London didn’t change the past two weeks, only got slightly more wetter. The puddles on the ground that Stan resisted jumping into, in hopes of keeping his shoes clean. The reflection of the city lights on the ground, illuminating it as he walked from his temporary home, to what was supposed to be a permanent one. Holding a wrapped box in his hand, and a bouquet of her favourite flowers, Stan made his way to the house he vowed to never enter again. Being away, it gave him some time to process his actions, words and his next steps. He realized he had one more fight in him, and he hoped that the girl realized that this one fight would be his last.
It has been over a month since the two were last a couple, a little over three weeks since they’ve seen each other and he wasn’t sure how she would react to him coming back. He broke his previous promise in an attempt to get away, to find himself again and try to regain his life and independence. He spent days with his mom, sister and Lottie, trying to decipher why he made the choices he made, and he came to a conclusion that he didn’t want to admit out loud. He was indeed falling in love, or, in the process of falling in love, and it terrified him. Kissing other people, well that was his way of persuading himself into thinking otherwise. The repercussions of his actions only causing more problems in his life. He wasn’t sure what he expected from the girl, how he wanted her to act.
Stan was actually frightened that he would find the girl, the girl whose pictures took over a third of his camera roll on his phone, with someone else. He was worried that he had led her astray and into someone else’s arms. Though she deserved better, he wanted to be that better for her, if she gave him the chance. After seeing Madison quickly, giving her a soft smile, he walked over to the girls’ door and knocked. He had been working out more, it was obvious through the simple t-shirt he was wearing; jeans and his signature black shoes to complete his outfit. His hair was darker, his skin tone slightly tanned and his face, well he had grown some facial hair.
Stan sported a smile, hopeful of what the night could bring and gulped as the door opened. “I heard someone turned 24 early this month,” he started as he finally looked at the girl, his eyes happy, “Had to come for myself and wish her a happy birthday. Now I know you don’t like your birthday but I was wondering if you’d give me the chance to change that outlook.” Stan looked at her and held the bouquet out for her, and the box, longing for more than just a simple conversation with the blonde. He heard the dog barking, her little paws against his feet and he smiled down at her, “I’ll say hi, just let me see your mum first,” he told the pup, who just ran off into the room, Stan looking back at Payton with hopeful eyes. [ @paytxjenetti ]
puckthestud replied to your photo “†³ INSTAGRAM: @thegoldstar​ uploaded a new photoWhile our hostess, the...”
Nobody cares.
As I am very much a somebody, and a very special one at that, you are just wrong, Noah, and I suggest you at least seek to be factually accurate before you make your next insecurity-ridden jibe against me. I don’t believe, however, making such a critique would be highly recommended considering your over reliance on Sue’s insane list to validate your existence and popularity. You have to protect the star of the production, not belittle her considerable social and performance-based achievements.
askpuckasaurus replied to your post “Rachel Barbra Berry ★ is officially back!”
Said this before and I'll say it again, you wanna give me the short version?
While I was optimistic that you might have discovered a newfound appreciation for the written word during my absence, I refuse to believe that five short paragraphs are too demanding for you, Noah. I am therefore boycotting our previous system, in the hopes that this will encourage you to use your own reading skills to update yourself on all things Rachel Berry.
askpuckasaurus replied to your post “A few decidedly festive notes of celebration!”
Happy Hanukkah, Berry.
While your holiday greetings aren't exactly the most loquacious or heartfelt, I do appreciate the sentiment and so I hope you had a suitably incandescent first lighting ceremony too, Noah?
askpuckasaurus replied to your photo “@thegoldstar As I am experiencing a little craving for New York, I...”
Looks like you're having a good time, Berry.
I can assure you Noah, that I had a simply wonderful time and I cannot stress enough the importance of relaxation, especially for someone who is just a day away from the biggest and starriest moment of her entire life. Although I may be on the precipice of the sort of fame most people can only dream of, I really think that you and Quinn should consider a couples retreat of sorts too. I know that your summer has been laden with stress both via your harbouring an illegal canine immigrant and trying to make your exciting first few steps onto the property ladder so I'm sure even your supposed 'badassness' (and it is still traumatic to write that, fyi) could use some TLC at the hands of sun, sea and a credentials-checked but highly trained masseuse.
askpuckasaurus replied to your post:I believe it is time for my much awaited comeback!
Wanna give me the short version?
Although I'm not sure why I have decided to be so generous to you, Noah, I suppose I can supply a shorter version. I suppose my post had three main points, the first was announcing my much awaited return as I am sure that the blogosphere must be practically dull without my injections of talent, ambition and dance on your dash. Unfortunately, due to the intense challenge of fully becoming Eponine Thenardier, you may face brief, Berry droughts in the upcoming, exciting months. Secondly, I made a rather extensive bravo to my boyfriend, and the star of his very own musical tour, as American Idiot draws to a close and the people of America must accept that their access to Jesse St. James will be on a purely New York-basis. Finally, I spread the thrilling news that Jesse and I will be taking a musical hiatus and resting our voices in the sunny climes of Cabo, Mexico in only a few short days! While I know New York will feel the loss of my metaphorical spotlight shining down onto it, I personally can't wait to relax and channel my inner Nellie Forbrush.
askpuckasaurus replied to your photo:@thegoldstar Hold onto your playbills, beloved...
Is there even alcohol in that crap?
I'm going to choose to ignore your unnecessarily vulgar language, Noah, and assume you are simply jealous of my wild night out. There was, of course, copious amounts of alcohol in those shots, and they provided by Santana using her own unique, if not entirely natural, talents of persuasion...
NOTES → Puck & Quinn spend Puck's last night in Lima together.. [warning: smut].
Quinn slipped on her shoes - sneakers, but she had a cuter pair in her over-sized bag just in case - and waited patiently near the door for Puck to arrive. To anyone else, the way she was acting might be silly, but Quinn had settled into the fact that being head over heels for Puck made most things exceptions. Moreover, she didn't much care what anyone could or would say about her or the way she felt. Especially on her second to last night with him. The sobering thought of being away from him had been weighing on her mind all week, the idea of not waking up next to him making her insides twist up uncomfortably. That's why tonight was so important to her. Because she wanted it to be special, and romantic, and she didn't want to spend a second of it missing him when he was right in front of her. So she peeked out the window every few minutes to see if he was there.
Puck had been planning this night for over a week. It was the last night they'd be spending together in Lima, and the second to last night they'd be able to spend together for awhile. His sister was at a sleepover and his mom was at work for the night so they'd have the entire night together, alone in his house. Everything was set up, unlit candles around the kitchen, dinner cooking in the oven and the table set for a romantic dinner for two. He hadn't lit the candles yet, since he had to pick up Quinn and he didn't want to light the house on fire. He dressed in a dark pair of jeans and a light blue button up, driving to Quinn's with a bouquet of daisies. It may seem a little over the top, but he wanted to go all out for the girl he loved tonight. He pulled up to her house, walking up to the front door and knocking.
Quinn smiled like an idiot when she saw him coming up her street. Seeing how he was dressed when he climbed out of his truck, she quickly kicked off her sneakers and put on her nicer shoes. Looking down, she wasn't really sure she was dressed for what he had planned. Her sundress was pretty, but maybe it was too simple. There was no time to change, though, and she was already at the door when he knocked. She barely had it open before she flung her arms around his neck and pulled herself up close to him. It was a little like the day she'd stopped him in the hall and kissed him, only this kiss was longer, slower, and him staying wasn't an option. She didn't care about that right now. She just wanted to kiss him and feel him smile against her lips like he sometimes did. "Hey."
Puck grinned against her lips, pulling her body against his. All he wanted right now was to feel her next to him, knowing they wouldn't be able to do this much longer. Sure, they'd be able to visit, but this was the last time they'd be together for a long period of time until they were married. "I love you," he told her, spinning her around. "Let's get back to my house. There are a few things waiting for us."
Quinn felt a slight rush as he spun her, her legs feeling slightly wobbly when she was on the ground again. She wasn't ready to move from the spot where they were standing, and she definitely wasn't ready for the space that would be between them in his truck. In her mind, she knew she was being unreasonable, but everything else was telling her to hold onto him. So she did, just for another minute, her cheek resting against his shoulder until she reluctantly let go. "I look forward to seeing just what they are."
Puck kissed her slowly, cupping her cheek. "I promise I'll drive as fast as I can without getting pulled over," he said, not wanting to be away from her for even a second. It was kind of lame, but he just wanted to be near her. He took her hand, walking her out to the truck and opening the passenger door for her.
Quinn suppressed a giggle at his admission of eagerness. "Luckily, it's not all that far." She clung to his arm as they walked to the truck and she lingered for a split second when he opened the door. She had to remind herself there was a surprise waiting as she climbed up and buckled herself in. As soon as he was next to her, she reached for his hand again. "Thank you, again, for doing...whatever it is you've done." She brought his hand to her lips and kissed it.
Puck smiled. "You're welcome. You're going to love it," he told her, driving quickly to his house. When they were parked in the driveway, he turned off the ignition and walked around to help her out of the vehicle. "Come on," he said, leading her into the house. "Stay here for just a second," he instructed her, going to the kitchen and lighting all the candles.
Quinn was quiet most of the short drive, her head resting against the seat as she watched him drive. She'd tried not to stare but she couldn't help wanting to remember everything about his face, down to the tiniest movements of subtle expression. It didn't last long enough, at least not in her book, but she couldn't complain as he helped her out of the truck and she stood just inside the front door as requested. "Should I close my eyes?"
Puck "Yes, close your eyes. Good idea," he agreed. Once everything was lit, he walked out to the living room, taking her hand. "Come on babe, I'll lead you to the kitchen."
Quinn took Puck's hand, closing her eyes and following him through the house. Quinn could feel her heartbeat kick up and her every inch of her was prickling with excitement. The only thing she knew for sure was that he'd cooked - it smelled incredible, and when they stopped and Puck said she could open her eyes, she never imagined she'd find what she did. The room was washed in the soft glow of lit candles. A breath got caught in her throat and she was at a complete loss for how beautiful everything looked and felt. "You did this..." She turned, her eyes meeting his. "All of this for me?"
Puck "Of course I did," he nodded. "I did all of this for us. For our last night together," he said softly. Seeing the look on her face made all of his hard work so worth it. He had known she'd be grateful, she was pretty good about that. As was he. Every little thing Quinn did for him never went unappreciated.
Quinn blinked back her tears, and leaned up to kiss him, a move that would force her eyes closed. Her fingers brushed his cheek as she did, and she wrapped her arm around the middle of him. "I love you." The words came out as a breath between kisses, which was really all she could manage at the moment. The warm feeling spreading through her was overwhelming and she never wanted it to go away. As long as she was close to him, it wouldn't.
Puck "I love you too," he mumbled against her lips, tugging her closer to him. "Alright, so I'm not the best cook but I made chicken parmesan. Is that okay with you? I mean, you're not like vegetarian or anything are you?"
Quinn could've stayed completely wrapped up in him the way she was right now, even with the delicious smell of dinner tempting her away. "Not at all. And it smells really great." She pressed a kiss to his throat, then nuzzled the same spot. "It smells almost as good as you but not quite."
Puck grinned. "Well you can have as much of me as you want after dinner," he told her, kissing the top of her head. "Let me make us each a plate. "
Quinn pretended to pout to mask the blush that was spreading over the curve of her cheek. "I'm going to hold you to that." Smoothing her hands over the back of her dress, she sat down at the table, smiling to herself at the candles sitting at the center of the table. "How long did all this take for you to plan?"
Puck "A week or so," he admitted. "I wanted to do something special for us, and this makes me so happy." He got two plates, dishing out pasta before putting chicken and sauce on top. "I have sparkling cider if you want something to drink. "
Quinn peaked over her shoulder, watching him prepare their plates. She wasn't sure how but just this sight made her fall a little more in love with him. "Only if you're going to drink it with me."
Puck nodded. "That's the plan. We're celebrating. Us as a couple. And many years to come. "
Quinn relaxed in her chair and placed the napkin from the table in her lap. "Good. Because I can't think of a better reason to celebrate."
Puck "Neither can I," he grinned, pouring them each a glass of the cider. "Here you go, beautiful. "
Quinn took the glass from him and set it on the table. "Come sit down so I can toast my wonderful boyfriend and eat the dinner he made for us."
Puck sat down, raising his glass and waiting for her to toast.
Quinn picked up her glass, raising it to his. She wasn't exactly an expert at toasts, but the way he was looking at her made the words come more easily than she thought they would. "To your heart for choosing me, and to you for letting me know it had." She clinked her glass to his lightly.
Puck grinned widely during her toast, clinking his glass to hers before taking a sip. "Thank you for telling me to stay. "
Quinn took a sip from her glass, her lips curling into a smile as she did. "What else could I do?" She scooted closer to him and leaned over the table. "I can't imagine having missed out on this time with you, so there's really no doubt in my mind that it was the right decision." She ran her fingers through his short hair and kissed him, tasting the sweetness from the cider left behind.
Puck leaned into the kiss, running a hand slowly through her hair. "We should stop making out before our dinner gets cold," he told her. "But rain check on that. "
Quinn sat back down, a subtle grin on her lips, and cut into her chicken. It was, as predicted, very good and she hummed a satisfied noise as she went for a second bite. "I don't know how I'm going to go back dining hall food after having you cook for me."
Puck "Delicious, right?" He asked. "It's like the only thing I know how to cook though. Well, and macaroni and cheese. "
Quinn took another bite, affirming his question with a gentle nod before sipping her cider. "Smart, handsome, and he can cook. You're what they call the 'full package.'" And you're all mine, she thought as she finished off her chicken and began work on her pasta.
Puck laughed, eating his chicken. "I am the full package. And I'll always be all yours, because you are the full package too," he grinned, swirling some pasta onto his fork.
Quinn 's chin dropped and she smiled down at her plate. It was still strange for her to be complimented the way that Puck did. She wasn't sure she'd ever really get use to it, but she did enjoy when he did it. "Since that's how it's going to work out, I can definitely live with it."
Puck grinned. "Are you ready for dessert? Or should we wait until later. You know, after. "
Quinn wiped her mouth with her napkin before setting it down on her empty plate. "After?" She leaned back in her chair, raising an eyebrow at him. "After what, exactly?" She gave him a teasing smile before rising from the chair and taking the plates into the kitchen.
Puck "After the good lovin'" he smirked, following her into the kitchen with the rest of the dishes. "I'm gonna make us both feel awesome. "
Quinn shook her head. She wasn't exactly sure when it happened, but she'd begun to find something charming about the straightforward way he approached sex. Setting the dishes in the sink, and waiting for him to do the same, she turned and slid her arms around the middle of them. "And what makes you think that 'good lovin' is on the menu tonight?" With no shoes on, Quinn had to roll up onto the balls of her feet to kiss him, making her next manuever a little difficult. Her arms slipped around his middle and she eased them back, pinning his body between hers and the far kitchen wall. Her intent was very clear, and she knew that, but she liked to tease him sometimes. And what fun was it if he didn't have to work just a little bit to get her in bed?
Puck raised an eyebrow, smirking down at her. "Hmmm because good lovin is always on the menu with us? I love you, we should always make the most of that. " He allowed her to push him against the wall, leaning down to kiss her. "You are the most beautiful girl in the world. "
Quinn always felt the word 'stop' on the tip of her tongue when he said such sweet things to her, but she was getting better at keeping it in. The truth was, she liked the way it felt when he said them and she liked that she could count on him to say them. It made him even more irresistible. "I love you too." She managed to drag her lips away from his only to find a spot on his neck to give the same treatment as she began working on the buttons of his shirt. "And as good as you look in this, it's going to have to go if we're going to make the most of that." She finally pushed it off his shoulders and onto the floor.
Puck "Undressing me in the kitchen?" He teased. "Are we going to do this here? Because we definitely can. I'm down to do it anywhere, babe."
Quinn hadn't really planned on their sex taking place in the kitchen, especially when she thought about his mother cooking dinner there and his sister eating her cereal a few feet away at the table. "Maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself." She reached for his hands, connecting them with hers as she leaned up to kiss him again. "As hot as I'm sure kitchen sex would be, it probably wouldn't be very comfortable."
Puck nodded. "It really is hot, though," he assured her, lifting her into his arms and carrying her up to his bedroom. "Wherever we do it, it'll be hot though."
Quinn didn't have time to promise Puck that they would, in fact, someday have sex in a kitchen. She was in his arms, then on his bed before she had a chance to really say anything. Not that she needed to. When it came to this, and the two of them, talking became highly overrated. So she brought her lips to his instead, putting them to better use.
Puck kissed her slowly, sliding his hands up her thighs. He lived for these moments, and knowing he wouldn't be able to have them whenever he wanted sucked so badly. But it was going to be worth it. He was building a future, not just for himself, but for Quinn and their future children.
Quinn had a sudden rush of longing as his hands moved over her body. It was like she missed him already, and he was right there in front of her, making her feel all the things no one else ever could... or would. There was a tightening in her chest and she had to push all thoughts out of her mind other than the primal ones as she fumbled with his belt and the button on his pants.
Puck pushed her shirt off, helping her take off his pants. This was the easy part, being together and making love. What came next would be much harder. He'd said goodbye to Quinn before, but there had never been so much between them.
Quinn took his face in her hands, holding him there so she could just look at him. It was like it'd been in his truck earlier, only now he was looking back at her, about to make love to her. She'd never felt so leveled by a feeling before, but the way she loved him, and the way he loved her back, brought ever part of her crashing down. Whether he could see it or not, she was completely vulnerable for the first time ever.
Puck caught sight of something in her eyes, something that made his stomach do a complete 360 flip. There was so much trust and love in her eyes that it gave him a moment of pause. All he could do was continue to stare down into her eyes, more sure than ever that this girl was it for him. She was his past, present and future. And for once that didn't scare him at all.
Quinn swallowed back tears, because she absolutely could not cry right now. What she could've done was just stay there like that with him, no movement and no time passing, forever. Instead, she dragged her teeth gently across his bottom lip and practically whispered the words, "I love you."
Puck "I love you too. So much," he murmured, pulling the rest of her clothes off slowly. Sex with them was always amazing, but he felt that tonight would be the most intense it had ever been.
Quinn felt like she was shaking on the inside, not from anticipation or nerves or anything that she could understand. It was just sensation and emotion climbing through her, and settling in as Puck undressed her. Somehow, she managed to get his boxers down enough so that he could kick them off before moving so she was straddling his waist.
Puck stared up at her, cupping her cheek as he kissed her slowly. He wanted to commit every inch of her to memory, something that would surely get him through quite a few lonely nights in Massachusetts.
Quinn was lost in his kiss, his touch...except for one thought. She wanted to be like this, with him, for the rest of her life. If that meant only a weekend here and there, she'd grit her teeth and live with it. Because she'd never wanted anyone as much as she wanted him - right now and forever - and she moved her hand between them with that thought in mind, stroking him easily until he was fully hard.
Puck groaned loudly, arching into her hand. "I love you so much baby," he groaned.
Quinn couldn't think of anything that felt better than hearing those words and feeling the weight of them in her hand. Because, at least to her, he couldn't react to her the way he did if he didn't mean them. What they shared...that was special. "I love you too."
Puck kissed her deeply, slipping two fingers into her and pumping slowly. "You are so beautiful," he mumbled against her lips, running his free hand through her long blonde hair.
Quinn 's whole body sparked with pleasure as she felt Puck's fingers inside of her. She wanted to say something meaningful, something he'd replay over and over in his mind - every time he thought of her, he'd hear her saying those words. But they wouldn't form. All she could manage were small sounds of ecstasy.
Puck enjoyed every little whimper and moan that came out of her mouth, storing them away in his memory for future use. There was nothing sexier than hearing Quinn cry out in bliss. "I want you so badly."
Quinn couldn't help the swell in her chest when he spoke. She loved being loved, and she loved being wanted. More than that, she loved that it was him who felt that way. It heightened everything, and she felt her heart quicken. "I want you too." Her lips were soft against his ear. "Just like this. Nothing between us."
Puck "Are you sure?" he asked, eyes widening. She'd been so adamant about using a condom, and now she was asking him to sleep with her without one.
Quinn knew she was being reckless and maybe even stupid, but that didn't matter. Nothing but being with him did, and if she wasn't going to be again for awhile, she wanted to experience what it felt like, just them. "Yes." Her lips found their way along his jaw and to his neck, his pulse vibrating against them. "Please, Noah. I just want to feel you inside me."
Puck "Okay," he murmured, rolling her onto her back and kissing her deeply. Spreading her thighs, he slid slowly into her with a loud moan. "God you feel good like this."
Quinn let Puck lay her down, her body feeling right and her heart feeling happy as he settled above her. Her lips parted from his for a split second as he eased into her, and she said his name like it was the only word she needed to know.
Puck "Mmmmm, I love you," he groaned, kissing her deeply as his hips rolled against hers rhythmically.
Quinn 's leg curled around Puck, her toe running down the back of his thigh as she moved with him. "I love you." She tried to open her eyes, look at him again like she had been, but it was impossible. He felt too good - the thought that she might not be able to convince either of them to use condoms again flitting away as quickly as it came on - and she wasn't sure how she'd ever been satisfied with anyone but him. Or even if she had. "I love the way this feels. You make me feel incredible."
Puck looked down at her with a smile on his face. "You make me feel incredible too," he murmured. And she did. He'd been with a lot of girls, but none had ever made him feel the way Quinn did. Both in and out of bed.
Quinn managed to eek out one smile before he moved and her mouth fell open again. He was so damn good at this - and not because he'd been with a ton of girls. That didn't even matter, and it was how she knew that that made her come undone every time. He was good at sex - great, actually - but he would always be better at loving her. "Tell me you'll think of this while you're in Massachusetts." Her fingers slid over his back, her nails leaving a double red path.
Puck "I'll think about you, and this, every minute I'm in Massachusetts," he assured her, bringing their lips together again. He was going to miss her so much and it was hard to believe he wouldn't be seeing her every day anymore. These past two months had flown by.
Quinn felt a sting in her eyes, the earnesty of what he said sinking in as his lips touched hers. She wanted to be sexy right now, and not an emotional, blubbering mess, but it was difficult. "I'll think of you too. And this." She pulled closer to him, the shift causing his shaft to rub against her clit as he moved. "Oh, Noah."
Puck "Mmmmm Quinn, just like that," he groaned, kissing her tenderly with every thrust. He felt that he couldn't possibly get as close to her as he wanted to, and he loved her more and more with each passing moment. "You're so beautiful."
Quinn moaned, feeling all the tension start to wind tighter even though Puck felt so gentle and calm against her. Her lips stayed close to his, touching whenever she could manage. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Puck broke into a grin, knowing that she was telling the truth one hundred percent. "That goes double for you, baby," he whispered. "I'm so close."
Quinn could feel his grin against her lips, and it made everything right. Quinn was close too, and she stroked the side of Puck's neck. "Come for me, baby." The words were soft against his cheek. "I want to feel you coming inside me."
Puck groaned gently against her lips, cumming hard into her at her request. He could only hope she would cum too.
Quinn needed nothing more than feeling Puck climax to drive her over the edge. It was different than it had ever been before, and Quinn didn't know how to react outside of saying his name. The feeling, hot and intense, took her breath away and she couldn't help the tear that streaked her cheek as she began to come down. All she could do was hope he wouldn't notice it, or at least not see it as something bad is he did. Because it was far from that. So, so far.
Puck thrust through both of their orgasms, lowering himself slowly onto her and burying his face in her neck once they were both completely spent. This was so beyond anything he'd ever felt before, it was honestly a little overwhelming.
Quinn tried to slow her breathing, and let herself relish in the comfort of his weight holding her there. She kissed the top of his head, a hint of salt tinging her lips, and put her fingers through his short hair. "I love this part the best." The admission hadn't come from nowhere, since it was true, but she hadn't expected to share it.
Puck "I love every part with you the best," he said softly and earnestly. "I've never loved or wanted someone the way I love and want you."
Quinn made a subtle move to wipe her cheek, then the corner of her eye, because she had to. He didn't even have to try to make her emotional. It was all secondary to the fact that he made her feel something, and everything, no matter where they were or what he said. "That's all I've ever wanted from someone. And I know now you're the only person who could give that to me."
Puck "Are you crying?" he asked, brushing his thumb gently under her eye. "Don't cry, baby. You'll get me emotional too." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, nodding. "I know what you mean."
Quinn swallowed hard as she shook her head a little, though she couldn't deny the tears in her eyes. "I can't really help it." She looked at him, her hazel eyes blurred slightly. "You do and say everything that makes moments like this so perfect." The way she kissed him back made his kiss seem chaste, and she had to pull herself back a little bit.
Puck "I love you so much, you know that? And I'm gonna miss you like crazy. I'll think about you all the time."
Quinn felt the knot in her stomach tighten again, this time not in a pleasant way. "I wish I could tell you to stay again and have it be real. Because every day without you... I can't imagine liking any of those days."
Puck nodded. "It'll all be worth it in a couple of years when we're married and never have to be apart again," he promised her.
Quinn thought of him going overseas, which could happen any time, but she kept it to herself, mostly because she could barely handle the two hour drive that would be between them in the next few months. She chose to focus on the 'married' part. "Do you think about getting married a lot? I mean, have you always?"
Puck thought about her question, shrugging. "Recently, yes. Ever since...well, since Finn. I want to be with you for the rest of my life and losing him reminded me how short life can be."
Quinn still had a hard time hearing Puck say Finn's name, much less talk about him. But she knew it meant a lot of him to be able to talk about their friend, just like it meant a great deal to her that he could trust her in that way. "I think that would make him happy, knowing that his life could mean something like that."
Puck nodded. "He made me want to be better, and to chase after what I really want. Which was the Air Force. And you."
Quinn rubbed the back of his head lightly as they laid there. Her eyes fell shut, and she could see the two of them, standing at the end of an aisle next to each other. Puck, the groom, and Finn, his best man. Her throat felt thick as she opened her eyes, facing a different reality. But it wasn't all bad. Not by a long shot. "You don't have to chase anymore. I'm right here. I'm always going to be right here."
Puck kissed her shoulder, pulling her close as he slid out of her. "That means more to me than you will ever know," he said honestly.
Quinn moved onto her side, her body shaping to Puck's so there didn't have to be much space between them. "I don't know. I think I have at least a little idea." Her legs tangled with his. "Because the fact that we're here now, and you made everything about tonight so beautiful and amazing, shows me. Most things you do show me.
Puck smiled. "That's all I've ever wanted to do. Even when I didn't really know it."
Quinn placed a small kiss on his chest. "Who'd ever have thought that Noah Puckerman was such a romantic."
Puck shrugged. "Definitely not me. But you bring it out in me. You kind of always have."
Quinn chuckled as she thought back to high school. "I actually did tell you that once, but only after you stole money." She reached for his hand, slipping her fingers through his. "This was much better than that, just so you know."
Puck "I stole the money for you and Beth. But you made me give it back," he groaned.
Quinn looked up at him. "I think on some level we both knew you were better than that and me telling you to give it back was a weird way of showing it. "
Puck nodded. "You're probably right," he said, kissing her cheek. "Always making me be a better guy."
Quinn shook her head in resistence. "You were a better guy than you gave yourself credit for. Maybe I helped you see it, and Finn did, but it was already there just waiting to come out."
Puck "I think you give me too much credit sometimes."
Quinn "And I don't think you give yourself enough. Other people can't make you someone your not. It doesn't work because it's not natural." She squeezed his hand then brought it to her lips. "You just had to figure out how to show the real Puck."
Puck "I guess you're right," he conceded, sighing softly. "I've always wanted to be a better guy and now I finally am one."
Quinn stroked his cheek, smiling at his realization. "You are." She pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "The best guy."
Puck "And you're the best girl," he told her, kissing her again. "I'm so lucky to have you."
Quinn felt a tickle in the back of her throat, and her eyelids fluttered in an attempt to keep her emotions from getting the best of her. "We're both lucky, then."
Puck "We are," he agreed. "The luckiest in the world."
Quinn closed her eyes just long enough to keep herself together - yet again - before flashing him a grin. "Okay, okay. I know I'm good in bed but there's really no reason for you to get cheesy."
Puck smirked. "You love it when I get cheesy," he told her matter of factly. "In fact, I think you live for it."
Quinn raised an eyebrow, then turned her head a little to hide her smile. "Live for it? I don't know about that." Even though she really did. He was a different Puck than she'd known in high school, but there were parts of him that lingered. The sometimes silly, goofy was one of those things hanging around. "I may like it a little bit. But that's all."
Puck "You love it. A lot. Admit it," he said, tickling her sides playfully.
Quinn arched off the bed in an attempt to avoid Puck hitting her tickle spot, but to no avail. Squirming didn't help either. She was at his mercy, but unwilling to give in. "Never!" She managed to catch his face in her hands, pulling him into a quick kiss. "But I do love you."
Puck "I love you too. And I think you should admit that you love Cheesy Puck. He only comes out for you these days. "
Quinn grabbed for his hands, trying to hold them so he couldn't tickle her anymore. "Cheesy Puck isn't the only thing." She winked and pecked his lips quickly. "I love all the parts of you all the same so I guess that includes Cheesy Puck."
Puck nodded. "You're right. I love all parts of you too. Cheesy Quinn, sweet Quinn, even Angry Quinn sometimes."
Quinn looked up at him, then let go of his hand so she could run hers through his hair. "It's hard to be angry when you're around. You make me smile and laugh too much for that."
Puck "We do smile and laugh all the time when we're together. I feel like that won't so much be the case while we're apart."
Quinn felt the little pang of sadness that she'd been feeling far too often in the last week. Still, she didn't want to be sad now. Not when he was right there. "I'll smile every time I see your face, or hear your voice, or get a letter back from you." She brought his lips to hers. "I'll miss you like crazy, but I promise you that you'll always see a smile on my face when you see me."
Puck "I promise that too, babe," he murmured, kissing her again, this time with a bit more desperation. "I don't even want to sleep tonight because I know we'll be apart soon."
Quinn was perfectly fine not sleeping, even though she knew it would happen eventually. For now, though, she just wanted to kiss him and be close to him. "We don't have to."
Puck "Good," he said, pulling her close and holding on tight. "I'm not letting you go tonight."
Quinn let him wrap her up in his arms, because it's the only place she wanted to be. "Or ever?" She smiled against skin as she turned her head into his chest.
Puck "God I wish," he mumbled into her hair. "I won't let you go anytime you're with me," he reasoned.
Quinn hummed happily. It felt good being his, and having him be hers. Even if they couldn't be together every day for now, it was going to be good. She knew it.
Puck "I love you," he said softly, closing his eyes.
Quinn place a soft kiss on his neck. "And I love you. Always."
Puck "Always," he mumbled, yawning despite himself. "I'm so tired," he admitted.
Quinn grinned. So much for not sleeping. Pulling as close as she could, Quinn started to run her fingers lightly over the side of his head. "Get sleep then, baby." She kissed him gently.
Puck "I'm sorry," he mumbled, pulling her close as she stroked his temple.
Quinn touched her forehead to his. "Don't be. I'm here with you. That's all I care about." The truth was that she'd rather be there, in his arms, than anywhere else. Asleep away, as long as she was with him. "Good night."
Puck "Goodnight," he murmured, kissing her. "I love you. "
Quinn told Puck she loved him too, then kissed his forehead before relaxing and closing her own eyes.
