Chapter 29

When they got and after getting changed from the clothes they had worn to dinner, they set about getting the Berry's Oscar room ready for Rachel's birthday party. Rachel had caused James and Matt to laugh as they teased her about her bossing them about as she stood with a list of things that needed doing. It took them about an hour to decorate the room, hanging banners wishing her a happy birthday up in several places around the room as well as attaching streamers and blowing up balloons around the room. Her Dad's had ordered a ton of party food that they had put out on a table in the basement as well as cooking some sausage rolls and mini ceche's.

Around 5pm, her dads were heading out to drive to Columbus to check into their hotel before they went to dinner. They wished their daughter a happy birthday and hugged her tightly, telling the three teenagers that the two of them would come home at midday the next day before both of her Dads left the house in their hands. Rachel stood in the doorway cuddled into James side with her head resting on his shoulder as they watched her Dads drive away in her father's Volvo.

The three of them headed back into the house before starting to finish up decorating the Oscar room for Rachel's birthday. The New Directions along with three members of Vocal Adrenaline that she had met in New York during the summer were all going to start to arrive at her house around about seven. When they had finished, at around a quarter past six, Rachel headed upstairs to get washed and cleaned with James. She let him use the bathroom first as she waited in her room, fiddling with her necklace pendant as she sat on the edge of her bed; a smile sat happily on her lips as she thought about how great it was having James around and how much she loved him. She'd set out a comfortable, but elegant looking green dress that she was going to wear to her party along with some simple black slip on shoes. James was going to wear a navy blue shirt, similar to the one that he knew was her favourite. Rachel loved that look on him, remembering fondly that he had worn a smart navy blue one he had worn the first time they had gone to dinner with her parents.

The sound of the bathroom door opening drew her attention and she glanced to see James coming out with a towel wrapped around his waist as he dried his hair with another one. Rachel smiled as she saw him walk into her room half naked, her eyes lingering on his well toned abs and the noticeable V. In the past, Rachel would have been incredibly embarrassed to see her boyfriend like this and although her cheeks blushed, there wasn't any awkwardness; their sharing of "I love you" seemingly bringing them closer to a place where she was comfortable to be around him. Not that she wanted to walk around in front of him in her underwear just yet, but it was nice to be able to appreciate when he did.

"Hey, you can use the bathroom now" James said with a smile, as he wiped the droplets of water from his arms and chest. Rachel stood up and smiled as she walked over to him, leaning up to press a kiss against his lips as her hand softly rested on his bare chest. "love you"

"love you too" She replied with a smirk as her hand lingered on his chest for a couple of seconds before she disappeared into the bathroom. After showering, Rachel emerged from her bathroom wrapped in her robe; singing softly to herself as she made her way over to her dressing table, sitting down to get herself ready for her party. She'd decided to wear her hair up in a ponytail with her bangs framing her face, putting some light makeup on her face and her favourite red lipstick.

Rachel was ready and walking down the stairs of her house around half an hour later, happy at having left herself a few minutes before her friends would be arriving. She was careful putting in her earrings as she stepped down the bottom step and turned to head towards the living room. Rachel heard laughter coming from the kitchen and a smile crossed her face as she walked into the room; seeing James, Matt and Noah stood around laughing as they leaned against the breakfast counter.

"Hey there sexy" Noah said as she caught his gaze, his cocky smirk sitting on his lips as she rolled her eyes making her way other to them. She smiled as he opened his arms and she fell into him; after a couple of seconds she pulled back and pressed a kiss against his cheek. "Happy Birthday Rachel"

"Thank you for coming Noah" She replied, as he rubbed the top of her arm with a wink before he let go of her. Rachel turned and looked at James who was looking at her with a mesmerised look in his eye, causing her to blush under his inspection as she stepped towards him. His arms opened instinctively and she stepped closer to him, placing her hands around him and rested in the small of his back as he placed his hands softly on each side of her neck.

"You look stunning" He said softly, pressing a kiss against her lips. Rachel moaned gently as their lips separated and she rubbed her lips together as she looked up at him through her eyelashes. His eyes were staring at her with love and she couldn't help but smile and lean up to kiss him again. After a few tender exchanges, their lips parted and she moved to his cheek, peppering several kiss until she arrived at his ear.

"I think you look so hot right now" She whispered to him before pressing a kiss just beneath his ear as she pulled back and saw his tongue dart out to lick his bottom lip as the corners of his mouth tilted in a smirk. Rachel smoothed the top of his shirt as she turned her head and gazed back at Matt and Noah.

In the past Rachel would have been embarrassed about displaying affection in front of people, but there was something about James and her relationship with him that hid away awkwardness. Noah was smirking at them as she rested her head against James chest, his arms circling her shoulders as she sighed happily.

"How long have you been here, Noah?" She asked, smiling as she felt James rise and fall against her head.

"About fifteen minutes" He replied slouching back against the counter. "Though I'd get here early and catch up with your boy. Turns out Matt's pretty cool as well"

"Yeah, you're alright as well Puck" Matt said and patted the mohawked boy on the shoulder. Rachel grinned at them.

"That's great, I'm glad you're all introduced" She said, biting her lip when she noticed the present that was sitting behind him on the counter. "Is that for me?"

Noah turned his head as he followed her gaze and smirked when he turned back to face her, folding his arms smugly in front of him. "Maybe. I don't know anybody else whose birthday it is"

"Noah!" Rachel giggled along with the three boys as she folded her arms and pouted at him.

"Alright, here you go" Noah said, giving her the present. Rachel opened the present and smiled when she saw a stuffed teddy bear that held a box of her favourite chocolates. She pulled him down into another hug and after pressed a kiss against his cheek, she cuddled the teddy bear close to her.

"Thank you Noah, its great" She said pressing a kiss against the bears head. Noah winked at her as she walked over and placed it on the side. The four of them stood in the kitchen talking for ten minutes; giggling as she saw James roll his eyes as Matt and Noah teased him about his football team, the doorbell rang and Rachel jumped up from where she was sat next to James to answer it. Opening the door she smiled widely as she saw Jake stood there, wearing a grey shirt, along with Kelsie and Stacey who wear both wearing beautiful party dresses.

"Hey guys!" Rachel exclaimed happily, moving forward and pulling the three of them into a group hug; the four of them giggling as they separated, standing to the side to allow them into her house "I'm so glad you can make it!"

"Come on midget, like we'd miss your birthday" Jake replied with a smirk as he followed the two girls in. Rachel playfully slapped his arm as she smiled at him, gesturing through the living room as Jake turned and looked at her. "Where's the curly haired dreamboat?"

"He's in the kitchen" Rachel giggled as she led him through the living room and when she entered the kitchen she saw James hugging the two girls with a wide smile on his face. When they pulled away, they had rested their hands on his neck and chest.

"It's so great to see you two again; it's been too long" James said as he looked between them. Rachel felt a little bit of jealously at the way they were handling her boyfriend, but she let out the breathe in her throat as she remembered that they didn't do it on purpose like Heather had; the two girls had been like this in new York but the two of them had started dating. Rachel smiled as Kelsie and Stacey released him as he walked over where Jake was stood.

"Hey Buddy" Jake called raising his hand as James high fived him, both of them smirking before they embraced in a tight hug. Rachel bit her lip as she watched them as they separated and James stood with his arm around the blonde haired boy.

"Good to see you man" James replied, winking at her.

"Yeah dude, glad to have you back in the right state" Jake remarked, and a few of them laughed. Rachel watched as James glanced at Matt before he turned to her and shot her his handsome smile. Rachel made her way over to him as he released his arm from around Jake and cuddled into his side. She didn't catch the look of sadness that passed over Matt's face before he put on a smile.

Over the next half hour, the rest of the glee kids started to arrive at the Berry household; all of them dressed in smart clothing and bearing beautifully wrapped gifts. Rachel had a smile on her face when Blaine, Finn and Kurt turn up with each of them carrying an elaborately decorated birthday presents. Rachel burst out giggling as she saw James pull Kurt into an enormous hug and she loved that the two of them had the chance to see each other again. Blaine had hugged James briefly before they separated and clasped each other's shoulder. As the two of them greeted Matt and the three kids from vocal adrenaline, Rachel hugged Finn quickly before pulling away to introduce him to James.

Rachel was nervous as she turned to her boyfriend and offered him a quick smile. They had talked about Finn a couple of days previous and James had said that he wanted to meet the boy properly. The two of them had been in the same room before, but hadn't spoken to each other. Rachel had told him it would mean a lot to her if he and Finn could try to be friends; James the absolutely amazing sweetheart that he was had told he'd do anything to make her happy. Rachel leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek, before whispering in his ear as she pulled away "Be nice"

"Finn, this is my boyfriend…James" Rachel said with a smile, resting her hand on his arm as she turned to Finn again. Finn stood there with his trademark smile wearing a white shirt. She led James over before removing her hand from his arm after giving it a tight squeeze. Rachel noticed that several of the people in the room were watching the three of them; wondering how the introduction would go and she glanced back at the two boys as James extended his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Finn" James said with a friendly smile on his face. Rachel watched as Finn glanced at James hand before moving his own to clasp her boyfriends.

"Yeah…Rachel's told me a lot about you" Finn replied, smiling as they shook each other's hand for a few seconds before they both let go.

"Same about you" James said with a quirk of his mouth, his hand had settled in his pocket and to anybody else it would look like he was calm and casual; but Rachel could see the tension in his shoulder.

"I'll catch up with you in a bit, Rachel; Happy birthday" Finn replied after a few seconds of silence between them, as he touched her arm gently before walking over to where Noah was stood with the other glee guys. Rachel nodded at him as he walked away, giving him a smile before turning to her boyfriend and stepping closer to James. She put her hand on his shoulder and rubbed him through his shirt, leaning up and kissing him once on the lips before pulling him into a hug.

"Thank you, baby" She whispered in his ear as she felt the tension leave his body as they were stood there.

"Anything for you. I love you" He replied softly before they pulled away at the sound of Noah's voice.

"Lets' get this party started!"

"I knew I liked this kid" Jake said, smacking Noah playfully on the back as the group of them started laughing.

…

The party was in full flow in her basement; the music playing from the speakers that had been set up around their Oscar room as everyone was stood around laughing and talking. It had been going on for nearly a couple of hours and as far as she could tell everyone was having a good time. It started off quietly as everyone grabbed plates of food to eat, before settling into smaller groups of conversations. Rachel had spent most of her time with James for the first hour or so, as they stood hand in hand talking to each of the glee kids that he hadn't spoken to since his introduction when he came to visit in the summer. A few of them complimented him on his sectionals performance as Rachel's cheeks turned red as they told James she'd been showing it to anyone and everyone.

Rachel had been separated from him for a little while now as she sat on the black leather couches with Matt, Kurt and Blaine talking to Quinn, Tina and Santana. Across the room she could see James stood with a smirk on his face as he stood talking to Kelsie, Stacey and Jake. Rachel felt her face warm up at watching his handsome face as he erupted into something that Jake had said to him, nervously stroking her neck with hand as she bit her lip.

"Rachel?" She shook her head and returned her gaze to the group to see them smiling at her as she heard Blaine's voice.

"Yeah?" She asked blushing under their gaze.

"We asked if you've had a good day?" Blaine replied with a smile and she couldn't help her face splitting into a huge grin.

"It's been great; the restaurant was perfect and the food was just amazing" Rachel said before taking a sip of her drink.

"Even better with James visiting, I bet" Kurt replied with a sly smirk

"Yes, it is nice to have him here" Rachel said as she bit her lip.

"Have you tapped that yet?" Santana asked casually as she took a drink.

"Santana!" Rachel exclaimed, her cheeks heating up as she blushed furiously.

"That's rude, Santana" Blaine said, rolling his eyes.

"What? There's nothing wrong with asking? Rachel might look like a hobbit but there's no denying that her man is fine and she should be putting out" Santana explained, finishing with a simple shrug of her shoulders.

Rachel pursed her lips, gazing at Kurt who gave her a reassuring smile as they listened to the cheerleader speaking. "Thank you Santana"

"Anyway….when is he leaving?" Quinn asked, brushing her fringe out of her face.

"Tomorrow" Rachel said sadly, glancing across at James who she could see was teasing Kelsie as he placed his arm around the girls shoulder. As he looked away from the girl with a smile on his face, their eyes met across the room. Rachel raised her hand and waved at him, giggling when he blew her a kiss.

"Yeah…the flights in the evening." Matt was speaking to Quinn who nodded.

"You don't have to sit around with us, Rachel" Quinn said with a smile. "Go spend time with him, we can tell that's what you want to do"

"No, it's alright; you guys are my friends" Rachel replied, picking her glass up. Of course she wanted to spend time with James, they saw each other in person very little and she wanted nothing more than to just stand with him all night but this was her birthday party and her friends had come to celebrate it with her.

"We see you every day, you only get to see him every couple of months" Blaine said with a light chuckle. Rachel looked between them and they all greeted her with a smile, except for Santana who just sat there with a bored expression.

"I don't really like you anyway; do what you want" Santana replied with a shrug. Rachel smiled, holding back the giggle in her throat as nodded at them.

"Okay, thanks guys. I'll see you in a little while" Rachel said happily, picking up her glass and heading towards her boyfriend. As she approached, she saw his face erupt in a smile and he raised his arm for her to cuddle into his side. Rachel smiled and gladly took her favourite position wrapping her arm around his waist as, she side at the familiar, soothing feel of his hand on her shoulder as he rubbed shapes on the exposed skin.

"Hey baby" James said as he leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips. Rachel moaned softly into his mouth before he pulled away and nuzzled her cheek with his nose. "Having fun?"

"Yeah, I just thought I'd come spend some time with you guys" She replied, resting her head on his shoulder. "What you guys talking about?"

"Oh, we're just telling James about how our rehearsals at Vocal Adrenaline are going" Kelsie said as she rubbed the side of her neck.

"Mr Atherton is tough huh?" James replied with a smirk and Rachel smiled at him.

"He keeps reminding us that he's used to dealing with a superstar" Stacey said with a roll of her eyes.

"Well, I am pretty awesome" James smirked.

"You've got a big head" Rachel replied teasingly, giggling with the other three as James rolled his eyes.

"You love me" He stated, leaning down to kiss her. Rachel smiled against his lips and shrugged her shoulders at him as he pulled away.

"Maybe a little" She giggled as James kissed her forehead.

"I guess it's kind of payback for stealing him away" Jake shrugged, sipping his drink.

"Sucks to be you guys" James laughed. Rachel squeezed his waist, giggling along with them. Rachel stood cuddled into James side talking with the vocal adrenaline kids for a further three quarters of an hour before they moved over and sat down along with Blaine, Kurt and Matt. As they sat there laughing and talking with each other, Rachel couldn't have felt happier; it was as if she had been transported back to that summer in New York, surrounded by these guys.

The party started to liven up as the time passed, with everyone becoming jollier as the standing around was replaced with people dancing and singing around as the music blasted out through speakers in the Oscar room.

It had started with the karaoke being started up and of course Rachel was the first one up as she dragged Blaine up with her to re enact their performance of "Don't you want me Baby" from the last time she hosted the party. After promising Kurt, and James that she wasn't going to re enact the part where she made out with Blaine; they had sung together. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and she made her way back to James, he pressed a kiss against her lips and said she looked incredibly sexy when she was singing. Those words as well as the feel of his lips against her neck made her feel incredible and she couldn't wait to start dancing with him as the music started playing again.

At the moment they were dancing close to one another as she rested her hands behind his neck while his roamed up and down her sides, gently caressing her through the thing material of her dress. He had been kissing and gently sucking on her neck causing her to giggle and pull away from him, a smirk on his face as she tried to tell him off.

"Behave" She warned, trying to stop the smile from crossing her face. He rolled his eyes at her before leaning down and pressing his lips against hers. Rachel smiled against his lips and moaned as he ran his tongue across her bottom lip, trying to get her to open her mouth and let him deepen their kiss. She pulled back and giggled when he groaned as he rested his forehead against hers. "I told you to behave"

"I love you" He whispered to her, moving his face to her neck and started to kiss her neck again. Rachel eyes fluttered close as a groan rumbled in her throat as he kissed and gently sucked at the skin, her head rolling back to allow him more access as her arms tightened around him. He continued his actions for a few seconds before he breathed out huskily; "You're so gorgeous"

Fighting back the rising heat in her loins Rachel managed to grip the hair at the base of his neck and as she felt him smirk against her skin, she pulled his head away from her throat and up so that she could see his eyes; cloudy and filled with lust.

"Remember where we are" She breathed out as her hand moved to caress the side of his neck. James licked his lips and nodded, resting his head against hers as he gently rubbed the small of her back. Rachel pressed a chaste kiss against his lips before whispering; "I love you too"

James smiled and the two of them danced together for a few minutes before they made their way over to sit down after getting another drink. They were joined by Matt, Finn, Noah as well as Quinn and Kelsie. As the time passed, with Blaine doing several duets with the other members of New Directions as well as Jake and Stacey. Rachel was sat talking with the two girls about some new fashion designs, but of the corner of her eye she watched the boys she was sat with interacting. In particular, it brought a smile to her face at the fact that even James and Finn seemed to be getting on fine as they talked about football. If you'd have told her when she first broke the news of her relationship with James to Finn and the others that just over two months later both boys would be sat laughing and teasing each other as if they had known one another for years, she would have laughed in your face.

It was a heart warming sight and she had to take a deep breath to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes. Rachel rested her head against James shoulder, and tightened her hold on his hand as it rested in her lap; a happy smile settling on her face. To her right, she smiled at watching Quinn and Kelsie talk; when Rachel had first met Kelsie the girl had reminded her of the blonde former cheerleader and it brought made her happy as she watched the two of them talking together

They sat there for a further half an hour, and as Kurt finished singing his duet with Tina together before Kelsie turned to them and with a smile spoke up.

"Hey are you two going to sing" Kelsie said resting her elbow on the couch arm as she laid her head on her palm, she gestured between Rachel and James.

"Hmm" James spoke first as he looked at her with a questioning expression. Rachel cheeks blushed as she bit her lip, glancing at Finn. Honestly, even though it seemed that Finn was finally okay with her having a new boyfriend; in fact over the past couple of months they had gotten back to a good place where they could just be friends without any awkwardness caused by the lingering feelings. She should be able to sing with James in front of him, right? Because she really wanted the chance to sing with her boyfriend again; to feel that special connection between them as their voices joined together.

"How is neither of you jumping at this chance?" Matt's voice broke the silence as he laughed loudly. "You two are like, the most attention seeking people I've ever met and you're both sat there quietly?"

The seven of them burst out laughing with him, Rachel's more nervous as she gazed at James to see his smile didn't reach all the way to his eyes. She squeezed his hand, glad that he was wanting to be considerate of Finn's feelings as well.

"I don't know" Rachel replied weakly, licking her lip as she looked towards Finn. The smile on his face surprised her a little bit before Noah opened his mouth.

"We've heard all about you two singing from Kurt, I don't know about anyone else but I want to see what all the hype is about" Noah said with a smirk as he teased her. Rachel returned his smile before she saw Finn nodding his head in agreement.

"Okay, yeah; let's do it" James voice came next and Rachel bit her lip as she saw him stand before turning to face her and offering his hand to help her up off the couch. She saw him wink at her, and her face split into a wide grin as she took his soft hand in hers and allowed him to pull her up as they headed towards the karaoke machine.

"See anything you want to sing?" James asked as he stood behind her.

"Not yet" Rachel replied, chewing on her bottom lip. James was resting his chin on her shoulder as his hands gently massaged her sides.

"Oh wait!" James interrupted her as she turned the page, and she smiled flicking back to the previous one as she tilted her head and leaned her forehead against the side of his head before pressing a kiss against his cheek.

"What do you want to sing?" She asked as she removed her lips from his skin, seeing the tinge of a blush growing on his cheek.

James glanced at her, before his gaze returned to the screen as he moved his hand from her waist and pointed at the name of the song. Rachel followed his gaze and she smiled at the song he picked before turning back to him and giggling. "That sounds perfect for us sing"

"Great" He replied before pressing a kiss against her lips. Rachel followed him onto the stage in her basement, taking the microphone in her hand.

"Hey everyone" Rachel announced to the people there. She waved at them when they turned to face her, smiling as a couple laughed softly. "Mhmmm, me and James are going to sing a song that we both really like. So, enjoy"

She glanced at James and giggled as he winked at her before the music started to play through the speakers.

...

The music started and Rachel smiled watching him nodding his head along to the opening beat; looking at her and winking as he sung the first few words.

When you're gone

Rachel turned and faced him, leaning forwards as the two of them sung with to each other; a smirk on both their faces.

I've been wandering around the house all night
Wondering what the hell to do
I'm trying to concentrate but all I can think of is you

As James pointed at her, she giggled. Rachel titled her head to the side as he walks towards her. James makes a phone gesture with his hand and they're both grinning widely as they sing, both trying to stop themselves from laughing.

Well the phone don't ring cuz my friends they ain't home
I'm tired of being all alone
Got the TV on cuz the radio's playing songs that remind me of you

James places his free hand in the small of her back and pulls their crotches close together as he stares into her eyes as he sings the "I'm in love". Rachel raises her hand and rests it against his chest.

Baby when you're gone, I realize I'm in love
The days go on and on, and the nights just seem so long
Even food don't taste that good, drink ain't doing what it should
Things just feel so wrong, baby when you're gone

James moves behind her and moves his hand to resting on her stomach, singing in her ear as she turns her head and smiles at him. He kisses her cheek in between words before stepping back around to her side and taking her hand in is.

I've been driving up and down these streets

Trying to find somewhere to go

Ya I'm lookin' for a familiar face but there's no one I know

This is torture, this is pain, it feels like I'm gonna go insane
I hope you're coming back real soon cuz I don't know what to do

Rachel giggles as he spins her around the spot before pulling her into his arms again as they continue singing to one another

Baby when you're gone (when you're gone), I realize I'm in love
The days go on and on (on and on), and the nights just seem so long
Even food don't taste that good, drink ain't doing what it should
Things just feel so wrong, baby when you're gone

Baby when you're gone (when you're gone), I realize I'm in love (so in love)
The days go on and on, and the nights just seem so long
Even food don't taste that good (good), drink ain't doing what it should
Things just feel so wrong (so wrong), baby when you're gone (gone, gone)
Baby when you're gone
Baby when you're gone

When you're gone – Bryan Adams and Mel C.

...

When they stopped singing, Rachel closed the small distance between and pressed her lips against his as his arms came to encircle her shoulders. After sharing a few tender kisses, they pulled away and she hugged him tightly as she felt him rest his cheek against the top of her head. Singing with James was incredible, the sound of him singing in unison with her made her weak at the nears as she gazed into his love filled eyes. Feeling glad that she had him with her, Rachel closed her eyes and sighed happily.

The sound of people clapping made her open her eyes again and she glanced at their audience to see the glee kids clapping as she stepped away from James. A blush covered her cheeks as she bowed before pulling James off the stage to get another drink.

"You are incredible" He whispered in her ear as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. Rachel turned around and handed him one of the glasses, a happy smile on her face.

"No, we are incredible. Together" She replied, taking a sip of her lemonade. James smiled at her and nodded his head as he raised his cup to his lips. When he licked his lips clean of the leftover, she couldn't help but tilt her head upwards and press a kiss against them; giggling as she felt him smile against her lips. As they pulled away, she whispered; "love you".

"I love you too Rachel" He replied as she cuddled into his side once more, resting her head on his shoulder as the familiar feeling of comfort filled her body.

The rest of the party passed by quickly in a blur with the great time she was having. After singing with James, the two of them had headed back and sat with the group of people who had wanted to hear them sing. It brought a smile to her face, and caused tears to well in her eyes as James gripped her tightly in comfort, when even Finn was complimenting them on doing a good performance; saying how good their voices sounded together.

She stayed cuddled into James' for a further half an hour before he was pulled away by the Vocal Adrenaline girls to sing with them up on stage. Giggling, Rachel shook her head as she watched him mouth an apology at him being dragged away from her. She did want to keep him to herself, he hadn't been close to her for so long after said they'd loved one another; but he had more people that hadn't seen him in a while and she could bare to be separated from him for a little while. She bit her lip as a smile crossed her face at the thought of sleeping close to him later that night in her, no their bed.

Rachel watched happily as Kelsie, James and Stacey were singing and dancing to "Baby you can drive my car"; laughing as James pulled faces as he sung with the girls, playfully twirling them around as they performed together. While she loved singing with James, there was something fascinating watching him sing; the way he put himself into his performances were incredibly, the level of energy and intensity he brought was breath taking, and honestly it was part of the reason she was attracted to him; that confidence in himself was incredibly sexy.

"He's really great up there" Rachel attention was drawn away from the three people singing as she heard Finn's voice, smiling at him as sat next to her on the couch.

"Hey" She replied, glancing back at the stage where James grinning as he danced with Kelsie. "Yeah, he is"

"Must be nice to have him for the weekend" Finn said, giving his her his half smile.

"It is" Rachel replied, her eyes dropping for a moment as she remembered he'd be leaving soon. Putting a smile on her, she pushed the thoughts to the back of her head and took the opportunity to talk to Finn about what he thought of James. "Thank you for being cool with meeting him"

"Yeah, no worries Rachel" Finn said, shrugging his shoulders. He met her gaze again, and smiled. She could see the apologetic look in his eyes as he spoke; "I'm just glad you forgave me and let us be friends again. He's party of your life and I'm glad you let me meet him"

Rachel smiled, touching his arm gently with her hand. "Thank you Finn"

"Were you watching Rach? That was so much fun" James said as he came into view and sat down next to her on the couch. Finn winked at her as she removed her hand from his arm and turned to smile at her boyfriend as he took a drink from his glass.

"You looked like you were having a good time" She replied reaching and taking his hand hers, entwining their fingers.

"Would have been better singing with you" He smirked at her before leaning over and gave her a kiss. Rachel smiled against his lips as she moved her hand and cupped his cheek as she opened her mouth and deepened their kiss.

"Hey guys, sup" Rachel heard James groan as they pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers as she stared into his eyes for a moment; smiling as she turned her head and saw Jake sitting across from them with a smirk on his face.

The party at her house lasted until about midnight before people started to leave. Kelsie, Jake and Stacey had to drive back to Akron and so just before the clock struck they each gave her a hug and headed out the door. The rest of the new directions stayed for a little bit longer before they each left; all giving Rachel a tight cuddle before they left. Blaine, Kurt and Finn were the last ones to leave after they insisted they'd help her, James and Matt clean up the mess in the Oscar room and after Kurt had kissed her on the cheek they left.

The three of them sat down on the couch in the living room for a little while after starting to clean the Oscar room so that it wasn't a tip when her Dads got home the next day; Rachel sat cuddled into James' side as he rubbed her shoulder soothingly.

After bidding Matt goodnight, Rachel walked close cuddled into James towards her room and closed the door behind them. She smiled when she saw James already pulling off his shirt. He turned around and winked at her as he folded it and placed on the chair in her room; smiling she walked towards him and placed a kiss on his lips.

"You want to use the bathroom first?" She asked watching as he licked his lips as she pulled away.

"No, you go ahead babe" He replied, winking at her as she nodded and headed to the bathroom after collecting her pyjamas from her bed.

After washing herself and getting changed she headed back into her bedroom, smiling as she saw James lying on her bed; his legs stretched out as he played around on his iPhone. He had a smile on his face as his fingers moved across the screen.

"What are you doing?" Rachel asked, making her way over to the bed and as she climbed in he turned and smiled at her.

"My mom" He replied. Rachel bit her lip and giggled slight as she saw his cheeks blush. "She wanted to know how your birthday went and to make sure that we were being sensible"

"She's sweet" Rachel said, leaning over and pressing a kiss against his lips softly. He smiled at her as she pulled away and winked as he rose from her bed and made his way over to the bathroom. As he opened the door, she called out to him; "Don't be long"

James smirked before he disappeared into her en suite bathroom. Rachel sighed and leaned on her side playing with her hair as it cascaded over her shoulder. She sat there for a few minutes as she heard James run taps in the bathroom before his phone made a noise. Looking over she saw it was from his mom;

Don't stay up too late sweetheart! I'll see the two of you tomorrow xx.

Rachel smiled at it and as she put it back down on the bedside cabinet she heard James come back into the bathroom. She bit her lip as she watched him rubbing his shoulder as he made his way back over to the bed. "Hey beautiful"

"Hey" Rachel replied watching as he pulled the covers back and climbed in next to her. "Your mom sent you another message saying she'd see you tomorrow and not to stay up"

"Good job I'm about to lay in bed and cuddle with my gorgeous girlfriend" James said as he settled on his side facing her as he moved one of his hands to her neck and started to stroke her jawline with his thumb. Rachel giggled at him as she moved closer towards him.

"Mhmm, that does sound like a good thing" She murmured before she leaned forward and kissed him. She smiled against his lips as his hand to her waist and brought her closer as he ran his tongue across her bottom lip. Instinctively Rachel moaned as she opened her mouth for him and pulled him closer to her.

The two of them stayed like that for a few more minutes before Rachel pulled back with a final chaste kiss against her lips. Sighing happily, she rolled over and moved his arm over her waist and cradled it close to her body as she felt him arch his body around her as they cuddled close to one another.

"love you" James whispered in her ear as he pressed a kiss against her neck before they both settled in bed; content and happy in the arms of the person they loved.

….

The next day, Rachel awoke naturally without her alarm blasting out music to wake her up for her morning exercise routine. As she lay there trying to hold on to the last few minutes of sleep, she figured that James must have turned her alarm off in order to let her get a bit more sleep; knowing that getting a full night's sleep was something that was important to her. A smile covered her face at thinking about his thoughtfulness and Rachel rolled over to wake him up with a kiss just as he done with her the day before. As she opened her eyes, she was a little startled to see that he wasn't led in bed with her as her arm patted the empty side of her bed.

Rachel sat up in bed, glancing at the cloak and seeing it was ten o'clock as she pushed her hair out of her face glancing around her room; eyes and ears searching for any sign of her boyfriend. When she didn't see hear the water running in her bathroom, she glanced around the room and her eyes settled on his blue dressing gown missing from her desk chair where he had left it the night before.

Rachel wiped her forehead in relief, giggling at the worry she'd suffered through at him being gone; how silly it was that she'd fretted at waking up alone. Sighing, Rachel pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed, pausing to put on her cream silk gown before she made her way out of her bedroom and downstairs.

As her foot hit the bottom step, she heard voices muttering in the kitchen and as she turned and headed through the open doorway, she saw her Dad's sat the breakfast counter as they were talking in quiet voices to James; where she could only see the back of his head. When her Dads eyes met hers, they stopped talking and smiled at her warmly as she made her way over.

"Good Morning" Leroy said happily as she walked over and pressed a kiss to her Dad's cheek.

"Hi Daddy" Rachel smiled as she moved and hugged her Dad.

"Did you have a good night with your friends, sweetie?" Hiram asked as they separated, his hand stroking her back gently.

"It was great, we all had so much fun" Rachel replied. "What time did you get home?"

"Oh we arrived home about nine o'clock this morning. We've been sat talking with James" Leroy said, gesturing to her boyfriend with her hand.

She glanced over at James opposite them, smiling at him as he watched her interact with her Dads. Stepping away from them she made her way over and leaned to press her lips against his; she felt him smile against her as she pulled away, moving her hand to stroke the side of his short hair. He gazed up at her with a look of utter love that she couldn't help but grin at him.

"Morning" She muttered softly, meeting their lips once more.

"Good Morning, did you sleep well?" James replied as she sat down next to him, her hand falling to rest on his arm.

"Yeah" She nodded, licking her bottom lip. "Although someone turned my alarm clock off this morning to give me more sleep"

He smirked at her, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip before he spoke again; "I wanted you to get your beauty sleep"

"I love you" She replied, giving him a soft kiss. "Though I would have preferred waking up in your arms"

He smiled at her again, nodding his head gently. "Yeah I know, me too"

"Do you want some breakfast sweetheart?" Hiram asked as he stood up from his chair at the table and started to make his way over to the fridge. "How about some pancakes?"

"That sounds great Dad" She replied leaning forward and resting her elbow on the table, supporting her head on her palm as she watched him. Around ten minutes later and she was sat eating as James was talking with her fathers, adding her own thoughts as they talked. The four of them sat around a while long, and Matt came downstairs just after eleven wearing a smile as she walked into the kitchen.

"Morning dude" James said first as Matt walked past the table and patted her boyfriend on the shoulder.

"Hey" Rachel added as Matt winked at her. Her Dads each smiled at him as Matt went over to the kitchen and poured a glass of milk. When he sat down, Rachel gave him a smile as she spoke again; "You're up late"

"Late" Matt smirked at her. "Some of us don't sleep in; I was up about an hour and a half ago"

"Oh, what were you doing?" She asked, giggling at his teasing.

"Packing my bags" He said as he put his glass back down the table. "And making the bed in the guest room; thank you for letting me use it by the way Mr Berry''s"

At his words, Rachel throat had gone dry; remembering that he and James would be leaving later that day to get on a flight back to Oregon. Her heart was beating faster in her chest, and she gulped to try and keep her composure; even though she had known James was only visiting for the weekend, knowing that it was only a few hours away was a scary prospect. Luckily, James seemed to notice her discomfort as he reached out and held her hand tightly in his. She gave him a smile at the reassuringly look he was giving her.

"Don't mention it, Matthew. It was a pleasure to have you for Rachel's birthday" Leroy voice broke her thoughts. "What time is your flight?"

"It's at five" He replied.

"I can't believe you have to go home, it's been great having you two around; like we're back in New York. I'm going to miss you both" She said reminiscently. James shifted in his chair next to her as she spoke. She turned and flashed him a sad smile; "Especially you"

"It's a good job that he's not coming with me then" Matt said softly and her eyes flicked from her boyfriend to Matt's. He was wearing a smile on his face, though she could see sadness in his eyes.

"What?" She frowned as she spoke before turning back to her boyfriend. "You're getting a later flight?"

"No….I'm not going to the airport" James replied, giving her a smile.

"I don't understand" Rachel asked.

As James spoke again, it was as if the world around her stood still as his words hit her. When her ears processed what he said to her; her mouth fell open "I'm not leaving, because I'm staying in Ohio"

…

A/N : James is staying in Ohio, what does that mean? :-D

More will be explained next chapter but happy days for the two of them :-D :-D. I like how things have progressed in the Finchel friendship so that Finn is actually able to talk to James. But will it last?