Disclaimer - I do not own Glee
She ran to meet her friends as they stood at the hotel entrance. Quinn smirked at her as she neared them.
"Who was that?" Quinn wiggled her eyebrows.
"No one Q. He just ran into me, that's all." Rachel couldn't help the blush that burned her cheeks.
"It didn't look like that was all." Quinn continued.
"It was nothing Quinn. Besides, I have a loving boyfriend waiting patiently for me to return. He barely got any notice that you were kidnapping me." Rachel rolled her eyes at her blonde friend.
"Sam will get over it. Rachel, it's okay to flirt a little bit. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Remember?" Tina and Mercedes nod enthusiastically.
"Let's go check in." Rachel pushed ahead of the three girls to check in. The mention of her boyfriend sent butterflies into her stomach. She was dating Sam Evans and he was the perfect boyfriend. He cared deeply about her and she also felt the same. She quickly got the keys to their rooms and they headed to the fourth floor. Her and Quinn departed Mercedes and Tina at their room. Rachel was sharing with Quinn and Tina and Mercedes were sharing. The put all their stuff down, ready to have a fun first night.
They entered the bar and looked around for an empty table. Finding one, the four girls sat down. Rachel flipped through her menu and ordered wine when the waitress came. She surveyed the bar, looking at the already drunk people. When their drinks returned, Rachel downed her first one, immediately becoming a bit tipsy. Quinn had also downed hers and Mercedes and Tina followed suit. After another drink she got up and walked to the bar herself to order a scotch. She sat down at a bar stool and waited for the bartender to bring her drink.
"Hello beautiful," a slimy voice said behind her. She spun around in the seat and there stood a rather short man with a jewfro. His glasses were perched on his nose and he looked down at her. She scrunched her nose at his breath that smelt of whiskey. "I haven't seen you here before." he slurred. She cringed as he took a step closer.
"I just arrived today." she responded, turning around. He didn't get the hint and sat back down in the bar stool next to her.
"Well, I'd be happy to show you around babe." he leaned up to her, close to her ear as he said this.
"No thank you. I'd rather stay with my friends." the bartender came back with her drink and she downed it.
"I'm Jacob. Jacob Ben Israel and I'm going to rock your world." she cringed.
"Please, just go away." she pushed him off of her. He threw his arm around her and she quickly pulled it off.
"I believe the lady said to leave," a voice said behind her. Jacob turned and faced the man and she swiveled in her chair. In front of her stood the man that ran into her earlier. He was very tall and intimidating as he stood in front of them. Jacob quickly jumped out of the chair and ran off to a table. The man smirked. "Looks like he won't be bothering you for a while." He said as he sat down next to her. She raised her eyebrows at him.
"I could've handled that myself." she says. He chuckles.
"Oh I know. I just needed to help. I mean, I almost crushed you earlier and I needed to help you out." she smiles as the bartender brings her another drink.
"I suppose I should thank you then." she downs the drink.
"That would be a start. What's your name?" he orders himself a drink and looks over at her with curiosity.
"Rachel Berry. You?"
"Finn Hudson." she smiles and holds her hand out to him. He shakes it and she feels a spark as she touches him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." she whispers. He gives her a crooked smile that makes him look like a teenager. They continue holding each others hand, staring into each others eyes. She breaks contact and coughs awkwardly.
"Let me buy you a drink." he says.
"Is this also because you almost crushed me?" he laughs and she finds herself smiling at the sound.
"No. Now I just want to buy a pretty girl a drink." she blushes at what he says, but shakes her head.
"I'd love too, but I have to get back to my friends. It was nice meeting you Finn Hudson." she gets up and begins to walk to her table. She looks back to see him following her. Stopping. She waits for him to catch up. "Why are you following me?" she asks, a little irritated.
"Well, I thought you left a little abruptly," she rolls her eyes. "And, because my stepbrother happens to be at your table." he pointed to he table and she sees two men now there. One is wearing a black shirt and bow tie. He has his arm slung around a man dressed very fashionably and his hair perfectly coiffed. He is talking animatedly to the her friends. She walks over to the table, just as they all laugh.
"Rachel! There you are!" Quinn screams as she sits down. Finn stands quietly behind her. "This is Kurt and Blaine and they live in New York too! Oh! That must be Finn! I see you already met him!" she knows Quinn's drunk.
"Hello. I'm Kurt as this is my boyfriend Blaine. You must be Rachel Berry. Broadway Extraordinaire! I've heard of you, actually. You were in that off-Broadway show Rent right?" her face immediately lights up at the mention of her show. She played Maureen and it was one of the best times of her life.
"Why yes I was! Did you see the show?" Kurt smiles at her and nods enthusiastically.
"Of course! I see every show. Whether it be Broadway or off-Broadway, you'll find me there! You were amazing! I've never heard someone with a voice like yours. It was breathtaking watching you." Rachel beams as Kurt gushes about her performance. She can't help but feel proud of herself.
"Why thank you! It was amazing to play such a role." she talks to Kurt for a bit about the show before she realizes she needs to go. It's about one in the morning and she wanted to wake up early for her morning run. Just because she was in Vegas, it was no excuse to not follow her routine. She collected Mercedes, Tina and Quinn and said goodbye to her new found friends. She turned to go, running right into Finn.
"I hope I see you sometime soon Rachel." He says and she smiles.
"Yeah. I'll maybe see you around, Finn." and she walks out, not being able to shake off the image of Finn from her mind.
Finn stretches his long limbs as he wakes up. He sits up and looks around the room, his vision hazy. Looking at the alarm clock, he sighs as he realizes how early it is. He hasn't woken up at six since high school. He gets out of bed and goes into the bathroom. He splashes his face with cold water and dries himself off. He changes into some running shorts and a gray t-shirt before heading out. He ties his running shoes while he's in the elevator and stands up when the doors opened. While he walks, he stretches. He hasn't gone running for a little while. Not ever since the whole Santana situation. As he neared the door, he stopped as he saw a tiny brunette stretching outside. He smirked as he neared the girl.
"Hey Rachel." he said casually. She jumped and turned towards him.
"Oh! Hello Finn. How are you this fine morning?" he chuckled at her response.
"I'm well. How are you?"
"Fabulous. Are you going out?" she continued stretching and he couldn't help but look at her butt as she bent over.
"Yep. Just for a morning run." she nodded. He couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail and her bangs lying straight against her forehead. She was wearing short pink shorts and a Julliard t-shirt. She had on cute pink running shoes, equipped with pink laces.
"How strange. I am also starting my morning off with a run." she stood straight up now and pulled her ponytail tighter.
"Well, I suppose you wouldn't want to join me then?" she looked hesitant, but nodded anyways. She started to run and he pushed himself to catch up to her. It was easy, seeming as he took longer strides. They were soon side-by-side as they ran silently. He was already sweating heavily, even though they had only been running for five minutes. She wasn't sweating at all and she looked perfect.
"So, do you live in New York as well?" she suddenly asked as she slowed down. They were walking now as the made their way around a corner.
"Yep. I moved out there after college. Kurt offered me a place to live and I decided that I was going to give New York a chance." He gasped for air as he put his hands behind his head.
"And how do you like it?" she pushed on.
"I love it. I no longer live with Kurt though. I live with a friend of mine from high school. He also moved up there."
"That's great! I love the city! Where did you live before?"
"Lima. It's in Ohio." she nodded.
"I was from Columbus. My dads moved up to New York when I was twelve." they begin to run again.
"Dads?" he questions.
"I have two gay dads. My mother was a surrogate. I've never met her before, nor do I plan on it. If she wasn't interested in meeting me, then why should I want to meet her?" Rachel explains as they loop around, making their way back to the hotel. He nods.
"I don't understand why she wouldn't want to meet her beautiful daughter. She is really missing out." Rachel blushed profusely. She knows she should tell him she has a boyfriend, but he compliments her so much and she isn't used to other people doing it. Besides, Quinn said that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
"Why thank you."
"No problem. So tell me about yourself." he looks at her as she smiles.
"As you know, I moved to New York when I was twelve. Well, every since i was a baby, I have known my calling was to be an actress. I knew I wanted to be on Broadway when I saw my first show ever. Funny Girl. It's my favorite musical and I watch the movie about six times a week. I have been trying to get on Broadway ever since I graduated Julliard. I've been in two off-Broadway productions and I feel like I'm almost there. I have another audition for Broadway when I return from the trip. As of now, I work as a teacher for children. I teach them music. I currently share and apartment with my bo...my friend and that's about it. How about you Mr. Hudson?" he is amazed by everything she said. She must be really talented. Kurt couldn't stop gushing about her after they left the bar last night. He swallowed before launching into his story.
"Well, my dad died when I was a baby," she looks at him sympathetically. "My mom raised me on her own until I was about 16 almost 17. She married Kurt's dad and I really love having a father figure. I attended college at OSU on a partial football scholarship. It was there, though, that I discovered my passion of music. I played the drums before, but I never though I would try and pursue a career in music. I moved to New York and I help my best friend run a music shop. We actually give lessons too. I really enjoy it." she beams at him.
"Music is amazing. I'm glad you found it to be your passion." They continue on there way in silence until they are at the hotel.
"It was nice talking to you Rachel. I'm sure we will be seeing each other soon." she gives him a quizzical look.
"How can you be so sure?" she asks.
"Kurt could not stop talking about you and your friends. He really seemed to cling to Mercedes. Plus, he is absolutely fascinated that you're into Broadway." she blushes.
"Well, then I will have to make sure to give him tickets when I make my Broadway debut!" he laughs with her and they stand there for a minute. "Well, I best be going. See you soon Finn." she turns to leave but quickly comes back and stands on her tip toes, kissing his cheek. She quickly runs off to the elevator, getting in and smiling before the door closed. Finn put his hand to his cheek. It felt inflamed from where she kissed him. He really hopes he will be seeing her soon.
She smiled as she went upstairs to her hotel room. She quickly snuck in, hoping to just get in the shower quick. Her attempts were futile as Quinn shot up from her bed as soon as she walked into the room.
"Where were you?" she asked. She blushed, thinking about her time with Finn.
"I went for my morning run." she easily replied. Quinn's eyes narrowed.
"It looks like you did much more. Considering the blush on your cheeks and the smile that is taking over your entire face." she couldn't help but smile a little wider.
"Fine, if you must know, I did go on a run. With Finn." Quinn squealed with delight.
"Oh my! Rachel! I never knew you would do something like this! I'm so glad you have loosened up." Rachel rolled her eyes.
"It's not like that Quinn. I'm just flirting a little bit. Besides, as soon as we leave Vegas, it's all forgotten and I can move on with my life. With Sam and not Finn." Rachel grabs her clothes and goes into the bathroom.
"Whatever you want to think Rachel!" Quinn calls and she shakes her head. She doesn't plan on seeing Finn again. Hopefully not on this trip and hopefully not in New York.
She can't believe Quinn made plans with them. She should have known. She slides on the short purple dress as she gets ready to go to the casino. They are meeting Kurt, Blaine and Finn in the hotel lobby and they will all be going out tonight. Quinn comes out in a gold sparkly dress. Her blonde hair perfectly curled into an intricate bun. Rachel can't help but feel envious of her best friends beauty. She looks in the mirror at her strapless, silky dress. Her hair laying in curls on her shoulders. A headband rests in the middle of her head, leaving her bangs out in front. She finishes putting on her lipstick and grabs her purple handbag to match the dress. They meet Mercedes and Tina in the hall. Mercedes is wearing a beautiful black dress with her hair straight. Tina is wearing a green dress and her hair is in a ponytail. They all hook arms and head down to the lobby. The boys are casually waiting for them and when they meet up, she can't help but look in Finns direction. He's wearing a nice black shirt with a purple tie. Of course he's matching her. She should have known Kurt would do this when he picked out the dress for her. She was a little suspicious when she had tried to wear her pink dress and he instantly shot her down and told her to wear the purple one. She rolls her eyes and looks away from him. They all head out, searching for a more elegant casino. They pass a little wedding chapel next to the hotel as they go. She sees two people walking out hand in hand, probably just married. They finally find one and enter. She immediately buys a drink. Turning around, Finn is standing right behind her. She downs the drink, letting the alcohol seep through her.
"You look great." he yells over the music. She smiles shyly.
"Thanks." she tells him back. They stand there in a comfortable silence. She taps her foot to the music as she gets another drink.
"C'mon! Let's go play on one of the slot machines." she smiles and takes his hand as they weave through all the people. They find an empty machine and she watches as he plays.
"You're not very good!" she laughs as he loses yet again. He chuckles and stands.
"You give it a go then!" she giggles as she sits down. She downs another drink as she does. She pulls the lever down and watches as the pictures spin around. Slowly, each one stops and when the machine dings, she looks at it confused.
"What happened?" she asks as she looks at the pictures.
"Wow! Rach! You just won $50! I call that beginners luck." she notices now that three cherries are lined up in a row. She jumps up and down, excited to find that she was good at that game! She puts in more money and pulls the lever down again. Another ding comes and this time she won $25. She plays a little more and stops when she doesn't win anything. Finn laughs and pulls her to another game. Soon she finds that she has what seems to be a lot of beginners luck. They play a card game, she can't even remember the name of, and ends up winning three times before Finn drags her to another game. They find a booth and sit down across from one another, Rachel's winnings in his hands. He counts and she watches as his eyebrows scrunch together as he does. He really is attractive. Little birthmarks grace his cheek and his eyes are a light brown. His lips move as he counts and she absentmindedly licks her lips.
"$200!" he shouts out suddenly, making her jump. "Geez Rach! You are very lucky." she beams at him and he gives her a crooked smile. She calls a waitress over and they both order drinks. She downs the drink, becoming more buzzed. Soon, they both have had a lot of drinks. She lost count after six. She can barely think as she grabs his hand, stumbling out of the casino. They're both drunk. Like, really drunk. She can't keep her mind focused on one thing. They make their way down a street and she can't even read the signs to where they are. She trips slightly, falling forward. Suddenly, large hands grab her waist. Finn spins her around and she is facing him now. The way he's staring at her makes her heart flutter. He tucks a piece of her hair behind her ear and she looks into his eyes as he does. They stand there, his hand on her waist.
"You can kiss me if you want to." she whispers. He leans forward, his lips on hers slightly.
"I want to." he whispers on her lips. He slowly presses his lips to hers and she reciprocates the kiss. When they pull away, he has that crooked grin on his face. She throws her arms around his neck, kissing him again. Any coherent thoughts she had, goes completely out of her mind. She can tell his back hurts from leaning over, so she jumps, putting her legs around his waist. He holds her up and they continue kissing. Eventually they pull away. She laughs because she isn't sure what else to do. He slowly puts her down, taking her hand. They make their way near the hotel when she stops suddenly.
"Finn." she slurs. He stops with her, giving her a confused look.
"What baby?" he slurs as well.
"Let's do something crazy." she points ahead and he turns to look. A huge smile erupts on his face and he picks her up in his arms, heading in the direction she pointed.
Thanks everyone who reviewed! You guys are awesome! I really like the way this story is going to go and I hope you do also! Sorry the beginning is going by fast. I'm trying to get it out of the way so we can get to the real drama and, of course, Finchel! We will be meeting other characters soon, such as Sam, Mike, Brittany, Santana and Artie! Oh and don't forget Puck! Thanks again!
~Kelsi