I think I got more story alerts and favs from the first chapter of this fic than I did with Changed Directions though I did get less reviews… Hmm….

Anyways, I should probably state this first: I probably will not be updating this fic as quickly as I have this time, just because I'm a high school student in search of a job and working with a theater company on a couple productions at the same time. However, I will update as often as possible.

Author's Note 1: I don't own Glee or Spring Awakening or Julliard or NYU, Tisch, etc.

Author's Note 2: Restating this, I. Hate. Finn. Hudson. You may too after this chapter, if you don't already.

Hope you like!

…..

4 Years Earlier

Rachel met her eyes in the mirror; searching for a hint of doubt in the chocolate brown reflection. She found none, only guilt and determination. Deep seated fear showed as well, but she had learned to ignore and hide it, even from herself.

Deep breaths flowed in and out of her lungs as she nervously listened for the loud clomps of her three year boyfriend. She refused to close her eyes, afraid of the images that would play behind the lids.

Cracked ribs, bruises, scars and blood; threats, insults and venom; fists, kicks and punches. The brunette's breath quickened as the memories engulfed her.

…

They'd met sophomore year. Rachel was attending Julliard part time as well as performing for Spring Awakening. He was at NYU, Tisch School of the Arts. A spilled coffee and apologies lead to friendly outings, and he asked her out a month later. He was sweet, though somewhat dim, and she couldn't refuse him; convincing herself that love would grow with time.

A year passed by and her feelings had not grown beyond friendly. At the same time, Spring Awakening's popularity was growing, and her boyfriend was finally coming to see it. A slight worry over her sex scene with Jesse had been absolved when she explained that the man had a boyfriend. "It's only acting, Finn." The performance went off without a hitch and the cast decided to go for drinks to celebrate.

Feeling a large hand engulf her wrist a little tighter than was comfortable, she turned quickly to see a thin-lipped Finn. "Babe, I was thinkin' we should go back to your place instead." He locked eyes with her, causing the hairs to rise on the back of her neck.

"O-okay." She nodded reluctantly, taken aback by the tremor in her voice. That was the first warning. The next was a silent and tension filled car ride, and finally a red faced Finn screaming at her about the 'slutty' performance. These all lead up to the backhand sending her stumbling into the wall.

He'd cried and pleaded for forgiveness, and she forgave him. Even when it kept happening, she forgave him. Now, two years of make-up and feigned clumsiness had finally broken through Rachel's denial and forgiveness; as had a little push towards realization in the form of a girl named Aphasia, whom she'd met at a bar about two months ago. The woman had helped give her the strength to say goodbye to Finn Hudson for the last time.

The actress couldn't suppress a shudder as she heard the boom of huge feet crossing towards her door, and she jumped as the door was hammered on. Slipping her face into an emotionless mask, she quietly opened the door and was met with a dopey smile.

"Hey, babe." She winced at the 'term of endearment'.

"Hello, Finn. We need to talk." He frowned. "Please sit down." Ignoring the request, he leaned back against the door, causing the girl to wince again, as her only escape route was blocked. "I-. Finn, I liked you a lot… when we first met. You were a great friend; but, I never fell for you and I think it'd be best if we- if we broke up. Also, after the… unhealthiness of the relationship we've had the last two of these three years, I think it would be best if we were not to see each other again unless absolutely necessary." The door's lock clicked and Finn crossed towards her menacingly.

"Who is he? There's some guy isn't there? I knew you were slutting it up behind my back, you bitch. So who is he?"

"There is no guy Finn."

He changed tactics in a flash, changing from angry to hurt. "Then… If there isn't a guy, isn't there anything I can do to fix this? Have I done something wrong? Babe, we belong together."

She stopped him with a raised hand. "That, that right there; you calling me 'babe.' Babe isn't my name, Finn. My name is Rachel. You haven't called me Rachel since you saw my performance." She slowly placed the couch in between them, knowing that the next words would cause a massive blow-up. "Besides… I- I've always thought I was bi, Finn; but, I'm not. I'm gay, and there won't be anymore guys, I-" She was cut off by the crash of an end table smashing into a wall.

"YOU BITCH!" Pictures were thrown off the wall as a fist connected to it, causing shattered glass to litter the floor. "You slutty DYKE, you've been stringing me along this entire time haven't you!" She backed through the open door into the kitchen area, whimpering as he followed her, trashing everything in reach.

"N-no, Finn! You know I wouldn't do that."

He laughed manically. "Sure, babe." A plate by the sink was suddenly chucked at her face, and smashed into the wrist raised to protect it; shattering both plate and bone, drawing a scream of pain from the girl.

The front door crashed open, and Rachel sunk to the ground in tears, thanking every deity she could think of for Jesse having a key. Her best friend tackled Finn, effectively pinning him to the ground. "I suggest you leave now, Hudson, before I call the cops." He jumped off the man and crossed to Rachel's side. Rising with a roar, Finn stomped towards the two. Jesse stood quickly, drawing a switchblade out of his pocket. "I grew up in the Bronx, Hudson; don't think I'll have any qualms carving 'woman basher' into your chest."

Finn looked passed Jesse, face angry and sad. "Why did you have to do this, Rachel? Why'd you have to choose to be a dyke, and break my heart? Just- just stay the fuck away from me." He ran out of the apartment.

Jesse quickly turned around and gathered his best friend into his arms, whispering soothingly into her ear. As the tears slowed, he pulled away. Rachel cried out as her broken wrist bumped into his arm. Examining the injury, he frowned. "I should've gotten here sooner, Rach. I'm sorry."

"N-no. You saved me, Jesse, that's all I could ask for." She gave him a watery smile.

"Well I should at least call the cops on that bastard." He reached for his phone.

"NO!" He halted at the yell, turning back to the, now panic stricken, woman. "I mean; I just don't want to worry about this anymore. Finn's gone and I want to just move on."

"But hon-"

"Please, Jesse."

He sighed. "Okay, sweetie, but at least let me take you to have that wrist checked out."

"Okay."

…..

Present Day

She'd never told Jesse about the other beatings. Only Aphasia, her first girlfriend, had ever known about them. Rachel and the dancer had mutually decided to break up when Aphasia had to leave for a world tour with Lady Gaga; but still kept in contact, and remained good friends.

…..

I know it's short, please don't kill me. Also, please don't kill me for hurting Rach, I hate hurting Rachel, but it was necessary. Plus I need to jack up the Finn hating a bit, cause he deserves it.

Badass Bronx-born Jesse just kinda came to me and I had to roll with it; and now I absolutely love it! Hope you do too.

More to come soon! But first I have to figure out where I'm goin' with my other fic Changed Directions.

Please Review, cause reviews make my life, and make me update faster and are so fun to read and reply to!