Thanks to everyone reviewing or following this story. There's a lot of Finchel cuteness and sweet moments in this chapter. I'll do my part to keep this couple alive, and I believe they are still endgame on Glee, but I feel like this season 4 will be very depressing for their fans.

Spring Mt. Ranch State Park
Some kilometers northwest of Goodsprings

Tina and Brittany led the way through the mostly quiet and desolated area with Rachel and Finn following close behind. The four traveled on the remains of a gravel road past some fenced in areas of scrubland, a cracked asphalt parking area, and two mostly demolished buildings. There was nothing worth the trouble to scavenge or pick up here. Nearby was a small lake with irradiated water, and no fish swam there, only occasional faint sounds of grasshoppers chirping. On the other side Finn noticed a foot trail leading further north. The two Khan girls paused as the group neared two worn but still useful picnic tables. They were situated at the northeast corner of the former tourist attraction next to the road. Tina laid her spear on the tabletop then shrugged off her backpack from her shoulder blades and set it down. The Asian girl glanced at the others, noticing where Finn's eyes were looking.

"Yes, that's the back way into our home, but the front entrance is not far away. Let's take a break and Britt and I will explain just what we can show you two."

Finn walked over to a nearby standing grill pit and kneeled down next to it while searching through his backpack. He pulled out a tin box containing matches and some wadded up newspaper to start a small fire. Rachel and the Khan girls took their seats at the picnic table while feeling the ache in their sore feet and leg muscles. Finn looked over at his female partner, who returned his glance with a smile.

"You better get going mister. I get cranky when I'm hungry, and you want to make a good impression on our friends here too. Surprise us Finn."

"Just relax Rachel; I'm getting the fire going now."

Brittany grinned at Tina and the two shared a private look then they both looked at Rachel. The blond Khan girl spoke first.

"Wow Rachel, must be nice having your own private chef. Does he do requests?"

"He would if I asked him too, right Finn?"

"Well, if you asked me nicely, preferably without violence thrown in. I'm just trying to look after my best interests."

"But Finn, you have me to do that. I've got your back partner."

"I've got you covered too Rachel. It's a fulltime job."

Rachel smiled up at Finn while he cooked something with some items thrown together in a skillet that rested on the grill. She gave the Khan girls a side eyewink. Rachel mouthed Watch this.

"Are you complaining? I can find another partner if that's how it is."

Finn turned around looking very worried for a few seconds then laughed as the three girls watched his response, while they tried not to laugh themselves.

"No, I enjoy looking after you Rachel. It's not a job but an adventure. Just think how boring my life was before you. Okay, try some of this Wasteland Omelet."

Finn lifted the skillet after stirring the contents one last time over the low flame and brought it to the table. He placed it down on a cleared spot and handed out 2 forks to the seated Khan girls and speared a good sized chunk with his own utensil. Finn held it out in front of Rachel, causing the hungry girl to open her mouth and accept the offered gift. Rachel started chewing with much satisfaction while her eyes shone with deep affection for her male partner and best friend. Brittany and Tina held hands while eating with the forks held in their other hand. Finn passed the fork he was holding to Rachel and using the final fork he grabbed a few bites for himself. In a short time the omelet had about disappeared as the four hungry kids enjoyed their meal break. Rachel reached inside her backpack and uncapped a water bottle, taking a few sips.

"You're getting better all the time Finn. Can I get breakfast in bed back at the motel sometime?"

Finn had just swallowed the last mouthful and her reply made him start coughing while his overemotional body reeled from her casual but earnest request. Rachel passed him her water bottle and he took a few quick sips, managing to get the food down the second time. Finn placed the bottle on the table and looked intently at his female best friend. He tried to keep a straight face when he spoke but it was difficult.

"Room service now? When's it going to end? Shall I make your bed and leave a sweet on your nightstand?"

"Oh wow, that'd be awesome Finn. A girl likes being treated special."

"But first you have to not make such a mess."

At that point Finn could not hold in the laughter anymore as Rachel looked on in puzzlement. She was getting frustrated at his weird behavior and enough with the teasing already. She learned forward to grab his arm but Finn held her hand still as he got himself under control.

"No, I'm not laughing at your expense; let me tidy you up some."

Finn released Rachel's hand and used his own hand to lightly cup her cheek. She shivered with a little excitement as his thumb grazed gently over her lips and side of her mouth. Finn wiped off the excess bits of food and sauce from the meal off her face then licked his fingers clean.

"There, don't want anything to be wasted. Oh yeah, tastes good."

Rachel felt very flushed while her entire body tingled as both Finn's touch and his seemly innocent words make her feel overheated all of a sudden. The brunette girl realized she was sweating and it was not due to the local desert climate. She grabbed back her water bottle and drained the last few swallows. Finn suddenly realized what he had done and became very nervous, causing his face and complexion to turn red.

"I'm sorry if that made you uncomfortable, I wasn't thinking. Forgive me, that was rude."

Rachel smiled to show her partner that things were still good between them.

"It's fine Finn, thanks for caring about my appearance. I'm sorry I look so bad."

Finn joined their hands together and linked pinkies again.

"You look great to me, don't ever doubt yourself."

Tina and Rachel could not say silent anymore. The Asian girl rolled her eyes but looked at the boy and girl with much amusement.

"Would you two just kiss already so we can get going?"

Prospector's Saloon
Goodsprings

Santana and Claire sat on one side of the dining booth while Puck and Kurt sat on the other side. They had finished their meal visiting and talking while Shelby and Carol spoke in low tones at another table. Sam had gone back outside to work more on the nearby workbench and Quinn stood behind the counter refilling some of their water drinks. The girl with the long dark hair streaked with red highlights excused herself to visit the restroom, and when she was gone Kurt had to share something with the other kids.

"I can't believe Claire's own actual brother is not here. Where the heck is Finn? Off somewhere looting with Rachel I guess. How could he forget she was arriving today? It's her freaking birthday too."

Santana and Puck looked at each other but both knew they could not reveal how they knew the location of the desired persons. They were saved from this tricky predicament as Quinn overheard Kurt's rant and furnished the answer.

"That reminds me, Rachel and Finn are with some good friends of mine. They should be around Red Rock Canyon now with some Khan girls. How are we going to get in touch with them? I've got to stay here and work today, same thing with Sam."

Santana thanked the blond girl silently and spoke up.

Puck and I will go get them. Give us the directions and we'll bring them back here. We're glad to do it."

Kurt's face lit up with much happiness.

"You're awesome Santana. Claire and I thank you and Noah very much. You know the area?"

The Latina girl shook her head and scooted out of the booth seat. She and Puck headed for the door.

"We got this; just have everything ready when we come back."

When the two were out of the Goodsprings city limits they stopped off to the side of the road. The BOS recruits put their Pip Boys back on their wrists and powered up the tracking module. Santana looked at her display for a moment then make her decision.

"We'll take this shortcut past this tribal village. I've heard it's deserted but we'll need to be ready for anything. You remember your laser pistol bro?"

Puck grinned and restrapped his weapon back on after getting it out of his rucksack.

"Just let anyone mess with us."

"Let's move out. My mouth hurts from smiling so much again. Don't tell me, I'm working on it."

Back inside the saloon Claire walked into the dining area but she was very disappointed when she noticed Santana gone. Kurt noticed her sad expression and pulled her into a hug.

"What's wrong sweetie? Those two will be back soon with Finn. You'll get to meet Rachel too, she's awesome."

"Just wait until Finn sees how much I've changed. That is I hope he likes my new hair style. It's cool that we are about the same height, but I have a feeling he will tower over me like a giant one day. He never stops cooking and eating."

"Anything else bothering you? You can tell me, I'm going to be your brother too."

"I'm upset that Santana did not even tell me goodbye, she just left. I really like her Kurt, even though we just met and talked only a little while. I got a good vive from her, and these feelings just came out of nowhere. Does that make me weird or crazy?"

"That's perfectly normal. If you feel that way, even this soon, get to know her better. When you feel bold enough tell her what you're feeling. Take a chance."

Claire hugged Kurt with all her strength until he gasped for air. She stepped back and the two shared a laugh while Shelby and Carol looked at them with concern.

"Sorry about that Kurt. My emotions got carried away. I'm very glad to be your new sister. Did I mess up your hair?"

Kurt ran a frantic hair through his brown curly hair and sighed while he looked back at his new sibling.

"Everyone gets a first warning."

Finn leaned forward slightly as he exchanged an intense glance with Rachel. As the excited boy pulled the girl closer to him the Khan girls heard the sounds of many scuttling feet hitting the ground and getting closer. Drawn by the smell of cooking food and the strange smell of intruding humans a big pack of large mutant mantis insects both ran and flew into the seated group.

Brittany screamed a warning but their position was overrun by a swarm as some aggressive bugs landed on the tabletop while others attacked the seated foursome. The Khan girls jumped up and started fighting the insects with their spears. Rachel got to her feet trying to get her weapons out and ready but one mantis hit her in the chest and bore her to the ground. She screamed out in pain as the mutant bug spit a gooey brown paste on her face. Rachel managed to turn her head as the slimy liquid burned somewhat and was absorbed into her skin. Rachel's nerve endings flared then she started loosing feeling in her arms and legs. She could not bring her bladed glove up to fend off the menacing insect.

Finn was up and heading towards Rachel's position but another mantis slammed into him from the side, knocking him off balance as he fell towards the table. His head hit a glancing blow off the wooden edge as Finn fell to his knees then rolled over onto his back on the ground. His left hand glanced off one of his carry pouches and even through being stunned Finn realized what he could do. The boy unzipped the container and pulled out a dull gray canister with a pull ring on the top. Finn activated the device and tossed it a short distance away towards Rachel's position. Thick tendrils of white smoke spewed out of the compact grenade and the nearby area was soon filled with a thick but non lethal fog.

"Rachel, I'm here!"

Finn got to his feet and slammed into the mantis on top of Rachel, wrapping his arms around the bug's body and pulling it off the twitching girl. Holding the trashing insect with both legs wrapped around its midsection and one arm around its neck Finn unfastened his survival knife strapped to his right leg. The furious boy that was also terrified for his partner repeatedly stabbed the mantis in the chest until Finn was sure the creature was dead. As he threw the carcass off him the smoke was dispersing but it did its intended effect, the remaining bugs were fleeing the area. Tina and Brittany had dispatched some themselves. The boy crawled back over to Rachel, who was still conscious but remained still.

"Are you hurt? Tell me what's wrong; I'll fix you up fast. Don't be scared, I'm right here Rachel."

The brunette girl managed a half smile and tried to move her hand up to his face. Finn put his hand into hers for support. Rachel managed to talk, but her words were slurred.

"That's just it, I don't know, can't feel anything. Not even your hand."

Finn felt some moisture gathering in his eyes as his head reeled in anguished concern. His vision blurred for a few seconds as he fought to regain control of his emotions.

"You've just got to be okay. We've only known each other a short time but it feels like a lifetime already. Don't' you dare leave me!"

Rachel managed a bigger smile this time, and Finn felt her lightly squeeze his hand back. The boy managed a strangled laugh of joy as the girl breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Just try and get rid of me."

The Khan girls walked over and joined them, standing a short distance away. Tina walked forward and put a comforting hand on Finn's shoulder.

"She'll be fine Finn, the effects are temporary. We Khans fight off these bugs all the time; our home is close to one of their breeding areas. Britt and I will stand watch while you tend to Rachel. We'll give you some space."

Finn did a visual inspection of Rachel's face and outfit, seeing if there were any rips, tears or other injuries he did not know about. He looked over at the blond tribal girl.

"Hey Britt, can you bring me my backpack?"

"Okay."

After she had returned with it Brittany joined Tina some distance away as they looked up the road towards some abandoned house ruins. There was only a shell framework of the structure left but the outside entrance to a cellar still had a sturdy door covering it. The Khan girls talked among themselves for a few seconds then made a joint decision. While they were whispering Finn pulled out a water bottle and a mostly clean cloth, wetting it down then gently wiped Rachel's face clean. She flinched some but the pain and numbness had mostly receded, and the girl enjoyed her partner's gentle touch over her skin. Her nerve endings were definitely responding to his touch and she brushed her thumb back and forth over Finn's hand while she held onto it.

"I'm feeling much better now Finn. Thanks for being there."

"It's my pleasure. Okay you're all cleaned up again."

Finn grazed over her lips and face with his thumb and hand, checking to see if Rachel showed any signs of pain or discomfort. The boy and girl were in their own private world, their nearby friends forgotten for the time being.

"I got all that goo off your face, does your face burn or hurt any?"

"I'm great, that feels really nice."

Without even thinking about her actions Rachel kissed the inside of Finn's hand as he started to pull it away from her face. That caused an intense physical reaction inside them both and the two partners started breathing faster. Finn leaned down close to the girl's face as she laid on the ground.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again, I could have lost you. You're my everything."

Finn lowered his mouth and kissed Rachel tentatively, their lips brushing together briefly. A slight tingling expanded into intense want and need as their lips joined again for a passionate smooch which lasted several seconds. Fireworks exploded behind their closed eyelids as a vast torrent of feelings and pleasure rushed through their bodies and emotional psyche. The two partners gasped for air when they separated as Finn sat back on the ground, first in shock at what happened then a great feeling of warmth and contentment settled over him. He glanced over at Rachel to judge her reaction and she seemed flustered but her smile made Finn ache with happiness as the feeling spread throughout his body.

'I feel the same way Finn. You have a great bedside manner. I'm still waiting on that breakfast."

They shared a relieved laugh but were brought back to their senses by nearby clapping as Tina and Brittany yelled their approval. Brittany reached down and helped pull Finn and Rachel to their feet. The blond Khan girl hugged the surprised brunette girl then looked back at Finn's reddening face.

"You finally manned up and kissed your girl. Tina and I are so proud. Now that you've both sorted out your feelings let's get going. We're taking you to the Khan armory. Upgraded gear is always a plus out here."

Finn thought about it while he worked on getting his emotions under control. He extended his hand out to Rachel and they linked hands.

"Well, Rachel and I can always use some bigger weapons; you know something with more stopping power. Can you help us out with that?"

Rachel playfully nudged Finn in the side.

"You boys and your toys."

Finn put his arm around her and kissed her forehead. He looked with much affection down into Rachel's glowing eyes.

"Anything I can get that keeps you safe is worth it."

Tina grinned over at Brittany but nodded her head yes.

"We got all your needs covered, well except what Rachel and you provide for each other. You guys are so cute together."

The two partners looked at each other then glared at their two tribal friends. They had the same sentiment and spoke it out loud.

"Why does everyone keep saying that?"

Tina and Brittany shared another laugh but then an excited yell made all four persons turn around and look back towards the southern horizon. Two other kids around their age approached their current location. A dark haired Latina girl halted with a boy right behind her.

"There you are Rachel. I'm so glad we found you. So this must be Finn. Who's your other friends?"

Finn dropped his arm off Rachel's shoulder and stood slightly in front of her.

"I don't know you two. What do you want with her? How the heck did you know where we were?"

Rachel stepped to Finn's side and touched his shoulder in assurance.

"It's all right Finn, glad to see you again Santana. I met them on a caravan run back from the New Vegas clinic to Novac. How are you Noah, uh I mean Puck?"

"It's all cool. Kurt sent us to find you two. This blond chick Quinn told us you'd be near Red Rock Canyon, and I see some Khans are with you. What's the deal?"

Rachel motioned the two tribals to join her and the others. She pointed first to the dark haired Asian girl then the blond.

"This is Tina and Brittany. We met under trying circumstances but we're all friends now. They were showing us around the area. This is my best friend and partner Finn."

The Khan tribal girls waved and muttered a quick greeting while Finn shook hands with Santana. The two engaged in a silent battle of wills, neither wanting to be the first to look away as each gripped the other's hand tightly. The two came to some unspoken agreement as Finn released her hand and shook hands with Puck.

"Good to meet you dude. We just had a tense situation so I'm still psyched up and overprotective. Rachel vouches for you so it's all cool with me. Nice handshakes."

Santana and Puck shared a look then the Latina girl nodded at the other tribal girls who were leaning on their spears while watching the others talk.

"Glad to meet you both. The Great Khans are brave warriors and good fighters. You two are the first I'm met in quite some time. Come back with us if you wish to."

Tina and Brittany glanced at each other and while they were thinking about it Rachel spoke up.

"What's this all about Santana? Why does Kurt want us in Goodsprings? Did he tell you about anything Finn?"

The leather clad boy rubbed his forehead in concentration but shook his head.

"Can't think of any reason, but I have this feeling I'm forgetting something."

Santana pointed over her shoulder back in a southerly direction.

"I promise it's for a good reason. You'll find out when we get there."

The Latina girl looked again at the two silent Khan girls.

"Coming along?"

Brittany spoke up after she and Tina shared another private glance at each other.

"We've got to get back home and check in at the longhouse. Glad to meet you both. We'll hang out later, that'd be cool."

The blond and Asian girl walked closer to say their goodbyes. Tina nodded at the two new arrivals then looked in Rachel and Finn's direction.

"I've got to make our report to Mama Khan Julia Chang. Come back and visit us at the location we talked about. Just go down the cellar door over there and buy what you want. That goes for Santana and Puck too. Later."

The Khan girls waved then walked northwards past the shattered framework of the house towards the entrance to their canyon home. The remaining four started walking back south while Finn kept thinking there was something major he just could not think of at the moment. He joined hands with Rachel as they walked a few paces behind Santana and Puck. The undercover Brotherhood initiates noticed the intimate gesture but did not comment on it. Rachel noticed Finn's perplexed expression and squeezed his hand in comfort.

"A bottle cap for your thoughts. Are you okay with everything that happened today? No second thoughts?"

Finn put his arm around Rachel's shoulder again as they walked.

"No complaints."

Rachel mock glared at her guy and jabbed him in the side.

"Okay, you got me. This has been the best day of my life. I started out with a friend / partner and now I've got even more now. You're my girl, and that makes me very happy."

Rachel kissed Finn's leather jacket covered shoulder as they walked along.

"Much better Finn, you're sweet. So no idea what Kurt's up to?"

"I haven't a clue."

Santana and Puck overheard all but only stared briefly at each other as they fought not to laugh and reveal what the surprise would be. The Latina girl sneaked some quick glances at the couple holding hands and wondered if she would ever have something like that in her life. She hoped to learn more about the upcoming guest of honor and get to know her better. There was only one way to do it, but could she drop her emotional guard down long enough to find out? Santana focused on the road and blocked out all past negative thoughts as she led the group back to their destination.

Thanks for reading. Please share your thoughts with a review. They always make my day.