I Had My Reasons

by Kitkatandcheerio

AU Finchel. Rachel out for her 21st birthday meets Finn and embark on a journey neither one of them expect. Many ups and downs for Finn and Rachel in this one and super angst, but as always there will be an happy ending.

6. Chapter 6

I Had My Reasons - ch 6

Almost a year! What can I say? It feels like yesterday to me! July will forever be marred by sadness as far as i am concerned. And today Becca is going through what Lea went through last year. Horrible! I wanted to finish this chapter to have it posted by or on the the 13th. I am still working on the 4th installment of Finchel in the USA which is set in Tucson, AZ. It is very technical so it's taking much longer than anticipated. It's also summer, and I can't ignore my girls and stay on the computer for hours on end. Things will pick up more after schools open in Aug. I promise.

I am so happy that you guys like this story...I thought it may be too much for some, but I am glad someone is reading it. I write things that come to me, usually in dreams and I would still write them regardless, but it feels good to know that someone is actually reading it. Anyway, this chapter is where they will slowly start getting close again. Finn won't stay mad forever. It won't be easy for them, but real life is not easy either, so it will be realistic in its progression.

I don't own Glee or its characters.

F+R/F+R/

Rachel comes into her apartment after Finn drops her off feeling like a lot of the weight she's been carrying has been lifted off her shoulders. Weight she has been carrying for months. Although the shock of this whole situation has changed his feelings for her for now, she knows it's only because he has been so deeply hurt. Seeing him again makes her realize that much more how strongly she feels for him. She wanted to touch his face and kiss his lips more than anything, but she didn't dare. Her feelings haven't wavered in the passing months and she hopes that it's the same for him. She will give him time and hopefully he will come around. She realizes now how wrong she was to keep the pregnancy a secret from him. She has a lot for which to atone. Is there something she could do to begin making it up to him? He hates her right now, she knows it, but she also knows that at least he really did love her, so maybe there is still a chance that there is some of that love buried deeply inside him. How can she unearth that? As she walks into her bedroom, her eyes rest on her dresser where the CD of her last ultrasound photos are held. That's it! She quickly picks up the CD, loads the photos onto her laptop and sends an email to herself with the best baby photo attached. The picture is the clearest and the baby is almost folded in half, its toes touching its forehead. It's her favorite ultrasound photo of the baby and she looks at it often. She opens the mail and saves the photo to her phone.

She sends Finn a text with the photo attached with this caption:

I know you hate me right now, but not too long ago, when I was upset with you, you asked me to allow you make it up to me. So I want to ask you for the same thing. I want to start making it up to you right now with this. I thought you may want to see a photo of him/her from my appointment last month...it's such a funny position that it's in, don't you think? I think we may have a future yoga instructor in there!

She smiles to herself and begins getting ready for bed. At least he'll see she's really, really trying.

F+R/F+R/

When Finn finally arrives at his apartment, he goes straight to the kitchen to get a beer. Walking back to his couch he drops onto it and has instant flashes of Rachel straddling his lap on that very couch which feels like a lifetime ago. Was it only 6 months ago? His hands, well actually hand, was on her skin again and it felt like coming home...where it's meant to be. If you had told him this morning, that this is how this day would end, he would have called you insane. What started out as a date to show his mom he is getting over Rachel, turned into the biggest disaster ever. He really should call Stephanie and apologize to her for everything, but his mind is still trying to process the fact that he's going to be a dad in a few months. And his mom springing Rachel on him like this, he just can't believe it! Rachel still being pregnant? That's another thing he still can't believe. Why would she do something like that? What is it about him that makes women hurt him like this? Does he have a sign on his forehead that says he is an idiot? At some point he guesses he'll have to talk to her about it, but he just can't right now. Thank God his mom saw her in that store! How long would she have continued this has she not been forced to confront him? That makes him even more angry with her. Would she have waited until after the baby was born and he would have missed the birth of his child?

She looked so damn beautiful, even more beautiful than before, he could barely stand to look at her, much less touch her to feel the baby kick. How can he still be so conflicted with his emotions? How can his body betray his brain so easily. Just touching her, her skin like silk, made his heart race and his body tremble. He has to keep reminding himself that she is a liar and a fraud, so he doesn't fall under her spell again. How could he have been so wrong about a person's heart and soul? One thing is clear...he will have to figure out a way to be around her without wanting...her. Once the baby is born, it will be easier. He will get his baby time and she will get hers and they only have to see each other for the exchange; that will be it. And for now, he will keep their contact to the bare minimum,when it's absolutely necessary. He keeps ignoring all the buzzes that come from his phone...he knows who they are from and he doesn't want to talk to Kurt who is probably chomping at the bit for information after his mom has probably called him to tell him to call Finn for support.

The incessant buzzing finally gets to him, so he reaches over to turn his phone off, when he sees an unknown number with a picture text. As he reads it, he quickly unlocks it and goes to the messages and reads it more carefully. He zeroes in on the photo and spends a good ten minutes looking at it, studying every little detail. It's such a clear photo and it looks like it's 3D or something. As his eyes well up, he wishes there was someone there for him to hug and share this with! Here is his baby...so incredibly beautiful! He is completely overwhelmed! This is really happening! He is going to be a dad, and the idea is not as terrifying as it was before he started working at the station. He hopes he can keep it together and not cry like a little girl at the doctor's office in front of Rachel because that would be totally humiliating! He forwards the picture to his mom's phone in a text message with a "my baby" caption!

His phone rings almost immediately, and he answers his mom.

"Hi, mom!" He can't keep the smile off his face.

"Oh, Finn, I think that's the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. She's like a little taco in there! Congratulations, honey!"

"Or, he...Thanks, mom." Finn says happily.

"So, Finn, I guess you spoke with Rachel?" Carole asks hesitantly.

"No, mom...I'm not ready for that yet."

Finn can hear his mom sighing... "Don't wait too long to talk it out, honey. As stressful as this may be for you, it is much more stressful for her. This situation will only cause more stress to Rachel when she sees you if she thinks you hate her."

"I do, mom." Finn whispers.

"No, you don't, Finn. You are hurt, and rightfully so, but you don't hate her, just what she did...it's not the same thing. Understanding her reasons, may go a long way to your forgiving her."

"I will never forgive her for this...ever!" Finn spits out.

"Never is a really long time, Finn. Someday you'll wake up and all this hurt will have been replaced with love for your kid, and you will see that forgiveness is the only thing to do. Hopefully, Rachel will still be available then, and has not moved on with another man. A man who will become a stepfather to your child and who will be the one to put your child to bed each night because you were too hurt and stubborn to admit you still love her and make things right." Carole advises and hopes her son is listening. She wants her first grandchild to grow up in the same home with both her parents and not bounce between houses on the divorce express, even though there is no divorce here. And besides, she knows he still has very strong feelings for Rachel.

"It's not up to me to make things right, mom." Finn says defensively.

"I know, but you have to allow the other person to make things right," she replies. "Goodnight, honey...I'll love you no matter what choice you make here, even if it's the wrong one." Carole says before hanging up.

Finn looks at the phone and goes back to Rachel's message and replies,

Thanks

He waits to see if she will respond...

You're welcome! BTW appt. is at 1:00 pm Monday at attached address.

Finn types back:

OK, see you there.

F+R/F+R/

Rachel looks at her phone a little disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm to the picture. She thought that he would have mentioned something more than just a "thanks." She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She will try her best to get him to forgive her; he has to forgive her...there is no other option. The one thing she learned from this whole experience, is that he is constantly in her thoughts and that he will always be the only guy for her. She desperately wants to be the only girl for him, but based on the fact he was on a date tonight, he may not think so.

Her phone beeps in her hand and she looks down, a big smile forming on her face.

Do you have any more? Pictures, I mean.

Rachel types back swiftly:

I do; more pictures and a video...I have a CD that I can give you if you want

Finn:

I'd love to have it.

Rachel:

Ok, I'll bring it with me Monday.

She waits for Finn's response, it finally comes:

Thank you.

It's Sunday afternoon and Rachel has been preparing some boxes for her move next week. There are some things she does not want the movers to see or touch! Private, battery operated things that are coming in handy now with her hormones being off the charts. How is she so exhausted with just a few boxes? She lays down on her bed to rest for a few minutes. Her breasts are a little sore and feel so heavy, that she feels a little uncomfortable because they have literally doubled in size. She is glad she is not one of those endowed women...her boobs would be unbearable right now. Her door is wide open and she goes to close it when she sees Santana getting ready to leave.

"Are you ok, Rachel?" Santana asks with concern.

"Yeah, my boobs are really achy, so I think I will rub some oil on them to relieve some of the tenderness." Rachel says with more than a little embarrassment.

"Well, as much as I would love to volunteer, I think my honey would be a little peeved about that. Sorry, Rachel. Looks like you are flying solo for this job." Santana says with a laugh. "See you later on tonight." Santana disappears toward the living room and Rachel leaves her door cracked about 6 inches and goes back to her bed.

F+R/F+R

Finn is at the front door of Rachel and Santana's apartment. He can't believe he is here, but the idea of Rachel having a CD for him with more pictures of the baby got the better of him. Raising his hand to knock on the door, he is surprised when the door swings open quickly and he sees Santana standing before him.

"I was about to knock," Finn says defensively at her judgmental expression.

"Good to know you are not a creeper! What are you doing here?" Santana says while swinging her purse onto her shoulder.

"Rachel mentioned a CD with baby ultrasound pictures and I wanted to get it. Is she here?"

Santana gets a devilish glint in her eye and with a grin says, "Well, she's been in her bedroom packing and needed help with something that I couldn't help her with. As you can see I am on my way out. Maybe you can help her out. Go right on in. I am sure she'll appreciate your giving her a hand or two."

"It's not heavy is it? 'Cause she is not supposed to lift heavy things." he counters with concern.

"Mmm, they might be just a little heavy right now," Santana finishes with a smirk.

"Ok, thanks," Finn says with uncertainty and shuts the door after he enters. Santana always looks like she is up to no good, but he'll ignore it. He slowly walks toward Rachel's bedroom and is about to knock on the door when he notices her on the bed, naked from the waist up, rubbing her hands all over her breasts. His eyes widen and he averts his eyes at first, but then looks on again. He is mesmerized by the movement of her hands and stands there staring at her through the cracked doorway. His eyes follow her hands as they slowly circle her breasts and run her fingers over her nipples. Wow, her breasts are bigger now, and the expression of pleasure on her face, her eyes closed, is making him hard. She is starting to bite her lip and her hand is slowly creeping lower and plunges under the waistband of the shorts she is wearing. Is she? No way! Yes, yes, she is. He is shocked to see she's pleasuring herself and his erection is becoming super painful just watching her, even though he feels a little bit like a pervert. When she starts to moan, a small groan escapes his lips, and her eyes fly open to see him looking at her from the six inch gap in her doorway. She quickly grabs her shirt from next to her and sits up on the side of the bed face going completely red with embarrassment, holding her shirt against her chest, while simultaneously yelling, "Oh my God! Finn, what are you doing here? How did you get in?"

Turning sideways while staring at the ceiling, his flushed face proves that he is mortified to be caught in the act of peeping. "Rachel, I am sorry! Santana let me in, and told me you needed help in the bedroom and to go right on in. I'm gonna leave." He turns to go and Rachel calls after him.

"Finn, wait! Look, there is no point in being embarrassed about this. Sometimes I have to rub oil on my breasts and Santana was being a bitch setting you up like that 'cause she knew I was about to do that. Anyway, it's nothing you haven't see before." Rachel still embarrassed tries to play it off.

"Well, I haven't seen you do THAT before, and I am not referring to the breast massage," says Finn a little teasingly.

"Well, when you were around I didn't have to do that to myself. The pregnancy hormones make you want sex all the time. Obviously..." she looks down at his bulging jeans, "...you weren't turn off by it."

Finn's hands go to shield his crotch area from her, "I wanted to get that CD...I've been thinking about it since yesterday and couldn't wait."

Rachel looks at him and nods and says, "Oh, ok, then go wait in the living room and I'll get dressed and bring it out to you." She quickly puts her tank top back on, and goes to the computer to burn the photos and video on to a CD. While she is waiting she thinks about his hard on and wonders what it all means. He obviously still finds her sexy, even with her big belly, so maybe she can take advantage of that.

While pacing in front of the couch, Finn can't get Rachel's breasts out of his head. Oh God, That was so fucking sexy! Finn thinks to himself. He hasn't been with anyone since Rachel and the last time they were together was many months ago, so he is about to explode in his pants. He walks to her kitchen and opens the freezer. He looks around to make sure Rachel isn't coming, and grabs a couple of ice cubes. He contemplates dropping them into his boxer shorts as an alternative to a cold shower, but hears Rachel coming and dumps them into the sink instead. Holding the CD in her hand, she walks into the kitchen and looks at him. Her eyes zero in on his crotch, and she gets a smile on her face.

"If we were still together, I'd be able to take care of that for you," she says with a sly smile. She walks toward him and he backs up until his butt hits the countertop and has nowhere else to go. He tries to look at the ceiling to avoid looking down on her wearing a low cut tank top with no bra, her breasts bigger and fuller, slick with oil, stretching the thin material, her nipples hard and straining against the fabric, side boobs hanging out. His eyes betray his brain however, because they keep going back down to her breasts and he keeps trying to look at the ceiling.

"If we were together, I'd let you. But we are not together. You made sure of that!" he tells her.

"I'll take the blame, but you also need to be honest with yourself. I know that it is still there between us and you do too. It's been there since day one. I don't know how long it will be before you forgive me, maybe a month, maybe one year, or maybe even 10 years...but we are meant to be together, so life will go on until you forgive me. We will be together again when you forgive me, Finn. It's inevitable."

"I don't even know if I can do that, how do you know?" he says his voice becoming a little angry.

She moves her body up against him and his hands grip the counter behind him with both hands to prevent himself from touching her. She goes to push her hips against him, but realizes her baby bump is in the way. She clumsily moves around to no avail, and when she looks up he has the faintest trace of a smile on his face at her failed attempts at seduction. Crap! she thinks to herself. She quickly turns around and looks at him over her shoulder and pushes her ass against his rock hard erection and whispers, "Because this..." she grinds against him, "...tells me so."

Finn doesn't want to forgive her. When she turns around to face him again, she puts her right hand on his neck and pulls him down close to kiss him. He places his hands on her upper arms, stops his head within an inch of her lips, and pushes her away saying, "Just because I get hard, doesn't mean anything...it's just because I haven't been with anyone for a long time, and you were there rubbing your boobs. That would happen with anyone. My brain still functions, and it's telling me that I can't trust you and that I should leave. And forgiveness is not easy. Remember how hard I had to work to get your forgiveness after that first night together? What I did was nothing compared to this."

"Ok. Finn, you can go, but just know this...women's orgasms are, like,10 times more powerful when they're pregnant. You may miss the whole thing if you wait too long."

His hand reaches out and snatches the cd from her hand and he begins toward the front door.

"Thanks for the CD. I'm not your toy to play with you know." he calls out behind him as he leaves the kitchen.

"Alright, I'll just go back to my room and let Bob finish what I started since I don't have anyone who can take care of my needs," she says with a singsong voice walking toward her bedroom swaying her hips in her really short shorts.

As soon as he is out the door, Finn tries to calm himself down because he just can't leave the building with a raging boner for all to see. Bob...they got Bob together at the store to use with each other. Now he has to picture her in his head using Bob by herself. She's become a nympho. He can't believe her boldness...but then again, even the first night they met she was bold, so yeah, he guess he can believe it. Fuck, is it true about the pregnant orgasms? He's going to have to google that. Shit, it's not going away. He needs to get home quickly. He holds the cd case in front of his zipper and runs down the steps.

Rachel is in her bed sad that the opportunity was there for him to do something and he didn't do it. Maybe he is moving on after all, and all he wants from her is the baby. But the look on his face when she caught him looking at the door tells her different. Maybe she is wrong, but she feels it in her gut that he still has feelings for her. She will do her best to get him back, and if the way back to his heart is through his pants, so be it!

F+R/F+R/

Finn is in his apartment pacing thinking about Rachel in her bed. After watching the baby cd for the fourth time, he still can't get her out of his head. He goes to the bathroom, strips and gets in the shower, the water cold to erase her from his mind. Once finished, he walks naked to his bedroom, gets into the bed and closes his eyes determined to think of anything but Rachel. All he envisions though is her body moving under his on this very bed. He doesn't know how long he has been lying there, but as the minutes tick away, so has his resolve. He throws his blankets off, puts on his gray sweatpants, white t-shirt, shoes, coat. Grabbing his keys, he leaves the apartment.

Soon he finds himself at Rachel's apartment and before he loses his nerve, knocks on her door. He can hear someone rushing to the door and seconds later the door opens, Rachel stands there looking gorgeous in tiny, tiny white lacy panties and a white cami, see-through and trimmed with lace. She bites her bottom lip with a smile and moves to let him in.

"I changed my mind." He says dropping his coat and keys on the floor by the door.

"Oh, thank God!" Rachel, relieved, jumps on him. He picks her up and she wraps her legs around his waist kissing him hard, "You don't know how much I need this!" she whispers in his ear.

"I think I do," he tells her and they kiss frantically while making their way to her bedroom.

He puts her on the bed and stands in front of her while stripping his clothes off. When he is totally naked, he slides her to the top of the bed and begins kissing her hard and fast, lips and tongues frantic, kissing and biting all over her body, lifting the barely there cami past her breasts, lips lingering on the bump that is his baby. Her hands roam his back and he relishes on the feel of her hands again on his body. His hand makes its way down between her legs, cups her through the lace material, then slips under to find her wet and ready. In one quick movement he removes her panties and throws them on the floor. Her pregnant belly makes his being on top of her difficult, so he flips her over on all fours and gets behind her. She looks behind him, eyes glistening with anticipation and says, "Don't worry, you won't hurt the baby," and with one swift move he is inside her. Her gasps and moans fill the room, and he grabs her hips with both hands and moves smoothly in and out of her. She moves her hands to the top of the headboard, and calls out, "More, Finn!" in between gasps. Her urgency spurs him to move faster and harder and he moves one hand to cradle her belly while the other is on her hip and he slams into her repeatedly. He looks down at her body and his large hand covering an entire butt cheek and squeezing. Her loud moan tells him she likes it. He is close to coming, but holds off to make it last for her.

"Oh, God, almost..." she screams and he moves the hand from her belly down to rub her between her legs and her hips begin to spasm in his hands her orgasms rocking her body while she lets out a loud moan. He drives into her a couple more times and quickly comes inside her with a groan. They fall on their sides on the bed, spooning, and wait for their breaths to return to normal. Finn closes his eyes, wraps his arm around her waist to draw her closer to him, and takes deep breaths.

When he opens his eyes, he is shocked to see that he's in his own bed, naked. He raises his sheet to see that he has cum on his sheets. Rolling onto his back, he thinks, holy crap! He had a sex dream! What is he 16 again? That dream seemed so real his heart is still drumming in his chest. He laces his fingers together and puts them behind his head to study the ceiling. How can he still find her so damn sexy after all that she has done? He needs to stay away from her.

F+R/F+R/

Midday on Monday Rachel is frustrated because of delays with the song changes that the director is demanding. She has had to learn three different songs for the same scene because the director can't decide which song to go with when one is clearly superior. As a result, she is running late for her appointment. The last thing she wants to do is make Finn mad by being late.

"Rachel, let me listen to the recordings during lunch, and I'll let you know my decision when you return. Go ahead and go to your appointment."

Rachel jumps at his response, "Thanks, see you soon." She grabs her purse from the corner of the stage where she had left it to make a quick exit, and rushes out the back stage door. It takes her a few moments to flag down a cab and she finally enters one in a huff, looking at her watch and realizing she has only 15 minutes to get there. She gives the cabbie the address of the obstetrician's office, and sits back and tries to relax. The doctor's office is only 7 blocks away, so she should be there soon. Two blocks into her ride the road is a parking lot, horns blaring their anger at the jam.

"Ugh, I need to get to my appointment. Here..." she hands the cabbie the fare that is displayed and exits the cab. She begins a slow run and walk toward the office just over 4 blocks away. Could this day get any worse?

F+R/F+R/

At the doctor's office Finn is repeatedly checking his watch. He begins to question whether he is at the correct office, when a nurse opens a door and calls, "Rachel Berry!" He looks at the nurse and says, "She is running a little late." The nurse nods and closes the door. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he sends her a text.

Where r u?

He waits for a response. Nothing.

Ten minutes go past when Rachel bursts into the office hair disheveled, cheeks red and breathing hard.

Finn jumps up and looks at her with concern, "What happened?"

"Oh, the director ran late for lunch, and then there was a traffic jam, and I had to walk/run all the way here. I'm fine...just need to catch my breath." Rachel sits in one of the chairs.

"Why didn't you text me back?"

She looks at him and says, "I realized I left my phone at work when I was in the cab."

At that moment the nurse returned and said, "Rachel!"

Finn stands up and tells the nurse, "Can you give her a minute? She had to run all the way..." Rachel interrupts him.

"No, no, I'm fine. Let's go." She stands up and walks past the doorway to the back rooms breathing in and out slowly trying to calm her breathing. She walks to the triage area where they weigh her and take her vitals. She is then led to an examination room with Finn trailing behind her. Rachel drops her purse on the exam table and turns to walk out.

"Where are you going?" Finn stops her by holding on to her wrist.

Rachel smiles at him and replies, "To give a urine sample. Wanna come and watch?"

Finn looks down and shakes his head from side to side. Rachel laughs and walks out of the room.

Rachel returns and proceeds to sit on the exam table. She looks at Finn's lost look and begins, "Finn, the doctor's name is Dr. Chambers. I'll make sure they know that you are the dad so in case you need something they will speak to you. What normally happens at these visits is that they come in, check me out, measure my belly and ask me if I have any problems. Then they go over the results of the urine sample. Ok?"

"Ok, are they doing an ultrasound today?" He asks hopefully.

"Well, they did one last month, so I don't think they'll do one today, but maybe we'll ask for a quick one." Rachel reassures him after his expression was one of disappointment.

At that moment there is a knock on the door and the doctor comes in followed by the nurse who led them to their room earlier. Dr. Chambers immediately approaches Rachel and Finn has a chance to observe him quietly. He is tall (taller than Finn actually), blond, green eyed and he guesses women probably fall at his feet. Rachel is looking at him clearly in awe. Of course Rachel would have a good looking doctor doing all sort of things up her skirt. Great! Finn doesn't care anyway. Nope...not a bit.

"Rachel, how is everything going?" Dr. Chambers asks with concern.

"I am fine, Dr. Chambers. Is there a problem?" Rachel looks at the doctor and then glances at Finn. Finn is studying the doctor with curiosity.

"Rachel, your urine test is showing that you are burning ketones and since you do not have the numbers for gestational diabetes, the only explanation is that it's either diet related or stress related. Usually it is diet related when people do not consume enough carbs. Have you been eating properly?"

Rachel turned another shade of red, and looked at Finn. "Is that serious? I haven't been eating well the last week, but I promise I will do better. By the way, Dr. Chambers, this is Finn Hudson, the baby's father." Rachel ended by pointing to Finn sitting in the chair next to the exam table.

After shaking hands, Dr. Chambers proceeds to give Rachel advice on bringing her ketones to normal levels while measuring her belly. Finn watches the doctor lower Rachel's stretchy pants to expose her belly, his fingertips moving slowly and Finn watches as the doctor spreads his hands on her abdomen and gently presses down. He is feeling her up...jerk! Rachel needs a new doctor; this one is a perv. He watches the doc get a short measuring tape, place it by Rachel's pubic bone and smooth it over her abdomen. His frigging fingers are almost at her sweet spot! Is this guy for real? Finn takes a deep breath and turns his head away. He can't watch this anymore.

The doctor looks at him and laughs. "I assure you what I am doing is perfectly normal for this kind of exam." Dr. Chambers looks at Rachel and says, "It's not the first time I have seen the male significant other start to turn into the Hulk," he teases laughingly.

"Rachel looks at Finn and says, "He is the baby's father, but we are no longer together. Also, Dr. Chambers, is it possible to have another ultrasound today? Finn hasn't been here before and wanted to see the baby. AND we decided we want to know the sex."

The doctor eyes Finn and nods his head and addresses Rachel again, "Yes, we can do that. I want to measure the baby to make sure that there has been growth since the last month especially since your urine test was abnormal. I'll have Tori come and do the ultrasound for you guys. If there is an issue I'll let you know."

After nodding, Rachel reclines back on the exam table. Finn swivels in his chair and asks her, "Did you check his credentials or did you choose him based on his looks? I mean he is all feeling you up and everything."

"He is not feeling me up, Finn. That is why there is always a nurse in the room with doctors these days, so jealous guys don't make crazy accusations."

"I'm not jealous...just looks...unprofessional." He looks at her sadly, "Everyone is looking at me like I am the deadbeat that left you to do things on your own and came back at the last moment."

"No, they're not!" Rachel tries to reassure him, but knows that it's true. "Look, I can explain to them what happened if you want."

"No, that's ok. You don't need to do that." Finn takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Ok, for your next appointment, I'm coming to pick you up in my car. It's crazy you had to run in your condition for such along distance today. So, I'll come and get you from work or your new apartment, ok?"

"Ok," Rachel says and nods. "Thank you." then, "You were jealous."

"No, I wasn't."

The tech comes in to perform the ultrasound and Rachel pulls down her stretchy pants for her to apply the gel for the wand. She begins moving the wand, and Finn hears his baby's heart beat for the first time. His own heart begins beating faster and he can't take his eyes off the screen. Soon he sees shapes that he thinks he can make out like a leg or the head. His eyes start tearing up. The tech is busy taking measurements of various body parts and looks at Rachel and Finn with a smile, "The baby has grown perfectly since your last appointment." Finn and Rachel smile at each other with anticipation. Rachel speaks up, "Can you tell the sex?"

The tech looks at them and responds with, "Yep, sure can! Want to know?" Rachel and Finn look at each other and both nod. Tori smiles and moves the wand until she finds what she is looking for. She freezes the screen and points, "See here? It is a...boy!"

Rachel grabs Finn's hand, while Finn looks shocked and asks, "Really? Are you sure?"

"Positive!" Tori says while she types on the screen "I am a boy, see, just like my daddy!" and prints two copies and hands it to each of them. Finn allows Rachel to continue holding his hand, reassures her with a squeeze, and reaches out for the pictures with the other one. Rachel, on the other hand, is busy noticing the giggly way Tori is reacting to Finn; flirty eyes, lips smacking, flushed face. She better back the hell off.

After some quick thank yous Tori leaves and Rachel and Finn fall back into an awkward, uncomfortable silence. Rachel clears her throat and says, "I guess we are going to have to think of baby boy names."

"Well, since it's a boy, I should name him." Finn says proudly.

"I will have veto power though, so you don't name him some sport name, like Babe Ruth Hudson."

Finn laughs then and retorts, "I wouldn't do that." Rachel loves to hear him laugh. This is the first time he has laughed since he found out about the baby at his mom's house.

As Rachel is about to leave the room, he places his hand on her shoulder to stop her and says, "Thanks for letting me come. I know you didn't have too."

"Um, yes, I did. I don't want to get into a tangle with those lawyers of yours." Rachel says flippantly. His eyes turn cold then and she laughs, "I'm kidding! Where's your sense of humor? You know that was the best part of you. I hope it's not gone for good." He smiles and shakes his head as she heads out of the office.

He's having a son. A miniature him. God! He hopes he doesn't screw things up.

He offers her a ride back to rehearsals and she graciously accepts. As they arrive at the theater, he looks at her with uncertainty and says, "This is real, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is! You know, we will ALL be fine...you'll see. Thanks for the ride, Finn. I'll see you in two weeks for the next appointment," she draws her lips in a line and goes to exit the car. His voice stops her.

"Two weeks? But aren't you interviewing nannies soon?" his inquiry reminds her of the applicants for the job.

"Oh, yes, I am. Do you want to be there for that?" She looks at Finn quizzically.

"Of course I want to be there. This person will spend more time with my kid during his waking hours than either one of us will. We need to make this choice together; this way if it turns out that the person is wrong, there will be no blame passed around." His eyes are drilling into hers making her lose her concentration. He has the most incredible amber eye color. They are almost hazel and she could stare at his eyes for hours. She blinks quickly and replies, "Ok then, I'll let you know when the interviews will be so you can be there. Be forewarned, it will be after I move into my new place this week."

"Great! I'll wait to hear from you. Hey, do you mind if I tell my mom...about it being a boy, I mean?"

"Of course I don't mind, Finn. I will tell my parents, too. I'll let you know soon." Rachel turns to get out and he stops her once more.

"Do you need help with the move?" he asks with concern.

"No, thanks. I have movers coming to pack and move me, so it should be easy enough."

"Ok, and don't forget to eat properly, please. You heard the doc."

"Why, Finn Hudson, are you concerned for me?" she asks teasingly.

"You are carrying my baby...of course I am concerned." he tells her in a matter of fact manner.

"Oh! I'll take perfect care of myself." She smiles and finally exits his car and walks straight into the building.

Rachel walks into the theater building ready to go back to work. She is more hopeful that ever that Finn will come around. He may not want to get back together with her, but she knows that he will be fine with any contact they have. And who knows? Maybe they'll find their way back to each other after all. His jealousy over Dr. Chambers was pretty obvious, so she feels she still has a chance. This turned out to be a good day after all.

F+R/F+R/

It's October 5th and the guys from the baby store have just rung the door bell. Rachel opens the door and sees the guys carrying two large boxes.

"Where do you want it?" the smaller of the two men asks.

Rachel points to the back of the apartment, "This way," and leads them to the baby's room. The guys carry the first box and then return and bring the second box. They give Rachel a clipboard to sign. "Ok, m'am. Thank you!" the taller of the two says to her.

Rachel is looking perplexed, "Wait a minute, aren't you going to put it together?"

The taller guy looks at the clipboard and looks at her sadly, "I'm sorry you only paid for delivery, not assembly."

"Well, can I pay you now to do it?" asks hopefully.

"I'm sorry, miss. We don't have allotted enough time for that. Please call the store and arrange for assembly and we will return another day."

Rachel's disappointment is evident. "Ok, thanks."

After the guys have left, Rachel goes to the box labeled "1 of 2" and opens it. She takes out the instructions and looks at them. She can do this. She has a college degree for God's sake...how hard can it be? Those guys didn't look particularly educated. She looks over the tools that she will need and gets her jacket to go to the store.

Walking to the store with confidence, Rachel is happy to do this by herself. This is the story she'll be able to tell her son; son, I assembled your crib by myself, and it didn't collapse on you. She walks into the hardware store and seeks out the first available clerk.

"Excuse me, I need a screwdriver," she asks with confidence.

"Ok, what kind?" the clerk asks with a smile.

Rachel's smile falters and she says, "It just said screwdriver."

"Well, there are phillips, for cross like screws, and flat head for other screws," the clerk looks at her trying to be helpful.

"I don't know, so I guess I'll have one of each," Rachel's response gets a smile and nod from the clerk and he walks to the appropriate aisle.

Proud of herself for being so resourceful, Rachel walks out of the store a few minutes later with resolve to complete the task of putting together her baby's crib. Just a few steps out of the store, and she hears, "Whoa, chipmunk, you really are pregnant!" She looks up to see Puck, Finn's friend whom she met a few times when she and Finn were together.

"Hi Noah!" is her enthusiastic response.

"Wow! Look at you! Are you sure there aren't twins in there?" Puck teases.

"No, just one."

Puck eyes the store she came out of, and says, "I didn't take you for a do-it-yourselfer."

With pride, Rachel looks at him and responds, "I am taking on my first project as soon as I get home. The delivery guys for the crib just left it in boxes, so I am going to put it together myself."

"It's a pretty complicated task...I've helped with one before and it can be a real bitch. Did you ask Finn? He probably would like doing that for you."

Rachel eyes him with uncertainty. "I'm not going to bother him with this. I'll be fine by myself...I think."

"Do you want ME to come and help you? I am meeting someone for lunch, but after that I am free. I could swing by and we could have it done in no time at all."

"Are you sure?" Rachel asks but secretly hopes he says yes. As much as she would like to do this on her own, she is grateful for any help she can have.

"Absolutely! Give me you address and I'll be there around 1:30."

After entering her address in the notepad on his phone and saying goodbye to Puck, Rachel walks home a with a little more optimism.

F+R/F+R/

Around 12:45 Rachel decides to take a quick shower. She has already organized all the pieces of the crib for when Puck comes over. As she undresses she steps into the shower and allows herself to enjoy the hot water spray. She loves the high pressure of this water! It's like a hundred needles massaging her back. Her lower back has been aching for the past couple of days, but that is probably from unpacking so many boxes and placing items in the correct spot. As she steps out of the shower, "POP!" she falls back into the shower. She felt her ankle twist as she stepped down, apparently in a awkward position. She slips the rest of the way, and her butt his the bottom of the tub which shoots an excruciating pain to her lower back. She bites her lips against the pain in both her ankle and her back and attempts to push herself out of the tub, but her ankle feels limp and she can't move it without crying out in severe pain. God! She is stuck in here with towels in the linen closet out of her reach and her cell phone still on the floor of the baby room. She gave the doorman Noah's name, so Noah should be able to come up to her door, and if she yells for him to get the doorman to let him in, she can be rescued. How can she be so stupid to get hurt like this? After several minutes she begins to shiver, so she leans forward and plugs the tub and proceeds to fill it up with water. The water is hot and is welcome on her chilled skin. She lets the water out when it gets cold and fills it up again before she hears Puck knocking on her door.

"Rachel!" he calls.

Rachel screams, "Noah, I've hurt myself and can't open the door. Get the doorman to let you in, please!" Thank God apartments are tiny in NY.

After hearing him say 'be right back" Rachel waits patiently for his return. In what seems like to time at all, Puck is in the apartment calling her name.

"Rachel!"

"In the bathroom!" she yells.

He bursts into the bathroom so see Rachel's head the only thing visible behind the shower curtain.

"What happened?" he asks.

She gives a smile and says, "I've fallen and I can't get up!" referencing the elderly commercial and proceeds to laugh and then cry little shoulder-shaking sobs. Puck goes and pulls the stopper out of the tub to let the water drain. One look at her already swollen and bruising ankle tells him all he needs to know. "I don't have my car. I'm going to call the doorman to get us a cab." He leaves the room as Rachel nods her agreement.

By the time he returns, the water has drained and he tells Rachel, "Look I'm going to lift you out of there and let you sit on the edge of the tub, then I'll get a robe on you."

Rachel agrees but is mortified to have Noah see her naked. At this point, however, she doesn't have much choice. "Ok, but close your eyes."

"Seriously? How am I supposed to do that with my eyes closed?"

"Just try, Noah!" she says haughtily.

"Pfft! Virgins!" Puck exclaims in a teasingly frustrated tone. "Ok, but I was really looking forward to torturing Finn about my seeing your tits and ass. You're taking all the fun out of this."

"Noah! First, what about this huge belly makes you think I am a virgin? And second, why would you want to torture Finn?"

"We are guys...it's what we do. Ok, here we go." Puck proceeds to semi close his eyes (but still has a great view of her awesome body) and bends to pick up Rachel bridal style and lift her out of the tub and set her on the edge. He then turns around, grabs the bathrobe hanging on the back of the door and turns around to give it to her. He has his eyes open, but Rachel doesn't notice because she is busy putting her arms through the sleeves. Noah picks her up and carries her to the elevator and to the waiting cab outside.

F+R/F+R/

Finn has just finished lunch at his desk when his phone vibrates to signal a text message. It's from Puck:

-Yo, bro. You need to come to the hospital. Your baby mama is here. I think she has a broken ankle; not sure. I had to bring her in.

Finn's hair stands on the back of his neck.

-What? Is she ok?

-Yes, she'll be fine...we are waiting for the doctor now.

-Why are YOU with her?

-Long story...get your ass here and find out.

Finn flies out of the office and drives to the hospital in record time. The clerk at the desk tells him the room number of the emergency section in which Rachel is located and he rushes to get there. He is not prepared for the scene before him as he enters without knocking. Rachel and Puck are in the midst of a hilarious joke both laughing, Puck sitting on the edge of her hospital bed watching and laughing at the T.V. His eyes turn to slits and he rushes to Rachel's side.

"What's going on?" his face is a mixture of suspicion and concern.

"Well, to make a long story short, Noah was coming over to help me put the crib together and right before that, I took a shower and stepped off awkwardly from the tub, which turned my ankle, which resulted in my slipping and hurting my back on the back of the tub. I couldn't get out of the tub, so Noah got me out and brought me over in a cab. The doctor came in and believes the ankle is broken. I won't do x-ray cause of being pregnant. The baby is already big...don't want to take a chance on some DNA mutation and end up giving birth to Andre the Giant. My back is fine now, so we are just waiting for the orthopedic doctor to put a cast on and I'll be able to go home.

"Wow! I didn't think anyone could speak so fast!" Finn says with his eyebrows raised. As he takes a breath and prepares to say something else, the doctor comes in and they fall quiet while they watch her wrap Rachel's foot and ankle in a plastic mesh cast.

As Puck and Finn stand there watching, Finn looks at Puck and says, "Thanks for taking care of her...I'll take it from here, you can go."

"Ok, I'll wait to say goodbye to Rachel and go." Puck nods at Finn.

Finn can't help asking the next question. He tries to stop himself but the question just bursts out, "Did you see her naked?" he looks at Puck with a hint of anger.

Puck breaks into a devilish grin and says, "Oh, yeah! Everything, tits, ass, and I think I got a quick view of the jackpot, too!"

Finn takes in a deep breath, bites his lips and turns to look at Puck. "A simple yes would have been fine...Fuck!" he says the expletive under his breath.

"I don't know why you are so bent out of shape, man? You said your were done with her, so why all the fuss?"

Finn scrunches his forehead and squints his eyes and says, "Just go, man, ok?"

After saying goodbye to Rachel, Puck leaves. The doctor, finishing with the cast, advises Finn about keeping weight off of the leg for a couple of days, and about using crutches. Soon after the discharge nurse came with her papers and the wheelchair to take her to the car.

The drive home was quiet. Finally Finn speaks up, "Why did you call Puck and not me to help you with the crib?"

"I didn't call Noah. I went to the hardware store for tools and he saw me coming out and offered to help. I had intended on completing the task myself."

"Oh, well this is my job to do. I will put the crib together. You need to ask me about these things, Rachel."

"I'm sorry, Finn. You are right. I didn't feel comfortable doing that yet. We are not in a good place, you know?"

"I know, but you must know I want to do these things, right?"

"Yes."

"So call me when you need something, ok?"

Rachel nods. This is going to be a hard month. Broken leg, getting the room ready for the baby, work. So much stuff it's really overwhelming.

"By the way," Finn tells her in an un-negotiable tone. "I'm moving in...until the baby is born. You would have still been in that tub right now if Puck hadn't offered to help with the crib. So I am moving in, whether you like it or not! I'll take the nanny's room."

"Fine," is Rachel's only response. But in her head she is saying..I like it very much!

A/N Rachel's accident? Yep, happened to me only I didn't have anyone come and check on me until many hours later…I was a pruny mess but the time I got help and I was only 3 weeks from my due date. In retrospect it's funny, but at that moment it was scary!