Prompt: Carter - "I'm just saying there's a risk in anything that you do, right? But don't you want to stack the odds in your favor? I mean, I'm drawn to you. It's kind of that simple. I've been drawn to you for two years, but chaos always seems to rule, and I don't want it to rule. I want to know where it's taking me." - 'ER'
Seeing her standing there, eyes bright with tears, I knew that this was my moment. I knew she would be hurt by Finn's rejection, and perhaps it wasn't the best timing, but I was afraid that if I waited I would miss my chance again. After two years of wishing I'd had the courage to stay with her during our sophomore year, I wasn't taking that risk. I'd rather take the risk on us.
So feeling more nervous than I ever had before I walked toward her.
"He doesn't know what he's throwing away," I tell her softly, reaching out to wipe a tear that has finally fallen.
"That doesn't make it hurt any less," Rachel replied, hugging the school books that she's holding closer to her. "And he's right, I shouldn't have stuffed the ballot boxes. I ruined Kurt's chances."
"Everybody makes mistakes. I've made a ton of them over the years, and my biggest mistake was ever letting you go."
"What are you saying?" Rachel asked, the surprised clear in her voice.
"I'm saying that even though this is lousy timing, I want a second chance. I've watched from the sidelines long enough, not wanting to compete for you because I felt I owed Finn that much giving the fact that I got Quinn pregnant while they were dating, but I find myself drawn to you. I may not be sure where my life is going, but I want to make that discovery with you, if you'll give me the chance."
"Finn just broke up with me and you're doing this now?"
"I don't want anyone else to steal my chance away. We can take it slow," I assure her. "Perhaps start with me taking you home this afternoon.
There is silence for a bit after my offer, and then Rachel nods her consent. What I'm doing is a risk, but then life is all about risks, and I refused to be afraid of living.