The Music In Us

by Jabba33

Finn while coping with Rachel's exciting new endeavours in New York get's some exciting and surprising endeavours of his own with the help of Puck and his Glee buddies. But all might not be so rosy for Finn's new found purpose as he learns to deal with an ex he still loves and becoming the man he's supposed to be with the help of his friends.

25. Chapter 25

Hi once again everyone remember me Sorry for the long, long, long wait but I have finally finished chapter 25. Work and life and then work again have really been kicking my ass lately. Anyway here's the conclusion to Rachel's epic Halloween party. All the legal stuff belongs to Ryan Murphy & FOX except my characters. So please read, review, rewind, then read and review again…enjoy!

Finn took a moment to stretch his tired muscles before going back to packing up his stuff. He was all tired and sore after the band had called a daylong rehearsal, as they get ready for all their live performances once their debut album is released early next month. All Finn wanted to do now was go home and watch some nonsense on TV or Netflix while snuggling with Rachel; but in reality he would be doing the exact opposite of that. He was under strict orders from Rachel to head straight home as soon as band rehearsal had finished, or otherwise in Rachel's words, Finny Jnr would be very lonely for a very long time. That was completely unacceptable in Finn's opinion, which is why he was currently throwing his stuff into his bag to leave. Rachel and Quinn were going to have lunch together during the day as they both had the day off, before heading back to the apartment to finish preparations for the Halloween party. That was also why Puck was beside him also throwing stuff into his bag, because he was heading straight back to the apartment with Finn to meet up with Quinn before the party.

The other guys in the band had already left, promising to meet up again at the party. So the only ones left were Finn and Puck and they had just finished packing up and were headed for the exit. When they stopped in their tracks at the sound of their names being called.

"FINN…PUCK!"

Both Finn and Puck turned around and saw Emma Rushton running over towards their location. "Where's the fire boys?" joked Emma, "I was calling out for ages".

"Sorry!" apologised Finn; "We're just in a hurry to get home!" finished Finn.

"Why? Doesn't Rachel like you being out and about by yourself? Is she worried some lucky girl will steal you away?" quipped Emma, but in reality she wasn't really joking. Which was clearly recognised by Puck who stood there and rolled his eyes at the obvious comment.

"No, nothing like that! Were having a party for Halloween and as Rachel and my brother Kurt always say, 'It's bad party hosting etiquette to show up after your guests', hence the rush to get home." Explained Finn.

"Wow! Sounds like you've got an amazing night planned. I wish I had something fun and exciting like that to do." Pouted Emma.

"I thought your brother gave you awesome court-side seat tickets for the Knicks game?" queried Puck.

"He did. But my ignoramus of a brother is trying to impress his newest conquests family so he gave them the tickets meant for his ONLY sister. Why does my night have to get ruined just so he can get in some skanks pants?" Emma rhetorically asked.

"That's to bad Emma, but Puck and I really need to go!" replied Finn while trying to subtly back out of the door.

"I guess I'll just have to spend another boring night all by myself. Feeling depressed, watching some nonsensical chick flick while eating my weight in ice cream. Which will then lead me to start contemplating if the pretty actress on screen can't find love what hope is there for me; and maybe I should just give up now and start collecting random cats and finally give in to my destiny of joining a long list of sad, miserable, old cat ladies." Emma turned on the waterworks and fake pouted while Puck was trying to continue to push Finn through the door.

"Well, have fun with that! The Notebook's always a good tearjerker if you're looking for recommendations" called out Puck as he pushed both himself and Finn through the door of the studio building and out into the nightly, cold New York chill. Before turning around halfway to the street and called out, "Bye Emma!"

Puck had just reached the car that was going to drive them home, as the driver grabbed his stuff and placed it in the boot. When he turned around and noticed Finn was still in the same place as before which was halfway to the car, staring back at Emma as she stood forlornly at the entrance to the studio. Shaking his head Puck walked back over to his best friend and punched him in the shoulder.

"OW!" yelled Finn as he turned to glare at Puck. "What the hell, man?" snapped Finn as he rubbed the spot where Puck punched him.

"Halloween party…Rachel and Quinn waiting…need to leave now! Remember any of this?" questioned Puck.

"Yeah, I remember." Started Finn, before turning back towards where Emma was still standing there trying to portray as much angst as a character from a Nicholas Sparks novel. "But just look at her Puck, she's lonely and got no one. We just can't leave her here by herself."

"Why not?" questioned Puck. "She's a big girl, she'll be alright. Now let's go!"

"Where's your compassion Puck?" queried a disbelieving Finn.

"I have compassion!" exclaimed Puck feeling a bit hurt at Finn's question. "But Finn surely you can see that she's playing you."

"What are you talking about Puckerman?" Finn stared at Puck as if he had just grown an extra head.

"I'm going to say this the simplest way I know how…she likes you bro!"

"What?" Finn stood there even more confused now then he was before.

"She…likes…you" Puck slowly enunciated each word in an exaggerated fashion making sure each word sunk in. "For some odd reason she finds you hot and one day wants to painfully pop out your weird gigantic man-babies!"

"Your full of shit, Puck!" stated an unbelieving Finn.

"Okay, I may have exaggerated that last bit; but it's obvious bro that she gets all wet whenever your in the room." Explained Puck.

Finn looked at Puck then back at Emma who was still standing at the entrance to the building. "No! No way!" Finn said shaking his head, "She's just a friend, besides she knows I'm dating Rachel."

"I know that you like the fact, Berry has a tighter grip on your balls than someone playing with those Chinese Meridian Balls; but that didn't stop Santana or Quinn now did it?" questioned Puck, "Believe me or don't Finn but it's plain to see that she's going to be nothing but trouble."

"I know your just looking out for me Puck and believe me I greatly appreciate it. But I truly believe that all she needs is a friend; I know exactly how it feels to feel all alone in this city…it sucks. So if I can help her out in any way, then that's what I'm going to do. In fact I know exactly what I'm going to do…I'm going to invite Emma to the party tonight!"

"Dude! Are trying to get yourself killed!" exclaimed Puck while shaking his head.

"God! What are you talking about now Puck?" quizzed an annoyed Finn, "Rach, won't mind she seriously bought enough stuff to last five Halloweens; so there's going to be plenty to go around."

"Finn, Berry's going to be able to smell the I love Finn pheromones this chick is giving off from a mile away! Then we all know what happens when someone gets in between you two…crazy Rachel is going to come out and play!" explained Puck. "Well at least it's the right season for crazy" quipped Puck.

"Nonsense, Rach knows I love her and she'll be happy that I'm helping out a friend." Stated Finn. "Who knows maybe Rach and Emma might end up being good friends, I mean just look at her friendships with Quinn and Santana." Finished Finn as he turned around and started walking back towards where Emma was still standing.

"It's your funeral!" Puck said to himself as he watched Finn make his way over to Emma before he turned and hopped in the car to wait for Finn.

"Hey Emma! Are you still looking for something to do tonight?" asked Finn.

"Yes I am!" replied Emma suddenly getting a bright smile on her face.

"Rach and I are having a Halloween party at our apartment tonight, your welcome to attend…think you can get your hands on a costume before eight tonight?"

"I think I might be able to scrounge something up." Replied Emma

"Excellent! Text me when you find something and I'll text you directions on how to get to my apartment." Responded Finn

"Aye, aye captain!" joked Emma as she mock saluted Finn.

"See you tonight" chuckled Finn as he walked back to the car and hopped in and drove off.

Emma watched Finn and Puck drive off into the night before whipping out her phone and dialling a number. "Yeah, it's me. Remember that favour you owe me… well time has come for me to collect. I need the sexiest costume you've got and I'll be there in an hour to pick it up."

Emma hung up the phone as a defiant smirk graced her face. You may start the night with your familiar old girlfriend Finn; but before the night is out I swear your going to be leaving or waking up with me, Emma thought to herself. As she ran off to grab a cab eager to get her plan to snare Finn Hudson in motion.

---

Spiders…check, skeleton…check, guillotine complete with decapitated head…check, Rachel was going through her checklist for the seventh time to make sure everything was perfect for the party. All afternoon with the help of Quinn, Rachel had been tidying and readying everything in preparation. Now with only two hours until the party was due to get underway her OCD tendencies were getting the best of her and making her recheck everything. Quinn, Puck and even Finn had given up on trying to get her to stop fussing and just relax and had retired to the lounge room. The guys were trying to catch some of the pre-game show for the basketball game that night, while Quinn was absentmindedly flipping through a magazine.

Rachel decided to do one last check of the hallway closet to see if there was enough room for all the guests to place their coats. But as soon as she had opened up the closet a jack-in-the-box shot out that had Jesse St. James head glued to the head of the doll. The Jesse St. James jack-in-the-box had glowing red eyes and was rigged with a recording of a maniacal laugh that got interrupted every two minutes by a voice saying, "I'M A JACKASS!" and then start laughing again. This was the third time that night Puck and Finn had been trying to scare her with puppets of her ex-boyfriends. Only earlier that night she had been putting away laundry when she opened the hamper, out popped a male blow-up doll this time with Brody's face that head spun around three hundred and sixty degrees. This one the guys had dressed in a tiny stripper thong that yelled for her to pin the tail on the donkey.

Rachel who was having trouble seeing the funny side of her boyfriend and Pucks practical jokes; simply shoved Jesse the Jackass doll to one side before ticking the closet off her checklist. After walking back into the lounge room Rachel threw the jack-in-the-box on the couch between the guys as they watched the pre-game show.

"Really Finn…another one?" asked Rachel as she stood and stared at Finn striking her stereotypical Rachel Berry pose.

"Rachel, that's no way to treat Jesse Jackass even though you broke up he does have feelings you know!" mocked Finn before continuing, "Even if all those feelings are about how great he is!" which caused Finn and Puck to start sniggering and high fiving.

"Oh Lord, I'm in the presence of two morons!" replied Rachel dramatically as she slumped down onto one of the couches.

"You're only realising this now Rachel? The only difference between these two delinquents and a pair of grade school boys, is these two can be persuaded with let's say more adult pastimes." Laughed Quinn as she continued to flip through her magazine.

"You're telling me Quinn! Just the other night Finn refused to clean the kitchen unless I rewarded him with certain activities." Replied a blushing Rachel, causing Finn and puck to high five once again, while Quinn groaned at the antics of the two men.

"What's wrong with that? It just shows my boy Finny-D has his priorities straight." Stated Puck.

"Puck, if you ever want to engage in any of those adult activities ever again then I suggest you shut up!" snipped Quinn quickly while give Puck a no nonsense glare from over the top of her magazine.

"Yes ma'am!" replied Puck quickly.

"See Rachel, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!" smirked Quinn as this time a laughing Rachel and Quinn high fived.

"Damn! That's cold…real cold!" joked Finn as he got up to get a drink.

"Oh! Speaking of cold, Finny can you please go and check to see if we have enough ice for all the drinks?" asked Rachel.

"Sure thing babe! But first daddy needs some sugar from his sugar!" quipped Finn as he slinked up to Rachel while puckering his lips.

A laughing Rachel responded, "Come here, ya big goof!" as Finn grabbed Rachel from over the back of the couch and proceeded to start kissing her passionately.

"As much as I want to sit and watch my friends make out in front of me, that's my cue to go visit the bathroom." Replied Quinn as she got up and headed for the bathroom while Rachel sat there blushing a deep red and completely out of breath; while Finn leaned against the back of the couch with a goofy smile on his face.

"Finn…earth to Finn!" Rachel yelled while nudging Finn who was busy daydreaming about the kiss he and Rachel just had and other things they could be doing if they were alone. "Ice…remember?"

"Oh yeah! Be right back babe." Responded Finn as he made his way to the door before turning around and saying. "Hey Rach, before I forget I invited a girl named Emma from work over for the party. She seemed lonely and I didn't want her to be all alone, especially when we would be having such a great time. I hope that's okay?"

"Sure, that's fine Finn we have plenty of stuff to go around. That's what I love about you Finn you have such a big heart and don't like seeing people hurting." Replied a smitten Rachel.

Finn just stared back at Rachel with a love struck expression while holding a hand over his heart; a gesture Rachel eagerly reciprocated. Before Finn blew her a kiss that she mimed catching as he left the room to go check on the supplies of ice for the party.

Rachel picked up the magazine that Quinn had been reading before leaving for the bathroom and started flicking through it. Now that both Finn and Quinn were out of the room, Puck knew that now was his chance to give Rachel a head's up about Emma. He felt he needed to let Rachel know about Emma's real motives not because he was worried Finn would stray. But because he knew how trusting Finn was and people like Emma use that to take advantage of a trusting Finn, but that definitely won't be happening on his watch. Especially since after he tells Rachel about Emma's infatuation with her boyfriend, Puck knows full well that Emma won't be able to fart without either him or Rachel knowing about it.

"Yo, Berry what do you know about Emma, the chick Finn invited to the party?" asked Puck out of the blue which slightly shocked Rachel.

"Umm, well I know she's one of the artists signed to the label and Finn's been writing and producing for her lately. But apart from that not much why?" replied a puzzled Rachel.

"First of all before I tell you, you have to promise not to go crazy!" stated Puck.

"Okay now you have me both intrigued and worried. What the hell are you talking about Noah?" demanded a now serious and worried Rachel.

"Fine, let me preface this with the disclaimer that Finn is absolutely oblivious about any of this. Also in the spirit of full disclosure and because I consider Finn my best friend and by extension you a friend as well, I felt you needed to know some things." Rambled Puck.

"For Barbra's sake, spit it out Noah!" demanded Rachel once again before mumbling, "And they say I talk to much!"

"Fine! Emma has the hot's for Finn! There I said it!" snapped Puck.

"EXCUSE ME!" yelled Rachel as she jumped out of the chair and now stood accusingly in front of Puck. "You better start explaining yourself right now Noah! Because I thought you said some floozy has the hot's for my man!"

"Damn Berry! There's no need to go all Tonya Harding on the poor girl. In case you haven't realised Finn isn't exactly ugly; and for some reason a lot of women seem to like the aw shucks, all American country boy thing Finn has going on." Responded Puck

"I make no excuse for my actions when some tart is having thoughts about my Finny! And are you high or something right now! Of course I know women find Finn super hot, that's why I have to throw down the gauntlet every time one of these harlots tries to act on their delusions of seducing Finn!"

"You do realise you have absolutely nothing to worry about right? Finn literally gets hit on multiple times a day, and he doesn't give any of those chicks a second thought. He has such a hard-on for you it isn't funny…so chill Berry!"

"What the hell do you mean Finn get's hit on all the time?" shouted Rachel at a sheepish looking Puck who was internally chastising himself for admitting to Rachel that a lot of girls have been hitting on Finn. "Anyway I think I might have to have a chat to Finn later about telling his girlfriend when he's being hit on." Continued Rachel as Puck was thinking to himself, 'Aw shit! Sorry Finn, bro…my bad!'

Rachel sat down on the couch directly opposite Puck and leaned forward staring directly at him to emphasise her point. "I know Finn wouldn't give any of those girls a second glance, but for some reason that seems to give some of these desperate girls extra incentive to try something with Finn. Now I know Finn finds me beautiful but after years of everybody telling me different I can't help but have an irrational fear that one day Finn might agree with them." Stated Rachel slightly starting to tear up a little. "That's why Noah, I'll need your help keeping Miss 'I don't seem to understand the simple concept that Finn Hudson has a girlfriend' Emma Rushton away from Finn tonight. So can I count on my number one Jew-bro?"

"Rachel I'm your only Jewish bro!" chuckled Puck

"Which just further proves my point that you're my number one Jew-bro! So are you going to help me with skank patrol or not?"

"Fine, even though helping out your bro's significant other goes against the bro-code, I think in this instance I can make an exemption!" Puck replied back to an ecstatic Rachel.

Rachel started bouncing up and down in her seat, "If it makes you feel any better, just think of it as following the Jew-code."

"I'm pretty sure the Jew-code is also called the bible, but I get your point…Team Jew is a go!" Puck answered back as Finn's phone, which was sitting on the coffee table starting ringing.

Both Puck and Rachel looked down at Finn's ringing phone and saw the subject of their current conversation's face appear on Finn's phone. Rachel looked at Puck trying to gage what she should do, as the phone stopped ringing but beeped that it had received a message. Seeing Finn hadn't come back yet from checking on the ice, Rachel quickly picked up his phone and swiped it open to read the new message…

Hi Finn, its Emma I just need the directions to your apartment for the party tonight. I can't wait to see what sexy costume your going to wear, but then again you look good in everything. ~ Emma

"What a bitch! I'm going to tear her fucking hair out calling Finn sexy, who the hell does this bitch think she is?" steamed a livid Rachel.

"Easy Rachel we have to keep our cool if Team Jew is going to win!" which had Rachel nodding her head in acceptance while Puck continued speaking. "Now what are we going to do about the message?"

Rachel just simply stared back at Puck with mischievous smirk on her face that Puck would never admit out loud rattled him a bit. There was just something about crazy Rachel that was just…well crazy. Which had Puck wondering if it really was such a good idea that he told her about Emma and was helping her out. Just seeing that smirk on Rachel's face alone had Puck thinking he better start coming up with one hell of a good alibi.

Rachel must have noticed the apprehension on Pucks face as she spoke up to try and reassure him it wasn't going to be anything bad. "Don't worry Noah, like you said we have to keep our cool. But in saying that I have the perfect idea on how we should handle Miss Herpes 2015's message, and I think what I have planned is quite appropriate." Smiled Rachel

"Which is?" asked Puck apprehensively.

"Well if you must know Noah, I'm pulling out an old school play from my 'I'll do anything to succeed' playbook I used routinely throughout high school." Replied an extremely chuffed Rachel even though Puck was looking at her like she was in actual fact crazy. So she just grabbed Finn's phone and quickly typed something in and the showed Puck. Who quickly picked up what was going on and now had the same mischievous smile that Rachel had as she hit send; right as Finn walked back into the room.

"Hey babe!" Finn said as he gave Rachel a quick kiss, "The ice was a bit low so I went and got another couple of bags." Rachel silently nodded as Finn explained the reason behind his prolonged absence, before he saw his phone sitting on the coffee table. "Hey did my phone ring? I thought I heard it going off, but I wasn't sure. I'm still waiting for Emma to text me so I can give her directions for tonight." Finn said absentmindedly as he stared at his phone in his hand, he had picked up from the table. "Oh well, I guess she must've found something better to do." Continued Finn to no one in particular as he placed his phone in his pants pocket; while Puck and Rachel very subtly gave each other knowing smirks and a quick fist bump.

All thoughts of Emma and the resulting plans and schemes were quickly forgotten. As Quinn returned from the bathroom and the group quickly returned to normal conversation. Biding there time before their friends and guests arrive for what Rachel hoped would be an epic Halloween party.

---

Finn and Rachel's apartment was packed full with their friends dressed as various characters ranging from movies, comic books all the way to book characters. Everyone was having a good time, mingling and dancing the night away. Well everyone except Rachel who was busy once again trying to convince Finn to come out of the bedroom which he had locked himself inside of. He was embarrassed about having to wear the costume Rachel had picked out for him to wear as part of their couple's costume. For the past half hour Rachel had been trying everything to get a stubborn Finn out of the locked bedroom. If he didn't come out she would look like an absolute idiot in her costume; which she was sure no one would get without seeing the other half of it, which was the costume Finn was supposed to wear.

"Finn! Please baby, come out of the room!" Rachel tried calling out one more time.

Which was met with a very swift, "NO!" from a very petulant sounding Finn.

"Come on Finn I need you to come out! You're the other half of my costume for god sake! Without you I look like an idiot!" yelled Rachel.

"Well now you know how I feel dressed in this stupid thing!" Finn shouted back.

Rachel was just about to respond when Puck and Quinn came over along with Santana and Dani to see what was going on with Rachel and Finn. Santana was dressed as Mia Wallace, Uma Thurman's character from Pulp Fiction. She was wearing black long pants and a white button up shirt with a black bob cut wig, her costume was completed by the fake e-cigarette she was holding just like the character in the movie. While Dani was dressed head to toe in dark black clothing with fake piercings in her nose and along her ear. Her hair was styled into a punk looking Mohawk and she had a spiked choker around her neck and down her right arm was an intricately drawn dragon tattoo. It was plainly obvious she was dressed as the Lisbeth Salander, the lead character from the book and film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Meanwhile Puck was dressed in blue overalls over a red long sleeve t-shirt with white gloves and a red hat with a big 'M' emblazoned on the front. Next to Puck was Quinn who was wearing a very bright pink princess dress with a large blue necklace and matching earrings and completing her outfit was large crown. Puck and Quinn had come dressed as Mario and Princess Peach from the classic Nintendo video game.

"What's up Berry, where's the gigantor?"Quipped Santana as her Dani, Quinn and Puck came over to where Rachel was yelling through the door.

"I'm trying to convince Finn to unlock the door and come out," explained a frustrated Rachel.

"Isn't that what Hummel was trying to do for most of junior year." Mocked Santana. "You know with his creepy stalker crush on Finn."

"Santana! This is serious!" snapped Rachel before turning to Puck, "Noah you're a criminal pick the lock and get Finn out!"

"Hey, I resent that! Besides subtlety wasn't exactly my style, I was more of a smash and grab man. Hence going to juvie for trying to steal that ATM" responded Puck while trying to defend his honour.

"Having had sexual relations with Puckerman I can attest to that!" mocked Santana once again which earned her an intense glare from Quinn and a roll of the eyes from everyone else.

"Then smash the damn door down then!" retorted an irritated Rachel.

"Fine! It's not like it's my house!" responded Puck before backing up and swinging his leg back in readiness to kick the door down.

Just as he was about to swing his leg towards the door Quinn yelled out for Puck to stop which he did rather begrudgingly. "Before we resort to trashing the place, Rachel why has Finn locked himself in the bedroom?"

"He's embarrassed, and thinks everyone will make fun of him for the costume I got for him to wear." Explained Rachel.

"How would that be any different from any other normal day? We make fun of Finn all the time and he never seemed to mind." Queried Santana.

Quinn walked over to the door and knocked and was met by a loud, "Go away Rachel! I already told you I'm not coming out!"

"Finn it's Quinn, Rachel told us you're a little embarrassed about your costume. You shouldn't be; I mean that's the whole point of a costume party is to dress up as something ridiculous and have fun with your friends. Hell Puck is dressed as an Italian plumber and he's not embarrassed at all." Explained Quinn.

"For the three hundredth time Quinn I'm Mario not a plumber!" retorted an exasperated Puck.

All the girls looked at each other before they all turned back to Puck and said at the same time. "Yeah, that's not helping at all!" which resulted in Puck throwing his hands up in frustration before pulling his red hat off and screaming into it to muffle the noise.

After putting his hat back on Puck marched over to the door and banged on it before screaming. "Hudson get your arse out here and explain to these ignorant people how epic the character of Mario is!"

Quinn just glared at her boyfriend before replying, "Really?"

"Hey! If I have to be dressed as a plumber than Finn has to get his sorry arse out that damn room and be embarrassed with the rest of us." Puck smugly answered back.

"See even you admitted you're a plumber!" Quinn quipped back at Puck.

"For fucks sake, Mario is more than a goddam plumber!" shouted an annoyed Puck.

"Fine then! Pipe maintenance manager…is that better?" Quinn snipped in response.

Puck had to bite down on his hand to stop himself from saying something he regretted but he did yell out. "Oh My God!" Once he got his wits about him again he once again marched over to the bedroom door and started banging. "Finn, I swear to god, Moses and any other Jew that I need to. If you don't get your arse out here in the next thirty seconds, I'm kicking this damn door down and dragging you out here kicking and screaming!"

After a moment or two of silence, Finn called out from inside the bedroom, "You promise none of you will laugh?"

They all looked at each other before calling back through the closed door at the same time, "YES!" while Santana shouted, "NO!"

"What the hell Santana?" snarled Rachel.

"I'm just being truthful and I make fun of everyone. It's what I do!" Santana snipped back.

"Don't listen to her Finn we all promise not to laugh at you…right guys!" Rachel once again called through the door; and at Rachel's extreme nudging everyone followed with, "We promise Finn"

"Okay, I'm coming out!" Finn yelled back as everyone stood back as the bedroom door slowly opened.

As the rest of them apart from Rachel saw Finn for the first time in his costume, they all stood there stunned not knowing what to say. As Finn was dressed in a long elegant looking seventies dress with a long black wig and big hoop earrings. Puck was the first to break out of the trance as he slowly walked up to his friend and grabbed the fake boobs of Finn's costume and started squeezing.

"Can I help you Puckerman?" Finn said grinning down at his best friend.

A sheepish Puck let go of Finn's fake boobies and stepped back before muttering, "Just checking"

"Well now after seeing this, which frankly I don't think I can ever unsee, Berry's costume makes a lot more sense now." Quipped Santana before everyone burst out laughing.

Rachel was dressed in a suit from the seventies with a bowtie topped with a wig complete with sideburns and a moustache. Now that Finn and Rachel were being seen together their costumes made sense, for they had come dressed as Rachel being Sonny Bono to Finn's Cher.

At the sound of everyone laughing, Finn turned to head back into the bedroom, "See I told you!" before Rachel grabbed his arm and stopped him.

"Finn it's just some good natured ribbing from our friends, they don't mean anything bad by it." Soothed Rachel as she stroked Finn's cheek. "Besides I think you make a very pretty woman."

To which Finn gave Rachel a sweet kiss before whispering so only Rachel could hear, "Thanks babe!"

Quinn looked over and noticed Puck was just standing there staring at Finn as if he was the eighth wonder of the world. "Puck, are you okay?"

"No, not really. This is really freaking me out!" replied Puck as he continued to just stand there and stare at Finn dressed as a woman.

"Aww! Does Puckerman find female Finn attractive?" jeered Santana.

"NO! Oh God…Fuck No!" yelled Puck quickly in response. "It's just weird seeing your bro dressed as a chick!" which caused everyone to laugh.

As everyone went back to mingle with the rest of the guests at the party, Puck pulled Finn aside and whispered. "You still have your…" Puck started before gesturing with his hand in front of his crotch and wangling his index finger. "Your…you know? Berry didn't make you go the whole way did she?"

Finn just chuckled and patted his friend on the back before replying, "Don't worry Puck! I'm still all man where it counts!" as Finn led a greatly relieved Puck back out to the party and his friends and guests.

---

The Halloween party that Rachel had painstakingly setup was once again thriving. This time the eager partiers including Rachel and Finn who now seemed at ease with Rachel's choice of costume for him to wear. He still felt silly but what better place to feel silly then at a Halloween party with nearly all your closest friends who are dressed just as silly as you are. Plus who can hate the one time of year where you're basically allowed to eat as much candy and junk food as possible. Even though according to Rachel trick or treating was only for the kids Finn as she handed some candy out to some of the kids who lived in their building. Finn just smirked to himself while Rachel was distracted oohing and awing over the youngsters costumes he busied himself with shoving as much candy as possible into the small handbag that came with his costume. As he reached for another snickers Finn gleefully thought to himself, who said anything about trick or treating, all he wanted to do was eat all the candy. He was the one who bought all the stupid candy in the first place; why should all the neighbourhood kids get to enjoy the spoils of his hard labour and not Finn himself. Damn straight Finn thought as he snuck another mars bar; you want candy you freeloading Buzz Lightyear and Elsa from Frozen then get a damn job…this is my candy!

Just as he blindly reached for another piece of candy he felt something whack his hand and looked up and saw Rachel and some girl who looked like she was dressed as that Broadway obsessed main female character from that show about choirs staring at him and shaking their heads. Rachel just stood there in her stereotypical Rachel Berry pose tapping her foot as she pointed towards the now empty candy bowl. Groaning because he knew he was screwed as soon as Rachel went into pout mode, so he reluctantly opened up his purse and upended the entire contents back into the bowl. Rachel's pout then suddenly turned into a beaming smile as she filled the small little Broadway divas trick or treating bag with some of the returned candy. Just before she left the little girl motioned for Finn to come over and lean down to her level. Smiling at the little girl Finn proceeded to lean down closer to her level. Just as he reached her level the little girl pulled out her bright pink bedazzled microphone and whacked Finn with it.

"OWWW! WHAT THE FUC…" Finn started to scream before he saw Rachel motion towards the little girl silently with her head to remind him he was about to swear in front of an impressionable little girl. So he stopped himself before continuing, "What was that for?"

"That was for trying to steal my candy mister!" snapped the little girl who was standing almost identical to how Rachel stands when she's mad. The little girl then turned to Rachel and said, "I would say you could do better; but he is extremely cute…so there is that!"

"Don't I know it!" Rachel called out as the little girl started walking away examining the contents of her candy bag.

Just before she reached the end of the hallway the little girl turned and called out, "Thanks for the candy Miss Rachel!"

"Bye Emily!" Rachel replied as she shut the door, then turning around and seeing Finn staring at her. "What?"

"Doesn't that little girl remind you of anyone?" enquired Finn

"No! Should she?" a puzzled Rachel answered back.

"Umm, how about she was like an exact copy of you only even more miniature." Answered Finn shocked that Rachel couldn't see it.

"What? No…that's absurd that little girl is nothing like me!" stated Rachel as she stared at her boyfriend like he just told her the world was flat.

"Rachel she was your miniature doppelgänger! She was even dressed in a freaking reindeer sweater!" exclaimed Finn as he flicked the long hair from his wig over his shoulder.

"Whatever Finn, there must be some toxic chemicals or something in that makeup you've got on because you're acting crazy. Anyway I'm going back to the party." Quipped Rachel as she sauntered back into the party leaving Finn standing beside the door staring at her arse encased in those tight suit pants she was wearing.

"Damn! Even dressed as a fucking man, she's sexy as hell!" panted Finn while he had to rearrange the dress he was wearing because it had suddenly got a little tight in a very specific area, before running after Rachel back into the party.

As Finn got back into the party the music changed to Michael Jackson's Thriller and he found Rachel dancing alongside Kurt and Blaine. Finn had to chuckle to himself at the sight of Sonny Bono and Kurt and Blaine dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from the Cat in the Hat trying to do the iconic Thriller dance. Rachel saw Finn standing off to the side of the dance floor and dragged an extremely reluctant Finn onto the dance floor and proceeded to remind him of the steps to the Thriller dance. Finn was by no means Fred Astaire but he was managing to hold his own mostly because they learnt part of the dance for the mash up they did at the halftime show during the championship game back in high school. Rachel looked around as she danced with the love of her life and her best friend in Kurt and all her other friends and she realised how lucky she was to be surrounded by so many amazing people. What made it even better was there was still no sight of that boyfriend-stealing trollop Emma. Rachel smiled as she looked over and saw Puck spinning Quinn around on the dance floor, before dipping her as the song came to a close.

Just then there was an extremely loud knock at the door and Finn and Rachel went over to answer it. Finn had barely opened the door before a blonde blur whizzed through the door and attached itself to Finn. A shocked Finn looked down at the person hugging him and saw that it was a very out of breath and damp Emma. By this time a lot of the others had gathered by the front door including Puck, Quinn, Kurt, Blaine as well as Santana and Dani eager to see whom the stranger was clinging onto Finn for dear life.

Puck subtly nudged a comical Rachel who looked lie she had steam coming out of her ears and mouthed the name Emma while pointing towards the stranger. At the mention of that trollop's name, Puck had to hold back Rachel from charging at the unsuspecting girl who was still clinging to Finn.

"Emma?" asked Finn who was absolutely in the dark about what was going on.

"Oh, Finn you have no idea how happy I am to see you!" cried an emotional Emma as Finn ushered her over to sit down. "The things I've had to deal with just to get here! It's just been an absolute nightmare!" added a hysterical Emma as she once again launched herself at a still confused Finn.

After hearing Emma say what a nightmare she had just getting there, Puck looked over and saw Rachel with a maniacal smirk on her face. Which quickly evaporated as she saw Emma once again launch herself into Finn's arms. Rachel's maniacal smirk quickly turned into a look of almost homicidal rage. Damn thought Puck, this was going to be one interesting night. He didn't know what was going to happen but by the looks Rachel was giving Emma he knew only one of them was going to be left standing at the end of the night. The only thing Puck knew for sure was that he wouldn't trade places with Emma, even if you payed him a million bucks.

"Emma! I'm going to need you to calm down and tell me what happened from the start." Finn said gently before continuing, "Think you can do that for me?" as Emma slowly nodded while brushing a strand of damp hair behind her ear.

"Okay, here goes. I was so excited that you invited me to your party tonight; I know it was supposed to close friends only, so I was ecstatic that you thought highly enough of me to include me tonight. I spent the rest of the day organising my costume and trying to bake some vegan treats for your girlfriend just to say thanks for inviting me even though you don't know me…" explained a highly emotional Emma as she glanced at Rachel for the first time since arriving and gave her a cheeky wink before continuing with her story.

"I had just finished making a vegan lasagna because I remember you once mentioned that was one of Rochelle's favourites; and I had my costume all sorted when I decided to text you for directions to your apartment…"

"Umm! Actually my names Rach…" Rachel started before being cutoff by Finn.

"But I never got a text from you" queried a confused Finn.

"Well I sent one and you definitely sent one back!" countered Emma as she showed Finn her phone.

Finn looked at the phone and then at the message. "That's my number but that's not my address." Stated Finn as he handed back the phone.

"Really you could've fooled me!" snapped Emma as Finn and everyone looked at her weird after her outburst. "Sorry! It's been an extremely long night." Emma added going back to the emotional fragile girl seeking Finn's protection. "So I hopped on the subway thinking I was headed towards your apartment until the train stopped and when I disembarked the train I noticed I was on a really sketchy platform that had hardly anyone on it. The only person on the platform was a couple of homeless man who peeing against the far wall, so I tried to get out of there as fast as I could. Then when I got out onto the street I noticed the neighbourhood was really run down and full of graffiti and I think I saw at least six drug deals go down and someone who looked a lot like the local anchorman picking up a prostitute, I'm pretty sure was really a guy.

I thought to myself why would a guy like Finn live in such a rough neighbourhood; but seeing as I now know where you really live, it answers my question. So I finally made my way to what I thought was your address and knocked on the door. Then who should answer…definitely not you…but rather an ancient looking Polish couple with whom I assumed was their son Leon. I tried to tell them I must have the wrong address but they wouldn't let me leave and forced me to stay for dinner. They served me Nozki w galarecie Finn! Nozki w fucking galarecie! Do you know what the hell that is? I had to Google it on the way over here and it literally means 'little feet'. It's a dish of jellied pig or cow feet served with some herbs, carrots and peas. I ate fucking cow or pig feet Finn! I don't know which farm animal it ended up being…but what matters is I ate their fucking feet Finn; do you realise how disgusting that is?" Cried Emma as she hugged Finn even tighter. "I pretty sure they were trying to marry me off to their son Leon. They kept asking me where my parents lived so they could send my dad the proper dowry!"

"I can't even imagine Emma" replied Finn as he looked over at Puck and Rachel and gave them a weird look, as Puck was dry heaving after hearing about what Emma ate and the weird satisfied smirk that was on Rachel's face.

"At least you know you would kickass on Fear Factor or Survivor!" quipped Puck once he had recovered from gagging at Emma's meal.

"Not helping Puck!" snipped Finn as both Emma and Finn shot Puck with extreme death glares. "So how did you end up finding out where I live?" asked Finn as he turned back to comforting Emma.

"Well I was all set to give up and just go home or to the nearest ER to get my stomach pumped; but then I remembered Puck saying you lived within walking distance of Central Park. I caught the next train to the nearest subway stop to Central Park and then I walked around for a while asking people if they knew where Finn Hudson lived. After running off from a gentleman who I unfortunately asked if he knew where you lived and he just smirked before flashing me his rather hairy and plump naked body; I ended up bumping into a lovely old guy selling hot dogs. I got talking to this man, who asked why I was asking strange men in and around Central Park questions; and I said who I was and that I was looking for where Finn Hudson lived. To my utter surprise he said he was a good friend of yours and told me your address, hence why I'm here now retelling you my story of woe." Concluded Emma as Rachel subtly punched Puck for unintentionally helping Emma before shaking her head that her ultimate downfall was at the hands of Finns bottomless pit of a stomach and his weird addiction to the hotdogs sold by the grizzly old man Reggie outside Central Park.

"That must have been Reggie my hotdog guy. He has the best Chilli Cheese Dogs in all of New York City. Damn Reggie saves the day again…what can't that old guy do?" boasted Finn.

"Better watch out Berry, it looks like Finn has a hard-on for the hotdog guy! Hey Finn, has that old guy ever asked you to put your hotdog in his bun?" teased Santana.

"My God, Santana! Someone, somewhere just choked on their hotdog, after that crude statement!" chastised Quinn.

"Funnily enough that's always what Finn says after eating a hotdog from strange guy in Central Park! How about it Finn is the old dude more than a mouthful?" teased Santana further; as everyone unanimously all cried out, "EWWW!" at Santana's lewd comments.

"Hey, if you guys keep opening doors for me, I'm just going to keep walking through them" shrugged an unrepentant Santana.

"Anyway, how lucky is that? That you just somehow managed to stumble across basically the one stranger in all of Central Park that would know where I live. It's a freaking Halloween miracle! Hey Rach, isn't it great all your hope and belief in Halloween got us a freaking miracle!" exclaimed a giddy Finn.

"Yay…Halloween miracle…yay me…" Rachel very unenthusiastically cheered in response to Finn's proclamation of a Halloween miracle.

"Next time I see old Reggie you can believe I'm going to leave that old dude one hell of a huge tip!" added a happy Finn.

While Rachel muttered under her breath, "Fucking Reggie the bloody hotdog guy…I hope you choke on one of your artery clogging hotdogs you old bastard!"

"Do you say something Rach?" asked Finn looking up at her from the couch.

"I just can't believe…I mean I really, really, really can't believe out of all the millions of people wandering around on the streets of New York City, Emma managed to bump into the only guy who is still selling hotdogs at nine thirty at night…Yay Reggie!" answered Rachel through gritted teeth.

"I know right! Like I said it's a Halloween miracle!" yelled an ecstatic Finn before jumping off the couch and adding, "We need to celebrate…come on guys I have the perfect song…let's sing!"

Finn ran over to the small stage area they had set up and started getting everything ready as the rest of the guys in the band slowly made their way over. Rachel also made her way over and sat down to watch her man rock out on the drums. But what she didn't expect was her rival Emma to sit down beside her and start a conversation.

"I know we don't really know each other Rebekah but I would really like to be your friend; and I guess I'd just really like to thank you for inviting me tonight." Stated Emma.

"To be fair I didn't really invite you, Finn did; and once again my names Rachel." Replied Rachel who was trying her best to be civil and curb her primal instincts to leap across the couch and rip Emma's obvious hair extensions out and then beat her with them.

"That's just so Finn…don't you think?" asked Emma sweetly as she stood up and for the first time that night removed her coat to reveal her costume or a better way of describing it would be lack of a costume.

For there she stood stretching before throwing her coat over the back of the couch in an extremely skimpy and tight Catwoman costume; that was completed with a pair of cat ears she pulled out of her coat pocket. The costume was reminiscent of the one Halle Berry wore in the critically panned movie of the same name. It was even ripped in all the right places that showed off a heap of skin yet still managed to hide everything important. Just as she was putting the cat ears on her head she dropped them and bent over at the waist to pick them up causing basically everybody in the room to stop what they were doing and stare. That included all the guys in the band especially Puck and Finn and also Santana and Dani who all stood there amazed at the sight of this woman bending over in the skimpiest of costumes.

How long does it take to pick up a pair of fucking cat ears thought Rachel angrily as Emma was still bent at the waist showing her arse off to the world. The spectacle was finally broken when an extremely loud squealing noise erupted from Pucks amplifier because in his drooling and ogling state he didn't notice his guitar pressing up against the amp. Now that the spell was broken Emma managed to pick up her fallen cat ears and straighten herself up before sitting back down next to Rachel on the couch. "Hot Damn!" muttered Santana to herself as both she and Dani fanned themselves down after the little show put on by a smirking Emma.

Blaine loudly coughed into the microphone to regain everyone's attention before speaking. "Umm, anyway here's our newest song once again written by Finn who said he was inspired by Rachel's obsessive love for Halloween." Rachel looked touched that she had inspire Finn to write a song and looked over at her six foot four hunk of a man and was glad she was sitting down when she saw him throw her a panty dropping wink. Which was made even better because Emma who was still sitting within close proximity saw it play out all the way to Rachel mouthing a suggestive 'I love you' back to Finn as he smirked and then started playing the drums…

Watch a horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Shockin' me right out of my brain

Shockin' me right out of my brain

Rachel smirked to herself as she could hear Emma let out a loud humph as Finn continued to throw Rachel suggestive glances throughout the entire first verse of the song.

Watch horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Shockin' me right out of my brain

Shockin' me right out of my brain

It's bound to get ya in, get ya under your skin

Hit you right on the chin, oh yeah

It's bound to be a thriller, it's bound to be a chiller

It's bound to be a killer, oh yeah

But Rachel's victory was short lived when Emma started trying to get into Finn' line of sight and started pulling her shoulders back and pushing out her chest. Fuck you bitch thought Rachel to herself as she murmured that two can play at that game; as she proceed to roll up her suit pants leg up to the knee and pretend to tie her shoe. Rachel almost started laughing again as she saw Finn almost drooling as he stared at the expanse of leg she was showing while completely ignoring Emma's sizeable chest. Should of done your research bitch, laughed Rachel internally as she continued to use the fact that Finn was a self professed leg-man especially when it came to Rachel.

Watch a horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Shockin' me right out of my brain

Shockin' me right out of my brain

The planes are a-crashin', the cars are a-smashin'

They come for a-bashin', oh yeah

The kids are a-fightin', the fires are a-lighti'

The dogs are a-bitin', oh yeah

Meanwhile Finn was oblivious as per usual to the silent war going on between Emma and Rachel for his affection. Yet Puck could plainly see everything going down and almost had to jump off stage a couple of times to stop Rachel from trying to strangle Emma. But it wasn't only Puck who was watching the goings-on between the two girls because Santana was also keeping a close eye on the proceedings between Rachel and Emma.

Watch a horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Horror movie right there on my TV

Shockin' me right out of my brain

Shockin' me right out of my brain

You think it's just a movie on a silver screen

And they're all actors and fake each scene

Maybe you don't care whose gonna lose or win

Listen to this and I'll tell you somethin'

It's a horror movie right there on my tv

Horror movie right there on my tv

Horror movie and there's known abuse

Horror movie, it's the six-thirty news

Horror movie, it's the six-thirty news

The public's waitin' for the killin' and the hatin'

Switch on the station, oh yeah

They do a lot a-sellin' 'tween the firin' and the yellin'-a, oh yeah

It's a horror movie right there on my tv

Horror movie right there on my tv

Horror movie and there's known abuse

Horror movie, it's the six-thirty news

Horror movie, it's the six-thirty news

Shockin' me right out of my brain

The song came to an end both Rachel and Emma leapt off the couch and started cheering loudly for the band and especially Finn. The two girls were making such a spectacle of themselves that everyone was looking at them strangely even Finn. Who after packing away his drumsticks came over and gave Rachel a big hug.

"You were amazing as usual Finn!" boasted Rachel as she kissed Finn passionately while running a hand down his back to his buttocks and squeezing.

Rachel's butt squeeze made Finn jump as he looked at his tiny girlfriend like she was possessed. "RACHEL!" yelped Finn looking around to see if anyone had seen Rachel's friskiness.

"What?" asked Rachel back playfully; "I can't help if my man is so squeezable," continued Rachel as she once again tried to squeeze Finn's derriere.

Finn reluctantly removed Rachel's wandering hands as Emma sidled up beside him, "An epic performance Finn, but then again I wouldn't expect anything less from a professional such as yourself."

"Thanks Emma." Finn politely replied back.

"You know I didn't realise until now how good a drummer has to be with his hands. That must come in handy in a lot of other areas other than music…am I right Raquel?" asked Emma as she blatantly eyed Finn up and down imagining Finn using his hands in the exact way she was openly suggesting.

Rachel rolled her eyes before smirking and holding onto Finn tight, "You have no idea!" quipped Rachel saucily. "Let's just say when my Finny's around I have absolutely no need for Bob." Added Rachel delighted in the way Emma's smirk fell of her face.

"WHO THE FUCK IS BOB RACHEL?" demanded Finn who funnily enough was striking a pose eerily similar to a Rachel Berry pose in his Cher costume.

"Don't worry Finny, BOB is just an acronym" soothed Rachel.

Finn scrunched up his forehead in a way Rachel still found absolutely adorable as he tried to decipher what Rachel had said. "An acronym? An acronym for what?"

"BOB Finn. Stands for Battery Operated Boyfriend." Explained Rachel simply

"Damn straight, I'm better than some hunk of plastic!" stated Finn smugly before whispering to Rachel, "And I bet B.O.B. can't do that thing I know drives you absolutely crazy."

"Amen to that!" Rachel boasted while also blushing. "Hey Finn I have the greatest idea ever! You want to hear it?" squealed Rachel while bouncing up and down and clapping.

"Sure babe" a smirking Finn replied cheerfully because he loved to see his tiny girlfriend full of so much happiness and energy.

"Sing with me…I have the perfect song!" Rachel asked while also dragging Finn towards the small stage regardless of his answer. But who was anyone kidding, when it came to singing with Rachel, Finn's answer was always going to be yes.

Rachel refused to show Finn what song they were singing until the music started playing. So while Rachel was busy preparing the music, Finn busied himself prepping the mikes. Rachel sauntered over to Finn and gave him a flirty wink as she smiled at the fact Finn had prepared and given her, her favourite pink bedazzled microphone. "Ready Finny?"

"Always babe!" came Finn's automatic reply, and then it was his turn to smile as the music Rachel had prepared earlier started playing. At the sound of music and the sight of Rachel and Finn preparing to sing brought the rapt attention of the partygoers as they all gathered around eager to witness another epic Finchel duet.

FINN:

They say we're young and we don't know

We won't find out until we grow

RACHEL:

Well I don't know if all that's true

'Cause you got me, and baby I got you

RACHEL:

Babe

FINN/RACHEL:

I got you babe I got you babe

FINN:

They say our love won't pay the rent

Before it's earned, our money's all been spent

RACHEL:

I guess that's so, we don't have a pot

But at least I'm sure of all the things we got

It was plain to see for all the partygoers and even a very reluctant Emma the intense and intimate musical connection and chemistry shared between Finn and Rachel. The messages and stories they could tell just by a simple look or body movement was remarkable. When they sing together Finn and Rachel's best instrument ironically isn't there amazing voices, it's them as a pair. Hearing Rachel sing is wonderful and seeing Finn sing or play the drums is great, but the combination of the two musically is a mind-blowing mix of crackling emotions and raw talent.

RACHEL:

Babe

FINN/RACHEL:

I got you babe I got you babe

RACHEL:

I got flowers in the spring I got you to wear my ring

FINN:

And when I'm sad, you're a clown

And if I get scared, you're always around

So let them say your hair's too long

'Cause I don't care, with you I can't go wrong

RACHEL:

Then put your little hand in mine

There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb

Babe

FINN/RACHEL:

I got you babe I got you babe

RACHEL:

I got you to hold my hand

Rachel was loving every minute of singing with Finn. Not only because of their epic musical chemistry; but also because it was making Emma furious to know that no matter what she tried, Finn always seemed to choose Rachel. So she put extra emphasis on each word because the words and meaning of this particular song resonated strongly with her and her relationship with Finn. Cause just like the song says, no matter about what other people say, I've got you babe to love, hold and kiss goodnight; and frankly that is all Rachel needed.

FINN:

I got you to understand

RACHEL:

I got you to walk with me

FINN:

I got you to talk with me

RACHEL:

I got you to kiss goodnight

FINN:

I got you to hold me tight

RACHEL:

I got you, I won't let go

FINN:

I got you to love me so

FINN/RACHEL:

I got you babe

I got you babe

I got you babe

I got you babe

I got you babe

The song came to a finish as everyone but Emma loudly applauded Finn and Rachel's epic performance. The two star-crossed lovers looked longingly into one another's eyes as Finn reached up and wiped away a single tear that had fallen from Rachel's large brown eyes.

"Why the tears gorgeous?" asked a concerned Finn.

"I just can't believe even after all this time you that you understand me so well and I don't even have to say a word. I can feel you every time we sing; it's almost like when we connect musically, I can feel our tether strengthening. It's just unbelievable at times to believe that this is reality and not some euphoric dream or fantasy. I guess I just don't want what we have to ever end." An emotional Rachel tried to explain.

"Well you better start believing it babe, because just like the song says; I've got you babe and you got me and I don't plan on letting go anytime soon. So I hope you learn to love the wrinkly old man look I plan on rocking in my senior years," joked Finn causing Rachel to laugh through her tears.

"Only if you promise to still find my wrinkly, gravity affected old lady body hot at the same time." Rachel joked back.

"That's an easy promise to make. I can already tell your going to look super sexy in a pair of giant granny panties." Quipped Finn making Rachel snort in laughter as he continued on, "Where going to be that old couple that they keep having to separate in the nursing home, because were making out too much." Which caused Rachel to laugh even harder.

"FINN STOP IT! I'M GOING TO PEE MY PANTS!" laughed Rachel, before controlling herself, "There's only one problem with your theory, Mr. Hudson."

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

"I can tell you right now that there's no way I'm letting our children put us in a nursing home! Our children will love us so much that they wont consider it a burden to look after us both well into old age. Also there's no way in hell that anyone is going to be separating us now or in the future…not under my watch!" Stated Rachel as she dried her eyes.

"Damn straight Hummingbird!" replied Finn as he pulled Rachel into a tight hug. "Just in case your plan about our kids loving us so much doesn't pan out maybe we could share a house with Quinn and Puck. It would just be like a real life version of the Golden Girls only some of us would be male!"

"Finn! What do you know about the Golden Girls?" asked Rachel as she looked up into the eyes of the man who had tethered himself tightly to her heart.

"Well I did grow up with Kurt Hummel so I'm not afraid to admit that I have watched multiple seasons of the iconic show. But I can just see it now Rach, you and me in our orthopaedic shoes and matching walkers spending our days complaining about the youth of today as we share gummy kisses because neither of us could be bothered putting our dentures in. Then Quinn and Puck would still be arguing all the time and Puck would still be trying to prove his got it by hitting on our sixty-eight year home nurse. While Quinn would be sitting there rolling her eyes at everyone in all her distinguished glory."

"Oh dear God please no!" Rachel mock protested.

"Point is, is that its you and me until the end of time!" explained Finn.

"If you say so" Rachel spoke back.

"Hey, that's my line!" Finn faked pouted.

"No Finn, it's our line" Rachel replied in all seriousness.

Even though Finn and Rachel were in there own little bubble they weren't the only ones privy to the conversation. Only a few feet away stood Puck as he watched Emma staring at Finchel world population two. Not having the heart to watch Emma stare forlornly at the in-love couple of Finn and Rachel, Puck decided it was time for a few home truths.

"Do you get it now, Emma?" asked Puck as he shook Emma from her staring but only mildly as she managed to at least keep one eye on Finn and Rachel at all times.

"Get what Puck?" snipped Emma never taking her eyes off the amorous couple, except to roll her eyes at Puck.

"That!" stated Puck simply as he pointed out to Emma, Finn and Rachel dancing together amidst all the partygoers to their own silent song as everyone else danced along to the dance music.

"Wow, people dancing how exciting!" Emma faked cheered totally missing the obvious point Puck was trying to make out of spite.

"Please, I know you may be blind when it comes to Finn, but even a blind man can see that those two belong together. They're as obvious as Pizza and beer, Oreos and milk, bread and butter…"

"So they look cute together, so what?" interrupted an irritated Emma.

"Your still not getting it are you?" queried a frustrated Puck as he tugged at the overalls of his costume. "Have you actually noticed that for the whole time you've been here Finn has paid you no attention, yet whose side has he been by the whole night? RACHEL'S, not yours! What is it going to take to get you to understand you stand no chance with Finn? You're a beautiful woman Emma, why don't you give up this stupid crush you have on Finn. Then actually pursue one of the many men in this huge city I'm sure would be climbing over each other to date you." Reasoned Puck genuinely.

Emma seemed to consider what Puck said for a while and Puck for a second actually thought he had finally got through to Emma. But that moment was short lived when Emma shrugged it off and turned to Puck and with a conspiratorial wink launched her counter argument. "That's nice and all Puckerman, but it's all just…so high school. Finn's a man now in a thriving successful career and such a man needs an equally thriving successful woman. Which if you haven't guessed it already is me and I'm going to prove it. Just sit back and watch my performance Puck."

Emma started marching off towards the stage area when a completely flabbergasted Puck called out. "He already has a thriving successful woman. Rachel's a rising star on Broadway for God's sake!"

"Please! Broadway is where the actors who weren't good enough for Hollywood go to earn a few bucks!" called Emma back as she hopped up onto the stage and selected her song and everyone started gathering around to watch.

"Hi everyone in case you don't know me I'm Emma and I work with the wonderfully talented Mr. Finn Hudson. I know this is a Halloween party so I that's why decided to quicken things up a bit with this classic. Also it's dedicated to my amazing and extremely cute producer. Finn…this one's for you!" declared Emma as she cued up the music.

A stunned Rachel looked over at Puck and silent asked what the hell was going on? All Puck could do was give Rachel an unresponsive shrug back as the music to Emma's song started playing…

Busta Rhymes:

OK (ahh)

Yeah (ahh)

Oh, we about to get it just a lil hot and sweaty in this mu'fucka (oh, baby)

Ladies let's go (uhh)

Soldiers let's go (dolls)

Let me talk to y'all and just you know

Give you a little situation... listen (fellas)

Everyone looked around awkwardly as Emma started dancing very suggestively while staring at Finn the whole time. Who was sitting there like a kid who was having that nightmare about doing a talk in front of the entire school before he eventually realises he's buck-naked. A nearby Rachel was busy doing her best to whittle a shiv out of a left over kebab skewer.

Buster Rhymes:

Pussycat Dolls

Ya see this shit get hot

Every time I come through when I step up in the spot (are you ready)

Make the place sizzle like a summertime cookout

Prowl for the best chick

Yes I'm on the lookout (let's dance)

Slow banging shorty like a belly dancer with it

Smell good, pretty skin, so gangsta with it (oh, baby)

No tricks only diamonds under my sleeve

Gimme the number

But make sure you call before you leave

Emma:

I know you like me (I know you like me)

I know you do (I know you do)

That's why whenever I come around

She's all over you (she's all over you)

I know you want it (I know you want it)

It's easy to see (it's easy to see)

And in the back of your mind

I know you should be on with me (babe)

Emma started dancing slowly over to where Finn was sitting as Rachel calculated the hundred and one different ways she could murder Emma with a home made shiv. While Puck tried to subtly move all the dangerous and sharp objects away from Rachel's reach as everyone else looked on wondering what the hell was going on. Rachel was somehow managing to keep her homicidal rage at bay, until Emma got to the chorus of the song.

[Chorus:]

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?

Don't cha?

Don't cha?

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was raw like me?

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was fun like me?

Don't cha?

Don't cha?

Fight the feeling (fight the feeling)

Leave it alone (leave it alone)

'Cause if it ain't love

It just ain't enough to leave my happy home (my happy home)

Let's keep it friendly (let's keep it friendly)

You have to play fair (you have to play fair)

See I don't care

But I know she ain't gonna wanna share

[Chorus:]

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?

Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?

Just as Emma went to start singing the chorus once again which surely would've assured her, Rachel's homemade kebab shiv to the face. Puck snuck around to behind the stage and ripped the cords out making the music come to an abrupt halt. Emma stopped mid dance and just like everyone looked around wondering what happened to the music. Rachel meanwhile looked over and saw Puck trying to sneak out from behind the other side of the stage. A touched Rachel made her way over to Puck and said. "Thanks from stopping me from committing first degree murder Noah"

"Don't sweat it my Jewish American Princess. Besides Team Jew have to look out for each other!" replied Puck as he and Rachel shared a secret handshake before pretending to throw back a shot before yelling, "MAZEL TOV!"

"As for you committing first degree murder, you just don't have the balls fortunately Berry." Stated Puck as he eyed Rachel dressed as Sonny Bono. "The best you could probably do would be justifiable homicide." Quipped Puck as he nudged Rachel playfully.

"Charming Noah…real charming!" replied Rachel as she playfully rolled her eyes. "I could too murder someone, especially a slut like Emma!"

"Whoa, easy killer! Go like our Jewish forefathers and walk it off; just don't take forty days and nights, cause we managed to stop her just in time." Quipped Puck once again as he and Rachel watched an eager to get out of an awkward situation Finn jump off the couch and go over and turned the main lights back on.

"Don't worry folks, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. It's probably just a blown fuse. I'll go check the fuse box in the basement and we'll have the party going again in no time." Declared Finn as he quickly made his way out the door and into the foyer.

Puck ran through the crowd of people and just managed to catch up with Finn. As he and Blaine who was dressed as one half of Thing 1 and 2 from the Cat in the Hat books by Dr. Seuss were about to walk out the door and head down to the basement.

"Finn wait!"

Finn and Blaine stopped and turned around seeing Puck and Rachel come to a sliding halt in front of them. "What do you want Puck? Blaine and I were about to head down to the basement to fix the power."

"What are you taking Warbler for?" Puck tried to stall.

"Cause he spent summers working at his uncles electricians business; so he might be able to help if something other than a blown fuse is the problem." Answered Finn.

"Why don't you let Blaine go then Finny and then you and me can go someplace quiet." Asked Rachel as she tried to persuade Finn from going into the basement and finding out nothing was wrong.

"As tempting as that is babe wasn't it you who said that we have to be good hosts. So as a good host it's my responsibility to fix the power and save your party."

"Now he bloody listens to me!" grumbled Rachel under her breath

Just as Finn and Blaine once again turned to head out the door, Puck blurted out, "The basement's haunted!"

Everyone stopped and slowly turned to look at Puck thinking he had finally lost his damn mind. "What the hell are you talking about now Puckerman?" snipped an annoyed Blaine.

"I didn't want to say anything as I know how freaked out my main man Finny-D gets over ghosts. But when I was down there the other day I saw something I just can't explain. I was down there when all of a sudden the lights started flickering and that's when I saw it…"

"Saw what?" asked a freaked out Finn.

"There are more important questions to be answered Finn. For example how do you believe in ghosts and secondly the lights flickering is probably because the wiring in this place hasn't been updated since they opened…case closed!" stated Blaine.

"No, I think Noah might be on to something; whenever I'm down there I feel like I'm being watched!" butted in Rachel while trying to sound scared.

"That was probably just that weirdo from number 506 who's always staring at you!" rebutted Blaine.

"WHO THE HELL IS THE GUY FROM NUMBER 506 AND WHY IS HE ALWAYS WATCHING MY GIRL BLAINE?" shouted Finn who was quickly morphing into overprotective boyfriend mode.

"Easy Finny, he doesn't always stare at me and anyway he's like eighty. But you haven't answered Blaine's question yet Finn; why do you believe in ghosts?" said Rachel while trying to reassure Finn no one was planning on doing anything to her.

Finn got a far away look on his face as he remembered that night all those years ago when he first became a believer in the supernatural. He took in a large breath and started, "Well it all began when I was around five or so, oddly enough it was also Halloween…"

---

A five-year-old Finn was busy bouncing up and down on his bed, his cowboy sheets that matched his wallpaper thrown onto the floor. He was supposed to be sleeping but after he and his best buddy ever Puck scored a once in a lifetime candy haul from their trick or treating adventures earlier in the night. Little Finn was currently still riding the wave of his epic sugar rush after Puck dared him to see how many candy bars he could eat in five minutes. Which is why he was currently bouncing all over the place instead of doing as he was told and sleeping.

Carol smiled to herself from the doorway as she watched her precious little boy using his bed as a trampoline. In his little mind he was fantasising that he was just like the Hulk or Superman or any of the other superheroes he loved to watch in his early morning cartoons. Carole entered the room and grabbed the bouncing child midair, "And what do we have here, huh?" asked Carole as she tickled her now laughing and squirming son.

"Mummy…please…no more…my bellies full of chocolate!" wheezed out a young Finn through fits of laughter.

"I know," answered Carole putting her young son back down on the bed and under the covers. "You know you don't have to do everything Noah tells you right Finny?"

"But mamma, Puck is my bestest friend" explained a young Finn as if that explained everything.

"I know, but you also have to be your own man as well Finny. Remember don't be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same as everyone else. Okay?"

"Okay" muttered a yawning Finn who as it seems was starting to come down from his sugar high.

"Time for bed baby boy" smiled Carole as she tucked a dozing off Finn into bed. Just before she turned off the light Carole spoke once again, "Finny always remember what Dr. Seuss always says…"

"I know mamma. He says…" and then a young Carole and a five year old Finn recited a quote from the legendary children's author. "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

"Mamma that Dr. Sauce speaks funny" chuckled an extremely tired Finn.

"It's Dr. Seuss and I know he does Finny. Goodnight sweet prince! Mummy just going to be in the other room with Gary her friend from the rec centre." said Carole as she turned out the light before giving Finn a kiss on the forehead.

"Okay Mummy…goodnight." Replied Finn as he started to doze off as Carole quietly left the room.

A Couple of hours later…

Finn woke up feeling queasy in his stomach as he thought to himself that maybe his mum was right about it being a bad idea to guts himself on his Halloween candy. Not knowing what to do because he was struggling to get back to sleep, he decided to head out to the kitchen and get a drink.

After hopping out of his cowboy bed little Finn slipped on his Yoda slippers and ninja turtle sleeping gown before heading off in search of a drink of water. Finn had just reached the kitchen and had pulled over a kitchen chair so he could reach for his favourite cup when he heard the weird noises. There was moaning and other weird noises that sounded like someone was doing something that required a lot of effort.

Since his mum had always told him he was the man of the house; Finn decided that it was his job to protect his mummy by investigating what these strange noises were. So he grabbed his small baseball bat that Carole had gotten him last Christmas and proceeded to silently tiptoe down the hallway. As he got closer to the strange sounds Finn realised they were coming from his mummy's room. Fearing his mummy might be in danger little Finn quickly forgot about the rule of not going into his mummy's room when she has guests over and barged in.

What he saw next shocked little Finn to his very core. All he could see were the sheets of his mummy's bed seemingly moving by themselves. Finn stood there in a trance like state just watching when he was snapped back to reality by once again hearing the strange noises.

"Mummy?" asked little Finn timidly

Carole quickly shot her head above the covers and saw her little Finn standing there with his ninja turtle-sleeping gown wrapped tightly around him clutching his baseball bat. "Shi…I mean Finn what are you doing out of bed?" Carole quickly recovered to avoid swearing in front of her son.

"I heard strange noises and I wanted to see if you were alright." Answered five-year-old Finn.

"Mummy's fine Finny just go back to bed baby boy!" Carole quickly replied back.

"Can you read me a story to help me get back to sleep?"

"Mummies a little busy at the moment Finny!" Carole answered back as Finn saw the bed sheets moving again.

"Mummy what's that in your bed?" asked the inquisitive Finn.

Carole didn't have a clue what to say to her young son who still idolised his late father. When all of a sudden the bed sheet lifted up off the bed and turned to look at Finn and said in a deep voice. "Arghh! I'm the ghost of Forty Winks! Who goes there?"

A petrified Finn didn't no what to do so he stood silently rooted to the spot. When the spectre spoke again. "I said who goes there disturbing my slumber?"

"J…jus…just me F…Finn" stuttered out a scared Finn.

"FINN! LEAVE NOW! Or I'll send the Sandman to curse you to one hundred nights of slumber!" boomed the apparent ghost of Forty Winks.

That was enough for a terrified Finn as he dropped his bat and hightailed it out of the room and sprinted down the hall to his room. Where he flung open the door and slammed it closed before barricading it with his small toy chest. Finn flung his small body under his covers but not before grabbing his Batman flashlight just incase the scary ghost of Forty Winks came back….

---

"…And ever since that day I've studied up and researched everything I could about ghosts and the supernatural. Just in case that thing ever came back," finished Finn after retelling his traumatic story.

You could've heard a pin drop as the entire room was silent after listening to Finn's story. Everyone was looking at the person beside them wondering if they should tell him the truth. That it wasn't a ghost he saw that night but rather his mother getting freaky with some random guy. Finn being his usual loveable but oblivious self didn't understand why everyone had suddenly gotten quiet. "What?" asked Finn using all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

As per usual when it came to explaining things it fell to Rachel to break the news to Finn as everyone else was silently refusing to go near the topic. So Rachel motioned for Finn to bend down to her level and she whispered in his ear. The look on Finn's face as Rachel had finished whispering was like if you had told his five-year-old self that the Easter bunny, tooth fairy and Santa Claus had all been killed. Finn's face swept through basically every emotion known to man before he managed to sputter out, "What? No…wait…ewww, that's my mum Rach…I'm sure your mistaken…who thought of this, Puck?"

"Not just Noah, baby but…well I guess everyone except you." Clarified Rachel lovingly as she rubbed her boyfriends back soothingly.

"So there was no Ghost of Forty Winks?" queried a still skeptical Finn.

"Sorry Finny but no there wasn't." Rachel answered honestly.

"Why didn't she just tell me? I mean ever since that night to get me to go to sleep straight away she would tell me if I got out of bed the Ghost of Forty Winks would come and get me. I almost had a heart attack back in junior year when Puck and I had to work at Sheets 'N' Things being surrounded by so much bedding!" lamented Finn.

"She was probably just highly embarrassed Finn. I know I would be if our five-year-old son caught us having sex. I mean what are you supposed to say if that happens?"

"You and frankenteen better start rehearsing your answer now or at the very least saving up all your spare pennies for a damn good therapist. Cause we all know all your kids are going to witness as the show choir social commentators labeled it as the T-Rex eating the Jew every single damn day." Quipped Santana, which earned affirmative head, nods from everyone else.

"I didn't regret the superman of kisses back when it happened Santana and I still don't regret I today!" stated Finn before adding, "It's been what four years Santana, build a damn bridge and get over it!"

"WHATEVER FRANKENTURD!" Santana snapped back before mumbling, "It's not as fun to mess with you now that your confident enough to throw shit back at me."

"Did you say something Santana?" asked Finn with a smirk on his face.

"I said that your embarrassing cross dressers everywhere because on of your boobs is crooked!"

"Oh!" Finn looked down and indeed one of the taped on fun size toy basketballs he decided to use as boobs had slipped down the front of his costume. "How the hell do you girls wear these things?" groaned Finn as he struggled to stuff the stray fake mammary back into the bra that came with the costume.

"Here! Let me do it! Your all hands Finn, you have to be gentle yet firm and caress them back into place." Explained Puck as he expertly manoeuvred Finn's errant boob back inside the bra. After he had finished stuffing Finn's fake boobie back in place both Puck and Finn looked up and saw everyone staring at them and chuckling. "WHAT?" asked both Puck and Finn.

"Do we need to ask how you know so much about women's undergarments Puck?" teased Quinn.

Puck just smirked before quipping back, "All I'll say Quinny is they don't call me the Sex Shark for nothing!"

"Anyway I'm going down to check the fuses in the basement, I'll be back soon baby." Stated Finn as he kissed Rachel on the forehead before heading out the door and down into the basement.

Rachel and Puck knowing that there was no fuse to fix in the basement simply plugged the power back in and got the party restarted. With the music back on, Rachel was quickly pulled back out onto the dance floor by Kurt and Blaine. Rachel decided to just go with it while she waited for Finn to get back. Which shouldn't be to long considering there was nothing to fix; but what Rachel and Puck didn't see was Emma sneaking out the door and stealthily making her way down to the basement in search of Finn.

---

Finn had been searching around in the basement for the better part of half an hour trying to find where the fuse box was for the building. So far he'd found so many random things it wasn't funny and from the stuff he'd uncovered Finn was pretty sure the buildings maintenance man was a kleptomaniac. Wanting to just hurry up and get the fuse fixed so he could get back to the party and to Rachel, Finn decided to use some of his unique Finn thinking. Which meant as he walked around the room he kept thinking if I was a fuse where would I be hiding. Finn wasn't having much luck even with trying to think like a fuse when he tripped on some cords and in the process of righting himself knocked over some boxes. Despite hearing at least several things breaking inside the knocked over boxes, Finn internally rejoiced because he had finally located the fuse box which had been hiding behind the boxes.

After carefully removing the rest of the boxes and taking a mental note to talk to maintenance about the repercussions of creating a potential fire hazard by stacking boxes against live electrical wiring. Finn carefully pulled the door of the fuse box open and shined his torch inside. Well this was interesting by the looks of things all the fuses were still intact, which meant the power should still be active. Finn smirked to himself as he now realised why Rachel and Puck were trying so hard to stop him from going down to the basement. The sound of a door opening and closing from somewhere behind him sent Finn's senses into a heightened state of alertness as he struggled to see much of anything through the dark and dank lighting of the basement.

"Hello" Finn tried to call out as confidently as possible because even though he now knew his childhood ghost experience was really just him witnessing his mum getting it on; he still couldn't help but still be a little freaked out by the possibility of the supernatural.

Finn's greeting was met by the haunting sound of silence when he heard what sounded like footsteps. Thinking it was Puck or more likely Rachel trying to play another Halloween prank on him, Finn called out. "IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK RACHEL! I'M ONTO YOUR GAMES, SO JUST COME OUT ALREADY!"

Once again Finn was met by the sound of silence as he continued to scan the room in search of the source of the noise. Finn swung his torch around to try and highlight what or who was making the noise. Shining the torch around the basement failed to produce a culprit, but what it did produce were a whole heap of shadows darting to and fro throughout the basement. Deciding he had spent enough time in the basement Finn decided to hightail it out of there; but as soon as he turned around he got the shock of his life…

"BOO!" shouted the as yet to be identified individual.

Finn was so shocked he honestly could've of peed his pants, until he realised who had scared him. "HOLY HELL! Emma you scared the crap out of me; what are you doing down here?"

"You were taking forever so I decided to see what was keeping you. Then when I saw you I just couldn't resist scaring you. It is Halloween after all Finn and everyone needs a good scare on Halloween." Stated Emma as if she was quoting the gospel.

"Thanks…I guess" replied Finn who didn't really have the heart to tell Emma that he had already received his annual Halloween scare from Rachel earlier.

"Why the long face Cher?" quipped a smirking Emma.

"Nothing's wrong I just want to get out of this dank and dingy basement and hurry back so I can spend more time with Rachel."

---

Meanwhile back at the party Rachel had spent the past hour dancing with Blaine and Kurt as well as hitting the dance floor with Santana, Quinn and Dani. It was after she had finally managed to pull herself away long enough to get a drink to quench her thirst that she noticed that along with her six foot four boyfriend that a certain gorgeous blonde usurper was also missing.

"That bitch!" Rachel murmured to herself as she decided to go in search of her boyfriend and she was sure that when she found Finn that she would also find Emma.

Puck also managed to pull himself away from the party when he saw Rachel marching off towards the door. "Where's the fire Berry?" Puck tried to joke but it fell flat as he saw the murderous look on Rachel's face. He stepped in front of her just

Before she reached the door.

"I'm off to put a stop to that bitch Emma's charade Noah; so kindly move the hell out of my way, because there will be blood!" warned an angry Rachel.

"Whoa, ease up and retract the claws little miss psycho! I have the utmost faith in my man Finny-D and he would never cheat on you. I'm actually surprised you don't have the same faith, Berry." Questioned Puck.

"Please! I trust Finn; it's that skank Emma that I don't trust. Now like I said before move it or lose it Noah it's time I show Miss Emma just how crazy Rachel Berry can be!"

"Fine, I'll move out of the road but only on one condition. Before you go all terminator on Emma, promise me that you'll at least try and let Finn handle the situation on his own. Cause I can promise you that given the chance Finn will always do the right thing; not only because it's the right thing to do but also because that's just the man he is. He has a strength inside him that has been dying to get out his entire life. The only times I've seen it make an appearance is when he's with you and the other is when he's drumming and performing. So believe me when I say Finn's not going to do anything to jeopardise what he has with you." Stated Puck honestly.

Rachel demeanour instantly calmed down as she saw the honesty in what Puck was saying. "You really believe in Finn don't you Noah?" replied Rachel with a smile on her face.

"Of course I believe in Finn, I've always believed in Finn! He is the example of the man I want to eventually be one day. I grew up for most of my life without a father but I still know the man I want to be and how a man should act, all because I was friends with Finn Hudson. So I'll believe in him until the day I die because he always believed in me even during the times when I didn't deserve it his belief in me never wavered."

"Aww, that's so sweet Noah! And just so you know your well on your way to becoming that same man as Finn." Replied Rachel as she smiled up at Puck.

"Alright let's stop this emotional girlie chit chat, before our cycles sync up" shuddered Puck, "and let's go find Finn."

Puck and Rachel slipped quietly out of the party in search of Finn and Emma leaving everyone else dancing and partying the night away.

---

Meanwhile back in the basement Finn and Emma were still metaphorically dancing around each other. With Finn actions imitating a scared animal looking for anyway out as they are closed in on by a predator. While Emma more resembled the predator as she slinked back and forth almost toying with her food before she ate it. It was the stereotypical story of survival against an apex predator playing out through conversation between two people in the basement.

"Finn, can I ask why Rachel?" questioned Emma as she moved even closer to Finn and he tried to move even further back.

"So you do know her name?" quipped Finn as he saw Emma playfully hold up her hands in a you caught me motion. "But to answer your question about why Rachel, that was a question I often asked myself back in high school when I was still struggling with my image and who I was. Until I realised I was asking the wrong question instead of asking why Rachel, I really should have been asking, why not Rachel?" Finn started to answer as Emma noticed Puck and Rachel standing at the basement door in the shadows watching.

"I knew she would be down here trying to flirt with Finn!" Rachel harshly whispered to Puck.

"It looks to me more like she's fishing but Finn's not biting…look!" stated Puck as he made Rachel really look at the situation.

Finn was backed into a corner trying to go even further back as Emma kept moving forward cornering him in. Rachel wanted to run over there and slap a bitch, she also couldn't help but smile at the fact Finn wasn't interested or flirting back. Her interest was raised even further when she heard Finn talking about her.

"She's honest almost brutally so sometimes, she's talented beyond compare. I mean have you heard that voice. With her voice even though it's hauntingly beautiful that's not what draws me to it. What draws me to her voice is how it's almost like Morse code or a cipher it contains it's own hidden message meant for only one recipient. Rachel could be singing the phone book and it could write a novel in my heart, our tether is fuelled by music; and I plan to happily spend a lifetime deciphering the enigma that is Rachel Berry.

Have you heard the legend of Helen of Troy and how they said she had a face that could launch a thousand ships?" Emma silently nodded so Finn continued, "Well almost the same could be said for Rachel. She has these huge brown eyes and these smiles that contain so many different tiny minute variations depending on how she's feeling. In an instant I can tell how she's feeling and what she's thinking all from just a look or a smile. When you look into her eyes you realise Shakespeare or whomever it was who said that the eyes are a windows into your soul knew what they were talking about. Just like how they say that a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear; if that's true than Rachel Berry is hands down the most gorgeous woman in the universe. So to answer your question Emma about why Rachel; the simple answer is I wouldn't hesitate to launch a thousand ships for her and even without an army I would spend a lifetime building those ships just to spend one more second with her."

Rachel who was still hiding in the shadows over in the corner with Puck had tears running down her face, truly touched with what Finn had said. Then Puck being Puck had to add his own two cents, "Damn Berry Finn is fully gaga over you!"

"It's called being in love, Noah!" Rachel whispered back while wiping away her tears as her and Puck turned back to watching Finn and Emma.

Finn had managed to get himself out from the corner Emma had backed him into and had started walking over to the door to the basement. Until Emma marched over and stopped him in his tracks, "You can't seriously be telling me your ready to settle down with her? Your only twenty-two Finn!" shouted Emma.

"I'm not telling you anything, your connecting dots all on your own. What I will tell you is this I was ready to marry Rachel back when we were seventeen and eighteen back in high school and my mind hasn't changed on that subject. But this time I'm not rushing anything; I love Rachel and she loves me and that's all that matters at the moment. Marriage and the future will take care of itself because at the moment I just want to live in the moment with my girl." Replied Finn.

"Maybe this will change your mind" Emma replied back as she grabbed Finn and started kissing him.

Rachel who was still watching started to take off ready to throttle Emma but was held back by Puck who whispered in her ear. "Just watch. Remember you promised me you'd let Finn handle this." Rachel calmed down enough for Puck to let her go when he again whispered to her, "Look"

The kiss between Emma and Finn had probably lasted about five seconds before Finn managed to push Emma off him; but if you had asked Rachel she would've told you it lasted a hell of a lot longer. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!" screamed Finn while wiping the remnants of Emma off his mouth.

"I was just showing you what you're missing by throwing your life away." Emma answered back.

"Throwing my life away" Finn muttered to himself while shaking his head. "Look Emma I knew you may have feelings for me but I'd hoped that it was just a crush and nothing else. That's why I ignored Puck and everyone else when they would say you liked me because I believed you were getting love mistaken with friendship."

"This is not some stupid schoolgirl crush Finn! I have real and true feelings for you!" Emma shouted back.

"I believe you do Emma…I really do. It's just that I think those feelings are ones of friendship; at least I know they are from my end. Let me ask you a question, what do you actually know about me?"

"Your Finn Hudson born and raised in Lima, Ohio you went to McKinley High School where you were a part of the national winning glee club, The New Directions. Then you formed a band with your friends and moved to New York where you started a majorly successful record label with Eleanor Knight." Stated Emma.

"That can all be easily read straight from my Wikipedia page. But did you know that my favourite food is my Mother's roast or that I've watched the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises like six hundred times and I may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with George Lucas."

"What's your point Finn?" asked Emma.

"My point is you see Finn Hudson rich, successful record label executive and drummer. What Rachel sees and you don't is Finn Hudson the tall awkward former jock who put's his foot in it more times then he can count. Always forgets to put the toilet seat down and leaves his towel on the bedroom floor. So that's my point, you see the shiny public Finn Hudson, while Rachel sees the true imperfect me and loves me anyway. You can't love something Emma that you know nothing about." Explained Finn truthfully.

"So your saying I'm just confused?"

"No. What I'm saying is we're all connected in one way or another but you have to be able to distinguish between those connections. Some will be friendship, some will be family bonds others will be romantic either way you have to know what to hold onto. There will be a guy out there for you Emma you just have to be open to finding him and let the universe do it's thing; and in the meantime go out and have fun, I'm sure all the available guys of New York would be jumping over each other to date you. Who knows you might just find the one and be married before Rachel and I."

"You're an amazing guy Finn Hudson" Emma spluttered through her tears, "But there's no way I'm settling down before I'm at least thirty."

"Never say never, Emma; God, the universe, fate, whatever you want to call it works in mysterious ways and often gives you the greatest gifts when you least suspect it." Finn answered back while giving a still emotional Emma a hug.

"So friends?" asked Finn as he held out his hand to Emma.

Emma laughed as she wiped away the last of her tears, "Friends" she happily answered back as she shook Finn's hand.

Puck and Rachel having seen enough retreated back up the stairs towards the apartment to once again rejoin the party. "See, I told you that you had nothing to worry about." Puck told Rachel as they entered the apartment.

"Your going to make me say it aren't you Noah?" laughed Rachel.

"Damn right I am!" replied Puck, "So I'm waiting, go ahead Berry."

"Fine! You were right Noah." Giggled Rachel.

"Thanks. Now how about we go out there and show these people how to dance Jewish style!" exclaimed Puck to which Rachel readily agreed before shouting, "TEAM JEW!" AND once again sharing their secret handshake before pretending to throw back a shot before yelling, "MAZEL TOV! " and heading out onto the dance floor.

Back in the basement Finn wrapped his arm around Emma and headed for the basement door. "Come on, there's a party going on upstairs with our names on it and I wouldn't be much of a friend if I left you down here crying. Let's go party like it's on sale for $19.99!"

"Nice Apu from the Simpsons reference Finn, but I agree let's go party!" agreed Emma as they made their way out of the basement. Talking and chatting like old friends as they made their way up the stairs back to Rachel's Halloween party extravaganza.

---

Back at the party everyone had just finished busting a move to the theme from Ghostbusters when Finn made his way to the stage. He picked up a guitar and looked out at the audience full of his friends and colleagues.

"I know this is a Halloween party but for just a minute I'd like to slow it down a bit and do a song for all the couples out there." Stated Finn as he looked directly at Rachel, "As well as those people out there looking for love and thinking it won't happen to them." Continued Finn this time looking directly at Emma. "So here goes…"

Everyone once again gathered around as Finn started strumming a melody on his guitar….

It was only a smile

But my heart it went wild

I wasn't expecting that

Just a delicate kiss

Anyone could've missed

I wasn't expecting that

During the song Rachel silently moved through the crowd and sat down next to Emma. Emma looked over surprised that Rachel was voluntarily sitting next to her. The two women shared a silent look of understanding that spoke volumes as they smiled and sat back to enjoy Finn's performance.

Did I misread the sign?

Your hand slipped into mine

I wasn't expecting that

You spent the night in my bed

You woke up and you said

"Well, I wasn't expecting that!"

I thought love wasn't meant to last

I thought you were just passing through

If I ever get the nerve to ask

What did I get right to deserve somebody like you?

I wasn't expecting that

Finn smiled as he saw Rachel and Emma getting along as well as all the other couples gravitating towards their significant other. Puck was hugging Quinn from behind as they swayed to the gentle strums of Finn's guitar. Kurt and Blaine were sitting snuggled together on the couch opposite Rachel and Emma holding hands as they enjoyed the music. Sam and Mercedes were just simply staring lovingly into each others eyes while Marley sat on Ryder's lap; and finally Santana and Dani were giving each other tiny little kisses as they sat in rapt attention to Finn's performance.

It was only a word

It was almost misheard

I wasn't expecting that

But it came without fear

A month turned into a year

I wasn't expecting that

I thought love wasn't meant to last

Honey, I thought you were just passing through

If I ever get the nerve to ask

What did I get right to deserve somebody like you?

I wasn't expecting that

Oh and isn't it strange

How a life can be changed

In the flicker of the sweetest smile

We were married in spring

You know I wouldn't change a thing

Without that innocent kiss

What a life I'd have missed

If you'd not took a chance

On a little romance

When I wasn't expecting that

Time doesn't take long

Three kids up and gone

I wasn't expecting that

When the nurses they came

Said, "It's come back again"

I wasn't expecting that

Then you closed your eyes

You took my heart by surprise

I wasn't expecting that

The music faded out and the crowd erupted into applause as Finn put his guitar back in it's case. As he turned around he was surprised to see Rachel standing there smiling her megawatt smile at him.

"Hello beautiful" smirked Finn as he wrapped Rachel up in a giant hug.

"Hello yourself handsome" replied Rachel as she leaned up and proceeded to kiss Finn with as much passion as her petite body could muster.

"Hot Damn!" Finn mumbled as he tried to calm his breathing form the scorching kiss, "What was that for?" asked Finn once he got this senses under control.

"Just because I have the most gorgeous and amazing boyfriend in the entire world." Rachel replied as she looked at Finn like he'd hung the moon.

"God! Even dressed like a man your sexy as hell!" groaned Finn as he tried unsuccessfully to hide the effect Rachel was having on him through the flimsy dress he was wearing.

It didn't help when Rachel saucily whispered into his ear, "Why don't we sneak off to Pucks apartment down the corridor and I show you just how sexy I can be." Before giving his ear a quick lick with her tongue.

"I don't know what's gotten into you and frankly at the moment I don't really care, let's go baby!" replied Finn quickly as he started dragging a giggling Rachel towards the door.

Finn and Rachel quietly exited the apartment to start their own private party down the hall at Pucks apartment. Leaving behind all their friends to finish the party by themselves at Finn's apartment. Meanwhile Finn and Rachel weren't the only ones experiencing a connection. Back at the party Emma went to reach for the last piece of cake when her hand bumped into someone else's hand. She looked up to see a handsome six-foot man with sparkling hazel eyes staring back at her. The handsome stranger was the first one to break the silence.

"Sorry, please you have the last piece," said the stranger as he handed Emma the last piece of chocolate cake. "Just between you and me I really should stop anyway as I've been stuffing myself on that cake all night. I guess the name of the cake is accurate when they called it death by chocolate." Quipped the handsome stranger making Emma giggle.

Emma almost slapped her hand over her mouth. What the hell was that, I don't giggle Emma thought to herself. Crap he's just staring at me and here I am not saying anything like a crazy person. "At least it would be a good way to go" Emma tried to joke, relieved when she saw the stranger start laughing.

"Oh my, where are my manners I'm Richard Adams an old army buddy of Finn's" Richard introduced himself as he held out his hand.

"Emma…Emma Rushton" Emma replied as she nervously shook Richards hand, "You were in the army?"

"Yeah, I did two and half tours of Iraq and Afghanistan before I got a discharge on medical grounds when I caught some shrapnel in my knee. When I got back stateside I looked Finn up and imagine my surprise to find out my old pal had become this rich and suave record label executive. Anyway he hooked me up with a job protecting some of the labels talent. It's a sweet gig and sure as hell pays better than the army ever did." Explained Richard.

Richard reached over and grabbed two flutes of champagne and handed one to Emma. "Hey do you want to go somewhere and talk?"

"Sure" Emma eagerly replied as she accepted the glass of champagne.

Emma followed Richard out onto the balcony before closing the glass door and separating them from the rest of the noisy partygoers. It seemed like Finn was right when he said the universe works in mysterious ways; and Emma was just happy it also seemed the universe worked by sending six foot gorgeous men with deep hazel eyes in her direction. The pair of Richard and Emma talked the night away like old friends while the Halloween party raged on in the background

Thanks to all the people still reading and hopefully reviewing this story, I hope I'll once again get to a more regular routine of posting the final chapters. The songs used in this chapter were, 'Horror Movie' by Skyhooks, 'I Got You Babe' by Sonny and Cher, 'Don't Cha (Feat. Busta Rhymes) by The Pussycat Dolls, and 'I Wasn't Expecting That' by Jamie Lawson. Like always see you next time. Have a good one and don't do anything I wouldn't do.