Disclaimer - See Chapter 1, if necessary.


Throwing open the door to the loft, Rachel turned and closed it as she stared at her cell phone. It was the eighth time that day she checked to see if somehow she'd missed a message or text from Brody.

Nothing. It had been almost thirteen hours since she'd watched Brody grab the bare essentials of his possessions in the loft and quickly make his escape, stating things weren't working out and he needed his own place. She couldn't understand what had happened to change Brody's mind about them, or at the very least why he felt living together was causing any problems. Desperate for an explanation, she had left two voice mail messages and sent two texts, but they all remained unanswered. Was it something she did or said? Had he found out about her pregnancy scare? Did he meet someone else he'd rather commit to? Rachel had thought things were going fine. Theirs was the perfect arrangement, wasn't it? Living together, sharing each other's lives, but free to be with others when and if either of them desired. It was a modern, mature, adult arrangement miles apart from the neat little high school boxed in relationships to which she had previously subjected herself. She rather liked not being judged because she found another man attractive or wanted to sleep with another person for the night. It was liberating to let go of the possessiveness, jealousy and worry of being physically committed to only one other person and expecting the same in return.

Not that she took much advantage of that freedom. In fact, she'd only done so once. Surely Brody wouldn't be upset about that, would he? She knew he'd been with other women several times since he'd moved in. She never took exception to it. Why should she? She still got the part that mattered – the part that cared and encouraged and supported her in her endeavours. That's what was important, wasn't it?

Kurt's voice suddenly shook her from her thoughts, his contralto tone echoing against the bricks walls. "That's fantastic! Congratulations, Finn. I'm proud of you!"

The sound of her ex-boyfriend's name washed aside the growing anxiousness of everything Brody related. She frowned, wondering what Kurt was talking about with his step-brother. Tip-toeing cautiously and quietly, she crossed the loft to the curtain that cordoned off his 'room' and peered inside with one eye.

There was Kurt, sitting cross-legged on his bed with his headphones in his ears and staring at his lap-top computer, a huge smile on his face. After a brief pause, he began to laugh. "Of course you'll do well. You have everything they could possibly want. It's a perfect career choice."

Career choice? Rachel stood straight in alarm, her mouth agape. Since when had Finn decided on a career choice? That last time they'd been together he'd...well, no, they didn't talk. Not unless one counted moans, gasps of pleasure, swearing and exclamations to deities as 'talking'. Their last real conversation was more of a declaration by him that their respective futures involved being together for the rest of their lives, no matter how long that took who else came between them. She'd never seen him so confident and self-assured and...God! The lust in his eyes, persuasive tone of voice combined with his new fit and trim physique practically had her panties melting even before their duet. Add to that their 'dangerous musical chemistry' and there was no way she would have denied him anything that evening. Finn probably could have dragged her to the nearest broom closet - as opposed to his hotel room - and she'd have willingly obliged.

She had thought Brody was confident and self-assured in chasing her; it had felt wonderful to have such an attractive man yearning for her until she'd succumbed to his charm. Finn had, in one night, done what it had taken Brody weeks to do – convince her she was desired, sexy, worthy of love and the only woman he'd want for the rest of his life. The emotions he'd invoked in her were so powerful and consuming it was four nights before she could bring herself to even think of being with Brody. Fortunately Brody was busy working two of those nights and she was rehearsing one of them, so in his mind she'd only denied him the day she'd returned. Rachel didn't think Brody would appreciate knowing the truth. Her night with Finn still lingered in her memory, and she'd be lying to say she didn't often revisit it.

"I'm sure you could get certification for all three, Finn. You already have one under your belt. So, when do you start? Next week?"

Next week? Holy shit! Whatever career choice Finn had made, he was moving extremely fast on it. She swallowed as panic embraced her, her heart palpitating as her mind ran though the short list of career choices one could make that didn't necessitate college, and only one was obvious when it came to Finn.

"You'll have to let me know when you're all set up!" Kurt chirped happily, still with a grin on his face. After hearing silence, during which she assumed Finn was talking, Kurt scoffed and waved his hand dismissively. "Forget about Mr. Schue and glee club, Finn. You don't owe either of them anything." More silence before Kurt drew in a breath and spoke. "You really must learn when to ignore that conscience of yours, Finn; there is such a thing as too much honesty." Rachel waited a beat before hearing Kurt again. "No, Finn - you've already apologized. If Mr. Schue still won't talk to you he's being petty. You don't need him or his approval to move on in life. Go after what you want."

Wait...what? Mr. Schuester and Finn aren't talking anymore? Oh no! Rachel thought, shaking her head sadly as she realized Finn, no doubt, told their glee instructor he'd kissed Ms. Pilsbury. Of course he would have told Mr. Schuester the truth. He'd made the costly error with Rachel of not telling her the truth about Santana and his virginity, so now was applying the lessons learned from that situation. She felt a sympathetic pang in her heart for him. Despite his best intentions to not repeat his mistakes, this time the situation had backfired and caused a rift between him and his mentor.

Kurt's voice sliced through her thoughts. "Why am I not surprised your celebration involves greasy food, a two-four and Puckerman as company. Just do me a favour and promise not to drive, okay? And say hello to everyone for me. Okay, bye."

Rachel honestly thought she had more time to step away from Kurt's cloth wall, but before she even made a second step, her roommate was pulling aside the curtain to cast a look of derision at her. "If you're trying to master the skill of eavesdropping, Rachel, you'll need a few more lessons in subtlety."

Rachel exhaled loudly and crossed her arms, eyes hardening. One of the first lessons New York taught her was that the best defence was to go on the offensive and catch the other person off guard. "Maybe I wouldn't have to eavesdrop if Finn would just tell me himself what he's up to these days."

"And why should he tell you?" Kurt asked, his tone bordering between accusatory and genuine curiosity.

Rachel's mouth dropped, stunned at the question. "Why? Because I'm his friend, Kurt! At least I thought I was. Ever since the wedding it seems I'm out of the loop when it comes to Finn."

Kurt scoffed before turning away and filling their kettle full of water. "Maybe because you're too busy being in your own loop to pay attention."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rachel snapped.

"Exactly what I said," Kurt returned evenly before putting the kettle on the stove and turning the dial. "You've squirreled yourself back into 'Rachel Berry World' somehow and now assume everyone and everything will fall into line or meet your expectations. Finn, it seems, is supposed to play the role of the unrequited love forever chasing you until you deign to pay him attention."

"That's not true, Kurt."

"Oh? And when in the last month have you tried to call or text Finn? When have you emailed to see how the shop is going or ask about New Directions? Or have you by chance gone quaint and hand written him a letter instead?"

She swallowed and breathed deeply, staring at the floor. In fact, she'd done none of those things, but neither had Finn. She didn't feel she should shoulder all the blame on their current communication breakdown. "Alright, fine, I haven't. But I've been a little busy at NYADA, Kurt, and-"

"And he's been a little busy at the shop," Kurt interrupted her, dropping a tea bag in each of the two cups sitting on the counter. "By the way, he's Assistant Manager now. Runs things when Dad's at Congress."

Rachel frowned and hugged herself. "So...the tire shop? That's his big career choice?"

Kurt snorted, his lip pulling into a remarkable likeness of Finn's own lopsided grin. "You know as well as I do Finn wouldn't be content with the life of a mechanic." He pulled some sugar and cream out of the cupboard and fridge respectively. "His sights are set higher than that."

She stood quietly, watching as Kurt poured over the water from the now boiling kettle and filled the two mugs. Using a spoon, he gently submerged the tea bags to steep them. When it became obvious he wouldn't be forthcoming, she walked over and leaned back against the counter beside him. "May I please know, then, what you two were talking about?"

Kurt glanced at her, a slight smirk on his face, before returning to the tea. "Finn applied to Lima U. He just got his acceptance letter yesterday."

Rachel had never felt such contradictory emotions simultaneously tear through her. Her spirit soared on the clouds with news he was pursuing post secondary studies. She'd always known he was smart enough for college. At the same time, her heart-felt heavy and leaden to hear it was still in Lima, Ohio.

She bit her lip and stared at the floor, unsure how to react. With Finn in college in Lima, this meant their separation was much more permanent. He was setting down yet more roots in his hometown. Nowhere in his future did he seem to consider her and New York, despite his declaration of love at the wedding.

Kurt turned and gently bumped her arm with a full mug of tea just as she liked - sugared and with cream added. Wordlessly, she accepted it and sipped back some of the hot liquid, trying to let it calm her mind. She smiled at Kurt. "Thanks." She sipped some more before deciding to ask her next question. "Did...did Finn say what he's studying? Has he chosen a major?"

Kurt opened the cupboard, replacing the tea and sugar. "Yes."

Waiting, she watched as Kurt next grabbed his tea and walked away, heading back towards his room. Leaving the curtain open, he placed his tea on his bedside table and then sat cross-legged on his bed again, tapping on his open laptop. She crossed the kitchen back towards his room, hugging herself while still holding her tea. "Well? What is he majoring in?"

"Call him and ask." Kurt replied, not looking up from his computer screen.

"Provided he'll even pick up," Rachel lamented with another sip of tea. "It's not like Finn's been terribly forthcoming lately. He hasn't tried to contact me either."

"He wasn't the one who pulled a hit-and-split the night of the wedding," Kurt quipped, still paying attention to his laptop.

Rachel's jaw dropped towards the floor, her eyes widening. "Is that what he told you?"

Kurt sighed and closed his laptop, setting it aside and grabbing his tea before facing her. "So, you didn't leave him in the morning without saying goodbye?"

"I'm not the only one you can accuse of that, Kurt. Remember what happened in October?"

"I do," Kurt nodded, his tone softening as he had a drink of his own tea. "But Finn didn't make love to you that night, twice, only to run back into the arms of another woman the next day. Rather mixed signals you're sending, don't you think?"

She sighed and gulped back more of her beverage, guilt welling up in her stomach and around her heart. Absently, she wiped a tear from her eye before daring to look back at him. "You know Brody and I have an open relationship. I didn't do anything wrong."

"Not to Brody, perhaps," Kurt said, holding her gaze. "But how do you think it made Finn feel?"

"I never meant to hurt him," she clarified, hugging herself a little tighter. "I just...it doesn't change anything, Kurt. He still isn't here in New York and doesn't plan to be anytime soon, if at all. And I'm not going to abandon NYADA and Broadway after all the work I've done to get this far." She took a deep breath before speaking again, breaking eye contact with Kurt as she did so. "Honestly, I'm not sure I could have endured another goodbye with Finn. They always hurt so much."

Kurt gave her a penetrating look, seemingly staring straight into her soul. After a moment, he nodded. "Is that why you're with Brody? To help you forget Finn and the pain he caused?"

"Finn didn't want me, Kurt." Rachel reminded him, her voice hardening to emphasize her point. "He ran away with his tail between his legs before even really trying New York. And don't you dare accuse me of rebounding with Brody. You encouraged it before Finn even showed up here."

"You're right, I did." Kurt admitted quickly, surprising Rachel. He sighed and absently straightened his hair with his free hand. "That was also when we both thought Finn was still in the army and Brody was actually being a gentleman officially courting you. Now he's living here rent-free, sitting naked on our furniture and disappearing in the middle of the night with no explanations. Have you even heard from Brody in the last twelve hours?"

She shook her head, eyes falling again towards the floor. "I've left two voicemail messages and texted him twice. He hasn't answered."

"So you expect your boyfriend to answer your calls and texts when you've done nothing to upset him, but wonder why your ex-boyfriend doesn't call when you're the one who disappeared on him?"

Rachel didn't answer, instead worrying her lip between her teeth. Leave it to Kurt to narrow down into black and white statements what was instead a very convoluted situation with no easy answers. It wasn't as simple as just talking with Finn when she wanted. Yes, she missed their friendship and camaraderie, but there was always much more than that underneath everything they did or said, and circumstances had unfolded such that 'much more' wasn't possible. It was torturous trying to keep all of her love and affection in check and narrow down contact with Finn to straightforward friendship.

Kurt regarded her with sympathy from where he sat, drinking his beverage, before shrugging. "You didn't wait for Finn before you moved on here in New York, Rachel. I don't think you should expect him to wait before he moves on in Lima. If you really want to know what's going on his life, you're going to have to initiate the communication."

She continued to stare at the floor, her thoughts drifting to the worst case scenario. "What if he ignores me again?"

"He won't."

"How can you be sure?"

Kurt smiled and sipped his tea, keeping his eyes locked with hers. "He's not lost anymore."

XXXXX

It felt good.

Finn wasn't sure why it felt good. He'd basically just told his mentor, the person who helped him realize his future, the only man other than Burt to ever treat him as a son, to fuck right off. Sure, he wasn't so impolite as to actually say those words, but he was sure Mr. Schuester got the message. When Finn dismissed him by jumping on the slip-and-slide and hydroplaning to the other end of the hallway, all to the enthusiastic cheers of his dorm mates, there really wasn't any clearer way to say he wasn't interested in listening.

He'd gone out of his way to apologize. He had admitted his mistake, agreed to participate in glee's dumb idea of a feud mash-up, and then opened his arms to his friend and mentor, hoping to let bygones be bygones and move on into the future as partners. Mr. Schuester, for his part, had summarily insulted, demeaned and dismissed him like he was nothing more than a low-level servant.

Months ago, Finn would have placed all the blame on his own shoulders. In the span of little more than a year, he'd learned he wasn't good enough for college football, wasn't good enough for New York college, wasn't good enough for the army, certainly wasn't good enough for Rachel, wasn't good enough to get New Directions past Sectionals, and now wasn't good enough to be forgiven. Time after time after time he'd been stepped on, kicked and tossed aside.

But then Lima University offered a ray of hope through the dark slide his life seemed to take lately. It had accepted him, late, into their School of Education. They wanted him. Sure, it cost money, and there were all kinds of rules and guidelines regarding his acceptance, but no more than any other student who applied for late admission. Finally, after over a year of disappointments, something was going right in his life. This was something that he did by himself, for himself, without relying on other people to make decisions for him, and it had boosted his confidence immensely.

Enjoying his newfound self-esteem, it was easy to look down at Mr. Schuester and tell him he wasn't going back. He'd resolved when he moved into dorms he would focus on himself from that point on. For too long had he put everyone else's needs and wants before his own, and that ended now. He had a solid future ahead of him, one where he could actually make a difference. He'd never be famous or rich but the personal rewards would be invaluable. Who knew how many lives he might change, how much hope he might give, or who he would influence? Some of his students might go on to their own fame and fortune, all because he believed in and encouraged them to pursue their passions, just as he was now pursuing his.

Yeah, it felt really good.

"So, I'm assuming you still have our swim-wear?"

Finn turned towards the flirty, feminine voice behind him. Standing there was the taller of the two women he'd tricked out of their bikini tops. He tried to keep his eyes focused on her bright blue ones, but it was hard to ignore the glistening, heaving, bare breasts on the woman. Her proximity to him was enjoyably close and getting closer every second.

He smiled at her, doing his best to not let his eyes obviously drop to her torso. "Of course I still have them. Safe and sound." He pulled a small corner of the bikini top fabric from the pocket of his shorts, the movement allowing him to get another eyeful of her chest.

"Any chance I might get mine back?" she asked, stepping slightly closer. Briefly she glanced down at her breasts, then up to his eyes. "As you can probably tell, I'm a little cold."

It was practically an invitation to look, and Finn figured he'd be very impolite to refuse. He licked his lips as he languidly enjoyed the view of her bosom. Given her flirtatious behaviour, he decided to see how far he could press his luck. "And, if I give it back to you, what will you give me in return? After all, it was your price of admission. I'd hate to have to ask you to leave."

She smirked at him and glanced at the door behind the ironing board. "Is that your room?"

"Yeah."

"Anyone else in there right now?"

Finn raised an eyebrow. "Not that I know of. Why?"

She smiled saucily before bending over and grabbing two beers from the nearby cooler, letting him get a good, long look at her legs and rear end. He clenched his jaw to suppress the groan of appreciation at seeing not only her backside, but also her bare breasts hanging freely as she stayed in that posture for a few seconds. Once she had a beer in each hand, she sashayed towards the door and opened it up. Casting a look over her shoulder, she wiggled her eyebrows once before turning towards him fully. "Give me a minute. After that, I'd really enjoy it if you helped...warm me up." She dragged a beer bottle along her breast line, causing her nipples to harden further, before closing the door.

Finn stared at the closed-door of his room, dumbfounded. Never in his life had any woman been so sexually forward with him. He had to wonder if a camera was set up somewhere by Puck to prank him, the video streaming online so everyone he knew would enjoy a laugh at his expense. He looked around the hallway to see if his friend was eyeing him with a smirk and expecting him to take the bait.

Puck, however, was busy on the other side of the hallway, conversing with three women, all of whom were practically fawning over him. If this was a trick, it wasn't his best friend who'd set it up.

Pulling the iron's electrical cord out of the socket, he again glanced both ways in the hallway before opening the door, and hurrying inside, locking it tight with both the dead-bolt and the chain. His eyes roamed the room until he saw her sitting in his desk chair, legs crossed, and sporting a huge smile.

"Glad you could join me," she said, uncrossing her legs. Finn saw she'd taken the liberty of removing her bikini shorts, as well.

He couldn't believe it. Standing in his room was a beautiful, tall, blond, naked woman. It was like a scene in a movie - the type he figured was necessary in a Hollywood college film but never actually happened in real life. Had he won the lottery or something?

She sauntered towards him slowly until she was right in front of him. He swallowed as her hands drifted up his chest and down his arms to his wrists. "Am I dreaming?" he asked.

In response, she took his hand, opened it, and then placed his palm on her hip. With her hand over-top and guiding him, she brought it up until it rested directly on her breast. She gasped sharply before leaning in closer. "Does this feel like a dream?"

He shuddered as he felt the curve of her breast and her nipple against his skin. "Is...is that a trick question?"

She chuckled and stepped into his embrace, her lips moving along his neck and up towards his ear. "Are we going to talk, or are you going to help me warm up?"

Finn didn't really need to think twice about that question.

XXXXX

He awoke the next morning to the sound of running water in his shower, the bikini of the girl he'd been with hanging neatly on his chair. Replaying the events from the night before, he realized in that moment he'd had sex with a woman whose name he didn't even bother to ask. Not that she'd asked his either, but without even knowing that basic piece of information, the entire experience seemed kind of...empty.

Not that he hadn't enjoyed it - it was probably the most enjoyable 'empty' experience he'd ever had. Sure, he'd had a similar encounter with Santana years ago, but back then had absolutely no idea what he was doing, and Santana seemed a million miles away thinking of something else. This time, at least, he had some idea on how to please a lady, and this woman had been as eagerly involved as he was.

But still, it seemed impolite and impersonal to not even ask for her name, especially considering the nature of their activities.

His cell phone vibrated twice before stopping completely, indicating a new text message. He reached over and thumbed it, wondering who it could be.

Santana Lopez.

Think of the devil, Finn thought.

Pressing with his index finger, the message flashed onscreen. It was only five words long, but they were the best five words he'd read in a long time.

*They broke up. He's gone.*

Relief poured through him and he felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. He pumped his fist once, silently, to give action to his sense of triumph. It had been a long time since he hadn't had to worry about Rachel and the douche-bag getting closer and possibly more permanent in their relationship. Even though she'd willingly spent the night with him and didn't contradict him when he'd said they were endgame, he honestly couldn't say she wouldn't change her mind. Unlike Brody, he wasn't three percent body fat or a Broadway performer. True, he wasn't a prostitute, either, but as far as common interests went, Rachel shared many more with Brody than himself.

Thinking about Rachel, however, had him realize with clarity what exactly he'd just done with...what's-her-name. He swallowed as the leaden feeling of guilt settled into his stomach. A month ago, he'd made love tenderly and gently with Rachel - twice - and now, after coming to college, had forgotten entirely about the woman he cherished most to have hot, wild, empty sex with some nameless college girl.

Definitely not his shining moment in the sun.

Discomforted by his thoughts, he quickly pulled on some pajama pants and a t-shirt. He glanced at the bathroom door, still hearing the shower going full blast, and realized that other than her bikini, the woman he'd been with had no clothes. Obligated to at least give her a means to walk back to her own dorm unit comfortably (it was he who insisted she surrender her bikini top, after all) he pulled out a pair of tie-up gym shorts with a well-worn hoodie. After scribbling a note she could borrow the clothes to get home and give them back later, he exited the room to give her some privacy and headed towards the common-area's kitchen.

All he had to do was turn into the kitchen's doorway and he heard a lone person applauding. "Yo, Finnster in da house!"

At the table sat Puck, still clapping his hands, before him a half-eaten bowl of cereal. He sported a shit-eating grin on his face. "Trying to get rid of the Finnocence tag, aren't you?"

Finn rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment before moving over to the fridge. "It wasn't exactly planned, you know."

"No shit, Sherlock," Puck said before shovelling another mouthful of Rice Krispies between his lips. He chewed a couple of times before continuing. "That's the beauty of college. Just grab the nearest random and proceed to drown in lady-town to turn those frowns upside-down."

Finn shook his head as he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, opened it up and drank the first third of it in one swig. After feeling his thirst somewhat quenched, he leaned back and eyed his friend. "Sorry I kicked you out, dude."

"You kidding?" Puck shot him a disbelieving look. "You think I can't find another bed to crash in for the night, or another room-mate? 'Course, I wasn't insisting she sleep on the bottom, if you know what I mean. I'm just glad you finally saw some action. And pretty fine looking action she was, I might add."

"Yeah, she's drop-dead gorgeous, but..." Finn shrugged. "I dunno, man. Still feel kinda wrong about it all."

Puck rolled his eyes and almost threw his spoon back into the cereal bowl. "She's the one asked for the bearded blood sausage all night long and now you're feeling guilty 'bout it? I swear to God, if the next words out of your mouth include Rachel or Berry, I'm gonna-"

"I'm in love with her, Puck!" Finn explained patiently, as though to a child.

For his part, Puck acted as expected by groaning and collapsing his head into his arms on the table, pretending to weep. "Where did I go wrong? I thought I taught him better."

"It's just...I know my future is with Rachel. I know we're going to wind up married. And I just turned around and...and...forgot about it with this woman last night. It's like I cheated on her."

Puck shot up, looking at him as though he'd grown a third head. "What, you guys engaged again? Did you get married instead of Mr. Schue at that wedding?" Puck pointed at him. "Dude, she's the one who ran back to Broadway Billy."

"Brody."

"Whatever. Douche's name ain't important because anyone at that reception could see Berry's totally fuckin' smitten with you. Some things never change." He got up from the table and walked over to Finn, leaning with one arm against the wall beside him. "Tell me straight, bro: you think things with Rachel will work out eventually?"

Finn took another sip of water and stared hard at the wall across from him, turning the question over in his mind. After several seconds of contemplation, he nodded. "Sooner or later it's bound to, yeah."

Puck slapped him across the shoulder. "Then what're you worried about? While she's getting her rocks off with Masterpiece Theatre, go have your fun too. You're not beholden to her so go live a little."

"She's not with Brody anymore, though." Finn smirked at the thought. "They just broke up."

"Yeah? That's cool, but doesn't change things for you, does it? Berry's still in New York and not dating you, meaning you're free to be with whoever, whenever. Meanwhile you're lamenting how you danced the mattress jig with maybe the hottest chick on campus? Get a grip, man! Know how many guys would like to tap that?"

"Yeah, I know and I get all that. Doesn't change how I feel though."

"Well giving chicks the blanket drill doesn't have to be a regular thing," Puck crashed back down at the table and ate more of his cereal. "Not like you went looking for it. But it's college. It's normal. It happens. Enjoy it for what it is, especially since you're single and it fell right in your lap."

There was some truth in Puck's words, Finn thought. He'd heard several stories about college that included instances of casual sex, often the same way it happened to him the night before. Provided protection was used and neither person hurt, what was the harm? And despite knowing he'd never love another woman the way he loved Rachel, he couldn't have her – at least not now. Wasn't there some expression about that? If you can't be with the one you love, go be another one's lover... or something?

'What's-her-name' certainly hadn't complained last night. Thankfully, she hadn't insisted on a cheeseburger run afterwards, either.

"Want some coffee, dude?" Puck asked, drinking the cereal milk from the bowl then tossing it and his spoon in the sink for later washing.

Finn shook his head. "Nah, need to work myself up to that, man. Maybe I'll try some with lunch." Finn checked his watch and figured his mystery lady was probably done in the shower and had headed home. He stood from the counter. "Halo tonight?"

"You kidding? I managed to score us a spot on the guest list at the biggest fraternity on campus. Tonight's their house party. Gonna be stellar!" Puck collapsed on the leather couch set up on the other side of the common room. "Think I'll check The Score before trying to score again myself."

Finn barked a short laugh at his friend before waving and walking back towards his room. His friend had a one track mind, which the college environment only seemed to further encourage. Still, a frat party sounded like fun. It was Saturday, so no chance he was doing any homework anyway. Besides, he just started classes. His professors were still fine with him catching up.

Getting to his dorm unit, he listened for a few moments to see if it was still occupied, but no sound of running water came through. Assuming everything was safe, he walked in.

His guest still hadn't left.

In fact, she hadn't gotten dressed, either. Nor had she bothered using a towel as her skin was glistening from head to toe.

Wet and lying buck naked on his bed, she was underneath his sheets from the waist down but completely exposed above her hips. Finn unconsciously drank in the sight of her and felt himself stir below the belt line. She smiled upon seeing him and rolled to her left side, propping her head on her hand. The water reflected sunlight on her skin, further enticing him. "Hey! I was wondering if you might be interested in round two. I rather enjoyed round one myself, and I don't have anywhere to be until this afternoon." She patted the bed beside her. "Care to join me?"

Finn pursed his lips, wondering if he should partake of any further...sessions...with her. He had certainly enjoyed himself last night, but could he keep this up with Rachel still in the back of his mind?

Go live a little!

It was a surprisingly easy question to answer. Still, he didn't want to seem rude and vowed to make 'round two' more personable. He walked over and sat down where she patted the bed. "What's your name?" Finn asked. "Don't think I got it last night."

She smirked. "Courtney. You?"

"Finn. Nice to meet you, by the way." He offered his hand to shake hers.

She laughed richly and shook his hand once before pulling him down on top of her, making obvious what exactly her intentions were. "Less talk, more action," she whispered into his ear before nibbling on it.

Well, he tried to be polite. He couldn't help it if she wasn't that interested, could he?

Love the one you're with, he thought, the correct lyrics suddenly clicking in his mind as Courtney pulled him fully on the bed.


A/N - To anyone who's wondering, Ja9 thanks everyone for their well wishes and congratulations on her new 'mom' status. She and baby are still doing well and adjusting to life as two separate people with no strings (cords) attached.

As always, we want to thank you all for enjoying this A/U version of "Finn Lives". Next chapter should actually delve into more 'unknown' territory as we're about to get into stuff we thought would be seen beginning S5 instead of what we actually got. And then from there...who knows? Hopefully though, you'll all stick around to find out. :)

Thanks you so much for all the reviews, subscriptions and alerts you've given us! It's very appreciated. As always, Ja9, it's a pleasure sharing this with you and bouncing ideas around. I imagine you're itching to get back to the keyboard, and I'm sure in time you will.

Reviews aren't just appreciated, they're encouraged! :)