Legacy
by
hollytiger
Summary: AU: This is an alternate version of "What If", featuring a series of shorts, starting mid-way through Finn, Rachel, Noelle, and Josh's Senior Year, just before Regionals. Shorts will be out of order on purpose. And yes, Finn will still be alive in this version.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. You should know that. Otherwise, my version would have happened.
Recruited
Noelle hummed to herself as she entered the choir room. It was another Monday, which meant the start of a new week and new assignment in Glee Club. The rest of the Glee Club sat in the chairs as Noelle joined Josh in the front row. Will entered the room and clapped his hands.
"Alright you guys, we only a have few weeks left until Regionals, and I've been doing some thinking," said Will. "I know those of you who didn't perform with us at Sectionals missed out on Michael Jackson, so I've decided that this week's assignment is going to be dedicated to MJ and his music." Will wrote "MICHAEL" on the dry erase board to cheers and applause.
"Mr. Schue?" Finn asked. "Before we begin, I have an announcement to make."
Rachel, Kurt, and Noelle raised their eyebrows in wonder.
"Okay, Finn, the floor is yours," said Will. Finn stood up and stood in front of the New Directions.
"What is it?" Noelle asked Finn. Finn took a deep breath.
"I've been recruited," Finn replied. The group gasped.
"Recruited for what?" Santana added.
"Football," Finn grinned.
"What?" Noelle asked breathlessly. "When? By who?" Finn looked at Rachel.
"I know your dream is New York," Finn said to Rachel. "But I think it would be better to wait until we were out of college. Especially since I was recruited by Ohio State last night."
The group gasped as Rachel's hands flew to her mouth in shock. Noelle jumped up excitedly and hugged Finn.
"FINN! This is what you've wanted since we were playing football in the mud as kids!" Noelle said excitedly. "Do Mom and Dad know?"
"Yes," said Finn. "And they are fully supportive. I'm signing my commitment to OSU Wednesday afternoon."
"Holy crap," said Puck excitedly as he came down and bro-hugged Finn. The rest of the Glee Club followed suit with the exception of Rachel, who remained seated and silent.
"Baby, are you okay?" Finn asked as he noticed Rachel still sitting down. The group turned to look at Rachel. Finn knelt down in front of her.
"Rach, if you don't want me to sign, just say the word," Finn whispered as he put his hands on her knees.
"I want you to sign," Rachel replied, looking at Finn. "It's been your dream to play college and professional football. And I will be with you every step of the way. My dream is to be with you Finn."
"Really?" Finn asked with a smile. Rachel smiled back.
"Really," Rachel whispered. "You're right, New York can wait. Besides, OSU has great Music and Theatre programs. I'll put my application in tonight."
Finn pulled her into a hug.
"First stop, Ohio State, next stop, the NFL!" said Noelle excitedly, jumping up and down as the group cheered.
FLASH! CLICK CLICK! FLASH!
Noelle, Kurt, Carole, Burt, and Rachel stood with Finn, Coach Bieste and Principal Figgins Wednesday afternoon, as the Lima News, Toledo Blade, Columbus Dispatch, and the local news stations took pictures and recorded video. Coach Bieste spoke to the media. The other New Directions, Will, Emma, and the other members of the football team stood off to the side, watching.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's a exciting day here at McKinley High," said Coach Bieste. "Our quarterback, Number 5, Finn Hudson, has agreed to sign with the Ohio State Buckeyes as their newest quarterback. He will wear the number 5 with pride at OSU as he represents the city of Lima, and the great state of Ohio!"
The group of students and adults clapped and cheered as the Ohio State Football Recruiting Coordinator joined the group, an OSU jersey and hat in his hand. Finn's commitment letter sat on the card table in front of them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my extreme pleasure to present Finn Hudson, his Ohio State jersey and a hat, as he signs with the Buckeyes!" said the coordinator.
The group cheered and clapped as Finn shook his hand and put the hat on top of his head. Finn held up the jersey to the media, with the back of the jersey, reading "HUDSON, #5", facing the cameras.
"Finn, I know your family and friends are excited for you as you come to OSU to pursue your degree and your football career," the coordinator continued as Finn pulled his jersey over his head and Rachel clapped excitedly as Finn sat down to sign his commitment letter. The cameras clicked and flashed again as Finn signed his letter. He shocked Rachel and the others by taking Rachel 's hand and pulling her into his lap and placing his hat on her head. Rachel giggled as she adjusted her hat and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Finn!" called out a reporter. "How does it feel to become a member of the Scarlet and Gray?"
"It's a huge honor and has been my dream since I was a little boy," said Finn. "My mom, my step-dad, my sister and my step-brother and I have been lifelong fans of Ohio State. I'm excited for what's in store for me at OSU, and with my beautiful and soon-to-be wife Rachel, by my side for support, I will help bring home National Championships at OSU! Go Bucks!"
The crowd clapped and cheered as Noelle let out an "O-H!"
"I-O!" the New Directions and football team replied together.
"Just think, in three or even four years from now, we might be sitting at the NFL draft," said Finn to Rachel later that night. The Hudson-Hummels had thrown a celebratory party for Finn into the late evening, and now Rachel and Finn sat outside on the patio in the swing, looking up at the night sky. The weather had been seasonably warm, but the night air was a bit breezy, so the two snuggled under a blanket. The crowd of party-goers had come and gone, and Noelle, Kurt, Sam, Rory, Burt and Carole had retired to their rooms for the evening.
"And wherever you are, so am I," Rachel replied, kissing him gently.
"Let's get married after Regionals," Finn whispered.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Rachel replied. They snuggled on the swing some more as Finn turned on the radio. Michael Jackson's "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" came on and he softly sung to her.
Finn:
Each time the wind blows
I hear your voice so
I call your name...
Whispers at morning
Our love is dawning
Heaven's glad you came...
You know how I feel
This thing can't go wrong
I'm so proud to say
I love you
Your love's got me high
I long to get by
This time is forever
Love is the answer
Rachel smiled and joined in, and soon the two were singing along to the radio.
Rachel:
I hear your voice now
You are my choice
Now the love you bring
Heaven's in my heart
At your call
I hear harps,
And angels sing
You know how I feel
This thing can't go wrong
I can't live my life
Without you
Finn:
I just can't hold on
Rachel:
I feel we belong
Finn:
My life ain't worth living
If I can't be with you
Finn and Rachel:
I just can't stop loving you
I just can't stop loving you
And if I stop... then tell me just what
Will I do
'Cause I just can't stop
Loving you
Finn:
At night when the
Stars shine
I pray in you I'll find
A love so true...
Rachel:
When morning awakes me
Will you come and take me
I'll wait for you
Finn:
You know how I feel
I won't stop until
I hear your voice saying
"I do"
Rachel:
"I do"
This thing can't go wrong
Finn:
This feeling's so strong
Rachel:
Well, my life ain't
Worth living
Finn and Rachel:
If I can't be with you
I just can't stop loving you
I just can't stop loving you
And if I stop...
Then tell me, just what
Will I do
I just can't stop loving you
Rachel:
We can change all the world tomorrow
Finn:
We can sing songs of yesterday
Rachel:
I can say, Hey... Farewell
To sorrow
Finn:
This is my life and I,
Finn and Rachel:
Want to see you for always
I just can't stop loving you
Rachel:
No, baby,
Oh!
Finn and Rachel:
I just can't stop loving you
Rachel:
If I can't stop!
Finn:
And if I stop...
Finn and Rachel:
No
Finn:
Tell me just What will I do?
(Rachel: what Will I do)
Rachel:
I just can't stop loving you
Finn:
Hee! Hee! Hee!
Know I Do Girl!
Finn and Rachel:
I just can't stop loving you
Finn:
You know I do
Finn and Rachel:
And if I stop...
Then tell me, just what
Will I do
I just can't stop loving you
As the song ended, Finn's lips met Rachel's and the two laid back down on the swing.