Thank you for all your support, here's part 3. Since I can't show my appreciation for you all physically, I figured a fast update would do? You guys are, after all, my mooses (even if my fingers are bleeding from typing! :P)
BTW, smut alert.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
"Let me get this straight, you told him you did him a favor because you felt in debt and then rejected his dreamy ass?"
"Kurt! If you put it like that it makes me sound awful!"
"Because it is awful. Poor Finn, if it weren't because I'm head over heels from one Mr. Blaine Anderson I'd be going to console him. I mean, Rachel… he is tall, dark and handsome."
"Not the point. I'm just so confused Kurt." She groaned, flinging herself dramatically on her bed. Kurt was already on it, munching on popcorn.
"Ok, I think the owing him thing is just an excuse you came up with to justify your actions to yourself." He says, given her his I-am-right-don't-question-it look.
"What actions?"
"The fact you got the hots for Finn and needed an excuse to keep him around. Isn't it obvious?"
"No, why would you say I have the hots for Finn?"
Kurt rolls his eyes pointedly. "Ok, I am going to spell it out for you. I have never seen you happier, more vibrant or so alive as I have in these couple of months. It's like meeting Finn led you to become a less controlling more enthusiastic person. And the way you look at him? I saw you drool over his abs that time in the pool. You want him, and you have feelings for him. You're not even denying it. The thing you need to figure out, Rachel Berry, is why in the hell are you lying to yourself?"
Basically, she has spent the last day and a half immersed in her thoughts. At nights, she tosses and turns, repeating her conversations with Kurt and Finn over and over again to the point where words don't make sense anymore and she wonders whether she even speaks English. Something just doesn't make sense in her mind and it's making her restless. Finn hasn't contacted her at all and it just makes it worse, she misses him.
"Honey?" her father says, standing on her doorway, "you have a visitor."
"Tell Kurt I'll call him later, I don't feel well." She groans, hiding her face underneath her pillow.
"It's not Kurt star, you should really go down."
Not Kurt? But then who could be asking for her? She doesn't have that many friends, none that she talks to during summer anyway. Curiosity invades her, making her throw on a large hoodie over black tights before going down. As she takes the last steps down the stairs of her penthouse, she sees a large figure stand once aware of her presence. Her stomach drops and her heart starts racing because it's Finn. What is he doing in her apartment?
"Finn!" she says nervously "I… I didn't expect to see you, I thought you were mad at me?"
He gives her a shy smile and she can tell there's something on his mind. "Is there anything wrong?"
"Rach…" he whispers before sitting back, his head on his hands.
"Finn, what's wrong?" she feels her heart constrict because this is her friend and he's obviously distressed. She sits next to him, her hand rubbing small circles on his back.
She feels the shivers, the sobs wrecking his body.
"Please, tell me what's wrong." She begs.
"There's nothing wrong" he exclaims, turning around to look at her. He looks lost, his face blotchy. "My…. Mom…. She told me today we're moving in with Burt and Kurt. Something about life being too short to wait?"
"Oh Finn." she reaches her arm to touch his hand "is that upsetting you so much?"
"No, I mean yes….. I don't know Rach." He sighs defeated "I mean, I'm glad mom's happy and Burt is a really good guy, it's just… everything's changing so fast I can't keep up. Now we're going to live in the Upper East Side, and like… what about my dad? Am I supposed to just forget him now? I don't recognize my life anymore."
"I'm so, so sorry Finn. Look at me." His hopeless eyes turn slowly towards her. "Change… it's difficult. And no, you're not supposed to forget about your dad, he'll always be your dad. But that doesn't mean you and your mom need to be stuck in the past. She deserves to move on and so do you, it's just unfair if you don't."
"It's just… I don't know who I am anymore Rach."
"You're Finn Hudson. You're tall, clumsy, you sing beautifully and you tell the corniest jokes ever. You'll change, you're just a teenager and still growing… but you're never going to lose who you are unless you want to. Ok?"
"ok" he whispers sadly.
"Then why do you still look miserable?"
"I guess I need time to mourn what I knew?" he asks and she agrees, it's healthy. She directs his head to her lap and consoles him, combing her tiny fingers across his thick, messy hair.
"Are you still mad at me?" she ventures to ask once he's calmed down considerably.
"Yeah but not like… mad enough not to talk to you… just mad I guess." he acknowledges "but I need a friend right now. More specifically, I need you."
"Are you ok with everything?" she asks over her cup of coffee.
"It's really strange, I mean they seem like great people but it's always been just the two of us, you know?"
She smiles at Kurt, she's glad he's not as upset as Finn was over the whole move.
"It doesn't matter though" he adds brightly "I've never seen my dad happier and Carole is truly wonderful… and I'm sure it won't be a problem living with Finn."
"It's great you're taking this so well" she comments, surprised at the contrast between him and Finn.
"Rachel, when my dad had that heart attack… I kept thinking that it was so sad he never got another chance to be happy you know? He decided to focus on business and me… but as much as I love him even I know it's not enough for him to be really happy."
"You sure? It's not like that time you said you were fine with not getting a solo and then went full on psycho?"
He snorts "I will keep insisting Sebastian was never fit for that role, but I swear… I'm good. Besides, there's quite the silver lining."
"You're finally going to have a shopping buddy in Carole?"
His eyes widen "how did I not think of that? You're absolutely right! Oh, imagine Carole with a nice Channel dress…"
"So what's the actual silver lining?"
He claps his hands excitedly. "We're moving! Our apartment is huge and all, but dad wants a new place…. Somewhere to start fresh. And, he managed to find this gorgeous penthouse on your street!"
"Kurt that's wonderful! We'll be even closer now!" of course she knows that means Finn will be closer too. Kurt's silver lining just became hers too.
"So how did Finn take it?" Kurt asks tentatively.
"Not so good… it's not that he doesn't like you guys, he's just really protective of his mom and it's been years with just the two of them. I don't think he likes change all that much."
"Nonsense, his doubts will be removed as soon as he moves in. I'm telling you, one bite of my world famous quiche and he'll start calling me brother."
She feels rather uncomfortable being here. She's helping Kurt decorate his new room. Luckily, Finn is nowhere to be seen, Carole mentioned he was finishing up closing their old tiny Brooklyn apartment.
"I'm spent" she says, sitting on the floor.
"Same" Kurt agrees with a huff. "I mean, my shelves look wonderful but do they have to be so complicated to install?"
She giggles "I don't think they're so hard… we're just challenged when it comes to building things."
"I should've taken my dad's offer to have someone do this."
"What happened to wanting your new room to be the fruits of your labor?" she teases.
"Oh… that was just me being naïve… apparently." He deadpans. They both share a laugh, which is gruesomely interrupted by a shriek downstairs.
They freeze, looking at each other in fear before bolting to the living room.
"What happened? Are you guys ok? Is it dad's heart?" Kurt screeches as they rush down the stairs.
Obviously, Kurt's dad is fine because he's standing, holding Carole in his arms.
"Dad? What's wrong" Kurt's voice floods the room, worry lacing his tone.
"Finn's in the hospital" he shoots a look at both of them "…we're not sure what happened but it looks like he got shot… the car will be here in two minutes to take us there… you guys can come if you want to."
Rachel's air leaves her lungs. Saying things have been awkward between Finn and her is the understatement of the year. Her mind was still fuzzy in respect to how she felt, but they were still there for each other when needed. Now, Finn's lying in the hospital somewhere with blood gushing out of his body and she feels like the worst person alive. What if he dies and they never patch things up?
Going inside the car, she just tries to keep breathing. No one says anything, the only sound to be heard is Carole's constant sobs. Rachel doesn't think of what's going on or how it might happen. For some reason, the image of a nice town house is foregrounded in her mind. She can see herself in it, hugged by none other than Finn with a little girl and a boy running around them and she can see how it all vanishes, replaced by Finn's grave and her heart broken.
She's surprised about the images her mind conjured up…
"You can go in now sweetie."
They've been four hours in the damn hospital. Turns out some robber saw Finn carrying a box and shot him in the leg to steal it. Finn's not in bad shape, though he did lose a lot of blood, and the bullet only grazed his bone. It still meant surgery (though minor) and a cast for the next couple of weeks but considering what could've happened, it's pretty great news. Now Carole is telling her she can see him and it's like someone told her she can breathe again.
She grimaces as she opens the door. Finn looks pale and weak, his leg propped up in a cast. He's so strong and looks plain wrong in that position.
"Oh Finn." she says when she enters the room.
"Rach" a ghost of a smile graces his features "you know… mom and I have lived in pretty sketchy places… even shelters… and we managed. Now, the last day of that life I get shot." He lets out a sardonic laugh.
"That's not funny" she admonishes, approaching his bed.
"I think it is" his voice steels with bitterness "it's just hilarious how nothing in my life ever turns out the way I want it."
She clutches his hand. "I was really scared."
His fingers lace with hers tentatively "of what? Me dying before starting in your fancy school, so you would never be able to pay back?"
"Finn… it's not like that and you know it."
He doesn't respond, merely rolls his eyes before laying against his pillow.
"You want to know what I was scared of, Finn?" she says, her voice rising to hysterics, "I was scared you would die because that meant I would never be your wife and we would never had kids running around our feet. Well, yours because a four year old with your genes might be taller than me."
His eyes are intensely focused on her but he does chuckle at her comment.
"And I don't know where that came from, or since when I feared that because I never knew that's something I wanted before you got injured."
"I think that's just it Rach. Why did it take a bullet to my leg for you to realize that? Why is it that when it comes to me you only react positively to bad stuff? It makes me wonder whether it's just because you pity me…" he trails off "I guess that means you're still confused?"
"I… No… Yes…. I don't know."
"Rachel I love you but you're an idiot."
"I'm not! I'm just severely confused, Kurt." She protests.
"What's so confusing? You imagined your children for God's sake, if that doesn't tell you something then I don't know what you think will show you the way. Finn's hurt, and he doesn't deserve it. Seeing him mope in a cast for two weeks was depressing enough."
"Don't you think I know that?" she snaps "don't you think it kills me that when we're around each other he flinches when I touch him, or get too close to him? He's like a huge, scared, adorable puppy and I wish I had an answer!"
"But you don't."
"I mean… not a definite one. I care about Finn, a lot… okay? And if I give him an answer in either direction I want to be sure… I don't want to hurt or lie to him… but there's something inside me that just makes it impossible to be sure."
"Well, it sounds to me like there's something… or shall I say someone, that is screwing you up. Maybe the same person who made you so damn insecure about men is the source of this?"
How the hell did she not consider it? She was going insane with the haziness of her brain, all the arguments and counter-arguments that arose within her not to see the obvious. Maybe she needed to talk with someone she never though she'd want to see again: Jesse St. James.
Dress? Check. Hair? Check. Clean living room? Check. Snacks and drinks? Check. Now if she could only check off being calm. She couldn't be calm, not when Jesse St. James would arrive at any moment now. She hasn't seen him since he graduated, two years ago. According to Facebook, he's having a ball in NYU and even managed a role in an off-off Broadway play.
Her thoughts are interrupted by the ding of the elevator.
"Rachel Berry, it's good to see you." Jesse exclaims with that terribly cocky grin of his.
"Jesse, welcome." She's keeping it polite and civil. Not friendly or close because he isn't here to rekindle anything. He's here because she needs answers. "Please sit, would you like water? Tea? Wine?"
"Wine sounds terrific" he replies, making his way to sit down, "but only if you have a cup too."
Neither of them are old enough but they have been raised in a life where as of 15, 16 years old it was fine drinking a cup with a meal, it even was expected.
"Of course, give me a second." She could've asked Elisa, their cook, to fetch it but that meant more alone time with him and she'd rather not.
"Here you go, it's white wine by the way… I recall sweet is your favorite?"
"Always so thoughtful… I've missed that." She can tell he's sincere but honestly? She doesn't care.
"Maybe my thoughtfulness was something you should've considered before you cracked an egg on me during a public performance?" she says bitingly.
"Still not over that? Look… I'm sorry… I'll always be sorry. I was arrogant and young and when my whole year insisted it'd be the perfect Senior prank I just couldn't say no… people change you know?"
"I know" she answers "but that was by far, the most humiliating experience of my life. I have to give you props for incorporating it in our duet though."
"You were such a pro, you totally made that egg your own."
"I still have nightmares about it though… and while I can forgive you, I can't forget it Jesse. Sorry."
"Then why did you call me?" he asks confused.
"I want to discuss our relationship?"
"I thought you just said you'll never be able to look past what happened."
"I want to discuss our old relationship" she clarifies "but just to be on the same page, I am not opposed to being civil when we must be in the same room."
"I can live with that" he shrugs "but what about our relationship?"
"It's just… ever since then I haven't been able to give myself fully to anyone… there's this one person I really care about and it's just… after you I made a little list of the perfect guy for me… a flexible one I admit… but entirely filled with requirements that ensure I'll be safe in the relationship unlike what happened between us...and he's none of that… and I just don't know."
"Let me guess." He scoffs "your perfect guy is your perfect match on stage, the perfect trophy husband?"
She shifts uncomfortably "While that's a terrible way of describing my extensive thoughts it could arguably summarize them, yes."
"Don't you see? That's who I was… in a way. Without mentioning exceptionally charming and handsome of course." He winks at her. "anyway, that was precisely the problem of our relationship. You always wanted me to be this perfect guy and I'm not Rachel. No one is. I was a prop to your success as much as you were a prop for mine… we weren't going to work because we were just using each other. I just happened to notice before you did."
"So that's why you embarrassed me?"
"No… it was really peer pressure. But I can't deny I was hurt… especially over the fact I'd never be perfect for you."
"I'm sorry, I never realized you felt that way Jesse."
"It's ok, whoever this guy is at least you genuinely care for his feelings, so I hope you figure it out. As to why you have the need to want someone perfect rather than someone human… I'm no psychologist so I can't give you answers. I can, however, toast to you finding true love one day"
She gives him a grateful smile, raising her glass to toast with him. They both share a giggle when their cups clink.
Just in that moment, Finn Hudson walks in.
"Finn!" she says standing up "what… what are you doing here?"
He's looking at her, then at Jesse… then back at her. He looks confused.
"I… got my schedule for tomorrow… you said you wanted to compare it with yours and I figured I'd drop by… sorry I should've called." He says dejectedly.
She stands there, not knowing how to proceed.
"Allow me to introduce myself" Jesse says standing up "I'm Jesse St. James… I'm Rachel's… old friend."
Finn's eye slant and she knows why. He's heard that name many times, they've talked about Jesse. He knows her entire life and she knows his.
"Finn Hudson" he extends his hand to shake Jesse's. "Rach, can I talk to you for a second… in private?"
"It's fine, I should really go. Rachel, can I send you tickets to my play? It'd be an honor to have you see it. And, I can always use your feedback."
Her head snaps towards Jesse when she notices he's talking to her "Um… sure. Just have them delivered. It was lovely seeing you again Jesse."
"You too Rae." She cringes at the old nickname but Jesse doesn't notice, lowering down to kiss her cheek. "Nice meeting you Finn." With that, Jesse walks out of her apartment, leaving Finn and her just staring at each other.
"Actually" Finn says "it's better if I go too… I'll see you in school Rae."
She's left standing alone, not sure about what just happened.
"Rachel, relax… we're here to have fun remember?" Kurt whispers in her ear.
How can she possibly relax? Ever since that awkward encounter, Finn has been avoiding her. They've talked in school and he seems to really be enjoying the new environment, but it's always so forced. He keeps looking at her like she's scum. Now, Kurt's dragged her to a party… Quinn's party of all places, because he claims she needs to go out and just forget everything for one night.
It would be easier if she hadn't just spotted Finn by the bar.
"He's here." She whispers.
"Go talk to him them… he's still our friend." Kurt nudges her before subtly leaving, disappearing amongst the crowd.
"Hey." She says as she approaches him. "I… wasn't expecting to see you here tonight."
He turns around, his face falling when he sees her. "Yeah… Quinn invited me."
"Oh? I didn't know you guys were friends?"
"Yeah" he shrugs "ever since she broke up with Puck she's been really down and she's in a couple of my classes… I'm not too good myself so we started talking. It's not like we're super friends but yeah, she's cool."
Cool would be the last word she'd ever use to describe the Ice Queen.
"Anyway Rach… um… good to see you. Gotta go but we'll talk later ok?"
They don't exactly talk later. She's really bored, even with Kurt because all her mind can think of is whether Finn is still around and whether he plans to talk to her at some point. She wanders off for some fresh air, opening the balcony.
Right in front of her is Finn… with Quinn sitting on his lap kissing him. The sound of the door make them both turn, now are of her presence.
"I'm sorry…" she says, and for some reason sobs start escaping "I… better go."
"You should troll… you know my invitation was just being polite right? It's not like I want you here, so you leaving is a genius idea." Quinn barks back.
"Whoa" Finn says, brow crinkled "why are you being so mean to Rach?"
"Because she's a troll?" Quinn says with a laugh "don't you be concerned with her… weren't we up to something?"
He stands, ridding himself of Quinn on his lap. "Actually…you sort of attacked me there… and that's my best friend you're insulting so no… we were up to nothing. We'll never be up to something, actually. Not if you treat Rachel like that."
"Fine." Quinn snaps "be my guest, side with manhands over there. It's not like you have taste."
She leaves and it's just the two of them, Finn and Rachel in the awkwardest moment possible. It doesn't help her face is full of tears.
"Rach, what's wrong? Don't listen to Quinn… she can be a bitch."
"Why?" she asks pathetically "why her? You were…. Why were you kissing her?"
He takes a step, standing right in front of her.
"She kind of jumped on me… I swear. One second she was telling me something and the other we were making out."
"Oh… yeah, you totally looked like an innocent victim." She replies, her tone dripping in sarcasm and hate.
"It's not like it matters to you… I don't get it Rach. You deny our kiss meant anything… you say you don't know how you see me… you even said you want a future with me but that confuses you. Then you get upset about Quinn? Am I supposed to just wait around… hoping you'll make your mind? All while you have secret meetings with your douche of an ex, happily sipping wine? What do you want from me?" he's exasperated and frustrated and just damned tired of everything.
"I…." she hesitates. He's right about everything and she is being unfair but that doesn't mean she's not hurt.
"Exactly." His voice is hard but his actions say otherwise, his thumbs wiping her tears "you don't know and it kills me."
She doesn't want to get out of bed. It's Sunday anyway, her homework is done and she's decided she's too miserable to get up. Her conversation with Finn last night was awful, seeing him kissing Quinn was a nightmare. Her door opens, revealing none other than Finn carrying a tray.
"Kurt told me your dads called asking if something happened last night because you were locking yourself inside and refusing to eat. Are you sad about what happened?"
She shakes her head "I'm still processing I guess… I need time with my thoughts."
"That doesn't mean you should starve yourself." He gently places the tray with some food on her bed.
"I'm not hungry."
"and I'm not beneath force-feeding you. You're tiny enough as it is."
"Fine." She grabs the fork, taking small bites of the food. Finn turns around towards her TV, putting on The Lion King.
"Feeling like a musical?" she asks puzzled.
"It's the Lion King… if that doesn't brighten your mood then I don't know what." He shrugs, sitting back down as the music starts.
They're quiet, her munching and watching the movie, Finn's eyes focused on the animations too. She asks him to pause the movie when she's done, going to brush her teeth. She leaves the door open, and to her surprise Finn follows her. He stays at the door, watching her as she brushes her teeth and her face. She's about to reach for her hairbrush when, in the mirror, she can see Finn's arm extend to stop her.
"Don't, your hair is fine."
"Finn… I have bed hair… and I'm in pajamas… there's nothing fine about me."
"I think you're gorgeous." She gulps because he's right behind her, and she can see his face right on her mirror, looking right at her. "you know… I should go, promised mom I'd be home for dinner."
"Oh… see you tomorrow then?" and bam, it's awkward again.
"Yeah… but… you know how you said you wanted to think and stuff?" he asks.
"Finn… I don't have an answer yet."
"I know, but that doesn't mean I can't give you something to think about."
His face lowers. He kisses her and she can feel it. Not only the intensity, or the comfort… she feels what he's trying to say. She can feel his passion for her, his attraction, his worries and fears and she kisses him back just as intensely.
Before she knows it she's standing all alone in her room, tracing her swollen lips with her fingers.
She opens his door with a slam.
"Rach? What are you doing here? I just saw you two hours ago." He asks clearly taken aback by her presence.
"Finn Hudson you don't get to go to my place, take care of me and then kiss me like that just to leave!"
"I thought you said you needed time?"
"Now I need something else." She growls at him.
Like a possessed crazy woman, she struts towards his chair, opening her long black coat and throwing it to the ground. Underneath she's wearing a scandalously short plaid skirt and a transparent white blouse, her mary janes and knee socks on her legs as usual.
"Rach…" his mouth falls open and she swears some drool escapes it.
"You gave me something to think about… but it just wasn't enough."
She stops in front of him, stretching her legs to straddle him. She's not particularly sure we she's acting like this… she just has this ache ever since that kiss and it's driving her insane.
Her mouth lowers to his mouth, pressing a kiss on the corner of his lips.
"I need more." She breathes in his ear.
His hands move to her lower back, holding her steady. He moves his head to place his lips right under hers, but doesn't kiss her.
"Like this?" he breathes against her lips, teasing her.
She presses her mouth to his, hungrily kissing him. In turn, he presses her flush against his body, his tongue battling for dominance against hers. Her hands entwine with the hair on top of his hair, tugging it, nails scratching against his scalp. Finn's hips give an involuntary thrust, a groan of lust escaping him. She smiles widely, pressing her core against his hardening package. Her nails start trailing down his neck to his shirt. He's wearing a plaid shirt with buttons. She hopes he doesn't mind the fact she opens it in one tear, buttons flying everywhere as she traces his lean muscles with her fingernails. He responds by moving his lips right to her pulse point, making her buck her hips against him. Thankfully her coat will conceal the fact he too decides to rip the buttons of her shirt. His mouth goes right to where her breasts begin, his tongue trailing deliciously slow circles on her skin. Her chest rises and falls rapidly as she tosses her head back. Finn's making her feel things she never really felt before.
His hands deftly move behind her back, unclasping her bra and them getting rid of it. As soon as his eyes land on her boobs he makes a guttural grown before standing up, his hands cupping her ass. She wraps her legs around him, creating sweet friction as he moves them to the bed. He lands of top her, his weight resting on his elbows.
"You're so beautiful Rach."
She responds by kissing him, lifting her hips so he can get rid of her skirt too. Her hands move to his jeans, undoing the buttons and then placing a hand to the zipper. She can feel his crotch emanating heat, his bulge hard against his tight jeans… his arousal brings intense tingles between her legs. He opens her skirt and she pulls his jeans down with her legs. When his fingers trace her thighs she moans against his lips, letting out a little scream when his thumb makes contact with her clit. His face trails down with little kisses on her skin, his hand tugs her panties down. He's right between her thighs, looking at her with intense desire before licking her wet centre. She moans and trashes as his tongue works its magic.
"Finn… I need you."
"What to do you want Rach?" he says against her wet core.
"I need you inside me, Finn."
Silently, he moves upwards, stopping at her breasts to suck on her nipples. He lowers himself down on her, his tip right on her entrance.
"Are you sure? W-what about protection?" he stammers nervously.
Her heart warms up, he's so amazing being concerned about her feeling in a moment like this.
"I'm on the pill… please Finn" she begs.
No more words are spoken as he thrusts into her, his entire length inside her slick entrance in one pump. Her hips lift off the bed and he keeps pumping into her. She scratches his back, bites his shoulder and he squeezes her breasts as he sucks on her neck. She moves her hips upwards, meeting him at every thrust, rubbing herself against him. She moans and trashes, moving to bite his lips, looking into his eyes as they both rise to an explosive climax, moaning each other's name.
They cuddle, not saying anything until she rose, putting her clothes back on.
"Tomorrow after classes, meet me in Auditorium B."
"You came." She says, watching Finn make his way towards her. They're in the auditorium, completely in the dark except for the single spotlight on her.
"It's impossible to say no to you Rach." He shrugs, going up the steps to reach her. "I hope you're in a talking mood because I haven't been able to have a coherent thought since last night… why…. What happened?"
She smiles shyly, looking at the floor. "Maybe you should've paid attention in Health Class?" she jokes.
"I know what happened… but why?"
"Come here." She beckons him.
When he's standing in the spotlight, she takes a deep breath.
"When I met you, I thought you were the most perfect boy on earth. Then you saved me and I was sure you were. You made me feel incredible for the first time. I may have lots of money, or an amazing talent but it doesn't mean I don't get lonely… with you I never felt that way. So, I got this crazy idea in my head I needed to pay you back. When you kissed me… I felt like a fairytale princess. You asked me whether it was possible for me to overlook what I want ideally in a guy, remember?"
"Yeah… is this about that? Like… I'm just not him for you?" he says sadly.
"I haven't finished talking. Your question struck a chord within me. The thing is, deep down I have felt something for you ever since I first met you. I think the crazy notion I was in your debt is just an excuse I came up with to get to know you better… to do something for you just because you're so wonderful not because of anything you did specifically. The thing is, I friendzoned us because I… I thought you were too good for me."
She holds her hands out, asking for his own hands to cover them. He complies tenderly, a bit hesitant about where she's going with all this.
"I never even considered you economic situation… I'm not like that… my fathers are rich but they went through very hard times too… they've kept me humble. No… it was more that I thought I could never be good enough for you. The truth is, all my requirements in a guy… all the justifications I came up with are simply excuses because… well, I don't think anyone can really want me."
"Rach, no offense but that's really stupid."
"Maybe" she shrugs "But then you kissed me… and I tried so hard to deny how it felt… deny how completely perfect you are for me… deny everything because I was so sure you'd be better off with me as just a friend. But I can't anymore Finn… I'm letting myself be selfish… I'm taking a chance on me, on you… if you want me, of course, because I just can't do anything except want to be with you. It's killing me. I finally figured it out... my confusion wasn't because I wasn't sure... it's because I love you, Finn Hudson... and that scared me so much. Until now."
He chuckles. "Always the drama queen." His hand lifts to her cheek, cupping her face lovingly. "I love you Rachel Barbara Berry… like a clichéd peasant loves a princess."
She giggles. He smiles. They lean towards each other, finally finding each other.
This night is insane, her dreams can't even compare to reality. They've been together eight years now… went to NYADA together, though he went into TV acting and she went into Broadway and also became a recording artist. They live together, they love each other and they manage to balance their careers just fine. Long ago they both agreed their relationship came first, their careers second. Now they're here, in the People's Choice Awards. She just got one for her new album, and he's right on that stage looking gorgeous in a gray suit, getting his award for his lead role in a famous TV series. She can't believe how lucky they got when he got the offer for a New York based series, with him as the lead. His smile shows his incredulity, he had been convinced he wouldn't win.
"Oh wow" he says into the microphone "This is amazing… I honestly didn't see this coming. Today I'd like to thank my fans, they're the reason behind this ceremony and the reason any of us have jobs… plus they're all kinds of awesome. Also, my mom because she's my mom and she's the best one can ask for. Last, but not least… Rachel. When I met Rachel, I was nothing. Thanks to her friendship I rediscovered old friendships, thanks to her my mom met the man who makes her the happiest, thanks to Rachel I could really give my musical education a shot. Then she dared to love me and here I am babe, proving you every day how much I love you. This is for you."
He holds the trophy in the air triumphantly. It's highly unprofessional of her, but she can't help the tears that stream down her cheeks. She just loves him so damn much. Thank God for waterproof mascara.
He smiles before lowering himself down to the microphone again.
"The only thing I can ask for now is for you to take a chance again and agree to become my wife?"
The camera pans towards her face, her little hand clutched against her chest, her head nodding vigorously, lips mouthing the word 'yes'.
Voila! I really, really hope you like this conclusion. I'll be back with a new fic soon, until then my friends.
DON'T EVER forget to have faith in the tether.