Rachel came striding up to him at his locker, her dark, loose curls bouncing with each step. She had that smile she always got when she was really excited about something, and he could see that she was hiding sheet music behind the books she clutched to her chest. He grinned at the sight of her. Why did he think there was going to be a duet in his future?

As she approached, he shoved his books back in his locker so he would have both arms free to hug her with. He wrapped his arms around her, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips.

"Hi baby," he said softly, "what's up?"

"Finn," she began brightly, "I have an amazing idea for a song for us. I really want to broaden my musical repertoire, and I thought you could help me learn more about classic rock. So I was doing some research, and I was thinking...how do you feel about 'The Boss'?" Her eyes were shining as she awaited his response.

"Springsteen?" Finn asked incredulously, "That'd be awesome, Rach. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Really?" Rachel squealed excitedly, "You think I could pull it off? I mean, your voice fits his songs really well, but I was kind of afraid you'd think I was too prim and proper for gravelly rock ballads about the plight of the working-class."

"Listen Rach, when you came out in that leather outfit and totally killed "Livin' on a Prayer" last year, that pretty much convinced me that you can pull off anything," he laughed. "Anyway, I'd love to sing Bruce with you," he said, raising an eyebrow, "I'll bet I even know what song you're holding sheet music for right now."

"Oh yeah?" she said, teasingly, "go ahead and guess."

"Well, it's gotta be from 'Born to Run,' since that's the greatest album ever," he began thoughtfully, "but not that song...too obvious. It's something upbeat, but with just enough angst to make it interesting...and it means something to you, to us," he continued.

"And?" she pressed, smiling.

"Thunder Road," he said confidently, flashing a satisfied grin.

"You got it," she giggled, pinching his cheek, "you know me too well."

"I love it," he said, taking her hand, "let's practice at my house after school."

"Okay!" she agreed, lifting his hand to her lips and kissing it, "I love you."