A/N from iGoToExtremes: Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out. While my co-author was hanging out with Bonnie Dune I was a little bogged down with slightly less glamorous aspects of life. Hope you enjoy.

A/N from wants2beawriter: Thanks everyone for all the feedback! Hope you are enjoying our story's progression.

Disclaimer: No we still don't own Glee

Chapter 9

Kurt stared at Finn in disbelief.

"Uh, yeah, mornin' dude." Finn said, clearly trying to sound nonchalant.

Kurt only raised his eyebrows, inviting an explanation for Finn having spent the night with Rachel. They weren't accountable to him for their romantic intentions, he realized, but his curiosity mounted considering how distraught and daunted Finn had been the previous afternoon.

"It's complicated," he whispered nervously, looking over his shoulder. "Look, I hate to put you in this position but whatever happens today, just go with it."

"Oh God, she doesn't know?" Kurt felt all the blood rush out of his face. "You two slept together again but you didn't tell her?"

Before Finn could respond, though, the door creaked open again and Rachel padded her way into the kitchen. She was wearing what appeared to be a man's pajama shirt, size XL.

Kurt really didn't want to know.

"Morning!" she said brightly, stretching and yawning daintily as she sidled up next to Finn, who seemed a little stiff and apprehensive but relaxed when she snaked an arm around his waist and leaned against him. Kurt tried not to look appalled as he studied their interaction.

Rachel smiled shyly at him. "We're seeing how it goes." Her statement was short and plain before her eyes diverted to the clock above the stovetop. "Oh! We only have 40 minutes until people get here for brunch! Let me take a really quick shower and then I'll help you finish setting up," she said to him before turning back to Finn. "You'll go back to Rick's to change and come over with him?"

Finn nodded and shot Kurt a wary look before slinking off to get dressed. Now alone with Rachel, Kurt took a deep breath and was ready to lay into her but she beat him to it.

"I know what you're going to say," she began in a resigned whisper. "But everything is coming together so well! I'll explain it all later, I promise!" She was practically squealing as she engulfed him in a hug and then ran out of the kitchen to see Finn off.

Kurt heard Finn leave through the front door and the shower turn on and allowed himself to exhale. He wanted Finn and Rachel back together, but shuddered at the potentially disastrous consequences of whatever this tenuous reunion was. Kurt knew that his step-brother would never do anything to intentionally hurt anyone, but sometimes there were omissions and half-truths that came back to bite him later on. (See: Santanagate, circa junior year of high school.)

Kurt quickly arranged plates of scones and muffins before moving on to slicing some cantaloupe, endless questions running through his head. Why would Finn keep the move from Rachel? How much did he know about the status of her career? What circumstances led to Finn sleeping there last night? He smirked at the thought that they'd been seeing each other in secret since Wednesday night but dismissed that notion as ridiculous.

Returning to his room, Kurt passed the bathroom and heard Rachel singing from inside the shower. The corner of his mouth turned up into a small smile at the sound. It'd been so long since she seemed the least bit cheerful and optimistic. As he dressed he tried to channel that positivity. They'd have a nice brunch, he'd convince Finn to be honest with Rachel sometime in the next 24 hours before he left for Cleveland, and it'd all be dandy.

It was NOT all dandy.

The few friends that Kurt had invited over all cancelled at the last minute for various reasons, so their guest list had dwindled to just Finn, Rick, and Kelsey, Rachel's friend who used to work at the same theater before moving on to a more scandalous burlesque troupe.

All three arrived at around the same time, and after proper introductions Kelsey clearly began undressing Finn with her eyes. Not that he noticed, amidst his fixation on Rachel and not-so-subtle efforts to seem relaxed. Meanwhile, Rick looked like he'd been run over by a truck, having obviously continued with the guys-night agenda after Finn went off with Rachel.

Kurt looked over at the bridge table they'd set up in the living room, containing the ample spread of food and drink. He had planned on serving buffet-style, with seating on the couch and folding chairs. "I guess since there are only five of us we might as well sit at the table," he sighed.

After everyone had taken food and began to eat, Rachel cleared her throat. "Well, since we're all settled, I have some news to share."

Kurt put down his fork, eager to learn what the he'll was going on.

"Last night, by what I'm told is sheer and utter coincidence, these two fine gentlemen attended my performance. After my usual act I had the opportunity to perform a solo since my colleague scheduled to perform was ill. In between, Finn found me backstage and we had a very honest conversation about our past." She looked over at Finn and squeezed his hand atop the table. "I was able to channel that emotion into an epic performance that won me both another chance with Finn, a small role in How To Succeed in Business... and a few other auditions."

"Rach! Sweetie that's amazing!" Kelsey exclaimed. "All of those things," she added, glancing at Finn approvingly.

"Thank you," Rachel offered simply before a deep breath. "In light of those professional opportunities, I quit the burlesque show. It's time for me to focus on what's important." She focused her gaze on Finn's face, where a small smile had settled.

Kurt gaped openly at the barrage of information that had just spilled from his roommate's mouth, unsure of how to respond given Finn's earlier warning.

Luckily Rick broke the ice. "I don't know Rachel, many would argue that the work you were doing last night is pretty important," he cracked before receiving a death-glare from Finn. "Kidding! I'm kidding!" He raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Well, I for one raise my glass to Rachel and her new opportunities," Kelsey began, and they all toasted. "And to her famous radio host boyfriend," she added as she set her glass down, grinning at Finn.

Finn laughed awkwardly as they all resumed eating. "I'm really not that famous, just a faceless talking head on Ohio sports radio."

"Well sweetie, keep talking because eventually someone will notice your face and you'll wind up on TV or something." She raised an eyebrow for effect.

Finn cleared his throat awkwardly and reached for his glass again. "Uhh, I don't know about that—" He stopped mid-sentence when his glass toppled over and its contents spilled onto the tray of uneaten quiche.

"Oh no!" Kurt exclaimed at the site of his now compromised breakfast creation.

"Crap, Kurt, I'm sorry!" Finn stood hurriedly and tried to soak up the juice with his napkin.

Kurt knew that wasn't going to work so he grabbed the whole tray and whisked it around the corner into the kitchen. Finn followed closely behind and grabbed the paper towels from atop the refrigerator. Kurt was tense as he began to sop up the juice from around the quiche.

"I just don't understand," Kurt said quietly once the situation was under control, not bothering to hide his exasperation. "You're clearly terrible at keeping secrets. If Rachel's career has turned a corner – and she obviously credits you for it, somewhat – why didn't you just tell her your news?"

Finn frowned. "I wanted to, obviously." He looked at the floor. "But you know how she is, I was afraid of stealing her thunder or something. Besides, before I could even get there she totally Rachel-ed on me and went into a whole thing about how it's good that I'll be in Cleveland so she can keep her attention on her career while we see how it goes from afar, meet up once a month or whatever."

"Ahh, and you, dear brother, figure that all will be told in time, yadda yadda yadda." Kurt nodded thoughtfully as he finished sopping the remaining juice off of the quiche. "Well. I can't say your reasoning is entirely flawed, and I will do my best to help you maintain this facade. But you know that I think this could be a disaster."

Finn sighed before responding in a whisper. "I know."

The rest of the brunch proceeded amicably enough. Now aware that Finn was off the market Kelsey had transferred her ravenous stares to Rick, who seemed only slightly uncomfortable. After they finished eating she had to take off to prepare for her performances that evening, and Kurt noticed that she silently slipped him her number before heading out.

The guys graciously helped Rachel and Kurt with some of the cleanup, throwing away trash ans putting leftover food into plastic containers, before she insisted that their help was no longer needed.

"I feel very badly about stealing you away from Rick last night." She faced Finn and slipped her arms around his waist. "Why don't you two go have a few beers and watch the game or something? You and I can meet up later for dinner... and other activities." She whispered the last part but Kurt still heard it, and cringed accordingly from his perch at the sink where he'd started on the dishes. He heard Rick muffle a laugh as he tied up a bag of garbage.

"You sure?" Finn asked apprehensively. "I'm leaving in the morning and wanted to spend the whole day with you..."

"Aww, I know baby. I promise it'll be worth the wait, though."

Kurt saw the distinct batting of eyelashes and held back a snicker. Rachel had managed to revive her innocently-sweet personality from high school and college and fuse it with her seductress demeanor of the past few years. Finn was in deep, and as Puckerman might say, needed to locate his balls.

So, Kurt cleared his throat and chimed in. "We really can take it from here, guys. Go out and have fun watching the Jets."

"It's spring, dude. Baseball, not football. Mets, not Jets." Rick teased as they made their way to the door.

"Whatever." Kurt indulged in one last eye roll before forcing his expression to even out. "Thanks for coming! Finn, I imagine I'll see you later or tomorrow."

"Yep, thanks for brunch, dude. Sorry about the quiche," he said sheepishly. "Rach, I'll call you later."

"You better," she teased, lingering in the doorway as they retreated down the hall.

Kurt didn't waste any time once the door to their apartment closed. "Okay Berry. Spill."