Disclaimer: I don't own Glee only Maci.
This chapter is sort of a doozy in length but once I got writing I couldn't stop and I didn't want to seprate this chapter in two parts because the flow wouldn't work. So enjoy! Thank you all for your amazing words of encouragement. You all helped me so much in being my muse! I honestly never expected you all to take the chance on my story and like it so much. xo
I'm currently working on a really long shot based on finchel-prompts. Not going to spoil which one it is just look for it within the couple weeks! It is called Wide Awake. Would you want it in parts like this one or one big long shot. Let me know! I can have the first part up soon, so let me know!
I would also like to give a HUGE thank you to joyofrediscoveringyou for editing this chapter, you're the best! Thank you! Without your help my poor grammar skills would totally kill this story, you rock!
x.
Maci looked around the shop, her eyes wandering around at everything in the store in Rachel's town. Finn was off at another away game two weekends after they came back from Florida. Rachel knew it was time to set up some audition practice to the side and crackdown on finally landing a role she believed to be up to her standards. Not that she was particularly picky but she wanted to make sure her role would fit her personality. But then again, anything with lines would suffice.
"What are these Miss Rachel?" Maci held up an old record of Bing Crosby "That my dear is a record, before there were CDs there were these."
"They are huge!"
"Well they would place these on the turntable then as the player starts to turn the music will play."
"Sounds complicated." Maci shrugged putting the record back into the pile before moving on to new things. Keeping her eyes on Maci at the same time, Rachel went through some music sheets trying the perfect one to practice with.
Sorting through all the Streisand, because lets be honest she already has all of them. Also going through all the LuPone, Andrews, Peters, Lansbury and Minnelli; Rachel had most of what she knew her voice range could do.
"Can we go now?" Maci sighed, sitting on the floor beneath Rachels feet. She would much rather be at home with her doll or at the park playing than at a stupid music store.
"Yeah just give me a few more minutes." Rachel mumbled reading a few more song titles as she went through them. Being a little more patient, Maci played with the straps on her sandals before she really started to get irritated.
"Come on!" Standing up Maci leaned her head against Rachel's hip "I'm bored and hungry!"
"Just a few more..." Rachel whispered to herself mostly before pulling a book out of the stock. Holding it up Rachel couldn't be more excited to get to work "Perfect."
xx.
"Miss Rachel I want to dance." Maci exclaimed sighing as they sat in a little ice cream shop down the street from the child's penthouse.
Glancing up from her phone after seeing she had one new message from Finn, Rachel sat down before reading it.
"I can take you to dance, are you sure it's something you want to commit to? Dancing takes a lot of your free time."
"Yeah, I like ballet the most. I'm not that good at dancing fast or anything. Uncle Kurt says I have daddy's feet, whatever that means."
"It just means that you're uncoordinated but that's something you'd be able to fix with a little practice." Picking back up her phone she went back to reading her messages.
He just checking up to see how the both of you are doing. -Finn
Looking up from her phone to check on Maci who was licking ice-cream off the skin on top of her lips, Rachel giggled before responding back.
Good we stopped for some ice cream she's thinking of signing up for ballet I might take her today -Rachel
"Who are you talking to?" Maci asked tucking her legs as she continued to lick her strawberry ice cream
"Your daddy." Rachel smiled placing her phone into her lap waiting for a reply, eating her small mango ice
"You and my daddy talk on the phone?"
"Yeah he talks to me on the phone sometimes."
"My daddy asks about you all the time." Her simple tone and shrug meant so little to Maci but held so much interest to Rachel.
"Oh yeah what does he ask?"
"He asks me if you have a boyfriend or if you ask about him. Daddy asks me all kinds of things, he also thinks you're kind of pretty too." Maci smiled brightly as her teeth shined against the chocolate surrounding her mouth "I don't think daddy has cooties and you don't either so you two should hug or hold hands."
"Okay then..." Rachel laughed pointing to her cone "Eat your ice cream there cupid."
Not having any idea to who cupid even was, Maci just looked out the window to the cool shop and continued to eat her ice cream. Rachel's phone vibrating before she even had a chance to process anything Maci just informed her about, she picked it up reading it.
Just tell the instructor that her dad has like two left feet and you warned her if she falls at every turn - Finn
Laughing Rachel couldn't believe the three of them said the same thing, honestly she couldn't be that bad.
Well I'll go and sign her up there is only one way for her to improve. She will just have to get back up. So how is Detriot? -Rachel
Boring... I'm stuck in this damned hotel room all day because it's raining. We had training but nothing until the game tomorrow -Finn
Maci will be very excited to see you tomorrow after your game. She keep reminding me its on and you're coming home tomorrow -Rachel
You two better watch! I've got my playoffs depending on these upcoming games, you two are like my good luck charm now -Finn
Well there is my reason to watch guys run down a field with a ball, I mean I can't risk you guys losing on my behalf. -Rachel
"I'm done." Maci hopped off the chair and throwing all her napkins into the trashcan before looking at Rachel.
"Oh my..." Rachel giggled standing up "Come on let's go get you cleaned up sweetheart."
If you get confused just look for number 5 thats me, the most important person you need to look for. -Finn
Laughing at his forwardness Rachel opened the bathroom door giving Maci a wet paper towel to wash off with as she responded.
I guess I could watch for you after all I mean I'm sure you look good with a little helmet hair -Rachel
Not believing that she had actually sent that to him she tried to cancel the message but it was too late, the damage had been done. Rachel just hoped she hadn't gone too far.
Well I do have great hair so it's only natural for you to think its hot. -Finn
Oh he's a sly one.
xxx.
"No!" Maci yelled going after Finn as the two of them walked down streets in New York on his day off. Her little hand holding onto his much bigger one as if she was holding him back from going into the store. "Daddy I told Miss Rachel she could go shopping with us!"
"But honey she has the day off and I have the day off so I can go with you!" Finn smiled reassuring her and trying to move again but Maci tugged him again.
"No I am not going shopping for tutu's without Miss Rachel!"
"Fine you can go with her tomorrow when I have practice." Finn agreed going to step away from the store but she still grabbed at him. "What is it Maci?"
"I want you both to go tutu shopping with me." Her round brown eyes begging up at him "Please daddy I really want you both to help me pick out pretty outfits for my lessons."
"I mean I guess I could write and ask her to come help us out, if you really want her to be here." Maci nodded quickly as he brought out his phone writing out the message "Don't get disappointed if she says she already has plans and can't come."
"Okay, okay" She rolled her eyes sitting down on a stool outside the store. Finn stood against the building waiting for a response until finally his phone vibrated.
Yes! I could totally use a break right about now, where are you guys? -Rachel
Giving her the store name and what streets they were on, Finn took a seat next to his daughter who looked up with questioning eyes.
"Well?"
"We're going to have to wait a few minutes before going in, she is on her way now from Uncle Kurt's apartment."
"Awesome!" Doing a little dance in her place on the bench Maci couldn't wait to go shopping with Miss Rachel and her daddy.
Around ten minutes later Rachel showed up in front of the store coming out of a taxi. Grabbing some cash from her wallet Finn came up from behind her giving the taxi man a twenty and told him to keep the change. Shutting the door for Rachel the taxi drove off leaving a speechless woman.
"I could have paid for that you know." Her mouth gaped open but only to have Finn shrug.
"Miss Rachel!" Maci ran over hugging Rachel close to her "We're going to go shopping for ballet stuff, I am so excited!"
"Me too! come on let's go in and get warm." Tapping her lightly on the back Finn opened the door letting the two ladies in first before following in behind them. Looking back she smiled up at Finn "Are you ready to do some ballet shopping?"
"Oh you know it, one of my favorite things to do." Chuckling he took off his winter jacket while putting it over his arm as Maci began looking through some of the ballet gear. "You know, she insisted you come."
"Oh I figured, she's been talking nonstop about this since I signed her up." Rachel took her jacket off as well except she handed hers to the man at the register who also took Finns.
"What color?" Maci ran up to the both of them with a lilac leotard and a light pink one with a little skirt poofing out from it.
"Get both" Finn suggested
"Really I can get both?" Her eyes lit up like Christmas morning
"Seriously, I don't care. Get them. You're going to need things to wear to classes, get what you want."
"Oh Finn..." Rachel placed a hand on his arm "You never tell a lady to get what they please in a store if you want to keep money in your bank account."
"She's my kid" He shrugged as if it were no big deal "She deserves the world."
"You're a good dad you know?" Rachel squeezed his arm where her hand still laid. She was given a smile from him just as Maci ran up to them with arms filled with things she would need. Maci grabbed Rachel's hand as she dumped everything into Finn's. Turning around Rachel laughed at the sight before running with Maci to find the perfect leotard for her first day.
Finding a long sleeved black leotard with a magenta skirt with black ruffles at the edge of it, totally perfect for her first day of ballet.
Picking out black, white and pink ballet shoes in her size Maci thought she was totally prepared for her ballet classes. At the register Finn remembered something he saw in movies.
"Wait what about tights?"
Rachel gasped looking down at Maci "We totally forgot those fishnet looking things!"
"Tights!" Rachel grasped on to what he was trying to come at.
"Go grab some Miss Rachel! in all different colors." Maci begged as Rachel ran off doing that while the man rung up the rest of their things. Waiting just a few seconds Rachel walked back with many different types of tights for Maci to wear during her classes.
"You're going to be one little diva in that class." Finn commented as he carried the multiple bags to the front of the store.
"Uncle Kurt would be proud wouldn't he?" Maci beamed with excitement just thinking of all the outfits she bought today
"He'll be so jealous he didn't go shopping with us today." Finn smiled
"I didn't even tell him where I was going, I was so happy to be just out of there. I literally got your message, packed my things up and bolted." Walking down the cold streets of New York the sky was gray like it was going to snow, just like Rachel liked it.
"What were you doing?" Maci asked curiously
"Working on some music, I'm going to audition for some more plays or musicals."
"Really? I thought you were taking a break?"
"I was and still am. I'm just practicing some, getting my voice back to where it was. I went with Maci the other day to find some sheet music to practice with. If I go out of my comfort zone when doing these warm ups maybe I'll find some broader roles I could audition for." Stopping as cars passed on the sidewalk they waited until they became less and less and then walked over to the next street. "I figured I could audition while maybe Maci was in ballet or on my days off in a few months. Nothing soon at all, just preparing."
"Well you'll have to let us know when you do." Finn tried smiling but just the thought of Rachel scoring some role and no longer being there not only scared him but Maci. "You'll do awesome either way, you have a kick ass voice."
"You've only heard it like once!" Rachel laughed dismissing his compliment
"Yeah but trust me after hearing something as beautiful as your voice it tends to stick in your brain, trust me I would know."
Smiling from ear to ear Rachel put her fingers on his arm as he walked with his hands in his pockets. Smiling up at him as he looked down at her she kept on walking but this time with a little stride in her walk.
xxxx.
"Do not put that in your mouth Christine!" Quinn yelled at her youngest who was digging dirt up at one of the parks at Central Park as her, Rachel and Kurt decided to have a picnic for their entertainment. Christine looked at her mom before slowly raising her fingers up to her mouth as if going to taste it again. "NO! That is disgusting now you put your hands down and throw the dirt out or I will put you in time out. Do you want to go in time out in front of all these people?"
Her head shaking violently as she threw the dirt from her hand and standing up, running over to the other kids playing.
"Damn man, I swear my kids are half demon."
"Well they are half of that thing you call a husband." Kurt commented as he slouched down in the bench watching the many kids scream and cry. Going to the park was something Kurt definitely did not miss not one bit.
"This is true." Quinn laughed sitting back down on the bench next to the other two adults as they watched the children. "So Finn tells me you signed Maci up for some dance classes."
"Oh yes I heard about that." Kurt turned into the conversation "I think you need to record that because with Finn's left feet and coordination I don't think that kids going to last on her two feet for ten minutes."
"I think you should give her more credit than you are, Maci would make a beautiful ballerina. And if she trips than they'll teach her."
"Record it." Quinn laughed just knowing what it was going to look like. Rolling her eyes playfully yet a little disappointed at the lack of faith they had in Maci, Rachel wanted to make sure the child proved everyone wrong in the end.
Kurt watched on into the distance as Maci climbed up the ladder onto the play equipment, noticing her clothing choice of the day. "You know Rachel I admire you for giving Maci actual style. I had been trying since she was born to give that kid a good taste but she is stubborn like her father."
"Yes well I believe that a little girl should dress like they please so that way they have little free reign in what they chose. Giving them a little independence won't hurt them."
"At least your little school girl outfits work on someone." Kurt laughed referring to the pictures he's seen of Rachel from when she was in grade school.
"Aren't you just full of jokes today?" Her mind shut off when she heard Maci's squeal, automatically thinking something's wrong. Rachel stood up trying to find her out of the many kids running around. Finally spotting the child she noticed that it wasn't out of danger but in a laughing matter.
A little blonde boy was chasing her around as she kept squealing, flapping her arms around. It wasn't hard to miss the gigantic smile across her face as she was running away from the boy.
"Looks like Maci has a little friend." Quinn smirked laughing when the little boy tapped Maci than running the opposite way only to have Maci chase him back.
"A cute little friend." Rachel chimed in "I say we give them a few more minutes before heading back."
"That's fine, Puck said he won't be home for dinner until seven. I have about another forty five minutes and I already ordered in something so I just need to pick it up."
Watching Maci interact with other children was pretty entertaining, especially watching her with the little boy. It was so innocent watching Maci play with the little boy. It's hard to believe the steps that individuals go through in life from friendliness to falling in love. Yes Maci was way too young for love but to see children in such an innocent environment was inspiring.
Watching for just a few more minutes Rachel knew it was time to start wrapping up their trip to the park so she could cook dinner for them.
"Come on Maci!" Rachel yelled standing up while Quinn got the stroller ready for walking their block to their own home.
"No!" Maci turned around whining as she was playing with the little boy still.
"Come on we've got to go home and get some dinner. I bet you've worked up quite an appetite playing with your friends today."
"I want to play with Chase a little more." She pouted pointing to the blonde who was smiling up at her "He's my new best friend."
"I'm sure Chase will be here some other day just like you." Rachel bent down to hold onto Maci's hand to help her off the ground. "I promise Maci, he will be here again."
"I come here all the time!" Chase spoke up "We can play again."
"See there you have it sweetheart, Chase is here all the time too." Rachel pulled on her arm lightly as the little girl rose to her feet. Much to her surprise Maci was cooperating with actually going home. "Now tell your friend good bye and tell him that you will see him very soon."
"Bye Chase." Maci smiled pulling the little boy into a tight gripped hug "I will see you again best friend."
"Bye!" Chase waved running off to his mother or his nanny, Rachel couldn't tell in the distance. Grabbing Maci's hand once more she squeezed it tight.
"Bye guys we'll see you later." Rachel waved passing Kurt who was leaving as well as Quinn. Giving Rachel a knowing look as he pointed to the little boy who just ran away, Rachel laughed tugging on Maci's hand as they left the park.
Insisting that Rachel stay for the dinner ,the three were in the living room relaxing on the couch as the pasta digested into their systems.
Groaning, Finn held a hand to his stomach. "I am going to have to run a thousand laps to get off what you just put into my stomach."
Her musical laugh brought a smile to his face as she sipped on her wine. "Nobody told you to eat three plates full Finn."
"Good food means three plates."
"Daddy I only had one and it was super good."
"Yeah well I've got to stock up short stuff, I've got a team to lead." Kicking back on his couch Finn placed a pillow behind his bed. Glancing at the clock on the cable box Finn noticed that it was fifteen minutes after nine. "Isn't it past your bedtime?"
Groaning Maci hid her face on a pillow, she was showing all signs of not wanting to go to bed at all. Running tired hands over his face, Finn did not want to even start with his daughter if she was going to be complicated.
"Come on Maci, you've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow with your first ballet class. I even took off for the day to go watch you. You have to get some rest so you'll be worn out."
"But Miss Rachel is still going right?" Looking over at Rachel with those large worried eyes as she didn't want to go without Rachel or her daddy, both of them had to be there. Finn too looked at Rachel as she tried to see from the look he was giving her if it was okay. By the slight smirk on tugging on his lips she was pretty sure it was okay.
"I'll be there at the studio to watch you tomorrow, wouldn't miss it for anything." Squeezing her arms around Rachel's neck tightly Maci thanked for before doing the same for her dad.
"Tuck me in daddy! Good night Miss Rachel." Running into her bedroom Finn groaned as he had to get up, stretching as followed his kid into her bedroom. While Finn was doing that Rachel went into the kitchen to start cleaning up after their dinner. Throwing the leftovers in plastic containers and dishes into the sink it wasn't long until everything was cleaned and put away. Washing her hands she heard Finns footsteps coming into the room, looking up she leaned against the counter.
"I would have helped, you didn't have to clean up." Finn opened the fridge grabbing a beer, offering one to Rachel.
"No thank you, I still have some wine left." Motioning to her glass next to her, drying her hands on a towel Rachel thought about what happened today at the park. "So I have to tell you something super cute today that happened with Maci."
Silently asking Rachel if she wanted to go into the living room she followed with her wine glass sitting in the leather single chair as he took the couch. "Okay so today I took Maci to the park with Quinn, her girls and Kurt. Well Maci met the cutest little boy there..."
"Wait a minute are you about to tell me that my daughter kissed a boy today because I don't know if I'll be able to handle that just yet."
"Well not exactly but she is socializing with boys very well, not that she knows exactly what the difference is between talking with boys her age or girls. I learned that it's good for girls to socialize with boys because it prepares them for when she is a little older and starts middle school."
"Yeah and you read this all on the internet?"
"Of course, yes I did extensive research on this."
"Well I did some research of my own just now, mine says no boys ever." Crossing his leg over his knee Finn took long sips of his beer just thinking of his kid kissing boys. "No, never."
"Oh please you're not going to be one of those dads are you Finn?" Rachel sighed with a smile tugging on her lips as she leaned her head against the sofa curling into a ball "One of the dads who, if a boy even looks at his girl, he'll get his shotgun out."
"I don't own a shotgun." His voice serious as well as well as if face. "Why do you think I'll need one to bat the guys off of her? Obviously she gets her looks from me ,but will they really be after her that much? Oh god I'm going to have to get a gun."
"Oh Finn, so dramatic" Rachel sighed though she really found the whole situation to be adorable. "The protective daddy is a good look for you."
"Yeah well if she's already getting little boy friends then I am going to have to put her on a leash pretty soon."
"Please" Rachel scoffed playfully "She was just playing with the boy, I didn't tell you this for you to freak out. Socializing with boys is only normal, not everyone can believe in cooties their whole life."
The idea crossed his face as he nodded his beer her way. "Perfect idea, cooties is the way to go."
xxxxx.
"I don't match." Maci pouted as the three of them got out of the taxi. Rachel had a morning session with a vocal coach that had made her not able to help with dressing Maci for ballet, which seemed to set the whole mood for the day.
Paying the taxi Finn tried his best not to get mad at his little girl for she was already anxious enough about going to her first ballet class.
"You look super cute Maci, nothing to worry about I promise."
"I'm wearing light pink tights!" She stomped her foot, stopping outside of the class refusing to go in. Really not wanting to deal with her Finn tried grabbing a hand to pull her into the building but she glared at him. "No!"
"Maci Jets Hudson, I swear on my super bowl ring that if you don't get into this building and go to this class with your tights the color they are, then I will take Mr. Sillypants and Laci away."
Picking her head up to glare her eyes through her dads. "My tights don't match, I'm going to look stupid!"
Taking a deep breath to control his frustrations, Rachel placed a calming hand on Finn's arm before taking over.
"Maci we are going to be late to your class if we don't go in there right now."
"I don't care." Leaning against the brick wall she kept her eyes burning a hole through the sidewalk
"You have been so excited to come to ballet, what's the matter now? What changed?" Kneeling in front of the pouting child, Maci huffed
"Daddy says I might be bad because he doesn't dance good and my tights are pink! They need to be white with this tutu!"
Peeking up through her eyelashes to Finn who had stopped pacing and come over to Rachel's side, kneeling next to her to talk to Maci. He didn't mean to give the kid such low self esteem about her possible awkward genes inherited from him. Finn really didn't even think she took it to heart but apparently she did.
"Baby, you're going to do awesome. You've been practicing all week for today, you can only do the best of what you can." Wiping a little tear from her face, Finn lifted Maci's chin to have her look at him. When finally his miniature version of eyes peered at him he smiled gently "I know you're going to do amazing in there but first we have to get you in class. I want you to prove everyone, including me, that you magically developed super coordinated powers. I love you and I know you're going to rock it today."
"You sure?" She sniffed wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Positive." Picking her up, Maci clung her arms around his shoulders while tucking her head into his neck. Rachel took the lead in opening the door for Finn as they walked in. Peaking up from her dad's neck Maci liked what she saw as they walked the halls of the dance studio. Rachel showed him the classroom in which she'd be taking her class for the hour.
"Alright Maci we're here." Rachel smiled placing a hand of her back rubbing it softly "Your first ballet class, I know you're going to do great! Just remember all of the things we've been practicing."
"I remember them." Maci nodded getting down from her dad's arms and onto the floor.
"Go in there and show 'em what you got!" Finn kissed the top of her head before opening the door for Maci to go in. Shyly stepping forward, Maci went into class until the teacher welcomed her to class and introduced her. Closing the door, Finn could no longer see them, leaving him outside.
"How about some coffee?" Rachel asked quietly, nodding Finn followed her outside and around the corner into a little cafe. Opening the door for Rachel, she brushed past him into the shop ordering a coffee as well as something to tie her over until lunch.
"Do you want a bagel?" Finn asked eyeing them as his stomach growled just thinking about eating the blueberry one. Pointing to the fluffy one he wanted Finn also ordered a coffee as Rachel looked through all the bagels deciding on a pumpernickel one instead of a little muffin. Finn grabbed for his wallet paying with his card as he pointed to the muffin Rachel was handing back. "Get both we'll share."
Taking their coffee to a little table in the corner of the room sitting on either side of each other. "Do you think she's going to be okay?"
"She's going to be fine Finn, Maci just needed that little push to get in there. Once she starts learning the familiar moves she will be just fine and will want to go to the next class with no worries." One of the workers brought of their bagels freshly toasted.
"I just can't believe I freaked her out so bad that she didn't want to go, I didn't think talking about how uncoordinated I was would make her not want to go to class."
"Well she's there and proving us all wrong, you should be proud of Maci. She's been working hard you know."
"Yeah I know she's woken up everyday this week with some Broadway music, which I'm sure you have given her." Finn smirked
"Guilty."
"Maci likes them." Finn shrugged "The kid never listened to anything like that before and all of a sudden she can't get it out of her head. At least maybe now she'll find something to do, I can definitely deal with her doing the dance stuff. I always pictured her being like girly and stuff but she never really liked it, I figured she'd be like a tomboy growing up. Besides Kurt and sometimes Quinn hanging around, Maci never had that woman influence.
"Well I'm here now, I'll make her as girly as you want."
"Just no boys."
"You're still on that? Finn she's almost five not fifteen."
"She's not turning fifteen, not allowing her." Finn shook his head in all seriousness. "There is no way my little girl will ever turn a day over ten, not if I can help it."
"I'm afraid it's inevitable, boys are just apart of her future. Maci is a very likable, friendly person she is going to have many friends whether it be other girls or boys."
"Damn our Hudson charm." Finn mumbled sipping on his coffee.
"Hudson charm?"
"Quite infectious you know, it's our eyes."
"Oh I see, is it your smirk too?" Brushing off her peacoat placing it on the back of her chair revealing her black sweater, her brown long cascading down the front of her. Completely mesmerizing Finn, she literally looked beautiful just sitting there. "Anything else I should be on the look out for?"
He sat there staring not saying anything as she waved a hand in front of his face. "Finn?"
"Uh... sorry." He tilted his head down focusing on his coffee, really embarrassed that he had just got caught staring at her like that. "What were you saying?"
Biting on her lower lip Rachel shook her head. "I was asking you if there was any other charming Hudson trait that I should be on the lookout for but obviously your eyes are very charming. I think I'm pretty sure how they work now."
Yeah she noticed. His eyebrows raise as he gives her that damn smirk again. Flirty smiles and teases were send each others way through brunch as they easily made it an hour until Maci was finished with her practice. Both feeling differently, as if they were more carefree with what they were doing or saying now.
They walked closely with Rachel on his side and Maci basically walking in front of them backwards as she went through every single thing she had done; Finn let his hand wander onto the middle of Rachel's back. She silently stepped into his side, feeling warmer in the November air. His thumb brushing on her coat, hugging her as he listened to Maci talk animatedly about a few girls she made friends with and how they danced together.
But in all honesty, Rachel only had one thing on her mind and that thing just happened have her in his grip.
xxxxxx.
"I've lost my touch." Rachel cried out into her empty apartment, screaming into a couch pillow as she dove head first.
It's been a few weeks since her purchase at 'Between the Sheets', and ever since she's trying to get back on track but her voice has been hard to get back to where she felt and knew it was before. Her perfect ability to sing any note during just about any song, a talent of hers that she developed up until college, was gone. Being with Maci just about everyday and taking the largest break she's ever had harmed her voice, Rachel didn't know where to start.
Though going right into one of the most complicated songs to perform without the proper vocal training probably wasn't the best idea, Rachel knew she had to get right to it. Her voice must get back to the mold she'd been working on for most of her life.
Picking herself up from the couch she was more determined than ever to get her voice back. Searching through the stacks of song books scattered around her living room, Rachel couldn't find the one she wanted. The one that would get her to that place, from her favorite musical.
Catching the eye of one of Maci's drawings, Rachel had just remembered that she left the book at the penthouse when she was there last night.
"Dammit" Rachel cursed going over to her phone and keys, she needed to this book, she needed to get back into practicing. Nothing else would work today for her liking as much as the musical 'Wicked'.
Keeping her phone off, Rachel didn't want to talk to anyone. Her funk was starting to have a real effect on her attitude. Just thinking about getting back into her voice training and auditioning made Rachel want to scream. She wasn't supposed to feel this way, like it was some chore instead of what she used to love. But now as she sang each note, Rachel didn't feel the compassion that she once felt for the same music that literally gave her joy every single day of life.
Debating on whether or not to tell the cab driver to turn around and go back to her apartment and burn every single one of her song books, she decided against it for she would regret it later. Sighing, she leaned back into the cab trying not to think about every possible thing related to singing until Rachel just couldn't keep quiet.
"Excuse me, sir?" Rachel questioned tapping on the glass separating the customer from the driver. The middle eastern man looked through the rearview mirror telling her to continue as he weaved his way through the thick traffic of Manhattan. "Would it be completely and utterly inappropriate for me to sing to you right now and you tell me how amazing I am?"
His eyebrows rose as if telling her no but Rachel took a deep breath belting out a few lines from 'The Sound of Music' one of the favorite musicals known to mankind. Leaning forward for the man to surely hear her, Rachel thought for sure that his foot slammed on the pedal harder on purpose just so she would slam against the backseat so she'd shut up. Knocking the wind out of her, Rachel gasped in distaste at his now peaceful look on his face. Throwing thirty dollars at him through the window Rachel stepped out of the taxi, purposely slamming the door and flipping him off angrily as he hurried into traffic.
"Some people just don't recognize talent when they hear it!" She yelled after the taxi before noticing the cold stares of everyone around her. Turning around to head into the apartment building she noticed the stare of one particular man standing there watching her "Take a damn picture it will last longer!"
"Maybe I will." A wink coming off his eyes as Rachel sneered in disgust. Typing in the security code to get into the building she was already in a pissy mood and that guy did not just help.
Slamming her finger onto the floor number on the elevator Rachel realized that she probably should have called to let Finn know she was stopping by. Her phone had been turned off all day due to wanting a day dedicated to her music though she still ended up having to leave. The elevator dinged up to his floor where she knocked on the door. Knocking a few more times until Rachel was convinced no one was home, she slipped the key in determined to just go in and get her book.
Poking her head in Rachel didn't hear a single noise in the penthouse meaning that more than likely they were out for the day. Closing the door behind her Rachel went straight to the living room where she had left her book the night before. Hearing some creaks in the floor Rachel was startled to hear the noise, especially when there was no one home.
Clutching the book closer in her arm, Rachel reached in her purse for the pepper spray she kept for situations like these. Keeping her hand on the trigger Rachel went towards the noise that had just echoed through the penthouse.
She stopped quickly when her own feet made the same noise. All of sudden the door in front of her flew open revealing a very suprised Finn standing in the doorway.
"Oh, my god!" Rachel yelled realizing his lack of clothes as a towel was wrapped around his waist, hair dripping wet along with drops of water sliding on his toned chest and abs. Her dry mouth was wide open as she stared at him . He stood there just as shocked as she was. Quickly averting her gaz,e Rachel awkwardly just stared at the walls but looked back a few times to his body that was still standing there.
"Rachel?"
"I am so sorry!" She looked at him once again her eyes not reaching his eyes "I was going to call but I forgot, I came here for my song book. I knocked I really did but nobody answered and I figured it would be okay for me to come and grab my song book because I needed it..." Rachel took a deep breath looking at his wet chest "I needed my song book."
"Calm down." Finn waved a hand before backing back into his room "I'll be right out, stay here I am just going to go get dressed."
Closing the door behind him Rachel let out the long breath she had been holding in. Feeling completely stupid for not being able to control herself, Rachel walked quickly into the living room. Half determined to just leave before Finn came out Rachel decided against that and chose to sit on the sofa, picking at the edge of her book. She felt like a little girl getting caught looking at a teacher or some stupid juvenile thing like that. She was an adult she should be able to control her stares especially in regards to a man, she wasn't a hormonal teenager anymore.
His bedroom door clicked open revealing him coming into the living room dressed in a tee and jeans all while running a towel through his hair. Standing up straight Rachel felt super awkward as she tried to avoid eye contact.
"Hey, I've been like trying to get a hold of you all day." Completely ignoring the fact of her gawking not even five minutes ago, Finn threw the towel onto the sofa.
"I... I uh I've been singing all day, trying to get back into my routine." Finally looking up at him she now had a dripping wet image of Finn floating through her mind. "Why, what's the matter?"
"Maci wanted to go with Kurt today, something about taking her to some show or something I don't know. But I was calling you to see if you wanted to do something, maybe have dinner somewhere tonight. I couldn't get a hold of you so I was just going to go out with some of the dudes from the team but since you're here..." He lagged off, trying to catch her eyes that were drifting through every object in his house. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, perfectly okay."
"So dinner, do you still want to go? I mean it's a little early but by the time we get there and order..."
"I'd love to." Rachel smiled easily needing the distraction from just about everything. She may not be able to look at him at all the entire time but dinner, yes dinner would be something to get her out of the house."Dinner would be very nice."
Half an hour later as they're sitting comfortably in a corner of a restaurant away from all the noise and chatter of it all, Rachel finally felt like she was able to take the much needed breath.
"Rough day?" Finn smiled looking up from the waiter who had just placed their meal orders as he took a sip of his water.
"Yeah..." She sighed not really wanting to put a sour mood into the atmosphere as she was trying to let it go but then again feeling that if she let it out she'd feel better. Just talk about it so she wouldn't be as tense, start the night fresh "I've been trying to get back into my singing so I can audition in a few months for some part time shows, you know just something to get me back into the swing of things. Well my voice isn't what it was with me not practicing as much as I had been before everything changed. I'm not saying that the change was bad because the more I sing the more I realize how much it's not fun for me anymore. I used to sing because I loved it now I feel like I sing because I feel like I have to not because I want to. It shouldn't be like that when you love to do something and you've been doing it all your life."
"I'm the same way with football, growing up with Puck we both didn't really have a dad to look up to. So when we figured out what to do with our time besides drinking or partying, whatever it was we could get into; football sort of became our light at the end of our dark road. We loved playing but when it became more of a job than something that I loved to do, in college and professionally I wish I didn't have that pressure. It puts a roof over Maci's head and food on the table, I'm grateful for what football has done for me but I wish I could enjoy it without all the other hidden things that come with it."
"You know you're really easy to talk to Finn." Rachel smiled tapping a finger on the rim of her wine. "Seriously though you're like this super chill guy who can relate to things, not many guys would sit here and listen to a girl bitch about her problems."
"Yeah well an asshole has his share a problems too." Finn smirked messing with the end of his table napkin. Scooting out of her chair Rachel waved over the waiter. "What are you doing?"
"Come on we're getting out of here." Rachel smiled informing the waiter that they are going to need their food to go.
"Wait, what? Where are we going?"
"To a bar or something!" Rachel laughed out of pure excitement of her spontaneity of turning the night around. "Come on they're sending our food to the front."
Paying for their meal which they actually hadn't even touched yet, Rachel hailed a taxi and gripped Finn's leather jacket in anticipation. Carrying their hot, delicious smelling food for which Finn was starving for they hopped in the next taxi.
"Where to?"
Before Rachel could say where to go Finn interrupted " One hundred forty-ninth, second avenue."
Rachel had no clue where he was talking about as she looked at him questioning where he had them going, but he just shrugged. "We're having fun tonight, right?"
"Yes, we're going to let loose!"
When Rachel said letting loose he didn't think she meant actually letting loose. Sitting at a table with all these women and men surrounding them enjoying the bar as she threw back yet another pure vodka shot.
Finn chuckled as he watched her laugh, slamming the glass on the table with the other three empty ones.
"I have to tell you a secret." Rachel gushed wiggling her fingers to have him come closer "Come here Finn, this is a top secret, secret that nobody can know about."
"Yeah?" Leaning forward she gripped his earlobe pulling him in closer, her lips brushing right below his left ear "It tastes like pink."
Hiccupping Rachel giggles leaning back into the back of her bar stool. Her face turning serious as she stares at his, gasping Rachel tilts her head to look at him. "You have an amazing face."
Blushing, Finn hides his smile into his second beer since they've gotten to the bar. Batting her eyelashes as if looking at him in different ways, Rachel leans into her elbows. "You have amazing freckles that go across your nose, my-my aunt used to call them like angel kisses or something like that."
"Never heard of that before."
"Brand new information you are learning here." Leaning down Rachel holds her head as she starts to feel the room start to spin. Wobbling from side to side on the stool Finn reaches out to try and steady her.
"You okay?"
"I sure am." She slurs placing a hand on his shoulder before sitting up properly shrugging of her button-up black sweater to reveal a grey tank top underneath. "It is so hot in here, are you hot? I am like dying!"
Throwing that on to the back of her chair Rachel reached for a beer she'd ordered for herself.
"You must think I'm a horrible nanny for drinking."
"No I see you as a normal person on your night off drinking and having a fun night out." Pushing his now empty bottle back with the rest of everything empty and needed to be collect, Finn reached out quickly to help prevent Rachel from falling over.
"You're so chivalrous Finn, so handsome too."
"Okay, I think you've have enough." Brushing his hand over the top of her beer bottle he rested it back on the table closer to him.
"You can never have enough Finn." Pulling her bottle back to her Rachel began running the toe of her boots at his legs, looking at something from across the room giggling. Moving his hand down, grabbing onto her calf he pulled her closer into the table, closer to him. Now resting her foot on his own leg, Rachel yet again leans forward onto the table catching her eyes to his. "What do you think you're doing mister?"
Rubbing his thumb of the top of her knee Finn smirked leaning forward keeping his eyes on hers. "You know you're pretty hot too, especially you know you have like amazing cheekbones."
"Oh how sexy my cheekbones must be." Her laugh infectious as she ran a finger over his freckles. "They've definitely got my amazing yet hot cheekbones beat, for sure."
"Whatever you say." Taking her hand she smoothed her palm to the side of his head resting her thumb and pointer finger so that his ear was between them, rubbing his earlobe.
"You've got some handsome features there Finn, that Hudson charm might be getting to me tonight."
"Must be, I mean it was only just a matter of time."
"What about me huh?" Scooting a little farther into the seat, closer to him. "You know I'm Berry charming too."
"Also Berry corny" Finn laughed resting his palm on her upper thigh tugging her closer
"Oh please, you love it!"
"Maybe just a little." His smirk rested at the top of his mouth, her eyes showing doubt. "Okay so maybe I love it."
"Knew it." Pinching his earlobe between her two fingers, unknowingly she brought his head in closer. "You know what else I know?"
"What?" Taking her arm into his other free hand he too brought her in a little closer.
"I know that you can kiss me if you want." A twinkle in her eye intoxicated him more than any alcohol that he's drank tonight, making him feel a hundred time over again, sober. Her eyes darting from his own to his lips letting it be known that she knows exactly what she's saying.
"I want to." Bringing her head into his hand Rachel tugged her teeth on her lip anxiously as she slowly closed her eyes, both leaning in rather quickly. Their lips brushing, making Rachel's heart jump as she was about to deepen the kiss they both heard a squeal come from beside them.
"Oh, my gosh Sugar I told you that was him!" Rachel quickly opened her eyes to see two women about the same age as herself standing next to their table. "I am so sorry to interrupt but my friend Sugar and I were over at the bar and just about to leave when we spotted you."
"What she is trying to ask is if we can get a picture with you." This Sugar girl smiled nearly bouncing on her heels with a tiara on her head and a stash across her body reading 'Bride'
"I'm so sorry." Finn mumbled as Rachel moved her leg off Finns lap as he stood up between the two ladies. Grabbing her phone Sugar was nearly tipping in her high heels as she handed Rachel the phone to take the picture.
"My fiancee Rory is going to be so jealous that I met you." Sugar smiled resting a hand on her hip as well as around Finns waist. "Totally jealous, he had your jersey and everything! But in all honesty the only reason I know who you are is because you are hot as hell. Sorry Aspergers."
"Awesome, well thank you." Finn smiled hugging all four women as Sugar took the phone from Rachel she gave a sly wink to her before walking out of the bar. Rubbing the palms of his hands on his pants, Rachel laughed out awkwardly as she grabbed her sweater off the back of her chair, suddenly a lot more sober then she was feeling before.
But as she stood up off the stool she was instantly reminded of how much she truly had to drink. Finn placed an arm around her waist keeping her steady.
"You okay there?" Looking down at her, Rachel smiled and nodded.
"Just a little wibble wobble." A laugh escaped her lips trying to walk a little "I think I just need to go home and sleep it off."
To say that Finn was disappointed that Rachel wanted to leave would be an understatement considering the moment they had or almost had. A part of him thought for she regretted it until her arm wrapped around his waist, resting her head into the crook of his shoulder.
"I need to sleep it off, I have to watch Maci tomorrow" Her voice softer, much more tired than just ten minutes ago. Her body getting heavier as he paid the tab for their drinks and leaving the bar. Rachel's eyes getting heavier as Finn hailed a cab.
Rachel passed out as soon as they got into the taxi, leaving Finn to make the executive decision to have her stay in the spare bedroom. There was no way he was going to make her drive all the way to her apartment on her own .He had to get home because he was pretty sure that even if it was midnight, Maci will still want to come home and he needed to make sure he was there.
So telling the driver his address they arrived at his building. Bringing Rachel into his arms, she was out like a light as he brought her up to his penthouse. Noticing how heavy she was passed out drunk Finn managed to get her up and into the bedroom. Just taking off her shoes, totally respecting her Finn tucked her into the spare bed. Only moving once she was tucked in, Rachel cuddled up with one of the pillows. Finn watched her sleep. Rachel was beautiful and even though Finn doesn't know when it happened exactly, he knew one thing. He knew he was attracted to Rachel in ways that he should not be feeling for his daughter's nanny. But he's felt more in that two second kiss than he'd felt for any other women in the twenty six years he's been alive. As inappropriate as it might be he can't help but want to act on those feelings but then it wouldn't be fair to Maci if things didn't work out.
Rachel wiped her eyes in her sleep before smiling a little in her sleep, leaning down Finn brushed his lips against her forehead. She would be worth the risk, he knows she would be.
"Daddy!" Maci's voice yelled through the penthouse nearly scaring the shit out of him as Finn quickly exited the room, quietly closing the door behind him. Sprinting into the living room, Finn held a finger to his lips.
"Shhh, honey you have to be quiet. It's way too late." Finn collected Maci into his arms as she squeezed him tightly
Kurt gave Finn a crazy look as his brother ignored him, placing a kiss on her temple. "She's been fed, she's happy but I have only a few more beauty hours to sleep so I must go. I will talk to you tomorrow because I sense something is up."
Rolling his eyes, Finn walked his brother to the door. "See you later Kurt, thanks for taking her."
Realization runs through Kurt's eyes when he gives Finn a smirk. "Yes I will definitely be calling tomorrow after your practice."
"Bye Kurt." Finn shut the door behind his brother locking the house up. Walking Maci back to her bedroom Finn tucked his little girl in who was ready to fall asleep at any minute.
"I had so much fun, daddy. Next time me, you and Miss Rachel should go see the show. Miss Rachel would love it!" Maci smiled getting under the covers as Finn sat on the edge of her bed staring down at her.
"You really like Rachel don't you?"
"She's the best daddy. " Her voice sounding exactly like Rachel's just earlier as she was falling asleep too
"Alright I'll see you in the morning okay, I love you." Kissing her cheek Maci mumbled that she loved him too before closing her eyes for the night.
Feeling the effect of the alcohol from just about an hour or two ago and suddenly his eyes felt heavy as he went into his own bedroom. Stripping his clothes free of his body, Finn climbed into his own bed. Rachel on his mind as he finally closed his eyes, falling asleep.
xxxxxxxx.
Waking up to a head splitting migraine was not Rachels favorite thing in the world for sure. Something else making her head pound was wondering where she was and how she got there. Sitting up, her clothes were still on her body as she hopped out of bed. Peering around the room it looked familiar as she noticed some of the features and style.
Hearing quiet chatter from outside her door Rachel opened it slowly and realized just exactly where she was. The creaking of the door brought the attention of a little four year old as well as Finn who was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee.
"Miss Rachel?" Maci questioned but then ran over to her giving the brunette a hug. "I have to tell you what I did with Uncle Kurt last night."
"Awesome I can't wait to hear it." Her voice low as her head pounded with every word she spoke. Padding into the kitchen on her bare feet Rachel stood at the end of the island with a small smile on her face as she put pieces together in her head of what happened the night before, before remembering.
"Aspirin?" Finn asked pushing the bottle towards her before getting up to give her a cup of coffee. Gratefully taking it out of his hands, Rachel took two out before gulping them down with the coffee.
"Thank you." Sitting down on one of the stools next to Finn, Maci went on about the show she'd seen the night before. As much as Rachel would have loved to have listened about how amazing the show was, she sort of tuned her out all while trying not to barf in front of the girl.
"I took a half day, I don't go in until one." Finn whispered to Rachel as Maci ran in to get her Laci doll. Looking up Rachel groaned resting her head on Finn's shoulder. Feeling as it was a bold mood on her part and step in the right direction where he wanted to take things, Finn placed a hand on the small of her back holding her next to him.
"Thank you for taking care of me last night." She whispered. "I'm a messy drunk."
Finn was quiet as he thought about whether or not the question he's about to ask should come out of his mouth, but it does.
"No regrets though right?"
Her head shakes against his shoulder giving him more confidence on whether what he was feeling was worth it and whether she felt it too.
"No regrets."
And that's all he needed to hear to know that it might just work.
Authors note at the top! Please read it for information on a long shot called 'Wide Awake'
