Chapter 2

AN: We have arrived to Chapter 2. Rachel is heartbroken over Finn, but meets a new guy although still thinking of Finn. And I had to include Thad/Sebastian friendship. This is an AU story so Sebastian maybe out of character. I just love the thought of Sebastian and Rachel together. I own nothing but the storyline. Happy Reading.

Sebastian is walking through the train trying to find a place to sit. He found a seat next to an older gentleman who wore a Vietnam Vet cap. He shook the gentleman's hand thanking him for his service.

Sebastian: Excuse me, Sir, thank you for your service. I'm Smythe. 153 Troop Command, Infantry.

?: I'm Staff Sgt Boyd Smith, and thank you as well, young Soldier. On leave?

Sebastian: Yes sir, I was visiting friends who just graduated. Now time to go back to Fort Drum until I leave for Germany.

Boyd: Are you National Guard?

Sebastian: Yes sir.

Boyd: No lady friend?

Sebastian: Nope not yet.

Sebastian then spots a petite young woman walk into their train car in tears. It was the same woman he spotted earlier. He hates seeing a woman cry. He noticed a guy running along side the train,and his heart broke. One reason because he's a sucker for a woman in tears. And two its obvious she loves that guy. He looked familiar actually. Nah couldn't be same person he met when he visited Kurt and Blaine at Dalton.

Sebastian: Excuse me, Sir. I think I'm going to switch seats for now.

Boyd: Good luck, son. *giving him a knowing look*

Sebastian got up and walked to the woman who was in tears. He tapped her shoulder. When she turned to look at him, his breath was taken away. She was small but long lean legs, the most beautiful brown hair and chocolate brown eyes..simply a classic beauty.

Sebastian: Excuse me, ma'am is this seat taken?

Rachel: Um no its free.

Sebastian: Well, in that case, would you mind company or soul you rather be alone?

Rachel: I don't mind, as long as you don't mind crying females.

Sebastian: I'll be okay. And thank you Miss...

Rachel: I'm Rachel Barbra Berry or simply Rachel.

Sebastian: Smythe. Sebastian Smythe. Pleasure to meet you. Now, forgive me for asking, but are you okay? You seem sad.

Rachel: I'll be okay. I don't want to bore you with my problems.

Sebastian: I understand you don't know a pretty good listener whenever you're ready. Was the guy running your boyfriend?

Rachel: Finn is my fiance, or at least WAS.

Sebastian: Oh I'm sorry.

Rachel: We were supposed to get married today, but he decided to set me free so I can pursue my Broadway dreams.

Sebastian:Wow, Broadway? You must be talented and gutsy. And to be honest, even though your fiance was noble for what he did..he's an idiot for letting you get away. * he winked*

Rachel: You're sweet, I just miss him already. I thought he was my whole life. I'm also scared of what's to come even though I've prepped my whole life for this.

Sebastian: I understand.I never thought id join the Military but here I am.

Rachel: Oh, you must have an understanding wife or girlfriend..

Sebastian: Actually I am 100% single. I just haven't found the right girl. * he checked Rachel out and smiled.*

Rachel noticed Sebastian checking her out, and blushed.

Rachel: Well, it looks like we have a long trip ahead and I'm a little tired.

Sebastian: Yeah, well why don't you get some rest. New York bound?

Rachel: Yes, you too?

Sebastian: That's where I get off. I'll wake you when we get closer.

Rachel: Thank you, Sebastian.

Sebastian: You're welcome, ma'am.

Rachel: Rachel..

Sebastian: Excuse me ma'am?

Rachel: My friends call me Rachel. As opposed to "ma'am" * she blushed*

Sebastian: Sleep well, Rachel...

Soon Rachel closed her eyes, not realizing she put her head on her new friend's shoulder. Sebastian looked down, just staring at how beautiful looked, and smiled. Sebastian wrapped his arm around her shoulder and grabbed a blanket. Soon, he dozed off as well. This is going to be a very interesting ride.

An hour later, Rachel woke up and noticed that had Sebastian had his arm around her. Normally, she would be upset, but for some reason she wasn't. She felt guilty for feeling so comfortable with Sebastian because she was Finn's. Yes, they split up...for now. She misses Finn, Kurt, Blaine..she can't believe she misses Lima,Ohio since she spent half her life trying to get away.

Rachel grabbed her iPod and sang along to "Roots before Branches." She related to the song in so many ways.

(Rachel)
So many things
To do and say
But I can't seem
To find my way
But I wanna know how
I know
I'm meant
For something else
But first
I gotta find myself
But I don't know how
Oh, why do
I reach for the stars
When I don't have wings
To carry me that far?
I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world
For me
Sometimes
I don't wanna feel
And forget the pain
Is real
Put my head
In the clouds
Oh, start to run
And then I fall
Seein'
I can't get it all
Without my feet
On the ground
There's always a seed
Before there's a rose
The more that it rains
The more I will grow
I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world

(Sebastian)
For me
Whatever comes
I know how to take it
Learn to be strong
I won't have to fake it
Oh, you're understandin'
Oh, but when you come
And do it best
There ain't nothin'
To stoppin' east to west
(I'm not sure
If this is right)
But I'll still
Be standing
I'll be standing

(Rachel and Sebastian)
I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world
I gotta have
Roots before branches
To know who I am
Before I know
Who I wanna be
And faith
To take chances
To live like I see
A place in this world
For me
I gotta have
Roots before branches

Sebastian: Wow, you have an amazing voice. You're going to do amazing in New York.

Rachel: Thank you. You have an amazing voice too. I was co-captain of my Glee club, the New Directions. We just won Nationals.

Sebastian: Wait..New Directions? Do you know Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson?

Rachel: Yes they are my best friends. How do you know them?

Sebastian: I graduated from Dalton a year ago. And I was a Warbler although I don't remember you.

Rachel: You do look a little familiar. Are you friends with them?

Sebastian: Iam good friends with Blaine, not so much with Kurt.

Rachel: Lol. Yes Kurt takes some getting used to.

Sebastian: Well this is a small world, for sure.

Sebastian and Rachel talked a little longer. They discovered how much they had in Rachel got an alert on her iPad. Speak of the devil..

BLAINE Anderson..

Rachel answered the video call.

Blaine: Well, hello my lady, my Maria.

Rachel: Did I ever tell you how glad I am that you're my Tony?;)

Blaine: Always. I miss you sorry you and Finn didn't get married.

Rachel: It's okay although I'd rather not talk about it right now.

Blaine: Are you in New York yet?

Rachel: Not yet, although I have a friend of yours with me. *winking at Sebastian *

Blaine: *confused * Who?

Sebastian: Hey killer

Blaine:Sebastian?! Omg buddy how's army life? And, I see you've met the infamous Rachel Berry..

Sebastian: Wait, is she the same Rachel you kissed? I bet you're kicking yourself buddy. You and Hudson let her go..

Blaine: Well...Berry is the only one ever to make me question my sexuality. But, I've got Kurt now, so...

Sebastian: Well don't worry she's safe with me.

Blaine: Rach, watch out for that one haha!

Rachel: Well I'm almost in New York and can't wait until you get here Blaine. You and Kurt. My Klaine.

Blaine: So..could Smytheberry be in the future? *wink*

Rachel: Blaine Devon Anderson...

Blaine: Rachel Barbra Berry..

Sebastian: Sebastian, never telling my last name, Smythe...

Rachel: Oh I'll get it out of you eventually, Mr. Smythe..

Blaine: Flirting already?

Sebastian: Maybe, I wouldn't mind..

Rachel: Blaine we are almost there. Can I call you when I get to New York?

Blaine: Yes please. And Sebastian, you too.

Sebastian: I will, buddy. Take care.

Blaine: You, too. We all miss you Smythe. Please be safe. And take care of our Berry. I think you'd be better than Finn any day.

Rachel: Bye Blaine. *blowing a kiss *

They end call.

Sebastian: So I guess we should get our stuff together.

Rachel: I guess so...

Sebastian: It kinda sucks. Finally we meet but soon go separate ways.

Rachel: *writes something on a piece of paper* Here is my name, email etc. Use it.

Sebastian: Bossy, I see.. I like that...

Rachel: So are you going straight to the base after we get there?

Sebastian: Actually, I was going to grab a bite to eat, then a room for the night. You?

Rachel: I'm supposed to get a room myself, then meet up with my dads in a couple days.

Sebastian: Well...in that case I was wondering perhaps you would like you join me for a late dinner?

Rachel: I was going to go to a hotel, and get takeout...

Sebastian: How about some company? I'm sorry if I seem forward...

Rachel: No its okay plus you're friends with Blaine..

Sebastian: Will you join me, Miss Rachel?

Rachel smiled and said "I'd love to, Sgt Smythe "

Sebastian: Just call me Sebastian, please. (*or yours* ) he thought to himself.

Rachel and Sebastian soon arrived in New York, gathered belonging and called a cab to hotel.

They chatted in the cab. Rachel was amazed how relaxing it was to talk to him. It sucks that they hadn't met before.

They reached the hotel, walked to registration

.The front desk clerk: Welcome to Hilton Hotel. How may I help you?

Rachel: I have a room reserved. Berry. Rachel Berry.

FD clerk: Yes, Miss Berry. I only have one room with 2 beds. We are booked tonight.

Sebastian: No other rooms?

FD: No sir. We're booked solid.

Sebastian: Oh..well...I guess I'd better go find someplace for the night. It was nice meeting you, Rachel... * Sebastian turned to walk away*

Rachel: Sebastian wait, there is an extra bed in my room. Please I couldn't let you sleep on the streets plus you did invite me to dinner... * truthfully Rachel didn't want Sebastian to leave yet*

Sebastian: Are you sure?

Rachel: Yes...I'm sure. You can buy dinner.

Sebastian: *hands credit card to clerk* I guess there will be two in the room, ma'am.

Rachel: What are you doing?

Sebastian: A gentleman always pays.

Rachel: I am perfectly capable of paying my way...

Sebastian: Rachel, perhaps Finn always let you pay, but I'm not him and I'd never let a woman pay when I can get chance to treat her like a Queen. No arguments.

Rachel: *knowing she wouldn't win* Fine, let's go Sir Sebastian...

Sebastian: Maybe someday you will scream that name. * wink*

Rachel: Sebastian Smythe?

Sebastian: Lol never said my mind was 100% innocent lol.

Rachel: Never said mine was either. *winking as she took room cards from him. Leaving Sebastian blushing.*

Sebastian: Miss Berry, I believe this is the start of a beautiful Friendship...

Rachel: I believe so...

A few hours passed, and Rachel and Sebastian were watching a movie and eating Chinese food. Rachel was surprised he was grossed out when she chose a vegetarian meal. Unlike Finn. She called Finn to at least let him know she was okay. They talked, while Sebastian took a shower and video chatted with Thad and Blaine.

Thad: Hey buddy! I see you made it safely. And you met the beautiful Berry..

Sebastian: Yeah, she's amazing. She's talking to her ex-fiancé right now.

Thad: damn sharing a room already?! And you're not trying to tap that?!

Sebastian: I barely know her.

Thad: Never stopped you before.

Sebastian: I don't know..she's different. Plus, Kurt and Blaine would beat my ass.

Blaine: Damn straight I would. Just treat her right. Finn has hurt her so much in the past.

Sebastian: I may not even see her again. I never know where I'll be tomorrow. Or if ill ever come home again...

Blaine: Don't Sebastian...

Sebastian: Being honest.

Thad: Use protection.

Sebastian: Later guys..

Sebastian walked back into room, and sees Rachel staring out the window. "Are you okay?" He asked.

Rachel: Yes, I am okay. Just alot on my mind tonight. Just talked to Finn. * tears fall*

Sebastian: Come here, Rachel. *wraps his arms around her* its all going to be okay. Why don't you get some sleep.

Rachel: Will you lay with me?

Sebastian: Oh I don't know..

Rachel: Please Sebastian..

Sebastian: *sighs* Of course..

Rachel gets her shorts and tank top on and climbs into bed. Sebastian has never seen anything more beautiful...he turned off the lights, laying next to her.

Rachel scoots closer to Sebastian looking into his eyes. Sebastian couldn't help but lean in. He was surprised Rachel was leaning in as well. He gently brushed his lips against hers..then quickly apologized.

Sebastian: I.I'm sorry, Rachel. I don't know why I did that..* gets up to go to other bed*

Rachel: Stay *reaches hand up to his neck pulling him back to her giving him a long, sensual kiss. Sebastian kissed her back deeply running his hands along her slender body. Rachel moaned into his kiss.

Sebastian pulled back before things got too heated. "good night Rachel".

Rachel: Good night,Sebastian.

one more kiss,and soon both fell asleep in each others' arms. ..

AN: Awe how sweet are they? More to come...