Worth the Effort (Chapter Three: V-Day)
Title: Worth the Effort
Author: hope813
Pairing: Finn/Rachel
Rating: PG-13
Warnings:Spoilers through "Sectionals"
Disclaimer: Sadly, this world is not mine.
Summary: Finn panics while trying to decide on the perfect gift for Rachel for Valentine's Day. Their first Valentine's Day together. Romance and humor are coming your way! This is a follow-up to my story, Baby, It's Cold Outside, but may be enjoyed separately.
***NOW COMPLETE***
Author's Note: Here is my Valentine to all of my amazing readers--the final chapter! I hope that you enjoyed the story. Thanks so much to all of my reviewers. The feedback really does inspire me to keep writing. Special thanks toalifab for looking over this chapter a month ago before I even wrote the rest! Thanks toelimaru for the prompt. I hope that it lived up to your expectations! Also, I am trying to decide on my next story, so if anyone has ideas, requests, or prompts, leave a review and let me know. Finchel only, in case that was unclear. ; )
“Finn? Are you okay?” Rachel tilted her head. “You’ve been so quiet.”
He flashed her a half-grin, feeling totally anxious and doing a piss-poor job of hiding it. “No, I’m fine.” Rachel lifted a brow. “Just, you know, nervous, I guess.”
Rachel reached across the table and took his big bear paw in her tiny hand. “Why are you nervous?” Clearly concerned, her smile faded. “You can tell me anything.”
Way to kill the mood, man. “I just really want you to have a good time, and I sort of psyched myself out, I guess.” While it was the truth, Finn knew that he wouldn’t be able to relax until she opened her gift. Valentine’s Day was totally a big deal to girls and he wanted--no, needed--for everything to be perfect. Things with Rachel were great--amazing, really. Still, Finn knew, better than anyone, how quickly life can take a turn. While it had taken time, he knew that he’d finally gotten over his last disaster of a relationship, but it had left him scarred. Together, he and Rachel were happy--disgustingly happy, as Mercedes would say. Every now and then, though, he couldn’t help worrying. He remembered the complete wreck he’d been after his break-up with Quinn. Knowing that he’d never felt for anyone what he felt for Rachel, Finn was terrified about what would happen if something went wrong.
“Finn, I’m having a great time.” Her eyes locked on his. “Honest,” she added. Finn released the breath he’d been holding...he sort of felt like he’d been holding it since the minute he’d picked her up. They’d been out to dinner before, but he’d wanted tonight to be special and Arby’s just wasn’t going to cut it. He may not be able to afford the best, but he had some money left over his old part-time job. So, he’d made dinner reservations for the first time in his life and took Rachel to Martinelli’s, a nice little Italian place with real table cloths and candles. And, where it seemed, that they were the only couple under fifty.
Trying to control his nerves, Finn dug into his jacket pocket and handed Rachel an envelope. She beamed at him and carefully slid her finger under the seal as if afraid to rip it. He figured she wanted to keep it. Keeping a card he could understand, but an envelope? She glanced up at him, tilted her head and shrugged, as if reading his mind. She’d told him that she was a little bit psychic, so maybe she really could read his mind. If that was true, then he was in big trouble and would just have to stop thinking whenever they made out. Or sang together. Or when she walked in front of him. Or behind him. Or when he was at home alone in bed at night, wondering what she was doing at home alone in bed at night.
He chanced a look at Rachel, but she was too busy reading the card and not paying him the least bit of attention. This made Finn reasonably sure that she couldn’t read minds; she’d have probably slapped him by now otherwise. Still, if Rachel had taught him anything while helping him with Chemistry homework, it was that you always had to test your theories. He steadied his gaze on Rachel and began to think. Hard. You have the most incredible butt I’ve ever seen. Thinking about you in your tiny skirts and knee socks get me ridiculously hard. Thinking about you taking them off makes me explode. Hmm, still nothing. He breathed a sigh of relief. I love you.
Her eyes met his.
His breath caught. Had she actually heard him? Rachel’s eyes widened and her lips started trembling. Way to go, moron. It was too soon and he’d freaked her out. “Rach--”
Like a shot, she was out of her chair and in his lap. He blinked. How the hell had she moved so fast, anyway?
“Finn, the card is so beautiful. Thank you.” Okay, so the psychic thing is out. Her lips crushed into his and he eagerly responded. Well, if a card made her this happy, he wondered how she’d feel about her present.
While Finn would have been thrilled to take this unexpected make-out session further, he pulled back as he felt a sudden dampness on his check. “Hey.” He lifted her chin to see her face, slightly thrown-off balance by the tears running down her face. Of course Finn was used to an emotional Rachel. The diva-driven storm-outs and uncomfortable, in-your-face truths were what made Rachel, well, Rachel. But a teary Rachel? While he was pretty sure he’d been the cause of some of her tears, he’d never actually seen them. It tore at his heart. “Did I do something wrong? I’m sorry. Just tell me and I’ll fix it.” He was starting to panic now. How could he have messed up without even knowing it? Finn’s eyes widened in alarm as he realized that some of the big-haired ladies and balding men at the surrounding tables were sending him accusing looks. They could tell that he’d blown it, too!
“No, no,” Rachel rushed to assure him. “I’m just happy.” She wiped furiously at her tears. “I cannot believe that I’ve become such a cliché. I mean, crying because I’m happy? It is totally ridiculous, and I’ve always thought myself above such irrational, stereotypical female displays.” She shook her head at her own foolishness. “As silly as it is, that’s all there is to it. You took the time to write a beautiful, heartfelt note and it made me happy. You make me happy.”
Looking into her eyes, she took his breath away. God, he was totally thinking like a girl now! He needed to get a hold of himself; he definitely could not pull of the whole emo thing. Then she smiled. Ah, screw it. “I have no idea what I want to do after school, you know?” She nodded, her brows drawing together, appearing to be slightly confused by the change of topic. “Everyone always say to do what you really like...what you’re good at. But, you know, maybe I could be good at this. Making you happy.” He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m going to; I promise.” Her eyes had grown even larger during his speech. It was strange, he thought, for him to be doing all the talking while Rachel remained silent.
Taking a deep breath, she took his hand and tucked it beneath her chin. “You already do.”
He grinned and felt the last of his stress melt away. It was nice, he thought, to finally do something right. He made Rachel happy--she’d said so herself.
“I almost forgot!” He removed a thin, gift-wrapped box from his coat pocket.
“Finn, you didn’t have to get me anything!”
“I didn’t?” Finn’s brows drew together. Had he gotten that wrong? Weren’t you supposed to get a present for your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day?
Rachel must have sensed his confusion. “I just meant that being together is all I wanted.” She smirked. “But...I have something for you, too.” She pulled a small package from her bag.
He grinned like a kid on Christmas morning as he tore off the wrapping paper. Finn stared at the CD in his hands, his face erupting in a grin as he saw himself and Rachel on the cover. He didn’t remember this picture, but it had clearly been taken while they’d been performing. It must have been during “Somebody to Love;” he and Rachel were reaching for one another, their fingers inches part. Their images were in black and white, but shades of blue had been layered over it. It was incredibly cheesy. And also insanely awesome.
“It’s us. New Directions’ Greatest Hits,” she announced, grabbing the CD and turning it over to show him the track list.
“How’d you do this?”
“I asked Mr. Schue to record some of our rehearsals and performances, including--”
“The winter concert,” he finished, his eyes glued to hers. Preparing their duet, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” for that show had given Finn the opportunity he’d needed to win Rachel over. He couldn’t wait to put the songs on his iPod. “Rachel, this is amazing!”
She beamed at him. “The auditorium has great acoustics, so we sound pretty great. I put it everything together on my computer. I also recorded a few solos,” she added.
Finn laughed. That was his girl. His brows shot up as he read the list of Rachel Berry Bonus Tracks. “Whoa!” He glanced up at her expectant face. “This is the best gift ever! You covered Patti Smith, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner...”
“This is is the music you love, so I wanted to give it a try.” Rachel chuckled. “And look. Not even one show tune!” she finished proudly.
“Show tunes aren’t so bad,” Finn replied, fighting a grin. He nodded toward the unopened gift on her lap. “Your turn.”
“Finn, you didn’t have to do this. Taking me to dinner was enough.” He knew that she felt guilty because he’d spent money on her.
“Well, I wanted to get you something,” Finn added firmly. “I meant what I said when I finally wore you down that day in the auditorium, and you gave me another chance.”
Rachel arched a brow at him. “You wore me down? How romantic!”
“I just mean that I am going to have the guts to go after what I want. I want you.”
Her lips twitched. “You have me. Have you forgotten already?” Rachel moved her hands slowly down his chest as her lips hovered just above his. He could feel her warm breath coming out in pants against his mouth. “I guess I’ll just have to work harder to make our time together more memorable,” she added, her voice deeper than usual. Wow. Just wow. She sounded so sexy, like she’d just woken up. In bed. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep, calming breath. It was no use; Rachel was already there in his mind, waiting for him. She was lying in her bed wearing a red McKinley High football jersey. His jersey. It practically swallowed up her entire body, but the bottom had ridden up high on her thighs while she’d slept. Her hair was all messy and wild across the pillow, like it never was during the day. She began to stretch, slowly, and opened her eyes, sending him a lazy smile. Then, she reached her arms out to him and--
“Oh!”
He blinked, focusing on Rachel’s suddenly flushed face and large, unblinking eyes as she pulled back. Oh, crap. She’d felt it move. Breaking eye contact, he choked out a pathetic apology. Awkwardly, he reached around her and grabbed a glass of water and shakily brought it to his lips.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed, you know.” She licked her lips. Finn wished she wouldn’t do that at the moment. “It’s perfectly natural to have those reactions, Finn. I like that I can make you feel that way.” She rested her forehead against his. “Besides, I’m getting used to it,” she added with a smug grin.
Finn released a tense breath, trying to get himself under control. “Good, because it’s probably not going to stop any time soon.” He shot her an accusing look. Her smile just widened. “What were we taking about?”
“About you not having to buy me presents...?”
“Oh, right!” Finn shook his his head in an effort to focus. “Rachel, you were right back when you said that I needed to put in the effort to get you back in my life. I don’t want to forget that just because we’re together now. It’s just, well, you’re still worth the effort.” She blinked at him with those amazing brown eyes, but again, seemed unable to speak. Finn had finally figured it out: say more and Rachel will say less. Huh. “So, are you going to open it?”
Her face lit and she tore into the paper, clearly unconcerned with saving the wrapping. He laughed at her enthusiasm. In her hand lie a small, thin envelope with a clear, plastic window. Her eyes widened, clearly realizing what she would find inside. With a squeal, she opened the envelope and pulled out two tickets.
“Finn! West Side Story? How...I mean...I can’t believe it!” Rachel bounced in his lap, causing Finn’s eyes to cross in a combination of pleasure and pain. Suddenly, a crinkle formed between her brows. “How is this possible? The national tour does not even start until later this year.”
“Look closely at the tickets,” he suggested, trying to keep a straight face.
“The Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway...” Her head shot up, clearly unable to believe the words in front of her. “New York? We’re...we’re going to New York?”
“I guess you like your present then?”
“Oh my God!” Rachel threw her arms around his neck. Her shout attracted the attention of every person in the restaurant and possibly several outside on the street. He just lifted his hand in an awkward wave and turned his attention back to the girl in his arms. Finn was pretty sure she was squeezing hard enough to suffocate him, but with Rachel pressed so tightly against him in all the right places, he figured it was a hell of a way to go. Luckily, she drew back before causing any permanent damage. “Finn, I absolutely love that you thought of doing this for me, but...how can this possibly work?”
“What do you mean?”
“What about school? Where will we stay? How will we get there? How will we get our parents to agree? How--?”
“Whoa, whoa!” Shaking his head as he tried to keep up with her endless list of questions, Finn couldn’t help thinking how cute Rachel looked when she rambled. He kissed her firmly on the lips. “All taken care of. We’re going next week when school’s closed for February break.”
Still unconvinced, she bit her lip. “Finn...I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but how can you afford everything?”
“Well, I saved up for the tickets. Unfortunately, I could save for the next five years and still not be able to pay for a week in a New York City hotel.” He shrugged regretfully. “So, we’ll be staying with my mom’s Aunt Ellie in Hoboken.”
“Hoboken?”
“Yeah, in New Jersey. But, it’s like, a fifteen-minute train ride into the city. I totally wish we could do the hotel thing...I mean, I really wish we could,” he added, sending her a wicked grin. She laughed and slapped him lightly on his shoulder. “So, yeah, Aunt Ellie has been wanting me to visit since she moved a couple of years ago, so she was psyched when I asked her about us coming to stay. She blasts the TV when she forgets her hearing aid, but she’s pretty cool. I mean, we’ll probably have to eat dinner with her a couple of times and look through her picture albums and stuff, but I figure its worth it.”
“How will we get there?”
At this, he grinned widely. “We’re flying. It’ll be my first time on a plane!”
Rachel rolled her eyes indulgently at his obvious excitement. “Um, Finn...?”
“Don’t worry, my mom helped me out there. She’s been paying bills with credit cards for a few years, so she’s got a bunch of airline reward miles.” He frowned a bit, then shrugged. “I mean, now the credit cards are maxed out, but she said that we should, you know, use the miles since she has them anyway.”
“So, obviously your mom is on board with the trip. I hope my dads are as easy to convince.”
“They weren’t.” He shook his head at the memory.
“You talked to them already?” This seemed to stun her most.
“Yup. I explained everything and then my mom told them that Aunt Ellie would be the perfect chaperone. They even spoke to Aunt Ellie on the phone. Finally, they agreed.” He winced. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I promised to not touch you the whole time we’re gone, but I think I can manage that.” He nodded, trying to convince her. And himself.
Rachel burst out laughing. “Oh, please!”
“What? One of your dads threatened me with his golf clubs if I got out of line!” He tilted his head. “Or did he say that I wouldn’t be able to ever get into his golf club? I was having hard time keeping up with everything.”
Rachel just howled louder. “F--Finn! W--well, Daddy does have some pull at the Lakeview C--country Club, so I’d be careful if I were you,” she choked out in between giggles.
“I love you.”
In a flash, Rachel’s entire face froze. Oh God. Had he actually said that out-loud? What the hell was the matter with him? His mom said that the filter from his brain to his mouth sometimes malfunctioned and he just blurted out what he was thinking. Clearly, this was one of those times.
“Rachel, um, I--”
“Wait,” Rachel screeched, clapping a hand over his mouth. Her eyes were wide and anxious. “Before you say anything, take a minute, okay?” He nodded, her hand still covering his lips. “If you said...that...accidentally or if--if you meant it some other way, I’ll understand. I know that you sometimes say things without thinking them through--”
“Wachoo--” Her name was muffled by the hand covering his mouth.
“I just want to make sure that the first time I hear those words that they’re real and not a mistake--”
“Wachoo--” How could he get her to stop?
“So if--ew! Did you just lick my hand?”
His shoulders began to shake uncontrollably. With her wide eyes and open mouth, she looked like that singing fish that Coach Tanaka had hanging in his office. Of course, Rachel was now looking at him like he was insane, but at least she was no longer babbling.
“Are you crazy?”
Finn took several deep breaths to calm down. “Maybe. I think that’s one more reason we’re so good together.” At her death glare, he took her hands in his. “Rachel, I just wanted to stop you so that I could get a word in, okay?”
She huffed and crossed her arms tightly across her chest. “Proceed with extreme caution, Finn.”
“I know we’ve only been together for two months, but I...well, you know...”
“You what?” Rachel looked like she was biting her lip to keep form breaking out into a grin. Seeing her glowing eyes and pouty lower lip between her teeth, Finn felt his chest tighten. She wanted to hear it, he knew. As terrifying as it was to say the words, Finn knew that he could trust her with his heart. It wasn’t as if he really had a choice; it was already hers.
“I am totally in love with you.”
She didn’t cry this time. Instead, her smile grew so wide she looked like one of those crazy cartoon drawings of famous people, like President Obama with ears like Dumbo or that Leno guy with a potato chin. Finn grinned back, knowing she’d never been more beautiful.
“Finn, I love you, too--oof.” His lips latched onto hers before she could finish getting the words out.
Rachel pulled back. Panting heavily, she placed both hands on Finn’s chest to steady herself. “Finn, exactly how bad is your aunt’s hearing?”
Oh, yeah. He loved this girl.
Author's Note 2: So, what did you think? Don't forget to leave any prompts or requests! Also, thanks to adlervan--I never would have thought of Rachel covering Patti Smith without your amazing fic!
Previous Chapters
Chapter Two: Getting a Clue
Chapter One: Panic and Priorities
Author: hope813
Pairing: Finn/Rachel
Rating: PG-13
Warnings:Spoilers through "Sectionals"
Disclaimer: Sadly, this world is not mine.
Summary: Finn panics while trying to decide on the perfect gift for Rachel for Valentine's Day. Their first Valentine's Day together. Romance and humor are coming your way! This is a follow-up to my story, Baby, It's Cold Outside, but may be enjoyed separately.
***NOW COMPLETE***
Author's Note: Here is my Valentine to all of my amazing readers--the final chapter! I hope that you enjoyed the story. Thanks so much to all of my reviewers. The feedback really does inspire me to keep writing. Special thanks toalifab for looking over this chapter a month ago before I even wrote the rest! Thanks toelimaru for the prompt. I hope that it lived up to your expectations! Also, I am trying to decide on my next story, so if anyone has ideas, requests, or prompts, leave a review and let me know. Finchel only, in case that was unclear. ; )
“Finn? Are you okay?” Rachel tilted her head. “You’ve been so quiet.”
He flashed her a half-grin, feeling totally anxious and doing a piss-poor job of hiding it. “No, I’m fine.” Rachel lifted a brow. “Just, you know, nervous, I guess.”
Rachel reached across the table and took his big bear paw in her tiny hand. “Why are you nervous?” Clearly concerned, her smile faded. “You can tell me anything.”
Way to kill the mood, man. “I just really want you to have a good time, and I sort of psyched myself out, I guess.” While it was the truth, Finn knew that he wouldn’t be able to relax until she opened her gift. Valentine’s Day was totally a big deal to girls and he wanted--no, needed--for everything to be perfect. Things with Rachel were great--amazing, really. Still, Finn knew, better than anyone, how quickly life can take a turn. While it had taken time, he knew that he’d finally gotten over his last disaster of a relationship, but it had left him scarred. Together, he and Rachel were happy--disgustingly happy, as Mercedes would say. Every now and then, though, he couldn’t help worrying. He remembered the complete wreck he’d been after his break-up with Quinn. Knowing that he’d never felt for anyone what he felt for Rachel, Finn was terrified about what would happen if something went wrong.
“Finn, I’m having a great time.” Her eyes locked on his. “Honest,” she added. Finn released the breath he’d been holding...he sort of felt like he’d been holding it since the minute he’d picked her up. They’d been out to dinner before, but he’d wanted tonight to be special and Arby’s just wasn’t going to cut it. He may not be able to afford the best, but he had some money left over his old part-time job. So, he’d made dinner reservations for the first time in his life and took Rachel to Martinelli’s, a nice little Italian place with real table cloths and candles. And, where it seemed, that they were the only couple under fifty.
Trying to control his nerves, Finn dug into his jacket pocket and handed Rachel an envelope. She beamed at him and carefully slid her finger under the seal as if afraid to rip it. He figured she wanted to keep it. Keeping a card he could understand, but an envelope? She glanced up at him, tilted her head and shrugged, as if reading his mind. She’d told him that she was a little bit psychic, so maybe she really could read his mind. If that was true, then he was in big trouble and would just have to stop thinking whenever they made out. Or sang together. Or when she walked in front of him. Or behind him. Or when he was at home alone in bed at night, wondering what she was doing at home alone in bed at night.
He chanced a look at Rachel, but she was too busy reading the card and not paying him the least bit of attention. This made Finn reasonably sure that she couldn’t read minds; she’d have probably slapped him by now otherwise. Still, if Rachel had taught him anything while helping him with Chemistry homework, it was that you always had to test your theories. He steadied his gaze on Rachel and began to think. Hard. You have the most incredible butt I’ve ever seen. Thinking about you in your tiny skirts and knee socks get me ridiculously hard. Thinking about you taking them off makes me explode. Hmm, still nothing. He breathed a sigh of relief. I love you.
Her eyes met his.
His breath caught. Had she actually heard him? Rachel’s eyes widened and her lips started trembling. Way to go, moron. It was too soon and he’d freaked her out. “Rach--”
Like a shot, she was out of her chair and in his lap. He blinked. How the hell had she moved so fast, anyway?
“Finn, the card is so beautiful. Thank you.” Okay, so the psychic thing is out. Her lips crushed into his and he eagerly responded. Well, if a card made her this happy, he wondered how she’d feel about her present.
While Finn would have been thrilled to take this unexpected make-out session further, he pulled back as he felt a sudden dampness on his check. “Hey.” He lifted her chin to see her face, slightly thrown-off balance by the tears running down her face. Of course Finn was used to an emotional Rachel. The diva-driven storm-outs and uncomfortable, in-your-face truths were what made Rachel, well, Rachel. But a teary Rachel? While he was pretty sure he’d been the cause of some of her tears, he’d never actually seen them. It tore at his heart. “Did I do something wrong? I’m sorry. Just tell me and I’ll fix it.” He was starting to panic now. How could he have messed up without even knowing it? Finn’s eyes widened in alarm as he realized that some of the big-haired ladies and balding men at the surrounding tables were sending him accusing looks. They could tell that he’d blown it, too!
“No, no,” Rachel rushed to assure him. “I’m just happy.” She wiped furiously at her tears. “I cannot believe that I’ve become such a cliché. I mean, crying because I’m happy? It is totally ridiculous, and I’ve always thought myself above such irrational, stereotypical female displays.” She shook her head at her own foolishness. “As silly as it is, that’s all there is to it. You took the time to write a beautiful, heartfelt note and it made me happy. You make me happy.”
Looking into her eyes, she took his breath away. God, he was totally thinking like a girl now! He needed to get a hold of himself; he definitely could not pull of the whole emo thing. Then she smiled. Ah, screw it. “I have no idea what I want to do after school, you know?” She nodded, her brows drawing together, appearing to be slightly confused by the change of topic. “Everyone always say to do what you really like...what you’re good at. But, you know, maybe I could be good at this. Making you happy.” He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m going to; I promise.” Her eyes had grown even larger during his speech. It was strange, he thought, for him to be doing all the talking while Rachel remained silent.
Taking a deep breath, she took his hand and tucked it beneath her chin. “You already do.”
He grinned and felt the last of his stress melt away. It was nice, he thought, to finally do something right. He made Rachel happy--she’d said so herself.
“I almost forgot!” He removed a thin, gift-wrapped box from his coat pocket.
“Finn, you didn’t have to get me anything!”
“I didn’t?” Finn’s brows drew together. Had he gotten that wrong? Weren’t you supposed to get a present for your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day?
Rachel must have sensed his confusion. “I just meant that being together is all I wanted.” She smirked. “But...I have something for you, too.” She pulled a small package from her bag.
He grinned like a kid on Christmas morning as he tore off the wrapping paper. Finn stared at the CD in his hands, his face erupting in a grin as he saw himself and Rachel on the cover. He didn’t remember this picture, but it had clearly been taken while they’d been performing. It must have been during “Somebody to Love;” he and Rachel were reaching for one another, their fingers inches part. Their images were in black and white, but shades of blue had been layered over it. It was incredibly cheesy. And also insanely awesome.
“It’s us. New Directions’ Greatest Hits,” she announced, grabbing the CD and turning it over to show him the track list.
“How’d you do this?”
“I asked Mr. Schue to record some of our rehearsals and performances, including--”
“The winter concert,” he finished, his eyes glued to hers. Preparing their duet, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” for that show had given Finn the opportunity he’d needed to win Rachel over. He couldn’t wait to put the songs on his iPod. “Rachel, this is amazing!”
She beamed at him. “The auditorium has great acoustics, so we sound pretty great. I put it everything together on my computer. I also recorded a few solos,” she added.
Finn laughed. That was his girl. His brows shot up as he read the list of Rachel Berry Bonus Tracks. “Whoa!” He glanced up at her expectant face. “This is the best gift ever! You covered Patti Smith, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner...”
“This is is the music you love, so I wanted to give it a try.” Rachel chuckled. “And look. Not even one show tune!” she finished proudly.
“Show tunes aren’t so bad,” Finn replied, fighting a grin. He nodded toward the unopened gift on her lap. “Your turn.”
“Finn, you didn’t have to do this. Taking me to dinner was enough.” He knew that she felt guilty because he’d spent money on her.
“Well, I wanted to get you something,” Finn added firmly. “I meant what I said when I finally wore you down that day in the auditorium, and you gave me another chance.”
Rachel arched a brow at him. “You wore me down? How romantic!”
“I just mean that I am going to have the guts to go after what I want. I want you.”
Her lips twitched. “You have me. Have you forgotten already?” Rachel moved her hands slowly down his chest as her lips hovered just above his. He could feel her warm breath coming out in pants against his mouth. “I guess I’ll just have to work harder to make our time together more memorable,” she added, her voice deeper than usual. Wow. Just wow. She sounded so sexy, like she’d just woken up. In bed. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep, calming breath. It was no use; Rachel was already there in his mind, waiting for him. She was lying in her bed wearing a red McKinley High football jersey. His jersey. It practically swallowed up her entire body, but the bottom had ridden up high on her thighs while she’d slept. Her hair was all messy and wild across the pillow, like it never was during the day. She began to stretch, slowly, and opened her eyes, sending him a lazy smile. Then, she reached her arms out to him and--
“Oh!”
He blinked, focusing on Rachel’s suddenly flushed face and large, unblinking eyes as she pulled back. Oh, crap. She’d felt it move. Breaking eye contact, he choked out a pathetic apology. Awkwardly, he reached around her and grabbed a glass of water and shakily brought it to his lips.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed, you know.” She licked her lips. Finn wished she wouldn’t do that at the moment. “It’s perfectly natural to have those reactions, Finn. I like that I can make you feel that way.” She rested her forehead against his. “Besides, I’m getting used to it,” she added with a smug grin.
Finn released a tense breath, trying to get himself under control. “Good, because it’s probably not going to stop any time soon.” He shot her an accusing look. Her smile just widened. “What were we taking about?”
“About you not having to buy me presents...?”
“Oh, right!” Finn shook his his head in an effort to focus. “Rachel, you were right back when you said that I needed to put in the effort to get you back in my life. I don’t want to forget that just because we’re together now. It’s just, well, you’re still worth the effort.” She blinked at him with those amazing brown eyes, but again, seemed unable to speak. Finn had finally figured it out: say more and Rachel will say less. Huh. “So, are you going to open it?”
Her face lit and she tore into the paper, clearly unconcerned with saving the wrapping. He laughed at her enthusiasm. In her hand lie a small, thin envelope with a clear, plastic window. Her eyes widened, clearly realizing what she would find inside. With a squeal, she opened the envelope and pulled out two tickets.
“Finn! West Side Story? How...I mean...I can’t believe it!” Rachel bounced in his lap, causing Finn’s eyes to cross in a combination of pleasure and pain. Suddenly, a crinkle formed between her brows. “How is this possible? The national tour does not even start until later this year.”
“Look closely at the tickets,” he suggested, trying to keep a straight face.
“The Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway...” Her head shot up, clearly unable to believe the words in front of her. “New York? We’re...we’re going to New York?”
“I guess you like your present then?”
“Oh my God!” Rachel threw her arms around his neck. Her shout attracted the attention of every person in the restaurant and possibly several outside on the street. He just lifted his hand in an awkward wave and turned his attention back to the girl in his arms. Finn was pretty sure she was squeezing hard enough to suffocate him, but with Rachel pressed so tightly against him in all the right places, he figured it was a hell of a way to go. Luckily, she drew back before causing any permanent damage. “Finn, I absolutely love that you thought of doing this for me, but...how can this possibly work?”
“What do you mean?”
“What about school? Where will we stay? How will we get there? How will we get our parents to agree? How--?”
“Whoa, whoa!” Shaking his head as he tried to keep up with her endless list of questions, Finn couldn’t help thinking how cute Rachel looked when she rambled. He kissed her firmly on the lips. “All taken care of. We’re going next week when school’s closed for February break.”
Still unconvinced, she bit her lip. “Finn...I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but how can you afford everything?”
“Well, I saved up for the tickets. Unfortunately, I could save for the next five years and still not be able to pay for a week in a New York City hotel.” He shrugged regretfully. “So, we’ll be staying with my mom’s Aunt Ellie in Hoboken.”
“Hoboken?”
“Yeah, in New Jersey. But, it’s like, a fifteen-minute train ride into the city. I totally wish we could do the hotel thing...I mean, I really wish we could,” he added, sending her a wicked grin. She laughed and slapped him lightly on his shoulder. “So, yeah, Aunt Ellie has been wanting me to visit since she moved a couple of years ago, so she was psyched when I asked her about us coming to stay. She blasts the TV when she forgets her hearing aid, but she’s pretty cool. I mean, we’ll probably have to eat dinner with her a couple of times and look through her picture albums and stuff, but I figure its worth it.”
“How will we get there?”
At this, he grinned widely. “We’re flying. It’ll be my first time on a plane!”
Rachel rolled her eyes indulgently at his obvious excitement. “Um, Finn...?”
“Don’t worry, my mom helped me out there. She’s been paying bills with credit cards for a few years, so she’s got a bunch of airline reward miles.” He frowned a bit, then shrugged. “I mean, now the credit cards are maxed out, but she said that we should, you know, use the miles since she has them anyway.”
“So, obviously your mom is on board with the trip. I hope my dads are as easy to convince.”
“They weren’t.” He shook his head at the memory.
“You talked to them already?” This seemed to stun her most.
“Yup. I explained everything and then my mom told them that Aunt Ellie would be the perfect chaperone. They even spoke to Aunt Ellie on the phone. Finally, they agreed.” He winced. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I promised to not touch you the whole time we’re gone, but I think I can manage that.” He nodded, trying to convince her. And himself.
Rachel burst out laughing. “Oh, please!”
“What? One of your dads threatened me with his golf clubs if I got out of line!” He tilted his head. “Or did he say that I wouldn’t be able to ever get into his golf club? I was having hard time keeping up with everything.”
Rachel just howled louder. “F--Finn! W--well, Daddy does have some pull at the Lakeview C--country Club, so I’d be careful if I were you,” she choked out in between giggles.
“I love you.”
In a flash, Rachel’s entire face froze. Oh God. Had he actually said that out-loud? What the hell was the matter with him? His mom said that the filter from his brain to his mouth sometimes malfunctioned and he just blurted out what he was thinking. Clearly, this was one of those times.
“Rachel, um, I--”
“Wait,” Rachel screeched, clapping a hand over his mouth. Her eyes were wide and anxious. “Before you say anything, take a minute, okay?” He nodded, her hand still covering his lips. “If you said...that...accidentally or if--if you meant it some other way, I’ll understand. I know that you sometimes say things without thinking them through--”
“Wachoo--” Her name was muffled by the hand covering his mouth.
“I just want to make sure that the first time I hear those words that they’re real and not a mistake--”
“Wachoo--” How could he get her to stop?
“So if--ew! Did you just lick my hand?”
His shoulders began to shake uncontrollably. With her wide eyes and open mouth, she looked like that singing fish that Coach Tanaka had hanging in his office. Of course, Rachel was now looking at him like he was insane, but at least she was no longer babbling.
“Are you crazy?”
Finn took several deep breaths to calm down. “Maybe. I think that’s one more reason we’re so good together.” At her death glare, he took her hands in his. “Rachel, I just wanted to stop you so that I could get a word in, okay?”
She huffed and crossed her arms tightly across her chest. “Proceed with extreme caution, Finn.”
“I know we’ve only been together for two months, but I...well, you know...”
“You what?” Rachel looked like she was biting her lip to keep form breaking out into a grin. Seeing her glowing eyes and pouty lower lip between her teeth, Finn felt his chest tighten. She wanted to hear it, he knew. As terrifying as it was to say the words, Finn knew that he could trust her with his heart. It wasn’t as if he really had a choice; it was already hers.
“I am totally in love with you.”
She didn’t cry this time. Instead, her smile grew so wide she looked like one of those crazy cartoon drawings of famous people, like President Obama with ears like Dumbo or that Leno guy with a potato chin. Finn grinned back, knowing she’d never been more beautiful.
“Finn, I love you, too--oof.” His lips latched onto hers before she could finish getting the words out.
Rachel pulled back. Panting heavily, she placed both hands on Finn’s chest to steady herself. “Finn, exactly how bad is your aunt’s hearing?”
Oh, yeah. He loved this girl.
Author's Note 2: So, what did you think? Don't forget to leave any prompts or requests! Also, thanks to adlervan--I never would have thought of Rachel covering Patti Smith without your amazing fic!
Previous Chapters
Chapter Two: Getting a Clue
Chapter One: Panic and Priorities