Thank you so much for all of the reviews! I love them! Once again, I only own the plot! Enjoy!


After passing the fire station that was swarming with paparazzi, Rachel began frantically calling Santana. What the hell was going on?

On the fifth call Santana finally picked up. "Berry, you'd better be calling me to tell me you had some incredible sex last night."

"Oh Santana thank god! I need you. I woke up this morning and left my building and it was swarming with paparazzi! What did you do?"

Santana giggled through the phone. "No offense Rachel, but you aren't that famous. Are you sure they weren't there for someone else?"

Rachel huffed in frustration. "Thanks a lot Santana. I'm well aware that I don't lead the life that the media cares about, but it was for me. Then I as I'm in the cab I pass Fire Station 86, also swarmed! Now tell me why!"

"Rachel I have NO IDEA. I emailed my normal people last night and went to bed. I'm barely awake. Give me a few minutes to figure this out and I'll call you back. "

Rachel grit her teeth. "FINE!" She hung up the phone and threw it back in her bag. As the cab continued to drive, she couldn't help but feel so guilty for what Finn was probably going through. Something wasn't adding up though. Yes she did spend $10,000 on a date with a hot guy, but it was a charity event. Weird stuff happens all of the time at those things. Those photographers seemed pretty hungry for information. But why?

When she reached her destination, she reached back into her bag to check her phone for any messages, especially a message from Finn. Nothing. Why wasn't he answering? Rachel wondered if he blamed her for all of this. "I've probably ruined his life" Rachel thought. Overdramatic as she was, she felt responsible for this. Poor Finn was just trying to do his civic duty as a Firefighter and she went and ruined it. I guess if Julia won the same thing would have happened though.

It was on her way into the drug store that she passed the newsstand and saw it. Her face was plastered all over the front of the NY POST. It was a picture of her and Finn. It was the one Santana took of them while they were standing by the table, but it wasn't from Santana's angle. Someone else took this picture.

"Oh no. No no no no no no no no," she mumbled as she got closer. Rachel picked up the first copy she could grab as she read the headline.

FIRE AND ICE was plastered across the top of the picture. Her eyes grew wider.

Underneath was the byline. "Can the Mayor of New York City's Steamy Son Tame Broadway's Ice Queen?"

"OH MY GOD!" Rachel screamed out loud as she shook the paper in her hands. "SHIT!"

The owner of the newsstand piped up. "Hey lady are you gonna buy that paper or just stand there making a scene?"

Rachel threw five dollars at him, not caring to stay for change, and hailed another cab. As soon as she got in, she frantically dialed Santana's number as her hands shook. The Mayor's son? What the hell!?

This time Santana picked up immediately. "Okay so just calm down. I found out what the deal is."

Rachel felt tears brimming on her eyelids. "Oh I know SANTANA! I saw it too. Meet me at my apartment immediately before I have a nervous breakdown!"

Rachel hung up the phone and continued to stare down at the paper. At least the picture itself was cute, but that title? Ice queen? Is that how she was perceived? Rachel knows she hasn't dated in a while, and her social life is pretty bleak. However, she tries to be a nice person. Does her successful career count for nothing? She didn't know that taking a year or two to really focus on herself was bad for her reputation. Rachel also didn't want to fully admit that she didn't exactly have the best guys knocking down her door to date her.

As the cab approached her building, she could see the camera men still waiting outside. She told the cab to go down into the underground parking structure. It was coded and private. The paparazzi wouldn't be allowed down there.

Once back in her apartment, she threw her bag onto the counter and sat down on the couch, paper in hand. She opened the paper to scan the article inside. It was short, but included more pics from last night, including the one of them on stage with the group. Rachel couldn't help but notice the height difference. Finn's body practically enveloped hers as he had her pulled into his side. She skimmed the article which really didn't add much to the title.

"Broadway's own Rachel Berry bought herself a date with one of New York's most eligible bachelor's last night to the tune of $10,000. Finn Hudson, step son to Mayor Burt Hummel, is a firefighter right here in NYC at Station 86. Could he be the one to finally break that icy façade Ms. Berry's been wearing?"

Rachel shook her head. She didn't want to read on. How could he not tell her this last night?

Just then Rachel heard her phone ping from inside her bag. "That better not be Santana bailing on me," she said as she grabbed her phone. It was a text from Finn.

10k: Number 5 is this you? ;) I'm saving you in my phone as this.

Rachel was livid. That's it? He has to know what's going on outside of his station. She saw them go out on a call.

#5: OH ITS ME alright! I'm guessing you've seen the mayhem outside of your station seeing as my apartment building is swarmed. Care to elaborate?

Rachel waiting as she saw the three dots floating on the screen indicating he was typing.

10k: Yeah sorry, I had no idea this would happen. So I guess you saw the paper? I haven't but my parents sent me a screen shot along with other expletives.

#5: You could have at least told me who you were. Or texted me back to warn me. I sent you a message last night!

10k: Rachel I was working! We had a crazy night and I finally turned my phone off once I saw what had happened. My brother was texting me non-stop and I was trying to sleep on my break. I wasn't avoiding you considering I was hoping you'd find my number

Rachel wanted to believe him but she was just so mad.

#5: So you didn't feel the need to tell me I had bought a date with the MAYOR'S SON?

10K: Look I had no idea this would happen. No one normally pays attention to me. I'm a 28 year old fireman. Not an exciting life. Can we talk about this in person? I feel like you're mad and I don't want things to be taken the wrong way.

Rachel wasn't sure she ever wanted to see him again. This all went terribly wrong. She's always been calculated about every decision she's made. One night she let her emotions get the best of her and she's on the front page of the POST labeled as a bitch. Super.

Just then Santana came flying in the door with a giant smile on her face.

"Santana what on Earth are you smiling about right now? This is a crisis!" Rachel threw her hands up in the air in frustration.

Santana just laughed. "Rachel you need to chill out. This isn't a crisis. So people think you are an icy bitch? So what? I mean you kind of are….."

"NO I AM NOT! I mean yes, maybe I need to loosen up a little sometimes, but my drive is what's gotten me a Tony nomination thank you very much." Rachel threw herself back onto the couch and let out a sigh. "I just never thought I was really perceived like this. And why do people think I needed to buy a man? It was a charity event for Christ's sake! I let myself go for five minutes and this is what it got me"

Just then her phone buzzed again.

10k: Hello? I get off in 10 minutes so if you want to get together just let me know. Otherwise I'm heading home.

"Ugh its Finn again" Rachel rolled her eyes as she stared at the phone.

"You two have been texting? Damn Berry you go! You can't be that upset then." Santana clapped her hands together as she grabbed Rachel's phone. "Rachel you need to fucking relax. You are being a total bitch to him in these texts." Santana kept reading. "He wants to come over!? Definitely." Santana began texting back as Rachel tried to grab the phone out of her hand.

#5: Sure! Come on over. My address is 990 5th avenue. Apt 829

Rachel finally got ahold of the phone and was horrified. "Santana! You invited him over? I wasn't even sure if I ever wanted to see him again!"

"Rachel calm the hell down. He's a hot guy wanting to talk to you. LET HIM. You are over reacting. So you are on the front of the Post this week? Great! Press is Press! I only wish I had been privy to his information myself! I need to step up my game!"

Rachel jumped as she felt the phone buzz again in her hand.

10k: Okay cool. I'll sneak in through your parking garage. I know the code ;) #firemanperks

What is up with him and the winky faces?

#5: Is that Legal Finn? You shouldn't be looking that up!

10K: Well are you going to tell on me Number 5?

Santana peeked over her shoulder to read. "I like this guy. A lot." She picked up her bag and started to head for the door.

"Where are you going? I thought you came over to fix this?" Rachel stood up and folded her arms in front of her.

"Rachel, you have a hot guy coming over to talk things over with. There's nothing to fix. Let Finn come over and explain things, even though he's done nothing wrong. Oh and if you feel like climbing that tall tree please do!" Santana laughed as she ran towards the door.

"I am not climbing anyone's tree Santana!" Rachel shouted as she chased her out of the apartment.

Rachel wondered how much time she had before Finn showed up. Funny that she's lived three blocks from Finn's work and had no idea. As she tidied up her already spotless apartment, her mind wandered to the fact that she and Finn have probably been in close proximity so many times but have never crossed paths. Rachel also reflects on the fact that maybe she wouldn't have even noticed Finn or bid on him if Julia hadn't been bidding on him in the first place. Yet, here she is now, waiting for him to come to her apartment.

She is shaken from her thoughts by the doorbell. Rachel quickly glanced down at herself to see she's wearing cropped yoga pants and a tank. A far cry from how he saw her last night. Her hair is tossed into a high bun and she isn't wearing makeup. Oh well! Too late now.

Rachel opened the door to reveal Finn standing in front of her. He's dressed in his navy Fireman uniform, hair sweaty and messy. He has a duffle bag hanging from his shoulder. Was he planning on staying over?

"Hey!" Rachel said nervously. "Come on in!"

Finn walked in front of Rachel to enter the apartment. "Sorry I'm so gross. We had a busy shift and then I ran over here to avoid being seen. I mastered the paparazzi today if I do say so myself!" Finn pat himself on the back jokingly. "Mind if I shower? I normally shower at the station but the captain told me to leave because my presence was a distraction today. " Finn rolled his eyes and smiled.

Rachel stood there with her mouth hanging slightly open. She had seen him in his uniform last night, but now she was imagining him all sweaty, fighting fires, and rescuing small children from buildings. He looked different now. He looked hot AND heroic.

"Uh Rach? If you don't want me showering that's cool. We can just talk and I'll go. Apparently my apartment is swarmed so I'm going to stay at a hotel tonight. Just don't want to deal with that."

"Oh its fine. Sorry about my appearance too. I wasn't expecting to see anyone today really." Rachel pulled on her tank to straighten it out, avoiding eye contact with Finn.

Finn smiled. "You look great to me! Now can you show me to your shower? I'm sure I stink of sweat and ash."

"Follow me down the hall." Rachel began to walk, Finn trailed behind her with his bag in hand.

"Here is the guest bathroom. Everything should be all set up in there. There are razors and extra toiletries under the sink if needed. Can you think of anything else?"

Finn placed his bag on the counter and began to open it. "Oh I do need a trash bag or something to put my uniform in. If I throw it in my bag it will stink it up."

Rachel remembered what Santana said. Be nice and loosen up. "Why don't you just leave it outside of the door and I can wash it for you. That way it can be clean for you to take when you leave. "

"Thanks Rachel! That's really nice of you! I'll just throw it outside of the door once I take it off. The instructions for washing are on the tags. Cool?"

Rachel tried to hide the fact that she was blushing. "Yep! I'll just leave you to it!" Rachel dashed back out into the living room and left Finn to do his thing. Her phone chimed from the table.

Santana: Hope your tree showed up and you are too busy to answer ;)

Rachel: Santana will you stop? FINN is here and he's currently showering.

Santana: Damn you move fast Berry! Didn't know you had it in you!

Rachel: He came straight from work. He needed a shower. NOTHING is going to happen.

Santana: Fine. Borinnnngggg. Just be nice to the poor guy. He seems nice and not like the liar you want him to be. Let yourself just chill out. Toodles!

Rachel threw her phone back down. Hopefully Santana leaves her alone for a while.

Rachel walked back down the hall to gather Finn's clothes to wash. She heard the shower running which hopefully meant that he had already changed. Sure enough, his clothes were outside of the door in a giant pile. She scooped them up and walked across the hall to the laundry room. After reading the directions for his uniform, she threw it all into the washer, trying not to focus too much on his boxer shorts. There was just something odd about handling a man's underwear that you didn't know. Obviously Finn didn't care. She could tell he is much more laid back than she is. Well almost everyone is so that's not hard to do.

She tried to keep busy as she could hear Finn finishing up in the bathroom. One would think it would be strange to have a man you hardly knew showering in your apartment yet it didn't feel that awkward. Finn seemed nice enough and he probably didn't want to make any more headlines this week.

It was nearing lunch time by now, so she decided to get some food out in case he was hungry. Thank god she had gone grocery shopping yesterday morning before the event.

Just as Rachel was finishing up preparing the food, Finn emerged from the Hallway. His hair was wet and tousled like he had just run his fingers through it. He was dressed casually in an FDNY t shirt and loose basketball shorts.

"Thanks so much for that Rachel. I feel like a new man!" Finn immediately saw the food on the counter and made a bee line for it. "Oh I'm starving! This looks delicious!" He started making himself a plate and Rachel was a little put off that he just started helping himself without even asking.

"What can I make you Rachel? What sandwich would fit your fancy today?"

Much better, Rachel thought. "I'll just have veggies on wheat please but I can make it myself."

"Oh no I insist. Plus your shower is amazing! I've never felt cleaner." Finn winked at her as he continued to fix their lunch.

Rachel didn't know what was happening to her. She met this guy by a freak chance last night and everything he said to her was making her blush and cringe all at the same time. She could not fall for this guy. No way. What a cliché that would be! Rachel Berry dates man she bought at an auction. UGH. Why can't she meet anyone a normal way, like in a coffee shop or at the drug store?

The beginning of their lunch conversation was casual. Finn talked about the calls he had on the shift the night before. Rachel didn't have much to add because she was sleeping while all of that was going on. Finally, Finn broke the tension.

"So, you now know I'm the Mayor's son. Well step-son. Honestly I didn't tell you because I never thought this was going to happen. It's not just something I blurt out to people ya know? It was also refreshing to meet a girl who didn't know who I was. I guess the Broadway crowd doesn't follow politics much?"

Rachel laughed. "Well we do, but I guess I just didn't make the connection." Rachel paused to try and read Finn, but he just kept eating without a care in the world. "It was sort of nice that you didn't know who I was either. Most guys I meet are all related to my job in some way. I don't get out much otherwise."

"Well we must change that! Look Rachel, I know you don't want me to honor the auction deal, but what if we went out as friends? I won't even pay for you if you don't want me to ok? We can wait until this all dies down, which will be by tomorrow if my dad's PR has anything to do with it. I'm in trouble enough with them as it is, I don't want to rock the boat any more than I already have."

Rachel appreciated his honestly. "I just might take you up on that Finn. I pretty much spend all of my time at the theater and at home. It would be nice to get out and distract myself once in a while." Santana would be so proud of her right now!

"Well alright then. It's a non-date date. Hopefully no paparazzi find us. Although I will say we looked pretty good in that pic right?" Finn nudged her arm playfully.

"It wasn't bad except for the fact that I was squished underneath your arm, "Rachel said as she laughed nervously.

"Well I apologize for that. I'm kind of tall if you haven't noticed." Finn finished up his lunch and picked both of their plates up to take to the sink. His mom had always taught him to help clean up when you were a guest in someone else's house.

"Finn you don't have to do that! Why don't you go put your clothes in the dryer and I'll finish up here. It's right down the hall across from the bathroom."

They both finished their duties and then were back in the living room sitting in awkward silence on the couch.

"Look Rachel I would normally get out of your hair but I need my uniform before I head to the hotel. The other clean ones are at my apartment."

Rachel didn't want it to be awkward, but Finn was still a stranger after all. Finn seemed to be cautious about everything, probably because Rachel hadn't exactly been the most approachable last night.

"Oh its fine! I don't normally do anything on Sunday's until I go to work around 5. Make yourself at home. Where do you live by the way? If it's close I can always have a driver take you and you can run past the paparazzi if you need to."

Rachel still felt bad for him. He seemed like a lost puppy in all of this. She was too, but at least her job called for interactions with the public every now and then. Finn was just a Fireman trying to do his job.

"I live in Brooklyn. Not exactly close to just hop on home with a driver."

"Brooklyn? That's far!"

Finn laughed. "Rachel, I don't make nearly enough money to live in the city. Not comfortably anyway. I like Brooklyn. It suits me. Plus I can afford to live there without a roommate which is a bonus. "

Finn was being so humble about his life, which is the exact opposite of how he was portrayed in the paper.

"So New York's most eligible bachelor lives in Brooklyn?" Rachel asked trying to hide the confusion on her face.

Finn fell back onto the couch belly laughing. "What? I'm the most eligible bachelor? I highly doubt that! They just say that stuff for ratings and sales. I haven't even read the article in the paper but my brother has sent me screen shots of the entire thing while I was showering."

Rachel couldn't understand why he found this all so funny. "Well I am apparently Broadway's biggest bitch which isn't something I find funny at all."

Finn's face fell and became serious. "Well that's not true at all. I mean I hardly know you but you've been nicer to me than 99% of the women I meet. Minus a few of those text messages of course." Finn held up his phone as he raises his eyebrows.

Rachel felt mortified. "Yeah I'm sorry about that. I tend to over react. Let's call it a truce ok? This has been the craziest thing that's happened to me in a while. And I thought walking into the Broadway Gives luncheon with my dress tucked into my underwear was bad…."

Finn threw his hand up over his mouth to try and stifle his laughter, but it didn't work. His laughter escaped before he could do anything else.

Rachel threw a pillow at his face but Finn caught it. "Hey that's not nice! I was so embarrassed!"

"It's funny! Don't tell me stuff like that and expect me not to laugh!" Finn tossed the pillow back in Rachel's direction as he continued to chuckle.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Finn's uniform was done but he stayed and watched some reality show about people going on dates naked. It definitely lifted the tension between them.

Around 3pm Finn decided to head over to his hotel for the night. Word was that his apartment still had a few straggling photographers and he didn't want to deal with it. Plus he mentioned that his dad had free hotel rooms all over the city.

He gathered the rest of his things and got ready to leave. "Thanks again for everything Rachel. Maybe I'll see you again when all of this craziness dies down. I appreciate the shower and the use of your washing machine." Rachel could tell Finn was nervous. She just wasn't sure why.

"Oh anytime Finn. Maybe it wasn't so bad spending $10,000 bucks on you." Oh no. Why did she just say that? Why can't she just flirt normally and not like a dork?

"Ha! Well I'm glad I haven't disappointed you. Good luck with your show tonight. Text me ok? I promise I won't take as long to respond."

With that Finn walked out the door and Rachel wanted to crawl into a dark hole. She should have asked him to stay? Or maybe not. Would that have been weird? Why does she have to analyze everything to death?

Rachel called Santana who also told her to stop worrying. Finn was honest about everything and this would all blow over soon. Press is press she kept saying. Rachel knew she was right.

Rachel didn't want to seem too eager, so she didn't text Finn before she went to work. She didn't want to be distracted during the entire show wondering if he had replied.

It was just before she was about to go on stage that she heard her phone go off. She hesitated, not wanting to get herself off track, but she couldn't help herself.

10k: My bro told me to tell you to break a leg, but that seems kind of morbid. I'll just tell you to have fun at work instead ;)

Maybe she hadn't blown it after all.


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