Okay, I should first say a couple of things (no, I don't know why I do on like every chapter). To ficlovers: Yes, there will be rated-M chapters in the future. I consider myself a "rush" writer; I have scenes go by way too quickly. I am trying to work on that (it isn't working too hot), so I'm trying to keep it at a slow pace. Sorry I put that here, but your PM wasn't working/disable. The last thing is that I do not own Glee, obviously, and I do not own the song featured in this chapter.

3) Choice

A half-an-hour later, Finn found himself sheltered among the shelves of the library. He was sitting on the floor, back propped up among one of the bookcases in the back that was filled with books about history. It was pretty empty and only a few kids ever walked back there - mostly by accident- so he didn't have to endure too many odd glances. He preferred it that way and didn't bother to even attempt to look like he was looking for a book or something.

Dump Rachel...let her shine...you are bringing her down...I can make her a star...

Deon's words repeated over and over in his head, like a broken CD-player that would never change the song. He wanted to crush the stupid player and be done with it, but it was inside him and his freaking head wouldn't just let him forget the words. It tore at him, remembering all those crappy times he had the last two years without Rachel in his life.

When he was a freshman, he felt lost in a world that demanded everything from him. Demanded him to be popular; to be the quarterback of the football team; to have Quinn Fabray, the top cheerleader, as his girlfriend. It was true that he wanted those things, but it was different when everyone expected him to have it. He had no choice of his own, pulled by the stupid rope of the status quo. Then he found Rachel and the glee club.

Rachel was the scissors that cut that rope; severing it forever, even if he wished at times to reconnect it. It might of been so much easier to just have followed everyone else, and not be part of anything different. Yet, he couldn't stop thinking about how far she could go and what potential she has to reach it. He wanted to shape his life to be like Rachel's, always optimistic with the belief that she WILL be a star.

Yet, here he was half-crying in the corner of a deserted library, hiding from his life. Though, out of all Deon's words, it was the part where he said that he had no talent the hurt the worst. Finn knew he wasn't the best singer, and Jesse and Deon were defiantly proof of that. But if Deon, someone whom Rachel apparently looked up to as a demigod with his past at Dale, said he had no talent; what was he to argue?

He thought he had a chance to get the crap out of Lima, with his voice to help him, but that chance crumbled now. It hurt. It seemed as every dream he ever wanted was fading into nothing but tears. He had hopes with Quinn once, starting a family and finally being a man, caring for his very own child. Then, he found out that it was nothing but lies. There was also the time where he believed he had faith but then cruel reality and coincidence took it away, leaving him grasping like a kid with his favorite toy stolen from him.

Now this, Finn sobbed.

Why did I do all this crap for, he cursed to himself as he rubbed his red eyes, if it was just going to lead more pain. Why didn't I just take the fucking easy way out? Take over Burt's garage; find a wife who loved him; have children; remain forever in a bleak existence in Lima. He pictured this and snarled at it, that would be his greatest nightmare. He wanted out, he wanted Rachel, he wanted to be someone.

You have no talent, Deon mocked in his ears.

"Shut up!" Finn yelled, putting his hands to his ears. He didn't want to hear that stupid voice anymore. Ever again.

"Finn?" A soft and muffled voice asked, uncertain and slightly hesitant. He removed his hands and glanced up, recognizing the voice.

Quinn, her short hair already curling upon her shoulders and wearing a pale yellow dress, stood before him. She was carrying a book in her hand, clutching it tightly in her hand as if it was one of those lifeguard things that people threw out to drowning people. He got a swift glance at the title, "History of Child Custody in the State of Ohio."

"Oh, hey." He returned lamely, hoping the shadows of the shelves hid his puffy eyes. His head was starting to pound with a headache and his throat hurt from trying not to sob. "I was just trying to- I mean, I was-"

"Finn, we have been through too much for me not to know when you are lying or stressed," Quinn said, kneeling down delicately to prevent her skirt from riding up or showing anything. Finn had to give her something; she had been through hell but she kept her spirit. She still retained that regal posture and air of power, even if she had been thrown off the top step of the school's "cool" ladder. It was something that Finn admired most in her, but he would never allow himself to go back to Quinn. She placed a pale hand on his tanned one. "What is the matter? Something between you and Rachel?"

"You could say that..." Finn said, hesitant to share his secrets with his old girlfriend.

Quinn smiled sadly. "Finn, I know. I realize that we can never be what we once were. Too much pain, too many mistakes." Her eyes strayed to the book in her hand and sighed. "But, I hope, that we can still remain as friends." Finn suddenly had that same hope, wishing for something positive among such a bleak time.

"It is Rachel," Finn blurted, looking anywhere but at her sad face. "But not how you think. I am not sorry for what I did last year at nationals, and I would do it again if I had to. Yet, I am not sure what I do now. Rachel has a future with her voice, I don't. What if I keep her down from achieving something that could change her life for the better? If that happened, I would never be able to truly forgive myself. And how could I ever face her without crying?"

He didn't mention his own future and the hopelessness that he felt now whenever he thought about it. He didn't want anyone to know how he had a dream of singing; he could imagine them mocking him for such a foolish wish.

Quinn didn't say anything for a moment, then shook her head. The smell of smoke still hung around her even if she did stop awhile back, and Finn felt a sudden pang of anguish for her.

"Do you know the true reason why I returned back to glee?" She asked but continued, used to him not answering quick enough. "It wasn't because I wanted a feeling of acceptance, but to be loved and cared for again. The Skanks hated me as much as I hated them. I wanted people in my life again; that I knew would support me and the decisions I may make. The world is cold and lonely when you have no one to share with it."

She turned her head downwards to her belly as if she may find that person there. Another sigh. "It hurts me to say this, as I still have something for you, Finn." She raised a hand and brushed at one of his curls in the back; he felt a sudden rush of uncertainty and fidgeted slightly. Quinn removed her hand, and gave a little laugh. "There is no one more right for you than Rachel, and she, even if I really don't like to admit it, will go far. You can not bring her down, Finn. You'll raise her up."

Quinn got back to her feet and looked away. "Though, if I were you, I would worry about that Deon. Don't let him become a Rachel Berry to you; to take the one that you love away. Goodbye, Finn." He watched her go, his eyes on her figure as she vanished around a corner. Her words now haunted him along Deon's.

No talent...worry about Deon...bring her down...take the one that you love away.

Finn hated Deon and Quinn at the moment, wishing that he never talked to either of them. He was never good at making choices, and disliked it greatly when people tried to push their opinions down his throat. It was he who had to make the choices, not Quinn or Deon. This wouldn't affect them dramatically and they had no idea how he felt, they wouldn't have to live with the consequences.

It took him to the point when the lights turned off in the library and he had to hurry to tell the librarians not to lock him, when he decided what to do. For the good of himself, Rachel, and both of their futures. He just needed Kurt's help.

xXx

"Are you sure about this, Finn?" Kurt asked, a bright red folder with rhinestones on the cover held tightly in his hands. He was clutching it nervously and held it tight to his thin chest as if he was scared to let it go. "If Rachel found out that I had help in this, I don't know if our friendship could survive..."

Another unwanted opinion. "Last time I checked, you two weren't even talking because she ran for student president. So, why should you really care?" Finn asked, not able to contain the anger in his words but he at least didn't rip it out of his step-brother's hands. "Give it to me, please."

"But...this isn't how...You are making a mistake," Kurt rebelled, trying to place the folder behind his back. Finn glared at him.

"Kurt." There was no room for negotiation in his tone. "Give me the folder. Now."

"You love her! She loves you! I am not going to let you do this!" Kurt shook his head, tears forming in his eyes. "I seen the way you two are when you are with each other. I am not going to let you do this! No!"

"Who are you to decide what happens? Who are you to know my thoughts!" Finn roared, unable to contain his rising ire anymore. "We may be step-brothers but that doesn't give you a fucking reason to know my thoughts." Kurt went pale and his eyes got wide, but Finn only felt a sense of vile satisfaction. He held out his hand, "Give me the folder."

Kurt handed the folder without a noise, and slammed the door with a sob when Finn left. The tall boy sighed, furious with Kurt and himself, and opened the folder. Seven pages filled with lyrics were neatly in the folds, and he ruffled through them. He paused at the last one and a small smile of sadness came across his face; the song was perfect.

Finn placed the folder next to Kurt's door and thought of knocking to apologize but he decided against it. He will understand - Rachel will understand- one day when they look back on this day. They will all see what he did for girl he loved. Turning his back on the only brother he ever knew, Finn went to room to practice a new song.

xXx

"Good afternoon, guys and gals." Mr. Shuester said brightly as he entered the choir room wearing his normal-Friday vest. The glee students smiled tiredly; it was a Friday, give them a break. "Today, I was thinking that we let Rachel and Deon show us wh-"

"Actually," Finn spoke up, earning him amazed looks from the other students and Rachel put a hand on his arm as of questioning. Deon looked smug. "if I may, I would like to sing a song that I wanted to show for sectionals. If possible."

Mr. Schue raised an eyebrow, but didn't disagree and simply took a seat with a nod for him to continue on. Finn stood up; his hear beating rather painfully as he placed himself on the familiar spot that he stood so many times before. Though, today was different as he never had to sing such an emotional song...and one that would hurt so much.

He meet Rachel's gaze and hoped that she could read the message in them. This is for you, Finn said to himself, I hope you will understand. With a nod to the piano guy whose name he could never remember, he began to sing.

"Day after day

Time pass away

And I just can't get you off my mind

Nobody knows...I hide it inside I keep on searching but I can't find

The courage to show

To letting you know

I've never felt so much love before

And once again I'm thinking about

Taking the easy way out..."

Finn's voice cracked as he sang the previous verse, but he kept singing. He blocked everyone out and focused his attention solely upon Rachel. He placed all his love and caring into his words, trying for her to hear the reason of his soon to make decision. A small smile was upon her face but she looked uneasy. Did she know what was going to happen? What he planned to do?

"I'm taking the easy way out!" Finn sang softly as he finished the last line of the song. Panting somewhat, he tore his eyes away from Rachel's and looked around the club. The guys looked uncomfortable while most of the girls had tears in there eyes. Deon, with one hand covering his mouth, was smirking and gave him a nod. Mr. Schuester was looking as if he suddenly been struck with a thought, and wasn't liking it.

Finn felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment and he couldn't be in there anymore. He tried to grasp for something to say but his mind was in rapid motion, and it only came up with nonsense. With a glance at Rachel, he hurried out of the choir room. So stupid, Finn thought to himself as kept his head down and walked through the hallways, so stupid.

He didn't know where he was going but his feet led him to the auditorium and up on to the stage. It was empty; but few props for the school musical were starting to be constructed in one of the corners. Finn smiled at them slightly, knowing how elated Rachel will be when she finally performs West Side Story. It was going to be the very first step in her career and Finn would be cheering her on...even if not-

"Finn?" Finn shut his eyes and felt his body tense at hearing her voice. He turned and saw Rachel walking slowly up the aisle towards him, twisting and clutching her hands in front of her chest. She was smiling still; however, it was one now filled with happiness and love. "That song, it was beautiful. I never realized you could sing a song like that."

"Thanks," Finn said, feeling very awkward around Rachel. He never felt this way since he got back together with her. "Rachel. We need to talk."

"Talk? I don't want to talk," said Rachel boldly, coming very close to him. His breath quickened as she placed a hand upon his chest, right above his beating heart. "Do you remember the first time we kissed? It was right here on this floor and I knew, from that moment on, we had something special. Did you feel the same?"

Yes, Finn answered in his thoughts but he couldn't tell her that now. "Rachel, I love you. It is amazing how much I love you and I never thought anyone could make me feel this way. You are my hero; you are everything I want in myself." He had to take deep breath to help ease the ache in his throat. "I want you to be the best you can be. You are a star and I will never let anything or anyone get in the way for you to achieve that. Even myself."

It was hurting too much, he couldn't keep his vision cleared of tears. His whole body was trembling and he wished to everyone and everything possible that Rachel would just move her hand away. Maybe by coincidence or fate, his eyes caught on the star necklace that he had given her awhile back. Showing that he would always believe in her, even if it meant not being with her. He grew strength from that.

"I can not stand being the thing in the way that may prevent you from getting your dream," Finn said, taking her hand and moving it away from his chest. He kept their hands together. "That is why I have to break-up with you."

He let go of her hand.

Review! Thank you all for the sweet comments! You guys and gals are making my days so much more wonderful! P.S. I am horrible at making songs relate to a piece, so don't be too harsh with my song choice. I don't own Westlife or the song ("If I Let You Go"). Review, please!