Author's Note: Hi everyone. I just want to let everyone know that this story takes place as though last night's episode didn't happen. This has to do with no only what I have previously posted, but more importantly this chapter which I wrote before last night's episode aired, but didn't get to edit till this morning. Therefore several plot-points have changed. Anyway, thank-you so, so much for reading!

Disclaimer: I really wish some of the writers here also wrote for Glee.


Rachel was getting water for her elliptical work out, since the kitchen was closed and she couldn't get her protein shake, when she saw Finn walk off the elevator. He was dressed nice and trying to blend into the barely present crowd. Incognito to the others who had no idea what Finn was up to. Except Rachel. It was 6:20am and Rachel noticed the Sides rolled up in his right fist. He was trying to be prompt. Rachel knew how badly he wanted this. Needed this. She's known that feeling her whole life.

Seeing him leave, the jealousy that built up inside her burned. She couldn't even relieve the stress with working out.


Finn arrived at his audition right on time. Sam was dead to the world after the partying last night, and snoring on new sound waves, so Finn was able practice for a good portion of the evening. He was too nervous to sleep anyway.

Finn couldn't believe this was happening to him. This was his moment. His opportunity. His chance to get out of Lima. They could have asked Sam, since he looks like the perfect Teen Beat cover boy. Or Mike Chang for his great dance moves. Or Rachel.

Fuck. Rachel.

Finn couldn't help but wonder what he was going to tell Rachel. This was her dream and Finn was taking it. No. This was being offered to him. It was Finn's turn. After the shit-storm that has been his life, he deserved this. He wanted this. He needed this.

He knows thing between him and her keep getting more confusing, and this definitely was not going to help. But it was still his turn. His time.

Rachel will have a million opportunities funded by her fathers. For a kid like Finn, he knew this was his one chance. And he was taking it. He knew it would hurt her. And he knew he had hurt her countless times in the past. But maybe they weren't destined to be together? But, Finn was destined to do this now.

"Finn, were ready for you," the assistant chimed from the doorway. It felt like that moment before you walk into the exam room for a shot. Only this was more terrifying.

Finn stood and shook all the regret and nerves from his system. "Okay. I'm ready," he replied; following behind.


Walking down the hall of the hotel an hour later, Finn still felt butterflies. But these were of the much more confident kind. Sliding his key card, hoping Sam was asleep—

"How did your audition go?" Rachel called out.

"Geeze!" Finn shuttered, startled.

"Well…how'd it go?" She questioned, annoyed, charging down the corridor. Her face had this stubborn inquisitive nose flair that Finn always found cute. Thankfully, the carpeted floor and textured paper walls absorbed most of the sound.

"I have a callback tomorrow morning," Finn replied. Clenching his jaw.

"We're leaving midday tomorrow. You honestly think Schuester's gonna let you go? Principle Figgings already required us to be on a super tight schedule since this is an overnight trip."

"The casting people we're willing to have me audition early enough tomorrow that I won't miss our flight." Rachel didn't even rebuttal at that comment, so Finn just continued. "Rachel, look, I know this is unfair to you. But this is my one opportunity. Your dads are willing to give you the world to have a chance like this. For me, my only hope is to get out of Lima. We both know I'm not talented enough to get this part. But, please, let me just try to have this. To enjoy this. Just for a moment."

Rachel's fists stiffened tightly at her sides, rubbing against the hem of her skit. Her face still fumed as Finn started to unlock his door once again head back in. Getting his attention as she walked into her own room, "You're wrong," she chimed wisely as Finn turn his head towards her; both students holding their doors open as they spoke. "About your talent and getting the part," she corrected him. "You're wrong."

They both closed their doors and the silence that remained in the hallway, filled with knowledge, angst and hurt of their present relationship was squeezing in to stay intact.

The day that proceeded was intense. The tension between Finn and Rachel was palpable as the students whet on tour of the Sights. Ms. Pillsbury-Howell had planned it beforehand expecting New Directions to be rehearsing constantly for the days before the competition. Plus, she assumed that it would be a good way to cheer everyone up if they lost. Thankfully, that was not the case. Either way the eerie silence on the bus was strange as they drove through Manhattan.

Finn could see though Rachel and Rachel could see though Finn. They had been trying to build their relationship back up, only for it to come crumbling down.


Hearing a knock on the door, Finn rose from his bed to answer. He was surprised he could even hear the noise since Sam was snoring so loud. Not that he could sleep anyway. He was too nervous for the competition in two days and he felt that he and Rachel still really needed to work on their song. When he looked through the peephole and saw the top of Rachel's head – her headband pushing her long brunette locks away from her bangs – he was surprised that she was their visitor. But slightly grateful at the same time.

Opening the door, Finn sweetly said "Hey," to get Rachel's attention.

"Hey," she repeated. Sam's long notsral-flairing snore echoed out into the hall and Rachel commented, "Wow, that's really loud," with a grotesque look. "I now know why Santana insisted that Sam sleep in here tonight."

Finn smiled. "What's up?"

"Well, Puck and Lauren wanted some 'alone time' in our room for a while and other couples have taken over everyone else's space, if they aren't already asleep from Puck's pot," Rachel explained, leaning against the doorway; Finn held it open just wide enough for them. "Anyway, since I didn't know where else to go, and I'm not even really tired, I figured I would see if you were awake. I think we need to rehearse our song. If you don't mind…" Rachel trailed off and hoped Finn wasn't mad at her. Or expecting more than that. She was so unsure how to think of Finn lately. Part of her wanted to be friends, part of her wanted more. Either way, they were the leaders of this team. And this was their moment to shine. And hopefully mend their friendship.

"Yeah, no. I totally agree. I was literally just thinking the same thing," Finn excitedly replied.

"Great minds…" Rachel interjects.

"Where do you want to rehearse?"

"Well I was originally thinking here…"

"Santana! Quinn! Yip, yip, yip, yip, yip!" Sam calls out from his sleep, tossing and turning, his hand rubbing his nose.

"But I don't think that's the best idea…"

"And all the other rooms are…uh…occupied…"

"Yeah," pausing for a second, Rachel comes up with the perfect rehearsal space. "Oh! We can go to the pool! It's in the basement next to the spa and open 24 hours!"

"There's a pool?" Finn questions, disappointed he didn't know sooner.

"Yeah. Didn't you read the pamphlet I gave everyone about the hotel in class last week?"

"No," Finn grudges.

"Well, your loss," Rachel smugly replies.

In the elevator on the way down to the pool, Finn and Rachel tried to make small talk. Finn was responsible to keeping an extra boom box with burnt CD's of all their instrumentals to cover for any mishaps. Or impromptu rehearsals, as the case may be.

"So, what did you do today?" Rachel inquires awkwardly.

"Oh, I just ate a quick lunch and walked around. Picked up some souvenirs."

"Did you have a good time?"

"I had a great time!" Finn elated with a large grin. "I love everything about this place."

"Me too," Rachel concurred.

"What did you and Quinn…talk about?" Finn asked genuinely confused how the two even had a good time together.

"We just talked about where we were. So excited to be here. We went to this Asian restaurant Noodles for some yummy vegan food. Then we walked around and tried on clothes we can't afford at some boutiques."

"It sounds like you had a great time."

"We did."

The doors opened and Finn and Rachel walked to the pool, the peaceful reflection of water was a reminder of why they came down there. They rehearsed a few times, their voices echoing through the tiled room. At their forth run-though, the song finally got more intense. The vibe had changed. Walking closer to one another, they inched up close as the song ended. As the last note vibrated through their lungs, their necks craned to fill the space in-between, and they kissed.

It was gentle and sweet and familiar. But different, too. Both enjoyed the sweet taste. But the regret settled in faster than both were ready for; quickly pulling apart and taking a few steps back from one another.

Their body language was sheepish as they both profusely apologized. "I'm sorry. I—I shouldn't have done that," Finn stammered.

"No, I'm sorry too…" Rachel replied quickly back.

"No, I mean, we're finally starting to rebuild our friendship and I crossed a line."

"No, I kissed you too. I'm sorry." Both were shifting the feet and staring at the floor as they mumbled. "Let just say it never happened…" Rachel mused.

"Yeah…" Finn quietly concurred. "From the top?"

"Yeah," Rachel agreed as she walked over to her position; and Finn to his.

Neither wanted to admit that they felt something when "the accident" happened. It was different than what either of them had ever felt in the past when they were that close. That difference was scary. Yet, at the same time, it was oddly recognizable at the same time. They sang the song a few times and went back to their rooms in silence. Rachel could hear Sam's snoring when Finn unlocked his door.


Their final evening in New York, the William McKinley Glee Club went out a nice, fancy dinner. When the club got out their wallets to help pay, Mr. Schuester refused their money. "Dinner tonight was paid for by your parents as part of the trip," Will explained.

The club smirked got up to leave. Finn and Rachel started to walk back to the hotel with daggers in their eyes.

"What is up with you two today? What did you guys like fuck or something?" Puck mused in an overly macho tone.

"No! Asshole!" Finn angrily replied.

"Well then what is up?"

"Nothing," Rachel sighed; annoyed and sick of being angry. "Finn and I just had an argument about something in the past and I'm sorry if it dampened your day," she said sincerely.

"Yeah," Finn agreed.

"You guys have been broken up for months, what on earth could you want to argue about that could make you act this weird all day," Mercedes questioned.

Finn hesitates to speak and before he even gets words out, Rachel quickly said, "Don't worry about it," trying to prevent the others from invading his privacy.

"Okay…" Mercedes dimwittingly mutters. Letting go of the topic faster than anticipated.


The party to end their trip was in full swing when Finn Hudson ducked out and headed to Will's room. When the door opened and a slightly inebriated, half-dressed Mr. Schue swung open the door, Finn's eyes widened. They popped out of the sockets when Finn caught a glimpse of Mrs. Pillsbury-Howell swirling around the large bed before Mr. Schue quickly slammed the door.

"Well, I was going to use the fact that I found out who the Chronic Lady is as my bait for this, but I don't this I need to now." Will deeply exhales as Finn continues. "Anyway, I need to go to an appointment tomorrow morning, so I will meet everyone at the airport."

"Finn, I can't allow that," Mr. Schue drunkenly protested.

"You have a married woman in your bed! I think we can work something out," Finn protested. Will's eyes shift from side to side as he tries to figure out how Finn got so smart. "You better get going before she comes to her senses," Finn mutters before heading back down the hall. Knowing he had cornered Mr. Schuester, a smug smile on his face as he leaves.


His second audition went even better than his first. Ethan Hawke, the director and Academy Award-nominated actor, was there. As well as some producers and Mr. Stewart. Finn sang "Jessie's Girl" for his music audition, unsure of how it went. But the applause was all Finn needed to hear. All the people in the room also appreciated his monologue and Finn was excited to hear what might happen next.

Finn ran into LaGuardia Airport trying to find the check-in for his airline. He was running late due to rubbernecking traffic because of a jackknifed tracker trailer. When he saw that the rest of the glee club was still getting their baggage weighed, Finn sighed with relief.

Once he was through security, Finn followed the others towards the gate.

"So how did it go," Rachel asked nonchalantly as she adjusted the strap of her carry on resting on her shoulder, moving it closer to her neck.

"They'll call and let me know," Finn sternly replied.

"Most people hear back from casting within an hour – tops – after having a callback audition," Rachel reasoned with resent as she walked over to the seats near the gate and put down her bags.

Finn went to the bathroom, trying not to let her words crawl under his skin. When his phone vibrated while he's washing his hands, Finn immediately jumped and splashed water on his jeans. Highly unflattering. But, he had to answer the phone.

Listening to the words Mr. Hawke was saying on the other end, Finn's smile grew as he nodded to every word. Realizing that when you're on the phone, people can't see you nod in agreement, Finn lets the man finish speaking before saying, "Yes, I will be there Mr. Hawke. Thank-you! Thank-you so much!"

There were some final words of goodbye to end the conversation as Finn exited the restroom; goofy grin spread across his face.

When Rachel saw Finn's gleeful smile and star-lit eyes, she knew he got the part. That New York was now his oyster. That Broadway, and Tony's, and marquees were a set part of his future. She used everything in her power to fight back crying.


When they arrived back in Lima, everyone had family waiting for them. So excited to hear about their trip. When Finn saw Carole, Burt, and Kurt anxiously waiting for him at arrivals, we knew they would be excited to hear his news.

"Oh, my God! You guys won!" Kurt cheers, running over to Mr. Schuester and Brittany who were carrying the trophy.

"Well, we only came in third," Lauren explains before walking over to her family.

"But, we still got an amazing trophy," Quinn muses close to Kurt, her sultry voice lingering.

Finn gives his mom a hug and she looks longingly at his face. He looks so grown up from the boy he used to be. "I'm so proud of you," she says with tears in her eyes.

"Mom!" Finn moans, embarrassed by his mother's encouraging adoration.

"Carole, let him be," Burt intervenes, as Kurt comes over to join his family.

"I made chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, and corn to put on top…" Carole says, persuading her son who already intended on going home for dinner.

"Mom!" Finn moans a second time.

"Carole…" But repeats, cutting in again, to save Finn some face.

"So, we want to hear all about your trip," Kurt says as they start to walk out of the building.

"Yeah, and I have a lot I want you. Some really important stuff," Finn concurs as they hurry across the street; looking out for taxis.


Carole was in disbelief when her son was telling her about his unreal experience. She was sitting on the ottoman of the armchair, as Burt and Kurt were sitting on the couch. Finn was standing tall and proud as his family told them their amazing news. The already prepared dinner sat in pots and pans on the stove, cooling down from their original heat.

"So, let me get this straight," Kurt interjected. "You were asked to audition for a Broadway workshop by a major casting director and actually got the part?"

"I also met Ethan Hawke, he's the director," Finn added.

"Ethan Hawke? As in 'O' Captain, My Captain!'?" Carole questioned.

"Uh...sure. He's the guy from Training Day. Anyway, rehearsals start in a week. They said they could get me housing in a student housing facility. And a tutor to help with my schoolwork. I'll be paid, working actor!" Finn was bursting with excitement so he explained the good news.

"I don't know Finn..." Carole's apprehension was reasonable. "It seems too good to be true..."

"Or too good to pass up," Finn plead. "Mom, this is the opportunity of a lifetime," Finn quieted, hoping for some sort of response.

Carole was looking conflicted. Burt noticed his wife's unsure nature and asked, "What are you thinking, Carole?"

"I don't know!" She groaned.

"C'mon, mom. Please? I'm not a little kid anymore. I can take care of myself." Finn had his puppy-dog frown on his face. Milking it for all its worth.

"Trust, me. I know..." Carole mused.

"Then please...let me go..." Finn begged.

Carole let out a heavy breath, deep from her chest, before speaking. "Finn, this isn't as cut and dry as you think. You're still a minor! And the few times you've been away from home were mainly due to summer camp!" Carole had to be rational while hearing the sensational news. "I trust you, but there are several factors to consider besides school and a place to sleep before I consent to this!"

Burt frowned in agreement as Carole explained the nature of this reality to her son.

Finn was feeling that the troops were attacking and he was quickly losing the battle. He had to bring in heavy artillery.

"What if Kurt came with me?" Finn questioned with a giddy grin.

"WHAT?" All three other members of the household exclaimed in unison.

"Well, when I was in New York I passed by that fashion school Kurt wants to go to—"

"FIT?" Kurt cut him off; extremely giddy.

"And I met one of the admissions people," Finn started to dig through his suitcase as he explained. "She said there are summer classes for High School students. See!" He finished as he shoved the brochures in Burt, Carole, and Kurt's faces.

Kurt's face glowed like a 5-year-old on Christmas morning as looked at the pamphlets.

Carole and Burt sighed as they looked at the elated faces of their two adolescent sons. Damn It!


When Rachel put her books away before lunch, she saw Carole Hummel and her son walk into Ms. Pillsbury-Howell's office. Finn was holding a file full of paperwork under his arm. The evil monster of jealousy started to build up inside and her whole body went tense.

Finn's meeting with Mrs. Pillsbury-Howell went surprisingly well. She said since it was so close to the end of the year that having tutors for the last few weeks would be fine. She said she would arrange with Finn's New York tutor on how Finn can take his finals and have them sent back to McKinley for his final grades of the school year.

Walking out of the office with his mom was when Finn finally realized that this was all really happening. That he was having a paid job as an actor. That he was getting out of Lima. That he had a future!

A future with potential and prosperity. A future with hope and promise. A future that didn't involve food service or working at Burt's Tire Shop (no offense...). Finn had a true future beyond being the stupid quarterback of the football team. And he could not have been more grateful.


Finn sat up on the back riser when Glee rehearsal started that afternoon. The others walked in happy and chatty; all admiring their trophy that was on display on the piano.

Then...Rachel walked in...

She looked so hurt. Finn hated seeing her like that. Even when she made out with Puck and they broke-up – it killed him to see her like that. But Rachel being so mad him over this? Finn still wasn't sure how to feel about that.

Mr. Schue started his lesson by walking in clapping; congratulating the students once again on their hard work. "But before we go any further, we have one more item to celebrate today..." Will trailed off, smiling at Finn.

"What?" Artie innocently asked.

"Our very own Finn Hudson will be moving to New York this summer."

"What?" Several students questioned with surprise.

"Finn why don't you tell them..." Will suggested.

"Well I met a casting director while at Nationals and he asked me to audition for this Broadway workshop and I got them the part." Finn was blushing when he was explaining to his friends what happened to him. "The show is directed by Ethan Hawke."

When the group heard that last bit, the loud gasps of surprise and excitement echoed around the room. The shit-eating grin on Finn's face couldn't go away no how hard he tried.

"When do you leave?" Mr. Schuester asked?

Finn took a big, lung-filling breath before continuing. "I leave Friday morning because rehearsals start right away. And the show is with Jesse St. James, but I promise to get him back for the eggs," Finn says with a smirk.

The student cheered at Finn's final comment and then Quinn asked, "But what about school?" with friendly concern.

"I will have a tutor in New York who will help me prepare for finals. The show is also helping me get student housing so I can live comfortably."

"That's fantastic, Frankenteen," Santana was even happy for him.

"Yeah," Finn humbly replied. "And Kurt will be taking classes at the Fashion Institute later in the summer, so it should be a really great time..." he quietly muses.

"Well since you will be losing some of your Finnocence this summer, I think it's only fitting that we cap it off kick ass bash Thursday night!" Puck chimes in.

"You guys have school on Friday," Will mentions.

"So?" The mowhawked boy responded.

"You know, ignorance is bliss with this situation..." Mr. Schue mused.

"Don't I know it!" Brittany concurred.


The party to celebrate Finn's departure was in full swing while at Brittany's house while her parents were out of town. Artie was even willing to give up one night of no-parents-near sex with Brittany to congratulate Finn.

Everyone was a little tipsy about an hour or so into the party and Finn, who didn't want to show up at the airport hungover, decided to only have one beer and call it a night. Even though Mercedes kindly offered to be the DD.

Seeing that Rachel had downed two pink-flavored wine coolers and a bottle of White Zin, Finn was nervous as to what antics needy-drunk-girl Rachel will be up to this evening.

Guzzling the last few sips in her wine bottle, she tossed the glass container on to the couch before sauntering over to Finn. "How could you do this to me?" Rachel loudly questions Finn, pointing at him and tripping over her own feet.

"Oh, no," Finn mumbles; shifting his eyes from side to side.

"How? How could you do this to me?" tears were starting to stream down from her face as Rachel interrogated Finn.

"I'm confused… Isn't Santana usually the crying hysterical drunk?" Mercedes muses to Kurt as they watch the scene that is about to erupt. All the Glee Kids taking notice.

"Rachel…you're not the only one who has dreams? Who wants to get out here? I was not passing up this opportunity," Finn tries to rationally explain to Rachel, but his own hurt emotions are coming though as well.

"But how could you take my dream? How could you do this to me? How could you hurt me like this? How could you break my heart again? It's killing me! How could you do this to me?" Rachel's tears were uncontrollable as she raised her voice. She was crying her eyes out. Her body was shaking and her face was beat red. She was in a frenzied state.

Finn just wanted to calm her down. "Rachel…" he quietly murmured; his fingertips reaching for her shoulder.

"GO AWAY!" she screamed, pulling away from his reach.

Finn stalked away, his head down, not wanting to ruin the party. Leaving early enough that he was able to walk home.


Finn woke the next morning – very early – lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and the thrill of New York had been significantly soured from Rachel's words the previous evening. Burt loaded the card with Finn luggage as Kurt and Carole quickly finished breakfast. Finn paced around his room to make sure he had everything he needed. After his last once over, he saw his family waiting at the bottom of the staircase; smiles beaming on their faces.

Finn returned the sentiment with a crooked-grin and the all headed through the foyer, Finn leading them. When he opened the door to Rachel's arm, up with a fist for a knock, he's surprised to say the least.

"Hey," Finn greets her; his voice raspy and course.

"Hi," Rachel similes before continuing. "I work up early and made you some of my famous 'I'm Sorry' Sugar Cookies." She hands them to him in a Ziploc bag, her shoulder raise and her eyes shift from side to side as she apologizes. "I'm sorry that I kinda kicked you out of your own party. And really should bring some snacks on the plane."

"Its okay—" Finn gets out before Rachel cuts him off.

"But I'm not sorry for how I feel," she spats. "I shouldn't have gone off on you like that, but I'm still hurt for you doing this. How could you take this from me?" Rachel questions again.

Finn had never been surer of his choice as he was at this moment. "Because Rachel, you're not the only one with dreams. I'm sorry that this was an unfortunate twist in the epic story of Rachel Berry, but I'm allowed to try to make something of myself as well. I'm not going to give this up because you think this should have been you instead! This is probably my only chance to truly make something of myself! You know you will have other opportunities! I'm going. And I don't want your stupid cookies!"

Finn gripped his jacket tightly in his fist as he stomped across lawn and swung the car door open. Leaving Rachel at his doorstep.

"It's Rachel coming?" Carole questioned in that motherly way that irritated adolescents for no reason.

"No," Finn replied sharply.

"But doesn't Rachel want to say goodbye?" Carole was only making the situation worse.

"Rachel didn't come over to say goodbye," Finn explains, sarcasm in his voice. "Go, please," he begged to Burt.

The Hummel-Hudson family drove off, down the tree-lined street, as Rachel watched from the doorstep. It was funny to both Finn and Rachel how the people you care about the most can hurt you the easiest.


Rachel, like all good Broadway-Baby Darlings, subscribed to every major Broadway publication and website. She got daily updates for Telecharge in her e-mail and checked the theater reviews in the Times and New York Magazine regularly. All of them reported the same thing. Finn Hudson was a revelation. Broadway's new up-and-coming sensation. Rave reviews for him, and his costars, and the whole show itself. It was named by several New York City guides as a "Must Do" for the summer. It pained her, but she couldn't look away.


A/N: Hi again! Thank-you so much for reading and the alerts on the story. BUT, please review! Any comment, good or bad, is great feedback. So, please let me know what you think. Criticism is welcome and any comment can help a writer improve. Thanks again!