Music Doesn't Lie @mister-fhudson - Tumblr Blog

The Big Reveal

If there was one thing she knew, it was that Finn was good enough for her and that he treated her just like a princess. Or even a Queen. Since he was most definitely her King. She knew that being unable to be open about their relationship with their friends and family probably made him feel like they had to hide but honestly, she didn’t care. Her biggest concern had always been her fathers because she wanted to be able to spend time with Finn before she had to head out to New York but she didn’t want to spend the summer lying to him. It was also hard because she had remembered a time when Finn told her about his mother and how close they were. Not being able to tell her must be killing him, Standing up, she walked towards him and grabbed his hand before pulling him towards her bed. When they reached it, she pushed at his chest so that he would sit down with her.

She wanted him to feel comfortable here, in her space. Just as comfortable as she was in his. Sure, they wouldn’t be spending nights together here but that didn’t mean anything. Sitting sideways on his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead to his. “I know exactly what you mean.” After a few moments of just sitting there enjoying the quiet, she spoke softly. “I know we’ve talked about this a few times before but since it’s getting closer, I just want to make sure that our plan is still in tact. After my dads leave from bringing me to New York, you’re going to come up and see me, right? We’ll spend time exploring the city and spending as much time together as possible.” She really didn’t want to leave him but she knew that New York was something she had to do. It had always been her dream and she knew he wouldn’t want her to give that up because of him and their relationship.

mister-fhudson

He smiled at her as she got up and walked towards him. She was so beautiful and he still couldn’t believe that her dads didn’t have him arrested. He was still nervous – they could always change their minds. And the scariest part was that they could do it at any time. There was no limit as to how long they could wait. He looked this stuff up once he and Rachel got serious because he needed to know what he was up against. If her dads ever changed their minds and decided he wasn’t the guy she said he was, he could go to jail. And he would be a sex offender and lose his job, his certification, everything, And he wasn’t sure when he decided being with her was worth it (probably around the time he figured out he actually loved her in a real, serious, adult way), but he had and she was and he would do whatever it took to make sure she was happy and taken care of while they were together.

But he was going to push that aside for now because she was with him now and her dads were downstairs and they were okay with it for the time being. She pulled him over to the bed so they could sit down and, yeah, he didn’t belong in this room but he could pretend for her. He loved her and this was her space and he wanted to be here with her. But he really, really hoped that whatever time they got to spend together for the rest of the summer, they did so at his place. When she confirmed their plans, he nodded. “Yeah, you just let me know as soon as you know when they’re coming back and I’ll book a flight.” He would feel a hell of a lot better when she got to New York. Well, not exactly because she would be so far away but at least there, he could spend time in her space without her dads being underfoot. Ge reached out and took her hand, smiling. “I gotta see you there too,” he said with a nod. “You’ve been talking about going since we met and I’m really excited to see you in the place you love so much. You’ve worked really hard to get there and I’m really happy that you’re finally getting to go. Doesn’t mean I won’t miss you though,” he added with a small smile.

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

It wasn’t as nerve-wrecking having Finn in her room as it was to tell her fathers about their relationship but it still put her on edge a bit. If it was because of her nerves still being on edge from before, she had no idea but her room was a private space. Almost so private that no one really ever went in there without knocking for having permission. While Mercedes would simply walk in and at times when she was dating Jesse he would too, her fathers always respected her space and stayed outside until she called to them or opened the door. She watched him as he looked around and laughed softly when he mentioned how bright it was. “I always liked the color and it never really bothered me. Though I guess the color is mostly covered by pictures and posters.”

Clearing her throat and pushing away her nerves, she closed the door, just a touch so it wasn’t wide open. She knew that Finn wanted to keep it open but she also wanted to give them a little bit of privacy. Moving towards her bed, she crawled up and crossed her legs and looked at him. It looked so out of place and yet like he belonged there all at the same time. “I know that we probably won’t spend too much time here because I like kissing you and here we have almost no privacy but I just wanted to show you me. This room is almost an extension of myself.” There were pictures of her with friends, family, and in her bedside table there was one tucked away that she had taken when he had fallen asleep one night. When they weren’t together, she kept it close. “And I know I’ve said this a million times already but…thank you. Not just for coming here tonight but because you helped me get out of a relationship that was bad for me. Because you fell in love with me. Because you treat me better than I could ever explain. But most of all, thank you for being who you are and letting me love you.”

mister-fhudson

He gave her a small smile as he stood at the end of the bed, watching her as she spoke to him. He liked seeing her like this. Usually the only time he saw her relaxed was when she was at his place, curled up on the couch or in his bed. And he liked it when she let loose. She'd had a lot to deal with since it was her senior year, they had nationals, she was (and still is) getting ready for New York ... seeing her unwind and relax was one of the most beautiful things there was. Because that was the real Rachel. When the pressure was off, everything seemed to fit. And sure, the two of them still had months to go before they could truly relax bit there were those stolen moments in his apartment when she was just her and, well, he loved those the most.

"You don't have to thank me. And really, Rachel, I'd like to think I would have helped you out of the Jesse situation even if there weren't feelings there. It's - you deserve someone who's going to treat you the way you should be treated and that wasn't him. I hope one day I'll be able to say it's me. For now, though, you and I are as happy as we can be. We've got each other, you've got New York to look forward to, your dads know about us ... we're good. And I do love you. And I know you love me. And both those things are - they're insane in the coolest way possible, you know?" He probably wasn't making much sense at all but the words that were coming out were what he meant to say so he couldn't really try to change them around. He was pretty sure she'd be okay with it.

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

Laughing, Rachel shook her head. There was no way that she would risk her fathers changing their mind because she took him up to her room and decided to close the door. Plus, there was no way that they could even lay down on the bed without both of them knowing and the thought that they would come up there and demand he left freaked her out more than she’d admit. “Door opened.” She agreed before turning towards the stairs. It still surprised her that everything had gone down the way it had. Her fathers didn’t threaten to kill him or call the police and while she had a feeling they wouldn’t because her happiness mattered most to them, she still had that bit of doubt.

If she ever had a daughter, many years from now, and she came home declaring her love for her teacher, Rachel wasn’t sure what she’d do. Not that she could really do too much because that would make her a giant hypocrite. Laughing softly to herself, she lead the way up the stairs and stopped in front of her closed bedroom door. “Brace yourself. You’re about to walk into a girls personal space. What you find behind this door, I cannot be held responsible for.” Pushing the door opened, she revealed her room to him for the first time. On her bed there were just a few stuffed animals - her favorite ones to be exact. “So, too childish? Girly?”

mister-fhudson

He honestly wondered what he was going to see behind the closed door of her bedroom. He figured there would be posters of singers and maybe Broadway stuff. Would it be pink? Would it be super girly or more modestly so? Would it suit her? Would he feel really out of place in it or would he feel comfortable like she was in his place? He knew it was weird to wonder about stuff like this but his mind wasn’t really all back to him yet. He was still pretty surprised that he’d survived telling her dads that they were together. And even now, after it was all said and done and he was still living and (mostly) breathing, he thought that telling her dads was only the second stupidest thing he’d ever done, next to him actually getting involved with Rachel in the first place. Yes, he was in love with her but, really, he’d done something very dumb and very illegal. And now he had to continue to walk on eggshells around her family for the rest of the summer. (Maybe they could avoid her house for a while.)

When she finally let him into her room, he couldn’t stop himself from smiling. It suited her perfectly. The room was yellow and had Broadway stuff all over it. There was a dresser with a little pink CD player and she had stuffed animals on her bed. This was definitely her room. “I like it,” he told her. “Though I have no idea how you could sleep in a room this bright.” He walked in a little further and saw that she had her own bathroom. He didn’t know if he’d ever lived in a room this big, even now. His bedroom in his apartment might be the same size or so but she was definitely winning in the high school bedroom size department. “This definitely looks like a room I could picture you living in. It suits you.”

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

The surprise was written so clearly on Finn’s face that Rachel was sure her fathers had noticed and were, in their own minds, gloating about the fact that they were more open minded than we had actually gave them credit for. Nodding along with what Finn was saying about how they were going to wait and take things very slowly, as far as the public was concerned, she tried to calm herself just a bit. The nerves were gone and all she wanted now was to take Finn up to her bedroom and show him around her house for the very first time. If she thought back on their relationship, everything happened at his place. He never ones set foot into her house until this very moment.

When her fathers stood up and gave them the you-better-behave-in-our-house smile before heading back towards the den, Rachel turned towards Finn and blew out a breath. “Thank you,” She whispered. “Thank you for doing this for me. I know you didn’t want to. I know you just put your entire life on the line for me and I just want you to know how much that means tome. How much I appreciate it.” Pressing her lips softly to his for a moment, she tried not to let herself get too wrapped up in him. Standing, she held out her hand. “Come on, I wanna show you my room.” A small smirk graced her lips as she waited for him.

mister-fhudson

He stood when her fathers did, offering a hand. They each shook it briefly before retreating down the hallway. Once they were clear, he blew out a breath and bent over. He could feel his heart pounding in his ears and he had no idea how that had just happened. Her dads didn't call the cops. Her dads didn't throw him out and forbid him to see her. Her dads didn't, like, kill him. He turned towards her and his vision swam for a second and he thought maybe he was about to pass out. He took a couple of deep breaths before straightening up and nodding. "I know how much telling your dads meant to you so ... now we did that. And I'm still alive. Good things."

He accepted her kiss and her hand before pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time about this," he said softly. "I was just - I was so scared. And not just for me, though I was selfish about that and pretty scared for me, but for you too." He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I love you and I would do anything for you." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. "And you can show me your room but the door is staying open." He leaned in and whispered into her ear. "So that I don't get tempted."

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

Even though it seemed like her dads had decided that they weren’t about to call the police and have her boyfriend arrested, Rachel wasn’t sure she could relax yet. There was always the chance that they could be just biding their time and saying that everything would be alright for now but the moment that they let their guard down, they were going to switch it up and say they were lying. Blowing out a deep breath, she closed her eyes for a moment and tried to slow her heart rate. If Finn could still tell she was nervous. Clearing her throat, she listened as her fathers spoke to Finn about being in love and blushed lightly.

When their conversations turned to New York, she perked up and sat a little straighter. Finn and her had spoke before about how their relationship was going to work after she left. They’d do the long distance thing and when she came back for Christmas break, they’d go out to a casual lunch, something that made it seem like they were just then starting their relationship. That way that if anyone asked, they could simply say that when she was there, they started something up. “I’m going to New York. Like Finn said, we’ve already spoken about this and he knows my dreams and how I feel about it. I still want to be on Broadway, I’m still me and I still know what I want to do. That won’t change because of who I’m with.”

Rachel smiled softly up at Finn when he started talking about how he couldn’t resist her. It was the same for her because the moment they started hanging out while they went over glee stuff, she knew that there was something more. “And like I said before, I love Finn. I love him so much more than anything else and I’m not ready to give him up. Please don’t make me.” Watching them for a moment, she tried to gauge their reactions. They were masters at not giving anything away and while normally she didn’t mind that, tonight she wanted all the answers. "You know we love you, Princess, and if he is what you really want, then you know we’re behind you. But I don’t suggest you go running around telling all of Lima. Others may not take this as…calmly, as we did." Jumping up, she threw her arms around her fathers and thanked them before turning to Finn and smiling brightly.

mister-fhudson

To say he was shocked when her dads agreed to let them keep seeing each other would be an understatement. He had no idea how to react. He was pretty sure he just stood there with a confused look on his face because there was no way in hell her dads could be okay with this. He knew he wouldn't be okay with it if it was his daughter dating her teacher. It hit him again how completely stupid he was for giving in and agreeing to be with her. Then again, he fell in love with her so it couldn't be all stupid. He was so lucky that her dads were still sitting where they were, no phones to be seen. Thee cops weren't being called, he wasn't being arrested and he was being allowed to stay with Rachel. His eyes moved to one of her dads, though, the one who he knew was still against them, and he could read the look on his face. He didn't expect this relationship to survive her move. And, really, he couldn't blame the guy.

"We're not going to tell anyone," he said quietly. "Rachel and I have already worked out a plan. Sort of. No one aside from the two of you will know we're even speaking outside of school until she comes home for her inter break. And even then, it won't be much of anything at all." He sighed, wishing he could tell his mother but knowing he couldn't. It would be much better for everyone this way. "I appreciate you giving us the chance," he told them honestly. "I'm sure this is difficult for you and I'd just ... thank you." He didn't know what else to say, really. Everything had gone much better than he had anticipated so he really didn't want to say too much and screw it up. So he decided to stay quiet.

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

It was never her intention to put pressure on Finn and turn all the attention in the room to him but she knew that he was going to say something, whether it be something she wanted him to say or not, and her father cut him off before he even got the chance to voice his thoughts. Giving his hand another squeeze, she tried to smile at him. But her smile felt more like a grimace but he needed the support nonetheless. The shaking of his hand though worried her. If he was going to pass out of something, she knew that they’d either have to make him come to by themselves because there was no way she’d even consider calling someone else to come help.

When he began speaking, Rachel took a deep breath and held it a moment before letting it out. Listening to him, she had to admit that he made a very good point. If the two of them had met under any other circumstance, then the only thing wrong or worrisome between them would be their age difference. But even then, that’s not a big deal. He was 24 and she was 18 so there was only a six year difference. Which couldn’t be that bad seeing as a lot of people in Hollywood and on Broadway had bigger differences. Young girls still looking to break into the business would start dating a producer and then their careers would skyrocket.

As he told her fathers that he loved them, Rachel bit her lip from smiling too brightly. Looking at her fathers, she could see her dads eyes softening a little. He always told her that as long as she felt loved, that was all that mattered. "So let me get this straight." He started before shifting in his seat a little. "You love our daughter? And you love him?" The second question was pointed towards her and she nodded. “More than anything else.” When he sent her a small smile, she returned it before her other father broke in. "It doesn’t matter if they’re in love. What they did was wrong. Is still wrong. Why are you being so calm about this?" She watched her dad look over at her daddy and smile. "Our baby girl is in love, sweetheart, and she wants this man. You know when she wants something, she does whatever she has to do to get it. We just need to step back and let this play out. Our Star has always been very levelheaded and smart. She won’t disappoint us now." When he just made a noise, Rachel beamed. They did have a point though. She’d do whatever it took if it meant that she could be with Finn.

"I guess the only good thing about this entire thing is she’ll be in New York come the end of summer." Her daddy grumbled.

mister-fhudson

He could have thrown up from relief. Her dad, the tall one with the character, didn’t want him arrested. And he was pretty sure he would be able to convince her other dad not to have him arrested too. That was … really good news. He nodded and answered with a resolved, “Yes,” when he was asked if he loved Rachel. And god help him, he really did. He still couldn’t really believe that he was sitting here telling her dads that he loved her and that he wanted to be with her. And he was so glad she was letting the conversation play out and not jumping in. Then again, her dads really hadn’t said anything that would warrant that. Small victories.

When her other dad said that at least she was going to be in New York, he nodded. Deciding to be bold, he added, “And that’s where I want her to go. Rachel and I have had plenty of conversations about it and I wouldn’t let her not go. Her destiny is in New York and I know and understand that.” He cleared his throat. “Our relationship wasn’t meant to change either of us. Rachel’s drive is one of the things I love most about her. I’m not going to let her walk away from her future. You have my word that I’m never going to stand in the way of Rachel and her dream. If anything, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she achieves each and every one of them.” And he would, too.

“Mr. and Mr. Berry, I know you must be thinking horrible things about me,” he continued, “but I’m not a bad guy. I’m just a guy who couldn’t resist your daughter. And I’m not saying that this, our relationship, is all on her because it’s not. I just think that when there’s a mutual attraction, it’s hard to stay apart. I fell in love with your daughter’s ambition and talent and determination. One year difference and none of this age or job stuff would matter. And, if you recall, she never got treated differently in my class. Not once. No special favors, no harder assignments to compensate. In school, Rachel was my student. There were no blurred lines there and I made absolute sure of that. I know that this is difficult for the two of you to process. Trust me, it wasn’t easy for me either. But at the end of the day, I love your daughter and I would really appreciate your blessing in continuing our relationship.”

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

When her Daddy held out his hand to Finn and told him not to speak, Rachel closed her eyes. There was nothing worse then having to go through this. If only she had done what Finn had wanted to do originally and just waited until Winter break. They could have pretended that their relationship had just started in that month that she would have been home and then she wouldn’t have to be sitting here worrying about what their future held. If her fathers told them that they couldn’t see each other anymore, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to go along with that. Everything about her, every instinct she had sent her in Finn’s direction, knowing that they were no doubt meant to be.

But she knew that Finn would do as her fathers said. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her because of him and if he ended things because of what happened tonight, she’d just have to accept it and wait for the day that they could be together again. Turning her attention from their connected hands, she looked up at his face. It was easy to see the worry there in his eyes and on the lines of his face. By the end of the night, they both may look like they aged a few years. Running her thumb over the underside of his wrist, she took a deep breath before looking back at her fathers and whispering. “He didn’t do anything wrong.” Even to her, she knew that the position they put themselves in wasn’t a favorable one. There was really only one ending and she fears that things were only going to get worse.

Licking her lips, she shifted and sat up straighter as she waited for them to say something. "How long have the two of you been…together?" Her dad asked. Between the two of them, he seemed to be freaking out less. Looking up at Finn, she cocked her head to the side. “I think about nine months or so.” When he simply nodded, her daddy all but growled in their direction. "You’re telling us you’ve been dating your teacher for nine months?” Before she had a chance to respond her quickly got to his feet and pointed a finger at Finn. "Get your hands off my daughter and get out of my house before I call the police and have you arrested for fraternizing with a student." His words washed over Rachel like a cold bucket of ice water. Jumping to her feet, she scowled. “Don’t talk to him like that. Please just hear us out. Please daddy." When her father tugged his hand and forced him to sit again, Rachel looked at Finn. "You can talk."

mister-fhudson

He knew it was going to happen before the words were even out of her father's mouth. If he was being honest, he was terrified and he felt like crying. And his worst fear was coming true. They were telling him to leave or they would call the police. And what should he do? Should he abandon his girlfriend? Leave her to deal with two irate parents alone? Or should he stand his ground and let the police come and take him away? He knew the answer, knew he should, for his own sake, just go. But he couldn't do that. He loved Rachel and he wasn't about to leave her alone with them. He would take his chances in jail.

But then Rachel was scowling and her dad was sitting and all the focus was on him again. He hated this. He could be a teacher, no problem. He could talk in front of seven full classrooms and a locker room full of pissed of, hormonal teenagers five days a week. But right now, he didn't know what to say. The words were stuck in his throat and his hands were shaking but he knew he needed to man up for Rachel. She was looking at him and he couldn't flake out. He couldn't. So he mentally prepared himself before deciding he was ready to talk.

"It's not about me being a teacher and her being my student," he said slowly. "If we were any two other people in this town, no one would care. And I know we're not," he cut in before her dads could say anything, "but if we were, this wouldn't be an issue. I can't help how I feel for her anymore than you two can help how you feel for each other. I know what I did was wrong and I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you decide on. But I'm not going to be sorry for falling in love with your daughter, sirs. I can't be. Because she's made me happier than I've ever been before. She's amazing and ... the only thing I regret is the way the public will view our relationship if it ever gets out."

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

Knowing how nervous he was about what they were about to do made Rachel want to push him back out the door and back to his car so they could quickly make their escape before her fathers realized that they were there. She felt horrible that he felt that he had to do this now, before he had the chance to go through his interviews and get offered the other jobs just in case things went bad right now. Taking a hold of his hand, she lead him in the direction of their living room before calling her fathers. She knew with the time of day that they were both in the study working on whatever case had their attention. It was only when they entered the living room that Rachel realized that this was the first time he had ever been in her house. The thought made her want to smile and jump around like a little girl but she couldn’t. Not yet anyway.

"Dad! Daddy! Can you please come to the living room? I need to talk to you." This was it. Wrapping her arms around Finn’s waist, she gave him a tight hug before letting him go and moving towards the love seat. Sitting, she patted the spot next to her before holding out her hand to him. Within moments, her fathers were going to be in the room with them and within minutes, they’d know the fate of their relationship and the fate of Finn’s future. "You know I love you right? More than anything in the world and nothing that they say is going to change how I feel or what we have. Nothing." She meant every word because even if her fathers told her that they didn’t want them together, she’d continue behind their backs.

When the two men in question entered the room, Rachel gripped Finn’s hand just a bit tighter before releasing it completely. As they sat across from them, Rachel sent a shaky smile in their direction. “Dad, Daddy, I’m sure you remember Mr. Hudson. Or well, Finn.” Swallowing the lump in her throat, she looked over towards Finn before taking a deep breath and just going in for the kill. “I didn’t want to lie to either of you anymore because it’s not fair to you and it’s not fair to either of us as well.” Clearing her throat, she pulled their joined hands into view and smiled up at Finn. “We’re together. Have been for a while now and before you start freaking out, I want you to know that he didn’t pursue me, I pursued him. It was all me.” With wide eyes, she watched as both of her fathers processed her words.

mister-fhudson

She called her dads and he honestly had to force himself to stay. He was terrified of what was going to happen. He couldn’t go though, he told himself over and over again. He needed to stay for Rachel. He needed to stay and face whatever was going to happen. He needed to accept whatever her dads chose to do. If it was end their relationship, he would have to do it. He was already a bad guy for sneaking around with their daughter. And what was worse, he knew his mother would be ashamed of him for treating Rachel like this. Though he really didn’t even know how she would react to knowing he had been dating one of his students. And, god, what if someone found out they had actually been having sex? He was going to throw up. To keep the contents of his stomach where they were, he took a couple of deep breaths.

He crossed the room and sat beside her and he didn’t bother trying to hide the fact that his hands were shaking from her. He was scared and he knew she knew anyway. “I love you too,” he whispered. “And I’m sorry. For putting you in this position. I’m sorry for everything. Except for loving you. I’m not sorry for that.” He looked over at her and took a deep breath. “I hope you understand that we have to abide by whatever they decide. Or at least I do. It’s – I know it’s selfish but it has to happen. If they say we’re done, we have to be done. At least until I can get out of Lima.” He leaned in and kissed her lips gently. “No matter what happens today, we’ll be together as soon as we can be. We might have to give up for now but I won’t let it stay that way.” Unless you meet someone your own age in New York and fall in love with them, he added mentally.

He could tell her fathers were confused as to why he was there. School had been out for over a month. He knew he would be wondering that if he was in their position. He watched them sit down and then felt Rachel take his hand. When that happened, he looked up and met her fathers’ eyes. He might be afraid but he wasn’t going to be a coward. He listened to Rachel, glancing down at her before looking back to her fathers. He couldn’t say anything though. As soon as he opened his mouth, a minute or two after Rachel finished speaking, her shorter father with the curly hair raised his hand, palm out. “No,” he said. “Don’t speak. Don’t you open your mouth.” So Finn sat there, silently, waiting for some kind of real reaction.

#tbr

mister-fhudson

The Big Reveal

-broadwaybaby

Pacing around Finn’s living room, Rachel tugged on the hem of her shirt. Everything about what they were about to do scared her like she had never been scared before. The thought that something could happen to him simply because he fell in love with her and followed his heart in being with her, was the worst feeling in the world. But she didn’t want to have to hide their relationship forever, at least not from her fathers. Hiding it from everyone else was fine but she wanted the freedom of just being able to say that she was going to spend some time with her boyfriend instead of constantly lying and saying that she’s at Mercedes. At some point, her friend was going to go to college and she wouldn’t be there as a buffer anymore.

Sitting down, she looked over the space that has become just as much her home as the person who lives there. She could see them in the future, being together, engaged, married, and even with children. Okay, so she was a bit on the crazy side for being eighteen and seeing children in her future but she had always wanted a family. And now she wanted all that with him. The only obstacle in their way was her fathers. And the distance, and anything else that may come up along the way. But right now, the biggest problem was her fathers. Standing up again, she blew out a breath and ran her hands over her shirt again and blew out a deep breath.

There was no need to let her nerves get the better of her now. Not when they were about to head to her house. When Finn’s hand landed on her shoulder, she turned and smiled sweetly at him. Just seeing him seemed to put her at ease. Pressing up on her toes, she pressed a small kiss to his lips before settling back down. “Then let’s get this show on the road.” In no time, they were in the car and heading in the direction of her house. When they reached it, she gave his hand a squeeze before getting out and making her way towards the front door. Opening it, she motioned for him to go ahead of her before closing it and stepping around him. “This is you’re chance to back out. Once I call them, there’s no going back.”

mister-fhudson

When she said she was ready, he nodded. His heart was pounding and not in a good way. It was that “oh my god I think I might be having a heart attack” way. Not that he could tell her that because he needed to be strong for her. He needed to make sure she knew that he was going to see this through. He couldn’t chicken out. And it would be so much worse if he, like, kidnapped her or something. Sure, she would be willing for a while and all but eventually she would get that he was running and she would be pissed and then he would go to jail anyway. And he was really hoping to stay out of prison if possible. He was like Nicholas Cage in National Treasure. He knew what he was doing was wrong but he couldn’t help himself. And he really didn’t want to go to prison for it.

He walked with her out to his car, the first time they’d ever done that, and helped her in before getting in himself. Step One was complete. He was so glad she had agreed to wait as long as she had before telling her fathers. He knew she could have pressed the issue and either done it herself or told him it was now or never. She hadn’t, though, and he was beyond grateful. He tapped his hands nervously against the wheel as he drove, glad the radio was playing softly so he wasn’t obviously nervous. He knew she knew he was but he was doing his best to control it. But he could easily admit that his hands were shaking as he pulled up to her house and turned off the car.

His stomach turned and he almost threw up in the plants (what an awesome impression that would have made) on the way up to her door. His heart pounded and his hands shook as they went inside. “I’m not backing out,” he told her quietly, his eyes darting around the parts of her house that he could see. He should back out, of course, it would be the safest. But he already knew the worst that could happen and if it did, it did. There was nothing he could do about it. From this point on, everything was in the hands of her fathers. “Go ahead and call them. I’m ready.”

#tbr

The Big Reveal

He was pretty sure the only reason Rachel met him at his own place was because she was nervous he would pull a runner and take off. And, if he was completely honest, he’d thought about it. He was terrified that her dads would have him arrested. He wasn’t really ready to go to jail but there would be nothing he could do to prevent it. He wouldn’t lie; he would never deny his relationship with Rachel. So he supposed he might not be ready but he’d come to accept the fact that it really could happen. At the end of the day, his fate was in the hands of his girlfriend’s fathers. And he wasn’t really confident that they would take it well at all. Especially when he asked them to keep it private for a few more months until Rachel was settled in New York. And no, he hadn’t brought that up with her but he needed to make sure she didn’t have an opportunity to think up a counter-argument. He needed the element of surprise with this one because he couldn’t really say no to her.

Times like now, though, he really wished he could.

He tried to dress somewhat nice for this. He didn’t want her dads to think he was some guy who didn’t take care of himself. (“If you don’t take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of our baby girl?”) He was in a polo shirt and khakis and his hair was combed and he was terrified. But he would do this for her. There was no way he was going to let Rachel down right now. She needed him to be there for her, to be all in, and he wanted to be. Sure, he was really nervous but he needed to man up.

He made his way out of his bedroom to meet Rachel in his living room. His hand touched her shoulder and he gave her a smile when she looked up at him. This was going to be it. In twenty minutes, he would probably know what was going to happen. Or he would at least know what road they were going down. What road he was going down. “I’m ready when you are,” he told her. And he was. Sort of. Like, not at all. But it was time. He was going to be the man she thought he was, that he wanted to be, that she wanted him to be, and he was going to tell her dads that they were together. He didn’t know if he was going to tell them about the whole being in love thing but he had no doubt if things were going south, Rachel wouldn’t hesitate to do so. And he would let her.

#tbr #finchel 1x1 #finchel au rp