Chapter Seven: I Really Can't Stay

Finn was sitting in the living room, wrapping some last minute gifts for Kurt. He was so glad that he'd been able to find some great clothes for Kurt at the outlet mall in Memphis. Plus, while Kurt was a stickler for fashion, he was also used to having to get things at Goodwill or consignment stores. Finn looked up as Adam came into the room. Finn wondered what he wanted to talk about. "What's up, Adam?" It was Christmas Eve morning, and Finn knew that he was cutting things close. But the tree had a ton of presents underneath it. Finn moved to grab some more tape.

This was going to be hard for Adam to bring up. But he wanted to talk to Finn about Rachel and Charlie. Adam wasn't sure that he should tell Finn about the argument with Charlie on the street. It had been on his mind since it had happened though. "Finn, I have something I want to discuss with you. You…. are you sure that being with Rachel is the best idea?" He asked, his tone as gentle as he could make it. Adam knew that Finn wasn't going to like what he had to say. "I know you don't want to hear what I have to say. You don't have to take any of what I have to say. You don't have to take any of my advice. There's just things I need to get off my chest because you're my family and I care about you. You should rethink this."

That wasn't what Finn had thought Adam would bring up. "Are you… are you serious? You're lecturing me about my marriage? It's my choice. I love her, Adam. I know that ya'll are concerned, I may not remember what it was that she did to me, but I know it was something. The way you two have been acting it's obvious. You both have to try and get past what happened in the past. I love Rachel. She's my wife and we're going to have twins." Finn actually managed to keep the anger out of his voice. He knew that Adam was just concerned. "You and Kurt are concerned, I know. You're allowed. But I made my decision. And i know that you and Kurt attacked Charlie about our relationship in the street, by the way. This town is incredibly small, by the way. Things go around very easily." Finn slid the last present he'd wrapped under the tree. He reached for the last one he had to wrap. It was for Rachel. He was so glad that he'd found the best gifts for her. Finn had asked Blaine for help. Finn had known for a few things but he'd also wanted to find out for sure what she liked. He had already given her the Hanukkah presents. It was going to be a great Christmas as well. He brushed his hand through his hair. "I'm staying with her."

A blush covered Adam's face when Finn told him that he knew about what Adam had said to Charlie. "I'm sorry that I butted my arse in like that. I just… I don't know what came over me. I was just puzzled I guess." Adam really did feel chagrined, if he was being honest. "I just think that you rushed into this thing with Rachel. I'm sorry, Finn, but it's not a real marriage. You don't have all the facts and when you do you'll regret doing this. Just trust me. Kurt and I saw what you were like after she broke up with you. It was horrible. You took a long time getting over it. Not that anyone could blame you. She dumped you with the long distance is hard speech but it was really because she liked that St. James actor person." It bothered Adam to no end that Jesse was talented. It would be so much easier to hate him if he didn't have any talent. Adam watched Finn's face, he seemed to be in shock that their relationship had ended in the way that Adam described. "If you truly think Rachel has changed, okay. But Kurt and I are very concerned that you made a huge mistake. Carole and Burt are as well." Adam knew that Rachel knew a discussion with Finn's parents was coming before they left for Lima. Adam felt that wasn't going to end well for anyone even if he felt that it needed to be done. He kept his gaze on Finn.

As much as Finn was sure that he'd done the right thing, hearing how he and Rachel broke up was a revelation. Finn didn't know what to say. "I'm… she dated that Jesse guy?" Finn had already known that something had gone on with Quinn, Rachel, and Jesse, even if he hadn't asked what it was. And he thought it truly was amazing that he hadn't heard what it was in this small town. Finn's hands faltered on the gift. "You guys…. I didn't… it's amazing that I didn't hear about any of this in this town." It truly was, and Finn wasn't sure what to do now. He didn't know how to feel.

That was a good sign, Adam felt, that Finn seemed to be upset about the news Adam had given him. Adam leaned on the couch. "You just should have all the information. That's all. I am glad that I could get to voice my concerns. If you end up wanting to stay with Rachel, we'll support you. I just want you to be able to make an informed decision." Adam was going to say more when Rachel came in the room, that Blaine fellow in tow. Adam wasn't sure what to make of them, Blaine and his husband. Adam wondered what he was doing here, instead of being with his husband. It was Christmas Eve. Adam inclined his head hello.

When they came in, Finn cleared his throat. "Rachel, can I talk to you alone?" He asked, and he could see the nervousness in her eyes. Something that Adam had said must be true. Blaine and Adam left the room, and Finn pushed the gift for Rachel out of sight. "Adam said that when we broke up after high school, you got together with that Jesse guy? The one that you refuse to talk about and I know that something happened with you two and Quinn. The whole town stops talking when she enters a room. I'm not stupid. I can't promise not to get mad. I don't expect you to tell me what happened here with them. But I would like the truth about the breakup."

The time that Rachel had been dreading had finally come. She didn't know what the best course of action was. Lying would be a bad idea. Especially if she did and he found out about it later. Rachel was just scared shitless that he was going to get angry and leave. "Finn. I know you want to know. I just… I don't want to ruin Christmas. This is your favorite holiday. I promise, I'll tell you, just… can't it wait? Your family's here, and we've been having a great time. Let's just wait. Please." Rachel was just trying to buy herself some time. But she really did feel that that was the best idea. No sense causing drama on the holiday. She put her hands on her stomach, feeling for the babies' kicking.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, she had a point. Finn looked down at her, licking his lips a bit nervously. Finn sighed. "You're probably right." Finn mused. Even if he wasn't of the mind of waiting. When he saw the look of relief on her face, he changed his mind. "You have a point, Rachel. Please, tell me what was true. Did you break up with me because of that Jesse guy?" Finn was truly afraid of what the answer was going to be. Why it should have any bearing on their marriage, other than Rachel had lied about it. Finn didn't like when people lied to him. And Rachel was his wife. "I wish that I didn't have to know, and right now, but I do. I need to know. If you don't tell me I'll just be tense and nervous the whole of Christmas." Finn brushed a hand in his brown hair. He met Rachel's brown eyes, and wondered what she was going to say. He was terrified that Adam was right. Finn didn't want him to be right. Although with the way his entire family was acting it was making him think it was true. Finn folded his arms as he tried to work out the emotions on Rachel's face. She was an actress, so it's hard to know what she was really feeling. Finn was starting to really worry.

Knowing that he was right about him being tense if she didn't. Rachel brushed some of her long brown hair behind her ear and took a deep breath. "Just please remember how happy we are right now. I… there was probably a bit of both in the decision. I was growing weary of us being so far apart, and I had met Jesse already." Rachel had been dreading the conversation that Finn had begun. Rachel braced herself on an arm chair, and Finn helped her sit down. Rachel forced herself to keep her eyes on her husband's. Rachel brushed her hand through Finn's hair, feeling its soft and silkiness. It always helped calm her down. "I just wasn't trying to hurt you. I know that I did. You felt so hurt and angry. I know that if I could take it back I would. Jesse and I… it was a huge mistake." She didn't want to tell him she'd miscarried Jesse's baby. She still was dealing with it, the pain of it. Even if she was so deliriously happy with Finn. "I hated that I had to hurt you. I'm so sorry that I did hurt you. If you feel like I should have told you after you got amnesia, I was just trying to avoid hurting you once again." While that was true, she also had been so completely horrified that Finn might leave. She was scared enough that Adam and Kurt were going to try and drive a wedge between her and Finn. It was a possibility.

That hadn't been what Finn had expected. She seriously had broken up with him for Jesse St. James. He took a deep breath as he tried to digest this. Finn brushed a hand across his scruffy chin. He looked down at his lap, his hands clasping. Finn tried to catch his breath. "I can't…. I'm not mad that you didn't tell me after I lost my memories. You were just trying not to hurt me. But I have to admit, I'm a little miffed." That was one of the words he'd learned being married to Rachel. Plus, he had gotten into books lately. "You could have told me, even if you were afraid. We're married. You should be able to tell me anything. I don't keep things from you. You shouldn't keep things from me." It hit him then that she may have been trying to keep Finn from leaving her. Rachel was a very crafty person when she wanted to be. This caused his gaze to go back to Rachel's. "You were just trying not to lose me." This was said a bit in awe. Finn had had the thought that he wasn't good enough for Rachel. "You don't have to worry about me leaving you. I love you, Rachel. Even if I never get my memories back, I will still love you. You are carrying my babies." Finn was glad when she smiled.

The fact that he seemed to figure out her plan didn't surprise her one bit. He may not remember their past but he was going to get to know her very well. Rachel leaned out to kiss him. "I love you, too, Finn. I agree that we should be honest and forthright. You're right though, I was only trying to keep you in my life. You are the best thing to ever happen to me. I don't want to do anything that might cause me to lose you. I know that you feel the same." She took a deep breath. "If you want to know what happened with the three of us…. I can tell you. But it's hard for me to talk about. It was more than just a simple thing. It really hurt and and it was something that I lost forever." Rachel's voice had a catch in it, as much as she hated Jesse now, and a small part of her was glad they hadn't been tied together forever, she had loved the baby. Rachel was also a bit guilty that she was glad that Quinn and Jesse were over. It helped, Jesse being gone. Now if Quinn could just leave as well. Rachel met Finn's eye. "I…. please don't ask me to tell you right now. I'm not sure I can make it through the conversation." It was true and she hoped that he would give her the gift of not having to tell him yet. They shared a look, and she sighed with relief. "Blaine and I are going caroling, do you want to go?" It had been a surprise that he'd agreed to go.

Blaine poked his head into the living room. "You ready to go, Rach? I only have a couple of hours." He and Sam were going to Skype with Sam's parents. Blaine was really looking forward to it. Blaine wasn't even sure how Rachel had managed to talk him into going caroling in the first place. He had almost brought his guitar even. Blaine blushed a bit as they turned to look at him, curls falling adorably over his eyes. He was actually excited about the caroling. It was truly going to be great. Sam was finishing up a shift at the firehouse at the moment.

A smile spread over Rachel's face. "I was just asking Finn if he wanted to go, Blainers." Rachel honestly was beyond glad that Blaine had agreed to go. She knew that Sam was going to be glad too. He loved Blaine's singing voice. She was going to film Blaine singing Silent Night by himself for Sam. Rachel turned back to her husband. "Will you come with us? It won't take too long, you heard Blaine." Rachel hoped he would. She felt so much better about things with Finn and now she could feel free to have some holiday fun. She smiled more when Finn said he'd go. She loved spending holiday time with Finn. It was magical.

Meanwhile, Sam and Puck were at the firehouse, eating breakfast. Since Puck was Jewish, he was working till evening and would be off the next day. Sam reached for some cheese for his eggs. "It must be hard to be away from Livvy right now. Isn't Marley here to visit? And Jake?" It didn't surprise him that Puck had a half sibling. Not from the stories he'd heard about Puck's dad. Puck told a lot of people about how much of a jackass his dad was. Although most of Littleton was aware of that fact. Sam didn't know how hard that felt, since his own parents had been so great. Especially when he'd come out and told them that he was marrying Blaine. Sam had felt so relieved.

Clearing his throat, Puck forked up some eggs. "I am not sure what to think of Jake yet. But I like Marley. She's a great girl. She and Liv are getting along so well. I'm glad about that at least. Jake is keeping a lot of himself inside, he's trying not to really get to know us. I'm not so observant usually. But he's been way quiet the whole visit. I'm wondering how he even got Marley in the first place." Puck didn't know that he was a bit surprised. Puckermans had a tendency to keep people at arm's length. He had used to dp that himself, so he was familiar. He grabbed up some bacon, (he so didn't keep kosher) and took a bite. "You must be looking forward to your last Christmas before you have a kid with B. I'm so happy for you, by the way."

"Sometimes it's hard getting to know a family member that you didn't grow up with. And I remember how long it took for you to warm up to B and I. It's okay, Jake just needs to adjust. You and Sarah are great people. He'll figure it out, I know it." Sam told him, taking his mug to go and get more coffee. Sam loved his siblings. He was hoping that Puck and Sarah would get a chance to know Jake. "If you want, Blaine and I could come over day after tomorrow for a hangout or something. We can help talk you up." Sam said. He brushed hair out of his eyes as he got out creamer. "Plus, I know B would love Marley."

That was something Puck agreed with. "You're right, Blaine will love Marley." He finished off his bacon. He was so glad that they had let Jake know when he'd been in a coma. Pick would have hated it if he'd never at least gotten to meet his brother in person. Sarah didn't seem to like Jake at all, and Puck wasn't sure why. He also didn't have a clue how to get her to make more of an effort. He also was wondering when Sarah was going to get over her crush on his fiancee. Puck didn't really blame her too much, Olivia was smokin' hot and very good at sex. Puck just thought it would ease the tension and it would help Sarah get a girlfriend of her own.

Sam started to clean up breakfast dishes. Puck was still in his chair, so he was just supposed to answer the phone and things like that. Sam started to load the dishwasher. Only about an hour to go and he could go meet his gorgeous husband. Sam straightened up and reached for some sugar for his coffee. Sam didn't know what other advice to give. He decided to ask Puck about Sarah's crush on Olivia. He hoped Sarah was starting to move on. "Hey, so, how's that crush Sarah has going? Is it at least starting to resolve itself?" Sam asked, hoping that it was. It was incredibly awkward to be around once you knew that it was there. Sam joined Puck back at the kitchen table. "I gotta tell you, I hope she has, because it's so weird being around the two of them once you are aware of it." Sam wondered if Olivia was aware of it. He debated asking but he didn't want to upset Puck if it was a sore subject. He supposed he'd already gone far enough with bringing it up at all. "If it's hard to talk about I'm sorry. We could change the subject." Sam was just glad he got to spend more time with Puck. Sam was glad to have friends in the firehouse. Sam was just not used to it, his last job he'd not exactly gotten along well with his co workers. "I also have to say, i'm not sure what I'd do if my sibling had a crush on my husband. But it wouldn't matter in the end, Blaine loves me and I love him." Sam was very secure in his love for Blaine, and vice versa.

Before Puck could answer, a hot Latina woman came in. She was already in the uniform. Although it was the EMT version. They only had a handful of EMT firemen. Santana Lopez set her brown eyes on the burly but still had the air of femininity men. Well, the blonde one, that was. She so thought he batted for the boys' team. She sashayed over to them. Leaning on one of the chairs at the table, she said, "I'm Santana Lopez. Is Cap Schuester around? Transfer from LA." Santana was mostly surprised that she was keeping herself together so well. She and her girlfriend had just broken up because Brittany hadn't wanted to move to Tennessee. She had had to get out of LA. It had been great at first but then it was too damn stressful. Santana had only been apart from her for say, a week. They had dated a long time. Since high school. Santana loved her and this was killing her. But she was in good spirits about this job. She tucked some of her raven colored locks behind her ear. She had a few blue highlights in it, and she wore some diamond earrings in her ear. She shook Puck's hand when he offered it to her. She licked her lips a bit evilly and said, "I'm a les, boy, so don't try and pick me up." She needed this to keep her mind off babes. This place was all guys.

The boys stared at each other for a moment and then Sam smirked. "Someone's conceited." He used a tone of only mild annoyance. Sam offered his own hand and she shook it. "I'm Sam Evans-Anderson. My husband is going to have fun getting to know you." Sam had to admit, she was smoking hot. Sam wasn't sure if Littleton could handle all of this gayness. "I notice you're an EMT. That's very cool. I don't have the discipline to go and pass the exam." Sam wanted to be in charge of the firehouse one day. Sam didn't have very many lofty goals. He was just of the simple life kind of man. He was someone who just cared about people. Sam loved his job. "So where are you being transferred from? Just so you know, the hospital is like 45 minutes away in Memphis. Just so you know, we mostly handle like, cats in trees and the small fire occasionally when people burn their exes' stuff." He thought it was pretty cool that they had a girl on the squad. They hadn't had one since he'd been working here. "Schue will be here in a few minutes. He's having some kind of relationship chaos, I don't know what. But he did mention that he had a meeting. You must have been the person he was meeting." Sam brushed his hand along his blonde locks. "Good to have you here, honestly." He informed her.

Swiping a piece of Puck's bacon off his plate, she plopped down into a chair, biting off half of it. She had known the question of where she was coming from had been going to come up sooner or later. Sighing, Santana lifted one shoulder in a nonchalant manner. She was quiet as she spoke. "I just ended a six year relationship. I… I wanted out of LA, and she didn't. I had to get out." Santana was surprised that she was opening up to them like this. Must be the joint she'd smoked in the tiny cab service. She accepted the mug of coffee that Puck handed her. Along with some creamer and sugar, since he didn't know how she took it. Santana put in some creamer and a bit of sugar. "I would really rather not talks about it, though. I thought a small town would be nice for a new start." She said. Her tone was incredibly firm, so they would get the picture and not ask her anymore about that. Santana was quiet as she sighed and sipped her coffee. She didn't know how to get through all of this. Sex was usually her coping tool, but this time might be a bad time for that. Santana also doubted that there were other lesbians in town. Or bisexual women, that was. She was on her own.

Reaching out, Sam touched her shoulder. "I promise, we won't talk about it till you're ready. I promise that I won't." Sam got how she felt, if he lost Blaine it would be that hard for him, too. He fell quiet then, he was wondering where Will was coming from. There was this guy that Sam knew that Will was hanging out with. Probably banging too. Sam wouldn't have thought so until he heard him on the phone once. And he'd known it wasn't Will's girlfriend, Emma. Although he knew they were having problems, according to Blaine. Sam had to admit, he was very surprised that Will turned out to be bisexual. Because he really thought Will was banging that guy. Speaking of the devil, here came Will. "Hey, Cap." Sam said, noting that Will's normally neat curls were mussed and his shirt was untucked. Sam brushed some blonde hair off his forehead. "Santana Lopez is here, Will." Sam wondered what Will was going to use as an excuse for why he was a bit late. Sam met Puck's eye, and he knew they were both thinking the same thing. Sam was starting to think that Will and Emma were broken up and just hadn't told anyone publicly. Sam didn't necessarily think it was anyone's business, and he was just wanting both Emma and Will to be happy. Maybe that meant not with each other anymore. He knew that Will was trying to avoid a scandal, and in Littleton, that was next to impossible. It was too small of a town.

Will met Sam's eyes, and he knew that Sam was suspected about him and Cooper. The worst part was that Cooper was Blaine's older brother. One of the family members who had disowned Blaine for being gay. Will knew that was incredibly hypocritical and Blaine was going to be so pissed when he found out. Will went to a mirror to check his hair, which was definitely sex mussed. He ran a comb through it and then turned back to the others. "Ms. Lopez, I'm Captain Will Schuester. I'm sorry that you have to be here on Christmas Eve. Let's go to my office." He said, leading her to his tiny office. They weren't that big of an operation. Will waited until Santana had sat down before he began. "I'm glad to have you on board, Ms. Lopez. Do you have any questions? Are you worried about any discrimination? Because I can promise you that it won't happen as far as I'm concerned. We don't happen to have any other people of color working here, but we do have a fireman who has a husband. You indicated that you were a lesbian, correct?" Santana inclined her head in a yes. "We don't really have any issues with that. You met Sam out there, he has a husband. You'd have to ask him to be sure but as far as I know he's been getting along just fine. And Blaine fits in just fine with the other guys' wives." Will was glad about that.

Eying him, Santana supposed that he was just trying to give her a good impression of the department. She knew he wasn't trying to be a jerk. She brushed some of her black hair out of her eyes. "I know that I got this job because I'm the only one who applied. However, I am really good at my job. I'm not going to lie to you. I just got out of a very serious relationship over this job. I also have to tell you that there might be some repercussions from that. But I am committed to being here. I chose this place because of where it is. I want to be here." It was going to be hard for her, not knowing anyone here, but she was up to the challenge. She was really glad that she wasn't in LA anymore. "I'm not concerned about discrimination. I can handle that if it does come up. And of course I'm legal, I was born in America. I don't want you to have to worry that I might be illegal." She didn't know if that was really something he'd worry about but she wanted him to know it wasn't an issue. Santana had run into that more than she had people having issues with who she slept with. "I'm all set up in my new place, and can start here as soon as you need me. I am still unpacking of course but I just want to throw myself into work. I need to get my mind off B… I mean things." She'd almost said Brittany's name, and she'd lose it if that happened. She didn't want to lose it in front of her new boss. She didn't even like to get upset in front of her friends. It was just embarrassing.

"I'm glad to hear that you're legal. Although I don't know that that would be an issue if you were. We just want good workers. And you may be new, but you just walked into a very close knit unit. You can talk to anyone about anything. That includes me. If you ever need to get things off your chest, you can talk to me. That includes your relationship or lack thereof. It's always hard, and it's even harder when you move across the country." Will brushed his hand across his scruffy chin. He sighed. "If that's all, you can go. I've got you set to start on the 29th, if that's okay?" He asked, and she nodded. Will heaved another sigh.

Sizing him up, Santana asked, "Okay, who is he? You're sleeping with a guy, aren't you?" His wide shocked eyes told her yes. Santana watched him some more. "It's your first time with a guy, too, isn't it?" He confirmed this with a nod. She leaned forward in her chair. "You don't have to come out until you're ready. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You don't have to come out at all if you don't want to. Some people don't, and that's their choice. This is your life, your journey. You can't let anyone tell you how to handle it. Even if this is just experimentation. And if so, that's normal too. I just don't wants you to feel alone. I know we just met, but I've been there."

It was really very touching that she was giving him advice. Will wasn't sure that he was ready to talk about it just yet though. He and Emma weren't together anymore. It wasn't common knowledge yet, but they were done. They had broken up because Will wanted kids and she didn't. It wasn't like they weren't still friends, they were. But Will wasn't willing to give up his dream to have kids if he didn't have to. And he didn't want to have them with someone who didn't want to. Will had gone out to drown his sorrows in Memphis and hooking up with Coop had just happened. Will didn't know if it was serious or not. They hadn't had that talk yet. Will sighed again and said, "I haven't really thought about whether I'm gay or what just yet. All I know is, I really like having sex with him. It's just… it's so complicated. He's Sam's husband's brother. And Blaine's family disowned him for being gay. I'm not unaware of Cooper's hypocrisy. I'm more worried about Blaine being hurt than what everyone talks about me. If I'm into guys, that's fine. I can handle that. My parents will be fine with it. But Blaine's my friend. He is going to be so hurt. Although I've only known that Coop is his brother for a week. We've been hooking up for a month and a half. I'm just worried about telling Blaine." Will was actually being honest on that front. "I just, I appreciate you talking to me. Although is it really that obvious?" He asked.

Smirking, Santana said, "No, I just notice things. You've got razor burn on your neck from being kissed. Not to mention the tiny spot of come on your collar." She smiled as he blushed tomato red. "You're probably safe from everyone else. But if I were you I'd at least change my shirt." She had slept with her fair share of guys before she'd come out. With that, the meeting was over, and she left. She said bye to the boys on her way out. When she got outside, she saw a flash of blonde hair, and then she saw the beautiful face that went along with it. Her eyes widened. It was Quinn Fabray, from that new show. Santana had to admit, she'd popped into her head a few times during sex or masturbation. Santana could only stand there and watch her, she was stepping out of a diner with a takeout box. Santana brushed her hand across her mouth, making sure she wasn't drooling. Santana made a mental note to see if she could get a date with her. She had pretty good gaydar, and she really thought that Quinn Fabray might be. Santana wondered if going over now might be a good idea. Although it was Christmas Eve, she probably was on the way somewhere. She was just going home, and later on order Chinese food. Without Brittany it wasn't much of a holiday. Plus she wasn't going to get to see her younger brothers either.

Christmas passed, and it went by fine for Rachel which was surprising to her. She didn't have to endure a talk with Finn's parents about them being married. Adam and Kurt left on the 29th, they wanted to be back home for New Year's. Rachel was fine with that, she and Finn were hanging out with Puck, Olivia, Blaine, and Sam. Jake and Marley had already left to go back home. It was New Year's Eve, and Rachel was getting some of the food ready. They were having pizza, fries, things like that. She was very excited. Finn came in, he'd just gotten off work. "Kitchen, Finn." Rachel called out happily. Rachel was putting the pizza in the oven. She turned to look at him as he came in. "How was work, babe?"

"Hey, Rach." Finn said, setting down his duffle bag. "It was okay. We've got a girl at the station now." He said. "Her name is Santana. She's… a bit abrasive." Finn had learned some new words lately, he'd been doing some reading. He wanted to be able to teach his babies things. Finn reached and ate some of the shredded cheese that she had put on the pizza and the fries. "Puck and Liv aren't too far away, Puck was stopping off to get some alcohol. I don't know what kind." Finn went to get a beer out of the fridge. "How was your day? Did you talk to your dads? Are they having fun on their cruise?" Finn wasn't sure what to think of Rachel's dads. They were definitely something else. They liked him though so that was something.

Rachel smiled and got out a box of pot stickers. She knew Olivia had been craving them lately. She said, "I talked to them, they called earlier. They're having a great time." She knew Finn was having a time trying to get to know her dads. They liked him though, and they'd never gotten to like Jesse. Rachel wasn't sure that she blamed them, even though Jesse had been her boyfriend she could admit he was a hard person to like. Rachel put the pot stickers in the oven. "I am so excited for everyone to get here. It's going to be so much fun." Rachel was eager to grill Blaine about Emma and Will. She knew there was no point in asking Finn, he never paid attention to stuff like that. Rachel had a suspicion that Will and Emma were broken up. She had noticed a change in Emma the last time they'd hung out. Rachel had recognized the signs of a broken hearted woman. She had been there herself. "How's Will? Do he and Emma have plans?" She asked, her tone casual. Finn wasn't one to go along with gossip, and she had to tiptoe carefully. Rachel got out herself a soda. It was a caffeine free Pepsi and Rachel missed caffeine. She couldn't wait till she had the babies. It was going to be so great to have coffee again. "Did you tell them they could join us if they wanted?"

"Oh please, Rachel. I know that you're just fishing. Besides, WIll and Emma broke up. They told everyone a couple of days ago." Finn brushed his hand through his brown hair. They heard noises and Puck and Olivia came in. Most people in Littleton didn't lock their doors. They really didn't have to. It wasn't that crime ridden. Finn grinned when he saw them come in. Puck was carrying a bag of liquor, and Finn knew it was more likely Jack Daniels and Kentucky bourbon. Finn hugged Olivia as she joined them in the kitchen. "You look so gorgeous, Liv. I can't wait till you have the baby." Finn was hoping the babies would all get along.

Olivia gave him a grin. "Thanks, Finners. I feel completely bloated but I appreciate the compliment. Noah agrees with you." She wasn't showing as much as Rachel was but she was showing. She reached and got a soda. "He's very excited to ring in the New Year." She said, as Rachel was slapping Puck's hand from grabbing some pizza. She had to admit, it did smell great in here. "This is totally going to be great, even if I can't drink." She didn't know what Sarah's plans were and she had to admit, that was a lot worrying to her. Puck wasn't and that was giving her pause as well. He should at least be a little bit on the concerned side.

As if Puck was reading his fiancee's mind, he said, "Liv's worried about what Sarah's doing. But I say it's all good, as long as she doesn't drive drunk. I don't want her to do that and get someone hurt. Especially herself." Puck had a suspicion she was out with a girl somewhere. And he really didn't think it was here in town. He had a very big suspicion she'd gone to Memphis. Not that Puck blamed her. Littleton was way too small to have any good club life. You had to make your own fun in Littleton. Puck reached to open a beer. "I just got a text from Evans, they'll be here soon." He said. He wasn't necessarily in the mood for Blam. He wasn't Finn, he didn't mind calling them a couple name. Puck didn't want to admit that out loud though. He knew it wasn't going to make him look so good. It's not like he didn't like them. He did. It was just Blaine, he was a lot to take. Puck honestly wasn't in the mood for Rachel either, and he knew it was because she and Blaine were too much alike. "I know you aren't kosher, so there better be bacon on that pizza, Berry." He told her, taking a long sip of the beer. He would never give up bacon.

"You know she most likely went to Memphis." Finn said. He didn't blame her honestly. It was hard to be a teenager in Littleton from what he heard. Finn was going to say more when he heard Blaine and Sam come in. "Kitchen, guys!" He called out. Finn was really excited for this party. It was going to be great. He pulled up Spotify and put on his party playlist. Olivia grabbed Blaine and got started with the dancing. Finn had to admit that Blaine was a great dancer. He had never really been someone who could dance. He took the pizza out of the oven and got out some paper plates. The song playing was by Ke$ha.

Blaine loved the music and grabbed Sam to join them on the dance floor. He knew Olivia would enjoy being in the middle of a gay couple sandwich. Blaine settled his hands on Olivia's waist, and Sam's arms went around her neck. Blaine met Puck's eye, and he could tell that Puck wasn't happy that he and Sam were here. Blaine knew that it wasn't because he hated them or anything. Blaine honestly could understand that. Sometimes you just weren't in the mood for certain people. Blaine laughed as Liv's hands went to his shoulders. Blaine loved dancing with her. She was crazy good, even while she was pregnant. Blaine was already having a blast and it had barely begun.

An hour later, everyone but Olivia and Rachel was drunk and silly. They were into a game of beer pong. It was Finn and Sam against Puck and Blaine. Olivia was laughing her ass off at seeing her fiance that sloppy drunk. The music was still going and they'd already made a plan to do karaoke when they were done with beer pong. Olivia knew that it was going to happen, Rachel Hudson didn't have a party without karaoke. Olivia had to admit, it was going to be hilarious with all of the guys already wasted. She reached for some more cookies.

Rachel nudged Olivia. "Your fiance is way better than my husband at beer pong." She wasn't surprised, Finn had never been a big partier. Rachel grabbed another plate of chicken wings. She bit into one as Blaine managed to get a ball into one of the cups of beer. Sam groaned and teased his husband about trying to get him wasted. Rachel was having a great time. It was going to be such a great New Year's. Rachel was still on pins and needles about Finn getting his memories back. She knew how selfish that was of her. It was very selfish. She was just so scared to lose him.

Laughing, Olivia said, "Yes, your hubby is getting very sloppily drunk." She was definitely glad that they'd decided to let the boys play beer pong. She watched Blaine, who was giggling uncontrollably and curls were falling over his forehead. She thought he was gorgeous, and he and Sam made an adorable couple. Olivia brushed her hand through her long black hair. She'd done up some curls with a curling iron. Her longest layers reached her lower back. Olivia laughed more when Finn managed a trick shot and Puck and Blaine both had to down a cup of beer. Olivia was fine with the game as long as her cup wasn't filled with beer. When she was able to play, of course. "So, Noah, what do you think of the new EMT girl?" She knew how curious Rachel was about what was going on in the firehouse. This was her way of getting them to possibly let some gossip things out. Olivia was curious herself. Especially since the girl was a lesbian. Olivia had to admit that was a good thing for the whole of Littleton. The LGBTQIA community was on the small side. Plus, it was great that the girl was an actual EMT. It was great to see a woman having a good job like that. Especially here in a small town like Littleton. Olivia hoped no one was giving her trouble. Although from what she heard the girl could protect herself.

That wasn't a surprise to Puck that Livvy was asking about Lopez. She was trying to get them to talk about what was going on at the fire department. Puck knew that the whole town had been talking about WIll and Emma. They may have gone public with the breakup but that didn't mean that the scandal was over. Puck didn't know that he could talk about that whole mess right now. Puck also didn't think that Schue should have to deal with people discussing his love life. He also knew that Will was banging Blaine's brother. Puck had caught them the day before. He was debating if he should fill Blaine in or not. Puck wasn't sure if he wanted to deal with Blaine's drama and reaction. "Liv, come on. I'm not going to gossip about work. No matter how wasted I am." Puck knew that if Will and Cooper didn't get a handle on their desire for sex they were going to out themselves. Puck was of course keeping that in mind as to whether he should fill Blaine in or not. It would suck to hear it through the town gossip mill, which of course was mostly the two hair salons and the barbershop. "There's just some stuff that you don't talk about, Liv." It was just true.

Sam was glad that Puck seemed to be against gossiping about the firehouse. He was trying to keep Blaine from finding out about Will and Cooper. He knew it was only a matter of time. Sam knew that Blaine was going to freak the fuck out when he finally found out. Sam was just hoping that Blaine wasn't going to blame him for not telling him the truth. Sam knew that that was a possibility. Before Sam could say something, Puck's phone began to ring. He had to pause the game to answer. Sam watched his face, and Puck turned white as a sheet. Sam brushed his hair out of his eyes and then it was just white noise as Puck was telling them that Emma had been in a car accident, and she hadn't made it. Sam didn't know what to do. He moved to Blaine, whose wide hazel eyes had filled with tears. Sam took his husband in his arms, Blaine and Emma had been close. Sam ran his hands along Blaine's back, wishing that he could say something that could help. Then there was talk of the boys going to meet Will at the hospital, who was still Emma's emergency contact. Sam called them a cab, he told the girls they should stay home and just relax, as horrible as the whole thing was. Sam couldn't do anything to help Blaine and he felt so horrible. They were all so completely in shock.

Will was pacing the hospital hallway. He'd been with Cooper, and they had both gone to see what had happened to Emma. Will knew it was going to hit the fan now, he knew that Blaine was coming along with the boys. He ran his hands through his curls, his (boyfriend? lover?) sat on one of the waiting room chairs. There was a strangled cry, and he spun around, the four boys were there. He knew he was up the creek now. It was New Year's Eve and he was here with Cooper Anderson. Will met Blaine's hazel eyes and swallowed hard. "Hi, Blaine."

His heart stopped when he saw his big brother sitting with Will. Blaine's eyes filled with tears. Emma was momentarily forgotten as Blaine put two and two together. "You're fucking my brother?!" Blaine's voice was harder than he'd intended. Blaine folded his arms tightly and glared at Will. This was on top of Emma, this was the worst NYE ever. Blaine's voice was eerily quiet as he spoke again. "I can't believe you, Will Schuester! And Coop…. You fucking hypocrite! I can't believe you! Why did you disown me if you were gay too?! What the hell, Cooper?! I'M YOUR BROTHER!" He was so angry.

Meeting his baby brother's eyes, Cooper knew that Blaine had a point. He also knew that this was easier to focus on than Emma's death. He met Blaine's eye as his heart pounded. "I'm sorry, Blaine. Really. I just, I know how fiucking wrong this is. Especially since when you came out I was aware of my sexuality. You have every right to hate me. I don't blame you." Cooper's black hair fell over his forehead. Brushing it back, Cooper looked at Will briefly before he turned back to his brother. "I also know that this is easier to deal with than Emma's…. Being gone." Cooper knew that if he used the "death" word it would be too much.

The tears were falling down Blaine's cheeks. The rest of the group had gone quiet. Blaine's hazel eyes stayed on Cooper's blue ones. "You're kidding me, right? You're giving me permission to be pissed off? Where the hell do you get off? Wait, don't answer that. I don't want to know. I can't believe this. You're at the hospital because of Will's ex girlfriend. She's DEAD. Gone. And you're here with the man that was cheating on her!" This part was said a bit more loudly than Blaine had intended. Blaine could hear a pin drop it was so quiet. No one knew what to say. "This is not acceptable, Cooper! If you think I'm going to be okay with this you're incredibly wrong. Fuck you."

When he was done speaking, no one moved. Will knew that there was nothing left to say. He knew that they had no good excuse. "I'm sorry, Blaine. We both are. I don't blame you for being angry. I'm not… if you never speak to me again I'll understand. But for the record, Cooper and I weren't cheating. It started as rebound sex. Emma and I broke up awhile ago because she didn't want kids and I do. We ended things as friends. I wasn't angry at her and she wasn't angry at me. You don't have to be angry on her behalf. But Coop is right. This is easier for you to handle than… than Emma." Tears brushed his own eyes. He still couldn't believe this. It was completely unreal. Will knew that this was just Blaine's scapegoat. Will sighed. He looked at the others, who were still standing there awkwardly. He sighed again. "We should focus on why we're all here. At least, for now. You can yell at me all you want another time. I don't care. But we're here to say goodbye to Emma." He just hoped Blaine would go with it. Will met Sam's eyes, and there was so much that was being said in that look. "You guys can go in and see her, she's right down the hall. They're waiting for her parents to move her."

For a long time, no one spoke or moved. Blaine was finally the one, moving off down the hall, taking his husband with him. Puck set his hazel eyes on Will and Cooper. "You guys really fucked up with this. Cooper, you didn't have to come with him. You have no idea how much you just hurt Blaine. I know you're not that broken up about Emma, Schuester. If you did, you wouldn't have brought Cooper with you. Emergency or not. So just save it. No one cares if you're into guys, Schue. That's not the issue. You just handled this all wrong." Puck was so angry. Before he could argue more, he saw a gurney go by, carrying his baby sister.

I sat on a bed
He packed his suitcase
I held a picture of our wedding day
His hands were tremblin'
We both were cryin'
He kissed me gently
And he quickly walked away
I called up Mama, she said time will ease your pain
Life's about changin'
Nothin' ever stays the same

And she said
How can I help you to say goodbye
It's okay to hurt, and it's okay to cry
Come let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you say goodbye

Sittin' with Mama, alone in her bedroom
She opened her eyes and then squeezed my hand
She said I have to go now
My time here is over and with her final word
She tried to help me understand
Mama whispered softly time will ease your pain
Life's about changin' nothin' ever stays the same

Author's note: Sorry it's been so long. Since the last time I updated this I got very into Supernatural and Destiel. Emma dying and Will/Cooper wasn't planned. I am reading a Blam fic in which those two hook up and it's really hot. So I kind of like it. Not sure where this will go from here. I do know there will be more angst. Sorry about that. No sure what is going to happen with Sarah, either. I can tell you that Quinntana is going to be a thing. As for if it's endgame, I don't know. Just a head's up. If you want to vote on that go ahead. Otherwise we'll see what the muse has planned.