Hello to everyone still reading! I had planned on this story being only a few chapters and it just keeps going so I hope you'll hang in there! Once again I only own the plot and nothing else.

It was Tony day. Rachel sat in her robe as the hair and makeup people worked their magic. She found herself wondering what Finn was doing right now. Was he ready? Did he decide on a suit or a tux? Last time they spoke about it he wasn't sure.

Once again their schedules had prevented them from actually spending any quality time together since the night they had dinner at the diner. They had managed to get coffee together twice since then. Finn had taken on some extra shifts to cover for someone on medical leave, which meant he wasn't available much. Rachel's schedule was the same, but not compatible with Finn's at all. They would still text frequently, almost daily at this rate, but she still didn't feel like they were much more than friends. He was a great friend, but Rachel couldn't help but notice that she longed for something more.

The Tony's had been a huge distraction for her. On top of her performing regularly in her show, she also had to prepare to perform on stage in the opening number, which meant added rehearsals. This year the Tony Awards decided to have all of the best actor and actress nominees open the show. Rachel was estatic but it added so much to her already full plate. It was ironic that she spend two years focusing on herself and making sure she felt like a complete person, and now that she wanted to give something a chance she had no time to do so.

Rachel continued to daydream as the hairstylist put the finishing touches on her hair. Santana was in the background feverishly typing on her phone. Her dad's were dressed and out in the living room watching TV, waiting for Rachel to be done. Finn was getting picked up separately and would meet them downstairs in the limo.

Santana helped Rachel into her dress and smoothed it out as Rachel slipped her black heels on.

"Well you clean up good Berry! Now let's get downstairs. The car should be here in two minutes. We need you on the carpet in 30."

Santana quickly exited the room as Rachel looked at her reflection in the mirror one last time. She drew in a deep breath as she spoke. "Okay Rachel. Stay calm. You've got this. This is the most important night of your life. Own it."

Rachel walked out into the living room where her dad's were waiting. They both clapped when they saw her.

"Oh Rachel, you look exquisite" Hiram said.

LeRoy had his cell phone out already snapping pictures. "I've never seen you look better my dear!"

Rachel hugged them both as Santana handed Rachel her bag.

"Okay the car's here. Finn's here too so let's get this show on the road."

The elevator ride down to the parking garage was quick. When the doors opened, Rachel was greeted by a smiling Finn standing outside of the limo. He was dressed in crisp black suit, white shirt, and black silk tie. As if she wasn't feeling attracted to him already, Rachel felt herself blush at the sight of him.

"Wow Rachel. You look incredible." Finn held his hand out to help Rachel into the car.

"Thank you Finn."

Rachel climbed into the limo as her dads and Santana followed. Finn being the gentleman that he was, climbed in last. He slid into the seat next to Rachel and closest to the door. Before he could say anything to the crowd, Santana began barking instructions.

"Okay red carpet is first. Rachel, you and Finn will walk it while I trail behind. Papa Berry duo will head directly to your seats. Once inside, Rachel heads backstage to prep for the opening. Finn you'll go sit next to the dads, I'll be sitting a few rows back. After the performance Rachel will go back to her seat, etc."

Finn nodded his head to acknowledge her statements. "Hello, I'm Finn by the way." Finn held out his hand to shake the hands of Rachel's dads.

"Nice to meet you" they both replied in unison.

The car grew silent. Rachel hadn't thought about how awkward this would be. Finn had never met her dads before, and on a night like this nerves were high and it probably wasn't the best place for them to meet.

Once the limo arrived, things moved quickly. Finn exited the limo first, helping Rachel out and making sure she was ready to go. Everyone else headed inside as he followed and posed with Rachel on the red carpet. Everyone was screaming and shouting at them since they hadn't been seen publicly since the auction.

Finn stood by her side while she posed for pictures, then stepped aside when she needed to be photographed alone. The vibe was positive and he hadn't heard anything bad screamed at them…yet.

When they got inside the building, Rachel was ushered off backstage to get ready. Finn headed into the theater to sit down before the show began. He took his seat next to Rachel's fathers. The seat next to him on the aisle was to be filled by an audience filler until after Rachel performed.

"So Finn, how long have you been a firefighter? Rachel has only told us a little bit about you." Hiram turned to face Finn and Leroy peered over Hiram's shoulder.

"I've been a firefighter for five years. I really love it. I work about two blocks from Rachel's apartment actually." Finn wrung his hands together as they started to sweat. Between the excitement of the night and having to sit next to Rachel's dads, he was stressed.

"Well that's a very noble profession Finn. I'd love to hear more about it sometime." LeRoy sat back in his seat as the lights flashed indicating the show would be starting soon.

Finn felt his stomach drop. Why did he feel so nervous? Was it because Rachel was performing? Or he was just excited to see her perform?

The music began and the host of the show came out on stage. Immediately he saw Rachel come out as she began to sing the opening number with a few others. His jaw dropped when he saw the sexy short dress she was wearing with fishnet tights. She continued to dance around the stage as she sang, although Finn couldn't tell you what song it was or what it was about. He was enamored with Rachel. Maybe tonight he could make his move. Kurt had been urging him to ask her out but the timing was never right. Tonight after she wins, he'll do it.

As the number ended, Finn couldn't stop smiling. Neither could her fathers. They clapped wildly as the show went to commercial break.

"She's amazing isn't she Finn?" Hiram asked.

"I've never met anyone like her."

Hiram and LeRoy smiled and then began to engage in a conversation with someone behind them that they knew. Finn smiled at the woman next to him who was sitting in Rachel's seat. When was she going to be back?

Finn was looking around for her when the announcement was made they were going back live. Two awards were given out along with two speeches. Finn didn't know who any of these people were. He started to feel very out of place.

The next commercial break came and Rachel finally returned from backstage, back in her original dress.

"Hi Rachel! You did great!" Finn blurted out loudly. He felt so awkward.

"Thanks Finn. What did you think dads? I think it went well!"

Her fathers took turns throwing complements her way as Rachel settled into her seat, adjusting her dress and hair. Her award wasn't until the end of the show, but she knew all eyes would be on the nominees throughout the broadcast. Rachel realized how awkward it was to have Finn sitting here on the biggest night of her life. She had hoped more would have happened between them by now when she asked him to the Tony's. Maybe they were just meant to be friends. Now he was sitting by her side on national television.

The night continued on as usual. Finn just clapped when Rachel did. He was terrified of doing the wrong thing. The final commercial break came before Rachel's award was to be announced. He noticed Rachel take a huge breath and let out a sigh.

"You ok?" Finn whispered.

"Yeah. Yeah. I just was really confident I was going to win and now I'm second guessing myself. I feel like I'm going to throw up."

"Now don't do that," Finn smiled as he grabbed her hand. "It will all be over in a few minutes. I for one think you're an incredible singer who deserves to win. You know, I'm very seasoned in all things Broadway." Finn winked which made Rachel laugh.

"Oh really? Your entire month's exposure has led you to believe I'm going to win huh?" Rachel fired back in a flirty tone. He was doing a good job at making her relax.

"Oh yes. Definitely. I've been contacted by several Broadway blogs to start writing for them."

Rachel slapped Finn on the arm and laughed again. Then the announcement was made. Commercial break over.

The next two presenters were announced and approached the microphone. "Best Performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical…" This was it. The presenter rattled off the names of the nominees. Rachel smiled and Finn clapped when her name was read. It was here. The moment she had worked so hard for. She was going to win a Tony.

"And the winner is... Michelle Simpson for ..." Rachel blanked out. She smiled and clapped for the cameras. She felt Finn's hand reach down and squeeze her knee. He even understood that they both had to look happy for the other person.

She had lost. She was so sure she was going to win. So sure that she had written a speech that was currently tucked into the bra of her dress. Rachel continued to look at Michelle as she said her acceptance speech. The cameras were still on her. She swallowed hard to fight back the cry that wanted to escape her mouth.

Rachel had to sit through one the last few major awards, including the one enemy Julia's show was nominated for. They won. This night could not be going any worse.

The show finally ended and Rachel's main goal was just to get the hell out of the theater without having to talk to that many people. She had held it together so far because, well, she's an actress. However, the longer she was left alone with her thoughts the worse things were getting in her head. Rachel just wanted this night to end. She needed her bed, a sad movie, and a good cry.

Santana made her way down to them as the crowd began to disperse. She gave Rachel a huge hug which caught her off guard because Santana wasn't the affectionate type.

"Sorry Berry, I thought you had it in the bag too."

"Well you know what they say, it's an honor to be nominated right?"

Rachel hugged her dad's goodbye. They had no interest in going to the after parties and Rachel didn't exactly feel like having to entertain them all night.

"Okay I'll text the limo driver to start pulling up and he'll drop you two off at the first party. After that it's up to you how many places you want to go ok?"

Rachel looked at Santana confused. "Aren't you coming with us?"

"No. I mean there isn't much press stuff for me to handle due to the outcome of the night. As much as I love you Rachel, I'd rather go home and maybe invite a friend over." Santana winked and Rachel was stonefaced. How could she not come with her on the biggest night ever? So now it would just be her and Finn skating through the parties like a couple even though they aren't.

During all of this Finn stood behind the two as they worked out the logistics of the night. He felt uncomfortable. He didn't know Rachel well, but knew she had to be devastated even though she was acting like she was fine. Finn knew they still had to go to the parties she was scheduled to appear at, but suddenly felt intimidated to go.

He followed the two outside as they continued to chat. Soon it was just he and Rachel in the limo.

"Are you okay Rachel? I'd understand if you want to go home or go alone or something." Finn sat across from Rachel, her legs crossed at the ankles to give Finn more leg room.

"Yeah I'm okay. I mean I'm upset but I have to go to the first party. All of the nominees will be there. Sorry I feel like I'm going to be a total bummer tonight. Free drinks though right?"

Rachel laughed quietly and began to stare out the window. She was trying to act like she was fine, but inside wanted to flee again. She looked across at Finn who was staring back at her.

"What?" she asked.

"You just look really pretty tonight."

Rachel felt herself blush at his comment.

"Rachel I know you're upset and you should be. Let's just try to have a nice night out. We're both off at the same time and you won't catch me in a Tux again anytime soon."

Finn flashed a half smile her way and she felt herself relax. She's right. She wasn't uncomfortable with the notion of Finn spending time with her, it was just that she didn't know what to do with her emotions right now. In the past her boyfriends had accused her of being overly emotional or too needy. The fear of rejection from Finn was real and right in front of her.

"You're right Finn. Let's try to have a good time tonight. Plus, everyone will want to meet my hot fireman date."

"You think I'm hot huh?" Finn put his hands behind his head in a cocky manner.

Rachel grew wide eyed. "Well..ummmm I"m just saying you clean up nicely "

"Well Rachel Berry, I believe tonight is a first real date, whether you like it or not."

Just then the limo came to a stop and the door opened. They had arrived at the party.

Finn wasn't aware that there would be a red carpet at this party, and he'd also have to walk it with Rachel.

"Red carpets aren't really my thing Rachel. Can I just meet you inside?"

"Nope," Rachel said as she grabbed his hand, "You have to pose with me for a few pictures, especially since people will recognize you from the fundraiser. It's the same thing we did earlier. Santana will thank me later."

Before Finn knew it he was trailing behind Rachel, standing beside her, and smiling for the cameras. People were actually shouting his name along with Rachel's to snap a picture. Luckily for Finn, Rachel bypassed doing any interviews outside and they quickly went into the party.

Inside was a swanky room decorated fully with tables and chairs alongside a dance floor. Finn knew he wouldn't know anyone at this party, so the key was to stay close to Rachel if he could.

It turns out that was easier said than done. Rachel was so tiny, and wearing black. He quickly lost her once they were inside. He had last seen her heading towards the woman who won their category. Finn left for a few minutes to get them both drinks and now she was gone.

He stood awkardly by a cocktail table with both drinks in front of him. He didn't know what she liked so he asked the bartender for something girly. Just when he was about to get his phone out, a pretty blond woman approached him.

"Hey there, need someone to drink that drink with you?'

"No, I'm just waiting for my date to get back." Finn searched the crowd praying he would see Rachel, but nothing.

"Well you look much too handsome to be all alone at this party. Why don't you come sit at our table over there. I'm Julia by the way."

Finn reached out to shake her hand. After all, he didn't want to be rude.

"Nice to meet you Julia. Do you by any chance know Rachel Berry?"

Julia smirked. "Yeah I know her. Anyways, how about you come over to my table? We've got an extra chair and its calling your name."

Just then Finn felt a hand on his lower back.

"Finn I lost you! Good thing you're tall and easy to find!" Rachel looked up at Finn and smiled, then turned to see Julia standing in front of him.

"Oh hey Rachel, I'd say it's nice to see you but I was having such a nice time with Finn here." Julia smiled widely as she looked at the both of them. "You know it's not smart to leave a handsome date all alone at one of these parties. He might get snatched right up isn't that right?"

Rachel felt herself begin to fume. She thought the night was bad before, but Julia showing her ugly mug just topped it off.

"Oh Julia please excuse us, I need Finn to meet some people. Have a great night!" Rachel waved to Julia as she grabbed Finn's hand and dragged him the other way.

"Whoa! What was that about? Do you not like her?" Finn asked as they found a table in the corner of the room.

"I don't want to get into it, but no I don't like her. At all."

"Why don't you like her? She seemed nice. A little forward, but nice."

Rachel laughed. "Didn't you tell me you were good at reading people? Right now you are totally missing the mark."

"I am? I mean she was a little forward I guess..."

"Trust me Finn, Julia is no one you want to know." Rachel took a large gulp of the cosmo Finn had grabbed her. It burned as she swallowed but the second gulp went down much smoother.

"Slow down there! We have all night." Finn grabbed the drink from Rachel's hand and put it down on the table. "So what happens at these parties? I've been to plenty for Burt and they are usually so boring."

"Pretty much what you would expect. A lot of ass kissing, talking to people you don't like, dancing...the usual. Hey you want to dance?" Rachel could feel the effects of the drink she just downed already kicking in.

Finn took a big swig of his drink now. Dancing was not his thing. "Um, sure. Why not? No making fun of me though ok? I'm really bad."

Rachel stood up and smiled. "Oh you can't be THAT bad. Let's go!" She grabbed Finn's hand and dragged him to the dance floor.

There were a handful of people already dancing, but not enough to hide Finn in the crowd. Who was he kidding? He was never hidden in a crowd. The song had a fast beat and he tried to move the best he could in sync with Rachel. The look on her face made him realize that she too knew he was as bad as he said he was.

"I told you, you weren't allowed to laugh!"

That statement made Rachel laugh even harder. "I'm sorry, its just... you really have no rhythm at all!" she shouted over the music.

"Well I'm trying my best here ok!" Finn laughed. "If you want I can REALLY embarass you!" Finn started doing the sprinkler move with his arms.

Rachel jumped up to try and grab his arm. "Finn stop! I'm serious! I'm sorry for laughing!"

Finn brought his arms back down. "That's more like it." He smirked as the song came to an end. The next song was a slow song. Finn pulled Rachel close to him as she wrapped one arm around his back and grabbed his hand with the other.

"I can slow dance you know. I'm an expert at it." Finn looked down at Rachel who smiled back at him.

"I'm sorry tonight hasn't been more fun. I'm just not in the mood for any of this."

Rachel rested her head on Finn's chest when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Can I cut in?" Rachel knew who it was before she even turned around. Julia had returned.

"No Julia, you can't." Rachel turned back around to face Finn hoping she would go away.

"Oh come on Rachel, we both know you wouldn't have even bid on him if I hadn't been bidding first!"

Finn was trying to wrap his head around what was being said. "Um, I'm right here guys."

Both of the women ignored Finn when he spoke.

"Julia, just stop! Please leave us alone." Rachel was trying hard not to lose it. She didn't want Finn to see the ugliness Julia could bring out in her.

Julia rolled her eyes. "I just want to dance with the guy you STOLE from me. You only won because you were willing to spend an insane amount of money on a boy to go on a date with you. That desperate are we?"

Finn's eyes grew wide when he realized what they were referencing. "Okay that's enough. I'm here with Rachel because I want to be. Not because she won me at a charity event." He looked down at Rachel to see her staring back up at him with desperation in her eyes. "Let's go Rachel."

He grabbed her hand and began walking her to the door.

"I want to leave," she said softly.

"I can tell, that's why we are headed towards the door. I'm texting our driver now so the car will be ready."

Rachel followed Finn in silence, still holding his hand but walking slightly behind him. She was using his body as a shield so she didn't have to make eye contact with anyone she might know.

The car pulled up immediately. Rachel climbed in first and Finn sat beside her. Once the door closed, she broke.

The sobs came up hard and strong. She felt Finn pull her close as she turned and sobbed into his jacket.

"It's okay. Tonight might have been bad but tomorrow will be better," Finn said as he rubbed her head.

The car started to move as Rachel continued to cry. She couldn't even speak, but she did notice how sweet Finn was being towards her. He just let her cry and asked no questions. He just continued to rub her head and back until they reached her apartment.

Rachel had never been so happy to have a parking garage in her building. She would be mortified if anyone saw her right now. Finn helped her out of the car, then grabbed a duffle bag from the back and slammed the trunk closed.

"What are you doing?" Rachel asked as she wiped her eyes. "Don't you want to have the driver take you home?"

"Oh I'm sleeping at the station tonight since I work at noon. It's easier than going home. Don't worry, I sleep there a lot since I live far." Finn pushed the elevator button as he spoke. "I just want to make sure you get inside safely. " Finn wanted to spend more time with her, even if it meant a short elevator ride. Plus he was worried she would start crying again and didn't want her to be alone.

"I'll be fine." Her voice began to falter as she spoke and the tears started flowing again.

"Come on, let's get you inside."

Rachel tucked herself into Finn's side on the ride up to her apartment. The smell of his cologne plus his body heat made her feel comforted in some way.

Once her front door was unlocked, Finn reached down and gave her a huge hug.

"You did great tonight Rachel. I know you didn't win but you were amazing. I'm working tomorrow but maybe we can try to get together again soon?"

Rachel realized she didn't want him to go. "Thanks Finn. Why don't you come in for a bit? We didn't exactly have a fun night. I have plenty of wine and liquor in here too."

"Let's take a shot Finn!" Rachel poured the tequila into two shot glasses in front of them. "I haven't done shots in forever!" The two knocked them back and followed up with salt and lime.

"Ugh it burns" Rachel said after she swallowed. "This night has been so so shitty Finn. Really so shitty." Rachel poured a second shot for them both. She just wanted to loosen up and forget about the nights events.

"Your phone keeps beeping Rach. Should you get it?" Finn took his jacket off and laid it on the back of the chair behind him.

"It's probably just Santana. She can wait until the morning." Rachel pushed Finn's shot glass towards him. "Bottoms up!"

Finn liked seeing Rachel relax, even though it was taking alcohol to do it.

"Julia was right you know. I did bid on you so she wouldn't win. I'm a horrible person." Rachel hiccupped and laughed, then threw her hands up over her mouth. "OOPS! I'm not supposed to talk about the auction."

Finn laughed hard. "Chill out Rachel, its fine. Julia seemed like a bitch anyways."

Rachel put her hand out and Finn gave her a high five. "I knew I liked you for a reason. She is a bitch. You aren't allowed to like her mmmmkay Finn?"

Finn could tell Rachel was tipsy. He was feeling it too.

"I'll take it a step further and not be friends with anyone named Julia EVER."

This time it was Rachel laughing hard as she poured the third shot.

"Rachel are you sure you want to do another shot?"

"Look Finn, I'm an adult who has had one of the worst nights of my life. I'm always good. Always perfect. Right now I just want to get drunk okay?"

Finn nodded his head yes as they took the next shot.

Before she knew it they were singing the final words to "Livin on a Prayer" on her karaoke machine at 2am. She doesn't remember the amount of alcohol she's had, nor does she care. All she knows is that right now she's forgotten that she had lost a Tony, and is belting out a song with Finn Hudson.

"You're not bad Finn!" Rachel was out of breath from all of the jumping around she had been doing. She bent over to recover.

"Well that's pretty good coming from you I guess," Finn said as he took a bow. By now Finn was down to his tuxedo pants and shirt which was partially unbuttoned. Rachel was still in her dress, shoes discarded, and hair getting messier by the minute.

"Why do you have a Karoake machine anyways? Do you use it to practice?"

Rachel threw her head back and laughed. "NO! You just never know when you'll need to have a sing a long! I mean what would we have done for the past hour if we hadn't had this?"

Finn flashed her a grin as he pushed his hair back. "I see your point there Berry."

They were both drunk. Really drunk. Not the kind of drunk where they were going to pass out, but the kind where everything is sort of hazy but you can still be coherent simulaneously.

Finn sat back on the couch and tossed his microphone onto the coffee table.

"So I take it you're done singing?" Rachel placed her microphone on the table and began to fan herself. "Is it hot in here? I'm so hot!"

"I think it's because we've been dancing and jumping around for hours. Go change out of that dress if you're hot."

Rachel looked down at her gown. "But if I take it off then the night is over. I loved this dress. I was supposed to win a Tony in this dress."

Finn turned towards her. "Well now it's the dress you got drunk and sang karaoke in. Doesn't mean you didn't look beautiful in it."

Rachel blushed as she smoothed out the material of her skirt. "Thanks Finn. Sorry this night kinda sucked. Although, I think we did okay. I'm glad you walked me up here. I think if I had been alone I would have just freaked out and punched something. I just really hate when I want something and I don't get it. I've been working on that. Sorry I'm rambling."

"I get it Rachel. And I don't think this night sucked at all. I know that award meant a lot to you, but it's not the end of the world. Trust me, I've been through some shit. It will get better."

Finn could tell Rachel was heartbroken, but he had seen her loosen up quite a bit tonight. He hadn't intended on them getting drunk, but they did end up having fun. It's the best night out he's had in years. It didn't pan out the way he planned, but he's learned that nothing in his life ever does. However, asking Rachel out tonight probably wouldn't be the best idea.

He wasn't expecting to see Rachel crying when he looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry. What did I say? I'm just trying to cheer you up."

Finn reached up to wipe a tear falling down Rachel's cheek.

"No, don't be sorry. You're just so nice. No one has ever been this nice to me. You've been so great tonight Finn. Thank you. I promise to not be such a crier the next time we go out."

"Are you asking me out on a date Rachel Berry? I'm flattered!"

Rachel slapped Finn's arm playfully. "Well I'd like a night that didn't involve drama and crying that's for sure."

"Rachel I don't care about the crying or the drama. We're having fun right? I mean, we don't know a ton about each others backgrounds yet, but from what I know, you could use a little fun."

Most men Rachel have dated in the past would have taken advantage of her vulnerable state. They were both drunk, she was emotional, and in the past she may have even made a move. However, she was fighting hard to be mentally sober even if her body wasn't. No more drunken hookups for her. She was waiting for Finn to try and make a move in any way. Instead, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into his side.

"Rachel, you're awesome. You're the first girl since Quinn who hasn't assummed anything about me based on my job or who my family is. Well maybe a little when you bid on me but that's in the past now right?"

There was that name again. "Who is Quinn?"

"A bitch that's who." Finn closed his eyes and laid his head back onto the couch.

"Should I hate her?" Rachel laid her head on Finn's chest.

"Yes. You can hate Quinn for me and I'll hate Julia for you ok?"

Rachel let out a belly laugh at his response.

"There's that laugh I've been waiting for."

Rachel tried to respond but instead felt herself drifting off to sleep.

Rachel could feel the sun blazing into her eyes even though they were still closed. She tried to open them but her head was pounding and her neck was killing her. She could feel movement under her head which startled her eyes open. Rachel covered her eyes to shield the sun and looked up to see Finn dead asleep underneath her, still in the sitting position he was in last night. She had apparently laid down in his lap and her face was very very close to his groin. Rachel felt herself blush but that feeling was quickly erased by her need for water. Her throat was so dry and her head was screaming. She looked down to see she was still in her dress. Santana was going to kill her.

She tried to recall the events from the night before. She doesn't remember doing anything terribly embarassing. Oh the crying. She remembered the crying. Great. Finn probably thinks she's the neediest drunk girl ever. Rachel slowly sat up, being careful not to disturb Finn.

Rachel smiled as she realized Finn hadn't moved all night. He was sitting up on the couch, his head resting slightly backwards, hair messy, and mouth hanging slightly open. He looked adorable.

She began to make her way over to the kitchen for some water. She felt like she might die of thirst. As she passed the bar she saw all of the empty shot glasses and half filled bottles of booze sitting abandoned on the counter. No wonder she felt like crap. Then she saw herself in the mirror.

"Oh my god" she whispered at the site of her face. Her hair stuck to one side of her head where she had been laying on Finn. Her mascara resembled something of a raccoon that had smeared halloween makeup on its face. She had to get in the shower before Finn saw her like this.

Then she heard it. "UGH my head". Before she could make a run for it, he stood up and turned around.

"Are you getting water Rachel? I need some. What time is it?"

Rachel stood frozen. Please don't look at me, she thought to herself.

"Uh yeah I'll bring you a bottle...hold on"

Rachel scurried into the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water out of the fridge. From what she could see Finn had sat back down on the couch and had his head in his hands. She was hoping he would stay like that and she could throw the bottle of water on the couch and make a run for it. He could not see her like this. She felt like a trainwreck. They weren't even dating and she looked like the living dead right now. This was out of character for her and she felt completely panicked.

Rachel walked quickly back into the living room and tossed the bottle onto the couch next to Finn. She hurried towards her room when she looked back to see if he was watching her.

Finn stood up to open the bottle but lost his footing and fell straight over the coffee table. The water went flying and Finn fell flat on his face.

"Finn! Are you ok!?" Without thinking she ran over to him as he rolled over.

"yeah, yeah I'm ok. The question is are you?"

Rachel reached up to her face in horror. "I was on my way to wash it off when you fell!"

Finn laughed as he stumbled upright. "Relax Rachel, we both had a long night. I just fell over a table while not even moving!"

"Okay I'm just going to go hop in the shower. Help yourself to whatever you want, there's some asprin in the cabinet above the dishwasher."

Rachel tried to walk away, but Finn grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Rachel hold on, there's something I've been wanting to tell you since last night."

"Can this wait Finn? I'd really like to shower and wash my face. I'm gross and-"

Rachel felt his lips on hers before she could realize what was happening. Her eyes were wide, his were closed. This is not how she wanted this to happen, but those thoughts left her mind as his hands wrapped softly around her face to embrace her head. She gave into the kiss and it was both exhilarating and familiar at the same time. She had never been kissed like this before.

Finn had wanted to do this from the moment he met Rachel. Sure there had been plenty of opportunities, but for some reason in this very moment, he had to kiss her. He didn't regret it.

They both pulled away to come up for air. Finn stayed closed and just smirked at Rachel as she looked at him stunned.

"Sorry you just look so adorable right now, I had to kiss you."

"Adorable? Are you kidding me? I look like a zombie leaving a funeral and haven't even brushed my teeth!"

Finn pulled her face close to him again and gave her a quick peck on her lips. "I don't care Rachel. I've wanted to kiss you for weeks and I really wanted to last night but then you lost and I wasn't sure what to do. Are you mad?"

Rachel hesitated but she realized she wasn't mad at all. "Well no. I guess I just envisioned our first kiss being after a date or something. "

"Well technically it was after a date. Just think of the date including is sleeping on a couch drunk for a few hours."

Rachel gave in as Finn pulled her in for a hug.

"Well I guess we did sort of just have a never ending date. Can we somehow go on a stress free one? Now can this zombie go get showered? You have to work too you know!" Rachel hurried off to the bathroom before he could answer.

Finn groaned as he looked at the clock. He had two hours before work and felt like he just blew it. He had wanted to kiss her for so long and he couldn't wait another second. She was standing there all disheveled and uncomfortable, but had come to check on him anyways.

He just really wanted Rachel to know that he liked her. She was adorable and nice, and everything he had been looking for since Quinn. He hadn't met or dated anyone in years that made him feel anything like this.

There was just still so much she didn't know.

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