Chapter 10: And It's Beginning to Snow

(A Rented Christmas)

Louisa lazily opened her eyes and stretched feeling her back a little sore. She began to take the room she was in and remembered she hadn't sleep in her bed. She was cranked over Brody and that was what was making her back ache. Careful not to wake the sleeping boy; she stepped outside the bed and got dressed in his t-shirt before entering the bathroom.

Once in there; she saw her reflection and smiled at the stranger smiling back at her. So much had change in her life since moving to New York; her reflection was finally starting to show it. Not that she had changed her weight or gotten a new haircut; but something in her skin had a different texture. She blushed at the thought and found that even her blushing wasn't the same. Being in a boy's room - not any boy, her boyfriend's room - was something completely alien for her.

She brushed her teeth and was splashing some water in her face when she heard a voice right behind her:

"You look good in the morning, Ms. Hummel."

She smiled at him from the mirror which made Brody walk closer and hug her waist from behind and kiss her neck. She teased:

"Already miss me?"

"The bed is too cold without you there."

They walked back to the room and she opened the shutter while he lay back and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture. With a grin, Louisa ran towards him and let herself be cuddled. Brody's breathing tickled her neck.

"I'm so glad my roommate is away during the Holidays and you could stay over."

She giggled and grabbed his hand to play with his fingers:

"What about your Holiday plans? Why you never leave town to visit your family?"

"Not many family to visit... Not that I care about that anymore. Besides, if you're staying; why would I leave?"

"I wish I could go visit my mother in Brazil; but there's no money this year neither for me to fly there or for her to fly here. At least, Uncle Burt is coming to visit Kurt and I get to spend my Christmas Eve with family. You'd be very welcome, if you want to join us. No pressure; though."

He pulled her closer and hid his nose even further in her neck:

"You know you can be irresistible in the morning? Ok; I'll go. But I have one condition."

She turned grinning to him and cupped his face with her hands:

"What's it?"

"You'll stay with me while Kurt and Blaine are sleeping at your place. Please! We don't know when Teddy will travel again..."

Her smile grew wider and she answered him with a passionate kiss to his lips. He then spooned her one more time and closed his eyes to go back to sleep, while she began to stare outside the window. She commented absented-mindedly:

"It's beginning to snow."

"And?"

"I haven't seen snow in a long time. I've only seen it in the winters I came to spend with my father."

"Maybe we should celebrate it with a snow-fight."

She got up in a jump and began to look around the floor for her clothes. He hid his head on the pillows still lazy:

"Latter! I mean latter. Look at the time; it's way too early to get up."

She pouted but got back in bed with him. He was quickly back asleep but her head was now filled with long gone winters and the outrageous number of unanswered calls and texts from her father in her phone.

xXxXx

Rachel grabbed Finn's hand once more and flashed him her enormous smile again:

"I really can't put it into words how happy I am that we're spending the Holidays together."

He smiled at her and kissed her in response. She knew Finn wasn't bothered by her monologue since she had promised him breakfast; so she continued talking:

"And thank you again for coming with me to NYADA to grab the book I forgot on my locker. As promised, you'll be rewarded with breakfast at Coffee'N'Stuff as you love."

He chuckled at her:

"You know I'm not doing it for the food, right? I don't mind getting the train with you so that you aren't alone. Besides, maybe we could stay for a while and enjoy Manhattan. Your fathers will like the time to rest from their journey."

She grinned at him:

"I also could never thank you enough for being okay with my dads spending the Holidays at our place. This will be the best Hanukkah/Christmas ever."

"I'm sure we'll have many Holidays ahead of us to spend with family."

His smirk slowly turned into something serious as he closed the distance between then. Rachel gladly welcomed his lips thinking the morning couldn't get better.

They were walking towards her locker when they saw Brody and Louisa walking hand-in-hand; coming from the direction of the dorms. Rachel hid behind a column, dragging Finn with her:

"Oh My God! Wasn't Louisa wearing exactly that last night? Have they slept together?"

"It's none of our business, right?"

Rachel nodded but she could tell his eyes were lingering on her face too tensely for Finn to be casual about that.

xXxXx

Kurt ran and threw himself at his father at the airport. Blaine smiled from a distance and went to help Carole with her bag:

"Did you have a good flight?"

She smiled fondly as she hugged the boy:

"It would have been wonderful if Burt didn't get so fidgety on his sit."

Burt came to hug Blaine while Kurt said hi to his step-mother.

"I would be still if the economic class seats weren't so damn small."

Carole still smiled to Kurt as if he was her own son while she held Blaine's hand:

"It's so kind of you to give us your house while we are here."

Blaine smiled politely:

"It's nothing at all. Louisa is lending us her bedroom and, from what we talked earlier, she's got a very good place to stay."

Carole looked shocked:

"Dear Louisa is moving out of her place just for us to sleep in your place? Burt, we should go looking for a hotel."

Kurt grabbed her shoulders in a playful way:

"Oh no, no, no. I put a lot of effort into preparing our place for you two and I won't take no for an answer. Louisa first offered to stay on her couch or to sleep with Maggie while we were there. I was still disputing that with her when she told me her boyfriend invited her over for the Holidays. This means she's more than glad to move away for a couple of days."

Burt chuckled:

"So Booisa is in a serious relationship now? That's wonderful news!"

Kurt frowned:

"I'm not so sure he's the right guy for her."

Blaine sighed:

"You're just jealous, gorgeous. No one will ever be good enough for your boo. But Brody proved himself when he confessed his love for her and came after her in the airport..."

Burt interrupted confused:

"Why was she at the airport? Kurt, I want to be informed about the important things about my niece. You know I like her as a daughter, don't you?"

Kurt rolled his eyes in a childish way:

"I know, dad; and I love her like a sister. I can take care of her and help her with her disease; don't worry. But I'll tell you the whole story in the car."

xXxXx

Finn rushed in Callbacks and leaned over the counter to speak with an employee:

"Hi, is Blaine there? He's supposed to have something to hand me."

The boy behind the counter shrugged:

"Sorry man; his shift has already begun but he changed it because of some family business. He might be arriving anytime soon; why don't you wait?"

Finn looked around for a good table and he then saw Brody having lunch on a table very close to him. The boy seemed like he'd already seen Finn was there.

"I'll call him and maybe I'll come back later."

Finn had turned and was walking towards the door when he heard Brody calling him:

"You don't need to leave on my behalf."

Finn exhaled to calm himself and walked towards Brody's table, where he stopped with his both hands holding it:

"I better leave now because my only wish is to punch you in the face."

Brody raised his hand in a peaceful gesture:

"Calm down; I know I deserve all of it but I thought we could talk..."

Finn looked to the side and smirked ironically. Brody kept looking at him hopeful and Finn saw he wouldn't give up:

"Fine! But one step out of the line and my fist in in your face."

"That's fair; but since I'm dating Louisa and she's kind of your family, I thought we could arrange some kind of truce."

Finn pulled a chair but sat as far from the table as possible:

"I'm worried about her too. As you pointed out, she's part of my family..."

"That and the fact that you have feelings for her."

Finn got fed up and stood up. To his surprise, Brody got up too:

"I thought we agreed on being sincere. Are you running from me or from the truth?"

Finn stared at him and sat back down. Brody sat too but kept his eyes locked on Finn's:

"Full disclosure here: you know I still have feelings for Rachel and everybody knows Louisa moves you."

Finn ordered a drink and then turned back to Brody, who was still staring at him. He sighed and gave up:

"Ok, full disclosure. But whatever we talk here stays here, right?"

Brody just nodded and Finn went on:

"I know she's supposed to be my cousin and that she's your girlfriend; but she's hot. I mean; it's all too exotic and a guy gets thoughts..."

Brody smirked:

"That's how it started for me too, bro."

Finn frowned a little at the 'bro' but kept going anyway:

"It's nothing; it's just an infatuation. It's doesn't matter anyway; I love Rachel and I'd do anything to be with her. Your turn now."

Brody sipped his drink and flashed that annoying half-smirk of his before answering:

"I won't deny I have unsolved feelings for your girlfriend too. And we both know she's not indifferent to me. But I respect she has chosen you; I always did. However, you can't blame me for going running to her door the minute you guys break up..."

"Doesn't that make you a perfect ass-hole? What about Louisa?"

Brody took a deep breath:

"You may not believe me; but I really like Louisa. When she said she'd be going back to Brazil and I thought I'd never see her again; I feared. I think I love her and I told her that. Even if we aren't there yet; we care for each other and like to be together. I'm playing fair with her; I'm being completely honest."

Before Finn could answer, they were interrupted by a girl with the Callbacks apron tapping Brody's shoulder:

"Brody; I'm glad you are here. Can I ask you a favor? Our microphones are getting weird when we turn them in the duet mode. Could you see that for me? Your friend could sing something with you..."

"Sure Madeleine; but I don't think my friend..."

Finn got up in a sudden:

"Why not, Brody? I particularly feel like singing today."

With a suspicious look, Brody got up and went to check the sound system. He told Finn to grab a microphone while he chose a song and Tango Maureen from Rent started playing in the room. He signaled Finn to start singing Joanne's part and he followed as Mark. The lyrics were perfect for their little confrontation about the girls and, slowly, it turned into one of the most passionate performances Callbacks had ever seen.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/D0QfCIQgD94

Joanne:

The samples won't delay

But the cable -

Mark:

There's another way

Say something - Anything

Joanne:

Test - One, two, three...

Mark:

Anything but that

Joanne:

This is weird

Mark:

It's weird

Joanne:

Very weird

Mark:

Fuckin' weird

Joanne:

I'm so mad

That I don't know what to do

Fighting with microphones

Freezing down to my bones

And to top it all off

I'm with you

Mark:

Feel like going insane?

Got a fire in your brain?

And you're thinking of drinking gasoline?

Joanne:

As a matter of fact --

Mark:

Honey, I know this act

It's called the 'Tango Maureen'

The 'Tango Maureen'

It's a dark, dizzy

Merry-go-round

As she keeps you dangling

Your heart she is mangling

And you toss and you turn

'Cause her cold eyes can burn

Yet you yearn and you churn and rebound

Joanne:

I think I know what you mean

Both:

The 'Tango Maureen'

Mark:

Has she ever

Pouted her lips

And called you 'pookie'

Joanne:

Never

Mark:

Have you ever doubted a kiss or two?

Joanne:

This is spooky

Did you swoon

When she walked through the door?

Mark:

Every time - So be cautious

Joanne:

Did she moon over other boys-?

Mark:

More than moon--

Joanne:

I'm getting nauseous

Joanne:

She cheated

Mark:

She cheated

Joanne:

Maureen cheated

Mark:

Fuckin' cheated

Joanne:

I'm defeated

I should give up right now

Mark:

Gotta look on the bright side

With all of your might

Joanne:

I'd fall for her still anyhow

Both:

When your dancing her dance

You don't stand a chance

Her grip of romance

Makes you fall

Mark:

So you think, 'might as well'

Joanne:

"Dance a tango to hell"

Both:

'At least I'll have tangoed at all'

The 'Tango Maureen'

Gotta dance 'til your diva is through

You pretend to believe her

Cause in the end - you can't leave her

But the end it will come

Still you have to play dumb

'Til you're glum and you bum

And turn blue

Mark:

Why do we love when she's mean?

Joanne:

And she can be so obscene

My Maureen

Both:

The 'Tango Maureen'

When they were done, the tension was so clear in the room that the other customers just kept staring at them. Madeleine started shyly to clap her hands and was soon joined by the rest of the staff and the customers. Brody and Finn kept shooting each other menacing glares.

xXxXx

"Fifth Avenue is the most magical place in the world this time of the year!"

Blaine laughed at his boyfriend's enthusiasm. He could barely believe that Kurt had convinced his father to go shopping on 5th Avenue. Carole, Finn and Louisa had decided to join them too. He caught Burt smiling seeing how Kurt's eyes where shining.

"Hey kiddo; you know we won't be able to buy anything from the expensive shops around here, ruh?"

Kurt giggled:

"I know dad; but just being here... I love New York!"

Blaine grinned and went to hold his hand. Kurt took advantage of it and pulled him to see one of the shop windows. Burt held Carole and guided her there too. Louisa saw in that an opportunity to approach Finn:

"Are you alright? You seem blue."

He returned her a feeble smile:

"Everything is fine."

She looked at him with puzzled eyes:

"You don't look like fine. But if you don't want to talk; that's okay. I just want to let you know that I'm here for you too. You're also my cousin."

She playfully bumped his shoulder and he smiled at her:

"You really are a great girl."

"Thank you; but I'm sure that's not what has been bothering you."

He raised his eyebrows but bit his lips. Her smiled died in her lips and she looked at him serious:

"Finn, you can trust me, okay? It's Rachel; isn't it? You two seem to be fighting all the time..."

He sighed:

"It is and we had more fights that I'd like lately. I don't think you're the right person to talk about this to; but my options are short and you are a great ear."

"My ear is all yours, Mister."

"The thing is: Rachel still has feelings for Brody..."

She completed his sentences:

"And he still has feelings for her. I know that; we talk about it a lot."

"Aren't you bothered by it?"

Louisa stopped and sighed. She looked at Finn straight in his eyes:

"I won't deny I get jealous from time to time. But Brody and I are taking things slow. I also have unsolved feelings and he knows that. Besides, everyone knows you and Rachel are crazy about each other. No one would mess with that."

They stayed silent just looking at each other until Kurt called them:

"Come on you two! 5th Avenue has lots of shops and I have plenty I still want to see before dinner."

The group went on with light conversations about the Holidays in a peaceful way. It was a lovely night for family bonding time. Blaine was looking at something at a distance:

"Isn't that Rachel and her dads?"

It was them and Hiram and Leroy smiled widely seeing the Hudson-Hummels. Rachel smiled coyly:

"When my dads heard that you'd be shopping in 5th Avenue tonight; there was no way to keep them home.

Hiram step forward:

"It's not only the shopping in this fabulous place; we also wanted to reinforce Rachel's invitation that you all join us for supper at Christmas Eve. We are Jews but we know pretty well it's Finn's favorite Holiday."

Carole smiled back:

"That's very sweet of you. Of course we'll be there as planned. Kurt and Louisa are helping me cook and we'll take it to supper."

After a few friendly hellos and introductions, Rachel stood by Finn and shot a disgusted look at Louisa. They went on walking and the tension was hidden in the cheerful group.

Minutes later, Louisa's phone went buzzing with a message and she asked her uncle if it was okay for Brody to join them. Burt chuckled:

"We are finally going to meet the mysterious boyfriend. Is he scared of meeting your muscular and dangerous uncle?"

She shrugged:

"Who knows?"

Brody joined them a couple of corners later. However, he didn't even have time to be awkward around Burt, because Kurt was rushing them into a big shop with 'the best scarves in town'.

From inside the store they could hear a group of carolers on the street singing Christmas Bells from Rent.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/_nVcUkol3Eg

Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are ringing

On TV - At SAKS

(Honest living, honest living)

Can't you spare a dime or two

Here but for the grace of God go you

You'll be merry

I'll be merry

Tho merry ain't in my vocabulary

No sleighbells

No Santa Claus

No Yule log

No tinsel

No holly

No heart

No

'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

No room at the Holiday Inn - Oh no

And it's beginning to snow

Vendors:

Hats, bats, shoes, booze

Mountain bikes, potpourri

Leather bags, girlie mags

Forty fives, AZT

No one's buying

Feel like crying

No room at the Holiday Inn - Oh no

And it's beginning to snow

How about a fur-

In perfect shape

Owned by an MBA from uptown

I got a tweed

Broken in by a greedy

Broker who went broke

And then broke down

Soon, Blaine was joining them as Collins and Kurt sang Angel's part as he bought his boyfriend a scarf.

Collins:

You don't have to do this

Angel:

Hush your mouth, it's Christmas

Collins:

I do not deserve you, Angel

Give - Give

All you do

Is give

Give me some

Way to show

How you've touched

me so

Angel:

Kiss me - It's beginning to snow

They were soon back on the street but the song went on with Louisa singing Mark's

part, followed by Finn singing Roger's. It was beginning to snow but the Rent Christmas was alive in their spirits.

Mark:

... She said, "would you light my candle

And she put on a pout

And she wanted you

To take her out tonight?

Roger:

Right

Mark:

She got you out

Roger:

She was more than okay

But I pushed her away

It was bad - I got mad

And I had to get her out of my sight

Mark:

Wait, wait wait - you said she was sweet

Roger:

Let's go eat I'll just get fat

It's the one vice left - When you're dead meat

There - that's her

Mark:

Maureen?

Roger:

Mimi!

Mark:

Wo!

Roger:

I should go

Both:

Hey - it's beginning to snow

Hiram and Leroy were soon singing chorus and encouraging Carole and Burt to do the same. Rachel wouldn't be left out; she took Mimi's place. Brody was intimidated by Burt's presence; but he finally gave up and sang as Benny.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Mimi

Follow the man - Follow the man

With his pockets full of the jam

Follow the man - Follow the man

Help me out, daddy

If you can

Got any D man?

Benny:

I'm cool

Mimi:

Got any C man?

Benny:

I'm cool

Mimi:

Got any X

Any smack

Any horse

Any jugie boogie boy

Any blow?

Roger:

Hey

Mimi:

Hey

Roger:

I just want to say

I'm sorry for the way -

Mimi:

Forget it

Roger:

I blew up

Can I make it up to you?

Mimi:

How?

Roger:

Dinner party?

Mimi:

That'll do

Benny:

Hey lover boy - cutie pie

You steal my client - you die

Roger:

You didn't miss me - You won't miss her

You'll never lack for customers

Carollers:

I'm willin'

I'm illin'

I gotta get my sickness off

Gotta run, gotta ride

Gotta gun, gotta hide - Gotta go

Benny:

And it's beginning to snow

Carollers:

L.L. Bean Got any C man?

Geoffrey Beene Got any D man?

Burburry zip out Got any B man?

Lining Got any Crack?

Got any X?

(Honest living -)

Roger:

She'll be dining (with us)

Carollers:

Hats, dats, bats

Mark:

I think we've met

Mimi:

That's what he said

Angel:

But she brought us together

Benny:

Which investor is coming??

Collins:

I'll take the leathe

Benny:

Your father? - Damn!

Carollers:

Christmas bells are swinging

Christmas bells are ringing

Christmas bells are singing

In my dreams - next year

Once you donate you can go

Celebrate in Tuckahoe

You'll feel cheery

I'll feel cheery

Tho' I don't really know that theory

No bathrobe

No Steuben glass

No cappucino makers

No pearls, no diamonds

No 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire'

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

No room at the Holiday Inn, Oh No -

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Jingle bells - prison cells

Fa la la la - Fa la la la

You have the right to remain

Silent night holy night

Fall on your knees oh night devine

You'll do some time

Fa la la la la

Fa la la la la

Mark & Roger:

Let's

Go

To

The lot - Maureen's performing

Mimi:

Who's Maureen?

Roger:

His ex

Mark:

But I am over her

Roger:

Let's not hold hands yet

Mimi:

Is that a warning?

ALL THREE

He/You/I

Just

Need(s)

To take it slow

I should tell you I should tell you

I should tell you I should tell you

I should tell you I...

ALL

And it's beginning to

And it's beginning to

And it's beginning to -

Snow!!!

They were applauded after their Broadway-worth performance. Some people even

threw them money; which they were glad to give to the carolers. The snow was getting heavier and they went into a café to have dinner and warm up.

xXxXx

Blaine was alone in the apartment when Louisa walked in:

"Excuse me; can I come in?"

He smiled:

"Of course; it's your place after all."

"I know; but when I lent it to you the privacy was included. I just need to get a few things I forgot in my closet.

"Sure; go on. I was about to make some hot chocolate; care for some?"

"Sounds delicious; of course I'm in."

Blaine went to the kitchen to warm the milk and leave her alone in the room. He finished preparing the beverages and threw some mini marshmallows inside. He began to wonder what was taking Louisa so long. He took the mugs with him as he walked to the

bedroom. She was sitting on the bed staring out of the window, with a few things set aside besides her and her phone in hand. He knocked on the doorframe to announce his presence.

He could swear she made a movement like clearing a tear, but her face showed nothing as she turned to him:

"Sorry; I should have joined you. I got distracted..."

He placed the mugs on the nightstand and sat by her side on the bed. He simply passed his arm around her and she hid her face in his shoulder sobbing:

"I'm so sorry; I shouldn't be bothering you with this."

He shushed her and rubbed her back:

"It's okay Lou; that's what friends are for. But maybe if you told me what's been bothering you, I could help."

"It's my father; I don't know how much Kurt has told you..."

He interrupted her:

"Kurt hasn't told me anything; he keeps your secrets. All I know is what I saw during Thanksgiving."

"Well, he abandoned me and my mother sixteen years ago. Now, since he knew I'm here; he has shown up unannounced at Thanksgiving and he hasn't stop calling me or texting me ever since. It was a huge part why I wanted to go back to Brazil and it's a trigger for me."

Blaine sighed:

"I don't have all the psychological background you have; but I know a thing or two about having daddy trouble. Why do you think I rather spend my Holidays with Kurt's family?"

She smiled feeble:

"That will soon be yours too."

He grinned back. He hugged her tighter and let go, walking towards her microsystem:

"If I know the Hummels - and I think I do - there's just one thing that can cheer you guys up."

He shuffled through his iPod and hit play. It began playing What You Own from Rent and he sang along with Mark.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/1hNGj30peTs

Mark:

Don't breathe too deep

Don't think all day

Dive into work

Drive the other way

That drip of hurt

That pint of shame

Goes away

Just play the game

You're living in America

At the end of the millennium

You're living in America

Leave your conscience at the tone

And when you're living in AmericaAt the end of the millenniu

You're what you own

She chuckled at him but joined singing Roger's part.

Roger:

The filmmaker cannot see

Mark:

And the songwriter cannot hear

Roger:

Yet I see Mimi everywhere

Mark:

Angel's voice is in my ear

Roger:

Just tighten those shoulders

Mark:

Just clench your jaw till you frown

Roger:

Just don't let go

Both:

Or you may drown

You're living in America

At the end of the millennium

You're living in America

Where it's like the Twilight Zone

And when you're living in America

At the end of the millennium

You're what you own

So I own not a notion

I escape and ape content

I don't own emotion -- I rent

Mark:

What was it about that night

Roger:

What was it about that night

Both:

Connection -- in an isolating age

Mark:

For once the shadows gave way to ligh

Roger:

For once the shadows gave way to light

Both:

For once I didn't disengage

Mark:

Angel -- I hear you -- I hear it

I see it -- I see it

My film!

Roger:

Mimi I see you -- I see it

I hear it -- I hear it

My song!

Mark:

Alexi--Mark

Call me a hypocrite

I need to finish my own film

I quit!

Roger:

One song--glory

Mimi

Your eyes...

Both:

Dying in America

At the end of the millennium

We're dying in America

To come into our own

And when you're dying in America

At the end of the millennium

You're not alone

I'm not alone

I'm not alone

When it was done; Lou went into Blaine's arms:

"Welcome to the family, Bowtie."

"Thank you; that mean a lot coming from you. You are in for tonight's dinner, right?"

"Of course; I'm in this family longer than you, silly."

xXxXx

Kurt tapped his fork to his glass to catch everyone's attention:

"Excuse me, excuse me. This have been a lovely dinner and we are glad to show you this charming place were my Blaine works, but there are some Christmas traditions that need to be fulfilled. My dear boyfriend and I have this tradition of singing a Christmas duet together. Since of last year, we like to do it ice-skating. So, we want to invite all of you to join us at the rink."

Louisa was the first to speak:

"I'm bugged I have to miss it; but I already had plans with Brody. I'm meeting him now at NYADA."

Kurt pouted and looked at Finn. Finn smiled at him:

"I'm with you, dude. Rachel and I aren't in the best mood and our place has turned into the supper preparations battle field."

Kurt smiled and turned to his father and Carole. Burt raised his hands in surrender:

"I wouldn't be mad of losing it. Let's go then."

They arrived at the rink but only Kurt and Blaine actually went skating. Burt and

Carole sat to watch them and Finn just stood by the bars. Blaine took Kurt's hand and they

got used to their skates going around the rink together.

They shared a meaningful glance and began to sing Seasons of Love from Rent. They had chosen the song together after the night at 5th Avenue. They had spent the night re-watching the movie and decided that measuring their time in love is what they wanted to do.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zp5Eyt7knus

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets,

In midnights, in cups of coffee?

In inches, in miles,

In laughter, in strife?

In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love?

How about love?

How about love?

Measure in love.

Seasons of love,

Seasons of love.

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

Five hundred twenty five thousand journeys to plan,

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?

In truth that she learned,

Or in times that he cried?

In the bridges he burned,

Or the way that she died?

It's time now, to sing out,

Though the story never ends.

Let's celebrate, remember a year,

In the life of friends.

Remember the love, (Oh you got to, you got to remember the love)

Remember the love, (You know that love is a gift from up above)

Remember the love, (Share love, give love, spread love)

Measure in love, (Measure, measure your life in love)

Seasons of love,

Seasons of love (Measure your life, measure your life in love).

So many things had happened to them since last Christmas: some heart-broke, some reencounters, laughter, tears, friends, cups of coffee. They lives together in New York with their new family could only be measured in love.

xXxXx

Louisa was walking towards NYADA to meet Brody when he surprised her midway.

"Brody! What are you doing here?"

"You texted me saying you were leaving Callbacks and I thought of surprising you. Didn't you like it, pookie? Why the long face?"

"It's nothing. Kurt invited me to see him and Blaine perform at an ice-skate rink, Just that."

Brody smirked and grabbed her hand:

"Let's got then."

Her surprise glued her to place:

"Like that?"

"Why not? Your family has been so nice inviting me for Christmas supper; why not doing something to please Kurt back?"

She smiled and followed him along to the rink. They arrive there and Kurt and Blaine were beginning their version of Seasons of Love. Louisa stood by the bars and watched how much Blaine could make her cousin happy. Brody stood behind her, with his chin on her shoulder and his hands next to hers in the bars, keeping her between his arms.

She grinned and turned to him:

"Thank you for agreeing to meet my family; this means the world to me."

He smirked and pulled her by the waist:

"I'm serious about you."

She closed the distance between them and kissed his lips fondly.

xXxXx

Rachel was edgy while walking towards Finn standing near the ice-skate rink. She lightly touched his shoulder and, much to her relieve, he smiled when he saw it was she. Behind them, Kurt and Blaine where beginning to sing.

Rachel cleared her throat:

"I feel like I should apologize; but you never actually said you were mad at me."

He looked down and shook his head. He then carefully placed his hand on her cheek:

"Maybe I've been too much grumpy later."

"We have lots to talk about, don't we?"

"Yes; but it's Christmas. Could we just be joy for now?"

She smiled and caressed his hand on her cheek:

"That's what I was looking for. Tomorrow I'll have you and all your family over for supper; and yes, I know that includes Louisa and her boyfriend. But, as I said to you that morning in NYADA; I'm happy that we are spending this Holiday together."

He chuckled:

"So you too are tired of all our fights being about other people?

She looked seriously at him:

"You know they are actually about us and about our mixed feelings. But that's not the time to talk about it, right?"

He smiled:

"Merry Christmas, Rachel."

"Merry Christmas, darling."

Rachel got in her tiptoes to reach Finn's lips and give them a kiss.

xXxXx

Hiram Berry was glad whenever he could have a full room during the Holidays. He never quite understood why they had settled for an only child; but he was now quite happy about the family Rachel was entering to. The Hudson-Hummels seemed to live by the same principles as them and Finn was a good kid.

Maybe it was the Holiday spirit, maybe it was the wine; he only knew he was emotional. He got up and asked for a toast:

"I'd like to toast the fact that we are becoming one big loving family and that makes my heart glow. Can I ask that we celebrate it the Berry style? What would be of Christmas Eve without a little music? Since this week seems to be turning into one big Rent tribute – no complaints in that field – I'd suggest that we sing the Support Group Affirmation. Let's celebrate the present and the gifts it brings us."

Rachel was quick to turn the stereo on. Everyone in the room was cuddling with their loved ones and they got together to sing in unison.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/GZ9FU6c6IrA

There's only us

There's only this ...

Forget regret or life is yours to miss

(Louisa:

Look - I find some of what you teach suspect

Because I'm used to relying on intellect

But I try to open up to what I don't know

Because reason says I should have died

Three years ago)

No other road

No other way

No day but today

By the end of it; as they exchanged kisses and hugs, they noticed Carole was crying. Leroy approached her:

"Anything wrong, Carole?"

"None at all; I'm just moved by having everyone happy and together. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to us all."

Nine glasses were raised to join in her toast. Outside, the snow was falling and turning New York in the most magical city of them all.