August 5, 2012

They really had enjoyed their time at the hotel, but when the reservation was up, they'd moved their reunion to Rachel's apartment. It seemed all too surreal to him: the fact that they'd gotten engaged, broken off the engagement, and gotten engaged for a second time in the span of a year was crazy to him. But they were crazy, and he was crazy about her. There was no point not to try.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing. He didn't want to move from his spot on the bed, Rachel still deep asleep. The sun had just started to rise, and even though he couldn't see it very well out her window, he knew it was beautiful. The phone didn't stop ringing though, and he knew he had to answer it.

He carefully separated himself from Rachel, trying to not wake her up. She was sleeping so peacefully, and all he wanted was to rejoin her in slumber. Picking up the phone, he answered it with a quick statement of, "Hudson."

"Private Hudson, we have your base assignment. You need to report to Red River Army Depot in Hooks, Texas on August 6, 2012, at 0900," the woman on the other end of the phone told him.

"Clear, ma'am." He hung up the phone, not ready to say goodbye. He didn't want to tell Rachel yet either. However, he knew he had to, sooner than later. Probably as soon as she woke up. Setting the phone back down, he rejoined her in bed, pulling her close. He wasn't ready to book that flight. He really didn't want to leave her again.

It didn't take long for him to notice her waking up, kissing softly along her neck. She shifted in his arms, pressing against him with a content sigh.

"I could get used to this," she told him. He could hear the smile.

"I'm flying to Texas today," he replied. As much as he could get used to this, as much as he wanted more time, he knew they didn't have any more. The Army didn't work that way unfortunately. She turned in his arms to face him.

"So soon?" The look on her face caused him to sigh softly, kissing her softly. This was the last thing he wanted, to leave her. But he had to go and she had to stay.

"I'll try and visit if I get a weekend off. And you'll come visit during holidays. Just think of it this way, okay? It's like we're going to different colleges. My contract is up in four years, you'll be done with NYADA in four years, and then we'll decide what to do from there."

"But you're not going to college, Finn. You're in the Army, and I'm going to worry every day. What if something happens?" She always worried, but he wouldn't let himself think like that. It was football over again.

"Nothing is going to happen to me, I promise. I need to book my flight, and then we'll do whatever you want until I have to go to the airport." He just wanted to spend these last few hours with her. He knew the definite soonest to see her was Thanksgiving, and that seemed like an eternity away.

"Anything?" He knew that tone of voice and smirk. Thank God Santana and Kurt were out for the day.

When the time came, they got dressed again, Finn grabbing his bag. They didn't say anything during the cab ride to the airport or when they got out of the cab. He checked in at the kiosk, walking to security. This was where they had to say goodbye.

"I swear to God, Finn Hudson, I will kill you myself if you don't come back safe, okay?" she warned him. All he could do was smile at how adorable she was.

"I promise, I'll stay safe. I love you." He leaned down, kissing her as her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him close.

"I love you more. Call me every day. I don't care how late it is." He nodded. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'm gonna miss you too. But we're going to see each other soon." He knew they would. Because she was going to come visit during holidays, and he'd try to make it to New York during a weekend if he could. This wasn't goodbye, he had to remind himself. This was see you later.