CHAP 12 - EVERYTHING'S MAGIC - Part2
CALLBACKS - SHOWTIME part 2….
Finn's still holding Rachel tightly off the ground in his big arms and she's still got herself wrapped around him like a warm blanket. Butterflies are swarming through her entire body now and she's still kissing him like her life depends on it - fierce and passionate. His tongue runs along her bottom lip, seeking permission, and she doesn't deny him. They explore each other's mouths, tongues sliding together as they deepen the kiss and Finn is still loving the flavor of that strawberry lip gloss. He may have been a little caught off guard by her sudden and forceful show of PDA but he is not certainly complaining about it at all.
Sam trails off the stage and walks past the pair while whooping and throwing cat calls at them. Finn throws a one finger salute at him without ever breaking the kiss or even cracking open an eyelid.
After a few long dizzying moments, Finn slowly sets her feet back on the ground, steadies her and they break for air. Finn was already pretty sweaty just from being on stage under the bright lights for the last 45 minutes, and this unexpected greeting from Rachel just made his blood ignite tenfold.
She stands on her tip toes while tugging him down just enough to reach his ear, "Now you know why I'm not cold," Rachel breathes out with a pearly soft smile.
Finn flashes her a dimpled grin, licks his lips and replies, "Y-Yeah, I - I think I get it. And I may have to go out and lie down in the snow myself now to avoid spontaneous combustion," he leans down for another quick kiss, then tells her "You're amazing Rachel Berry… And I'm NOT complaining, but ahh, I have to ask, what brought that on?"
She's exploring the flecks in his eyes again while twirling her fingers in the damp short hairs on the back of his head and softly shrugs. "You," she answers simply. "You… are this, unexpected.. juggernaut that just took my breath away tonight. The same way as that night on the bus. I.. I don't understand it myself."
A renewed electric charge courses through him as her honest words are making his heart swell.
She doesn't take her eyes off him. "That night, all those weeks ago, I was scared I'd never find you again. I came home and told Tina all about you. Then I realized I had no idea who you were or where you went, but I knew I had to find you again." She places a hand tenderly on his cheek. "I don't know where you came from or where you've been all this time, but if it's ok with you, I'd like to know where you'll be from now on."
Finn squeezes her hips gently, "Rach, you couldn't get rid of me now if you tried," then leans down and places another feathery kiss on her lips, just as the sound of someone loudly clearing their throat right next to them breaks the spell.
"Hello lovebirds. Ahh, sorry to break in on such a tender moment, but do you mind if I borrow our drummer for a few minutes?" Josh interrupts with a grin on his face.
Finn breaks the kiss while softly laughing and shaking his head, then realizes introductions are in order. "Rachel, this is Josh McNichols, our guitarist & lead singer, and one of my best friends in the world - when he ISN'T interrupting private moments. Josh, this is the phenomenal, gorgeous, amazing Rachel Berry."
"So nice to meet you!" Rachel beams at him and extends a handshake, which Josh receives, but then pulls her hand up to press a quick kiss on the back of it, causing her to blush. "Well it's awfully nice meeting YOU, Ms. Rachel Berry. And again, I'm truly sorry to interrupt, even though technically we're still working right now," he glares at Finn.
Finn sighs and looks up toward the ceiling as he groans, "Ugh, Yes BOSS! Be right there." Rachel bursts into giggles.
Josh gives Rachel an informal farewell salute and chuckles at Finn as he walks away shaking his head.
"Sorry about that. He's right though, I am technically on the clock for at least another 45 minutes, so I'd better get back there and see what's going on… but I gotta know, are you enjoying the show so far at least?"
She giggles, "No apologies needed.. And YES, I'm actually having the best night of my YEAR so far. You guys are amazing! But I guess you'd better get back to work. I'll just be at the table…. And don't worry, you're not getting rid of me now either."
. . . . .
As the guys move through the second half of their set, Rachel feels so many emotions swirling through her. She's been listening to the lyrics closely and getting lost in the melodies. She recognizes most of the cover songs but is hearing them in a new way now knowing that Finn had specifically planned this setlist and had wanted her to pay close attention. She feels like his words are washing over her, song after song, and it feels like she's known him forever. He seems to be communicating so much to her through the music, and she feels so connected to him already, it actually kind of frightens her a little. She's never had such an emotional response to someone she barely knows… yet with Finn, it just feels RIGHT.
The frontman's words cut across the room again, interrupting her thoughts.
"We love Imagine Dragons, how about you guys?" Josh asks the crowd, who roars and whoops back in agreement. "I hope Dan Reynolds forgives us as we try not to butcher this great anthemic song of theirs… It's an inspirational track about love, taking chances and not missing out on opportunities that are right in front of you… of fearlessly taking a leap of faith and a promise of commitment no matter what life throws at you… This is 'Walking the Wire'."
Do you feel the same when I'm away from you?
Do you know the line that I'd walk for you?
We could turn around or we could give it up
But we'll take what comes, take what comes
Oh, the storm is raging against us now
If you're afraid of falling, then don't look down
But we took the step, oh, we took the leap
And we'll take what comes, take what comes
Feel the wind in your hair, Feel the rush way up here
We're walking the wire, love
We're walking the wire, love
We couldn't be higher, up
We're walking the wire, wire, wire
There's nights we had to just walk away
And there's tears we'll cry, but those tears will fade
It's a price you pay when it comes to love
And we'll take what comes, take what comes
Feel the wind in your hair, Feel the rush way up here
We're walking the wire, love
We're walking the wire, love
We couldn't be higher, up
We're walking the wire, wire, wire
So look out down below
Look out down below
Look out down below
Walking the wire, wire, wire
So look out down below
Oh, I'll take your hand when thunder roars
And I'll hold you close, I'll stay the course
I promise you from up above
That we'll take what comes, take what comes, love
We're walking the wire, love
We're walking the wire, love
We couldn't be higher (couldn't be, couldn't be), up
We're walking the wire, wire, wire
So look out down below
"We're gonna slow way down a bit here, let everyone catch their breath," Josh addresses the audience but winks at the guys in the band as he pulls a stool up and has a seat in front of the mic. "This next song was written by Mr. Randy Newmann back in the mid 90's - yeah, I guess he loves LA (chuckles from the audience)... This song has been made and remade several times by alotta folks, though it was originally & possibly best performed by the incredible Bonnie Raitt. There's just something SO special about the lyrics that can be related to by anyone on so many levels… For me personally, I wanna dedicate it in memory of a close friend of mine, Cory. He was like a brother to me growing up, such a generous open spirit he was. He passed away young, 10 years ago now, but he'll never be forgotten. This song reminds me of him, it captures the way he valued the importance of friends and family…. So grab your sweetheart, or your friend or the stranger sitting next to you (more audience laughter), and settle in for this one… see if you recognize it." Josh grins from atop the stool where he's perched and nods to Mike, whose solo piano accompaniment begins.
Something in your eyes, makes me want to lose myself
Makes me want to lose myself, in your arms
There's something in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how low I've felt so long
If you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done….
As Josh and Mike pour out the beautiful lyrics, Finn sits at his drum kit in the shadows, mopping sweat off his face and cooling down. From the darkness he's watching Rachel the entire time, who is completely captivated by the performance and lost in the song. He can see she's singing along and strains to try to hear her voice but is disappointed that he can't make it out. He does however, notice tears streaming down her cheek and makes a mental note to ask her about that later. She looks in his direction several times. He's unsure if she can see him but he wonders if her looking at him has anything to do with the meaning of the lyrics she's mouthing along to. He feels like it does.
If you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
If you knew how happy you are making me
I've never thought I'd love anyone so much
Puck wraps an arm around Rachel's shoulders and talks in her ear, "Ray Ray, you look deep into this one. I see your boy's been watching you almost all night. Maybe he's the real deal.. you agree?" She smiles through tears and nods at him, and he kisses her cheek.
Feels like home to me, feels like home to me
Feels like I'm on my way back where I come from
Feels like home to me, feels like home to me
Feels like I'm on my way back where I belong
Feels like I'm on my way back where I belong
The band runs through a few more songs, including a great Journey cover which had everyone in the bar on their feet and singing along. The place was so full of energy it was palpable, and Josh secretly wondered how much of that was being generated solely from Finn and Rachel's presence together. There's definitely something magical in the atmosphere tonight, something Josh has never felt during any of their other live performances. The only thing that seems different in the formula tonight is the addition of Rachel Berry. Maybe Finn wasn't exaggerating about the potential of his muse this whole time.
Josh speaks to the crowd for the final time of the night.
"Last song of the night folks!" A few disappointed 'boos' ring out from the crowd, "I know, it's been fun, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. We've had a blast and you've been a great crowd! Again, we thank you all for braving the elements & trekking out here - and please be safe driving home tonight. So we're gonna change things up a little for this last song. Our extremely talented Finn Hudson here, he's gonna take the reigns for this one… which is about fuckin' time!" The audience collectively laughs as Tina and Rachel look at each other a little surprised.
Finn speaks into his mic from behind the drum kit. "Hey, did you all enjoy the show?" He listens as the audience raises the roof. "Great to hear.. We did too. Hopefully I don't send you out on a sour note. So. A couple of months ago, I had an assignment for a music comp class to write and arrange an original song. It's probably the easiest assignment I ever completed, because I already knew the rhythm and the lyrics that went with it by heart. I'd been walking around hearing in my head for months, without really knowing what it was yet…."
Rachel is smiling so big and her heart is thumping wildly at the sound of Finn's voice over the PA system. But she's also thinking about the words he just spoke… he's talking about having this song in his head for MONTHS. She's also remembering Josh saying earlier that Finn wrote many of the songs recently, and had directly dedicated at least one of them to her. She's truly confused at how any of this is possible considering they just met a few hours ago, but she's thinking of Finn saying their meeting was destiny. There's something Finn hasn't told her. Could it be that he's at least known about her for a lot longer than a month? But how could that be possible? She refocuses all her attention on Finn once again, listening closely.
He's looking at Rachel in her sexy red blouse with her gorgeous brown eyes staring back at him and the rest of the room disappears as he continues talking. "...But I finally sat down in the studio and worked it all out, and this last song is the result. A tiny muse in a colorful coat inspired it; and it's pretty much my heartbeat set to music. Hope you enjoy it. It's called 'MAGIC'."
Call it magic,
Call it true
I call it magic,
When I'm with you...
...Wanna fall, I fall so far,
I wanna fall, fall so hard
And I call it magic,
And I call you my muse
I believe in magic,
I believe in you
Rachel you're my muse
. . . . .
AFTER THE SHOW…
Now that the show has ended and the guys have taken a brief break backstage moment to clean up and pack away some of their equipment, Finn and the guys return to the table where Finn's new group of friends and his brother await him.
"Sam Evans, meet Rachel Berry." Sam leans over and kisses her cheek in greeting, "Howdy there, nice to meet you little lady," he says in his best John Wayne impersonation.
"So nice to meet you too Sam.. you were great up there tonight, all of you were! And WOW that's some incredible impersonation! Do you do others?"
Finn cuts in, chuckling and shaking his head, "AHHHKK Rach, please don't get him started!" but too late, Sam's already on to his Matthew McConaughey and Bill Clinton impressions. Rachel thinks he's adorable, albeit a little strange.
"YO Samuel! Wanna finish packing in your gear, and load up the van? Snow's still falling and I'd rather not sleep here tonight," Josh chimes in. Finn looks to Josh and mouths a silent 'thank you,' to which Josh simply nods once in response. "Finnster, why not give him a hand, be sure he gets it done and done RIGHT the first time for a change?"
Finn looks at Josh questioningly but then sees Sam tangling a pile of cables and decides he probably should at least furnish some basic adult supervision. "Yeah sure.. Be right back Rach," and drops a quick peck on her cheek.
"So Rachel Berry. You've made quite the impression on our boy Finn here."
"Yeah, so it seems.. And I'd be lying if I didn't say the feeling is mutual."
Josh nods and sips on his Pepsi as he looks her up and down. "Y'know, he's a really good guy. And I'm not just saying that because we're friends or anything. If he had jerk tendencies I'd certainly forewarn you."
"Well I'm glad he has someone to vouch for him." She bats her lashes and offers a warm smile.
"Finn is a tender heart, y'know? He's had some heartache in the past, I think it's why he's basically thrown himself into school and work and music so much. He doesn't do 'randoms' and he hasn't been really going out of his way to be in any serious relationships… until you, maybe..? it feels like?"
"Me? He just met me.. I.. well, I'd be flattered if that's true… and I think I can genuinely see us spending more time together…"
"Rachel, I know I've only known you for only about a heartbeat or two, but I can already see it written ALL over you. Whatever he's feeling for you, you're feeling it right back. It's not a criticism or judgment at all, merely an observation. And by the way it looks good - on both of you."
She feels her cheeks getting hot and knows they must be some deep shade of crimson. "Really? Is it that obvious?" she giggles. "I'm so embarrassed!"
"Don't be.. It's actually a really beautiful thing to see. I don't think I ever believed in love at first sight myself, but you two.. You've got me thinking now."
Rachel's not sure what inspired this line of dialog but she's completely intrigued to learn more about Finn. "How long have you known Finn?"
"Ahh… more than four years."
"And you look out for him?"
Josh nods once, "And he for me."
"That's really wonderful.. It's great to have a friend who's in your corner no matter what. I can tell the two of you are good friends. And in case you're wondering, I have no intentions of hurting him, I just hope the same is true, you know, vice versa."
"I can promise you, he'd sooner take a bullet than let anything happen to you."
"Well that sounded a bit dramatic, and I'm a theater professional!" she giggled but felt her heart tweak in place, a few spasms of joy.
Josh laughed loudly, "I can see it y'know, why he's so intrigued by you. And one more tidbit you might should know up front.. Finn's not like most guys. He's not a DUDE. He's not as much the dating kind, he's more like the marrying kind. And if you repeat that I'll deny having ever said it." he grins and winks at her. She simply beams back at him with her megawatt smile.
Mike and Tina, who'd been sitting at the bar talking privately, have just made their way back to the table. "Hey Josh, I'm gonna ride back with Tina. Don't wait for me, alright?"
Tina smiles at Mike and then grabs Rachel by the hand "Yes, but before then… Excuse us fellas, we need some girl time! Come to the restroom with me Rachel!"
Josh chuckles and sips his Pepsi again. "So you two look like you're hitting it off too.. Must be something in the water on this end of town."
Mike nods, "Yeah maybe.. But Tina seems really awesome. And she's Finn's girl's roommate! What are the odds?"
"They're ever in your favor, apparently. And hey, too bad that chick doesn't have more roomies. Poor Sammy boy over there, he needs something to help get his focus back. Boy can't even remember how to tie off the cables properly."
Kurt and Blaine have been in their own little world chatting as if the room is empty, while Puck has been hitting on 2 girls that are by the karaoke sign up sheet. Blaine gets up to go for drinks at the bar and Kurt turns to Josh.
"So Finn really wrote those first three songs?"
"He sure did. Your brother never ceases to surprise me."
"Me neither, apparently…. He's really been inspired by this Little Miss Berry, ehy?"
"I'd say so.. And frankly I think I can already see why. Y'know she's a Broadway diva right?"
"OOOOOh that's right, I nearly forgot… " with that Kurt tears away from Josh and runs up to the Karaoke sign in sheet, pushing his way past Puck and company.
. . . . .
"So Teeny, how's it going with Mike? You seem to be getting along VERY well!"
"Rach he's INCREDIBLE.. And I had my hand on his chest, I'm telling you there's at least TWO six packs hiding under there! I'm gonna try to crack a few open later, maybe!" Tina shrieks out an excited giggle.
"Well, just remember - no glove no love! BE SAFE TINA!"
"Rachel! I wouldn't forget something as critical as that.. Even though we probably would make the CUTEST babies! Maybe even cuter than yours & Errol Finn's…" Tina winks at her room mate.
"T. You know I'm not.. That's not a .. I'm, I just met him." Rachel's not sure why this conversation just suddenly got extremely uncomfortable.
"B I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to say something that would—"
"No Teeny don't apologize.. it's fine. I'm totally good. I am still Rachel Berry and I am in control. And anyway, Finn.. he's just so amazing, such a gentleman, so… chivalrous! I don't know how to explain him really but, I feel completely safe with him for some truly bizarre reason. He's not like… anyone else. So please don't worry about me."
"Ok Rach, but you have your rape whistle and pepper spray in your purse right?"
"Yes of course I do.. But I KNOW I won't need them, not while I'm with Finn anyway."
. . . . .
10 Minutes Later….
Rachel and Tina have returned from the ladies room to find all the boys - minus Puck - waiting at the table for them. Puck is still off in a corner with the 2 girls from the karaoke book and an arm slung around one of them. He looks back to the table and wiggles his eyebrows at Finn, Sam and Blaine who happen to be looking his way. Sam decides Puck's got his hands full and should go see if he needs any.. a-hem, 'assistance'.
As Finn sees Rachel coming back to the table he's midway standing up to give her his seat when they hear the PA system come to life.
"Finn and Rachel, you're up! Will Finn and Rachel please come on up to the stage!" The announcer calls over the mic for the next karaoke song.
Finn looks at Rachel with a bit of surprise and she reflects the same expression back to him. "Did you sign us up?" he asks in her ear but she's shaking her head no, while Kurt is hopping around in his seat and clapping frantically.
FInn shoots a glare at his younger brother, realizing this must be his handy work. "Get going you two! We want to hear a REAL Broadway diva at work!"
Finn scowls at Kurt for catching them off guard then looks at Rachel, who's smiling away and then laces her fingers with his and drags him to the stage, saying over her shoulder "A professional NEVER turns down an opportunity to perform for her fans!"
They both check the song selection to be sure they even know WHAT they are about to sing.. Fortunately they both already know the song.
** FINN **
You know I want you, It's not a secret I try to hide
You know you want me, So don't keep saying our hands are tied
You claim it's not in the cards, And fate is pulling you miles away
And out of a reach from me
But you're hearing my heart
So who can stop me if I decide it's in my destiny?
What if we rewrite the stars, Say you were made to be mine
Nothing could keep us apart, You'll be the one I was meant to find
It's up to you, and it's up to me, No one could say what we get to be
So why don't we rewrite the stars?
And maybe the world could be ours, tonight
** RACHEL **
You think it's easy, You think I don't wanna run to you, yeah
But there are mountains (But there are mountains)
And there are doors that we can't walk through
I know you're wondering why
Because we're able to be just you and me within these walls
But when we go outside
You're gonna wake up and see that it was hopeless after all
No one can rewrite the stars, How can you say you'll be mine?
Everything keeps us apart, And I'm not the one you were meant to find
It's not up to you, it's not up to me, yeah
When everyone tells us what we can be
And how can we rewrite the stars?
Say that the world can be ours, tonight
** FINN & RACHEL TOGETHER **
All I want is to fly with you, All I want is to fall with you
So just give me all of you
It feels impossible (It's not impossible)
Is it impossible? Say that it's possible
How do we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine, And nothing can keep us apart
'Cause you are the one I was meant to find
It's up to you, and it's up to me
No one could say what we get to be
And why don't we rewrite the stars?
Changing the world to be ours
You know I want you, It's not a secret I try to hide
But I can't have you
We're bound to break and my hands are tied
Rachel and Finn leave the stage to mad applause and standing ovations from the entire room, and as they get back to their table, they are met with 4 jaws hanging fully agape - Josh, Sam, Mike and Kurt, none of whom have ever heard Rachel sing until now. The rest of the group, Tina, Puck and Blaine are all blown away too, not just at Rachel's vocals but at her harmonies with Finn on stage.
"HOLY SHIT. You two.. Were fucking ELECTRIC up there brother!" Josh exclaims. He turns to Rachel "And you.. I don't know exactly what the hell Broadway is waiting for or if you're taking your sweet time getting there… my God woman. Can I have your autograph? So I'll have proof when I say I knew you when…" Rachel giggles and blushes but beams her wall to wall pearly whites and gladly obliges Josh with a napkin and a pen he just handed her. He was actually serious.
"You know, Broadway is VERY difficult. I know lots of people equally as talented as me who've still never made it to a leading role after twice as many years as I have been working at it. I'm really just getting started," Rachel added humbly.
"Umm. BULLSHIT. Ray, there's NOBODY equally or more talented than you, for starters." Puck chimes in.
Finn is just standing there nodding in agreement with Puck. "Yeah yeah, what Puck just said right there, I can't believe talent like yours is dime a dozen - it's NOT. I've heard some of those big Broadway singers - YES, THANK YOU KURT– " to which Kurt nods a knowing you're welcome in return "- and NONE of them can touch your voice, babe. I see your name in lights VERY VERY soon, not as an understudy or supporting role but the LEAD in your pick of roles. You blew my mind up there!" He kisses her on the cheek, then she turns to kiss him on the lips.
Babe? Rachel thinks to herself. He's gone from 'Rach' to 'Babe' in the short span of a few hours.. Oh my. This is gonna be an interesting evening!
"Thank you Finn.. that's maybe the sweetest thing anyone could say to me. You really believe in me that much?"
Finn smiles into another kiss saying "Yes, I really, really do."
"Diva, I realize we're all biased when it comes to YOUR talent, but it really IS larger than life – however, let's not overlook how good you BOTH sounded up there together! Finn! If I didn't know better I'd swear you two have been singing together for YEARS!" Blaine looks at him with a huge grin and a slight look of astonishment. "Don't get me wrong, I think your singing tonight in the show was fantastic too, but it's not just anyone who can carry a tune with Ms. Rachel Berry."
"Ahh.. Blaine's right Finn…" Tina speaks up, "Rachel's had SO MUCH trouble finding suitable male leads to partner with in some of her plays over the years.. Even at school it's hard to find equivalent male vocals to compliment her. She tends to dominate the stage and they kinda let her. But YOU, you pushed her in all the right places. It's like you two were meant to sing together!" Tina bounces smiles between Finn and Rachel.
"Yeah. I concur," Josh jumps in. "Finn, I've been telling you forever, you HAVE the chops. I don't know what you're holding back for.. And now you're not just hearing it from me. Plus, the fact that YOU and this gorgeous lady with the titanium vocal chords over here just knocked the wigs off everyone in this joint ought to be all the confirmation you need dude.. You need a hyphenation in your band title buddy. And it's happening, as soon as we record our first demo. Stop hiding your gift man. I'm not letting you anymore."
Finn's feeling mighty overwhelmed at the moment and Rachel can feel the change in his emotions. "Finn, I think you promised me some dinner right? And it's getting late, and the snow is still falling.. Maybe we should think about going? If you still want to, that is?"
He just pulls up that full dimpled grin and says "IF.." he chuckles, "like THAT's a choice? Let me grab our coats. Be right back."
"Well, it was so nice meeting everyone tonight.." Rachel smiles and waves to all the band members "and Kurt, I really hope you, Blaine and I can do brunch soon?"
"Looking SO forward to it Rachel.. Or should I say Diva? Seems you've actually EARNED that title!" Kurt smiles and comes over to give her a double cheek kiss in parting.
"Miss Berry, it's been a real delight.. don't be a stranger. But I don't think I need to even say that," Josh comes around to give her a light hug and whispers in her ear "Take care of our boy.. He seems a little bruised tonight I think, but I'm not really sure why." She just nods with a grin.
Rachel turns to her cousin. "Noah, please be careful getting home. Blaine, are you two traveling together?"
""We were.. But I think Puck has alternate plans now.." as they all look to the corner where Sam and the 2 girls Puck was with are all laughing.
"Don't worry about ME B, I'm always good.. It's YOU I'm–"
"NOPE. Noah, I already told you I'm good. I'll call you IF I need you not a moment before!"
He kisses her on the cheek and lifts her in a bear hug off the floor, spinning her around and setting her right down in front of Finn who's just returned with their coats.
As Finn helps Rachel into her rainbow coat he asks her "Still Chinese?"
"Chinese and 20 questions at your place.. Can't wait!" she says as they walk hand in hand out the door.