Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. The song in this chapter is called "Endlessly" by Green River Ordinance. I swear I had it on repeat for days until someone, my wonderful personal Groffles, yelled at me. Enjoy!


Head held high, she stormed back out to the little rental car. Why was he making this so much harder than it had to be? All she needed was five minutes of his time then they could go back to life as they knew it. Yanking out her phone as she drove she noted she had a missed call and a text from Anthony. Curiosity was eating at her and as she stopped at a red light so she pressed the view button for the message.

Sorry I missed your text last night. Glad you made it to Lima safely. Give me your flight info for when you're coming home today and I'll come get you. Love you.

Damn Finn. She was supposed to be going back home today after lunch; being stuck in Lima was not a prospect she was thrilled with. Spotting the Lima Bean, she switched lanes and pulled into the old coffee shop. If she had to wait, she might as well have some caffeine. Texting Anthony as she got out of the car, she walked and didn't see where she was going until she hit someone, causing her to send a portion of her message. Ready to apologize, she froze as she realized who she bumped into. "Quinn?"

"Rachel? Is that really you?" Quinn gave a shocked smile as she spoke. "What are you doing here? Does Finn know you're here?" Her questions were rapid fire and Rachel took a moment for her to finish before replying.

"Wow. Yes, it's really me. I had some loose ends to tie up here before, well before," she trailed off, unsure of how much to tell Quinn. Taking a breath, she held up her left hand, "I'm getting married. I had some things to tie up here in Lima before I could, so well, here I am."

Quinn took the information in, noticing Rachel hadn't said anything about Finn. Grabbing onto what she felt was a once in a lifetime opportunity she said, "Listen, I was just about to pick Aaron up from the babysitter. Do you want to grab your coffee and come over? We can catch up." She could sense Rachel's hesitation and pounced. "Come on, it'll help make that annual Christmas letter a little shorter to write this year."

Rachel chuckled, "Well my hand does get awfully cramped every year and I've got some time so sure, that would be nice." If you had told Rachel back in her sophomore year of high school that Quinn Fabray would be the one person she kept in touch with after high school, she would have laughed hysterically. However, senior year had really opened the door for a friendship between the two, and they had even wound up becoming best friends. Hell, Rachel was even Quinn's matron of honor when they got married in Vegas.

Rolling her eyes at Rachel, Quinn replied, "Gee, I'm so glad my best friend thinks it would be 'nice' to spend some time with me and my kid. Go get your coffee-I'll see you in a bit." Quinn walked to her car and got in, sending Rachel a little wave as she entered the coffee shop. As soon as Rachel turned her back, Quinn whipped out her cell phone to text Puck.

Rachel's in Lima. Has Finn seen her?

Dropping the phone onto the seat next to her after she pressed send, she backed out of her parking spot and headed out to pick up Aaron. Halfway to the babysitter's house, her phone beeped indicating a message. She let it go until she pulled in the driveway and frantically snatched it from the seat to see what he said.

No shit? Berry's home? Hudson's been in a bad mood all morning, maybe he saw her. Where did you see her?

She typed her response quickly as she was walking up the driveway to get Aaron.

Interesting. Saw her at the Lima Bean. She's coming over for coffee and a catch up-see if you can talk to Finn.

She pocketed her phone and gave a quick knock on the door before pushing it open. The light of her life was currently watching Caillou on the television, a show she absolutely detested. That kid was such a brat. Caillou that is, not her Aaron of course. Sneaking up behind him, she tickled his ribs before picking him up.

"Mommy! That tickles." He said with a giggle as he squirmed in her arms.

"Hey buddy. You ready to go? Mommy has someone she wants you to meet." She carried him into the kitchen where she found Mrs. Schuester cleaning up from the morning snack. "Emma? I'm going to take off now. Thanks for watching him on short notice like that-these buyers are incredibly obnoxious but I think they liked the house I showed them today."

Emma turned with a smile, "It's never a problem Quinn. I enjoy Aaron's company and so does Elaina." She turned to the little girl with curly red hair who was currently coloring at the table. "Say goodbye to Aaron and Miss Quinn, Elaina."

The little girl glanced up and gave a shy smile, "Bye," she mumbled before resuming her coloring.

"Well I hate to run so fast, but I've got a visitor who I don't want to keep waiting." Quinn dropped the hint, hoping Emma would ask who was coming over.

"Oh well have a nice time dear."

"Believe me I will. It'll be nice to sit with Rachel face to face again." Subtlety went out the window as she watched the other woman's face for a reaction. She was pleased when Emma's mouth dropped open.

"Rachel? As in Rachel Hudson? Or is it Rachel Berry again?" Emma furrowed her brow. "Either way, she's in Lima? Why?"

"I have no idea-but believe me I'll find out." With that, she walked from the house and strapped Aaron into his carseat. She gave a beep of the horn at Emma, who stood in the doorway waving, mouth still agape. The drive home was short and when she pulled into the driveway she noticed Rachel already sitting on the porch steps. After unbuckling Aaron, she held his hand as she led him up the walkway.

"Aaron? I have someone I want you to meet. Your godmother, Aunt Rachel." Quinn spoke quickly, noticing the expression on Rachel's face.

"Hi. I've seen your picture. And I've heard you sing with Uncle Finn. You sound pretty." He spoke candidly as kids often do.

Rachel froze and her eyes darted to Quinn. Godmother? He'd heard her sing? Frazzled, she offered a hand to him, not surprised when he gave her a high five instead of shaking it. "Nice to meet you Aaron."

"Well come on. Let's go inside, I'm dying to know why you're home." Unlocking the door, she ushered Rachel into the house. Crouching down to Aaron's level, she told him, "Why don't you go get some toys? You can play out here while Mommy and Aunt Rachel talk."

"Ok Mommy," he said as he ran off in the direction of a room at the back of the house.

Knowing what he would do Quinn quickly said, "A few Aaron! Not the whole toy box." She gestured to the couch. "So sit. Tell me everything. Last I heard you had auditioned for RENT."

Rachel sat with a smile, "I got it. I'm going to be on Broadway Quinn."

"That's great," she replied, but her gaze fell to Rachel's left hand. "And you're engaged?"

Feeling her heart start to beat a little more anxiously, she said, "Yeah. To Anthony Wentworth."

"Ooo sounds prestigious." Quinn said with a teasing tone.

Grinning, Rachel eased forward, ready to gossip. "He is. He's the Vice President of Wentworth Records. They're backing the play. He said he saw me once when I was in Spring Awakening and that I had touched him with my singing."

"How sweet. I can't believe you've never mentioned him in any of your texts." Quinn took a drink of her coffee as she watched Aaron push his trucks around on the floor. "Oh wait, I forgot you haven't texted in awhile."

Eyes downcast, Rachel began to stumble over an apology. "I know. And I'm sorry, truly. I've just been so busy with the musical and the wedding, I just haven't had time." Truthfully, she had stopped texting Quinn because Quinn's life seemed so perfect. She had the dream job she wanted, the husband and the kid. Something Rachel always pictured having with Finn. Wait, no. She wasn't picturing anything with Finn anymore, she had Anthony. Shaking her head at herself, she continued, "I'm sorry. I've been a bad friend."

"I'm not trying to make you feel guilty Rachel. I'm just saying I miss you."

The words tugged at Rachel's heart. If she were honest with herself, she'd admit she missed everyone here too. Instead, words she hadn't anticipated came tumbling from her mouth. "How has he been?"

"Who Rachel?" Quinn asked, even though she knew. She wanted to see Rachel's face when she said his name.

Her eyes shot up defiantly. "You know who. Finn. Is he happy?"

Quinn spoke carefully, "Honestly? He's ok. I don't know if he's happy necessarily, but he's ok."

"Is he seeing anyone?" She wished she had never asked.

"Does it matter? You're getting married right?" As she spoke Quinn noticed Rachel's face pale.

"Yes, as soon as I get Finn to sign these papers I'm going back to New York Quinn." Her fingers played with the engagement ring on her hand. "I don't belong here."

"I always knew you'd get out Rachel. I did. I just didn't know you'd leave the rest of us so far behind." Quinn's face held a hint of regret. She looked at Aaron, who was starting to suck his thumb with his head in her lap. "He's tired. I should go put him down."

"I'm sorry Quinn. I should go." Grabbing her purse, she stood and started walking to the door.

"Rachel?" Quinn called after her, "For what it's worth, I hope you're happy. I just want you to be happy."

"I am," Rachel whispered, unable to look her in the eye. "I have to go." With that, she fled to the car and went home. Forget lunch, forget talking to anyone. She was going to blare RENT and think about her role as Mimi. The rest of the world could wait.


Puck eyed Finn throughout the day, trying to find the best way to approach him. Finally, as the rest of the guys were leaving, he went over to him and said, "So Hudson, you going to tell me what's got your panties in a bunch today? Or should I guess?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Finn was locking the door on his office, resigned to heading to the bowling alley. "It's position night man, that's all. You know how I get."

"Position night huh? So it has nothing to do with a certain person being back in Lima?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. She has nothing to do with this." They were exiting the building and Finn wanted nothing more than to get into his truck and be alone.

"I never said it was a she, Finn. Have you seen her?" Puck's tone gentled a bit. He knew how torn up Finn had been when he moved back home for good, but Finn never wanted to talk about it.

"Yeah I saw her." He paused at the door to his truck. "She said something about being married to me for a few more hours. What the hell does that mean?"

"Shit, I don't know. Guess you'll have to ask her." Puck was storing the information in his brain, knowing Quinn would demand to know everything Finn had said.

"I told her she had to wait until after bowling. Maybe I should have done it sooner." Sliding into his truck, he said, "Whatever. I guess I'll see you over there."

"Yep. See you in a few." Puck headed off to his Jeep, texting Quinn as he went.

He saw her. She said something about them being married a few more hours. She tell you anything?

He started the car and drove off to the bowling alley. When he pulled in, he noticed her response.

Not a thing other than he needs to sign some papers. She's getting married-some big wig in NY. She's not happy but thinks she is.

Pondering this information, Puck entered the bowling alley. Position night sure should be interesting.


She stormed into the bowling alley looking incredibly out of place in her little black dress. It molded the curves of her body perfectly, stopping slightly higher than mid-thigh and scooping low over her breasts. Paired with some ankle boots, she looked ready for a night at a trendy club in New York, but here she was at Lima's Star Lanes instead. She knew she'd look out of place, but Beatrice's words of always looking prepared loomed in the back of her brain. Damn Finn for making her come here, but she wasn't leaving until he signed the papers. Her eyes scanned the lanes looking for his lanky frame and when she spotted him she strode determinedly in his direction. Puck saw her first and hit Finn on the arm just as he was about to take a swig of beer.

"Yo Hudson, the Mrs. is here," he said nodding his head in Rachel's direction.

Swallowing a healthy sip of beer, Finn waited before replying, "Man, I wish you wouldn't call her that."

"Well she is isn't she?"

"I don't know what she's talking about. We got divorced years ago." Finn set his beer down and crossed to pick up his bowling ball when he heard her voice.

"Finn. A word?" She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.

Plastering on a fake smile he turned, "Well hello there Broadway. Didn't expect you to actually show up. Now if you'll excuse me, it's my turn to bowl." He turned on his heel and walked up the lane, releasing the ball and throwing a strike. What the hell was she doing wearing a dress like that in here?

"Look Finn, I don't want to make this harder than it has to be. Just sign these papers and," she broke off as he approached her, leaning over the short wall towards her.

"You'll just have to wait Rachel. I need to finish my game. Bowler's etiquette and all. You remember the rules right?" He smirked at her, practically daring her with his eyes to remember their first date here all those years ago and all the ones that followed.

Flushing, she met his gaze evenly. "Fine. I'll wait." She sat in the hard plastic chair and crossed her legs. "Buy me a drink?"

"Sure. Next time Brits comes around add it to my tab."

Her face lit up at the mention of their old friend. "Brits works here?"

He misses the time when her face would light up like that for him. Pushing the thought aside he replied, "Only on league nights. I gotta go."

Rachel watched him walk back towards Puck and Rory. Why did this have to be so hard? If she were being honest, seeing him stirred up emotions she thought were long gone. Glancing down at the diamond on her finger, she felt the slightest bit of guilt for thinking of Finn that way. She had Anthony now. Looking up she saw Brittany approaching. Grinning, she motioned her over.

"Brits! Hi!"

Brittany approached and gave Rachel a lukewarm smile. "Hi Rachel. What can I get you?"

"A conversation! Do you have a few minutes?" Rachel leaned over as she spoke, excited at the thought of catching up.

"Actually I can't. We're swamped. I can get you a drink though." Brittany waited patiently but her eyes were everywhere but on Rachel.

Feeling slightly confused as to why she was being blown off Rachel said, "Um, I'll have a corona please."

"Great, I'll be right back." Brittany hustled off leaving Rachel confused. What had she done to upset Brittany?

Finn watched her out of the corner of his eye. He could see the hurt on her face but couldn't bring himself to cross to her. Besides, he was up to bowl again anyway. He approached the lane and put the thought of her watching out of his mind.

At the table, Rachel nursed the beer Brittany had dropped off, walking away without a word. Her phone was on the table and she stared at it, almost willing someone, anyone, to send her a text to distract her. When none came she looked around and noticed a young couple at the end of the bowling alley. The boy was clearly teaching the girl how to bowl as he stood behind her, showing her how to extend her hand for her throw. She couldn't help but notice that the girl had a pink ball, maybe it was even the one she had used all those years ago with Finn. Deliberately, she turned back to watch Finn and the others finish.

This image wasn't much better. She stared at Finn as thoughts of their past swirled through her mind. It was probably because of his outfit. He'd been wearing a flannel and jeans just like that when he'd proposed. She shook her head to clear it, noticing that the guys were in their tenth frame of the game. Thinking she'd be out of here soon, she picked up the beer and finished it.

Finn's eyes were on her as she drank. He had almost forgotten how beautiful she was. Almost. He threw his last ball, picking up the spare he had left. He shook hands with the other team as he packed up his bowling ball and changed his shoes. He glanced at Rachel, noticing she had stood and was rummaging through her huge purse.

Feeling his gaze upon her, her head snapped up. "Now can we discuss these papers?"

"Not yet Rach. You know how bowling night ends." He picked up his bag and began walking away. Turning back, he said, "So you coming or what."

She huffed and closed her eyes, counting to ten before she opened them. "Fine. If I have to listen to someone butcher music you're buying me more drinks."

"We're not all bad you know-some of us were part of a national championship winning show choir in case you forgot," he replied cheekily. Pushing open the door to the bar portion of the bowling alley, he pushed her towards the bar. "Go get yourself a drink. I'm signing up."

"Fine, but after you sign up can we PLEASE talk?" She tossed her head back as she asked, placing her hands on her hips. "I need to get back to New York."

"Funny you didn't say you needed to go home." With that, Finn left her as he went to sign up with April Rhodes, who had taken over the karaoke bar when she moved back home.

Puck sidled up to the bar, ordering a beer for himself and Rachel. "So Berry, what's happening?"

Rachel turned to look at him, "Well I've just landed a starring role on Broadway. Thanks for asking. I wanted to talk to Brits about it, but she would hardly look at me."

"Don't sound so shocked Berry. You know, you ripped out a few more hearts than Finn's when you stopped coming home." He took a pull of his beer.

She looked at him stunned. "Noah, I never meant..."

He cut her off with a nod to the stage."Never mind. What's the musical?"

She gave him a mega watt smile, "RENT. I play Mimi."

"She's the druggie right? Not one of the lesbians?" Puck asked as Finn approached the pair.

Rolling her eyes she said, "Yes Noah, she's the druggie. It's a great role."

"What is?" Finn asked as he ordered a beer from Matt.

"I was telling Noah I'm going to be in RENT." For the first time since seeing him, she spoke easily conveying her excitement.

"I knew you could do it Rach. I always knew." She looked so happy. He grabbed the hand that wasn't holding a drink and immediately felt a ring there. "So you're getting married, huh?"

"That's what I need to talk to you about. You never signed," she was cut off as April announced it was Finn's turn to sing.

"Sorry, Rach. You'll just have to wait." He crossed to the stage and whispered something to April about changing his song. He wasn't about to let her get married without hearing one of his songs.

"Noah, I saw Aaron today. He's adorable." Rachel turned to Puck, trying to focus on anything but the fact that Finn was going to sing.

"He's a mini Puckzilla. We can talk about him later, you don't want to miss your boy sing."

"He's not my boy anymore." She wanted to shout it, but it came out as a whisper.

As the music began to play, Puck whispered "Keep telling yourself that Berry. Maybe one day you'll believe it."

She didn't acknowledge him at all, as soon as Finn started to sing the rest of the world faded away. In those moments it was just him and her.

Finn locked his eyes on her as he sang.

She is my rock and rolling thunder
I've been the spell that she's been under
I, I love that girl.

She is my cigarettes and champagne
she's got me strung but I'm not running
I, I love that girl
I, I love that girl

When he hit the chorus she felt herself inching closer to the stage. It was like a moth to a flame, she couldn't resist him.

She is the days I cant get over
she is the nights that I call home endlessly
for you I'll always wait

Caught in the waves of hesitation
lost in the sea of my own doubt endlessly
for you I'll always wait
for you I'll always wait

He got through the next verse and chorus, feeling brave, he stepped off the stage and sang the bridge of the song directly to her, not caring who was watching.

And the city buzz and empty cars
it's 3 am I wonder where you are
and the crooked smiles and worn out miles between us
now I wonder where you are

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, noticing her eyes had filled. He pressed on.

She is the days I cant get over
she is the nights that I call home endlessly
for you I'll always wait

Caught in the waves of hesitation
lost in the sea of my own doubt endlessly
for you I'll always wait
for you I'll always wait
for you I'll always wait

The last line whispered from his lips before he bent down and claimed her lips in a kiss. For a minute time stopped and reversed, they were 17 and young and foolishly in love. Their tongues danced for what seemed like eternity and her hands were tunneling through his hair. He pulled back and whispered her name as he pressed his forehead to hers.

Hearing his breathy, "Rach" and feeling his face on hers snapped her back to reality. Her eyes whipped open and she pulled back as if he had slapped her. "I need to go, " she said before turning and running out the door.

Finn wasn't far behind.

A/N: Again, I love that song and the idea that he would sing it to her and I could so see him writing those lyrics. Thanks for the read and please feel free to review!