I'm loving the reaction I'm getting to this story! Nearly 40 reviews in just two chapters. That's the most I've gotten since I started to write fanfiction! So thank you all sooooo much. I've very grateful. :) Remember: Reviews are love!
P.S: I'm sorry this update took so long. I've had a busy few weeks. :)
We Love Cory Monteith!
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of its characters. They belong to Ryan Murphy and the Glee writers.
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Finn spent the next few weeks in a weird relationship with Erica. Like, they were sort of together, but Finn was sorta half into it. He felt absolutely horrible about it, but he couldn't help the fact that he was just using her to get over Rachel. Which so far, had been working fairly well. He had thought about her less than usual. Which could be due to the fact that he hadn't talked to her much thanks to their fight.
Erica was quite the snob though. She always criticized people when they were out in the city, she liked to rant on Rachel after every meal they had with his friends, and she treated him like a baby. Like he was some kind of moronic kindergartner. But she was hot. Like supermodel hot, and her looks were a good distraction from her shitty personality.
Not that she didn't treat him nicely sometimes. Occasionally there would be the hint of kindness in her voice or her gentle, lovingly touches. It was times like that when Finn felt somewhat content. Like he was making the right decision by dating her.
His friends however, didn't like her at all. Kurt dealt with her only because she liked to criticize fashion as he did, Blaine and Rachel thought she was an absolute bitch, and Sebastian, well Sebastian didn't really have an opinion on her. He dealt with her but didn't talk to her much so Finn assumed he was okay with her. Sebastian was always the introvert though. Even his new guy friends he'd met since starting at the station didn't like her, and they hadn't even met her yet.
Thats where he was currently, sitting on his new friend, Puck's, couch. Surrounded by his other friends Sam Evans, Artie Abrams, and Mike Chang. It was nice to have friends that he could talk to about dating women. Not that Blaine, Kurt, and Sebastian weren't nice to talk to, but there were just some things they didn't understand.
"And the worst part is, she doesn't like, want to commit to me right now. She told me I was on a 'trial run basis'. I don't even know what that means." Finn complained as he shoved potato chips into his mouth while sitting on his new friends' couch and playing video games.
"So? Dude this is like a fucking golden opportunity for you! You get to bang her and not have to commit? What are you a fucking girl? Any other dude would jump at the chance you have!" His new friend, Noah Puckerman exclaimed excitedly.
He liked to be called Puck though. He said it was more manly than Noah. He was one of those stereotypical badboys who thought he was gods gift to all women. But he seemed like a great friend and had been really nice to Finn on his first day at the station. Funnily enough, Finn, Rachel, and Blaine had already met Puck and his girlfriend Quinn that night at the theater. It was truly a small world. Puck had laughed about it for hours, saying his first impression of Finn was that he was douchebag.
Then there was Mike Chang, a twenty five year old guy who was engaged to his high school sweetheart Tina. He was a phenomenal dancer but couldn't find any continuous work so he went to work for the station until he was able to get a stable job as a dancer.
Artie Abrams had studied film in college and was now a full time director. He'd only done a few small, low budget movies and independent films, but he was very good at what he did. He and Finn also shared a special love of the Mario Brothers, something Puck called an amateur game for sixth graders. Artie responded by wheeling his chair over Pucks foot and making him scream in pain.
Finally there was Sam Evans. He was a model for some weird male underwear brand. Both Puck and Mike worked at the station with Finn, while Sam and Artie were merely roommates with Puck. So Artie, Sam, and Finn were friends by association. But both guys were really awesome and Sam did some really great impressions.
"I know I have it good, but still. Most of my friends have stable relationships, while I'm just doing some cranky woman." Finn rubbed his forehead as he and Sam lost the match to Puck and Mike. Artie was busy typing away on laptop, claiming minutes earlier that he had a brilliant idea for a manuscript.
"Alright losers, Mike you're now with Sammy, and Finn you're with me." Puck instructed as he started another match.
"Guys c'mon. I need your help. You're literally the first straight guy friends I've had since high school." Finn sighed frustratedly. "Blaine is super awesome, but I can't talk to him about women ya know?"
"Yeah yeah Princess Jasmine, we get it. That chick really did look uptight. I always told Sammy here that brunettes were the hardest to tame. That kind of shit is reserved only for pros like me." Puck boasted. Sam rolled his eyes. Pucks comment finally sunk in after Mike blew the head off Finn's character on the screen.
"Wait, brunette? Erica is a blonde." Finn turned to Puck confused.
"Then who was the hottie with the sexy long legs you were with at the theater a few weeks back? That wasn't your girlfriend?" Puck popped open a beer and chugged it quickly.
"Thats Rachel Berry. She's my uh, she's my best friend." Finn's ears turned pink and his head clouded with thoughts of how screwed up his relationship with Rachel was right now. They hadn't talked much lately and he really missed her company.
"No shit? I thought the way you two were eye fucking meant you were boning her." Puck whistled lowly. "That means she's free?" Puck asked nonchalantly.
"She has a boyfriend." Finn snapped quickly. "And we weren't eye fucking." Finn added quietly.
"Whoa whoa, don't bite my head off. I was only half joking. I have a girl." Puck put his hands up in mock surrender.
"Yeah Q has got his balls on lockdown, if he said something like that around her, she'd deprive him of his sex. Then his dick would probably explode." Sam snorted into his Coca cola. Puck flicked it upwards so the bubbly liquid got all over Sam's shirt and up his nose. "Fuck! Screw you Puckerman!" Sam whined as he grabbed a napkin and blew soda out his nose. "Dammit. Artie, take over for me, I gotta go change my shirt now. Damn that's fizzy." Sam tossed the controller to Artie and smacked Puck on the back of the head for good measure before blowing his nose free of soda bubbles.
"But I don't-" Artie muttered quickly, not wanting to kill his train of thought by playing a game. He looked like he was struggling with himself for a moment before he caved and picked the controller up.
"Asshole." Puck muttered as he glared at Sam's retreating figure.
"You guys don't understand how important this script is. It pays for my portion of the rent." Artie muttered.
"Then don't play dopey." Puck told him.
"Well, I do have the controller now. Seems a shame not to play." Artie reasoned happily as he pushed his glasses higher up on the bridge of his nose, making Mike chuckle.
"Anyways, why haven't you done Berry yet? And don't lie, you were eye fucking. And touching each other pretty provocatively too. Your hand was about an inch away from her tit." Puck wiggled his eyebrows and elbowed Finn. He blushed deep red. That's all he needed was to start thinking about Rachel's breasts.
"She's my best friend and I told you, she has a boyfriend. And ticking her wasn't provocative. We were just having fun." Finn said sheepishly.
"Yes because I go to the theater with Sam all the time and like to tickle him before the movie starts." Puck rolled his eyes at Finn's lame excuse.
"Dude seriously, just drop it." Finn said firmly.
"Not until you tell me if you wanna bone her or not. The Puckerman knows all things sex related. I know when there's some hot sexual chemistry going on. All you gotta do is confirm my suspicions." Puck compromised.
"Fine. Maybe I like her just a little bit." Lie. "But I would never do anything about it." Finn's cheeks blushed red at the admission and Puck rose his eyebrows at him as if telling him to speak the truth.
"You really expect me to believe that? She's hot, and had some of the sexiest legs I've ever seen. You are straight right?" Puck asked seriously.
"Fuck you. And yes I am. Is it that hard to believe I can be friends with a female?" Finn said, avoiding eye contact with the other guys.
"Course not. I'm friends with Dani and I don't wanna fuck her. But you obviously want Berry bad. I have a sixth sense for this kind of shit man." Puck boasted.
"Isn't Santana lesbian?" Mike pointed out. Puck glared over at him.
"Details, details. Now seriously dude. We're all bros now. Sharing sex details is in the description of being bros. As long as you don't talk about making love or some sappy shit like that. I can't handle that shit." Puck shuddered.
"How does Quinn put up with you?" Artie asked. "But really Finn. You might as well just tell the idiot. He wont leave you alone until you do." Artie added as he leaned over to grab some Oreo's.
"Fine, how about I just say, I'm hopelessly in love with her. Happy?" Finn spat.
"Told ya. The Puckerman knows all. So what are you gonna do about it?" Puck asked.
"Nothing. I'm going to move on. She doesn't feel the same way so it was over before it even began. Now can we fucking drop this please?" Finn asked, his anger increasing the more he thought about his shitty situation. He'd seriously been trying to shove those thoughts into the back of his brain and Puck was just unhelpfully bringing them all back.
Puck opened his mouth to retort before Mike discreetly kicked him in the shin, silently telling him to shut the hell up. He took the hint and closed his mouth, not saying anything else on the matter. There was a few tense minutes in which the four men sat there and played their game.
Sam walked in just as Finn and Puck got their virtual asses handed to them. "Burrr. What the hell happened in here?" Sam asked, referring to the awkward silence and tension in the room.
"Nothing. What the fuck took you so long Evans?" Puck changed the subject quickly.
"What? A guy can't take a crap and change his shirt in his own apartment now? You're not my mother." Sam shoved Puck over so he could sit down.
"Whatever. Look, I hate to break up this little love fest, but I've got a date tonight, unlike you little girls. Q always insists on low fat fro-yo. I can't stand the crap but, seeing me do something sweet for her always gets her in the mood. Later." Puck tossed the controller at Sam and pulled on his leather jacket, flipping the other guys off playfully before heading out the door.
"He flew out fast. You okay Finn? Fuckerman do something to piss you off?" Sam asked, confused at Puck's sudden exit. Mike snorted at Sam's insult to Puck and shoved a potato chip into his mouth.
"Uh nope. Don't think so." Artie said quickly, glancing over at Finn to see him huffing in annoyance.
"Yeah he's probably just really excited to get sex tonight. You know how he is. If he can just sneak a peak at some woman's breasts he's happy for the damn day." Mike chimed in. Finn sat in silence as he sipped his own beer.
"So Sam, Puck was telling me earlier that you have a date this weekend?" Mike asked, eager to change the subject and put a stop to the awkward silence.
"Yep. Her name is Mercedes. Really hot and curvy. Not to mention she has an amazing voice. She's a famous singer you know. She came here all the way from L.A to help promote her album and now she's thinking she's going to stay. Says she likes the vibe she's getting from New York." Sam explained happily.
"Nice." Artie high-fived a grinning Sam. They played a bit longer before Artie complained about needing to get back to his script. They other guys conceded, not knowing how to play a three way match. So Sam turned on Fox Sports and they munched on their snacks, chatting idly. Finn's phone beeped and he whipped it out of his pocket, ignoring the other guys who were currently debating about who looked sexier in a bikini; Meghan Fox or Hallie Berry.
"Hey Finn, you want to come shopping with us? I know you need a new pair of sneakers after your 'friend' Puckerman let his girlfriends dog shit all over them. :P -K"
Finn sighed before texting back, "Ooh! Shopping with my obnoxious brother? No thks man. And who do u mean by 'us'? -F"
His phone was quiet for a moment and Finn grabbed a double stuffed Oreo before Kurt answered, "You need new shoes Finn. I refuse to be associated with the man who smells of animal shit! And I mean, Rachel and I. She needs some new tops because my eyes are getting tired of looking at that creepy unicorn adorned on her sweater. *_* -K"
"Her sweaters are adorable and u know it! Stop trying to change her Kurt. -F"
"Nice change of subject Sherlock. And I'm not trying to change her. Just give her a more adult look. She can still wear those creepy animal sweaters in the privacy of her own home. But a twenty four year old woman should be wearing more sexy and sophisticated clothing. -K"
"Whatever. At least let her pick out her own clothes this time. And I'm not going. I'm having fun with the guys. -F"
"You're going. I'll buy you a meal at Shake Shack you go... -K" Damn him. Kurt knew burgers were his weakness. Especially those enormous, juicy burgers at Shake Shack.
"Shit. Fine I'll go. Give me a time. -F"
"I find it ridiculously hilarious that I can sway you with the promise of food. Be at the apartment in half an hour. -K"
"Shut up. -F"
":P -K" Finn huffed at his brothers text message. They really did know eachother too well.
Then he actually thought about what he'd just agreed to. He was going to have to see Rachel. After they'd barely been talking for weeks now. Man that was going to be awkward.
"I gotta go guys. Kurt wants to take me to get new shoes since Edgar crapped all over my converse the other day." Finn groaned in annoyance.
"Ooh sounds like fun. Good luck." Artie told him seriously.
"Thanks. I'll need it." Finn high fived all the guys before pulling his sweatshirt on and making his way over to the apartment. Kurt and Rachel were patiently waiting when he got there, deep in conversation about something Finn only caught the end of.
"I don't think he's gonna propose honey. I think you'd know if he was going to do something as drastic as that." Kurt said quietly to her. Finn felt like he'd been slapped in the face and punched in the gut several hundred times. She was thinking Andrew was going to propose?
Finn walked in slowly, feeling lightheaded and definitely nauseous. "Oh hey Finn!" Kurt squeaked, standing up quickly. I'm just going to go get my bag and coat. Be right back." Kurt quickly walked out of the room.
"It was quiet for a moment before Rachel cleared her throat and spoke gently. "So how are you Finn?" She asked.
"I'm actually really great." Lies. You missed her like fucking crazy. "How about you?" He added to be polite, his mind still reeling at the possibility of her getting married. He was going to hurl.
"Good. Really good. I uh, I missed you Finn. We haven't really spoken in a while." She said bluntly.
"I like that you never beat around the bush." Finn smiled at her, desperately fighting his nausea. "But yeah. I really missed you too." He sat down next to her and swept hair away from her eyes. It was just too easy to be this way with her. It was almost like second nature to him.
"I'm sorry I've been so distant lately. I'm just going through a lot and it's driving me crazy. I've been stressed. I really didn't mean to explode at you the morning with Erica." She told him honestly. He felt like she wanted to say more, but her mouth shut firmly after that and she waited for him to reply.
"It's uh, fine, really. I've been kinda stressed lately too. I understand. I snapped at Blaine the other day for turning on the coffee machine while I was sleeping." Finn chuckled. "And uh, I just want you to know that I'm here to talk if you need me." He smiled at her, his stomach still twisting in knots because of her and Kurt's conversation minutes ago.
She grinned back silently for a moment before she suddenly just threw her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a tight hug. She buried her face in his neck and he reciprocated happily and buried his nose in her scent, his worries suddenly flying away as he held onto her for dear life.
"I'm so sorry Finn. God I missed you." She whispered warmly into his neck. Fuck everything. This felt so good. So fucking good his eyes closed in contentment. Why couldn't it feel this way with Erica? With any other woman that wasn't currently taken by another man?
"Fuck I missed you too baby." Finn whispered back into her hair, letting go of every other coherent thought. Her head lifted in surprise at the word 'baby'. Their eyes stared into each others and something affectionate passed across her face as she tightened her arms around his neck. The urge to kiss her pouty lips was becoming too great to ignore. She stared up at him through her lashes and he visibly gulped. It felt like minutes just flew past as he rubbed his thumbs over her clothing hips and she curled the hair at the back of his neck within her fingers. Before he knew it, her eyes had closed dreamily as if she was anticipating him kissing her. He couldn't breathe and was just about ready to lean in and plant a lovingly kiss on her plump lips, when, naturally, they were interrupted.
"You guys ready?" Kurt's voice from within the hall made them pull apart quickly, and they both blushed before standing up. Rachel cleared her throat and smoothed out her jeans.
Finn needed something to keep his hands busy so he grabbed her coat and held it out to her. He helped Rachel slip her arms into her coat and she smiled gratefully at him, her cheeks still a beautiful pink color.
"You guys okay?" Kurt asked, suspiciously eyeing their blushing faces.
"Yep. Never better." Rachel smiled cheerfully.
"Oh okay. It just seemed like, for a while, you two were avoiding each other." Kurt pointed out. Damn. He didn't miss a thing.
Finn covered up with a chuckle, "Nah. I have no idea what you're talking about Kurt. We've just been really busy and haven't really had any time to hang out or anything." Finn told him.
"Yeah. You're being paranoid." Rachel pinched Kurt's cheek and linked her arm with his. "Now lets go! Momma needs some new tops." Rachel said happily, her smile brightening the entire room. Kurt chuckled.
"Let's go Finn. Why'd you take your shoes off?" Kurt tapped his foot impatiently at his brother.
"Oh uh, sorry." Finn grinned, unable to keep his eyes off of Rachel. He felt giddy. She was totally going to let him kiss her. Maybe she really did feel the same way he did.
Kurt waited impatiently as usual as Finn slipped on his shoes.
"God those things are disgusting. I cannot wait to get you a new pair." Kurt shuddered as he dragged Rachel to the door. She turned her head and smiled at him. He followed like a lost puppy, delighted at this sudden turn of events, her and Kurt's conversation immediately flying out the window.
"So we could go to Barney's and Macy's for Rachel. And Famous Footwear for you Finn! They have lots of those sports type shoes you like." Kurt clapped his hands together happily.
"Oh Kurt! You don't mind if Santana comes along do you?" Rachel asked suddenly as if she was just remembering. "I have to text to her the location of our first stop." She added.
Kurt waved his hand, "Of course not. She has a good sense of style. Maybe she can give me some of her input when we pick out clothes for you. Tell her we're going to Starbucks first. You know I can't go shopping withour my salted caramel latte." Kurt smiled at her.
"Goodie." Rachel giggled as Kurt pulled her out the door, Finn trailing behind.
"Who's Santana?" Finn asked as they made their downstairs and onto the sidewalk.
"She's a woman I met at the diner. She's kinda harsh sometimes but she's great. And she loves singing too. Said she hated the thought of it in high school, but New York has changed her. You'll like her." Rachel turned her head and looked at him, her smile widening as his own lips turned up in a half smile at her.
"She dresses a little skimpy sometimes, but her style choice is very admirable." Kurt added. That's what Kurt focuses on? Finn rolled his eyes, making Rachel giggle.
"What is so funny you two?" Kurt asked suspiciously, looking back at Finn's stupid looking grin.
"Nothing." Finn responded quickly. Rachel blushed and shot Finn a smile. The air between them felt hot and every time they looked at each other it felt more foggy.
They stopped by the nearest Starbucks and Kurt went to the front of the shop to order while Finn and Rachel stayed by the door to wait for her friend Santana. "So it's great that you finally found a girlfriend Rach. I know you've been wanting one for a while." Finn leaned into her and smiled at her shyly.
"Well, she's quite amazing. It's kind of uncomfortable when she hits on me, but it's still flattering." Rachel said matter-of-factly.
"S-she, she hit's on you?" Finn stuttered, his mind momentarily focused on the blush that spread across her face and upper chest. His eyes stared her down.
"Yes. She's a lesbian. Her and her girlfriend Brittany live together in a small apartment not too far from the diner. Brittany is a kindergarten teacher. She's a little daft but so very sweet. And oddly enough, she's like, a super genius when it comes to numbers. So I think Santana said something about her going back to school to become some math professor." Rachel smiled at him.
"That's pretty awesome and uh, sorta weird." Finn chucked. "They sound really great though. I can't wait to meet Santana." Finn stepped closer to her and whispered in her ear, "You look really beautiful today, by the way."
She looked up at him in surprise. "T-thank you Finn." She said, her cheeks flaming as she batted her eyelashes up at him. "So... This morning." She started shyly.
"Yeah this morning was interesting, and uh great. Like, really great." Finn rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"That-uh, almost k-kiss." She whispered. This was terrifying awkward but it just seemed so them. Awkward but sweet.
"I, yeah. That was um.." Finn stammered. Sometimes he forgets Rachel doesn't like to beat around the bush.
"What was it? Was it an I'm sorry for the fight, or something... More?" She asked self consciously. Finn had just opened his mouth when Kurt came over, waving and saying hello to someone behind Rachel and Finn. Finn wanted so badly to glare at his brother and shove that hot coffee in his face. Rachel turned sideways to see behind her and noticed Santana smirking at her.
"We'll talk later." She whispered up at him, her smile calming him a little.
"Hello Chica. This the jolly green giant you've told me about?" Santana grinned at Rachel, giving her a hug and kissing her cheek before waving over at Kurt. "Lady Hummel." She nodded at him.
"Yes, this is my friend and Kurt's brother Finn Hudson. Finn, this is Santana." Rachel introduced her two friends. Santana had her shiny black hair tied in a tight ponytail behind her that sashayed as she walked in her black jeans and leather jacket. She had lips that were shining with lipgloss and she had a 'don't fuck with me' kind of air about her.
"Nice to meet you. Rachel's told me a lot about you." Santana smirked as she shook his hand.
"All good things I hope." Finn smiled back nervously.
"Oh yeah." Santana smirked again, her eyes trailing down his entire body. Rachel's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed.
"Santana." She hissed, slapping her friends arm quickly to which the Latina merely shrugged nonchalantly.
"Let's go before Berry goes up in flames with embarassment." Santana chuckled.
"Awesome. I'm so ready to get my shopping on." Kurt squealed happily as he linked arms with Rachel yet again, leaving Finn trailing behind with Santana.
"So you're the famous Finn Hudson." Santana stated as they walked behind Kurt and Rachel who were talking animatedly about something.
"Yep. Thats me." Finn smiled at her.
"She talks about you a lot you know. I thought you were the guy she was boning at first. Then she told me it was some goon named Andrew. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I swear to god, she talks about you almost eveytime we go out together. It's always, 'oh Finn's was so sweet', or 'Finn did this, Finn did that'." Santana mocked. "It annoyed me at first, but she's such a sweet girl so I just learned to deal with it. Well, when she's not being a crazy diva" Santana added.
"Does she really talk about me that much?" Finn asked through a hoarse voice. This newfound information he was getting from Santana was making him overly excited. Why was all this coming out now? When he had a girlfriend? All he'd wanted for years was just to be with her. Then the moment he decides to try and move on, he slowly starts getting info about her feelings for him. And that almost kiss? It was replaying over in his mind again and again.
"Yes she does. And I just need to know, how do you feel about her?" Santana asked bluntly.
"She's my best friend." Finn stuttered out. Santana just raised her eyebrows.
"I'll let you slide this time gigantor. But only because the midget is standing right there. She may like him but I've met that douche Andrew. He's too cocky for his own good and he gives me a bad feeling. Just wath out for her." Santana pulled out a strip of gum and slid it into her mouth, silently offering Finn a piece. He shook his head and shoved his hands into his pockets.
"I always do." He sighed, his eyes drilling holes into the back of Rachel's silky hair. They all ended up on one of the ahopping strips of Brooklyn and Kurt stopped for a money so they could get settled.
"Okay, so Santana will take Rachel to go get her new lingerie.." Kurt started and Rachel slapped his arm before he could get out anything else.
"Kurt." She hissed, embarrassed as she glanced at Finn out of the corner of her eye. He tried to fight the smile that was making it's way onto his face, picturing Rachel in pink, lacy lingerie.
"Oh we're all friends here Rachel, don't be embarrassed." He waved at her and continued, "Now Santana will be with Rachel and I will take Finn to get his shoes. Them we'll all meet up at Barney's okay?" Kurt clapped his hands together and pulled on the sleeve of Finn's sweatshirt. Finn staggered over his own feet as he stared at Rachel who sent him a small wave as Santana dragged her in the opposite direction.
Shoe shopping was boring as predicted. Kurt dragged him through rows and rows of tennis shoes. He made him try on several pairs, just to make sure the size he was wearing really was the perfect choice for him. Then Kurt had to make sure the color he chose worked well with his skin tone, ruling out yellow, green, and orange.
Finn seriously wanted to stuff his head into a hole by the one hour mark. "Kurt, you totally owe me an entire combo at the Shake Shack after this." Finn told him as they payed for his black and blue Nike's.
"Yeah yeah. Your garbage pit of a stomach will be fed shortly after we shop alright?" Kurt retorted.
"Can't I go get it while you, Rach, and Santana shop for her tops? Please." Finn pleaded as Kurt passed him his bag.
"Fine. So how are you and Erica doing? I would suggest you're doing well considering the sounds I heard coming from your room last night." Kurt shuddered.
"Yeah we're good." Finn answered desperately trying not to sound bored. Cause in reality, Erica was hot, but Finn really didn't feel like he couldn't live without her. There was only one woman he felt that way for.
"She seems quite enamored with you. Though it's really hard for me not to comment on her bleached hair. And she seems a little daft, if not a sweetie." Kurt observed, leading Finn across the street, Barney's nearly in their sight.
"Yeah I guess." Finn shrugged.
"Look Finn, I'm going to be honest with you. You don't seem like you're very pumped about this relationship. Whatever you do with her, please be respectful okay? Carole and dad taught us to always respect and be kind to the people we're with. Even if we have to be cruel to be kind. So if you don't want to be with her, please break it off." Kurt told him sternly.
Finn nodded his head and felt guilt pool in his stomach. He wasn't being fair at all. Erica was a perfectly amazing person and didn't deserve to be used like Finn was currently doing. He just fucking needed to know what was going on with he and Rachel. That in itself what confusing the crap out of him. Did she like him too? Was she just a really affectionate person? What the fuck was going on? He just really needed to know for his own sanity.
He and Kurt arrived at Barney's and immediately spotted Santana and Rachel flipping through the racks at the front. "I'm here ladies! Let's get our baby Berry into some adult clothes finally." Kurt was nearly hopping up and down in his spot next to Rachel.
"Guess I'll see you guys at home?" Finn said with his hands in his pockets patiently waiting for Kurt to hand him some money for food.
"Where are you going?" Rachel asked, slight disappointed in her voice.
"Oh, I promised him food if he came to get new shoes. Totally worth it, now he won't walk around smelling like dog poop." Kurt interjected. "So you and Erica are still coming to dinner tonight right? It is Sebastian's birthday after all." Kurt added, placing a short skirt up against Rachel hips and thighs, seeing how it looked on her.
"Um yeah. I guess." Finn said looking at Rachel who turned away from him at the mention of Erica. She stopped looking at him in the eyes and turned to Santana after Kurt put the skirt back on the rack.
"Fabulous. I'll see you there then. Don't forget to wear a suit. We're going to a nice restaurant and you will not show up looking like one of the Beverly Hillbillies." Kurt warned, Finn nodded and said his goodbyes to the trio. Santana lifted one hand in a simple wave and Rachel didn't say a word.
God, what was with women? She changed moods like the flip of a switch. Finn sighed in frustration and backed out the door, making his way down the sidewalk and towards the restaurant. He quickly ordered his food and sipped his chocolate shake as he hailed a taxi and slipped in, giving the driver instructions and staring out the window.
His mind traveled to the one thought he knew should be banished from his mind given he was with Erica; Rachel's curvaceous ass. God it looked good in those jeans. So tight and firm and stretched and just sexy. He could feel drool coming to the front of his lip as his mind conjured up images upon images of Rachel's cute little butt in different colored jeans. The cab stopped abruptly and his face smacked into the window.
"Ow." Finn rubbed his head in embarassment as the cab driver turned his head slightly to the right.
"Here we are." He said nonchalantly, picking a spot on his chin as he waited for Finn to pay him.
"Right. Uh, thanks." Finn grumbled, handing the man some money and stepping out. Before exiting Barney's he'd thought about heading to gamestop or something. But after thinking about the stupid dinner tonight, he decided just to grab some food and head back to the apartment. When he got there however, Erica was there waiting by the door.
"Hey uh, babe. What are you doing here?" He asked, holding the handle of his food bag in his mouth, avoiding Erica's eyes and digging around in his pocket for his keys. He pulled them out and unlocked the door. She followed him in happily.
"I thought I'd surprise you before the dinner. I wanted to help you pick out your suit!" Erica said excitedly, her blonde hair bouncing behind her as she sat on Finn's lap the moment his butt hit the couch.
"Oh awesome." Finn said, trying to sound enthused. "But babe? Please play nice tonight okay? I don't know why you don't like Rachel very much, but she's important to me okay? She's one of my best friends." Finn told her as he munched on his burger, Erica looking at him disapprovingly.
"First of all, please eat with your mouth closed, I don't want to see that cow rolling around in your mouth." She chuckled slightly. "And secondly, I can't help it if she irks me. You guys are too close in my opinion. I mean, I'm most defintely not that affectionate with any of my guy friends."
"We've known eachother since like, kindergarten. Of course we're gonna be close. But you're my girlfriend okay?" Finn appeased her. He felt sooo bad. Here was this beautiful woman who obviously cared about him and what does he do? He nearly kisses his best friend and literally cannot stop thinking about her.
Maybe he hadn't really given Erica a chance? Rachel may have almost kissed him, but the fact of the matter was, she still had a boyfriend. A boyfriend she'd been with for two years. She could've just gotten caught up in the moment and felt the waves of lust radiating off Finn.
Nothing was really going to be solved until he and Rachel talked though. That would really tell him what she was feeling. That would determine whether or not he'd give up on the idea of them as a couple.
Erica sighed. "I know I'm being that overly jealous girlfriend. But you can't blame me, you two are close than most opposite sex friends typically are. But I'll try and play nice tonight, for you. Now whose birthday is tonight?" She asked, her fingers stroking the warm skin of Finn's neck.
"That's all I ask. And it's Sebastian's. He turned twenty four today. We're probably just gonna eat and Blaine will give him our card with our combined cash and we'll be on our way. Sebastian doesn't like to make a big deal out of his birthday. Says he doesn't like to think about how much closer he's inching towards death." Finn said, gulping down his shake and resting his arm across Erica's lower hip as she continued to sit on his lap.
"That's morbid." Erica said.
"That's Sebastian." Finn chuckled at Erica's weird look. He crumbled up his garbage and put it on the side table.
"Finally." Erica mumbled as she glued their lips together, Finn taking a minute to respond, having been caught off guard. Hey, he was a guy, if Erica wanted to make out, he was certainly not opposed to that. They fell backwards on the couch, lips locked in a sensual embrace.
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Finn and Erica made their way out of the taxi and through the packed New York streets, heading towards the restaurant they were meeting everyone else. Erica had stuffed him into some ugly penguin suit. She and Kurt told him that pinstripes worked well with his complexion. (Whatever the hell that meant). Erica was wearing a simple (but short and slutty) black dress with her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. "C'mon Finny. We don't want to be late. I will not be the one couple that's late." Erica said quickly. He followed like a good puppy and quickened his stride a bit.
They arrived at the restaurant and asked for the Hummel reservation. The waiter led him and Erica to the joined table where Kurt, Will, Rachel, Andrew, Blaine, and Sebastian were already sitting.
"Dammit. Maybe if you hadn't taken that twenty minute crap before we left, we wouldn't be the last ones here." Erica hissed at him as he pulled out her chair for her before sitting down next to her and Kurt. His eyes scanned the rest of his friends.
He chuckled a bit as he eyed Blaine's flamboyant yellow suit and navy blue bowtie. Sebastian had on his own dapper black suit and red tie, sipping his white wine delicately. He and his boyfriend had broken up a week earlier so he and Blaine were unofficial partners for all their 'group dates'.
Kurt was wearing a light blue suit and purple underneath. While Will had a dark blue suit with green underneath.
Andrew the douche was wearing a black suit and blue tie. Then Rachel caught his eye and it was like all the oxygen was sucked from the room. She was wearing a gorgeous black and silver dress with her long dark hair curling just at the tops of her breasts, her bangs straightened and swept to the side. The silver at the bottom was sparkling in the light of the restaurant. He sighed as they made eye contact and she quickly looked away.
His eyes swept down the soft curves of her breasts and his tongue fell to the front of his mouth. They weren't big and fake like Erica's, but they were firm and perfect. He could tell. Erica smacked his arm and he snapped out of his trance. "We ordered you guys some water, we weren't sure when you'd be here." Kurt said as he perused through the menu. Finn nodded and thanked him for both his and Erica's water.
The meal passed without much disturbance of any kind and by the end, all the couples were talking amongst themselves as they waited for dessert. Finn's stomach ached as he watched Andrew whisper things into Rachel's ear, making her giggle. The thought of Andrew possibly proposing coming whooshing back into Finn's brain, making the Swiss burger he just feel like it was going to come back up. He glanced at Erica who was busy complaining about the outfits of the other patrons, pointing out what she claimed "crimes of fashion".
"It's such a soft fabric though." Kurt said proudly as he explained the material of his suit to Sebastian, Will and Blaine.
"I don't think the colors go very well together." Erica commented as she sipped her red wine and licked her stained lips. Finn eyes bugged out his head and he choked on his own wine. There were three things you didn't critique Kurt about; fashion, Harry Potter and broadway.
"Excuse me?" Kurt asked through narrowed eyes. Finn could tell that any friendship between Kurt and his girlfriend was dead right there.
"That color of purple with that color of blue is totally tacky. Everyone knows that." Erica said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I'll have you know that I have a career in fashion. So I think I know a bit more than you about what's in and whats not. Besides, I'm not going to take advice from some tanned bitch who dyes her hair." Kurt snapped angrily. Erica opened her mouth to retort before Blaine intervened. Everyone else had abandoned their own conversations and were watching the little fight like a tennis match.
"So why were you guys late? You have a late night at work Erica?" Blaine asked quickly. Kurt's eyes throwing daggers at her as Will tried to calm his boyfriend. Sebastian started a conversation with Kurt and Will quickly, trying to keep Kurt from saying something he'd regret.
"Finn and I were um. Busy. If you know what I mean." Erica smiled coyly and squeezed a flaming Finn's arm before capturing his lips in hers and shoving her tongue down his throat. Andrew chuckled and Rachel sat up in her seat quickly.
"Babe, where are you going?" Andrew asked confusedly, grabbing her hand. Finn broke apart from Erica with and she continued leaning forward, falling into his neck and giggling the whole time. Finn looked worriedly at Rachel's figure as she tried to smile at Andrew.
"I just uh, need some fresh air. My stomach is hurting. I think it was the food." She lied quickly, running a hand through her hair and caressing Andrew's cheek.
"You need me to come out there with you? You do look a little green." Andrew asked.
"No babe I'm fine thank you." Rachel kissed his cheek and practically bolted out the door. Kurt stood up to go after her before Finn stopped him.
"No! I mean, um, I'll go talk to her." Finn said, getting up himself and ignoring the knowing stares from Blaine and Sebastian. As well as the angry looks from Andrew and Erica.
"Shes my girlfriend man." Andrew spat at him.
"Yeah well she said she didn't want you out there. Maybe it has to do with you. I am one of her best friends." Finn spit back, shoving his chair harshly into the table. Andrew scowled at him as he turned on his heel and headed to the door.
He swung open the door and was met with the freezing October air. How it was already this cold was beyond him. He could see some pumpkins in local stores with some light frost over them.
He turned his head and saw Rachel was leaning against the building, running her hand over her face and blowing her nose. "Rach." He said weakly, walking over to her. She looked up quickly and turned away.
"Go away Finn." She said quickly, and he could tell she had a stuffy nose, whether it was from crying or not he didn't know.
"Rachel c'mon." He tried reaching for her hand.
"No. Stop Finn, please just go back inside. I'll be there in a few minutes okay?" Rachel pleaded, wiping her eyes again.
"I'm not leaving until you stop pushing me away. Please talk to me. I know we haven't been talking much lately. But you're still my best friend. I need you to talk to me." Finn couldn't help but come up to her and wrap his arms around her waist. She didn't resist, but responded immediately and buried her face in his neck.
"I'm so sorry I've been upset with you and then being nice to you, and then being crazy again. I swear I'm not bipolar. I don't know whats come over me. I've had so much on my plate lately. With the show, and Andrew, and work. I just, I'm feeling more than a little overwhelmed with everything." She cried into his chest. Finn pulled away from her gently and looked into her eyes, rubbing his thumbs over her cheeks.
"Tell me. Why have you been upset with me? I know it's not just stress. We've been fighting a lot lately and I know when you're upset with me Rach." Finn whispered, his heart beating wildly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and craned her own to look up at him.
"I don't..." She tried, failing to be nonchalant about it.
"Rachel." Finn interrupted her shakily. This was the moment. If he didn't ask it now, he may never get to again. They were supposed to talk later right? "Were-were you jealous of what happened in there?" He asked quietly. He really tried to stop his voice from shaking, but it was near impossible.
"I-I can't, I mean I.. I'm just so sorry Finn." She started to sob now, her little hands balled up into fist and resting against his shirt. All other coherent thoughts left his mind as he stared down at Rachel's sobbing form.
"What are you sorry for?" He asked quietly, just now noticing all the people around them and pulling her into the side alley.
"Nothing. Okay, nothing. Let's just forget all of this and go back inside please. I don't want to talk about it. Please." Rachel begged. Finn sighed, getting frustrated. Why couldn't they just talk to each other?
"Just tell me Rachel. I don't want to do this. Where we continuously just go ariu d circles with each other. We wanted to talk about what almost happened between us this morning so let's talk please. This is ridiculous!" Finn said desperately, he didn't want to sound annoyed but knew by the look on Rachel's face that that's how he came across.
She was silent and wouldn't look at him for a few momeets before Finn snapped. Ne gripped her face in his hands and shook her face. "Please baby just tell me!" He tried keeping his voice down as he noticed a man stare suspiciously at them as he walked past them.
"I'm sorry for feeling this way dammit! I hate it. I tried so hard to keep from feeling this way but I can't! Especially after you started dating that trollop. I just had such a hard time not slapping her. But I know it's not fair. Because I'm with Andrew, but I just love you so much. And this morning? When I thought you were going to kiss me, I thought I was going to explode. I wanted it so much. I wanted to feel you so much. But I'm so selfish!" She cried hysterically. She said all of this so fast that Finn felt lightheaded and slightly sick.
"Rach baby. You don't have to feel sorry about it. I love you too. I've loved you for so long. God I love you so much." Finn whispered lovingly, changing tactics completely and feeling like he was short of breath. He was breathing like he'd just run a freakin marathon and felt like all his feelings were surfacing quicker than he'd ever expected. And he couldn't believe she was just letting all this out now. She snapped her head to look up at him as his words registered with her. Her big brown eyes were red and watery, her lips as plump as ever, and her hands had tightened her grip on him. He'd never seen anyone more beautiful in his entire life.
"Really?" She whispered, her warm breath blowing against his face, her eyes shining with tears as she awaited his reply.
"Really. I thought I was the only one who felt that way." Finn watched his own hand weave it's way through her hair before locking his eyes back into hers. She hiccuped and swiped her left hand under nose.
"I've felt this way since high school." She said quietly, her stuffy nose and watery eyes making him feel like he was having an out of body experience.
"Oh god, me too." He whispered back, his hand now running down the length of her warm neck.
"So is that what that almost kiss was this morning?" She asked.
"Yeah. I think so. It had just been horrible to try and love without you. And you just looked so damn beautiful, I couldn't help myself." He ran his thumb across the apple of her cheek.
"I'm sorry about Andrew. Is that why you don't like him? Because of how you feel?" She whispered as she closed her eyes at his touch.
He nodded his head before he spoke. "Yeah. That's exactly how why actually. I just never thought you felt the same. I mean, you've always acted the same with Kurt that you do with me. I never saw it as something more just because I'm straight, that would be a bit presumptuous." He wanted to kiss her so bad. So fucking bad it was physically hurting him. Her eyes were closing in anticipation. She was right there. She was his for the taking. So why couldn't he do it?
"God I want to kiss you right now. You have no fucking idea baby." Finn whispered painfully, actually feeling like his heart was splitting in two at the sight of her eyes immediately shooting downwards. He was fighting an internal battle that was completely relentless. "But we're both in a relationship right now. I can't do that to Erica. And I know you'd regret cheating on Andrew like that." Finn summoned courage he didn't even know he had to lift her chin so she'd look into his eyes.
"So you don't want me?" She asked, hurtfully with a tinge of annoyance in her voice.
"What? No, I do! I want you so fucking bad. I mean, I just, it's not right. Now at this time." Finn sighed frustratedly, not even knowing what he was trying to say. "I think we should let out respective relationships run their course, you know. Just dropping Andrew and Erica like they were nothing would be a horrible thing to do. And I-" Finn trailed off, the sight of fresh tears returning to her eyes making him feel like someone had just stabbed a knife in him, only to twist it painfully several times.
"You like her." She confirmed sadly and she completely deflated, looking like she was giving up on whatever internal war she was having inside her. "Guess I was too little, too late huh?" She pulled away and Finn wanted to fucking cry and pull her little body back into his, never letting her go. But he was hurting himself, and more importantly, he was hurting her. He didn't even know what he was doing anymore.
It was guilt. He felt bad for Erica and he didn't want Rachel to resent him if she ever cheated on Andrew. A guy she'd been with for years. A guy that supposedly wanted to propose to her.
And even though the thought of her walking down the aisle to marry another man made him want to jump off a cliff into a pit of sharp rocks, he couldn't do this. Not after finally beginning to get over her. Not after spending weeks in another woman's arms just so he could get over her. It was actually really unfair. He starts to get over her the moment she confesses her feelings for him. It was quite fucked up really. He felt his whole attitude towards this whole thing change within seconds, his own mind conjuring up things he'd never thought of before. Like their talk had triggered something in his head and the train of thought couldn't be stopped.
"Yeah I do. I mean, when she's not being a bitch, she's actually really sweet. And sometimes we'll-" Finn rambled. Rachel put her hands up.
"I don't want to hear this please. I just- Can we not talk about that?" She asked through a choked voice, wiping her eyes. Finn nodded silently feeling like an idiot and watched as she checked her face in her compact mirror. She wiped her eyes again.
"Let's just go in there and act like this never happened." She instructed, sounding like she talking more to herself. She sniffled again and ran a hand through her hair. Finn felt lightheaded and super awkward now, shaking his head. He had wanted her for so long and now he was turning her down. Was he fucking head case? This internal war he had was ripping him to pieces. Maybe he was bipolar.
"You know I love you right?" Finn blurted quickly as she put on her acting face and prepared to go back into the restaurant.
"Dont you dare do that. Don't treat me like you pity me. I guess it isn't enough though, is it?" She asked sadly before walking a few steps, immediately turning around and pointed an accusing finger in his face, "You know, what I dont get it is how you can claim to love me but turn me away so easily. This is exactly what I was afraid was gling to happen. I just hope our friendship can survive this, because I've never thought of you as the guy that could be so careless with my feelings. Guess I was wrong about that too huh?" She spat angrily.
Finn looked taken aback before she shot him a hurt look, pushing past him and heading through the door. He watched her go, his heart thumping painfully in his chest. He didn't even feel this much pain when she got together with Andrew. Why did all of their conversations end up with her angry at him? He thought he was doing the gentlemanly thing.
One part of him was starting to get over her while the larger part just wanted her back in his arms. He was so torn and felt like every decision he was making was the wrong one.
But now, he watched through the window as she kissed Andrew and glared at him through the wkndow, he knew this was much worse than when she first got together with Andrew. Now he knew she loved him too. And he'd just turned her down. Sure, he really liked Erica. But was it foolish of him to turn down the only woman he'd ever really loved? Probably. Actually, it totally was and he wanted to throw himself in front of a taxi right now.
He wiped his own dripping eyes on his sleeve and walked back in. Not sure if he could face being in Rachel's presence without leaping across the table and kissing the hell out of her.
He felt like all the progress he'd made the past few weeks had been shot to hell in a matter of seconds. He sneaked a glance at her to see her deep in conversation with Andrew, her hand on his arm as she leaned against him. Like nothing had even happened between her and Finn. She was obviously putting her acting skills to good use, he could totally see the sadness in her eyes. It all made his heart ache with jealously and longing.
Erica placed a sweet kiss on his cheek and he forced a smile at her, noticing Rachel's eyes flicker towards them for the shortest of moments before moving away, her head returning to Andrew's shoulder. Blaine was sitting there looking thoroughly confused at Finn. Sebastian looked completely drunk off his ass and Kurt was currently sending sex eyes to Will.
"Well we are going to head home. I have a big day tomorrow. Traveling to Las Vegas for a big training session. Something about a new rule being added into how trials will run in the future. Pretty big stuff." Andrew smiled at the group.
"I won't see him for about week, so I'm going to stay with him tonight okay Blaine?" Rachel kissed Blaine's cheek and he nodded. She kissed Sebastian (who was grinning like a drunk idiot), Kurt, and Will before coming to Finn.
Visible hurt passed her features before she leaned down and gave him a very stiff hug. He desperately wanted to squeeze her as tight as possible to him and apologize for being such a jerk, but the hug didn't last long. His heart broke in two as she pulled away without even looking at him and she grabbed Andrews hand, pulling him away quickly. Andrew gave the group a smirk as his hand cupped her hip, Will sending him a thumbs up.
Finn downed his wine, needing to get his mind off what they were probably going to go to do. It's not like he and Erica were celibate. But it still hurt like a motherfucker. They group slowly dissipated before it was just Finn, Erica, and Blaine.
Blaine knew he couldn't talk to Finn right now, but he still sent Finn knowing glances, he knew something had gone down between Rachel and him. Sure enough, as the three got into the cab together, Finn's phone beeped with a text.
"I kno somethin happened between u and R. U better tell me later. U and R both looked completely defeated when u came back inside! -B"
"I know don't worry, I will man. But Erica is right here and I really want to tell u in person. -F"
"Alright. You kno I won't be able to sleep now. I live for all this gossip! ;)-B"
"Yeah yeah. You'll get your gossip tomorrow Frodo.-F"
Blaine laughed out loud and sent back a smiley text before biding them goodnight and heading up to his apartment. Erica laid her head on Finn's shoulder and Finn felt his stomach drop a bit. Try as he might, he couldn't help but feel like this was the wrong head on his shoulder. It should be Rachel. But of course, being the idiot he was, he turned Rachel down. He fucking turned her down and he just knew that in his heart of hearts, he was going to regret doing so. Because the problem was that he still wanted her more than ever he ever had before. He never knew how complicated life could really be.
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*Sigh* Another happy end to a chapter I know lol. I promise the next one will end up a little happier lol. Thanks for reading!
