Hey guys! Thanks so much for your reviews on the last chapter. Just a heads up there's not many chapters left of my Season 6. If you guys are interested in a Season 7, please let me know! I've been coming up with ideas for a Season 7. Anyway, enjoy this chapter and review if I should keep going!

Chapter 26: Back to Work

Finn sat in his bedroom, looking at activities for the glee club to do in Seattle on the internet. Getting ready for Nationals was a good way to distract himself. He constantly found himself thinking about the baby. Even though a baby would have complicated his and Rachel's life, he still loved that baby and wanted him and Rachel to raise the baby together. Would it have been a boy or a girl? Would it have looked more like him or Rachel? What would they have named their baby?

It was too hard for him to keep thinking about the baby. Finn made reservations for a dinner on the top of the Space Needle for the glee club the night before the Nationals competition when Rachel came in. "Getting ready for Nationals?"

"Yeah," Finn said. "Seattle looks like a pretty cool place."

"It does," Rachel agreed. She looked at the website Finn was on. "Dinner at the Space Needle?"

"Yeah, I thought the kids would like that," Finn said.

"I bet they will," Rachel said. "So, what hotel is the school district having us stay at?"

"It's a Hilton," Finn said. "The school district picked it. They also picked out our flights. I'm not too thrilled about having a layover, but what can we do?"

"It's probably cheaper for the school district to do that," Rachel said.

"You're probably right," Finn admitted. "I'm just glad the district's paying for the plane tickets and the hotel."

"Hey, they owe you something for getting the glee club to Nationals," Rachel said, kissing Finn.

Finn smiled and gave Rachel a kiss. "Sorry you have to pay for your own ticket."

"Yeah," Rachel said, looking down. "I should probably get my ticket soon." She hadn't purchased her ticket yet because she'd thought she wouldn't be able to fly...

Finn gave Rachel a hug. "Baby... we're going to have lots of Finchel babies eventually." Using their nickname made him smile.

"I know," Rachel said. "I just keep thinking about this baby that we lost. This was going to be our first baby. We can't ever have another first baby. What are the babies who make it to birth going to think when they find out we lost a baby? How are we going to explain it to them?"

Finn squeezed Rachel's hand. He'd thought all those things too, and he still had no idea what the answers to any of those questions were. "We'll figure it out once we have kids."

"Sometimes I worry that this was the universe's way of telling us it doesn't want us to have kids," Rachel sighed.

Finn really didn't like that train of thought. "Our parents may not have thought the timing was right, but they did tell us they think we'll be great parents when we do have kids."

"I think you'd be a great dad," Rachel told Finn.

"You'd be an awesome mommy," Finn said. "I can just picture you getting so involved with our kids' lives... you'd be the president of the PTO, a Girl Scout troop leader, you'd direct the school productions, plan all the school events..."

Rachel giggled. "You think I'd be that mom?"

"You will be, and that'll be awesome," Finn said.

"Well, who knows, maybe they'll join Choral Inspiration if you're still directing it when they get to high school," Rachel said.

"I hope I am," Finn said. "I'm really hoping I can teach at this school once I get my degree."

"You'd be great," Rachel said. "Speaking of careers... I have some news."

"Tell me," Finn said.

"Rupert called," Rachel said. "They want me back on as Fanny for half the shows."

Finn felt so happy for Rachel. "Really?"

"Yeah," Rachel said.

"So are you going to do it?" Finn asked.

"I don't know," Rachel admitted. "I want to, at least I think I want to, but after everything that happened before..."

"What do you mean?" Finn asked.

"I don't want to get fired and humiliated again," Rachel said. "I know that Sidney's gone, but..."

Sidney was gone? "What?" Finn asked. "What do you mean Sidney's gone?"

"I don't know the full story, but Rupert told me that Sidney was fired," Rachel continued. "Several of the cast members were talking about how I should be brought back..."

"You should do it, Rachel," Finn said. "This is your dream role, and we've all known that for years. You were great in the nights you went on for Marissa, and since you'd only be doing it every other week, you'd have more free time. That way you'd still get to perform, but you wouldn't be too overwhelmed."

"I guess you're right," Rachel said.

"Aren't I always right?" Finn asked.

Rachel giggled. "Yeah. I guess I'll call Rupert and tell him that I'm coming back."

Finn gave Rachel a hug. "And I'll be there for your first official performance as Fanny."

"You will?" Rachel asked.

"Of course!" Finn said. "I'm so excited for you." Then something came to mind. "You'll still be able to go to Nationals, right?"

"Yeah, that wouldn't have been one of my weeks anyway," Rachel said.

"Good," Finn said.

"Speaking of Nationals, how's the setlist looking?" Rachel asked.

"Competition's going to be tough," Finn admitted. "That team from Boston that we tied with at Regionals is going to be there. Throat Explosion looks better than ever on the YouTube videos I've seen of them. New Directions has some amazing voices this year - Marley, Kitty, Ryder, Jake, Jack, your sister. And any club led by Mr. Schue is a force to be reckoned with."

"I didn't ask about the competition," Rachel said. "I asked about your club."

"I think we're doing well," Finn said. "Would you maybe like to come with me to rehearsal tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I would," Rachel said.

x

After her talk with Finn, Rachel decided to call Rupert. She picked up her phone and dialed his number, hoping he'd answer. Rupert picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Rupert, this is Rachel," Rachel said.

"Hi Rachel," Rupert said.

"I've bene thinking about your phone call the other day," Rachel said. "I would like to return to the show."

"You would?" Rupert asked.

"I would," Rachel said.

"Great," Rupert said. "We were hoping to have you back. Again, I am so, so sorry about what happened with Sidney..."

"It's okay," Rachel said. "I had a miscarriage, so it's not like that would affect my performances..." She felt tears coming to her eyes when she talked about her baby. She was glad to have the part back, but she'd definitely choose her baby over any part.

"And I'm so sorry about that," Rupert said. "So, you think you can come to rehearsals again starting next week?"

"Yeah, I can do that," Rachel said.

"Great," Rupert said. "I'll see you then."

"Yeah, see you then," Rachel said, hanging up the phone. "I'm back on."

"That's great," Finn said. "I'm so proud of you."

Rachel smiled. "I know. This is so weird. I always thought that getting the part would be the best feeling ever... but I don't feel the sense of excitement and accomplishment I thought I would."

"What do you mean?" Finn asked. "Are you still upset about the baby?"

"Yeah," Rachel admitted.

"I know," Finn said. "Me too. I think part of the reason why I've been throwing myself into Nationals is because it takes my mind off everything."

"Maybe the show would take my mind off things," Rachel admitted.

"Yeah, I think so too," Finn said. "I know I want us to have another baby,and I know we will, one day."

"Yeah, one day," Rachel said.

"Have people at NYADA been bothering you about it?" Finn asked.

"No, luckily," Rachel admitted. Most people at NYADA didn't talk to her anyway, which right now was a blessing in disguise. The people who she did talk to knew anyway. Sebastian and Harmony hadn't used it against her. Maybe they even knew where to draw the line.

"Good," Finn said. "Because if that Sebastian kid gave you a hard time..."

"Finn," Rachel interrupted.

"Hey, I've defended your honor before," Finn said.

"Yes you have," Rachel said. "And I've defended yours."

x

The next day, Rachel went along with Finn to glee practice. With Nationals coming up, he was getting more and more nervous, and he thought having Rachel there would help the kids out. After all, she was the most talented person he knew.

"Oh, look who's back," a voice said.

Finn turned and saw Collette. "Is that her?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah," Finn whispered. He turned to Collette. "Hello."

"I thought you wouldn't be coming back," Collette continued. "It was very irresponsible of you to take time off from work so close to Nationals, Mr. Hudson."

Finn didn't want to talk about why he'd taken time off. Definitely not to her, of all people. "I had my reasons."

"And the school thought it was okay to let your college aged friends sub for you?" Collette asked.

"My friends know what they're doing," Finn said. "They won Nationals with New Directions after all."

"And you tied with a team from Boston at Regionals," Collette said. "Do you really think you can win at Nationals?"

"Yes," Rachel said. "I think he can."

"Oh, you're the girlfriend, aren't you?" Collette asked.

"I'm the WIFE," Rachel said proudly.

"You're married?" Collette asked Finn.

"Yes, haven't I mentioned that before?" Finn asked.

"Another strike against you," Collette said. "Students shouldn't get married so young."

"Well, we're married..." Finn began. He almost wanted to say that they wanted to start a family together, but then he realized Collette would probably use that against him somehow. Plus, the wounds were all too fresh.

"Why are you questioning my husband's ability to lead?" Rachel asked.

"Well, ma'am, you and your husband made out on the stage at Nationals in 2011," Collette said. "I know. I took the kids to see that. That was really unprofessional of you."

"Neither of us would ever do anything like that now!" Rachel said. "We were young. And that kiss was pretty amazing."

"Rachel..." Finn began. He had a feeling he knew what Rachel was going to do. He just hoped she didn't get him in trouble.

"Finn, let me talk," Rachel said. "Finn was the lead singer of our big group number when we won Nationals. We finished in the Top 15 the year we kissed. He helped lead the New Directions to a second place win at Nationals last year. And he's gotten this group to Nationals for the first time in years. He's also on the Dean's List for education at Columbia."

"Aren't you the girl who disappeared from the Funny Girl program?" Collette asked.

How did Collette even know about that? Rachel had been using Rachel Berry professionally instead of Rachel Hudson... but if she knew their history. "Actually, Rachel was promoted," Finn said. "She's going to be one of the two main girls playing Fanny Brice."

"Why did you start directing the glee club in the first place?" Rachel asked. "What were your qualifications?"

Collette paused, not saying anything. "Other than being a full time staff member here, what makes you more qualified than Finn?" Rachel asked.

"I'm an adult," Collette said.

"So is Finn," Rachel said. "The glee club is going to Nationals with Finn leading it, and they are going to win. And we'll be sure to show you the trophy when we get back." She took Finn's hand and dragged him to the choir room.

Finn had to smile at Rachel. She always knew what to say, although he hoped she wouldn't get in trouble for confronting Collette. "I did enjoy watching you give her a piece of your mind," Finn said.

"Oh, that's not all she'll get," Rachel said. "If she keeps bothering you, I'll give her much more..."

"Rachel," Finn interrupted. "I love my job. I want to keep my job." As much as he disliked Collette, she was a full time faculty member at the school, and he was only an extracurricular advisor.

"Are you saying you don't want me to talk to her again?" Rachel asked.

"No, but just be careful," Finn said. "She's not a good person and I don't want to give her any ammunition to use against me with the school. You saw what happened when I kicked Ariana out..."

"I understand," Rachel said softly as she leaned in and kissed Finn. "Oops, maybe we shouldn't kiss."

"How about a good heavy makeout session when we get home?" Finn asked.

"Yeah, I like that," Rachel said.

The kids began coming in. "Finn, you brought Rachel today?" Caitlin asked.

"I sure did," Finn said. "She's coming to Seattle with us, too."

The kids cheered. "Finn's told me about your numbers for Nationals, and I'd love to see them," Rachel said.

Finn watched with Rachel as the kids went through their numbers for Nationals. At the end of the performances, Finn turned to Rachel. "Any critique?"

"I think you guys did really well," Rachel said. "But at the same time, you guys did look nervous."

"We're under a lot of pressure," Josh said. "The other glee clubs are good, Finn was gone for a while, Ms. Goulde's trying to get the glee club back..."

Finn felt guilty when Josh mentioned him being gone. Were the kids upset with him for that? Luckily, Rachel spoke before he had a chance to. "Guys, this is Nationals. You guys shouldn't worry about winning, just about having fun and doing your best."

"We'd have a win for sure if Finn gave me a solo," Ariana blurted out.

Rachel ignored that. "Think of how lucky you are to be going to Nationals. The glee club from your school hasn't made it in years. You guys are talented."

"And again, I'm sorry that I missed so much time," Finn said. "I just haven't been feeling well lately."

"You'll be well enough to take us to Nationals, right?" Hayley asked.

"Of course," Finn said. "Let's go over our numbers again. From the top!"

x

Finn had been right, coming to rehearsals had helped Rachel feel better about everything. After the kids left, Rachel smiled at Finn. "Thanks for asking me to come today."

"Thank you for coming," Finn said.

"Watching the kids today made me think of something," Rachel told Finn. "We haven't gotten to sing a duet in a while."

"We haven't," Finn said. "Want to do one now?"

Rachel smiled. "I'd love to."

Finn opened his sheet music and held up a sheet. "How about this song?"

"I love that song," Rachel said.

Finn gave Rachel a half smile and began playing the music on his drums to begin the song.

Finn: If I don't say this now I will surely break
As I'm leaving the one I want to take
Rachel: Forget the urgency but hurry up and wait
My heart has started to separate
Finn and Rachel: Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, be my baby
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, be my baby
I'll look after you
Finn: There now, steady love, so few come and don't go
Will you, won't you be the one I'll always know?
Rachel: When I'm losing my control, the city spins around
You're the only one who knows, you slow it down
Finn and Rachel: Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, be my baby
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, be my baby
Finn: I'll look after you
Rachel: And I'll look after you
Finn: If ever there was a doubt
My love she leans into me
Rachel: This most assuredly counts
He says most assuredly
Finn and Rachel: Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, be my baby
I'll look after you (Finn: After you)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Be my baby
Oh, oh, oh
Finn: It's always have and never hold
You've begun to feel like home
Rachel: What's mine is yours to leave or take
What's mine is yours to make your own

Finn and Rachel: Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Be my baby
Oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Be my baby
Oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Be my baby
Oh, oh, oh

At the end of the song, Rachel smiled at Finn. "It felt great to do a duet with you again."

"You too," Finn said. "I may sing with these kids all the time, but you'll always be my favorite duet partner."

SONG: Look After You by The Fray

Chapter 27 preview: Rachel has her first performance as an official actress playing Fanny Brice. Finn also finds out some potentially game changing news about Nationals.

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