A/N: Fair warning, there is a little angst in this one. A story about infidelity is not for the weak of heart. Happy reading.
Chapter Nine
Rachel dressed in her Halloween costume in the bathroom of Finn's hotel room. She had decided to dress like Hermione from Harry Potter, she thought it would be appropriate and the kids would know what she was. Her costume she had originally picked out for her annual costume party with Jesse was a little risqué for school, so she brought it to the hotel to maybe try it on for Finn later.
She quickly finished her curls and wrapped her scarf around her neck before taking a seat on the end of the bed to start to do up her shoes. Finn was at his Moms and she would have to wait to get his opinion on her costume later.
When she got to the school she was surprised that she wasn't the first facility member there. "Mr. Schuster," Rachel started, she had a hard time adjusting to calling him 'Will'. "I mean, Will." She giggled, "I wasn't aware that you were going to be chaperoning."
"Well Ms. Fabray called out, so I'm just filling a slot." Will told her and she nodded, "You look great."
"What are you supposed to be?" Rachel pointed to his lack of an outfit.
Will laughed a bit, "You know, I'm not really sure. I was planning on staying home and passing out candy."
Rachel nodded, "I have a cape I took from that student who got expelled for using meth in my office if you want it?"
"That would be great, Rachel." Will said as they made their way down the hall, "You know who I saw the other day?" Will started to make friendly conversation, "Finn Hudson, do you remember him?" Will asked absent-minded, "He was the quarter back your… what was it? Freshman year, I think."
Rachel breathed out a shaky breath, "Yeah, I've seen him around too." Rachel stated trying to sound neutral.
"Do you happen to know if he ever ended up graduating from anywhere?" Will inquired.
Rachel nodded, "I heard he got his GED in California." Rachel states, "He's in a band with Noah Puckerman and their agency made them take care of that."
Rachel grabbed the cape and handed it to Will before awkwardly telling him she had to pee and making her way to the bathroom. Once she did, her worry about why Quinn was not coming got the best of her. She know she was crazy to think it had anything to do with him, but she couldn't help herself, she texted Finn.
"Hey, What are you doing?"
"I'm just handing out candy at my Moms. What's up?"
"Nothing… just missing you. Have a good night, okay?"
"You're acting a little weird, Rach. Quinn isn't giving you shit again?"
"She's actually not even coming tonight, she called and cancelled, probably better parties. See you tonight. I'll be home around 10:30."
"See you soon, baby."
After the dance started it seemed to go really fast, she didn't really do anything besides serve punch and point out a few fights to Will. The music was a little too loud for her liking, but the Glee club was doing a good job singing the songs. She was so glad they had gotten bigger since her time at McKinley. Much to Rachel chagrin Quinn did end up showing up, in what other than a catwoman outfit, the same one Rachel had at home. Rachel could almost spit she was so angry. How inappropriate. Rachel turned to get Quinn out of her eye-line and continue to watch the New Directions sing the 'Monster Mash'.
Rachel had noticed a tall Batman make his way into the dance moments later, but didn't think anything of it. That was until someone's hand was on her lower back and she was looking directly into the lips of Finn Hudson. She would know those lips anywhere, "Finn?" Rachel grinned up at him.
"Hey," Finn whispered back, his lope-sided grin giving him away even more. "I thought you could use some company."
"Very clever with the Batman mask." Rachel beamed and bit her lip, "You look great."
She felt Finn's hand drop and saw Quinn coming towards her, "Is this Jesse?" Quinn put her hand out. "I've heard so much about you… not from this one," she points at Rachel, "But the whole staff loves you, they always talk about how sweet you are. You're a bit taller than I expected."
Rachel was horrified, she didn't know what to say. How did Quinn not recognize him, Rachel had seen it in seconds.
"uhhh" Finn started, "I'm not-"
"This isn't Jesse." Rachel explained, "I'm surprised our gabby co-workers hadn't also informed you of my impending divorce." Rachel cringed at the words.
"Well, then who is this tall Batman to my catwoman?" She squealed in a flirty tone and Rachel was once again horrified.
Finn didn't know what to say much less how to act, should he lie? Should he just walk away? He looked down and Rachel awkwardly for help but she was just as clueless as him, "Well, come on, now." Quinn stated again, "Jus-" Quinn's own gasp cut herself off, "Finn?"
Took her long enough. How could she not recognize those lips? "Hey Quinn." Finn said awkwardly.
"What are you doing here, Mister?" Quinn's flirtation was right in full swing until her expression changed, "Wait a minute." What was that expression, it was almost thoughtful, but like, thoughtful anger. "Wait a second." Quinn put her hand up and it dawned on Rachel a minute too late what was going on in Quinn's head.
"I really should be chaperoning." Rachel tried to say walking away slowly and Quinn's arm grabbed hers, "Let go of me." Rachel fought.
"You're the girl, the girl on the phone." Quinn gasped. "You two" She pointed between the two lovers, "You're sleeping together." Quinn accused rashly, and loudly.
Fuck, shit, fuck fuck FUCK! This is what was running through Finn's head. "I don't know what you're talking about." He heard Rachel say in a shaky voice.
"You're getting a divorce," She said to Rachel, "You're back in town." She pointed at Finn, "And you're always… just… around. Oh my God!" Quinn practically screamed, "You." He pointed to Finn once again, "YOU ARE WITH HER?" She screamed the everyone's attention was on the trio.
Rachel couldn't breathe, she couldn't see straight. "You hypocrite." Quinn spits, "You dog on me for cheating with Puck and now you are with a married woman?"
These are the fights that Rachel and Quinn should be splitting up, not being involved in. Will walked over to Quinn, he hand was on her elbow, "Come with me, Ms. Fabray."
Quinn pulled herself from his grip, "I'm the scorned one here. Take them away."
Rachel couldn't keep her silent state any longer, "Excuse me, Quinn. But, you have absolutely nothing to do with this. You are not scorned. You are just… a bitch."
"Rachel." Will quickly scolding and she looked up at Finn who's grin was egging her on.
"You cheated on Finn, not the other way around. Just because he didn't take you back doesn't give you a right to act hurt, or have any say in our relationship." Rachel spit and suddenly Shannon Bieste was at her elbow pulling her out.
"Relationship?" Quinn scoffed, "More like fuck buddy? You think he's still going to want you after all the excitement of sneaking around is over? No. You're just a washed up guidance counselor."
Rachel launched herself at Quinn and Shannon took hold of both her arms, "No no, sweetness, don't sink down to her level." Shannon whispered to Rachel and Rachel could feel venom pouring out of her as she glared at Quinn.
"Listen Quinn, Rachel is right, you don't really have a say with this." Finn stated through gritted teeth, "I really can't see what you're so angry about."
Quinn shot a look at Finn, "Because Finn, we're supposed to be together, and instead… you're with this, this, this…" Quinn was so upset she looked like she might cry, "dwarf."
Rachel felt herself calm in Shannon's grip, that was the worst thing Quinn Fabray could hit her with? That was the worst? She felt better, calmer. "Listen, just take me home." Rachel requested to Finn and he nodded.
"Don't talk about my girlfriend like that, Quinn." Finn mentioned and he grabbed Rachel's hand.
Girlfriend? Rachel thought for a moment. Was that what she was? Was Finn her boyfriend? It seemed like such a foreign concept. She had gotten married, she had basically told Jesse and the rest of the world that she would never have another boyfriend as long as she lived. And now this giant, in a cape and mask, this was her boyfriend? She shook her head to try to comprehend everything that just happened.
They rode to the hotel in silence, Finn having so much to say but not knowing how to start and Rachel still going over every detail in her head. Had she really tried to attack Quinn Fabray? What was her plan there? To scratch her eyes out?
"I know you're probably really mad at me for showing up," Finn finally said as he opened the door to the room, "but, I just needed to see you."
"I'm not angry Finn, I just hope Quinn doesn't know how to spread the information to Jesse." Rachel says kicking off her boots and taking off her scarf. Finn started to undress out of his costume as well, sweaty from head to foot.
Once Finn was in his boxers he made his way to the bed and watched Rachel finish undressing as well, "Well, he might already know." Finn stated awkwardly.
"What are you talking about, crazy?" Rachel stated nonchalantly as she threw on one of Finn's undershirts to sleep in.
"Uhhh, well, I kinda ran into him today…" Finn states, "He showed up on my Moms doorstep."
Rachel gasped and crawled into bed with Finn, "Back up, tell me what happened and start from the beginning."
Just as Finn was about to leave his Moms house the doorbell rang, "This is the last round I'll get." Finn stated walking towards the door.
When he opened the door he saw the usual, a couple little kids and a couple chaperons. One of the chaperons seemed to have recognized him, "Finn Hudson?" He asked with venom in his voice.
"Oh, yeah. Hey man." He said awkwardly, wondering if they had gone to school together or something.
The curly headed, and now very angry chaperon asked the other to take all of the kids and continue down the street, promising to catch up. "Finn, can I speak with you?" He requested and Finn stepped out of the house and shut the door.
"Sure dude, do we know each other? I'm sorry I have a terrible memory." Finn admitted. "Or do you recognize me from Four Play?" Finn grinned and the dude didn't seem happy.
"I recognize you…" he stated through gritted teeth, "As the guy who is fucking my wife." Finn was shocked, was this Jesse? Should he ask? "I see by the dumb expression on your face you're surprised I know. Lucky guess I suppose."
"I don't know what" Finn started but the words barely squeaked out before Jesse cut in.
"Don't. Don't try and lie or cover it up. I'm not dumb." Jesse growled at Finn who had to take a step back, not out of fear, but because he was afraid that he might try to hit Jesse.
"Listen, man. It's not my place to say anything." Finn says and calmly as he can muster.
Jesse scowls, "What made you think you had the right? Huh?"
Finn put his hands up in what looked like surrender, "Listen, all is fair in love and war."
Jesse scoffed and almost spit, "What a fucking cop-out. Do you know what a ridiculous phrase that is? Saying all is fair in love and war is like saying, 'I get to pick and choose when I have morals'. You disgust me. What Rachel and I had-"
Finn quickly cut him off, "is in the past, and kinda sounded like utter shit." Finn stated in a hasty voice.
"If all is fair in love and war, are we at war?" Jesse asked quickly.
Finn nodded, "It would appear so."
Jesse nodded back, "Game on." Finn rolled his eyes, who says that? "Also, are you implying that you're in love with my wife? You've known her two weeks." Jesse scoffed.
Finn fought the urge to push Jesse over the railing, "I think you should get back to your group, but for the record, yes I am."
"Really, Finn, love?" Jesse asked as he turned, he started walking and then turn his head slightly to say something softly, "She snores, she wears sweaters with moose on them, and she's incredibly controlling and extremely demanding. She also watches the Disney Channel on Sundays. Good fucking luck."
"Happy to take her off your hands." That is all Finn could say. He quickly said goodbye to his Mom and headed to the dance, he needed to see Rachel.
"Wow…" Rachel breathed, "What a day…"
Finn nodded, pulling Rachel into him, "I am so sorry, lover." Finn whispered to her, "I didn't want any of it to happen."
"Me neither." Rachel whispered into Finn's chest.
"I don't know if this is the right time to say any of this… but…" Finn started and Rachel looked up at him smiling in encouragement. "But, I guess this kinda settles things, right?"
"Please explain." Rachel says after a quick kiss to Finn's cheek, "I don't think I understand."
"Well, Jesse knows. There is no hiding it from him. He's going to take… everything." Finn reluctantly reminds Rachel and she nods, "So, I'm leaving next Wednesday. I vote that you are sitting next to me on that plane."
Rachel sank into Finn's arms and put her head on Finn's chest, "It's not that simple."
Finn cringed, "What isn't, Rach?" He was letting his frustration take over, "What isn't that simple? I'm really starting to think you don't want me as much as I want you."
Rachel moved to straddle Finn, putting her hands on either side of his face, he crossed his arms and shifted his eyes away from Rachel's face, "No, that isn't it at all… I just."
"Have responsibilities?" Finn barked at her and Rachel felt the cold punch that was her own words being thrown at her.
"No, that isn't it either."
"Then what the fuck is it, Rachel?" Finn snapped, all of the frustration of the day seeming to come out in that one phrase.
Rachel did not however move, she kept her hands on his face, "First of all, calm down." Rachel scolded him and he clenched his jaw, "Secondly, no that isn't it either. I want you, so much. I care about you so much. But, I don't want to give up or do anything for a guy… because then I might end up where I am now. Except with my location changed, you know?" Rachel tried to explain but Finn didn't understand, "If I give up my family, my job and my life here… I am just leaning on you, for everything. Jesse was right about one thing, we've only really known each other two and half weeks." Rachel stated, "I can't bring myself to just pack up and move to LA and let you just… take care of me."
Finn didn't want to give in but he actually understood what Rachel meant, "Okay, I get that. But, I can help you achieve your dream there. Here I can't really do anything besides come visit and vice versa." Finn frowned, "Plus, I have never had this type of connection with anyone, Rachel…"
"I haven't either." Rachel admits.
"Then why are you fighting it?" Finn pleaded, releasing his arms from their crossed position and putting them on Rachel's shoulders.
"Don't you feel bad, Finn?" Rachel whispered, "Don't you feel terrible for what we did? That thing that Jesse said about the morals…"
"You're letting him get to you?" Finn groaned, "Why? Why are you letting him have more over your head, he's like a terrorist. He's terrorizing your mind."
Rachel looked at Finn in confusion but tried to ignore the terrorist comment and respond, "Finn, I just… I feel so guilty for what I've done to him. To my parents."
"But, this was for you remember?" Finn reminds Rachel leaning up to kiss her.
Rachel removed herself from Finn and lied down next to him before the kiss could reach her, she was frustrated and didn't know how to explain what she wanted or needed, or how she even felt.
"Rachel, don't shut off from me right now." Finn said stroking her arm, she had turned on her side, facing away from him. He wanted to hold her, but was trying to give her some space.
"No, Finn. I'm done with this conversation for the night. Can we just go to sleep?" Rachel groaned.
Finn frowned, "No naked time?" He pouted.
"Not really in the mood." Rachel spat back and closed her eyes tightly, trying to get the image of Jesse spitting at Finn about morals out of her head. "It's been a terrible day, I just want to have it be over."
Finn didn't know what to say, so he kissed her cheek lightly and turned the opposite way, "Okay… Goodnight Rach."
This had been the first night they had ever spend together that they weren't going to be having sex, the first night they spent not wrapped in each others' arms. Finn felt sick to his stomach but tried to let the feeling pass, he drifted off to sleep slowly.
Rachel couldn't sleep, she wanted Finn to hold her, to make love to her but the guilt was too much. She knew that what was done was done and just this one night wouldn't undo any pain… but she couldn't let herself indulge in him when she knew how much pain it had caused Jesse. His point about picking a choosing morals had really hit her to her core. She tried to let sleep take her, and when it finally did it was more of a terror then a gift. Rachel's dreams were full of Quinn and Jesse. She needed to get out of here. She needed time away from the both of them. She tossed and turned all night, finally making her way into Finn's arms who accepted her lovingly. Only then would she sleep peacefully.
A/N: Not the happiest of endings, but it could have been sadder. Hope everyone is still loving the story. I love reviews and they help with the writing process. :) So review! :D
