Hey all! I have a question! Would you rather I update quicker with shorter chapters? Or my normal with normal updates? (which I'm sad to admit is long waits for what I hope is a decent length).

Also! If you've been listening to Lea Michele's songs lately/ saw or read her Teen Vogue session, let me know what you think! :). I need some pals hehe

Thanks for sticking with the story, reviewing, alerting, and favoriting! :) Enjoy!

"I know it shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it is and it's going to ruin our friendship."

"Mike, you need to relax. I think you're overreacting a bit," Tina rubbed his hand in hopes of comforting him. "Give Finn some time to fess up to Puck and more importantly Rachel."

Mike sighed as he shoveled some hash browns into his mouth. Tina smiled sympathetically at her boyfriend. They were supposed to be having a fun brunch date this morning, but it seemed to be more focused on the tension between his best friends.

"But you saw them, Tina." He shook his head. "I know how Puck gets. He might go back to normal for a little bit, but once he remembers what's going on, he'll go back to holding a grudge. He seriously thinks they're both hiding something from him and he won't let it go until he gets the truth."

"Mike, sweetie," She squeezed his hand. "I know you care about them, but do you know the truth? Does Finn?"

Tina pressed her lips together when Mike didn't reply. "Give them some time. I'm sure Puck will catch on like you and I did, and if not…" She sighed, "Then we'll do something. But for now, just enjoy brunch with me before you go hang out with them."

Mike's lips curved into a small smile before he leaned forward in their booth to give her a sweet kiss. He rubbed his nose gently across hers and spoke softly, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Me neither," She grinned before taking some of his hash browns.

They ate in a comfortable silence, just the humming of the lights and soft rock playing in the background.

"Why do you think he didn't tell us though?" He asked, breaking their silence after about thirty seconds. He added some pepper to his food before looking up. "I had to ask him, and granted he told me, but we never keep things from each other. Especially him and Puck."

Tina just laughed, not expecting anything else from him but to keep questioning. She regained her composure and offered, "Maybe he's just confused or scared even. You remember how he was back when she first started her makeover, his feelings seemed pretty strong back then."

He nodded, "You think it's more than a crush?"

Tina shrugged, "I don't know, but I have a feeling it's bigger than what he's willing to admit right now."

Rachel dribbled the ball down the court with a grin, "Try and keep up!"

She yelled before she made the lay-up and did a little dance. Finn shook his head, "You're gonna pay for that."

Rachel smirked but it soon faded and her eyes widened, "Don't even think about it, Finn Hudson! I will throw this ball at your head if you come any closer!"

Finn rolled his eyes at her attempt at a threat and ran for her anyway. She dropped the ball onto the pavement with wild laughs as he grabbed her sides, tickling her until they reached the grass. They fell to the lawn, both of them laughing still.

"Well, well, well… What do we have here?"

Rachel's laughter died down as she looked up, "Noah! We were waiting for you."

Puck, Rachel, Finn, and Mike were supposed to play basketball at the park after Mike's brunch date with Tina. Since it was near Rachel and Finn's apartment complex, they decided to shoot around a little before they all got there to start their game.

"Sure looks like it," Puck grumbled before grabbing the basketball up. He shot a look at Finn before walking to the hoop.

Finn squinted in confused, but shook it off when Mike's car pulled up. He hustled out to the court with a smile, "Hey guys, you didn't start without me right?"

Puck glanced at Finn and Rachel, "I didn't."

Rachel crossed her arms uncomfortably. Finn pushed himself up from the grass and stood next to her, "We were just shooting around a little. You know how it is when we get here a little earlier."

Mike nodded because that's how it usually went. He smiled, "It's nice seeing you in your old clothes, Rach."

She looked down at her baggy black shorts and loose gray t-shirt and back at him returning the smile. "Feels good, too."

"You sure those aren't Finnessa's clothes?" Puck asked with judgement oozing from his voice.

Before Finn could snap, Rachel frowned at him. "Noah, what is going on?"

"Why don't you tell me?" He asked, the basketball secure at his side.

Rachel's frown grew deeper, "Honestly, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb, Berry."

When she didn't reply he groaned, "Damn it! Just because you got some new hairdo and new clothes, doesn't mean you can fool me." He glared at her and then at Finn, "I see how he looks at you and I see how close you two are all the time, if you two are f—"

"Puck!" Mike called, "Hey—"

"No!" He yelled, "Why are you hiding this from me? You know how much I hate that shit!"

Rachel furrowed her eyebrows and repeated,"What are you talking about? I'm not hiding anything from you, we're not hiding anything. We know better than to do something so stupid as to ruin our friendship."

Finn frowned a little. Rachel's right and he should realize that this little crush would do the same thing. Acting on it would be something stupid that could ruin their friendship— not even his and Rachel's, but it could ruin his friendship with Puck and Mike, too.

Puck looked into her eyes and his anger simmered slowly when he realized she was telling the truth, but when he turned to look at Finn's, he saw something more. He turned to Mike who seemed deep in thought.

Finn looked up to follow Puck's suit and tried to read everyone's expressions— looking at Mike's and then Puck's. His mouth opened slightly as he realized what was going on. Finn's head turned towards Rachel's and he stared into her eyes. She really, honestly didn't know what was going on and for that he was so thankful.

"Puck," He started. "I need to talk to you."

Puck looked at Mike who nodded.

"Mike, you can uh, you can come too," Finn said and Puck ran a hand over his mohawk before grudgingly followed his friends to the tree across court. Rachel stood there with a confused expression but all Finn could offer was a weak smile. He passed her the basketball and chuckled, "Work on your shot so we can win this 2-on-2 after."

She nodded slowly before going to the free throw line to lay some buckets in.

"Okay, what's going on?" Puck asked, repeating his original question.

Mike was not completely sure so he turned to Finn.

Finn sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I think I'm falling for her."

Mike's eyes bugged out with Puck's. "Rachel?" Puck clarified. He thought they were just doing it or something.

Finn nodded as he stared at the ground, "I thought it was just a crush, but I can't stop thinking about her guys and I didn't think it was obvious but…"

Finn's voice trailed, "I just- I don't even know what's going on, okay? But don't tell her please. It'll pass. And I'm sorry for not telling you about this sooner, but I just need some time to get over these feelings."

"Bro," Puck put his hand on his shoulder, "You just said you're falling for her! That's huge and that won't just "pass" or some shit, that's gonna stick and—"

Finn shook his head, "I said I think I'm falling for her, there's a difference."

"I think you know more than you're leading on," Mike said quietly, remembering what he discussed with Tina. Finn was all too quick to take back what he just admit by pointing out a loophole.

"Once I get back on track, thing's will get there too. It's just a crush." Before any of them could reply, Finn had already started walking back to Rachel.

"Hey," She smiled. "Is everything okay now?"

He nodded slightly before asking for the ball. They finally started playing and things seemed to go smoothly. Finn tried his best not to stare at Rachel, and Mike and Puck tried their best not to worry about their best friend. Rachel was oblivious to what her boys were feeling or doing, and so she was laughing and smiling the whole game.

When Rachel and Finn won by two points, Puck rolled his eyes. "You're just lucky that we went easy on you two."

Rachel just laughed in response, causing Finn to smirk. She grabbed the ball and dribbled it back to their cars. When they reached Finn's truck, she tossed through the window.

"So we'll meet you guys at Finn's?" Mike asked, reminding them of their usual plan. No matter what they had planned for that weekend, they always had to get together in the morning for a game of some sort at the park. After they played, they would head over to Finn's for lunch. It usually consisted of homemade sandwiches (maybe just grilled cheese if Finn could have his way), chips, and gatorade but it was something they liked to do.

They all nodded and hopped into their respective cars. Once inside the Hudson apartment, the four of them got comfortable. Taking off their shoes, grabbing their food, and finding their sports around the TV was something they normally did. Finn took a large bite of his sandwich as he watched Rachel eat hers. He smiled, how can she make eating a sandwich look like art? She was just so beautiful to him with her sweaty hair matted to her forehead, her baggy shorts and loose shirt hanging off her body like it should be taken off, and her nose glistening from their game earlier.

"Is there something on my face?" She asked, wiping the corners of her mouth quickly. Finn shook his head just as fast and turned his face towards the TV.

Puck told them without taking his eyes off of his phone, "Santana's throwing a party tonight. We're all heading over together right?"

"After their dinner?" Mike asked with a shrug, "Sure."

Finn asked after he took a sip of his gatorade, "Will you be okay with that Rachel?"

Rachel nodded and straightened her posture, "It's kind of exciting, isn't it?" She turned to him with a bright smile, "It's like a party weekend for us."

"I wouldn't exactly call your Berry family dinner a party," He laughed.

"What do Santana's parties entail?" Rachel asked, the excitement growing within her.

Puck grinned, "The three B's obviously. The bros, the brews and the bountiful betties!"

"Is that it?" Rachel asked as her smile faltered a little.

Finn shrugged, "Basically. It's your normal high school party… Loud music, drinking, games, and uh you know."

"Games?" She smiled, "Like basketball or-"

"Drinking games," He corrected.

She squinted in confusion, "What do you mean by 'you know?' I don't understand."

She continued to stare, waiting for him to elaborate. Finn turned to his bros for help but they just looked at him with amused faces.

"You know, uh." He rubbed the back of his neck, "Uh, sex stuff…"

Mike and Puck howled with laughter at Finn's awkwardness and Rachel's wide eyes.

"Sex stuff? As in sexual activities?" Her eyes were wide with innocence and curiosity. "Like what?"

Finn wasn't very comfortable with talking about "sexual activities" with Rachel. Like, does she want him to demonstrate things with her or show her? If not, she can't ask about this stuff because it just makes his mind wander to "sexual activities" with her, and he doesn't know if the mailman can help him out right now. He turned to Puck as he begged with his eyes for him to tell her.

"They hook up, Berry." He laughed with a shrug, "Some make out, get a little handsy, some of them get lucky and end up getting laid."

"Oh," the one syllable slipped her lips softly. Her eyes wavered on the carpet and her sandwich was placed back on her plate.

They sat in the living room in what would have been an awkward silence if it not for the TV playing in the background. Mike crunched on his chips, his eyes bouncing to each person. Puck reclined in his spot at the edge of the sofa, apathetic of the situation. Finn pursed his lip for a moment, relaxed it, and pursed it again.

Rachel bit her lip, "I don't think I'll be able to go."

"And why not?" Puck asked as he changed the channel, his tone not welcoming an answer.

"Well, I'm," she looked around the room before whispering, "I'm a you know what."

Puck just wrinkled his eyebrows at her as Finn scratched the side of his head. Mike spoke their thoughts, "I don't think we know, Rachel."

She closed her eyes tightly, as if protecting herself from a blow and causing little wrinkles between her brows.

"I'm a virgin."

Once the barely audible words escaped her lips, she opened her eyes slowly. The boys all sat in the respective seats in silence. Sure, they figured she didn't do anything serious with a guy since she was always with them, but they never actually really thought about it. Finn felt some sort of relief when he found out, almost as if he was glad that she hadn't given herself to someone yet. Puck was the first to speak.

"So?"

She opened her mouth before closing it and opened it again, unable to respond appropriately. She was surprised at his response but finally found her words, "So it might be weird, and I won't fit in."

"Rachel, when have you ever fit in?" Puck asked her, a hint of a smirk on his lips indicating the playfulness behind his remark. She rolled her eyes at him.

Mike nodded, "I don't even think we fit in. But that's not important because we're just going to have fun."

Finn reassured her, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Rach. If someone tries anything, we'll be there to stop them."

She smiled at him appreciatively and then proceeded to ask more questions, unable to contain her excitement.

"What do I wear?" She beamed in her sweaty clothes, "How long do we stay? Are you three going to sleep with girls? If you are, I hope you practice safe sex because I certainly cannot be an aunt yet. After all, this is my first party and I can't have my first party tainted by the memory of the conception of your illegitimate child. As you all should know, I'm hoping to go far in my athletic career, and if you have a child I'll have to stay back and help you because—"

Puck interrupted her with a loud groan, "Be quiet. Ask your friend Kurt about that nonsense before you give me a headache. And no one is having babies, I repeat no one."

With that, he stood up for more food and they finished up their lunch. A few minutes and a segment of sports highlights later, they decided to go back to their places. Rachel and Finn stayed on his couch, trying to recover from what was about to be a "food coma."

Rachel yawned loudly and stretched her arms out before sneaking a glance at Finn. He looked up from his phone knowingly, "C'mere, Rach. My shoulder's ready for you."

She grinned, "Thanks, Finn."

He shook his head with a light laugh and slumped a little lower on the couch for her. He waited for her to rest her head on his shoulder, something that she says she "needs" to do because his shoulder is the "perfect height for taking a nap comfortably on the couch."

"Did you know that there were so many benefits of hugging?" Finn read as he scrolled through the article on his phone.

Rachel closed her eyes and nodded on his shoulder. She softly murmured, "I did."

Finn continued reading about how much healthier and happier he would be from hugging before succumbing to slumber and joining her in a quick nap. He placed his phone on the coffee table and rested his head on hers. When he finally woke up, his long limbs were stretched across the couch and her tiny body was somehow curled up next to him. He smiled down at her sleepily when he realized what happened. Usually when they nap after their lunches, they wake up still leaning on each other. He was surprised by the change but he was certainly not complaining. Having Rachel in his arms was definitely a feeling he could get used to.

Rachel stirred next to him and smiled when she caught his gaze. Finn rubbed her arm gently, "We must be really happy huh?"

Rachel furrowed her eyebrows as she rubbed the sleep away from her eyes. "Why?"

"We were basically hugging this whole time," Finn said with his lopsided smile. "So we've got to be really happy."

She smiled softly at him, "Yeah, I guess we are."

Finn reluctantly released her from his embrace and watched her walk across the hall.

When she got back to her apartment, Rachel listened to Puck's suggestion and decided to call Kurt. After getting a few outfit suggestions, she decided to get ready for the Berry family dinner. Her dad was still at work when she applied her makeup. She decided to just put a light layer on because she didn't want to mess it up. She checked the clock before she slipped her dress on. She needed someone to zip up her dress, but her dad wasn't here yet. She grabbed her cellphone and called him.

"Papa? Where are you?"

"Rachela! I'm on my way."

"I need help with my dress," She pouted slightly. She was so close to being fully ready. She crossed her arm when he laughed, "Go next door, I'm sure Carole can help you."

She sighed before telling him she loved him and hanging up. She stepped into her heels and grabbed her clutch before walking to the Hudson apartment.

Finn opened the door in his suit. His mouth opened slightly as he took in the sight of her. He let his eyes roam over her olive skin and followed the red straps of her dress down to the tasteful amount of cleavage she was showing. He gulped involuntarily, he's really not used to these boobs that she just decided to grow (or show, same thing to Finn).

"Do you think you can zip me up?" She asked as she walked into his apartment, her heels clicking on the floor. Finn closed the door behind them and watched the definition of her legs as she walked across the room. She put her clutch down on the counter and waited for him.

Finn just nodded at her as she turned around. His eyes bulged out a little when he saw her exposed back. He cleared his throat before stepping closer to her. He fumbled a bit with the zipper, but slowly pulled it up. His fingers barely brushed against her skin when he felt a little shock run through him. He tried to ignore the way he felt Rachel shudder slightly against his touch and continued to pull the zipper up. She turned around and looked up at him with an unreadable expression.

His lips twitched slightly before he reached down to brush the stray bangs away from her eyes. He stared into her eyes and felt himself leaning forward slowly.

"Oh honey! You two look gorgeous!" Carole squealed as she pushed the door openn.

Finn closed his eyes and inwardly groaned as his mom walked towards them. Rachel seemed oblivious or at least unmoved by their experience and turned around with a bright smile.

"Thank you, Carole." She brushed her brown hair with her fingers.

Carole smiled back at her, "Hiram's home now too, so let me take a picture of you two before I get ready!"

Finn groaned, "Mom, it's not prom."

"Of course it's not, sweetie." She said with a smile that said otherwise. She left the room for a minute and grabbed her camera. "Okay, now do a little pose!"

After they (unwillingly) gave Carole three good photos they walked across the hall. Hiram was about to ask for pictures of them, but Rachel quickly stopped him by saying Carole already took some.

He took two pictures anyway, saying that he wanted it on his camera because yes, it does make a difference.

Rachel and Finn sat down on the couch and waited for their parents to get dressed and ready for dinner.

As they sat in silence, Finn tapped his knee with his fingers. He wasn't sure if he should even think about what (almost) happened between them earlier, but he couldn't stop himself from doing so. Did she want to kiss him? Was he just making it up? Is she trying to pretend it didn't happen? He turned to her in hopes of reading her expression. He furrowed his eyebrows. Nothing.

"Hey Rach," He called out softly, "About earlier, did you feel anything?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, "I-I mean, were you okay with what was going to happen or—"

She laughed at him, "Of course."

"Really?" He looked up in surprise.

"Yes," She smiled. "I know I always tell you to stop when you're tickling me, but I do enjoy it. I should have known you were going to pull something like that."

His expression faded from his face, "Wait. You thought I was going to tickle you?"

Rachel smoothed her dress across her thighs, "Well, yes. Weren't you?"

"Y-Yeah," He forced a small smile. "What else would I be trying to do?"

She laughed, "Who knows? You've been so odd lately, there's no telling what you're doing or even thinking for that matter."

Finn just nodded. She didn't know he was leaning in to kiss her. That could either be good or bad. It was good because he didn't make a fool of himself if she was really trying to act like it didn't happen, but it was bad because she didn't even acknowledge the possible moment they had or feel they way he did.

Hiram opened the door for Carole and motioned for them to all walk to the car. Once the four of them climbed in his car, he reminded Rachel and Finn to be on their best behavior. As he drove he warned them that the relatives at the dinner might be 'a little annoying.'

"Papa," Rachel frowned in the backseat. "You're making me nervous."

"Oh Rachel," Carole waved it off from the passenger seat. "You've been to these dinners before. It's just family."

"Yeah," Finn added more quietly. "And I'm here, we'll be fine."

She smiled at him as he rubbed her hand reassuringly. Finn was always so supportive of her, when she was trying out for the softball team, or when she was picking out her basketball shoes, and now for being with her for her family dinner.

Once they arrived at the large hall, they were immediately greeted by relatives. Everyone was dressed in beautiful dresses and suits. The mirrors on the walls and printed carpet really complimented the whole event.

"Rachel Barbra, my have you grown!" Her distance uncle told her as he hugged her.

She smiled politely as he continued to talk to her and her father. After his little chat he walked away.

"Hiram!" A great aunt called. "Carole? What a surprise!"

The two adults walked over to her to speak with her, leaving the two teens to walk to their table with the other cousins and their boyfriends and girlfriends.

Once they sat down, Rachel and Finn looked at each other with similar expressions. They both wanted to leave the moment they got there. Although Rachel was enjoying dressing up, she couldn't wait to go home and get back to her sweats. Maybe if she was lucky, she could catch the game a little before they head off to Santana's party.

"Rachel?" Her snobby cousin, Jesse's voice was laced with amusement. "I didn't know Nike made dresses."

Rachel brushed her bangs away from her face with a tight smile. "I didn't know that either."

Finn held back a glare at Jesse as he grabbed Rachel's hand under the table. She squeezed a thanks at the comfort, but bit her lip when Jesse continued.

"Did you just use old scraps of your jerseys to make it?" He smirked as the other cousins and their guests either sniggered or remained quiet.

"Jesse," Lisa Jane glared as she took a seat next to Rachel. "Give it a rest. Rachel looks gorgeous."

She smiled at her favorite cousin. "Thanks, Lisa. So do you."

Jesse only rolled his eyes, "So do you finally have a boyfriend or are you breaking the rule?"

Rachel and Finn stayed quiet. They didn't know how to respond. Lisa didn't see this as a time to interfere so she stayed quiet as well.

"I honestly don't see why you think you can fool us," Jesse laughed mockingly. "It's clear that he's not your boyfriend. Obviously you won't do well in the dance portion."

Rachel tensed. Finn rubbed her hand and leaned to whisper in her ear, "Relax, Rach."

"Thinking of a lie to tell us? Maybe something about your fake relationship?" Jesse asked.

Rachel let go of Finn's hand and stood up, "I think you should watch what you say, Saint James. You wouldn't want someone to bruise that smug—"

"Rachel Barbra!" Her great aunt Lucille greeted her. "You look absolutely lovely! Is this your boyfriend?" She asked as she eyed Finn from his seat.

Finn stood up to greet her with a smile. Wanting to stop all of the questions, he decided he would answer them all truthfully. He began to justify their situation, "Actually—"

"Actually," Rachel cut in with a smile. She put her hand on Finn's chest, "Yes, this is my boyfriend Finn, Finn Hudson."

Lisa smiled and nodded from her seat and then gave a slight glare to the other cousins who were giving Rachel a hard time.

Great Aunt Lucille smiled brightly, "Ah, well you are a fine couple. I see love in your eyes."

"Really?" Jesse asked.

She just nodded before leaving, "Good luck with you two."

"Thank you," Finn smoothed his button up. "If you excuse us, we'll be right back."

He led Rachel to the side of the hall, near the mirrored walls.

"Please don't be mad, Finn. I'm sorry." She frowned, her eyes glistening slightly.

"Hey," He put his hands on her shoulders, "I'm not mad. I was just going to tell the truth, I'm sure they'll understand."

"You know how they get… It just seems easier this way. Please be my boyfriend for the night." She batted her mascara-coated lashes at him with a playful smile.

Finn had to admit, it did sound nice to have her call him her boyfriend. He smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Anything for my girlfriend," He joked with a glint in his eyes.

She looked up at him and grinned, "So you'll get me that autographed Cavs jersey?"

Finn tightened his grip around her waist, "How about I just give you a longer hug?"

Rachel pretended to think, "I don't know. I think I might have to find another boyfriend."

Finn feigned hurt as he let go of her, "Fine, you go find yourself another guy then. I'll be over there with my best friend Jesse."

He crossed his arms and turned his back to her with a smile playing on his lips.

"Rachel Barbra!" Her Uncle Richard admonished. "Apologize to your boyfriend right now. We won't have any lover's quarrels at my banquet."

Rachel jumped a little in surprised and bit a laugh back, "I'm so sorry, Finn." She glanced at her uncle before adding, "I don't want us to have a lover's quarrel either."

Finn's dimple deepened as he smiled in amusement, "It's really okay, I don't either."

Unfortunately, her uncle didn't buy it. He shook his head, "Not good enough. You two need to kiss and make up."

Rachel and Finn's eyes widened. Rachel opened her mouth in surprise, "Uncle Richard, I hardly think that's appropriate—"

"You heard me," he said as he stared at them expectantly. "Kiss and make up."