DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE OR ITS CHARACTERS! THAT'S ALL FOR RYAN MURPHY!

A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Please review again once you're done reading this! It isn't that hard :P

4. Never Fell Out of Love

"Rachel, we're going out, okay?" Kurt says.

"Who is all leaving; and it's fine. I can be by myself," She reminds him with a soft laugh.

"Me, Blaine, Dad, and Carole. I'm not sure what Finn's doing. Sorry he's being such an ass," Kurt hugs the small girl.

Rachel offers a smile, "It's fine. I deserve it."

"No you don't. You deserve nothing but the best. By the way, I very much approve of your outfit," He eyes the black skirt she wore and the white blouse she had on top.

"Thanks," She nods her head. "Just a little something I threw on."

Finn can hear everything through these paper thin walls. His first thing to think is 'since when does Rachel Berry just throw something on and have Kurt approve of it in a heartbeat'? His second thing he thinks is that he is really being an ass and that he feels like shit for making her feel like she deserves it.

Although she does, he shouldn't make her miserable. She hadn't done anything to worsen his heart ache, why should he do so to her? Although heart ache and having the one you love leave you and not contact you for five years are both pretty sucky thing to do, she still doesn't deserve to be treated so poorly.

"Did you talk to Adam?" Kurt asks.

Rachel shakes her head, "No answer. He didn't answer last night or this morning."

Hmm, Finn thinks, this guy must be a real douche. Yeah, a great fiancé. Can't even answer the most amazing girl's phone calls? What the hell? What'd be more important than talking to the woman you love? Oh yeah, nothing is.

"He's probably busy with the show," Kurt tries.

Rachel shakes her head again, "No. I don't know. I'm not going to worry about it. You guys go out and have fun."

"Alright, diva. See you back later," Kurt leaves.

Rachel sighs, all alone, and leaves the guest bedroom, going downstairs to the kitchen to find something to eat. She feels uncomfortable digging around in their house now, so she opts out and sits down at the counter, flipping through a magazine.

She nearly chokes on her own spit when she sees a huge interview from Adam about the engagement. According to this magazine it's not only an engagement. It's the 'Engagement of the Year'.

She reads it intently; he manages to include how great he is with every time he speaks. That's so like him! He's pulling a stupid publicity stunt with this article.

"Reading anything good?" Finn asks, startling her.

She had been staring so angrily at the glossy paged magazine she hadn't even noticed the large boy enter the kitchen.

She sighs sadly and drops the magazine onto the counter, shaking her head.

"Nothing I don't already know about," She comments.

He's about to say something when her stomach growls loudly. Finn looks at her and laughs.

"Why didn't you grab something to eat?"

"I can't just rummage through your guys' kitchen, Finn. This isn't my home," She points out.

"It sort of used to be," He says so quiet that she can't hear him. He clears his throat and tries again.

"I'll give you some cereal. I'm sure we don't have any other vegan alternatives for you right now," He looks over his shoulder with a grin.

She smiles the slightest bit.

"Thanks."

They sit down in the breakfast nook eating their cereal silently.

"So they all went out today, huh?" Finn asks.

She nods and drinks some orange juice, "I wish my dads' were in town. Then I'd have something to do today."

Finn looks at her sad expression, feeling guilty.

"What are you doing today?" She asks him.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe swing into town or something," He shrugs.

She nods her head, "So where do you live now, Finn?"

"Columbus," He answers. "Yeah, I've got an okay apartment there."

"You said you had a job now?"

"I'm the assistant coach for the Buckeyes at OSU," Finn tells her proudly.

"That's so great, Finn! I knew you'd be great with football," She smiles brightly.

"Yeah," He nods his head. "I guess it's my calling. But I graduated with a degree in teaching, so if I don't get into the NFL draft, I have something to fall back on."

"Interesting. And smart. Very, very smart; I didn't finish college and I regret it. It's not like I'd do anything else, but it's very good to know more than you already do," She nods.

He agrees and they finish eating their food.

He goes upstairs to shower and get ready for the day. When he comes back downstairs she's on the phone, talking quietly with someone.

"I can't believe you did an interview with a gossip magazine! Why are we making this so public? I don't like that! An engagement is supposed to be intimate. But here you are, telling everyone how great our sex life is and how great you are with taking care of me," She says with a broken voice.

He stops in his tracks and backs up so he can continue eavesdropping. He knows he shouldn't, but he can't help it.

"Adam, I just feel like you're trying to marry me for the wrong reasons," She sighs sadly. "I don't want to be toyed around with."

His heart aches at that sad voice she uses. Sure she totally ruined him, but if you heard how sad she sounded, you'd crack too.

"I love you too," She says, stress now taking on her tone of voice. "Yeah, I'll call you later. Bye."

He walks out and smiles at her.

"Hi," She says, wiping at the tears that had streamed down her face and letting out a laugh.

"Look at me, getting all emotional."

He offers a slight smile.

"Are you leaving soon?" She asks, sitting back down onto the couch and looking depressed.

"Yeah," He pulls his jacket on. "I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go with me."

She looks up with bright eyes, "Really?"

"Really. I mean, we're just going to go around town. Maybe see a few people," He shrugs.

"That sounds great! Just let me go get my jacket!" She squeals, running up the stairs. He shakes his head at her excitement. He's assuming she's just really bored.

They get into his truck and Rachel is overwhelmed by the familiarity of it all. It still has that same scent of old leather and his sweet and musky cologne. All the memories of them in this car flush back into her mind. Every ride together was always different. She was always in the passenger seat. Well, that one time he let her drive, which was a big mistake cause the truck nearly went into the lake.

He didn't care though, even though his truck was his baby. Because he loved her like crazy. And they laughed about it after the shock had died out.

He drives over to the mini strip mall he and Rachel hadn't been to since they were senior's in high school. The Lima Bean is snuggled right in between two small businesses. One is an old bookstore and the other is a boutique. They go into the bookstore first.

When they open it they see the large photo of former friend Mercedes Jones. It says 'Home of Miss Jones Writing' and there are her books displayed neatly on the shelves. They look over to the cashier who had greeted them without looking up. But the voice was all too familiar.

It was Mercedes herself. There she stands, her jet black hair in loose curls and pushed back. The girl was always so beautiful. She wears pink lip gloss and thick black lashes. She has on this purple dress and a nice pearl necklace.

"Mercedes?" Finn and Rachel say in unison.

"Finn! Rachel! What are you guys doing here? Came back from New York finally?" She asks them with bright eyes, walking out from behind the counter to hug her friends.

Rachel shakes her head and Finn blushes.

"Well, I came back from New York," She speaks quietly.

"Yeah, I stayed back and went to OSU. I thought that you went to LA?" Finn quickly changes the subject.

"Yeah, I did. Then I released my first book and then my second and I just kind of started missing home terribly, you know?"

Rachel nods her head, "Oh yeah, I know."

"So what has Finchel been up to lately?" She asks with a smile.

"Oh no, we're not finchel," Finn says. "We broke up before we went to college."

"What? Oh my, I can't believe Kurt didn't tell me this!" She looks genuinely surprised.

"Me either," Finn grumbles. "He's usually the gossip train."

Mercedes giggles, "Well sorry, my mistake. So, Rachel I know you're on Broadway now. But what about you Finn?"

"I'm the assistant coach for football at OSU," Finn tells her.

She smiles, "So weird how we all ended up, huh? Can you believe that I'm a writer?"

"Yeah, what happened to going to American Idol?" Rachel asks curiously.

"I did go, but they shot me down because I wasn't what they were looking for. And when I was all down, I turned to writing and I really enjoyed it. So it became my hobby and I guess I'm pretty good," She shrugs.

"You're really good, Cedes'," Rachel uses her old pet name.

"You've read my books?"

Rachel nods, "Both of them. I reread them all the time too. I love how your stories relate to our glee club so much. You're so talented."

"Thanks," Mercedes smiles. "Now I just need Finn to read."

"Yeah," Finn laughs. "In fact, I'll buy this copy."

"I'll even sign it for you," She says cheerfully.

"You know what, I'll just give it to you for free. As long as you guys remember to call me and keep in touch! We should go out sometime! When do you leave for New York, Rachel?"

Rachel shrugs, "Undecided. I'm waiting for my dads' to get back from Columbus, if they ever do."

Mercedes nods, "Well, call me and we can go out for lunch. And I mean all of you. I've already seen Kurt. He didn't tell me that you were all in town. I wonder when my Pillsbury dough boy decided to just shut his trap."

Everyone laughs and they say their goodbye's before going over to the small boutique. If they thought it was weird seeing one old good glee friend, boy were they in for surprise.

Brittany and Santana were in the boutique in matching outfits, both walking around and fixing up the merchandise so it was perfectly presentable. Brittany approaches the two and smiles at them, not realizing exactly who they are yet.

"Hi! Welcome to Moonlight Boutique! What can I help you with?" She asks with a bright voice.

"Brittany?" Rachel asks. "You work here?"

Brittany makes a confused face, "Yeah… how do you know my name."

"Well, you're wearing a name tag, Brit," Finn points out and he and Rachel laugh.

Brittany looks slightly offended by this, but finally Santana comes into the picture.

"Britts, how do you not remember frankenteen and hobbit?" Santana says jokingly. She looks at Finn and Rachel and smiles brightly.

"Hey guys, how are you doing?" She asks them.

"Great," Rachel replies.

"Good," Finn adds.

"Oh! Finchel! Cute! I totally forgot what you looked like," Brittany giggles.

Finn sighs, not wanting to have to explain yet again that finchel was not there anymore.

"It's just Finn and Rachel. No finchel," He shakes his head.

"We broke up before college. How are people just hearing about this?" Rachel asks confusedly.

"No idea, especially if Kurt new about it," Santana shakes her head.

"So how are you guys?" Finn asks.

"We're great," Brittany smiles, wrapping her arm around Santana's waist. "Like, I mean, we share sweet lady kisses."

Santana shakes her head, "What Britts means, is that we are now an exclusive couple of two whole years. I'm officially an out of the closet lesbian and Brittany is officially bisexual. But of course she's into girls at this particular time in her life."

Rachel smiles happily, "That's so great that things worked out for you guys."

They nod.

"So, Berry, who have you been fucking with lately?" Santana asks curiously.

Rachel blushes, "You're still the same, Santana. And, although it's none of your business, I guess my 'fuck mate' is Adam Zimmer."

"Wait, I think I heard about this! Yeah, that's right, you guys are engaged!" Brittany squeals excitedly.

"Why did you ask if Finn and I were together, then?" Rachel asks confusedly.

Brittany goes blank there and shrugs.

"Ah, yeah, I remember seeing that too. He's pretty hot," Santana nods. "Bet he's great in bed."

"Okay, Rachel's sex life aside," Finn blushes, slightly peeved at all the talk of fucking.

"Oh please, Finn, I just know you've been screwing around in Columbus," Santana shakes her head.

Finn glares, "Yeah, just the same Santana. But it was really nice seeing you guys. We'll- I mean I'll make sure to stop in and see you guys another time. I really wanted to see Mr. Schuester before school ends, so Rach?"

Rachel nods excitedly and hugs the tall blonde and busty Latina.

"I'll call you guys," She quickly takes their numbers before leaving.

-glee-

"I can't believe I'm back at this school. I can't believe I'm back in Lima," Rachel shakes her head. "This is all so surreal."

Finn nods as they enter the familiar William McKinley High School and walk down the hall to what used to be the glee choir room. Finn knocks on the door and smiles when he sees a whole bunch of kids dancing and singing around the room, all with huge happy smiles plastered on their faces.

Rachel can't believe how much glee club had evolved since she left high school. When they graduated they only had about fourteen members. They still won nationals, but wow. Now there are at least twenty or thirty people. It's like the Cheerio's. She can tell that a few of them actually are a part of the squad because they still wear those skimpy red and white uniforms.

Mr. Schuester, grey hair and all, stands by the white board, jotting down the lesson plan for the week. He stops when he notices his two former students and smiles.

"Oh my, if it isn't Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry," He shakes his head, going over to the two and hugging them each tightly.

"How have you been?" Rachel asks brightly. "Gosh, look how many people are in glee club!"

"It's all because of you guys," Mr. Schue smiles proudly. "After you all graduated and they saw how successful you all became, we just started getting many new members. Now we have twenty eight people. Sue, of course, isn't so happy with that, but I don't care because everything is just going great for us. We lost nationals last year, but we're doing it this year.

"As for me, I'm doing pretty great. I married Ms. Pillsbury and we have a four year old daughter."

Finn pats him on the back, "That's so great, Mr. Schue."

"Just call me Will, guys. You're no longer my students," He chuckles.

"Will," Rachel forces. It's just so weird saying his first name!

Will nods and smiles at the former couple.

"So how are things with you guys? I mean, Rachel I know you went to New York and became a Broadway star," He nods.

"Yeah," She nods. "And I'm engaged."

"No way!"

"Yeah, to Adam Zimmer."

Someone from the class jumps up; this little blonde cheerio.

"You're dating Adam Zimmer? He is so hot," She gawks.

Rachel blushes, "Yeah, we're getting married."

Finn tries to ignore everything that's being said because, seriously, he doesn't want to hear about this dick Adam Zimmer.

"That's great, Rachel," Will nods. "How about you Finn?"

"After graduating with a teaching degree, I got hired to be the assistant coach for football at OSU," He explains for what seems to be the zillionth time in two days.

"Wow," Will smiles, "You guys really made something out of yourselves. I'm so proud of you."

"Who are they?" One of the students finally asks, bored out of their little mind.

"Guys, I'm honored to introduce to you two of the best original New Directions members, Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry."

"Oh, so these are the two you're always going on about," Someone points out causing the class to laugh.

"Oh, Will, I'm truly flattered," Rachel giggles.

"Hey, they had the most chemistry I've ever seen between two people on and off stage," He explains himself.

Finn nods in agreement and stares down at Rachel. It's true. They were fucking gold back in high school.

"Why don't they sing for us, then? Are this still really good or did they just sort of lose their talent? Because I totally don't want to lose my talent when I get old like them," Some girl shakes her head in horror.

"Hey, I'm not old!" Finn defends. "We're only twenty three. Mr. Schuester on the other hand is old."

The class laughs in response.

"Does he still rap for you all?"

They all respond with some way of saying 'yes'.

Will laughs and pats them on the back.

"Find, then let's hear a ballad from the two power couple. Rachel you're the stunning young starlet that everyone roots for and Finn, you're the popular football stud," Will jokes with them, causing the two to laugh and blush.

"Well, what should we sing?" Rachel asks.

"How about our Madonna mash-up? Member that one? Borderline and Open Your Heart," Finn smiles down at her.

"But the band won't know that music," She shakes her head.

"Oh I do," Brad, the pianist says.

Rachel runs over to hug him tightly.

"Oh Brad, you're so great. How are you?" She asks him.

"Good. Now how about you sing?"

"But what about the drums?" She pouts.

Finn goes behind the drum set and takes some kids drum sticks.

"Rach, I got that one covered," He smiles. "Hit it."

-glee-

"Open your heart with that key!" They sing out the last note perfectly, both feeling very intensely about one another. They don't know if it's a good feeling or a bad one. Both have terrible memories dawning upon them, but both have that cute, warm feeling bubbling up inside. That duet really is moving and fun and just… them. They created that song and it felt amazing to do so again.

Rachel had only improved over the years and Finn still stayed good considering his only performances were in the shower nowadays.

The room claps and they can hear some say 'Wow, they're good' and others say 'Yeah, well I'm better than her', but Finn knows that's not true. No one can lay a finger on Rachel Berry's talent. No one.

"It was great seeing you, kids," Will gives them a hug again.

"Yeah, it was fun being here. Maybe I'll drop in some other time," Finn shrugs with a grin on his face.

"That'd be great," Will exclaims. "And I hope to be seeing you then too, Rachel."

"I hope so too. Bye now!"

They get back home and are both laughing and talking normally like they used to; just random subjects. They walk through the door, both singing to 'Jessie's Girl' and are laughing, reminiscing on the memory of Finn trying to win Rachel back although he already had her heart. He had it all along.

Carole, Burt, Kurt, and Blaine look at them with expectant looks and soon the laughter dies down.

"Gee, what's up your butts?" Finn asks, hanging Rachel's coat up.

"Finn!" Carole scolds.

"Sorry," He laughs.

"Just curious as to how you two spent your day?"

"We went out to the strip mall and went to see Mr.- I mean Will," Rachel explains. "It was so fun! But I'm so tuckered out right now!"

"Rachel, don't you want to eat though?" Finn asks concernedly.

She shakes her head, "Too tired. I'll eat later. Thanks for letting me stay, again, Burt and Carole."

"No problem."

Rachel leaves and as soon as they hear the bedroom door shut, they all jump towards Finn.

"You're in love with her again, aren't you?" Carole asks, throwing her arms around her son and hugging him tightly. "That's so amazing!"

"Mom! I'm not in love with her again!"

But they all knew that he never fell 'out of love' with Rachel. He always loved her and always will love her.

He just doesn't need to be having those feelings. Not when she's about to get engaged.

However that doesn't mean he can't be friends with her. After all, their relationship started out on just being best friends.