Author's Note: Here it is! The first chapter of the sequel to "Let Go of the Rest"! (If you haven't, read that first.) The first draft was terrible so I scratched it and started over. I like this a lot more. Hope you all enjoy reading! Reviews are love! Title is taken from Justin Timberlake's "Not a Bad Thing."

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee.

He'd said "Okay."

Without second guessing or finding the words to take it back. He doesn't know what's going to happen after this. He's scared because, she just moved across the country. And whether this was for him or not, he feels like he owes her.

"Do you want to come in? We should probably talk inside, and you know, not the hallway."

Gesturing towards the couch, he sits down next to her.

He doesn't know why it feels awkward. Especially after his mother and the hospital and coming clean.

But then again, two months can make a difference.

"So, I guess you're wondering why I'm here."

"Kind of yeah."

"After you left, I thought about all the reasons why saying no was the right thing. With no "us", there was never a thought that I should follow you. We were only friends, if at all. And that was what I told myself for the first month. You were living your life here, and I was just…somewhere else. But then it hit me. California doesn't know me. It's clear on the other side of the country, far away from directors with grudges and no hope for any kind of comeback. So I quit my job at the coffee shop, packed my bags and prayed you would say yes."

"What if I hadn't?"

"Sit outside your door until you let me in? It was a gamble. But I think I knew you wouldn't say no."

He wouldn't have.

"So what now?"

"Now I start looking for employment and of course somewhere to live. And then, when I feel settled, start auditioning."

He remembers how terrified he was coming here and how lucky he was to run into Puck. There's no way he'll let her stay in a hotel or attempt to figure out this city by herself.

"Stay here."

"Are you sure? I can call a hotel. Stay there until I find an apartment."

"No, I mean, live here."

"Oh Finn I couldn't, this is your space and there's no possible way to afford the rent here."

"Don't be ridiculous, I've got a second bedroom that could really use some redecorating. As for rent, don't worry about it. We'll worry about that once you're settled."

"You're serious?"

"Completely."

"Okay. I'll move in."

He couldn't help but wonder if he'd just made a terrible decision.

That first week they skirted around each other. Trying to avoid whatever it was they thought they shouldn't say. Only pleasant conversations, in the brief moments of morning when they saw each other.

It wasn't until that Friday when he came home from work that it all became different.

He found her bustling around the kitchen, singing to herself like he remembered so vividly.

"Hey Rach. Are you making dinner?"

"Oh hello Finn! You're home! Yes, I'm trying a new recipe I found on one of those food shows. It this pasta thing, and it has meat. I figure new life, why not? Also I baked your favorite."

Sure enough, there on his kitchen table, was a plate of sugar cookies.

"What's the occasion?"

"I found a job!"

"Really where?!"

"It's this local diner, which just so happens to be within walking distance. The best part is, we get to sing on the job! It's absolutely perfect!"

"That awesome! When do you start?"

"Bright and early Monday morning. One of the other waitresses also informed me that a lot of musical directors frequent the place. Apparently they scout for talent. I'll be working and auditioning at the same time!"

He couldn't help but feel relieved, she was excited. Something he hadn't seen in a long time.

They ate dinner that night at the kitchen table, napkins and silver ware set just right. Rachel had even purchased a bottle of wine.

It was nice.

The city was most alive on Saturday's. So he took her to this old theater than played black and white films and they ate cheesecake at midnight.

Sunday he showed her the bar him and Puck owned. It was really just a building, with boarded up doors and past flyers nailed to every available space. But it had been there's.

"So you and Noah owned this?"

"Yep, although more Puck than me. He needed a bar tender and I needed a job."

"Of all the things that have happened to us, you and Noah here, makes the most sense."

"I'm not sure about that. What about you and New York?"

"New York kind of failed me, or maybe the other way around. You and Noah were meant to find each other one last time after high school, have one last adventure. It's sort of poignant. What did happen to Noah anyway?"

"Oh he left, once we lost the bar and he met that girl. I think her name was Summer. Or Winter? Either way, he packed up and I stayed here. Haven't really heard from him since."

"I don't know if I've said it, but I'm so glad you found your dream. It really seems like working at the record company is your niche."

"Honestly I stepped into by accident. Started out at a record store until this exec heard me playing. Now I get to discover new acts and try to get them signed. It's rewarding. But sometimes I think I could be doing more. Like what Mr. Shue did for me, for us."

"Like teaching?"

"Yeah, that's it. Teaching. Still, I've got this job, it pays great, why should I give it up?"

"Sometimes our dreams are much bigger than any paycheck. If you want to mold young mines and inspire everyday, you should."

"Maybe."

The temperature was perfect as they walked towards the shore. Uncommon for California in December.

They stopped, sitting on the sand and watching the waves. He thought about the last time he did this, when this city was new and he had no idea what it would give him.

Now he's got her and they're friends again.

And he's okay with that.

AN/2: So how was it? I like the idea of New York being out of the picture, for now. And if you're wondering about the timeline, LGOTR was set in October, so we will have a Christmas moment in this story. Stay tuned!