Disclaimer - See Chapter 1, if necessary.

Rachel smiled as she dabbed tears away, all while Santana, Kurt and Artie exchanged goodbyes. She'd already given her friend a huge hug and taken a picture with him, thanking him profusely for helping her commemorate her Broadway victory. Soon he'd move to New York to attend Brooklyn Academy of Film, and Rachel vowed to make him feel welcome, hoping to spare him the utter loneliness she'd felt upon first arriving in the Big Apple. No doubt within weeks Artie's presence in their lives would settle and mingle together seamlessly. Add Blaine in the fall when he swore he was also moving there regardless of NYADA's outcome and there'd be five McKinley grads chasing down their dreams together.

If only one more could do the same, it would make a world of difference to her.

Letting the others talk privately, she wandered over to the familiar blue pick-up still parked around the corner from the loft . The tailgate was down as Finn dutifully rearranged their baggage to make room for Artie's wheelchair. He only brought an overnight bag and his laptop computer, but Artie required a lot more luggage due to his disability.

She hopped up to sit on the back-end, swinging her legs to and fro. "So, back to the grind of the tire shop?"

Finn smirked and glanced at her before resuming his task. "It's not so bad. Steady hours, five days a week, and there's no great mechanic icon I have to live up to. You'll be working harder than me now that you've got the burden of Barbra on your shoulders."

Rachel stuck her tongue out at him, causing Finn to chuckle. After lifting one of the bags up on its side and shoving his ever-present toolbox to the front, Finn wiped his hands with a rag and plopped himself down beside her on the tailgate. Rachel leaned her head on his shoulder once settled. "I'm glad you came, you know. It means a lot that you were here to celebrate with us."

Finn took her hand in his. Rachel didn't even mind there were streaks of dirt on his skin as he laced their fingers together. "I'm glad too. It was nice to share some time making new, happy memories for a change."

She nodded and turned to him. Without any thought, they leaned into each other for a slow, long kiss. Their lips lingered on each other's as though savouring a rare taste. Before either of them became lost in the other they pulled apart and Rachel snaked her arms around his waist as his came over her shoulders. They held each other for a few moments, rocking slowly together before reluctantly letting go. Rachel kissed him once more, this time pecking his lips. "Be sure you text when you get home safely. I really don't you driving across three states at night."

Finn nodded. "I will." He squeezed her shoulders with his arm before looking up at Artie. "You ready, dude?"

Artie gave a final high-five to both Santana and Kurt as he wheeled past. With practiced ease, he twisted the chair around so it was in line with the passenger side of the truck's cab. "Ready for my personal hoist to do my bidding? Absolutely."

Finn and Rachel both laughed as he hopped down from the truck. Again, with an ease of familiarity, Finn had Artie in his arms briefly before setting him in the passenger seat of the truck. Artie secured himself with the seat belt as Finn closed the door and collapsed the wheelchair, easily placing it in the bed of the truck.

"Don't be a stranger, Finn." Kurt said. He hugged him tightly before stepping back. "The loft is always open for you if you need a dose of urban life, okay?"

"I'll keep track of my schedule," Finn promised. "I'm sure I can visit a few times before Christmas."

"Doesn't mean we want to see your ugly mug every weekend, though," Santana clarified, her hand on her hip. "Small doses only. Otherwise you'll stink up the loft with that rural stench of yours."

"Can't have that, can we?" He smirked as he enveloped Santana in a huge hug despite her initial protest.

"Alright, alright, get your paws off me, Sasquatch," she pushed against him after returning his hug briefly. "Any more of that, I'm breaking out the dog whistle."

Finn chuckled and gave them both a final wave. Rachel walked with him to the side of his truck. Before he opened his door, she leaped up and her arms flew around his neck as she buried her face in his chest and neck. He returned her hug fiercely and she inhaled his scent once more, hoping to get it on her clothing and skin enough that it would still be with her that evening in bed. "I really miss you, Finn."

He laughed and whispered back to her. "I haven't even left yet."

"But you're about to, and I don't know when I'll see you again." She felt him put her back on the ground as one of his hands stroked up and down her back. Finally, hesitantly, she released him and stepped back, still clasping his hand. "Don't make me wait too long, okay?"

"I'll do my best," Finn said. His hand cupped her cheek and he gave her a last kiss on the forehead before pulling away and climbing behind the wheel of his truck. Rachel stepped away and back towards Kurt and Santana, all three getting clear of the vehicle. Once they had backed out, Finn and Artie waved through the window and turned on the street, heading away from the loft.

Rachel's shoulders sagged as she watched the truck dissolve into the mosaic of New York City traffic. Once again, Finn had left New York to return to Lima. She hugged herself and allowed a tear trail down her cheek before Kurt wrapped a comforting arm around her. "It never gets easier," she said, staring in the direction Finn had driven.

"At least you're parting on good terms," Kurt reminded her. "Hugging, kissing...it's more than most ex-fiancés get after months apart."

She wiped away another tear threatening to run down her face, "I worry, though. I worry that's all we'll ever be now. In and out of each other's lives only briefly until there's nothing left, our tether just disintegrating from neglect, neither of us caring because we're too busy in our own lives."

Santana crossed her arms and scoffed. "Please, Hudson is like a bad fungus. He never goes away for good." Her head turned to regard Rachel, a look of resignation on her face. "Just when you think he's gone, he unexpectedly pops back up. It's comforting and annoying all at once."

XXXXX

"I can't believe you went to all that trouble with the luggage just to keep up this charade," Artie said as he wheeled down the hallway back to their hotel room.

"Hey, the exercise is good for me." Finn pulled the trolley out of the elevator. "It's worth it in the long run. I've really hurt Rachel in the past; if I can keep that from happening again by hauling a bit of luggage around, I will."

"Right...so, let me get this straight," Artie said as he swiped his card key through the door and rolled across the threshold. "You went all weekend long around her, the two of you closer than you've been in weeks, slept in the same bed last night, made out like bandits, and you still didn't tell her about your interview tomorrow?"

Finn pushed the baggage cart in the door before pulling his large overnight bag from the top and letting it fall on the bed. "Unlike some people in this room, I don't brag about my college applications while making out."

"Your application in name only; Mr. Schue and I are the ones who did all the work to get you noticed." Artie shook his head as he set up his laptop, letting Finn set the luggage up on the racks. "Dude, I remember October. You were totally pining for Rachel, and that didn't stop until you scored with her at Mr. Schue's wedding. Now you have the chance to be with her for good and-"

"I'm not here for Rachel," Finn interrupted Artie, his tone firm. "I'm here because NYADA might offer me something I can't get anywhere else. And they may not offer anything, really. August didn't say why he wanted to meet again."

Artie raised an eyebrow as he stared at Finn. "August? You're on a first name basis with the Dean of Directing and you're not sure if he'll offer anything? For someone who reads people so well, you're remarkably dense about this."

Finn rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine, yeah, he'll probably offer something. Doesn't mean I'll take it though, and if I don't, then Rachel and I..." Finn sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know what'll happen."

Artie nodded thoughtfully. "I guess I can understand. You don't want to make plans based on assumptions and guesses." Seeing Finn nod once, Artie rolled over and patted him on the leg. "Come on, then. The two of us should do something in New York to celebrate your NYADA chances."

Finn smirked. "What did you have in mind? I mean, it's not a Vogue-dot-com party here. Bar looks legit and I doubt they'd let us in."

"Meh, had enough of that last night anyway." Artie wheeled to the door and opened it a crack, hooked it with his foot stirrup and then spun his chair 180 degrees to swing the door wide and catch it with his other hand. He held it aloft for Finn. "I noticed there's a Sunday night chocolate bar in the restaurant, though. In Lima it'd look weird for two guys to hit that together, but this is New York so pretty sure no one will bat an eye. Since the chance for sex tonight is nil, I needs a chocolate fix, my man. What say you?"

Finn smirked as he stood from the bed. "At least you can choose between chocolate and sex."

"It's gotta be chocolate tonight. I love you, man, but not that much."

XXXXX

Finn pulled himself out of the hotel's pool, content with the laps he'd done as a warm down from his rigorous workout. He hadn't intended to hit the gym hard this morning but figured he was due to resume his exercise routine since he'd neglected it the last two days. Unlike at home, here he had a nice pool to do a few relaxing laps and cool him off all at the same time. He was proud of the results his diet and exercise regimen had given him. Although he didn't look like Sam or Puck with super cut abs, he managed to drop fifteen pounds and settle his weight out at an even two hundred. He regretted not being this dedicated when playing football since he was sure it would have resulted in more speed and strength.

"You're making me tired just watching you," Artie called out from the hot tub, languidly relaxing with his arms draped over the top. "It's been an hour, dude. Rest!"

He nodded and walked over to the hot tub, sinking himself into the water on the opposite side before realizing it was just going to heat him up again. Oh well. "Easy for you to say. All you have to worry about is your arms."

"Being handicapped is inconvenient enough when I need to use the washroom. It ought to afford me benefits somewhere." He raised an eyebrow. "You're not trying to burn off those desserts we ate, are you, 'cause you'd have to do at least another three hours."

Finn shook his head and grinned. "Nah, weekends I don't worry too much about diet. That's what the normal weekdays are for."

His phone blared to life suddenly, causing Finn to sigh. He'd just settled into the water and gotten comfortable. Carefully he pulled himself out before walking over to the table where he and Artie left their belongings and dried his hands quickly. After he picked up his phone, he noticed the number on the screen was listing NYADA. Finn rubbed a towel over his face before answering. "Finn here."

"Hello Finn," the now familiar southern voice of August Bradley came forth. "Listen, son, I'm afraid I have to move our appointment. I have a meeting I've just been called into at NYU. Now, it should be only a half hour, so what say you let me buying you lunch instead of meeting in this dusty old office I inhabit?"

"Sure," Finn agreed as he dried his hair to keep water off the phone. "I can do lunch. Will this be at NYADA or-"

"What kind, I say, what kind of sadist do you think I am? A proper meal requires more than the merely adequate sustenance our cafeteria provides. We'll visit a place just down the street. Many of our students work there part-time. Did your friends tell you about the Spotlight Diner?"

Ugh! Figures, Finn thought as he rubbed the back of his neck. If he wasn't mistaken, Kurt was working today, but not Santana or Rachel. At least he got to see his step-brother a final time – if he worked the lunch shift. "I drove by it on the way here. I'm sure I can find it."

"The restaurant's theme is rather cliché, but they serve an excellent Poor Boy sandwich. Meet me there at half past noon?"

Finn glanced at his watch, noticing it was only 10:00am. Even if he sat in the hot tub for another half-hour, he'd have plenty of time to make it there since it was just down the street from the hotel. He smiled. "12:30 then. Thank you, sir."

"Finn, you keep saying sir and I keep looking for my daddy," Mr. Bradley chuckled. "I told you before, it's just August. We're both grown men here. Unlike my colleagues, I do not stand on formality between professors and pupils." He paused and Finn could hear the smile in his voice. "I look forward to our meeting."

Finn wondered how any man of such importance could set aside all he'd accomplished in life and treat everyone equally. It was an attitude he wasn't used to from teachers, but as always, anything Mr. Bradley said put him at ease. "I'll be there, August. Promise."

XXXXX

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Rachel tentatively poked her head into the doorway. "Madame Thibideaux? You asked to see me?"

Carmen looked up from where she sat behind her desk, a pen in one hand to fill out some paperwork and her laptop to her left, open but the screen facing away. Carmen silently nodded to Rachel and motioned for her to sit down in the guest chair across from her.

Rachel took a deep breath to force away her panic. Despite being praised multiple times by NYADA's Dean of Vocal Performance - and winning the Winter Showcase - she couldn't help but remember the appalling first audition she'd subjected Carmen to at McKinley. Immediately following that was the over eagerness she'd displayed in driving with Tina to Oberlin to beg for a second chance. No matter her accomplishments, Rachel didn't think she'd ever feel like more than a silly schoolgirl in front of this woman. It didn't help that despite her mood, Carmen Thibideaux's stern expression never seemed to waver.

After a few moments, Carmen carefully put down her pen and removed her reading glasses. Her eyes bored into Rachel's own. "We need to discuss your future here at NYADA, Rachel."

Swallowing, Rachel could feel her eyes grow wide. She had thought everything was settled through the student advisors and administration. The board determined since her rehearsals lasted the summer, a part-time course-load come fall wouldn't unreasonably affect her ability to perform on Broadway each night. The exams and tests all would be scheduled around the show, and once her run finished, she could resume her studies in full. Had Carmen or someone else at the school changed their mind? Would she need to take a leave of absence after all? She didn't like the idea of putting her education completely on hold, even if she was on Broadway. "I'm sorry, Madame Thibideaux. I...I don't really know what you mean. I thought this had all been decided and-"

"You're aware Adam Crawford was Professor Butz's teaching assistant, correct?"

Rachel nodded immediately, knowing Adam personally from the brief time he and Kurt had tried to date. It hadn't progressed far since Kurt still hadn't gotten over Blaine. Adam's graduation had all but ended things permanently, though they remained friends and in contact with the odd text or email.

Carmen leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers. "NYADA's staff is often accused of being too far removed from the real world, too safe within the confines of academia to truly understand the reality of modern professional theatre." She gave Rachel a pointed look. "I'm sure you've heard such rumblings, correct?"

Rachel cast her gaze to the floor, blushing from embarrassment and remembering when she'd insulted Cassandra July, calling her out for being a washed up has-been while she and others were the future of Broadway. Modesty had never been her strong suit, though she was working on it. "I may have heard a student or two say things like that, yes."

"No doubt," Madame Thibideaux pursed her lips before a faint smile appeared. "Considering you'll be starring on Broadway for the foreseeable future, I thought I'd take advantage of the opportunity this affords us. I'd like you to take over as the teaching assistant for Mr. Butz's freshmen class."

Her eyes widened and her mouth opened in shock. Was she hearing this right? "Me? But...but I'll only be a sophomore. There are a lot of junior and senior students who-"

"Star on Broadway?" Carmen interrupted, only one eyebrow raised to crack her stoic façade. She shook her head slightly. "You've proven time and again, Ms. Berry, the one thing NYADA can't improve is your singing. At the risk of padding your ego, your voice is stellar, as is your ability to control it. Vocal classes at the sophomore level would be a waste of your time and our resources. If, however, you agree to be the teaching assistant, you'll be paid and receive course credit equivalent towards your vocal class requirements. We can also prove to our freshmen that not everyone on NYADA's payroll hides behind the school's walls."

A teaching assistant! Finally, recognition for all her hard work both at school and on Broadway. It was more than she could have imagined possible. Finally she'd be able to help others by passing on what she'd learned without having people question her motives or abilities. Rachel beamed at her professor and stuck a hand out enthusiastically across the desk. "I would be honoured, Madame Thibideaux."

Carmen regarded her hand for a brief second, and Rachel almost retracted it before finally her professor nodded and gripped it firmly, shaking it only once. She pulled a couple of yellow pieces of paper from the corner of her desk and handed them to her. "You'll need to fill out these forms and submit them to our administrative staff to receive payment, and to get a bye on your course credit requirements. A week before classes resume, you'll need to contact Professor Butz and review with him his lesson plans. There may be times you're asked to take over the class if he's busy or indisposed."

Rachel nodded and had just started reviewing when a knock on the door interrupted them. Carmen sighed and gave Rachel a small smile before facing the door. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal the Dean of Directing. Rachel recognized him but still didn't know his name, not having any classes in that department. He was busy pulling himself into his suit jacket as he flashed them both a charming smile. "Good morning to you, Carmen. How are you?"

"Busy," Carmen returned, her voice cold and uninviting. "What do you need, August?"

Her tone of voice threw Rachel for a loop. She'd never seen Carmen be more than formal and polite with other staff members, but with the Dean of Directing she seemed entirely unfriendly. Keeping her face neutral, Rachel glanced at him.

"Other than the pleasure of your company?" August asked, grinning the entire time. "A pleasure, I might add, that you afford so irregularly. I'm starting to think you avoid me on purpose." He stepped in and extended his hand to Rachel. "Ms. Berry, I don't believe we've been formally introduced. August Bradley, Dean of Directing Studies."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Bradley," Rachel said, stunned a staff member with whom she had no contact knew her name. She glanced hesitantly at Carmen before standing and shaking Mr. Bradley's hand.

"Please, just call me August. I saw your performance at the Winter Showcase." Mr. Bradley smiled easily. "Very, very well done. When I heard you'd been cast in the lead role for Funny Girl's revival, let's just say I was entirely unsurprised."

Carmen, meanwhile, stared hard and leaned back in her chair stiffly. "Did you need something other than to flirt with my students and annoy me, August? I don't have time to join you on the veranda for a glass of sweet tea."

"Why, Madame Thibideaux, you wound me," August replied, smiling even wider if possible. "What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't take the time to introduce myself to our students?"

"Gentleman is a very strong word, August, especially when describing yourself."

Rachel swallowed, thinking Mr. Bradley was enjoying his tete-a-tete with Carmen a little too much. He put his hands in his pockets and slyly winked before he looked back to Carmen. "Well, since I can't convince you to share pleasantries, perhaps instead you'll allow me to have a copy of the forms for students requesting late admission. I know you keep spares in your desk."

Carmen studied him carefully before turning and pulling out a few pieces of paper from the desk drawer. "You're meeting this student yourself? I thought you were too busy plying your trade professionally to bother with such menial tasks."

"Unlike yourself, my dear, I implicitly trust my professors to choose qualified individuals in my stead. As happens sometimes, we had a few candidates withdraw their applications. Seeing as most other professors are now occupied for the summer, I thought I'd venture forth and get my hands dirty."

The natural ability this man had to politely counter every one of Carmen's jibes, as well as ignore her frosty tone, was astonishing. She didn't think she'd ever heard anyone argue with Carmen Thibideaux effectively. Most students became terrified when she raised her voice or spoke sternly, and other staff members bent over backwards to avoid confrontations with her.

August Bradley stood his ground and plastered a smile on his face, unfazed by any of it.

Carmen held the forms out for August, but just as he was about to take them, she dropped them on the corner of her desk. "If you spent a little more time in your office and less in the theatres of the world, you might be able to organize yourself enough to have these forms on hand."

"A very distinct possibility, Madame," August admitted with a nod as he picked up the forms from the desk. He folded them twice and tucked them in his inside jacket pocket. "Be assured when requests for my directing abilities in professional theatre sufficiently wane, I'll follow the example you've set and interview more prospective students myself." He bowed slightly to both Carmen and Rachel. "Your servant, ladies."

He made his leave, failing to close the door as he exited the office. Carmen rolled her eyes, stood and shut the door with slightly more force than necessary. Rachel's eyes went wide at seeing her normally calm, stoic professor visibly upset. After a few tense moments, Carmen turned to her and gave a wan smile. "Forgive me. I'm afraid you saw me at less than my best behaviour."

"I didn't notice anything but your best behaviour, honestly," Rachel lied.

"Unlike your singing, I see there's still work to be done on your acting skills." Carmen returned to her desk and pulled some paperwork back in front of her. "You're a horrible liar, Miss Berry. Please have your forms in by Friday. Dismissed."

XXXXX

Artie rolled up beside him in the hotel room, smirking the entire time as Finn adjusted his tie. He fiddled with both ends before finally securing the knot and pulling the top part through. Once he straightened it, he noticed the thin side of the tie was much longer than the wide, front side. He grunted. "I can't even tie this properly. I had no trouble at home, but now it's like I never knew how to do this in the first place."

His friend shrugged from his chair. "Dude, just go without the tie. You're already wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue suit. You really need a dark blue tie, too?"

Finn frowned at himself, wondering why he hadn't considered that idea before. He fumbled with the knot, nimbly undoing it, and then tossed the tie on the bed. After unbuttoning the collar's top button, he looked at himself and nodded. "Yeah, that kind of works, doesn't it?" He glanced at Artie. "Thanks."

"I overheard Isabel say at Rachel's party that a tie isn't always required for men, especially with coloured shirts becoming more popular." Artie wheeled over to the bed before he promptly rolled out of his chair onto it. Soon he was sitting up against the pillows at the back, the television remotes readily at hand. "And that's about all the fashion advice I can give, I'm afraid. Besides, I don't think this August guy is gonna care how you're dressed - as long as you don't look like a hobo or something."

Finn nodded and grabbed his wallet. "Well, here we go. Guess we'll see if I'm New York bound or not."

"You better be," Artie said in mock annoyance. "The two-bed digs I saw Saturday were way nicer than the one."

XXXXX

She'd just reached the stairs of the West 4th Street subway station when her cell phone blared to life. Sighing and scooting herself to the side of the stairs so others could climb or descend to the station unimpeded, she brought the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

"Rachel!" the soft but panicked voice of Santana's new girlfriend, Dani, came through the phone. "Thank God you answered! I need to ask a huge favour from you."

She sighed, thinking she knew exactly what this favour was. "You need me to cover your shift? This is the third time in two weeks you've done this."

"But the first time with you," Dani countered, her voice sounding pouty. "C'mon, Rachel, if I nail this audition I'm part of a month-long cabaret dinner theatre show. And it pays way more than Spotlight."

Damn it! Rachel thought, sighing. If Dani had given her any other reason she'd probably have refused outright, planning to spend the day running errands that needed doing before her Broadway rehearsals started in full. But she knew how important auditions were, and unlike herself, Dani was still the struggling artist trying to get her big break. Reluctantly, Rachel brought the phone back to her mouth. "Okay, fine, but I have no uniform with me."

"I have a spare at the restaurant you can use," Dani said. "It's behind the door of the staff room. You can even leave it there and I'll clean it myself tomorrow after my breakfast shift, okay?"

Rachel smirked into the phone and changed directions, heading up and walking down the street towards the Spotlight Diner. "You owe me."

Dani chuckled. "I know. I'll take you for lunch. Ever try the Spotlight Diner?"

XXXXX

The surroundings were almost exactly as he'd imagined. Finn rather enjoyed the posters of Broadway shows and famous New York movies, the burgundy coloured booths and tables, and the busy atmosphere the restaurant provided. It seemed like the perfect place to come for a fast but satisfying meal.

The hostess looked up to greet him, a bright smile on her face. "Hi! Welcome to the Spotlight Diner. Are you here by yourself?"

The girl, likely a couple of years younger than himself and still in high school, practically screamed arts student with her blue eyeliner, matching beret and angled black skirt. Finn bit back a grin at how much her clothing style reminded him of Rachel's four years ago. "No, I'm meeting with one of the deans from NYADA. Au-"

"Oh, August Bradley? Yes, he's a frequent guest here and reserved a table. Right this way, please." With a smooth grace she suddenly held two menus in her hand and beckoned him to follow.

After they wound their way through a few columns of tables, Finn reached a booth in back area where Mr. Bradley sat. His beard was shorter than the last time he'd met him, but there was no mistaking his southern drawl once he spoke. He quickly stood and extended his hand. "How are you doing, son?"

Finn again smiled and clasped the man's hand. "Very well, August. How are you?"

"Excellent. I had the most productive meeting at NYU."

He motioned for Finn to sit on the bench opposite his, and in doing so Finn noticed a large poster for Funny Girl not far down the wall from them. When he casually looked around the area of his table, he noticed another poster for the same show, this time the movie advertisement. Instantly he got the same feeling as when he noticed the soccer pitch and 'plot' parking lot close to Dayton University's theatre building. Maybe fate, karma or destiny was taking an active hand in his future.

After he unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down again, August motioned with his head towards the hostess. "This is the part where she reveals to us our server."

The girl laughed lightly and gave them each a menu. "I think you know my job better than I do! Today your server will be Dani. Hope you both enjoy your meal."

Finn bit his cheek and wondered if having Dani as the waitress would cause any problems. Knowing Santana's talent for divulging secrets, there was a good chance Dani already knew of his NYADA interview. Of course, it was equally possible she also knew of Finn's desire to keep said interview a temporary secret. He could always pull her aside later and ask she not speak to Rachel about this yet. If he was really lucky, Dani wouldn't even remember him. She'd been pretty sauced at Rachel's celebration and completely focused on Santana – outside of a handshake and pleasant smile, Finn didn't think they shared more than a few words.

"So," Mr. Bradley began, setting the menu aside and leaning on the table. "You must have been here at least a day by now. How are you liking New York, son?"

XXXXX

Rachel burst through the staff entrance at the back of the restaurant, quickly winding around the narrow hall to the staff room. Just as Dani had promised, her spare uniform hung on the back of the door. She locked it and quickly changed, sighing in relief upon noticing Dani's uniform size was the same as her own.

Folding her own clothes and stashing them on the corner table, she was still tying the white apron around her burgundy skirt when she walked up to the manager. "Isn't Monday your day off?" he asked.

"Dani asked me to cover her shift," she said quickly after the manager raised a curious eyebrow seeing her. "Sorry I'm late. She got an audition for a cabaret show and phoned me just a half hour ago."

The manager shrugged. "I'm glad she at least got someone to cover her shift. I've had many in the past not even care." He pulled together the notepad and pencil she'd need and handed it to her with a smirk. "Most of the section's been served but a reserved table was just seated and a couple of tables are close to being done, I think. Back corner, Funny Girl section."

Rachel rolled her eyes as he laughed at her assigned area, the irony not lost on her. It wasn't really the Funny Girl section, just the part of the restaurant where posters for Broadway shows and movies happened to blend together. It was artfully tied in by the posters for Funny Girl's stage show and movie across the aisle from each other. Being one of the larger areas of the diner, Rachel nearly cursed for having so many tables for the lunch shift. The only silver lining was the number of tips she'd likely receive if she did her job well.

She turned into the section to notice one of the tables now vacant, so quickly grabbed a serving tray to clear away the dishes. Technically it was the busboy's job to clear those away, but it was lunchtime and as such would get very busy. To turn over as many customers as possible, she'd learned that the staff had to work together to ensure there was always a clean table at which customers could be seated.

Just as she finished placing the last of the dirty cutlery on the tray, she heard an unmistakable voice come from just down the aisle. "This is my fourth time here and each time I love it more. Like, it took a while to appreciate it because everything moves so fast, but it feels more comfortable now. Or maybe I'm just more used to it."

She spun on her heel to stare directly at the back of a very familiar head. The hair was a dead giveaway, as was the sheer height of the person, one of the few in the place whose shoulders were actually visible above the height of the booths. Her mouth opened in surprise and she could almost feel her eyes bug out of head.

It was Finn! And sitting across from him was the dean she'd just met. Mr. Bradley, wasn't it?

Why were Finn and Mr. Bradley talking to each other? Finn should be back in Lima at the tire shop, running the garage due to Burt's extended DC commitments. And how could he possibly know who Mr. Bradley was?

Unless...

NO!

No way. Finn wasn't the prospective student Mr. Bradley was talking about in Carmen's office, was he? It didn't make sense. Finn's voice was good, but if she was being honest probably not strong enough for NYADA's standards. His dancing – well, it was atrocious, frankly. If she'd had trouble with the school's dance classes, Finn would be hopeless.

All that left was-

Oh. My. GOD!

It fit! Although it took her a moment, she realized all the pieces of the puzzle fit together into a nice little picture.

Mr. Bradley was interested in only one thing - Finn's directing skills. Between Grease and the show choir numbers, he proved he'd be perfect for such a program.

But why hadn't he told her? Why the secret? And after everything that had happened the last two days? Claiming he was just helping Artie find a place in New York for college, slowing down their physical intimacy on Saturday night, pointing out Lima U was a better option financially and promising to visit when possible – it was all a ruse!

This interview was the real reason he came to New York. To think about moving here, attending the same school she did, possibly even living within a short distance from her.

And he hadn't breathed a word about any of it.

Finn was the candidate who'd applied for late admission into NYADA. He was the one for whom Mr. Bradley needed the forms.

Her blood began to boil and her eyes narrowed. How dare he! How dare he play her! After everything they'd promised each other about not hiding secrets and sharing what happened in their lives - especially after the Brody debacle – Finn decided to pull the wool over her eyes about coming to New York?

Despite all her thoughts and anger, she was suddenly aware that the two 'customers' at the booth in question had no beverages. Smiling tightly to herself and deciding on her next course of action, she decided to rectify the situation and headed towards the kitchen.

XXXXX

Finn watched as Mr. Bradley leaned back in his seat and regarded him seriously. "I'm wondering if you've considered what we last talked about, Finn. Possibly decided directing is for you after all?"

Sighing, Finn ran a hand through his hair and leaned back in his own booth. He'd thought long and hard about his decision, but in the end, only one choice seemed to resonate with his mind and heart. "Sir, honestly, I appreciate everything you've done. And I'm really, really tempted, but I just don't think I can give up education. I really enjoy the thought of someday teaching in a high school and-"

"And who said you'd have to give up education?"

He was brought up short and stopped midway through his explanation. "What?"

Mr. Bradley's sly smile turned into a wide beam as he sat straight in his booth. "I hope you're ready, son, because I'm about to Godfather you."

"Godfather me?" It hadn't been that long since he and Puck had re-watched the classic film, but he couldn't imagine what August was talking about.

"Make you an offer you can't refuse. If you remember, I mentioned earlier I had to attend a meeting at NYU. The topic, believe it or not, was to discuss the particulars of your situation. Although they have their own theatre program, they don't offer a specialized field of study for directing. As such, their dean of education has agreed to partner with us at NYADA to offer you something very unique - a joint degree program."

Finn's mind reeled. Joint degree program? His heart beat was suddenly loud in his ears and he could feel his blood beginning to rush through him in excitement. Could Mr. Bradley actually mean-

"With such a partnership, the electives and some early pre-requisites will be filled by the other school's program, as well as your transfer credits from the University of Lima. It allows you to study two chosen fields and receive recognition for both, similar to a double major at a single institution. By the end, though, you'll have a degree in directing from NYADA and a degree in education from our friends at NYU." August smiled widely. "It will be a lot of work, but also the best of both worlds, son. Education and fine arts degrees. All you have to do is say yes, shake my hand, and we'll see you for fall semester."

It was beyond everything and anything Finn could have asked for, or even wished. Education and directing, studying in New York with his friends, and most importantly, Rachel beside him– it was a dream come true. Sure, it would be difficult to keep up, and he'd likely need a part-time job, but once finished, Finn could choose if he wanted to still teach or try his hand in professional theatre. An entire world of possibilities would be open to him with a joint degree, and he'd have the knowledge necessary to produce killer glee club routines.

He felt as though he'd just won the lottery. "That's...that's just...wow!" After a moment more of speechlessness, he stuck out his hand. "Offer accepted."

August grinned in return and clasped his hand in return. "Welcome to NYADA, son."

It was a terribly long journey from sophomore year of high school to now, but after everything, he'd finally done it. He'd proven himself capable of more than Lima and would soon be attending school in New York. The elation Finn felt was a euphoria he didn't think would ever vanish.

"Hello gentlemen! Welcome to the Spotlight Diner. Have you decided what you'll have for lunch?"

Said euphoria instantly evaporated upon hearing his server's voice. His eyes went wide and the lump in his throat was almost impossible to swallow. Slowly he turned to look at their server, hoping desperately his ears had somehow deceived him.

Staring at him was the only person he knew to own that voice, and she was not Dani. She was standing rigidly, her hair pulled back in a pony-tail, and looking at both of them while holding two glasses of water on her tray. Although her posture and body language betrayed nothing, she flashed him a dangerous look with her large brown eyes before turning and smiling widely at August. "Why, Dean Bradley! It's a pleasure to see you again. How are you?"

"Very well, Miss Berry, and thank you for asking. May I say I'm impressed you remembered my name considering our first meeting was just this morning. I had no idea you worked here, as well."

Finn watched as she expertly held aloft the serving tray with the water glasses in her left while returning Mr. Bradley's handshake. Rachel may not have had this job for a long, but like everything else she'd mastered the required skills quickly.

Mr. Bradley turned back towards him. "Finn, allow me to introduce you to one of our top vocal performers at NYADA, Miss Rachel Berry. She's the first freshman ever to have won our Winter Showcase competition, and has ridden that success straight from NYADA's stage to Broadway. Just recently she was cast in the title role for the revival of Funny Girl. We've no doubt she'll have a long and illustrious career in show business."

While Mr. Bradley watched him expectantly with an affable grin, Rachel stared at him with a forced smile and eyes that threatened to incinerate him. Finn exhaled slowly as a blush crept into his face and he extended his hand, hoping Rachel would at least play along in front of the dean. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Berry."

She nodded and gripped his hand in hers, and Finn had to stifle a gasp of pain as she squeezed with a strength and grip he'd never known her to possess. He was certain she'd made sure to stab her thumbnail painfully into the meat of his hand at his thumb joint, making clear her displeasure. At least she wasn't embarrassing him in front of the dean, though.

"Pleasure is all mine," she returned tightly before finally letting his hand go. Finn swore his blood actually thanked him for removing the vice restricting its flow through the veins and arteries.

"Now, Mr. Finn Hudson here," August continued speaking to Rachel, oblivious to their interaction, "he'll be joining us primarily in the directing program, but also be pursuing education studies through NYU. They've agreed to partner with us at NYADA to let this fine young man study both fields, after which he'll have the option of pursuing either career. I expect you'll be seeing more of him around our campus come September."

"Really?" Rachel asked with fake interest. "That's simply wonderful, Dean Bradley. I think it's marvellous how post-secondary institutions willingly collaborate to offer students the kind of specific education they desire."

She turned to him, her eyes hardening further. Finn worried he was about to turn to stone under her intense glare. "On behalf of the student populace, let me welcome you to the hallowed halls of NYADA. I hope you'll enjoy the experience of attending school and living in New York as much as I do."

He smiled tentatively, trying to be convincing, but his stomach had already done somersaults and destroyed his appetite. It was hard to act convincingly when he had bricks sitting on his innards. "Thank you, Rachel."

"Here, let me start you gentleman off with some water." She smiled again and, with practiced ease, pulled a glass off the tray to set it perfectly on the table in front of the dean. "One for you, Dean Bradley. If you'd like another beverage, please just let me know."

"Thank you, my dear. Very kind of you."

Rachel then removed the other glass and held it aloft to Finn. "And one glass, for you, Mr. Hudson. Enjoy." Without warning, her wrist suddenly turned and she dumped the entire contents of the glass directly on his lap.

Finn gasped in shock and he gripped the edge of the table tightly as the freezing liquid came into direct contact with his crotch. His mouth hung open and his shoulders hunched over, as if to escape the chills running through his legs, around his hips and into his back. His breathing went ragged as the icy sensations throbbed through his most sensitive body parts, and in just a few seconds he began shivering.

"Oh my goodness," Rachel said with a small, self-deprecating laugh, "how clumsy of me. I do hope you'll forgive me…uh…Finn, is it? Here, let me give you something to wipe that up with."

From her tray she plopped an already wet tea towel in front of him, its small size nowhere near adequate enough to make any difference to his pants. "Would you like a hot beverage to help you warm up?" she asked.

Finn shook his head automatically, his mind and crotch both panicking at the idea she'd deliver coffee or tea and give him the exact same treatment. She smiled and then turned back to the dean. "Have you two decided what you'd like to eat?"

Mr. Bradley glanced between the two of them before giving a small nod of his head. "I'll have my usual - Poor Boy sandwich with salad and coleslaw, please."

"Absolutely, sir!" Rachel turned and glowered at Finn. "Yourself?"

He swallowed and tried to keep his voice steady through his plummeting body temperature. "S-S-S-Same, p-p-p-please."

"Excellent choice. I'll be back with your orders soon." With that, she turned on her heel and stalked away towards the kitchen.

Mr. Bradley had a long sip of his water before replacing his glass on the table and leaning in towards Finn. "Now, son, correct me if I'm wrong, but it does appear that you and Miss Berry know each other. Is she, perhaps, one of your friends attending NYADA you'd mentioned before?"

What was your first clue? Finn thought sarcastically before grabbing a napkin on the table and trying to soak up the moisture. "We...it's...uh...yeah."

"Well, what a small world it is after all," August said, leaning back in his booth with a smile. "When you said you had friends at NYADA, Finn, I had no idea that included our preeminent freshman vocalist. And might I enquire as to why, exactly, she felt it necessary to treat you… thusly?" he asked, gesturing towards Finn's drenched midsection

He took another deep breath and gave up with the napkin, resigned to having a cold lap for the rest of lunch. "It's...well, it's...an extremely long and...complicated story."

Mr. Bradley smiled widely. "Fortunately for you, my dear boy, I have no pressing engagements for the remainder of the day, and our meal has yet to be served." He sipped his water again before replacing the glass and motioning with his hand. "Please, do tell."

Finn groaned and buried his face in his arms on the table. He had a feeling this would be a very long lunch.

A/N - Oh, man, did we have fun with this chapter! Hopefully you all did too. Ja9, I'm really looking forward to seeing how you start the next chapter. No pressure - Finn's only moving to New York and all. :-o

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