Hello everyone! I am sincerely sorry for the lack of updates but my last semester of school was, in lack of a better word, hell. Two cases of Strep Throat and during the second go around I was diagnosed with Mono. -.- Fan-freakin'-tastic I know. Well, then I figured I would have time to work on it over the summer, but I decided to take a class that was writing intensive. Silly me. Well, that class is finally almost over (seriously, the finals due tomorrow) and I wanted to put this chapter out to tell you all I haven't forgotten about it or let the idea die. I do have several versions of this chapter but this is the one that makes the most sense. So I will silence my pathetic blathering and let you all get to reading! ^_^

Rachel sat on her computer chair trying to call Noah for the fifth time. When she agreed to go on their date she had completely neglected her solo for the Glee production. Again she left a message before getting ready for the invitational. She dressed in a black and tan lingerie style dress. She slipped on her Christian Louboutin pumps and hurried out of the house. She couldn't wait for Puck to call her back any longer. Mr. Schue hurried her into the choir room and she began to warm up with a young man by the name of Keith. He was trying desperately to remember the lyrics to the song she had picked out and was slowly getting overwhelmed. Rachel stopped after a minute and gently clasped his wrist.

"Hey, it's okay. We can get Mr. Schue to do it if it's too much for you. No one will think less of you." He nodded and rubbed his temples. He was having an extremely hard time. Mr. Schue came over after a minute and nodded at the paper. He knew the song fairly well and was sure that the crowd would enjoy it.

"Alright Rachel, after the third song, we'll give the kids a break to change and bring you out. So you keep warming up and I'll get them started." Rachel nodded as he lined the kids up and Micah gave her a quick nod before they strode out into the auditorium. Rachel listened as they began the first chords to Styx song "Renagade". The songs were a range between old school rock and a few holiday songs. Rachel began to get the jitters like how she used to back when she was in Glee. The kids strode off the stage and Diana gave her a two thumbs up and a huge smile as she scurried by. Rachel felt the jitters slip away as she smiled slowly and Mr. Schuester announce that they had a special guest tonight. He announced her name and she strode out to a rambunctious applause. She even spotted her old Glee-mates in the crowd cheering. She cleared her throat quietly as the first few piano chords of the song began.

Rachel sat in the chair backstage listening to the music as the last chord of the song was being belted out. She wasn't sure if Noah had gotten her messages and was sitting at her house waiting, furious that she didn't tell him sooner and second guessing dating her again. These were times where Rachel contemplated smoking. But the chemicals and tar would kill her perfect healthy lungs and then where would she be? Alone in her father's house raising some degenerates illegitimate baby. Rachel took a second to ponder her thoughts and came to the conclusion she was no longer going to be drinking coffee and caffeine free tea, along with water, was her only beverage. The second show had already begun by the time Rachel had calmed herself down. She looked around and honestly didn't know if anyone had tried to communicate with her in that time. Blinking slowly, she checked her cell phone again but still no message. Not even a text. She counted down the time until she was ready to go on and as she walked out she noticed that Mr. Schue wasn't out there. But the chords were beginning. She looked around worried that she would have to sing the male part as well as the female part, but a husky voice broke out instead,

I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care, girl,
Look at the stars so far away
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight, babe,
Why don't you stay?

Noah walked out of the curtains with a cocky smile on his face, probably due to the fact she had a shocked one on hers. Rachel quickly snapped out of it in time to hit her notes.

Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I've longed for love, like everyone else does
I know I'll keep searching, even after today

Noah and Rachel circled each other. It was almost like watching their first performance together; they stared into each other's eyes and souls. The world around them could have been falling down around them and they would have had no idea. The outside world didn't exist. Mr. Schue watched them with a deep appreciation for what they could do with a song.

So that there it is, girl
We've got it all now
And here we are
What do you say?

We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight, babe,
Why don't you stay?

I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are,

Both of us lonely
Both of us lonely

Noah intertwined his fingers with her and squeezed, his body caving downward slightly so he could get a better look into her eyes without their necks straining. Rachel felt her neck extend and her head pull closer to his, her eyes hooded and heart doing a weird flip flop thing that she hadn't felt for years.

We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
Let's make it last
Let's find a way
Turn out the light
Come take my hand now
We've got tonight, babe,
Why don't you stay?

We've got tonight, babe
Why don't you stay?

The crowd erupted in applause as Rachel and Noah carefully pulled away from one another. Of course though, Rachel let her extreme happiness of an amazing performance and Noah being her partner and leapt onto him in a big hug, almost sending them toppling over.

I promise to get another chapter up soon and keep you all entertained in this annoying time between seasons. Thanks all!