Author's Note: Wow, thanks so much for the beautiful reviews guys! I really do try with my writing, it's not just sitting at the com and writing down whatever pops into my head at the time. I'm always after constructive criticism so thank you, and if I accidently slip into British slang, I apologise in advance!

IMPORTANT NOTE: School starts again this week so updates will be less frequent for a little while - I've got major A Levels coming up which is a bummer. Don't worry though, the next few chapters are already half written, they just need finishing and editing, so I'll still be updating regularly. It'll be back to once a week I think, possibly twice a week, depending on my time :)

Chapter 10

Finn POV

"Finn! Finn! I've been trying to ring you all night, are you avoiding me?" Rachel shouted after me. I headed straight to the tire shed, hoping she'd leave me alone. I guess my luck is out.

"Finn? I don't understand, we need to talk. Why are you ignoring me?" She was closer now, and panting a little. I flung myself down across some of the fallen tires on the floor and closed my eyes, waiting for her to continue, though not sure why I bothered to listen. "Finn, I'm sorry about yesterday. I-I don't know what that was. I know I told you to back off a bit, because of Jesse- but then you kissed me, and I thought that meant we were- but you're ignoring me, have I done something wrong? Was I-" She paused in her stammering or whatever and took a deep breath. "I know I'm not very experienced... Yesterday was a bit forward, I-I'm sorry."

I turned around to face her. Her face was all red and she looked a bit like she wanted to cry or something. I did notice the reddy-purple bruise on the side of her neck though. I momentarily forgot why I'm mad at her.

"Do you even know why you're sorry Rachel?" I challenged. She looked at me weirdly.

"I-I don't know?" Her voice went higher at the end as if she was asking me the question, not the other way around.

"Look, I know what you're up to, so save it. I'm not one to have huge girly tantrums or fights or whatever." I got up and she stepped in front of me, looking kind of confused and a bit guilty.

"Oh God. Finn..." I'm not even kidding. She burst out laughing. What the hell, man?

"Rachel, how is this at all funny?" I yelled, frustrated. She choked and tried to control herself before looking at me more seriously. She sank down onto one of the tires and I flopped back down with her, way too tired to even think straight.

"Oh Finn. I thought- I thought you were mad about yesterday... About my lack of erm, 'skills' or whatever..." She giggled but I just looked at her and she shut up.

"How could you do that Rachel? I thought we were pals? I thought-" How the hell is it fair that she gets mad now?

"You thought what? That I'd never find out your stupid plan? That I wouldn't be hurt by it? What did you think, huh Finn? Don't you dare turn this around on me and make out I'm the only bad guy in this situation, you know yourself that this whole thing is just twisted." Her voice was all high pitched and she stood now, facing me, looking furious.

"The difference is, I never meant to hurt you Rachel, I was just being a douche, not thinking. What you've been doing, it's just cruel." I shook my head in disgust before storming off and leaving her there alone. As I power-walked the carpark, I spotted Puck by the bins. What was surprising though, is that there didn't seem to be anyone in there. And the rest of the guys from the football team weren't with him. Which I guess is to be expected. When he saw me, he waved and motioned for me to join him. I 'ran' across to him - in other words - I flung my arms about and did slow-motion running. I thought it was pretty amusing myself.

"Sup." I nodded when I reached him, hands in my pockets. I like to think that I look cool when I do that, not just a dick who doesn't know where to put his hands so he just shoves them in his pockets like a complete moron.

"Fancy skipping Chemistry? I'd go but to be honest, I can't be fucked with a detention today. I've got a date with Santana tonight. She's bringing Brittany." He smirked.

"Awesome." I grinned and high fived him. He patted me on the back before squeezing my shoulder, the way he used to.

"You alright, man? You know..."

I nodded, my mouth feeling dry. "Yeah, course. Just a girl after all, not like it's any big deal, right?" I shrugged casually, though inside I kind of wanted to punch something. After Puck told me about Rachel, I might of tried to fight a tree, but ended up going home feeling unsuccessful, with a really sore fist. I'm pretty sure I know who won that one, and judging by the open cuts on my hand, it wasn't me. Before he left, Puck did ask if we were boys again. I didn't have the energy to hate him anyway. In his words, it's time I stopped acting like a pussy and got over myself.

"You ready for our Glee performance today then?" He grinned. I nodded, feeling my spirits lift a little. Everyone had finally peformed their song for the Influential Artists week so it's pretty much down to us to choose what we want to do for the rest of the week. I'm thinking Mr Shue's got some weird home-problems at the moment. He doesn't really seem 'with' it, if you know what I mean.

"Yeah pretty much. You wanna go practice though?" Puck raised a brow at me. His mo-hawk has grown really bushy now.

"You're kidding me, right? I'm not rehearsing for Glee." He snorted. "Can't wait to get out of it."

"Yeah right." I taunted him. He suddenly grabbed me in a headlock and tried to swing me around. I felt a hand clap me on my back and apparently so did Puck, because he let go of me suddenly and stood up straight. Mike Chang put his arms across our shoulders, pushing himself between us, in the middle and sighed.

"I see we've all made up then." He breathed happily. Puck and I shoved him off us and he kind of stumbled or whatever a few steps behind us.

"Back off you homo, I don't swing that way." Puck pretended to gag. He grinned anyway though. I'm thinking he's pretty geared up that we're boys again.

"So Finn, I heard about that Rachel chick. Too bad, man. She's hot as well. Maybe you can still do it though, I'm thinking make-up sex." He nodded like the perv that he is. I think that's his way of being sympathetic or whatever. Puck just stared at him.

"Unbelievable." He snorted under his breath. We all walked together to the auditorium. We spotted that Tina chick by the lockers. She waved at us, which reminded me of my earlier conversation with Artie.

"Hey Mike, you don't have a thing for that Tina girl, right?" I hissed as we walked passed her. He coughed.

"No way, man. I'm kind of digging that Mercedes though. She is fi-ine." He broke up the last word. Seriously, he's so lame. But to each their own. I kind of made a mental note (ie, I warned myself not to forget) to tell Artie the news when I saw him. As we crossed the corridor I don't think it escaped any of our notice that the rest of the people were staring at us. Honestly though, Glee isn't that uncool.

I think everyone was pretty shocked when Puck and I stood up together when Mr Shue asked who wanted to perform. I did spot Quinn trying to catch my gaze. But while I have kind of forgiven Puck, it's different with Quinn. Puck sleeps around with pretty much any chick who looks at him but Quinn made a huge deal about being a virgin. I wonder why she hasn't joined up with the Cheerios again though. I thought the only reason she joined Glee was because she got kicked off the Cheerios for being pregnant...

"Right boys, lets see what you've got." Mr Shue sat down whilst Puck grabbed his guitar. I sat at the drums and Mike Chang took the keyboard. We did a pretty rocking version of The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy, if I do say so myself. Everyone got up and joined halfway through and I kind of forgot about all the shit that's been happening lately. I think that's what Glee is about - having fun.

...

Rachel POV

Here goes nothing.

"Jesse... We need to talk." I began, leading him to my street so that it would be easy to get home before anyone could catch me crying. It would be dreadful for my reputation as a heartless show-girl if anyone saw that.

"What's up?" He grinned. Why can't guys take a hint? Surely my tone of voice showed that this is not a playful or happy matter?

"Look, I don't know what you think this is between us, but whatever you think it is, it isn't." Yes, that definitely makes sense. I think...

"What?" He replied, confused. I sighed.

"Jesse, are you in to me?" I blurted out impatiently. There was a moment of shocked silence as he digested my confrontation, before he chuckled.

"Oh, is that what this is about?" He hit his forehead with his palm dramatically and laughed again. "Well, yeah I am actually." He shrugged, looking a little more serious now. "Why?"

I feel ever so slightly nervous or guilty when I know I'm going to upset someone. But I pushed it aside. "Well you have no right to be into me. I've given you no reason to be and there is no way I could consider dating when my priorities lay elsewhere, in kick starting my career. I'm sorry that your feelings are not reciprocated."

"Woah, woah, woah. Speak again?"

"Jesse, look, I'm not into you ok? I don't have time for a boyfriend right now and the way you've been clinging to me the past few days is, well, a little annoying." That was nicer, right? I think so, definitely.

Jesse doesn't seem to, however. A sad look replaced the one of confusion across is face and he stepped back and put his hands in his pockets.

"Oh, I see." He looked down.

"I'm sorry..." I added finally. He looked up and I could see his eyes flash to my neck where I had tried in vain to cover the stupid love bite from Finn.

"This doesn't have anything to do with-"

"No one, ok? I just don't have the time or energy right now." I replied firmly before he could jump to any conclusions - conclusions that would most likely be true, but no need to fill him in on the minor details.

"I get it... You're a really nice girl, Rachel. And I can wait for you, if you want?" May day, MAY DAY!

"Erm, no. No, Jesse, that erm, wouldn't be fair, on you." I hastily backtracked. "Just, forget about me, ok? I'm sure there are some lovely girls out there who would die at the chance of having a date."

He actually nodded! "I guess so. I'd of liked a chance with you though..." He shrugged.

"I'm really sorry." I repeated once more before we both stood, facing each other awkwardly a moment more.

"I'd better go. I'll see you around." Jesse mumbled finally.

Now, to find Finn. I better prepare my grovelling act.

...

I can't understand why I'm so nervous, stood outside Finn's front door. But I'd spent the whole night unable to sleep, unable to get hold of Finn, and unable to forget about what happened in the store. If it was true, what Puck said about Finn not going through with that stupid dare anymore, why did he kiss me? And it wasn't even a small one, it was full-on making out! In the middle of a shop, where anyone could have caught us! That has to stand for something right...? Maybe he really is beginning to fall for me...

"Yes dear?" Shoot. The door opened and a woman stood before me, probably middle-aged. She looks a lot like Finn, with his same eyes and hair colour and little button nose. I'd bet she even has those faint dimples Finn gets when he smiles sometimes. Her eyes are very smiley... "Are you here to see Finn?" I jolted awake from my daydream.

"Er, yes. Is he in?" I asked. Finn's mom nodded and smiled. She does have the dimples.

"He's up in his room, first door to the right." She pointed.

"Thank you." I smiled politely before heading up the stairs.

I knocked but there was no answer. I opened the door a couple of inches to make sure he was decent. He was laying, sprawled across his head, mouth open, hand on his chest, listening to his iPod. There was a laptop on a cluttered desk, with a ton of text books flung across the floor along with the curtains closed, half the bedspread across the floor too, and a couple of cups and plates on the bedside table.

"Finn?" I asked, stepping inside, closer to the bed. The music was clearly turned up too high for him to hear, unless he's just ignoring me. I creeped over to him and poked him. His eyes flashed open and he sat up like a bolt.

"Woah, what the hell?" He croaked before clearing his throat and rubbing his eyes, trying to adjust to the light.

"We need to talk, and you wouldn't listen to me earlier..." I shrugged, gingerly sitting on the corner of his bed. He didn't move any closer, which is clearly a bad sign in anyone's book.

"What do you want? Come to try and break my heart again?" He said it lightly, almost as a joke. His voice was cold, but not icey so maybe I still have a chance... To apologise, that is.

"No. I just, I think we should talk about what's happened. I know I've hurt you and what I did was really thoughtless... heartless..." I repeated his word. "But let's remember I'm not the only one in the wrong here, ok?" I declared maturely. Finn snorted.

"Rachel, I'm not gonna pretend to be shocked by what you've done. And you know what, it's a really lame thing to do." I braced myself for the argument. "But we're both as bad as each other, I think." He sighed eventually. I felt myself relax slightly.

"I'm so sorry, Finn."

"Forget it. No harm, no foul, right? None of us care enough for it to hurt anyway." He didn't look me in the eyes when he said that.

"I know, but Finn... I started off wanting to hurt you, but now... Ithinkit'sbackfiredonme." I finished in a quick mumble. This is so bad, I can't believe I just said that. What do I mean? Where are my superior composure skills when I need them?

"Shit." Finn cursed in a low, breathy voice. "Rach..." He jerked, as if he was about to move closer but managed to stop himself before so.

"I'm sorry." I apologised again, though not entirely sure why.

"No, don't be. It's just..." The door burst open, frightening the living daylights out of me. I almost landed on the floor but Finn grabbed my arm.

"Mom, we don't need food, ok? Go away." Finn ordered to his flustered mother. She dithered a moment before leaving. Just as I was about to speak, she knocked on the door.

"Are you sure?" We heard her hopeful voice ask. Finn rolled his eyes.

"Sorry, she's just nosy. Probably making sure we're not... Anyway." He looked at me, his eyes softer now. And I just burst into peals of laughter. He did the same and we were quite literally rolling across the bed in hysterics. I seriously think emotion does crazy things to people sometimes. Finn rolled onto his side and propped himself up with his elbow, just watching me. It made me feel nervous. He has a greenish lining around his pupils...

"Rachel, let's just put this behind us, alright?" He suggested finally.

"That sounds like a plan. And Finn..." I wonder if there is an operation one can have to prevent blushing? I don't want to be on stage and be remembered as the one who looks like a squashed tomato. I should check online...

"Yeah?"

"Do you, er, want to, erm, like go out sometime?" I stammered. This is so unlike me, what am I doing?

His eyes went all soft again.

"Look, Rach, I don't know if that's such a good idea..." He shook his head, looking thoughtful.

"Why?" I demanded, feeling something harden inside me.

"Because I believe that you're sorry. But I can't believe that you won't mess up and play stupid games again, and this is gonna sound really girly but... You might hurt me if I let you in and trust you."

"Finn, I wouldn't-I'm not-"

"We've got to be careful how trusting we are of people, don't we?" Ooh. Deja Vu.

"I see." I replied coldly after another moment. "Well, I'll see you around, Finn." I turned and stalked off down his stairs, out the door and down the street, before I literally started running.

When I got back to my house however, there were open boxes of lingerie everywhere. I frowned, wiping my face of any stray tears.

"Dad? Daddy? Anyone home?" I called out hoarsely.

"Oh Rachie dear, so lovely to see you!" Patricia the party planner tittered, kissing me on both cheeks. I furiously pushed her away and stormed into the living room. And that is when I saw it. One of my dads was standing on the coffee table, wearing bothing but a female thong.

And so I ran, to the only house I knew would be normal. Kurts.

...

Finn POV

"So..." Mom smiled happily as she invaded my room again. "Whose the girl?" I hate talking girls with my mom. So unguy-ish.

"Oh no one. Er, she's from like, Glee club." Mom nodded, smiling.

"Pretty girl, isn't she?" She winked knowingly. I felt kind of hot around the collar.

"Mom! Can we not please?" Seriously.

"What Finn? I'm only interested!" She laughed.

"Yeah, I guess she's pretty. I mean, she could do with bigger boobs but the skirts pretty much make up for it and-"

"I see you think a lot of her personality." Mom interrupted, looking pretty embarrassed. I laughed silently. Result. She hates it when I do guy-talk with her about girls.

"Yeah, that's alright too..."

"I'm so pleased you've joined that nice singing club, Finn. I knew you'd knuckle down and become more responsible one day." She patted my back before getting up.

"Oh, yeah, sure." She still doesn't know about the chemistry thing... "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back in a bit." I called as she headed downstairs.

"Don't be too late." She warned. I pretty much legged it out the door.

...

I was practically laying on the park bench when I heard voices. I froze. It was Rachel and that Kurt kid.

"Kurt! Look I'm sorry, please listen to me!" Rachel was pleading. It reminded me of what she said earlier. Didn't take her long before she did something stupid again.

"Why? You are unbelievable! I told you I hadn't told him, how could you? The universe does not evolve around Rachel Berry and her tragedies!" Kurt yelled back just as loudly. Thank God it's dark and they can't see me. This is awkward.

"Kurt, I forgot, ok? And maybe I've done you a favour! At least now he knows!" Rachel again, defending herself.

"You promised me you wouldn't! He'll never talk to me again. He'll hate me! Why can't you just keep your enormous nose out of other people's business! There's no wonder Finn doesn't actually want a date with you, you're thoughtless, obnoxious and self-centered, no matter how much you pretend otherwise!" Ok, that's harsh. Her nose isn't that big. I think it adds character to her face anyway. And wait a sec- she told Kurt about what went down with us earlier?

"That's out of order Kurt!" Rachel pretty much screamed back. "You know what, if I didn't know better I'd say you're jealous!"

"Jealous of what, exactly?" Kurt demanded furiously.

"I knew you were into Finn! Just admit it already! That's why you're always so touchy when we come to the subject! And I am sorry about telling your dad, but it was an innocent mistake! If you weren't so cut up about your feelings for Finn you'd be more reasonable but as soon as we mention him you act all weird!" Hold up - Kurt is in to me? Kurt is gay? Wait... I kind of already figured that out. But Kurt is in to me?

I was about to get up but feared they'd catch me so I just sat there, hoping they'd leave. Unfortunately, Kurt stormed off, I could see his shadow in the dark. But Rachel stayed where she was. I sighed and got up. I kind of froze for a moment, not sure what to do. But then I strolled over to her and just stood next to her. I think she could tell I was there. Her breath was all shaky.

"It'll be ok." I whispered finally. "Come here."

Author's Note: The story is going to shift and develop from here on, for all the characters. And for anyone who wanted more aggers when it comes to Rachel and Finn finding out about each other, aggers is on the way. But for anyone wondering, this is not supposed to be a really intense, dramatic, agony story. It's just petty high school relationships etc, I don't do babies or death or hardcore violence etc. And there will be fluff on the way :) PLEASE REVIEW! I'd love to reach 70!