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Chapter 5 :: Touchstones and Safe Places

Don't you go, it makes no sense
When all your talk and supermen
Just take away the time
And get in the way

By the time Rachel made it back to her apartment, she was quite hysterical and out of breath. If it weren't for her determination to keep her son safe, she was pretty sure she would've passed out already. She'd run non-stop without looking back for three blocks as if her life depended on it. Her breath heaved in and out and her hands trembled violently as she fumbled to get the key into the lock.

From inside her apartment, Finn heard the obvious sounds of the front door about to open and quickly headed that way assuming Rachel could use a hand with groceries and the baby. The moment he opened the door for her, she stumbled over the threshold and collapsed unwittingly into his arms.

"Whoa.. Rach?! Hey, Rach babe, what's wrong, are you okay?"

Santana was right there in an instant at the sound of Finn's panic-stricken voice.

"What the hell happened to her?"

"I have no idea, she just fell through the door into my arms," Finn breathed out as he easily lifted her and Camden bridal style and walked them into Rachel's bedroom with Santana leading the way.

"Here just lay her down, I'll get Cam. Should I call 911? I should call—"

"Finn?" Rachel started to come around before Santana even had the baby harness unhooked.

He had one of his large hands clasped around her small one and the other pushing her damp bangs back from her clammy forehead. "I'm here baby, hold still a minute okay, Tana's just getting Cam unhooked."

"Okay I have him Finn..." Santana gently lifted the infant into her arms and cradled him to her chest and Finn took the harness off Rachel. "Rachel, what happened, are you hurt, did you get sick? Do you need an ambulance?"

Rachel shook her head and tried to sit up but Finn wouldn't let her. "Just lay back, babe. San, can you maybe grab a glass of water and a cold compress?"

"On it."

Finn could feel Rachel's heartbeat riveting against his thumb over the pulse point on her wrist. "Baby, what happened? You look so pale, like you've seen a ghost."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Worse... I-I saw the devil."

"What?!" Santana said in chorus with Finn as she reentered the room alone, glass of water in hand and Cam left out in his playpen.

Finn and San looked at each other questioningly then both focused back on Rachel. Santana was the first to say it out loud. "Fuck. He's out. Where did you see him?"

Rachel nodded and Finn's eyes grew wide with understanding. "Wait, BRODY? I thought you said they were gonna notify you first before he got out?"

"They were supposed to... I don't know what happened... all I did was turn a corner in the frozen foods section and there he was..."

"I'm calling the DA. Esto es una mierda. I'll own the fucking police department for this fuck up!" Santana stormed off in search of her cell phone.

Finn held the glass of water for her as Rachel sat up enough to sip from it. "So I guess he made bail. Does he know about the restraining order? He didn't touch you, did he babe? Because I swear to god it'll be the last thing–"

"No, no Finn, I'm... I'm fine, so is Cam. He... he just startled me. And being in his presence made a lot of those memories and feelings come flooding back, and... oh Finn, h-he tried to touch Cam! He saw him, he KNOWS Camden exists and he asked if he was HIS! Oh god, Finn, what if—"

"Shh, baby, shh, it's gonna be okay. Calm down okay, just breathe," Finn cradled her in his arms as he positioned himself on the bed next to her. "He's not doing anything. Not to you, not to Cam. Does he know... I mean, you didn't tell him you're Cam's mom, did you?"

"No I didn't say it but he seemed to assume as much. Well, at first he assumed maybe I was working as a nanny, but then he pointed out how Cam looked like me. And yes, he seems to know about the restraining order since he was very smug about the terms of it. He also said someone overheard the things I said to him while I was breaking up with him at school and whoever it was must have notified the dean because I guess he was expelled from NYADA after all. Finn... maybe that's why he... he blames me for being kicked out of school and so he..."

"Calm down baby. It's gonna be alright. He can't hurt you anymore. I'll make sure of that."

Another wave of panic rippled through her and she grabbed his forearms pleadingly. "No, Finn, you can't get into any trouble! I need you here, we both need you, you have to–"

"Rach, don't worry I'm not gonna get into trouble, I swear. I'm not leaving you or Camden. We'll get this shit sorted out. I promise you're gonna be okay, alright? He's never getting near you again."

"Finn... h-he thinks Cam is his. What can he do?"

"Well considering he's about to go to prison, I wouldn't think he can do very much at all... but I really think we need to make that trip back to Lima sooner than later. Your dad's an attorney, can he help?"

"He's a civil rights attorney Finn, but he definitely has contacts. He probably could help – assuming they don't disown me after I tell them everything... But it doesn't even matter at the moment because as I said before, they won't be home for a couple weeks yet, and they don't even know anything yet and once they do they'll hate me–"

"They will not hate you, Rach! You're their daughter and they love you and I'm certain they'll do anything to help and protect you, just like I will."

"I hope you're right, but it doesn't change the fact that they won't be back for another two weeks."

"So we'll stay at my parent's house for now. I'm positive Mom would love to see you and to meet Camden. Kurt's still away so we can use his room for Cam's crib. I'll get one of those travel ones or whatever. And we'll deal with telling your dads when they get back. Everything will work itself out, Rach. Let's just get you two outta the city for a little while, okay?"

"But... What about your school though, Finn? You have finals next week. I won't let you ruin things for yourself on my account."

"Nothing will be ruined. It'll be fine, I'll work something out. I only have two exams left and then I'm done for summer anyway. Plus I'm sure they've had to deal with students with family emergencies before so I'll find out this afternoon. Don't worry about that. I'm gonna call Mom, though, and tell her we're coming. I haven't um... I haven't told her anything about your situation or anything that's happened the past few days. She knows we've been meeting for coffee and lunch, but that's all she knows. How much should I mention about the rest? I don't have to tell her everything if you don't want me to."

"Well, we couldn't possibly turn up in Ohio with a baby that might be her grandson without any preamble, Finn. And, I think I owe her an explanation as much as I owed one to you... It's okay. You can tell her. You can tell her everything, or as much as you want, but she should know. It's actually maybe easier if you do it because I don't think I can tell the story again, not to her. . . but, Finn, what if she hates me?"

"Rachel. Mom adores you. You're her family, too. Remember what I said about your dads? The same applies to mom."

"I hope you're right. I have missed Carole so much. She's the closest thing I'll ever have to a mother, and... and well, she's about to be a grandmother in a way, right? So I really hope she doesn't hate us."

Finn brushed his lips against her forehead and held her closer. "Impossible baby. She loves you, and she's gonna love Cam, too."

. . . . .

Two days later...

"Berry, you're not going to believe this shit. I just got off the phone with Maureen at the DA's office. They DID receive notice of donkey-boy's release on bail but it got buried in the wrong pile of paperwork while she was out sick. THAT'S why you weren't notified ahead of time!"

"I guess that explains things."

"What? That's all you have to say? Why are you being so calm about this?"

"What else can I say, Sanny? The damage was done, so what point is there in getting upset? Mistakes happen. How can I blame Maureen for being ill?"

"You can be pissed that the people that are supposed to be ensuring that CRIMINALS are not allowed to walk around free to victimize anyone dropped the ball! I mean I know I'M PISSED."

"And I'm sure you're pissed enough for the both of us."

"Did you fall and hit your head or something? Was your brain deprived of oxygen in that last panic attack? Maybe we should get you to the doctor for a check-up because you're not at all reacting the way I thought you would."

"I just don't see a point to it, San. Dr Reyes and I had a good session yesterday about that unfortunate run-in. I'm okay, really. I just... I'm actually looking forward to my trip back to Lima with Finn, and that's what I want to focus on."

"The trip where you're finally going to tell your dads about Cam and all the rest... that's the trip you're looking forward to?"

"Um. Yes?"

"Are you sure you're okay? Because Rachel, I spent more than a year, countless hours, trying to get you to tell your dads and it didn't work! Then Prince Charming shows up and suddenly you're just ready to bare your soul without argument? You're not becoming like a Stepford wife or a Manson girl, are you? Does he have you brainwashed?"

Rachel giggled at her friend. "San. Don't be so dramatic. Of course Finn encouraged the idea but the decision was mine, not his. It's not about... well, it's not ALL about Finn. I mean yes, his presence does change things a little. Or maybe even a lot. But he was right, just like you were right; my dads should know. And... and I suppose it's only right that Carole knows too, isn't it? I mean she very well could have a grandson too. I'm just in a better place to deal with everyone knowing now after a year of therapy and–"

"And the return of Frankenteen. Okay Hobbit, I get it. I'm glad he's finally in the picture, too. I know you feel better having him around. Gee, if only someone had mentioned that to you over a year ago – oh WAIT! Someone DID..."

"Yeah yeah, I know you did, and yes I should have listened to you. Finn has been amazing through all this so far. I shouldn't have expected him to be anything else and I don't know why I waited so long to bring him into this."

"Yes you do. We both do. You were 50 Shades of Fucked in the Head for a long time. But that was then. So when do you leave for Lima?"

"Finn booked our flight for 7 am tomorrow. He's wrapping up some things with school and work today and still has to pack. He'll be coming back here when he's done. I'm just so glad he was able to get an emergency extension for his finals so he can take them over the summer."

"That's cool of the school to work with him. And I have to admit, I'm gonna miss the chicken wing while you're gone, but at least my wardrobe and my hair will be puke-free for a while. How long will you be gone?"

"Well... my dads won't be back for a couple weeks. We'll be staying at Carole and Burt's until then which will give them time to get to know Cam. Then I don't know, maybe another week or two? Finn said his job here is not a problem, his boss has been informed of the situation and told him to take all the time he needs. And I took an emergency FMLA leave of absence from the diner, so my job is secure."

"That's good, I guess."

"You guess? What does that mean?"

"It means your job is exactly that, a JOB – a dime-a-dozen replaceable job. But it's not what you should be doing, Berry. It's a means to paying the bills for now, yeah, but–"

"Let's don't get into this argument again. As I've already told Finn, I'm not in a place to think about it yet. I may never be... so please don't push the whole 'don't let your dreams die' speech on me yet again, okay? Trust me, Finn's doing enough of that for the both of you."

"No doubt. I knew I liked Hudson for a reason."

"San..."

"Well he's right, Rachel. God, who knew THOSE words would ever escape my mouth... but he IS right. Look, I know you've been through worse shit than most people go through in a lifetime, but you're on the other side of it now. And you clearly have a support system here that's only going to grow as long as you let people in. Don't forget, Lady Hummel will be making his return soon too, and dear god help us all when Uncle Porcelain gets his hands on the chicken wing... Point is, you CAN do this, Rach; you can return to your dreams and do what you were put on this earth to do – SHINE. Somewhere still buried under all your stubborn neurotic crap is that annoying-as-shit diva ego and I just know she's gonna come out again one day. Just don't let it take forever, okay?" Rachel hugged her feisty friend who then bolted because she 'doesn't do feelings and the Hallmark moment had passed'.

Rachel sipped her tea, thinking over Santana's words. She knows she's right; her support system had already expanded and maybe there would be a time when she would be ready to get back to the rigors of auditions and school. But for the time being, she has too many unresolved and – at least for the moment – unknown fears to conquer; telling the parents in Lima is going to take all the courage she can muster. Then there was still the issue of Brody's trial to deal with. If it weren't for Finn, she's not sure she could face any of this on her own and she's so grateful to have him back in her life.

. . . . .

Finn arrived back at his place to pack around 4 pm, then planned to spend the night at Rachel's so they could leave together for their early morning flight. Puck had offered to go back to Ohio with them for moral support, but Finn urged him to stay put to help take care of things at the shop. Ralph Emerson was a great guy and a very understanding boss under the circumstances, but losing two workers for an extended period would likely hurt his business – and they both needed their jobs, not to mention their rent-free living conditions.

"So... How much longer 'til you move out?"

"What?"

"You heard me. I already know you and Berry aren't gonna continue with the separate cohabitation thing for long, especially after this trip home. You're gonna be shacked up playin' house for weeks back in Loserville. You think you're just gonna come back here and go back to living apart?"

"Well, I mean we haven't discussed anything like that yet. Hell, we just got back together officially. There's too much going on just with telling her dads everything, so... I don't know. Maybe we'll talk about it while we're away. It's probably too soon for Rachel though, I mean she JUST finally let me back into her life, and she keeps saying she wants us to go slow."

"Yeah well, we all know how Berry gets and SLOW isn't exactly her default setting with you. So when she finally caves, you sure you'll be ready for that move, man? Cashing in your bachelor's membership and going straight to full-time Family Guy?"

"Puck, I've been ready for that with her for years... I mean, the baby part wasn't necessarily in the dream right away, but the idea of a family with her someday always was. Are you seriously asking me that question?"

"Well yeah. Like you just said, you were ready for HER, and to, y'know, gradually move through the steps of shacking up, then wedding bells, then shake and bake THEN baby Finchels. But now it's like that timeline is way accelerated. In fact it's kinda completely backwards."

"Okay I get what you mean... yeah it's fast. Going from a year of no contact to instant family is kind of a lot, especially under these circumstances, but... well that's partly why I agreed to go to therapy with Rach. Yeah, there's like a transition we need to go through, but it's worth it. I love her, you know? I'd do anything for her."

"Oh FUCK do I ever know... Look dude, I'm sure everything's gonna work out the way it was always meant to, and you two are gonna be like Mr and Mrs Perfect living your happily ever after and making the other 1.5 baby Finchels real soon. I'm happy for you both, seriously; I'm just looking out for you, brother. If it gets too much or whatever, y'know, we can go get drunk and take a break from it."

"Well uh, one, I doubt very much we'll be making any Finchel babies for a while. I'm sure she is not ready for that and I know I'm not either. I've got a big enough hurdle to get over just learning to be a dad by jumping into the deep end like this. And two, I can't just 'take a break' from this, Puck. Ever. Like, that's part of the responsibility that I'm committing to – to be there for her AND Cam, ALWAYS, no matter what. But I think what you're trying to say is that you'll be my shoulder to cry on and you'll have my back... so thanks for that."

"Okay enough with the Vagina Monologues; I can already feel the cramps and bloat setting in and it's pretty gross."

Finn chuckled and shook his head. "Um, maybe that's the four enchiladas, refried beans and beer you had for lunch."

Puck rubbed his stomach and hissed. "Yeah, I think maybe you're right. Anyway, my new issue of Penthouse is here, and Miss June is waiting in the throne room for me. I shouldn't keep her waiting any longer. Hey, you remembered to pick up toilet paper, right?"

Finn rolled his eyes but nodded. "Yeah, but you'll likely need more while I'm gone – and DON'T steal any from the public bathroom at the shop! Like, use your life skills and remember to do the grocery shopping while I'm gone!"

"Yeah yeah, I'll manage on my own. So I guess have a safe trip, good luck with the whole not getting your balls chopped off by the potential in-laws, and hug Berry and Half for me. See you in a month or so – and maybe I'll finally get to meet the little poop maker by then?"

"That's up to Rach, so we'll see about that – prove to us you can survive a few weeks here alone first!" Finn chuckled. "But thanks, bro. And send my regards to Miss June."

"Forget it dude! You're practically a married man, she's all mine!"

Finn laughed as he grabbed his suitcase and headed for the door. He paused so the two men could fist-bump a final farewell. "Whatever, have at'er man, just be careful of the staples in the centerfold this time. Wouldn't want a repeat of Miss March."

"Fuck no, lesson learned the hard way – that shit hurt! Anyway... See you soon brother."

. . . . .

Forty-five minutes later, Finn settled in at Rachel's for the night. They agreed to have a quiet night in with pizza delivery and a movie. It was also the first real chance Finn had to spend any quality time with Camden. Just being around him made Finn a little nervous at first, but once he had him in his arms, he suddenly felt relaxed.

He wasn't sure why or how, but he immediately felt a bond forming with the seven-month-old that he hoped would become unbreakable, just like his connection to Rachel. Cam also seemed very content, having quickly fallen asleep on Finn's chest as they were stretched out on the sofa.

Rachel beamed at the sight of her two favorite boys all snuggled up together. This is what she'd always dreamed of and hoped would one day become a reality; it was a little surreal to be witnessing it now, and it made her heart swell with hope and possibility for a future with Finn – the one he always predicted they'd have – endgame. It felt a lot like their time was finally here, even if it came in an unexpected way.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "That'll be the pizza, I'll get it!" She whispered as she jumped up to answer the door.

But it wasn't the pizza.

"Rachel Berry?" the attractive red-headed woman at the door asked.

"Yes, th-that's me... who wants to know?"

The woman smirked and pulled something from behind her back.

"You've been served." A large manilla envelope was thrust against Rachel's front as the woman hurriedly disappeared down the stairs.

"Babe? What the hell was that?" Finn asked in a hushed concerned voice.

"I don't know... some kind of courier I suppose? She handed me this and disappeared..." Rachel muttered as she tore into the envelope. "Oh my god Finn... no no NO!" Hot tears were already spilling down her cheeks and Finn became frantic. He stood up and took Cam back to the nursery, laying him gently in his crib, then rushed to Rachel's side.

"What is it baby? What's wrong?"

"It's... well, see for yourself." She handed him the documents.

"What the... Order to Appear in Family Court... what the fuck? So what the hell, he's trying to force you to get a paternity test for Cam?! Rachel, this is bullshit! You don't have to do this, do you?"

"Finn, it's a subpoena to appear in court! I can't just ignore it... I at least have to appear at this hearing. But Finn, this means he's coming for Camden! Oh god, what am I gonna do?"

Finn immediately dropped the papers on the counter and pulled Rachel against his chest, wrapping his strong arms around her shoulders. "Hey, listen to me, he's not getting anything. He's not TAKING another thing from you, Rach. We'll fight this, okay? If you don't want him tested then he shouldn't have to be. And I guess we'll have to get an attorney to fight this shit, but I'll take care of it."

She placed a hand against his cheek. "I love you for saying that Finn, but you don't know what the court will say. And we don't have that kind of money! What if they force me to do this? What if he gets visitation rights? I can't lose my son, Finn, I won't! What if he wants custody? He can't have him! What if–"

He silenced her with his lips. "Shhh... hey, calm down babe, please. He's not taking Cam away. You're his mother okay? Nobody can change that or take him from you. We'll disappear before I let that happen. We'll go to Brazil or Africa or Switzerland before I let anything like that happen, but I don't think it'll matter. He's not getting him, Rach. He's gonna be in jail and rapist inmates don't get babies handed to them."

He felt her tense at his turn of phrase and immediately regretted saying it. "I'm sorry honey, shit. I didn't mean to freak you out... but Rach, it's gonna be okay." He gently rubbed his hands up and down her back as he continued holding her in his embrace. "We fly out to Ohio in a few hours and once we get settled there, I'll work on a plan to fight this. Remember, you're not alone anymore." She nestled her face into his chest and nodded as he kissed the top of her head. "And don't forget, there's at least a fifty percent chance he's really mine."

Rachel's tear-streaked eyes met Finn's and she swallowed thickly. "Correction: there's a fifty percent chance he's biologically yours, but I'd say there's a one hundred percent chance that you're already his daddy." With that Finn captured her lips in a soft kiss.

. . . . .

Santana was livid when she learned about the subpoena. Rachel texted her at work to let her know and San promised to begin researching the matter first thing tomorrow, as well as looking for the top family attorneys in New York.

Rachel remained unsettled for the rest of the evening. They'd decided to turn in early, given their pre-dawn trip to the airport and Finn had insisted he'd sleep on the couch in order to respect her take it slow plan. By 1 am however, Rachel still couldn't sleep, tormented by thoughts of the court order and the horror of her run-in with Brody still fresh in her mind. What if she was forced to have Cam tested and he turned out to be Brody's after all? Something in her gut told her Can was really Finn's but she couldn't be one hundred percent positive about it; right now it was mostly wishful thinking. Still, seeing them together, Finn and Cam, she just felt it in her bones that Finn was his real father. But what if a test said otherwise?

She found herself tip-toeing out to the kitchen for a glass of water hoping to finally settle her restless thoughts, but on her way back she stopped at the sofa. She knelt down silently and stared at her beautiful sleeping boyfriend, committing his peaceful features to memory in the soft light streaming in through the windows from the streetlights below. He was so handsome, so peaceful. After all these years, she still couldn't understand why he chose her. But now looking at his sweet face as he slept, she realized that not only did he choose her, but he kept on choosing her time and time again. Even with a baby who may or may not be his, he was still committed to her – to both of them, her and her son. Any doubt she ever had about his true feelings seemed to have vanished entirely with his declaration of love for her AND her son.

She hadn't wanted to wake him but she just needed to be closer to him at that moment. He made her feel more relaxed, safe, and secure, and she needed that to comfort her rattled brain right now. After a few minutes just gazing upon his still form, she rested her head on the edge of the sofa next to him and gently rested her hand over his heart. It didn't take long before Finn stirred, sensing her presence. His hand came up over hers on his chest and his eyes fluttered open.

"Rach? Hey... Everything okay? What's wrong baby, you can't sleep?"

"Sorry I woke you, Finn... No, my mind won't turn off."

He sat up a little, still holding her hand against his chest. "What can I do babe? What do you need?" he asked softly.

She hesitated, nervous for reasons she couldn't name. "You," she finally admitted in a small voice. "Will you.. Will you come to bed with me? Just to snuggle, I mean... just so I can fall asleep."

"Of course. Come on." With that he scooped her up and carried her back to her room, stopping to peek in on Cam on the way.

Once they were settled into her bed, Finn pulled her close and she laid her head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat. "I missed you so much Finn. I missed this, being close to you." The tears began to take over and she softly wept into his tee-shirt. "I'm such an idiot for pushing you away like I did, for hurting you again... why do you put up with me?"

He pulled her up closer and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "You're not an idiot Rach. You went through hell. You did what you thought you had to. And I put up with you because I love you. It's okay baby, we're together now."

Rachel nodded and kissed him back, running a hand across his chest and sliding it up into his hair. Finn wrapped his hands around her small waist, his fingers dipping under the hem of her little tank shirt and lightly skimming the soft skin of her low back. She deepened the kiss as his hands began to slide up her sides, pushing the shirt up with them. Rachel moaned softly at the feel of his large rough hands against her skin and clutched his hair with her tiny fist.

Finn's kisses were gentle but passion-filled and the feel of Rachel's fingers tugging at his hair was setting his body alight with desire. He wanted her, of course, he always wanted her, but it had been so long since they'd been together like this he had to remember how to maintain some level of control.

Plus, she'd been through something so traumatic that he wasn't sure when she'd ever be ready to move beyond a simple kiss with him again. He'd actually done some online research in hopes of understanding her situation a little better, considering she hadn't yet really talked to him about the more personal impact of what happened to her yet. He knew he couldn't just ask her these questions and they hadn't gone to therapy together yet. They'd set a video conference appointment with Dr Reyes for next week from Lima, but until then he had to hold his tongue with so many unanswered questions. From what he'd read online though, intimacy would be a challenge for her, maybe for years to come. She needs to feel in control and set the pace on her timeline. If she says no or stop, then he needs to agree, and he's totally okay with that (since he's always lived by that theory anyway).

He knows they still need to talk about this stuff and they probably shouldn't be doing what they're doing right now, but she seemed to be comfortable and encouraging this makeout session. Still, he didn't want to press her for more than was ready for and was a little worried she might push herself too far too soon. He figured he'd just let her take the reins and pay close attention to her cues, follow her lead – which he normally does anyway. In some ways it's not that different from how things have always been, just now he felt the need to maintain his own control was more important than ever before.

She kept kissing him though and seemed like she wasn't having any issues with his touch so far. He felt her braless bosom move over his chest and could feel the hardness of her nipples pressed against him as her kisses became more urgent. He started to trail his lips softly along her jaw to her neck and felt her hand sliding down his side, then drag slowly across his stomach. Probably more on reflex and old habit than intentional action, his right hand cupped her left breast and she gasped and tensed a little bit, but she didn't stop him or reject his touch.

He read that slight change in her body language and stopped kissing her long enough to murmur in her ear "I'm sorry Rach, I shouldn't have– is this okay? We can stop... we should probably stop if you're not comfortable–"

Rachel quickly reassured him though. "No, no, I'm okay. Thank you for asking, Finn, but I... this is nice. Just, um, I don't think I can... I'm not ready to have sex, but we can um... I wanna try things. Just, go slow, okay?"

He nodded an affirmation, whispering for her to say stop anytime, and reassured her she was safe and in control. He hoped that she wasn't just testing her limits and that she really still trusted him, but he figured she must or he wouldn't be here with her like this now. He thought maybe the fact that they had so many years of practice learning from one another – and more specifically, that she'd trusted him enough once to give her virginity to him – he hoped that all helped her right now to feel safe.

Finn resumed softly nibbling along the side of her neck beneath her ear. He fought the urge to mark her with his love bites but dammit he really wanted to. She was half on top of him and he felt himself getting harder by the moment, especially while she slid her hand under his shirt and dragged her nails along the contours of his abdomen down to the waistband of his boxers.

His breathing was becoming labored and he gently rubbed the pad of his thumb through her shirt over her nipple, causing a soft moan from Rachel. She pressed herself closer to him, draping her leg over his right thigh. Finn fought hard to keep his hands above her waist (especially feeling her heated core pressed against him), with one hand under the back of her shirt relishing in the feel of her warm soft skin, and the other still cupping her breast through her shirt rolling her nipple between his fingers. He kissed his way down her neck to her collarbone and she arched her chest into him, which he took as a sign to continue.

He slowly kissed along her collarbone and moved his mouth over her nipple. He exhaled hot breath against her, sending delightful shivers through her body. He asked if she wanted him to use his mouth and she responded with a whimper, arching her chest toward him. She was practically grinding her core against the side of his thigh now, but he still resisted the urge to touch her below the waist and he knew she was getting really worked up at this point. Instead, he gently tweaked at her stiff rosy peak through her shirt with his lips, trying not to be too rough with her. "More Finn, I need..."

He seemed to know what she was asking. He slowly slid a hand under the front of her shirt, testing her limits. She never stopped him as his fingers reached her nipple. She moaned and sucked on his neck as he continued working his magic against her breast with his hand. After a few moments she tugged her shirt up more and encouraged him to replace his fingers with his mouth. He did so eagerly, taking her nipple between his warm wet lips. He swirled his tongue across the pebbled flesh as Rachel exhaled loudly. He kissed and sucked gently and ran his teeth over the little bud, his large hand wrapped just beneath the curve of her breast. His splayed fingers pressed lightly into her ribs and he could feel her heartbeat hammering under his touch.

"You okay baby?" He whispered against her breast and felt her nod in response, so he continued suckling at her breast, kissing across to the other side and repeating his gentle affections with his tongue as his fingers tweaked at her other nipple. She was still mostly on top of him, and his free hand slid down her back to the top of the curve of her ass. She still hadn't stopped him and continued grinding against his thigh, which he'd moved more toward her center, giving her better access to find the friction she was looking for.

"More..." she whispered against his neck. Without moving his mouth from her chest, he took her small hand in his and slowly guided it downward to where she was grinding against him.

"I can help Rach," he mumbled between sucking and soft kisses, "I can help you help yourself, is that okay?"

"Yes... please Finn..."

"Touch yourself Rachel. Show me where you want my hand..." She did as he asked. With their hands laced together, she pushed beneath her sleep shorts and ran her middle finger over her now soaked panties.

Finn was so hard now he just wanted to roll her over and slam into her, but he knew he had to hold back. She seemed okay so far, but the feeling of her soaking core against the back of his hand was driving him wild. "God baby, you feel so good. I can feel your heat and how wet you are... you need to come don't you. Can you do it, Rach? Can you come for me?"

She unlaced their fingers and turned his hand over, pressing his palm against her mound, and her hips thrust against his hand. "Kiss me," she breathed, and his hot tongue plunged urgently into her mouth. As she sucked and nipped at his bottom lip, she pressed his fingers against her panty-clad clit. She tugged her panties to the side and pushed his index finger against her throbbing nub. "Touch me Finn, please." He nodded while still kissing her and did what she asked. He felt her hand press over his as she let him take control. He stroked two fingers through her wet channel and concentrated on her sensitive bundle of nerves.

"Wait," she suddenly gasped out and he froze. "Let me just... they're getting in the way..." she managed to breathe out as she started to wiggle out of her shorts and panties. He breathed a sigh of relief, worried maybe he'd pushed her too far.

"You're still okay, right baby? You can tell me to stop and I will."

"Don't you dare."

He smirked and latched his lips to her breast again. "Okay I won't." She guided his hand back to her core and he resumed massaging her clit. He moaned loudly as she slipped a finger inside herself. "Fuck Rach, I love when you touch yourself baby, you're so hot... do you feel good? Can you tell me how it feels baby?"

"Mmmm," she purred, "tight, slick...warm..."

He was pretty sure at this rate his old problem of early arrival was gonna come back with a vengeance tonight, but all that mattered was her right now.

His voice was low and husky when he spoke in her ear. "Ohh I bet you are, Rach, tell me more... you're turning yourself on, huh?"

She shook her head "no Finn, you are..." and she tugged his hair to pull his mouth back to hers. She was mostly laying on her back now and he was leaning on his side with his hand between her legs, fighting the urge to just climb on top of her. His straining erection was pressing hard into her thigh now.

He flicked his tongue over her pert nipple. His warm breath fanned over the moisture from his kisses and goosebumps erupted across her body when he breathed out, "You're so damn beautiful Rach, and you feel so good... I want you to feel good... do you wanna come? Tell me what you need, baby."

She moaned and reached down, laying two of her fingers overtop two of his and guided him to her opening, slowly, encouraging him to push inside. "More Finn.. I-I want to feel you."

Almost as soon as his fingers slid inside, her orgasm tore through her. She bucked her hips wildly against his hand and he kissed her deeply to muffle her screams as the shockwaves rippled through her body. He gently continued stroking her as she rode out her wave of pleasure.

"Oh god Finn... I love you."

"I love you baby... I love you so much," he whispered as he kissed her lips softly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah... more than okay.. I didn't know how much I needed that, how much I needed you..." She became aware of his hard length pressed against her side. "Oh, but Finn, you have to be so miserable right now... I.. I wanna try to help you too, okay?"

"Rach no, you don't need to, babe. I can deal. I don't want you to do anything you're not ready for."

"It's okay, I want to try. It's just you and me, like always, right? We've done this plenty of times before... I'm okay."

"Yeah we have, but... baby it's okay if you're not ready, Rach. I'll just y'know, handle it myself."

"No you won't." She pushed his shoulders to press him onto his back and rolled partly on top of him again, kissing his neck and chest while slowly working her hand down to his bulging length. She reached a hand under the waistband of his boxers and slowly traced her fingers down his shaft. He reached a hand behind her head and gently pulled her to him for a deep scorching kiss. She finally gripped him and stroked slowly as his kisses heated up. "Fuck that feels good Rach. I missed you... I missed your touch..."

She didn't know why but tears were beginning to stream down her face and he tasted the salt of them in their kisses before he realized she was crying. "Baby, hey hey... you can stop, Rach you don't need to–"

"No," she hiccuped "Finn I don't want to stop, I'm just... I missed you too... I missed your touch, too and.. I just love you."

He hugged her tightly to him and she continued stroking until he climaxed in her hand. It didn't take long and he wasn't at all surprised at his own tears that came with his release.

"Baby, you... you and now Cam, you're everything to me... I never want us to be apart like that again." He cradled her head in his large hands and pressed soft kisses to her cheeks and the tip of her nose. "I love you, Rachel, and I... I just want you to feel safe and happy. Thank you for trusting me."

Her quiet sobs took over, but she assured him they weren't sad tears. She was just very emotional, feeling the gentleness of his touch and the love that carried through every tender caress.

"You're not him," she whispered. He almost didn't hear her, but he knew what she meant. He really didn't know what to say to that and didn't think he should say anything, so he just pulled her closer, dropping little kisses against her hair.

After a long silence she regained her composure. "Finn, you do make me feel safe, and loved, and you make me so happy. I... I don't think I could've even thought about doing any of this again yet if it wasn't with you. Thank you for being so good to me."

"Hey, Rach you never have to thank me for loving you; it's a privilege, and one I'll never take for granted." He pressed another kiss to the top of her head. "Try to get some sleep, baby. We have to be up and at the airport in a few hours."

. . . . .

By the time they made it onto the plane they were both still pretty exhausted. They had hoped that Camden would sleep through the flight so they too could nap a little while. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Yes, they were THAT couple with the fussy baby on the plane.

At least it was a mercifully short flight, and Finn had no problem taking Cam and walking him around the aisles of the plane, bouncing him just enough to soothe him while humming softly.

As he made his second lap past her in the aisle, Rachel strained to hear what Finn was singing softly, but she distinctly picked up 'street life people' and giggled to herself. Her chest bubbled with joy as she witnessed the man she loved becoming a father right before her eyes. No fucking way was Brody Weston ever going to claim that title. Court orders and paternity tests be damned; Finn Hudson was Cam's daddy, and that's just how it was going to be.

. . . . .

Three and a half hours later, their rental car pulled up in front of the Hudson-Hummel residence. Rachel was nervous as hell and despite the number of reassurances he offered along the way, Finn could feel her anxiety growing the closer they'd gotten to their destination. He thought maybe Cam could feel it too, since he was starting to fuss again now that the car was stopped in the driveway.

"I'll get Cam, you get the bags, okay?" Rachel suggested, even though Finn was already popping the trunk and heading to the rear of the car before she even finished her sentence.

Finn had called Carole the same day he booked their flight and explained everything to his mother pertaining to Rachel's situation. He told her about Camden and the question of paternity, but he told his mother it didn't matter to him. He was with Rachel, and Rachel wanted them to be together as Cam's parents.

Carole didn't say it to Finn on the phone, but the potential fallout concerned her more than a little bit if this child was not his. She feared he could be facing the same heartbreak as he'd gone through in sophomore year high school with Quinn Fabray. Losing a child that you've already fallen in love with, no matter the circumstances, is NOT something Carole wanted her son (nor herself) to suffer ever again. But she knew Rachel wasn't Quinn, and this situation was not THAT one, so she decided she would be as supportive as she could for all of them.

"Mom! We're here!" Finn called out as he entered the front door. Rachel skittishly hid behind him with Cam cradled protectively against her chest.

"Finny? Oh welcome home baby!" Carole barreled out from the kitchen and squeezed her son in a quick hug, pressed a kiss to his cheek, then shoved him to the side. "Now where is this handsome new edition I've been hearing about. Rachel, sweetheart, welcome home honey!" She pulled Rachel into a soft embrace with the baby nestled between them. "Oh my god, would you just look at him... OH he's just beautiful..." Carole's eyes glistened with unshed tears, matching Rachel's.

"It's nice to be back, Carole... and this is Camden Isaac Berry-Hudson. Would you like to hold him?"

As Rachel handed the baby off to an eager Carole, Finn's head whipped up at her announcement, surprise clearly written all over his face. "Uh...Rach?"

"Well okay, that's not technically his legal name quite yet, but it will be as soon as we can get the paperwork handled... i-if that's okay with you, Finn?"

"Baby.. it's MORE than okay with me. I can't believe you wanna give him my name... are you really sure Rach?"

"I'm positive. No matter what happens, YOU are the only father I want Cam to ever know, so it only makes sense for him to have your name too. Plus, if I list you as the father on the birth certificate it will help give you legal rights to him no matter what."

"So... what's on the birth certificate now?"

"Nothing. I left the father's name blank. I wanted to list your name, but I couldn't do that without telling you everything first... and well, you know how things were, so..."

He pulled her close, wrapping her in his large arms and kissing her softly. "I'd be honored to be on the birth certificate Rach, and honored to share my name with him. I love you," he murmured against her lips.

Camden let out a loud squeal breaking the affectionate moment between the couple and Rachel giggled. "Oh somebody's cranky after such a long journey! I think he needs a diaper change and a meal then maybe we can get him down for a nap."

Carole jumped at the chance. "If you don't mind I'd be more than happy to take care of him; you two look exhausted from your trip too. Let me handle little mister fussy pants here and get to know him a little better while you two go get settled in Finn's room. Freshen up, or have a nap, or help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I stocked up on your favorite fruits and vegetables and have a few salads ready for you in the fridge."

"You are an absolute SAINT Carole, thank you so much!"

"Yeah mom, that's so awesome of you to offer. I think we'll take the luggage up and maybe lay down for an hour or two, if you don't mind watching Cam for a little bit."

"Mind? Are you crazy, that's what grandma's LIVE for!" she winked at the couple, as she scooped up Cam's diaper bag and headed off to Kurt's room – which had already been converted to a makeshift nursery by Burt and Carole, complete with crib and changing table.

. . . . .

Meanwhile, in New York...

"I want that bitch to suffer. If she's hidden my kid from me all this time, I want her to pay," Brody snarled at his attorney Ray Tanner.

"Listen Brody, I've already had my paralegal pull the child's birth certificate from public records. There's no father's name listed."

"What the hell does that mean? Is that good or bad for us?"

"Well I don't want to get your hopes up, but I'm optimistic. I think I can clearly convince a judge it means either the mother was intentionally hiding the child's known paternity, or she genuinely does not know who the father is. In either case, I think there's a very good chance we can prove cause for a court ordered paternity test."

"Good. Can I get temporary rights or visitation at least in the meantime?"

"Well, that part might be a bit more difficult, given your pending criminal case and the fact that you are currently out on bail awaiting trial for some rather serious charges."

"I didn't do what she claims... We'd been dating for months, hell I'd been living with her! She's the one who lied to me and cheated with her goofball ex-boyfriend when she went back to Ohio for a wedding! Then the goon came and blindsided me, attacked ME – hell, I should've pressed assault charges against HIM!"

"Yes well, I'm not a criminal attorney but I'm fairly certain the time for doing that has passed now, unless you have some sort of evidence to prove your story."

"I mean, I had witnesses that saw the damage he did to my face. And I'm pretty sure the hotel security cameras can prove he was here."

"Again, I'm no criminal attorney; I'd advise you to take that matter up with Miss Kendall since she's handling your other case."

"Maybe I will," Brody muttered under his breath. Even if he couldn't directly make Rachel pay for ruining his life, maybe he could take down Hudson and make them BOTH pay.

. . . . .

tbc...