Yes I know I haven't updated in forever and I'm so sorry. That's my biggest pet peeve when authors take forever to update, but life gets in the way! This story is not dead, it's just taking its sweet time in my head ;)
Rachel hadn't seen Finn since he left her apartment last week. They hadn't been seen together at all as a matter of fact, so the press had died down significantly. They had tried to text, but their schedules were not in sync so even that was dying off. The texts were pretty platonic for the most part. Sometimes Rachel found herself reaching for her phone to tell him something random knowing he would be genuinely interested. He was a really nice guy from what she could tell. She wouldn't even let herself google him because from her own experience not everything you read is true. Plus she was trying to hold true to her new and improved self and let things run their course.
They were in this place of limbo. They had met in a strange way, met again under even stranger circumstances, and now things were at a standstill. What if he was the ONE but she was too caught up in the stupid auction part of it to move on? She had stopped that way of thinking two years ago when she vowed to put herself first. No more thinking every guy she met could be her future husband. No more settling for things that weren't right. She has only known Finn for a week and in those seven days had spent a total of three hours with him. What should happen next? If Rachel only knew.
Rachel was on her way to a meeting with Santana for a fitting for her Tony's dress. Oh yes the Tony's. Three weeks away. Still no date. Still hasn't asked Finn.
When she arrived at the fitting, there were ten dresses all hanging on a rack with coordinating shoes, jewelry, etc. Santana was barking orders at everyone and before she knew it she was down to her underwear being dressed.
Rachel tried on the first dress. It was a deep purple mermaid style. She wasn't a fan. Mermaid styles and short girls don't mix.
The second dress was a lime green a-line satin dress. Again a miss. No need to look like a giant lime on the stage while accepting her award.
The third dress was a black strapless number. The bodice was covered in sequins which would look fantastic on the red carpet. The skirt was a loose chiffon that flattered her perfectly. This was it. The dress she would win her first Tony in. She did a twirl in the mirror for Santana who clapped for her.
"YES! Rachel this is it! Sort of sexy but still classy. Love it! Your date can wear a black suit with a black tie. It will look amazing".
"My date? I thought I would just take you and my dad's."
"Oh no you don't! You paid $10,000 bucks for Finn Hudson to go with you and you are not going back on that now. No way. I'll gladly sit in the back with the rest of the PR peeps."
Rachel just looked at the ground, not responding to Santana's rant.
"Wait a minute, you haven't asked him? It's been a week Rachel! You need the press and he's hot. What's the hold up?"
Rachel tried to stay still as the seamstress pinned the gown for alterations.
"I don't' know Santana. He was super nice at my apartment last week but we've barely talked and it just seems awkward."
Santana laughed. "More awkward than winning him in an auction? Get over yourself Rachel. Invite him and have a good time! You can't chill with your dads the entire night. It's boring and you know they'll want to go home right after the show. You have after parties to attend remember?"
Rachel knew she was right. She didn't have anyone else and he was a perfectly fine date. She can play it off as her using the charity event on the red carpet and then she could move on. The real question was, did she want to? And how had she become so utterly unappealing to the public?
"I'll send him a text right now inviting him to my show this week. He can't go to the Tony's never having seen me perform. That's insane."
#5: Hey Finn! Just wanted to see if you'd like to come see my show this week? You need a proper introduction to Broadway.
Now she waited. What if he didn't answer?
10K: Sure! I'm free tonight actually! Is that too soon?
Shit! Tonight? Why did Finn make her feel nervous? He's just a friend. A random friend. An acquaintance at best.
#5 Yes that works! I'll leave two tickets at will call for you!
Santana slapped Rachel's arm.
"Ow! What was that for?" Rachel rubbed her arm where she had been hit.
"Two tickets? Why would you give him the opportunity to bring someone else? As in another girl? Seriously Rachel are you trying to sabotage yourself?"
Rachel hadn't thought about that. "Santana I just sent a simple text! I've never just left one ticket for someone. What if he didn't want to come alone?"
"I'm just saying what if he brings a girl with him tonight? You guys haven't even gone out once and you're supposed to ask him to go to the Tony's which is a big deal!"
"What do you want me to do Santana? I already sent the text! I can't take the ticket back so I guess I'll just have to take my chances."
Santana shook her head. "I swear Rachel, trying to orchestrate any type of social comeback for you is super hard. If you don't ask Finn to the Tony's, which was YOUR idea and he sort of knows about it, you are an idiot. He's hot, apparently super eligible, and I think he's into you. Get this show on the road!"
Rachel rolled her eyes but didn't want to admit Santana was right. Finn seemed nice and she hadn't found any huge flaws yet. Her phone pinged again!
10K: Okay great! See ya later ;)
"Ask him out to go out after! Yes! That way he won't bring anyone else!" Santana went to grab for Rachel's phone but she pulled away.
"I can't do it myself Santana. I'm not an idiot."
Santana snickered to herself as Rachel began to type.
#5: I'm free afterwards if you'd like to grab a drink or something. I usually get out from backstage around 10:30. Meet me at the stage door?
After reading over Rachel's shoulder, Santana began to clap wildly.
"Well done Rachel! Now we're back in the game!"
The issue with sending that last text was that Finn never answered. Rachel had no idea if they were going to meet up after the show or not. It was now just before show time and still nothing.
Rachel peered out from behind the curtain five minute before the show was going to start. Since she hadn't heard from Finn she was worried he would be a no show. He had to see her perform if he was going to be her Tony's date. How embarrassing if he hadn't.
Sitting in the second row center was Finn, his head peeking over the crowd due to his height. Rachel giggled at the sight of him. He was flipping through the program and asking questions to the person seated next to him. That seat, thankfully, was filled by a man. He was shorter and very well dressed. "Thank god it's not a woman," Rachel thought to herself. Wait why would he bring a guy? Maybe it's a friend. What if Finn is gay?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the stage manager calling for places. She felt nervous. Was it because Finn was here? Why did she care what he thought? She never cared about what her previous boyfriends thought of her shows, although it did help if they liked it. Finn is just a random guy to her so why was he having this affect?
Finn sat quietly in the audience, studying Rachel's bio page in the Playbill. Kurt kept chiming in every second adding to it. "I can't believe YOU are somehow now interacting with Rachel Berry! Rachel Berry Finn! I mean how do you have such luck?"
"Uh I don't know? I don't know anything about her or who she is. I had never heard of her before last week." Finn continued to flip through the program to see if there was anything interesting in it to him. There wasn't.
Kurt sighed. "Blaine is so mad he wasn't in town for this. He might love Rachel more than I do! She's amazing in this show. Amazing. This is my third time seeing it so thanks for the invite."
Finn rolled his eyes. He was glad Kurt had agreed to come. He didn't want to come alone and none of his work friends would have shown any interest. However, it seemed that Kurt already had them off and married when he and Rachel hadn't even gone on a date yet. "Don't get too excited Kurt. I don't think she's interested in me in anything other than to be her date for that awards show, which she hasn't brought up since the auction. Plus, I have enough baggage to make me the most unappealing guy in New York."
The lights began to dim to signal the show was starting. Finn sat back in his seat and tried to make himself smaller, knowing the person behind him most likely couldn't see over him. The curtains opened and there she was.
The lights rose again for intermission. Finn sat there stunned.
"Isn't she amazing Finn? I could watch her all day long and never be bored! That talent!"
"Kurt, are all performers like her? Like that? Can sing like that?" Why wasn't his brain working?
Kurt shook his head. "No way. She's something special. I've seen almost every show on Broadway and there are only a select few in her league. Why? What did you think?"
Finn couldn't find the words to describe how he felt watching Rachel perform. He was actually into the storyline too, mostly because he got to see Rachel on stage. He couldn't be bored watching her.
"I mean, she's really really good. I've never known anyone that talented. She looks amazing too. You know she sent me a text asking me to meet her at the stage door and I just realized I never replied. What an ass!"
"Text her now! She's probably back in her dressing room!"
10k: I'll see you there!
Immediately he got a reply.
#5: Great! Hope you are enjoying the show!
Finn didn't realize he was grinning while reading her reply.
"Oh my god you want to date her! You do don't you? You're smiling at her reply!" Kurt began to clap and giggle. "Finn please please date her! Please this would be amazing!"
"Kurt I'm not going to date someone because you are their fan. Like I said, I don't think she wants to date me and I have no business dating anyone. I tried to hint at it last week but she was all caught up in the fact that she bought me in the auction. I'm 28 years old and feel like I'm 16 again trying to get a girlfriend. It's just not worth it."
"Finn you won't know unless you try. I haven't seen you smile about any girl in a long time."
The rest of the show flew by as Finn was anticipating seeing Rachel afterwards. Every time she was on stage he was mesmerized. He swears she made eye contact with him a few times but he might have imagined it.
Once the show was over, he and Kurt headed out to the stage door, not expecting the huge crowd that was standing there. Slowly the cast members began to filter out and take pictures with fans and sign autographs. No sign of Rachel.
"Are you sure she said the stage door Finn? Check your text again." Kurt demanded.
"Yes I'm sure. I've read it 20 times. If she doesn't come out soon we can just go ok?"
Just then the stage door opened and Rachel emerged. She was dressed in jeans and a short sleeved pink t shirt. Her hair was pulled onto the top of her head in a top knot and a giant bag was slung over her shoulder. Immediately the crowd started to shout at her for pictures and autographs. Rachel graciously obliged and took time to talk to her fans. Kurt and Finn stood in the back of the crowd by security, trying not to be noticed. As Rachel got closer she caught Finn's eye and smiled.
"Okay everyone! Thanks so much for coming but I need to call it a night! Thanks again!" Rachel made her way towards Finn and Kurt when she heard it.
"Hey that's the firefighter!"
Rachel hurried over to them and commanded "Come with me and just keep walking." She could see the flashes of light going off behind her. She had thought this might happen but if she wanted to have any type of relationship with Finn she'd have to deal with it. As Santana would say "any press is good press".
They rushed into a coffee shop nearby and thankfully no one had the nerve to follow them in.
Kurt's phone began to ring and Finn and Rachel sat down at a table near the back.
"Sorry about that Finn. I was worried that would happen when I had you meet me there." Rachel fiddled with her bag as she noticed how handsome Finn looked. She had only ever seen him in his Fireman uniform or casual sweats. He was dressed up tonight and she could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks as she blushed.
"Don't worry about it. All they got were some shots of us walking away. So, that's my brother Kurt over there on the phone. He loves Broadway so I thought I would bring him along."
Rachel sighed internally. Whew, a brother.
Just then Kurt found them at the back of the coffee shop as he hung up the phone. He rushed over to Rachel with his arms extended for a hug. "Hi! I'm Kurt, Finn's brother. I must say Rachel you were a breath of fresh air in your show tonight. Absolutely stunning."
"Well thank you. It's so nice to meet you Kurt."
Rachel wondered if Kurt would be sticking around. It would be kind of awkward but he seemed nice. She just needed a moment to ask Finn to the Tony's. Why did she feel so nervous about it? It was the premise of the auction; to take her date to the Tony's.
"So who was on the phone Kurt? Seemed important." Finn was trying to get Kurt to take the hint and leave but he seemed oblivious.
"It was mom and dad. They are going to dinner and want to know if we can join them."
Finn looked at his watch. "It's 10:45!"
"They were probably at some event and dad hated the food. You know how he is."
Finn looked over at Rachel who was sitting next to them awkwardly.
"Why don't you two go and I can catch up with you later Finn. I don't want to impede on your family time."
Finn shook his head. "No, I had plans with you first. Don't worry about it."
Before he knew what was happening Kurt blurted out "Come with us! My mom would love the presence of a girl at a meal. Normally is just us boys plus my husband. She's sadly outnumbered."
Rachel froze unsure of what to do. She wanted to ask Finn to the Tony's. That's why she had asked him out. However, she felt like having dinner with the Mayor of NYC wasn't a bad idea either.
"Oh I don't know. I mean I'm not exactly dressed for dinner," as she gestured towards her outfit, "and your parents are pretty important people."
Kurt began to laugh. "Rachel we are going to a diner not too far from here. It's my dad's favorite place. I don't want to ruin your plans at all but we'd love to have you."
Finn waited for Rachel's reply. He felt himself drawn to her. He wanted to spend time with her. The question was did she?
"Sure, I'd love to meet your parents if that's okay."
Kurt clapped and the three made their way out of the diner. Fortunately no one was out there trying to follow them.
The diner they were meeting at wasn't far. Rachel tried not to act nervous, trying to recall how the night even got to this point. Finn had asked her several times if he'd rather them go do their own thing, but she didn't want be rude and say yes. She was now on her way to eat dinner with the Mayor of New York city after she purchased his step son in an auction. Awkward much? Then she laughed under her breath thinking about how Santana would have a field day with this in the morning.
"What's so funny?" Finn asked.
"Oh I'm just laughing at the fact that this morning I was trying on designer gowns for the Tony's and right now I'm going to have dinner with the Mayor in jeans and a t-shirt. It's just how my life works these days."
"You look fine," Kurt added, "Our parents might be important but they are really down to Earth and normal. Plus I don't think they've ever casually had a Broadway start in their midst for a random midweek dinner!"
Rachel tucked her arms across her body as she walked between Finn and Kurt. They both seemed nice enough and hopefully dinner would go over well. Then she could ask Finn to the Tony's. Why did she feel like a 28 year old reverting back to her 18 year old self getting the courage to ask a boy out? This was just part of the deal. Charity event date to the Tony's. That's all it will be.
They walked into the diner which was mostly empty for this time of night. Burt and Carole were sitting all of the way in the back in a large booth. They waved to the boys and Carole smiled when she saw they had an extra guest.
Burt stood to greet them. "Well hello to my boys who I hardly see lately!" He gave them both a huge hug. "And who do we have here?"
Rachel extended her arm out for a handshake. "Hello, I'm Rachel Berry. It's a pleasure to meet you." Then she reached over to shake Carole's hand, who smiled in return.
"Oh yes the girl from the auction. Well it's a pleasure to meet you. Please have a seat."
Rachel sat next to Finn who was now sandwiched in between her and Kurt. "Yeah I'm so sorry about that auction mess. I had no idea who Finn was. Trust me, I didn't enjoy that press frenzy either."
"Oh don't worry about that. This isn't the first time Finn's caused issues in the press. I mean when he and Quinn- OW! Why are you kicking me Finn?" Kurt shouted! "Geez!"
Rachel looked over at Finn puzzled. Who was Quinn?
Burt spoke up. "What Kurt means is, we're used to it. Things had died down for a while, but the press is always looking for something to publish about me and this time Finn was the target. Things were easier when the boys were younger and I wasn't in office, but now that we are all out and about living our lives we tend to forget that the public just loves a good story."
"I lead a pretty boring life so they usually leave me alone." Finn added.
"Well Blaine and I are fabulous! Our wedding was in the papers and it was my dream come true."
Rachel laughed. "Well even me being a performer doesn't usually warrant THAT much press. I guess it just proved to be a good story. And I swear I'm nicer than they made me out to be." Rachel looked down at her menu, avoiding eye contact with the rest of the group.
"Of course you are!" Carole chimed in. "Finn wouldn't have brought you here if you weren't! He's a very good judge of character you know." Carole winked at Finn and smiled.
"Mom, stop," Finn said blushing. Rachel and I had plans tonight after Kurt and I saw her show and she was gracious enough to come so let's move onto some normal conversation shall we?" Finn hated being the center of attention and wanted to do anything to move things along. No need for his old wounds to be ripped open tonight.
Conversation shifted over the course of the evening. Rachel found out that Kurt is a buyer for Bloomingdales and his husband is a Doctor currently away at a medical seminar. They live in Connecticut and are trying to adopt a child although the process is lengthy. Carole and Burt shared how they met at a fundraiser when Finn was 15 and were married a year later. Finn grew up in Brooklyn and still lives in the house his parents had. No mention of his dad though, and she didn't want to pry.
Rachel told them about her upbringing in NYC and her dads who live downtown. How she struggled for many years to make it and now is nominated for a Tony award as Fanny Brice. She invited Burt and Carole to a show at the end of the week and they were thrilled. Rachel was glad to see how the conversation had flowed freely, even allowing for a few jokes and laughs along the way. It felt nice. She loved her dad's but it had been just the three of them for her entire life. She had a few friends, Santana being one of them, but other than that she led a pretty isolated life. Rachel had always been fine with it. Even when she had a boyfriend she didn't always click fully with them and their families. Tonight though, her anxiety had eased and she felt like she was having dinner with old friends. Rachel was so involved in all of the conversation, she failed to notice how uncomfortable Finn was during all of this. She turned to see him fiddling with the straw in his drink while everyone talked around him.
Rachel nudged him slightly with her arm. It wasn't hard to do since they were sitting so close in the small booth. "Hey," she whispered, "are you ok? Sorry I can talk a lot."
Finn was smashed in between Kurt and Rachel, which at his size wasn't the best. Rachel was pushed up against him and every so often her arm would brush his. He could smell the light perfume she was wearing. Finn couldn't concentrate on anything but her.
He also hoped that the conversation wouldn't go back to Quinn. Rachel didn't need to know about any of that right now.
"Yeah I'm fine. Just realizing it's late and I have to be to work at 7." Finn glanced down at his watch. It was almost 1 am.
Carole gasped. "Oh Finn why didn't you say something? We've just been chatting away! Are you going all the way back to Brooklyn tonight?"
"No, I'll just sleep at the station. I keep extra stuff there just in case. Plus I think I should take Rachel home. No need for her to be going anywhere alone this time of night."
Rachel grinned like a school girl. "Finn that's very nice of you. I would appreciate it. I'm used to the city but you can never be too careful."
Dinner wrapped up and the group said their goodbyes and parted ways. Rachel had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time she saw any of them.
Rachel had suggested they take a cab to save time, but Finn wanted to walk home. He wanted to make the night stretch on as long as possible. He felt so comfortable with Rachel even though he barely knew her.
"I know this is going to sound strange but dinner with your family was really nice. I feel like I have known all of you forever. Thanks so much for taking me tonight." Rachel continued to walk next to Finn, a comfortable silence lingering in the air.
"They really seemed to like you. You fit right in." It was almost scary how WELL she fit in, Finn thought to himself.
They continued to walk in the cool summer air. Not many people were out this late on a weeknight. They were closing in on Rachel's apartment building when she broke the silence.
"So do you want to go to the Tony's with me? As my date? It doesn't have to be more than that. I just, well I need a date and -"
"Yes." Finn answered quickly.
"Yes?" Rachel's smile grew wide.
"Yes. And Rachel? Can we stop talking about the auction? I know it happened and it was for a good cause, but I just don't want to talk about it anymore. You're using it as a crutch to avoid actually saying whether or not you want to hang out more, or date, or whatever. I'd go to the Tony's with you even if you hadn't won that auction. I want to go because it's another chance to spend time with you. I don't feel obligated whatsoever."
Rachel was stunned. She should be offended, but he's actually right. "Okay. How do you know that Finn? That's a strong accusation for someone who has just met me."
"A lot of therapy Rachel. A lot." Finn brushed his hands through his hair, worried he had made her feel uncomfortable.
"Okay, I won't bring it up anymore. I tend to get hung up on stuff sometimes. I just have enough issues with my dating life. I obviously never thought I'd buy a guy in an auction. Then that guy turns out to be pretty nice."
Finn glanced down at her.
"Oops sorry. Auction talk again." Rachel made a motion like she was zipping her lips shut and Finn laughed. "I'm not good at this if you can't tell. Broadway I can nail, my personal life is a mess."
"You don't have to take it literally. I just think you aren't giving anything a chance. I'll go to the Tony's with you. Consider it done. I'd also like to hang out before that a few times, if that's okay. I think you're really great Rachel. I don't know how you feel about me, but that's how I feel about you."
Rachel was speechless. She's never had a guy be so forward with her before. Normally it's a song and dance show before anything starts happening.
"Look Finn, I don't know what to think right now. I do know that you are someone I can be myself around. Not once have I felt the need to pretend to be something I'm not tonight. It was just really nice to hang out, even if we weren't alone. Last week I never thought anything would come of us. I was actually hoping to run away from it all. I'm glad I didn't."
They finally reached the door to her building. Finn turned towards Rachel, leaned down, and gave her the biggest hug she'd ever received. His entire body covered up hers and she inhaled the smell of his cologne like her life depended on it.
"Good night Rachel. Text me ok? I'll be bored tomorrow if we don't get any calls."
Before she could answer, Finn walked away towards his station two blocks up. She'll definitely be texting him in the morning.
So things are happening! Next up-The Tony's! Please review ;) I love them!
