Summary: Rachel’s father makes an unannounced appearance.
Rachel's hair stuck to her neck, sweat clinging to her skin as she moved atop Finn. Afternoon sex, she'd decided, was the best sex. At least until the next morning, she mused as her eyes shifted to him. He was sexy, and perfect, and the way she controlled his every thought and reaction when they were like this could have brought her to climax. It probably would have had she not heard the front door and someone who wasn't Finn call her name. Few people had keys to the apartment - her and Finn, Noah for emergencies, and… “Oh my god!” The words came out as a hiss as she nearly flew off him, groping around for a something, anything, to wear. “My dad's here!”
With the day off, Finn was content to lay in bed with Rachel all day long. Watching Rachel move on top of him, his hands all over her body and the moment building, he was close to the edge. So much so that he hadn't heard someone walk into the apartment. He was still in a daze as he sat up. “What is he doing here?” He asked as he got up to find clothes.
Rachel was frantic as she heard a knock on their bedroom door. “Just a minute!” Her top was nowhere to be found and she cursed as she pulled on a t-shirt of his and shorts. “I have no idea.” It technically was his apartment so he could come and go as he pleased but… he didn't. She hadn't seen him since her wedding reception and even then it was brief because he had a family and other children. The familiar feeling of being his throwaway climbed up her throat as she popped into the bathroom for her brush. “Jesus. I look like we were having sex.” Though if her dad hadn't figured that out by now, she'd have wondered if he was ill. She dropped the brush. “Let's just go.”
Finn pulled his jeans and a T-shirt on quickly, then looked at her in confusion as he tried to smooth her hair down more for her. “Why do I have to?” he asked with a scoff.
Rachel paused to look at him, her disbelief apparent. She hadn't expected the reaction she was getting and, if she was honest, it was only bruising her already hurt feelings. “Why do you have to come out and see my dad who's letting us live here for next to nothing? Is that a serious question?”
Realizing the stupidity of his question, he shook his head. “You're right, I'm sorry. I'm panicking.” He said and grabbed her hand. “You look fine, let's go.”
Rachel tried to understand his feelings, especially since her nerves practically made her skin crawl with anxiety. But she also felt so alone in the apartment, a wayward parent on one side of her bedroom door and her husband who wanted to throw her to the wolves alone on the other. “It's okay if you want to stay here. I can say your asleep.” She pulled her hand away in case he really did stay. “Maybe he won't stay long.”
He wanted to go with that plan, but he knew she would be mad at him for it even if she didn't tell him. “I’ll go.” He said and opened the bedroom to make his point. He walked out and gave a hello to her father, trying to be friendly.
Rachel followed Finn, knowing deep down that he'd meant what he said - he didn't want to be part of time with this dad, the ‘other' dad. But he seemed to try, saying hello like a polite son-in-law would. Her dad responded in kind but set his gaze on her, like everything, posture included, revealed her guilt. He commented that she looked a little disheveled and suggested he should have called first. She shrugged and said it didn't matter. There was an awkward hug and an invitation a late lunch, just dad and daughter. She looked at Finn but didn't really expect a save. “Do you mind if we go? I'll bring you back something for dinner.”
He felt guilty because he knew Rachel didn't necessarily want to spend alone time with her dad, but what could he say? He nodded his head, “Yeah, of course.” He gave her a small smile.
Rachel took comfort in his smile, one of her favorite things about him. That gesture, as small as it seemed, made her want to curl up in his arms and lock the world, especially her father, out. “Okay.” She mumbled something about changing before she headed to the bathroom to shower off quickly and find a clean dress to wear.
No part of Finn wanted to left alone with Rachel's father, especially since he had made it a point that he wanted to spend time with only her. Finn hadn't thought that in-law relationships would be so… weird. He offered for him to sit down and the two engaged in small talk, though nothing more than work or how things were going.
Rachel tried to be quick, not wanting Finn to be uncomfortable with her dad. She was tying off her braid when she stepped back into the living room in a sundress. “Ready to go?” Leaning over the arm of the sofa to kiss Finn’s cheek. “I’ll see you in a little bit.” She grabbed her purse and ushered her dad out the door.
Finn was disappointed that his day off would be spent alone now but he didn't have a way in the situation. He watched them leave and then sighed, deciding to get on his Xbox for the first time in a long time.
Rachel slid into the passenger side of her father’s Town Car, listening quietly as he drove and talked about his family and how good the children were doing. She had never considered them her siblings, mostly because they weren’t. There had never been introductions or play dates, they were just ‘daddy’s new family.’ Even far removed from her old life, she didn’t know how to feel about it, other than to remind herself that she had a family now too - Finn and Oliver. That was all that really mattered. But she wouldn’t say so. Her aim was to appease him for the time being, not argue or hurt his feelings. She reminded herself of that throughout their lunch at the fanciest place he could find and measured her questions and responses. The only thing she’d really wanted to know was his reason for being in town - he’d flown in for work and thought he would visit her while he was there. “It’s nice to be thought of,” she offered, though she wasn’t entirely sure she had been. The words seemed to make him happy so she leaned back and let him bask in it.
Eventually, Finn decided to text Puck and see what he was up to. He wasn't sure how long Rachel would be gone and he hadn't seen his friend in a while so the pair decided to go grab some food. He texted Rachel -hey puck and I are going to eat so you don't need to bring anything home.- Before he left and headed out.
Rachel and her dad had been walking out of the restaurant, her father offering to take her to a show he had tickets for when Finn texted. She wasn’t upset that he went out with Puck but she couldn’t use him as an excuse to go home either. Sighing, she told her father she’d made other plans for the evening but thanked him. He didn’t seem particularly concerned by her refusal, almost like he hadn’t really wanted to take her anyway. He offered to take her home but she said she would take a cab, unless he wanted to come back to the apartment and check on things. She was relieved when he didn’t and put herself in a cab after a hug goodbye.
Finn and Puck had dinner and then he decided to go home. He knew that Rachel's relationship with her dad wasn't all that great so he wanted to be home in case things didn't go well. He got home well after her and he gave her a smile as he took his shoes off. “How did it go?”
Rachel had been home, curled up with the cat, when Finn walked through the door. She wanted to be happy to see him - or happy period - but she never felt good after her other dad was around. He didn’t go out of his way to criticize her like her father who raised her full-time but his presence reminded her of how he’d made her feel less than when he moved out and created a whole new life without her. And as she’d sat on the couch, thinking about everything, the fact that Finn had left her over the Brody situation and how it had made her feel less than too. “Fine, I suppose. He told me all about what’s been going on with his life and his family and his job. He always did like to talk.” She lifted a shoulder in resignation. “Did you enjoy dinner with Noah?”
Finn sat beside her and kissed her cheek. “Well, I'm glad things went okay.” He said softly. “Dinner was okay. Puck made me go to some diner because he's been trying to get with a waitress there. She ended leaving her number for me on the table so now he's all butthurt.” he rolled his eyes. “I wasn't flirting or anything.” He added, just in case.
“He just never stops long enough to try and make something last, does he?” Rachel knew her irritation towards Noah was redirected anger from time with her father but she didn’t feel like being mature enough to quell it. “Then he drags you into it like you don’t have a wife at home who has feelings. Some friend he is.” She brushed Oliver off her lap and got up.
Finn hadn't expected that to make her mad or for her to be so annoyed with Puck. He stood up after her and grabbed her hand. “Are you sure everything was okay today?”
Rachel nearly tore her hand from his, the idea of being touched in any way at that moment making her furious. Being reasonable was difficult and it barely edged out her throwing every ugly thing she was thinking at Finn’s feet, like he’d done something wrong. “What wouldn’t be okay? I just spent the afternoon with someone who abandoned me and thinks that a fancy lunch and this apartment can make up for the fact that he treated me like trash, left me without a second parent because he didn’t love my dad anymore.”
He frowned, putting his hand at his side to show her he wasn't going to try to touch her again. “I'm sorry, baby.. I know that your relationship with him is difficult.”
“I suppose you could call it that. I really don’t know what else to call being thrown away like I never mattered over something that had nothing to do with me.” Her eyes started to burn with tears she didn’t want to cry. Her dad wasn’t worth those tears, he hadn’t earned them. Yet he never had a hard time inspiring them.
Finn wasn't sure how to comfort her when she had made it clear she didn't want to be touched. “It wasn't fair.” he agreed. “We could start looking for a place of our own..” He offered, trying to help.
Nothing in life seemed fair when her father came around and turned her inside out. “Why spend money on a place probably smaller than this in terrible neighborhood?”
“It just feels like maybe you want out of the situation with your dad..” he shrugged.
“Remember how you felt when your mom moved in with Burt and she got a new family you weren't part of? That's how I felt at four years old. It's what I feel when he's around. He triggers me, not the apartment.”
“I do understand that..” He sat down again. “What will make you feel better?”
She'd expected...more. Revealing how badly her dad had made her feel all her life left her completely vulnerable. Finn not having more to say about something so monumental made her sick to her stomach. “Nothing. You can't change what's already been done.”
Finn frowned, wishing he could help her. He couldn't help but feel like he just wasn't enough in that moment. He knew that was silly because he often got upset about his mom, but he wondered if Rachel were still unhappy and not feeling loved even with him there. “Do you want to go lay down?”
What Rachel truly wanted was to feel some other way. Instead of a thin-skinned, emotionally devastated mess, she wanted to be unaffected and tough. But no matter how hard she pushed at the hurt, it was there, a poison seed blooming in her chest. The tears that spilled down her face were the only answer she could give Finn.
Finn moved to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I'm sorry, baby. I wish things were different for you. “
As Finn held her, Rachel held her face. She'd thought things were different for her, especially being in New York and having the life she wanted with Finn. All it took was one visit to tear away at it and at her. “It's never going to change.” She stepped away, turning towards the bedroom. “There's no point in thinking it could.”
Finn frowned, “What are you talking about Rachel? Things have changed for you. I thought you liked what we have going on right now. One visit from your dad shouldn't make everything seem bad. “
She stood in the bedroom door frame, his expression hurting her heart. “It's not about us or our life, because you're right. I love us. That doesn't mean it doesn't hurt that no one else in my life seems to ever want or love me. I don't see the need to fake that it does.” She disappeared into the dark room and laid easily on her side of the bed.
Finn wished that she could see that she did have people that cared about her. He wasn’t the only one. He sighed and gave her space for a while, not sure if she wanted him around. He entered the bedroom and stood in the doorway. “Do you want to go out and do something to take your mind off of things?” He offered.
Rachel curled the pillow to her chest and cried softly into it. She hated everything about the tears, especially what they represented. And she wished Finn understood how deep it ran for her, or that she could explain it. She wasn't sure how long it was before he came in, trying to placate her. “Not really. Unless you want to go out.”
He kind of did want to go out. They had been having such a good day and he was disappointed it was over. “Do you want to take a bath with me?”
Rachel wasn't in the headspace to do much of anything. But he was trying, much harder than she deserved. Some effort had to be made on her part. “Okay.” She climbed out of bed and started pulling her hair up as she walked into the bathroom.
Finn couldn’t tell if she was just trying to please him, but he figured a bath would help her calm down either way. He walked into the bathroom and turned the water on, sitting on the edge of the tub while he waited for it to get to the right temperature. When he deemed it good, he plugged the tub and stood up to get undressed. He waited until the bathtub was full before he slid into the warm water so she could get in as well.
Rachel was slow to undress then settle into the tub. She didn't know why Finn thought baths helped her but she didn't want to sort that out mentally. It would lead to her overanalyzing the gesture and drawing ridiculous conclusions. She leaned back a little, her back to his chest, reminding herself that it was as simple as him caring.
He wrapped his arms around her, “I’m sorry that I don’t know how to help the situation.. “ He said softly.
Rachel let her hands float on the surface of the water before sighing and putting one over his. “You don't have to be sorry.”
“I feel like I do though. I just want you to be happy.”
She wanted to climb out of the tub, the idea of happiness unattainable and stifling at the moment. “I know you do. Nothing you have done makes me unhappy so no apologies necessary.”
“Okay…” He said quietly. “Do you want me around while you’re upset?”
“If you don't want to be around, you don't have to be.” Especially since she couldn't blame him for it.
“It just kind of seems like you don’t want me to be.” He shrugged. He wasn't sure why he was getting so butt hurt by her right now.
Rachel really didn’t know what she wanted but she didn’t want to say so and have Finn be more hurt by whatever she is doing. “It’s not that I don’t want you around. I just don’t want to hurt you. That’s literally the last thing I want.”
“I don't understand how just letting me comfort you is hurting me.”
Rachel was finding it impossible to explain her feelings accurately. Everything she said seemed to confuse him more and make things more tension. “I'm not making any sense. I think I'm just going to be quiet and let you hold me now.”
He didn't necessarily feel like she wanted that and he was feeling stupid for trying. “It's fine.. If you seriously don't want my help then you don't have to pretend.” He shrugged and got up from the tub. He grabbed a towel and dried off before moving to the bedroom to put clothes on.
Rachel felt the begging words gathering in her throat… and that's where they stayed. She watched him dry off, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Her head rested against the side of the tub until the water went cold. With her robe on, she trudged to their room and laid down. She tried not to bother him - she'd done enough already.
Finn hadn't felt like their communication was busted in a long time until tonight and it was frustrating. He lay in bed for a small moment, not feeling tired at all, before deciding to play Xbox again. He moved to the living room and let himself get distracted.
Rachel watched him walk away, listened to what she imagined were video game sounds. It didn't take long for her to get up and go to the living room. “I always want your help. But… it's impossible to erase a lifetime of abandonment. I know your mom made you feel terrible when she got a new family. Now imagine feeling that way since you were too small to understand. And it wasn't just one person. It was all the adults in your life. Then have nearly everyone treat you like you were worthless.” She sat on the sofa, one leg tucked under her. “That's how this feels.”
Finn listened to her and then put his controller down. “It's not that I don't get it, Rach. I just wish that you would let me love you when you get like this. Do you remember how much it upset you when I wouldn't let you in?”
Rachel reached for his hand, holding it in both of hers. “I do. And you're right. I shouldn't shut down with you when things get bad like this.” She scooted in closer and pressed her face to his shoulder. “It just hurts so much.”
Finn put his arm around her when she moved close. “I’m sorry, baby. You shouldn’t have had to face rejection that young and I know it effects you. You have a family now though with me… And even Puck! Puck loves you. And your work friends.”
Rachel didn't say anything, just cried everything she had out as he held her. She wasn't going to argue with him about who loved her since it seemed petty. He did and that was important. “You're right. I couldn't have asked for anyone better than you. Whether I deserve you or not, it means so much that you picked me.”
Finn held her while she cried, saying nothing until she spoke. “I will always choose you.”
“It's too bad you can't make other people see it that way.” Her head rested against his shoulder as her hiccups and sobs tapered off. “It might make life easier.”
“Well, you’ll always have me and I’ll never make you feel that way. Your fathers are just… screwed up.”
Rachel had to fight back insecurity to have complete faith in the idea that he wouldn't leave her as everyone else. Especially when it had happened once. “Everything feels screwed up when they come around. I wish I were stronger so they couldn't twist everything in my head and my life the wrong way.”
“Well, that's why I suggested getting our own place. It would be hard but they wouldn't be able to just come over.”
“Maybe. I'd need pick up more hours at work. And we would definitely need to move off the island. It's doable though.”
“If you think that will help, you know I am more than willing to do it.”
Rachel bit her lip. “I'd really rather save our money for the future. All that money we'd spend on rent could go towards a house when we decide we want one.” Finally sitting up, she let their eyes meet. “I like living here. I feel like we've made this our home. I just have to learn to deal with my feelings about my past better.”
Finn wasn't sure what to say. “I just want you to be happy. “
Rachel moved around to get comfortable then leaned against Finn. “I was before he showed up. We were enjoying the day. I should apologize to you for ruining your day off.”
“It's not your fault. I mean, it did suck though.” he said playfully.
Rachel knew that he was teasing her but she did feel terrible. “If I could take it all back, I would.”
“I just wish he would have walked in like five minutes later.” He was trying to lighten the mood.
Rachel smiled the tiniest bit, peeking at Finn so he could see. “Five? It was going to take you that long? I'd have lasted two at most.”
“I was really close.” he sighed. “Horrible horrible timing.”
Rachel stroked his cheek, her lips touching his as she did. The need to feel safe in his arms gripped her and she moved to pull him close to her. “We could fix that.” Her teeth caught his bottom lip. “If you want.”
He was a little surprised that she was wanted to, but he couldn't turn that down ever. “What do you have in kind?” he asked with a smirk.
Maybe it was wrong but she knew Finn had a difficult time resisting sex. She also knew just the act of it could quiet her mind, chase away everything in her that felt bad. She untied her robe, letting it slip down enough to expose her. “Come here.” She laid back on the sofa, her naked thigh parting for him.
If there were a chance of him returning to his video games, it was long gone now. He watched her, enjoying his view for a moment, before he did as she asked and moved over her, pressing his lips against hers. His hand wasted no time in moving to her breast as he did so.
Rachel’s fingers slid through Finn’s hair as he drew close to her, the kiss sparking heat low in her belly. Her lips moved hard against his, her tongue pressing fast and hungry.
Rachel was quick to heat things up and he was happy to oblige. He moved his hand from her breast and down her body to between her legs and rubbed her clit.
A sharp moan escaped Rachel’s lips as Finn touched her. She tugged at his shirt only to give up and work on his pants. As much as she liked his body, her more immediate needs could be met once his jeans were gone. “It’s so good when you do that.” Her lips crashed against his as she finally managed to loose his zipper. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, baby. “ he said as he kicked his jeans off. He moved between her legs and pushed his hips against her teasingly.
Rachel pressed a heel into his thigh, urging him to make his move. “Don’t tease, baby. I need you.” She shook one of the sleeves of her robe off, her arm wrapping around him to pull him closer.
He would have kept it going but his impatience got the best of him and he entered her. His hips began to thrust into her and he pulled away just slightly to pull his shirt off by the neck.
With Finn out of his shirt, Rachel slipped her other arm free of her robe. The worn material slid beneath her as Finn moved against her. Rachel drew her leg around his torso, her head pressing back into the cushion as she moaned.
He leaned down to press his lips against her neck. He gripped her leg to pull it higher on his back, groaning at the new angle.
The shift of their bodies made Rachel gasp, each of Finn's thrusts creating a tantalizing sensation. Her nails pressed into his shoulder as she looked down at him. “You're incredible.”
“You are, baby. This is all I could think about all day.. You turn me on so much.” He leaned down to kiss her.
Rachel took more away from the fact that he’d thought about her, in any way, for any length of time. He’d really been the only person to do so that day… or any other that she could think of. “You too, baby. I love the way you touch me, kiss me.” She sighed against his lips, the easy contentment he brought to her life taking hold and pulling all her guards down.
He gladly kissed her passionately until he knew he was close to release. His hand moved between them, his thumb on her clit as he began to move in harder thrusts.
Rachel arched into his touch, her whole body going live as Finn pushed her over the edge. She forced her eyes open as his name parted her lips, wanting to see him, his ecstasy.
Finn groaned as he came undone, feeling her body tighten around him. When his body stopped moving, he sighed contently. “That needed to happen all day.” he said with a small laugh as he leaned down to kiss her.
Rachel lifted her head to kiss him back. “It was very nice.” In truth, the closeness helped her. “And you were right. It's better when I let you love on me.”
“I know.” he gave her another kiss before pulling away to put his boxers back on.
Rachel sat up to pull her robe back over her shoulders. “I'm being serious.” She looked down at her hands, her fingers knotting in the tie at her waist. “Even if it was mostly this, it's nice that someone was thinking about me like you said.”
“I'm always thinking about you.” He sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her.
Rachel turned into his embrace. She knew she was being clingy but… sometimes, that's just who she was. “I just like hearing you tell me.”
He kissed her cheek, “Puck was being so annoying today. It made me miss you way more.” He said with a chuckle.
“He's always that way. But I bet he'd say the same thing about me.” Her fingers threaded through his as she drew her legs up under her robe. “Still, I'm glad he's here. He gives you that person you can go to when I drive you crazy.”
“you don’t drive me crazy though… It happens way less often than it used to.” he joked.
Rachel nudged him, a soft gesture without contempt. “If you're trying to make me smile, it's working.”
He kissed her cheek, “Good, cause I want my happy wife.”
“Just keep loving me, even when I'm difficult, and you won't find a happier wife than me.” Her cheek rested on his shoulder as she finally just crawled into his lap. “Whether I say it or not, I really do need you. A lot.”
“it's kind of impossible for me to stop loving you at this point. “ His arms wrapped around her. “Sometimes, you honestly make me wonder. You're very independent and it's good most of the time, but it also leaves me to be the clingy one and it makes me feel stupid sometimes.”
Rachel wondered if the genuine surprise showed on her face when she looked up at him. “Really? I feel like the clingy one a lot of the time, to be honest. But… I’m sorry I make you feel that way. I hope you know that it’s never my intention. I’ve never been very good at feelings. I’m getting better though, or I like to think I am. You’ve made it easier for me to be vulnerable and I try to remember I can be with you even if it’s not always first nature.”
“You're not doing anything wrong, I just get dumb. “ he shrugged. “And I do know that feelings and stuff were hard for you. I'm trying to be understanding. “
“You are understanding. I think so anyway.” Rachel kissed his cheek, her fingers sneaking through his in a way that wouldn’t prevent him from holding her like he was. “Just know that loving you isn’t hard for me at all.”
“I know that,” he smiled. “Are you feeling a little better?”
“Definitely feeling better. All because of you.”
“Good.” He kissed her. “What should we do now?”
“If you wanted to finish your game, I could just lay here. I don't care what we do as long as I get to be close to you.”
Finn did want to finish his game but he wasn't sure if her offer was sincere. “We could watch a movie.”
“We can. But after you finish your game. It'll give me time to relax and recover, since ‘movie' is always code for something else with you.” She laughed, kissing his cheek. “You're incorrigible like that.”
“Hey, I don't do it on purpose.” He said with a laugh as he grabbed his controller once again and unpaused his game.
“If that’s your story…” Rachel gave him space to play, mostly so she didn’t get pegged in the eye by his elbow or something equally unintentional. Her arm hung over the sofa, Oliver running beneath her fingers to mimic her scratching his head.
Finn played for a while until he got bored. Now that he didn't play as much, he got tired of playing a lot sooner than he did in the past. His attention turned to Rachel and he rest his head on her stomach as his arm moved around her.
Rachel smiled as Finn laid against her. She often enjoyed when the roles were reversed and he cuddled up to her. She didn't know if he could read her mind but everything he was doing was exactly what she needed. “You look pretty content right now.”
“I am. You're comfy.” He said with a smile. “Oliver gets these kind of cuddles all the time. It's my turn.” He joked.
“I promise that I save all the good cuddles for you. Nothing but the best for my baby.” Rachel leaned over to kiss his forehead.
“You better.” he looked up at her with a smile. “I love you. “
“I love you too. And days like this one remind me how much I appreciate what we have. That I have someone to come home to that loves me the way you do. Someone who’s literally the most wonderful part of my life.”
“That is exactly how I feel, baby.” he rest his chin on her.
Rachel imagined having a special smile just for him, and that he noticed the difference. Even if it was silly, it was how he made her feel. Like he elevated every normal thing about her to something special. “You're the best family anyone could ever have.”
“you are too.” He moved up so he could kiss her. “And someday we will have kids and give them everything we didn't have.”
Rachel felt any final emptiness from the day leave her, her whole self swelling happily at his words. And the idea that a little girl just like her could have the most loving, wonderful father, the kind she'd longed for, made a tear creep out of her eye. “Someday.” His kiss was met with another soft touch of their lips.
“Today, we can just keep practicing making those babies.” he said playfully.
A low chuckle passed Rachel's lips. “How did I know you'd get there?” Not that she objected, a fact she made clear by the way she continued to kiss him.
“Can we go lay in bed? I'm too tall for this couch to be comfortable for this long.” he said with a laugh as he moved off of her.
Rachel didn’t want him to move away from her but he was right - the couch was too short for him in general. And she wanted for him to be comfortable. “You know that I’m always for spending time in bed with you.” She climbed to her feet, stretching as she made a move for the bedroom.
Finn walked to the bedroom and lay on the bed, opening his arms for her to join him. “Today didn't turn out so bad, did it?”
Rachel wasted no time getting into bed and snuggling up to him. “It didn't. A few bumps here and there but it can only end well when I'm right here with you.”
“I'm glad you feel that way.” he smiled. “It's one of our last days off at the same time before you go back to school so I'm just glad it's ending on a good note.”
Rachel sighed, her head on his chest. “Boo to school. I'm really not looking forward to it.”
“I feel like your kind of school is supposed to be pretty fun! I hate that it's not for you.”
“It's not really the school so much as the less time to spend with you aspect. If you haven't noticed, I'm a little into you.”
He chuckled, “Well I hate work for that reason. We need to just win the lottery so we can stay home and have sex all day every day.”
Rachel laughed. “Baby, I love you and I'd try anything for you. But I don't know that my body could take that much sex. I'd get sore after a day or two considering how… well endowed you are.” Tilting her head back, she kissed his neck. “But I could probably handle sex all day, every other day.”
“Every other day? I can't have you nonstop even in my fantasies? “ he joked.
Rolling onto her stomach, she placed herself so she could look at him. “Oh, I don't doubt that you have me however you want me in your fantasies.” Pulling up, her lips grazed his, her teeth catching his bottom one gently. “Just like you do in reality. I'm quite accommodating in that respect. You wear me out sometimes. You're just that good.”
“I’m really enjoying this talking me up thing.” He chuckled. “You’re just as incredible.”
“You usually do. And you know how much I like flirting with you.” Her fingers slid through his, Rachel again reminded that he fit into her life, her heart, perfectly. “You know just the right things to say sometimes. Like right now.”
He gave her a kiss, a small smile on his own lips. “I do it so I can see you smile. “
“I like when you’re the reason I smile. It makes me feel special. I don’t know anyone who you go out of your way to do that for.”
“To be fair, my social interactions are limited to you and Puck. I couldn't care less if Puck smiles.” he joked.
“However it works, I still feel special. I can't help that you do that for me.”
“You know you are special. I was just playing. There are so many things I would only do for you and no one else.”
“I don't doubt that for even a second. I mean, you've eaten vegan food.” Rachel laughed quietly as she kissed him.
“yeah, if that's not proof then I don't know what is.” he laughed.
“You entertaining my dad earlier was pretty good proof too. That probably wasn't easy.”
“I don't think I entertained him at all. Did he like…. know what we were up to when he got here? Or is he always that uncomfortable with me and I just didn't notice until today.”
“He didn't say anything specific about what was happening when he walked in. He just isn't around so he never got to know you. That probably caused the discomfort.”
He nodded his head, “Yeah, you're probably right. What was he in town for anyways?”
“To be honest, I don't remember him saying why. I tune out sometimes when he talks, especially about his family. And I didn't ask.” Rachel shrugged a shoulder before getting comfortable again.
“Well, I guess at least you were only gone a short amount of time so I could finish my selfish day off with you.” he gave her a playful smile.
“I like your selfish days off. Especially when they start and end like this one. We'll have to work on the middle part.”
“Next time we will leave so no one can interrupt us.” he joked.
“A day trip would be nice? Especially if it's still warm. We could drive outside the city, find a secluded spot to picnic and…” Her lips trailed along his neck, working io to his ear. “You never know.”
He smiled, “All of that sounds great… I'm making it happen. A picnic… and you know.” he gave her a teasing smirk.
“You always make that happen.” Rachel couldn't resist kissing him when he smiled like he was. Or smiled period. “The whole thing sounds fun though.”
“Yeah, but you know that you mentioned it so now I'm going to fixate on that. It's a sex picnic now.” he joked. “It does. Can you think of anywhere specific you want to go?”
“Not really. I mean, just some place quiet and hidden. Maybe near a little stream.” Rachel rested her head on the pillow next to his. “I'm really not picky as long as I get a little romance out of it. Even if it is a sex picnic.”
“I can pull a little romance out.” He cupped her cheek, stroking her skin with his thumb. “Should we make food before we go or grab something?”
Rachel's eyelids fluttered, the simple touch turning the whole of her warm. “I can make us something. Maybe a pasta salad and some sandwiches. Or I could make you fried chicken.” She sighed. “I'm liking the sound of this more and more.”
“Pasta works. I feel guilty when you make me meat stuff.”
Rachel's head turned to kiss his palm. “Don't. I like making those things for you, especially if you want them.”
“You're good to me. “ He said with a small smile.
“You make me want to be that kind of wife because you're good to me too.”
“If I knew someone who talked their partner the way I do to you, I would have bullied them in high school.” he said with a laugh.
“You know you like the sappy stuff sometimes, especially when it gets me naked.” Rachel kissed his cheek. “And I don't think you bullied anyone in high school. At least not after we met.”
“definitely not after we met. I don't think I ever really did before either. It was kind of more my friends and I just thought it was funny most of the time.”
“You had all the makings of a good guy already in you. You just needed a little encouragement.”
“Thank god you came along. “ He said playfully, nudging her side.
“Thank goodness I was at least somewhat good at one point. You've changed that will all of your kisses and provocative suggestions.” She hardly meant the words, knowing she was still a ‘good girl’ deep down. The only one to see anything else was Finn and even he could still manage to pink her cheeks in shy embarrassment. “But I like you. As you were, as you are. All the ways that make you my Finn.”
“I like that you're good but bad with me. “ He wagged his eyebrows. “I don't even remember not loving you at this point. I know there was a time we couldn't stand one another but..” he shrugged.
Rachel's arm moved around him, her fingers trailing along his side. “We just didn't know each other then. I'm pretty much convinced that you're a case of ‘to know you is to love you.’ And I'm lucky enough that I've gotten to know you better than most.”
“You know that I feel the same way about you, baby. There's not a chance I couldn't have fallen in love with you after getting to know you. It happened so fast.”
“It did. And I was nervous to say so when it did because I didn't want to scare you away. It's silly to think I ever worried about it.”
“I was worried you just didn't feel the same. I worried about that even after we admitted we loved each other.”
Rachel smiled at the idea that they'd grown out of the same insecurity together. “You were too special not to love. I can't imagine loving you any less than I always have.”
He gave her a small kiss. “And that's why I married you.”
“I wake up everyday glad that you did. There's nothing in the world better than you.”
“And there's nothing better than you.” He grinned. “I should probably go to bed soon…” he scrunched his nose.
“Probably. You do have a long day ahead of you. First work, then you have to come home a satisfy your wife… several times.”
“You better have that attitude tomorrow. “ he smirked.
“I suppose you'll just have to wait and see, won't you?” With a final kiss, Rachel settled comfortably next to him. “At least you'll have something to dream about.”
“If I do, then you get to deal with me when I wake up.” He joked as he cuddled her, resting his head against the pillows.
Rachel rolled her eyes before letting them fall closed. “Goodnight, silly man.”
Summary: Finn graduates from auto-mechanic school.
Rachel had always been so proud of Finn's accomplishments, big and small alike, and believed in him inherently. But after watching him struggle through making choices for his life, especially when it came to school and career, seeing him complete his school program and find confidence in what he wanted was all the more rewarding. She couldn't stop herself from gushing to anyone who'd listen and no matter how many eye rolls or bored stares she was met with, Rachel was determined to let everyone know he was the very best and brightest husband there was.
Finn was excited to be done with school for the last time. He finally had something under his belt that he could use to make money and provide for himself and Rachel and he was feeling great about it. Being a tech school, there wasn’t too much of a graduation ceremony but they did have a small celebration where the certificates were handed out. Finn and the few friends he had made at school decided to have a dinner after at one of their apartments. He and Rachel didn’t go out like this very often so he was excited for that as well. As they sat and talked over their food, Finn kept his hand in Rachel’s and eventually turned to her with a smile. “Having fun?” He asked her.
Rachel had been disappointed about the lack of commencement ceremony but Finn didn't seem to mind and she was glad he and some of his classmates were holding their own celebration. She'd known it wasn't a formal event but she'd made an effort to look nice, black dress and all. When they were midway through dinner, she squeezed the hand that had been in hers all night and relished in the happiness she perceived in him. “I am. It's difficult not to when I look at you and see a smile on your face.”
“I'm just happy to be done and moving on. Plus, we will have more money now. Maybe we can get a few things paid off.”
Rachel didn't want to think about bills or money, at least not at the moment. Still, she knew it was important to Finn to be able to take care of them so she indulged the conversation. “It'll be nice to have our heads above water again. We'll be able to have nice date nights too when we settle our debts.”
“Exactly. I can spoil you sometimes. I’m really excited.” He grinned.
“You always spoil me. I won’t mind a little more though.” Even though they were in the company of others, she leaned over to kiss his cheek. It was no bother to her if his friends minded and she was sure that Finn wouldn’t.
Finn turned his head to catch a real kiss, then turned his attention back to the conversation happening at the table. It wasn’t long before things were winding down and the men were talking about going out to get drinks. Finn wasn’t entirely in the mood for drinking, so he opted to go home with Rachel. When they were outside, he smiled at her. “Today has been fun.”
Rachel took his kiss with ease, everything seeming to quiet around her until the social chatter pierced through their moment. She tried to pretend that the others mattered but her mind found its way back to Finn after a moment of anyone else talking. She was glad when he called it a night, Rachel taking his hand as they exchanged good-byes. “It was kind of nice to feel like a normal, young couple.” Not the two geriatrics she sometimes felt like after they worked all day and fell asleep by nine. “You deserved this, and to be celebrated every day.”
“We are normal and young.” He laughed, pulling her closer. “You’re so supportive. It’s the best.”
Drawn in by her husband, Rachel turned and placed both hands on his chest. “How can I not be when you go after what you want? It's easy being your cheering section when you're determined and ambitious.”
Finn didn’t feel like he had been all that ambitious up until he went to tech school, but he appreciated that she always saw the positive with him. “Do you wanna go home or we could go find ice cream?”
“Ice cream, but only if it's my treat. This is your night and I'd like to spoil you a little too.” Rachel leaned up for a kiss, one that would hopefully sway him in her direction on the matter.
“Okay, okay.” he said against her lips. “You can pay.”
“Good.” Rachel wasn't done kissing him just yet and she held on for as long as she could before finally coming up for air.
Finn gladly accepted her kiss, holding her close as their lips moved together. “If you keep kissing me like this, we are gonna have to have a lot of distractions tonight. “ he joked.
Rachel's cheeks flushed as he teased. She wished she could definitively promise him the attention she knew he'd like, especially when she missed that intimacy as much as he did. “Stop being so handsome then.” This time she kissed his cheek, her hand reaching for his as she reluctantly moved away.
He laced their fingers together, “I can’t control the fact that you have terrible taste in men.” He joked.
Rachel took lead, directing them down the sidewalk. “No, no.” She looked up at him, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. “This is all on you, sir. You made me fall madly in love with you and there was just no changing my mind after that.”
“My tricks worked?” He gave her a playful smile. “I must be good.”
“You must be, because I’m still here. And still head over heels for you.” Her hand slid from his so she could nestle her arm around his waist.
“Thank God cause I’m crazy in love with you.” He smiled down at her. “Okay, ice cream?”
Rachel's heart sparked, the sensation of constantly rekindling love creeping through her. She often daydreamed about feeling this way all her life, hoping she'd be that lucky. “Yes, of course. To our favorite place by the house or somewhere new?”
“Might as well play it safe and go to our favorite place.” He shrugged. “Should I call a cab or do you wanna try to flag one down?”
Rachel nodded, liking the idea of them having a usual spot. It'd taken the whole of the time that they'd lived in New York but they had several staples - food, movies, date spots - where they knew and liked everything. “Leave the cab to the master.” Breaking away, she did a mimicked stretch of her fingers and arms before waving down a cab in no time. Turning back to Finn, she winked. “Must be my cute butt.” Though she knew full well the dollar was what drove the cabbie.
He watched her with an amused smile and then nodded his head. “It definitely is.” He grabbed her ass playfully before they were able to get into the cab. He gave the address and then sat back with his arm around her.
Rachel jumped slightly when he touched her but recovered quickly, missing this level of playfulness. Recovery from her procedure had taken its toll on both of them and Rachel was glad that everything seemed like it was moving closer and closer to normal. Leaning into him in the back of the cab, she sighed. “So let's say that you could have anything you wanted as a graduation present. Money was no object, the sky's the limit. What would you want?”
Finn thought about her question “I don’t know. Sex…” He gave her a smirk. “Or to go to a concert. Maybe a vacation.”
Rachel has anticipated his first answer, her eyes rolling but her lips never abandoning her smile. “Put a pin in sex because we'll come back to it. But what kind of vacation? Anywhere in the world.”
“Anywhere?” He looked up as he thought about it. “I think New Zealand would be really cool and pretty.”
Rachel was a little surprised, not at his choice of location but at the idea of him wanting to travel. There were so few things she didn't know about him but this had been one. “I know nothing about it, other than the fact that I want to go there with you now so we'd better start saving.” Rachel kissed his cheek before relaxing again.
“Well we probably can start saving for things finally. I really hope getting a raise and working more does that.”
“You’re getting a raise?” With as much as he talked about working more hours, it’d never occurred to her that he’d receive a raise on top of it. “That’ll be nice. Having a little wiggle room generally is.”
“Did I forget to tell you that? Yeah, they’re gonna pay me more since I’ll be doing more. It will be nice.” He smiled, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
“You may have told me but I’ve been a bit out of sorts lately.” She still felt that way at times, like now when she could have easily fallen asleep while resting next to him in the cab. “I’m still very, very proud of you.”
“That’s true.. I can’t remember if we had that conversation. Thank you, baby.” He said with a smile.
Rachel leaned in for a few tame kisses as they passed through the city. When they finally arrived at their destination, she reluctantly climbed out of the cab and waited for Finn, hand extended for him.
Finn got out of the cab after paying and took her hand as they walked to the ice cream shop. He was feeling content that night, maybe even a little happy for the fact that he was done with school though it felt like another step into adulthood. He was quiet as he thought this over before they were called next in line. His arm wrapped around his wife as he looked at the flavors. Maybe in the spirit of life changes he should get something different than his usual, he thought. Instead of cake batter with oreos, he decided to get butter pecan with caramel. He let Rachel pay, then found a table and sat down as he ate his ice cream.
Rachel's body warmed at feeling his arm wrap around her and when he got a different order than usual, she followed suit with a scoop of peppermint in a waffle bowl. Sitting across from him, she ate in contented silence, enjoying how happy and relaxed Finn looked. It was almost as if he had an air of accomplishment about him, or that was her hoping considering all he'd done to make a life for himself in New York.
Finn ate his ice cream but paused to watch her, a small smile on his face. “You’re so pretty.”
Rachel was mid-bite when he announced her beauty and she had to swallow quickly and work hard to not blush. It wasn't that he didn't always tell her, more that Rachel always felt slightly vulnerable at the words. She'd never truly felt beautiful before she'd met him, especially since people told her she was anything but. It had taken her so much work to see it in herself, and he'd seen her struggle despite knowing the whole time what she'd had to figure out. Some might have called it vanity but that growing experience was what mattered to Rachel, as was having Finn by her side for it. “Thank you. It always feels so good to hear you say it.”
Finn liked that she accepted his compliments now instead of growing uncomfortable they say she did in the beginning. He finished off his ice cream, then reached across the table for her hand.
Rachel took his hand when offered. It felt so innocent, so much if how they'd started. Like all the moments they'd spent falling in love. She could hardly contain her smile. “Have I told you today how crazy I am about you?”
“I don't know about today..” he gave her a playful smile. “I'm pretty crazy about you too.”
Rachel couldn't resist leaning over the table to kiss him when he smiled that way. “I could tell just by the way you looked at me.”
“Should we head home or do you want to go for a walk? “ he asked softly.
“Let's go home, but walk there. Covers all our bases. Plus, I like when the most handsome man in the city walks me home after a date.” She smiled into a final kiss and moved to stand.
“that sounds like a plan to me.” he smiled as he got up and three their garbage. He grabbed her hand and walked out, happily walking alongside her.
Rachel stepped into the cool of the early summer evening, the sun now gone and the city lights illuminating their path. “So will you start full time immediately or is there some kind of grace period that you have to wait out?”
“Nope, I start on Monday.” he told her. “So my next paycheck should be pretty awesome.”
Rachel cared about money, but not nearly as much as she cared about Finn feeling accomplished. “That's great, baby. I'm glad you don't have to wait.”
“I am too. I'm ready to just start working and only have to be at work through the day instead of splitting it between work and school. This will be much easier. “
Rachel was a bit envious of his new schedule, but also reminded herself he'd worked hard for what he had. “You'll get to relax a little more, hopefully.”
“Yeah and be home at a better time each night. We might get to have dinner together more often.”
“Just getting to spend time together will be nice. It'll be easier to do too. I'm looking forward to that.”
“Me too. You'll be the only one with a crazy schedule now.” he teased.
Rachel had grown accustomed to her schedule being chaotic so it didn't bother her much to hear it voiced. She didn't want it to interfere with their time together though. “Not for the summer at least. School starting again is a different story.”
“You're right. We have a couple of months where things should be pretty tame.” he nodded his head.
“We'll actually get to act like…” Rachel brought her free hand to her heart in faux shock. “A real married couple.”
He laughed “For the first time.” he joked. “Honestly though, that's one of the most exciting things about all of this.”
Rachel peeked up at him. “That you'll be home more?”
“That there will be a little more stability. “ he shrugged.
Rachel nodded. “True. You've always done a good job of taking care of us. At least now you'll have a little room to breathe while you do.” She squeezed his hand, her pride bubbling over.
“You do a lot too, baby. I just can't wait until you're done with school too.”
Rachel sighed, thinking about the year ahead, since it would likely be her last in the program. “I look forward to that. But then it’s the auditioning process. I could do it sooner but… waitressing.” Which she wasn’t happy about but knew it was necessary. “I’m not thinking about all that though. Just you and how it’s your night and how much I love you.”
“I mean.. you could take a lot less time at the restaurant so you can start auditioning. I think that's reasonable.”
Rachel really did want to but she didn’t want to be selfish. “That’s something we can definitely talk about once you get your new schedule settled.”
“I think we should. You have enough going on with school, it would be nice if you could just work weekends.”
Rachel went momentarily quiet, considering the possibility of it. “That doesn’t sound terrible. One evening shift, one morning shift. I would definitely have more time to do auditions and spend with you.”
“Exactly. Sounds perfect to me.” he said with a smile.
The idea had quickly begun to grow on Rachel, especially since waitressing had never been her favorite job. Still… “Like I said, once you get settled in and we build up a little savings again, we’ll look at it a little more seriously. Besides, there aren’t any roles I’m dying to play right now.”
“But if would free you up in case any comes up.” He pointed out. “We’ll talk about it when the time comes.” He squeezed her hand.
The prospect of of finally doing what she had come to New York to do was equally exciting and overwhelming for Rachel. And she didn't want her emotions or opportunities to overshadow Finn's when the night was clearly about him. “I love you for thinking of me that way though.” She stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, their building only half a block away, so she could kiss him. “Always the most wonderful husband there is.”
He stopped to kiss her back, his arm loosely around her. “I’m just loving you the only way I know how.” He told her with a smile before grabbing her hand and continuing to walk.
Rachel pouted a little at the lack of kissing and abundance of walking but she couldn't be upset. Not truly. “You say it like it's not the best way there is.”
“Well you’re happy so I’m sure it is.” He nudged against her.
Rachel accepted his bump with ease, her body drawing closer in its aftermath. “Are you just being modest or not giving yourself credit? Either way, you may as well just accept that you're the best thing for me and that I'll take being doted on by you over anything in the world.”
“I’m not going to tell you someone could do it better.” He said with a laugh. “I’m your soulmate, so…”
It always caused Rachel a pang of sadness when he implied that he wasn't the best for her. Because he was in every possible way. “You are. And you know how much I like when you say those mushy things.”
“That’s why I say them.” He teased.
“You, Finn Hudson, are a flirt. And you use all my weaknesses to your advantage. I'm tended to mind it but… I just can't.”
“I mean, you should be used to it by now. After like.. Three years?”
Rachel shook her head in playful defiance. “Not even a little. I suppose you'll just have to keep doing it until I finally do.”
“Guess so. In case you hadn’t noticed, I don’t ever give up when it comes to you.”
Rachel finally reached the apartment and opened the front door. “I did notice. I'm also counting on it.” She winked before stepping toward the elevator.
“Good.” He wrapped his arms around her once they were in the elevator, giving her a kiss.
Rachel's palms skimmed his chest while they kissed. She missed them being silly like this - and elevator make outs were definitely on her list of silly things. The positive feeling that the upcoming changes in their lives didn't escape her either. The ride over much too fast, Rachel's key in the door if their apartment a sobering gesture.
He followed behind her and stepped into the apartment with a happy sigh. “I love being home so much more than I ever thought I would. Why are we homebodies?” He asked with a laugh as he took his shoes off.
Rachel left her shoes at the door. “Because home is comfort. And we have no limits at home. We can do nearly anything we want.”
“That's true. Plus, clothes aren't a requirement. “ he joked.
She fussed at her hair, pulling it up into a bun. “Ah yes. Your most favorite thing about home.”
“you get me.” he grinned. “Should we go lay down? “
Rachel's head shook, Finn's easy temperament in moments like this endlessly amusing to her. “We can do that. Whatever the conquering graduate wants.”
“Whatever I want?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.
Rachel let her eyes meet his. She wasn’t sure that ‘whatever’ was reasonably on the table but she was willing to try. Not just for him, but for herself as well. “I guess it all depends what you have in mind.” Rachel moved in close to him, her lips near his ear. “What is it that you want, baby?”
“I just want to be close to you tonight, baby.. we don't have to have sex but… something.”
Rachel understood his need quite completely - she wanted the closeness too. Her hand slid into his and she led him to their room. She took care to kiss him slowly, first on his mouth then along his neck, as she undid his pants. Breaking away slightly, she stepped out of her dress. It lay in a pool at her feet before she kicked it aside and scooted onto the edge of the bed. She urged him to her, her lips leaving a warm trail down his abdomen before parting them to take him in her mouth.
Finn followed behind her and kissed her back as she did so. His hands moved down her sides, but he let her go when she moved to the bed. He kept his eyes on her as she took him in her mouth, sighing.
Her hand moved around him, each pass meeting with her mouth. She started slow, making a show of using her tongue along his shaft and letting her eyes peek up to see his expression. When her lips were fully wrapped around him, Rachel hummed and moaned, knowing the sensation would be pleasurable for him.
He watched her in ecstasy, his hand moving to her hair. “You're so sexy, baby.” he told her.
Rachel eased back, her hand still stroking him. “I know you love when I do this.” Her tongue flicked at his tip. And, in her own way, she liked it too. Finn was completely at her mercy, never coming a second before she wanted. The control was hers and she reveled in it as she went back to work with, taking him all the way to her throat.
“I do.. I love watching you take me.” He groaned. “You're going to make me cum, baby. I'm so close.”
Rachel's hand withdrew from him, her nails pressing into his abdomen as she made fast passes, a few deep ones thrown in to, hopefully, finish him. That's what she wanted, for her husband to be satisfied. He'd more than earned that and she was going to give it to him.
He appreciated that Rachel was giving him this when she couldn't get it back… or could she? He wasn't entirely sure. Finn’s head fell back, overcome with the feeling of release as he came undone.
Rachel braced for his release, her throat muscles easy then contracting after her finished. She stood slowly as he came down, her arms embracing him and stroking his back lightly. “Hopefully, that was the something you were after.” Rachel kissed his chest then waited a moment before passing around him for the bathroom. “I'll be back. You may want to lay down and recover.” She winked before popping into the bathroom to brush her teeth.
He smiled at her words, “It kind of was.” he said playfully. He lay on the bed, resting as he waited for her to return.
Rachel scrubbed at her teeth and tongue until any trace of Finn was gone. Her nakedness was a surprise, even though she'd caused it, when she caught sight of it in the mirror. Wondering, she reached down to probe the area of her surgery. She winced at the pressure, slight but still too uncomfortable for anything but cuddling. She sighed, disappointed. At least until she saw him comfortable in bed. All she could do then was smile. “Your recovery seems to be going well.” She nudged his arm a little as she crawled up next to him.
“It is.” he smiled at her. “Better now that you are here." He told her, his eyes moving over. “Can we keep messing around or?”
Her fingers combed at his ruffled locks, his smile warming her through. “I'm still sore.” Rachel hoped that her own frustration didn't show much.
He nodded his head, “Okay, baby. I'm glad we still have a little bit.”
She kissed his cheek, glad for his understanding though not at all surprised by it. “Sometimes, knowing that you feel good is more than enough for me. This is one of those times.”
“I'll pay you back when you're feeling better.” he kissed her cheek.
Rachel's shook her head as she propped up to look at him. “It's really not about that.” Her lips brushed his this time, the gentlest kiss. “This was all about celebrating you and your accomplishments. And I'm genuinely happy that I could be part of making this a good night.” Her fingers traced the line of his jaw, a little grin playing at the corners of her mouth. “Besides, when I'm healed and ready, payback will be unnecessary since no one will be leaving the apartment for days.”
“No? I will hold you to that.” he nudged against her.
Rachel giggled, her emotions quickly getting the best of her. “You better. Because I miss you. A lot.” Her teeth sunk into her lip but she held herself together.
“I miss you so much. I can't wait to touch you everywhere.”
Her lashes feathered as she blinked rapidly, not wanting to cry. “I'd be more than happy with cuddles right now.”
He wrapped his arm around her “We are cuddling.” he told her softly.
Rachel's eyes closed, the still peace of his embrace taking hold. “You holding me is all I need.”
“I love giving you what you need.” he kissed her cheek.
“You always do.” Rachel looked up at him, her eyes still glistening slightly. “I know today's about you getting through school and achieving your goal but… just know that you've always been a great husband. Even without trying.”
“You have always supported me and loved me through my choices so I couldn't have done any of it without you.”
“You can do anything. I'm glad you picked me to go along on this crazy ride with you though.” Her head moved to his shoulder. “If anyone had asked me a few years ago what I'd be doing now, I definitely wouldn't have pictured this. But now that it's mine, ours… well, it's all I'll ever really want.”
“I definitely didn't picture myself married right out of high school and out of Lima. You definitely changed everything for me.” his hand ran along her back absentmindedly.
“If I could be even a little part of helping you be happy, it's more than worth it.”
“You are like 90% of my happiness.” he smiled.
“Wow. I must be pretty fantastic if I take up that much of your happiness.” Rachel turned into him more, wanting the contact from their bodies touching. “You’re that fantastic too since you’re the bulk of my happiness too. Broadway gets some, and Oliver does, but mostly you.”
He snuggled against her as she turned, his eyes on hers with a small smile. “I better be most of it.” he teased.
“How could you not be? You’re really all that is good in a person. Everyone else just falls painfully short of you.”
“You are definitely bias on that one, but I’ll take it.” He gave her a kiss.
Rachel's arm drew him closer, a seemingly impossible feat, and let the kiss linger as long as it possibly could. “The bias comes from a place of love.”
“I know it does and I love it. I think that people probably think the same thing when I talk about you and how amazing you are.” He smiled.
“But I am amazing so why wouldn't you talk about me?”
“Exactly.” He said with a nod. “You are absolutely amazing and I brag about you constantly.”
Rachel couldn't stop the smile that curled her lips. “Baby, I love you for that but you keep saying all kinds of things that make me want you all the more.” She buried her face in his neck. “And that's saying something because I want you all the time.”
He bit his lip, his hand pausing on her back. “I am pretty sure this is the longest we've been naked in this bed without going at it.” he said with a chuckle. “I always want you. You're so hot.”
“Not true. Sometimes we're naked in this bed for hours not having sex. I mean, we're sleeping but still…” Her head drew up, her gaze touching his. “Can I be beautiful tonight instead of hot? I think I'd like to feel pretty.”
“Okay fine, awake and naked.” he said with a nod. “You're always beautiful. “
“I wish this were as fun for you as when we are normally awake and naked but thank you for saying I'm beautiful.”
“I'm still having fun.” He shrugged. “I just like spending time with you… I mean, sex is awesome and I can't wait until we can do it again but everything we do together is fun.”
“You're the best, you know that right?” Her cheek felt warm against his chest as she let it rest there. “You have this way of making me feel better about things.”
“You always do the same for me.” He said with a yawn, cuddling her closer.
Rachel swept her fingers over his chest, his heartbeat slowing as he yawned. “Is my hard working graduate tired?”
“A little bit, yeah. I think it was the ice cream.” He joked as he kissed her cheek.
Rachel chuckled. “Ah, yes. The ice cream. I'm sure you're right. That's what did it.”
He smirked at her “Might have been some other factors.”
“I'm going to remember this conversation the next time it's late and you're already tires but really, really want one of your most favorite sex things.” Though, it hit Rachel then that she wasn't entirely sure which were his favorites were in bed. Or if he had any - he always said he liked everything they did. “I'll just have to let you sleep and not interfere with my wiles.”
He scoffed “Fine. Hold it against me, why don’t you.” He said with a laugh. “The most amazing blow job ever is why I’m tired.” He joked.
Rachel's nose wrinkled as she giggled at his declaration. “So what you're saying is I can never top that one so why bother?”
“No, maybe there’s better. You never know unless you keep trying.” He replied with a nod.
“I am a perfectionist.” Rachel tilted her head back to kiss him. “And I love you so, so much. Especially right now.”
He kissed her back with a small smile. “ I love you too. Always.”
“Nothing in life could ever be better than that.”
“I think I’m ready for sleep.” He said with another yawn. “Are you?”
“I am snuggled up next to you. Definitely more than ready.” Rachel kissed his cheek before beginning to hum lightly.
He closed his eyes and easily fell asleep, feeling very happy with his day and with the future.
Rachel stayed awake just long enough to feel Finn’s breathing become shallow. Her lips curled into a contented smile before she drifted off.
Rachel laid on the sofa, her body completely exhausted after a busy lunch shift at work. Over two weeks had passed since her procedure and according to her regular gynecologist, everything looked okay. No infections, no swelling due to the catheter. She was well on the road to recovery, though she'd been scolded for pushing herself back to work a little too soon. But she didn't care. She still felt quite a mess, physically and emotionally, and it showed most in the fact that the apartment was chaos - the dishes and laundry were starting to pile up - and she came home just to take a nap. Even taking care of the cat seemed like too much. She should've been up, making dinner for Finn but she couldn't be bothered with that either.
Things at home had been a little messy lately. Between Rachel still not feeling well and Finn’s schedule being so busy, it seemed like there was no time to be at home and just take care of things. He was about to have the next day off thankfully and he was more than ready for it with the way things had been going. When he walked in the door, he took his shoes off and gave Rachel a hello as he passed by her to the kitchen so he could pour himself a bowl of cereal. He had forgot to pack a lunch today and didn’t have time between school and work to eat, so he was starving. He stood over the counter, eating his cereal and watching Rachel. “What did you do today?” He asked her.
Hearing the door open woke Rachel completely, and she watched as he went straight to the kitchen and got himself a bowl of cereal. The question felt like an accusation, though she was sure it wasn't meant to be. “I went to work then came home and laid down.” She propped herself up, her head aching a bit. “Was there something I was supposed to do other than that?”
“I was just trying to talk..” He gave her a confused look before deciding to just focus on eating so he could get the kitchen clean and make dinner.
“And I was just asking a question.” She climbed off the sofa, ready to change out of her work clothes and sit in the tub for a few minutes like the doctor had told her to continue doing. “I'm taking a bath.” Not that she needed to announce a thing like that but she figured it would be a signal that she wanted quiet. She even locked Oliver, who'd been following her around and trying to get some attention, out of the bathroom.
“Fine.” He replied, still looking down at the counter. It hurt his feelings a little that she didn’t ask him to join her, not that he would have said yes at the moment. He finished eating and looked around to decide what to make for dinner, but it seemed they had both forgot about groceries. With a sigh, he picked his keys up again and walked out so he could go to the grocery store. He was too hungry still to actually shop, but he got enough for his lunches and a few dinners. When he returned, he put everything away and cleaned up the kitchen as he made a frozen pizza.
Rachel's forehead rested on her knees as she sat in the tub, Oliver meowing at the door. Why it was grating at her nerves, she wasn't sure. Everything seemed to lately and all she wanted was a minute to herself. Eventually, she had to get out and sit with him on the bed, scratching his ears until he fell asleep. She put on a long t-shirt and shorts before moving back to the living room. Finn was tidying in the kitchen, the oven on and warming the room. “You got groceries?”
“There was no food.” He shrugged as he put a dish away.
Rachel had known that but hadn't been motivated enough after work to go and buy any. Leftovers from the restaurant had been working out… or at least that's what she'd thought. “Thank you for going then.”
“Well, I was starving. I forgot to bring a lunch today.” He explained as he finished up the dishes.
Lunch would've been difficult for him with limited food in the house. She also hadn't made him one, which she tried to do as much as possible. One more thing that had been neglected recently. “Sorry. I just didn't get to it last night.” Because she'd gone to bed painfully early, tired from running food to other people all day.
“It’s fine. I can make my own lunch. I just forgot this morning.” He shrugged.
Rachel actually felt quite guilty about everything, another strange bout of emotions she couldn't explain. Her default was to chalk it up to being a bad wife. “And your own dinner too, I see.”
Finn rolled his eyes before looking over at her “Everything fine?”
Everything was… tiring. Especially when she caught just a glimpse of his gesture. He was more than likely irritated, which she understood to some degree. Having to work, then come home and deal with cleaning up on a virtually empty stomach wasn't her favorite either. “As long as you have something to eat, that's what counts.” Whether or not it sounded it, Rachel meant to sound sincere.
He nodded his head, glad that the timer on the oven rang so he could turn away and get the pizza out of the oven. He cut it up and grabbed a couple of slices before sitting on the couch.
Rachel hated when they were like they were now. Not fighting but not… good. The silence was uncomfortable and every unspoken word was a hair trigger. And it was inexplicable, Rachel not knowing how or why it got that way. Though she suspected she was somehow the culprit, an old habit that never seemed to die completely. She sat down next to him, quiet and careful not to crowd him. “How was work? School?”
“Shitty.” He said as he worked on getting the TV on and flipping through channels.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Rachel took the television as a sign that he didn't but she knew she should ask.
“There’s nothing to talk about. I just didn’t sleep well and people were annoying. That’s all.” He shrugged.
Rachel nodded. “That does make things more difficult. Hopefully you'll get some rest tonight.” But she was done bothering him while he ate and tried to relax. Combing her fingers over the side of his head, she kissed his temple then climbed to her feet to go retrieve Oliver from the bed.
Finn watched her walk away, then finished off his pizza. He stood up and put the leftovers away. “I’m gonna take a shower and get ready for bed.” He told her before disappearing into the bathroom.
Rachel had let Oliver down, not wanting him to hurt himself trying to jump down. She looked up as Finn walked past. She would have asked if he wanted company but she also figured he'd have mentioned if he had. Sitting back down, she looked around the room and back at the bathroom door.
Finn took his time showering and even shaved his face, which he hadn’t done much of the past week. When he had run out of things to do in the bathroom, he returned to the bedroom in his towel and began searching for pajamas. “I really need to do laundry.” He said with a sigh as he pulled out his last clean pair of underwear.
Rachel was sitting against the head of the bed when he came back in. “I can do it tomorrow after my breakfast shift.”
“I would rather just do it myself, but thank you.” He wasn’t sure if Rachel was purposely not doing everything she had always done to prove a point or if she really were that tired since the cyst, but he figured either way he would start doing his own chores.
Her stomach lurched, Rachel wondering if her subpar housekeeping had made him think she was just being lazy or if she really just did a poor job when she was doing it. Which was stupid, she thought. How could she mess up laundry? “Or we could go together?” Since they hadn't done much of that lately either. “It's not exactly quality time but…” It was better than nothing.
“Yeah, we’ll see. I have the day off tomorrow so I have a bunch of stuff I have to get done. So..” He shrugged.
Rachel wasn't sure what she'd really expected, but it wasn't ambivalence. She didn't know whether to be upset or insulted that he didn't have any interest in spending time with her. Or what he really did or didn't want, she told herself. “It's okay if you can't wait.”
“We’ll just see how tomorrow goes. What time are you off of work?”
Rachel was starting to feel overexposed, like everything she could say was going to turn out wrong. “I get out at noon.”
Finn probably wouldn’t want to get out of bed and out of the house before then, so he nodded his head. “It would probably be easier to go down and do our laundry all at once.”
Rachel didn't have much of a response to his seemingly logical assessment. “Okay.” She looked to the partially opened door, Oliver balled up next to it. “I'm going to put the cat in his bed and I'll be back.”
He moved to lay back in bed, getting comfortable. It was still early, but the way things had been lately just caused him to feel both exhausted and wired so sleep hadn’t been coming all that easy. When she returned, he moved a little more into his side of the bed. “I might see if I can pick up an extra shift tomorrow afternoon.”
Rachel picked up Oliver and took him to the other room where he normally slept. She held him to her chest for a minute, wishing the affection she got was enough. She kissed his head before setting him on his pillow and going back to her own bed. “If that's what you want.” She couldn't argue with him when money came into play, especially because they needed to work on building savings again while preparing for medical bills. But it hurt when he moved away from her, then made a point of being out of the house. “Every little bit helps.”
“Yeah, taking a day off just makes me feel guilty. I’ll see if anyone needs a cover tomorrow.”
Rachel understood the guilt he expressed, especially when she felt like part of the problem. They managed bills and living fine when everything was normal. But when things deviated from that path, like hospital visits and time taken off work, money was difficult. “It's not that you're taking it off so much as they gave you a day off. But I understand the feeling. That was me the week I was off after the procedure.”
“You needed that time off.. And more.” He replied, but decided to drop the subject so they wouldn’t fight. “Anyway, my last day of school is on Friday. I didn’t realize it had already come up.”
Rachel was well aware of how he felt about her going back to work so soon, and she'd have probably bit back if he hadn't brought up school. She turned to look at him, a smile catching her lips. “It did come fast, but you worked hard for it. We should celebrate, do something special.”
He shrugged his shoulders “I don’t think we need to make a big deal out of it. I think the other guys are planning on going out to dinner or something.. Probably going to a bar but I’m not 21 and I don’t even remember where I put that ID Puck gave me, so I figured it would just be another normal night here.”
Rachel held her smile but the emotion behind it faded. But it was his accomplishment and she wasn't going to push anything on him that he didn't want. “Well, if you change your mind, let me know and I'll make something special for dinner. One of your favorites.”
Finn nodded his head, giving her a small smile back. “Thanks.” He replied softly. “I think I’m going to try to go to bed early tonight. Catch up on sleep a little bit.”
Rachel couldn't blame him for wanting sleep, especially since he'd been lacking in it. She also didn't want to disturb him by not being able to sleep herself and she went back and forth about whether she should go in the other room or not. “That's probably best. I'm just going to watch something on my phone then.”
He sunk down against the pillows and meant to close his eyes but they stayed on her. He hated it when things felt weird between them, especially because it always seemed to come out of nowhere. They hadn’t had time to just be alone with the exception of right when she got out of the hospital, so maybe that was the problem. He wasn’t entirely sure and he wasn’t sure he had it in him to fix it right then. “I love you.” He told her softly.
Rachel was getting settled, her earbuds in her hand when he spoke. Looking down, she couldn't overlook the sweetness of his face. No matter where they were at in their relationship, good or bad, she always managed to see that bit of Finn that was so easy to love. Moving her hand to his cheek, she leaned down to kiss him gently. “I love you too.” The bridge of her nose brushed his in a brief sweep before she gave him another short kiss.
He kissed her back, his eyes closing as they kissed. “You mad at me?” He asked her in a whisper.
Rachel shook her head, her lips never moving far from his. “I'm not mad at you. I just wish we had more time together right now, that's all.” Which was true, but she couldn't think of a time when it hadn't been.
“Just kind of felt like you didn’t want me home yet when I walked in today.” He admitted.
Rachel pushed hair back away from his forehead before letting hers rest there. “I was cranky when I got home and when you did too. Mostly because I've gotten nothing done around here and because my body is such a mess right now. I didn't mean to be bitchy. I just needed to get passed feeling worn out.”
“I can do a lot of the cleaning and stuff when I have time..” He felt bad that she even felt obligated to do it all, though he often got home and just wanted to relax and fall asleep. “I hope you feel better soon.”
“You do a lot of it. I guess I just haven't felt like doing anything. I didn't even want to snuggle Oliver when I got home.” Rachel sighed. “I've just been struggling a lot with this whole procedure. I don't know how it is for guys but… as a woman, it's just hard to not feel gross when things ‘down there’ are weird.”
Finn really hadn’t considered that part of things. “I guess I get that. I’m sorry that it’s been such a struggle. I hope you get back to feeling like yourself again soon.”
“I will. It's just tough right now because I'm limited. And I didn't want it to affect us in the ways it seems to.”
“I think it’s kind of inevitable for something that affects you to affect me and us.” He shrugged.
“I know. But I thought I'd deal with it a little better. Like, I didn't expect to be so tired and moody in all of this. And I definitely didn't think I would feel like my body was just a huge trash pile or that I was a bad wife for letting housework fall behind. I've never been the kind of girl who thought that wives and husbands had ‘roles,’ so it's been strange realizing that it means something that I can cook you dinner or make your lunch. I like being able to do things like that for you and it felt like a fail for me when I watched you eating frozen pizza because I was too lazy.”
“I don’t expect to come home to dinner being made or any of that. It is nice though.. I guess I do kind of miss it. It doesn’t make you a bad wife and it’s not a fail though. I’m grown, I can make my own meals.”
Rachel knew he expected very little of her in the way of ‘wifely things.’ It was part of the reason she loved him - he just wanted her as she was. “You can. And sometimes you do. Sometimes, you cook for me too. We operate on a different level than a lot of married couples because no one has to do anything specific. We just do for each other.”
“We do.” He gave her a small smile. “So.. We’re good then? Everything is normal.”
“Well, not everything. Because our normal would mean I'd be naked right now. But we're not quite there yet.” She kissed the corner of his mouth, loving his smile too much to stop herself. “We're good though. Even if you may have to go commando tomorrow.”
“How long do you think we have on that?” He asked her as casually as he could when it came to the matter of sex. “I could do that thing where you just turn your dirty underwear inside out…” He said playfully.
“Don't do that. It sounds gross.” She nudged him, then bit her lip. “It could be another week or two. The doctor said to wait until I felt comfortable physically. Things are still kind of tender when I checked this morning in the tub.” She didn't want to stall the improved mood between them but she had to be honest. “It's just as problematic physically as it is mentally right now.”
He nodded his head “I mean, we could wait a little longer than that. I don’t want to like.. Make it come back or irritate it more. I don’t know.” He scrunched his nose.
“According to the doctor, this procedure should have made so it wouldn’t come back and I doubt sex with you would make that happen. You’re good, baby, but I think causing physical ailments is even beyond your skills.” She smiled and gave him a kiss. “Let’s agree to play it by ear and do what feels right. If we become intimate and I’m not comfortable, I know I can say so and things will be fine. Just like they’ve always been.”
“Okay.. We’ll try it whenever you’re ready. I miss it.. A lot.”
“You may be surprised to hear it but I do too. More than I ever thought I would. You seem to have that effect on me.”
“I feel like we fight less when we are having sex..” He teased.
Rachel laughed, noting the truth in his words. “That’s because our mouths are busy with other things and we’re usually too tired after having sex to argue.”
“You’re probably right about that. I kind of feel like we just connect better though too.” He shrugged.
Rachel gave him a thoughtful looking, knowing he was right to some degree but constantly wondering why. “Well, it’s one of those things that’s really intimate and maybe we just connect the best that way because no one has their guard up when we’re like that. That’s not to say either of us does any other time but… maybe it’s just that we don’t have to think about sex. Or overthink it, in some cases.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He gave her a small smile. “Either way, I wish we could fast forward to when we can start being together again.”
“Me too. Because I want to be with you but also…” Rachel looked down, embarrassed to be admitting something like this. “It's another thing that makes me feel like I'm falling short as a wife. Like, I like making you happy and sex does that. It's hard when I can't make you happy.”
“Other things make me happy too… It’s not just sex.” He shrugged.
“Very true. As long as I make you happy, sex or not, that's what counts.”
“You do. I’m sorry if it seems otherwise.. I think things have just been a little stressful here.”
“It doesn't seem otherwise. I just like hearing you say it. Because I'm spoiled.” Her lips were on his again. “I wish I could make it less stressful for us both.”
“I wish we were in high school again and had entire summers off from life.” He said with a small laugh.
“I miss that too. Life seemed a little easier back then.” Taking a chance, Rachel settled close to him, her head on his shoulder. “But this isn't so bad, right?” It was more bills, and they definitely had to navigate situations that weren't as easily resolved. Rachel liked to see the long term outcome, though. They were building a life together and that was more than worth it.
“It’s not terrible, I just miss sleep and not stressing out about money. I never thought there would be a day where I would be considering turning down a day off from work.”
“It is novel, isn't it? At least you've found a career that makes you feel accomplished. You don't have to hate going to work on top if everything else.”
“That is true. I do like what I am doing and it makes the day go by so much easier.” He said with a nod.
Rachel wished she could say the same. “That makes me so happy for you.”
“You’ll be doing it too, soon. Living up the Broadway dream.”
Rachel smiled at him. “True. But in this version, I'll have my husband sitting in the front row of my shows.”
“All of them.” He grinned at the thought of watching her on stage. “You’ll be amazing.”
Considering how the night had started, most couples would never have gotten to the place Rachel felt like they were in. But no one could ever be as in love with someone as she was with Finn. As unrealistic as it seemed, it's what Rachel believed. “The fact that you believe in me is worth everything. You already knew that, though.”
“You’ve always believed in me for like no reason at all, so of course I give you the same support.” He gave her a kiss.
“Not for no reason.” Her fingers traced the contours of his chest as she gave him an adoring smile. “You’re smart and strong. Talented. I knew you could do anything you wanted. That’s plenty of reason.”
“Well, I think you’re crazy for seeing all of that but I’m glad you do.” He said with a small laugh.
“First of all, you should never call a woman crazy. I don’t know who made the rule but it’s a big one.” Rachel gave him a kiss, a signal that she was teasing. “Second of all, I’m crazy about you. Is that the same thing?”
“Hmm.. I’ll take it.” He said with a grin. “I’m pretty crazy about you too.”
“The way you lavish me with compliments, I couldn’t tell.” Sighing, she laid to rest against him again. “This is kind of nice, you know? Just laying here and feeling like a couple.” In truth, it was really all she’d wanted.
“It is nice. I really enjoy our nights when they are like this.” He ran his hand along her side.
“It's calming, somehow. Like this the place where we should be. Just… together.” Rachel stopped, knowing she was beginning to sound a little disjointed.
He turned his head to give her another kiss “We are meant to just be together.”
Rachel's arm moved around him and she held close as they kissed. “I like the sound of that. Very much so.”
“Good, cause at this point I’m not letting you leave.” He teased.
“Why would I want to? You're warm and comfy. Don't tell Oliver, but I still like you cuddles best.”
“I was here first so I better be the first choice.” He joked.
“You'll always be my first choice.” Even if they had children, or more pets, Rachel knew that her heart would forever be Finn's above all else.
“Good. Cause you’re mine. I mean, I know I don’t cuddle with the cat all that often, but if I did you’d still be my first choice.”
“Much like you, I think the cat is partial to me. I'll take being your first choice regardless.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t want much to do with me.” he said with a laugh.
“He's just use to me. When I was home after my procedure, he'd come snuggle up on the couch with me. He likes you too. He's spent the most time with me. That's all.”
“That’s okay. I know animals sometimes attach to one person. We got him for you anyways.”
“I know. But I want him to love you too. Maybe just pick him up to cuddle some time. I know it's not quite me but he'll probably like the attention.”
“I.. Okay.” He said with a laugh. He didn’t have too much interest in the cat but if it were important to Rachel, he would try to bond with him.
Rachel gave him a kiss for the effort he was going to make. “Just once or twice and if it doesn't work out, I won't push. I promise.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.” he said with a nod. “It’s okay either way.”
“It is. It also furthers every point I make about you being the best. None of my other husbands would do that for me.” Rachel winked as she tucked her grin away against his shoulder.
“Well I gotta weed out the competition, ya know?” he joked.
“You do a splendid job of it, especially considering you’re the one I come home to every night.”
“Good. Those other husbands can sleep alone.”
“They’ll have to. I only like sleeping with you anyway.” Rachel touched her lips to his.
He kissed her back, his eyes closing. “Honestly, even these fake husbands are making me jealous. “ he joked.
Rachel watched as his eyes close, Finn looking the most relaxed he’d been since he got home. “I wouldn’t be jealous if I were you. Especially since I like you best. But, if I must, I will keep only you as my husband. The others will have to go.”
“Good. Erase them. “ he laughed softly. “You're goofy.”
“So are you. But it makes love a little more fun that way.” Rachel turned her head to yawn, trying not to give herself away just yet. “And sometimes we need fun in our lives.”
“We also need sleep..” He joked lightly.
“I know, but all this lovey stuff has been nice. I miss the mushiness.”
“I do too. We just have our moments, I’m sure things are back to normal again.”
“If you say something really romantic to me right now, I promise to go to sleep.”
“That’s too much pressure and I will fail.” He joked.
Rachel stuck her lip out in a pout. “Okay, okay. I guess I'll have to settle for sleep without wooing first.”
“You can go to sleep knowing I love you a lot.” He kissed her pouted lips.
Rachel couldn't help but smile as he kissed her, a giddy feeling fluttering in her chest. “I love you just as much.”
“Then I can fall asleep happy too.” he smiled before pulling away to rest his head against the pillow. “Goodnight, baby.”
“Sleep tight.” Rachel turned comfortably onto her back and fell asleep as soon as her eyes were closed again.
Summary: Finn takes Rachel to the hospital, where she gets some frustrating news.
Finn tapped his fingers nervously against the steering wheel as he drove through the busy city. The restaurant Rachel worked at wasn’t very far from the tire shop thankfully but it still took some time to get from point A to point B in NYC. When he finally pulled up front, he got out and walked into the restaurant to find her. When he finally spotted her, he grabbed her hand. “Are you ready to go, baby?” He asked her softly, hoping that nothing serious was wrong.
Rachel leaned against the bathroom sink, her legs slightly parted, as it was the only comfortable position she'd been able to manage all day. She'd felt a little off since the night before, a mild discomfort taking hold as she sat in the living room, watching a movie with Finn. It had been part of why they hadn't fooled around, but she didn't think too much of it since she'd been tired anyway. A little had turned into a great deal once she'd started walking to and riding the train to school for her last class of the semester. And now? Well, having Finn leave work to take her to the emergency room said it all. She was both relieved to see him as she exited the back and pained by whatever was happening. “I am.” Rachel winced with every step but powered through until they got to his truck.
Finn watched her with worry as they made their way to the truck. He opened the passenger door for her and helped her in before walking around to his side. “What do you think it is?” He asked her as he began to drive to the hospital.
Rachel was grateful for help getting into the truck, her whole body turning so she was basically resting on her hip. “I don't know. Last night, I thought it was maybe some irritation from my leotards or pants being too tight and rubbing me wrong. I figured it'd go away. But it's a hundred times worse today. I should've checked before I left this morning to see if anything weird was happening. I was just running behind and didn't have time.”
He had no idea what that really meant or how bad the pain was. He reached over for her hand “Well, I’m sure it’s nothing.” He tried to be positive. Letting go of her hand, he parked in front of the emergency room and got out to help her out, his hand finding hers again as they walked.
Rachel was glad that Finn was staying so calm and consoling about the situation. It helped distract her from the pain until she was on her feet again, walking with him through the sliding doors to the emergency room. Seeing a relatively empty waiting room made her sigh in relief - maybe the wait wouldn't be hours on end. She filled out the sign-in sheet and took the clipboard from the woman at the desk. She found a chair, whimpering slightly as she found a position that was livable. “Can you fill this out? I don't think I can we write sitting this way.”
Finn grabbed the clipboard with a nod, only pausing to ask her a few questions. He brought it back up to the front desk before sitting down. He hated seeing Rachel in pain at all, it made him incredibly nervous and he was trying hard not to be overbearing with her to make sure she was okay. He stayed quiet, his hand in hers.
Rachel watched Finn fill out the paperwork for her, satisfaction coming from the fact that he knew the majority of her history. Her hand curled into his, he head on his shoulder as they waited. “As much as I appreciate you being here, I'm sorry that you're back in a hospital so soon after Lima. I know that was all really draining for you.”
“Don’t apologize, baby. I would never feel that way.”
Rachel squeezed his hand. “It's less of an apology than you think. Really, I just wish you'd had a longer break between visits. Hopefully it won't result in a stay.” Which would be as good for her as it was for him. She didn't want to be where she was now and she definitely didn't want to stay if it was avoidable. Her hope was that it would be and that they'd back home, snuggling up with Oliver sleeping snoring his sweet kitten sounds nearby.
“I hope it doesn’t either. For a lot of reasons. I just want you to feel good.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Rachel had to wipe her eyes after he kissed her, the emotions mixing with the pain she wished would go away. She would have settled for feeling any level of reduced pain at the moment and appreciated fully that he wished for much more than that. Especially when she had a hard time focusing on anything. “My sweet husband.” She lapsed into silence, closing her eye and forcing herself to think about all the good things she had in her life. It would be another hour and a half until she was called back to an open bed.
Finn just put his arm around her and tried to stay comforting as they waited for what seemed like forever in the waiting room before he name was called. He stood up to hold his hand out for her and help her up. “Do you want me to wait here?”
Rachel wasn't completely sure whether or not she wanted Finn to witness someone else looking at her vagina. As silly as it seemed, being that it was all medical, those kinds of examinations were still a bit uncomfortable for her and she didn't know if she was quite ready to have Finn be part of it. “Come back but maybe… step outside the curtain when the doctor looks. Unless he or she asks you to consult since you are the expert.” Her joke made her grin, a look that disappeared completely as she followed the nurse.
He laughed softly at her joke but nodded his head. He understood why that would be uncomfortable for her and honestly, he wasn’t sure that it wouldn’t be uncomfortable for him too. He followed Rachel back and was silent as she was examined, trying to stay out of the way even when they were back in a room.
Rachel was given a gown and placed in a bed to start, her vitals and symptoms charted by the nurse and passed off to a young, male doctor not long after that. Her examined her, Rachel's eyes welling up as his fingers probed the source of her pain. “It looks and feels like a cyst.” He said the technical name but she just heard him describe the placement - near the opening of her vagina - and the size - big. Tears fell down her cheeks and she panicked as he explained that a small operation was the best course of treatment because of the size. She felt sick and asked for a moment to process. The man was understanding and considerate, telling her he'd come back and talk about her options once she'd talked to Finn.
Finn waited outside of the curtain, absentmindedly picking at his shirt. When the doctor finally stepped out and explained that she had a cyst and would need a surgery, Finn frowned. He waited a few moments before stepping back behind the curtain with her. “Hey.. How are you feeling?”
Rachel didn't answer at first, her whole body overwhelmed by the shock of the news. Instead, she pulled on Finn’s arm so he was close enough for her to cry into his chest. She didn't know how long it lasted but when she eventually looked up at him, her eyes felt dry. “I just… he said he'd come back and talk about options but it sounds like I'm going to have to…” She couldn't finish, the threat of tears closing her throat.
He let her cry it out, holding her as she did so. “It will be okay, Rach. It will make it feel better and I’m sure it’s a quick thing.” He wasn’t entirely sure, of course. He just wanted to stay calm for her.
Whether or not he knew it, Finn was everything she needed him to be at the moment. Rational, first and foremost, and supportive. He was completely attuned to who Rachel was and how she reacted to everything. If she hadn't been so stressed and agitated, she'd have fallen a little more in love with him. “You're right.” She wiped her face just in time for the doctor to come back into the room and tell her about her options. In the end, she realized the operation was the most immediate way to deal with the problem. “It’s local anesthetic so you won’t need to be asleep totally. We’ll make a small incision and a small catheter placed so everything can drain and heal over the next few weeks. You’ll need to bathe the area a couple times a day and vaginal intercourse for about a month.” He gave Finn an apologetic look then glanced back to Rachel with genuine concern. “I know it's a lot to take in because you're young and healthy and it came out of nowhere. But these cysts happen that way, especially to young women. The good news is that the surgery makes it less likely to happen again.”
Finn rubbed Rachel's hand with his thumb as the doctor spoke. “How soon is she going in for surgery?”
Rachel's concentration was focused on Finn more than the doctor, the stroke of his thumb completely soothing. “The OB doctor on shift right now is ready whenever you are. We'll move you up there, she'll do the procedure, then we'll keep you until the morning so that you can rest and we can make sure everything works for the best.” Rachel's stomach flipped and she looked to Finn before nodding her head. “Okay. I'm ready for this to be done.”
Finn was surprised that they were going to do it so fast, but it was better to get it over with. He nodded his head and leaned over to kiss Rachel’s cheek. “It will be okay.” He gave her an encouraging smile.
The doctor left to get someone to admit Rachel so she could have a the procedure. She relaxed against Finn once they were alone and took his hand. “You're right. And I'm glad I won't be completely asleep. That part had me uneasy but the local anesthetic sounds much easier to deal with.” She sighed, trying not to let the fact that a doctor would he cutting her make her more anxious. “I still hate that they want to stay the night. It sounds like an in and out procedure.”
“Yeah, it seems like a little much but maybe it’s just to make sure everything goes smoothly. Either way, I’ll be here.” He told her softly.
Rachel squeezed his hand, grateful that he was the kind of man who would stay. “You always are. But maybe while she's doing it, you can get food from the cafeteria. I don't want you to go hungry.”
“I’ll try to go eat while I can’t be with you.” He said with a nod, knowing that was probably for the best.
Rachel was satisfied with his answer, though she knew he'd be thinking of her more than food. “Good.” She turned her gaze upward. “From what he said, sounds like our life is going to be g-rated cuddles for awhile.”
He frowned, not too excited about that. “I mean… My parts are fine…” He joked.
“Your sympathy is overwhelming, baby.” She chuckled softly, somehow comforted by his sense of humor. “I'll keep that in mind. Who knows, I might even be nice enough to… turn the shower to cold for you when you need it.” Tugging on his collar, she drew him close enough for a real kiss. It was soft and nearly made her forget the mess her body was in. She felt loved, more so than anyone ever could by her estimation. “I miss it already.”
He gave her a kiss, smiling a little against her lips. “I’m sure we’ll find ways to be close. Don’t worry about all of that tonight.”
“I wish we were at home and cuddling right now instead of here. Anywhere else would be better actually.” Her mood was beginning to tumble, the prospect of something as simple as a cyst derailing her daily life leaving her a bit perturbed. “At least school is done so I don't have to worry about that. Just everything else.” She shook her head. “Sorry. I'm trying to stay positive. Especially when it's obviously not the end of the world. I mean, I always have you so I can't complain.”
“You can complain, it does suck.. But I don’t want you to get down about it. Hopefully the pain will be gone when they get rid of the cyst.”
“Once the pain has gone, everything will be so much easier. You know how I'm the worst sick person.” She made an effort to smile, knowing how difficult her melancholy could be on him, but was equally glad when a nurse came back with a transporter and a wheelchair to take her to an OB room for her procedure.
Finn gave her a small kiss and told her he loved her before they took her back. He sighed as he made his way to the cafeteria and bought himself a sandwich and chips, then tried to busy himself with eating and letting her dads know that she had gone to the emergency room. He went back into the waiting room once he had finished his dinner and nervously waited for her.
Once moved, Rachel was passed off to another nurse who helped her into a gown before the doctor came in. The doctor went over the procedure once again, Rachel now wary of hearing about it. The nurse remained present to assist Rachel, who was positioned on her back with her legs up and apart. The whole experience was uncomfortable, the anesthetic injection nearly as painful as the cyst itself. Still, it seemed to move quickly and before she knew it, the doctor was out of the room. The nurse smiled at Rachel before helping her off the table and down the hall where a recovery room was waiting. “Could you please find my husband and send him in here? His name is Finn. Finn Hudson.” The nurse pulled a blanket up over Rachel's legs so she could stay warm. “Sure. You just relax.” Rachel collapsed against the pillow and watched the woman walk away.
Finn was glad when a nurse called out his name and he was told to follow her. He was back at Rachel’s side moments later. “How are you feeling?” He asked her as he pulled a chair close to the bed and took a seat.
Rachel closed her eyes, thinking about Finn and counting the seconds before he walked in the door. “Better now that you're here.” She touched his cheek, smiling slightly. “I'm still numb, which they said is normal. But it’s an… odd feeling. Like when your leg goes to sleep but it's my private parts.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s really weird.” He agreed. “But it seems like everything went fine?”
Rachel nodded. “Yes. She put the thing in so that all the fluid inside will drain and I should heal up fine. Like the other doctor said, I need to take hip deep baths every day to help and I'll be out of work for about a week but that's no big deal.” At least she hoped, since her boss hadn't been thrilled about her taking off to Lima when she had. “She said it might be uncomfortable at first because things are healing but nothing like the pain I was in.”
“Well, take off all the time you need baby. I am working, we’ll make sure things are figured out.” He kissed her hand. “I don’t like the idea of you being in pain at all.”
“Always a protective, loving man. Taking good care of me.” Her hand reached for his. “If I scoot over, could you hold me? It would help. A lot.”
“Of course, baby.” He moved to lay on the bed with her, wrapping his arm around her. “I wish we could go home.”
“Me too.” Rachel tucked in close to him, the anesthetic slowly giving way to an ache. She knew if she became emotional, her mood would start breaking down so she tried not to think of home. “What does your day look like tomorrow?”
“I have to go to work for a bit in the afternoon.. I’m scared to ask for time off. I can if you need me to though.”
“No, no. I don't need you to do that.” Rachel just hoped that that they released her early enough for him to take her home. “I can't promise a fancy dinner for when you get home but I'll try and do something.”
“I can pick dinner up tomorrow and we’ll just watch movies. I actually have the next day off so maybe you’ll want to sleep through tomorrow anyways.”
Rachel just wanted to be with him, the clinginess that always came with injury or illness setting in. She knew she had to take it easy on him, though. Especially when he was right about her sleeping. “True. I don't know if they're giving me pain medication but you know how much I like pills.” Her bottom lip jutted out in pout. “Movies sound good though. And pasta salad. Anything with noodles really.”
“Yeah but being in the hospital is exhausting. I always want to sleep for like three days.” he said with a laugh. “I'll get you the best pasta salad ever. Your mind will be blown.”
“It always is but it's more because you're amazing. You'll just be amazing with food tomorrow.” Her eyes felt heavy and dry, the hospital smell drowned out by the familiar scent of her face against Finn’s chest. “One night in our bed feels like it would be enough right now.”
“Try to get some rest so you can wake up feeling a little better. We’ll get out of here in no time and I’ll take care of you at home.” He said, rubbing her side softly.
Rachel inhaled slowly, the waver in her throat nearly quieting her completely. His tenderness had always made her vulnerable. It was only recently that she stopped feeling uncomfortable about it. “That sounds like the best thing ever. Well, not better than being totally fine but the taking care of me part is reassuring since you do it so well.”
“I think it sounds pretty good too.” he kissed her cheek.
Rachel was eternally grateful that Finn could handle most anything thrown his way, especially his impromptu situation. Especially when all she needed was to be babied a little. “Are you going to stay here the whole night or are you going to go home?”
“Of course I'm staying here with you. I wouldn't make you stay here alone.”
Rachel almost felt silly for asking. “And I'm most grateful for that.” It even made her tear up, a feeling of relief taking hold.
He gave her a slow kiss. “try and get some rest, baby. “ he whispered.
Rachel let the kiss remind her of all the times before, ever since the beginning, when a kids like that had brought her peace and happiness. “Okay.” The numbing agent had completely worn off by then and sleep would probably help her bypass the pain.
He rubbed her side gently, his own eyes closing with a small yawn.
Rachel laid quietly, Finn’s touch helping to ease her discomfort. “I love you.”
“I love you too, so much.” He said softly. “I hope you feel better soon.”
“Me too.” Rachel moved a little closer, not that there was much space for it, and let all the tension melt away so she could try to sleep.
Finn was losing steam fast so he was quick to fall asleep, his hand still gently moving on her to comfort her.
Rachel watched Finn fall asleep, happy that he’d have some peace after his own long day. It was more difficult for her between the pain and the unfamiliar bed. Eventually, though, she fell into a restless sleep.
Finn didn’t sleep all that well in the little hospital bed, but there was no way he was going to complain. A nurse tapping his shoulder was ultimately what woke up him up in the morning and he got up and out of the bed so that Rachel could get her vitals checked. “Good morning, baby.” He told her softly once the nurse was gone.
Rachel's sleep had been fretful. She'd awoken several times, the pain the culprit. Being awoken by Finn made her less crabby but she still didn't feel the best. “Morning.” She looked around him to the door, wanting for a nurse to give her something for the pain but none was in sight. “Did you sleep okay?”
“I slept okay.. How are you feeling?”
Rachel tried her hand at sitting up. It wasn't excruciating like it'd been the day before but it wasn't pleasant either. “Like I had surgery down there.” Finding a comfortable position, she leaned against the pillow. “All I want is for them to let me go home.”
“That is seriously the worst spot I could think of for you to have surgery. And not just because I like to be down there.” He joked softly. “I hope they do soon.”
Rachel gave a weak smile at his joke, knowing that he was trying for her. But she really wasn't in a joking mood. She was tired and sore and over the whole thing. “Could you please find someone and ask if I can have something for the pain? I'd appreciate it.”
“Of course.” He stood up and walked out of the room to find someone. When he finally ran into a nurse, he explained that Rachel was in pain and she said she would be back in shortly. He stood in the doorway of Rachel’s room “They said they’d be here in a minute.” He told her.
She sighed and waited for Finn to come back, the whole time wishing she hadn't sent him away. “Thank you.” She offered a smile from where she lay, hoping he'd come closer. As awful as she felt, she knew it'd be worse if he wasn't by her side.
Finn waited by the door for a moment before moving back to his spot and taking her hand. “They need to hurry.”
Rachel didn't disagree but she didn't want Finn to be as agitated as she felt. “They hopefully will.” Rachel sighed, her whole body feeling messy and a huge burden. Normally, she'd be more demanding. The whole situation, however, was becoming demoralizing. “I hope Oliver is okay. He had plenty of food and water but he was all alone for a whole day.”
“I'm sure he's fine, baby. He's probably just been sleeping and laying around.”
Rachel wished she didn't feel like a bad cat mom and was about to say so when a nurse came in. “The doctor wants to check you before you go but she said to give you these.” The nurse handed her a small paper cup with pills. “They'll help with the pain. Just try to relax for now. It shouldn’t be long.”
Finn was relieved that a nurse showed up with the pain killers so his wife wouldn’t be laying there in pain. He was also happy to hear that they were letting her leave soon. “Sounds like we’re out of here soon.” He gave her a smile.
Rachel swallowed the pills with the cup of lukewarm water on the tray table near the bed. She laid back on her side, the only comfortable position there was, and curled up slightly. “Yes. Soon.”
He sat back against his chair, watching her. “Hopefully those hit you soon and you feel better.”
Much like Finn, pain pills mads Rachel feel out of sorts but she'd take it at the moment. “I wish I could go back to being numb. It was better than this.” A tear rolled down her cheek, Rachel swiping at it viciously. She hated feeling so weak but what was there to be done other than deal.
He frowned as he realized she was crying. Leaning over, he grabbed her hand again. “I’m sorry, baby.” He said softly.
Rachel let him take her hand. “Don't be. You've been nothing short of wonderful through all this.”
“I just want you to feel better.” He kissed her hand.
Hearing him say out loud what she already knew made Rachel want to cry even harder. “I know. And I will. It just takes time.” It was on the tail of her own words that a doctor popped into the room, Rachel feeling stupid for how she likely looked, her face slightly tear stained.
Finn sat back, letting her hand go so the doctor could look her over. He stayed out of the way, just hoping to hear they could go home and that real rest would help Rachel feel better.
Rachel didn't say much as the doctor quickly examined her then gave her a list of after care instructions. The woman told her to follow-up with her own doctor, handed her a prescription, then signed off on her release, wishing her well. Rachel was out of the bed and putting her clothes on as soon as the curtain was pulled, her discomfort secondary. “Let's go.” If she could've run to the truck, she would.
He was more than happy when they let her know she could leave. He grabbed her clothes for her and then grabbed her hand to walk out to the truck, where he helped her in before he got in himself. “How ya feeling?” He asked as he began the drive home.
Rachel didn't have much to say as the left the hospital and he helped her into the truck. Sitting wasn't as bad as it had been before the surgery. That, at least, she was grateful for. “I'm okay. It'll be better when I can go home and lay down.”
“I hope it will be.” he nodded his head and focused on driving home. He pulled up to the building and got out, taking her hand to help her out.
They didn't live far from the hospital so the commute wasn't long, even in New York traffic. And getting out was slightly easier than getting into the truck. Rachel took Finn’s hand and thanked him for the help. She trudged slowly to the building then to the elevator and into the apartment. She was greeted by cat litter she needed to change and a kitten trying to curl around her ankles.
Finn stepped into the apartment and sighed as he took his shoes off. “I can get his litter box. You go lay down.”
Rachel didn't feel it was fair to put that responsibility on Finn when Oliver was a cat she had wanted. “I can get it. You should probably take a shower and relax since you have to work today.” Stopping for a minute, she took Finn by the arm and led him to her for a kiss. “I'll manage, okay?”
He kissed her back “Do you want to shower with me?” He asked her softly.
Rachel leaned against him, happy for the invite alone. “Yes, actually. I'd really like that.” And it might calm me down, Rachel thought as she crouched to reach for the cupboard where the cat litter was.
He smiled as she agreed to shower with him. Even if they couldn’t have sex, they could be close and that was what he wanted after seeing her hurt like that. “I’ll meet you in there.” He told her before disappearing into the bathroom where he started the shower and stripped his clothes off. He got in and rest his hand on the shower wall as he let the water fall over his head.
Moving slowly, Rachel managed to change the cat box and give Oliver fresh water before joining Finn in the shower. She tossed her clothes in a pile on the floor and stepped into the stall next to him. Her arms came around him and her lips brushed his back.
He smiled as he felt her join him, taking his time to turn around so he could wrap his arms around her. “Do you feel any better being home?”
“Home makes everything better. Mostly because of you.” She rested her chin on his chest so she could look up at him. “I just wish this hadn't happened.”
“I wish it hadn’t either. I don’t like seeing you in pain at all.” He tilted his head to kiss her.
Rachel held him a little tighter. “You've managed to handle everything very well.” She hoped he'd take the rest of the recovery process as well.
“It’s not about me.” He shrugged. “It’s about you.”
“But it affects you. What I can do is limited which puts more burden on you.” Especially if her boss wasn't as understanding as he'd been about Lima, a fact that she'd begun worrying about on the ride home. Not to mention the lack of sexual intimacy and the medical bills that they'd receive. She was lucky enough to have insurance through her dad but whatever that didn't cover, they'd have to take care of.
“It’s not like the situation hasn’t been flipped twice before. Don’t feel bad, okay? Don’t worry about me. Let’s focus on you.”
Rachel found herself smiling at him, his reassurance everything she needed at the moment. “You know I'm all about having all the attention. I guess it's just easier being the one taking care of someone than the one being taken care of.”
“Well… You’re gonna have to be the one taken care of.” He said playfully.
“You always take care of me. It's just different now. But I have all the faith in the world that you'll do an excellent job of it, like always.”
“Good.” He gave her another kiss before he pulled away so he could actually shower. “No part of me feels like going to work right now.”
Rachel gave him the space he needed to shower. “Is it strange that I wish I could go to work?” Not that she'd be able to survive a whole shift. She'd gotten exhausted just doing the cat's litter. Running around, serving food, was completely out of the question. “I can't blame you. After having to spend a night in the hospital, I would feel the same if I were you.”
“I don’t think it’s strange. I felt that way when I broke my arm. You’ll get back soon, I’m sure. Maybe you can just work smaller shifts until you’re feeling 100% again.” He suggested. “I’ll be ready to come home and sleep with you.”
Rachel was becoming anxious about work and her future in her current job so she decided to avoid the subject. “I'm looking forward to that part. You coming home. Ollie is a good snuggler but doesn't even come close to you.”
“Well he will do for a few hours. Then I'll come home stinky and oily just for you.” he joked.
Rachel laughed quietly. “Aren't I the luckiest girl around?” She switched around with him so she could shower. “You really shouldn't try and seduce me with the idea of it when there's nothing I can do. Then you're just being a tease.”
“To be fair… There are things we can still do, but I'll stop. “ he said with a laugh.
Rachel knew they were just playing, but the idea that they could hadn't escaped her. It also made her a little afraid because she wasn't sure how her body would react if something were to happen. But she didn't want to dampen the mood. “So that's why you're being so sweet. You're angling for some special attention.” She nudged him with her hip, a move she quickly decided hadn't been a good idea based on the ache it seemed to trigger.
“I'm always nice to you.” He scoffed. “But don't worry. I'll get reacquainted with my hand until you're better.” he was mostly joking.
Rachel hasn't felt guilty, or somehow broken, until he said that. She didn't want to believe it would get that far but she couldn't assure him that she'd be in the mood to do anything else for the time being. Deflated as she was, she tried to cover it. “You're bad.” She rinsed off completely before kissing his cheek and stepping out of the shower.
Finn followed after her, drying himself off with a towel. He moved to the mirror to brush his teeth and then the bedroom to get dressed for work.
Rachel wrapped on a towel and went to the bedroom so she wouldn't be in his way while he got ready. She was also getting tired - even standing in the shower seemed like an ordeal. She stayed turned toward the bathroom, wishing suddenly that he could stay.
Once he was completely ready to go, he walked over to the bed to give her a kiss. “I'll set some water and a snack by the bed so you don't have to get up too much. I'll grab pasta and stuff on the way home too.”
“Thank you.” She wished he could bring Oliver to her but the kitten was still too small to get out of their bed on his own and the last thing she needed was the poor thing to have an accident in the bed. “I'll probably try and sleep so I won't miss you so much.”
“I'll try and call you when I have a break. You won't miss me.” he promised as he stood once more to grab her a water bottle and some crackers. He set them by the bed and looked down at her as he thought. “Anything else?”
She wanted to tell him not to worry, that she'd manage. She didn't see a point, especially considering that she'd worry had the roles been reversed. “I'm set.” Her hand reached for his. “I love you. Have a good day at work.”
“I love you too.” he told her softly, squeezing her hand gently. Letting it go, he left for work feeling extremely guilty for having to leave her alone but he was scared to take anymore time off of work and risk losing his job.
Rachel, still in her towel, waited until she heard Finn turn his key in the lock before letting her eyes slip shut. She had forgotten to ask him to take in her prescription and she had a feeling she'd pay for it later. Now, all she wanted was sleep.
Finn had a hard time focusing at work but he managed to get through his afternoon shift. As soon as he was off of work, he took his phone out to call her.
Rachel dozed off and on throughout the day, eating her crackers and drinking her water when she managed to stay awake. She called work and chewed a thumbnail as her boss explained that he had to be fair to everyone and that he could only hold her job for two weeks. She told him she understood and cried after she hung up, wondering if she could be well enough in that time frame. She'd been asleep again when the phone rang and it was Finn. “Hello.”
“Hey baby, I'm just leaving work. Still in the mood for pasta?” he asked as he got into his truck.
“Sure.” Her mood was such that she didn't really feel like eating but she didn't need for him to know what a bad day she'd had. “Could you please pick up my medicine on the way home? I called it in earlier.” And she was definitely going to need it.
“Yeah, sure. How are you feeling?”
“Sore and a little worn out. I don't know how I'm tired but I am. I never even got dressed.”
“I can help you get dressed when I get home. We'll eat and then sleep some more. I don't have to be to work tomorrow until about noon so we will have some cuddle time.”
Rachel didn't want to admit how badly she needed that, needed him. “I think that's the first time ever that you offered to put my clothes on. Are you feeling okay?” She wiped her face while laughing.
Finn chuckled “Well, as much as I'd like to think I'm a grown man in control of all that, I don't want to test the naked cuddling thing right now.” he joked as he began to drive. “Besides, I'm sure if you've been laying around naked you're ready to be dressed. Happy wife, happy life.. That's what old men say who've been married forever.”
Rachel wished she didn't but she felt more outside herself the more they mentioned their upcoming lack of intimacy. “I'll be that when I have food and my boys in this bed with me.”
“I won’t be long, I promise. I’ll be quick. I love you and I’ll see you soon.” He told her to end the phone call as he pulled up the restaurant so he could order their food. While it was being made, he went to the pharmacy to pick up her medication. It wasn’t long before he had both bags in hand and was headed to the apartment once again. He was more than ready to be home when he walked through the door, a yawn escaping him while he untied his shoes. He entered the bedroom and smiled at his wife on the bed. “Hi baby.” He set the food at the end of the bed so he could lean down and give her a kiss.
“Love you too.” The phone went silent and Rachel decided to put on clothes so as not to cause Finn any moment of unease. Sweatpants and a t-shirt were the most comfortable thing she could manage before seeking out Oliver and setting him up in bed with her. He was enjoying a belly scratch when Finn came home. “Glad your home.” She abandoned her petting pursuit, a fact that stirred a whine from Oliver, to turn all her attention on Finn and their kiss.
“Me too. Work sucked.” He said as he moved to set her food in front of her. “I tried a new restaurant so hopefully you like it.”
Rachel sat up, taking the carryout container that Finn handed over to her. She took the fork and scooped a bite in her mouth. “It's pretty good. You did good, baby.”
He sat beside her and began to eat as well. “I like it too.” He grinned. “So did you do anything while I was gone?”
“Mostly slept.” She took another bite, keeping her eyes fixed downward. “I called my boss. He wasn't happy but he gave me a couple weeks before he replaces me.”
“You can find another waitressing job, baby. I know it’s not convenient but it’s not the end of the world. Plus, I graduate in like a month and will be working full time.”
Rachel stayed quiet, pretending to be focused on her food. The truth was that she liked where she worked and didn't want a different waitressing job. If she had to go back sooner than later, that's what she'd do. “And I'm very proud of you.”
“Thank you.” That wasn’t what he was aiming for with his comment, but he gave her a small smile. “We’ll get things figured out. We always do.”
Rachel nodded, knowing it would all work out. Even if it wasn't how Finn may have thought. “You're right. Honestly, a few days rest will probably do the trick and I'll be back to normal in no time.”
“Probably. We’ll do what we gotta do to get you all better.” He smiled before shoveling more food in his mouth.
Rachel didn't think he understood how important it was for her to go back to work, to hang onto her job, no matter how menial it seemed. “We will.” It was all she really could say in response. “Speaking of which, could you hand me my pills, please?”
Finn reached to the end of the bed where he had set the bags and pulled her medication out. He opened it for her before handing her the bottle. “Still in a lot pain?”
“Enough.” Which was fairly accurate, though the discomfort was ever present. “Nothing like yesterday though.”
“I hope the pain is short lived. I know what it's like to be on those pills and it sucks.”
Rachel swallowed. “They aren't my favorite but if they make things tolerable, I'll tough them out.” She took a few more bites of her dinner then closed the container.
Finn finished his food quietly, then got up to put her leftovers in the fridge and grab her another water bottle. When he returned he set the water bottle down and pulled his shirts off. “I gotta shower real quick and then I’ll come cuddle. Pick a movie out?”
Rachel kissed his cheek before he went to put the food away and set Oliver back on the floor so that he could roam about. “I can do that.” She plucked the remote from his nightstand and set the movie up, choosing one she knew he'd like.
Finn made his shower quick this time, just wanting to get the smell of the tire shop off of him. He decided to just wear his boxers back to bed and joined her once more a few moments later. “Smell better?” He asked playfully as his arm moved around her.
Rachel curled up against Finn when his arm came around her. “The smell doesn't bother me much anymore, to be honest. I've grown accustomed to it. But clean you is nice too.” Stroking his cheek, she guided his lips to hers, the kiss sweet and gentle.
He kissed her back with a small smile. “So, I can skip evening showers?” He teased.
“You could. It's whatever you're want to do. You know that I just want to snuggle up with you and wake up in your arms. In that sense, I'm not at all picky.”
“I’m glad for that.” He kissed her cheek. “I missed you today.”
Laying her head on his chest, his heart beating a strange but satisfying melody, Rachel wished for everything to be normal. “Then we missed each other, which is not uncommon.”
“It's not,” he agreed. ”Did you choose a movie? “
“All set and ready to go.”
He pressed play on the movie and lay back, his arm around Rachel. He yawned and turned his head to kiss her cheek.
Rachel wasn't all that interested in watching the movie but she made an attempt since it was time spent with Finn. “If you're tired, don't force yourself to stay awake for this. You had a long day.”
“I'm a little tired, but I want to spend some time with you.” he shrugged.
“I was just thinking the same.” Rachel took his hand in her own and began to trace his palm with her thumb. “I somehow doubt they'll ever be enough hours of the day to spend with you.”
“I don't think that's possible either. We just love each other too much.” he said with a smile.
“I don't think it's too much, mostly because I know I can always love you a little more. I know I'll never stop and that there's a little more everyday.”
He gave her another kiss on the cheek. “I love you so much. I hope a little we get to see a little more of each other the next few weeks. That could be one upside to everything. “
Rachel had almost forgotten about her predicament when it popped up, her mood deflating a bit. She was getting back to hating her stupid body for doing this to her. And for absolutely no reason. “That's the best silver lining.”
“I think so too. I will never complain about more time with you but I do wish it weren't under these circumstances. “
“Maybe the less we talk about it, the better it'll be.” Rachel wished there was a better way to express herself, especially when she never wanted to shut down their lines of communication. She was growing increasing tired of feeling like everything in life hinged on a stupid cyst.
“Okay. I'm sorry.” he said softly, focusing his attention back on the movie so he wouldn't bring it up again.
Feeling a little bad for being short with him, Rachel pulled up a little to nuzzle his neck. “Don't be sorry. I'm just feeling damaged right now and it's hard not being able to do the things I normally can. I know you know how that feels. It's a struggle.”
He nodded his head “I'm not trying to make you feel that way.”
“I know. You've been very good about everything. Wonderful, really.” Her head rested on his shoulder. “I think I'd have felt this way no matter what.”
“I know. I hate that you're feeling down.” he said with a frown.
Rachel touched his cheek. “If you smile at me, I'll smile back. Because I love your smile. It makes me happy.”
He gave her a small smile in response “I always smile at you.”
Rachel couldn't resist flashing her most brilliant smile, reserved solely for Finn in all instances. “See? So much better.”
He leaned in to give her a kiss “Now it’s much better.”
Rachel's couldn't stop grinning, even as they kissed. “You have the best smile. And the best kisses. Hands down.”
“That is all you, baby. You are the best everything.”
Rachel wanted for what he was saying to be true. She wanted things to feel perfect and lovely like they often did. Even if they were tired from long days and pushing just to stay awake, normal felt so easy. She always felt like the high school junior who'd fallen crazy in love with him when was normal. And she wanted to feel it now. She closed her eyes and let her mind and heart search for it as she kissed him. “You always say that. But I only make one half of this situation. There's another great part and that's you.”
“Then I guess we’re pretty awesome together, aren’t we?” He asked as he ran his hand along her side.
“We do quite well for ourselves.” Her eyelids and lips became lazy as he smoothed his hand down her body. “You'll put to sleep if you keep doing that.”
“I think you deserve a little sleep.” He spoke softly.
“I slept all day. You deserve rest. I think you just want to watch me fall asleep so you can tease me about how my face twitches when I fall asleep.”
He laughed “Maybe I’m just creepy and like watching you sleep.”
“You're not creepy. It's actually sweet in a way. We're most vulnerable asleep and I like to think of it as you watching over me.”
“I just think you’re beautiful and it makes me feel peaceful to watch you like that.” He said softly.
Rachel felt far from beautiful, especially with a medical apparatus partially sticking out of the most intimate part of her body. It made everything inside her glow warm and happy to hear him say it. “I'm so lucky. To have a husband and best friend like you.”
“I feel very lucky too.” He kissed her again. “I love you so much.”
“You know how much I love you. But I'll always tell you because it's so very, very true.” Rachel couldn't hold back her yawn. “So much that I wish I could stay up all night with you.”
“I wish you could too, but I think I’d be regretting that decision in the morning.” He yawned after she did.
“How many times have you actually regretted staying up with me?” She gave him a teasing smile as she traced the curve of his jaw. “I guess you’re lucky I’m not going to make it. You’re too comfy.”
“I haven’t, but my body has from lack of sleep.” He laughed. “Then go sleep, baby.”
Rachel was giving in, Finn’s encouragement all she needed. “When do you have to leave for work tomorrow?”
“Noon. We will have a little time to hang out in the morning.”
“Morning cuddles. One of my favorites. Then I'll make you some pancakes.”
“You don't have to get up and cook.” he shook his head.
“I don't have to. I like to. It gives me ‘wifey' feelings. It's probably the only I'm a traditional wife, to be honest. Besides, you've more than earned a little breakfast in bed.”
“You know I won't turn it down. Just know that I don't expect these kind of things from you.”
“I know.” Her words were thinning, her voice low. She was barely keeping her eyes open. “You deserve to be loved on too.”
“You do all the time. I’m fine.” He assured her as his eyes slipped close. “Goodnight, baby.”
Rachel: I'm thinking about going to the ER that's near work soon if it doesn't ease up. I'd have to get a cab. Even though sitting is worse than walking right now.
Rachel: Even my boss is a little worried. :(
Finn: I can see if someone can cover for me and take you to the ER. That's not good.
Summary: Finn and Rachel go to the animal shelter to look at cats.
After a long morning of work and class, Rachel had come home and immediately laid down on the sofa. Things had settled a bit, gotten back to normal - whatever that was - since Finn arriving home from Lima. Still, Rachel was having difficulty getting used to a routine again. She normally would have started dinner upon coming home but she'd gotten back earlier than expected. That meant a little cat nap was possible before Finn came home.
Getting back to work and school upon coming home was a bit hard for Finn. It felt like he was coming home and going right to bed without hardly seeing his wife, which was something he hated. He was ready to have some time with her. When he walked in the door, he found her laying on the couch and he took his shoes off before moving to her to give her a light kiss. “Hi baby.” He whispered in greeting.
Rachel had been dozing when she felt a tickle on her lips. She perked up, her eyes fluttering open to the best sight - her husband’s beautiful eyes and perfect mouth. “Hey yourself, handsome.’ Rachel sat up so that Finn could sit beside her. “How was your day?”
He sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. “My day was okay. Nothing to write home about.” He shrugged. “What about you? Looks like it was tiring.”
Rachel curled easily against him, stealing every opportunity she got to cuddle. “It's just getting use to things again now that you're home and we're finding our groove.” She paused to yawn, knowing once she did, she'd manage to find a second wind. “I made really good tips today so that is exciting. We can finish catching up the bills and put a little away, build up the savings again.”
“Yeah, it’s been a little hectic since I’ve been home, hasn’t it?” He scrunched his nose. “That’s awesome. I’m glad you’re making good tips. We could definitely use it. I got paid today, so that will help too. And I was thinking we could go to the animal shelter tonight, check things out.”
Rachel looked up at him, the excitement in her eyes obvious. “Really?” She hadn't forgotten about the cat he'd promised but she knew that patience was necessary, even if she was terrible at it. Him bringing it up now was what she'd been waiting for. “You know how open to that I am.”
Finn nodded his head with a smile. “Yeah, just let me shower and eat and we can go.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Rachel wouldn't have minded sharing the shower but she had neglected his dinner long enough. “Okay. I'll make you some grilled cheese while you're in there.” She stood, quick to get to work on a makeshift meal.
“Thank you, baby.” He got up and headed to the bathroom to shower. He was quick but made sure any grease from the tire shop was clean off of him. When he got out, he got dressed in jeans and a T-shirt before joining her in the kitchen. “Smells so good.” He grinned.
Rachel whipped up a few sandwiches for them then set his on a plate. When he joined her, she smiled as his hip brushed hers. “You smell good.” She nibbled on a half slice of sandwich. “Anything for my baby.”
“Now I do.” he laughed as he grabbed a sandwich and began to ate. “That’s why you’re the best.” He said with a smile. “Is it just me or have we like hardly seen each other since I’ve been home? I miss you.”
Rachel finished her bite before leaning against him. “You're right. Time together has been limited to a few words before falling asleep.” They hadn't even been intimate since the day after he'd gotten back. “I miss you too. All the time. But I know it'll get better. Soon, school will be on break for me and I'll have more down time to spend with you.”
“That is true. Patience.” Though he was running out of it already. “It will work itself out, I’m sure.” He finished his sandwich and reached for the other. “Should we go?”
Before he could snap up his second sandwich, Rachel put her arms around his neck and stole a kiss. “I know it's difficult. But just remember what patience got you in the beginning.” Her eyebrow lifted seductively.
He paused when she wrapped her arm around him and kissed her back. He smirked back at her “I’m trying.” He promised, giving her another kiss.
“And you're doing an amazing job of it. I promise you'll be handsomely rewarded.” But not at that precise moment, she thought, knowing full well that if they got tangled up in one another now, they wouldn't be leaving the apartment any time soon. “First, to the shelter. Let's see if anyone is adoptable.”
Finn almost wished he hadn’t have brought up the kitten so he could have some real alone time with her, but he knew it was just as important for them to get out and do things as it was to be intimate so he would save that for another time. He grabbed his sandwich as he walked out of the door and down to the street. “Should we just walk?” He asked, knowing the shelter was only a couple of blocks away.
The evenings had been getting nicer. Still cool, but no longer cold. “Yes. A nice walk would be refreshing.” Rachel made sure to lock the door behind them before taking Finn’s free hand.
He ate his sandwich as they walked to the animal shelter. When he was finished eating, he looked at her with a smile. “What kind of cat are you thinking you want?”
Rachel had spent a lot of time thinking about the exact question he was asking. “Sweet, friendly. Loves cuddles.” She grinned up at him. “The aesthetics don't matter, really. It doesn't even have to be a kitten. Just as long as it needs love and a home and fits in our little family. That's all that matters.”
“Well I hope they have something you’ll like there then.” He squeezed her hand. “We’ll need to get a litter box and some food too. What else would we need?”
“Maybe a little bed for it to sleep on. Some toys. Oh, and scratching post so it doesn't tear up things if it still has claws.” Rachel laced her arms around his, drawing closer the closer they got to the shelter. “But you have to like the cat too. Whatever we find, we have to agree that it's right.”
“It’s your cat though, baby. I’ll be happy either way.” He promised. “We’ll have to find a pet store after we get it.”
Rachel truly wanted it to be their cat, but she saw no point to pushing the issue. “Good idea. At the very least, we have to get litter there, like you said.” The came up to the front door of the shelter, Rachel feeling a little giddy.
He pulled the door open for her and approached the front desk upon walking in. He explained that they were looking for a cat and they were led back into the room full of cats in cages. Finn felt a little bad as they entered, not liking to see them all caged up. “See anything you like?” He asked Rachel, softly.
Rachel's heart broke at seeing each poor, caged creature in front of her. Her only solace came in knowing that the shelter didn't euthanize them unless they proved too sickly to be adoptable. She walked slowly along an aisle, looking in each cage. “This is a bit...overwhelming.” Her hand reached for his as she paused at a cage. “I wish I could save them all.” When the animal behind the metal grid paid her no mind, Rachel moved on.
He watched his wife look into the cage, his hand in hers. “I wish we could help them all too.” He said with a nod as he slowly walked along the line of cages. He paused as there was a meow from a gray and black kitten with big eyes. He kneel down to look at it “What about this one, Rach?”
Rachel stopped to kneel beside Finn. The little thing looked at Rachel with it's big eyes like it'd never seen anything quite so amazing. Her hand moved to the cage and the kitten approached, seeking affection without hesitation. “Sweet thing.” The woman working told Rachel it was a he and placed him in Rachel's hands after offering to let her hold him. He curled up in her arms, his purrs causing his tiny body to rumble. She didn't want to admit it but he was quickly capturing her heart. “He seems like a good boy.”
Finn put his arm around Rachel, watching her with a smile. “What do you think?” He asked, reaching out to pet the small cat.
Rachel watched as the cat nuzzled against Finn’s palm and instantly knew that this was their cat. “I think he's coming home with us.” Rachel brought him in close, feeling his warmth against her chest.
He watched her lovingly, feeling so happy that she was excited about this and that he was able to provide it. “Then he’s yours baby.” He looked at the woman who had been helping them. “Are we able to take him today?” She shook her head “We actually have a 24 hour waiting period. You can fill out the application and pay today and then if you change your mind by tomorrow you can come and get your money back.” She explained. Finn knew Rachel wouldn’t change her mind so he nodded his head “We’ll fill that out then.”
Rachel was a little crestfallen when she heard she had to give the cat back but it made sense that the shelter prepared for any eventualities. So she held onto him while Finn filled out the application, her new baby practically falling asleep in her arms as she hummed quietly. “Just like my other love.” She smiled at Finn. After another moment, she let the woman working take the cat.
“Comparing me to a cat?” he asked playfully. He finished filling the paper out and gave the woman the money for the cat. “We'll come and get him tomorrow night, baby. Let's go get everything we need for him right now so he'll come home happy.”
Rachel nudged him, knowing full well that he loved seeing her happy. “You know it's real love if I compare him to you. Though, you'll always be my number one which is why I'm glad that he seems to like you too.” Her hand slipped into his as the exited the shelter and turned in the direction of the pet store. “It really is sweet how supportive you're being about this.”
He laughed at her words “I’m glad he likes me too. We’ll see when we’re fighting for cuddles from you.” He teased. “I just know it’s something you want. I like being able to give you things… I feel like I can’t very often.”
Rachel couldn't say enough that Finn gave her all the things she'd wanted - unconditional love, support, acceptance. But being able to provide her the world meant a great deal to Finn, that Rachel knew. If this little act was a victory to him, she'd let it be. “You won't have to fight for cuddles. You always take precedence.”
“We’ll see, once you have a cute little kitty.” He said with a smile. As they approached the pet store, he opened the door for her and then walked in behind her. “So.. Litter box, litter, food bowls, food… Bed.” he tried to remember everything they had listed before.
Rachel glanced around the store, a little overwhelmed by everything there was. Considering their finances, she figured what they absolutely needed. “We can always use a regular bowl for food and water. We have extras at home. And he can probably sleep on an old pillow for now.” She reached on a shelf for a plastic container that turned out to be a litter box. “The food and litter are most important. The other things we can pick up over time.”
Finn nodded his head, glad that they didn’t have to get everything all at once because he wasn’t sure they actually could. He walked to the cat aisle and grabbed a gray litter box and a bag of litter. “You can choose the food because I have no idea.”
Rachel looked over the food choices, wanting to make the best one for a kitten. It was only then that she realized she hadn't done enough research about a kitten’s nutritional needs. She asked the store associate for advice on getting started and ended up with a bag of kitten chow and wet food that would hopefully make chewing easier for the new baby. She finally turned to Finn “I'll have to come back when I have more information about his needs. This should do for now.”
Finn listened to the advice so he could try to help a little. He brought what they had up to the front counter. “Yeah, we can get things as we need to. It will all work out okay.” He offered her a smile.
Rachel felt reassured by her husband, even in light of feeling like an irresponsible to-be pet owner. “You're right. I think I was just so excited about the idea of getting him that I skipped the important research step.”
“That’s okay! As long as we have something for him to eat, I’m sure it doesn’t matter too much.” He shrugged as he paid for what they had.
Rachel felt differently but she was glad Finn didn't think less of her self-perceived shortcomings. Not that he ever had. Reaching for one of the bags, she took it from the counter. “No man in our home has ever suffered from a lack of food. This little guy will be no different.”
“Exactly.” He said with a laugh as he grabbed the other bag and headed out of the door. “Is there anything else we need while we’re out? We good on groceries?”
“We're good until after the weekend. I work Sunday breakfast so that tip money can go to any groceries we need.”
“Okay, that works for me.” He began the walk to their apartment. “You feeling good?”
Rachel looked at up him and nodded. “I am. I’m happy about getting a kitten tomorrow. I’m happy our little family is growing. I have the very best of the best when it comes to husbands.” She kissed his cheek. “There’s really nothing other than good in my life right now.”
He smiled as she spoke “That makes me so happy. I’m glad we’re doing this. He’ll be able to come home with us tomorrow so we’ll make sure everything is set up for him tonight.”
Rachel didn’t want to throw around the word ‘maternal’ like it was innocuous but she was feeling it a little as she imagined the kitten nestled in her arms again. Or researching what was best for him while she was on the train to school in the morning. “The Hudson household is going to be very happy place tonight, indeed.”
“Yes it is.” He said as he approached their building and opened the door for her. He walked up to their door and unlocked it before pushing the door open and stepping in, where he set the bag down on the floor.
Rachel followed Finn home, her bag dropping next to his on the floor as she slipped off her shoes and put both arms around her husband. “You’re pretty wonderful, you know that.”
He hugged her back, smiling down at her. “You are too.” He said, giving her a kiss.
“Not as wonderful as you right now. I didn’t get me a kitten. You did. You found me the perfect one and he’s going to make me happy.” Rachel smiled against his lips, her own parting ever so slightly as they kissed.
“You deserve it so much. Especially for going through all that with Burt with me.” He kissed her back, his lips moving passionately against hers.
The opportunities to speak were scarce when he kissed her like that, especially since she didn't want him to stop. “That's just what wives do. Or this wife anyway.” Her arms drew him a little tighter to her. “I love you. And I never want you to go through anything alone. Especially something like that.”
“I know you wouldn’t let me. We’ve spent years fighting about it.” He joked. “It was good though, having you there and letting you go through it with me. I won’t shut you out again.”
In the moments, Rachel had almost forgotten what a struggle they'd had with letting one another in when things got difficult like that. But Finn was right. They'd gotten through this thing without him shutting down on her. It made her strangely optimistic. Like they were starting to get better at communication and marriage. “It wasn't easy, but it can be less difficult doing it together. I think we've had to reprogram years of taking care of ourselves and dealing with things alone.” Her fingers slipped into his hair as she kissed him. “Do we get a reward for doing good at relationships this time?”
He chuckled at her question. “Well.. I can come up with a pretty good reward for that.” His hands moved down her back.
Rachel's head tilted back a little as she laughed, the gesture short-lived when the feeling of his kiss became a renewed need for Rachel. “Is that so? Well, now you have my full attention. I'm quite fond of whatever rewards you choose to give.”
“Hmm.. Well this might be more of a reward for me.” He joked as he kissed down to her neck.
Rachel giggled as Finn’s kisses tickled her throat, her head tilting to the side for him. “You did do very well tonight. You earned it.”
He smiled against her skin before pulling away “Then you should get to the bedroom, huh?”
Rachel strongly objected to the halt in affection but slid passed him with ease, a coquettish smile forming her lips. “I should.” As she walked, she lifted her shirt and tossed it away.
He smirked as she began to take her clothes off on the way to the bedroom, following suit in getting his shirt off. Once they were in the bedroom, he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her to him before his lips were back on hers.
Rachel moved toward her husband's touch, his kiss, her skin warming as it moved against his. This was where they were always best - together, alone. The whole world dissolved and only they existed. Rachel loved it, loved him, and she wanted every second to last forever.
He had been waiting for a real moment of alone time with her for a while now and he was more than happy to be getting it finally. His arms wrapped around her as he kissed her deeply, laying back on the bed with her in his arms.
Rachel moved with Finn, staying in his arms crucial to her. It was nothing new but it felt as much of everything as it has the first time he'd embraced her like this. “I love you.” Her hands worked on his pants, her fingers adept at getting him out of them like she wanted.
“I love you so much.” He replied, helping her get his pants off before he focused on getting hers off as well.
Rachel eagerly wiggled out of her own pants so that nothing separated she and Finn. Her lips turned, this time she kissed his neck, and her nails drew along his skin. “You make me feel it everyday, with every word.”
He sighed as she kissed his neck, happily tilting his head. “I'll make you feel it now.” he joked.
“And your plan to do that goes something like…” Her lips stopped so her teeth could do the work, leaving subtle marks as she nipped at his skin.
He rubbed her back as her teeth worked against his neck. When he'd had enough, he held her tightly as he rolled their position so he was on top, making it easier for him to get her completely naked. He kissed along her chest while his hand moved between her legs to toy with her clit.
Rachel's body pressed into the mattress as Finn moved over her, his mouth and hands finding her favorite places to be touched. Her legs parted for him, Rachel wanting more as he stroked and kissed her. “I love when you do this.”
“Give you all my attention?” He asked playfully before his tongue flicked along her nipple.
Rachel's body arched, pressing hard against his fingers. “Especially this way.”
He smirked against her skin before laying all of his attention on her breasts. When he couldn’t hold off from more, he moved back over her and pushed his boxers off. “I’ve missed you.”
Rachel looked up at him, her eyes already glazing over from all the ways he had her. Heart, body, soul… all of her was all of his. “As much as I've missed you?” Her fingers laced through his hair. “How do I go even a day without you?”
He placed himself at her center to enter her slowly with a low groan. “I don't know how either of us do.” he told her as he pressed kisses down her cheek to her neck. Once he had filled her completely, his hips began to move.
Rachel's moan was quiet, withering almost completely away as he pushed forward to elicit the sound again. This was what he meant to her. The closeness and the absolute trust. It didn't have to be one way or the other - sweet, slow, rough, explosive - because she always felt what he made her feel when they were together. And that feeling of them was worth everything. “You drive me crazy.” Her legs drew around his, torso, Rachel's body moving with his. “Make me feel everything.”
He lifted his head to look down at her as his hips began to move in deep thrusts. “You're so beautiful, baby.” he whispered, not able to keep himself from kissing her again.
Rachel wanted to hold onto each kiss much longer, but she had to break away for every breath he took from her. “That's how you always make me feel.” Her nails pressed into his skin, Rachel knowing she was capable of little more than offering him that simple pleasure.
He groaned in response, his head ducking beside her shoulder. “I’m getting close.” He said as his hips moved faster into her.
Her lips parted in whatever sounds her mind produced, each a testament to how impossibly good Finn was. “Let go.” She managed only those words before her head collapsed against the pillow.
Finn pressed a kiss to her neck before he pulled away to focus on how good she felt. He came undone with a groan, his hips slowing as his body relaxed.
Rachel's body peaked, her limbs tingling and heavy when she began to come down. Her lips spread in a lazy grin as she lay there. “Mmm…”
He smiled down at her before peppering kisses along her neck and then her face. “I love you so much.”
The kisses, Rachel reveled in. His love made her chest flutter happily. “And I love you. Always.” She turned on her side when she could finally move. “Though, I admit satisfaction tends to amplify that sentiment.”
“Yeah, I agree with that.” he said with a chuckle before rolling off of her to lay on the bed.
Rachel scooted close to him. “It's no secret that you love naked Rachel the most.” She left a gentle kiss on his chest. “Which I'm fine with since you do such a good job of loving me in general. It's quite literally the best thing you could ever do for me.”
“Naked Rachel is my favorite.” he smirked. “Good, baby, because I love you more than anything and I love showing you.”
“You must because you've managed to get me completely spoiled on it.” Rachel smiled at him as she further invaded his space and curled up into his side. “The truth is, I'd be lost without it. It means that much.”
“I like that you feel spoiled.” he said with a smile.
“It's not hard when I have the best husband.” Rachel's lips brushed his skin, the warmth of it making her somehow more love drunk.
“I have the best wife.” He closed his eyes contently. “This has made my week so much better.”
“She's very lucky, that's certain.” She began to stroke his side with the gentlest touch. “It's been adjustment coming back for you, hasn't it?”
“A little bit. I don’t know why. I guess I just had so much down time at my moms that coming back was just.. Weird.” He shrugged.
“Routines always seem hard to get back to, even if you're out of them just a few days. You were gone weeks. But you'll get there. With a healthy dose of TLC from your wife.”
“I’m okay, I promise. Things just got shaken up for a minute and you know how I am with change.” He gave her another kiss.
Rachel took the kiss, the knowledge that he was fairing the aftermath of the storm helped her relax further. “Change is hard for most people. You've handled it well though.”
“I think I have a lot better than normal.” He said with a playful smile. “Just glad that I gotta come home and be with you.”
“I get to come home to you too. That's literally the best part of my day.”
“It's mine too.” he gave her a kiss. “You always are though.”
“I think you just like making me head over heels for you.” Rachel had to hold back a little yawn until the kiss ended.
“Tired?” he asked softly, yawning in response to hers.
“Only a little. It's mostly being all snuggled up and comfy with you.” She could stay awake much longer but she wasn't willing to move out of their embrace.
“It is nice.” He said with a smile, closing his eyes as he rest against the pillow. “So, what time do you get home tomorrow so we can get the cat?”
“Around the same time as today. My schedule doesn't change much until the end of the semester. We can get him after I make you dinner.”
“We can get him before if you want. I can take care of dinner.” He shrugged.
“My baby love and dinner?” Rachel wasn't at all surprised - Finn enjoyed to pamper her. “I'm quite partial to that idea.”
“Do you have a name in mind?”
“I really hadn't thought about it much. Maybe… Oliver? It's not the most original but, I don't know, it might suit him.”
“Oliver would be cool. I’d be good with that.” He said with a small smile.
Rachel beamed at his approval. “Okay. We'll see if he likes it tomorrow.” Rachel moved to kiss him. “Thank you for making me the happiest woman.”
“Thank you for being the best wife.” He said softly. “I’m falling asleep.” He admitted with a laugh.
“Me too.” Rachel grabbed the sheet and pulled it up over them. “Let's get some sleep then. Be well rested tomorrow.”
Goodnight, baby.” He said softly as he drifted off.
Rachel mumbled her response before letting heavy lids fall closed.
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