A/N: Thanks to those of you who have commented, messaged me, and even put "Insights" on alert. I hope I don't disappoint. Here is Chapter 1 of Ohio State of Mind. Please review!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with Glee. If I did, I wouldn't still be waiting for another season.
"Graduation's a year away. Got any plans til then?"
Even though Rachel was adamant on her plan to move to New York at the end of senior year, Finn did not want to waste any more time without her.
He slowly moved in closer to Rachel, who kept shifting her stare from his eyes to his lips. Could this really be happening? was all that ran through her mind as their lips touched for the first time since their jaw-dropping kiss at Nationals.
Rachel reluctantly and ever so slightly, pulled away from Finn's lips. With a simple smile and an okay, she got up.
"Let's go."
"Where are we going?" Finn desperately wanted to stay amongst the books with Rachel and make up for lost time.
"Final Glee club meeting of the year," she said with her usual animated tone.
She pulled him up and with a smooth motion placed his arm around her shoulders. Finn was feeling better about losing Nationals. He still thought it sucked but at least it seemed like his actions in New York weren't a complete waste. The rest of the team would come around. There was always next year and by then they'd be ready to take on Vocal Adrenaline for real this time.
The two walked together down the halls of McKinley High School, not saying a word, just smiling back at each other. When they entered the choir room, it felt much like earlier in the year. Rachel looked up at him with those dark eyes and suddenly Finn knew this was different. He was finally confident that he made the right decision this time.
With their hands tightly linked, Rachel and Finn joined the rest of the New Directions. Much to Finn's surprise, no one looked angry. Even Quinn was acknowledging the couple and without her usual snide remarks. New York had changed them.
Mr. Shue held up their shiny new trophy, "You guys want to see what 12th place looks like?"
At that moment, the room filled with excitement and appreciation. They didn't make the top 10 but they weren't too far off. Like Mr. Shue always stressed, the journey was the most important part. Because they didn't win, their journey could continue for another year.
"But wait, we need to present another award," Mr. Shue turned away from the group and reached into a box.
Rachel looked at Finn. Quinn looked at Mercedes. Kurt looked at Sam. They all shared glances trying to figure out what other award they could have gotten.
"Nationals MVP," Mr. Shue said, wondering why everyone looked so confused, "Take out a piece of paper everyone; we have to put it to a vote."