Story: Easy
Chapter 1: Hey, I'm Doing Just Fine
A/N: This first chapter is from Finn's POV. Post Finn/Rachel break-up. Also, I'm making the characters more my own, giving them depth because we all know that the show writers are a bit wishy-washy with consistent character depth.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, any of the characters, nor the song which inspired this fic [Easy by Rascal Flatts].
Finn walked down a different hallway than usual to avoid Rachel. He just couldn't look at her face. He didn't dare stare into those eyes; he knew the look that she would give him. It was difficult enough being in Glee club with her, seeing her sing, admiring her ability to convey every emotion; she was best at portraying sadness, especially lately. He had gotten better and better at looking as though being in the same school as her didn't kill him inside. If anyone asked, he would say that it was easy; that he's just fine and isn't afraid to move on. In fact, he had started talking to the new girl in school to further give the appearance of someone who wasn't hurt.
But it was all a lie; he cried himself to sleep every night. The only one who knew how much pain he was in was his mom. A few weeks prior, she was about to knock on his door to give him some freshly washed laundry when she heard him inside. He never cried, ever. Carole quietly set the basket of clothes outside his door and left. Inside his room, he lay curled up on his bed holding a photobooth picture strip of the two of them. They were both smiling and happy; there was love in their eyes. Whenever he would look at her, he'd be filled with nothing but love. But now… now he was filled with hurt. Why? Why would she do something like this? Especially after Quinn and everything. And with Puck of all people? Why? He would never understand.
The next day at school was harder than ever. She was wearing his favorite outfit of hers; a black sweater with a white horse on it, and a black & white plaid skirt. Her brown hair was perfectly straight. She stared at him with her big brown eyes; pleading with them. She approached him slowly... He wondered what she was going to do; he had already told her they were over, completely over.
She looked him up and down quickly, then the words left her lips softly. "Hello, Finn."
"Hi, Rachel." He looked down at his feet. Hearing her say his name stung. He glanced over towards the door; Mr. Schue hadn't arrived yet. He looked at the clock; there were still 8 minutes left until Glee club officially started.
Rachel spoke again, "So, Finn... I was wondering... if... if you might...-"
"What Rachel?" He coldly interrupted. He had to be cold. If he wasn't, he would break down right then and there. If he showed the tiniest bit of emotion, it would all come pouring out like a flash flood.
Rachel was taken aback. He had never been so emotionless prior to all of this. Her voice was soft and hurt again. "Well, Finn... I was wondering if you wanted to sing a duet with me... it's one of my favorite songs... I think we would do it superb justice."
"No, Rachel. I already told you; I don't want to sing anymore duets with you. I don't want anything to do with you ever again." He had had enough. He grabbed his backpack and stormed out of the choir room, passing Mr. Schue on the way out. Rachel knew not to follow him. It never made any difference. She just sat there and held in the tears.