Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or the song "Don't You Wanna Stay" by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson though I should. Also, please note the rating of the story has changed…enjoy!
Rachel woke slowly the next morning, her head feeling as though it were encased in cotton. She lay there listening to the rain tapping lightly on her window as she tried to prepare herself for the day. With the thought of a hot shower to try and clear her head, she slipped out of bed and crossed to the connecting bathroom. The sight that greeted her when she looked in the bathroom mirror made her gasp.
Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy from the tears she had cried. Her hair was a tangled mess around her face, proving that while she may have slept it certainly wasn't a peaceful sleep. She was pale and looked plain old exhausted. She needed to pull herself together before she could go down and face her dads or go have lunch with Quinn. She might be looking for advice, but she certainly wasn't looking for pity.
She turned away from the mirror and pulled back the polka dotted shower curtain to start warming the water. After testing on her wrist to make sure it was hot, but not too hot, she peeled off her nightgown and hung it on the hook behind the bathroom door. She stepped in the shower and immediately let out a sigh as the hot water poured over her, clearing her head and allowing her to think.
First things first, she thought as she began to wash. Beatrice had threatened to pull Wentworth's backing of RENT. When she had first made that comment Rachel was terrified. It wasn't just her livelihood at stake-there were the other actors, the musicians and the rest of the crew. Surely Beatrice wouldn't put all of those people out of work just to get back at Rachel. As she rinsed, it occurred to her that Beatrice also wouldn't want to deal with the stigma in the community of being perceived as fickle. No, Beatrice wouldn't back out of the project completely, but maybe she could have Rachel fired. While that was certainly not what Rachel wanted, she could handle it if she had to-she'd been rejected before for roles and probably would be again.
As she wet her hair she allowed her thoughts to travel to Anthony. He was a dear and sweet man and truly she loved him. Maybe his kisses didn't engulf her in flames instantly like Finn's, but sometimes a nice, steady glow was enough for a person right? Anthony was also incredibly supportive of her dream to be on Broadway, even though it meant they would be spending a lot of time apart once the show would be officially up and running. She was disconcerted to realize the thought of spending time away from Anthony didn't bother her nearly as much as spending time away from Finn once had.
Which led her to the real problem-her feelings for Finn. To stall her mind from thinking of him, she concentrated on squeezing just the right amount of shampoo into her hand. She rubbed her palms together and began distributing the shampoo through her hair. A stray sud of soap slipped into her eye, causing it to burn ever so slightly. She hadn't gotten shampoo in her eye since the last time she showered with him. Her mind involuntarily traveled back to that moment.
She was late. Honestly, it always seemed her Professor's needed to talk to her whenever she had somewhere to be! She dashed into the apartment and quickly dropped her purse and messenger bag on the table in the entryway. Her next stop was the kitchen where she pulled the bottle of wine she'd just bought out and opened it so it could breathe. She waited impatiently for the oven to preheat so she could put the lasagna in to warm. Once she did that she figured she'd still have time for a quick shower to wash away the day before Finn came home. He'd been in Lima for the weekend and she'd missed him terribly even though they'd talked everyday. Talking was great of course, but Rachel definitely had other plans tonight. With a smile she picked up the last bag, a small pink one from Victoria's Secret, and carried it with her to the bedroom.
She stepped into the bedroom and just smiled as she did every now and again and their things meshed together. His clothes next to hers in the closet, his shoes at the end of their bed. Various pictures decorated the walls chronicling their time spent together and of course their wedding day. Walking over to the king sized bed she set the bag down and fluffed up the pillows. She wanted everything to be perfect for his return home. There were candles placed on the dresser and the nightstands that she had set out that morning, but she thought what was in the bag would definitely set the tone for the evening more than any decorative trappings could.
Rachel discarded her clothes quickly and pulled the black halter necked baby doll and matching boy shorts from the bag. She appreciated the white scalloped piping along the edges and loved the little bow that would sit between her breasts. She knew Finn's favorite part would be the fact that it was considered a "flyaway" baby doll, meaning her skin would partially be exposed. She couldn't wait for him to get home so she could call him into the bedroom where she'd be waiting.
A weekend was just too long to go without him.
Those thoughts in mind, she ran the water for a shower, intent on making herself feel beautiful for Finn. Stepping into the shower, she began to singing and never heard the door to the apartment open.
The apartment smelled great. It was the first thing he thought as he dropped his overnight bag down. It smelled of something yummy in the oven with a hint of strawberries over it all, a scent he associated with Rachel. He called her name once, but stopped when he heard her singing in the shower. Grin firmly in place, he set out to surprise her, stripping off his clothes as he went. He was naked when he reached the door and pushed it open to see the silhouette of his wife in the shower.
Damn she looked good. Painfully aroused, he took a step forward while she began to wash her hair. She was hitting the end of "Defying Gravity" and he knew her eyes would be scrunched shut as they always were. With a grin, he whipped back the curtain causing her beautiful song to become a panicked scream.
Her eyes popped wide open at the sound of the shower curtain moving and as she tilted her head down a stray sud of shampoo made it's way into her eye. She quickly covered it with her hand, as if that would help, since there were more shampoo suds in her palms.
Immediately seeing what he had done, Finn grabbed a washcloth and soaked it, removing her hand and placing that over her eye. He leaned in to kiss her as he did so, "Hi baby. Sorry about that."
She pressed the washcloth to her eye for a second before dropping it and leaning over to give him a proper hello kiss. His tongue had just entered his mouth when she pulled away with a smile. "You're home early."She glanced at the babydoll on the back of the bathroom door. Oh well, she'd wear it for dinner.
He stepped into the shower with her and pulled the curtain back closed. Ignoring the fact that she still had shampoo in her hair, he ran his hands through it and laid his lips on hers again. He'd missed her for days and couldn't wait another moment more to show her how much.
On a soft moan, her arms lifted to encircle his neck. She changed the angle of the kiss, biting his lower lip ever so gently before soothing the area with her tongue. She felt him move his hands from her hair down to caress her back, before bringing them tortuously slow up her sides and ghosting them over her breasts. Her next moan was louder and more wanton as she threw her head back.
She'd really missed his hands.
With a smirk he took advantage of Rachel's exposed neck and leaned down to nibble and suck on her there as his hands continued their onslaught, tweaking her taut nipples. His right hand moved down her body to her center before teasingly running a finger across her slick folds. Her hips jerked against his hand as she brought his mouth back to hers for a greedy kiss.
She pulled back and glanced down at him, noticing he was clearly aroused. She snaked a hand down his chest, curling her fingers around his length as she stroked him once from base to tip.
His entire body went painfully hard at her touch. Done with the teasing, he picked her up and pressed her into the wall of the shower as he entered her swiftly. Her moan was captured against his lips as he buried himself in her repeatedly, feeling the pressure of her nails on his back drove him over the edge. With a groan he felt himself release into her as her walls clenched around him. He held her there for a few minutes, giving them time to both catch their breath.
She slid her legs down to stand, and they shook under her weight as she pressed a kiss to his chest. "Welcome home baby."
He pulled her in for a hug, finally relaxed. "Missed you."
"Missed you too." She playfully slapped him on the butt, trying to think of how to get him out of the bathroom so she could still wear her new lingerie. "But you interrupted my shower. How about you pull dinner out of the oven and I'll finish up?" She batted her eyes for extra effect knowing he couldn't resist that.
Placing a last kiss on her lips he stepped out of the shower and quickly dried off, never looking at the door. "Ok, but hurry. I really missed you."
"Missed you too-now go!" Hearing the door click closed Rachel quickly rinsed the shampoo from her hair and turned the shower off. Grabbing a towel she dried quickly and dressed in the babydoll and boy shorts. She decided against makeup-Finn liked her best natural. She gave her reflection one last smile before leaving the bathroom.
Dinner was cold that night.
She forced herself out of the flashback and noticed her hands were digging into her scalp. Forcing herself to calm down, she rinsed the suds from her hair and tried not to think about the fact that she still had that lingerie tucked into a drawer at home.
It was his favorite after all.
She exited the shower and quickly dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a purple boat neck sweater with a black belt cinching her waist. She considered wearing one of her old animal sweaters that she left here, but she really didn't want to provoke Beatrice into commenting on her appearance. Her hands trembled as she put on her makeup, the flashback to a happier time still weighing on her mind. She studied herself critically in the mirror and deciding she still looked pale added a bit more blush. Satisfied she gave her reflection a brisk nod and eased back from the vanity. Slipping her feet into simple black ballet flats she walked out of her bedroom and followed the scent of coffee into the kitchen.
Her daddy was sitting at the kitchen table staring at his laptop when she came in. He glanced up and smiled at her as he spoke, "Morning sweetie. You want me to make you some breakfast?"
Rachel looked at the clock, surprised to see it was already 11:30. "Actually I'll just stick with the coffee. I'm meeting Quinn for lunch before going to the school."
Hiram nodded, "It'll be nice for you to catch up while you're here. I miss you catching me up on their gossip," he said with a wiggle of his brows.
Rachel chuckled back at him as she poured her coffee. Sitting across from him she took a sip before speaking. "You haven't asked me what I'm going to do."
Hiram considered his words carefully. Rachel had always been stubborn and he didn't want to push her if she wasn't ready. "I think you probably know sweetie. Your head just has to catch up with your heart."
"It hurts daddy," she told him as tears threatened to spill again.
He got up and gave her a hug. "I know it does and I wish I could take that hurt away. But I can't. Whatever you decide you dad and I are behind you 100%. That's all I can say."
She breathed in his familiar scent of old spice and smiled. "I know. I'm sorry I didn't come home before."
"You're here now. Now is all that counts."
Rachel looked up at him and said, "You're absolutely right. What's past is past I can only change the now. Thanks Daddy."
Hiram kissed her forehead, "You better go. I don't want to throw off that crazy list of things to do I'm sure you have."
"You're right-you know I love my lists. I must get that from Dad," she said teasingly as she stood. She grabbed her purse from the table and pulled out the keys. "See you later."
"Bye baby." he replied. He waited until he heard the door click before easing put a breath. He hoped Quinn would be able to talk sense into her.
After closing the door she trotted down the steps and down the driveway towards her car. Rachel had just opened the car door when the front door of the neighbor's house opened.
"Yoo-hoo! Oh Rachel is that you?"
Putting on her polite smile she turned, "Hi Mrs. Stuart. How are you today?"
"Just fine Rachel-I'm as busy as ever writing my stories." Mrs. Stuart held up her ever present notebook and waved it at Rachel, as if Rachel wouldn't just take her word.
Rachel nodded politely. Mrs. Stuart had been writing short stories and publishing them in the weekly paper for years. Prior to that she had worked as another language arts teacher at McKinley but even then she had constantly carried a notebook, often using her free period or lunch to write. "I'm glad to hear that. It was nice to see you again." She sat in the car but didn't get the door closed before Mrs. Stuart responded.
"I just wanted to say it's nice to have you visit and it was just so lovely to hear you and Finn again. I've missed your music together." She pressed the hand holding her notebook to her chest. She loved writing, romantic comedy was her specialty, and she would be lying if she said she hadn't used her neighbor's relationship with Finn as inspiration more than once. Hopefully Rachel's visit meant she could gather a little more inspiration.
Mumbling under her breath, Rachel replied, "So have I." Louder she said, "I'm glad we entertained you. I must be off though; I'm running late for a meeting." With that she backed out of the driveway and gave the woman a wave as she drove past and on to Quinn's. Her phone beeped, signaling a message but it would have to wait.
She was afraid to turn on the radio, afraid one of his songs would come on. Instead, she sang to herself on the drive over, singing Out Tonight five times through. By the time she reached Quinn's she was much calmer, at least outwardly.
Since she had been standing at the window pacing and watching out for Rachel behind the curtains Quinn knew the moment Rachel arrived. She snapped the curtains back into place so Rachel wouldn't notice she had been watching for her and walked over to the door. Aaron was already napping and Quinn didn't want him to be woken up, or at least that was the excuse she gave herself. Truth be told, she was more nervous about her plan to make Rachel see the light than she would dare admit. If she admitted she was afraid then that would mean she doubted it would work and she refused to doubt it. She quickly pulled open the door and smiled.
"Hey" Rachel said with a small smile as the door opened.
"Come on in. Aaron's sleeping, that's why I grabbed the door so fast." Geeze, Quinn, cool it, she thought to herself. Rachel probably hadn't even noticed how fast the damn door opened.
"Is this a bad time?" God she hoped it wasn't. She needed all the help she could get.
"Of course not. Come on. Come into the kitchen and let's talk." Quinn led the way into the sunny kitchen with Rachel trailing behind her.
There was a sense of longing Rachel couldn't deny as they walked down the hall and she saw all the happy pictures of the family. "You know Quinn; you were so right in high school. You got exactly what you wanted out of life. The house, the dream job, the family." There was no bitterness in her tone, just a sense of longing.
"I had the right idea, just the wrong guy," Quinn stated smoothly. "The guy I thought I wanted then was yours. He still is as a matter of fact." She put on some flowered oven mitts and pulled a bubbling casserole dish out of the oven. "Vegan mac and cheese," she explained as she set it on the cook top to cool.
Still flustered by the comment about Finn, Rachel chose to focus on the food instead. "You didn't have to go through all the trouble."
"I like to cook, it relaxes me. Now sit down while I dish this up and spill."
"I don't know where to start," Rachel said with a sigh.
"The beginning is usually a good place." Quinn said as she scooped the gooey dish into bowls. She stuck a fork in each and carried them back to the table.
Rachel took the bowl and stared for a second before opening her mouth. Instead of eating, she poured out the entire story of Finn and her marriage. The happiness, the silly fights, her pregnancy and miscarriage and her shutting him out. She glanced up to see Quinn crying but not saying anything, so she continued on.
She spoke of how lonely she was in the city and how hard everything had been. Finally getting her dream job and dating again. She explained the Sardi's date with Anthony and how it reminded her of Finn.
Her story continued with telling everything up until the present time. Coming home, trying to talk to Finn at bowling, his song and the kiss at the lake. She painted a sketchy picture of Beatrice at the benefit and of course how right it felt to dance with Finn and how she'd cried after they sang together. Drained, she looked up at Quinn, ready for any advice her friend had to offer.
Quinn said nothing for a moment. She looked to Rachel's bowl and said, "Eat. When you're done I want to show you something."
"That's all you have to say?" Rachel asked incredulously. She'd poured her heart out for this? "I need your help Quinn and you have no advice?"
"Just eat Rach," Quinn replied, satisfied when Rachel began eating slowly then with increasingly more gusto.
A few minutes later Rachel realized she had almost scraped the bowl clean. "It was very good," she told Quinn as she dabbed her lips with a napkin.
"Good. Now leave the bowl there and come on, I have something to show you."
They made their way back into the living room. Quinn motioned for Rachel to sit and she placed a DVD in the DVD player. Turning back to Rachel she said, "You need to watch this ok?" After hearing Rachel tell her everything she was sure her method of giving advice was the right one.
"Ok," Rachel agreed cautiously.
Quinn pressed play and sat down next to Rachel. Faithfully came through the state of the art sound system Puck had installed with their TV. Rachel closed her eyes and took a breath before turning to Quinn.
"Quinn, I," she began but was cut off.
"Just watch ok? You can talk all you want after, but just watch."
She slumped in her seat and watched the younger versions of them on screen. Regionals gave way to junior year Sectionals, which made Rachel just shake her head at how foolish they'd all been. Moving on to junior year Regionals, she mentally critiqued her rendition of Get It Right. But it was Nationals that truly made her heart clench. Pretending was just too much and the tears started flowing.
"Seriously, Quinn come on. Why are you doing this?"
Eyes staring straight at the screen, Quinn replied, "A few more songs. You can do this." She knew better than to look at Rachel. If she did, she'd crack and not make her finish the video.
With a huff Rachel turned her attention back to the screen, where the Michael Jackson performances she missed the screen went to Fly/I Believe I Can Fly and then to Here's to Us.
"What happened to Stronger," Rachel asked in a puzzled tone. That performance was part of the set list that year, she was sure of it.
"Wasn't important-we weren't in it."
Rachel gave a watery chuckle until the camera zoomed in on her face looking at Finn. God she loved him so much it hurt just to watch. The screen moved on to their Nationals performance when they had done Motown; the boys' rendition of My Girl bringing everyone to their feet.
The screen blacked out while Rachel and Finn were hugging each other and smiling.
"Why did you make me watch this?" Rachel asked, wiping at her face.
"You need to see things for yourself sometimes. You needed to see how happy you two made each other; how happy you can be again." Quinn held her hand and gave it a squeeze. "I just don't want you making a decision without taking that into consideration."
Unconsciously Rachel toted with the necklace she had put on that morning. Quinn knew it was the one Finn has given her but didn't say anything.
"I've missed you Quinn," Rachel said as she reached over to hug her.
"We've missed you too." Just then Aaron's voice came through the monitor. He was babbling away and the women chuckled and wiped away their tears before Quinn rose. "I'm going to get him. Stay and play until you have to go to the school."
"Thanks, I think I will." When Quinn left, Rachel pulled out her phone, remembering the text from earlier. With a sigh, she saw it was from Anthony.
Can't wait to watch you perform and blow those kids away. Love you best and most.
Feeling rude, she just typed back: see you soon.
She glanced up and smiled as Quinn and Aaron came into the room. Love life be damned, Rachel was going to play with her godson.
Meanwhile at Burt's shop Finn was in a pair of coveralls helping Puck overhaul an engine. He was bristling with excitement over his plan and had to keep himself busy or he'd go nuts. He'd tried working in the office for awhile this morning but wound up just thinking about Rachel.
The night before flickered in his brain and just wouldn't shake free. He'd known the second she'd walked into the ballroom even though his back had been to the entrance. It was like every nerve in his body snapped to alert as soon as she entered. When he finally turned around to see her he was glad her attention was focused elsewhere. If it hadn't been, she would have seen just how easily she could still bring him to his knees.
He couldn't believe she wore that dress. For a moment it had been like senior prom all over again and he was struck speechless by her beauty. She physically looked the same, but she certainly didn't seem as confident and happy as she had been the night of their senior prom.
It was while he was trying to formulate what to say to her that he noticed the man and woman beside her. He dismissed the woman, she looked like a bitch. But the man? He sized up his competition from across the room and tried to figure out what Rachel saw in him. For the first time in a long time he wished Kurt were there since he'd probably be able to tell Finn right away what Rachel saw in Anthony. Unfortunately, Kurt wasn't there and Finn was left on his own.
The look of distress on Rachel's face while they talked really bothered Finn. He wasn't kidding that he wanted to make sure she got home ok last night; she had seemed upset about leaving. The little impromptu duet on the lawn was just a bonus.
Noticing Puck had stopped working and was just standing there staring at him, Finn's face quickly began to flush. Man he hoped he hadn't been doing something stupid like talking about everything he was thinking as he thought it. Sometimes he had no filter, but now was not the best time for that. He tried for a nonchalant pose as he looked at Puck and simply said, "What are you looking at?"
With a shake of his head Puck replied, "Dude, what the fuck were you just singing?"
His eyes stayed on Puck's while his mind raced. Shit, he probably had been talking all along. "Um, just a song."
"Uh huh. Something about being without me? Well you know I'm right here Huddy, but this," he said gesturing down the front of his body, "Is all for Q."
Finn couldn't stop the laugh from bubbling up and didn't even really try. "Whatever, you know you want a piece of this."
"Hell no, one I'm taken, and though I don't like to say this too loudly, am happily so. Two, I'm not into trespassing anymore and you've still got 'taken' written all over you." Puck took a step closer and dropped his head and his voice."So listen. Q wants me to talk to you. See if you're doing ok and all that shit you know with Berry being in town?"
Finn contemplated his answer as he rubbed his hand on his nose, unfortunately wiping some grease there in the process. "I'm fine. She's here and I'm here." He took a breath and Puck cursed Quinn mentally, fearing Finn was about to cry. He needn't have worried since Finn then said, "And I'm getting her back." He stepped away from the car and looked at Puck.
"Well, ok then. You got a plan on how to do that?" Puck asked his tone full of doubt.
"Matter of fact I do. Schue's helping." Finn stated as if that should make his plan entirely clear.
"Oh come on, you gonna sing to her or something else lame? That's so high school dude." He shook his head as he continued, "Need I remind you of the last time you tried to do something epic like this when you were broke up? She got scared." He held up his hand like a traffic cop so as to prevent Finn from speaking as he continued. "Plus, the accordion is a little rusty and I don't have my guys here to back you up. Rory wasn't here then; he doesn't know the routine."
Finn flipped him off as he replied, "It's Rachel man. Music is our thing; it's the easiest way for us to communicate. Do I need to remind you what happened afterthat date? Gee, I think I got the girl," he continued sarcastically, "So yeah, I'm going to help you finish this damn engine then I'm going to get cleaned up and get my woman. You got a problem with that?"
He took a good, hard look at Finn's face before he spoke. He was determined he had wound him up enough and gotten him ready to fight so he cheerfully replied, "Yep," as he walked around to start the car. It purred to life as he grinned at Finn. "What the fuck took you so long?"
Finn just shrugged, "Lock up tonight ok? I'll see you tomorrow."
He was walking away when he heard Puck call his name. "What the fuck man? I'm trying to go!"
"Just, break a leg or whatever ok?"
Finn grinned. "You know it." With that he walked to the locker room and took off his coveralls. He had time to get home and shower before going to the school.
Rachel pulled into a visitor's parking spot, noting that Anthony had already arrived with Beatrice. He helped his mother from the car and walked over to Rachel kissing her on the cheek.
"You ready for this sweetheart? Your adoring fans must be waiting ever so anxiously."
"Of course she's ready. She's merely singing a song." Beatrice said dismissively. "Come on Rachel, lead the way."
Rachel walked them through the school, pausing at the display case holding the trophy she had helped to win.
"Impressive," Beatrice said sarcastically enough for Rachel to pick up on, but not Anthony who was busy studying the pictures of the Cheerios in the next case over.
"It is," Rachel insisted. "The school hadn't won one in years."
"It's great Rachel. I like your school; it's so quaint." Anthony said as he slung his arm casually around her shoulder, pulling her in for a one armed hug. "Now, where is this auditorium again?"
There had been a note on the choir room doors, asking them to go to the auditorium. On the way there Rachel was flooded with an onslaught of memories. Where the kissing booth had been, her locker, Finn's locker. By the time they reached the auditorium she was a bundle of nerves.
Feeling her tense and misunderstanding the reason, Anthony rubbed her shoulders. "Relax sweetheart. They're just kids."
"Better get used to it if you're going to be on a stage on Broadway," Beatrice said as she swept past them into the auditorium. She plastered on her fake smile now in case any student was watching.
Finn watched them walk in from the side of the stage. He had parked his truck on the other side of the lot; afraid she wouldn't come in if she saw his truck. He was glad he had gotten there first as it gave him time to assess her mood as she walked in. She looked so unhappy and tense and he just wanted to sweep her up into his arms and make her smile again.
Mr. Schue paused mid lecture to welcome Rachel and ask her to come onstage.
Rachel smiled and politely introduced Anthony and Beatrice. "Mr. Schue, New Directions, this is Anthony Wentworth and his mother Beatrice Wentworth of Wentworth Records."
The name meant nothing to the kids but they clapped politely since hearing the word "records" and waved hello as Beatrice and Anthony sat down in the audience of the auditorium. Rachel made her way onto the stage and Finn chose that moment to enter from behind her from stage right. She assumed the gasping of the students was because they were in the presence of a real working actor and she smiled at them as she got closer.
"So guys, Mr. Schue wanted me to come and talk about singing on Broadway. I thought maybe if you had questions though I could try and answer those first?" She had her show smile on as she called on the first student.
The boy asked, "You know your video about the T-Rex eating the Jew is still talked about at competitions. Any advice on how to not do that?"
Rachel was flustered and grew more so when she heard Finn answer from behind her. "I think you're referring to the kiss of the century, right Rach?"
Smile firmly in place she turned to him. "What are you doing here Finn?"
"Well now Rach, rumor had it you were going to sing these kids a ballad. You know how I love listening to you sing," he paused and stared at her, his eyes reminding her of all the private performances she had given him over the years. "However, I heard they're doing a duet for competition not a solo. So I thought we'd show them how it's done."
The kids were beginning to whisper behind them. She even heard one girl say, "I can't believe we're seeing Finchel live." It was if they were some TV characters on a show that kids never reallybelieved existed in real life but hoped that it did anyway.
Mr. Schue awkwardly clapped his hands together. "So um, what do you say Rachel? You up for this?"
Her tone was friendly, but there was a hard edge underneath. She'd been set up and she didn't like it. "Of course. Can I just have the sheet music please?"
Mr. Schue handed them each a copy and when they both looked back at him and nodded he signaled Brad to begin on the piano.
Finn began to sing, not looking at the words but instead staring directly at her, his eyes caressing every inch of her.
I really hate to let this moment go
Touching your skin, and your hair falling slow
When a goodbye kiss feels like this
The duo circled around each other much as they had done in their New Directions days. They sang the chorus together and completely forgot about their audience watching them and hanging on their every move.
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
Don't you wanna hold each other tight?
Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight?
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
We can make forever feel this way
Don't you wanna stay?
Rachel tried to take her eyes off his as she sang, but was held captive in his amber gaze. Her head slightly cocked as she sang.
Let's take it slow I don't wanna move too fast
I don't wanna just make love, I wanna make love last
When you're on this high, it's a sad goodbye.
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
Don't you wanna hold each other tight?
Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight?
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
We can make forever feel this way
Don't you wanna stay?
Oh you feel so perfect baby
That it feels so perfect baby
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
Don't you wanna hold each other tight?
Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight?
Don't you wanna stay here a little while?
We can make forever feel this way
Don't you wanna stay?
They finished inches apart, his hands lightly resting on her hips as her hand reached up to lay on his cheek. The moment was ruined by applause from the audience and not from the kids but from Beatrice.
"Wonderful. Simply wonderful," her voice oozed sincerity but Rachel knew those eyes and something wasn't right. "Now children, as you can see THAT is how to properly sing. If you'll excuse us though, Miss Berry and I have some upcoming plans to discuss."
Finn placed his hand on her arm, "We're not done," he whispered.
"Not here. Not now Finn," she replied removing her hand from his face and taking a step back.
Catching her wrist he held her in place, "When?" He couldn't hide the longing in his voice. He didn't want to play these games anymore. All he wanted was to talk to her and finally fix their problems so they could get back together.
Glancing back at the group and smiling into the audience Rachel called our brightly, "Yes, we do don't we?" She removed her wrist from Finn's grip as she whispered to him, "Tomorrow, after their competition we'll talk. I need time to sort this all out Finn."
Beatrice clapped her hands twice as one might to get a dog's attention. "Rachel. Now." She turned on her heel and left, fully expecting Anthony and Rachel to follow. Anthony quickly complied, waving to the group before joining Beatrice at the exit of the auditorium.
Rachel faced the group and Mr. Schue as she quickly said, "Thanks for letting us sing guys. It was fun and I hope it helped."
The students all stared slack-jawed, still not believing they just saw the epic couple referred to as Finchel perform. Mr. Schue began to applaud the duo and Rachel quickly took a bow. She giggled as she did when she was nervous before turning on her heel to flee.
Finn waited until he heard the door close. He hoped to God he was right in giving her more time, but dammit come hell or high water he was getting her back.
"Mr. Schue? Time for plan B," he stated calmly.
"Well, ok Finn, but do you have a plan B?" Mr. Schue asked while scratching his hair.
"Yep, but I'll need your help," he let his gaze encompass the group. "I'll need all your help."
Mr. Schue looked at him then looked at the group who obviously wanted to help their idols.
Heaving a sigh he said, "What can we do?"
Finn smiled as he walked off stage and grabbed some sheet music. "Just back me up. That's all I need. I know it's short notice, but I swear I checked the old show choir handbook and I don't think what I'm asking breaks any rules." He passed the music to everyone and looked at Mr. Schue. "But I get it if you need to look at the rule book again Mr. Schue. I don't want to screw anything else up."
He looked at Finn, admiring the man his former student turned out to be. How could he deny him a chance to help him get his happiness back when Finn had done so much for Will in the past? "Ok," said Mr. Schue. "Let's take it from the top."
A/N: Ok, so there you have it! One more chapter to go before the epilogue of this, but I think Rachel just might be on her way to realizing what she needs to do. I've had 90% of the next chapter written for a month so I can't wait to post it :) Thanks for reading and please feel free to review-I love hearing from you.
Chasingyellowcarsfaithfully/Groffles etc. thank you SO much for reading this in advance. I truly appreciate it more than you know.
Mida212-I hope you're happy! That's all I can say. I couldn't resist that scene…or the one coming up in the future for something else ;)
Mrs. B-hopefully this update made you smile!
I have no idea if you're reading this or not my texting crazy, but if you are? HI!
Sara and Mandi-hope you ladies are well.