As always, I do not own the characters from Glee, just any original characters, the story line. Any songs mentioned will be credited.
Finn closed his eyes and let out a small breath. He felt Rachel's hand slip in to his. It's not that he's scared of flying, just hates the landing and the noise it makes. Rachel gave him a reassuring squeeze as the plane landed.
It was an interesting flight to say the least, obviously Rachel was recognised, and they had a few fans approach them looking for photograph opportunities and autographs. Once it had settled down and the cabin crew encouraged people to sit in their seats, it gave Rachel an opportunity to talk to Finn how manic it may be at the airport.
Downside to fame, Finn thought. Everyone wanting a piece of you, knowing your every move. He had wondered how they managed to get away with their privacy for almost two weeks. But then he remembered that NYC is big, loud and busy so people can walk on by and not to be seen by the oncoming crowd. Then there was the wedding, it was with Rachel's home town friends who would do anything to protect her and considering Rachel hadn't been exactly active on social media, it all seemed quiet, until now.
Rachel's plan resounding in his head. Not that they wanted to be seen together, but they didn't want people prying in to their new relationship and the media going crazy. Walking through the airport, keeping a close eye on Rachel and then the feeling of bewilderment with the flashes starting. Paparazzi. Finn wondered how she could deal with this every time, as it was already making him feel anxious.
But then, he lost sight of Rachel. Finn groaned and headed to passport control and then collected his luggage. As he picked up his bag and started to head for the exit he noticed a gentleman holding up a sign with his name on it. Finn's frowned and headed towards the gentleman. "Uhm, hi. I'm Finn Hudson?" said Finn who was slightly confused.
The man smiled at him. "Hello Mr Hudson, I was instructed to take you to your car."
"I don't have a car though?" Finn said even more confused.
"If you follow me sir, I will explain once you are in the car safely."
Finn followed the gentleman to the car and was shown to the seat situated behind the driver. "Mr Hudson, I am one of Miss Berry's drivers, she thought that things may become frantic on arrival to the airport and instructed me to find you should anything happen. I'm sorry if this worried you in any way but we are going to another entrance to get Miss Berry and then take you home."
Finn let out a sigh of relief. "Sorry if I seemed a bit rude, just this is a little bit overwhelming and although I was prepared for it, I didn't think it would be as daunting as it has been."
"Not a problem, sir." As the driver started up the engine and Finn casually looked out the darkened window. About five minutes later, the car pulled up and Finn could hear people shouting and the door opened quickly, and Rachel jumped in. The drive then drove off before the paparazzi could get any closer to the car.
"Hey Finn, sorry about that, I honestly didn't think that it would be that manic today." Rachel looked at a bewildered Finn worryingly.
"It's okay Rachel, it was a new experience that is for sure."
Some time passed, and Finn was very quiet through the car journey, so Rachel and Tim, who is Rachel's driver chatted about Tim's family and how things had been in L.A for the past few weeks. Before they knew it, they had drawn in to Rachel's driveway, the gates opening, the car driving in and coming to a halt.
"We're home Finn." Rachel said softly. Finn opened the door and got out of the car. Tim had gone to the rear of the car and opened the trunk. Finn reached in and grabbed their bags.
"Thanks Tim, it was nice meeting you." Said Finn. "Again, sorry if I appeared a bit rude when we first met."
"Don't worry about it Mr Hudson, I didn't find you rude at all, sir." Replied Tim.
"It's Finn, and thank you Tim."
Finn looked up and noticed that Rachel was unlocking the door. He followed Rachel in to the house and as he closed the door behind him, watched Tim drive away.
"You were very quiet Finn, even for you." Rachel said and gently bit her lip worryingly.
"I know, it was just very..."
"Daunting?" enquired Rachel. Finn nodded his head in agreement. "Well Finn, we are home now, and I would like to welcome you and show your home for the next few days." Smiled Rachel. Rachel then proceeded to show Finn around the house.
"Seriously? You have your own swimming pool and gym?" Finn looked amazed.
Rachel laughed. "Yes Finn, at least here I can exercise on my own, but I do like to attend some exercise classes in town also."
"This is really cool, shows how far you have come since high school." Finn said tenderly.
"Well at least we know you will be happy here for a few days and will make yourself at home. Although I would expect you to want to see some of L.A so I thought we could go hiking in the evening. I mentioned that I have work on Thursday, but my manager wants to see me on Wednesday to discuss a few things, so we have the rest of today and tomorrow to do things together and Tim will be on hand for you on Wednesday and Thursday after he has taken me to my meeting and work." Rachel explained.
"That's fine babe, Tim seems a nice guy who respects you, so I know I will be safe with him showing me around L.A whilst your working."
"So tonight, hiking or chilling?" enquired Rachel.
"Why not both?"
Rachel laughed. "Okay but let's have some dinner first and then proceed with our evening."
During dinner, Kurt had messaged Rachel with the hotel details and since he knew that we were attending that he booked a room for them as well. Rachel replied with a thank you and that she would transfer the hotel money to him later in the evening. Finn's mind wandered slightly but Rachel noticed this and put her phone down once she had replied to Kurt.
"Penny for them?" asked Rachel.
Finn smiled. "I… I don't know if we can evade the paparazzi much on your home turf babe, they are bound to catch on sooner or later and I don't want you to feel pressured in to releasing details about us but, I think we should beat them to it. I don't have to hide what I feel for you, neither should you about me."
"I take it that quiet spell in the car was you planning something Finn?" Smiled Rachel.
"Well, I know we have a tonne of selfie's already and some shots from NYC and the wedding, but why not take some photo's later our hike and it will be up to you if you want to post about our relationship. I'm just not wanting to hide and feel anxious throughout this trip, I want to enjoy, come what may. Paparazzi or not."
"Are you sure Finn?"
"831. I am always sure when it comes to you Rachel, always."
Later that evening, they enjoyed their hike and Finn stood at the top of the hill. Rachel smiled as she watched him take pictures of L.A. Well not just pictures of L.A but his personal journey here, right now. Smiling to herself, she took a picture of Finn whilst he was taking his own shots. That there to her, was perfection. The perfect picture before she shows the world who he is. Rachel made her way over to Finn and placed her shoulder on his head. Giving Finn her phone, they posed for a selfie, full of happiness, love and they both simply glowed.
They then sat down on the hill looking at the sun setting over L.A.
"I can't imagine being anywhere without you Finn. You've came in to my life, turned it upside down in an effective way of course. You're sexy as hell, caring, loving, thoughtful and although I am enjoying where we are at just now, I'm scared of what the future holds." Rachel said in a gentle but sweet voice Finn has ever heard.
"Well Rachel, personally I think it was destiny. Not just for when we chatted online in high school, but for meeting in the karaoke bar in NYC. Yes, you've turned my life upside down also, but I have gotten to experience things I never thought I would. The future may be scary babe, but I know with us being open, communicating and willing to make things happen, the future can be bright and just that little bit less scary."
Finn then leaned in and kissed Rachel softly on her tender lips.
"Let's head home, it has been a truly life changing day for the both of us I think." Finn said. Getting up on to his feet, holding his hands out, pulling Rachel up on to her feet. "Plus, I really want to cuddle up to you at home."
Rachel smiled. Never in a million years did she ever think she would be this happy.
Next chapter, Did Rachel post about Finn? Vegas!