Tired didn't do her mood justice. Rachel was exhausted. She felt sick, and warn out, and just wanted to go home. She had been sitting in a downtown police precinct, for the better part of two hours, and was tired of being ignored. All she could hear was phones ringing, people talking, some yelling. Angry words and actions of random people being brought in. It was just noise. Noise that had become rather unbearable in the last two hours. She looked at the female detective, sitting across from her. She wasn't even paying attention to the tiny woman. She was looking down at her desk, looking back and forth from one document to another, and writing things down."How can you stand this?"
"Excuse me", asked the detective.
"This...clusterfuck of noise, and confusion...how can you work in a place like this?"
The woman just laughed."You get used to it after six years."
"That's how long you've been a cop?"
"Yeah, just about. Seems more like ten years, but who's counting...". She hadn't even looked up from what she was doing. Rachel had already decided to hate the woman. She had gone out of her way to take Rachel in, and seemed pretty adamant about it."I'm honestly sorry you've been stuck here for so long. I'm just trying to by you some time."
"What do you mean?"
"The captain is Hell bent on your charges, but...you and I both know that there is no real reason for you to be here right now. The longer I make it look like I'm questioning you, the more my boss has to deal with...and the less he'll care about a stupid little charge like this one."
Decision to hate her revoked.
"Oh...well, thank you", said Rachel."What is my charge exactly?"
"What charge?"
"Well...the one-"
"What charge", she asked again, harshly. Making eye contact for a few seconds. Rachel nodded, and smiled.
"Okay, I get it."
The woman winked at Rachel, as she went back to paper work. Rachel felt a bit more comfortable, so she sat back in her chair, and sighed. She let her mind wander back to the day before.
...
Rachel had been sitting in her room. She had just showered, and gotten dressed. She was sitting on her couch, holding her phone. She looked at it, and shook her head. Not one call, voice mail, or text back from Puck. She wasn't having it. She poked the screen a few times, and put her phone to her ear. It rang twice before going right to his voice mail.
"Yo, it's Puckerman. If you got something to say, leave it at the beep."
Rachel rolled her eyes. She'd heard that greeting a bunch that day, and was prepared to leave what had felt like the tenth voice mail. It had been three days since she'd taken Laine away from him. He needed to get over it. She waited for the beep, and wasted no time.
"You know what? I'm fucking tired of you avoiding me, so this is the last damn voice mail I'm leaving for you, Noah! I get it. You're pissed because none of us wanted to back you up on your knew career as a drug dealer, but fuck you! We have good reasons for that, and you know it! Yeah, I took your little mule away from you, but that was three fucking days ago, so get over it! She's not your little pet anymore! I fucking love you, but your behavior is disgusting to me! You blew Santana off, and you put a little girl and yourself in danger! I didn't wanna' believe that was you, but what the Hell else am I supposed to think given that you haven't talked to me in weeks, or bothered to apologize to San! Honestly, if this is what it is now, and you're gonna' be this shady little coward, I don't wanna' know you! I'll leave you be! Clearly, that's what you want, so you know what? You're wish is my damn command! Have a nice life!"
She hung up, threw her phone onto the bed, and covered her face with her hands. She really didn't want to cry, but she couldn't help it. She just couldn't understand why a man she had grown to love as her family, as her brother, had gotten so cold and distant. She wanted to know what was going through his mind, but since he wasn't wanting to talk to her, she was forced to be left in the dark, and she couldn't take it. In her mind, they were so close, and she wanted to think that he would tell her everything. Yet, he hadn't talked to her since he had quit the Playground. Her anger, and confusion towards him, were only a small part of the bigger picture. She felt like she was going crazy.
Quinn was leaving Santana's office, having been in there for almost an hour. The meeting needed to happen. However, Quinn wanted to get upstairs to spend time with Rachel. As she made her way towards the elevator, tablet in hand, Brittany was walking from the elevator, with her tablet as well.
"Hey, Britt", greeted Quinn, with a smile.
"Hi, Quinn", she sighed."Going up to see Rachey?"
"I am. Going in to see, San?"
"Yeah", she nodded."Guess we're trading one stressed out girlfriend for another."
"What do you mean", asked Quinn.
"Well, I just walked by her room. I could hear her screaming on the phone. I think she was trying to call Puck again."
"Oh God. Well, Santana's not in a good mood either, and oddly enough it has something to do with Puck."
"What did he do now? Not that it matters, he's already in it pretty deep with everybody around here."
"Ain't that the truth. I guess, Alyson found a little baggy taped under the register. It had Ecstasy pills in it, about twelve of them."
"Oh my God, does that mean-"
"That he was selling them from the bar behind San's back? That's what she's got in her head. We're thinking that it had a lot to do with the people who quit right after Tina was sent away", Quinn went on to explain."So now, San wants us to get a hold of those people ,to find out what the Hell made them leave, so we know for sure."
"Okay, I'm on it. You just go be with your Rachel", said the dancer. She leaned forward, and hugged Quinn tight.
"Thanks, and this hug is fantastic, I'm sure Santana could use one", laughed Quinn, breaking away."I'll see you later, Britt.
"Yeah, see you."
They went their separate ways.
Once Quinn got upstairs, she was about to knock on Rachel's door when it opened.
"Quinn...", she said, her eyes full of tear. She seemed to be in a rush.
"Rachel...wait baby...slow down. Where are you going?"
"Check your phone", cried Rachel."I literally just texted you saying meet in the bar, instead of up here."
"Okay, no no no...baby get back in there", said Quinn, calmly.
"I need a drink, Quinn."
"No, you don't", she said, as she lightly pushed her back into her room."You need to lay down and relax, baby."
"No, please...I just want one drink. Just one, and I'll be fine", she cried."Please?"
She sounded exhausted, and Quinn couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed onto her, and hugged her as tightly as she could."Shhhhh...it's alright. Just calm down, I've got you."
She held her in her arms for a few minutes, while she cried, and cried. She was starting to think there was more to Rachel's stress. More than she knew about. Eventually, she scooped her up, and carried her over to the bed. She laid her down, laid next to her and rubbed her back."Talk to me...".
"I just want him to call back. I need to understand why he's acting this way", she cried."Maybe there's a good reason behind it all."
"Okay, I know you love him, Rach...but there's no excuse for the whole thing with Laine. None." Her word seemed pretty final."I mean, maybe if she was a little older and-"
"I know, Quinn. I'm not defending him for that. Trust me. It's just...him leaving...there has to be more to it then what he said. It can't just be the money, there's no way."
"Why do you think that?"
"I know him better than that. For the longest time, he was pushing this whole, bad ass attitude towards everything. I think I knew he changed a little, but that's not always him. He's got a soft side. Why can't he just admit it, and bring it out more often?"
"He's one of those guys, baby. The kind of guy that holds a lot of pride towards his gender." Quinn wasn't a man hater, not by any means. However, she thought she knew men like Puck. She thought she knew them all too well, so was always more then happy to peg them out.
"So, that gives him the right to be a dick for no reason sometimes?"
"I guess, I don't really know him that well. It's just my opinion, baby. It's just what I see when I look at him, and hear him talk the way he talks."
"Honestly, if he would just answer his fucking phone, and talk to me...I'd give him a chance to explain himself. I really would", she sniffled.
"I know you would, but he probably doesn't think that. I mean, were you nice and calm in any of the voice mails that you left?"
Not a word.
"Yeah, I didn't think so."
"I'm such a bitch", she cried.
"No, you're just upset, and frustrated, and why shouldn't you be? It's alright, you're not a bitch. Even if you were, I wouldn't care, because you'd still be all mine."
"Oh, I'm you're bitch", laughed Rachel, a little.
"Yes, you are. My little bitch, Rachel Berry."
The two of them laughed. Quinn smiled sadly, before kissing Rachel softly on the forehead."Let's take a nap."
"Don't you have to get back to work?"
"I do, but I have some time. I wanna' spend it with you."
Rachel smiled."Sounds good to me. You can be my Quinny bear, I think my Teddy needs a break."
The two of them cuddled into each other, Quinn still wondering what else was bothering her girlfriend. She decided not to question it right away. There was already too much going on. An hour later, Quinn had left a sleeping Rachel in her bed, and snuck out of the room. She said her goodbyes to people, and left. She was halfway to her car in the parking garage, when she caught something out of the corner of her eye. Somebody was trying to make a break for the elevator before the doors closed.
"Hey", she shouted, authority in her tone."Don't you even think about it!"
Whoever it was, stopped, and turned around. Quinn couldn't see the face, but she knew it was a man. He started walking towards her.
"Don't mess with me ass hole, I will knock you out!"
"Chill out", he said, as he emerged from the shadows."It's me. Lauren took my fucking access cards when I quit."
"Puck...Jesus! You scared the Hell out of me, what are you doing sneaking around down here?"
"I...I have no fucking clue", he said. He sounded tired.
"How did you get passed Azimio?"
"I know he's not at his post yet", he said.
Quinn couldn't help but notice that he looked upset. She wouldn't be giving him any sympathy. At least, not right away."You have some serious explaining to do."
"I do? What the fuck, I'm not the one who has to explain anything! Rachel's the one who-"
"She had good reason to take her away from your place. Damn good reason."
"Well I wouldn't know, because she won't even talk to me!"
"Rachel has been trying to talk to you fo-"
"Not Rachel! Laine! She wouldn't answer my calls, so I texted her. She was talking a little back, but then she just stopped."
"She had her phone taken away, that's why."
"Wait, you know where she is?"
"Yes, I do."
"Tell me!"
"No."
"Oh my God", he growled."Fucking tell me."
"Or what", asked Quinn, taking a few steps toward him."Go ahead, take a swing."
"No, I'm not gonna' hit you, I don't hit females."
"Good to know", she said, backing off."All you need to know is that, she's safe. If you really cared about her, you'd be happy about that."
"First of all, never question how much I care about her. Second, I never said I wasn't happy that she's safe, I am. I just need to know where she is. She's my family,Quinn!"
"So was Santana."
"Don't even fucking dare", he hollered."You haven't been here long enough to lecture me about that!"
"That doesn't matter! These people are my friends! I'm part of this place now, whether you like it or not! So this nonsense is effecting me too! Rachel is destroyed over this! Santana is furious, and doesn't need any of the extra stress! Your drugs are popping up all over the damn place, and Alyson, God knows she trying...cannot handle bar tending right now! You've screwed up so much, you're messing with people's lives, and being a selfish ass hole! So yes, Puck! I will dare!"
By the time she was done yelling, she had to take a few deep breathes. She had actually shocked herself a little with everything she had said. A little more shock set in when she saw the tears streaming down Puck's face.
"Shit...", she mumbled, feeling slightly guilty. Rachel's statement about him having a soft side must have been true.'Puck, I'm sor-"
"No, don't say you're sorry. I'm the one who's sorry. You're right, I suck", he sobbed."Look, the only reason I was even here was to sneak inside, and see if Laine was up there. I wasn't trying to cause anymore problems then I already have, I swear."
"Okay, fine I believe you, but...why can't you just talk to Rachel?"
"I can't, Quinn. I can't talk to her, or deal with any of that right now. I just wanna' check on Laine."
"That's part of why she wants to talk to you."
"No, she watch to bitch and scream at me. You should hear some of the voice mails she's been leaving me. Some of her texts were a little on the bitchy side too, but whatever. I can't deal with her right now, I can't deal with Santana right now, and I won't. I know how much a dick that makes me, but I don't have time. I have shit to do, important shit."
"Yeah, drug shit", scoffed the blond.
"See, that...right there. That's why nobody's heard from me. That fucking attitude towards what I do."
"It's not a good thing to do!"
"Yeah, well there are worse things. I don't sell to kids, I don't pray on junkies. I know what the fuck I'm doing. And the one person in my life, that actually had my back, and trusted me to do what I know how...was Laine. Now she's gone. I'm not about to like track her down, and drag her back home with me, alright? She can do what she wants. I'm not gonna' make her do anything that she doesn't wanna' do, I never did. If she doesn't wanna' crash with me anymore, that's cool, I just wanna' check on her."
Quinn sighed, and pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers."She's at my apartment. She's been staying there, with my mom."
Puck was suddenly a little more focused, and sobbing less."Is she okay?"
"She's fine."
"Why did she leave?"
Quinn knew that she wasn't supposed to tell him what had happened to the girl, so she lied."She got scared, that's all. Her leaving was more Rachel's doing then her own."
"Can I see her?"
"God...I'm thinking that's not such a good idea right now", she breathed.
"Why not", he asked, desperately."I just told you, I'm not gonna' take her back to my apartment, or anything. I promise."
Quinn thought for a moment. She did feel guilty, but at the same time, she knew she could use it. For the Playground, and for the sake of Rachel's sanity."I'll tell you what. Tomorrow night. Rachel's got one client. After that, she's free. You meet up with her somewhere, and talk to her. And I mean actually talk to her, Puck. You will be civil, you will tell her what she wants to know, and we'll go from there. Do that, I'll take you to my place to see Laine."
"Deal."
Quinn smiled. She liked the fact that he hadn't even hesitated."Good. I'll let Rachel know what's going on, and you will be answering her next time she tries to contact you, got it?"
"I got that, if you get that, Santana better not be anywhere near that meeting", he said. He was back to being a tough guy.
"Deal."
A while later, Rachel got a call from Quinn explaining everything that was going to happen. She was so thankful for Quinn setting it up. She almost cried tears of pure joy. Not knowing what she was about to get herself into.
Back in the police station...
As she came back into reality, Rachel's eyes landed back on the detective. Still sitting, focused on her paperwork. She couldn't help but study her a little. She had very pretty dirty blond hair. It was kind of shame that it was tied back into a messy ponytail. Rachel wasn't sure, but she thought her eyes might be brown. She was wearing a gray, button up shirt, the top two buttons undone. She had on jeans, and black boots. Nice figure, but obviously her career as a detective had held her back on beauty a little bit. She was fairly attractive. She seemed like a high school cliche. One of those girls that would simply have to remove her glasses, let her hair down, and slap on some make up in order to grab the popular boy's attention. Not that she would dream of cheating on Quinn. That wasn't even on her mind at the moment. She was honestly just curious, and there was something very familiar about this woman.
"Detective...Hayes was it?"
"Yes. Bethany Hayes."
"Oh, that's very pretty", smiled Rachel.
"Thank you", she replied, politely.
"Listen, if I'm being too forward, stop me...but...you don't seem...". Rachel stopped talking when Bethany looked up. She looked amused, yet intrigued.
"Go on...", she said, with a smirk.
"Well, it's just...I usually get this very scary vibe from cops. I'm not getting it from you, and your appearance kinda'...blows my mind."
"My appearance", she asked, half laughing.
"Yeah. I'm not trying to be rude, so please don't think that I am. It's just...you're actually very pretty and it just seems like-"
"Rachel Berry, are you hitting on me? Now what would your Boss have to say about that?"
All of the sudden Rachel's heart was beating faster then she ever thought it would. Her eyes grew wide, and she just stared at the woman."My...b-boss?" Was she talking about Santana? How did she know about Santana? How did she know that she was her boss?"
"Hayes", hollered a random officer, from across the room."I need you for a minute!"
"Yeah alright, hold on", she hollered back. Smirking at Rachel's reaction, she removed her glasses, and looked right at her."Rachel, I'll be right back. While I'm gone, I want you to think real hard as to why I already knew who you were, and why I know who your boss is. I promise you, it's not very hard to figure out, and I know you're a smart girl. I'm trying to keep you out of trouble, and I know who you work for. Put the pieces together."
With that, she stood from her desk, and walked away.
Rachel swallowed the lump in her throat, and her already racing mind went into full gear. She couldn't find words, much less form a straight thought. Her mouth was dry, and she felt like throwing up. The comfort she had felt for the last few minutes was gone, just like that. The time that Bethany was gone, were torture. She was busted. The playground was going down, and it was all her fault. She leaned over in her seat, and buried her face into her hands. Once again, her thoughts drifted. She thought about everything that had gone on that night, that had landed her in the position that she was in.
...
Knowing that she was going to talk to Puck that night, was in the back of her mind all day. Only, she wasn't as stressed out as she had been. At least he had agreed to talk to her, thanks to Quinn. They had agreed to meet at one of his favorite bars that night, right after she had finished her session with Cassandra.
She was exiting her room, after having gotten ready, when Kurt approached her."Hey, Rach."
"Hi, sweetie", smiled sadly. He sounded upset and looked drained."Are you alright", she asked ,as she closed her door behind her.
"All this shit with Blaine, it's killing me", he sighed."He's been here a lot since he found out about what happen with Sam. Yet, he won't talk to me."
Rachel frowned, and hugged him."I'm sorry, Kurt. I get why he's so pissed, but...he could be a bit more mature and actually talk to you about it." She broke away from the hug, and grabbed his hand."Come on...I have some time before Cassie. Let's go have drink."
"Okay", he said. The two of them headed for the elevator, holding hands."You know, the fact that he won't talk to me...it's not even the worst part."
"Why do you say that?"
"Oh, just wait", he said, as they stepped onto the elevator."You'll see...".
A few minutes later, the two of them were downstairs, walking to the bar. Rachel looked around, and when she saw it, her jaw dropped. There was Blaine, sitting at the bar, with Sam. He was laughing, and seemingly having a really great time."Oh, you have got to be kidding me."
"That's the worst part, right there", Kurt breathed."I know he's not really into, Sam. He's just doing it to piss me off."
"Have you talked to Sam about it?"
"Yeah, and I'm not pissed at him. He feels really bad. Number one, because he had no idea I was with Blaine...and also because he has no choice. If he refuses to interact with Blaine, he'll have to deal with the wraith of Santana."
"Wait, yeah...have you talked to her?"
"Trust me, I've tried. She doesn't give a shit, she said it is what it is."
"Wow, that's kinda' messed up on her end...", scoffed Rachel."Would it kill her to be more sensitive to the situation?"
"I'm gonna' go with, yes."
Rachel looked back at the display, and shook her head. She thought for a moment, and turned back to Kurt."How many clients do you have tonight?"
"Two, but it's all in one session. It's a threesome", he said, rolling his eyes."It probably won't take very long, knowing these two idiots the way that I do."
"What's the time slot", asked Rachel.
"Same as yours."
"Good. You're coming with me to talk to Puck."
"Oh my God, really", asked Kurt, happily.
"Yeah, you need to get out of here for a bit. Plus, I didn't really wanna' go alone. Quinn's not even coming in tonight, so after Cassie leaves, I'll most likely be bored out of my mind."
"Yes", exclaimed Kurt, hugging Rachel."Thank you!"
"No problem, just be ready by like...ten, that's when I'm leaving. I'll have just enough time to change my clothes, and be out the door by the time I'm done with her."
"I'll be ready,trust me", he said, with a smile."You're the best!"
"Oh please", she giggled."You just wanna' go in case there's any drama."
"That is not true", he defended, sharply. Rachel just gave him a look, and he smiled."Okay, maybe I'm a little excited for drama."
"That's what I thought", she laughed."Come on."
They walked over to the bar, and found two empty seats. Luckily they were on the complete opposite side of where Blaine and Sam were seated. They ordered drinks from Alyson, and got to talking about random things. Mainly, Rachel filled Kurt in on what was happening with Puck, just so he had an idea what was going on during the meeting. After a while, Rachel felt arms wrap around her waist from behind.
"There you are...little girl...", growled Cassandra."You ready for me?"
"Always", smiled Rachel, as she turned to face her.
Kurt rolled his eyes, and took a sip of his drink.
"Hey Porcelain", said said the older woman, keeping her grasp around the tiny brunette."Heard you're getting it from two lucky gentlemen tonight."
"You heard correctly, and it's about that time, so...", he said, finishing his drink."Rach, I'll see you in bit. Cassie...always...a pleasure", he said dryly, as he walked away.
"What a little bitch", snicked Cassandra, and she buried her face into Rachel's neck."How can you stand him?"
"Very easily, he's one of my best friends", answered Rachel. She knew the woman hated when her attention was on other people, so she quickly changed her tone."He doesn't matter right now, though. I've been waiting for you all night, baby...".
"Oh yeah", whispered Cassandra in her ear."You better be wet for me...".
"I'm always wet for you...only you", the tiny woman lied."Why don't you go and wait for me in our room...I'll get your drink, and be there in no time...".
"Mmmm...", she moaned."You better hurry up...little girl. I hope you know you're about to get torn apart...".
As soon as Cassandra was out of sight, Rachel rolled her eyes, and groaned.
"What's wrong, Star shine", asked Alyson, as she walked over."Not in the mood to handle that bundle of crazy tonight?"
"No, I'm not. I have shit to do", laughed Rachel."Can I get-"
"Yeah, I'm already working on crazy's drink, don't you worry", laughed Alyson, as she poured some random things into a glass."You know...you've been looking super stressed lately. Maybe we should take a trip to the gym soon, you think?"
"That sounds amazing, let's go tomorrow", breathed Rachel.
"Sounds good. I'm gonna' kick your ass though, you know that, right", laughed Alyson.
"Trust me, I'm counting on it."
After Rachel had spent her time with Cassandra, she rushed back to her room, took a five minute shower, did some of her make up, got dressed and was in the parking garage fast as ever. Kurt was already waiting for her.
"What the fuck, how in the Hell did you get down here faster then I did? I was about to text you saying that I'd wait five minutes", she laughed, as she hurried towards the driver's side of her car.
"I told you those clients wouldn't take long. They've always had their...short comings...", he giggled.
'Okay, gross. Get in the car", she deadpanned.
Almost a half hour later, Rachel had parked her car a couple blocks away from where she was meeting Puck, and her and Kurt were walking down the street.
"How are you not wearing a jacket right now? It's not that warm out yet", Rachel said, as she linked arms with her friend.
"I know, but after being cooped up all day, the cold air feels nice. Don't complain. I took less time than you did to get ready. Clearly, you're just jealous that I look so much better", Kurt joked.
"Oh, screw you", she laughed."Whatever."
"So, what's this place we're headed to now", he asked, as they strolled along, through the random crowds, and people out for the night.
"Smashed. I've heard Santana and Brittany mention it before, but I've never been. I told Puck that he could choose where we met up. He chose this place, so I guess it's a good place to be."
"Oh, okay."
Once they arrived, they found Puck outside, talking to a bouncer, and smoking a cigarette. He saw the two of them, and flicked what was left of it."I'll talk to you later, man", he said, as he slapped hands with the bouncer."These two are legit, alright?"
"Alright, yeah", he answered, looking the duo up and down."I trust you, Puck. You the man."
"Yeah, guess that's why my name is Pucker-man...".
Rachel and Kurt exchanged looks of amusement.
"Hey guys", greeted Puck."Come on, let's go inside."
Rachel was upset already. He was acting like he didn't know them the way he truly did. She knew that when she got there, she would either want to hug him, or slap him as hard as she could. At that moment, she wanted to do both. She simply took a deep breath, grabbed Kurt's hand, and followed the man with the mohawk inside of the building.
The crowd was different then what Rachel and Kurt were used to. Much more of a rocker scene, but it wasn't bad. They followed Puck, and ended up at the table. The two of them sat down. There was band playing on the stage, and a lot of people on the dance floor in front of them. It was obvious that they were popular, and had somewhat of a following. Before Puck sat down, he casually looked towards the band. The lead singer nodded at him, and smiled. As if to say what's up. Puck nodded back, and sat down.
"What's going on? Didn't know you were bringing Kurt. So why don't you just let me know now. Is Santana hiding down the street or something?"
"God", said Kurt, as she rolled his eyes."How paranoid are you?"
"Trust me, I have lots of reasons to be paranoid, Porcelain. So shut it."
"No, she's not hiding anywhere", said Rachel, calmly."She doesn't even know I'm here with you, so you can relax."
"You promise?"
"Yes, I promise."
"Alright, cool. So, what do you wanna' know?"
Rachel was somewhat disturbed by the man's attitude."Noah...why the Hell are you acting like this? Not that I'm on the inner circle of your little drug dealing habit...but I feel like one of your clients right now."
Puck looked around, as if she had just cracked a secret code."Don't call me Noah around here, alright? Puck, and that's it." Rachel and Kurt both rolled their eyes."And, don't be like that. You have to know, part of the reason I can't talk to you anymore, is that right there."
"What", asked Rachel, defensively."What right where?"
"You just said...my little habit. It's not a fucking habit. It's what I do now, and it's legit. So stop acting like it's stupid, and respect me for it."
"Respect you for it", asked Kurt."Puck...it's drugs. Forget the details of why they're so harmful, it's a dangerous game. One that you shouldn't playing."
"That's not the point. I know what I'm doing, and I'm tired of people doubting me, and making me feel like a piece a shit for it", he argued."Like you two are any better. Sex for pay? Not exactly an executive decision. So neither of you, or anybody else should be judging me for it."
Rachel wanted say comment back. She wanted to so bad, but she couldn't. A random red head had walked over to their table, and seemed to be standing idly by."Did you three want drinks?"
"Yeah, I'll have a beer. Blue Moon, with an orange slice", answered Puck.
"Vodka on the rocks", said Kurt."With a splash of soda water."
"Jack and Coke. Thanks", said Rachel, with a fake little smile.
The girl nodded, and vanished just as fast as she had appeared.
"Puck...our line of work is different, so why the Hell would you even compare? Especially when you've worked around it for so much longer than you've been in your new game", said Kurt.
"It's not that much different. They're both illegal, and considered dirty, so why the Hell wouldn't I compare?"
"You know us better then this", said Rachel."Yet...you sit here, treating us like shit, acting like we're strangers to you. That's bullshit."
"Whatever", scoffed Puck."I have my reasons for that, and if you can't figure them out, that's your problem, not mine."
"See, that's where you're wrong. You're in my life, you're part of the playground family, so it is my problem", said Rachel."Maybe if you would have been less of a dick about it, you'd actually get some of the respect that you want. Only, you just walked away. Yeah, Santana bitched at you after you got shot, and it was really bad timing. But, you have to know by now, that's just her. It's a lot to deal with, and if you would have stuck around, and dealt with the guilt, you might have gotten a chance to stand up for yourself. But no, instead, you got mean, and ran away like a fucking coward."
"What the fuck ever, you know damn well...it wouldn't have mattered what I said to her, no matter what, making people feel like shit, is her thing. There was no exception for me, and there never would have been. All she knew is that I was dealing, got shot because of it, and had a teenager involved with it. No matter what reasons I had for all that, she just would have bitched, and made me feel like shit", he argued back.
"That's not true! You should have fucking talked to her about it! You never even gave her the chance", snapped Rachel.
"I didn't have to! No matter what I would have said, regardless of how I acted and shit, she would have been the same old Santana! Boss Lady bitch! Not willing to listen, only wanting to fucking yell and tear me the fuck down!"
"That's just part of who Santana is", said Kurt."After all the time we've known her, and dealt with her shit, you really haven't gotten used to that by now?"
"Even if I did...doesn't mean I haven't to stick around for it! She has to know, that if she can't show some respect, things aren't always gonna' end well for her!"
"Fine, fair enough", said Rachel."All you need to do, having that attitude about it, is fight back."
"Yeah right", laughed Puck."That's a no win situation, and the both of you should know that."
"No, it's not. I've been fighting for what I know I deserve for a long time, and I'm not giving up", snapped Rachel."You just walked away! You acted like a dick, and turned your back on her, and the rest of us! Now you're acting like an even bigger dick, all for the sake of what? To protect you're bullshit rep as big shot drug dealer!"
"Jesus...", growled Puck."Can you not fucking say shit like that out loud?"
"What's the matter, hot shit...don't like to own up to it", Rachel asked.
"Fuck you, at least I'm not stuck living in a prison, with Warden Lopez watching my every fucking move. Tell me, have you been grounded again since your issue before? Or have you been a good little girl", he snapped.
"Oh, good one, ass hole", she smirked."Given any guns to teenagers lately? Or is your track record still one and counting?"
"Eat shit", he snapped.
"Drop dead", she shot back.
"You're a bitch!"
"You're a fucking loser!"
"Oh my god, will you too just fucking admit that you miss each other, already? This is torture", said Kurt.
"Fine! I fucking miss you", snapped Puck.
"Yeah? Well, I fucking miss you too, ass hole", she said back, with a bite.
Before anything else was said, the red head returned with their drinks."Here you go. Holler when you need more. I love tips, by the way", she said, before walking away. The minute the drinks were on the table, all three of them picked up them up, and slammed them down. It was almost simultaneous. After an awkward silence, Puck looked at Rachel for a moment, before standing up.
"Where are you going", she asked quietly.
"Round two", he said, looking away."Don't worry, it's on me." He hurried away from the table, and towards the bar.
"What the fuck just happened", asked Kurt.
"I...I have no idea", answered Rachel.
A few minutes later, Puck returned with the drinks. Ten minutes of silence had gone by before Kurt couldn't stand it anymore. He slammed his drink, once again, and stood up."Well would you look at that? I need another one. I'll be back in a few", he rushed out, before getting away from the table as fast as he could.
"What a drama queen...", said Puck, under his breath.
"I know, right", said Rachel."I'm sorry."
"For what", he asked, sipping his beer.
"Being such a bitch. The texts, the voice mails. I don't mean to insult you, and I do respect you. I was angry at you for leaving, and the reason why you left. Only, I guess I didn't realize how you felt about it. I'm not gonna' lie, it sucks...but if it's what you want, fine. I'll get off your back about it."
"Okay, well, I'm sorry t-"
"Wait", she said, cutting him off."I need to know something."
"Okay...".
"If you knew Laine was in enough danger, that you had to leave her a gun...".
"About that...I didn't want to, Rachel. I really didn't. Yeah, I wanna' be able to take care of her, she's my family now. I just...couldn't be there all the time, but I knew she'd be safer there. It was leave her there with the gun, or have out with me all the time. It was a rock and fucking hard place...and trust me...it wasn't easy making that choice."
She wanted to tell him. She wanted to let him know that she wasn't as safe without him being around as he thought she was. However, she couldn't. She promised Laine that she wouldn't.
"I didn't take her from your apartment to piss you off."
"Yeah, I get that", he said.
"Do you?"
"Yeah, I do. I mean...I wish you wouldn't have, but I have to be real about it. She's better off at Quinn's place."
"She is, but I know she'll be happy to see you tomorrow. She misses you a lot", admitted Rachel."You're not taking her back-"
"No, I'm not. I swear. I just wanna' see her."
Rachel nodded. They went silent again, Puck putting his attention on the band, and Rachel looking around for Kurt. She spotted him, at the bar, with a new drink. He was talking to some guy. She could only guess the conversation was about the gauges in his ears. The guy was smiling, and letting Kurt touch and examine his ears. She smiled ,and rolled her eyes. She finished her drink, and looked back at Puck."Santana's been...better since her episode."
"Yeah", asked Puck, looking back.
"She's still a hard ass, and she does need to be that way, given her status. Only...you can tell that she's trying really hard not to be that way with certain people. With me...she treats more like a friend now, but...you can tell that sometimes, it pisses her off, and she yells at me", she laughed."She is trying, though, and I think that if you just talked to her...she might try with you too."
"No, I can't. It's not that I don't believe you, but...I know once we get civil...or as close to it as we can, she'll try and talk me into coming back."
"Okay, but that doesn't mean that you ha-"
"I'll go back", he cut in.
"What?"
"If she tries talking me back into that place...I know I'll do it."
"Oh", said Rachel, with a smile."So why is that bad? That place needs you, Puck. I need you."
"You don't need me", he laughed.
"Yes, I do. I mean, Kurt's there for me, he's always gonna' be one of my besties. It's different with you. For some reason, you're like my brother. I've never questioned it, that's just how I feel about you. Aly's an amazing girl, she's fun to have around but...she's no bartender. Not one like you anyway. People ask about you all the time, and you can't tell me that you don't miss those huge tips", she said.
Puck smiled, but he shook his head."Rach, I have a four hundred dollar wallet in my back pocket right now. It was a gift from a client. Trust me, I don't miss those tips, and they don't miss me."
She just laughed a little, and nodded her head."I hear you."
It was almost midnight, when Rachel, Kurt and Puck were standing outside of smashed. They'd all had a few, but weren't ready for the night to end.
"So, now where are we going", asked Kurt.
"What do you mean", asked Puck, as he lit a cigarette.
"Are you kidding me? It's early ,we can't be done for the night", he answered."This guy in there told me about a place. He already left, I told him I might meet him there."
"Wait, the guy you were talking to at the bar", asked Rachel.
"Yeah, he was cute...and his ears were all kinds of special...".
"That was Joey, I know that dude", laughed Puck."Where did he say he was going?"
Before Kurt could answer, three girls approached Puck. One of them reached out, and slapped him across the face.
"I knew I'd fucking catch up to your ass eventually", she snapped.
"What the Hell, Jessica", exclaimed Puck, holding his face.
"What the Hell nothing, you son of bitch! You told me you'd meet up with me an hour ago! Where the fuck have you been?"
"I was busy, God! Didn't you get my text?"
Rachel suddenly felt guilty. She was buzzed, but at peace, so she felt alright trying to keep said peace."That's my fault."
The girl, as well as her two friends looked over at Rachel."Excuse me?"
"I was talking to him, so he took longer th-"
"Bitch, I wasn't walking to you, I was talking to this mother fucker, and I don't need you to sit here making excuses for his ass! Shut up and mind your own!"
Rachel was annoyed, yet she smiled politely."Mind my own what?"
"Oh shit", breathed Kurt."Rachel...don't."
"Mind your own fucking business", the girl snapped, as she turned towards the tiny woman."Seriously, he's mine...so back off."
"He can be yours, that's all fine and good. I was only trying to explain that it's not his fault that he was late."
"Bitch, I really don't like you or your attitude right now", said the girl."So back off, before you get hurt."
That did it. Rachel was pissed.
"Alright, no", said Puck, stepping in between the two."This isn't happening, no way. Rach...just back off, and let me handle this."
"You're defending her", asked Rachel in shock."I'm not the one acting crazy, she is. Why are you not on my side?"
"Now is so not the time for this, Rach", said Kurt, trying to pull her away. It was a wasted effort on his part, because she just broke away from him.
"Really, why are you taking her side and not mine?"
"Because he's mine, bitch. Not yours", laughed Jessica."Take the fucking hint."
Rachel laughed, and took a deep breath."Puck, if she calls me a bitch just one more time, I will loose it. Now, who's side are you on, really?"
"Don't do this right now", mumbled Puck."You have no idea what's going on. Just walk away."
"Yeah, walk away, bitch."
Rachel was done. She lunged at Jessica, only to be blocked by Puck. Jessica came at Rachel from behind Puck, only to be block by him as well. Kurt did his best to pull Rachel away, but decided to back off when he caught an elbow to his chin.
"Fine", he said, backing away."Whatever."
"Stop it", hollered Puck, who was doing his best to keep the two away from each other. The bouncer helped, but grabbing onto Rachel, and lifting her up. She fought against him, but it was no use. She just watched as Puck turned around, and grabbed Jessica by the shoulders. Her friends standing by, yelling random things, and trying to pull her back.
"Stop it", said Puck, looking at her in the eyes."Ignore her, don't worry about her."
"Ignore me", asked Rachel, in shock."Are you kidding me right now?"
"Rachel! Shut up", yelled Puck, without looking at her.
She didn't understand. They had just resolved things, and been alright. Why was he being such a dick all over again?
She managed to calm down for a minute. Enough to make the bouncer think that he could put her down without anything happening. Knowing Kurt was a few feet away, Rachel jumped on Puck's back, and started pulling on him, and screaming at the top of her lungs.
"You ass hole! How dare you do this right now! After everything we just fucking talked about! I hate you!"
"Rachel! Stop it! You don't understand! Get the fuck off me", he yelled back.
After that, the chaos had only gotten worse. The police had been called, and the next thing Rachel knew, she was sitting on the curb outside of Smashed, in handcuffs. Puck was nowhere to be seen, and she was being ordered by an officer, to hand her car keys over to Kurt. She did as she was told. When Kurt bent down to hug her, he quickly whispered in her ear, that he had already texted Santana, so she needed to cooperate. Once he had left, she started to cry, knowing damn well that she had overreacted, and made a simply bad situation, worse. That was when Detective Hayes had shown up.
"I got this one, guys", she had said, pulling Rachel up from the curb."Deal with everyone else, this little lady, is mine."
...
Back in the station, Rachel was pulled from her daze, by Bethany.
"So", she said, taking a seat at her desk once again."Have we figured it out?"
"I...um...well...I...", Rachel stuttered.
"Relax", mumbled Bethany."I'm on Santana's payroll."
It was then that Rachel breathed a huge sigh of relief, and relaxed into her chair. Bethany just laughed, and sat back in her own chair.
"That was so not funny", said Rachel.
"Well, it was kinda' funny. I mean, you should have seen the look on your face."
"Whatever", said Rachel, rolling her eyes."So is that why you had such a hard on for me when you showed up there?"
"Yes. It's also why, you're not in handcuffs, and why you're gonna' sit here for as long as it takes for me to get you in the clear. Also, why you need to keep yourself in check out here in the real world."
"The real world", the tiny brunette questioned.
"Please, I haven't been on the payroll that long, but I already know. That Playground...it's a bubble. A world within a world. For some reason, you people, you get out into the city, and think the law doesn't apply to you. That's dangerous, and I can't even believe that's the attitude some of you have. Especially knowing that it's all about timing. I happened to have you on my radar tonight. When you guys leave that building, you need to be more careful. If the wrong cop gets on you, at the wrong time, there is no getting out of something. So, why be that reckless?"
Rachel understood why Bethany was so confused. It's like she had just said, she hadn't been in Santana's pocket for very long. She deserved an explanation.
"I'm not usually reckless. I know some of the...other employees are, but I'm not. I'm just...overwhelmed by things right now. I was tipsy, and flew off the handle...taking out my bullshit on the wrong person."
"Okay", nodded the detective."So talk to me then, what exactly happened? Why were you raging out on Noah Puckerman?"
"God. Do you know him yet? I mean like really know him yet? He's a very frustrating person...".
"I know he deals. I know he's a ladies man, and tends to attract some of the crazy ones. I know he's a former employee. I talked to Santana about him a couple weeks ago. She told me to keep an eye on him, and clean up whatever messes he makes. Once she's sure he's not coming back, then I can take him off my radar. Truth is, he hasn't made any messes for me to clean up. He's a careful one."
Rachel was surprised. She had no idea that Santana was still watching out for him. She couldn't help but wonder if Quinn knew about it. She admired Bethany. She obviously knew what she was doing. She had a twisted sense of humor, but she was smart. However, that also meant that she was good at being a dirty cop.
"I need to know some things before I talk to you about this any further", said Rachel, sternly.
"Fair enough", nodded Bethany.
"How did you get connected with Santana?"
"My former partner was, Will Shuster."
"Really", asked Rachel.
"Yeah. I knew something was up a long time ago, but I let it slide. Honestly, I didn't wanna' know where he was randomly disappearing to, or why he was keeping secrets from me. He was a good guy, and I wasn't gonna' question it. That was until...he started showing up strung out."
"Because of the drugs...", stated Rachel.
"Oh yeah. It didn't take me very long to figure out that he was snorting cocaine up his nose, and covering for people he shouldn't be. So, one night...like a week before he got busted...I made him talk. We were having coffee, and he was needing a fix pretty bad. I threatened him, told him I'd blow him if he didn't tell me what was going on. It took a while, but eventually, he cracked like an egg. He probably thinks that it as me, who blew him in. It wasn't, but he has to think so. He did tell me everything, after all."
"Everything?"
"Well, Santana wasn't the only person he was working for, she was just the person paying him the most. He went into all this detail about how the pay was almost ridiculous, and he had more money than he knew what to do with...at first. Then he got in way too deep with some other people. Was making deals that he couldn't go through with, and working for the wrong kind of scum bag, if you know what I mean."
Rachel just nodded.
"He got hooked on the drugs, and lost everything. He ended up owing people lots of money. In fact, I'm pretty sure he mentioned to me that he was gonna' go to Santana, and demand more money."
"Wow", breathed Rachel."All I knew, was that he was in over his head, and made demands that he had no right making. Santana was pissed."
"Yeah", sighed the other woman."His rep as a good guy was shattered over night." The woman got stiff, and looked around, to make sure that nobody else was listening. She relaxed once more, once she realized that it was just her and Rachel involved with the conversation.
"So, what came after that? How'd you end up on the take?"
"You know, it's funny. When I became a cop, I promised myself to serve and protect the right kind of people. The people that were hard working, and legit. The so called Law abiding citizens. After about a year, I couldn't lie to myself anymore. Most of the people in this city that appear to be law abiding citizens...they're not...and it works both ways, you know? There are people around here that appear to be so damn criminal, but they aren't. Not really. Sure, they break the law, but they're just trying to survive. Plus, sometimes, you get the law breakers that aren't hurting anybody. Some are just...providing services that tend to make certain people uncomfortable for no real reason. Once Will told me about that place, and what goes on there, I knew."
"You knew what", questioned Rachel.
"That is wasn't a bad place."
Rachel gave the detective her best 'yeah right' look, and laughed a little."There is no way you decided that just from hearing about it."
"Why not?"
"Well, because. You were right, detective. It's a world within itself...to those of us who work there...and probably to most of the members as well. However...there's a reason why it's a secret. It's a sex playground, a gay one. Not to mention, it's illegal, and not everybody would understand it's true purpose."
"I understand, Rachel. I did from the minute he told me. That's why, I made him give me Santana's information. It was that night that I made a choice. A life changing one."
"Oh yeah? What choice was that?"
"To go dirty, but...only for people that really deserve the protection. There are real scumbags out there, people that deserve prison, and all the wonderful things that go with it. Santana Lopez isn't one of those people. She's providing a real service."
"Is that really how you feel?"
"She's the only person I'm taking hush money from. Literally, the only one. So, you tell me. Is that really how I feel?"
"Are you...into the drugs, like Will was?"
"No, I fucking hate drugs. Noah Puckerman is the only dealer I protect, only because I know Santana cares about him. If she didn't, I'd bust him, and you know what? I'd get praise like you would believe for busting somebody like him. Santana wants me to clean up his messes, but he hasn't left any for me to clean. He's a damn sniper...a ninja even. He maybe new the game, but he's really good at it."
"That's good...I guess...", nodded Rachel."So...you're really okay with the playground?"
"Yeah, I am. Not only do I...play for that team...in a way...I also like the money. Keep in mind, there is a reason why certain cops go dirty. Most of them need the money. A detective's salary isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"So...you're gay?"
"Kind of. I date both genders."
"I see", said Rachel."Why do you need the money so badly?"
"I have a sick family member. Cancer."
"Oh God", said Rachel. She suddenly felt so guilty for asking so many questions.
"I won't get into it, but...I have a lot of medical bills to pay."
Rachel just nodded, and looked down. Bethany could tell that she was uncomfortable, and decided to change the subject."So...now it's your turn. Talk to me about what went on tonight?"
Rachel sighed."I went to meet him, because we haven't' talked, and he's been pissing me off. We got everything out on the table, yelled, drank, and talked it out. Honestly, we were fine. I made myself believe that I wasn't angry with him anymore. What happened outside of that place...that was all me. I was being stupid. I wasn't even that drunk. The truth is...we settled things but...I had a lot of pent up anger towards him. So, when that girl showed up, and pushed my buttons, I took it out on her. I was still pissed at him, so I took everything out on her, or...at least I tried. Luckily...I never got to her, because...I might have beaten the Hell out of her...".
Bethany noticed that during Rachel's explanation, she had shed a few tears. She leaned forward, and wiped them away.
"Oh God...", sniffled Rachel."Sorry...I didn't even realize that I was-"
"It's okay. You've obviously got some other things happening in your life."
"Yeah...", agreed Rachel."I really do."