I wrote this chapter for all you loyal and awesome Finchel fans so we can all survive whatever happens in the Breakup episode. Damn the writers for repeating old plot ideas, this seems like Special Education all over again. Lots of extra Finchel cuteness and payback for Brody/Jesse here haha, enjoy.

Goodsprings
Work area next to the general store

Four tired travelers headed towards a blond male kid bent over a workbench. He was so engrossed in his actions that he tensed when the lead Latina girl cleared her throat to get his attention.

"Easy there Sam, it's just us. Puck and I found our wandering friends but can you ask Quinn to come outside for a few minutes? I need to set something up with her and you can help too."

"Sure, I can do that, but she's on her job shift now. I don't want to bother her."

"Trust me Sam; Quinn will be happy to see you. We'll only keep her a few minutes okay?"

Santana turned to face her three traveling companions after the confused but relieved blond male went inside the nearby side door of the Saloon.

"Okay you two lovebirds, I know this is going to be a surprise but we want to make someone else's day. I can't believe this slipped your mind Finn."

Rachel looked at Finn's face as a certain fact slowly dawned on him. The leather clad male first experienced shock, followed by wonder but finally a smile formed on his face. He took his female partner's hand and held it tenderly.

"It's what I've been trying to remember all day."

Finn looked at Santana and Puck standing nearby who were trying not to laugh out loud. They seldom ever had cause to celebrate anything considering their under the radar operation and hard training but it was good to just relax and be carefree on occasion. The Latina girl showed a rare smile but they seemed to be happening more now.

"All right, just what do you think is going on?"

Finn was still shaking his head but suddenly he hugged Rachel and kissed her on the cheek.

"She's here, she's finally here! I can't wait until you meet her Rachel."

The brunette girl shared in her male partner and boyfriend's joy but was still in the dark about what he was going on about.

"Who's here?"

Prospector's Saloon
30 minutes later

After talking with Santana for a few minutes Quinn went back inside to invite Claire on a town tour during her lunch break. Kurt had wanted to join them so the blond girl showed her new friends around her small and quaint home, then they walked back outside and she pointed out the doctor's office, schoolhouse, rusted out gas station and the cemetery on top of the nearby hilltop landmark. While it was all new and interesting to the girl with the long dark hair and red highlights Claire became more depressed as the day wore on. She had expected this day to turn out better. As the three reentered the main dining room only Emma and Sam were present. Kurt looked around in puzzlement while Claire's feelings plummeted even farther.

"Where did everyone go?"

Quinn took Claire's arm and walked her over to a nearby booth, motioning for her to sit down. The blond waved Kurt over so he could sit across from his stepsister.

"They're probably shopping next door at the general store. They know where we went. Can I get either of you a drink or dessert while you wait? It shouldn't be long."

Claire looked at Kurt then up at the smiling blond girl.

"I'm good, just very tired. If I eat more I'll be asleep in no time. It's been a long day getting here from California and meeting all these new people. You're cool Quinn but I don't feel like socializing anymore. I'll take a drink though."

"Let me see what's in stock today."

Quinn walked behind the bar and pulled some stuff out of a mini fridge. She was soon making a drink consisting of various items. Claire stared at the tabletop while Kurt placed a hand on top of hers.

"Hey, I get it you're overwhelmed. Starting over in a new place is tough but it will get better soon. You still missing Santana?"

Claire's eyes watered over for a few seconds then she willed herself to be strong once more.

"I'm trying not to think about her, thanks for reminding me Kurt."

She smiled and squeezed his hand so he would not take her comment the wrong way.

"She and that brother of hers visited the motel gift store once. I'm sure we'll see them again."

"I hope so."

The two step siblings leaned back as Quinn returned with a glass filled with a white colored liquid. She sat it down in front of Claire and waved for Sam to wheel his serving tray over to the table. The seated girl stared at the glass for a few seconds and shook her head in confusion. She picked the glass up and tasted the beverage, a gradual smile breaking out on her face followed by surprise. She set it down and looked up at Quinn.

"This is Ayran, my favorite drink. It's mostly yogurt and water but you have to make it right. I thought it was only popular on the West Coast. How did you know this?"

Quinn shrugged as a slight smile formed on her face.

"Lucky guess I imagine, but in case you want something sweet to have with that Sam's got some cake here."

Claire took another drink then set her glass down.

"That's okay, I'm just worn out. I'll try a piece later."

"Too bad, I had you pegged as a pink frosting girl. Here's what you're missing."

Sam pulled off the Tupperware plastic cover and Claire took a moment to process all the information her eyes were telling her. It was a fairly large cake covered with pink icing, and her name was spelled out using candy corn alternated with raisins. The suddenly overwrought emotional girl gasped in surprise as many voices belonging to lots of new arriving people joined in a shouted chorus.

"Happy Birthday Claire!"

There was Shelby, Carol, Puck, Santana, some brunette girl Claire did not know and there was Finn finally. He ran over to her table side.

"Sorry for dropping in like this sis, I hope you don't mind."

Claire jumped to her feet and threw her arms around her brother, hugging him tightly. Happy tears flowed down her face but she didn't care. A moment ago she was exhausted but now the ecstatic dark haired girl felt much energized.

"I've missed you so much Finn. I always worry about you but I know you're growing up fast. How've you been brother?"

Finn pulled back as he smiled then he placed a quick kiss on his sister's forehead.

"Now that you're here I'm dong awesome, but things have been looking up for me lately. You have to meet someone."

Finn led Claire by the arm over to where that unknown brunette girl stood anxiously waiting. The happy male boy made the introductions.

"This is my sister Claire, and sis, this is my scavenging partner and girlfriend Rachel."

The two girls shook hands while what Finn said ran through Claire's mind a few times.

"Nice to meet you Rachel. Now tell me something, is Finn trying to play a joke on me? Last time I seen him he even hated our mom Carole giving him affection. I want to see some proof."

"I see. Well Claire, I guess Finn and I will have to show you."

Claire watched as Rachel kissed Finn tenderly on the check and her brother not only did not protest, he was enjoying it a lot.

"Wow, you really are good for my brother. I seem to have my appetite back. Hey Quinn, let's have some of that cake for everyone."

Claire felt a light tap on her shoulder and turned to see Santana shyly looking at her. The birthday girl's insides felt all knotted up as various feelings and sensations went through her body. They stared at each other for a moment before the Latina spoke up first.

"I'm sorry for running out like that. Come sit with me and we can enjoy some of your cake. Happy birthday."

Santana's insides were in conflict also as she waited for a reply that did not seem was forthcoming. A feeling of dread coursed through her body as she blew out a breath.

"Okay it's your party and I'm intruding, Puck and I will go now."

Santana walked a few steps toward the front door before Claire's warring thoughts of confusion, want, fear and disappointment resolved itself in her mind. She ran after the retreating Latina girl.

"Stay Santana, please. I'll be glad to sit with you and enjoy some cake. Let's go over here."

Claire held out her hand and Santana slowly but with growing confidence moved closer and linked their hands together. The two happy girls walked over and sat down at the same table as Claire was sitting at before. Kurt waved Finn and Rachel over to another table and Puck soon joined them. Shelby and Carole sat on some of the bar stools and visited with Emma while everyone enjoyed some cake served by Quinn and Sam. Santana noticed while they ate she was still holding hands with the birthday girl. The Latina girl put down her fork and looked over at Claire.

"When you're settled in would you like to visit me? Our farm isn't much but we could run around and have fun. I help tend a nice vegetable garden too. You could pick what you wanted."

Claire smiled and rubbed her finger over the top of Santana's hand.

"Is that your subtle way of wanting to spend more time with me? I was upset when you left earlier but I forgive you."

"Hey, who do you think helped put all this together? I had Quinn distract you while the rest of us did our thing."

"You're very sweet Santana."

"I am not, just being practical. I know we just met but I really like you Claire."

"The feeling is mutual."

At the next table over Rachel had a clear view of what was happening with her two new female friends. Kurt was over at the bar introducing Puck to both his and Rachel's moms. She turned to whisper something into Finn's ear while they were alone.

"It looks like your sister made a friend today. I think she and Santana will be very good for each other, like we are."

"I don't know what you're saying Rachel, you eating that cake is what I'm focused on. You want my last piece?"

Rachel nodded yes so Finn used his plastic fork to carefully place it into her mouth. She chewed several times then swallowed as Finn leaned over closer to her face.

"You got some icing on your lip."

Finn gently put his lips on Rachel's mouth as they shared a brief kiss. He pulled back as both preteens felt dazed with powerful new sensations. They took sips out of their water glasses then looked at each other with big smiles. Finn took a napkin to dry off his girlfriend's lips.

"All better now. I could really get into that pink icing. Let's have that again for your birthday Rachel."

You better be giving me more than just a cake Finn."

"Count on it."

Highway 95 Crossroads
A short distance south of Novac and east of Wolfhorn Ranch
Two days later

Finn, Rachel and Claire were on their way to visit Santana and Puck but they decided to stop and check out some goods that one of the traveling caravan merchants was offering at their kiosk. It was located at the base of a large Fancy Lads snack cake billboard, which helped to block out the sun's rays at certain parts of the day. Finn looked through some items of various interests while the girls were over on the far side looking through outfits and general gear. The young male prospector was so engrossed in his search for weapon attachments he failed to notice two slightly other guys closing in on his female companions. They both wore Viper Gang jackets as they moved up behind the girls. One had very short brown hair while the other guy had very curly dark brown hair. He moved up to greet Rachel while the other stopped behind Claire.

"Hey good looking, I'm Jesse. What's a hot mess like you needing any of this stuff for? I can provide anything you want babe."

Rachel looked severely irritated as she briefly glanced up at the annoying boy bothering her.

"Look jerk, you really don't want any part of this. I was having a good day until you showed up, just keep moving. When I say no I mean it."

Rachel turned back to look once more at the offered products as the two Viper members exchanged a glance and moved in close. The buzz cut guy put his hands on Claire's shoulders and spun her around.

"I'm Brody, how about giving me some sugar? I know you want it."

Brody pulled Claire closer to him meaning to kiss her roughly while at the same time Jess grabbed Rachel around the waist and pulled her against him. Claire managed to get one arm free and slapped him in the face with all her strength. Rachel recoiled in revulsion as she felt the boy's hands trying to move up and feel her chest.

"Oh hell no!"

Rachel used her legs to kick back against the nearby table and drove them both back a few steps. Jesse's grip broke loose so the worked up girl spun and kicked him in the groin, causing the boy to scream out in pain while Brody released Claire and held a hand against his face. He was about to cuss her out when he noticed what the other girl had done to his friend. Brody dashed towards Rachel as she continued to kick Jesse in the side while he was lying on the ground. Finn heard Claire's scream of distress and dropped what he was looking at as he ran over to investigate. Brody put one arm around Rachel's neck to pull her back and his other hand tried to feel her up between the legs. The dark haired girl tried to scream but her air passages were being chocked off.

"Don't fight it you slut. I know you're begging me to make you a woman. We're going back to our camp then its fun time."

Whatever Brody meant to say next was cut off as Finn swung the barrel of his bat into the Viper male's unprotected back, causing him to release Rachel. She gasped for breath then spun around and drove her foot into Brody's stomach, knocking the stunned Viper male to the ground. Rachel ran over to see if Claire was all right as Finn turned Brody onto his back. The enraged and worried boy rained a few blows down on Brody's face until Rachel pleaded for him to stop. Her terrified voice finally broke through past Finn's bloodlust as he sat back on his knees. After taking a few deep breaths Finn started to stand up when Jesse sat up and started cussing all of them out. Brody could only lie there and painfully try to breathe. Finn drew his 10mm pistol and pointed it at Jesse's head.

"This is your first and only warning. If any of us ever see your faces again you're dead. I'm reporting you both to the NCR as troublemakers. You don't want them coming down on your gang so you better just leave the area."

Jesse continued to protest but not as reckless as before. His words abruptly stopped as Finn clicked his safety off and chambered a round with the slide.

"You ever think of messing with these girls again and it will be your last thought. Stay away from my girl and sister, got it?"

Jesse nodded yes so Finn turned his attention on the boy still lying there trying to breathe through a broken nose, but it had almost stopped. Finn put the barrel of his pistol to Brody's forehead and repeated his warning.

"Stay away from my girl dude. My sister is off limits too. Do you understand?"

Brody slowly nodded that he understood so Finn released his slight pressure on the trigger and put the safety back on. He stood up and holstered his weapon then walked over to put his arm around Rachel. Claire sought the protective arm of her brother as she moved to the other side and put an arm around Finn's waist. The three continued their journey west as Jesse helped Brody to his feet. They started back to their camp further north that was partly hidden in the foothills.

Wolfhorn Ranch
A short time later

The three travelers noticed the windmill on the hill that marked the property lines of their destination. Santana ran out to greet them but noticed their sober expressions.

"You guys don't look so good, what happened? Is anyone hurt?"

Claire laughed as she released her hold on Finn's waist and ran over to hug Santana. The Latina's body vibrated inside with a joyful feeling but carefully looked the other girl in the face to determine any possible injuries. The two girls pulled back as Claire squeezed the Latina's arm playfully.

"You should see the other two guys, we made out just fine."

"All right, you all look unharmed so let's head down to the garden. You can pick out what you want like I said earlier.

Santana showed Claire their garden and small water pipeline that was on their property while Finn and Rachel sat in some chairs in a shady spot on the side of the main ranch house. They held hands while Rachel put her head on Finn's shoulder. He stroked her hair as he tried to sort out his feelings. She smiled up at him and rubbed his chest for comfort.

"I know you were really concerned and I was scared too, that guy got the drop on me. That jerk would be begging for my mercy otherwise, but I'll always be glad you're in my life. Thanks for the rescue Finn."

Finn kissed her forehead then linked her hands and pinkie fingers again.

"I want us to make another promise. No matter what we go though together or apart we'll always respect each others feelings. Whatever happens that could make us angry, confused, jealous or sad just know that we have each other's back. We'll talk about our feelings before making any rash decisions. Sound good Rachel?"

Rachel's eyes misted over but she nodded her head yes as she hugged her boyfriend tightly.

"When did you get so smart Finn? I don't know how else to say this but you're part of my soul now. I pinkie swear to respect your feelings always."

"I pinkie swear to respect your feelings. You're my best friend and a part of me too. Lately all I want to do is kiss you and heck with the prospecting. Every time we're together I feel so alive. I love you Rachel Berry."

"I love you Finn Hudson. You can kiss me if you want to."

"You're a mind reader, I want to."

As their lips touched and the kiss deepened all was right with the world.

We know how the Glee writers love to torture us so we will all keep the faith and believe in another epic Finchel reunion. Thanks for reading. Season 3 was great until the train scene.