Happy New Year wishes to all, a blessed 2014.
"So this is where Finn spends all of his time," Rachel said in wonderment as she, Kurt, Burt, and Carole stepped out of the rental car and onto the base camp where various soldiers were celebrating ten weeks in the Army, and passing the basic training program.
"I still can't believe Finn went through with everything," Kurt mused, taking Rachel's arm as they began their pursuit of Finn. Fort Benning was crowded with soldiers and civilians alike; the excitement palpable as everyone prepared for the upcoming ceremonies.
"Finn's going to do great work," Burt said with pride, as he nodded his head at the various army men.
"If he doesn't get killed first," Carole said warily. "I've already been through this once before with Christopher."
"The chances of Finn going into actual combat are fairly slim," Burt said reassuringly. "Finn's got plenty of training to do and chances are he'll be stationed in the country after Infantry School."
"I hope so," Carole breathed as Rachel and Kurt darted ahead in their pursuit of Finn. Phone calls were few and far between in the army – especially during the training periods and Kurt and Rachel were both anxious to catch up with Finn for various reasons.
"I think I see him," Rachel shouted above the din, pulling Kurt in her direction.
"How can you be so sure? Everyone looks the same," Kurt commented, following her lead.
"A woman knows her boyfriend, Kurt. Even if it's been a few months since they've seen each other." Rachel waved her hand high, calling out Finn's name.
"Rachel!" Finn Hudson jumped up in the air and ran towards the crowd.
"I told you," Rachel rebuked Kurt, quickening her pace.
Finn lifted Rachel in his arms and twirled her around. Placing her carefully on the ground, Finn leaned in for a kiss.
"Wow," Rachel murmured softly, her eyelashes fluttering against Finn's face.
"I missed you," Finn whispered, tilting her chin up.
"I missed you too." Rachel moved in for another kiss, ignoring the various onlookers. At that moment it was as if they were the only two people in the world, nothing else mattered.
"Quit hogging him!" Burt teasingly yelled, tapping Rachel on the shoulder.
Rachel stepped back, allowing Carole and Burt to get their hugs and hellos in.
"You two seem as strong as ever," Kurt noted.
"It's the letters," Rachel said pointedly. "Correspondence is one of strongest ways to keep a relationship going in any circumstance."
Kurt hugged his stepbrother, congratulating him on completing his first ten weeks. "I honestly thought you'd end up accidently shooting yourself with your gun and be kicked out," Kurt laughed jokingly.
Finn smirked at his step-brother. "Give me a little credit."
"Finn can handle anything," Burt said, patting Finn on the back.
Carole tugged on Burt and Kurt's arms. "Why don't we go and explore the camp. Give these two some time alone?" Carole winked at Rachel, who mouthed a grateful 'thank-you' as she took Finn's arm and started down the path.
"How's New York?" Finn asked, moving his arm to her waist.
"Classes start next week - I can't wait."
"Have you met the roommate yet?"
"She's supposed to move in this weekend." Rachel rested her head on Finn's shoulder as he pointed out various landmarks on the premises. "So this is really your home?" Rachel asked quietly.
"For now. I don't know where they're stationing me after Infantry School. In a month I could be moving to another location – wherever the Army needs me."
"I need you too you know," Rachel teased.
Finn paused, turning Rachel's body so that they were facing one another. "You have me, you know you do." Finn kissed Rachel's mouth. "We still have our whole lives together."
"How much longer will we be apart?" Rachel asked, playing with Finn's fingers.
"I signed on for two years with the Army. You've got four years at NYADA."
"So maybe you could join me in New York in two years?" Rachel asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
"Rach, we talked about this. When the time is right we'll be together again."
A small pout formed on Rachel's mouth. "We didn't really talk about it, Finn. You told me the day that we were supposed to be getting married that you were calling everything off, without giving me much of a choice."
"Would you have followed me to Georgia? Would you be happy giving up your theatre dreams to live in the barracks with me?"
Rachel looked down at the ground. She hated the fact that he was right once again. "No," she said meekly.
"You would have resented me for the rest of your life and you know it. I would be the reason that you didn't live up to your potential."
Rachel exhaled. "I just miss not seeing you every day."
Finn pulled her into an embrace. "You know I feel the same way. And I know that we'll be together when the time is right."
"I wish I had your faith," Rachel murmured.
"Lucky for you – I have enough faith for the both of us," Finn joked.
Rachel playfully punched him in the chest. "Are you happy?"
Finn nodded his head. "I am. I feel like I'm doing something important with my life; when I figure out what kind of career I want, the army will help me get there."
"So you don't know what you want to do yet?" Rachel asked.
"Not all of us are born knowing what we'll be," Finn reminded her. "You're one of the lucky ones."
Rachel nodded her head as they continued to walk, down the path stony path. "There's always Thanksgiving."
"And Christmas."
"And our letters."
Finn and Rachel paused on a bridge overlooking a beautiful lake. "Sometimes during down time I come here – this place reminds me of you."
Finn and Rachel sat down on the edge of the bridge, looking out over the pale blue water. They savored their few precious moments together before Finn was required to head back to the base and prepare for the ceremony.
Rachel rejoined the Hudson-Hummels in the audience as the commencement began. The various officers talked about the progress that had been made and the high hopes that they had in their new recruits. One by one the names were called, in alphabetical order. Rachel jumped up and cheered for Finn, committing his face to memory once more. It was going to be a long and cold wait until Thanksgiving.
Rachel waited patiently for Carole, Burt, and Kurt to get their goodbyes in after the ceremony before she took her turn.
"Are you going back to New York right away?" Finn asked.
Rachel shook her head. "I'm spending Sunday in Lima and going back on Monday."
"Make sure to say hello to everyone for me."
"I will," Rachel promised, standing on her toes to kiss Finn. "Promise to keep writing?"
"I will," Finn promised as he walked Rachel to the car. Finn watched the car drive away, mouthing an 'I love you' to Rachel it disappeared from view. Finn loved Rachel enough to push her away so that she could achieve her dreams; he just hoped that his prediction in their future would be proven correct.