My deepest, most humble, most sincere apologies readers! The last couple of weeks have been hell! I've been working so much & we just moved into our new house. Please, please forgive me.
I do not own any of the songs…unfortunately.
I Do Not Own Glee…Glee Owns Me.
10 Years Earlier…
Our final semester of high school was quickly coming to a close. It would all be over soon and then Rachel and I could move on with our lives and pretend that McKinley High never existed.
There have been so many highs and lows this past spring. One minute, we were the King and Queen of McKinley. And the next, we were right back at the bottom of the food chain. I think all of the students are kinda Bipolar.
There were two huge events that separated us from our graduation: first there was Nationals in New York City and then, Senior Prom. I couldn't decide which one I was more excited for. Rachel, of course, was excited for Prom. She had never been to one before and I was just happy that I got to be apart of another of her firsts.
I had never been out of Ohio before, so I was pretty damn stoked for Nationals. I was going to New York City! These kinds of things just don't happen to Finn Hudson. But, of course Rachel had changed all of that. Ever since I met her, things I never dreamed possible were happening.
Rachel got accepted to NYU and we would be moving there sometime this summer, so we planned on doing some apartment searching on our downtime. I couldn't wait to live with Rachel…alone. You have no idea how difficult it is to get it on with your wife when your mother and step-father were right above you, possibly trying to do the very same thing and yuck…I don't even wanna talk about it anymore. Hell, Rachel and I could even walk around our apartment butt-ass naked if we wanted to, and boy, do I want to!
Today, Rachel was out shopping with Quinn for her perfect prom dress. Quinn and Puck were doing amazingly well, given the hostile environment they had to exist within every single day. The four of us pretty much stuck together, through thick and thin. Together, nobody could do or say anything to hurt us. Quinn was hell-bent on going to her Senior Prom, despite the fact that she was about to pop out a kid at any moment.
Since they were out doing their part, I decided that Puck and I might as well go Tux-shopping. Then maybe hit up the local arcade to play some old school Ms. Pac-Man.
It took us all of thirty minutes to pick out our suits; tuxes were just not happening. Puck settled on a brown, pinstripe one. I decided on a traditional, black suit with a long, skinny tie. And I just couldn't find any nice shoes that fit my size thirteen feet into, so once again, I chose to wear my Converse.
We would be leaving for New York in just a couple days, so I decided the most sensible thing to do was start packing and bailed on Ms. Pac-man. When Rachel came home from shopping, she was grinning ear-to-ear; glowing. I could tell that she wanted to tell me every single detail about her sure-to-be-perfect dress, but of course she couldn't. Poor Rachel. She looked as though she were about to burst with happiness.
She was very surprised to find me packing already. She said I was being "very punctual." I have no idea what that means, but she was smiling when she said it, so I think it's probably a good thing to be.
Before I knew it, we were in New York City! The City That Never Fucking Sleeps! I was amazed; beyond words. I had truly never seen anything like this place. No wonder Rachel wanted to live here; it was spectacular, just like her.
Nationals were being held at Radio City Music Hall and apparently that's, like, a huge deal, too. Our hotel room was just down the street, and I was a bit disappointed and confused about why I didn't get to share a room with my own wife.
Time flew. Rachel and I didn't get nearly enough alone time and only actually got to check out a few apartments. We spent most of our alone time making out and getting to second base. Making love to my wife was something I didn't get to do nearly as much and badly as I wanted to.
Suddenly, we were all standing beside the stage watching Vocal Adrenaline—our biggest competition and the biggest bunch of douche bags I've ever seen in my life—own the stage. I have to admit, they were amazing, but they had no heart. And their lead male Jesse St. James? I've never met someone so self-centered and full of himself than him.
Just like the rest of the week, the entire competition blurred into one surreal, life-changing moment. Then it was time.
We thought of so many different possible songs that we could sing; so many messages we could have sent. But it all came down to one thing; us.
Over the course of the last few months, we broke barriers. We blurred the line between popular jock and total loser. We overcame stereotypes and our own, personal demons. We went from perfect strangers to an imperfect family.
No matter what happens tonight and after prom and after graduation, we would always have each another and these moments and these songs. So that's what we decided to sing about; we were the most important things to one another.
Suddenly, the curtain lifted and the spotlight lowered.
(Finn & Rachel)
And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives
Where we're gonna be when we turn 25
I keep thinking times will never change
Keep on thinking things will always be the same
But when we leave this year we won't be coming back
(Quinn)
No more hanging out cause we're on a different track
And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now cause you don't have another day
(Mercedes & Kurt)
Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down
These memories are playing like a film without sound
And I keep thinking of the night in June
I didn't know much of love, but it came too soon
(Santana & Brittany)
And there was me and you, and then it got real blue
Stay at home talkin' on the telephone and
We would get so excited, we'd get so scared
Laughing at our selves thinking life's not fair
And this is how it feels
(The Guys)
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
(Mike & Artie)
So if we get the big jobs and we make the big money
When we look back now, will that joke still be funny?
(Puck)
Will we still remember everything we learned in school?
Still be trying to break every single rule
(Tina)
Will little brainy Artie be the stockbroker man?
(Santana)
Can Brittany find a job that won't interfere with her tan?
(Rachel & Finn)
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
And this is how it feels
(The Girls)
I'll make a wish for you And I'll be right behind your shoulder watching you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
I'll be standing by your side and all you do
And I won't ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe
(Rachel & Finn)
Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now?
Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow?
(Tina & Artie)
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're women and men
(Mercedes & Kurt)
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us round?
Will these memories fade when I leave this town?
(The Group)
I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
(Rachel)
Many times I've tried to tell you (Finn)
Many times I've cried alone
Always I'm surprised how well you
Cut my feelings to the bone
Don't want to leave you really (The Group)
I've invested too much time
To give you up that easy
To the doubts that complicate your mind
We Belong to the light
We Belong to the thunder
We Belong to the sound of the words
We've both fallen under
Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We Belong, We Belong
We Belong together
(The Girls)
As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change, from whatever
We will still be, friends forever
(The Boys)
As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change, from whatever
We will still be, friends forever
(The Group)
As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change, from whatever
We will still be, friends forever
We won. We fucking won! We defeated Vocal Adrenaline and won the first championship of McKinley High history; except for the Cheerios, but they don't really count.
We were on Cloud Nine. There was nothing in the world that could bring us down; not even the rain. It was pouring down on us, but that didn't stop us from running the streets of New York City, being young and happy and carefree, for one of the very last times.
We stood in the middle of Times Square; full of awe and wonder. We strolled Central Park and I took Rachel on a romantic, carriage ride. I told her that even though I don't consider myself a very smart man, marrying her was the smartest decision I had ever made. I would make the same decision a thousand times over.
We walked the streets of Broadway. Rachel began crying as she stared in reverence at all of the gigantic signs representing all of her favorite plays and musicals. She vowed to all of the others that she would be here someday; not only for herself and our future family, but for each of them as well, because individually they all made her better; they each made her who she is today.
It was the experience of a lifetime, but all too soon it was over and we returned home to Lima. We had five days until prom. It felt like the life I knew was quickly ending and I wasn't sure how to feel about it.
The week was full of, both, celebratory praise and Slushie Facials. It seemed as though the Glee Club would never catch a break around here, but that was okay, because it would all be over soon.
On the morning of prom, I woke up to find my beautiful goddess of wife long gone. In her place was my worst nightmare. Why the hell was Puck wrapped up in my comforter with me and why was he smiling in his sleep?
"Dude, wake the fuck up and get the hell out of my bed!"
Nothing. Not a peep.
"Puck. Puck? Puck!"
"Not now baby, Daddy needs more sleep."
"I'm not your baby, Puckerman. Now get out of my fucking bed, before I kick your ass!"
Suddenly, he shot out from underneath the covers.
"What the fuck? Why are you in my bed, Hudson?"
"Your bed? You're in my room, asswipe!"
"Oh. Yeah, I forgot."
"Why are you here? It's, like, seven in the morning."
"Fucking Quinn and Rachel! Apparently chicks have to start getting ready for prom at the asscrack of dawn. Anyway, they kicked me out. So I picked the lock on the front door and…I was cold, so I crawled in bed with you."
"Okay…dude, let's just pretend this never happened, deal?"
"Deal."
"So…."
"So…?"
"Well, we can either go back to sleep or we can play some COD. What do ya say, Puckerman?"
"COD, for sure."
We literally spent the entire day, annihilating one another. If it hadn't been for my mom and her delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, we would have gone the entire day without anything to eat.
After interrupting us about half a dozen times, we finally let Kurt talk us in to getting ready, I guess it was time. The sun had finally set and all that.
It had taken us a whole thirty minutes to get dressed. I must admit, we looked damn good. My mom and Burt were kind enough to buy corsages for Rachel and Quinn. My mom was in tears when she handed them to us. Rachel's was a red rose with tiny leaflets and Quinn's was a pink carnation with baby breath. Of course, Kurt got one too. But, his was made with peacock feathers or some other species of exotic bird.
I don't know how, but Burt managed to rent a Hummer limousine for all of us Glee clubbers. He really was awesome to do this for us.
We finally arrived at Puck's house, ready to get our girls. Suddenly, I got nervous. Rachel tends to do that to me; I hoped I would always react this way to laying eyes on her. I think Puck was nervous too; he was unusually quiet and introverted. He would never admit it, though.
We didn't know if we should ring the door bell or not. It was Puck's house, after all. We decided it was probably best to do things properly. This was the final and only prom these girls would get; they deserved to be treated like princesses.
When Puck's mom opened the door, she was beaming at us. She had been crying, too. What was with all the women crying? She kissed us both on the cheeks and told us how handsome we looked. Then, she yelled upstairs to the girls.
Quinn came down the stairs first.
She looked like a fairytale princess. She was wearing a strapless, knee-length dress. The top half was a soft, baby pink with a tiny bow, while the bottom of the dress was chocolate brown. Her golden hair was flowed down her shoulders and across her back. Although she was larger than life at the moment, her hand was lovingly placed underneath her belly, just as though it were a natural part of who she's always been.
Beside me, I heard Puck release a staggered breath. I knew he had been nervous. Quinn was the only girl who was ever woman enough to break through his hard, tough-guy exterior. Quinn was Puck's weakness; his kryptonite.
As they came together, he gently pinned her corsage onto her dress as he rubbed her belly. Then, Quinn turned to me and offered me an evil smile.
"What?"
"You'll see…" she cryptically remarked.
"Rachel, honey? Is everything okay?" Mrs. Puckerman asked.
"Yes. I'll be right down."
She kept me waiting forever. But she was worth every single second.
She never failed to take my breath away.
She walked gingerly down the stairs and it was as if an angel were descending from Heaven above.
She was wearing a strapless, floor-length, crimson silk dress with diamond embellishments underneath her breasts and a slit up to her milky, white thigh.
Her dark hair framed her face in wild, loose tendrils and her pouty lips were blood red. She looked like sex on a stick and I really wanted to skip to the portion of the night where I was allowed to fuck the hell out of her. Mailman, think of the god damn mailman!
I was completely lost in my dirty thoughts when I noticed that Rachel was staring at me with pure, unadulterated lust in her eyes. She was thinking the exact same thing that I was. That's my girl!
"Rachel, you look…perfect."
"Thank you, Finn. You are so handsome."
"This is for you. It matches your dress."
"It's perfect. I love it. I love you."
"I love you too, Rach."
Puck's mom went a little nuts with the camera, but soon enough it was time to leave.
"Shall we?" I asked, taking Rachel's arm in mine.
"We shall…"
The gym looked incredible; better than ever before. Of course, McKinley didn't have much money to offer the prom committee, but it was magical all the same. The theme was One Last Dance and that's what it truly was. This was the last night we would all spend together as friends; as a family. It was our last chance to be young and free. I did everything possible to make this a night that Rachel would remember forever. I knew, deep down, that every single one of us would look back on this night with fond memories.
We danced the night away. We kissed. We held one another as though we would never let go. I stared at Rachel like it was the last time I would ever see her; taking in every spec on inhumane beauty she possessed. I was so lost in her chocolate brown eyes that I almost didn't notice Principal Figgins take the stage to announce the Prom King and Queen. Rachel and I were nominated, but even if we didn't win, she would always be my Queen and I would spend my entire life building a castle for her.
"Attention McKinley High Seniors, it is time to announce your 2012 Prom King and Queen. Your Prom King is…Noah Puckerman!"
Everyone cheered enthusiastically as Puck took the stage. Both he and Quinn looked a little shocked; especially after the way the other students had treated them all year long. Quinn also seemed sad. I don't think she stood a chance at winning Queen, although she definitely deserved it.
Puck took the stage and received his golden crown in true Puckasaurus style. He thrust his crotch toward the crowd and the girls went crazy. I noticed Quinn couldn't help but to smile.
"And your Prom Queen is…Santana Lopez!"
Santana didn't look as happy as I thought she'd be. She had fought tooth and nail to become the most popular girl and head Cheerio this year. We were all thrilled for her; even Quinn, although she was fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.
As Santana took the stage, she whispered in Principal Figgins ear and he handed her the microphone.
"Thank you all for voting for me. This truly means the world to me, but I'm sorry. I can't accept this. The Queen should be someone who's brave and strong…and not a total bitch like me. Quinn Fabray deserves this honor; not me. She's the bravest and strongest woman I know. So, c'mon up here and get your crown, Q."
Quinn's tears were falling freely now. She waddled—I mean walked—up the steps to the stage and Santana wrapped her in a huge hug. Then Puck took Quinn's hand and gave her the warmest smile.
"You'll always be my Queen, Mrs. Hudson."
"And you'll always be my King, Mr. Hudson."
"Noah Puckerman and Quinn Fabray, your King and Queen, everyone. And now, I'd like to ask Finn and Rachel Hudson to take the stage to perform for their friends."
Rachel and I looked at one another strangely.
"Did you know about this?" I asked her.
"Absolutely not. But, I'm honored. We can do this, Finn. We're National Champions."
"Damn straight, we are."
We took center stage and the spotlights focused on us, just as Puck and Quinn walked to the center of the dance floor. A second spotlight shone on them. Rachel whispered something to Brad. I didn't know what song she chose, but I knew it would be perfect.
As the song began to softly play, Rachel gave me a sexy smile. I knew what she wanted. She wanted me to take the lead on this one. Anything my girl wants.
(Finn)
I thought that dreams belonged to other men
'Cause each time I got close
They'd fall apart again
(Rachel)
I feared my heart would beat in secrecy
I faced the nights alone
Oh, how could I have known
That all my life I only needed you
(Finn & Rachel)
Whoa-oa
Almost paradise
We're knocking on heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise
(Finn)
It seems like perfect love's so hard to find
I'd almost given up
You must've read my mind
(Rachel)
And all these dreams I saved for a rainy day
They're finally comin' true
(Finn & Rachel)
I'll share them all with you
'Now we hold the future in our hands
Whoa-oa
Almost paradise
We're knocking on heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise
(Finn)
And in your arms salvation's not so far away
It's getting closer, closer every day
(Finn & Rachel)
Almost paradise
We're knocking on heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise
Paradise
Paradise
Prom was over. But the night was far from. The thirteen of us spent the night underneath the stars on the fifty-yard line of the football field, sharing whatever alcohol Puck and Santana had managed to smuggle in; everyone except Quinn, of course.
This football field held so many precious memories for me. Although we sucked ass, I loved every second of playing football for McKinley on this field. I asked Rachel to spend her life with me on this field field. She made me the happiest man in the world by agreeing to do so on this field. I spent an entire night getting drunk with my best friends and the most amazing people in the entire world on this field.
Quinn, Tina, Mercedes, and Kurt had fallen asleep at some point in the night, but Puck, Santana, Brittany, Mike, Artie, Kurt, Sam, Rachel, and I watched as the sun rose in the eastern sky. It was a night we'd never forget.
We had one week. One week to make the most of. One week to laugh, to smile, to sing. One week of youth and innocence. One week to say goodbye.
A/N-If you want to hear what the Mash-Up is supposed to sound like, tweet me on Twitter at MahriahLee. A good friend of mine at Keri_Everhart put it together for me. Thanks love!