Hi everyone! So this is my first story on here. I've done other Finchel stories before, but not in this format. So I think I want to branch out a bit and try something new! Just a heads up: the first chapter or so will be set in the past when both Finn and Rachel live in Ohio at the age of 12. Then, it will be present day, but I just want you to know the characters' pasts. So, let me know what you think and please enjoy!

Feb. 9, 2003

"Boys have cooties," Gracie stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "so why are you friends with him?"

He'd always been her friend - best friend at that. And her stupid six year old cousin wasn't going to change that.

"Finn's always been my friend, Gracie. You know that." Rachel commented, her face showing no emotion. "And besides, I thought you said you liked him when you met him. You said that he was nice and funny."

"Well yeah! I liked him. But you like him, like him."

Rachel scoffed. "I do not! He's my friend."

Gracie started making kissing noises and then ran off as Rachel tried to get her to shut up.

It all started a few hours ago when Rachel called Finn to wish him a happy birthday. Her parents had dragged her to Nevada to her grandmother's funeral. Rachel loved her grandmother, but this was her best friend's birthday that was on the line. This was no joke, nothing to be questioned. She hadn't missed his birthday in the six years that they had been friends. Not once, and she couldn't believe she was this year. She was swapping it for something much less exciting and so much more depressing.

"Hello?"

"Finn! Oh my gosh! Happy birthday!"

"Thanks, Rach!"

"So, get anything good yet? Or have you opened your presents?"

"Yeah, I did. Uh, my mom got me some new shoes. Which is awesome."

"Well yeah! Maybe because you let that evil puppy at the park chew your old ones to shreds!"

"Well you know what? That poor little thing didn't have a toy. I felt bad for it." Finn protested.

"Haha, that was a fun day." Rachel smiled. "Anything else? Did you open my gift yet?"

"Nope. Not yet. I'm waiting 'til you get back."

"Finn, no. Go open it now!"

"Fine, lady! I'm going to get it."

"Good." Rachel could hear rustling over the phone as Finn tore through the wrapping paper.

"No. Freaking. Way."

"So do you like it?" Rachel asked, beaming.

"This isn't real is it? It's some kind of prank."

"No, totally real. So yes or no?"

"Huh! Do I like it? Rach, these are tickets to The Rolling Stones concert. The Stones, Rach. The. Freaking. Stones."

"So I'll take that as a yes then?"

"Are you like some sort of mind reader? I'm flipping out, Rach."

"Ha! Well, I know that you like them, and I knew they were on tour, so..." she trailed off.

"Rachel, you have no clue how much this means to me. This is awesome! How much did these cost? You must be like, some secret millionaire or something."

"Nah, I just cracked open my piggy bank."

"Yeah, well Piggy must be filled with loads of Benjies!"

"Well, I'm glad you like the- Crap. Finn, I gotta go. My mom's calling me back over there. I think she wants me to go talk to my creepy old aunt."

"Aunt Jodie, right? The one with the glass eye?" Finn asked, knowingly.

"Yep, that's the one. Listen, I'll talk to you later. Happy birthday."

"Yeah, thanks Small Fry." Rachel smiled at the nickname he'd given her when they were little. "Have fun. Well, you know, as much fun as creepy ol' Aunt Jodie can be."

"Bye Finn."

"Miss you. See ya soon."

"Yeah, right back at you."

And that's where it had ended. They were friends, unlike everyone else thought. Rachel loved Finn, and Finn loved Rachel. But not in that way. It was more a brother/sister kind of situation. That's the way they liked it. They'd never thought of each other in that way before. Mainly because they were 12, but still.

Feb. 11, 2003

"Mom! I'll be back later! I'm going to see Finn!" Rachel yelled at her mother as she exited the house.

"Rachel, sweetie. Hold on for a second. I-I need to talk to you about something."

Rachel walked back into the living room, concern plastered on her face. "Mom, is something wrong?" She asked, clearly worrying about her mother and the tone she used.

"Sweetheart, I've been thinking..." Shelby started. "I've been thinking that maybe it's time for us to get out of Ohio. Move to a different state and experience new things."

"Mom. Mom, please." Rachel managed to choke out as the tears started brimming in her eyes.

Shelby looked at her daughter, who was barely holding back sobs. "Baby, it's already decided. We're moving to Nevada. Your grandfather can't handle himself on his own. He's old." Shelby tried her best to explain to Rachel. "He needs us to come help him out at home."

"You can't do this to me! Mom, no. We can't move! Please..." The waterworks erupted. Tears streaming down her face, Rachel got up and walked to the front door. "Please Mom. I-I just can't do this. Not now."

"I'm sorry, Rachel." Shelby said with sincerity. She really was sorry. She didn't want to hurt her daughter, but she knew that this was the best thing for them right now. Her father needed the help and she couldn't turn him down. Especially after the loss of her mother. "We'll leave in-" Before she could finish, Rachel was out the door. She didn't go after her because she knew where her daughter was headed. The only place that mattered to her: wherever her best friend was.