2x15: Candle In The Wind

Episode Synopsis: Burt flies to New York to comfort Finn after Christopher's death but Finn assures everyone he feels normal, despite Finn hiding his true feelings of guilt. Rachel feels depressed after being fired from Funny Girl and finds out who was the one that assaulted Paolo. Kurt auditions for NYADA but finds he still misses Blaine. Puck and Quinn reunite and talk about their relationship.

{Scene shows Finn sitting down on his bed as he takes off his tie and suit. He looks over at the table and sees a picture of Christopher and him as a baby and Finn looks a bit saddened as he puts the picture down.}

Finn Voice Over:

It's been a week since my father died, two weeks since I last heard of him since my mom called and told me that he was heading to New York in order to try to prove that he was no longer a dangerous man to me. Of course mom didn't believe him and frankly, neither did I. It's just weird though…one day he's here…and the next he's not. Then again, I thought he was dead when I was a baby…but this time it kind of hurts since I actually met him.

{Scene shows Finn, Puck, Rachel and Santana watching T.V. and Finn sits there as he looks worried}

I keep telling everyone that I'm fine—especially since Rachel has been going through hell after that Paolo San Pablo jerk got her fired from Funny Girl. I personally think it's because of me that she was fired—after all, Paolo told Mr. Campion that someone she knew attacked him, and let's face it…that was me. I wonder how long I can hold off everyone by telling them I feel good. In reality, I feel like I just want to lock myself in my room and cry endlessly for hours. I sometimes even question what it possibly feels like to be dead. I feel so…lost. But I can't let anyone know that. I have to be the strong one. I have to pretend all is fine…I'm the rocket that's supposed to reach for the stars and make sure all is well in the house. I don't want to be stuck on the ground…

{Scene changes to Finn staring sitting on his bed as he looks over at the picture of his father and he picks it up while looking saddened}

[Finn]

She packed my bags last night pre-flight

Zero hour nine a.m.

And I'm gonna be high as a kite by then

I miss the earth so much I miss my wife

It's lonely out in space

Oh such a timeless flight

{Finn goes through his and Rachel's closet and he sees the medal that Carole and Kurt gave him that belonged to Christopher. Finn takes it out of the closet and he stares at it, running his hand through it}

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

Til touch down bring me 'round again to find

I'm not the man they think I am at home

Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man

Rocket man burning out his fuse out here alone

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

Til touch down bring me 'round again to find

I'm not the man they think I am at home

Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man

Rocket man burning out his fuse out here alone

{Scene changes to Finn taking a walk around Manhattan and he sees Bowery park as he continues to stare at the 'Do Not Enter' tape}

Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids

In fact, it's cold as hell

And there's no one there to raise them if you did

And all this science I don't understand

It's just my job five days a week

A rocket man, a rocket man

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

Til touch down bring me 'round again to find

I'm not the man they think I am at home

Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man

Rocket man burning out his fuse here alone

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

Til touch down bring me 'round again to find

I'm not the man they think I am at home

Oh no, no, no, I'm a rocket man

Rocket man burning out his fuse here alone

{Finn sits down in Central Park and he continues to stare out at the lake and doesn't notice Rachel slowly walking over towards him}

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

And I think it's going to be a long, long time

Finn leaned his back against the back of the bench, still gazing at the ducks in the pond. Rachel sat down next to him, but neither of them said a word. They continued to look at the ducks, enjoying the silence between the both of them. Finally, Rachel took a deep breath, staring at Finn with interest.

"Are you okay?" Rachel wondered. Finn looked at her, taking her hand in his as they continued to look out into the distance. "I mean you've gone through hell and back the past week…"

"I should be asking if you're okay." Finn slightly smirked, still keeping his eyes on Rachel. Finn's smirk vanished as he pressed a kiss into Rachel's hair, holding her close to him. "I'm so sorry about Funny Girl, babe…" Finn whispered. "If I was there, I would have given Paolo a piece of my mind."

"Which is what I wouldn't want." Rachel firmly said, still looking into his eyes. "Paolo said that he was assaulted by people that knew me…and he thought that I sent them." Finn immediately tensed up but Rachel didn't notice. "I would never send someone to hurt anyone. That's not me. I just want to know who beat the stuffing out of him." Finn looked away from Rachel, running a hand through his hair. Finally, Rachel let out a sigh and squeezed his hand. "I should be worried about you. You just lost your birth father and you're kind of acting like all is right in the world."

"I'm fine." Finn waved it off, giving Rachel a small smile. "I mean, he didn't mean anything to me. He was a good for nothing druggie. If anything, his death is a relief to me."

"Finnegan Christopher Hudson, you don't mean that." Rachel's voice turned firm but still had a soft tone to it. "No matter what a person has done in their life time…no one deserves to die. Your father was messed up…but I think that all that was a cry for help. He just didn't know how to love because no one except for you was willing to even show him love. I know this hurts..."

"It doesn't hurt." Finn interrupted her, his face turning serious. "It doesn't hurt because he was nothing but a jackass that didn't care about anyone but himself." Rachel thought Finn was on the verge of crying but instead he took a deep breath and stood up from the bench. "Come on; let's go get something to eat. I really don't want to talk about my father anymore." Rachel reluctantly stood up as well as the two of them went to enjoy lunch, however Rachel continued to think whether Finn was all right. He was acting as if nothing happened…and he acted as if he actually hated his father.

"So how is he?" Kurt wondered as Santana, Kurt and Rachel sat down at the kitchen table that night. Puck was doing a shift at the guitar store, Finn was taking a nap and Brittany was in Lima, saying her final goodbyes to the New Directions, leaving the three friends some peace.

"He says he's fine." Rachel answered, eating a bite of her sandwich. "I mean once we stopped talking about his father, he seemed like old Finn. Maybe there's nothing wrong with him. Maybe he really is fine."

"No, I refuse to believe Finn is just fine." Santana shook her head. "There's no way. I mean, if you took one look at his face when he found out Christopher died…he looked like he was going to cry before he pulled himself together. I think he's just trying to pretend he's all right. I know Finn, and Finn's not fine."

"Well, I wouldn't press the issue on him, Santana." Kurt reasoned. "His father did just die after all. He's probably confused and shocked if anything."

"He's not shocked or confused, he's full of guilt because of the way he treated his father, but I guess he's tired of his feelings getting the best of him." Santana got up from the table. "Finn has always been known to let his feelings get the better of him."

"That is not true." Kurt shook his head as Rachel agreed with him. "Name one time that Finn let his feelings get in the way of anything."

"All right, when Rachel and Brody looked like they were going to be a thing, when Finn found out that his father was alive and ended up taunting him for the rest of his father's life, when Puck kissed Rachel and Finn went absolutely ballistic on him…"

"All right Santana, we asked you to just name one thing…not an entire book." Kurt stopped Santana there. "Look, we just need to be extra sensitive to Finn's feelings right now. That means whatever he wants, he gets, no questions asked. Okay?"

"Sounds fair." Santana said.

"All right." Rachel agreed as she got up from the chair and walked towards their room.

"Where are you going?" Kurt wondered

"I'm going to take a nap with Finn." Rachel tiredly said. "I need to sleep off my depression." Rachel walked towards her room as the door slightly closed—and after a few moments, Santana and Kurt faced one another.

"I would have sworn 'taking a nap with Finn' would have been a codename for 'I'm having sex with Finn right now, so leave me alone'…" Santana began to worry. "This is bad. Finn is pretending everything is fine, Rachel is depressed, you look like you're about to drink until you knock out without Blaine and Puck is a hopeless sad sack without Quinn. My goodness."

"Oh shut it, Santana we all have our own issues." Kurt snapped, his face turning serious. "We need to do something."

"What?" Santana raised an eyebrow.

"We need to bring someone in for both Finn and Rachel…they're really confused with their emotions…I'm afraid Rachel is going to be the cat lady like on The Simpsons and Finn might do something stupid to numb his pain. Santana, we need to call someone in." Santana smiled at Kurt's thought and pointed her finger towards him.

"You my friend have a point." Santana got up from her seat and started pacing around. "We do need to call someone in…and I know just the person for Rachel…"

"And I know just the person for Finn…" Kurt grabbed his cellphone while Santana grabbed hers, the each of them making their way out of the room to call their backup in order to get Finn and Rachel out of their ruts.

Finn scrunched his face when he felt something on his face, causing him to blow his nose slightly. There was something on him…but he didn't know what. As Finn opened his eyes, he saw Rachel curling up next to him while taking a nap herself, her hair tickling Finn's face. Finn continued to gaze at Rachel, finally pressing a kiss on her forehead and holding her close. As Finn continued to hold onto Rachel, he looked out the window of their bedroom, looking out at the skyline. Finn's mind was all over the place—he sometimes wished that he could let the world stop for a moment just so he could organize all of his thoughts. As Finn heaved a sigh, he heard a knock at the room door, reluctantly releasing his grip from Rachel and heading towards the entrance. As Finn opened the door, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. Standing before him was Burt!

"Burt?" Finn whispered as Burt smiled at his son. Burt hugged Finn tightly while Finn continued to look confused. "Wha…what are you doing here?"

"What I'm doing here? I'm here to see you, kiddo." Burt answered. "I was in Washington D.C. because of my job with Congress when I got a call from Kurt about you."

"What about me?" Finn raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what Kurt is talking about, I'm fine." Finn led Burt to the living room while closing the door to his bedroom. "Sorry, it's just Rachel's sleeping and I don't want to interrupt her beauty sleep. She's going through hell right now too."

"What happened to Rachel?" Burt sat down on the couch as Finn followed suit.

"She lost her job with Funny Girl because of some pervert…" Finn sighed as he folded his hands together. "Dad, I'm afraid that Rachel losing her job was my fault."

"Hold on Finn, what do you mean her losing her job was your fault?" Burt wondered.

"I kind of…sort of…went to beat up her perverted co-star after he sexually assaulted her." Finn winced. He was expecting Burt to immediately blow up and tell Finn how irresponsible he was being, however he put a hand on Finn's shoulder with a small smile.

"You did what you had to do, Finn." Burt whispered. "You protected her and as her husband, that's your job. You did the right thing, Finn."

"Yeah but when she finds out that it was because of me, she's going to hate me and she'll probably divorce me." Finn sighed. "I mean, Rachel's dream was Broadway and I accidentally ruined it because I was trying to protect her."

"She'll understand." Burt nudged Finn slightly while giving him a smile. "She loves you so much. Will she be mad…of course, but she won't divorce you. She knows that you are an amazing person with an amazing heart and all you were trying to do was protect the woman you loved." Finn nodded his head and turned back towards the door.

"I have to tell her though." Finn said.

"Yeah you do…but not right at this moment." Burt continued to look at Finn while letting out a sigh. "Finn, do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what is it?" Finn asked.

"Are you sure that you're okay?" Burt continued to study Finn's gaze as Finn looked away from Burt. "I know that this is a lot for you to take right now…"

"No, I'm fine…" Fine assured him. "I'm sure…I'm being honest with you." Burt rubbed Finn's back lightly and nodded his head.

"All right…" Burt knew Finn wasn't being completely honest, so as his dad it was going to have to be up to him to keep an eye on him. "Hey, I don't have to be in Washington D.C. for the rest of the week so how about I stay in the city and spend time with you? I can get a hotel nearby and we can hang out, just the two of us. Kurt's busy so…"

"You can stay here." Finn immediately said. "I'm positive Rachel won't have a problem with it, and neither will the rest of my roommates…but are you sure that you want to spend the entire week with me? I mean…you don't have to."

"I want to." Burt assured him. "I want to spend time with my son…is that so wrong?" Finn smiled and shook his head.

"That's not wrong at all." Finn hugged Burt quickly and got up from the couch. "Hold on, I'll go and get some blankets and stuff for you tonight and then we can eat something."

"All right, how about you take me to the Spotlight Diner?" Burt asked. "That place where you work?"

"You want to go to the Spotlight Diner for dinner?" Finn inquired. "I took Rachel there once but that was before we started working…well, all right. I'll be right back with your stuff." Finn made his way out of the room to go get some extra blankets, but as soon as Finn was out of view, Burt's smile disappeared and a frown came upon his face. There had to be some way to convince Finn that deep down he really cared about his father…but how was he going to get Finn to listen?

Puck was in the middle of doing inventory at his job in Sam Ash as he placed all of the guitar string boxes on the shelves. He counted each one and stared down at the other ones, giving a small smile as he continued with stock. Puck still had no idea what he wanted to do in New York, but for right now he was content with his job. He got to hang around with guitars all day and he got a discount in case he wanted to buy a new instrument, which was a given bonus. As Puck continued his inventory, he heard the door to Sam Ash open and since he was the only one working that afternoon, he had to go and check to see who it was. Puck dusted himself off as he made his way to the counter, staring at the register with hopes the person that was there wasn't going to steal any money.

"Hello, welcome to Sam Ash, how can I help you…" Puck stopped short as he gazed over at his customer. The customer was none other than his ex-girlfriend, Quinn Fabray! Puck stammered for a moment, trying to find the words to say. After a few moments, Puck was able to find his voice and said one word. "Quinn?!"

"Puck?" Quinn raised an eyebrow, still gazing at her ex-boyfriend.

"What are you doing here?!" The both of them spoke in unison.

"I work here." Puck explained first, pointing his finger at Quinn. "What are you doing here?"

"Santana called me to New York." Quinn revealed. "She told me Rachel was extremely depressed after losing the Funny Girl role. Along the way, Finn called and asked me to pick up some guitar strings for some of the guitars in the choir room…" After Quinn finished speaking, the both of them continued to look at one another, not saying another word.

"Did Finn forget to mention that I worked here?" Puck slightly scoffed. Quinn bit her lower lip, slowly nodding her head.

"All right, Finn did tell me that you were here but that was only after I begged him to let me know where you were." Quinn put her hand on Puck's shoulder. "Puck, you need to know that I'm extremely sorry for cheating on you…it was wrong and I didn't know what I was thinking…I never wanted to hurt you and you know that…" Puck continued to stare at Quinn as his face slowly softened.

"I have something to tell you." Puck immediately said. "You weren't the only one that cheated. I kind of cheated too…"

"Wait, kind of?" Quinn raised an eyebrow. "You either did, or you didn't. So which is it?"

"I did cheat." Puck said. "I cheated with some old cougar and…I feel really bad and grossed out about it. It wasn't until after the fact I realized I was still in love with you…you know, until I found out you were in the middle of having a quickie with your professor in his bedroom." Quinn sighed and kept her hand on Puck's shoulder.

"I can't really get mad at you since I did cheat too…" Quinn muttered. "Look, Puck…the whole dating thing isn't really going to work and we knew it was a long shot. We knew that it was going to be tough and we knew that us being in two different states meant that we were going to have temptation. Puck…I love you…but it's extremely hard to be in a relationship with someone who is miles apart. You saw how that affected Finn and Rachel, Kurt and Blaine and Santana and Brittany. It didn't go very well for them. I don't want us to end up hating each other…and I know you don't want that either…so can you agree that we can still be friends?" Puck continued to stare at Quinn before nodding his head slowly.

"Yeah, we can still be friends." Puck muttered. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Puck." Quinn continued to stare in Puck's eyes, her gaze shifting to the Sam Ash record store. "Wow, so you work here?"

"Yep, it's not some Spotlight Diner where you have to sing but this is a pretty cozy place. The acoustics are good." Puck placed his hand on one of the guitars. "You know…it has been an awfully long time since you and I sang together…maybe we can break that streak and sing together now—as friends of course." Quinn smiled and nodded her head slowly, seeing Puck had grabbed one of the guitars off the rack and started to play it.

{Quinn sees Puck playing a few notes on the guitar and she grinned as she continued to look at him}

[Quinn]

You could never know what it's like

Your blood like winter freezes just like ice

And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you

You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use

[Puck]

And did you think this fool could never win

Well look at me, I'm coming back again

I got a taste of love in a simple way

And if you need to know why I'm still standing you just fade away

[Puck and Quinn]

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah

{Quinn and Puck walk around the store and Quinn continues to smile at him}

[Quinn]

Once I never could hope to win

You staring down the road leaving me again

[Puck]

The threats you made were meant to cut me down

And if our love is just a circus, you'd be a clown by now

[Puck and Quinn]

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah

{Puck and Quinn continue to look at each other and Puck smiles softly at Quinn and Quinn continues to gaze at Puck as they get lost in the music}

[Puck and Quinn]

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing

Puck and Quinn continued to look at one another with a smile as Quinn traced her hand on the guitar. If she said she didn't want to kiss Puck right then and there, she would have been lying to herself. Puck felt the same way as she did, but of course they couldn't act on their feelings. Puck put down the guitar slightly, gazing at Quinn's shoes.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Puck looked up and stared into Quinn's eyes.

"Well, if you're done for the day, we can head to the loft and go take care of Rachel." Quinn suggested.

"Yeah, I feel really bad for her…" Puck solemnly answered. "She worked so hard to get that job, you know…"

"I know she worked hard." Quinn agreed. "Who was the person that attacked her co-star and said he knew her? That sounds like something that comes right out of a psycho thriller movie."

"It's not a psycho thriller movie because it was Finn." Puck said. "Look, the co-star was one huge pervert. He kept trying to like, feel Rachel during the auditions. So Finn went and kicked his ass. Now the guy's crying foul saying Rachel was the one that assaulted him. I swear if I'm ever alone with that dude, I'm going to tear his pretty boy hair out."

"Wait, Finn was the one that attacked Paolo?" Quinn sounded surprised before the shock wore off. "You know, now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I'm so shocked. That does sound like something Finn would do when Rachel is in need. All right, let's not tell her about Finn attacking Paolo just yet…I heard that Finn's going through a lot too."

"If he is, he's not showing it." Puck put the guitar back on display as Quinn leaned on the counter. "He doesn't seem to care that his father, the guy that gave him life is dead. He's acting like he never loved him, not even for a minute. I know it's sounds weird, but if I found out my father was dead, I'd be a mess. Sure, he's a deadbeat but he gave my mother the greatest gift in the world…me."

"You think you were the hottest thing to come out of your mother's womb, don't you?" Quinn smirked before turning serious. "But you are right. I mean, if it weren't for Christopher, Finn wouldn't be here."

"Did you know Finn was conceived on a pinball machine?" Puck grabbed the key to the store as he began to lock up.

"I didn't need to know that but that is rather interesting." Quinn chuckled as she turned back around to watch Puck lock up the store. Puck stood up from his position, holding the key in his hand. "Are we ready to go?"

"Yes we are." Puck nodded his head, giving Quinn a smile as she couldn't help but grin at him in return. As Puck went over to Quinn, he held his arm out for Quinn to take, and Quinn linked her arm with Puck.

"My goodness, Noah." Quinn continued gazing at Puck as the two of them left the store. "I didn't know New York made you so chivalrous."

"Yeah, it totally did." Puck bragged before he became confused. "What does chivalrous mean?"

"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" Kurt whispered to his father the next morning as the two of them went over towards the loft kitchen. "I mean, the last time you tried to cook something, the house almost burned down. That's why we left the cooking to me."

"I took a couple of cooking classes while you were here in New York." Burt gave his son a smile. "I think I can make a mean mac and cheese now. Besides, a breakfast made by his dad and brother is just what Finn needs right now. Last night at dinner, he was kind of acting normal, but you could see in his eyes, he was so upset about his father being dead."

"You don't think Finn secretly feels guilty about how he treated his father while he was alive, do you?" Kurt asked. "I mean the last time anyone saw his father was Finn and Rachel's wedding."

"I don't know." Burt shrugged his shoulders. "But I do know that when you're sad, some comfort food will make you feel better. It worked a lot with me."

"Yeah and because you ate nothing but comfort food, you ended up in a hospital." Kurt smirked. "But if you think this will help Finn, then by all means let's do this." Kurt and Burt entered the kitchen, but they were surprised when they found Finn already sitting at the kitchen table, looking through the newspaper. Finn looked up towards Burt and Kurt, a smile appearing on his face.

"Good morning guys." Finn leaned back in his chair while holding the newspaper. "I made breakfast if you guys want any."

"Um…okay?" Kurt looked over towards the stove and went to go get his breakfast while Burt sat down in the chair next to Finn.

"Finn, at what time did you wake up?" Burt wondered. "It's only six in the morning."

"What do you mean wake up?" Finn raised an eyebrow. "I've been up all night."

"You've been up all night?" Burt's eyes shot open as he continued to gaze at Finn. "If you were up all night, then why are you so perky? You should be tired."

"I can answer that." Kurt pointed towards the coffee pot that was on the stove. "Finn, how many cups of coffee did you drink?"

"I don't know six, seven, eight cups." Finn shrugged his shoulders as if it was nothing. "I also added a lot of sugar to each cup so the taste wasn't terrible."

"Finn, are you crazy?" Kurt scolded. "You can't drink all that coffee and put all that sugar. You need to go to bed."

"I can't. I work today." Finn continued to smile at Kurt, but Burt began rubbing his temples slightly.

"Finn, this is getting ridiculous." Burt sighed. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I mean we all worry about things." Kurt shrugged his shoulders, leaning back on the counter. "My audition for NYADA is today and I think I'm just doing it as a way to not think about Blaine. You're doing all these things as a way to not think about the death of your father."

"I told you guys a million times before." Finn got up from the chair and turned to the both of them. "I'm fine. Christopher's dead. Yippie. Life is great. Now can I please go back to being my normal self and can the both of you stop bringing it up?!" Finn's voice cracked towards the end of his sentence but he cleared his throat and left the kitchen.

"Finn's not okay." Burt said after a moment. He turned to Kurt, folding his hands together. "You didn't tell me you had a NYADA audition today…and the fact you're doing it to not think about your breakup. Is there a reason why?"

"There is a reason." Kurt sighed. "I mean, Blaine's in Lima, I'm here. A relationship can't happen because we're in two different states. I need to do my own thing and not feel so lost, if you know what I mean."

"I understand." Burt softly said. "It's tough…but New York is where you belong, buddy."

"But did Blaine ever think that maybe I wanted to be in Lima with him sometimes?" Kurt sighed. "I mean, New York is like the Yellow Brick Road of the world…and…sometimes I wish I could go back to Lima where things were simpler…when we didn't have to worry about breaking up because we were together all the time. I just sometimes wish I could be there instead of here…Lima is like the country compared to New York City…I just…I miss Blaine, dad. I miss the way he would just burst out into song…I miss the way he would assure me that everything was going to be fine. I miss the way he would hold me when things were terribly wrong…and we can't do that…because we're like a thousand miles apart…"

"But it's not going to be that way forever, Kurt." Burt got up from his chair and went over to his son. "In a couple of months, Blaine is going to be in New York City…and the two of you can be together then…this is just temporary, right?"

"I guess…" Kurt said. "I mean…I don't know. I'm just sad and confused about the whole situation."

"Well, don't let Blaine worry you too much, okay?" Burt put a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Think about your audition and how much you want to be in the same school as Finn and Rachel—I still don't know how Finn got into NYADA. I'm confused about that."

"Madame Tibideaux loves Finn." Kurt couldn't help but smile. "It's not hard to see why. I think he's her favorite…and she doesn't like to play favorites."

"Anyway…you're going to be great…all right?" Burt hugged Kurt tightly as Kurt clutched onto his father. "So do you know what song you're going to sing?" Kurt nodded his head towards his father, staring into his dad's eyes.

"Oh…I know what song I'm going to sing."

{Scene changes to Kurt's NYADA audition and Kurt starts singing as Madame Tibideaux sits in the round room as Kurt puts emotion into his song}

[Kurt]

When are you going to come down

When are you going to land

I should have stayed on the farm

Should have listened to my old man

You know you can't hold me forever

I didn't sign up with you

I'm not a present for your friends to open

This boy's too young to be singing the blues

So goodbye yellow brick road where the dogs of society howl

You can't plant me in your penthouse

I'm going back to my plough

Back to the howling old owl in the woods

Hunting the horny back toad

Oh, I finally decided where my future lies

Beyond the yellow brick road

{Kurt continues singing and doesn't realize Rachel is standing by the back door and watching him as she looks upset and is thinking about her future.}

What do you think you'll do then

I bet that'll shoot down your plane

It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics to set you on your feet again

Maybe you'll get a replacement

There's plenty like me to be found

Mongrels who ain't got a penny

Sniffing for tidbits like you on the ground

{Kurt notices Rachel and Rachel walks out of the room and Kurt continues to sing}

So goodbye yellow brick road where the dogs of society howl

You can't plant me in your penthouse

I'm going back to my plough

Back to the howling old owl in the woods

Hunting the horny back toad

Oh, I finally decided where my future lies

Beyond the yellow brick road

"Thank you, Mr. Hummel." Madame Tibideaux said after a moment, causing Kurt to nod his head with a small smile. Kurt was sure he saw Rachel here while he was performing, and she looked extremely sad. Kurt bowed slightly towards Madame Tibideaux and made his way out of the round room, grabbing his cellphone and dialing a specific number.

"Finn, it's Kurt…no I'm not going to talk about your father…it's Rachel."

Two hours later, Rachel entered the NYADA auditorium, holding a notepad close to her…but she stopped in her tracks when she saw Finn standing on the NYADA stage, staring at her with a small smile. Rachel crossed her arms and couldn't help but look amused. What was Finn doing here? Shouldn't he have been at home or something?

"Finn?" Rachel walked down to the stage as Finn sat down, causing Rachel to release a small smile. "Finn, what are you doing here?"

"What I'm doing here?" Finn smirked as he patted the stage for Rachel to sit as well. "I should be asking you. Kurt said he saw you in the back of the auditorium and he was worried about you…"

"Why was he worried about me?" Rachel wondered as Finn played with a strand of her hair.

"I know that you're upset that you were fired…and I just want you to know it's not your fault." Finn softly said. Rachel scoffed while looking away from Finn, not believing a word he said.

"Right, so why was I fired and why is Paolo so intent on getting me blackballed from Broadway?" Rachel asked. Finn's face turned into guilt as he sighed.

"Because I beat Paolo up, that's why you were fired." Finn ran a hand through his hair, causing Rachel to stare at him with confusion. "After Puck told me you were sexually assaulted, I took Kurt, Santana, Puck and Simone to the theatre and I beat him up. It's just I was so mad that he would do something to you and…if you hate me for what I did I understand. You deserve to yell at me and you deserve to divorce me right now if you want to. What I did was a terrible thing and…" Finn's rant had stopped as soon as Rachel leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, causing Finn to slowly melt into the kiss. Rachel ran a hand through Finn's hair with their lips still connected as she slowly parted her lips from his.

"Stop talking." Rachel whispered, but Finn saw there was a small smile on Rachel's face. "Thank you…"

"For what? I got you fired." Finn didn't understand what Rachel was thanking him for. "If anything you should slap me across the face."

"And why would I slap a man who defended my honor?" Rachel wrapped her arms around Finn's neck, noticing he was just confused. Why was Rachel being cool about this? Finn beat up her co-star and got her out of a role she had only dreamed of. "Yes, I'm mad that I was fired from Funny Girl but…I'm not mad at you for defending me when I was at my lowest. I'm actually more mad that Paolo made up a lie and said I was coming onto him…while I was married to you. He kind of made me sound like a whore." Finn shook his head and pressed a kiss to Rachel's cheek.

"Rachel, there are a million words to describe you but being a whore is not one of them." Finn softly but firmly said. "You are the classiest woman I've ever met…and like I said, I wouldn't believe Paolo for a minute. You're my wife and I believe you. So what did Puck and Kurt do when they found out about Paolo's lie?"

"I think Puck was going to charge Paolo and beat the crap out of him, but Kurt held him back." Rachel slightly chuckled. "That would have been a sight to see."

"Yeah, that would have been." Finn continued to stare at Rachel, still in confusion. "Wait, so you're not mad that I beat him up."

"Nope." Rachel shook her head, her smile turning into one of her old 'Rachel Berry' smiles. "If anything I'm touched and even more madly in love with you than I was before you told me. I love you, Finn…and if you thought that I was going to divorce you for defending me, then you're wrong. You're more important than any Broadway show out there…besides, I can't take a Broadway show home and go to bed with it, now can I?" Rachel pressed a kiss to Finn's lips, causing Finn to smile. Finn parted his lips from her and continued to look into his eyes.

"I love you, Rachel." Finn softly murmured.

"And I love you, Finn." Rachel kissed him once more before getting up from the stage. "So Kurt called you in here to talk to me, huh?"

"Yep, that's what he did." Finn looked over to the piano and smirked over towards his wife. He had an idea that was going to make her feel a million times better. "Hey, Rachel…I need your help with something."

"What?" Rachel saw Finn go over towards the piano and pull out some sheet music.

"I have a song that I was working on…and…it doesn't sound good unless there's two people singing it." Finn muttered. Rachel blushed as she walked over towards her husband, taking the song in her hand and reading the lyrics. "So, what do you say Rachel? Are you going to sing with me?" Rachel nodded her head slowly as the music started to fill the auditorium, and Finn and Rachel staring into each other's eyes as if all was right in the world.

{Finn looks down at the lyrics and Rachel smiles at him as they make eye contact and Finn grabs her hand in his}

[Finn]

There's a calm surrender to the rush of day

When the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away

An enchanted moment, and it sees me through

It's enough for this restless warrior just to be with you

And can you feel the love tonight

It is where we are

It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

[Finn and Rachel]

And can you feel the love tonight

How it's laid to rest

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

{Finn pulls Rachel closer to him and Rachel stares into his eyes with a smile as Finn continues to look at her}

[Rachel]

There's a time for everyone if they only learn

That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn

There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors

[Rachel and Finn]

When the heart of this star crossed voyager beats in time with yours

{Rachel notices Finn turning emotional and she looks at him and continues to sing but secretly worries about him}

[Rachel]

And can you feel the love tonight

[Finn]

It is where we are

[Rachel]

It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

[Finn]

And can you feel the love tonight

[Rachel]

How it's laid to rest

[Finn and Rachel]

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

As soon as the music finished playing, Finn immediately turned around and started to make his way over towards the edge of the stage. Rachel could have sworn she could have heard some sniffling from him, and she started to make her way over to him.

"Finn? Are you okay?" Rachel soothingly asked as she put a hand on his shoulder. Finn nodded his head quickly as he turned back around towards Rachel, giving her a small and tired smile. "Finn, you're not okay…" Rachel softly whispered as she put her hand on his cheeks.

"I'm fine. I promise." Finn tried to convince Rachel, but Rachel raised an eyebrow towards him as he cleared his throat. "Um, how about we get out of here? We're supposed to be at work later…" Rachel knew that Finn was just trying to convince her he was fine, so she nodded her head slowly and motioned for Finn to head out of the auditorium with her. Rachel slowly followed behind Finn and exited the auditorium but her worry was still evident.

"So are you sure that you're okay?" Quinn asked as she sat in the diner late that evening as Rachel was closing up. Santana walked over to the two girls and sat in one of the chairs, folding her hands and giving Rachel a smirk.

"And don't lie, Rachel." Santana smirked. "We don't need to call in more reinforcements."

"No, I'm fine." Rachel assured them. "I mean, I'm not really okay that I lost a role because of my co-star…but at least I know Finn loves me."

"Finn always loved you." Quinn smiled. "He's never going to stop loving you. Not until the day he dies." Rachel looked over to see Finn wiping down tables and faced back towards Santana and Quinn.

"So speaking of dying, has Finn brought up his birth father in anyway?" Santana asked. "He's pretending all is normal and…it's kind of scaring me."

"Finn's not okay." Rachel said, looking at Santana. "We were singing the most magical and beautiful duet in the auditorium earlier today, and he looked like he was going to cry. I don't think he was just singing the song to me…I think he was secretly also singing the song to Christopher."

"What was the name of the song?" Quinn wondered.

"Can You Feel The Love Tonight, from The Lion King." Rachel answered. Santana continued to stare at Finn, slowly letting out a sad sigh. "I don't think he's fine. I think Finn either deeply tried to love Christopher or he feels guilty about something and it's eating him alive. I'm just afraid Finn's going to do something crazy."

"Finn's not going to do anything crazy." Santana said, causing Rachel and Quinn to raise an eyebrow at her. "All right, he might do something crazy. Well, Kurt's dad is here, has he said anything to him?"

"Burt's not convinced Finn's okay although Finn has been acting like nothing is wrong with the world. He found Finn drinking coffee…eight cups of coffee…" Rachel ran a hand through her hair. "Finn doesn't even like coffee."

"So Finn's an insomniac and he's drinking coffee." Quinn whispered slightly, still gazing at Santana. "That's terrible."

"Tell me about it." Rachel continued to look down at her rag. "Finn's worried that he lost someone forever…well, what if I'm worried…what if I'm worried I'm going to lose my husband because Finn's heart is broken. People die of a broken heart you know…" Rachel felt tears come to her eyes as she wiped them away. "Finn doesn't realize that the more he pushes people away by convincing everyone he's fine, the sadder I get. If I lost Finn because of depression, I don't know how I'd live with myself…I can't lose my Finn…I can't…" Rachel held on to her rag and she put a finger up as she told Quinn and Santana that she was going to be back in a minute. Rachel went to the kitchen area as Quinn and Santana wiped the tears they had in their eyes as well. Quinn and Santana turned around and noticed Finn had heard everything Rachel just said. Santana got up from her chair and put a hand on Finn's shoulder.

"You don't realize this…but by pretending you're okay…you're pushing away everyone who cares about you, including Burt and Rachel." Santana softly said. Finn continued to look down at Santana, wondering if he should say something else. In the end, he broke out of Santana's grasp and exited the diner, leaving Quinn and Santana in the dust…

That night, Finn decided to organize his closet in hopes that doing something around the house would clear his thoughts. Finn needed a distraction, any distraction. He kept telling himself that everything was fine; everything was going to be okay. Christopher was gone, so shouldn't Finn have been happy that he never had to see Christopher again? In all honesty, Finn wasn't sure how he felt anymore…he suddenly felt this empty place in his heart and no one could fill that void no matter how hard they tried. Not Burt, not Rachel, not anyone…he didn't want to feel that way, but he just…did. As Finn continued to go through the closet, Burt walked to the doorway and stood by it, the only noise in the room being the hangers Finn was clanging back and forth in the closet as he organized his area. As Finn continued to go through the closet, he spotted the medal that Carole and Kurt gave him once again. Finn wasn't sure why the medal kept popping up every time he went through the closet, but Finn had enough. He didn't want to be reminded of his father anymore. He didn't want anyone saying anything…he just wanted to be left alone. Finn took the medal out of the closet and threw it across the room, with anger evident in his face.

"You didn't like the medal?" Burt simply said, causing Finn to turn towards him. Finn looked at Burt for a few moments, wondering if he should say anything. He wasn't quite sure what to do anymore. Were Santana's words back at the diner true? Was Finn hurting everything and everyone he ever cared about by not letting anyone in? Finn continued to just stare at Burt, the anger still on his face but a moment later, Finn felt his bottom lip quiver. He still looked angry, but he was trying to fight back the tears.

"I don't want to be reminded of him!" Finn shouted. Burt smiled softly at Finn, relieved that Finn was finally showing emotion. "I don't want to be reminded of how terrible I treated him! Him acting that way was a cry for help, and I was too busy getting lost in my own world to even see that he needed someone! I thought I tried hard enough!" Finn's voice began to break and Burt's smile slowly went away. Finn had caused attention within the loft as soon Rachel joined Burt in the doorway, watching Finn as he continued to go on with his rant. "I thought that him acting that way meant he didn't love me, but instead that was the only way he was able to show love since his life was one big mess! I should have helped him more, I should have gave him more hugs, I…I should have been there when he needed someone! He wasn't a bad person, he was just messed up because no one cared about him! The last time I saw him, I threatened to kill him and now look, he's dead!" Finn's voice squeaked as he said the word, 'dead'. Burt slowly made his way towards Finn but was still at a distance so Finn could let everything out into the open. "He wanted to get help…he…he tried and…why does everyone in the world get to have their birth father as their real dad and I don't?! Hmm? You're great as a dad Burt…but you're not my birth father and…the fact I lost him…I…I just…LIFE'S NOT FAIR!" Finn started kicking things around the room as he screamed, while Rachel and Burt sadly gazed at him. "IT'S NOT FAIR! IT"S NOT FAIR! IT'S...Not..." He couldn't even finish his rant as Finn covered his eyes with his hands and started sobbing. Finn kneeled on the ground and continued his bawling, giving Burt leeway to wrap his arms around Finn and comfort him. Rachel stood in the doorway as she watched Finn in complete grief and little did she know she shed a few tears as well. She walked over to Finn and Burt, kneeling down as she brought her husband into a hug.

"It's okay..." Rachel softly said as Finn continued to sob. "I'm here...it's okay."

{Scene changes to the next afternoon in the NYADA auditorium as Finn, Rachel, Kurt, Quinn, Santana and Puck are dressed in black and they stare out at the almost empty auditorium, Finn noticing that Burt is sitting in one of the chairs and he puts a hand on his dad's old medal that he pinned to his shirt.}

[Santana]

Goodbye Lima's rose,

May you ever grow in our hearts

You were the grace that placed itself

When lives were torn apart

[Kurt]

You called out to your country

And you whispered to those in pain

Now you belong to heaven

And the stars spell out your name

{Finn feels tears going down his cheeks as Rachel takes a hold of his hand and he stares out up to the sky}

[Finn]

And it seems to me you lived your life

Like a candle in the wind

Never fading in the sunset

When the rain set in

[Finn and Rachel]

And your footsteps will always fall here

Along Lima's greenest hills

Your candles burned out long before

Your legend ever will

[Quinn]

Loneliness we lost

These empty days without your smile

This torch we'll always carry

For our nations golden child

[Quinn and Puck]

Even though we try

The truth brings us to tears

All our words cannot express

The joy you brought us through the years

[Finn, Rachel and Kurt]

And it seems to me you lived your life

Like a candle in the wind

Never fading with the sunset

When the rain set in

[Santana, Quinn and Puck]

And your footsteps will always fall here

Along Lima's greenest hills

Your candles burned out long before

Your legend ever will

[Finn]

Goodbye Lima's rose

May you ever grow in your hearts

You were the grace that placed yourself

When lives were torn apart

[Rachel]

Goodbye Lima's rose

From the country lost

Without the souls who missed the wings of your compassion

More than you will ever know

[Rachel, Finn, Kurt, Santana, Quinn and Puck]

And it seems to me you lived your life

Like a candle in the wind

Never fading with the sunset

When the rain set in

And your footsteps will always fall here

Along Lima's greenest hills

Your candles burned out long before

Your legend ever will

[Finn and Rachel]

Your footsteps will always fall here

Along Lima's greenest hills

[Finn]

Your candle burned out long before

Your legend ever will

{The lights go off in the auditorium and Finn continues looking out at the auditorium}

*A Week Later*

Finn sat in is truck in front of the Lima Cemetery, gripping onto the steering wheel as he stared at the seat next to him. Rachel gazed into Finn's eyes as neither of them said a word, with Rachel wondering if this was something Finn wanted to do.

"You know, you don't have to do this, Finn." Rachel softly reminded him. "You can do this when you're ready." Finn continued to stare at Rachel, grabbing her hand and softly stroking it with his thumb.

"I want to do this…" Finn assured her. "I need to say goodbye to him…and at least now I know he's listening." Rachel nodded her head and saw Finn opening the door of his car.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Rachel asked. Finn turned around, nodding his head while looking

uneasy.

"If you don't mind…" Finn sounded a bit worried as Rachel pressed a kiss to his hand.

"Of course. Come on." Rachel got out of the car with Finn following suit. It took Finn and Rachel ten minutes but they found Christopher's grave. Finn and Carole thought that Christopher would have wanted to be buried near Finn's other deceased relatives back in Lima, Ohio-but Finn thought it was mostly so he could get the space he needed to come to terms with Christopher's death. Finn continued to gaze at the grave as Rachel squeezed his hand. "Whenever you're ready…" Rachel whispered as Finn took a deep breath.

"Um, hi dad." Finn stared at the grave before feeling Rachel squeezing his hand again. Finn shot Rachel an appreciative look before continuing. "I know we never really got along when you were alive…most of our conversations were you basically cursing my name and you wanting to be in power but…" Finn felt a slight lump in his throat as he continued. "I knew…and I should have known that what you were doing was a sign of asking for help…you didn't want to be alienated from your son and your wife... after you left the army you left us…and ended up going to jail but…you just wanted your son. I'm never going to forget the last thing I never said to you…I didn't mean what I said. You secretly did care and…" Finn let out a choked sob as he shook his head. He composed himself for a moment and continued. "I know you loved me…and I know you still loved mom…and I just wanted you to know…we loved you too." Finn's voice squeaked as tears continued to go down his face. He sobbed as he stared at the grave with Rachel leaning her head on his arm while gripping his hand. "I'm really sorry for the way I treated you. Regardless of the way you acted, you were still my father and I only wished that I could have had a real relationship with you. You don't have to worry about me though…mom, Burt and Rachel are taking real good care of me…and they'd never let what happened to you happen to me." Finn wiped the tears that were on his face and put his hand on the grave, trying to have some type of connection with his father for the last time. "I love you dad…and I'm really going to miss you…" Finn stayed in his kneeled position as he cried on top of the grave. Rachel leaned down and kneeled next to Finn, holding him tightly while tears came to her eyes.

"The end of his life was hard, Finn…" Rachel spoke through tears. "It was…but regardless of how his life ended or the relationship he had, he loved you…he really did. I bet he wished that he could have that father/son relationship with you…he'd be crazy not to. He would have been so proud of you, Finn…I know I am." Finn didn't hesitate to hold Rachel tightly as the two of them kneeled on top of Christopher's grave, not letting the rest of the world ruin this moment. Finn finally had something he had been looking for during the last couple of months—he had closure...and the most amazing wife to stand by his side for better or for worse. With Rachel by his side, everything was going to be okay—and Finn no longer had to hide his feelings anymore.

GUEST STARRING

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

Mike O'Malley as Burt Hummel

Whoopi Goldberg as Madame Tibideaux

SONG(S):

Rocket Man (Originally by Elton John): Performed by Finn Hudson

I'm Still Standing (Originally by Elton John): Performed by Quinn Fabray and Noah "Puck" Puckerman

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Originally by Elton John): Performed by Kurt Hummel

Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Originally by Elton John): Performed by Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry

Candle In The Wind (Originally by Elton John): Performed by Santana Lopez, Kurt Hummel, Finn Hudson, Rachel Berry, Quinn Fabray and Noah "Puck" Puckerman