Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Glee or any of the lyrics; though I'm completely obsessed with these particular lyrics.

"My heart's too drunk to drive I should stay away from you tonight, but in this black out state of mind baby all I want is you tonight. When my head tells me no, my heart tells me go so I'm hitting the road cause I, I know my heart's too drunk to drive but I'm on my way to you, yeah I'm on my way to you tonight."

-from 'On My Way' by the lovely Lea Michele

It was the weekend before they were to leave town for the tournament, and Rachel was slowly losing it. There really was no way that it was healthy how much she thought about Finn, how much she missed spending time with him. Santana and Brittany served as a well enough distraction from him usually, but he was always there in the back of her mind. It was becoming harder and harder to pretend that being in the same room with him was no big deal, and acting as if his every text message he sent didn't send her heart galloping. The longer the little limbo they were in went on, the more he seemed to miss her as well, and that wasn't a help to her carefree persona either. According to Puck, Finn was in about the same boat as she was. He hadn't been running off on random booty calls, wasn't going out as much anymore, and when he did he always came straight home, alone. In spite of all the seeming progress, he was still yet to admit any feelings for her. It was infuriating, and made her want to shake the truth out of his giant body, but at the end of the day she knew that she had to go at his pace.

Even so, right now she was getting antsy. After her last class, instead of going to The Playground to practice as usual, Tana had picked her up and insisted on taking her out for dinner. She had reasoned that since she wasn't one of the ones chosen to participate in the big tournament, practice shouldn't be the highest thing on her list of priorities; getting her grub on with her hottest girlfriend should be. Unable to deny the logic behind that, she had accepted the offer and gone along with her. Though it was fun to catch up with her friend and have girl time, now she was back in her dorm room, alone with only one thing on her mind.

She wanted to see Finn, bad.

Just the thought of his bright smile when she walked through those doors made her thoughts blurry, her heart clench with longing. She nodded to herself as she made her decision, swooping around the room to collect her keys and phone hastily. She gave herself a once over in the mirror, and followed her heart to The Playground.

Rachel spotted him even before she walked inside, the smile stretching across her face at just the slightest sight of him. Surprisingly, he didn't even look up when she entered the room. She took another step forward, waiting for him to acknowledge her, but he still didn't. Confused, she paused her advance, taking in the sight of him.

Finn was bent over the pool table, cue in hand as he lined up on his shot, his brow was furrowed in concentration. That must be why he had yet to notice her, he was practicing extra hard. It made sense really; he was of course chosen as one of the three to compete next week and was therefore instructed to up his game to its highest level, they had to bring their A game. Rachel watched in fascination as he jerkily pushed forward, his stroke unsteady and ultimately caused the ball to miss its designated pocket. He moved about the table, following the cue ball to line up the shot a second time. This time his stroke wasn't quite as jerky, but he still missed, and by a large martin. His perfect face scrunched up in anger as he all but slammed his stick down on the table top. He brought both hands up to the sides of his head, massaging his temples softly as he mumbled something lowly to himself, still completely oblivious to his audience.

She peeked into the bay to find that Mike at least had noticed her. He shook his head gravely, shooting a solemn glance toward Finn. She offered a small smile in return, nodding before he returned to his laptop.

It was disconcerting to see Finn like this. He was without a doubt the best player on the team, his stroke always so strong, steady, and sure. She had never seen him play so badly, and definitely never seen him lose his temper over the game or have a mini meltdown. She realized, watching him that she was wearing the same frown marring his face on her own. It was almost as if she could feel his turmoil from across the room, and in spite of her negative feelings for his lack of care for her feelings in the past, she needed to be there for him. Her feet moved of their own accord over to where he stood.

"Have a snickers, you get angry when you're hungry" she joked lamely, stepping up to his side. The weak semblance of a smile she was met with was so unlike what she was now accustomed to receiving from him, and it tugged on her heart even more. He said nothing in response, merely taking a deep breath and picking up his stick once again to line up on the cue ball. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Another failed attempt. His eyes pinched shut for a second, and she saw his hands tighten around his cue, but he regained control instantly and reset himself. His breathing evened out as he wiped the light sheen of sweat from his brow and moved around the table yet again. He was sure getting a lot of exercise out of this game if nothing else.

"Finn, come on" she urged softly, raising an eyebrow at him. "Something's wrong."

"I'm surprised you would even notice" he mumbled, peeking up at her. "Is that why you're here? To make fun of me?"

"What? No, how could you even think that" she chided, folding her arms over her chest. "I was actually coming over to practice with you, but apparently that won't be happening. Maybe I should just go..."

"No! I-" he started, running a hand back through his hair, seemingly debating on his next words.

"You can tell me Finn, really. It's me" she said, her eyes shining up at him with sincerity. She gave him an encouraging smile and reached out to squeeze his forearm, his skin like velvet beneath her fingertips. The physical impact he was having on her however was nothing compared to the way her heart felt staring up into his eyes for the first time in days. The deep brown orbs bore into her own, searching for something, what, she couldn't be sure. He must have found it, because he took a deep breath and looked down to start on his story.

"I can't stop thinking about, you know this is the first time anything like this has ever happened for any of us. It's a really big deal and...what if I screw it up" he whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm one of the three, I'm representing the whole team, the whole school next week Rach."

"And I couldn't think of anyone else better for the job" she interjected quickly, trying to catch his gaze.

"Bullshit. You just saw that" he argued, waving his hands over the table. "I didn't realize the kind of pressure this would be, I don't know if I can do it. This isn't just some bullcrap tournament, it's a really big deal to a lot of people. I'm not ready, I'm not good enough yet. Shit, I haven't even been playing that long. Two and a half years, what is that? Some of those people have been playing since they were in elementary school, who am I even kidding" he ranted, slowly starting to pace in front of the table.

"Finn, you're being irrational" she started, following behind him and tugging on his elbow to make him face her. "Where is this coming from, why would you think like this? You're an excellent pool player, and you'll be every bit as good as those overachievers" she stated simply, holding him the the prison of her eyes.

"Rachel, you don't know that. I-"

Without a word Rachel took his stick from him, turning her back on him and leaning over the table herself. She leveled herself, took aim and sank the ball that he'd been fruitlessly attempting to make since she had been there. She walked around to line up the next shot, banking it into the side pocket. She righted herself and looked up at him purposefully, propping the stick up to her side. He obviously wasn't understanding her lecture, his eyes scrunched up in an odd mix of embarrassment and pride.

"I'm not really sure how that was supposed to help-" he started, stopping when she held up a finger.

"You see those shots I just made, with ease" she asked pointedly, pausing until he nodded. "A few months ago, I wouldn't have had a prayer of making either of those, much less back to back. Do you know who taught me the way?" He mutely nodded again. "And who would that be?" He rolled his eyes generously, but nonetheless raised his hand. "Exactly, you did. You taught me pretty much everything that I know how to do on this table, which I must say is pretty impressive" she smiled, her spirits lifting when she saw the side of his face pull up as well. "And that's nowhere near on the level of what you can do" she continued, taking a step toward him. "You were chosen to represent us for a reason Finn, you're every bit as qualified to compete in this tournament as anyone else. I wouldn't have voted for you if I didn't believe so."

She watched his face soften yet again, his gaze casting down before looking back up at her. "You voted for me?"

"I did, so don't make me regret it" she answered with a grin, holding the stick out for him to take. "I have every bit of faith in you Finn, we all do. We're a team, and we're here for one another, to root one another on. And even if it doesn't work out, if we don't place at all and come home empty handed, it's not all about winning; it's about the love of the game. Just do your best, and we'll be behind you the whole way. Me especially" she added quietly. Her breath caught in her throat when she peeked at him, the rightful dazzling smile that she missed shining down at her.

"You especially, huh?"

"Well you are kind of my mentor. If you suck, then that means by association that I suck as well" she teased, more than happy when he took the stick from her extended hand.

"Well we can't have that" he said, bending over the table.

She crossed her fingers behind her, chanting 'make it, make it, make it' in her mind as he lined up the shot. Just as she had hoped, he knocked the ball in with perfect precision. She would have to use her silent Jedi mind tricks when they left for the tournament. He stood up quickly, turning to her with a beaming grin before suddenly pulling her in for a hug.

"Thank you" he breathed into her hair, slowly releasing her from his grip. "I really needed that Rach. I don't know how you knew, but thanks" he whispered, fiddling with the hem of his shirt uncomfortably. Her heart bled for him, the urge to reach out and pull this broken, infuriating boy into her embrace too strong. Her sponsor must have sensed it somehow, because he chose then to interrupt the tender moment.

"Hey, hey! What kinda party is this" Puck called loudly in his now familiar Kevin Hart voice. He took long strides toward them, as Rachel rolled her eyes, separating herself from Finn slightly to clear her head. The two boys shared a handshake before he spoke again, walking over to drape an arm over Rachel's shoulders and mussing her hair just to annoy her. "We still on for tonight?"

"Yeah man, I think so" Finn answered, looking meaningfully at Rachel. "What time does it start?"

"Starts at eleven, but we can get there early to readjust to the tables and shit. You know me, I don't jump on anything without knowing what I'm getting into" he smirked.

"Pig" Rachel accused, smacking his arm lightly. "What are you two talking about anyway?"

"Me and Hudson are going to a little tournament tonight at a little bar about an hour from here. It'll be more practice for us for next week" he shrugged cockily, extremely happy with his position as one of the representatives for the team.

"Oh. Well it's already eight" she said, looking up at the wall clock with a small pout. "Are you about to leave?"

"It's kinda early, but I guess we could." She fought down the sadness trying to rise within her. It was starting out to be such a good night, just to end so suddenly.

"Well, I guess I'll see you guys later then" she smiled, taking a step away from them.

"You should come with us" Finn blurted, reaching out a hand to her.

"What?" both she and Puck asked at the same time.

"You can enter the tournament too. You won't get to play with us next week, but you can get a taste of what the competition feels like" he mused.

"I hadn't thought about it like that, good plan Hudson. You in Berry?" Puck asked, giving her his puppy dog eyes.

"That sounds really awesome" she squealed, clapping her hands together.

"Cool deal, let's go" Puck declared, pumping his fist while Finn gathered up the balls to carry back into the bay with Mike.

"You're driving this time ass" Finn warned, pointing a finger towards Puck. "I always get chauffeur duty, it's your turn."

"Fine Ms. Daisy" Puck taunted, dodging Finn's blow.

The three friends made their way out into the lot, climbing into Puck's black Impala. In spite of Finn's offer to give her the front seat, she opted to sit in the back. It would be much safer considering she wouldn't be able to feel Finn's eyes on her in the small space, and she would have more room to stretch out. Happy with her decision she settled into her seat as they started the car. They had only been on the road for a few months when Finn completely shocked them.

"Do you have a duffel bag for next week?" he asked, looking over at Puck who shook his head no. "Me either. Wanna stop at my house and grab two of Mom and Burt's? It's on the way" he said casually, already pulling out his phone.

She froze in her seat, noticing that Puck too had pulled out his phone. Though she normally would have lectured him on the dangers of driving and texting she knew from experience that there was no convincing him. Also, she knew that text was probably for her, and she was beyond eager to hear what he had to say about this. As expected her phone buzzed against her leg, and she opened it up as Finn called up his mother.

Holy shit. What happened back in the playground?

We just talked, and bonded I suppose. Should I be freaking out?

Unfortunately, Puck never got the chance to respond before they pulled up to what was apparently Finn's old home. It was a large brick house, shrubs decorating the front, and a stone walkway leading up to the front door. She could imagine a small Finn swinging on the old set that was positioned off to the side of the backyard, or swinging in the tire hanging from the tree to the side of the house.

Unsure of what was expected of her, she remained still in her seat while Finn started to climb out. "You can cut off, let's go inside" he stated casually, shutting his door. Wordlessly he opened Rachel's door for her, waiting until she stepped out. Pasting a smile on her shocked face she climbed out of the low car and straightened her clothes down and fidgeted with her hair. Thank God she always tried to be presentable when she went to The Playground. She purposely took small steps to the looming front door, allowing Finn to walk ahead so that she could pull Puck over to question.

"I'm freaking out" she whispered, eyes widening to the size of saucers. "What do I do? Is this a big deal? Is it weird? Am I over-analyzing this?"

"Calm down, you can't look like a psycho in front of mama Carol" he whispered back, pulling her closer to his side as to not be heard. "He hasn't brought a girl home since high school, hell he hasn't even mentioned a girl to her since then that I know of. So yeah, it's kind of a big deal" he breathed, smiling up at Finn as they reached the front door with him. She barely had time to compose herself, having just tucked herself behind Puck before the door opened up revealing a short, brown haired woman with Finn's eyes and a kind smile.

"Hi boys" she cried, leaning forward to embrace the both of them. She ranted about how long it had been since she had seen the two of them, and whether or not Finn was remembering to take his allergy medicine regularly, before her surprised eyes landed on Rachel. "Oh, hello dear" she said, her gaze bouncing between the two boys. "Well, do either of you want to introduce this lovely girl" she asked, pulling Rachel forward into the living room.

"Rachel Berry. I'm a friend of Finn's. And Puck, we actually play on the billiards team together" she announced, taking the initiative and saving the two boys.

"Oh, really? Do you enjoy it? These two can't seem to get enough of that sport."

"I love it, it's a magnificently challenging and rewarding game."

"That's what my Finny says" she said, smiling fondly at the tall boy as his cheeks flamed. "Isn't that where you said you all were headed tonight? To play in another one of those tournaments" she asked, looking between the two boys. "You didn't think that might be a little late for her? Sweetie I hope they warned you before dragging you along with them to this thing. The last one of these tournaments Finn told me he went to they didn't get in until three o'clock in the morning." Rachel's eyes widened as she turned to Puck, not so much in worry over the late hour, but more so that this seemed to be a regular thing for them and this was her first time being invited. "I was worried sick" Finn's mother ranted, leading them into the kitchen. "And now you have a young lady with you. The two of you better take good care of her" she said, pointing for the three young people to take a seat at the table.

"Yes mama" Puck answered automatically, mock saluting her as he took his seat. Finn stood up behind Rachel's chair, leaning on the tall back rather than taking a seat. The temperature in the house was a little colder than she was used to, but she didn't want to come off as a brat, so she wrapped her arms around herself silently.

"You cold" Finn whispered down to her. Before she had completed her nod, he was removing his jacket and handing it down to her. The action didn't go unnoticed by his mother as Rachel wrapped the Finn-scented jacket around herself silently.

"I'm Carol, Finn's mother by the way. Where are my manners" she said, smiling apologetically down at her. "I haven't even offered you anything to eat, are any of you hungry" she asked, bustling over to the refrigerator. "I made a big dinner, you would be doing me a favor to take some of it off of our hands" she said, swinging open the door. Puck immediately walked over to where she stood, surveying the contents.

"Geez mama Carol, fried chicken? I didn't think Pops was allowed" he said, pulling a container out and setting it on the counter beside the fridge.

"He's not, but he begged and I couldn't say no" she admitted with a sigh. "I keep telling him that I can't keep babying him like this, but he wants what he wants. My husband has a history of heart trouble" she clarified, taking in Rachel's confused expression. "We try to force him into a healthy lifestyle, but he's a stubborn old man."

"I'm surprised Kurt hasn't put his foot down yet" Finn said, walking over to inspect the food as well. "Where is he?"

"He's out on a date tonight actually" the woman said, glancing subtly over in Rachel's direction. "Isn't that nice honey?"

"Huh, I guess. Do you know the guy?" Carol shook her head no as she started to warm the food for Puck. "Did you want anything honey? It's no trouble at all, really."

"No thank you ma'am, I had a big dinner" she said, patting her stomach. It wasn't a lie, she really was full.

"I could pack you up something to take home, or to your apartment with you for later."

"Are you sure?" The woman nodded enthusiastically and immediately moved around to get another take away plate for Rachel. "That's very kind of you, thank you ma'am."

"Oh honey call me Carol, you make me feel like an old lady" she smiled, working her way through the kitchen as Puck waited for his meal. "Did you want anything Finny?"

"You can make me something to go too mom. I'm gonna go ahead and get the duffel bags out of storage for next week, okay?"

"Sure honey. Why don't you give Rachel a tour of the house" she said casually, tossing them an innocent smile before turning her back on them. "Burt is asleep, so try not to wake him though."

Rachel eagerly jumped up from her seat, following Finn as he led the way through the house. They really did have a lovely home, there were family photos littering the walls, a thin, pale young boy starring in a wide majority of them. She deduced that the boy must be the Kurt, the stepbrother Finn had told her about weeks ago when they were at the pool. She smiled as she finally placed a face with the name, it made her feel like she had a real window into his life.

Finn walked her through each room, showing her the fancy waterfall in the den, the gaming room filled with a few different gaming systems, and a wall basketball goal. Leading her around the entire house until they reached the next door, right across from the kitchen. He slowly opened it and ushered her inside. "Don't laugh."

She understood his meaning as soon as she stepped inside the tiny room. The walls were decorated with a western themed boarder, and the twin sized bed had a stallion carved into the foot board. The room was in perfect condition, much too neat and tidy for what she pictured from a young man. "Please tell me this is Kurt's room" she giggled, walking forward to pet the small wooden horse sitting in the corner.

"Don't judge me okay, I had a thing for westerns when I was younger" he smiled, laughing at her as she positioned herself atop the tiny horse.

"How did you ever possibly fit on this thing" she mused, rocking back and forth on the small horse.

"I'm a man of many talents" he said, sticking his chin up in the air. He reached up and pulled the too small cowboy hat off of his dresser, placing in on top of his head and grinning at her, making her giggle at the sight. She turned away from his gaze, taking in every detail of the small room, soaking in what she could of the room that raised him.

"So this was your room" she said, standing up from her horse. "Aren't you supposed to say something cliche like, 'this is where the magic happens' she asked, quirking an eyebrow at him at him.

"I would. But, I think you know...the magic can happen wherever I am" he breathed, removing the hat from his own head and placing it on hers. She blinked up at him, her blood flaming her cheeks as he locked his eyes on hers.

"Finn sweetie, did you find the bags" Carol called, breaking the trance.

"Uh, yeah almost" Finn called back, taking the hat off of her head to place on the dresser. "Um, the storage room is right across the hall" he mumbled, leading her out and towards the said room.

Once Finn had fetched the needed luggage, he brought them back into the kitchen to find Puck standing over the sink rinsing his dish and setting in in the rack to dry. Rachel fought not to laugh at the sight, Puck...doing dishes? No wonder he called her mama.

"We're about to get out of here, we need to practice before the tournament starts" Finn announced, holding up the two bags.

"Oh honey you can't leave yet. I've barely gotten to talk to Rachel at all" she pouted, clutching her hand. "Are you a freshman, or a transfer student?"

"I'm a freshman this year."

"Oh, that's fun. Are you enjoying the campus, and college life?"

"It's been quite the ride" she answered honestly, avoiding looking at the main cause of the roller coaster. "But so far it's been great. I've learned a lot."

"Of course. What are you majoring in dear?"

"Mom...we really need to get out of here" Finn cut in, leaning down to kiss his mother on the cheek. "Rachel hasn't ever been here before, she needs to practice and get used to the place."

"Fine" she relented, standing to lead the three young people to the door. She kissed the two boys on both of their cheeks, making them promise to call her when they arrived home tonight. When she reached Rachel, she pulled her into a hug as well, placing a swift kiss on her cheek. "It was lovely meeting you Rachel, I hope you come back" she said, squeezing her hands gently. She had no idea how much Rachel shared that same hope. "Good luck to you all" she called, looking meaningfully at Rachel before she closed the door.

At around three o'clock, Rachel was barely able to hold her eyes open as she waited for the boys to collect their winnings. She had been eliminated from the game hours ago, losing her second time to a green haired woman with a nose ring. She learned first hand what Finn had meant by the pressure of competition, as well as the intimidation of playing with someone you've never met. The first shot the woman had sank in with ease, then winked up at her, and psychologically Rachel had already lost.

Finn and Puck had both soared against the competition, Puck finished in fourth place and Finn came in second. She was overjoyed and flooded with pride for the both of them, but she was having a hard time showing it through her fatigue. She hadn't even realized that she was dozing off when she felt a gentle shake on her shoulder.

"Hey, we can go now" Finn said softly, holding out a hand to help her up.

"Congratulations" she said weakly, pumping her fist.

"We played good" he allowed, holding out his arm for her to hold onto.

"It was mostly my Jedi mind tricks, I was helping from the sidelines" she announced proudly, accepting his arm and allowing him to lead her outside to the car. Puck said nothing as they walked out, too overjoyed with the instant cash he had won.

"Jedi mind tricks huh?" he asked, holding the door open for her to climb in. Instead of hearing the door close, she looked over to see him slide in beside her. He smiled softly as he patted his shoulder, offering it for her to rest on. Too tired to protest she leaned against him, nuzzling her face into the sleeve of his shirt. She cuddled his jacket, still swamping her tiny frame, around herself as she got comfortable, feeling him adjust beside her as well. He raised his arm, letting it rest around her as she got comfortable against his side, her head lying partially on his chest, partially on his shoulder.

"Uh-huh. I got skills" she mumbled, sleep clogging her voice as the engine started.

"I know. You'll have to tell me about that tomorrow" he offered, leaning his head over onto hers.

She didn't have the energy to answer him vocally, so instead she nodded, closing her eyes as the fatigue washed over her. She was too tired to focus on the clean scent of him attacking her nostrils, the steady rhythm of his breathing beneath her, or the way she seemed to fit perfectly tucked into his side. All she knew was that this was like a dream, like a perfect dream that she wished she never had to wake up from, but this wasn't a dream, it was actually reality. This whole day had been a beautiful reality, and she had no idea why or how things worked out the way they did, but she could obsess over that later. For now she smiled to herself as the sleep took over, the hum of the car lulling her to sleep as they drove through the night.

Thank you for reading! Yay for some Finchel in this chapter!

Update hopefully coming soon!