Disclaimer: I do not own Glee, or any of the lyrics used in this story.

Hey guys! Sorry it took so long for me to update! I have been SO busy, but here I am with a new chapter for you! Hope that you enjoy! And as always, thank you so much for all of the support, I hope that you stick with me!

"Shadows above the sand, I waited so long to hold your hand. Falling in love helpless, just acting stupid like kids. We're so distracted, yeah we been careless, it's not too late. Baby open your eyes and hold on tight, just keep running and we can stay up all night, don't let go, don't let go."

-from 'Don't Let Go'

"Now that's a smile" Puck said with a grin, nudging her in the side as they made their way down the sidewalk. Rachel might have been scared of walking around a new city at night, unchaperoned, however she was still on a high from the events of the day. Will had decided to stay back at the hotel and let them have the night on their own as long as they promised to come in at a reasonable time, not to get into any trouble, and not to bring back any strangers. Of course, no one expected any less from Puck.

She shoved her hands down into the pockets of her jacket, wrapping it tighter around herself to further block out the cold air. "I don't know what you mean" she answered nonchalantly.

"No need to lie to me Berry, if anybody knows why, I do" he smirked. "This really has come a long way huh?"

"It certainly seems that way" she grinned.

"All thanks to my genius of course" he continued, sticking his tongue out at her.

"Your planning would be nothing without my flawless execution" she countered with a grin.

"Yeah yeah. Let's just agree that we make a good team" he offered, placing an arm around her shoulder as she nodded. "And the two of you make a good couple" he stated, making her pause her steps slightly.

"Couple? We haven't, I mean...did he say something? I-"

"Calm down woman, I'm just saying, I don't think it will be long" he replied quietly, subtly looking around to make sure none of the others were listening. Luckily Finn was just far enough behind to be out of earshot, engaged in easy conversation with Mike while Tina and Blaine navigated ahead.

"You really think so" she asked quietly, chewing her lower lip, fighting the hope that was springing in her heart.

"Who knows. Just...have fun tonight" he said simply, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "You deserve it, you both do. Have fun, but be smart" he added before rushing forward to assist Blaine.

Rachel followed them, lost in her own thoughts as they walked, mulling over Puck's words in her mind. What did he mean to have fun? Surely he didn't mean to engage in carnal activity with Finn again, did he? She couldn't deny that there was a part of her that wanted it more than anything, but she wasn't going to make that mistake of doing that too soon. What she was most concerned though was his thought that maybe they would be a couple soon. Could it really be? Sure, things had taken a turn for the best lately, and he certainly seemed interested, but that didn't necessarily mean it was true. It was so easy to misread things with Finn, he never really let you know where you stood with him. She was always filling in the blanks for herself, and she needed more.

Rachel was roused from her internal ramblings by a garbled sound beside her, someone was talking to her. She looked over to find a strange man in a trench coat, his wide eyes gazing at her, his lips moving, creating a jumbled sound that she couldn't quite make out.

"Excuse me" she asked, her eyes scrunching together as she tried to understand the admittedly creepy looking man stepping uncomfortably closer to her.

Immediately she felt an arm around her waist, pulling her away. Rachel looked up to find Finn, holding her close to his side as he strode them down the sidewalk, away from the man. "Wait, Finn-" she started.

"Have you never seen a scary movie Rach? You were like two seconds from being snatched up and tossed into the back of his van with a jar full of candy and duct tape" he said lowly, his hand securely on her side as he walked.

"Finn, though I do understand that is a valid worry, I hardly think that was the case here. He looked homeless, I highly doubt he has a van to stuff me in" she scolded, stopping in place and making him stop too. She turned back, purposely striding towards the man, Finn hot on her heels the entire time, a loud groan escaping his lips.

Upon further inspection she could see the cleared out space behind where the man stood, apparently his living quarters. She could clearly see the tattered clothing that he wore, the old faded hat, and all of the holes in his jacket, and her heart squeezed when she watched him shiver. Sure he could be a fake, this could all be costume, and he could be making a mint on just the people that were sympathetic enough to give to him, but that wasn't what mattered. What mattered, was that she couldn't see another human being, who might legitimately be much less fortunate than her suffer and just turn her back on them.

"Here you go sir, I hope you have a Merry Christmas" she smiled, pulling a few dollar bills out of her pocket to hand to the poor man. The brilliant, gracious smile that lit up his sunken, dirty face was all of the assurance that she needed. She returned the genuine smile before turning for a final time to catch up to her friends.

"Wow Rachel. That was really...good" Finn said from beside her, now sticking even closer presumably to protect her from random street walkers and their dangerous vans.

"It was right. It felt right. I couldn't just walk away from him you know? He's a person just like us, just looks a lot different on the outside" she answered with a small shrug.

"I like how you always see the good in people" he mused quietly, looking down at the sidewalk in front of them. "I don't know how you do that."

"I believe people can change, they can grow. You just have to give them the chance" she answered lowly, toying with her hair.

"Maybe" he whispered, pausing as they approached the tall building they were looking for, 'The Tower'.

"Wow" they all breathed in unison, staring up at the aptly named building. Rachel had to tilt her head all the way backward to see where the top spread out in a large circular form, lights flashing out through the windows.

"Hell yeah! Let's get this party started" Puck cried, slapping high five with Mike before leading them in to the elevator.

"This is so...futuristic" Rachel said loudly into Puck's ear as he led them over to the bar. Her eyes traveled around the room set high up in the air. She could clearly see far parts of the city beneath through the full length windows surrounding the lounge. Part of her wondered if that was safe considering that most of the people here were drunk, but safe or not it was definitely cool. Everything was bright and flashy, the tiles on the floor even glowed in random patterns.

"If futuristic means badass" he corrected. "Do you want anything to drink" he asked, looking down at her.

"Umm, no thanks" she said, shaking her head. The last thing she needed was to get in trouble for underage drinking in another state. Besides, she didn't necessarily trust herself around Finn with alcohol in her system, she definitely remembered last time.

"Lame! What about you bro" he asked, turning to Finn with a raised eyebrow.

"Nah dude, I'm good" he answered.

"God, I feel like I'm out with a group of old people" Puck said, rolling his eyes before placing his drink order. Mike and Tina joined him in getting drinks and they moved over to a round, spacious couch positioned right across from the space people were dancing.

"This is really nice" Tina spoke, gripping the clear cup filled with blue liquid in her hand. "I feel like I'm in a movie or something."

"It really is" Blaine agreed, looking around the large room. "The set up is so unique, look at the way the D.J-"

"Blah blah, it's freaking epic, we know. Who's going to help me sort through the babes? If I don't get a taste of a Tennessee broad, I'm taking it out on all of you" he said, scoping the crowd all the while. "God, there's so many to choose from" he groaned. "Come on Finn, let's get to work we ain't got all night."

"You go ahead man" Finn called over the music from beside Rachel, making her smile. "Last time I checked you're the one with the room to yourself, so live it up" he added.

"Suit yourself" Puck called, shooting Rachel a subtle wink before disappearing onto the dance floor, the beer held high in his hand.

"You're really not going to be his wingman" Rachel challenged, looking up at Finn. Realizing that he hadn't heard her over the change in music, she leaned closer, placing a hand on his knee to steady herself, sure that sounded like a good enough reason. "Are you really not going to be his wingman?"

"Nah, he knows what he's doing" he said loudly.

"Still. You could go along for the ride. You might even find a girl yourself. Don't tell me you're not curious about Tennessee's breed of women" she grinned.

"Not really actually. Besides, I'm already sharing a bed with one girl, adding another would just make me a whore" he said, placing a hand over his heart with a small gasp, as if that was such a far stretch for him. She giggled aloud, thrilled at the way he was leaned into her, and that in spite of the many women around them, his eyes had yet to leave her. "You know, unless you're into that kind of thing" he added with a smirk.

"Jerk" she laughed, swatting at his chest playfully. She suddenly saw Blaine from over Finn's shoulder, nodding his head in time with the music as he looked anywhere in the room besides at Mike and Tina attached by the lips beside him, Tina practically in Mike's lap already. "Poor Blaine."

"Huh" Finn asked, turning around to follow her line of sight. "Oh."

"Hey" she called over Finn, trying to catch his attention. When it didn't work, she stood and crossed over Finn, placing herself between the two boys. "Hey, are you having fun" she asked loudly, nudging his side.

"Huh? Oh yeah, sort of. I kind of want to dance, but don't think he'd be too happy if I joined in" he said, nodding in the direction where Puck was bending yet another blonde over, grinding against her, a huge smile on his face.

"You can dance with us" Rachel cheered, turning back around to Finn. "Right? Let's go dance with Blaine, Finn" she said, placing her hand a little higher on his knee.

"Um, you guys go ahead, I'll um, keep our seats" he stuttered, his eyes immediately shooting to where her hand rested.

"Fiiiiinnnnnnn, come on" she pouted, blinking up at him.

"You know I don't really dance Rach. You guys have fun, I'll watch" he insisted.

"But what if someone comes up and offers me candy? And what if they have a van, or duct tape" she asked, smiling sweetly when he narrowed his eyes at her.

"You laugh now" he warned, quickly scanning the room. "But if it would happen you'd be all 'Finn, oh Finn. You were right, why didn't I listen to you'?"

"Yeah, you will never hear those words come out of my mouth" she laughed, amused at his imitation of her voice. She was not that high pitched, or whiny.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure I've heard at least a few of those words from you before...mostly the first part" he breathed, so close to her ear that she shivered. His eyes were setting her skin on fire, and her breath caught in her throat at his intense gaze.

"Um, well, if you should decide to join us, you'll know where we are" she stuttered, shaking her head and standing from her spot, taking Blaine's hand. She led them out onto the dance floor, mindful to stay within Finn's line of vision before she started to sway to the beat.

"This is really cool, but you didn't have to leave him for me" Blaine said, leaning in to direct his comment into her ear. "I would have been fine."

"No no, I wanted to dance anyway, chances were slim I was going to get Finn to give in. And you aren't the only one who wanted no part in that" she added, looking over to where Puck was surrounded by the blonde and her friends, dirty dancing.

"He's insane" Blaine laughed, twirling Rachel around and pulling her back in.

They danced and laughed together, and soon the next song was starting. She looked up when Mike and Tina approached them, joining in dancing right beside them. She was impressed at the way they moved together, Mike especially. He looked as if he might have had some training before, his body moved so languidly. She smiled at their chemistry, the way they seemed to know exactly which way the other was going to go, and remaining in sync. Immediately reminded of Finn, she turned to where he sat, not at all surprised to find him staring intently at her. It was like deja vu as she watched him watching her, leaned forward in his seat, his mouth slightly open as his eyes stayed trained on her body.

"Somebody get that boy a napkin" Blaine said into her ear, playfully pulling her to him as the song shifted. She giggled at his words, finally turning away from Finn, meeting Blaine's friendly wink. Happy withe the upbeat, heavy bass song now playing, she bounced on her heels, pumping her fist in the air along with the rest of the crowd. She giggled at Blaine's enthusiasm already pulsing to the beat, her hands coming up to tangle in her hair as she lost herself in the music, swaying and rocking however she felt led to. Blaine stayed close to her, rocking along side her, guarding her from the guys dancing nearby. It was comfortable, and fun, and he was actually a really good dancer, but he just wasn't the partner she wanted.

"You keep dancing, I'll be back" she called into his ear, looking over at Finn.

"Go get him gorgeous" Blaine smiled, spinning her around and giving her a small push in his direction. With that he turned back to Tina and Mike, hopping up and down, starting his dance all over again. At least he wouldn't be alone.

"Hey" she smiled, sitting down on the still empty couch beside Finn. "Surprised you're still alone. Are you not any of the Tennessee girls' type?"

"Had a lot of offers actually, but I couldn't really hear any of them over the sound of your cries for my attention out there" he smirked, leaning toward her.

"I'll have you know I was begging for no one's attention. I was just having fun with my friends, you should try it" she retorted, leaning closer to him as well.

"I was having plenty of fun."

"I'm sure you were. I could feel you eye molesting me from across the room. Honestly Finn, telling me to worry about other people, you're the one I should worry about shoving me into the back of a van" she grinned.

"No van, but I do have a truck" he countered. "Though we did drive a van down here so..."

"What a coincidence. Is that candy in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me" she continued with a giggle, eying the bulge in his pants where his phone, she assumed, rested.

"I don't have on slacks tonight, so I guess you wouldn't be able to tell" he smirked, tossing his arm around the back of her seat.

"You're such a dork" she giggled, leaning back against the seat where his arm rested. "You should have come to dance with us. It's no fun seeing you sitting over here by yourself."

"I actually kind of wanted to" he admitted, looking out onto the floor. "But you of all people know I'm not good at it."

"You're not that bad Finn. And at least you tried, you'll never get better if you don't keep at it."

"You should look into being a coach, or some kind of inspirational speaker or something" he grinned, sliding ever so closer to her. "I've actually found myself dancing around some when I'm at the apartment by myself. It's fun, you know, for in private."

"That's ridiculous Finn. You shouldn't be ashamed to do something that you enjoy, or you have fun doing because you aren't necessarily the best at it. Look at him, he looks like some sort of flailing animal, but he's having the time of his life" Rachel said, pointing to where Puck stood. He was now surrounded by a new group of girls, bouncing around between them all, twisting and turning, his hands alternating between fondling them, reaching back to stroke his mohawk, and pumping in the air. "You didn't even look that bad."

"Oh gee thanks" Finn chuckled, shaking his head.

"Seriously. I think its a waste when people don't step up and do what they're passionate about. What are you really living for if you don't open yourself up to your deepest desires, you know? Not in all cases of course, stalking Ian Somerhalder or Paul Wesley any time they went out in public and begging them to marry me wouldn't be the wisest desire to capitalize on, but the simple things definitely. Like dancing, and singing even."

"Singing" he repeated, arching an eyebrow.

"I haven't forgotten about you being in the Glee club in high school. Puck said you were actually really, really good" she said, fidgeting with her fingers. "Do you ever miss it too?"

"I don't know...yeah, sometimes I guess" he murmured, staring off into space. "It was a really huge part of my life, and yeah, I guess I was pretty good, but I wasn't good enough" he spat, lowering his arm to lean forward, resting his forearms on his knees. Without realizing it, she leaned forward as well, matching his pose, but placing a hand above his knee. "It was all a waste of time and energy."

"I don't believe that, not for a second" she said. "You quit, and for your own reasons, I understand that. But none of those meant that you weren't good enough, you just chose to move on. That doesn't mean that you had to remove the music from your life completely though. If you want to sing your heart out, and dance until you drop, then I think you should do it" she finished, squeezing his leg.

"Listen to you Dr. Phil" he smiled softly, placing his hand over her own on his leg. "It seems like we have these little sessions a lot."

"We do, I should start charging you" she grinned, watching him shake his head.

"You really know me too well."

"Not well enough" she countered, blinking at her own forwardness.

"What else do you want to know" he asked, stroking his finger over the skin on the back of her hand. She gulped at the feeling, her heart speeding up, blood rushing to her cheeks under his stare.

"Everything. What else do you want to do that you're afraid of" she asked quietly, locked in the intensity of his gaze.

"I don't think you're ready to hear all of that" he breathed, leaning impossibly closer to her.

"Or maybe you're not ready to admit it" she whispered back, fighting the little voice in her head telling her that she was approaching dangerous waters.

"You say that as if you already know."

"Maybe I do" she said, melting into a puddle of goo when his mouth lifted up into that adorable half smile that drove her nuts. She was beyond thrilled when she watched his eyes trail down from her own, to her lips, then back up again. Just the look on his angel's face pierced her to her core, and she knew that they were thinking the same thing. She wanted it, there was no fighting it. "You know, you can kiss me, if you want to."

"I want to" he breathed. Finn reached his hand up, cradling her face gently before touching his lips to hers for the first time in too long.

The lights exploded behind her eyes just as they had that first time he kissed her, and she immediately melted into his touch. Her heart soared at the feeling as she slid closer to him, bringing a hand up to tangle in his hair as the kiss deepened. The feeling of contentment washed over her as their lips moved together, and she wondered how she had managed to survive without this feeling for so long. Too soon, they both pulled back to catch their breath, eyes locked together.

"Wow" he sighed. One arm wrapped around her waist, fluidly pulling her up onto his lap, and he pushed her hair out of the way to attach his lips to her neck. Midway there he stopped however, his eyes looking past her to the dance floor. His hand rested on her legging-clad thigh, tracing random patters, driving her mad. "Do you want to get out of here, have a little more privacy?"

She stared down at her beautiful boy, his eyes wide as he looked at her hopefully. She stroked the tips of her thumbs across the freckles scattered on his cheekbones before leaning forward to place a sweet kiss on either side of his face. Puck had told her to have fun tonight, and she knew exactly what she wanted.

"Let's go."

Finn wasted no time upon entering their room, tossing the key to the side and turning to meld their mouths together again. He lifted her up, backing her against the door, and she immediately wrapped her legs around him, her tiny hands fisting into his already messy hair. He gripped her waist tightly, pulling her as close to him as possible as he pressed her into the door, lowering his lips to the skin of her neck.

"Uhhh Finn" she moaned, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as he nibbled and licked at her neck.

"God, I missed that sound" he breathed, bucking his hips into hers, making her mouth open in a silent scream.

Suddenly he pulled her away from the door, keeping her wound around him as he sat down on the mattress. Keeping one arm wrapped securely around her, he raised the other to cup her breast, massaging softly.

"Oh" she whined, feeling the gentle pressure of his fingers through the thin material of her shirt. Instinctively, she raised her hips up slightly, dropping back down to grind against the hardness she felt between his legs. It was intoxicating to know that she still had that effect on him, after all this time.

"Fuck, baby" he groaned, leaning her head back as she continued to ride him through their clothes.

Through the haze of lust, his use of the word baby made her heart clench, and she leaned down to press her lips to his again. Their lips moved together wildly, both fighting for dominance, and she used her momentum from being on top to push him backwards. Once on his back, she rolled over, pulling him so that they were laying on their sides facing each other.

She placed two more pecks to his mouth before pulling back completely, holding his face in her hands. His hand now rested on her ass, squeezing gently.

"Do you want me Finn" she asked, looking up at him through her long lashes, stroking her fingers through the soft locks of his hair.

"God yes, so much" he said quickly, pulling her up against his erection to prove the validity of his answer.

"Enough to wait" Rachel whispered.

"What?"

"Do you want me enough to wait" she repeated, staring up at him intently.

His eyes widened incredulously for a second, then his brows scrunched together in confusion, or frustration. Wordlessly she watched the storm pass through his mind, the different emotions cross over his face. When it looked like he was about to panic, she reached up to smooth the crease between his brows, and leaned forward to place a swift kiss to his lips. He kept his eyes closed for a few seconds when she pulled back, but when he finally looked at her he nodded, sending her heart soaring up into the mountains. She squealed, throwing her arms around his neck, pressing her body flush against his.

"Uh, that's not exactly the best idea if you don't wanna do it" he said softly, looking down at where she was pressed against his still very prominent arousal.

"Oh, right. Oops" she giggled nervously, pulling back away from him. "Um, do you need to, uh-"

"Yeah, probably. Umm, I'll be right back" he mumbled, excusing himself to go to the bathroom.

She cheered internally at the way things were going, ecstatic with his willingness to go along with what she wanted. What felt like an eternity, but was probably only minutes later he returned, standing somewhat awkwardly beside the bed.

"Come on" she smiled, patting the space beside her on the bed. In his absence she had stripped down to her tank top and pulled on her bed shorts. She watched, trying to fight her own libido as Finn yanked his shirt over his head, and pulled off his jeans, remaining in only his boxers. He crawled forward on he bed, pulling the covers over his lap, looking over at her with a puzzled expression marring his beautiful face. "What's wrong?"

"I've never, umm, done this before" he confessed quietly, leaning back onto his pillow.

"Just, do what you feel" she offered, flipping the switch on the bedside lamp, casting the room in darkness.

She shifted over onto her side, scooting backwards into him. Finn's arm came around, draping over her side, holding her against him, and she cuddled further into him. It was a little unsettling how perfectly she seemed to fit into the curve of his body, like she belonged there. Pleased, and comfortable with their position, she sighed in contentment. "Goodnight babe" she whispered thrilled at her own words, bringing his hand up to her lips for a quick kiss before dropping it back into its place.

"Goodnight Rachel."

Thank you for reading! Hope you're still enjoying!