F2F || PUCKLEBERRY
Rachel’s thoughts are stuck flipping through her mental musical catalogue of not what song Noah can play for her, but rather what song they can sing together – a duet for old time’s sake – when she registers his question. Her thoughtful expression turns slightly sad because she knows they both know that he’s not really asking about Shelby Corcoran. Still, she’ll play into his need to take the long way around to what, or really whom he wants to know about.
“Considering that the last time I saw Ms. Corcoran, she was walking towards the chorus room with yet another trophy tucked under her arm, I’d venture to say she’s doing pretty well.” Rachel brings her other leg onto the chair and with both knees bent and tucked to her chest, rests her cheek against the joints. “We’ll hit the ground running at breakneck speed on Monday for Nationals prep, so I assume she’s taking this week, like most of us are, to relax, recharge…” She pauses, blowing a quick but steady stream of air from pursed lips. “…And spend time with her daughter,” Rachel finally adds, her eyes lifting to watch the subtle shift of Noah’s features at the mention of Beth.
It’s honestly been a while since she herself has seen Beth. With Jesse moving into the apartment with her and her dad, there’s been no reason to visit the Corcoran household and with the intensity of regionals rehearsals these past few weeks, Beth in all her blonde-haired and rosy cheeked glory hasn’t made an appearance at a practice in a while either.
“Noah,” Rachel starts before she untangles her limbs to reach forward and take his hand. “If you really want to know how she’s doing, just talk to Ms. Corcoran. She allows Quinn to see her, so I don’t know why she wouldn’t extend the same courtesy to you.” In fact, she thinks having the opportunity to spend time with Beth would do nothing but good things for Noah, because if he ever needed motivation to stay straight and out of trouble, Beth seems like the best type of positive reinforcement.
The world comes to a complete pause, at least, it does for Noah Puckerman. He doesn't register any of Rachel's words before his eyes bulge out in surprise.
"She allows Quinn to see her." "She allows Quinn to see her." "She allows Quinn to see her."
Beth. Their perfect thing.
Having the knowledge dropped on him hurts. Because they weren't supposed to see her. And if they ever did, it was supposed to be done as a unit. A million questions pop into his head.
How long has she been seeing her? Why didn't she tell him about it? Why did she break the promise?
It's unlike Quinn. Because of all people, she knows how much Beth means to him.
"What the fu --?"
Puck stops himself from completing the question, the look of confusion and disappointment evident on his face. His eyes dart across the room, as the free spirit energy disappears from his body, and he's left sitting still unable to process everything -- although he doesn't let go of Rachel's hand. Words have always been hard for him, and in this moment, it's impossible. She's the one subject that affects him more than anything else in the world, and he can't hide how much it does. There is no anger; he can't bring himself to feel it.
Words finally come out, though his voice is low and masked with indignation. "How long... has she been seeing her?"
