Life Unexpected – Chapter 2

A/N: Like I said guys, this is going to be a short story but I had to get it off my brain. Ever since I started watching Glee in order to write the fics for my sick friend, I developed a love for the show lol. So this will be the last story and then back to my Calzona fics as always. Enjoy.

"There! There he is!" Kurt cheered as he saw his extremely tall brother make his way through the crowd of people exiting the plane.

Finn looked around and then he saw his family and the smile that spread across his face made all his troubles from the early morning disappear.

"Hey guys!" he said excitedly as he walked towards his parents and brother, hugging his mother first.

"Finny, I'm so glad you made it. We missed you." Carole said, squeezing her son tightly in her arms.

"I've missed you guys too. Come here little brother." He said, reaching for Kurt and pulling him into a crushing hug.

"Finn…cant….breathe…." Kurt joked and Finn released him before tasseling his hair and earning an eye roll from his brother.

"It's so good to see you man. It seems like it's been forever. Have you been working out?" Finn asked, squeezing his brothers biceps.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Rachel and I go to the gym at least 4 times a week. And we eat healthy." He said proudly.

"So where is this mystery roommate of yours? If I didn't know for a fact that you were gay, I would swear you two were meant to be judging by the stories you tell me." Finn smirked and everyone gave a small laugh, knowing it was true.

"Well Rachel cannot handle me, so even if I did decide to vacation in heterosexual land, she would not be the one I would be with. We are FAR too similar, it could never work. And she is at home. She had some errands to run with her boyfriend but she is back according to her text."

"Oh I didn't know Rachel had a boyfriend. That's great." Carole said with a smile.

"Hey, hey guys. As much as I am enjoying catching up, can we do it somewhere else? I'm starving." Finn said and his parents and brother laughed.

"Of course you're hungry. When are you NOT?" Burt said, nudging his step son with his shoulder. "Come on kid. Your mom and Rachel have been cooking all day. There's a feast waiting on us back at the apartment. Let's go."

The family squeezed into a taxi and Kurt gave the man his address. Finn looked around, completely in awe of the huge city. He had never seen buildings the size of these and the people…..wow..the people were everywhere. Everyone walking, cellphone up to their heads, briefcases in hand and almost everyone was dressed in black. 'That's weird' he thought to himself.

"Do the stores here only sell black clothes?" He asked dumbly to his brother.

"This isn't Ohio, Finn. And black clothing is a matter of statement. It means business. It means fierce. It means style. Black isn't just a color here dear brother. It's a lifestyle." Kurt said seriously and Finn just nodded with wide eyes at his brothers seriousness.

"Ooook then."

"We're here. Let me help you with your bags." Burt said as the cab came to a stop outside of a large brick building.

Finn looked up and noticed all the windows had bars over them, the fire escape scaling the entire side of the building. It looked like something off of a crime scene tv show were the cops are chasing the perp and someone always runs down a fire escape, only to be caught by the partner that was waiting at the bottom the entire time. He shook his head and reached for his suitcase only to have his step dad shake his head. "I got it." He insisted.

Taking his mother by the hand he followed his brother into the building and towards an elevator. They reached the 3rd floor and Kurt unlocked a large metal door before sliding it open.

"Rachel! We're back." He called out into the large loft apartment.

"In here. I was just finishing up the—" Rachel froze in her tracks as she rounded the corner of the kitchen and saw Finn.

"Finn? Finn HUDSON?" She asked, the tray of vegetables almost falling from her hands in shock.

"Rachel? Oh my God. It's you? You're Kurt's roommate? How? What the—" He said and he ran over towards her, picking her up and spinning her around in his arms.

Kurt looked at his parents, complete confusion and shock on his face. He wasn't alone with that thought, as his parent's expressions mirrored his completely.

"I can't believe you're my brother's roommate. In this huge city, YOU live here with MY brother…all this time. Wow!" Finn said, his smile beaming from ear to ear, matched by the same one on Rachel's face.

"I never thought I would see you again. I can't believe this is happening!" Rachel added, forgetting all about the 3 very confused people in the room. She never expected to see Finn Hudson again in her life, and here he was. Standing in HER kitchen… HER best friends brother. What were the chances of this? She thought to herself.

"Uh uh ummmm." Kurt cleared his throat, breaking the spell that she and Finn had been lost in. "Do either of you care to explain how you now each other? I mean I have talked about each of you to the other one for the last…oh I don't know… THREE YEARS…and never once did you mention that you know each other. And pretty well from the looks of it." Kurt asked, wanting to know the story behind this.

Finn smiled down at Rachel and then looked back towards his brother. "Do you want to tell him? Or do you want me to?" He asked Rachel and she just smiled and nodded, "You go ahead." She replied.

"Well SOMEONE tell me." Kurt pressed on impatiently.

"Ok, ok man. Chill out. Do you remember back in our Senior year when we came out to New York for Nationals?" Finn began.

"Of course I do Finn. I was there too, remember?" His brother said, annoyed with his brother by this point.

"Well, one night Puck and I snuck out of our hotel room and went to go check out the city."

"You snuck out? If Mr. Schue would have caught you, we would have been—"

"Relax little brother. It was years ago. And nobody caught us obviously. Anyway…. We went to this little karaoke bar that Puck had seen some hot girls walk into. The place was awesome and didn't even card for alcohol—" Finn stopped his story when he saw his parents both cross their arms over their chests, listening to their son basically rat himself out, so he decided to leave out some details and skip over to meeting Rachel.

"Anyway, not that I personally cared about alcohol, I mean I was under age after all." He added.

"Uh huh. Sure. Continue." Burt said, knowing damn well his son had drank that night but that there was nothing he could do about it now.

"Well, we sang a few songs and then this girl came on stage after us. She looked so shy and quiet, but then the music started and that shy girl came alive. She belted out notes to a song and her voice blew me away. Literally, it took my breath away." He said, his eyes squinting as he smiled so wide, looking down at Rachel. "She was amazing and I just had to meet her but you know how shy I am so I just watched her from the bar. I uh, I mean…from afar." He corrected, still trying to get his parents to buy the story of him not drinking.

"So then how did you meet her if you just scarily stared at her "from afar"?" Kurt said with sarcasm and air quotes.

"Well you know how Puck is. And the minute he saw me watching Rachel, he took it upon himself to order her something to drink and send it from me. Of course he didn't even tell me he had done it until Rachel here walked up to me and thanked me for the drink. I sounded like a stuttering idiot. Partially because I was so nervous and also because I had no idea why she was thanking me for a drink I didn't send her. It wasn't until I saw the look on Pucks face, followed by a wink that I figured it out." He looked down at Rachel once more, the pair both smiling at the memory of a night they had never forgotten.

"Then what happened?" Carole asked, completely engrossed in this story.

"Calm down mom, it's not like it's a Rom Com." He said earning a laugh from his father.

"Well we spent the next few hours talking and talking. We had so much in common and neither of us realized how quickly the time had passed until the bartender yelled out it was last call, an that the bar would be closing. Puck was talking to a girl that had come with Rachel so we asked if we could walk them back to the apartment they were staying at and they agreed." Finn explained and then Rachel cut in to add to it.

"I broke one of my heels in a storm drain while we walked and twisted my ankle. It hurt so bad and we still had about a block to walk. Before I knew it, I was being swept off my feet…literally…and carried the last block to my friend's apartment. Your son is a real charmer." Rachel said towards Carole, who was beaming at the story.

"We stood on the steps and Puck told my friend Santana good night, or more like they made out while we stood there awkwardly." She laughed and Finn did too, remembering it perfectly.

"Finn was a perfect gentleman. He said goodnight and leaned down to kiss my cheek. I was the one that turned my head in time to catch his lips. We shared the most romantic kiss I have ever experienced that night. I don't think I will ever forget that kiss." Rachel blushed shyly, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

"Awwww. That is so romantic. So what happened then? Why didn't either of you keep in touch?" Carole asked and Kurt almost offered to make her popcorn for her live movie but thought better of it knowing he would just receive a smack on the back of his head had he offered.

"We knew that Finn lived in Ohio, and I was in New York. He told he me was going to play football for Ohio State and I was going to be attending NYADA so the point of staying in touch was pretty much a wasted dream. We enjoyed that night for what it was, and left it there on the steps." Rachel said, and Kurt didn't miss the look of sadness on her face. 'Hmm…that's interesting.' He thought to himself.

"But we made a promise that night. Remember?" Finn asked her, almost making her look up at him. And she nodded, showing that she did indeed, remember.

"What did you promise?" This time it was Kurt who wanted to know the answer.

Rachel looked into Finn's eyes and spoke without taking her eyes away from his.

"That if we ever saw each other again…we would re-create that night." She said and Finn nodded.

Kurt knew it right then and there that this was the mystery guy that she had told him about on many nights of consuming entirely too much wine. She never told him the guy's name, saying it was pointless to say his name out loud, because it was almost as if he had been a dream and nothing more. But Kurt could tell, every single time she shared the story, that the guy that Rachel had met that night was and would always be, 'the one that got away'.

"But that will be pretty much impossible. I mean you go back tomorrow Finn. And Not to mention you're going back to someone you may still be in a relationship with. And you Rachel.. You—" Kurt started to remind her of Broady but Rachel quickly interrupted, not wanting him to mention the name in front of Finn.

"I, would say that since we now have a very important person linking our lives… that maybe keeping in touch wouldn't be a bad thing. Then maybe the next time you're in New York…we could keep that promise." Rachel said, chancing a look at Finn only to find him nodding and smiling that half cocked grin that melted her into a puddle of mush.

"What about—" Kurt tried again, but Rachel shot him a look that told him to shut his mouth.

"Who's ready to eat?" Carole said, taking the hint that there was something Rachel did not want Kurt to bring up and she was rather enjoying the flirty banter that her son and Rachel were currently engaged in and she hoped that maybe that smile on Finn's face would stick around a little longer. It had been far too long since she had seen him smile that way.

Finn pushed his plate away from him and tossed his napkin on top of it. Letting out a deep, exaggerated breath he spoke. "Wow. That was probably the best meal I have had in longer than I can remember. Thank you mom. Rachel.. it was delicious." He said and both women smiled.

"Wait until you try the peach cobbler. It's my family recipe." Rachel said, standing to begin clearing plates.

"Here. Let me help you." Finn said, quickly standing and picking up random dishes from the table as well.

"Quick Carole. Grab a camera. I don't think I have ever seen Finn offer to help with dishes." Burt joked and Finn laughed. Kurt was fixing to make a comment when his phone began to ring and pulled his attention away from the two that were now entering the kitchen alone but not without Finn noticing him disappear to take the call in private.

"So. How long has my brother had a boyfriend?" He asked Rachel as he sat the stack of plates on the counter.

"What? Who said he had a boyfriend?" Rachel played, unsure of what Kurt would want her to say in this situation.

"I know my brother better than I know myself sometimes. He only disappears like that when he is planning some sort of surprise, or if it's a dude. So it has to be one of those, I just took my chances on guessing boyfriend." He didn't look up at Rachel, instead he began to rake the plates into the garbage disposal.

Rachel turned on the water and began to rinse and put the dishes into the dishwasher while her heart raced being this close to Finn.

"He's been seeing Blaine for a few months now. He goes to school with us at NYADA." Rachel explained.

"Is he good to him? Like…does he make Kurt happy?" Finn asked seriously. He didn't protect his brother the way he knew he should have in high school and at their parents wedding he made a promise that he would protect him from that day forward, no matter the price.

"Yes. He is really good to him and I have never seen Kurt so happy. I think they have what it takes." Rachel explained truthfully. She envied the relationship Kurt and Blaine had and she thought for a moment that maybe she would have that with Broady…but if it was possible for her to feel this…this…indescribable feeling for a man she only had met for one night years ago, how would she be able to give herself to Broady completely when all she could think of was reenacting the night they met? She knew the answer… she couldn't. But even coming to her own grips with how SHE felt, she knew that Finn had someone at home and she didn't know if he would even consider going on a date with Rachel.

"Rachel." "Finn" They both said at the same time then blushing with a laugh.

"You first." She said, placing the dish towel next to her on the counter.

"I uh… well..I don't know what your situation is here.. I mean if you're uh.. if you have a boy—"

"No, I don't have a boyfriend. I mean there is a guy I have been seeing…and he uh, well he was supposed to be here today and he didn't show up, much less call or text me to cancel. So, no. No boyfriend." She said, wanting desperately to clear that up right away.

"Ok. Well that is good to now. Now.. um, I was wondering. I mean…if you were interested. I would like to take you out. I mean, to keep the promise we made years ago. I don't know what it is, but it's like I saw you just yesterday in that karaoke bar and never wanted to walk away, leaving you on those steps." Finn said, and Rachel searched his face for even a glimpse of doubt in his words. And when she didn't find anything but pure truth, she felt her heart beat so strong she thought it was going to jump clear out of her chest.

"I would love to go out with you Finn. But considering the fact that you leave in the morning and your family hasn't seen you in a long time… we can't just up and go out tonight. I wouldn't forgive myself for taking time way from your family." Rachel wanted to kick her own ass for turning him down when all she wanted to do was steal him away and having him all to herself.

"Well I was thinking about that actually." He began and Rachel's eyes lit up with hope. "I don't really need to rush back to Ohio just yet. I mean I am out on break, and I haven't spent a lot of time with Kurt nor have I ever really spent any real time here in New York…. So uh. Well, I was hoping that maybe you guys wouldn't mind me staying a few extra days. Do a little site seeing… hang out with my brother..and take you out." When he finished his sentence, neither had noticed that during his verbal diarrhea they had moved to where they were only inches apart.

Rachel looked up at Finn, licking her lips as his eyes locked onto hers. "I would love for you to take me out Finn Hudson." Rachel said and that was it. Finn leaned down and captured her lips with his own.

Their kiss was cut short when the pair heard footsteps approaching and quickly parted, returning to the dishes. Kurt appeared only seconds later, a cocked eyebrow when he noticed how busy his brother and best friend seemed to be. It felt….forced. He almost questioned them, but thought otherwise and let it go.

"Hey Finn. I uh, my friend just called and asked me if I could help him study for his uh, well more like to work on a job resume, so I—" Kurt rambled. He hadn't planned on it coming out like such a jumble of words the way it was and he felt like kicking his own ass.

"Kurt. Bro… Why won't you just admit to me that you're going out to see your boyfriend. It's all good bro. I am happy for you man. So go…don't keep him waiting. I'll be here in the morning and we can talk more." Finn said and Kurt stood there speechless. He looked at Rachel, who only nodded along with Finn and he let out a breath. It truly was good to have his brother here.

"Thanks Finn. And tomorrow we will talk. I promise." Kurt said before turning to walk out. But just before he reached the door he stopped and turned around to speak once more. "I'm glad you're here Finn."

"Me too bro. Me too."

Once the dishes were done and Carole and Burt called it a night and disappeared into the guest room, Finn stood next to the couch while Rachel made it up with sheets and blankets.

"Finn, I really think I should sleep on the couch and you take my bed. I mean you are entirely too tall for this couch. There is no way you are going to be comfortable on it." She said.

"No way. I will not take your bed from you. Besides, my bunk at the dorm is super small, so I'm used to it. I'll manage. Thank you for offering though." He said, his half cocked grin beaming and Rachel's heart began to race. All she could think about was their short lived kiss in the kitchen earlier and how badly she wanted to do it again.

"Well ok then. Get some rest Finn. See you in the morning." She squeezed his hand and started to turn to head towards her bedroom when Finn's large hand, wrapped around her wrist stopped her.

She looked up at him but didn't get a chance to speak when she quickly felt the lips she craved attach themselves to her own. The kiss wasn't rushed. Instead It was slow and passionate and Rachel swore she had an entire 4th of July firework show being displayed behind her eyelids. It wasn't until their lungs burned with the need for oxygen that they parted.

Their foreheads pressed against one another's, Rachel kept her eyes open. Not wanting to open them and realize that all of this…. Finn showing back up into her life… kissing her the way he just did, was all a beautiful dream.

"I could kiss you like that forever and never grow tired of it." Finn said honestly.

"I know exactly what you mean. That kiss… years ago… it has been something that I have thought of often. And the fact that you're here now…it just feels too good to be true. That this is my mind playing some evil trick on me." She said, her eyes still not meeting his.

Finn took his hand, raising her chin so she had nowhere else to look but at him, leaned down and pressed his lips gently against hers. Pulling away he took her hand and placed it over his heart.

"Do you feel that?" He asked, referring to his racing heart. When she nodded yes, her eyes locked with his own, he continued.

"This is real. The way I feel when I am near you is real. The kiss we shared back then was real and it is what makes me feel the way I do right now. Sure its crazy….the fact that I feel the way I do for you when all we spent was a few hours together years ago…but regardless…what I feel is something I can't explain. But it's something I want to keep experiencing. I meant what I said, about taking you out. I want to get to know every single thing there is to know about you Rachel."

"But then what, Finn? You live in Ohio. I live in New York. The reason we left it all behind back then are the same reasons we have now. This could never be more than what it is. We have two totally different lives, and lives we both love. I think the closer we allow ourselves to become to someone we really don't know..is only going to be a recipe for disaster." Rachel hated saying the words, but she knew they were true and needed to be said.

"What are you saying Rachel?" Finn asked, desperation lacing his every word.

"I'm saying that tomorrow you are going to get on your plane like originally planned and go back to Ohio. Back to your life there and to your happiness. And I'll stay here in New York, where my happiness is and we will keep living our lives the way we have been ever since the night we said goodbye on my friends steps. It's the best thing for the both of us. I know it…and you know it."

Finns shoulders slouched, knowing what she said was true but still that didn't make him hate it any less. Instead he nodded, agreeing with her because deep down he knew she was right. This was not going to end any other way than pain. So when Rachel's hand pulled from his chest, he didn't stop her although he wanted more than anything to reach for her, pull her into his arms and not let her go.

"Good night Finn." She said softly and turned to walk towards her bedroom. Once she was inside, Finn fell back onto the couch, pulling a pillow over his face and letting out a deep sigh. Little did he know that on the other side of the door, Rachel was doing the same exact thing.

Why would anyone put something so special just inches away from your fingertips, knowing that no matter how hard you reach for it, you'll never grasp it? Why did he feel this way about someone he knew he would never be able to have? He let those thoughts consume him until sleep finally took over.