I'm a Gleek. A Finchel fan. And this is my opinion. R&R.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything in here. Sorry.

Rachel walks down the hall. Christmas vacation is over, and she is back in an awkward situation. One involving a certain Finn Hudson.

A few weeks. And she still isn't over him.

She takes a seat in the choir room. She sits and mopes as usual. Staring into space. Mr. Schue begins.

"Okay, guys, I've decided that we need to get some emotion into our songs. So, we will be singing songs that talk about what life is like for us now."

Mercedes whoops and everyone breaks out in applause. Everyone except Rachel. She hasn't clapped in weeks.

"Rachel," Mr. Shue says. "You will be going last, since you will have a hard time finding a song. You have to sing again, Rachel. Otherwise, you will be letting all of us down."

Rachel nods. She knows just the song.

The week passes quickly. Everyone has a song that is about how much they love someone. Except Rachel. Her song tells a heart breaking story that everyone can relate with. She hopes.

Quinn finishes and sits down.

"Okay, Rachel, let us have it." Mr. Schue looks nervous about what she might say.

Rachel stands, gives the sheet music to the musicians, and stands in the center of the room, all eyes on her.

I don't wanna talk
About things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history
I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

They're shocked. She can tell. Her voice lifts for the familiar words.

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny

I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I'd be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules

Finn looks at her, his eyes never swaying. She chooses to not return his glance.

The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear

The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
It's simple and it's plain
Why should I complain?

But tell me does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say?
Rules must be obeyed

The judges will decide
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always staying low
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all

I don't wanna talk
'Cause it makes me feel sad
And I understand
You've come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see

The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all

The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it allllllllllll

She ends it and looks at them. They look back at her, knowing at last the emotion she has been holding in for the past three weeks.

Rachel turns and runs out of the room. The courage she had for those minutes is gone. Now it is replaced by sadness, and fatigue.

She turns into the girl's locker room, creates a pile of towels, and lays down. And she lets the tears fall.

"Rachel?"

A voice. Whose, she can't tell. Only that they aren't coming into the locker room.

Rachel stands and walks calmly to the door. She opens it and sees a sheepish Finn standing outside.

"Oh. It's just you." She turns to go back in.

"Rachel, wait." Finn grabs her arm and turns her around to face him. "I was a jerk, okay? I understand that you were hurt, and that you wanted to make me hurt. I'm sorry, and I was wondering if I could have another chance?" He looks at her hopefully.

Rachel sighs. "Finn, if you really meant that, you would have told me this sooner."

"No, I just didn't have the courage until you sang again. Rachel, your voice is what makes me try. At anything. I would have come sooner if you had sang sooner."

Rachel ponders this. "Fine. One last try. Let's start with a simple, 'Will you go out with me?' and work from there."

"Okay, I'll go out with you. Breadsticks, 6:00. I'll pick you up at 5:30." Finn smiles, kisses her cheek, and walks away.

Rachel returns to the choir room, and apologizes for running out, and for her behavior the past few weeks. They accept, and she sits down and begins planning for Regionals. She is unstoppable, stronger, and more empathetic, all thanks to a winner.

I love Broadway musicals, hence the Mamma Mia Reference. Please review, so I can know what you think and use it in a crossover I'm considering.