Fic: Starlight, Chapter 35 by Sapphire (PG-13)

[sapphireej]

Series: 'Starlight' (List of all the parts on my LJ)
Disclaimer: I am just borrowing them for the fun of writing, BUT I do own the plot, ideas and original characters.
A/N: I edited this chapter, so all mistakes are mine.
A/N2: Feedback keeps me writing, so please comment or review. :D



~*~

A/N3: Keep in mind, within this AU... There is no Puck/Quinn, no Finn/Rachel, Quinn is NOT pregnant at all, Puck's dad never left when he was a kid and Puck will be OOC so yes, totally AU, though you'll see similarities to the episodes.
A/N4: Bare with me. This is a long chapter, but it's awesome, I promise!

~*~

Noah leaned back on the couch with his arms still wrapped around Rachel and smiled, "comfortable?"

She shifted just a little so she wasn't laying on her cast and nodded, "I am now," she agreed, resting her head on his chest. "When is everyone coming over?"

"About three," he murmured, "it's about eleven-thirty now," he added, figuring that's what she was going to ask next.

"Can we watch a movie?" She asked softly.

"If you want to," Noah nodded.

She sighed, "I actually don't know what to do. I'm not sick, so it just feels weird to be lounging around the house like I've got the flu," she admitted, sitting up and leaning back against the couch.

"Rach, you've been through a lot. I think you can take some time off to relax," he replied, sitting up and pulling her into his arms.

"Yeah, but I just missed so much," she sunk against him, "I don't even know were to start. Over a week of school and then another week or more of me being off? That's a lot of work to catch up on."

"I'm pretty sure your teachers will be lenient about what work you really need to make up," he murmured, holding her close, "besides, there is something more important we need to make up," he added.

"What?" She looked at him, completely confused at what he was talking about.

Noah smiled and kissed her lovingly, "this," he murmured against her lips, "and this," he tightened his arms around her, then leaned back, "and all the time we lost together."

"Oh Noah," she bit her lip and nodded in agreement, shifting so she was closer, "I want that so badly," she agreed, "but I feel selfish, too."

"Selfish, why?" Noah looked at her oddly, "where did that come from?"

"Ever since I've been home it's been what happened to me, how long it's going to take for me to heal, how long before I can do things... I wasn't the only one going through something horrible. You were, too. I don't know what I would have done if things had been reversed and you were the one taken," she murmured. "I'd like to know how you were feeling while I was gone."

He eyed her and nodded, "it was the worst week of my life," he admitted, "the cell phone she used was one of those prepaid ones that can't be traced and the cops didn't have any leads, so it was frustrating. I felt helpless, which made me more upset. I just wanted to be left alone, and everyone respected that. I spent a lot of time in the studio at home or in my room," he took a deep breath, "I tried to stay strong, but I couldn't hide how I was feeling, so for a while I wasn't the best person to be around. I was so scared I'd never see you again and everyone was just as worried, so they couldn't really assure me that things would be 'okay', because they didn't know either," he took another breath and calmed down, smiling, "after everything that happened, when I got to wrap my arms around you again and tell you 'I love you', all the fear and worry washed away and was replaced with relief," he explained, kissing her lovingly, "because I finally got my girlfriend back," he smiled, wiping her eyes when he saw tears fall, "I love you."

Rachel blushed, "I love you, too, Noah," she clung to him and was silent for a long moment before she spoke, "you were going through the same emotions I was."

"Yes, but for different reasons. Once you were back, most of my emotions disappeared; sure I'm still extremely mad at her for what she did, but you're alive and right here with me, so I'm good. Now I can be strong for you, so you can heal, physically and emotionally, because a week ago, I was a mess and I don't think I could have been very supportive for anyone," he admitted softly, "so, don't worry about me or that everything is about 'you' because you're my favorite subject to study," he winked at her before kissing her again.

Smiling as their lips parted, Rachel looked at him, "you're crazy if you think I'm not going to worry about you. We're in this fifty-fifty, right?"

Noah nodded, "yeah, you're right. Fifty-fifty."

"So we're both going to worry about each other," she rested her head on his chest and tightened her grip on him, "hope you don't have any plans for moving. I wanna stay right like this," she added, letting her eyes drift closed.

"I'll stay here as long as you want me to," he promised.

"Good," she murmured, her body calling her to sleep.

Noah smiled as he watched her fall asleep, "I'm not going anywhere," he swore as his own body relaxed into sleep.

~*~

Noah's family had arrived around noon, finding Rachel and Noah asleep on the couch. The parents let them sleep, but they knew that their friends would be over, so they couldn't let them sleep too long. "They're so cute, I hate to wake them up," Deborah commented.

"But their friends will be here in about an hour," David added.

Reluctantly, Deborah knelt down next to them and rested her hand on Noah's shoulder, "Noah, wake up, sweetheart."

Hearing his mom's voice, Noah shifted and opened his eyes, "hey mom," he murmured, "what time is it?"

"About two," she replied, "Alan and David said everyone was coming over around three."

"Yeah," Noah nodded and turned to Rachel, kissing her forehead, "Rach, wake up, babe," he said softly and when she stirred, she continued doze, so he tried again, "come on, baby, wake up."

Slowly her eyes drifted open and Rachel saw him and their parents, "uh, hi. How long have we been asleep?"

"A couple of hours," David admitted.

"Sorry," she shifted so she was sitting on the couch, "I didn't mean to fall asleep, but I got comfortable and I guess I fell asleep."

"It's okay," Noah sat up, stretching his arms and back, "thanks for waking us up, though," he said, looking at their parents.

"You're welcome. Why don't you two go throw some water on your face to wake up before they get here," Ethan suggested.

"Yeah, good idea," Noah agreed, standing up and holding out his hand.

Rachel took his hand and nodded at their parents as the two walked up to her room. Doing as Ethan had suggested, they came back downstairs a bit later in clean clothes and were a lot more awake than they had been.

"That was definitely a nice nap," Noah admitted as he sat down in the kitchen.

"Yes it was," Rachel agreed, standing behind him and wrapping her good arm around his neck, "we should do that again sometime," she added, resting her chin on his shoulder.

Noah smiled and turned a little, "sounds good to me, babe. I'm up for it anytime."

"I'll let you know," she replied kissing his lips, just as the doorbell rang.

Alan went to answer the door and after a few moments they heard, "hi Alan! Where is she?"

Rachel blushed and straightened up as heavy footsteps came towards the kitchen and Quinn entered, "Rachel!" She exclaimed walking over and threw her arms around her. "I'm so glad you're back!"

"Thanks, Quinn," Rachel murmured, returning her hug.

As the two girls pulled away, Rachel saw Finn, "hey, Finn."

"Hey Rachel," he stepped forward and hugged her, "welcome home."

Hugging him, Rachel smiled, "it feels really good to be home, too," she replied as they moved apart. As he did, she saw the third arrival, "you made it, Carly."

"I did. Thanks for the invite. Welcome back," she replied, hesitating on what to do next.

Rachel had been able to hold in her emotions as she hugged Quinn and Finn, but as she moved towards Carly and wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug, she started crying, "if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here, so thank you so much for what you did."

Carly's arms went around Rachel, feeling a huge weight lift off her shoulders and she nodded, fighting her own tears, "you're welcome," she replied softly, "I'm sorry you had to go through that," she added as they pulled away. 

"You have no reason to be sorry; you had nothing to do with what she did," Rachel assured her, smiling lightly.

Noah got up and slipped an arm around Rachel's shoulders, "see, I told you, Carly."

Carly nodded, "yeah, you did. I should have believed you, but it was hard once I found out what she did."

"Let's not worry about that right now," Noah commented, "Rachel's home and that's what is important. We can deal with everything else later."

"You're right," Carly agreed, smiling, "so where's a Sharpie? I wanna sign your cast," she added, looking at Rachel.

Rachel laughed lightly and pulled a couple out of her pocket, "I just happen to have a few," she admitted holding up several colors including gold, pink, purple, light blue and silver.

~*~

With the arrival of their other friends, they all were glad to have Rachel home, but agreed that it wasn't the time to get emotional. They kept the mood light and celebrated her return, rather than dwell on the past, but Rachel did explain what happened to her and Noah added the details of what happened after Carly found Rachel's necklace. Rachel also asked them to keep what she said quiet; she didn't want many people to know exactly what happened and they promised to keep that information private.

Rachel mentioned that it'd probably be another week before she was back to school, so the teens agreed to keep her posted on what happened and assured her that the club would be fine to wait to practice once she got back.

Relaxing together, they spent the rest of the time talking about what had gone on while she had been gone, eating food and laughing, joking and teasing each other; keeping the atmosphere happy and entertaining.

After several hours together, slowly the teens began to leave and soon it was down to just Quinn, Finn, Carly and Rachel and Noah's families. The teens, except Rachel, helped the adults clean up from the guests and then the couple walked their friends to their cars.

"Thanks for coming over, you guys. I really needed that," Rachel smiled, hugging Carly, Quinn and Finn.

"We're glad to come over," Finn assured her.

Quinn nodded in agreement, "and sometime we should get you out of the house for a while. We could go to the mall or something," she added.

"We should," Rachel nodded, "soon. I know I need to get out, but I'm kind of," she bit her lip, "I just need some more time, that's all."

"No hurry, Rachel," Carly commented, "when you're ready, let us know."

"I will," Rachel smiled at them.

Quinn's cell phone rang, startling everyone, and it was her mom wanting her to come home for something, so Quin and Finn reluctantly said 'goodnight' to their friends and left, giving Carly a few minutes alone with Noah and Rachel. The moment alone made Carly slightly uncomfortable; she wanted to talk to Rachel, but wasn't sure how to bring up the topic.

It was easy to tell that Carly was nervous, and after the conversation Rachel and Noah had before they took their nap, she had a feeling she knew what was wrong, "Carly, I know that you and Noah are just friends," she said honestly.

"Whoa, way to shock someone, babe," Noah laughed lightly.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't want to dance around the subject. I can tell she's nervous and I'm pretty sure I know why, so I just came out and said it," Rachel commented, looking at Carly, "you seem nervous. Is that why?"

Carly blushed, "yes, it is," she nodded, "because of the reasons that Crystal did what she did, I just want you to know that I have no feelings towards Noah that are more than friends," she explained, "I promise."

"I know you're just friends and I trust you and Noah. I look forward to when you and I can be friends," Rachel said truthfully. "So you don't have to be nervous around us again, okay?"

"Okay," Carly smiled, "that means a lot and I look forward to the same thing."

"Great!" Rachel smiled and gave her a quick hug.

Carly relaxed a lot, "I feel a lot better," she said as they pulled apart, taking a deep breath. "It's getting pretty cold out. I should probably get going. You two must be freezing," she admitted, seeing they were not dressed to be out in the mid-January Ohio night.

"A little," Noah nodded in agreement.

"Be careful driving home. You have my number so feel free to call or text me any time. I won't be doing much this week," Rachel admitted with a laugh.

"Okay, I will," Carly nodded at them and after waving 'bye', she headed for her car and got in, starting it and driving away from the curb a few moments later.

"How about you and I go inside and warm up?" Noah suggested, turning to Rachel.

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Rachel replied, linking her arm with his as they walked.

Noah smirked, let go of her arm, turned slightly and before Rachel realized what he was doing, he had one arm around her back and one under knees, successfully supporting her as he picked her up to carry her inside. "Noah," Rachel giggled, slipping her good arm around his neck as he moved through the doorway, "what was that for?"

"Just because I can," he grinned, carefully setting her back down on her feet.

Though the logical part of Rachel's mind was telling her that she was able to walk on her own, the rest of her was falling even more in love with him for the 'just because' gestures he did that made her melt, "I love you," she smiled, kissing him lovingly.

Letting their lips remain together for a few moments, when Noah did pull away he returned her smile and pressed his forehead to hers, "I love you, too, babe."

Rachel nodded and hugged him tightly, relaxing and taking everything from that day in. She'd had a wonderful afternoon hanging out with their friends and the colorful signatures and decorations she had on her cast reminded her that they'd all be there for her as she recovered physically and mentally from the ordeal she went through; making sure she never had a hard time dealing with what happened and she was thankful for all of that and for the support of her boyfriend and their families.

~*~

After an amazing Saturday with their friends and family, Rachel and Noah agreed to spend Sunday curled up on the Berry's couch watching movies. Over breakfast that morning, Noah asked Rachel and her dads if they would be up for a house guest while he was gone and when they asked him to clarify, he explained that since Rachel was not going and they still had an extra spot on the flight and for the awards, he wanted to invite his mom along, but he knew she wouldn't go unless they could find someplace for Arin to stay. All of them were welcoming of the idea and promised not to say anything until he talked to his parents.

Also over breakfast, Rachel brought up him going back to school. He didn't want to return Monday, because he wanted to spend as much time with her as he could before he had to leave for LA, but at her persuasion, he finally agreed to return. He promised he'd come over right after school to spend the evenings there and then go home for the nights, because they had to get used to sleeping apart. Rachel was glad he agreed to go back. She knew he didn't want to go back until she did, but she wasn't sure when she'd feel comfortable going out in public, and she didn't want him to miss school just because of her. During their talk, he also promised to talk to her teachers about collecting homework for the time she missed so she could begin the process of making up almost two weeks of work.

Once breakfast was settled, the couple found seats on the couch, starting their first movie of the several they'd picked out, but just after it started, Noah got a call from Ethan. Ethan and Elliott, Noah's other manager, had been fielding calls from different magazines and news stations, looking for information about what happened to Rachel and now that she was home, they thought it was time 'Puck' released an official statement.

While Rachel was gone, Noah had stayed away from posting messages on his social networking sites. He did confirm that she had been taken, but didn't know any more details, so he only sent out a thanks for his fans' love and support. He did read fans' messages, but didn't respond, but now that she was home, he agreed the statement was a good idea, but Elliott wanted to release it Monday morning.

While they watched movies, Noah typed away on his laptop, writing and rewriting what he wanted to say, trying to keep it simple, and when he finished, he got Rachel and her dads' approval on it before he sent it to Ethan, letting him have the final say and the job of sending it to Elliott.

While Noah had been writing up the statement, he thought about his celebrity friends and was thankful that Taylor had been updating them about what was going on, because they understood Noah had other things going on and couldn't call everyone personally, but once the message was sent to his dad, he called Taylor to let him know they'd be releasing a statement the next morning and the three chatted for a bit and Taylor was happy to hear Rachel was slowly recovering.

Taylor couldn't talk long, so once he'd hung up, Rachel and Noah decided to call Nick and Joe Jonas, Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift. The four of them had met Rachel and were all sending messages to Taylor about Rachel's condition. Nick, Joe and Demi were on the set of 'Camp Rock 2' filming, so they were able to get the news all at once and were all very happy to hear that Rachel was home safe. After a brief conversation, they hung up and called Taylor Swift. The two girls spoke the longest and Taylor, like the others, was very glad Rachel was safe at home and when she talked to Noah, they agreed they'd see each other at the the following week.

While they were talking to her, a take-out delivery of Chinese had arrived at the house, so the couple ended their call with Taylor and went to gather up dinner and returned to the living room where they continued their movie marathon for the rest of the night.

~*~

Monday morning, when Noah woke up, Rachel got up with him and helped him gather his things for school. Having breakfast together, she walked him out to the porch and after a long hug and kiss, he reluctantly went to his SUV and headed off to school. Once at McKinley, Noah joined their friends like always and told them an official statement would be released that day along with what it included, so they promised they'd keep the truth to themselves and he thanked them for that.

Though Noah and Rachel normally hung out with their friends until classes began, Noah excused himself early to go talk to a few of her teachers about her make-up work, and they promised him they'd have some work gathered up for her by the end of the day, so Noah told them he'd stop in after school.

When classes started, Noah plowed through. Before his third period, he called to check on Rachel and she had just gotten up; she'd gone back to bed after he left and they talked for a bit before he had to change for gym class and he when he hung up, he tried to go focus on school, but his mind kept wandering to her.

At lunch, Mercedes, who had choir with Rachel, gave Noah the sheet music to the songs that they'd gotten while Rachel was gone. She also said that their teacher was sure Rachel would catch up quickly once she got back, so to not worry about making up any work. Noah thanked her for getting the music and information and stowed the sheet music in his bag for Rachel.

Heading off to Spanish after lunch, Noah talked to Will after class and he gave Noah a stack of make-up work for Rachel, telling him she could email him if she needed help. Will also added that Glee was canceled for the week, since he and Rachel wouldn't be there and gave Noah the work he'd miss while he was in LA.

Noah thanked Will for what he'd done and moved off to math, a class he and Rachel shared. Noah had been collecting and keeping track of the work she'd missed in their two shared classes at the end of the day, math and science, but he hadn't given the work to her or brought her books home yet, so he figured he would that day. He still spoke to the their teachers about what she'd missed and also what he'd miss while he was gone and they told him to come back the next day and they'd have what he was asking for ready.

After the last class of the day, Noah went to Rachel's classes to get the work her teachers packed up for her and then stopped at her locker to get all of her books, and like always, their friends met up and talked for a bit. Finn helped Noah carry Rachel's books to his locker, so Noah could switch out his own books and pack his bag. Once he had things gathered up, he took all of the books and headed out to his SUV and back to Rachel's house. Rachel was surprised that Noah brought back all of her books, but was glad to have something to do. She'd kept occupied that day by watching TV and spending time with her dads, who were home, but she missed going to school.

The couple spent a few hours together and after dinner, Noah packed up a lot of his stuff and though he hated to leave, Rachel had done well that day and he still needed to talk to his mom about going to the awards. He'd already talked to his dad about it, through emails on Sunday after the Berrys said they were willing to watch Arin for the time they were gone. Ethan was alright with it, but was letting Noah be the one to make the invite.

Needing to leave, the couple shared a long hug and kiss and he made her promise that if she had problems to call him and he'd answer, and once she assured him she'd call, he reluctantly left the Berry's.

Getting home, Noah found his parents in the living room watching TV, so he sat down with them and Noah brought up the topic of the awards. When he asked Deborah about going, she assured him she knew she wasn't 'second' to Rachel, even if things had worked out that way and when Noah added that Rachel and her dads were willing to let Arin stay there for the time they were away, Deborah agreed to go.

Happy with her answer, Noah went upstairs and began sorting things out, unpacking from his stay at Rachel's and gathering up things for the California trip. He called Rachel to let her know his mom agreed to go and they continued to talk until they got into bed.

~*~

Rachel and Noah were both running on little sleep Tuesday. Rachel had napped okay the day before, but going all night without her boyfriend was tough and she woke several times from odd dreams; not bad, but unusual. Noah couldn't stay comfortable and spent most of his night tossing and turning, so he finally gave in and got up around five, over an hour earlier than he normally woke up and when he got to McKinley, he didn't know if she would be up, but he tried anyway, and found that she was wide awake and they both admitted they didn't sleep well and hoped each night would be better, because he'd be gone for over a week and they would need sleep during that time.

Needing to get into school, since he had been out in the parking lot talking to her, Noah and Rachel ended their conversation and he continued into his locker.

The day was mostly uneventful, but he did have several people come up to him, who had heard about what happened to Rachel and asked how she was doing and hoped things were okay now. He told them she was doing alright and thanked them for the concern and hoped she would be back to school soon.

Noah called Rachel a few times to check on her and she was doing alright, beginning to work on her homework to catch up with her classes. He avoided telling her that it would be his last day until after he got back from California. He had things he wanted to do the next day, so his parents were letting him take Wednesday off.

After school Tuesday, Noah talked with his friends for a bit, but then had to say 'goodbye', because he wouldn't see them again until he got back from California. They wished him luck and hoped he would win the awards he was nominated for and then he headed off to one of his classrooms. He had to meet with one of his teachers because the class he had been taking first period, Ohio State History, would be over at the end of the week, with the end of the first semester and the following Monday a new semester would begin. Most of the classes taught at McKinley lasted all year, or two semesters, but some electives and other classes were only a semester or a half-year and Noah's history class was one of them. He already knew what he would be taking next; psychology. The class qualified as a history class, so he was able to use it towards the full year of history requirement for his Junior year. Luckily his history teacher was also teaching the psychology class, so he didn't have to meet a new teacher, but he did want to return his history book and discuss his final assignment for history, but his teacher waived it, since Noah already had an 'A' in the class. His teacher also gave him the psychology textbook along with what would be the first weeks assignments, so when he got back, he'd be caught up with the class.

Thanking his teacher, Noah gathered his books from his locker and left the school, heading for Rachel's house. He'd picked up the rest of her make-up work during the day, and also had gotten his work for the week he'd be gone and while he was at her place, he worked on some of his homework and Rachel realized he had all of his books with him, "do you have homework in all of your classes?" Rachel asked curiously.

"I kind of do," Noah admitted, "because today was my last day of school until I get back."

"What?" Rachel exclaimed, "I thought you weren't leaving until Thursday!"

"I'm not," Noah said moving closer to her and pulling her into his arms, "we are leaving Thursday, but I have to pack still and there are things I want to do tomorrow," he admitted.

"Oh, I thought you were going to school Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday," she replied, taking a deep breath to calm down from her almost panic attack.

"I know. That's what I wanted you to think, because I wanted to prepare for a special night with you before I leave," he explained.

"You have a special night planned?" She asked softly, looking up at him.

"I do. I was going to keep it a surprise, but now that you know I'm not going to school, I figure I'll tell you that much at least, but the rest you'll have to wait to find out," he winked, "just know we'll be at my place so you don't have to worry about going anywhere in public."

"Okay, so you were just going to pretend like you went to school, then call me when school was out and ask me to come over?" She asked curiously, turning in his arms to look at him.

Noah nodded, "yes that was exactly what I planned to do. After my sister gets out of school tomorrow, my parents are going to take her out for a few hours to spend some time with her before we leave, so after like three, we'll have the house to ourselves. I figured that I'd spend the morning doing homework and packing and then call you up and invite you over. I'll make dinner and then we can spend some time alone."

Rachel smiled, "that sounds wonderful, but you know I don't mind us being around our parents. Do you?" She asked.

"No, of course not," he shook his head, "just thought we could change it up, that's all."

"Oh alright," she nodded, "um, would you mind if maybe I came over earlier, say like noon or something? I'm sure you have a lot of stuff to do, but I haven't left here since Saturday, so I could use a change of scenery."

"You're more than welcome to come over anytime you want. I just have to pack and get some homework done. Just don't forget to ask your dads," he added.

"I won't, but I'm sure they'll be okay with that," she replied, "how come you're telling me all this now?" She asked, "when you weren't before."

Noah thought on what she asked before answering with, "given what happened, I'm not sure if just calling and asking you over and telling you I have a surprise would be a good idea," he admitted softly.

"If it was anyone else, yes, I could agree, but I trust you," she assured him, "if you asked me to come over, I would have."

"That really means a lot," he told her, holding her close, "and I promise you I'll never give you a reason to feel any other way."

~*~

After spending the evening together, Noah left Rachel's after dinner, so he could get home and try to start packing; at least that's what he told her. He wanted to put the finishing touches on her song.

Getting to bed that night, he slept better than he had Monday night, but it still wasn't great. Part of him liked that he couldn't sleep well without Rachel, but the other part of him knew that they were still teens and that really wasn't something two teenagers did until they were out of high school, so he hoped they'd be able to figure out something to get them through until graduation.

Just after seven Wednesday morning, Noah crawled out of bed and headed downstairs to find something for breakfast. His parents were surprised he was up that early, since he wasn't going to school, but he mentioned that Rachel was coming over around noon and he wanted to get going on some homework before she got there.

"Dad, how much free time am I going to have while we're in Cali?" Noah asked.

Ethan thought for a moment, "I guess that depends on what you want to do. Aside from rehearsals on Saturday for the awards and getting what we're going to wear to them, the only thing you've really got to do is spend Monday at the studio for the 'We Are The World' recording session. The rest you'll have free," Ethan replied, "why?"

"I've got enough homework to do that I'm not going to have time to do it all before we leave and I don't want to take it all along, so I have to do some here," he explained.

"I'm sure you'll have time, but I also think your teachers will understand if you don't have everything done the day you get back," Ethan told him.

"Yeah, I know, but I want to have a good portion done to turn in when I get back. When Rachel was gone, I missed a few days, and I just got that work made-up and now that I have to leave for basically a week, I don't want to go back and make it seem like I don't care about school. I came back to Lima to go to school and though there are a few times I'll have to miss classes, I don't want people to think I'm getting special treatment, just because I had to go to an awards show or other event."

Ethan nodded, "that's understandable, but your teachers are not giving you 'special treatment' nor do I think your classmates feel that way. They all are aware that you have a job and when you do leave, you're not just at home sleeping."

"I know, but I just want to keep up on it as much as I can," Noah told them, "and speaking of homework, I'm gonna go get on some of it and work on packing."

"Okay, we're going to go out in about an hour and pick up some travel supplies, so if you need anything, let us know," Deborah commented.

"Alright, thanks," he smiled at them and after setting his dishes in the sink, kissed his mom's forehead and headed up to his room to really get into packing and homework.

~*~

Out of Noah's six classes, he only had work in four of them. He had already turned in his English paper, which was due in a few days, and his teacher told him not to worry about any work because they'd still probably be working on the paper, and his other class was gym, so there was no homework at all in that. With psychology, Spanish, math and science left, he debated all the options and decided that he'd take his Spanish and psychology work with him, and keep his math and science work at home.

Making sure he had all his Spanish and psychology things together, he stuffed them into his carry-on, the only thing he'd really packed and headed downstairs with his math and science stuff and sat down at the dinning room table to get to work.

He spent the next several hours working on homework and managed to finish science and get started on his math. Just before noon, he heard the gate alarm go off and knew Rachel was there, because his parents had just left to go shopping, so he knew they wouldn't be back already. Getting up, he headed to the front door, just as she walked onto the porch, "hey sexy," he grinned.

Rachel blushed, "I don't feel sexy right now," she said holding up her cast.

"Eye of the beholder, babe," he winked and moved aside to let her in, "besides you're the sexiest when you just wake up," he added.

"I am?" She asked surprised.

"You are, because I get to see you without the make-up and nice clothes," he closed the door and took her bag off her shoulder, "I don't need all that to know you're beautiful and a little cast doesn't change how you look," he added.

"Thanks, Noah," she smiled, accepting the compliments as she followed him into the dinning room, "I brought some homework along. I didn't know what exactly we were going to do this afternoon, but I figured it wouldn't hurt."

"That's fine. I finished up my science work and have been working on math. I figured I'm going to take my Spanish and psychology work with me," he told her.

"Since when do you take psychology?" She asked curiously.

"I officially start on Monday," he commented. "My history class is over Friday and since yesterday was the last time I'll be in class, I turned in my final homework and my book yesterday. My teacher is also teaching the psychology class, which I'm taking because I want to and it also works to finish out my Junior year of history credits. Anyway, my teacher gave me the textbook for the class and the work for the first week, so I can come back to class and be caught up with everyone else," he explained.

"Oh, alright. That's a good idea," Rachel admitted.

Noah set her bag on the table by his books, "so the only thing I've really gotten packed is my carry-on, so I could use some help with that. You up for it?" He asked.

"Sure," Rachel nodded.

Heading up to his room, Rachel noticed his large suitcase and carry-on was sitting on his bed and though his carry-on was full, his suitcase was empty, "I thought you would have had a lot more packed by now," she admitted.

He shrugged, "well, I'm used to packing on the go, so it won't take long. I don't plan on doing anything big, anyway, so no need for anything fancy."

"What are you wearing to the awards?" She asked, taking a seat on his bed, "hand me clothes and I'll fold them for you."

Noah nodded and moved towards his closet, "I haven't figured that out yet. We're going shopping after rehearsals on Saturday to get what we're wearing. Black is my trademark, so probably that. I don't like dressing up. Every day I wear shirts like this," he took a button up and collared long sleep shirt in plaid out of his closet and tossed it to her, "and t-shirts with jeans and skater shoes, and that's usually how I dress when I go out."

"Yeah, going someplace like the movies with me or out to dinner, but Noah, this is the Grammy Awards. It's completely dedicated to music and is probably the biggest awards show of the year, you can't just wear jeans and a t-shirt," she commented, folding up the shirt he tossed her and laid it in a pile.

"I know it's a more formal event; it's more like dressing for the prom instead of just going to dinner, but I hate dressing up. There's only," he paused and thought for a moment, "one time I'll ever dress up completely."

"When is that?" Rachel asked curiously, folding a few t-shirts he handed her.

He walked over to her and took her right hand on his and pressed a kiss to the top of it, "the day you become my wife," he smiled.

Rachel gasped, not expecting that as his answer, "oh Noah," she smiled brightly, squeezing his hand, "really?"

"Really. Because to me, that is worth dressing up for, everything else is just another boring event to celebrate celebrities. I love being recognized for my music, but do I have to dress up to accept an award?" He asked, sitting on the bed next to her.

"No, you don't," Rachel admitted, "I guess when I see the Red Carpet shows, they are usually more into what the women are wearing, anyway."

"Yeah, and last time I checked, I don't have that kind of plumbing," he smirking, getting up to get more clothes.

Rachel smiled, "I know that is a very true statement," she grinned, "and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Noah glanced at her and blushed, "sorry, I thought I was doing well to hide that."

"Don't apologize. I've noticed it a few times, but I don't mind," she told him honestly, taking a pair of his jeans and folding them up, "tells me that what we have is real and I'm not just dreaming it all up."

"I promise you're not dreaming," he replied, moving back over to his bed with a few more pair of pants in his hands and handed one to Rachel to fold, then leaned in and kissed her, "because I don't think you would have felt that, if you were."

"You're right," Rachel smiled, "very real."

"Good," he returned to his suitcase, glancing at what he had out, then moved over to his dresser to collect his underclothes and socks, "I hate packing," he mumbled, sorting things out by day.

"What are you doing? I had those all organized," Rachel laughed.

"Sorry, babe, but I need to know that I have at least enough clothes for each day we're there, so I don't repeat shirts and also something extra special, but casual, to wear on Monday, because while we're in the studio recording, they're also going to be filming it to piece together to make a music video," he added, "so I'd rather not go in jeans I've worn for three days and a grubby t-shirt."

"I understand," Rachel nodded, sitting cross-legged on his bed, watching him, "that makes sense, but what if you take a complete outfit for Monday and set them aside, then mix-and-match the rest of the time. Are you going to be doing much while you're there, aside from the main reason you're going?"

"No. I really want to come back to school with all my homework done, so I figure when I'm not working, I'll be doing homework."

"Normally I would agree, but given everything that has happened recently, you deserve to go out and have some fun and forget about the bad stuff for a while," she told him truthfully, "but not too much fun that I see pictures of you partying with other girls online," she winked at him.

Noah laughed lightly, "I wouldn't do that to you, Rach, I promise," he replied honestly, locking eyes when he said it, "but Taylor and I may go hang out for a while."

"You guys should," she admitted, laying back and stretching out on his bed, "and while you're out, remember that I'm stuck at home with a broken wrist doing homework and missing you," she added.

"Are you trying to make me feel bad for you?" He asked, moving to crawl up on the bed next to her, "because it's working," he admitted, brushing some of her hair from her eyes.

Rachel closed her eyes for a moment, "as much as I want you to go and have fun, I'm going to miss you so much," she murmured, shifting closer to him.

Noah slid his arm around her body and kissed her lips, "I'm going to miss you just as much, babe. I wish you were going, but I understand why you're not. The timing just sucks," he replied, resting his forehead against hers.

"Yes, it does," she agreed relaxing, "I wish I could go, but I'm just not ready."

"It's okay, babe. There will be plenty of award shows to go to later," he assured her, just as the gate's alarm went off. "My parents must be home," he commented.

"Okay, we should finish getting you packed up and then get on some homework," she replied.

"We could, or we could just stay like this," he murmured, holding her close.

"Yeah, we could," she agreed, "but you leave tomorrow and you need to get packed."

"I know," he sighed, pushing himself up, "the sooner I get packed and go the sooner I can come home to you," he admitted, smiling at her, "so that is a plus."

~*~

After finishing packing in a short time, Noah double checked he had everything in his suitcase before declaring that he was done, "great! Now all I have to do is get my guitar and I should be set," he smiled, following Rachel down to the dinning room where he had been doing his homework.

Getting right to work, Noah focused on his math and Rachel on her science, asking him questions about some of the work they'd done and he let her borrow his notes from class to help her in some of the assignments.

Ethan and Deborah spent the rest of the day packing themselves and also getting Arin's things gathered up so she could go stay at Rachel's while they were gone, leaving Rachel and Noah alone for the most part. Just after three, they left the house and went to pick up Arin, giving the teens the house to themselves for the rest of the night.

Closing his math book, Noah groaned and rubbed his eyes, "finally. Just one more section and I'll be done," he admitted.

"That's wonderful Noah," Rachel smiled, taking a drink of her water. "I'm nowhere near done with this, but it's getting there."

He nodded and stood up, kissing her forehead, "you're doing great. I'm going to go start dinner."

"Alright. Do you need any help?" She asked.

"Nope, I got it covered. You keep working," he smiled.

"What are we having?"

Noah smiled, "I figured since we weren't going to California together, that I'd bring California to you, or at least, have the same thing we had when we were there last time," he explained, "remember when we met the Taylors and had sushi at Tengu?" At her nod he smiled, "well, I'm making sushi."

"You are? Wow!" She smiled, "that sounds good. I didn't know you knew how to make it," she added.

"I've seen it made a lot and I have been showed. I've never done it on my own before, so if it doesn't look the best, I'm sorry, but it will taste great," he promised.

"I know it will," she smiled, "are you sure you don't need any help?"

"I'm sure. I got it. Just work on your homework and we'll be ready to eat in no time," he replied. "Oh, and stay out of the kitchen. It's one thing to do this for the first time, but I'd rather not have an audience."

She giggled, but nodded, "alright. I'll stay out."

"Thanks," he smirked and moved into the kitchen.

~*~

For the next two hours, Chef Noah bounced around the kitchen, preparing the sushi rice, cutting the meats and vegetables, and trying to cover the wrappers with rice, throwing numerous cuss words out when things didn't go his way, but after a few tries, he finally got things going and finished up the sushi just after five and focused on the rest of their meal with a light salad to start with and dessert of chocolate covered strawberries and whip cream.

Very proud of his work, because he'd been planning this meal for several days, Noah moved into the dinning room to find Rachel still working on her homework, "dinner is ready if you wanna eat," he said.

"Is it safe?" She asked with a grin, "there was an awful lot of noise coming from the kitchen and a few words that I would rather not repeat."

"Yes it is safe," he smirked, kissing her forehead, then moved his books and things to the other end of the table so they could continue to sit in the same places, "if you just give me a few minutes to set the table, I'll get dinner."

Rachel nodded, "alright. I'm ready when you are."

Laying place mats out, he then set a few candles on the table and lit them. Moving into the kitchen, he returned with two sets of silverware, napkins and wine glasses for their drinks and then after another trip, he returned with a bottle of sparking grape juice, looking just like a bottle of wine, "for dinner, how's sparkling grape juice?" He asked opening the bottle.

"It sounds wonderful," she smiled, already amazed at the details he was going to.

Noah poured each of them a glass, setting the bottle on the table and then left, returning once more with a plate of salad for each of them. He set hers down and left quickly to get the few bottles of salad dressing and then slid into his seat, "salad for starts, then sushi for dinner and a special dessert."

"Noah, this is absolutely amazing! You did not have to do this, but thank you," Rachel replied, fighting the tears in her eyes at how happy she was at the moment.

"Hey, hold on," Noah reached over and wiped her eyes, "save the tears until later," he grinned, "I wanted to do this for us, babe."

Feeling butterflies in her stomach, "okay," she nodded and took a deep breath.

Reaching over to pick up his glass, he held it up to her, "I love you, Rachel," he smiled.

"I love you, too, Noah," she replied, tapping her glass against his, before taking a quick drink and then digging into their salad.

~*~

With a simple chef salad for starters, they ate through it and chatted lightly, then Noah cleared their dishes and returned with a large platter full of sushi, and set it down, giving each of them a smaller plate to put some on, then left to get the soy sauce.

Rachel was amazed at how well the pieces looked, "Noah, this looks like you bought it! Are you sure you haven't done this before?" She asked in surprise as he sat down again.

"I'm sure," he smiled, "but thanks. I've done it before, with help, but never on my own, so I'm really proud of myself," he admitted.

"So am I," she agreed, moving her glass towards him when he went to refill their drinks.

"Thanks, babe," he said filling their glasses and then returned to dinner. "I hope it tastes okay."

Rachel took some and then took a piece into her mouth and smiled, "it does," she assured him, once she finished it.

Noah smiled and settled in, "good to know."

~*~

Eating through most of the sushi, Rachel sat back in her seat, "Noah, this was so good. I honestly don't think I could handle dessert right now."

"That's okay. We can have them later. I actually was kind of hoping you'd say that," he admitted, finishing off his last piece.

"Really?" She asked curiously.

He nodded, "yeah. I think they'd go great with what else I have planned, but maybe we could work on some homework again and let our dinner settle."

"That's a good idea," Rachel nodded, "would you like me to help you with the dishes?"

He was about to turn down her offer, but shrugged, "if you'd like to. I tried to clean as I went, but there are still dishes and I don't want mom and dad coming home to a mess."

"I agree," she replied, standing up, "come on. I may not be able to wash, but I can dry and put things away," she smiled.

Gathering up plates and dishes, they moved into the kitchen and as discussed, while Noah washed, Rachel dried the dishes and put them away where they belonged and in just a short time, the semi-messy kitchen was back to it's normal clean before they returned to the dinning room and got back to their homework.

"Thank you so much for dinner, Noah," Rachel smiled, "it was wonderful."

"You're welcome," he replied, leaning over and kissing her gently, "I was happy to do it."

"It still sucks that you have to leave, but that kind of makes up for it," she admitted.

"It does suck, but yeah, it does a bit," he agreed.

~*~

Noah's original plan had been to immediately go downstairs after dinner, but because they were both full and he hadn't finished his homework, he altered his plan a bit and told himself that as soon as he got his math done, he'd talk her into going downstairs, which was a great time for them to have dessert and continue their special night.

"Finally!" Noah exclaimed, just after seven.

"Did you finish?" Rachel asked with a grin.

"I did," he nodded, "now. Let's take dessert down to the studio. I have something for you," he explained.

"For me?" Rachel looked at him, "what?"

"That my lovely girlfriend, is for you to find out when we get down there," he replied with a smirk, gathering up his things.

"Um, alright. Let me get my stuff gathered up my stuff," she said, blushing deeply.

Noah nodded and also got his things together and excused himself to take them up to his room so they were not left on the dinning room table and when he returned, Rachel was just setting her bag by the front door. "I just have to get dessert and if you don't mind carrying a bottle down, I can get the rest," he admitted.

"Bottle of what?" Rachel asked curiously, following him into the kitchen.

"Sparkling apple cider. I figured it was the closest to champagne that we could drink," he replied, taking the bottle out of the fridge along with a cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper and chocolate covered strawberries.

Rachel grinned brightly, "you're spoiling me."

"No I'm not. I'm treating you how my girlfriend should be treated," he told her truthfully.

"I'm sure there are a billion girls out there wishing their boyfriends were like you, but they can't have you," she said, slipping her arm around his waist and kissing him lovingly.

"Damn right they can't. Only you can," he promised, hugging her tightly before pulling away, "let me get these in a container and we can head downstairs."

"Okay," she nodded.

Noah got a plastic bowl and filled it with the strawberries and then grabbed a couple of glasses, "alright, let's go."

Rachel followed him downstairs and into the hall by the studio. Every time she went in there, she felt like she was walking into another world, especially now that she'd experienced a professional studio in New York. She still didn't see him as 'Puck', but she knew he was, so it felt like they weren't in Lima anymore. "So what do you have for me?" She asked, following him to back of the studio where they had a couch and coffee table.

Noah set the items down on the table and took the bottle from her, then guided her into the sound booth, where the piano was, and got her to sit down on a stool next to it. He took a seat at the piano and turned to her, "while you were gone, I wrote you a song," he started.

"You did?" She gasped, already feeling the butterflies building. "What is it about?"

"I didn't know how you would act when you got home, but I knew that you related to music. I thought that maybe this could be a way to get into your head and make you see that I'm there for you no matter what. A few of the lines won't relate completely to us now, but before, when they were written, I thought they might. I could have changed them, but then the feeling of the song might change, so I chose not to change the words. I hope that's alright," he explained.

"Noah, I'm sure whatever it is, it's going to be amazing. You're a very talented writer and I will love it no matter what," she assured him, biting her lip to keep from crying, "I also would love to hear it."

"I'm so glad you said that," he smiled, taking a deep breath, "I really hope you like it."

She eyed him, "Noah, I already love it. I loved it the moment you told me it was something you wrote for me."

He nodded and slid closer to her to kiss her, "love you," he murmured against her lips.

"Love you, too," she whispered.

Noah slid back to the center of the piano bench and took a deep breath, stretching his fingers before he laid his hands on the keys and began to play the beginning of the song, and after a few bars, he began to sing, "I'll never be a knight in armor with a sword in hand, or a kamikaze fighter. Don't count on me to storm the barricades and take a stand, or hold my ground," he took a breath and glanced at her, seeing tears falling from her eyes, but continued on, "you'll never see any scars or wounds. I don't walk on coals, I won't walk on water. I am no prince, I am no saint, I am not anyone's wildest dream, but I will stand behind and be someone to fall back on," Noah smiled at her as his fingers continued to dance across the keys.

The tempo picked up just slightly and he played on, as if he'd known the song for years, "some comedy. You're bruised and beaten down and I'm the one who's looking for a favor. Still, honestly, you don't believe me, but the things I have are the things you need. You look at me like I don't make sense, like a waste of time, like it serves no purpose," looking at her again, he saw her tears falling and his own eyes were watering, but he pulled it together to sing the chorus once more, "I am no prince, I am no saint, and if that's what you believe you need, you're wrong. You don't need much, you need someone to fall back on," he could hear her crying, but wanted to finish, so he focused on the song, "and I'll be that: I'll take your side. If I'm the only one, I'm used to that. I've been alone, I'd rather be: the half of us, the least of you, the best of me," he grinned and looked at her to finish the song, "and I will be... I'll be your prince, I'll be your saint, I will go crashing through fences. In your name, I will, I swear - I'll be someone to fall back on! I'll be the one who waits, and for as long as you'll let me, I will be the one you need. I'll be someone to fall back on... Someone to fall back on," he slowed the song down again to sing the final words, "one to fall back on," and played a few notes to finish the song, before looking at her, waiting for her to respond as his own tears were falling.

Rachel's heart was racing as she sobbed, and when he finished playing, she threw herself at him, her arms wrapping around him in a tight hug, her sobs continuing, but she was able to choke out, "I loved it," while she held him.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and rubbing her back gently to help calm her, while he took a few deep breaths to settle his nerves; he'd been worried she wouldn't like it, but when she said those three words, they were all he needed to know she approved.

~*~

Neither said anything else right away, but managed to get up and move back into the main room of the studio to take a seat on the softer couch, which helped them both relax more.

"That was the most amazing song I've ever heard. Maybe I'm being biased, but that doesn't change how I feel about it. I loved it," she said honestly, finally calming down enough to respond to the song.

"I'm so glad, baby. I really wasn't sure how you'd feel about it, but your reaction said it all," he admitted, smiling brightly, "I do have one question, though."

"What's that?" She looked up at him from where she was resting her head against his chest.

"Would you be okay if I made it one of my songs on my next album? It's for you, so I'm giving you the choice. I'd really like to use it, but it's your call," he explained.

Rachel sat up and kissed him, "use it, Noah. Put it on your album. We will know the truth of how it came to be and I know I was the first one to ever hear it," she smiled.

"And the first one to have a copy of it," he reached to the table and picked up a slim CD case, holding a blank disc, with the title and a few notes written on it, "I can also email you the file if you'd like it on your computer or iPod," he added.

"I'd love that," Rachel grinned, taking the CD, "I'm going to wear this out while you're gone, you know that, right?"

He laughed lightly, "that's totally alright. I know where I can get more," he paused, "do you think you could handle one more surprise?"

"Another surprise?" Rachel's eyes widened, "you're making it very hard to top the next time you have to go somewhere and I can't go along."

"I'm sure I'll figure out something," he assured her, nudging her slightly so she'd move and he got up, moving over to the desk and pulled out a box and came back over to the couch and sat down, this time facing her, "remember when we went to the Statue of Liberty?"

"Yes," Rachel nodded, looking curiously at the box.

"Well, I've never been so nervous to talk to your dads, as I was that day, but I shouldn't have been, because they're awesome," he smiled, "and they gave me the the answer I wanted, so the next day, when you girls went shopping, so did the guys and I. I bought these," he paused and opened the box, showing her the two white gold bracelets, one slightly larger than the other.

Rachel's hand flew to her mouth as she gasped, staring at the bracelets inside and she quickly realized that one was for each of them, "oh, Noah, they're beautiful!"

He nodded, "they are," he picked up the smaller of the two, "the shop I bought these at specializes in European cultural jewelery, mostly Irish and Celtic designs. Dad and I found the place a few years ago when we were looking for something for mom. I went in there, planning to get us promise rings, but I saw these and I knew they would be perfect," he showed her the words, "'Mo Anam Cara' is Gaelic for 'My Soul Mate' and on the other side," he turned it around so she could see them, "are four Claddagh symbols, which is also from Ireland," he paused, "quit giving her a history lesson, dude! Just ask her," he thought to himself. Taking a deep breath to relax, he smiled, "Rachel, you are my soul mate; my other half and I can not imagine myself without you in my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and though I know we're not quite ready to get engaged, I want you to have something as a symbol of my promise to you. I promise I will always love you, I will always be faithful to you, I will always be here for you and we will be husband and wife one day," he paused, "would you accept this?" He asked softly, holding the bracelet up to her.

Holding back tears and biting her lip to keep from sobbing, she nodded, "yes, I will, Noah," she replied, unable to keep her hand from shaking as she held her right wrist out.

Noah carefully unclasp the bracelet and wrapped it around her wrist, clipping it back together and pressing a kiss to the metal against her skin, "I love you," he whispered against it, before pulling her against him in a tight hug.

Rachel smiled as they hugged, but her tears reluctantly fell. Taking a few moments to calm down, she pulled back a little and lifted her wrist to study the shiny bracelet wrapped around her wrist. It was tight enough so it wouldn't slip off, but loose enough that it could spin freely and for a brief moment, she thought of the heavy metal cuffs that Crystal had put around her wrists, but that memory quickly disappeared as the metal began to warm up against her skin and the meaning of the words sunk in. Remembering there were two bracelets, she reached for the box and took his out, "you are my soul mate and my everything. No one will ever take your place and I promise that I will be faithful to you and I will be your wife one day," she said, smiling up at him as she wrapped his bracelet around his wrist and clasp it shut, mirroring what he had done by kissing the bracelet. "I love you, too," she grinned.

~*~

'Someone To Fall Back On' - Aly Michalka as performed on the 'Bandslam' soundtrack
Disclaimer 2: I do not own this song, nor did Noah 'Puck' Puckerman write it. I am borrowing it for use in this work of fiction.

~*~

Their bracelets (Noah bought them in Chapter 29):

Found here: Celtic-jewellery.com - Soul Mate Bracelets

~*~

A/N5: What did you guys think? Hope you all enjoyed! Review and let me know!
A/N6: Off to work on the new chapter, so hopefully there won't be as much time between updates.

~*~