I know its been ages and I will finish this story, even if it takes years LOL (It won't I promise). This story already has an epilogue written so it will be finished :) Here is a fat chapter to hold you over hopefully! I had a bit of writers block to work through with the plot, so it took a while.
All mistakes are mine! I don't own glee, just the plot and original characters!
Two weeks had passed and Rachel hadn't heard about the movie deal. She also hadn't found the right time to tell Finn. They had, however, been making it a point to see each other more. Finn had been spending more and more nights at Rachel's place. Rachel had let her understudy take a few performances this week so she could spend more time with Finn. She used to be horrified at the thought of ever letting anyone perform for her, but her reasons right now were needed. She needed to spend time with Finn. When she wasn't with him, he's all she thought about.
Three months ago when she attended the Broadway fundraiser, she had no idea she would be in love with a man she had met that night. She loved him. Things between the two of them were so easy. Simple. Now, she just had to find the perfect time to tell him.
Rachel felt Finn move slightly next to her in bed. She took a moment to just soak the sight of him in. His mouth was slightly open and his hair was going in ten different directions. After not dating for two yearss, she hadn't realized how much she had missed this. She had missed companionship, someone to be with who loved her unconditionally. Well she thinks he loves her anyways, he hadn't said it.
They both needed to get up soon since they had a busy day ahead of them. She leaned over to kiss him on the forehead.
"Hey sleepy, time to get up."
Finn opened one eye and groaned. "I don't wanna." He rolled away from Rachel, pulling the covers over his face.
Rachel smiled as she pulled herself under the covers too. She crawled on top of him, resting her face above his. "But its your birthday and we have a fancy night out. For the next few months I'll be dating an older man."
Finn opened his eyes and smiled widely. He slid his arms up Rachel's sides, pushing her white tank top up with them, his fingers dancing at her sides. "I wish I could get woken up like this every day." Finn threw the covers off of their heads to finish pulling off Rachel's shirt. "It's my birthday and I want birthday sex, right now."
Rachel giggled as he threw her shirt across the room. "Well the birthday boy gets what he wants."
Finn had requested to stay in bed as long as possible today. After a two rounds of lovemaking, Rachel convinced him they need to start getting ready for their big night out. They both managed to exit the bedroom around noon.
"Shoot! I have to go run through my speech with my mom before tonight and then run back to Brooklyn to get my dress blues. I don't have time to eat. I'll meet you at the event? Or I can try to swing back by here but I have to be there early."
Tonight Finn was helping his parents host a huge fundraiser. It was born out of the 9/11 tragedy and has been running for over 15 years. At first, Finn and Carole had been recipients of the funds raised. Now, Carole and Burt help run the evening that brings in the biggest funds of the year. Tonight will be the first time Finn will be a speaker. He's attended in the past, but this year his mom asked him to speak on behalf of his father and all of the other children who lost a parent that day. It just so happened that the fundraiser was the same day as his birthday. His mom had given him an out, but he figured he and Rachel could celebrate after. Personal stories always help raise more money, so tonight he would share his.
"Actually Kurt and Blaine offered to have their car pick me up on the way so I can just ride with them. I don't mind." Rachel helped Finn gather his things up as he prepared to leave. "There's no point in you coming to get me when you have so much to do. It's going to take me a while to get ready anyways. I can't exactly go dressed in a tank top and underwear. The Mayor wouldn't approve." Rachel threw her head back and laughed.
"Well I think this is a great outfit. Sexy too." Finn pulled her in for one last kiss before he headed out. "I hope to see you back in this later. Are we coming back here or heading to my house? Oh and when are you going to hear about that movie deal? Even I'm getting anxious about it now." Finn had noticed Rachel hadn't mentioned it in a while. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad. He knew nothing about show business and had no idea how these things worked.
Rachel pulled away, trying not to make eye contact with him. "Well it should be any day now. I just...I'm worried."
"Don't be worried. You'll get it. You're the best actress I know!" Finn winked at her as he began to tie up his sneakers.
"I'm the only actress you know."
"Well then I guess you'll always be the winner! Now, what are you worried about?"
Rachel sighed. She didn't want to tell him on his birthday. "I'm worried that I will get it, not that I won't."
Finn furrowed his brow at her words. "I don't understand. You said the part was amazing and would change your career. What is so bad about that?"
"It films out of state. For four months," she blurted out. She stared back at Finn, waiting for a reply.
"I still don't get what the problem is. I can take care of your apartment while you're gone if that's what you're worried about. I'm sure Santana will get it handled."
Rachel was confused. Did he not care that she would be gone for four months? "You're not mad? or worried? I'll be gone Finn. Gone for four months. I don't know if I'll get leave time to visit you. I'll be in LA and then on some farm in Idaho. No where near here."
Finn smiled, which confused Rachel even more. "Why would I be mad? It's your job. Have you been worried about this for a while?"
She nodded.
"Rachel you have to tell me these things. You were worried about nothing. I totally support you with any job you get. People live apart way longer than four months and manage just fine. I'm sure I can swing a trip or two out to see you, if you want me to that is."
Rachel felt a tear roll down her cheek as relief swept over her. "Of course I do! I was just afraid this would ruin everything. I don't want to leave you."
Finn wiped the tear from her cheek. "Hey, I'll still be here when you get back. We barely saw each other for two months when we first started dating and we made it through that. The past few weeks have been amazing. Yes, I will miss you a TON. I'll even call you every day and you'll be sick of me by the end of the movie."
Rachel smiled and her heart swelled a little. He wasn't reacting at all like she thought he would, which reminded her to lighten up a little more. He wasn't her old boyfriends and she needed to focus on that. "I don't think I'll ever get sick of you. I just didn't want you to end things because I was moving away."
"Rachel, we've gone over this before. I'm not your other boyfriends. Have I ever done anything to make you believe I don't want to be with you anymore?"
Rachel shook her head no.
"Then stop going there. Now, its my birthday, we are going to go to the fundraiser and then we're going to come back here and have more birthday sex and go to bed. Sound good?"
Rachel hugged Finn tightly as she nuzzled her face into his chest. "Sounds amazing."
Finn fidgeted with the buttons on the front of his navy jacket as he waited for Rachel to arrive. He still wasn't a fan of these types of events, and he really wanted to see her before his big speech. The ballroom was filling up with people and the butterflies in his stomach continued to increase.
"You look fine," Carole said, " Very handsome. You look so much like your dad when you wear your dress uniform."
Finn adjusted his hat one more time to make sure it was perfect.
Carole gave Finn a quick hug. "Thanks for spending your birthday here with us. I know you didn't have to, but it means a lot that you chose to speak tonight. You've always said no in the past, which I respected, so what changed this year?"
Finn shrugged his shoulders even though he knows what changed. "It was just time I guess. If it will help inspire people to donate to the foundation than its worth it." He didn't want to tell his mom that it was Rachel who inspired him to do it. That he had told her everything about his dad's death and it didn't seem so horrible to talk about anymore. Quinn would never let him talk about it, unless it was about the money involved with it. That should have been a red flag from the beginning.
As people started arriving, Finn hung near his mom and Burt, not wanting to wander too far. He wasn't overly social at these big events, which is ironic seeing as he allowed himself to be auctioned off at huge fundraiser just a few short months ago. Rachel still hadn't arrived and the gala was starting in 10 minutes. His speech wasn't long after that. He was getting nervous and really wanted to see her before he went on stage. Kurt had been given specific instructions to get her here on time and drop her off at the side entrance where she wouldn't have to walk the red carpet and be interviewed. No need for that tonight.
Puck and Abby arrived, settling in at the table. Puck wasn't much for socializing at these events, and it was rare Finn could get him to go to one. It was only because it fell on Finn's birthday that Puck was willing to participate. His wife, on the other hand, loved it and was also dying to meet Rachel.
Finn joined Puck at the table, frequently eyeing the door.
"Looking for your lady friend Huddy? Is she standing you up on your birthday?" Puck jabbed Finn in the arm.
"Shut up Puck. She's coming with Kurt and Blaine. They're probably in traffic." Finn was growing agitated. He was going to kill Kurt if they were late. He checked his phone again. No text from Rachel.
The room was starting to fill because the official start time was looming closer. Finn was staring at the door once again when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"We just made it," Rachel said as she leaned over to kiss Finn on the cheek. "There was a huge accident and a street was closed, but we made it."
Finn stood up to greet her, revealing himself in his dress blues. Rachel gasped. Apparently she now had a thing for men in uniform. "Hey handsome, Happy Birthday again."
Finn leaned down to kiss her cheek. "You look gorgeous. Blue is definitely your color." Rachel was dressed in a strapless plain navy gown with a thin navy belt. Her hair was curled loosely and swept to one side.
Rachel hugged Burt and Carole before she sat down next to Finn. She still felt nervous around them even though she had met them several times.
Puck was seated next to Finn followed by Abby. "Hi Rachel, nice to see you is my wife Abby."
Abby smiled and reached out her arm for Rachel to shake. "So nice to meet you Rachel!" she said enthusiastically. Rachel didn't have many friends, so she was hoping she and Abby got along and hopefully would spend time together, just the four of them.
Rachel felt a pit in her stomach as the Emcee took the stage. She had been to plenty of fundraisers, but this one was different. This one directly affected Finn's life at one point. Normally she goes, and is always aware of the cause, but it's never been personal for her. She was nervous for him.
Rachel could see Finn starting to sweat a little around his brow. He was nervous and she was too. She hadn't heard his speech. He didn't want to practice in front of her, which she respected. She passed him a napkin to dab his brow before the event started.
The Emcee announced Finn's name and he rose from his seat and headed to the stage before Rachel could say anything to him. She sat in her seat as she watched his every move. A few months ago she didn't even know this man, yet here she sat waiting on pins and needles for him to make his big speech.
Finn arrived at the podium, squinting slightly as he looked down into the audience. The bright lights blinded his view of the audience mostly which he was thankful for.
"Hello, I'm Finn Hudson. I'm currently a Fireman at Station 86 here in Manhattan. Behind me is a picture of my father, Lt. Christopher James Hudson." Finn paused to look back at the picture behind him, the resemblance uncanny. My dad was the bravest man I have ever known. He was my hero and still is to this day. I didn't know that the morning of September 11th would be the last time I would ever know my dad for the man he was. I relive that day over and over again, wishing for it to be different. He was killed on 9/11 when I was 12 years old. This foundation was born out of the tragedy of that day so long ago.
If it were not for the generosity of organizations like this one, I'm not sure I would have made it. Counseling, mentors, and financial help were just a few ways that my mom and I were helped for years after my father's death.
Every day children around the country lose parents in various ways. Tuesday's Children has grown from a small charity designed to help 9/11 children, to helping children worldwide. Through fundraising, this organization can help so many children in need of emotional or financial help. "
Finn stopped and took a deep breath. Through the lights he could see Rachel sitting at the table in front, dabbing her eyes. He quickly looked away to not get emotional himself. Rachel could feel the sobs trying to escape as she watched Finn pour his heart out in front of 1000 people in this ballroom.
"I wouldn't be the man I am today if it was not for all of the help this organization has given me over the years. Counseling, summer camps, and support groups helped myself as well as my mom navigate through our grief. I hope that tonight you can find it in your hearts to give what you can to help such an amazing group continue to do their work. Now if you would draw your attention to the screen behind me, we will show a video of just what your money will fund."
The crowd clapped loudly and he could see Rachel standing up at the table clapping louder than everyone. He made his way back down to his seat as the video played, Rachel pulling him down for a hug. She still had tears in her eyes from listening to him speak.
"You were amazing Finn," she whispered in his ear. "I'm so proud of you. It was perfect."
Finn settled into his chair next to hers, pulling her small hand into his. For the first time in years he didn't feel stuck. He had a great girlfriend who was supportive of him. Rachel were there for him, and had no ulterior motive. He was finally able to talk about his dad and use his status as the Mayor's son for something positive. So far his birthday was turning out to be a great one.
Dinner was served and the usual chatter was going on at the table. Occasionally someone would interrupt to talk to Burt, but otherwise it was a relaxing meal.
"So Abby, tell me about your kids! I don't believe your husband told me anything about them when we met."
Puck smirked as Rachel continued talking. "It would be great if we all got together at Finn's sometime.
Abby was thrilled that Rachel turned out to be nice and interesting. She was worried she was going to be stuck next to some weirdo all night.
"Well Auggie is 6 and Ruby is 3. They're a handful but they're ours right honey?" Abby slapped Puck's arm in jest. "We don't get out very often so these nights are fun for me! I get to dress up and have a night out!"
"Their kids are great, " Finn chimed in. "Luckily they look like their mom," he joked.
"Shut up Finn!" Puck shouted across the table. "Just wait until you have kids and I'll be busting your balls too."
Puck laughed but the rest of the table didn't seem to receive the joke well. Rachel wasn't sure if it was because they didn't want her to feel uncomfortable as the newer girlfriend, or if something else was going on.
"I'm sure your kids will be adorable Finn. You were the cutest little blonde boy on earth." Carole replied, trying to break the tension.
"Am I missing something?" Rachel said under her breath to Finn. She couldn't help but remember the pictures of him as a young boy with his dad. What did everyone else know that she didn't?
"I'll tell you another time. And no I don't have any love child wandering around out there if that's what you're thinking." Finn winked which made Rachel relax a little bit. She couldn't help but think that there were still some mysteries surrounding him.
The music picked up a bit and they were inviting people to dance on the dance floor before the silent auction ended. Kurt and Blaine immediately got up, the rest of the table following suit.
Finn and Rachel found a spot near the center of the dance floor. Their height difference was apparent as he tried to pull her close. "You barely reach my chest, even in heels." He smiled down at her as they moved to the music.
"Somehow I fit just right though." She leaned up to give him a kiss as Carole and Burt looked on.
"I hope this works out for him" Carole said to Burt. "She's really good for him. Really really good."
"Try not to meddle too much. Things with Quinn ended badly. Rachel's not like that. It won't happen again." Burt turned them so Carole's vision was blocked. "He's 29 today. He's a big boy. Finn's got a good head on his shoulders."
"Yes, but him being a nice guy is what caused this whole mess. He's too trustworthy. Rachel didn't really have the reputation for being the nicest before they met."
"Carole, you and I both know you can't believe everything you read. Has Rachel done anything or acted in any way to make us believe she isn't a nice person?"
Carole shook her head.
"Well then leave them alone. Rachel has been nothing but nice and Finn hasn't been this happy in years. Let them be."
A slow song started and the crowd thinned a bit. Finn held Rachel close, his hand finding the small of her back as they danced.
"Are you having a good birthday so far?" Rachel asked as she looked up at him.
"Of course! I got woken up with hot birthday sex, then I get to see you all dressed up tonight, and of course there's the birthday sex later..." he laughed.
"Geez is that all you think about? I do have a REAL gift for you back at my house you know. " She leaned her head on his chest, inhaling the smell of his cologne. It was comforting to her.
"I mean sex is a real gift to me I don't know what you're talking about."
Rachel slapped his arm playfully. "Let's go get a drink birthday boy."
Rachel was accosted by Kurt on the way to the bar, so Finn told her he'd bring back a drink. The line was very long and he could see Rachel and Kurt gabbing away at the table. His parents were off socializing with some of their friends across the room. He glanced at his watch wondering when he and Rachel could gracefully exit without it being rude. After all, Rachel did say she had a gift for him, and there's nothing he loved more than gifts. His mind started to wander to Rachel possibly dressing up in sexy lingerie for his birthday when the bartender waved to get his attention.
"You're up buddy. What can I get for you?"
Finn hesitated a bit realizing he hadn't asked Rachel what she had wanted. "I'll have a glass of the red and a Sam Adams please."
Finn glanced again back to his table trying to get Rachel's attention, but she looked like she was in a pretty deep web of Kurt right now and there was no escaping. Finn grabbed his drinks and began to head over to his table when he saw her out of the corner of his eye. Quinn.
He looked at her twice, just to make sure his wasn't hallucinating and that his ex-wife is not at a fundraiser for 9/11 charity on his very birthday. Yet here she was, walking towards him, and he couldn't get away.
"Hello Finn, " she said calmly, "Lovely speech you gave earlier tonight. " She smiled at him as if nothing had changed.
"What are you doing here Quinn? There's no way my parents invited you. " Finn took a swig of his beer trying to remain calm. He hadn't seen or heard from here since she left outside of their lawyers during the divorce. She also pops up in the papers commenting on his life, like the article about Rachel, but he hasn't seen her in person.
"Why is it so insane that I"m here? We were bound to run into each other at some point. I'm here with my husband. He's a plastic surgeon over at Cedar's and is on the board of directors. He was invited so as his wife I came along."
Finn took a second to process what she was saying. "You're married? To a plastic surgeon? Does he know you used to be married to ME?" Finn could feel his blood boiling just even being in her presence again.
Rachel glanced up from her conversation wondering where Finn was with her drink when she saw him talking to a woman. "Kurt, who is Finn talking to? He looks pissed."
"Shit, what the hell is she doing here?" Kurt stood up abruptly.
"Who is she?" Rachel grew frantic upon seeing Kurt's reaction and stood up with him.
"It's Quinn" he whispered.
Rachel could feel herself becoming jealous and angry but tried to remain composed. "Oh hell no. No. She shouldn't be here and I don't even know to what extent she screwed him over!"
"I'm not going over there. I'll say something I'll regret. You go," Kurt encouraged.
Rachel marched over to them just in time to hear Quinn's reply to Finn. "Of course he knows I was married to you. You don't expect him to hold a grudge over that do you? He's here for business Finn. As a board member of the hospital he gets invited to a lot of these things." Quinn rolled her eyes as Rachel arrived.
Rachel knew if there was ever a time to use her acting skills in public, this was it. She slapped the biggest smile on her face before she spoke. "Hi honey! Thanks for the wine." She grabbed the glass out of Finn's hand and went up to kiss his cheek. She then wrapped her free arm around him, leaning into his side.
She turned to Quinn who had a smug look on her face. "Oh how rude of me, I'm Rachel, Finn's girlfriend." She stuck her hand out to shake Quinn's, who reluctantly did so.
"I'm Quinn, Finn's ex-wife." She flipped her blonde hair behind her shoulder, waiting for a response.
Finn stood frozen, unsure of what to do. He took another large sip of his drink.
"Oh yes, I've vaguely heard about you before. Finn didn't mention you'd be here. What brings you here tonight? Passionate about this charity?"
Rachel took a sip of wine and squeezed Finn's side.
"Finn didn't know I would be here. My husband is here for work. I"m here doing my proud wifely duties of course." Quinn paused, glancing around the room and waved at a man walking towards them. He approached the group and immediately took Quinn's side.
"Oh and here is my husband Dr. Mark Johnston. Mark, meet my ex-husband Finn and his girlfriend Rachel."
"It's a pleasure." Rachel shakes his hand firmly followed by Finn. "So I was just asking Quinn what brought you two here tonight? Have you always loved this charity?"
"Well, " Mark begins, "I'm on the board of directors at Cedar's now and Quinn suggested that this would be a great cause to support. I mean, now that we have a little one on the way, anything to support other children has become very important to us."
"You're...pregnant?" Finn asked, his brow furrowing in response. "You said you didn't want to have kids. Quinn what's going on?"
"People change Finn. Yes, we are expecting our first in February and couldn't be more thrilled." Quinn rubbed her hand over the tiny bump protruding out from her dress. "Happy Birthday by the way. I'm shocked you wanted to spend it here."
Rachel noticed Finn's demeanor change and knew she had to get him out of this situation fast. "Congratulations to the both of you. Well we'd love to stay and talk but the birthday boy has somewhere he needs to be. Come on honey, let's go. The car is waiting."
Rachel grabbed a stunned Finn's hand and guided him back towards the table where Kurt was standing. Burt, Carole, and Blaine had made their way back as well and were gawking at the couple.
"What the hell is going on Finn? What did she say to you?" Kurt demanded.
"Oh nothing. She introduced us to her husband and announced she was having a baby. Now Finn and I are going to go and get some air." Rachel grabbed her bag and started to walk out front as Finn followed.
"Quinn's pregnant?" Carole asked. "Finn? Are you okay?"
Finn stopped to nod 'Yes' to his mom before the two continued their way out of the ballroom.
Once they got outside, Rachel realized she had no way of leaving since she rode with Kurt. "Shit." She began to look around for a cab.
"Rachel what's going on? Where are we going? We didn't need to leave."
"Oh we didn't? You looked like a frightened puppy in there. You didn't say more than three words while I was standing there. What's going on Finn? Why is she here tonight?"
Finn told the valet to pull his car around. "Honestly, she's here to rub it in my face that her new husband is giving her everything she ever wanted."
"I'm confused. Her new husband gave her a baby? Can you not have kids?"
"Yes, I can have kids. At least I think I can, I've never really tried. Her new husband gave her money Rachel. Money. That's all Quinn cares about anymore. That's ultimately why we got divorced, among a million other reasons."
"But, you have money. Didn't you get money from all of the 9/11 funds after your dad died?"
Finn's face fell. "Yeah. How did you know about that?"
"I did a little research after you told me about your dad. I mean, did Quinn spend that money or something?"
Their car pulled around and they got into the back. After instructing the driver to take them back to Rachel's place, the two sat silently in the back.
"She didn't spend the money. She tried and I wouldn't let her. And that's how the beginning of the end started for us."
Rachel sat in silence, wanting to wait until they got back to her apartment before continuing further. She grabbed Finn's hand and gave it a tight squeeze.
Once back at the apartment, Finn stated he wanted to relax a bit before talking about Quinn. He didn't want his birthday ruined. After an award winning version of "Happy Birthday" followed by chocolate cake, the two found themselves making out on Rachel's couch.
"I still have to give you your present you know. Want it now or later?" Rachel nipped at his ear as he hovered above her, his jacket long gone and his shirt unbuttoned.
"Is my present under this dress?" he asked as he tried to pull the front of her dress slightly down.
"Nope!" she laughed as she pushed him off of her. "I can't wait any longer so you're getting it now. I'll be right back."
Rachel rushed down the hall and into the spare bedroom. Finn sat himself back on the couch, trying to ignore the painful bulge in his pants.
She returned holding a giant flat box wrapped in a giant blue bow. "Here," she said placing it in his lap. "I wasn't sure what to get you, because I know you secretly wanted a sexy lingerie dance from me." She winked as she sat down next to him.
"Who me?" Finn winked back as he felt the present in his lap. "I honestly have no idea what this is. You didn't have to get me anything Rachel."
"I wanted to. Now open it up!" Rachel clapped with excitement as she scooted closer to him.
Finn pulls the bow off, anxious to see what's inside. What he wasn't prepared for was the most thoughtful present anyone had ever given him.
"Do you like it? If you don't like it I can get something else." Rachel waited for any reply from Finn, since he was just staring at his gift and not moving.
"I...I love it." Finn tried not to cry as he stared at the picture in his lap. It was an oil painting of him and his dad. One of his favorite pictures that he showed Rachel back at his house. The one where he's on his dad's shoulders. He tried to inconspicuously wipe a tear from his eye as he couldn't take his eyes off of it.
"Are you crying? Finn, I didn't want to make you cry. You mentioned to me how much you loved that picture so I thought I would have it replicated. You can hang it up in your house. " She softly brushed the hair on the nape of his neck as she continued. "Plus you're so adorable in this picture. Little boy Finn."
Finn laughed softly. "I was pretty cute wasn't I?" Finn placed the picture on the coffee table in front of him. He turned to Rachel, grabbing her face in his hands. "I love it and I love you. Thank you so much." He kissed her softly, and couldn't stop.
It took them both a minute before they realized what Finn had just said. He pulled away, trying to read her face.
"I love you too Finn. So much."
With these words spoken, their kisses sped up into those of want and need. Finn pulled up Rachel's long dress around her waist, slipping off her underwear. Rachel frantically unbuttoned Finn's shirt, throwing it on the ground.
"Wanna move to the bedroom?" Finn asked.
Without replying, Rachel straddled Finn's lap, unzipping his pants and releasing him from his boxers. "No, I need you now Finn. Right now." She sank down onto him, moaning in pleasure as he filled her.
Finn looked up at her with hooded eyes, so happy to have the woman he loved with him at this moment. He unzipped her dress, allowing the fabric to pool at her waist. He reached, up, cupping her breasts in his hands as she slowly moved up and down.
"I love you so much Rachel," Finn panted, moving has hands down to her waist matching her movements and she continued to move.
Rachel tilted her head back as Finn began to hit her in just the right spot. "Ah Finn, right there."
Finn began to pick Rachel up and drop her down again at a faster pace. He could feel his arousal building as Rachel's walls tightened around him. Her panting became labored as she anticipated the explosion building within.
Her arms moved from his shoulders down to his wrists as he continued to guide her. She screamed as she felt herself come undone while she continued to ride him.
As her body began to settle, she felt Finn still hard as she kissed his lips. "Now its your turn." She regained her composure and began to move up and down again, curving her hips forwards and backwards.
This new movement accelerated Finn's orgasm and he found himself falling over the edge quickly. He kissed her fiercely, pulling her close. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
"Happy Birthday Finn."
Rachel had set an alarm for the morning. Neither of them had to work, but she had a meeting with Santana at her office at 9. When her alarm woke her, she found herself in an empty bed. She wandered out into the kitchen to find Finn walking through the door holding a bag of food.
"Hey! I went and grabbed some bagels and juice. I noticed you didn't really have anything for me to eat when I got up." He began unpacking the goods onto the table as Rachel poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Yeah, I hadn't really had time to grocery shop this week. Thanks for grabbing that. Why are you up so early?"
"Well since I work odd hours, my body sometimes just wakes me even if I still want to sleep. I've learned not to fight it anymore so I just got up. You looked so peaceful I couldn't wake you." He kissed Rachel on the forehead before sitting down himself.
"So I have a meeting at 9, but then should be home around lunch if you want to spend the rest of the day together."
"Sure, sounds good. I'll probably run to my house and get a few things done but I'll be back this afternoon."
Rachel liked this. The domesticity of their relationship. It was nice to be in a relationship that just flowed. It wasn't forced. She never felt inadequate. She just felt loved. Finn always seemed happy to be with her, not matter what they were doing.
"Can you maybe fill me in about what went on with Quinn? We spent last night preoccupied which was great, but I'd really like to know everything."
Finn spread some cream cheese on his bagel. He knew he had to tell her everything.
"So as you know, Quinn and I got married fairly young. We were happy you know. I met her through Puck's wife, they were both nurses at the same hospital. It was sort of a whirlwind but we were good together. "
Rachel prepped her own food as he continued. She was trying not to be too serious knowing this information could change everything if she let it.
"So when my dad died, a lot of 9/11 families got money from various places. We didn't get it right away, and my mom never wanted to use any of it. She was able to support us on one income, and then down the road she met Burt and put all of the money in a trust for me. A trust that I would be eligible to have access to at age 25.
The year before my 25th birthday, Quinn she started dropping hints. How she wanted a nice apartment in the city, that living in Brooklyn wasn't for her anymore. She wanted to stay home with our kids when we had them, so then she started in on that angle. The thing was, I didn't want to use any of that money. It's blood money to me. Yes, it was intended to help, but I didn't need it. I was happy in Brooklyn. We had a nice house and stable jobs. Yeah, money was tight but I thought we had a good thing going. it just wouldn't have felt right living in a nicer apartment or buying a nicer car at the expense of my dad's death."
"So then what happened when you turned 25? All hell broke loose?" Rachel could see where this was headed but was anxious to hear the rest.
"Pretty much. The day after my birthday she wanted to go look at apartments in the city. Insane apartments with huge price tags. It's like she hadn't listened to a word I had said about not spending the money. She had set up appointments with realtors and everything."
Rachel tucked her legs under her body as she continued to eat and listen. Finn seemed to be fine talking about it so she didn't want to interrupt. One questions kept popping up though. "Finn, how much money are we talking here?"
"I have about a million dollars between money given plus interest." He sees Rachel's eyes widen. "I know, it's a lot of money to a fireman, but I just don't want it. I never have. Money doesn't mean anything to me. Nothing will bring my dad back. I'm living in his honor as a fireman in the hopes that I can do that well. I've just left the account untouched, hoping that one day I'll know what to do with it."
"Does it bother you that I have money? Did Quinn leave you over not wanting to spend the money?"
"No, I do not care that you make good money or will become super rich and famous when you book your movie deal." He stuck out his tongue teasing her. "More or less Quinn did leave over the money. Not right away though. She tried constantly to get me to see how much better our life would be if we just spent the money and lived a lavish lifestyle. I could feel her distancing herself, and I didn't do anything to stop it. I felt like I wasn't good enough for her if I wasn't bringing in more money. She even suggested that I change my career to something that was more lucrative. That wasn't an option for me.
So about eight months later I was so desperate to change things that I suggested we have a baby. We had talked about having kids a lot, but then the subject was just dropped when all of this started happening. I just wanted her to see that our life could still be great! I know it was a dumb idea, but that's when she told me she would never have kids with me. Then I found out she had gone to the bank several times trying to open up the trust as my wife. Thankfully Burt had advised me not to put her name on it when we married.
Quinn then told she no longer wanted kids. She said she no longer saw herself as ever being a mom and that she wanted a divorce. She left. That was it. She filed for divorce the next day."
Everything was making sense to Rachel now. Quinn showed up last night pregnant with a new rich husband. That had to sting.
"I'm so sorry Finn. I hate to ask, but are you still in love with her, even after all of that? You looked upset last night when she was there."
To her surprise Finn laughed. "Oh god no. No, I am not in love with Quinn. Seeing her just sort of brought up old feelings about not being good enough. I know she was being selfish, but the woman I loved and married threw me out with the trash over money and at times it still hurts. I didn't marry that girl. She changed, or maybe she was like that all along and I was just too blind to see it. "
Rachel stood up and walked over to Finn, kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you for sharing that with me. I'm sorry she showed up last night. So having kids was a deal breaker?" She sat on his knee, as he moved his chair back to make room for her.
"Yeah. I mean I always pictured myself with kids. Have you?"
Rachel hesitated slightly. She hadn't ever pictured herself with kids. Maybe its because she had never met the right man before.
"I can't say I've thought about it really. I've been a single Broadway actress for years. Hard to think about kids when no one is around to have them with."
Finn wrapped his arms around her waist, rubbing her back with his thumbs. "If Quinn had stayed but refused to have kids, that would have ended our marriage. I want a family. I want what I had growing up. I need you to be honest with me if you don't want any of those things. I'm not jumping the gun, don't freak out. I'm just trying to talk more about things we both want and need."
For a split second Rachel sees a flash of her future in Finn's eyes. A little boy with dark hair running around a fire station. "Finn, in my past relationships I dove right in. I was with two guys who I thought were on the path to marriage, especially my last boyfriend Jesse. I've tried really hard to just focus on the now with you. Not get ahead of myself. That doesn't mean I don't want those things. I'm just still a little guarded."
Finn opened his mouth to reply but Rachel cut him off.
"But for some reason with you, its just been easy. I've never been married, but my last boyfriend decided after two years that I wasn't furthering his career enough. I was holding him back professionally. Dumped me out of the blue after two years. Done." Rachel sighed before she continued. "I've been cheated on, lied to, and used by others. Just makes you question your own capability to judge someone's character. With you its different. I'm not stuck wondering all of the time. "
"Is that why you played so hard to get?" Finn winked playfully.
Rachel picked up his dish to bring it to the sink. "That and that fact that I bought a date with you? Yes. It was just easier being alone. I had focused on myself for so long, that I was the only one I could disappoint. No one could just decide I wasn't worthy of their time. I was playing it safe I guess. Jesse, my ex, got his big break two weeks after he dumped me. Kind of hard not to believe him at that point."
"Do I ever make you feel like that? Not worthy?"
"Nope. Never."
Rachel bounced into Santana's office, excited to get this meeting over with so she could get back to Finn.
"Well someone's been having a lot of sex lately," Santana snickered. "I haven't seen you this excited since you got your Tony nomination."
Rachel sat herself in the chair across from Santana at her desk. "Will you stop? I'm just happy that's all!"
Santana rolled her eyes. "So you're telling me that you and Hudson didn't spend the entire night and probably morning boning?"
Rachel blushed. "Okay the sex doesn't hurt, but the boyfriend part is the best!"
"I knew it! Great press from last night by the way! You made it into two papers this morning! Anyways, I won't keep you long. Here is your itinerary for next week. One fundraiser and a photo shoot. Pretty tame." Santana hands over the printed schedule. "Oh and you booked the movie deal." She smirked as she waited for Rachel to process the information.
"Oh my god!" Rachel screamed as she jumped up and down. "I can't believe it! They dragged it out for so long that I was sure I was no longer in the running."
"They'll be calling later to go over salary and your schedule, but tentatively you are scheduled to leave mid-October for filming. Slated for four months total, half in LA, half at a farm somewhere. Get ready because you're career is going to take off once this movie releases. You'll also have to tell the show when your last day will be. I'd suggest at the end of September so you can give yourself two weeks to get things in order before you leave."
Rachel sat back down stunned. She was so excited about this movie deal, but a small part of her suddenly felt sad. Just when her relationship was in a good place, she was going to leave. Leave for four months, possibly longer.
"Berry, what are you thinking about? Don't you have anything to say?"
Rachel was shook from her thoughts by Santana's words. "Its just a lot to think about right now. Call me later when you hear back from them ok?"
When Finn returned to Rachel's apartment later that afternoon, he wasn't sure what he would find. Rachel had sent him a vague text that they needed to talk, she had to run by the theater, and she'd meet him at home. He hadn't heard a word from her since.
When Rachel answered the door, she was dressed in sweats with puffy red eyes, hair thrown up in a pontytail. Not how she looked when he left her this morning.
"Rach whats wrong?! Why didn't you call me if you were upset?" Finn pulled her in for a tight hug as she began to sob.
"I...I...got the movie, " she hiccuped out between cries. "I have to leave in October." She began to sob even harder.
Finn walked them over to the couch, where she climbed in his lap. He brushed the hair away from her face as she laid her head on his legs.
"Rachel, you're leaving to do a movie and that's amazing! Don't be sad about leaving. You'll be back. I'm so proud of you! Let yourself be excited!"
Rachel sat up wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Okay. I"m just going to miss you so much. We haven't been dating long but I haven't been this happy...well ever." She hugged Finn tightly again, trying not to get his shirt wet. "Sorry if I'm getting tears on your shirt."
"I get dirty every day at work. A little water from your eyes is just fine. Stop worrying about being gone. You'll be so busy and I'll pick up extra shifts to fill my time, and before you know it March will be here and you'll be back in New York! I can even come visit if you'll have me."
Rachel sniffled again. "Of course I'll have you! I'll be counting down the days until you can visit."
"Now, let's get dressed so we can go out and celebrate! My girl booked her first movie and this calls for a night out!"
Hope it was worth the wait! Please review! I love hearing your thoughts.
