Disclaimer: I don't own Glee but I do own the song "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz. I'm sure I'll love the version they're doing on the show, but I've had the image of Finn singing it in my head for weeks. Enjoy :) _


The trio walked down the corridor, unaware of the plotting going on in the auditorium. Rachel could feel the irritation oozing from Beatrice even if the older woman hadn't said a word as they walked. Anthony however, seemed oblivious to the coolness between the two women as he strolled along between them.

"That was a really good performance sweetheart. I'm always amazed how quickly you can look at music and then just perform it. You're brilliant." He grabbed her hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing a kiss just below where her engagement ring sat.

She barely resisted the urge to yank her hand away but she felt Beatrice's eyes upon her. Rachel summoned all her acting skills to make herself smile at Anthony and reply cheekily, "Of course I'm brilliant. You expected less?"

"Well no sweetheart, it's just always amazing to me. I'm so lucky to have such a brilliant partner. I do wish you had agreed to sing for the wedding though; think of all the opportunity that could arise from that!"

The mention of the wedding caused Rachel's stomach to clench. She needed some time to herself to think of how she was going to handle this situation. Feeling Beatrice's eyes upon them Rachel replied, "No, I really don't think that's a good idea." She removed her hand from his, reaching into her purse to pull out the car keys. Now wasn't the time to tell him she wasn't sure there would even be a wedding.

Beatrice was still fuming over the undeniable chemistry between Finn and Rachel and spoke quickly and sarcastically, "Perhaps she would sing if she had someone like Mr. Hudson to accompany her Anthony. I'm sure we could compensate him for the evening."

Rachel froze where she was standing and stared at Beatrice. She counted to three and simply said, "I'm not singing."

"Oh such a pity," Beatrice said sarcastically. "I'm sure it would have been quite lovely."

Anthony finally seemed to pick up on the tension between the two women and gave a fake little laugh to try and diffuse the tension. "You know, I really wouldn't want to share my bride like that on our wedding day. She'll be singing with other men for the rest of her life."

"Seems like she already has been 'singing' with others before you," Beatrice said placing little air quotes around singing in case Anthony or Rachel missed her sarcasm.

"Mother," Anthony said sharply. "That hardly seems appropriate to mention. The past is in the past and all that matters is that Rachel and I are together now." A soft kiss placed at her temple followed her words.

The tears of rage that had been building quickly turned to tears of frustration with Anthony's tenderness. Rachel blinked rapidly to clear them before looking Beatrice dead in the eye. "My past is none of your concern."

"I'll only remind you of this once more-you're set to become a Wentworth this Friday. That means everything about you is my concern."

"I can't, I just can't deal with this right now." Rachel looked at Anthony, silently pleading with him to help her get his mother to leave Rachel alone.

"Don't worry sweetheart," Anthony began as he folded her into his embrace. He failed to notice how stiff she was in his arms. "I'll speak to Mother. Don't you worry; things will be different when we're back home in New York. I think all this fresh air is getting to her."

Rachel just rested her head against his chest and took a breath, ignoring Beatrice's huff of impatience behind them. "I just want to be alone right now."

"Of course sweetheart. Perhaps we can have a nice quiet dinner tonight? Just you and me, say 8:00?" His hands rubbed up and down her back and she relaxed, but not from his touch but from the relief of being left alone for a little while.

"Sure, that'll be fine." Rachel stepped out of his embrace and entered her car, not paying any attention to Beatrice at all.

"That girl needs to learn her place Anthony." Beatrice said as he helped her into the car.

With a sigh, he repeated the words he'd already said to Rachel. "It'll be different when we get home to New York."

"It better be." She said as she snapped her seatbelt into place. "I simply will not tolerate this kind of behavior. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Mother," Anthony replied automatically as he headed to the hotel. He couldn't wait to get back to New York and get everything back in order.

Rachel drove home on autopilot. Her mind was whirling trying to figure out what the hell she was going to do. She remembered thinking early on sophomore year that she thought boys would be fighting to be with her because she was so talented. Now she found herself stuck between two men and she didn't know which way to turn.

After pulling the car into the driveway and parking, she let her hear fall forward to rest against the steering wheel. Who was she kidding? She knew which way she was turning but could she really go through all of that again? Grabbing her purse, she got out of the car and let herself into the house. Nobody else was home and she took the opportunity to go upstairs to her bedroom and leave the rest of world outside for a few hours.

The respite was short lived as Anthony, ever prompt, knocked on the door to the Berry household holding a spray of roses in one hand behind his back.

Rachel opened the door on a sigh, forcing a smile to her lips when she saw him. "Hi Anthony. I'm ready," she said already starting to move out the door.

"Well slow down sweetheart, there's no rush," he chuckled, mistaking her eagerness to get out of the house and memories as eagerness to be in his company. "We have all night." His voice dropped an octave as he wiggled his brows at her.

Shit she knew what that face meant and resigned herself to the fact that she would have to play sick tonight. There was no way she could have sex with Anthony.

The hostess showed them to their booth and Rachel slid in on one side and Anthony sat on the other. His smile beamed out as he reached across the table to take her hands.

"Now isn't this nice? Just the two of us, alone?" His thumbs rubbed over the top of her hands as he spoke, content to finally have a quiet moment between them.

"It's great," she replied mechanically. Trying not to be obvious, she slipped her hands out from under his to pick up a menu even though she knew what she'd be ordering.

Anthony grabbed his menu and he quickly scanned the selections. "It's no Luciano's, but this place seems nice."

"Just because a place isn't expensive doesn't mean it's just 'nice', Anthony," she said gently. She knew he didn't mean to patronize but Rachel still tried to make him aware of it.

"Oh that's not what I meant at all honey. Now, what shall we have?" His tone was dismissive and Rachel knew he was switching the topic so as to avoid an uncomfortable discussion of his family's tendency to be snobs.

She placed her menu at the edge of the table as she said, "I'll be having spaghetti with the tomato and basil sauce. You should try the spaghetti and meatballs. Finn always," her voice trailed off and she began tracing patterns on her water glass.

Anthony smiled at her before saying, "Sounds great." He too set his menu to the side before continuing, "Speaking of Finn, that duet was something else today."

The waitress chose that moment to come over and Anthony placed their order, not even looking at the young brunette who was frantically writing everything he said. Rachel hated the way he and his mother never acknowledged wait staff so she gave the waitress a smile when she handed over the menus.

Anthony continued as if there had been no interruption of their conversation. "Now, as I was saying, your voices sounded phenomenal together. Perhaps when we finally convince you to create a solo CD we can use one of his songs and have him duet with you," he said excitedly, oblivious to any chemistry between Finn and Rachel other than their singing voices blending so well.

Rachel opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a small man and woman stopping off at the table.

"Mrs. Hudson-Berry! I didn't realize you were back in town until I heard that amazing Finchel duet." He smiled down at her and Anthony before continuing, "So nice to see you two helping out the very club you helped create."

"Thank you Principal Figgins," she began and opened her mouth to introduce Anthony who was staring at her oddly but was again cut off by her former Principal.

"It was nice to see you restrain yourselves around the children, unlike how you behaved in the hallways when you were in school," he continued with a chuckle. "I still remember that first assembly you performed at and the riot that ensued after. That chemistry between you was so strong even then, and it appears to be even stronger now."

Rachel's cheeks grew warm when Principal Figgins brought up their performance of Push It. She could feel Anthony's gaze on her and again tried to interrupt, "Principal Figgins, I'd like you to,"

"I bet there's a few Hudson-Berry's running around by now, hmm? I'd love to meet them; will they be at the competition tomorrow?"

Completely mortified, Rachel shook her head at him and finally said, "Principal Figgins, Mrs. Figgins, I'd like you to meet Anthony Wentworth, vice president of Wentworth Records."

"Oh you must be in talks for a CD! You will have to let us know of the release date so we can buy copies to sell in the school store." His eyes beamed brightly at her in excitement and she felt the situation spiraling further out of control.

"You're not that far off, Principal Figgins," Anthony said as he shook the other man's hand. "I am trying to convince my fiancé to create a solo CD, perhaps with a duet with Mr. Hudson." He smiled across the table at her, "So this is kind of a work date."

Damn him and his phrasing. 'Work date' took her back to thinking about Finn again. Pushing the thought of that almost perfect night from her mind, she sent Principal Figgins a shaky smile. "I'm looking forward to watching the students perform tomorrow night. I'm sure they'll be fantastic as always."

Looking quizzically between them Principal Figgins just nodded along. "I most certainly hope so. Well, we must be off now but I hope you all enjoy tomorrow's events. Goodnight Mr. Wentworth, Mrs. Hudson-Berry." He bent his head towards his wife as they walked away from the table, "I swear dear, if she's happily engaged to someone then her acting skills have improved considerably since her days at McKinley."

Rachel stared at Anthony while she tried to read his expression. His gaze was unreadable for a moment before he said, "So you were married to Finn Hudson? He gave you the ring you always carry?"

She looked him square in the eye while replying, "Yes. Finn and I got married at the end of our senior year of high school."

"Well now I see why you were so reluctant to explain that you knew him. I understand you have a past Rachel and that's fine. I just wish you had told me about your connection sooner; it would have made some things easier to understand."

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but it was in the past and I didn't think it was important," she began in a cautious tone as for the first time she was unable to gauge his mood.

"Obviously it was important if you felt the urge to continue to carry his ring," Anthony said as he tapped his fingers on the table.

She could feel tears beginning to form and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down before speaking. "Yesterday you said it didn't matter. That it was all in the past."

"Well it's a little different now that I know who it was," he replied testily. "Is he why you had to come home?"

"Partially, but not for the reasons that you think." The waitress came back at that moment, placing steaming plates in front of them as well as a basket of the restaurant's signature breadsticks. "Can we please not talk about this now?"

"Fine," he said dismissively. "Let's see then, are you looking forward to going home? I know things will be rushed, but Friday will be here before you know it." He twirled pasta onto his fork and continued, "And then you'll be Mrs. Anthony Wentworth."

She had just taken a bite of her own pasta when he said that and she almost choked. Swallowing quickly, she grabbed her water glass and took a sip before answering. "Of course I'm looking forward to going home; I love Lima but I miss New York."

"We'll be home before you know it sweetheart," he said, his earlier jovial mood returning.

They ate the rest of their meal while talking about safe topics, such as Rachel's eagerness to return to the stage for rehearsals. The waitress brought the bill and Anthony paid, hardly glancing at the number before including a generous tip. He slid out of the booth and offered his hand to Rachel who took it as she stood up. His arm made it's way over her shoulder as he led her back to the car.

"Would you like to come back to the hotel for a nightcap?"

"Actually, I'm really tired and really just want to go to bed," she replied absentmindedly.

"Well I have a bed you can lie down in after your nightcap," he offered with a grin.

"I wouldn't be good company tonight Anthony, I just want to go home and rest." With that she buckled herself in and looked out the window.

Knowing he wouldn't change her mind, he flipped on the radio and headed to take her home. He'd have her back in New York soon enough and everything would be back to normal, he wouldn't settle for anything less.

He turned the car into the driveway and turned to kiss her lightly on the lips. "You sure you won't come back to the hotel with me?" his fingers trailed up and down her arm while he questioned her.

"Positive. I'm just going to rest and then rehearse tomorrow before the competition. I'll meet you there ok?" Her hand was on the door and she was letting herself out of the car before he could even respond. She jogged up the steps to her door, turning and giving a quick wave before entering the house.

She didn't see her fathers watch her run up the stairs or their expressions of concern as she did so.


The next evening, Puck stood by the entrance to the auditorium, ready to show people to their seats. He loved ushering when events were at McKinley since it meant he could watch the event for free. Quinn usually helped out too and they often turned it into a date night; but tonight she was already in the audience since it was a New Directions performance meaning a sitter was hard to come by. The whole town had really embraced the show choir competitions since they had won Nationals back in senior year. He had his smile in place when he saw Rachel approach, but it slipped a little when he noticed she wasn't alone.

Rachel returned his smile as she handed over their tickets. "Hi Noah. I didn't realize you ushered here."

"Lots you don't realize when you haven't been home." He let out a small sigh when he saw the wounded expression on her face, "But I heard you and Aaron had a good time yesterday."

"Aaron? Who is Aaron?" Beatrice asked as she looked down her nose at Puck.

Irritated without knowing why, Puck decided to goad her a bit. "Berry here didn't tell you about Aaron? Why, they spent the afternoon together yesterday. Lots of laughing and kissing from what I heard."

"Noah," Rachel hissed, "Beatrice, Anthony this is my friend Noah. Noah Puckerman to be exact, Aaron's father. Aaron is my godson."

Beatrice just rolled her eyes at the news. "Can we be seated please? The sooner this begins the sooner I can leave."

Tongue in cheek, Puck led them down the aisle to their seats in the last row of the center section of the main floor. "Here you go ma'am. I sure do hope you enjoy our little performance here." He shook his head at Rachel in obvious displeasure of the company she was keeping before he walked back to his post.

It was so odd to sit in the auditorium seats again for a Regionals performance. The seats were still the same and she found herself automatically searching the crowd for Finn. She assumed he would be here, even though they hadn't spoken since they had sung together the yesterday. She spotted Carole in the audience sitting with her dads but barely gave them a glance as she continued her search for Finn.

Sensing her distraction, Anthony took her hand as he asked, "You ok honey?"

Before she could speak, Beatrice chimed in, "I'm sure she's fine dear. Isn't that right Rachel?"

Fixing her gaze straight ahead again, feeling her cheeks flush, Rachel replied, "Yes, I'm fine."

"I do hope this doesn't take long. Our flight is early tomorrow and you know I require a full eight hours of rest before traveling." Beatrice sat ramrod straight in her seat, "Plus, this auditorium is just dreadful."

This auditorium had so many memories for Rachel. It was where she had first kissed Finn, it was the first stage they performed on together, she sang to him there without him knowing when she auditioned for the solo junior year, and it was the place where the Glee club really solidified their friendships as well. It was also the last place she had sung with Finn, which was still fresh in her mind since it was just a day ago. "I love this auditorium," she told them both heatedly.

"I'm sure you had a lot of fun here, but just imagine you'll be on a much bigger stage soon." Anthony said trying to find a positive about still being here. He was more than ready to go home.

The bright lights of New York seemed a little less dim at the moment, and if she were honest with herself she would admit it was because she wasn't sure Finn would be there to share it with her. Thankfully, the lights in the auditorium dimmed and the announcer began introducing the Judges for the event. She settled in as the first group, Aural Intensity began singing. She chuckled to herself at the group, remembering when they had done that awful mash up of Josh Groban and Olivia Newton John. Of course she politely applauded as they finished and Vocal Adrenaline took the stage.


Finn paced the green room with Mr. Schue as Vocal Adrenaline performed. The older man came over to him and put his arm around him.

"You sure you want to do this Finn?" Mr. Schue asked as he led Finn away from the team.

"I have to do it Mr. Schue. I can't let her marry him. I know she feels the same way but you know Rachel-she doesn't hear anyone unless they're singing." He wiped his damp palms on his pants as he spoke. "You sure the Judges won't disqualify the group for adding in a fourth number? And with an alumni?"

"No Finn. They'll only judge on the first three numbers. I double checked." Will glanced at the speaker as he heard Vocal Adrenaline begin their third song. "Alright guys, it's show time. Bring it in." Everyone placed their hands in and raised them in a cheer, ready to perform.

Rachel sat in the audience, shifting slightly in her chair as she again discreetly searched the audience for Finn. The announcer stated that it was New Directions turn to perform and she couldn't stop the grin from forming on her face. The leads that were performing "Stay" were doing really well, even if they didn't sound as good as she and Finn had. They were trying to copy Finn and Rachel's dance style of circling around the stage and they certainly sounded good.

They went into their next song and Rachel clapped along to the beat in her seat. She didn't recognize the song; maybe they had decided to write original songs again. It wouldn't shock her if Mr. Schue did that annually, it had certainly worked out for them before. The last song started and Rachel absolutely froze in her seat as everyone else in the audience surged to their feet.

He was letting another group do Don't Stop Believing? She watched the performance, thinking back to sophomore year and Finn telling her he loved her. In her mind, it wasn't the current group performing, but it was them and their friends. Tears gathered in her eyes at the memory-it was one of the happiest times of her life. There had been such a sense of camaraderie, a sense of purpose. The best part was the way they had all pulled together with the song that had originally brought Mr. Schue back to them. She could feel Anthony's eyes staring at her as she cried while smiling and clapping along, but couldn't bring herself to look at him. Now wasn't the time to explain anything.

Before she knew it, the song was over but instead of exiting the stage the group backed up as another ballad began. Rachel's heart began to pound as she saw Finn come out on the stage and seem to look right at her.

"Rach, you told me once to listen to a song and that you meant every word. Now it's my turn, I need you to listen because I've never meant anything more."

Beatrice huffed in her chair, "What is the meaning of this?" She hissed at Rachel.

Anthony was looking at Rachel's face and felt his heart crack at the expression . Turning to his mother he simply said, "Quiet."

At that moment, Finn opened his mouth and sang, staring right at her in the audience.

When I look into your eyes

It's like watching the night sky

Or a beautiful sunrise

There's so much they hold

And just like them old stars

I see that you've come so far

To be right where you are

How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

She stared up at the stage in amazement. Finn always managed to take her by surprise, but this was incredible.

And when you're needing your space

To do some navigating

I'll be here patiently waiting

To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn

Some even fall to the Earth

We've got a lot to learn

God knows we're worth it

No, I won't give up

He walked to the steps leading down from the stage as he sang the bridge, eyes still glued to hers.

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily

I'm here to stay and make the differences that I can make

Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use

The tools and gifts we got yeah we got a lot at stake

And in the end you're still my friend at least we did intend

For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn

We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in

I had to learn what I've got and what I'm not

And who I am

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)

God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)

We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)

God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

He had wound his way through the audience while singing and wound up directly next to Rachel's seat where she sat with tears streaming down her face. Dropping the microphone to his side, he reached out his other hand to gently wipe her cheek. "Did you listen?"

"I love you too," she whispered, answering his unspoken question while launching herself into his arms.

His arms enfolded her and he let out a quiet sigh. He pressed his face into her neck and finally felt like everything was going to be ok again. She was back in his arms and he wasn't going to let her go. Lifting his head, he captured her lips in a sweet kiss, letting the rest of the world fade away until they felt small hands slapping against them.

Beatrice's face was beet red as she beat her hands against the kissing duo. "No! No, NO, NO! Absolutely not! I will not have you embarrass the Wentworth name by engaging in this sort of activity days before your wedding," she screeched becoming more enraged with each word.

The audience in the auditorium was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Finn pulled Rachel protectively into his side as he tried to shield her from Beatrice's attack.

Rachel meanwhile stared at Anthony who was trying to get his mother to calm down. She pulled the engagement ring off her finger and passed it back to Anthony, "I'm sorry Anthony; I can't marry you. I still love Finn," she said with a small smile. "I always have."

"Rachel, you have clearly lost your mind. You are not throwing away the opportunity to marry a Wentworth so that you can stay with this cow-tipping, backwoods hick," Beatrice hissed as she tried to grab Rachel's arm.

Carole, who had been sitting in the audience watching the performances, immediately stood when Beatrice did, thinking only to get to her son and protect him. "How dare you imply that my son isn't good enough for her? You should go before you embarrass yourself any further."

Beatrice eyed Carole critically, "You really should just keep your nose out of it. I could buy and sell your hick husband's congressional seat ten times over."

"You know what? That's enough. I've had it with your 'I have money I can do and say as I please attitude'. You talked about cow tipping in regards to MY son? Let me show you who taught him." With that, Carole leaned forward and placed her hands on Beatrice's shoulder and pushed. Beatrice let out an undignified squeal as she fell to the floor.

There was a collective gasp from the audience as they all stared and watched the dramatics unfolding before them. Before things could further escalate, Anthony leaned over and helped his mother to her feet.

Speaking quietly into her ear, "Come along Mother. Rachel's made her decision." He shot her a sorrowful smile, "We should leave."

Beatrice took in a breath and glared at the crowd before turning on her heel and marching towards the nearest exit.

Anthony smiled at Rachel one last time before walking away saying, "I hope you have happiness Rachel."

She felt bad for Anthony and what she had just done but she didn't regret her decision. How could she with Finn at her side and FINALLY feeling truly happy for the first time in a very long time? Once the doors closed behind Anthony, Rachel turned and wrapped her arms back around Finn, truly home at last.

The audience burst into applause when Finn swung her in a circle in the aisle before setting her on the ground and capturing her lips with his in a sweet kiss. Carole was dabbing her eyes to stop the flow of tears while Puck cleared his throat loudly, reminding the pair that they weren't alone.

Pulling her lips from his she let her hands come down from around his neck to caress his cheek, smiling when he laid it into her palm. "We'll finish this later."

He pressed a kiss into her palm before taking her hand in his, unwilling to break contact with her for even a moment. His head cocked to the side, silently questioning if she wanted to leave now or wait.

She pulled him into the row of seats that Anthony and Beatrice had vacated sitting and pulling him down to do the same. Still holding his hand she leaned over and placed her head on his shoulder. She was finally home.

The audience once again reluctantly turned their attention to the stage where the three groups stood awaiting the results from their performances. Aural Intensity took third place and the crowd shifted restlessly in their seats as the Judge ripped open the envelope containing the name of the winning team. Moments later the auditorium erupted in cheers as New Directions was once again crowned winner's of the Regionals competition.

Finn and Rachel stood and cheered with everyone else before he took her hand and pulled her into the aisle and out the door. With all the celebrating going on nobody would miss them now and they had so much to say to one another. They dashed to his truck and he helped her climb up before jumping in himself. Feeling her head on his shoulder he turned the truck to the lake, impatient to have her truly alone so they could talk.

He wasn't letting her slip through his fingers again.


A/N: Yay! Finchel FINALLY got together. I wonder what they'll have to say to each other at the lake :) The epilogue is next. Thanks so much for reading and please feel free to review!

On another note, I've had the competition portion of this written since March when the wonderful chasingyellowcarsfaithfully told me to listen to that Jason Mraz song. So thanks Nayema, you're the best ;) You're also the reason this is going up when it is :).

I hope you liked it Mrs. B!

mida212 I had 99% of this done until my brain was taken over by you know what! I'll have you know that even while reading this my mind was chanting…