Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews. They mean a lot to me!

Thank you to Gillian Deverone for beta'ing :)

Enjoy!


Rachel slowly wakes up, the sunlight streaming through the small gap in her curtains and hitting her in the eyes. With a soft groan she rolls over, giggling at the sight of Finn clutching Gumby, her stuffed animal, to his chest while he snores loudly into her pillow. She giggles, the small sound causing Finn to stir a little and roll over so that his back is to her. Rachel stretches forward, wrapping her arm around her chest and proceeding to pepper a trail of sweet kisses along his neck. Finn makes noises of appreciation.

"You awake, baby?" she asks gently.

"Hmmm."

Her smile brightens and, knowing that it takes Finn a long time to actually wake up in the morning, she leans up to kiss his cheek, his stubble grazing her skin. "I'm going to take a shower." He begins to protest, but she's already out of bed, a warm spot where she had once been. Finn turns, instantly hit by the lingering smell of her sweet perfume, and a peaceful smile spreads across his features. She thinks that he looks adorable, still holding onto Gumby. With a roll of the eyes at her dopy boyfriend, she heads into the bathroom. She's still wearing his jersey – she'd thrown it on tiredly after their many activities in bed – and just her underwear, so no wonder Finn was stealing a few sneaky glances at her as she left.

She turns on the shower, ridding herself of her clothes before she steps into the warmth. It feels like heaven on her skin, cleaning away the previous night. Taking the soap, she begins to wash herself, humming a soft tune. Steam rises from the shower, making it hard to see anything, but she manages to see the figure making its way toward her. Naturally, she thinks the worst, and fear surges through her body, leaving her with her eyes scrunches closed and wielding the bar of soap as a weapon, pointing it at her attacker.

"Rach?" Finn's amused voice comes.

With a sigh of relief, she lowers her hands and sets him with a look. "What're you doing? I'm trying to shower."

"I can see," he smirks, before reaching down to tug off his boxers. Before she can protest any further he's slipping into the shower with her, his body towering over hers. "Hey," he says saucily, hands finding her hips, smooth from the water. "Fancy seeing you here."

She giggles, her hands finding his toned chest and eyes rising to meet his own sultry ones. The water starts to cascade down Finn, and she runs her fingers through his wet hair slowly before they move to cup his face. He has her backed to the wall, an arm on either side as his lips begin to ravish her body, like he hasn't tasted her in years. At the feel of his tongue trailing over a sensitive spot on her neck, a rush of wetness pools between her legs, her whole body begging out for more. Rachel whines when he detaches himself from her neck, desperate to feel his again. Not a second later he's sucking hard on her nipple, tugging and pulling, making Rachel call out in pleasure, her hand gripping at Finn's hair as he continues his attack on her body.

While he's kissing her, she doesn't notice his descending hand until his fingers are teasing her wet folds, his own groan of appreciation at how aroused she is. Her legs open further, and she feels weightless under his touch. Finn holds a hand to keep her steady while slipping his finger deep inside her. She mewls, pushing her hips against his hand, her mouth falling open. When he begins to move his finger in her slick walls, adding another quickly, she lets out a loud moan, unable to concentrate on anything other than the amazing feeling of his inside her and his thumb continuously brushing up against her clit.

"Finn, I need more," she almost begs, her eyes fluttering closed. Finn is one step ahead of her, lowering himself until she feels his hot breath on her, sending a fresh jolt of arousal between her legs. His fingers pull out of her, and she opens her eyes at the slurping sounds, looking down to see Finn licking his fingers clean.

"So sweet," he says and dives in without warning, hungrily swiping his tongue along her folds, her clit, leaving Rachel panting for air, clinging onto Finn. If the wall wasn't keeping her up, she'd barely be able to stand. Every nerves in her body feels on fire, the pleasure of his tongue against her skin making her want to cry out every few seconds. He knows what he's doing. Finn's hand takes hold of her thigh, raising it and bringing it over his shoulder to leave her more open to him. She shivers in ecstasy, her body trembling with want as he works his mouth expertly on her. With the new position, he thrusts his tongue into her center, her wanton cry bring his cock to full erectness.

Rachel hasn't felt this good in a long time, her head foggy with arousal as she grips Finn's hair so hard that she might pull some out. Her body begs for Finn's touch, being pushed further and further into the edge. When he brings his thumb up to rub her clit as his tongue takes a long swipe against her wetness, she gives into the pleasure. "Fiiiin," she calls out, her other leg clamping around his head as he works her through her orgasm, Rachel's chest heaving.

She slowly comes down from the euphoric high, her limbs useless as Finn holds her, a smirk playing on his lips, glistening with her arousal. After a few moments he gently takes her legs and sets her steady again, rising in the shower so that his body is looming over hers. Their eyes meet. "Wow," is all she says, her voice breathy and light. Finn smiles at that. Leaning up, she initiates a kiss, her own taste lingering on Finn's lips. His member is digging into her thigh and she looks down to see him fully erect, gaze shooting back to his face when she notices his slightly pained expression. "Your turn," she grins, still a little lightheaded from her previous orgasm.

It doesn't take long for Finn to come, and she loves watching him fall apart in front of her, the swell of pride in her chest that she makes him feels this way. With Finn she feels like an equal, and that the feelings their have are mutual, as is the strength of said feelings.

He kisses her this time, the kiss long and deep, like he never wants to let her go. But they're both turning pruny from the hot shower above them and Quinn'll be around soon with her makeup and hair team. Finn protests when she climbs out, covering her body with a towel, and Rachel only beams back at him, making sure to add extra sway to her walk as she exits the room.


After she's dressed in some shorts and a tank top, she fills up on coffee for the day and begins to make some breakfast while Finn's in her room. He saunters out, barely saying a word to her as he takes a place at the breakfast bar, smiling when she slides some pancakes in front of him. "Thanks." The large stack is easily devoured by his large appetite, and she slowly munches away on her bowl of fruit salad. "So when's Quinn coming?"

"Not for a few hours," she shrugs, though instantly catches his suggestive smirk, "Finn, do you not remember what just happened in the shower?" She rolls her eyes playfully, surprised when he leans down for a kiss. His lips taste like syrup and strawberry, and she smiles against them. She's on a high as she thinks about the upcoming event, excitement bursting through her tiny body. "Tonight is going to be amazing," Rachel says surely, moving to sort of both their empty plates, but she notices the not so thrilled look on her boyfriend's face. "You don't look very happy about it…"

"I guess I'm not really into this part of being famous, you know? For one, you have to wear a suit all night," he pouts a little, "and they're uncomfortable and too warm. Then you've got to deal with all the annoying interviewers who ask you anything – they don't care about crossing that line. It's like they don't care about our feelings…" He lets out a defeated sigh, remembering his many encounters with rude and tactless journalists and paparazzi.

Rachel rubs gently at his arm, sympathy crossing her face, "it all just comes with the job Finn… and – as irritating and invasion some of them can be – we need them. They're who we're doing this for, aren't they?" She reminds him. "They're helping us to get more publicity, so I guess it's only a fair deal that we put up with them, don't you think?" He grumbles in response and she giggles, adding, "and I guess if we're together tonight them we can get through them together, okay?"

His eyes rise up to meet his, and her infection smile spreads to him. "Okay." His hand clasps around hers

They spend the next few hours, chatting away as they're curled up on her couch with the TV on in the background. When Finn tells her that he needs to go out for a little while, she sighs and lifts her head from where it was resting against his chest. "Where are you going?" she questions, not wanting him to leave.

"You gonna miss me?" he taunts with a smirk.

"Yes!" she says, blushing a little. Just a few months ago she'd never be caught dead admitting to that.

Finn beams, his fingers running through her silky brown tresses, "I'll miss you too." He starts to stand, forcing Rachel out of his embrace and pouting back at him.

"Are you going to at least tell me where you're going?" she questions, raising her eyebrow.

He shrugs on a jacket, slipping on some shoes, before he leans down and catches her lips in a sweet, careful kiss, Rachel's eyes shining back at his. She forgets her previous question altogether, smiling back at her boyfriend with utter adoration. Her fingers reach up, a soft hand caressing his cheek. "Be back soon," is all she says, "I can't wait for you to see my dress."

"I will," he promises, "Kurt'll be bringing my suit and stuff down soon anyway." He can't resist another kiss, "I'll see you later."

Time suddenly goes slowly without him there, and she idly waits around the apartment for Quinn to arrive, entertaining herself with magazines and listening to music, singing at the top of her lungs to her Celine Dion CD. She barely has time to think about what Finn's doing, and why he hadn't told her, but it won't be anything bad, she knows. Those days are behind him.

As she gets more into the music, dancing around her apartment like there's no tomorrow, she doesn't notice her audience.

"I wasn't aware that we were getting a private concert," Quinn smirks, earning a blush from the brunette who tucks some stray hair behind her ear.

"I supposed I got a little carried away," she mumbles.

Quinn grins, "it's fine. You wouldn't be Rachel Berry without impromptu concerts, right?" The two share a friendly hug, only to be interrupted by Sugar and Mercedes bursting through the door, armed with everything needed to glam Rachel up for the night. "Ready to start? I was thinking that we'll leave your hair down, nice and wavy." She runs her hands through Rachel's hair, "and it'll go well with your dress." She takes holds of Rachel's wrist, leading her into the middle of the room where Sugar had pulled out a dining chair.

"Have you got your acceptance speech prepared?" Quinn asks her as Sugar starts combing out her hair.

"Of course!" she replies, "and I've practiced it in front of the mirror many times." Rachel beams, "I cannot be more ready for tonight." As usual, she feels the little trickle of nerves in her system, but she welcomes them as any performer does. And, she thinks with a smile, Finn'll be by her side the whole time – with him she feels confident and safe.

They fall into an easy conversation, and she munches on some more fruit while they do her hair, wanting ever strand to be in place. They're half way through make up when Kurt arrives with Finn's suit.

"Where is he?" he demands to know when there's no sight of his brother. He crosses his arms, annoyance slipping onto his face. Rachel shrugs, not knowing herself, and for a moment begins to ponder where it is that he could have gone, assuming that it must be important. But then… why wouldn't he tell her? It's not like he's got anything to hide…unless… Rachel shakes her head – how could she possibly be thinking that he's somehow involved in drugs again? She knows Finn, and he isn't that one that's portrayed by the media. He wouldn't go down that road again, not when there are so many good things in his life.

She bites her lip, trying not to think about it and focusing on Kurt's words, "… and you'll need a do a few interviews together. Quinn and I will be sitting near you, so you don't need to worry about anything." He's perched on the arm of her couch, smiling broadly at her. His face suddenly falls a little."

"Kurt?" she calls out in question, "you okay?"

He sighs, his gaze moving to meet Quinn's, who is wearing the same expression as him. "Do you remember yesterday, how I was saying that you're losing public internet?" She nods, acting as though she's affected by it. In all honesty, she doesn't care about that. She and Finn are dating because they want to be together; not to please other people – not anymore. "It's because Harmony and Rory are together, again, and now all media attention is focused on them. They're even going to the awards tonight!"

Rachel can't help but laugh at the thought of the on off couple together once more. She's lost count of how many times they've broken up. She silences herself when Kurt glares at her. "Sorry, I just think it's funny. Not to mention that she's more dramatic that I am – I wonder how long it'll be until their next break up."

She knows Harmony from working on stage, although the girl is a good few years younger than her, and she once considered her a threat. Not so much today. Her experience allows her to perform better, and she'll always have that advantage.

"That doesn't matter," Kurt tells her, "because she's going to be hogging the spotlight tonight, and maybe for a long time after that unless we do something." He taps his chin thoughtfully, "but I still haven't figured out what…" She offers him a hopeful smile; if there's one thing she knows about Kurt, it's that he's very good at what he does, and he'll find a way to improve their publicity.

It feels like it takes forever for her makeup to be complete, despite the fact that they're not even putting that much on her, but she sits patiently, in the back of her mind wonders what could be taking Finn so long.

"Alright, done!" Sugar announces loudly, stepping back to admire her work, "I am a genius."

"I told you what to do," Mercedes deadpans, then shakes her head and smiles at Rachel, "let's get you in that dress then." She forces her worries about Finn out of her mind as the excitement bubbles up again. And ten minutes later, Mercedes is zipping up the back of her new Jenny Packham gown. She smiles down at it, her fingers tracing over the crystals of the dress. It has a daring neckline, though she doesn't have to worry much as she's not exactly the most endowed person out there. Still, she loves the way the dress looks on her, curves in all the right places. "It's amazing."

"Thank you," Rachel smile sweetly, resisting the urge to push her hair behind her ear because Quinn will kill her if she messes it up. The woman helps her into her heels and, once steady on them, they head out into the living room where she's surprised to see another figure with them. "Finn," she beams at just the sight of him. Almost as if forgetting that everyone's eyes are on them, she moves forward and pulls him into a tight hug, breathing in the scent of his strong cologne. Taking a step back, she smiles at him in the sight of a suit, standing a little awkwardly, but still dashingly handsome as ever, "you clean up well." Looking around, she notices that Quinn and Kurt are both ready too.

Finn's eyes travel up and down the dress, almost bulging out as he gapes at her. "Rach… wow… you look – wow," he shakes his head, his heart beating at least ten times faster than normal. She blushes under his intense stare, her smile so wide that it hurts her cheeks a little. She barely hears when Kurt announces that their car is here; she only feels when Finn's hand slips in hers and he begins to lead the way. "You really do look beautiful," he whispers in her ear as everybody walks ahead of them.

She turns to him, her voice suddenly shy, "really?"

"Really," he squeezes her hand. She's never been used to hearing that. All her life she's been used to people telling her that she has the 'wrong look', that she'd need a nose job to get a career in showbiz; even Jesse had mentioned it at one point, and because of that she'd never felt beautiful, or even pretty sometimes. But now, staring into Finn's eyes, she feels like one of the most beautiful people in the world.

Finn can hardly keep his eyes off her the entire ride to the awards, and she keeps her gaze to the floor, smiling to herself as his attention remains solely on her. She feels nervous once more, possibilities flying through her mind as to what the awards could lead to, and if she'll be going home successful or not. Rachel notices how Finn keeps shifting uncomfortably, worrying his bottom lip.

"You alright?" she questions with a tentative smile.

He stares back. "Of course I am – I mean… why wouldn't I be?" A smile grows on his face, though it doesn't put her at ease. He's acting strange, and she feels like she knows him enough to be aware when something's off. But she doesn't pursue her suspicions as they feel the car slow, and she takes a deep breath to calm herself, before throwing on a show stopping smile. Quinn and Kurt get out first, and Finn follows, holding out a hand to her. She takes it gratefully, smoothing out her dress as soon as she's stood, only to look up and be practically blinded by the flashes of hundreds of cameras.

Finn pulls a face, "my least favourite part."

With a heavy sigh, he gets himself ready for the red carpet, sliding his arm around her waist so that they can walk it together. While Quinn and Kurt walking a little ahead of them, they slowly move forward, posing and smiling for all the cameras, trying to please each screaming photographer. She sees why he hates it, and maybe it's not her favourite part either, but it's part of the show.

His hand is ever present on her side, giving her a sense of calm as they do the red carpet. Though it's gone when, at one point, he leans down and whispers in her ear, "so, I've got a plan."

Confusion spreads through her whole body, but she has to throw a smile back onto her face immediately for the photographers who're still snapping pictures. "What?" she asks him, worry seeping into her voice.

But Finn just sends her a dashing smile to dispel said worry. "I've got a plan to get us the public attention again." His voice is so quiet that she can barely hear him over the roars of the others, but she just about manages to, and tries her best to keep her smile going. He has a plan? Why does this fill her with nothing but fear? Finn doesn't understand the public the way that his brother does, and she feels anxiety flood her body.

"What is it?" she questions through a strained smile, her grip on him tightening slightly. He doesn't stay anything. "Finn?"

He leans down once again, his hot breath on her ear, "it's a surprise." And then he smiles, kissing her cheek. The small action earns them more photographers aiming their way, but it's soon stolen back again when Harmony and Rory arrive at the other end of the red carpet. "They're together again?" he questions her, apparently having not known.

"For now," she chuckles.

Finn shakes his head, muttering 'kids' under his breath while she giggles at him.

"Time for interviews," she announces.

"Yay, my second favourite part."

"Spoil sport," she mumbles to him; she doesn't mind the interviews so much. Sometimes they can be a bit too personal, but then other can be lovely. Quinn and Kurt direct them to the people that are most important, and time seems to fly by quickly. Just as they're about to go inside, she spots someone who looks very familiar. "Jesse," she whispers, dread in her voice. He hasn't spotted her yet, so she tries not to draw any attention to herself, practically curling into Finn's side.

Jesse would look good if it weren't for the light bruises surrounding his nose, "uh…so it really is broken. I thought he was just being dramatic. It is Jesse, after all." Despite knowing it's wrong, he finds it hard to keep the proud smile off his face. Rachel nudges him. "Sorry," adding quietly, "he deserves it." She rolls her eyes.

"Come on, let's go inside."

He spies the rest of his band once they're inside the venue, waving and smiling at them – they look just as excited as he does. This is the first time that they've been up for an award as big as this, and honestly, it's an honor to have even been nominated. That's enough for him. The atmosphere is thrilling, the whole room buzzing with excitement as they await the start of the show.

Pulling out the chair for Rachel, he lets her sit down before going next to her, hearing a sigh of relief from his girlfriend. "These heels are killing me," she says, rubbing at her ankles. "Remind me not to listen to Kurt next time." He laughs at the glance that they receive from Kurt.

"It's not my fault that you're extremely vertically challenged."

Rachel gives out a sigh of exasperation, obviously used to remarks about her height.

"Hey," Finn counters, "she's fun sized."

Her face blushes at his description, whereas Kurt's face scrunches up, shaking his head and returning to his conversation with Quinn. Finn notices him continuously sending them looks while the two talk. Rachel's soft hand slips into his. "I just wanted to tell you," she begins, "good luck tonight. I-I'll be happy with whatever outcome, okay?"

Finn stares at her, for a minute thinking that his ears are playing tricks on him. "I'm not going crazy, right? Rachel Berry being okay with someone else winning?"

She smiles, "I'll admit, I may how a diva moment if I don't win… it is me, after all. But maybe... you know – other people work hard too, and they're," she closes her eyes, like this is the hardest thing for her to admit, "just as talented as I am…sometimes."

Squeezing her hand, he says, "how long did it take you to practise saying that?"

He smirks at her offended expression, and she crosses her arms, mumbling, "a few days."

With a grin, he leans forward to steal a kiss from her and throw his arm around her shoulder. "It's good. I'm proud of you, baby." Rachel subconsciously leans into his embrace, her head falling against his shoulder. Finn knows that it must have been hard for her to admit that, seeing as Rachel has spent years thinking that she's the most talented, and yeah, she probably is, but sometimes that confidence doesn't come across well. He remembers when they'd first met and he'd thought she was just conceited and bigheaded yet as he's grown to know her that's sort of faded away. It feels like she's matured in that aspect, and that confession just proved it.

Soon enough the show is starting, and they watch and applaud as the awards are handed out. With each second that draws nearer to their category, he feels his heart beating wildly, a heavy feeling falling over his body.

He barely noticing when his breathing gets faster until Rachel whispers, "you sound really nervous Finn."

"I am," he replies.

"Don't be," Rachel tries to give him an assuring smile. Their close proximity makes him feel slightly bet, yet nothing can take away the anxiety that he feels. And by the time it comes to announcing their award, he feels like his chest is caving in, his palms sweaty.

All he nominees are called, Finn forcing a smile onto his face as the camera pans in on him, and then for Rachel's shot too, since they're both so close to each other. He can feel her nerves too; they're practically radiating off her, so he can barely imagine what vibes she's getting from him. Her grip on him tightens, and he manages a genuine smile in her direction.

"…and the winner is…"

He holds his breath, feeling Rachel do the same thing behind him.

Time seems to slow, everything around him stopping, and he barely realizes that they'd said 'ohio boys' until he feel Rachel's shaking him brings him back to reality.

"You won!" she says. There's a hint of tears in her eyes – it's obvious that she's disappointed. She's keeping a smile on her face, being happy for him. Without warning, he takes hold of her face and pulls her into a deep kiss, on an all time high with the feel of her against him, the thrill of winning and kissing her like this mixed into one.

He finally pulls himself up for air, standing up and receiving a tight hug from Kurt, who has irreplaceable pride on his face. "I'm so proud of you," he whispers in Finn's ear.

Patting his back, he smiles, "thanks dude."

His legs feel like jelly as he starts to walk up to the stage, meeting the others on the way there, massive bear hugs being exchanged. They did it. They won album of the year, and it's all down to their hard work and talent. It's Puck who takes the award, and he's kind of glad 'cause his hands are shaking so hard he'd probably drop it. Once the applause dies down, they're passed the microphone, each grinning as wide as the next.

"What an honor," Mike starts, looking at the award like he's going to cry, "we never, ever thought that we could do this. We're so lucky… we owe this all to our fans, and to the people who gave us a chance and signed a record deal with us – without them we'd be nothing."

"Also our family and friends, who never stopped believing in us," Sam adds, throwing his arms around Mike and Puck.

It's when they're starting to back away when Finn finally says something, "I'd like to say thanks to my Rachel too. She… she changed my life." A series of 'awww's erupt from the audience, "and she's made me feel like I truly deserve this award." Looking into the audience, he catches sight of her, holding a hand to her heart while her eyes are filled with tears.

"She's the most special person in my life," he looks down at his trembling hands, summoning the courage to say the next part, "and I'd like to ask her something, but I need her to come up here before I do that…" Their eyes meet, shock registering all over her face before confusion surfaces. But she stands, slowly moving up toward the stage, the picture of beauty.

Finn moves to join her in the middle, his heart pounding so hard that all he can hear is his own pulse in his head. When their hands touch, it's like electricity shooting through his body, every nerve set alight. "Finn," she whispers, "I don't –" He silences her with a kiss, adrenaline pumping strongly through his veins.

"Sh, just listen," he whispers, bringing the microphone back up to talk. "Rachel," he begins with a shaky smile, "when we met, I think it's no secret that we didn't like each other, at all." She lets out a small laugh, letting him take her hand in his, "but the more time I spent with you, I realized that there's a lot more to you than I thought, and I couldn't help but love those parts of you." He squeezes her hands, "and now you're just like the light of my life – I can't imagine it without you.

"I'm not really good at speeches, so I'm just going to come right out with it…" he starts, "and I hope that you can make me the happiest man alive with your answer." Falling down onto one knee, he fumbles with the pocket in his shirt, until he produces the small black box. Don't drop it, he repeats the mantra in his head as he opens the box. He holds it firmly and takes a deep breath. "Rachel Berry, will you marry me?"


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