Hello again! How have you been? Christmas shopping, maybe? I must confess I haven't done it yet. I live in the southern hemisphere and it's hot like hell over here. Anyways, before reading this chapter, I recommend you to re-watch the Open your heart to me/Borderline full scene from the Madonna episode (1x15). You could also watch the Pretending scene in 2x22, but I think that one is more difficult to forget ;)
One last thing: Finchel in tha' house, bitcheeeeeees!
Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters and I don't get any profit from doing this.
Hey, I think I hadn't done such a serious disclaimer before!
Ok, I've reuined it now :P
Chapter 5: Lima, Ohio
Mr. Schue was casually late today. This particular day. So he would have to introduce Rachel to the kids himself. She was actually waiting outside for him to do so. A good drama queen needs her good entrance. He had thought like, a bazillion different things to say. But he couldn't remember any of those, so he just gave up and let it flow.
– Hey guys, how you doing? – he waited until the kids sat down and said hello to keep talking – Remember Thanksgiving, when some of the former Glee clubbers came and helped us out with Sectionals? Well, that day I told you they were legends. But if we're gonna talk about legends, we have to talk about... – he went to the drum set and made a drum roll – Ms Rachel Berry! – he finished to give her the signal that she could come in.
– Ms Berry in tha' house, yo'! – Artie said, while she entered to the choir room.
Oldest glee clubbers were cheering while some of the newest smiled quietly. They had seen her in Mr. Schue's almost-wedding, they had listened to some stories, but that was all.
She hugged hello the first ones and gave a smile or a handshake to the second ones. Then she looked at Finn shyly, smiled, and stood next to him, but not too close. When was the last time she had felt shy? This was kind of new...
Just before things went awkward between them, Mr. Schuester came in.
–Heeey! Rachel! How are you? – He hugged her, and the turned to the kids – Hey guys, how are you? I guess you met Rachel. Sorry I'm late Finn, I had to talk to Figgins.
– Yeah, right...– he mumbled to himself sarcastically. Mr. Schue kept talking.
– Ok, this year, we have to perform a mandatory duet, so the assignment for this week will be to find a partner and perform one. Remember, duets are about two voices that become one, a perfect harmony. And, speaking of that, I was hoping that maybe Finn and Rachel could show you what I mean...
Both of them looked at each other, and then at him with their eyes wide open. They weren't expecting that.
– I- I'm sorry Mr. Schue, but I haven't prepared anything – Rachel said. She wasn't used to be intimidated by a song. It was weird, such a familiar place and such strange feelings.
– That's right; I… haven't warmed up, either – Finn added.
– Oh, c'mon guys, we miss your duets! And Mr. Schue couldn't listen to you on Valentine's Day. Pleeeeeaaase, we've missed you two singing together! – Tina begged.
Finn looked down at Rachel, trying to read her mind. She was smiling slightly, he knew she'd always enjoy being in the spotlight, but today she seemed strangely quiet. Anyway, he would say yes or no depending on the look on her eyes. She blinked a little slower than normal, leaving her eyes closed for a second, while nodding discretely. That was a yes.
– Well I guess we have no choice – he said with a smirk – Ok, Rach, what could we sing?
She barely opened her mouth when Mr. Schue talked.
– If you don't have anything prepared, why don't you sing Pretending? It would be perfect because it's a Nationals' performance. Plus, the kids are trying to include original songs too, as they did in Regionals.
Pretending? Why that song, out of all of the duets we have done? Mr. Schuester is going insane... I mean, we have had other powerful duets. Faithfully, You're the one that I want, We've got tonight, I just can't stop loving you, Open your heart to me/Borderline... And I could go on all afternoon... Any of those would have been awkward, too. But Pretending? It is too much. It has all in one: New York, Finn, Nationals... He wrote that song to describe our relationship, for Barbra's sake!
Ok, Rachel, you are a professional, you can do this.
– Just try not to eat her this time, T-Rex – Kitty snapped. Finn and Rachel looked surprised at her.
Great. The little new head bitch was worse than Quinn and Santana together. What could possibly go wrong now?
– Kitty, that was not appropriate – Mr. Schue said to her. The girl just rolled her eyes – Guys, whenever you want.
They went to opposite sides of the room, as in the original choreography, and Rachel nodded at the pianist, asking him to start playing.
Finn and Rachel:
Face to face and heart to heart
We're so close yet so far apart
I close my eyes I look away
that's just because I'm not ok
(A wave of feelings came to both of them as they sang together. Their duets were too powerful.
No wonder why Mr. Schue asked us to show this kids what a duet is about, thought Rachel. Still, this is awkward. It feels nice, but so out of place at the same time.)
Rachel:
But I hold on
Finn and Rachel:
I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong
(I wonder if we still belong, I really do, Finn thought, I mean, I know I love her and I want to be with her, but what about her? She seems so confused...)
Will we ever say the words we're feeling?
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
We will always, always, always be pretending?
How long do I fantasize?
Make believe that it's still alive
Imagine that I am good enough
and we can choose the ones we love
Finn:
But I hold on
Finn and Rachel:
I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong
Will we ever say the words we're feeling?
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be...
Keeping secrets safe
every move we make
Seems like no one's letting go
and it's such a shame
'Cause if you feel the same
how am I supposed to know?
Finn, Rachel, and New Directions:
Will we ever say the words we're feeling?
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
(Rachel: Tear down all the walls)
Will we ever have a happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
(Finn: Only be pretending)
New Directions with Finn and Rachel:
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
Finn and Rachel: Pretending...
They ended up just like almost two years before, when they last sang this song. Looking into each other's eyes, their bodies together, feeling their chests breathing fast, Finn fighting against the need of kissing Rachel. Rachel looking directly at Finn's lips. But this time, they didn't. Instead of that, they did just like when they sang Open your heart to me (on that Madonna week, when she was dating Jesse, only because he had been kind of a jerk)
– Th- that was good...
– Totally.
Kids weren't able to listen to that because of their own cheering. But some of them (Sam, Artie, Tina, Blaine...) could see what was going on. They seemed to fall in love with each other again every time they sang together. And they both knew it, but they were just... pretending.
They turned around on their heels and paced quickly in opposite directions, looking worried, and sat in opposite sides of the room.
– See? That's what I'm talking about – Mr. Schue said, breaking the brief silence that had been created, that only felt awkward to Rachel and Finn – this is how a duet must sound... and feel. You have a lot of work to do guys, so let's get it started! Finn, I have to talk to Emma, can you both watch the kids? I'll come back in a moment...
– Sure, don't worry Mr. Schue.
While he went away and the kids started pairing up and choosing songs, they started talking.
– So... how are you doing? – Rachel started.
– Kind of nervous, actually, it's been a long time since we last sang this...
– I could never make you nervous!
She regretted the choice of words as soon as she finished saying them.
Between all the possible combinations of words to say, this must have been the worst.
Both of them thought exactly the same. And they both looked down to skip the awkward moment. Finn cleared his throat to talk again.
– You're totally doing it right now, actually.
–I'm sorry, I- I didn't think what I was saying… – she said, still looking down, her voice low.
– It's ok…
– So… – Rachel began, to break the new awkward silent that had formed – a mandatory duet, huh? What are you going to do with that?
– I don't know, actually… I've just found out about it. I don't know why Mr. Schue didn't tell me, he clearly knew about this…
– He didn't tell me either, but I can think a couple of reasons why he did it… – she wasn't going to tell him this, but she wasn't as innocent as him, if she had known kids had to make a duet, she wouldn't have been in the same room Finn was at least she was faking a sore throat; not after what happened with their last duet (and every single one of them, actually), and Mr. Schue knew that – Anyway, who are your leads?
He shifted to look at the kids, his hands and low back resting against the piano. She assumed the same position. Well, almost. She was resting her elbows and her mid-back instead. Height difference perks.
–Marley is the female lead, and Blaine the male one. We also have Tina, Jake and Unique. They are our biggest voices. Brittany was our female dancer lead, but she's gone now. Kitty is a good dancer, though. And Ryder is one of the best dancers too, alone with Jake. They are not Mike Chang, but they got some moves.
He turned to look at her, a proud smile on his face, as if these were his own kids.
– Marley Rose is your lead? The girl who fainted at Regionals? – She asked, with a frown and a slightly higher pitch.
– Yeah, she's kind of the Rachel Berry of the group. – He said, with a smile, not noticing the concern in Rachel's question – She's even gonna write a song for Nationals, she's our composer. She's really talented, isn't she?
He didn't get the amazed answer he was waiting for (he really hoped she was proud of him and his kids), so he looked at her. Rachel was looking away with a frown, though she felt he was looking at her. Suddenly, he understood.
– Rach, no one can replace you! You know you'd still be the lead if you were here – Finn said, trying to stifle his giggle at Rachel's childish reaction.
She was still the same old Rachel he knew, even under all that make up and those high boots. She looked hot, he wasn't denying it. Especially with that low-neck shirt, that looked totally awesome from his (high, perfect for cleavage-sighting) point of view. He was still a dude, you know? But he still preferred the sundresses, plaid skirts and knee high socks. They were more… Rachel. Not only Rachel, his Rachel.
– I know. I would never faint in the middle of a competition.
– Do I have to remember you forgetting the lyrics to Don't rain on my parade, the song you were preparing since you were four? – He said with a smirk.
– Ok, I get it… I know she's talented. It's just… I really miss it, you know? Being here, performing, my friends… you…
He couldn't help the big smile that crossed his face from ear to ear after what she said. He wasn't in the same group her friends were. He had a group of his own, and that was totally awesome.
– Yeah, me too… It's not the same when you can't sing or play the drums with them, you know?
– We should make a reunion. The old New Directions, I mean – she tried to clear, not wanting him to think she was talking only about the two of them.
– Yeah, that would be cool! But first we need to think of a group number, a duet and a solo for the kids. – She nodded. Words suddenly started to burst out of his mouth, not leaving him time to really think what he was saying. Again, his mouth working faster than his brain – You know… I don't know if we really have time to work in here, we have to help the kids and all… Maybe tomorrow we could stay a couple of hours after they leave so we can work better…
– Um… Ok, we could do that. – She smiled shyly, not looking to him, but to the kids. He beamed at her, and then looked in the same direction she was.
–Well, you have a pretty talented team, from what I can see –she said – They may not be us, but I think they are good enough to bring some company to that Nationals trophy of ours, don't you? –she asked with a wink.
–Only if you help us.
– You think Marley and Blaine should make the duet?
– I don't know… They sang together for Sectionals, they sound pretty good together, but I don't think they have enough chemistry to sing a duet. They have the voices, but not the feels.
– So you're thinking of a ballad?
– Umm, yeah! Those are like best kind of duets, right? Really touchy.
– Finn…
– Yeah?
–I don't think 'touchy' is the word you were looking for…
– What do you mean? 'Touchy' as in 'they touch your feelings' – she shook her head, closing her eyes, focusing on not laughing.
– Nope. It means 'sensitive'. I think you were trying to say 'touchy-feely', that would mean moving or very sentimental.
He wasn't. He was just trying to say something wrong. She was so cute trying not to laugh at him.
– Ok, moving. – He rolled his eyes, and she finally released her giggles – Anyway, I think they wouldn't make a powerful duet. I think Marley should sing with Jake, that'll give the performance a better feeling. They'll never have our dangerous chemistry, but they'll manage.
– Could you stop with that "dangerous chemistry" thing? You know it is not true.
– You didn't think the same on Valentine 's Day, Rach… - he answered, only half joking.
– I- I just… It's called performing, I'm an actress and I was performing.
–Ok, let me tell you you're a reallygood actress then, you take your roles really seriously. I mean, you kept performing even after the performance finished – he said, with a playful smile.
She was smiling (sarcastically so) when she talked.
– Really funny. – Her expression turned serious after those words - Don't do it again. C'mon, we have some songs to pick, Finn.
–Ok, let me ask Marley. – He said, satisfied that he was still alive and, you know, in one peace. He raised his voice – Marley! Could you come here for a sec?
– Sure! –the girl answered. She smiled to her partner, stood up and walked towards the piano, where they were standing.
– Marley, do you have any duets in your compositions?
–Um… I don't, but I could work on it. Though it won't be as good as yours, guys…
– That song you wrote for Sectionals was really good. –Rachel said, trying to encourage her.
– Really? You think so? Thank you! – The girl beamed at her words, clearly proud of herself.
– And if you ever get stuck, you can always ask Finn for help. He's the one who wrote the song we sang today. – She looked at him with a smile; he was rubbing the back of his neck and looking down.
– I thought you had written it together –the girl said, confused. Finn answered her.
– Nah, we weren't together at the time…
– You weren't? But didn't you guys lose because you kis-
– Ooookay! I think Jake is calling you there, sweetie – Rachel cut her in. Both Finn's and her own cheeks were bright pink – you go and work on that duet of yours, ok?
– Um… sure… – she went back to her chair, looking confused. Finn couldn't hide his chuckles after Rachel's reaction.
– Hey, don't laugh! We've had enough of that last year from our own friends! She's not entitled to mock on us, she's a newbie. – Rachel answered with a frown, while crossing her arms and looking away.
His laugh was suffocated by the bell now. Some of the kids said goodbye. Some of the older members stayed with Rachel and Finn for a few minutes, until Mr. Schue had to leave and locked the choir room.
– You want me to drive you home? – Finn asked Rachel, while he walked out of the building to the parking lot.
– Thanks Finn, but I think I'll walk, my house's not that far anyway.
He was kind of waiting that answer, but he was not willing to give up. He'd just give her some space. She had spent this whole time talking to him, he couldn't ask for more. Baby steps.
– Ok, I'll see you tomorrow then; let me know if you want me to drive you here. See ya . – He knew that wouldn't happen either (yet), but still, he was just being chivalrous.
– Bye Finn, see you tomorrow – she answered with a smile and walked away.
A/N: thank you so much for reading, people. I'd thank you even more if you could leave a small review. I'm trying to answer them personally, but I only can do that to people who have an account, not guests. So, guests: thank you for your reviews : )
Oh! I almost forget, for those who didn't recognize it, the 'I could never make you nervous' expression was said by Rachel before Finn proposed to her (Yes/No – 3x10)
Another thing: have you heard about the way Glee was supposed to end? (if Finn was there too). Well, for those who haven't, here it goes: after becoming a great star, Rachel would feel fulfilled and empty at the same time. She'd go back to Lima and find Finn working at school. He'd ask what she's doing there and she'd answer she's home. That'd be the last scene ever. (And that would be what Rachel called her 'plan' in 5x03, so, pretty heartbreaking).
And, as emotional as it sounds, I didn't like it…
Before you throw rotten fruit to me, let me explain myself: if that's the way it was going to end, we would have had Finchel-less seasons 4, 5 and 6 (so yeah, half of the show apart). And when we finally got them together, the show ends and we never find out what happens next between them. I know we all expect their 'happily ever after' but I also wanted more Finchel that just one last scene. And by 'more Finchel' I don't mean random phone calls twice a season. So, now you can throw rotten fruit to me. :P
Did you like it? If not, how would you have liked it to end? (I won't tell you because it would be the greatest fic spoiler ever, right?)