Hello my loyal readers! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

As always, this story is dedicated to Cory Monteith. ❤️ Always believe in the tether!

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or anything related, and I don't pretend to. Song title is from the title song by Danielle Alexander.


Finn woke up the next morning, groggy and grumpy with a terrible headache. He groaned in pain as he rolled over on the blowup mattress, stuffing his face deeper into his pillow to avoid the sun glaring through his window.

Dammit, he should've closed the blinds before he went to bed last night. The sun never fails to make his headache worse after a night of drinking. God, last night. Just the memory of it leaves a sour feeling in his stomach.

In just one night he managed to make amends with Rachel and then somehow break it again. Being around Rachel was just one big roller coaster of emotions after another.

The sound of grease sizzling on a pan the wonderful aroma of bacon hitting his senses made him lift his head. His head dropped again though, when the feeling of achiness came back like a freakin storm. "Finn, are you awake?" Kurt's voice rang out from the the other side of the curtain, much louder and closer than he assumed someone was standing.

"Yeah?" Finn mumbled, his head thumping painfully.

"Breakfast is ready. And I've already got the Advil with your plate of food as well as a fresh cup of hot coffee." Kurt pulled the curtain back to survey his brother. "Cmon, it'll help you feel better." Kurt added after Finn only groaned in response.

"I don't want to get up." Finn grumbled, watching out of the corner of his eye as Kurt pulled the blinds open further and opened the window, letting in a cold breeze. Finn shivered a little, but the cold feeling felt pretty nice against his overheated face and throbbing head.

"You need to eat something. Cmon." Kurt used his foot the prod Finn's side gently. "I already had to separate Rachel from her bed and trust me, that was not easy. I know I can't possibly pull your gigantic body out of bed." Kurt tapped his foot on the floor impatiently, his arms crossed.

"No." Finn insisted stubbornly, burying his head into his pillows again, thus shutting Kurt off.

The combination of this crappy hangover and Rachel being mad at him last night was enough to put him in a mood. And mood that not even eggs and bacon could cure. He just wanted Kurt to go away so he could wallow in peace.

"Dammit Finn. I have work in an hour. I do not have time to babysit Finchel just because they got themselves drunk and had a fight last night." Kurt snapped, glaring at his brother who still refused to move.

"I'd hardly call it a fight, she is mad at for some unknown reason and I'm just supposed to bend over and take it. Even if I did nothing wrong." Finn explained angrily into his pillow. He really felt the need to punch something, wow. He didn't realize how angry he was at the whole situation.

"I don't particularly care who said what. The point is that you two are friends. And adults may I add. Which means you two need to get over whatever you're fighting about and stop acting like you're still in high school. Now get the hell up and go eat breakfast so I don't have to worry about you choking on your own vomit or something while I'm at work." Kurt spat in annoyance.

And then with a surprising strength Finn had no idea his brother possessed, Kurt shoved his hands under the air mattress and pulled up, flipping Finn onto his back with his mattress over him and his blankets tangled around his body.

Finn sputtered, shocked at the quick turn of events and his brothers' strength. "What the fuck Kurt?!" Finn kicked the mattress off himself, glaring at a smirking Kurt standing at the entrance of his room again.

"Oh good Finn, you're up. Better come get some breakfast before Santana wakes up and eats all your bacon." Kurt turned on his heel and walked back to the kitchen, leaving Finn gawking after him. What the fuck?

What had gotten into Kurt today? The dude was flipping mattress and acting like he knew everything. Well he didn't know anything. He was sick of being everyone's emotional punching bag.

But he's right you know. His conscience spoke up, that small part of him agreeing with everything Kurt said. They were adults and had to stop acting like pathetic, jealous little teenagers.

Ignoring the internal battle his heart and brain were having, he tossed the blankets to the side and reached for his sweatpants, not entirely comfortable waltzing out in his boxers and t-shirt. He held his throbbing head in his hands for a moment, wanting more than anything for it to just stop.

"Finn! Let's go!" Kurt yelled, making Finn's head head ache even more with his yapping.

Figuring Kurt would not stop until Finn got up, he used all his strength to push himself off the wooden floor, stumbling a bit as he staggered to the kitchen, plopping down in one of the wooden chairs.

He ignored the wounded puppy dog looks Rachel was sending him from across the table, focusing only on the plate of food in front of him.

He popped the two Advil into his mouth, taking a swig of the orange juice to wash it down before he picked up his fork and started on his scrambled eggs.

"Well good morning sunshine. It's good to see you finally up." Kurt chuckled from his spot at the counter to Finn's right. Kurt sipped his coffee from his Harry Potter mug as he smirked at Finn, knowing full well Finn was still pissed he'd flipped his mattress.

Finn chose to ignore Kurt, ripping off a piece of his bacon savagely. "Okay, I need to go get ready for work. You two kids play nice while daddy is in the shower alright?" Kurt mocked as he placed his cup in the sink.

"Asshole." Finn muttered at Kurt's retreating figure, Rachel chewing on her lip out of the corner of his eye. He stuffed more bacon into his mouth, chewing quickly to avoid having to talk.

"Finn? Can we talk please?" Rachel asked softly, making him finally look up into her guilty to face.

She looked about as crappy as he felt. She looked exhausted and paler than normal, her hair tied back in a messy bun. He nodded, "Yeah okay. What about?" Finn sipped the hot coffee, feeling the hot liquid sooth his aching throat.

"You know what about. Last night. I wanted to apologize for snapping at you like that. All you did was help me and get me to let lose." Rachel wrung her hands nervously, looking up at him nervously.

Finn sipped the coffee again, loving how it felt and wanting more. "Do you remember everything that happened last night?" Finn asked quietly, keeping his face stoic.

"I remember bits and pieces. It all comes back very slowly." Rachel lick her lips, her fruit parfait still untouched in front of her.

"Do you remember us running into Brody at the front door of the complex?" Finn asked, ignoring her wounded look as he still refused to look at her. He didn't need to give her the satisfaction of knowing he would cave the minute he looked into her beautiful eyes.

"Sort of. I remember him being an ass. I remember you telling off and defending my honor." Rachel took her chances and reached across the table to grip Finn's hand that was resting gently on the table next to his plate of food.

Startled at her warm touch, Finn looked up, feeling himself give in the moment their eyes locked and he saw the regret and sadness in her eyes.

"Why'd you snap at me then Rach? It hurt my feelings you know. I spent the entire night trying to make you feel better and then you shut me out and say you're passed at me. It's so confusing to be around you sometimes Rachel." Finn sighed. "One minute you're all over me, not wanting me out of your sight and then the next you're slamming doors in my face and telling me I did something wrong."

He continued staring at her and noticed unshed tears sparking in her eyes as he spoke. "You want the honest truth?" Rachel whispered, her thumb gently rubbing against the inside of his wrist.

He shivered involuntarily at her touch, making her smile shyly and continue caressing him. "Always." He answered, not needing to even think about it.

"I was jealous of that slutty bartender that gave you her number. That I definitely remember. I remember that sinking feeling in my stomach when I realized it was a woman's number you had in your pocket." Rachel revealed, hanging her head in embarrassment.

Finn felt a combination of shock and shear love pulsate through his entire body. Affection bloomed in his chest as she kept biting her lip, embarrassed by her own behavior.

"You were really jealous? I mean, it's just her number. It's not like you knew whether or not I was going to call her." Finn reasoned, secretly thrilled that she was jealous of him and some random girl even though she had a boyfriend. Again, a douchebag boyfriend, but a boyfriend nonetheless.

"I don't know why you wouldn't. You're single, sweet, adorable, and just the greatest man I've ever known. Why wouldn't someone want you?" Rachel sighed, dropping her head into her hands.

Finn paused for a moment, his heart beating in his chest at her words. She just sounded so in love. It was exactly like the way she used to speak of him, before the breakup and the drama and the messiness.

He bit his lip for a moment, reaching out to rest a hand on her forearm, making her look up. "Rachel, why did you invite me out here?" Finn asked softly.

Rachel chewed on her lip nervously, "Well, you were alone for the holidays and no one should be alone on Christmas." Rachel wrung her hands, suddenly way more interested in her hands than one should be.

"Rachel." Finn eyed her, his eyes telling her to just say what she was really thinking. "You just randomly decided to invite your ex-boyfriend over for Christmas when there's a good chance your current boyfriend could be here?" He added, pulling his hand away and staring at her, slightly accusingly.

Rachel sighed, glancing up at him in shame. "Alright fine. I missed you okay? I was selfish when I invited you out here. I just wanted you all to myself. And last night, it made me realize that I'm not ready for you to move on, to be with someone else. And that? It makes me feel even more wicked and selfish." Rachel wiped away some stray tears.

Finn wasn't sure whether or not he felt happy about everything she said. On one hand, it felt good to hear that she was still as attached to him as he was to her. But on the other hand, it kind of annoyed him that she was determined not to allow him to move on while she had a boyfriend.

"What about Brody?" Finn asked, looking her straight in the eye.

"W-what about him?" Rachel responded, blinking over at him.

"Well how does he feel about all this? And if you missed me so much, why are you even with him?" Finn asked bitterly.

"Brody doesn't know. At least, I don't think he does. And I'm with him because... I didn't want to be alone. And since the day I met him he's just been there. And I think I just got so caught up in a new relationship that I didn't even realize how unhappy I was. Because Finn," Rachel reached up and grabbed his arm. "You need to know that I don't feel the same way about him that I've always felt for you. I was so much happier with you."

"This is so fucked up, Rachel." Finn ran his hands over his face, tired of this back and forth crap they seemed to have been caught in.

Rachel's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm so sorry Finn. I'm sorry for being selfish. I'll just stay out of her way from now on okay? We don't have to even talk anymore if that's what you want." She stood up from her chair immediately, an obvious sob caught in her throat.

"No, Rachel. That's not what I meant," Finn stood up too, reaching for her hand. "It's just really complicated. We've always been complicated so it's nothing new." Finn tried to make a crappy joke but he was even smiling. And neither was she.

"I know it is. And it's all my fault." Rachel swallowed the lump in her throat.

"Shhh. No it's not Rachel," Finn wrapped his arms around her body, kissing the top of her head. She pushed her body further into him in response. "What's that saying? It takes two to dance?"

Rachel finally giggled a little. "The phrase is, it takes two to tango." She kept her head against his broad chest. "But okay. I suppose you're right."

"I usually am." Finn smiled, running a hand gently down her back and relishing in the feeling of her softly rubbing his chest with the end of her nose.

"I'm going to figure this out, Finn. I'm going to break it off Brody. And maybe one day, I don't know. Maybe we could be together." Rachel pulled away from him a little and looked up at him shyly.

Finn gazed down at the girl that still held his heart in her little palm. The girl that would always have ahold of his heart. "You know, I think that is most definitely in our future." He couldn't help but smile as her face lit up in a grin that was brighter than the damn son.

"I'm glad we talked this out Finn. We're definitely getting better at this honesty thing." She kept her arms around his waist.

He laughed. "Tell me about it. Two heart to hearts in less than a week? Pretty awesome," He poked her nose affectionately. "But this time, no getting drunk afterwards."

She laughed too, her head thrown back. "Deal. And I'll do my best to keep from getting too jealous of you and any of those Lima girls. But they better be warned that when it comes down to it, I'll fight them for you." She smiled.

"You have nothing to worry about Rach." Finn assured her, gesturing towards their forgotten food at the table. "Now let's eat. Kurt will be offended if we waste the food he slaved over."

Rachel nodded in agreement with a giggle, reluctantly tearing herself away from him and sitting back down in her chair.

They sat in a comfortable silence for another minute or two as Finn's brain replayed everything that was said over and over. It was then that he really thought of something she said. Those Lima girls. He'd totally forgotten that he hadn't told anyone about his plans to teach a Glee club. To be a music teacher.

"Rach? I want to tell you something." Finn said suddenly, making her look up from her food in surprise at the sudden sound of his voice in the otherwise quiet apartment.

"What is it? Everything okay?" She asked concerned.

"Yeah yeah everything's fine," He smiled at her. "I just, I think I've finally figured out what I want to do." Finn put his fork down as Rachel squealed excitedly across from him.

"Well?!" She grinned at him, her smile giving him the confidence he needed to tell her.

"I want to teach. More specifically; Glee club. I want to be a music teacher like Mr. Shue." Finn revealed, the words making his stomach curl in both nerves and excitement.

"Finn! That's a brilliant idea! You're a born leader and you've been amazing to those kids. Leading them while Mr. Shue has been gone." Rachel pushed out of her chair and practically tore across the table to hug him.

He laughed happily, squeezing her tight against him. "You really think it's a good idea? You think I could do it?" Finn asked her, breathing heavily at the feeling of her body pressed into his.

"Finn, I think you can do anything you set your mind to. And remember that were the co-captain of New Directions. I may have been the loud, vocal one that dictated the club, but you were the heartfelt leader. The one who led us all and gave us the inspiration to go on even when people kicked us down. Glee club wouldn't have been possible if you hadn't been the courageous one and followed your heart. You were meant for this Finn." Rachel cupped his cheek, her words making tears form in his eyes.

He didn't know what to say, she'd rendered him speechless with her heartfelt words. And he wanted so freaking bad to kiss her. Her lips were right there and his for the taking. She obviously still wanted and he wanted her.

But his stupid conscience stopped him from doing it. So instead he leaned down and kissed her cheek. His warm lips pressing against her pillow soft cheek. He could feel her hold her breath for a moment, tightening her fists around his t-shirt.

"You're incredible, Rachel Berry." Finn kept his face close to hers. "You always know just what to say to make me feel good."

"Well I see you two have made up." Kurt voice rang out from behind them, just as Rachel was about to open her mouth and respond. Rachel pulled away from his face a bit though didn't let go of his waist.

Kurt, who was smirking a little at the pair, had his hand on his waist, already dressed for work. He had on his weird allogator broach and as usual was more dressed up than he probably needed to be.

"Um, yeah. Everything is all cleared up." Finn nodded his head, his thumb secretly stroking her hip, making her bite her lip and breath out her nose loudly.

"Good. Because I don't want two grumpy grouches snapping at each other when we celebrate Christmas. Two days people." Kurt walked over to his coat and pulled it on, wrapping one of his any designer scarves around his neck. "Now, hope you both have a good day, see you tonight." Kurt waved before shutting the door behind him, locking it before the apartment was silent once more.

Rachel turned back to him and slid her hands up his neck, playing with the hair at the back of his neck. "So what are your plans for today?" Rachel asked sweetly. It felt just like old times, Rachel wrapped around him as they happily finished their breakfast. Neither of them questioned or even dared to move away from each other, both way too comfortable and please with the turn of events this morning.

"I dunno. I'll probably go get you guys a gift today." Finn shrugged. "I know it's kind of like, an unspoken agreement between friends that we aren't obligated to get each other stuff for holidays, but I really want to thank you guys for taking me in." He smiled at her.

"Even if you were invited by someone who only did it for selfish reasons?" Rachel chuckled a little, sipping her green tea.

"Even then." Finn nodded with a smile. "What about you? Any special plans?"

"Well, you know we're tree hunting tonight. Kurt said it'll help the ambience of this holiday if we all go together. And he's been keeping an eye on the tree lot and their are still plenty of good ones left. But other than that? I think I'll um, talk to Brody today." Rachel replied, determination set in her brown eyes.

"You're going to do it today?" Finn asked in shock, his mouth hanging open a little.

"Well yeah. I meant what I said Finn. And I think we both know my heart belongs to someone else. It wouldn't be right to lead Brody on like this." Rachel leaned over and kissed his cheek softly, his eyes closing against his own will at the feeling.

He didn't know what else there was to be said so he just gave her a little squeeze in return, allowing himself to imagine that they were together. That he had never put her on that train alone and she'd never gotten with Brody. That they were a newly married couple just eating breakfast in their little shoebox apartment.

Exactly as things were supposed to be.


"Cmon Finn, this tree is supposed to leave less pine needles around! Do you know how great that would be when cleanup begins?" Kurt insisted as they, Rachel, and Santana perused through the Christmas trees later that evening.

"Dude, that tree fucking sucks. Look at the bare spots! We don't want a freakin Charlie Brown tree. I want a nice big one that has sturdy branches and that awesome pine smell. Those are like the qualities that make a perfect Christmas tree and that one has none of those qualities." Finn scrunched up his nose in distaste at the sight of the tree Kurt was insisting they get.

There was no way he was going to allow them to buy a sorry excuse for a tree like that one. No, if he was going to be here, they were going to do it right and have the most kickass tree this lot offered. Kurt be damned.

"I agree with Finn. This one isn't very sturdy. It won't hold any of the ornaments you guys have." Rachel pointed out.

"Of course you agree." Santana murmured under her breath, smirking at the glare Rachel sent her way, "But seriously Hummel. That tree fucking blows. If we're going to spend this much money on a damn tree, it better be a good one. And Hudson clearly knows what he's talking about."

She went back to sipping her eggnog, one manicured hand shoved in the pocket of her winter coat. Kurt huffed and crossed his arms.

"Fine. But you'll be in charge of vacuuming the stupid pine needles when the festivities are over." Kurt picked up the hot chocolate he'd set down, taking a huge swig of the steamy liquid.

"Whatever. Now cmon, the Douglas-fir's are over there. They're my favorite." Finn led them over to the lots' collection of Douglas-fir trees, shivering a little in the cold air. "Ahhh here we go. God these smell the best." Finn inhaled the scent happily, shifting through the trees.

"Ugh, I'm out of hot chocolate. I'm going to go get some more. You guys want any more?" Kurt peered into his empty cup.

"Yeah, I'll come with you. I needs me some more eggnog. They put the perfect amount of rum in it." Santana smacked her lips together.

"Uh yeah I'll take an eggnog. No rum though." Rachel smiled softly at Kurt.

"Hot chocolate for me." Finn added, still checking every tree in excruciating detail.

"Got it. We'll be back." Kurt eyed the pair of them, with an almost-smirk on his face. "Don't pick a tree without us." Kurt called back at them as he and Santana retreated back to the front entrance where the owners wife and son were serving snacks and drinks.

Rachel stood next to him, silently watching as he rejected tree after tree before turning to her. "Are you okay Rach? You're really quiet tonight. Is this about what happened with Brody?" Finn asked softly, reaching out and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her little winter hat perched atop her head. It made her even cuter to him, if that were even possible.

"Yeah I guess. I feel bad. He took it really hard and even though I don't want to be with him, he didn't do anything wrong." Rachel sighed, blinking up at him as specks of snow started to fall and stick to her dark eyelashes.

"I'm sure he was just bummed and hurt about losing someone as amazing as you. Eventually he'll get over and find someone else. You did the right thing for your own heart Rach. And I'm not just saying that as a jealous ex-boyfriend. I'm saying that as your friend. Your heart wasn't in the relationship." Finn pulled her into him with one arm, giving her a little squeeze of support.

"You're right. Of course you're right Finn. I've just never had anyone yell at me like that. Even when I made my dads really really mad they didn't yell at me like that." Rachel sighed against him, her head resting happily against his coat.

While Finn could understand why Brody was upset, he was also really pissed off that he'd treated Rachel like that. It's not like their relationship was a big deal or anything. If it was an open relationship Brody probably had at least one other girl he was seeing.

And the dude was an asshole so Finn wasn't entirely sure why Brody was so surprised a sweet girl like Rachel broke up with him. Though in the back of his mind Finn had a sinking feeling that they hadn't seen the last of Brody. And the thought made him feel a little nauseous.

He focused back on Rachel when she started talking again. "He's an idiot Rachel. And he probably couldn't handle the fact that someone else broke up with him first. You're so much better than him Rach." Finn assured her, rubbing soothing circles on her back as she ran a hand over her tired face.

"You're the best Finn," She smiled up him, much more cheery than she was before. "Now let's find the perfect tree shall we?" She pulled away and squeezed his hand in thanks, making Finn grin like a fool.

God, he could not wait to be her boyfriend again. Then he'd get to hold her hand whenever he wanted and kiss those pouty lips that looked even more delicious with her Chapstick shining on them.

So she helped him search through the trees again after he reminded her what the perfect tree entailed. Then Kurt and Santana returned with their drinks, knowing looks in their eyes as they walked up to the pair who were standing way closer than normal friends do.

"So did you guys find any good ones?" Kurt handed Finn his drink as Santana passed Rachel hers.

"Yeah I think we've got it narrowed down to three of them." Finn showed them each in turn, pointing out the good aspects of each.

"Well that second one is too tall and its branches are too long. It won't fit in the loft." Kurt pointed out, thus ruling out one of them.

"And that third one doesn't smell as nice as the first one. My vote is for the first one." Santana piped it, taking a huge swig of her eggnog.

Kurt and Rachel nodded in agreement, the latter running a hand over the first trees' branches.

"So it's unanimous. First tree it is." Finn grinned widely, heaving it up from its spot against the other trees and carry it over to the owner who had a saw ready to cut the bottom to their desired length.

"Have him cut it about midway so we can fit it in the tree stand." Kurt followed Finn closely, Rachel and Santana bringing up the rear. Finn pointed to where he wanted it cut and the man obliged, wrapping the tree carefully so they could fit it in the man's truck.

Finn helped the man load it as the girls and Kurt hopped in truck, before the man drove them back to the loft. Thankfully it was only 10 minutes from the loft (15 because of traffic) so they got back home in record time. Finn was starving because they hadn't eaten anything before they left, so it was already 9pm and Finn hadn't eaten anything since noon when he had lunch.

Of course, Rachel and Kurt were planning on making a huge dinner for Christmas Day so Finn's stomach already felt like it was going to be having a party. But for now, they had to settle for some takeout, which Santana would be ordering as soon as they'd heaved the tree up the billion flights of stairs to the loft.

"Now it feels like Christmas." Finn fist pumped as they finally got the tree on the carpeting of their floor. "And it'll feel even better when we decorate the rest of the house too. With garlands and lights and little Christmas knick-knacks." Finn grinned happily, his pink showing that of childlike excitement.

Rachel giggled at the look on his face and Kurt chucked heading down the hall to unlock the door as Finn and Santana worked together to fit the tree through the doorway and Rachel hurried off to the hall closet to get the tree stand.

"Right there by the window." Kurt instructed as he pulled his jacket off and shook the snow from his pants, pointing towards the open space by the huge floor to ceiling window.

Santana glared at Kurt who was doing nothing, huffing as she helped Finn slide the tree into the holder Rachel had just placed down in the designated spot. "San, hold it while I tighten the bars around the base." Finn got down on his knees and twisted the knobs to adjust to the size of the tree, making sure it was firm before standing back and admiring their handiwork.

"God it really is perfect." Rachel grinned, clapping her hands together as the four of them stood back and gazed at the tree, the lights from the city outside creating the perfect glow around it.

"I'd say this calls for a little takeout and Christmas movie! We've been working our butts off all day and just heaved a very heavy tree upstairs. Let's relax." Kurt whipped out his cellphone and began dialing their favorite Chinese place as Finn and Santana exchanged matching looks of annoyance at Kurt's use of the word we.

As Kurt ordered an assorted family meal, Santana mumbled something about changing her clothes and getting out her "damn boots" as she disappeared behind the entrance to her side of the loft.

"Shall we choose a movie?" Finn grinned at Rachel, who had now taken off her jacket and was wearing her black leggings and a cute little white reindeer sweater. Finn had to admit he was thrilled to see her still wearing her animal sweaters (because as sexy as he found this "new" Rachel, he still preferred the old Rachel, who wore whatever she wanted and it was adorable).

"Ooh yeah!" She followed him over to the stack of DVDs, squinting her eyes as she tried to make a choice. "Well, I've never really watched any of these so I guess we'll just have to rely on your expert opinion Mr. Hudson." Rachel bumped her hip against his, making him chuckle.

"Alright alright, I'll assist the fair maiden. Even if it is kinda lame that she's never seen Home Alone or Elf." Finn tried and failed to hide the grin that broke out when she made a huff of indignation and pouted playfully.

"You know full well it's because I don't celebrate Christmas, Finnegan." Rachel poked his side when he just laughed again.

"Whoa. Using my first name. You must be really serious." Finn winked at her, watching as her face broke out into a huge smile as her fake stony facade was thus dropped.

"You're such a dork Finn." She shook her head with a smile.

"You love it." Finn picked up A Christmas Story. "Here, we'll watch this. It's like, one of the most well known Christmas movies ever. And it's pretty hilarious too." Finn smiled as she watched him lovingly, popping the movie in the DVD player as Kurt plopped down onto the sofa behind them, sighing dramatically.

"Food should be here in fifteen to twenty minutes." Kurt yawned a little, stretching his legs out in front of him.

Rachel shot Finn one last smile before excusing herself to the restroom, Finn staring at her on her way out.

"What's going on with you two?" Kurt asked, startling Finn who had no idea his brother had been watching him with interest.

"Nothing. What do you mean?" Finn shrugged, once again failing at being nonchalant.

"Come one. Those longing looks across the room, the lovesick puppy dog looks on your faces when you think the other isn't looking. I feel like I'm back in high school, sitting in the choir room and having to endure Finchel eye sex every day." Kurt patted the seat next to him, motioning for Finn to sit down.

Finn blushed deep red at his words. Were they really that obvious? "Kurt, I swear nothing has happened between us. We're just friends." Finn insisted stubbornly.

Kurt snorted. "So I'm supposed to believe that Rachel invited her ex-boyfriend/fiancée over for Christmas and convienitely broke up with her current boyfriend around the same time you arrive? Give me more credit than that Finn." Kurt elbowed Finn in the side.

"Look, we talked about us, about everything that has happened and she decided, on her own by the way, to break up with Brody." Finn defended, staring straight ahead to avoid his brothers' all knowing eyes.

"And she broke up with him because..." Kurt left off, already knowing the answer.

Finn sighed and gave in, seeing that his brother already knew anyways. "Because she still loves me and I love her." Finn finished.

"I knew it!" Kurt exclaimed, looking like he wanted to pat himself on the back for a job well done.

"But we aren't together. We're going to give it some time. Stay single for a while before we jump back into a relationship together. We want to do it right this time." Finn added seriously, finally turning to look at his brother who continued to smile.

"Well I'm proud you guys. The Finn and Rachel from high school would have just gotten together after a breakup. But instead, you two are showing some maturity and taking it slow like adults." Kurt smiled wider. "And I can't say I'm sad to see Brody go. You're better for her Finn and I think you two make eachother better in general. I'll be rooting for you two." Kurt smacked his shoulder into Finn's.

Finn for his part, was smiling at his brother, really really appreciating Kurt for all he was; a loyal friend and brother. Someone who would always support him no matter what.

"Hey speaking of being an adult, I need your help with someone man." Finn clasped Kurt's shoulder in his large hand. "But it has to be top secret. I don't want Rachel to know yet."

Kurt narrowed his eyes suspiciously but nodded. "My lips are sealed."

Finn blew out a breath. "Okay. I need your help applying to community colleges here in the city." He licked his lips nervously as he awaited his brothers' response.

"W-what? Really? You want to go to schoo out here?!" Kurt asked excitedly, his voice rising in pitch before Finn shushed him with a laugh.

"Yes I am. But I need your help. I don't even know where to begin." Finn chuckled with a smile as Kurt smiled even wider. He could practically see the cogs in Kurt's brain working through stuff.

"Okay, so no universities? Just community college?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah. I looked up what teaching degrees require and there are a lot of credits that I haven't earned yet. Guess I should've working harder in high school." Finn shrugged.

"Wait. Teaching? You want to be a teacher?" Kurt asked surprised. Crap. He forgot that he only told Rachel what he wanted to do. Oops.

"Oh uh, yeah. But not like math or science or anything. I want to be a music teacher and start my own Glee club." Finn revealed proudly.

"Oh Finn!" Kurt cried, throwing his arms around his brother. "I'm so proud of you Finn. You're going to be an inspiration, just like Mr. Shue was to us. I know it." Kurt scrunched his nose when Finn pulled back and ruffled his perfect hair.

"Thanks man. That's what I'm hoping to do anyways. If you'll help that is." Finn felt relieved when Kurt nodded enthusiastically.

"Of course I will Finn. We'll get started right away. Let's start researching tonight. You're only here for a few more days." Kurt pulled out his wallet as someone knocked on the door, presumably the delivery guy.

"I just hope I haven't missed any deadlines or anything." Finn sighed as he watched Kurt pay the guy and take the bags of food with a thank you.

"I don't think so. The next term shouldn't start until late January. And I don't think community colleges are as stern as universities. I think you'll be okay." Kurt grabbed some plates and forks, carrying them over to the coffee table.

"Great." Finn sat back with a smile, feeling content. "So we'll start later?"

"Absolutely. Come to my room later and we'll start going through application on my computer." Kurt handed Finn some food with a reassuring smile. "And before you know it, you'll be living here in the loft permanently."

Finn stared at him, feeling his heart warm a little. "Really? You'd let me live with you?" Finn asked.

"Of course Finn. We wouldn't let you sleep in one of those shitty, dirty apartments downtown or something. You're family, so you should live with us. End of discussion." Kurt smiled as he ate his food.

"Thanks man. You're the best brother a guy could ask for." Finn poked Kurt's cheek as Santana and Rachel came back into the room, Santana dressed in what she'd dubbed her lazy pants.

"Oh thank god the food is here. Gimme some of that orange chicken." Santana plopped down in the chair adjacent to the couch, convienitely leaving the only open spot next to Finn.

Neither Finn nor Rachel were at all upset about this news though. They just smiled affectionately at each other, Rachel excepting her plate from Kurt and a blanket from Finn.

Kurt flipped on the tv and pressed play on the movie as they all began eating dinner in a comfortable silence.

Finn turned and smiled at a beaming Rachel, reaching down and squeezing her knee tenderly. And if they happened to get closer and closer as the movie went on, and his hand happened to begin her stroking her leg? Then so be it.


Yay! Brochel is broken up! But do you think that's the last we've seen of Brody? ;) At least Finn is finally getting his life on track though! And he's making plans to join his friends in the big city. So stay tuned for more Finchel goodness!

Please review. :) Seeing notifications for reviews/favs/follows, really makes my day and helps give me motivation to write more. Hugs to everyone who has already done so!