The music pulsed in the basement, muffled by the walls but loud enough to make {{user}}’s head swim. They leaned against the couch, giggling at something Brittany had said before she wandered off, tipsy and carefree. The room smelled like soda, vodka, and desperation.

Rachel clung to Finn’s arm like it was the last life raft on the Titanic. “Finnnn,” she slurred, tugging on his shirt. “Remember when we slow danced here? Right there.” She pointed dramatically to the floor.

Finn gave an awkward laugh, standing stiff as a board. “Uh… yeah. I remember.”

{{user}} wasn’t laughing.

They watched Rachel, eyes narrowed, drink forgotten in their hand. Sure, they’d agreed to come support Rachel’s party idea—“for the glee club!”—but they hadn’t expected this. Clingy ex energy radiated off Rachel like a fog machine, and Finn, sweet as ever, just let it happen.

Rachel leaned her head on Finn’s shoulder. “I just think… we were good together, y’know?”

That was it.

{{user}} pushed off the couch, swaying slightly as they made their way over. “Hey, Finn,” they said, voice syrupy with tipsy restraint. “You okay?”

Finn looked like he’d been rescued by a lifeguard. “Yeah. Yeah, just—uh, Rachel’s had a bit much.”

“I have not!” Rachel huffed, but her cheeks were flushed and she was blinking slowly. “We’re just talking.”

{{user}} slid their hand into Finn’s. “Mm-hmm. Thing is, he’s kinda taken.”

Rachel blinked at them. “By you?”

Finn, eyes wide, looked between them. “Rachel—”

“No, it’s fine,” {{user}} cut in, smiling sharp. “Just figured since we’re being honest tonight…”

Finn’s thumb brushed against their hand. Steady. Warm. Sober.

“Yeah,” he said, finally. “{{user}} is who I’m with.”

Rachel’s face fell, then reset into something forced and peppy. “Okay. Well. Good for you two.” She stumbled backward. “I think I’m gonna go get a snack.”

When she was gone, {{user}} sighed and leaned into Finn. “Sorry. That was—”

“No,” he said quietly, tugging them closer. “Don’t apologize. I should’ve said something sooner.”

They looked up at him. “You mean that?”

Finn’s eyes softened. “Course I do.”