I had another idea for "one time Rachel was an awesome girlfriend" but then this one hit me and I had to write it (even though it doesn't completely fit the title). I hope you like it as much as I do.

Thank you so much for reading! I had fun writing this.

v.

"Do you trust me?" He tries to say it lightly and not let her know how loaded that question really is. They're sitting on the bench at Central Park, watching the ducks. And it's nice. Spending time together and just basking in each other's company without having to feel the need to make small talk or have a deep and meaningful conversation. It's been a hectic few weeks and they don't have as many days like this anymore, what with Rachel being a successful Broadway star and Puck producing this hot new band's sophomore record, so Puck's appreciating the stillness in the secluded part of the pond with a cup of coffee in his left hand and his girl's hand in the other. It's the first time either of them have spoken since they first sat down, so he turns his head from the duckling chasing a pigeon and murmurs it softly right into her ear because he's afraid that it'll shatter the moment or startle her into jumping.

It only takes her half a beat to answer, "Yes." and he loves her even more. It's like she doesn't even have to think about it; like it's the most natural thing to trust him. She has no idea how that one little word can make him feel so alive and happy. Or maybe she does. He likes to think that she's in tune with him; that she gets him. Especially after almost twenty years together.

When she looks over at him, he can see the question in her eyes. She's wondering where it came from. He honestly doesn't know. He guesses that it's been bugging him from the back of his mind since they got together at the end of sophomore year at NYU. Even way before the whole baby drama he hadn't exactly been the most stand up guy. He'll be honest and admit that he's had his doubt on whether he could keep it in his pants for so long and be the man who treats her the way she deserves to be treated. And after everything he's done to the people in his life, Puck doesn't think anyone's truly trusted him.

But fuck, Rachel's the exception, isn't she? He should've known. He should've known that even he isn't so stupid as to screw this up, he had nothing to worry about. She is the best thing that's ever happened in his life. She's the only one who makes him feel like he could do anything he sets his mind to. She's the only one who really believes in him. Rachel knows he's not a Lima Loser, and he loves that he gets to prove her right every day they're together in New York, every day he comes home from the studio and feels satisfied with his day.

He knows he's grown up a lot since high school - hell, since college. And he definitely knows how hard he's worked to become the best damn music producer in the city. Rachel says that he's really stubborn when he's got his mind on something. But he honestly believes that he wouldn't be here if it weren't for Rachel encouraging him to go after his dream.

"Noah," she frowns. "Is something wrong?"

"No. Everything's perfect." He shakes his head and looks down at their intertwined hands, rocking them subtly across the width of his thigh, trying to catch something in the setting sun that's not there.

He puts his cup down next to his feet, and when he looks up at her again, she's watching him with an unfamiliar expression (he thinks it's her uncertain face).

"I just love you, Rachel." She smiles really big and then bites her lip like she's trying to contain her happiness. He doesn't like when she tries to hold back on anything she does, so he gently pulls her bottom lip from her teeth with his thumb. His heart starts pounding in his ears when he has a thought and he concentrates on her mouth for a few moments to gather up the courage to look into her expressive eyes. "Do you trust me," he repeats, pulling the loose strand of hair to tuck behind her ear when the early autumn wind blows a bit too strong.

"Yes," she whispers.

"Do you love me." It's not even a question. He's stopped questioning it a long time ago.

"I do. I love you, Noah." He slides his hand to cup the side of her jaw and his thumb skips unsteadily across her cheek. She shuffles closer to him on the bench and leans into his hand more, and he realises that she's playing with the part of his coat's sleeve that's covering the tattoo etched on his wrist.

He takes a shaky breath and presses his forehead and the tip of his nose against hers. His eyes never leave her face.

"Marry me."

"Yes."

To the guest that reviewed: I think it's more realistic that they haven't moved forward in their relationship all this time because they were trying to establish themselves in their careers (plus, you know the whole Finn and Rachel engagement thing). It would've been too stressful (and unfair) for them - in my opinion - to be planning their wedding or looking after their children while trying to prove and make a name for themselves. And there are plenty of examples of actors and musicians who have been together for years without really getting married. (And it says almost - while I was writing this their relationship has lasted around 15-16 years.) - But hey. That's just me.