Author's Note: Well… I'm back. I'm trying out the "older" couple again… future fic… possibly AU as I may ignore the Quinn pregnancy again. I am definitely ignoring the dumb Lauren thing with Puck. Ridiculous. So… here goes.

Mark Salling: I want you.

Glee Disclaimer: Fox has it. I want it.

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Rachel Berry wound her way to the hostess stand cursing herself all the way. What in the world had she been thinking? Was she really this desperate? How had she let her agent talk her into a blind date? Just because she was on the summer hiatus, did not mean she needed to start a relationship. She was, however, interested in some random hook-ups. That was easier said than done when you were a semi-celebrity. Apparently she was too intimidating for most men in this city. And the ones who weren't intimidated by her were either married or gay. Not that half of those didn't try, but… she had some standards. Rebecca had described this guy as "not easily intimidated" and "complete eye candy". Rachel hoped that translated as "wants to score".

She gave her name to the hostess and followed her to a table. A man with broad shoulders was seated with his back to her. At least he had enough manners to allow her the seat where she could be seen. He had a gorgeous head of dark hair, cut closely to his head. When the hostess approached, he turned slightly and started to stand up. He looked like… NO! It couldn't possibly be.

He stood and offered his hand to her. "Noah Puckerman."

Then he stopped and stared at her. "Rachel? Rachel Berry?"

She had been set up on a blind date with Noah Puckerman. She would never be able to live this down. He would make fun of her all night and then tell everyone in Lima how she was so desperate for a date she had to be set up on a blind date by her agent. The humiliation burned on her cheeks already.

"Rachel?" he asked. "Are you going to sit down?" He was staring at her intently, as if he didn't already know her.

He held her chair out for her and seated her. When he sat down, he looked across the table at her and held her gaze.

"So, Rachel Berry. Is this a small world or what?"

She was startled. He was actually going to continue the date? This was awkward.

"I guess it is a very small world. Noah Puckerman. I never expected to see you again."

He looked slightly offended. "How long have you been in Chicago, Rachel?"

"Just a few months. New York didn't really work out for me. I fired my agent and hired one here. How do you know Rebecca?"

"I found her her apartment. I'm in real estate now. Puckzilla Homes. Sure you haven't heard of me?"

She wrinkled up her nose in distaste at the name, and he laughed. She tilted her head slightly to look at him. Rebecca hadn't been wrong in her description. Why hadn't she gotten a name? Rebecca may have told her he was in real estate and his name was Noah. That was it. And he was Jewish. All those things described Noah Puckerman. And more. He had been hot in high school, but the man in front of her was even hotter. Noah Puckerman had the confidence of a man who knew how to get what he wanted. His eyes were more intense, and focused on her right now. That startled her.

"Look, Noah. We don't have to continue this. It would be awkward to go on a blind date with someone you know. Let's just forget all about this."

He narrowed his gaze. "Hold on a sec, Rachel. I haven't seen you in about ten years. I'd like to see you again and get to know you. Maybe this could be more fun than a real blind date. I'm game, are you?" He said the last part like it was a challenge.

She couldn't say no. He sounded so genuine, so she nodded her head and stayed seated. They continued the date as he ordered a bottle of wine, and it was fantastic. She sipped at it nervously as they talked. After her first glass, she found herself relaxed and having fun chatting away with him as they caught up on each other's lives. This was not the Puck she knew from high school at all… he had grown up. Surprisingly, he had matured into a very interesting man who was proving driven and wildly successful.

Rachel found herself increasingly more comfortable and enjoying herself. As they ate, she filled him in on some of her time in New York, trying not to sound bitter about the events that drove her from there.

"So… you moved to Chicago to be the big fish in a smaller pond?"

That was the Noah Puckerman she remembered. He called 'em like he saw 'em.

"I guess that's one way of looking at it."

"That wasn't a slam, Rachel. You always liked to be the center of attention. Queen Diva, that's what we called you in Glee."

She made a face. That was the least offensive name they called her in Glee Club.

Their food arrived. She had just taken a bite when he said, "I'm in a band, you know."

She nearly choked on her food. Noah was still in a band? That was amazing. She figured nobody else from Glee still did anything with music. She knew Mercedes was a choir director at a big church in Alabama, but that was it. She had to admit, she had not figured Noah to be the one still interested in music.

"I'd love to hear you play sometime." She fumbled on the words after they were already half out of her lips. Did that sound too desperate? This was supposed to be a one-time date. They would never see each other again after tonight.

He smiled at her, "I'd like that. We have a gig on Friday. Are you busy?"

She shook her head, not trusting her voice.

"I'll give you the address before we leave tonight."

They continued dinner and the conversation flowed easily. He even caught her up on his family. His little sister was now a sophomore at Ohio State, majoring in pre-med. His mom still lived in Lima and frequently saw her dads at Jewish functions.

"I'm actually surprised she hasn't mentioned that you're living in Chicago. She always really liked you."

Rachel smiled. Mrs. Puckerman had always made it clear that she liked Rachel.

When dinner was over and Noah had paid the check they stood up to leave, but Rachel was actually a little wobbly. How much had she had to drink? She couldn't remember.

"Wanna go to a piano bar down the street and have a few more drinks?" His beautiful hazel eyes held hers.

She was definitely not going to go. She'd already had too much to drink. Instead she nodded her head in the affirmative.

So they walked a few blocks to the bar, and he even held her hand along the way. When they got there, they had a table pretty far from the music, which was perfect because they could actually continue their conversation.

Sometime after her next drink, she leaned to close to Noah, and brushed against him. The touch sent electrical sparks throughout her body and one of them leaned in for a kiss. She'd like to think it was him, but she wasn't sure. From there they evolved into a full make-out session at the bar. If she had been sober, she would have been mortified, but she was far from sober, and this was Noah Puckerman.

When they came up for air, Puck cocked his head to the side and asked, "Wanna get out of here?"

She nodded. What was with her inability to speak tonight?

He threw some cash on the table and grabbed her hand to lead her out of the bar. When they got to the curb, he hailed a taxi and gave the driver an address without asking her for hers. When she climbed in the backseat, their kissing session continued, complete with roaming hands. Her body felt on fire.

When they arrived at his apartment, Rachel was not so drunk as to not be impressed. It was beautiful. Decorated in a completely modern black with grey and red accents, it oozed masculine good taste. He dragged her to the bedroom and began removing her clothing as quickly as possible, all the while continuing to kiss her.

Rachel could barely think. She couldn't possibly actually sleep with Puck, could she. Just then his hands grazed her nipples, through her bra and she moaned. It had been a really long time since her last human lover, and she definitely could sleep with Puck. He would know just what she needed. Even back in high school, she had heard enough stories to know he was going to be amazing.

Before long she was completely naked and so was he. She let her hands roam his well-muscled body.

"Mmmmmm." She moaned.

He pushed her back against the bed, and she fell with him on top of her. He worked his fingers between her legs and groaned at her wetness.

"My God. You're soaking wet, Rachel."

He continued to kiss her neck and face, working his fingers frantically between her legs. She responded as he found her favorite spots, rhythmically stroking her clit and alternating thrusts inside her as well.

"Noah. Noah. Oh, god, Noah!" She screamed into his ear as he brought her an amazing orgasm, letting her ride it out completely.

"Fuck, Rach. I can't handle much more of this. It'll be better next time, I swear."

He opened a drawer on the nightstand next to the bed and wrapped his cock in a condom. He thrust into her and she melted around him.

"Shit. Shit. Shit." He murmured into her ear. "I really can't last long, Rach. You feel so incredible. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, I swear."

Was he teasing her? He'd already given her an orgasm, and now she was writhing against him, and he was sorry?

"Stop moving for a minute." He held her legs still and worked his fingers back to her clit. He rubbed gently and then pressed firmly until she was almost there. Then he began some slow, deep thrusts. Her whole body rose up to meet him.

"More. More." She demanded.

"God, yes. More."

He drove into her frantically and continued the assault on her clit. She crashed into another intense orgasm just as he collapsed on top of her. She could barely breathe, but not because he was on top of her.

"Rachel, give me another chance. I'm so sorry that was so quick."

Seriously, maybe her memory was skewed, but she was pretty sure he had just made her come twice and still lasted longer than all her other lovers. What was he apologizing for?

"For making me feel incredible twice? Thank you."

He kissed her as he pulled out. He disposed of the condom and brought her a wash cloth from his bathroom. While she was cleaning up, he grabbed a couple of bottles of water from the kitchen and returned to the bedroom. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him, naked in the doorway. Noah Puckerman was a prime specimen of man to be sure.

He padded softly to the bed and handed her a water bottle.

"I should… I should be going." She stammered nervously.

"Oh, no, you don't. I've got to make it up to you. You're not going anywhere until I make certain you're satisfied."

Uncomfortable and uncertain how to respond, she looked down. He hopped into bed next to her and drew her into his arms.

"I can't believe I'm with Rachel Berry, my high school crush."

Positive he was making fun of her, she shoved his hands away.

"Don't make fun of me after… after… you know."

"Who's making fun? I always had a thing for you, Rach? Why do you think I always wanted to sing with you? Don't you remember how you could always get me to do anything you wanted? I had a crush on you since sophomore year."

She didn't say anything but allowed him to draw her back into his arms. With her thoughts swirling around in her head, she fell asleep.