Chapter 1: The Road to Adventure
Rachel Berry had many skills. She could belt a Broadway number with the best of them, memorize complex choreography in under an hour, and compose a stirring speech about perseverance on a whim. But camping? Camping was not one of her strong suits.
So when Mr. Schuester announced that the New Directions would be embarking on a weekend-long camping retreat for team bonding, Rachel immediately protested.
"Mr. Schuester, I fail to see how sleeping outside in the wilderness—where wild animals roam freely and cellular service is nonexistent—will enhance our musical abilities," she argued, her arms folded across her chest.
"Come on, Rachel," Finn Hudson said with a lopsided grin, his towering frame leaning lazily against the lockers. "It'll be fun. S'mores, campfires, hiking… it's a classic experience."
Rachel gave him a skeptical look. "I highly doubt that spending forty-eight hours without proper hygiene facilities will do anything but hinder my vocal cords."
Mercedes snorted. "Girl, you act like you ain't never gone a day without your humidifier."
Rachel straightened her posture. "I haven't. A singer's voice is their instrument, and instruments require care."
"Look, Rachel," Mr. Schue interrupted before the argument could escalate, "this is about more than just singing. It's about trust. New Directions is a team, and right now, we're not always acting like one. This trip is about working together, getting to know each other outside of the choir room, and yes, maybe even having some fun."
Rachel sighed, knowing there was no way out of this. If she refused to go, she risked alienating herself further from the group. And as much as she hated to admit it, she wanted to be included.
"Fine," she conceded. "But if I get poison ivy, I will personally hold you responsible, Mr. Schuester."
⸻
The following afternoon, a school bus packed with duffel bags, sleeping bags, and an alarmingly large supply of junk food rumbled down a winding road leading into the woods. The New Directions were split between two sections—those who were excited for the trip and those who were already regretting it.
Finn, sitting in the very back, was firmly in the excited camp. He had always liked the outdoors. It reminded him of the summer trips he used to take with his mom and Burt, before everything with New Directions took over his life. Plus, he figured this was a great chance to hang out with Rachel. They'd been in this weird in-between phase—sometimes they were close, sometimes she pushed him away. But here, away from school and distractions, maybe they could actually talk.
Rachel, seated beside him (mostly because the alternative was enduring Santana's sharp-tongued comments or Kurt's complaints about the lack of Wi-Fi), looked less than thrilled. She clutched her travel-sized hand sanitizer as if it were a life preserver, her lips pursed.
"You're gonna have fun," Finn assured her, nudging her lightly with his shoulder.
Rachel exhaled. "That remains to be seen. But I appreciate your optimism."
"Think of it like an adventure," he said, smiling at her. "Like Into the Woods, but, you know, without all the tragic deaths and witches."
Rachel's lips twitched as if she wanted to smile, but she rolled her eyes instead. "If this turns into a musical, I will consider it a success."
As the bus took a sharp turn, a shriek erupted from the front.
"Artie, NO!"
Everyone turned just in time to see Artie's bag of chips fly through the air and land squarely in Santana's lap. The Latina let out a noise of disgust, brushing crumbs off her shorts.
"Britt, you're supposed to be my snack guardian!" Artie protested.
Brittany tilted her head. "I thought you meant guardian angel snack, not like… actual snacks."
The entire back row erupted into laughter, even Rachel, who pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle it. Finn grinned. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.
As the bus rumbled on, the trees thickened, the paved road gave way to gravel, and the reality of the trip set in. They were in for a weekend of no showers, no electricity, and no escape.
And, if Finn had anything to say about it, maybe a little bit of adventure.