Disclaimer: I don't own anything GLEE-related.

Author's Note: Well hello there! I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO sorry for taking forever with this chapter. You have no idea how exhausted and swamped I am. Thank you SO much for your support and this is the penultimate chapter! Epilogue will be up ASAP. I'll try to be quicker. Thank you for sticking with me...I love you all! ENJOY!

His fingers interlaced with hers is the only thing that exists as he guides her down the hall with an eager smile, holding her close to him. Whenever she asks where he's taking her, he grins broadly with a feigned nonchalant shrug before kissing her hand or hair or cheek.

"Come on, please?" she begs with a pout. "I don't like surprises!"

"I know, baby" he replies in amusement, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "But the answer's still a 'no'...you'll thank me later."

"I doubt that" she mutters, faking sadness. She huffs loudly and dramatically when he only smirks and he winds his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer and whispering an 'I love you' in her ear, making a smile erupt across her face. "I guess I'll manage."

He beams, kissing her hair again as she slides an arm around his waist, releasing a blissful sigh and revelling in his sheer perfection.

After his long speech, they kissed and snuggled for a bit but talked as well. They talked about their insecurities and how hard it was without the other. She talked about how much it hurt to lose him and asked him why he did what he did. He replied in tears with the answer that he found out about her kissing Puck he was lost and confused. He wanted to forgive her but he thought about how many mistakes he made and that caused his thinking to be affected. He said he called her a freak because he was scared and wanted to pretend he didn't love her because he was too scared that he'd hurt her again. They embraced and kissed some more, murmuring their love for each other for hours until his mom came home, freaking out when she saw his bruises but smiling so wide at the fact that she was on his lap. Carole had dragged her off of Finn and hugged her so tightly she couldn't breathe before fussing over Finn but beaming with pride when he'd explained why he was covered in bruises.

That was one distant week ago. His wounds were getting better by the day and her black eye vanished without a trace. The dark circles and puffy red eyes, pale complexion, heartbreak and insomnia had completely dissipated and she found herself happier and healthier than ever. Their relationship was stronger than ever as well, continuing to grow with every second they were together. She can't fathom how much she adores him. Nor can she believe how loved and cherished she feels with him.

He sends her another cheeky, sly grin as leads her into the auditorium despite her questions. He takes her hand and with a child-like eagerness drags her to the front row. She furrows her brow and looks around suspiciously as he hauls her along with a goofy smile etched on his perfect face. When they reach the front row, he sits her down in the centre seat of the first row and she opens her mouth to ask if he's lost his mind when he presses a lingering, hot kiss on her mouth, silencing her to the point that she forgets what she wanted to say and where they are. She deepens the kiss enthusiastically, demanding more and he responds with just as much passion, seeming to forget what he wanted to do. They get lost in each other and her lips burn from the intensity and authenticity that crackles between them, his soft full lips sweet, his mouth warm and his light moan divine.

Someone hiding in the vast darkness of the auditorium clears their throat loudly and she jumps in shock, her eyes snapping open. He chuckles huskily as he hovers above her, pressing another gentle kiss on her swollen lips. His lips remain soft on hers before another loud cough interrupts them and he groans in annoyance, calling a irritated "I'm coming!" before sending her a serene smile. "Sit tight, baby" he murmurs persuasively with a sexy smirk. "Love you."

She beams at him dreamily with a breathed "love you" as he pecks her forehead once more before sauntering away behind the curtains. She watches him go in a lovestuck trance but once he disappears, she comes back to reality. Huffing in annoyance and amusement, she crosses her arms and leans back, curiousity growing.

Her suspicion and intrigue is increased even more when the curtains rise and New Directions stands before her. She furrows her brow and chances a glance at Finn who grins proudly, affection adorning his bruised face. She shakes her head in disbelief, turning to Artie who shrugs lightly and jokingly with a large smile. "What's going on?" she inquires slowly, getting to her feet.

"We're officially apologizing" Mercedes says softly and shamefacedly. "We're really sorry for everything, girl. We were really mean."

The club nods along and Mr. Schue steps forward. "The club all prepared a little something in your honor. But before that, we all have something to say. I'll start by saying how sorry I am for being so hypocritical and mean. You're a gifted performer with incredible passion and dedication and a fantastic person, Rachel. You're the heart and soul of this club."

She sinks back down into her seat, watching as Mr. Schue passes the torch to Santana. The girl looks reluctant and annoyed, grimacing bitterly while muttering: "I guess I don't totally hate you."

"Gee, thanks" she says sarcastically.

"They made me say it" Santana defends. "But I guess we kind of need you."

Santana nods to Brittany who smiles brightly. "You're small, Rachel" she states cheerily. "But you have a really big brain and heart and voice so come back to Glee! I made you a card!"

She chuckles at the Cheerio as she hands it off to Quinn who sighs, ashamed. "Despite our differences and my frequent declarations of my detest for you" she begins gently. "I've actually always admired you. And have been extremely jealous of you. You're a really good person and it was wrong of me to say otherwise. I'm truly sorry for being so sour toward you. I hope some day, you can forgive me and we can be friends because I'd be lucky to have someone like you as a friend. And we really need you in Glee."

She smiles softly at Quinn as she gestures to Tina who releases an exhale. "I'm really sorry, Rachel" she says sadly. "I'm sorry for being so horrible to you. You've always been really nice to me and I was rude to dismiss you and treat you so badly. We miss you...you're what kept us together. You were the glue and the star. We just don't work without you. I'm so sorry and just know that I'll stand by you now."

Tina skips over Lauren and motions toward Mercedes who sends her a tentative smile. "I've always been envious of you" she admits with a light laugh. "You're smart and pretty and insanely talented and you're really caring. I tried to deny it but you are an amazing person and we all need you...both on and off the stage. I'm really sorry for being so rude. We're divas...we have to stick together."

She smirks slightly as Mercedes who passes it to Sam. "I'm new here and didn't know the history so much" he says sheepishly. "But I was still really mean to you by not saying anything. I should've stood up for you because you're my teammate and you made me feel talented and smart. When you gave me that tip in math, my grade totally went up, like, thirty percent. I'm sorry for watching you suffer and not saying anything. But this club needs you...you're totally awesome, Rachel and I'm gonna stick by you from now on...we're family."

Sam gives her a smile which she returns as Mike steps forward. "I've never really said anything" he laughs. "But by not saying anything, I participated in knocking you down. I'm so sorry for that. You're the star and heart of this club...you pick us up when we're down. Without you, we're broken. And like Sam said, I'm sticking with you because you're my teammate and friend and family."

Mike nods toward Puck who shoves his hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry for being all up in your grill, Rachel" he says genuinely. "I was really selfish and mean to you when you were nice. You made me feel like I could be something more than a sex-shark. This club needs you...I miss you nagging us about pitch because without it, we suck. You're the shit, Berry. This club doesn't function without it's captain."

Puck gestures to Artie who sends her a broad grin. "I'm sorry for not realizing you're epic until now" he says in amusement. "Know that I'm sticking with you till the bitter end...we're BFFL's." She laughs. "Preach to everything everyone else said. And if anybody acts out, just smack 'em down like the hand of God. I'll be behind you one-hundred and fifty perfect."

She chuckles as Finn takes over, sending her a soft, loving smile. "You have no idea how sorry I am" he says authentically. "I was so horrible to you. But I love you more than life and I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you fully. You're my everything, baby. My heart, my soul, my life-"

"We get it, lover boy" Mercedes calls in a feigned groan of annoyance. "Can we move on?"
"Fine" Finn grumbles. "I love you so damn much, gorgeous...more than you'll ever know and this is for you." She beams, blowing him a kiss as he smiles broadly.

They all set up and once the combined melodies of the mash-up ring out loud and clear, she can't tamper large grin that errupts across her face. They do a mash-up of 'Baby come back' and 'She's not ust a pretty face', nailing it perfectly and she finds herself clapping along as the dance and sing energetically, making her feel wanted and appreciated.

She tries to watch everyone but her eyes are glued to Finn most of the time, awed by his perfection. He sings with pride and honesty and dances in his adorkably awkward way, staring at her with so much love she feels like she's going to explode. Is it possible to love somebody this much?

When they finish, she applauds wildly and runs up onto the stage. Everyone watches her expectantly and hopefully as she sends them all a huge beam. "Thank you for that" she says softly. "It was great to hear. You were all fantastic. I'm still a bit hesitant to trust you guys again but performing and I just can't stay away from each other for that long." Everyone laughs. "I guess I'll come back."

There's a chorus of hollers and "group hug!" as she's enveloped by the mass that is New Directions. She laughs and relishes in the feeling of being accepted. It's a warm sensation that she can't help but indulge in. She's starting to think Glee won't be so bad.

When Finn takes her into his arms and kisses her with all the passion and love in the world after whispering an 'I love you', she has no doubt that this is it.

She's home.

AN#2: Yay! Rachel feels APPRECIATED! And Finchel Fluff = FTW!

Next Chapter (and last!): Epilogue

THANKS FOR READING, PLEASE REVIEW, LOVE TO ALL AND I'LL TRY TO UPDATE ASAP!