A/U: In which Rachel wants up on the most popular guy in school

I’ll admit it… I acted a little out of control.

Desperate is probably the word.

I wasn’t usually the type of person to strut my stuff (however average my ‘stuff’ may have been), but I was vying for the affections of Finn Hudson, just like every other girl at school. I tried more make up, I tried less clothing, and I even tried the ‘oops, I’ve just dropped my pen in front of you so now I’m going to have to bend over in this ridiculously short skirt.’

I know, not my finest moment.

I gave up the day I contracted an unforgiving cold. I wore pyjamas to school with my hair in messy plaits because I didn’t have the strength to make myself look presentable, and then he saw me. He gave me this intense stare before he strode over, offered me a hug, then promised to help me get better.

(The rest of the day was a bit of a blur, partly due to my high temperature, and partly because Finn held my hand the entire time I spent at the nurse’s office).

I stayed home the next day, and after school had finished, he appeared at my bedroom door with a bunch of flowers and a lopsided grin just for me.

“You’re wearing your animal sweaters again,” he said. “They look really awesome on you.”

The intense make out that followed may not have been the best idea under the circumstances, but when he came down with the cold too, I was more than happy to take care of him in the very same way.

Sore lips aren’t such a bad thing, you know.