A/N: Okay, here's the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, but if I did, I would make season 6 have more than 13 episodes.

Rachel let out a breath she didn't know she was holding; she had just seen Finn walk into the coffee shop that she was at with Jesse. He was wearing athletic clothes that were doused in sweat, and you could see some on his forehead as well, but Rachel thought it made him even more attractive. She hadn't noticed him at first, as she was turned away from the door and in a conversation with Jesse, but when she heard a big crash her head snapped to the sound, revealing a very red Finn Hudson. She giggled at him; she could tell that he was embarrassed from the crash. She found it adorable how clumsy he was sometimes, you can't be thinking that, Rachel if you are trying to forget him, she thought. It was hard to do though considering everything he did made her smile. She can't just take him back though, no matter how much she wants to, because he still has to prove to her that he is ready for a relationship, and that will take some time.

"So that was him, huh?" She heard Jesse say, breaking her thoughts.

Rachel turned her gaze from the door to look at Jesse, "What? Who?" She stuttered.

Jesse raised an eyebrow, "Finn, you know the guy that you've been hung up on all weekend."

Rachel's brow furrowed, "And how did you manage to figure that out?"

"I could just tell. The way you were looking at him, the way he looked at you, it was pretty obvious," Jesse stated matter-of-factly while taking a sip of coffee. Rachel blushed; she didn't know it was that obvious that she liked him. "Also he kept glaring at me. I'm pretty sure he thinks that there is something between us."

Rachel laughed, "Well he can keep thinking that. He deserves to feel a little bit of jealousy."

Jesse gave her a sympathetic smile, "He seems to really like you, you know."

Rachel sighed, "Maybe, anyways we should probably head home. It's already almost 1:30 in the afternoon," the small brunette grabbed Jesse's hand and pulled him up to lead him out the door.

The next morning when Rachel woke up she was determined to be confident and collective. No more of that nervous and smitten high school girl. She wanted to show Finn that she would be okay without him; regardless of how untrue that statement was. The small girl got out of bed and picked out her clothes for the morning. After, she showered, brushed her teeth, did her makeup and was downstairs in record time. When she got downstairs, Rachel noticed suitcases that were placed neatly by the front door she gasped, dad and daddy are home, she thought. Rachel beamed when she heard noises coming from the kitchen. Rachel quickly walked to the source of the sound and was delighted when she found her two fathers making her, her favorite vegan pancakes, "Dad Daddy," she exclaimed, "what are you doing home? I thought you were supposed to be home tomorrow," Rachel questioned while taking a seat at the counter.

Her dad, Hiram, spoke up, "Rachel darling! We missed you so much," her dad leaned over and kissed her on the head while still flipped pancakes.

The mention of Rachel's name alerted her daddy. Leroy Berry pulled his hands from the sink where he was currently washing dishes, and wiped them on the towel hung over his shoulder. "There's my little star," he sung and pulled his daughter into a hug, "How did you sleep?"

Rachel couldn't stop smiling, "I slept fine. How was your trip? Was Paris as beautiful as it looks in the movies?" Leroy and Hiram Berry were lawyers of one of the highest law firms in the country. They go on business trips all the time to meet up with clients all over the country. Usually they wouldn't have to go out of the continent, but this was a special case.

"We wouldn't know," Hiram answered bitterly, "we were stuck inside working the whole time."

"Oh Hiram stop your complaining. We were there on business remember? If you want to see Pairs we can go there as a family on vacation."

Hiram sighed, "Okay, okay, I'll let it go. Anyways, breakfast is ready," he set the plates with pancakes on the table and syrup and berries placed in the middle. After she finished her pancakes, Rachel was on her way out the door to school.

Kurt drove her to school, along with Tina, and Mercedes. The whole way she was getting pestered by them with all their questions about her date with Finn, though she refused to give them much insight. Luckily, once they arrived at school they managed to drop to topic. However Rachel couldn't tell you what it was because her head was somewhere else. All she could think about was what she should do if Finn tried to talk to her; or how she should act in Home Ec. class when they had to work on their project together. Her head was racing, she didn't even see the icy cold blue slushy that made its way through the air and splattered all over her. It hit her like a wall; a cold and sticky wall that got in her eyes and stung. She heard the quieting sound of laughter trailing behind her, and the more prominent sound of laughter from the crowd that had surely gathered around her; that stung more than her eyes did.

Suddenly she felt strong hands on shoulders leading her somewhere. She couldn't make out who it was due to the blurry vision. She could guess it could be Kurt, but his hands weren't this big and strong. Then she realized, this is Finn. She recognized the familiar warm and secure feeling of his strong hands wrapped around her. Rachel brought a hand up and rubbed her eyes with it; it helped enough for her to be able to fully make out Finn and her surroundings. "Finn? What are you doing," Rachel decided to ask.

Finn looked down at her surprised by her sudden comment, "I'm helping you," he answered simply. Finn continued to navigate her through the crowded hallways. Finally they got to Girls' bathrooms, which Finn brought Rachel into.

Rachel looked around, "Finn you realize this is the girls' room right?"

"Yeah, I figured you wouldn't want to experience the boys' room," he answered while grabbing a stool from the corner.

Rachel sat down on the chair as Finn grabbed her paper towels. They wetted a few under the water and started to dab at her face, washing off all the syrup. They continued to wash her off in a silence; both of them wanted to say something but couldn't get themselves to do it. The tension in the air hung over them like a net; as if they were both fish trapped inside a cramped net with no way to escape.

Finn was the first to speak, "So uh, I'm really sorry Rachel."

"Finn, that's okay, this wasn't your fault," she started gesturing to her slushy covered face, "you actually saved me from that embarrassment."

Finn furrowed his brow and shook his head, "No I mean," he paused to breathe. "Yes, I am sorry about the whole slushy thing, but what I meant was, I'm so sorry for what I did to you before we became friends. Before I just did it because I thought it was okay, and that it had no real effect on you, but seeing it happen now, you know, now that I really care about you, it's hard for me to watch. I can't believe that I actually did that to you. It's so stupid too. Throwing ice at a person? That should be like illegal or something. And I realized, the worst part isn't even the red dye number 6 that gets in your eyes, it's the humiliation. I'm so sorry I did that to you." Finn finished rubbing his hands over his face.

Rachel listened to his sudden realization. This was probably his third by now, and Rachel was starting to believe again that he really has changed. She realized that he never actually had said before that he was sorry, it always had been explanations. And—wait a second; did he just call me his friend? And I think he also mentioned that he cares about me? What does that even mean? Finn's words stuck in her head, she didn't know how she was supposed to take them. Is he saying that he's still not over me? Does he want to stay friends? She didn't know that they were friends to begin with. However, despite how confused she suddenly was, Rachel found his actions sweet. It definitely gave them hope for being together later on. Rachel put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Thank you that means a lot. And while I do appreciate what you're doing for me, I hope you don't think that this means I'll let you take me on another date, or that this is some quick way for you to have sex with me."

Finn blushed at the mention of having sex with Rachel and smiled, "I know, I just want you to know that I'm not going to stop trying." Rachel gave him a funny look, and Finn realized how that sounded, "I mean the having a date with you part, not the having sex with you—not that having sex with wouldn't be something—"

Rachel chuckled at him and put a stop to his word vomit, "It's okay, I get it." There was a moment of silence spent between them just smiling at each other.

"Oh, so I should probably go. Don't want to get yelled at for being in the girl's bathroom or anything."

"Okay, bye Finn. Thank you for the help, I really do appreciate it."

Finn smiled and waved goodbye to her while exiting the bathrooms. He made sure no one saw him leave the girls' room and then quickly made his way to his homeroom. When he entered he noticed his Mohawked best friend waving him over.

"'Sup Finn," Puck asked while clapping him on the back.

Finn shrugged and took a seat on one of the desks that they were gathered around, "Nothing."

"Really? Because I heard you were seen helping that Berry chick we slushied this morning," Puck raised an eyebrow, trying to get some confession out of Finn.

"Yeah I was helping her, what's wrong with that?" Finn tried to sound confident, but he knew that inside he was shaking.

"Nothing, it's just strange considering you guys are always at each other's throats and you are always making fun of her," Puck told him and crossed his arms over his chest.

Finn cringed, he knew he use to do that, but hearing someone else point it out made him feel like an even bigger jerk, "So I think she's pretty cool now. What's with the interrogation anyways?" Finn tried to drop the subject; he didn't want Puck or anyone to know about his growing love for Rachel Berry. Not because he was afraid of what they might think, okay he was a little afraid, but mainly because he knew if he told them he really liked her then they might do something to sabotage their almost-relationship, or embarrass him in front of her; he wasn't willing to take that chance.

Puck held his hands up, "Dude chill. I'm just saying what's been going around. Besides, I don't mind Berry; she's pretty cool other than that whole up-tight thing. Plus, if she wore something other than sweaters and knee highs, the girl would be hot as hell."

Finn's jaw clenched, but he quickly calmed himself down; he didn't like hearing Puck call her hot. He felt like only he could do that, as if she already is his girl and Puck should refrain from talking about her like that. Still, Finn had to remind himself that none of such was true, and he would have to work hard to prove to her that he is ready to be in a real relationship. He knew it was going to be difficult, but the challenge was worth it. Rachel Berry was definitely a challenge, and he was looking forward to winning her over.

Rachel's day was moving by swiftly. So far she managed to go through her first 4 periods without running into Finn or having someone question her about their confusing relationship together. Although, despite the fact that she hasn't seen him again today other than this morning, or had anything to remind her of Finn, all she could think about was him. What does this mean? Why can't I stop thinking about him, Rachel questioned herself. She's never experienced something like this before; something where no matter what is happening or where she is every thought that consumes her brain is somehow about Finn Hudson. She even finds herself thinking of things to tell him later in Home EC next period. Most of all she finds herself day dreaming of his handsome smile that always makes her heart flutter. What changed in me? Why is that just two days ago I was crying into Jesse's arms about how badly Finn hurt me and now I just want to be with him all the time? Rachel was so lost in her head. She didn't understand why she now wanted to talk to him; he makes one sweet gesture and suddenly I'm smitten, Rachel thought.

The ringing of the bell broke her thoughts and Rachel picked up her stuff from class to head to her 5th Period class. This was the class she had with Finn, where they would discuss their project together and try to put behind them whatever happened over the weekend and how nasty they were to each other before they got fake married.

Rachel walked quickly yet hesitantly to class. Half of her was excited to see him again since they cleared things up this morning and the other half was worried that they would just ruin it again. As Rachel approached the door to the classroom someone who was also on their way inside the classroom ran into her almost knocking them both over, "Oh sorry," Rachel apologized and looked to see who it was. When the small brunette looked up she was met with wide blue eyes.

"No it's okay it's my fault, Rachel right?" The boy who Rachel now identified to be Sam Evans asked.

Rachel tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, "Yeah, you're Sam right?" Rachel asked even though she knew the answer.

Sam nodded and smiled at her, "You can go in first," Sam gestured to the doorway. Rachel thanked him and went through the door to a seat in the front row.

Finn had already been in his seat near the back where his friends were at, and was surprised when he saw the interaction between Rachel and one of his buddies Sam. He watched on with attentive eyes as he saw the exchange of dialogue and smiles. When Rachel took a seat in the front, Finn decided he wanted to know what they were talking about. He wasn't sure exactly how he would be able to ask her without soundly jealous or possessive, but right now, he didn't really care.

Finn got up from his seat telling his friends that he was going to work on his project with his partner. The strong but lanky teen made his way over to the small brunette girl who was writing something in her notebook. Finn took a seat next to her. Rachel's head bobbed up to see Finn sitting next to her, "Hey Finn," Rachel smiled at him. Her heart started to beat fast, and her palms were beginning to feel clammy, but she didn't know why. It's just Finn, Rachel. He's the guy who was a jerk to you and then tried to make a move on you Rachel. Stop it, she was thinking to herself to try to control her involuntary emotions. Rachel knew that she had feelings for him, but she never realized how strong they were.

Finn smiled back at her his half smile, "Hey Rach, so uhh," Finn paused to think, "I saw you bump into Sam what's up with that?" He laughed trying to joke it off with her to start, but by the look on her face he could tell she wasn't amused.

Rachel gave him a confused look, she didn't know if this was part of his way of charming her, but it wasn't what she was expecting. "Actually, Sam ran into me, not me him for your information," she huffed.

Finn gave her a sheepish smile, "It's okay Rach, and I saw what happened I know it wasn't your fault. So, what did you guys talk about?" He asked in hope of getting some information out of her.

Rachel narrowed her eyes in question at Finn, was he jealous? "Nothing, just wanted to clarify my name," Rachel told him slowly.

"Oh, so that's it?" Finn clarified, why did he want to know her name? I wonder if he's thinking about asking her out. She went out with that kid in the coffee shop, so why would she say no to Sam, Finn started to worry.

"Yes, why are you so curious?"

"No reason," he answered quickly, "I just wanted to make sure that he wasn't giving you a hard time or anything," was his excuse.

So he wasn't jealous, Rachel thought, slightly disappointed, "Oh well, you don't have to worry about that. He was very polite to me." Finn nodded, he was glad Sam wasn't a jerk to her, but hearing that Sam might be trying to sweet talk so that he could ask her on a date wasn't the most reassuring for him. "So is that all you wanted? To know what Sam said?" Rachel asked.

"No, well, yeah, but we could also get started on our project. I was thinking that maybe we could try that you come to my football practices and I go to your Glee Club meetings thing this week."

"Sure, that's a great idea. Should I go to your football practice today and you come to my Glee Club meeting on Thursday?"

Finn nodded excitedly, "Yeah, that's what I was thinking. And I have a home game on Wednesday so if you want to come to that as well, it would be cool," Finn suggested. He really liked the idea of Rachel coming to one of his games, most of the guys on the team have their girlfriends come to their games, and even Rachel technically wasn't his girlfriend yet, it would still make him happy just to see her in the stands.

Rachel beamed, "Yeah I would really like that," She didn't know why she found it so endearing that Finn invited her to the game, after all it was only for the project, however there was something about the way he asked her that made her feel like he wanted to be in a relationship with her. She already knew he was attracted to her because of the fact that he had asked her on a date, but she was starting to doubt if he actually liked her, or just liked her biology.

They spent the rest of the class period talking and sharing things about each other that they didn't know before. Rachel learned that Finn's dad died when he was very young and before he had some trouble accepting Burt as a step-father. Finn learned that Rachel had two dads and never met her mom. He found it a little funny how all he had was a mom and no dad, and Rachel had two dads, and no mom. They told each other their favorite colors, and what their favorite food was. Rachel had to explain to Finn how she was a Vegan and so her favorite food was Vegan meatballs with pasta. They shared favorite childhood memories, least favorite memories, most embarrassing stories, and all such. If you didn't know any better you'd think they were best friends.

A/N: So there you have it! I'm looking forward to writing the next chapter so it might not take me as long to write it. If you have any suggestions, questions, comments please tell me, and be honest.

Also, follow me on Twitter TalkingGleeks it's on my profile as well. I'll tell you whenever I'm writing and what stories I'm writing or thinking about writing. So, yeah, followers would be appreciated :)