Hey guys! I feel like this might have about 4 more chapters or so until the end. That's not definite, could be more, could be less (but I doubt it). I highly doubt I will have more than 20. If there is anything you really want to see (other than Faberry relationship, it will remain platonic for this story) let me know and I will see what I can do. I have a pretty clear set idea of where I want it to go, but there is always a little wiggle room if I really like your ideas. Hope you enjoy!

Finn woke up much earlier than usual, made his way to the boys bathroom, showered and got dressed in a matter of minutes. His cabin wasn't set to cook or clean that morning, and after checking he found that neither was Rachel's. They would have plenty of time to talk, so long as the tiny brunette woke up as early as he knew she usually did.

Luck was on Finn's side as not minutes after he made his way over to her cabin, he caught her coming back from the bathrooms.

"Hey Rachel." He greeted her warmly.

"Finn." She returned in the same manner, she wanted to talk to him – needed too. And had been expecting him after talking to Kurt the night before. She didn't like how distant they had become. "Let me just put my stuff away and I'll be right back." Finn nodded and stuck his hands into the pockets of his jeans nervously.

Rachel ran back into her cabin and was happy to find that her three roommates were all still out cold. Quinn especially, was not a morning person and was sprawled out on her stomach completely twisted in her covers. Santana and Brittany were wrapped up in each other's arms – Brittany usually snuck into Santana's bed after they all shut out their lights. Thankfully, they never did anything other than kiss a little and hold each other. The cabin was really just much too close courters for anything else. Rachel always knew the two girls were close, and she had suspected a little that they were more than friends, everyone knew they made out with each other – but after seeing them together, she realized how in love the girls really were, and it made her smile.

Quietly, Rachel ripped a piece of paper out of the notebook she brought everywhere for song ideas and wrote a quick note.

I'm out with Finn. See you at breakfast. Please leave us alone.

Love, Rachel Berry.

She found one of her gold star stickers and placed it next to her name, then gently dropped the sheet onto Quinn's back, knowing the girl would find it when she woke, and snuck out.

Finn looked up as Rachel came out of her cabin and grinned at her, it was sincere and Rachel gave him a smile of her own. The two teens walked down to the lake – apparently their "spot" so to speak – and neither made any pretense of attempting to hold hands or make small talk. They just walked in silence, enjoying the morning nature until they reached the dock. Both seemed to wordlessly agree to sit down and they took another moment, just looking out at the calm deep water in front of them.

Finn wasn't irritated that Rachel wasn't talking to him, he had promised himself – and Kurt, who had told Rachel that Finn wanted to speak to her the night before – that he would be calm and listen to what his girlfriend had to say, and he had meant it.

Finally, Rachel spoke. She kept her gaze out to the lake. "Finn, I hate how things are between us."

"Me too." They were both silent for another minute. Then Finn turned to her, "Can I say something?" Rachel nodded. "I'm sorry Rach." She turned her head and they made eye contact for the first time since walking down to the lake. "For everything. I just...well, honestly, I don't really know how to explain it or give you a good reason. I thought about it, I talked to Kurt about it a lot, but I don't know. I guess I just freaked out a bit. I've always been dating someone, I don't...I don't really know how to be single. Like you said, I've gone back and forth between you and Quinn so many times and it has kinda fucked my head up a bit you know?" Rachel nodded again. "I really do like you Rachel. You're a great person, I've always thought so."

They both looked back out to the lake. It had been a while - easily half an hour or so - breakfast was probably already starting, and both of them were getting hungry, but this was important to both of them. They needed to really talk and understand each other.

"Can I say something Finn?" Rachel asked.

"Of course."

"I'm sorry too."

Finn looked down at her in shock. "For what? I'm the one who flipped out and acted like a jerk. You didn't do anything wrong. Its on me Rach."

Rachel shook her head. "Not entirely. Yes Finn, the majority of our problems this week have been due to your childish jealously, but I did return your affections in the library. I promised we could get back together, then I ignored you. I gave you a reason to be fearful and jealous – granted not quite to the extreme that you took it – but regardless, I share some of the blame in this situation. A relationship is two people Finn, neither of us have been really giving our all in this relationship.

They both looked at each other, then turned back to the lake – both feeling exposed and uncomfortable. Easily, another ten minutes passed with the two of them sitting in silence, staring out at the lake. Rachel reached over and took Finn's hand in hers.

"Where the fuck are they!" Santana asked for the fifth time that morning. The three girls had groggily woken up to find Rachel gone – not unusual considering how freakishly early the girl liked to wake up – and had slumped off to the showers. When they returned, a still sleepy Quinn had flopped back onto her bed and found the note Rachel had left. She instantly became worried for her friend. Santana had quickly become livid.

"We should go find them."

"The note says not to." Brittany reminded her.

"Yeah, remember how well it went last time she said she was gonna go talk to him? Quinn had to shove his sorry ass in the lake before he hit her!"

"But that was days ago. They've been nice to each other since."

"That's because Q and I wouldn't let him anywhere near her." The three girls were silent for a moment, and Santana looked to Quinn in frustration. "Q?" She asked. "What do you think?"

If Quinn was being honest with herself, she was pissed and worried. Finn was an idiot. A lovable one (sometimes) but an idiot none the less. She could tell that Rachel really wanted to speak with him, and Rachel had almost asked Quinn about him more than once, but stopped herself. Truthfully, Quinn was grateful for that. As happy as she was now that she and Finn were no longer miserably pretending to be in love with each other, and as happy as she was to be Rachel's friend now – it was still a bit awkward. The two girls had spent so much of their lives fighting over the boy, and while they were undoubtedly friends now, the past was still there, at it still came up every once in a while, wether they wanted it to or not.

Finally Quinn sighed and turned to Santana. "I think we should go to breakfast, and she will tell us what happened when she gets there."

"Seriously?" Santana scoffed.

Quinn nodded. "Its her relationship Santana, its none of our business. She said to leave her alone, and we need to respect that. Now if she shows up with a black eye or something, I will personally cut Finn's throat in his sleep, until then, I'm starving." With that Quinn stood up and walked out of the cabin. Brittany linked her arm with Santana's and pulled her along after.

Now though, Quinn was becoming a little worried. Breakfast was almost over and there was no sign of either Rachel or Finn. Everyone else had made it to the lodge and most people were done eating. They were supposed to split into boys vs. girls and go on another bonding hike today, much longer than the previous one. Thankfully, the girls had gotten paired with Mr. Schue and Miss. Pillsbury this time, and the lunches had all been packed. Clad in their obligatory bandanas, t-shirts, jeans or shorts and sneakers, everyone was ready. Everyone that is besides Rachel and Finn.

"Anyone seen Rachel and Finn?" Mr. Schue asked. "We should head out in the next few minutes."

Before Quinn or Santana could say anything, Kurt spoke up. "They were talking down by the lake, Finn promised they would be back in time, I'm sure they'll be right here." Santana and Quinn glared at him, they should have known that he would know what was up. Kurt simply smiled at them and turned back to gossip with Mercedes.

"Alright, we'll finish up here and hang for a few more minutes." Mr. Schue declared.

"Where the fuck are they?" Santana growled again.

"Finn?"

"Yeah?"

"I have a proposition for you."

"Huh? You want to get married?"

Rachel giggled. "No, not proposal. Proposition, it means like an idea, a plan."

"Oh." Finn sheepishly grinned, a little embarrassed. "Okay, shoot."

"I value our friendship too much to let us hate each other. Do you feel the same way?" Finn nodded. "Good. I think...I think we should take a break of sorts. For the summer. I think we should spend the summer mostly apart from each other. Not avoiding each other or anything, I hold no ill will against you Finn. I forgive you for your outburst. I think we should just be friends, mainly from afar this summer and then when school starts, we can get together – like this – and figure out where to go from there. If we still feel like we want to be together, than we can do that, if we feel we should simply remain friends, then that's fine too." Rachel turned to face him, their hands still entwined. "What do you think?" She asked.

Finn remained quiet for a moment or two, thinking over Rachel's plan. Generally, it made sense to him. But he wanted to be sure on a few things, since cheating had been a problem in the past, he wanted the rules of this to be completely clear, so they didn't further hurt each other. He was having problems voicing that without making it seem like he wanted the summer free to hook up with other girls. Rachel seemed to understand his silence.

"What would...I mean, during the summer..." Finn started.

"I don't plan on dating anyone else this summer Finn. I want to stay single. However, if you end up meeting someone you like, and want to pursue her, you are free to do so. We will be broken up, officially, but I do want us to plan on talking and reconsidering our relationship once school starts up again."

"Okay. I actually don't want that either. To date I mean. Kurt and I have been talking a lot, and I think I do need to be single for a while. I just wanted to be sure, cause...cause I didn't want..."

"I know. Cheating has been an issue with us in the past. I get it." They both looked out to the lake one final time before making eye contact again.

"So...friends?" Finn asked with a smile.

"Friends." Rachel happily said back, giving his hand a squeeze.

They stood up – still holding hands – and made their way back past the bathrooms, the cabins, and finally to the lodge. Before they walked in they looked at each other and smiled again. Finn bent down and softly placed a kiss on Rachel's cheek before releasing her hand.

"You're one in a million Rach."

Rachel smiled. "You know what Finn? You are too."

With that, they walked into the cabin, both happily satisfied with how things had worked out.

"There they are!" Puck yelled out. "Let's get this thing going!" Before anyone else could say a thing, Puck, Sam and Mike hauled up Artie and sprinted out of the cabin, grabbed a baffled Finn as they went. Sue and Beiste sighed, grabbed the sandwiches and supplies and headed after them. Kurt skipped out, giving Rachel a peck on the cheek as he past her.

"I bid you all adieu!" He called out as he ran after his team.

"What the fuck took so long? Did he hurt you?" Santana asked as she pulled Rachel into her, twisting the tiny girl's body around – inspecting her for bruises or cuts.

"What? No! Santana stop it!" Rachel yelled out as Santana began lifting Rachel's shirt to inspect her stomach.

"I'm just being thorough." Santana pouted.

"I appreciate the concern. But Finn and I are fine. We apologized to each other and have made up."

"WHAT!" Quinn and Santana simultaneously screamed.

"Girls, we need to head out. Whatever you are talking about, you may talk about as we hike." Will said as he forced them outside. Will and Emma took the lead, with Mercedes, Tina and Lauren close behind, but lagging a bit to eavesdrop on the other girls conversation.

"What?" Quinn forcefully whispered as they began walking up the trail. "You apologized to him? What the fuck for? You're really back together?"

"Would that bother you Quinn? If we were? Would it hinder our friendship?" Rachel quietly asked, not looking Quinn in the eye.

"What?" Quinn sharply turned to Rachel and saw how nervous the girl looked. She relaxed and took Rachel's hand in hers gently. "No Rach, you're my friend no matter what. Its a little weird, I'm not gonna lie, but I can get over it."

Rachel beamed and hugged Quinn close. "Good. Because we are not actually together. When I said made up, I meant we made up as friends, we are no longer fighting. We talked it over and decided to be friends for the summer, mostly from afar, and when school starts again, we'll see if we want to get back together or not."

"Oh." Quinn was a bit lost for words.

"I still don't see why you apologized to him." Santana growled.

"For ignoring him after kissing him and promising that we would be together. I gave him a reason to be jealous. Not in the manner he took it too, but he knows that."

"Whatever." Santana grabbed Brittany and ran ahead catching up to the others.

Quinn smiled down at Rachel and swung their arms between them. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Rachel Berry, I am so glad you are my friend."

Rachel beamed and squeezed Quinn's hand, "Me too."

"Come on, lets catch up!" Quinn sprinted off and hauled a panting Rachel after her, giggling at her complete lack of speed.

The group had been hiking for over an hour and they reached their first destination. A stream. Will and Emma sat down on a big rock and motioned for the girls to do the same. Brittany, annoyed with the lack of time she had spent alone with Rachel the last few days, reached out and pulled her into her lap before anyone else could make a move. Santana glared a little bit, but more for show than anything else. Truthfully, Rachel (and sort of Quinn) were the only people Brittany could be overly affectionate with that didn't bother Santana. Rather than keep up the pretense of anger, she sat down next to Quinn calmly.

"Alright guys, or should I say girls." They all collectively groaned as Mr. Schue began. "This first stop is going to be similar to our first hike on our second day. I've got some questions for you. You all know that tomorrow is our last full day and night here. Tuesday morning our bus will be here to take us home. In the week and a half that we've been here, I've noticed you guys getting closer than ever, and I think its awesome. I feel like this week has really changed all of us in a way, and I think its for the better. Would you guys agree?" They all nodded their heads. "Great!" Will clapped his hands together. "Well, Emma? You've got the first paper right?" Emma nodded and pulled out a sheet from her bag and addressed the girls.

"Okay. Question number one, what has been your favorite moment so far on this trip? And we are going to ask this question again right before we leave, so you can always change it. Lauren?"

"Watching the boys get pranked. Hands down. High-larious." Everyone nodded in agreement as Will and Emma frowned a little, but secretly agreed with them.

"Right well, how about you Mercedes?"

"Well, the prank really has to be the best thing ever. But I guess actually after the prank when the three of them walked in with their eyebrows gone. It was just priceless."

"Tina?"

"Watching Mike try to get the blow up doll off of him." Emma's face turned a deep shade of red while the girls all burst out into laughter remembering the sight.

"Ummm...good, so...Brittany?"

"When we..." Santana reached over and pinched Brittany quickly before she revealed the fact that they had actually been the ones to pull off the prank. "Ouch!" Brittany yelped, then smacked Santana back. "I was gonna say, when we had the pillow fight in our cabin."

"Oh. Sorry. Good one B." Santana sheepishly looked down.

"What about you Santana?" Emma asked.

"Ummm...the night the boys got pranked. But before it happened, with B, Q, and Rach." Santana refused to say anymore, but the girls (and Will and Emma) all could figure she meant the actual planning and doing the prank.

"Quinn?" Emma asked.

"The same night Santana's talking about, but after the boys got pranked, back in our cabin." Rachel smiled at this. After everything had died down, and the teachers had forced everyone to stop taking pictures and to go back to sleep, Quinn and Rachel had stayed up after Santana and Brittany had finally fallen asleep. Rather than climbing into Quinn's bed out of fear of chain-saw clad murderers, Rachel was content and perfectly happy in her own bed. Listening to the even breathing of her three friends and basking in the glory of pranking the boys, Rachel couldn't fall asleep. Apparently, neither could Quinn. Used to Rachel sharing her bed the last four days, it felt much too large without the tiny girl in it. Quinn climbed out and moved over to Rachel's, gently shoving the girl aside to make room. They hadn't said a word to each other, they just lay there quietly, enjoying each other's company until they fell asleep.

Rachel smiled at Quinn and crawled out of Brittany's lap and pulled Quinn into a hug. "The same for me Miss. Pillsbury."

Will and Emma looked on happily, but still in astonishment at the two girls hugging. Brittany pouted and complained that her lap was now cold. Rachel gave Quinn one more small squeeze then climbed back over to Brittany – who looked happier than ever.

"Fantastic. Now, the rest of the trip will have some more serious questions as we hit each stop. We've got about six stops, one question and activity at each. We will eat at our forth stop, does anyone have any questions?"

Rachel raised her hand.

"Yes Rachel?" Will asked.

"May I have something to eat now, as we hike? I seem to have entirely missed breakfast."

"Oh right! I'm sorry Rachel."

"Here, I packed an extra banana, and there is an energy bar. I checked to make sure there was no dairy in it."

"Thank you Miss. Pillsbury! That was very thoughtful of you." Rachel said happily as she peeled her banana.

"Great. How about you guys drink some of your water, then we will head out to our next stop?" Will enthusiastically said.

"Mr. Schue, exactly how much hiking are we gonna be forced into today?" Santana asked.

Will grinned. "A lot."

The girls groaned.