FACING

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of its characters.

Chapter 21: Facing Friends, a Move, and Finchel

"Man this is a nice place. Nicer than our place in LA. You did good Hot Mama."

"Thanks Puck. Of course our parents are paying the rent, but Sam, Santana, and I are covering all other expenses. So what brings you guys to New York?"

"I was driving my Mom crazy." Puck Answered. "I was running my pool business, and going to community college, but she said I wasn't Puck. I was going through the motions, but not having any fun. So she pulled me aside and had a tough talk with me. I tried to deny it, but she finally got me to admit that I was missing my friends, and wondering if I miss an opportunity when Hot Mama said I could move to New York with her?"

"Wait; you offered to move Puck in with us?"

"He was my roommate, and is OUR friend Sam."

"Well he can't move in now. I got the extra room." Santana said while crossing her arms.

"Does this mean you are moving to New York too Finn?"

"Yes Rachel I'm moving to New York. Puck and I both were feeling like Lima Losers and after discussing it with our Parents decided moving to New York could work for us. I already got a job at a auto shop. My Dad has a friend that owns a shop not to far from the trade school I will attend in the fall."

"That's awesome Finn. What about living arrangements? I suppose Rachel and I can take in one of you, but not both."

"Finn can live with us. I mean he is my boyfriend. You guys can take Puck." Rachel said as she smiled at Finn. Her life had been spiraling out of control, but with this news that Finn would once again be in the same city as her; all seem right in the world. She felt a calm she hadn't felt in a while.

"No need to turn your worlds upside down. Finn and I already found a place to live. In fact we finalized the paperwork before we went to Kurt and Rachel's place."

"But Finny why wouldn't you live with me? We've been apart for so long." Rachel said dramatically.

"Yeah, I was going to do that at first, but my Mom and Burt made some good points about me enjoying being young and single." Finn could see the panic spread across Rachel's face. "We are still boyfriend and girlfriend, but I think it's a good idea that I live on my own."

"What's wrong with us living together? Look at Sam and Mercedes. They are so happy together, and Brittany is moving here in a month, and she's moving in with Santana."

"There relationships aren't ours. Not that I'm saying something is wrong with our relationship, but I need to do this Rachel. I need to learn to take care of myself before I can think about taking care of you and me. Please try to understand."

"Well I don't. I am so tired of people rejecting me. First Funny Girl; now you." Rachel turned and ran into the bathroom.

"No, let me Finn." Mercedes said as she headed to the bathroom. "Rachel, it's me. Let me in?"

Mercedes was surprise when Rachel unlocked the door, but happy she complied. "Rachel don't be upset. Finn is not trying to hurt you."

"Well he failed because it does hurt. You wouldn't understand your man wants to live with you."

"Actually I understand what Finn is saying."

"Of course you would be on his side."

"I'm not on anyone's side. Rachel the reason Sam and I can live together now is because we had to grow up a lot sooner than the rest of you guys. Well except Puck. Both Sam and Puck had to sacrifice their teenage years, get jobs and help support their families. I had to become independent because my parents have very demanding careers. Don't get me wrong I was loved, and have a healthy relationship with them, but I also spent a lot of time by myself. I learned how to manage my time wisely. I stayed responsible never letting my school grades slip. I didn't go buck wild and have crazy parties. Which is why I believe my parents trusted me when I move to LA with Puck, and they were ok with me moving in with Sam. We have proving that we are mature enough to handle this."

"But Finn and I love each other. We would be able to make this work. Plus I have been here almost a year so I can help Finn find his way."

"Did you hear Finn when he said it wasn't about you? Think back over the last year wasn't it amazing been on your own? Not having to worry about what your parents thought; making adult decisions for yourself? Well if Finn moves in with you he wouldn't get that experience." Mercedes spoke up before Rachel could protest. "Rachel don't try to deny it; we both know you wear the pants in your relationship. You may let Finn think he's making some decisions, but we both know it was either something you agreed with, or you somehow steered him to that decision."

"I know you guys don't like the fact that Finn is with me. Well he is so get over it."

"I got over it a long time ago. I know you guys are endgame, and as long as you guys make each other happy then I support Finchel. I'm just saying that this one time Rachel; you need to let Finn have his way. I promise you this will be better for your relationship. Finn needs to figure out who he is. He is no longer the Quarterback, or Co-Captain of the Glee Club. Give him time to discover his purpose. He not saying he want include you in the journey. He just wants space to do it on his own. No Mom, Dad, Glee club teacher, or girlfriend telling him who he is."

"Do you like me Mercedes?"

"I love you Rachel, but yeah sometimes I don't like you."

"I feel like the whole world is against me, and for a minute, when I thought Finn would be living with me; I felt like I had gained control."

"Rachel everyone in this apartment is rooting for you. We want you to succeed. We want you and Finn to live happily ever after. Your problem is that you always saw us as obstacles, or competition. If you want us to be your friend and like you; then you need to return the favor. We get what we put out. You are one of the most talented people I know. You don't have to rub it in peoples face. Be humble and the universe will make room for you, and make sure everyone knows Rachel Berry's name. Let Finn go out into the world and spread his wings. He will fly back to you; beside you. I'm going leave you alone so you can think about this."

Finn looked at Mercedes anxiously when she reentered the room. Before she could speak Rachel came back.

"I'm sorry Finn. I, as usual, was thinking about me, and how I would love to have you live with me." She turned to Mercedes and smile. "Mercedes help me understand that this is about you finding yourself. So instead on focusing on the negative I will celebrate the positive that you, and Puck will now be living in New York with the rest of us."

Finn opened his arms and hugged Rachel to him.

"Alright, enough of this Finchel drama; my girl just released her first single and it's time we celebrate."

Everybody cheered, gathered their coats and headed out for drinks and some dinner.

OMG my Samcedes feeling. I am loving Glee again. So happy with all the wonderful Samcedes moments. Thanks to all the Twitter/Tumblr people that post Gifs, photos, spoiler, and encourage conversation.

Hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. Up next Mercedes meet with her label to discuss the single release, and she and Sam confronts Derek and Val.

Until next time. Please forgive any errors. Please review and follow.