DISCLAIMER: Glee isn't mine…blah blah blah…
The morning sun hits Rachel's face and she squirms out of her sleep before an overwhelming sensation of nausea takes over and she has to run off to the bathroom. It's a few minutes before she feels calm enough to return to the bedroom but not before she stops to hear Finn talk to Cassie as he gets her dressed for day care.
'I know you don't understand yet but in seven months you'll have a little sister to look after' Finn cheerily tells Cassie as he pulls her t-shirt down her head and pulls her hands through one by one.
'She'll be as gorgeous as mummy and be as pretty as you too' he giggles poking Cassie's nose 'are you exited to meet the baby?' he asks Cassie as she repeats 'baby' after him.
'Yes baby girl, baby. I knew you'd be excited. I am too, so so much' Finn has managed to put Cassie's trousers on but is now battling her hair. He fiddles with her straight brown locks and lets out a little laugh as Cassie fidgets.
'I guess I'll need the practice with brushing hair, hey Cass? Mummy always complains about the way I do your pigtails, they look perfect to me' he muses.
A very hormonal Rachel finds it difficult not to let her emotions get the better of her as she stands at the bathroom doorway watching Finn and Cassie through the opening of Cassie's bedroom door. She stands there with a big smile and tears running down her face, tears of the happy kind. Things between her and Finn seem to be resolving themself and they're letting the natural course take them wherever it does. Last night they ended up in each other's arms and where things just felt right. There was happiness, excitement and love. For the first time in a while everything started to feel like it was falling into place. There were still some unanswered questions and some big decisions to be made regarding the so called 'wedding' but Rachel didn't want to think about just now. She wanted to enjoy the happy place she was in at the moment. She has the man she loves; she is carrying his child and also has the best nearly-two-year-old you could ask for.
She watches Cassie smile and giggle as Finn talks to her and can't help but feel a tinge of guilt. Cassie's parents were no longer here with her because of a stupid plan they cooked up to get her and Finn together. She understands that it was out of her control and nothing could have changed it but when you see that little girl, stare into her perfect green eyes she inherited of Sarah's and look at the straight brown hair her father had and the button nose that is a mixture of both her parent's nose, Rachel is always reminded of her best friends who were sharing the exact same excitement as her and Finn were when Sarah first discovered she was pregnant. They planned out a lifetime with their daughter and here Finn and Rachel were doing everything in their place. It's Cassie's smile that reminds her each and every time that she needs them here; she needs Finn and Rachel to be her mum and dad because she figures they were sort of always meant to be; from being her Godparents to becoming her parents. In all honesty Cassie felt every bit her own and she was pretty sure Finn felt the same way, besides her physical appearance, Cassie was all her and Finn and that thought made Rachel feel warmth inside. She was Finn and Rachel's and Jason and Sarah's. This kid was so special and undoubtedly she would be a brilliant big sister.
Rachel is so lost in thought she doesn't see Finn walk out of the bedroom with Cassie at hand and come towards her.
'Hey baby' he says, softly placing a kiss on her lips, making her smile. 'Spying are we?' he quirks an eyebrow. Rachel squats down to place on Cassie's cheeks with a 'Good Morning baby' before getting a big hug off Cassie.
'What are the tears for?' Finn asks worriedly.
'They're happy tears. I was just thinking that's all' she smiles up at Finn and scooping Cassie up in her arms.
'Are you sure?' With things being so up and down lately his weary of what could set Rachel off forgetting that hormonal pregnant women cried pretty easily at anything and everything.
'How about we stay at home today, spend the day together?' Rachel asks Finn as he furrows his brows in concern.
'What about the shop?' I don't have any lessons this afternoon and tomorrow is the party so we need to do the preparations for that after closing. We're not doing our usual Friday lates are we?'
Rachel suddenly remembers Finn's birthday and his party which are happening tomorrow.
'Sorry' she says with a pout that makes Finn smile. 'How about Cassie and I have a girly day then? I just want her here with me, and you, but you have to go' Finn gives into her pout and places a kiss on Rachel's forehead. 'Fine, Cassie can stay at home but only if you promise to take it easy. I'll see if I can come home early. Mum and Burt are coming in early tomorrow so we need to prepare for them too' Finn reminds her and she nods along, all excited. 'I can't wait' she tells him.
'Alright Cass, how about you come with me and let mummy take a shower, let's go and have breakfast.' Finn takes Cassie off of Rachel once again and walks off downstairs shooting Rachel a boyish smile. She thinks about how lucky she is to have been brought to Finn and for where they are now and the perfect little family she has and she knows she has two very special people to thank.
xOx
An hour after Finn leaves Rachel finds herself and Cassie in the lounge with Santana going through the photos that herself and Finn had gone through the night before.
'I take it you and Frankenmonster sorted things out? He sounded much happier when I spoke to him earlier' Santana asks while going through their college pictures.
'I knew it, I knew he sent you' Rachel laughs making Santana roll her eyes. 'Of course he sent me, do you really think I'll willingly spend time with a hormonal and pregnant hobbit?' Santana teases, to which Rachel's face is full of surprise.
'What makes you think I'm pregnant?' Rachel challenges looking over to check Cassie is still fine while playing with her pots and pans and watching The Wiggles.
'Oh please! Anyone could tell apart from you and your blumin giant. I swear, you two are so oblivious to some things, it's any wonder the two of you are a match made in heaven.' Santana laughs making Rachel open and close her mouth, wanting to reply but not being able to say anything.
'So, how many more months of hormonal Berry do we have to deal with?'
'Well, if you insist on knowing 'Tana, I am at 9 weeks. It's still early stages but we are so excited.' Rachel tells Santana with a bright smile. It's not long before Santana is wearing an unreadable expression that breaks into a smile, something Rachel has learnt always ends up with something that would be better off unheard.
'Oh wow, you two don't wait long do you?' she laughs 'first time, great shot and jackpot. Nice work Rae, good catch' she pokes Rachel's arms and wiggles her eyebrows, winking and all; Rachel's face a deeper shade of red than it should be.
'Shut up San. Yeah, they weren't planned but nothing ever is, is it? Rachel says quietly and rubs her stomach. 'They came at the right time'
Santana quietens down and just stares at her friend and she sees the happiness and radiance beam from her as she rubs her slowly forming baby bump.
'You didn't answer my first question Rae'
'Yes, we're getting there but things are returning to normal I hope. I just want to enjoy what we have right now and not think about up and coming things. Deal with his party tomorrow and then think of whatever will rain on our parade. It just felt right being back in his arms last night and I don't want a repeat of this breakdown we had ever again.' Rachel's eyes are downcast and Santana can tell just how much it must have hurt Rachel.
'If it helps Rae, you've always been in Finn's arms, belong there and will stay there. Nothing will ever change that. You've both been through so much crap together it was bound to come to a head at some point. But you two, you're both so strong and so scarily in sync that it worked out'
'Thanks San' Rachel whispers. 'Honestly!' Santana says, 'It's always been you two and you keep getting through it together and stronger. I really don't think anyone else would have done what you both did or remain talking. I know I would have killed whoever I was stuck with' Rachel laughs with Santana knowing all too well that that is true, Santana was never someone that could cope so well under pressure.
'You know, we were looking at their wedding pictures last night' Rachel points at the album, still set in the place it was left the night before, which Santana picks up and flicks through, scanning each photo and smiling.
'It sort of made us realise, see what you all saw and I have to say, some of those shots in there are pretty scarily accurate'
'You think, Berry? I don't think any of us have a photo of the two of you together in a frame where there isn't an epic love story being told by you and Finn' Santana sniggers.
Santana and Rachel continue to go through the album laughing or talking about the memories each picture holds. They take a few moments of silence, taking it all in. Cassie is too busy between playing with her toys and watching the children's channel to notice the two very emotional ladies sitting on the couch behind her.
'Rae' Santana calls, turning towards her friend. 'I am so sorry for blurting everything out the other day. I should have watched what I said and picked a better time but Kurt and I thought it was best you both knew because we could see what all this shit was doing to you.'
'Don't worry about it S' Rachel shakes it off.
'No it's not ok. You and Finn needed to hear how special you both were to them and how much they believed that you both belonged together. They always maintained you and Finn were the perfect match. Sarah used to say, even after your first date, she knew that he was the one for you'
'It's alright Tana, thank you for telling us. You're right; we needed to know the truth. It did put things in perspective for us. I can't promise that I won't always question 'what if?' but I know they had good intentions and things worked out the way they did for some reason beyond our understanding. Right now, I need to focus on the fact that I have the love of my life, a beautiful little girl to call ours and have another life growing inside of me that is every part me as it is Finn. Life has its shortcomings but the greatest gifts are the ones that are unexpected and suddenly appear.'
'Just promise me one thing, Preggers' Santana says as she takes a hold of Rachel's hands. 'Next time you'll talk to one of us rather than get all hormonal and crap and let things escalate. You know I'm always here when you need. So are Kurt and Blaine. Talk to Finn, God! That guy would die for you' Rachel's eyes grow mockingly at Santana's last sentence, the irony of the sentence translating through her eyes.
'Ok, sorry, in hindsight, that wasn't the best choice of words but you know what I mean. Finn would do anything for you. Talk to him and he will understand. You two have this weird bond thing, like you're tethered, always understanding each other and feeling each other even when the other isn't around. It's some weird, freaky shizz nobody gets' Santana says while she pulls a face 'The only reason you felt a little distant to Finn this time is because you started to close yourself off. Don't do that. Don't get caught in the rain.'
'Thanks San' Rachel says as she reaches over to her friend and gives her a tight hug. This is the first time Santana has been genuine and honest about them. Rachel and Santana sit back and watch Cassie play, both their heads running with thoughts of the little girl's parents, the two that were now only memories captured in the photos that sat on the coffee table.
'I wish she was here.' Rachel whispers, her voice caught in her throat. Santana turns to Rachel to see she is watching Cassie play and figures she is talking about Sarah.
'This time two years ago she was so excited and was getting ready to welcome her precious baby girl into the world. Last year she was musing at how fast Cassie was growing up. I just wish she was here so we could exchange pregnancy stories, compare notes, help me through it all and give me the support. I miss her so much Santana. So much'
'I get that. I miss her too' Santana whispers as she clutches onto Rachel once again; both in tears now as they sit holding each other. It's a few moments before Rachel has to run off to the bathroom once again. Upon her return Cassie comes running to her with her doll and repeats 'Mummy, ook baby' and Santana smiles looking at the bright smile that appears on Rachel's face.
Rachel scoops Cassie into her arms and peppers the little girls face with kisses and tickles her making her giggle. 'You're going to be the best big sister aren't you?' Rachel laughs at Cassie. Rachel, Santana and Cassie play together until lunch time. Santana orders a quick pizza and they have a nice girly chat about the pregnancy.
Santana can tell that Rachel is very excited and is elated by her pregnancy and doesn't doubt for a second that Finn feels the same. She's can't think of two people who would be more perfect parents than Finn and Rachel and she feels blessed to have seen how far they have come.
'Hey Rae, how about I go help the Finnster out for a while and send him home early. I'll handle the preparations for tomorrow. You kids could do with some family time.' Santana says as she clears away the pizza box and Cassie's lunch dishes.
'That would be nice. Thanks for this San, it means a lot.' Rachel beams as she walks Santana out to the door. 'I love my Berry' Santana says as she gives Rachel a hug and Cassie a kiss.
'I love you too' Rachel giggles as her friend rolls her eyes at her. 'I knew the ice queen loved me' she jokes.
'Don't go all mushy and hormone-y on me. It's the pregnancy getting to me' Santana teases as she walks her car, shouting back at Rachel.
'Erm, I'm the one who is pregnant Tana, not you' once again Rachel is laughing at her friends reluctance at being affectionate in any way. She and Cassie watch Santana drive off before retreating back in doors and going for a nap.
xOx
It was while Rachel was trying to nap that inspiration struck. She was going to give Finn tickets to go and watch Fleet Foxes live with some of the boys for his birthday but it was when she remembered the effects of the day before that she realised she could give him something very personal and intimate for the two of them. She enlisted the help of those she knew would have what she needed and dug around for things she, herself, could have.
Thank God for emails and smart phones because she had parts of what she needed and had her gift completed in a matter of hours.
After a little talk with Santana, Finn came home at three to find a beautiful voice accompanying the sound of the piano playing through the house. It appeared that Rachel hadn't heard him walk in as she hadn't stopped singing and continued to play. He stood in the corner of the doorway where he was hidden from sight, listening to Rachel sing and watching Cassie listen and play in the far end of the room.
'When I met you I didn't really like you
First impression was you were somebody who'd
Walk right by when I waved at you and say 'Hi'
But they say (Hey)
Bad beginnings make happy endings
Now that I know you
I begin to understand things
It's turn around a hundred and eighty degrees
I found my missing piece
There's something about you
That's like the sun
You warm up my heart
When I come undone
You're like my soulmate
And on those days
When I hurt
When I break
You are my band aid
(You are, You are
When I hurt, When I break
You are, You are, You are
When I hurt, When I break
You are)
When I get caught in the rain and it feels like
There is no one in the world who understands my
Complications that I'm facing on certain days
I talk it through with you
No matter how I try to hide
You see straight through my disguise
You know how to fix me you are my therapy
(Baby, oooo)
There's something about you
That's like the sun
You warm up my heart
When I come undone
You're like my soulmate
And on those days
When I hurt
When I break
You are my band aid
(You are, You are
When I hurt, When I break
You are, You are, You are
When I hurt, When I break
You are)
Isn't it funny how these things can turn around
Just when I thought I knew you
You proved me wrong
I used the hate the things you love
And love the things you hate
But now I
Like it, I like it, I like it
Now I la la la la like it
I like it, I like it
la la la la like it
I like it, I like it
There's something about you
That's like the sun
You warm up my heart
When I come undone
You're like my soulmate
And on those days
When I hurt
When I break
You are my band aid'
Rachel's voice was soft and raspy as she sang this song, it was a fun and up tempo song that was kept simple with the sounds of the piano and her rich voice. The lyrics of the song were making him giggle knowing full well that this is something Rachel had probably penned herself and there were no guesses required as to who the inspiration behind it is.
He totally identifies with this song because it is everything their relationship has ever been. From their first meet to now, everything has changed and he knows Rachel is his soulmate and it was true; Rachel was his band aid. She's always managed to fix him when he was broken, hurt or feeling unwell. Through their years of friendship and especially now, it's was becoming clear just how much Rachel was a part of him.
He watched Rachel play the melody for the song a few more short times before she stood up and went by the window, standing in front, arms guarding her stomach, staring out like she was hoping for something. He looked to the right to see Cassie still busy playing with her toys and watching TV so he walks in casually causing Rachel to turn to look at him, her lips curling at the ends slightly.
'I didn't hear you come in'
'I've been here for a while' he says walking up to her and wrapping his arms around her, resting his head on top of hers.
'What was your inspiration?' Finn asks playfully, looking down at her face. She lets out a little chuckle.
'There is only one person I didn't really like when we first met and things have definitely changed between us' she is still staring outside but her lighter tone tells Finn that she's ok but there is definitely something she is holding on to. He tries to lighten her mood, humour her until she is ready to talk.
'So you wrote the song for Santana? That's one deep friendship' he jokes earning a nudge at his stomach before she turns to face him, still in his arms. Her arms snake around his waist, bringing them closer.
'As much as I'd love to write a song for Santana, she couldn't have inspired those words in me. I don't think she's someone I'd describe as 'soulmate'' she smiles at him, her eyes full of love as they look up at him.
'No?' he teases 'who could you be talking about then?'
'Well, since you ask, six years ago I was set up on a blind date by a friend. The guy turned up and although he was dead hot, he was a jerk and I didn't really like him. To my dismay, he turned up wherever I was again and again thanks to our mutual friends. Eventually, along the way, something changed and he became my sunshine in the dark, my missing piece, my therapy.' His smile was growing from ear to ear at her description, warming his heart knowing that she was everything she says he is to her, to him.
'Ironically, everything I thought I disagreed with him on and disliked about him are the things I love the most; his silly ways, his lame jokes, his cheesy smile. Somehow, he became the only one could mend me in every way, he became my band aid, holding me together when I needed it the most.'
He got lost in her eyes as she spoke to him, lost in her words. He hadn't realised her voice become sad towards the end and only realised something changed when she turned around leaning back onto him once again. He held on to her tighter, his hands resting on her stomach subconsciously protecting their unborn child, as hers rested on top.
'I'm sorry for everything, Finn. For all the hurt and misery I've caused in the last few weeks' she plays with the finger where her ring once was, missing the feel, the sentiment of it.
'Hey, you have nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry I didn't try to talk to you sooner. I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions, for letting the little things get between us.' He dips his head down onto her shoulder and presses a kiss to her cheek, wiping away a salty tear with his lips.
'It's not your fault.'
'I don't want to lose you again Finn' her tears were becoming heavier, her sobs louder. 'It hurts too much'
He brings her to face him and wraps his arms around her tighter.
'The last time we stood in the very position I promised I'd never leave you and I stand by that. It's not even a possibility. You're my soulmate, my best friend, the mother of my child, nothing will ever change that. You'll never lose me Rach, never.' He wipes her stray tears away with his thumbs just as Cassie comes running up to them with her little doll calling out for daddy. Before he can reach down for Cassie, Rachel tugs on his arm and pulls him in for a kiss before letting him go. He scoops Cassie up and stands tall with Rachel watching as Cassie shows him the doll.
'What's up Cass, who is this?' he cheerily says to the little girl as he tickles her stomach lightly.
'Mummy baby' she says making Rachel giggle.
'Not yet honey bun, soon. Why don't you practice your big sister skills now?' Finn laughs, pretty sure the 20 month old hasn't fully grasped the idea but is just excited by the word baby. Just as quickly as she got on his lap, Cassie wriggles back down and scoots off towards her toys again.
Once again, Finn and Rachel retrieve to their earlier position, this time watching Cassie as Finn holds Rachel, resting their hands on her stomach, his fingers idly playing with her ring finger, missing the feel of the ring that belongs there.
'So much has changed in so little time. This time last year, we were planning your birthday with Sarah and Jason and how to spend it with Cassie. This year, they're not here, we have Cassie, we are in love. We are together. I wonder what next year holds' Rachel mutters as she watches Cassie play. She doesn't see the smile playing on Finns face as he realises what he needs to do.
'This year I get to spend my birthday with two of the most precious people in the world. Next year, you'll be mine in every way, Cassie will be bossing us about and we'll have a little girl of our own, with your hair, eyes and smile blowing us away too' He likes this idea of their own little family, a growing family; there's just one thing that needs to be made permanent.
They both watch Cassie play quietly for a minutes before Rachel says 'it's a boy, I just know it'
It makes them both laugh as they debate about the sex of their baby, the last few weeks gone to the back of their mind, them right where they needed to be. Only, Finn was itching to get something done and he needed to talk to a few people.
It was a few hours before Finn could find an excuse to get out and make the calls he needed to make. Rachel used Finn's absence to check on her gift one last time and to make sure she had it ready for midnight on the turning of the date to Finn's twenty-sixth birthday.
From their chat earlier on, Rachel knew everything would be ok and that they could make it through anything. They had faced the toughest pain with each other and came out stronger together. If they could do that, they could put together a fake wedding and prove to the CPS that they were worthy of being Cassie's parents. It would be a year since all this began, a year since the loss of their friends, a year since the biggest change of their lives began. In four months it would be Cassie's second birthday, a marking very different to her first. Whatever happened, they were a family now, her and Finn were Cassie's parents in more ways than genetics and just as well, they were starting their own family. A fake wedding couldn't change that because though that was a lie, the feelings and the reasons were all real.
It was two hours before midnight and they had put Cassie to bed, singing to her after reading her a bedtime story together. Once she had fallen asleep they retreated downstairs, holding each other as they sat on the couch watching TV, just enjoying each other's company. Of course, Rachel took the occasional bathroom break to give into her 'morning sickness' but when she was in Finn's arms, he's hand firmly rested on her stomach, cuddling her in. They both laugh about the possibility of a small bump being present already, him swearing he can feel it and she telling him that he was just imagining things. Before they knew it, midnight had approached, Finn had fallen asleep as Rachel rested against his chest, her excitement getting the best of her. Cautiously, she got herself off of the couch, careful not to wake Finn up. She was unsuccessful, causing Finn to stir and tug at her hand to come back to him.
'Don't go, this was comfortable' he mutters groggily, eyes still closed.
'I just need to get something' Rachel chuckles as she slips her hand out his grasp. She quickly retrieves the gift she has personally hand crafted for Finn and walks back to him and stares at him, taking in his current sleep induced appearance. Looking at the clock she smiles as it is 00.00am on the dot.
Placing a long and lingering kiss on his lips she whispers 'happy birthday' as she feels his lips curve into a smile. He surprises her as he pulls her towards him, dropping her on to his knee and cuddling her to him making her giggle. 'This is already the best birthday ever' he laughs as he begins to open his eyes slowly. 'I've never started a birthday off like that, it's only going to get better huh?' he asks with a smirk.
'Maybe if you're lucky' she whispers back with a wink making his eyes grow wider and smirk bigger. But before she lets him get any further she holds out the book in her hand, previously clasped to her chest.
'I just wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday, I know your mum and Kurt won't be far off with their greetings' Rachel chuckles. Ironically, Finn's phone notifies him of a text message which he smiles at but leaves aside for later.
'What is this?' he asks as he takes the blue book away from her hand. It's covered in her decorative curly lettering and has stars and musical notes randomly dotted around the book. In her curvy writing it says 'Our Book of Firsts'. He looks at Rachel in awe.
'We, as one, have had many firsts; most of which we didn't even know were our firsts. It's us from the beginning.' She watches as he opens it up to the first page. Inside is a note with Sarah's handwriting, simply stated 'Finn, Friday, 7pm' with his number beside it.
'This is what I have of our first date. Or rather the first mention of you.' Rachel smiles. 'I found it among my things when I moved here.'
Drifting to the second page Finn began to chuckle. 'You took a picture of the Mraz St street sign?' Rachel feigns offence at his question as though it was a norm.
'Well seeing that we didn't actually make it to the date I wanted to commemorate it with something, so, I went and took a picture of the street sign.' Finn stares at her face and he can tell she is being serious as she continues quietly 'and it's not as though I could take the sign down, I couldn't reach' she looks almost ashamed at her revelation.
'Wait, you tried to take the sign down? That's an offence Rach' Finn is finding it hard to contain his laugher as he looks into Rachel's eyes. She was being serious.
Leaning her arms onto Finn's shoulder she nonchalantly informs him. 'I know! Well, Santana and I tried; she stood on the top of her car hoping to be able to reach but then we realised we needed pliers to get it off and we didn't have any and she thought she could use her she-man strength and tug it off but before she could try an officer came around to warn us'
Finn is laughing so much so that he has tears in his eyes as Rachel hits him lightly on the shoulder.
'What? It didn't seem crazy at the time' she begins to laugh as she's just heard herself tell the story out loud.
'You're insane baby, I love you, but you are insane' he places a kiss on her lip before he tries to calm himself down and continues to flip to the next page.
It's a picture of himself, Rachel, Jason and Sarah from their second meet at the coffee shop. He's covered in coffee and doesn't look too happy yet Rachel is looking at him with a smug smile on her face as Sarah and Jason are cuddled into a corner of the picture. Labelled underneath it said 'Our first coffee date, second meet'
The next page included the title 'our first gift exchange' with a picture of Rachel's bracelet but with the note Finn had left beside it attached to the page.
'You kept the note?' He asks her dumbfounded.
'Of course I did, why wouldn't I? You know I keep things that mean a lot to me.' She reminds him.
'It's just trash. A simple scruffy note, didn't think it would mean anything other than then message'
'Finn' she eases herself on the couch beside him, seating herself more comfortably 'That was the first time I received a gift where it felt genuine. Not forced, not like something someone gave just because they had to. You made it seem like you put thought in to it, remembering that I liked stars. I don't know, but that was the first time I thought you we're sort of decent, the first time I thought that maybe we could just possibly be friends'
'I was always decent' Finn informs Rachel, hoping to lighten the mood once again.
'Yeah, ok, whatever' She scoffs sarcastically.
They continue to sit there going through their book; there were pictures of their first cake fight (unbeknown to them, Sarah had a copy of this in one of her photo albums Rachel had dug out of the garage), their first performance together (Rachel singing at Julliard's charity recital in their second year with Finn playing the drums in the background- even then his eyes are trained on her, smile in place, like she's the only one in the room). A Picture of their first dance together from Sarah and Jason's wedding sat nicely before the picture of them with Cassie at the hospital under the title of 'Our first meeting without our Goddaughter'.
The book even included silly moments that weren't really their firsts but moments Rachel felt were just necessary for the book.
The picture of them on the day of the death of Sarah and Jason sat under the heading 'the start'; no questions were needed to explain what that actually meant for either of them.
A picture of them kissing after their infamous performance at Burt and Carole's wedding was labelled under 'our first kiss' which made Finn chuckle.
'Babe, I hate to break it to you, but that wasn't our first kiss'
'I think you'd find, Finny, that it technically is' she smiles at him.
'No, our first kiss would have been at the parenting class' Finn argues teasingly, he hopes she remembers that one because that was when he knew. That may have been a brush of their lips but that was when Finn knew Rachel was it for him.
'Ok, that was but I couldn't find a picture of it and I didn't want to take down Cassie's picture to stick in the book. Alright' Rachel snaps 'This was one of those moments we really could have done with our friends and their sneaky photo-snapping moments. I don't know whether to be creeped out by the fact that they have all these hidden photos of us, as Kurt likes to say, 'having our moments''
'Is that where you got some of these from?' Finn asks somewhat amazed yet creeped out as Rachel pointed out.
'Yep' nodding her head like a little child. 'Thank God for the twenty first century and camera phones.' She laughs.
'Clearly' Finn laughs along with her as he eyes the photo of them with Cassie on the night of the wedding. They're all huddled in their bed but it's a picture of Finn kissing Rachel's nose, her eyes watching his, a smile on her lips. Its entitled 'The first time we said 'I love you'' Finn turns to Rachel to recreate the gesture.
As they flick through the pages they pass 'Our first night' a simple picture of them laughing and hugging that Santana took on her phone as all their friends around them took turns singing at their karaoke bonding session. It the intensity of their connection is visible just from looking at how their hands and eyes are connected.
They finally get to the last filled page with a picture of the ultrasound of their baby. It fills them both with glee as they stare at it and Finn closes the book and pulls Rachel to him.
'Thank you so much. I love everything about that gift. I love everything about you.' She wraps her arms around his neck smiling as she brings her face closer to his.
'Those were just some of our firsts, I can't wait to experience and share a life time of firsts with you. You're the only one my firsts count with' he tells her.
Finn closes their distance and captures Rachel in passionate kiss. Rachel begins to pull away much to Finn's decline but she pulls him up with her and leads them upstairs.
'Come on big man, let's celebrate your first day as a twenty six year old in style, we have a big day ahead tomorrow.'
As he follows her up the stairs, Finn can't help but think the first day of his twenty sixth will hold a big place in their calendar and would change things for the better; a smile appearing on his face as he closes the bedroom door behind them.
It was time.
xOx
The morning of Finn's birthday had arrived and had started off in a rush. Having had had a long night, both Finn and Rachel had missed the alarm meaning they had to rush breakfast and had to get to Sweet Notes in a space of an hour. To her insistence, Rachel was determined to bake her cake and was left to her devices while Finn scurried the back room hoping for things to work out as he had planned. Their parents were due within the hour, their friends would turn up at 1 which meant he had 2 hours to work his magic. The cake was done which meant Rachel would leave it to cool and settle for about an hour before she began to decorate it which meant she was probably prepping the icing and decorations for it now closing the gap between then and now and by which time their parents should be here.
To say Finn was nervous was an understatement, well, maybe it was excitement? Both emotions were so mixed up in Finn's head right now that he had to avoid Rachel for the time being in order to avoid any suspicions.
'Hey Lurch, you'll wear out the wooden floors if you carry on what you're doing. Besides, your starting to piss me off. Will you calm down?' Santana glares at Finn as he ignores her and stops for a moment before taking Cassie off of her.
'I'm just a little anxious. I just want things to go right, be perfect y'know?' placing a kiss on top of Cassie's head he watches Santana gather the last of the decorations that are to go up in Sweet Notes.
'Just calm down, things will be fine. She wouldn't have chosen to go all whale with you if she didn't love you. Heck we had trouble getting the Hobbit to go anywhere near the exciting waters before she caved into you' Finn furrows his brows at Santana's warped vision of the world but knows his friend is just trying to help.
'You better not let Rachel hear you call her a whale, she'll go all ninja on you if she did' Finn warns Santana knowing full well that Rachel was already convincing herself that she was growing 'fat and hideous' as she'd put it in the morning when he caught her pinching her slightly bulging stomach in front of the mirror.
'Yeah, your hobbit has nothing on the Snix, she better be warned' Santana stalked off as Kurt walked in.
'Hey, seriously, you need to calm down. Blaine's helping Rachel in the kitchen and she's already asking about you. I just told her that you were having trouble coming to terms with hitting old age- you've just come to the realisation' Kurt puts his hands on Finn's shoulder and pats it lightly as he nods his head accepting the thanks he imagines Finn will throw his way.
'Dude, that only works if you're a woman or worse, you' Finn laughs as Kurt drops his hands in mock offence.
'You try to help a brother out and this is what you get' he warns Cassie, ruffling her hair as Finn moves her away to adjust her hair back to the way it was.
'I just came back here to tell you that Carole and dad just walked in with the Berry's. You should probably get the greetings out of the way. Not long yet, Rachel's started to prepare the cake so you better get moving.' With that, Kurt takes Cassie and walks back on to the shop floor but before he passes the door he wishes Finn 'good luck' and lets out a 'this is so exciting' in his high pitchy voice as he high fives Cassie.
Eventually, Finn manages to calm his nerves and walks out to greet everyone. They sit and chat before he looks at the clock to see he has an hour before all his guests begin to arrive. Looking around, he gets his signals from Kurt, Blaine and Santana who quietly take Cassie and the grownups to one side of the shop, pretending to busy themselves.
Finn finds Rachel has already iced the cake and is preparing the piping to add the details. Quietly, walking up behind her he wraps his arms around her waist startling her causing her to smack his arm as she regains herself.
'Ouch! Some things never change do they?' He asks her placing as kiss on her cheek before resting his chin on her slightly angled had.
'Are you feeling ok, you seemed nervous before' Rachel asks him as she begins to decorate the sides of the cake with pretty blue icing.
'I've never been more perfect actually' He smiles and sees his opportunity. Making sure Rachel sees him, he sticks his hands out for the icing on the cake.
'Finn, I swear, if you ruin this cake I will kill you. You're messing with a hormonal pregnant woman here' she warns him sternly causing him to refrain his hand back onto her stomach. 'I made you some spare over there on the counter. I know what you're like'
Craftily, he faces Rachel towards him as she giggles.
'Finn, I have less than an hour to get this cake ready before people start to come. Don't you want it finished' She pouts. Unbeknown to her, Finn has managed to get his hand on to the cake and plops the icing he has managed to grab on to her nose.
'Did you just?' Rachel's eyes are big and she looks like she's about to get angry before he sees her barrier break.
'Rach, you know no cake is complete without our cake fights. They're like a tradition and if there were cake fight championships, we'd win' with that he puts another two streaks on each of her cheeks as she laughs.
'Fiiiiiiin' she moans as she laughs 'we can't ruin this cake, what will your guests have?' turning her attention back to the cake she hopes Finn will forget about ruining the cake but her inner child comes to play and he's right, no cake is complete without a fight.
'I don't need a-' before he could finish Rachel has smacked a mass of cake on the middle of face and is smearing it further into his skin as he grabs her.
'You did not just do that Miss Berry' he laughs as he grabs some cake to smear on her face.
'You underestimate my powers Mr Hudson' She giggles as she tries to break free from his embrace.
'Is that so?' he quirks his eyebrows at her causing her to giggle. She nods telling him she's right but she's suddenly made to be quiet because Finn is singing to her. He's wearing a big goofy smile as he sings to her but it's the lyrics that capture her the most.
'Forever can never be long enough for me
Feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do
Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry Me
Today and every day
Marry Me
If I ever get the nerve to say
Hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm'
'Finn?' her eyes are glistening but there's a smile slowly spreading on her face as he continues to hold her closer and sing to her.
'Together can never be close enough for me
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies'
His got another blob of icing on his hands but there's something glistening in the middle of it and she instantly recognises the item. She begins to sob happily now as he slowly gets down on one knee and holds onto her hand.
'And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Marry me'
He holds out the ring to her, eyes misty as he tells her,
'Rachel, when I first met you, we didn't get off to the best start but that moment you left me stranded on the street I knew there was something special about you. We spent years thinking we were just friends, we denied what people around us told us and we ignored what was in front of us. When I look back, I can't seem to remember a day of my life without you in it. I can't think of a moment where I wouldn't have wanted to spend it with you. It doesn't seem right. Somewhere along the line you became a part of me and I don't even know when or how but I do know that I never want to lose that part. Before you, I was incomplete, lost; but when you were brought into my life, you were the star guiding me, healing me, helping me find my way. You still are. I now know what my sole purpose is in life and that is to love you, protect you and make you as happy as you have made me. To be the best that I can be to give you and our child everything you've ever deserved and more. I love you so much Rachel, complete me; will you marry me?'
Through his tear filled eyes he barely saw Rachel coming at him, just about able to steady them both as she put her arms around his neck.
'Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times over yes' crashing her lips on his she let him know just how eager she was before she was broken away by the sounds of sobs and clapping from their parents and Kurt, Blaine and Santana.
For a few seconds, it felt like it was only them two in the room as they stood there, dazed at each other, smiles adorning their wet and creamed faces.
'Finn, now is a good time to give her the ring' Kurt reminds him as everyone chuckles and Finn fumbles it out of the icing and places it on Rachel's finger.
'Right where it belongs.' Rachel stares at it for a few moments. She's worn the ring before but now it was different. It had real meaning to it; she and Finn were really engaged, like will-get-married-to-each other engaged.
'I love you so much' She whispers to him before he returns the sentiment and they kiss once again.
They remain a bit messy as their loved ones around them take pictures of them; the happiest they have ever been.
When the rest of the guests arrive, Santana and Kurt pull out their surprise birthday cake for Finn and they all sing to him as he blows his candles out.
Sitting there with Rachel rested on one knee and Cassie on the other, Finn doesn't think it can get better than this. His twenty sixth was officially going down in the record books for best ever.
That night, Cassie has been put to bed and they are lying in bed recollecting moments of their day.
'You want to know what the best part of this day was?' Finn replies to Rachel's question.
'The cake fight! I now get to call you my fiancé. I told you they always end up complete' Finn teases as Rachel giggles.
'If you do that to our wedding cake, I am warning you right now, you will feel my full wrath'
'I look forward to it Mrs Rachel Hudson' he tickles her making her fidget.
'I like that sound of that' she says before she closes in for a kiss.
Here was the start to the end of their current problems and with any luck, it would go without a hitch.
Thanks for reading. I love reviews
But I just have to say, thank you for your patience readers. It feels like forever since my last update and I'm sorry for the in-between. What's coming next?
As for season 4 this far…I'm having trouble seeing Rachel Berry. Sure she grows up but she doesn't grow out of being Rachel Berry. Her Berryisms are classic and are HER. I love Lea but I tune into Glee to watch her play a character very different to her. Its her fault really, for making us love Rachel so much. And Finns return? Woah! Cory portrays so much in so little! Anyway… I've got an idea of how its going to be in season four and I'd like to say …its all total bu******! GRR! What do you guys say?
Whatever…
Guest- AU Alternate universe
Songs used:
Pixie Lott- Band Aid
Train- Marry Me