So I'm sure most of you probably hate me for taking such a long leave of absence. I had an incredibly busy summer and an even crazier first month of college, but I was on the bus today on my way home and I managed to bang this out. I have a bunch of ideas for one-shots for Puckleberry and even one for Sarley (Sam and Marley), so expect some new stuff coming your way. This chapter is more leading up to the date. It kind of got away with me, but the next chapter will definitely be the date so send more ideas in! The idea I like the best will be chosen and the person who submitted will get a shout out and a little drabble/one-shot as a prize. That's it for me. Enjoy!

To say Rachel was nervous would be the understatement of the century. A lot was lying on this date with Puck, and if anything went wrong or there was awkwardness or no spark or anything negative occurred, it could mean the end of their friendship and a lot of conflict for Caleb. But after her shopping trip with the girls, Rachel was a bit more at ease. Puck loved Caleb and wouldn't abandon him no matter what happened between the two of them. Another part of her was still scared that she would get hurt after all of this. She couldn't deny that she had strong feelings for Puck and if this date showed him he didn't like her as much as he thought he did, she would be crushed. But Quinn and Santana had convinced her to give him a chance, and that was exactly what tonight was all about.

Finding an outfit had taken longer than expected, but Rachel needed something that would stun Puck but would also be perfect for any possible thing they could be doing on their date. The dress she had ended up getting was a beautiful plum color with pale pink lace etched over the bottom hem, waist-line, and top hem. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and fell just above her knee. She looked absolutely stunning in it, and the silver bracelet, simple star necklace with a pink gem at the center, and matching dangly earrings just brought the look together. All of the girls had gotten a manicure and pedicure and Rachel's perfectly polished toes were showcased by the peep-toe purple wedges. Her hair was in her usual soft curls swept over one shoulder and pinned back with a pin that matched her jewelry. Quinn had done her hair while Santana gave her a natural smoky eye and soft pink lips. Once they were both done, they stood back and had Rachel spin for them.

"Damn Berry, you sure you don't play for my team?" Santana asked, leering slightly, making Quinn smack her arm and Rachel to blush.

"I'm afraid not, San, but I'm flattered," Rachel replied politely, giggling at the Latina's frown. "Quinn? How do I look?"

Quinn bit her lip to hide her smile and nodded. "Puck's going to die," she stated simply, eliciting laughter out of the other two girls. "Seriously though, I wouldn't be surprised if he got down on one knee and proposed."

"Either that or came in his pants," Santana put in, causing the other two girls to cringe and set off in laughter again.

Rachel smiled and rushed over, hugging them. "Thank you both for helping me. I deeply appreciate it. I don't know what I did to deserve such amazing friends," she whispered, tearing up slightly.

Santana pulled away and smacked her arm playfully, scolding her, "Don't you dare ruin that make up!"

A little squeal behind them caused them to turn and Rachel smiled down at Caleb in his playpen. "What do you think baby? Does mommy look pretty?" He responded by squealing again and clapping his hands, the three girls laughing in response. Rachel picked him up and kissed his cheek, then giggled as she wiped away the lipstick she had left behind. "Do you think daddy will like it?" she asked. Caleb looked up at her and then gave her a raspberry, making her laugh again. "I'll take that as a yes," she stated, looking up at her friends. "San, you read the packet I gave you right? It had all of the contact information, his dinner and bed time routines, as well as some important things that you needed to know."

"Yes, Berry, I read it all while you were in the shower," she replied, shaking her head. Just then, the doorbell rang, causing Rachel's eyes to widen. "That must be Puckerman. Q and I will get it and let you make your big entrance," she told her, taking Caleb out of Rachel's arms and descending the stairs with Quinn following her.

Leaving Rachel to panic for a few moments, Santana and Quinn went and opened the door, both of them gaping at Puck who looked absolutely delicious. He was wearing a pale blue button-down shirt with only the top button undone, a blue-gray vest over it. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, but neatly, and the overall look was polished and rather refined. He was wearing dark-wash jeans and nice, clean shoes, and his Mohawk looked like it had been trimmed.

"Well are you two bozos just going to stare at me or are you going to let me in?" she asked, rolling his eyes at his friends. They closed their mouths and moved aside so he could walk in, his lips pecking Caleb's forehead, causing the boy to clap his hands. "I take it I look good?" A small smirk took over his lips as he crossed his arms, looking at the two girls.

"You make me question my sexuality," Santana admitted, looking him over again. "I mean damn, Puck. Who knew you could clean up so good."

"You look amazing, Puck," Quinn complimented, smiling softly. "Take care of our girl tonight, okay? Or else you know you'll get a major ass-kicking from the entire club."

Puck laughed and nodded. "Yeah, I know. I guarantee she'll have fun."

Just then, Rachel's door opened and all four heads turned to watch her descend the stairs. Santana and Quinn turned to see Puck's eyes widen, then soften with a look that could only be described as absolute adoration. Rachel smiled down at him, the same expression clear through her eyes. When she finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Puck stepped closer and leaned forward to kiss her cheek.

"You look beautiful," he whispered to her, causing Rachel to blush.

"Thank you. You look incredibly handsome yourself," she replied, smiling up at him. He smiled back and then reached down and linked their hands.

"Ready to go?" he asked. She nodded and they walked over to kiss Caleb and hug their two friends. "See you guys later," he told them, then opened the door for Rachel and brought her out to the car.

Once the door shut, Santana and Quinn squealed, Caleb joining them but not because he knew what was going on. "Did you see the looks on their faces?" Santana asked, doing a little happy dance.

"They looked absolutely smitten with each other!" Quinn exclaimed. "I've never seen Puck that in love before."

"Think they'll realize they're in love with each other?" Santana asked, furrowing her eyebrows slightly.

Quinn merely shrugged. "One can only hope they don't take too long." From her pocket, her phone began to ping. She pulled it out and saw that it was a text from Sam. "I got to go. Sam's outside. You sure you're good here?" she asked, gesturing towards Caleb.

Nodding, Santana pushed her friend towards the door. "I'll be fine. Have fun with Trouty. I'll see you tomorrow for girls' night at the Hudmel house." Quinn nodded and left, leaving Santana alone with Caleb. "What do you think Caleb? You think mommy and daddy will finally admit they love each other?" He looked up at her then squealed and blew a raspberry in her cheek. "Yeah, me too," she laughed, sending positive thoughts to her two friends as she brought the toddler into the kitchen to make him dinner.

Tell me what you thought! And give me more ideas because I liked a few that have been submitted but I'm not completely sold yet. Also, I had to delete my personal tumblr and make a new one. It's the same URL, but I lost all of my followers, so if you were following me on tumblr, be sure to re-add me. URL is .com (without the brackets). Thanks again for sticking with my story. I love you all!