideas.
"What are you going to do about freeing my kids?" Sue asks, bursting into his office.
"Sue," he says. "Give me a damn minute, all right?"
"At least tell me that you're taking my Cheerios off probation," Sue says.
Figgins sighs. "Fine. I will. But only because I don't think any of them would go this far to clear themselves."
"Or none of them are the prankster," Sue tells him. "Which I've already told you."
"Excuse me if I don't always believe you, Sue," he replies.
"Your mistake," Sue says. "Good talk." And then she's gone before Figgins can reply.
Figgins sighs again. It's going to be a long day.
…
Brittany's been studying the manacle for over fifteen minutes when she finds the release button. It's miniscule and right next to where the chain connects with the cuff. She lets out an internal sigh of relief; she'd been worried that she'd never find it. Rachy does like to challenge her.
She tries pushing it, but it won't budge. She then tries twisting it, but that doesn't work either. Finally, she tries pulling it and the cuff pops open.
"Eureka!" she exclaims.
…
Quinn and Santana are arguing with Karofsky about what payback he'll receive if he does anything to them while they're chained to a fence, when they hear Brittany's triumphant shout.
Everyone looks over to see the blonde no longer chained to the gate and doing a little dance.
"Oh thank god," Santana says.
…
It doesn't take long for Brittany to free all the Cheerios. Everyone is rubbing their right wrist and thanking Brittany for finding a way out of it.
They all get reamed out by Coach Sylvester for allowing themselves to be caught off guard, ignoring their protests that it's Lima and no one expects things like this to happen here. Everyone who protests if assigned twenty laps to be run over lunch.
Meanwhile the janitors spend the morning trying to remove the cemented down gate.
Author: slacker_d
Pairing/Characters: Rachel/Santana, Brittany, Marisa, Becky, Charlie Zingler, Sue, Tina, Mike, Puck, Quinn, Mercedes, Kurt
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Rachel's multiple attempts to prove to Figgins that the prankster isn't a Cheerio.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~10,300
Spoilers: Previous stories in the series
A/N: Follows Solving Some Problems This is what Rachel is helping Becky build.
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
series masterlist
Part Two
Sunday night, Rachel knocks on the Lopez door. It is quickly opened by Tomás. "Evening, Rachel," he smiles.
"Hello Tomás."
"Look who showed up," Tomás announces as he leads Rachel into the kitchen.
"It better be Rachel," Clara says. "I told her that San being gone is no excuse."
"As if I would miss dinner with you two," Rachel says.
"Sweet talker," Clara smiles, turning around. "Do you mind setting the table?"
Rachel nods and goes to the silverware drawer.
"So how do you think they're doing?" Tomás asks.
"I'm sure they're doing quite well," Rachel replies.
"Knowing Coach Sylvester," Clara says. "I'm sure they're winning."
"True," Tomás agrees.
"So what have you been up to without Santana?" Clara asks as they sit down to eat.
"Oh, plenty," Rachel replies. "But what I'm most proud of is that I was able to build a hugging machine."
"A hugging machine? Really?" Tomás asks. "For what?"
"A sister of a friend of a friend," Rachel answers. "She's autistic."
Tomás nods.
"And how did you know how to?" Clara asks.
"Oh well, they found instructions online that we followed," Rachel explains.
"Well that was very nice of you dear," Clara says.
Rachel blushes slightly. "I enjoyed the challenge."
"Still, I'm sure her parents appreciated it," Tomás says. "Those things are expensive."
"Does this mean you'll build something if I need it?" Clara asks.
"It depends," Rachel answers. "If I'm able."
"What do you need built?" Tomás asks.
"Nothing now," Clara replies. "However, it's nice to know."
Tomás just shakes his head as Rachel tries to hide her giggle.
"So you're just a contractor for hire?" Tomás asks.
"Not exactly," Rachel replies. "Becky knows I have the ability, so she asked."
"Lucky for her," Clara says.
"Indeed," Rachel agrees.
…
Feeling a bit lonely, Rachel is reluctant to leave, so Tomás pulls out a chessboard and begins teach Rachel the finer points of the game.
"You're getting the hang of it," Tomás says after three games.
"Thanks," Rachel replies. "I've been trying to get Santana to teach me, but we just seem to get frustrated."
"Well that could just be her," Tomás says. "She doesn't really have the patience to teach anyone chess."
"I can see that."
"I actually taught San and Felix at the same time," Tomás says. "And Santana seemed to just know where it took Felix a bit more time. I remember that Santana tried to help teach, but had no patience for Felix. She just couldn’t understand why he was having trouble when it was crystal clear to her.'
Rachel chuckles.
"Poor Felix eventually gave up because he didn't want Santana looking over her shoulder and commenting."
"So she's always been this way," Rachel laughs.
"Oh yes," Tomás replies. "From the moment she could talk."
"You know she's going to be annoyed that you told that story," Clara says, coming in to check on the pair.
"Pshaw," Tomás replies. "It's Rachel."
"I suppose it depends on how much you tease her, dear," Clara says.
"She'll be fine with it," Rachel replies. "I mean she told me about the time Felix tricked her into drinking spoiled milk and she threw up until her stomach was empty."
"I'd forgotten about that," Clara says.
"I don't think she's drank milk since."
"Besides," Rachel continues. "She knows I just find stories like that adorable."
"I still haven't figured out how you've managed to have that girl wrapped around your little finger," Tomás says.
"Uh… I'm not sure you want to," Rachel replies. "And the feeling is mutual."
"We know," Tomás says. "Otherwise I'd be concerned."
"Thanks." Rachel looks at her watch. "I better go. It's a school night."
"All right, dear," Clara says. "We'll see you next week."
"Next week," Rachel agrees.
"We'll play a game or two," Tomás adds.
"That sounds lovely. Good night."
"Night Rachel."
…
Driving home, Rachel feels torn. The fact that she's been so welcomed by Santana's family has always been a pleasant surprise; more so, after her own fathers' rejection. And she tries to bask in every moment of family togetherness. Especially since it all might disappear soon.
Despite asking permission to marry Santana in a decade, Rachel is also considering breaking up before they head to college. It's the most pragmatic solution to the problem that long distance college relationships cause. Rachel doesn't want their relationship to end with anger, harsh words that can't be taken back and screaming.
Even though Rachel knows this, she's still be struggling. There are some moments, like tonight, where she has to stop and reconsider her plan. It wouldn't just be breaking up with Santana, it would be ending her relationship with the whole Lopez family and that thought is almost as crushing as ending things with Santana.
Maybe her plan needs to be reevaluated again.
…
It's around two in the morning and Rachel is back at McKinley. It's time for another prank. And while this one is relatively simple, the set up time is lengthy.
…
Rachel finishes a little after 4 a.m. and heads home. When she's safely back in her garage, she sets up the mass text warning people, including herself. It's too early to send it, but if it's ready, she can just hit send on her way to school.
Looking at the clock, Rachel sees there isn't that might time to grab a nap, so instead she begins planning the next prank. Just in case Figgins still believes the prankster to be a Cheerio.
Rachel really hopes it doesn't come to that because this final prank isn't something she wants to do. But it's the only thing she's come up with to clear the Cheerios.
…
When Mike arrives at McKinley, he's careful to watch his step, just as the prankster's text said this morning. At his locker, he pulls out the necessary books and over hears people complaining of tripping.
"Have you heard?"
Mike looks up and finds Tina in front of him. "Prankster?" he asks.
Tina nods. "Trip wire."
Mike whistles. "Harsh."
"I know, right?"
"I think we pissed him off," Mercedes says, appearing next to Tina.
"So you don't think it's Santana?" Tina asks.
"No way. That's Kurt's thin," Mercedes replies. "Besides, aren't all the Cheerios gone until this afternoon?"
"Well maybe someone else set it up for her?" Kurt offers, suddenly appearing.
"Who?" Mercedes asks. "Rachel?"
"Uh…"
"Exactly," Mercedes says.
"I don't think it's Santana," Tina says.
"Yeah, I can't see Rach being okay with it," Mike adds.
"Just because they're dating," Kurt says. "Doesn't mean that Santana is just going to stop--"
"Actually, I think it kind of does," Tina interrupts.
"Why does it matter?" Mike asks.
"Don’t you want to know who is warning us?" Kurt questions.
"Sure I'm curious," Mike replies. "But why rock the boat?"
"Yeah," Tina agrees. "What if he or she gets annoyed with your investigation and stops warning us?"
Mercedes elbows Kurt. "If we stop getting warnings because of you, we will so be fighting."
"You guys are unbelievable," Kurt says, as he walks away.
…
Having received the text from Rachel, Santana is careful when she enters McKinley. It helps that she's not the first off the bus and can watch others trip as they walk in. Though she has to wonder why Figgins hasn't had the janitors get rid of the wires.
"They're probably working on it," Brittany says. "After all, they're kinda hard to see."
"Rachel is getting a little vicious, don't you think?"
Brittany shrugs.
"I mean, if anything, this is implicating us even more," Santana continues.
"I think she's trying to make a statement."
"And what would that be?"
"I have no idea."
"Well, maybe the two of us should have a talk," Santana says as they reach her locker. "Speaking of talking, how's it going with Marisa?"
Brittany smiles. "Pretty well, I think."
"Rachel's worried someone's going to get hurt."
"It's always a possibility in relationships," Brittany replies.
"Yeah, that's true," Santana agrees. "But you like her?"
Brittany shrugs again. "Yeah. I just… She's cute and funny and I've just wanted to pull her into a hug and never let go."
"That's nauseatingly adorable," Santana says.
"YaY!" Brittany claps. "It's just like you and Rachel."
"Hey!"
…
Sue hasn't been back to McKinley for more than five minutes before she's being summoned by Figgins. Still a bit high off their win, she goes without her usual stalling.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Sue, congrats on this weekend."
"As if there was any doubt we'd win."
"Yes, well," Figgins says. "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Listening."
"As I'm sure you're aware of, the prankster struck in your absence."
"Did he?"
"She did indeed," Figgins says. "And while I applaud the attempt, not for one moment do I believe that one of your Cheerios weren't involved."
"When did this prank happen?" Sue questions.
"This morning."
"Then it couldn't have been any of mine," Sue replies. "We all just got back."
"As if they don't have enough influence to have someone else do it for them," Figgins tells her.
"Believe what you want," Sue says. "But my Cheerios aren't behind these."
"I'll believe it when I have hard evidence, Sue."
"Whatever you want to tell yourself," Sue replies. "But I have better places to be." She turns and stalks out of the office, intent on finding Berry.
…
"Personally, I'm worried we pissed him off," Mercedes says at lunch.
"How can we piss off an anonymous person?" Mike asks.
"I don't know," Mercedes shrugs. "But trip wires seem kinda cruel."
"And a school wide slushie shower isn't?"
"Uh, no," Kurt says. "If it's been done to us, then it's not."
"Well, technically, you have been tripped, Kurt," Tina points out.
"Not with wire."
"Now you're just splitting hairs," Mike says.
…
Surprisingly the way that Rachel learns the Cheerios have returned isn't because of a text from Santana. Instead, she's summoned by Coach Sylvester.
"Sit down."
Rachel does so.
"It didn't work."
Rachel nods. "I thought it might not."
"If you knew this one wouldn't work, why bother?"
"I didn't know it wouldn't work, but I'm not completely surprised that it didn't," Rachel explains. "And I really didn't want to do what I have to do next. I was hoping this would work."
"Well, it didn't," Coach Sylvester replies. "Though I'm starting to think Figgins is being stubborn on purpose."
"He's very good at it," Rachel agrees.
"So you've got another plan?"
"I do," Rachel nods. "I'll begin putting it together and hopefully have Figgins off your back by the end of the week."
"It better work this time, Berry," Coach Sylvester says. "I've already given you too many opportunities to fix this. Don't fail me this time."
"I won't," Rachel assures her. "And two chances could hardly be considered too many opportunities, Coach."
"It is for me, Berry. And you know it. So fix this."
…
"Hey Coach," Becky greets, entering the office.
"Hello Becky. We missed you this weekend."
"Thanks for letting me stay here, Coach," Becky says. "Finishing the hugging machine took all weekend."
"Of course," Coach Sylvester replies. "And you got to spend time with Charlie, right?"
Becky nods. "We're dating, actually."
"Excellent," Coach says. "Though I may have to talk with him about the proper way to treat a lady."
"He knows," Becky replies. "He was a perfect gentleman on our date Saturday. Plus, he was so grateful for the hugging machine."
"Yes, Berry does good work."
"It's pretty awesome," Becky agrees.
…
Since Santana's been gone all weekend, her parents gave permission for her to spend the evening at Rachel's as long as she's home by ten. So after practice, the two head to Rachel's house in Rachel's car.
"Trip wires?"
"It had to be something school wide and relatively easy to set up," Rachel explains.
"But still, tripping people? It seems mean."
"Maybe a little," Rachel agrees. "But I'm building towards something, so to speak."
"What does that mean?"
"It means it didn't work and so I'm going to have to try something more drastic."
"Something more drastic than tripping everyone?" Santana asks.
"Yes."
"Okay."
"And you're not going to like it," Rachel continues. "I'd like to apologize beforehand. But I feel like my hands are tied. It has to be like this."
Santana sighs. "You know I hate it when you get all cryptic. So let's just drop it."
"Okay. I am sorry, though."
"Rach, babe, drop it. We'll talk about it after it happens, okay?"
"Okay."
…
Tuesday afternoon, Puck makes his way to glee, surprised that he might actually be early for once. However, this changes when Rachel grabs him and drags him into the nearest classroom.
"Hey bro," he says, cautiously.
"I need your help."
"Course. You know I'm here for you, Rach."
"Good," Rachel says. "I need to play a complicated prank and I need your help."
"Awesome. You've been doing the last couple solo. I was feeling left out."
"I'm sorry. But it had to be that way. I need you to meet me here tomorrow morning, at five."
"What?!" Puck exclaims. "That's really fucking early."
"It is," Rachel agrees. "And was the cursing necessary?"
"Yeah."
"So will you?"
Puck sighs. "Yeah, I will. But this prank better be awesome."
"Well, it depends on how you look at it, I suppose," Rachel answers as she exits the class room.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Puck calls after her.
…
Getting a ride home from Santana is normal for Brittany. But she's surprised when Rachel asks to come inside for a moment. Brittany expects Santana to follow, but Rachel requests she wait in the car. Brittany just barely holds back a giggle at the annoyed look on her best friend's face.
It takes a moment to dig out what Rachel is looking for, but once she hands it over, she's rewarded with a huge Rachel Berry smile and a kiss on the cheek.
"It'd be on the lips," Rachel says. "But I don't want to make things difficult with your girlfriend."
Brittany grins. "Same here."
"Thanks, Britt," Rachel says. "You're the best." And then she's hurrying down the stairs and out the door.
…
Once Santana heads home for the night, Rachel begins preparing for the next morning. She pulls out her list and makes sure she has everything she needs, which she does. It's a habit to check and double check things. As far as Rachel can tell, everything should go off without a hitch as long as Noah shows up as promised. She even has a contingency plan she has if he doesn't. Though she hopes she won't have to resort to it; it's a lot more work. And while Rachel Berry isn't one to shy away from hard work, she also knows that she wants this whole thing to be as simple as possible.
…
Up an hour earlier than usual, Rachel goes through her morning routine of exercising, a shower and a fruit smoothie. She then calls Noah's cell until he picks up.
"Whaat?"
"It's four-thirty," Rachel tells him. "Get up so you can meet me at school."
"Rachel?"
"Yes, Noah," Rachel sighs. "I need you to get up and get ready. Okay?"
"Yeah, okay, bro. I can do that."
"If you aren't at the school in thirty minutes, I will be very upset with you, Noah," Rachel tells him before hanging up.
…
Rachel hands Puck an Egg McMuffin when he arrives.
"Thanks, bro," he replies. "So are you going to fill me in on this prank?"
"We're going to kidnap all the Cheerios and chain them to that gate I set up."
Puck looks over at the front of the school and finds a huge metal gate in front of the door.
"How'd you do that?"
"Well, it's just cemented down," Rachel explains. "I had the Saunders' brothers do it for me late last night."
"You're insane."
"I'm following the old adage, go big or go home," Rachel tells him.
"I'm not sure this is quite what they meant," Puck replies.
"Noah," Rachel says. "I need to clear the Cheerios as suspects. Coach Sylvester told me that Figgins believes it to be someone on the squad. And though extreme, this is the only thing I could think of to clear their names."
"What does Santana think of all this?"
"She doesn't know," Rachel replies. "I thought it'd be better that way."
"I guess."
Rachel sighs. "If you don't want to help me that's fine. I just need to know so I can execute plan C instead."
"What about plan B?" Puck asks.
"It doesn’t matter."
"I'll help, Rach," Puck replies. "It's just… it's kinda early for me and this whole plan is kinda… whoa. You know?"
"I do."
"But I'm here for you, bro," Puck says. "So just tell me what you need me to do."
…
Cheerios begin showing up thirty minutes later. No one wants to be late for one of Coach Sylvester's practices. Rachel's thankful that Brittany has so much chloroform, though she's curious where she gets it all. If she gets it in bulk at a cheaper rate, Rachel should really take advantage of that and get some for herself, just in case.
Rachel asks Noah to grab Santana, Brittany and Quinn, afraid she wouldn't be able to do it. Noah gleefully accepted, pulling the ski mask down that he insists on wearing and springing into action as soon as he sees Quinn's car pull up.
Lucky for them, no one shows up in threes and fours, just a few pairs, so they're able to take everyone down without the others becoming any the wiser. When Becky shows up, Rachel explains the situation to her and asks her to inform Coach Sylvester that no one will be showing up for practice. Nodding, Becky agrees to tell Coach Sylvester, but promises she'll be returning to watch.
Noah meanwhile is setting each Cheerio next to the gate. Rachel underestimated how big it should be, so it's a bit squished, but they figure no one will noticed once they're awake.
Once everyone's in front of the gate, Rachel begins the process of attaching them to the gate. It's time consuming, but with Noah's help it doesn't take as long as Rachel had planned.
Coach Sylvester appears just as they're finishing.
"Go big or go home might be an understatement for you Berry."
"I hope this works," Rachel replies. "I'm running out of ideas."
"Really?"
"Well that aren't completely cruel," Rachel clarifies.
"And what would you call this?" Noah asks.
"Slightly cruel," Rachel replies.
"It's awesome," Becky says.
"I'm a bit worried about what the rest of the student body will do to them like this," Rachel says.
"Well, as long as they're awake, they can handle it," Coach Sylvester replies. "I'm sure most of them will just try to get revenge later."
"How are they going to get out of this?" Noah asks.
"It's actually quite simple," Rachel says. "I'm sure Brittany will figure it out."
"Not your girl?"
"I believe she'll be too annoyed," Rachel replies.
"Very true," Coach Sylvester chuckles.
…
There's a terrible pounding noise when Santana wakes up and she's having a difficult time figuring out where the noise is coming from. She tries to roll over and shut off her alarm clock and finds her movement restricted. Groaning, she struggles to open her eyes.
And then she's slapped in the face.
Her eyes shoot open and she finds a smirking Quinn Fabray in front of her.
"Watch it, Bitch," Santana growls.
"You need to get your ass up, so we can figure out what the hell is going on," she says.
"Yeah, San," Brittany adds, suddenly appearing behind Quinn. "It isn't a good thing."
"Could you keep your voices down," Santana replies. "My head is already filled with a god damn marching band."
Quinn sighs. "Just stand up and look around, S."
Still annoyed, Santana stands with Brittany's help and finds her right hand is chained to something.
"Actually, I think they're manacles," Brittany says.
"Of course," Santana grumbles.
Looking around, Santana sees all the Cheerios are lined up against a gate and connected with manacles.
"Fucking prankster," Santana growls.
"You think?" Quinn snarks. "I blame you for this."
"You would."
"We're going to get a lot of crap once everyone starts showing up," Quinn says.
"I know," Santana sighs.
"Maybe we can get out of these before everyone arrives," Brittany says.
"Good luck," Quinn replies. "I was one of the first ones awake. We've been trying."
"Well I know how to pick locks," Brittany says. "We should be out in no time."
"No key hole, Britt," Santana tells her as she examines the cuff.
"How unexpected," Brittany says, leaning against the gate.
"What the hell is going on?!"
Everyone looks up to find Principal Figgins standing in front of the gate looking aghast.
"What the hell does it look like?" Santana asks.
"If this is some kind of stunt--"
"Does this look like a stunt?" Coach Sylvester questions, appearing on Figgins' right. "And what would something like this accomplish?"
"With you, Sue, I've learned that I understand very little," he replies.
"Then you're actually learning," Coach Sylvester replies. "But this isn't me."
"How did this happen?"
"We were on our way to practice and then blackness," Brittany says. "When I woke up, I was chained to this gate."
"Stupid prankster has gone too far this time," Quinn adds. "No one chains Quinn Fabray to anything."
"Until now," Santana says.
"Shut it, Lopez."
"Make me, Fabray."
"Quiet," Coach Sylvester says.
"Are those manacles?" Figgins asks, looking closer.
Santana nods.
"Who has manacles in Ohio?" he questions.
"Better question," Quinn says. "Who has so many?"
"Even better questions," Santana says. "How the hell are we getting out of these things?"
"Yeah," Brittany says. "There's no key hole and it'll take forever to cut through any of this metal. Plus, I bet the school doesn't have the proper equipment for that."
"Who would?" Figgins asks.
"So we're stuck like this?" Quinn asks.
"Of course not, Ms. Fabray," Figgins replies. "We'll figure something out."
"Oh that's reassuring," Santana snarks.
As Santana and Quinn argue with Figgins, Brittany begins carefully examining the cuff. She knows Rachel would never put them in a situation they couldn't get out of. Partly because she's too nice, but mostly because she wouldn't do that to San or Quinn or herself. Brittany knows there's a way out of these cuffs. She just has to figure out how.
…
Figgins finally manages to pull himself away from a very angry Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez and heads inside. He has his secretary call Tony the head janitor to deal with the problem, hoping he'll have some fresh ideas.
"What are you going to do about freeing my kids?" Sue asks, bursting into his office.
"Sue," he says. "Give me a damn minute, all right?"
"At least tell me that you're taking my Cheerios off probation," Sue says.
Figgins sighs. "Fine. I will. But only because I don't think any of them would go this far to clear themselves."
"Or none of them are the prankster," Sue tells him. "Which I've already told you."
"Excuse me if I don't always believe you, Sue," he replies.
"Your mistake," Sue says. "Good talk." And then she's gone before Figgins can reply.
Figgins sighs again. It's going to be a long day.
…
Brittany's been studying the manacle for over fifteen minutes when she finds the release button. It's miniscule and right next to where the chain connects with the cuff. She lets out an internal sigh of relief; she'd been worried that she'd never find it. Rachy does like to challenge her.
She tries pushing it, but it won't budge. She then tries twisting it, but that doesn't work either. Finally, she tries pulling it and the cuff pops open.
"Eureka!" she exclaims.
…
Quinn and Santana are arguing with Karofsky about what payback he'll receive if he does anything to them while they're chained to a fence, when they hear Brittany's triumphant shout.
Everyone looks over to see the blonde no longer chained to the gate and doing a little dance.
"Oh thank god," Santana says.
…
It doesn't take long for Brittany to free all the Cheerios. Everyone is rubbing their right wrist and thanking Brittany for finding a way out of it.
They all get reamed out by Coach Sylvester for allowing themselves to be caught off guard, ignoring their protests that it's Lima and no one expects things like this to happen here. Everyone who protests if assigned twenty laps to be run over lunch.
Meanwhile the janitors spend the morning trying to remove the cemented down gate.