#jake teaches dance while marley teaches music

[addictsitter]

is there a glee plot point i hate more than the weird cheating bullshit they pulled with jake and marley in s5? no, no there's not.

[marlsdyanrose]

See You Again - Reunited

Marley had never been one to go to parties, but here she was going to one anyways. Her roommate/best friend thought it’d be a good idea to go the one tonight, especially because it was some big thing for the school. And it’s not like Marley didn’t want to go, she just never thought about it. Getting ready was slightly more stressful for the girl since she wanted to really look good, but soon they were out the door and at that party.

After a while of dancing and having fun, Marley started to make her way to where the drinks were to get something. As she passed her way through the crowd, she ran into someone and started apologizing like crazy until she saw who it was: Finn Hudson. She had met him before in school, and now here they were at the same college party. “Finn, hi. It’s Marley Rose. I’m not sure if you remember me…”

Finn was definitely not the party kind of guy given his awkward dance moves and tendency to hurt anyone close to him. But for some reason, he had allowed his roommate to convince him to attend one of the last parties of the year. He didn’t want to go but he had made a lot of friends these past few years and he wanted to bid those graduating goodbye in case he never ran into them again. Some were going off to New York, California, and even Alaska, for job opportunities and he was probably going to be stuck in Ohio. He wanted nothing more than to escape this town but due to not getting into his dream college, he had to stick to the state university. He didn’t know anyone here and it really sucked because with new students came a new reputation.

His saving grace was the football scholarship Coach Beiste had been able to procure for him. It wasn’t the greatest and only for two years but he kept his grades up enough to qualify for another one once his two years was gone. His mother had made enough from her house-cleaning job to buy him a car and now, he was in his last year of college and about a month away from becoming a teacher. So why shouldn’t he be celebrating? It was on campus, he didn’t have to drive. It was the perfect set up. He was coming back from the drink table when he felt someone bump into him. His beer spilt on the floor and as he looked down to make sure it didn’t spill on her, he recognized the girl immediately. “Marley. Oh my gosh, hi. What are you doing at a college party?”

Marley laughed because of his question. He wasn’t sure if it was because she was at a party, or just didn’t expect to see her again, but the question was there anyways. “My roommate convinced me to come along and so I did. But I go to the school. Have for about two years now.” She explained, though she felt like she was rambling to him out of the shock of seeing him again. Outside of Unique, Ryder, and Jake, she didn’t really see anyone from McKinley anymore. However, she was definitely happy about this run-in.

“What are you doing here? Are you visiting?” She asked him, unsure if he went to the school. And if so, how was it that they just now saw each other. Sure, it was a big place, but it wasn’t like Harvard or something and she should’ve seen him once or twice before, not not at all. “How have you been?”

“Y…You’re roommate? How are you graduating already? You were like two years under me at McKinley.” He laughed, pulling her in for a hug. “Sorry I just, you’re the first face from McKinely that I’ve seen. Its so hard to know that Rachel and everyone got to go to New York and I’m here, you know?” He stated, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just find it weird how we’ve managed to miss each other these past two years. How is that possible?” He chuckled, stepping around the spilt beer and extending his hand. “Would you like to dance? Its feeling a bit crowded right here.” He offered, just happy to finally have a friend in all this busy commotion.

Once they were out on the floor, Finn decided to finally answer her questions. “I’m a student here as well. I got here because of a very gracious recommendation later from Coach Beiste. It allowed me to play football for two years. And my good grades allowed me to stay.” He stated, his hands falling to rest on her waist. “As for how I’ve been, well, tired mostly. I had no idea that the teaching program was so grueling. I just have one more paper to write and then its off to graduation. What about you? How’ve you been?”

A smile came to Marley’s face as he hugged her and nodded as they parted. “Yeah, her name’s Alice. And I did some college courses in high school so I’m graduating earlier than expected. It was cheaper for Mom and I that way.” She explained her situation. She couldn’t even drink legally yet and there she was graduating. Though she was ready to get out and do her own thing. “Your fine. I haven’t seen anyone else much either. I mean, I Skype with Unique, Ryder, and Jake, but they’re all off doing their things. I’m really happy to see you.” She grinned at him. “I have no idea how that happened, but at least we’re seeing each other now.” She watched him as he moved and then down at his extended hand. Her heart jumped as he asked her to dance and just nodded. “Yeah, I’d love to dance.” She took his hand and let him lead the way.

She listened to him over the music and paid close attention to his answers. She really couldn’t believe they had missed each other all these years. “That’s great you got that. I got some scholarships, but do have student loans.” She told him. She took a deep breath as his hands found her waist and stayed focused on their conversation right now. This was Finn, not a random guy. Things were friendly. “You’re in the teaching program too? We really have an act for missing each other.” She laughed. “I’m alright. Glad school’s finally over. I’m ready to start a life.”

Finn nodded along as she explained her situation, remembering her mom and how hard they struggled in high school. It was good to see her again but deep down, he wondered why it had taken him this long to realize they went to the same college. “Really? That must have been done after I graduated or soemthing because I don’t remember that as an option when I was a senior. I guess Sue, despite all her crazy, actually did some good.” He stated, only just now realizing that they seemed to be the only ones dancing. There were people making out and some looked to be heading upstairs and a slight blush crept onto his face as he looked away. “I try to skype with Rachel a few times a week but she’s so busy on Broadway that she doesn’t really have a lot of time. I did find out that Puck and Quinn got married and he’s in the Marines now. They live out in California and seem pretty happy. As for Santana, well, she’s still the same. Married to Brittany and expecting a kid.” He trailed off, his face falling as he thought of all his friends being gone and him being stuck there by himself.

But he cleared his head and instead focusing on the one bright light in his life at the moment. Trying to figure out how they kept missing one another in the same field made him laugh. “Maybe its because I don’t have classes before 10am? Football practice consumes my life and I just can’t get up early in the morning. You were always early to Glee Club so I know you can. Maybe that’s why.” He laughed, blushing softly when a drunken idiot pushed Marley flush against him. “Do you have any jobs lined up after you leave? I thought about going to Dalton and teaching there because I highly doubt if Sue would let me back at McKinley.”

Marley shrugged as he mentioned Sue. “Things definitely changed after Glee was cut. Um, it was all academic. I was excelling at everything else so I took college courses. By the time I graduated high school, I was able to be on a good track to graduating soon here.” She smiled at him. “Sorry if I’m rambling. I don’t mean to.” She blushed slightly and took a deep breath as she saw him blush a bit too, only to find that it was probably because they were officially the only ones not making out. She looked back at him as he talked about his friends and nodded. “I actually went to Puck and Quinn’s wedding. Jake needed a date and no one fills a seat better than me.” She joked, giving a small laugh. “Everyone’s definitely busy it seems. I mean, Jake has his dance thing and Ryder plays football in Michigan, and Unique’s going into performing too in New York. Then Kitty’s a cheerleader at a university in California. Seems everyone got out but us.” She tried to be funny, but really she knew how much it sucked. At least for her.

As he gave an idea on how they missed each other, she nodded. “That’s probably it. I do a lot of morning classes. Some night. And I work during the day.” She shrugged before giving a soft yell of surprise when she was pushed against Finn. She blushed as she stepped back and looked up at him. “Um, not really. I’m gonna try McKinley because, well, my mom and I can live at home, but really I’m going to put in anywhere nearby. What do you plan on teaching?”

“Yeah, I heard about that. Did Mr. Schue really go to Dalton to teach Glee there? I mean, he was capable of it and kinda better at teaching Glee than History. I hope he’s happy at least. He must have taken it pretty hard.” Finn said, making a mental note to go by and see him soon. Mr. Schue had been a father to him and he wanted to check in and see if he’d gotten everything he wanted. Hearing her comments, he laughed and shook his head. “You’re more than just a seat filler, Marls. If Jake still couldn’t see that, then that’s his loss. I wanted to go but I had a final the next day and you and I both know how crazy parties can get where the old gang is concerned.” He laughed, his nose crinkling. “I sent them a waffle maker though. You would have thought Puck had won the lottery.” He grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m so out of the loop on everyone. I knew they would all do good and we couldn’t all live in Lima forever but it definitely feels lonely, you know? I do find it surreal that you’re still here though. You were better than this town and I always thought you’d do well in New York. But call me selfish, I am glad you’re here with me.”

Finn shook his head and let out a sigh. “I don’t know how you do it. I think my body is old and worn down because of the years of football but it doesn’t wake up before 10am and then I have one class at 11, lunch, then two back to back. And then I have workouts in the gym and football practice from 6-9 so by the time I get time to study, I’m too exhausted to think.” He explained, noticing the blush on her face but not actually thinking too much about it. He’d blushed earlier too and it hadn’t meant anything. “That’s good. And its not like it was that bad of a school. We both graduated with good grades. The bullying and social cliques were a problem but surely its changed with Sue in charge.” He finished, focusing on the question at hand. “I want to teach young kids so I’m looking at becoming a kindergarten teacher. I think I could do some good given that my immaturity level is right around there.” He joked, so caught up in their conversation that he didn’t realize the music had stopped and moved on to something more upbeat.

Marley nodded at his question about Mr. Schue. “He did. It was hard without him. He was the only teacher that understood any of us.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “He’s not the only one who took it hard.” She sighed and tried to build back up the pep she had a moment ago. She smiled as he laughed. “It’s more like I saw that. He always wanted to try again, but i could never like him anymore than just a friend after everything that happened in high school. The wedding was nice though. Not too crazy, but I think that was because of Puck’s mom wanting it to be nice.” She smiled. “I’m sure Puck and Quinn love the waffle maker.” Marley took a deep breath and nodded. “I know the feeling. I can’t afford to be anywhere else and I knew immediately my music career would never take off. I’d rather be here though. And I’m glad I ran into you.” She smirked.

She shrugged. “Lots of coffee and desire to help out my mom. Other than that, I can’t tell you how I manage to do all this.” She laughed softly. “You seem very busy though. I’m not sure how you do it. At least school is over soon, right?” She asked and looked into his eyes. “Not everything changed at the school because of her. It was just… different. I wouldn’t mind teaching there, but I’m glad I graduated. I wouldn’t want to be a student there ever again.” She listened to what he wanted to be and smiled. “You’d be great teaching children. Really would. It seems perfect.” She hadn’t given much thought as to what she wanted to teach just yet, but she knew she’d figure it out. Or she hoped.

“I know how much we meant to him and how hard he tried to make the club work. And we gave him a Nationals Trophy that he wanted so desperately to win so he should definitely hold his head up. And Dalton is amazing and if anyone can make it to Nationals again, it would be him. And perhaps one day, the opportunity to start a new one will arise and we can be a part of it again. And even though Mr. Schue recruited me by fake planting weed in my locker, it turned out to be the best time of my life and I still find myself singing in the shower.” He laughed, shaking his head. “Talk about embarrassing when the roommate walks in and hears me.” As she talked more about the wedding, a feeling of happiness crossed over him when she told him that she had no interest in Jake anymore. He always thought she was better than him anyway and now to hear her realize it herself made him proud to be her friend. “I’m glad that you realized it before he sucked you back into another bad relationship.” He admitted, before biting his lip at her next sentence. “It sucks doesn’t it? To know that you were so good at something but because of circumstances beyond your control you had to give it up? You will sing for people, Marley Rose, it may just take you a while. I still have as much faith in you now as I did then.”

“Well that will definitely be worth it. I know its not healthy but since I don’t like coffee, I’ve been drinking those energy drinks. I don’t really like the taste but it gets me through the day.” He shrugged, not removing his hand from the small of her back. Being pushed into her was fulfulling some subconscious desire he already had so instead of backing away, he held her tighter, a small smile crossing his features. The slow song had long ended but they’d been so engrossed in one another, they didn’t notice. “I can’t believe its almost time to graduate again. It feels like only yesterday I entered college and now here I am, about to embark on yet another adventure I’m not prepared for.” Grinning wide, he laughed and nodded his head. “She might be a horrible person but somehow, she still seemed to care about things. She’d never admit it out loud but she does. It wouldn’t be terrible to teach under her. I guess I’ll have to wait and see if they require my services.” He paused, scratching the back of his neck. “Well what do you feel like you’d want to teach?”

Marley nodded as he talked, remembering exactly why they sucked the year everything fell apart for them. If she had just been okay, she wouldn’t have collapsed on stage and they probably would’ve won. “Well, I’m sure he’s going to do great there. He’s a great teacher and the’re a great Glee club.” She gave a slightly forced smile that time before genuinely laughing. “Don’t worry, I sing in the shower too. I’m sure we all probably do.” She shrugged as they talked about Jake. “After what happened, how could I possibly trust him? I’m not that kind of girl.” She sighed. “Even if I had the right circumstances, I don’t think I would’ve done it. No one liked my song writing, and it just seems not meant to be.” She smiled. “But thanks, Finn. I appreciate it.”

“I think we all drink those. I mean, I like coffee, but I also go for the energy drinks too.” She told him. Her heart skipped a bit as they were now closer and he was holding her tighter. She was trying to fight herself on what she was feeling, but she couldn’t help but like the closeness to Finn. “It’s like after high school, time goes by so much quicker. It’s completely crazy that I’ll be wearing a cap and gown again. I honestly can’t believe it.” Marley shrugged. She didn’t have a good relationship with Sue. Sure, she did that one Christmas for her and helped her with getting better, but there was still a lot she wasn’t sure about. “I guess it depends how she treats you still. You’re a teacher, or almost a  teacher now and deserve to be treated with respect. She doesn’t always do that.” What would she want to teach? She really wasn’t sure about that. She loved kids, but she felt like her skills were more high school level. “I’m not sure. I could do either, I guess. Whatever job comes my way. I’m qualified for both English and teaching kids.”

“That’s true. If anyone can restore their reputation back to its former glory, its Mr. Schue.” He added, looking down at her and smiling. He figured that would be the end of the conversation because as much fun as it was to reminiscence about high school, he wanted to talk more about her and what she’d been up too since then. He laughed and shook his head, a big smile crossing his features. “Once a gleek, always a gleek. Its kind of ironic that I hated being one at first.” Finn laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Your songs were nowhere near as bad as some I’ve heard before. You should have been here when we tried to do original songs. Puck’s song was pretty damn bad. And Brittany literally wrote one about a coffee cup. It was… whew, not good.” He chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. “Yours at least made sense. Are you still writing songs at least?”

“I heard they’re not exactly good for you. Something about rapid heartbeats. I drink them in moderation. I limit it to two, three a week. For the rest of it, I rely on soda or water.” He admitted, giving her a weak smile. He wasn’t exactly sure why he didn’t want to let go of her or why he was all of a sudden getting sweatly palms but he hadn’t felt like this since Rachel and it scared him. He was far to busy to even consider the implications of what it might mean. Not to mention that he didn’t want to ruin their friendship by developing feelings that he shouldn’t feel. But he also couldn’t deny how good it felt to be in her arms. “Well I can. I always knew you were smart so it makes perfect sense. I just never thought it would be at the same time as me.” He smirked, nodding along with her words. “Well apart from all the mean nicknames and her sad, and sometimes successful attempts to sabotage us, I think deep down there was some love there. Besides, its been years. I’m sure she’s changed just as much as I have.” Finally leaving the dance floor, he led her over to a table and held the chair out for her. “Oh that’d be fun. English was probably the only subject I really felt good about.” He laughed, finally taking a drink of his beverage.

“That’s true.” She smiled at him. She was envious of him because of his high school experience. He had the perfect experience and she felt like she had the worst. She honestly hoped they’d end the conversation of the past entirely. “At least you grew into it.” Marley smiled again before blushing as he moved a hair behind her ear. “I’ve heard the cup one before, but mine were nothing. They were stupid.” She shook her head. “I stopped after that year. There was no reason I should keep trying for a unrealistic dream.”

“That’s true. I don’t drink them much. Every now and then when coffee doesn’t work.” She explained. Her heart just raced, though, as they stood their touching. She knew she shouldn’t have been feeling these things. For all she knew, he could’ve been seeing someone. Or still have feelings for Rachel. She was stupid for even thinking about liking him. She laughed softly and shrugged. “It’s not that bad, right? A younger girl graduating with you. Just seems fitting to be there with someone who went to high school with me.” She shrugged. “I don’t think so. I don’t know how a person who ruined so many people’s only place they were able to be themselves can change. You had a better experience with her, I guess, but I didn’t.” She took a deep breath as he lead her off the dance floor and she sat in the chair he pulled out for her. “I really liked English. So I think it’d be a good choice, but I also think teaching children would be too.”

Finn had done enough reminsciencing for one night and instead wanted to focus on the present. He had a former classmate, a former gleek, and a friend, in his arms and he couldn’t shut up about himself and his past. He knew Marley came to McKinley after he’d already graduated and had only heard stories about how good his experience was but if she had known about the bullies, the slushies, the rumors, she wouldn’t have believed that it was all smooth sailing for him. He was a legend now but back then, he was a loser despite dating one of the popular girls in school. When Mr. Schue planted that weed in his locker, he assumed his life was over. But it had turned out to be the best time of his life. Singing in front of his mom, winning Nationals, getting a scholarship for football. It all started with being a loser. “I didn’t think they were that bad. But I might be biased. Your voice is amazing and well, I don’t think you should give up. Maybe do something else for now but always keep that voice in your mind. You’re way to good not to at least try.”

“I think its awesome that you’re graduating with me. I was expecting to blow off the after parties because I didn’t know anyone except for my teammates and a few classmates but now, it’ll be nice to see a much friendly face there. I mean, if you go of course. I’m still meh about the whole thing. I’m not really a party person. I never really got over watching everyone else have fun while I had to take drunk people home. The things I heard and saw… I could write a book.” He laughed, his head shaking at her next words. “I don’t recall ever having a pleasant conversation or encounter with her. The only time I saw her being compassionate was with Becky and even then she had her limits. She’s not evil but close enough.” He finished, shrugging his shoulders as he sat down next to her at the table. “So why not combine the two and teach English to children? That would be fun, especially with how imaginative they are. Imagine the papers you’d be grading. I’m actually envious as I sit her and talk about it.” Finn laughed, finishing off his drink and setting the glass down.

Marley was glad they stopped talking about the school and their experiences. Hers weren’t as good as his was, and she hated even thinking about them. Especially after everything she seemed to ruin. “I don’t think I’ll ever try again. Mr. Schue only liked them after protest and they couldn’t win us a trophy and YouTube hated them…” She shook her head. “The music life is not for me. I had to face that, and I did. Now I’m focusing on my future teaching career.”

She laughed softly before shaking her head. “I’m not going. This is my first and last party like this. Maybe we could grab pizza or something instead. Celebrate together that we’ve graduated. If you want to, of course.” She blushed softly before nodding to his thoughts on Sue. “She’s definitely her own person.” She commented as she watched him join her at the table. “Maybe. That’d be fun. And I do love children.” She shrugged. “I’m just unsure. I guess wherever hires me is what I’ll do.”

Finn smiled sympathetically at her but nodded. He personally found her songs nice in a naive, high school angsty kind of way and wasn’t that the whole idea of that assignment? When Rachel wrote her song that won them Regionals, it was full of angst and her personal message to what an ass he’d been. And the group song had a grammatical error but it had still been fun to write about personal experiences. He knew that if Marley had wanted to continue writing, she could have something album worthy now that she was more mature and smarter. “Well, I can’t argue with you. I mean, I could because I liked your songs and they weren’t that bad but it appears as if you’ve made up your mind so I’ll drop it. For now. I personally thought you could do anything you wanted and I’m really happy that you seem to have found it. I just hope come graduation, we’re not fighting for the same position at the same high school.” He chuckled, bumping his shoulder against hers.

At her suggestion, he nodded and took the last sip of his drink. “I’d like that. It’d certainly be quieter and we could hear ourselves think. And the food and drink would definitely be better.” He laughed, feeling his phone buzzing in his pocket. Looking down at the name, he smiled softly, a mix of happiness and disappointment on his face. “Well, I hate to do this but I actually need to go. My girlfriend is home from work and I promised her we could watch a movie of her choice. I’d much rather stay here with you because she likes the chick flicks and if I have to sit through one more Channing Tatum movie, I might literally die.” He laughed, leaning over to give her a hug. “But I will text you later and we can make plans to hang out, okay?” He said, standing up from the table and throwing his cup away. “And for the record, you’re going to be an amazing teacher, whether its kids or smart ass teenagers.” He complimented, shoving his phone back in his pocket. “Text me tonight. I want to make sure you got home safe, all right?” He asked, writing his number down on a piece of paper. “Goodnight Mar.”