Hello! I just wanted to mention a few things before you get to the bulk and more interesting parts of this page. First, sorry about how long it took to upload this as it has been somewhat of a hectic week. Usually when I write a story I write about three chapters before posting it on FanFiction, but I was having problems posting a story that I was originally going to put up. Long story short: I put this one up instead. So, I only had one chapter done. The second thing is a really huge my bad. I reviewed what I posted for last chapter and I wanted to slap myself. The spelling mistakes, holy! I will try to go back and change them soon! Okay, enough of me. Back to Finn!

P.S. I AM PISSED WITH HIS NO SOLOS YET IN SEASON 3! TOTAL B- THIS IS AN ACTIVE PROTEST OF IT!

2) Face-Off

Finn always supposed that senior year was meant to be one of the best years of your life, as you finally figure out whomever you are and take a step towards your future. Filled with those memories that you could look back on and laugh, remembering the good times and the time when you made stupid mistakes. It was supposed to be freaking fun.

Yet, he thought to himself as he wiped off the grease from his nose (somehow it always managed a way to find its way there), here I am in an auto-shop while all my friends are living out their senior year. He knew that it was for him to get some money so he could go to college and get the hell out of Lima, but he had been in a dark mood ever since Deon showed up.

For some reason, Mr. Shue decided to not give him any solos at the beginning of the year. Finn reasoned that because the teacher was in such a need for them to win this year, he possibly could of thought that Finn might be better in the back so no would see him dance. Even Finn acknowledged the fact that he was simply not a dancer. So, he decided to accept it plainly…but then Deon showed up.

It wasn't just Finn who seemed to have no shot at a solo anymore, but any of the glee boys. Deon was an excellent singer; loud and proud, it was like the equivalent of Rachel's voice in male form. Their voices went together so well and Finn had to admit that they did sound pretty damn good. Mr. Shuester apparently seemed to feel the same and already declared that Rachel and Deon would be the main singers at sectionals.

Finn's first reaction was to be mad and irate, as that was his rightful spot next to Rachel. Not some rich boy who decided to just drop in from nowhere. Then he remembered last year and how it was his fault that they lost, and he kept his thoughts to himself. He had promised himself that he would do anything for them to win; even if it meant him losing his own voice.

His hands tightened on the wrench he was holding and paused as his mind returned back to Rachel. Their relationship was starting to strain ever since the new kid showed up, as Deon found a best friend in Rachel. They were always together and whenever Finn was with them…it felt like he was the third wheel of a couple. He brought it up once with Rachel but she gave him large doe eyes and said she had no idea what he was talking about. They fought about it and both went home mad; that was last night and Finn hadn't talked to her since.

"I am not the one to apologize first," Finn said to himself, twisting the wrench harder than necessary. "I did nothing wrong. It isn't me who can't stop talking to another person for like ten minutes to hang with their boyfriend. I've been a perfect boyfriend, if I said so, as I supported her through her musical auditions with Mercedes and finally told her I would give her my vote for student president." His anger had built up as he spoke and he hurled the wrench at the ground with a loud clang. "I am not saying sorry!"

XXx

"I'm sorry, Rach,' Finn said into his cell phone. It was after work and he couldn't stand not talking to Rachel anymore. It was like he was missing a part of himself and he wanted it back. Really badly. Which lead him to call her, but he only got voicemail even though he was sure she was home. He waited a few seconds then sighed. "I'm sorry, I know I probably overreacted, but I lost you once to another guy and I don't want that to happen again…I love you too much."

He waited again and she still didn't pick up; the voicemail was going to end soon and his mind buzzed through what to say. "So, if you want to talk…you'll know where I am."'

"Right here." A musical voice said, and he couldn't help but to grin. There, standing by his truck in a fall jacket with a smile upon her own face, was Rachel. He could read the twinkle and stars in her eyes like she had wrote them down on paper, and he knew that he was forgiven.

He forced himself not to run, but his body was in overdrive. It was undeniable that he loved this woman more than anyone else at McKinley, maybe even the whole of Lima. This was a girl who was going places, had her future set out for her since the day she was like four, and Finn found that extremely pleasing. It gave him the encouragement to get the hell out of Lima and start a life for himself.

And he wanted Rachel to be a part of that life.

Finn meet Rachel halfway and it wasn't long before she was in his arms, holding her tightly to his chest. He could feel the soft skin under his rough hands that were only getting callused by the day from working at Burt's garage. When they pulled apart slightly, their eyes meet; his head downward while her face was risen to his. He wanted to say the words in his heart but he was never that good with words, so he did the next best thing.

He lowered his head, glancing between her soft mouth and her glowing eyes with uncertainty. Seeing no argument or discomfort, he kissed her softly upon the lips. She had put something on her lips that tasted sweet, and he pulled her in tighter to his chest. He heard her give a small laugh of protest and he let her go slightly. She seemed so fragile, yet her spirit was made of steel and stone.

"So, am I forgiven?" Finn asked when they pulled apart a minute later, raising an eyebrow and pulling one corner of his lips into a smile. Rachel's eyes sparkled brighter.

"Most defiantly," said Rachel, still standing rather close to Finn. He liked it that way. "We should fight and make-up more often, that was an amazing kiss."

"You have no idea,' he teased and took her hand in his larger one, slowly rubbing the back of it with his thumb. "What do you want to do tonight?"

"How about we go to Breadstix, I'll pay, and we can talk about song selections for sectionals!" Rachel beamed.

"Hmm," Finn looked away, thinking. "Or we could go to Breadstix, I can pay, and we talk about something that is not glee related or about the student elections?"

Finn doubted that he could of gotten a stronger reaction even if he punched her in the face (not like he would). She appeared stunned, shocked, and even somewhat hurt. "I thought you liked talked about glee club? What do you want to talk about? Should we talk about what happens after glee club and high school?"

"No!" Finn exclaimed, his eyes widening and stomach churning painfully as his mind brought up that stupid question: what to do after high school? "I just don't see what would be the point of talking about song selections if I am not the one even singing a solo in the duets. Maybe you should talk about that with Deon." He couldn't keep his true opinion of Deon out of his voice, and, of course, Rachel caught it.

"Is something the matter, Finn?" Ever since Deon came here you have been acting kind of strange and more…hostile. What is up?" Rachel demanded, staring him straight in the eye like his mom did when she wanted a no-bullshit answer.

Finn was silent for a moment, trying to figure how to put his feelings into words. It was a lot harder than what girls think for a guy to do that, especially for Finn. As stated, he wasn't much for words. "I feel like…I don't know, it's like I am getting replaced. Nowadays you seem to hang with Deon more than me, and he gets all the fucking solos in glee. It was hard enough to get one beforehand for the other guys and now, no guy gets one. Then asking me to help decide what song to sing with him? I can't."

He let go of her hand and took a step back, not believing that he actually just confessed the things he said. Hell, he didn't even know he felt that way. He quickly stuttered, "I-I don't mean that, I'm so-"

"It is exactly how you mean it." Rachel said, the pleased look she had earlier gone now. That stars' glimmer was gone and only an inferno of rage remained. "I am sorry if I can't be friendly, it is not like I have an overabundance of people wanting to be my friends. It is refreshing to have someone who has the same goals and dreams as me. Someone who doesn't fear the future!"

Finn winced; that was a cheap shot. This being Rachel, she certainly couldn't end there.

"And it is not that you are not a better singer than Deon," Rachel continued, poking him rather forcefully in the chest, "it is because you let him take it! Do you think I am the main female singer because I let people push me around? No, Finn, I don't. I fight with nail and voice to get that spot, and had to mow down others to be it. So, maybe you should get a damn backbone and stop letting others push you around.'

He stared at her, unable to think or even say anything. She looked deep into his eyes as if she was seeking something, but then turned away. "I am not hungry anymore. I'll see you tomorrow, Finn." She didn't give him a second look as she turned and marched away in the direction of her house.

Finn stared after her, tempted to run to her and apologize, again, but he wasn't sorry. He realized he did mean the words he said, now, and shouldn't apologize for it. No, Rachel Berry, you are going to apologize to me.

xXx

His idea may have worked on another person but this was Rachel Berry, the most headstrong of anyone in glee, and possibly Lima. Finn should of known that she was going to apologize over it, and even pulled a dirty move in glee club the next day. She stalked in to the choir room, wearing a skirt and blouse that made her look like one of those girls in those anime shows he used to watch. She gave Finn a very direct look, almost goading him into a challenge, before turning to the whole club.

"Deon and I have been practicing this song for a long time and we would like to see what you all think," Rachel said, her smile bright and mysterious. Then she began to sing.

Finn had no idea what the song was called, but he felt his heart soar as he voice touched him. It was when she sang that he felt his love come bubbling out, trying to express itself as easily as she did. He wanted to jump up and sing with her (even if he really didn't have a clue what the lyrics were), but then Deon came out.

The power of his voice rivaled Rachel's, and he strode easily out to meet her wearing a dark suit of blue that enhanced everything about him. Their eyes meet and Finn felt his hands clench into fists as his girlfriend and Deon came rather close; their faces were barely a hand's width apart and bodies even closer. They stayed that way for a moment, then Rachel twirled away and belted out a long note that made Finn's ears ring.

Her eyes returned back to Finn's and the challenge was open now as she held out her hand to him, ready for him to take the next step. Take the hand and challenge Deon, be the leader of this glee club. The words came into his head as if she had actually spoken them. He wanted to take the hand but, hell, his voice would sound like a baby screaming compared to Deon's. Suddenly, he felt self-conscious and looked away from the hand with embarrassment.

"Finn…" The voice was too soft for anyone else but him to hear and he looked back at Rachel. She was gazing into his eyes without anger or even sadness, but pity hit him hard. Pity that he couldn't stand up for something he believed in. Pity that he didn't have the courage to fight for his spot as leader. It made him angry and he was prepared to jump up and grab his girlfriend's hand, but Deon intervened. The new kid placed his own hand in Rachel's palm and twirled her away with him. He flashed Finn a quick look, his face mocking and humorous. The quarterback knew then that he wasn't just imagining it.

Deon Werner was going to be another Jesse St. James.

Fuck if he was going to let that happen again, Finn roared inside his head and had to calm his anger. He wasn't too much in control of his anger when he was overly pissed, and had to dig his nails into his palms to avoid punching a wall or kicking a chair into the air.

Rachel and Deon finished their duet with a long and beautiful note that died slowly in the air, and everyone cheered. Finn didn't but kept his eyes locked on Deon, who was still holding Rachel's hand. Neither seemed to notice as they were bathed in exclamations from other glee members and Mr. Shuester. The teacher actually screamed, "Sectionals, in the bag! Good work!"

After that everyone started to file out, conversations buzzing excitedly, but Finn approached Deon and grabbed his arm, "Can I speak to you for a moment?"

"Sure," Deon said. They waited for everyone to leave; Rachel was the last to leave and she gave them both uncertain looks before disappearing into the throng of students in the hallway.

Finn immediately turned to Deon with a glare, the taller boy towering over Deon only barely. "What the hell, dude?"

"What? Is something bother you?" Deon asked, a wicked and knowing smile upon his face as he returned Finn's hostile glare with an even look.

"The fuck it is," Finn said, poking the boy in the chest. "I don't appreciate the fact that you are taking my girl away, stealing all the songs from the boys of the glee club, and acting as the leader. So, I think you should back down and let others have the change to sing. And stay away from Rachel."

Finn, at the least, expected some sort of reaction with fear or maybe even apologizing. Instead, Deon got angry and took a step forward to Finn. "I am surprised that you actually think! And how selfish you are. I am blunt, I will not deny it but I am not one to beat around the bush. Especially, when it comes to talent. So here it is: you have none, Finn." He took another step forward and Finn stumbled back, entrapped by his words. "Your voice is mediocre at best, and does nothing but bring this glee club down.

"Do you realize what that does to Rachel in turn? It brings her down to your pitiful level. She. Is. A. Star. She should be able to shine and be recognized for her talent. You are the pall that covers in her a curtain of second-hand talent. If she stays with you, she will never be able to remove that curtain. Me, on the other hand, could let her do that. I will be like a catalyst for her future, letting her shine faster, brighter, and longer…Could you do that for her, Finn?"

He didn't answer, the words like bullets into his heart as he realized that the words were true. Deon seemed to enlarge, growing momentum and power from Finn's silence.

"I thought so," he said with triumph in his eyes. "I am not trying to be mean, Finn. You do seem like a nice guy and a good person; but you are not good for Rachel. So, take some of my advice. Dump Rachel, let her live her life and become a star (with my help, of course), and find a new woman. Go back to the blond, she seems to love you even if you can barely carry a tune. Think about it, Finn."

Then he was gone, vanishing into the hallways of McKinley.

Finn remained in the choir room, his hands and legs shaking as he fell into a chair. Every single point Deon had said was at least something he thought about once when he was debating if he should kiss Rachel at nationals and, in turn, reuniting his relationship with her. Burrowing his head in his hands, he cursed senior year and pondered what to do next. He just hoped that this wasn't going to end the same as with Jesse…he wasn't sure if he would be able to stand that pain again. The pain of losing Rachel.

Thank you! Review! Also, thank you to my reviewer (you are my favorite reviewer of all time now!) and for all the people who put my story on their alerts! Anyone else have the desire to punch Deon? I did when I was writing it! See ya!