AN
Hey guys. Sorry this took a while, but I couldn't decide what to do next. Finally, I've decided I'll switch couples every chapter. For example, last chapter was Monchele, so this one will be Finchel. Feel free to submit any ideas you would wish to see me write in your reviews and maybe help the process along quicker.
Disclaimer-I own nothing, obviously.
Fragments of Us
Chapter 2-Rekindling the Flame
Finn stalked through the streets of New York, his fists still clenched. He couldn't believe that jerk Brody! Messing with his girl like that. Who did he think he was?
Well, he set him straight. But Finn was still angry. Imagine if Santana hadn't called him. His sweet, innocent Rachel would still be with that creep while he sat clueless back in Ohio.
Whoa, slow down man, he cautioned himself. He had to remind himself that Rachel wasn't his anymore. Finn continued his power walk of frustration, not even noticing where his feet were taking him. Suddenly, he came to a stop. Looking around, he noticed that he was suspiciously close to the NYADA campus.
No, he told himself firmly. I am certainly not going there. Finn turned around resolutely and began striding away, intent on returning home as soon as possible.
"Finn!"
He spun around and was surprised to see a tiny brunette figure running at him. "Rachel," he called out tentatively.
He got his answer when she barreled into his chest and wrapped her arms around him. "I heard what you said?"
"What?" Finn's brain couldn't process any thoughts properly while Rachel's arms were wrapped around him. He still couldn't believe she was here, much less try to decode what she was going on about.
Rachel either didn't notice or chose to ignore his state of incredulity at her sudden presence. A big grin stretched her face wide. "You called me your future wife."
Finn started. "Wait, how did you know that?"
Rachel beamed. "Santana recorded you!"
Finn grimaced. "That bitch."
Rachel frowned and slapped his shoulder. "Finn Christopher Hudson, language!"
Finn burst out laughing. He couldn't help himself. She hadn't called him that since... since they were so happy together.
Rachel's thoughts seemed to be mirroring his. Her expression was far away and a little wistful. "We need to talk," she said finally.
Finn nodded his head numbly. "Yeah, sure."
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Finn and Rachel sat tensely across from each other in a tiny coffee shop close to her apartment. They had ordered five minutes ago and yet, still neither had said a word. Growing weary, Finn broke the silence. "So why are we not together again?"
Rachel's eyebrows rose up high. "Well, for starters, someone told me to "surrender" and let go."
Finn sighed. "You're never gonna let that go, are you?"
Rachel shook her head firmly. "Nope."
Finn grimaced. "Yeah, well at least I didn't go running off to New York and immediately start dating a-"
"You didn't call me for FOUR MONTHS!" Rachel broke in hotly. She didn't care that people were beginning to stare at them.
Finn recoiled from the force of her voice. He wasn't used to seeing the tiny diva really shout at him. "Maybe a public place wasn't such a good idea," he mumbled under his breath.
"I heard that," Rachel snapped. "We are here because if we were back at my place right now, I would be hitting you with a pillow."
Finn slumped defeatedly in his chair. "You're right, ok. I'm sorry for all the stupid things I've done these past few months. But I'm going to make things right."
Rachel snorted derisively. "And just how, Mr. Hudson, do you plan on doing that?"
"Like this." In one motion, Finn was on his knees and in front of Rachel.
She drew in a sharp breath. Her mouth hung open in surprise as she stared at him transfixed. Similarly, a hush had fell over the restaurant as curious onlookers watched the young couple.
Finn took a deep breath, held it and then let it out. "Listen Rach, I told you a little while ago that we were endgame. And we are. But I also told you that I didn't know when or how, or that I didn't care who you were with. Well I do care, and I know when. Babe, the time is now."
Rachel let out the breath she'd been holding, still staring speechlessly into Finn's eyes.
Finn reached into his pocket and withdrew the ring. "Rachel Barbra Berry, will you marry me, for real this time?"
Rachel's hands were shaking as she grasped the tabletop for balance. "But Finn, we already tried this and look how that turned out. Maybe we could start dating again, you know like a trial period-"
"Rachel, you and I both know that idea is crap. We don't need a trial period. Just because I haven't seen you for a long time doesn't mean I don't still know you. Sure, you probably have some new..." He winked at her. "-quirks, but you're still my Rachel. The same Rachel who I'll always love. You're still my beacon of light guiding me through the darkness. And I need my beacon."
Tears began pouring down Rachel's face as emotions overcame her. "Oh God Finn, I want to say yes so bad!"
Finn pried her hands from the table and clasped them in his. "So then what's stopping you?"
A watery sigh escaped from Rachel's lips. "I love you too much, Finn. I don't think I could survive it if this doesn't work out again. I'm sick of this rollercoaster we've been on. I want to go on a nice, steady farris wheel that just keeps rising up and up into the stars."
Finn grinned at her. "Was that a metaphor?"
Rachel sniffled. "Of course it was. Metaphors are important."
Finn laughed and pulled Rachel into a hug. "Look, I can't promise you that we'll never fight, 'cause I think we both know that's not true. But I will promise to be your rock. To keep you grounded when all that crazy success makes your cute little head swell up like a balloon. I don't care if we actually get married in two months or two years. I'll even try and transfer schools once the semester is over to be closer to you. And, you know, if that doesn't work we can always make long distance work somehow-"
Rachel cut him off with a fiery kiss. After they were both breathless, she pulled away and kissed his cheek. "You are hands-down the sweetest guy who ever lived. And I love you so, so very much."
Finn nuzzled her neck. "So, is that a yes?"
Rachel beamed. "Absolutely!" The crowd broke out in a round of raucous cheering as the newly engaged couple made out.
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"YOU GUYS ARE ENGAGED! AGAIN!"
Rachel covered her ears as Kurt's shrill voice pierced her eardrums.
"Jeez, tone it down dude," Finn advised, his ears also covered.
"I MOST CERTAINLY WILL NOT "TONE IT DOWN. DID YOU TWO LEARN NOTHING FROM LAST TIME?"
Rachel sighed in exasperation. "Kurt, don't be like that. Look, I promise you if you stop your screeching, you can be the maid of honor."
Suddenly Santana appeared in the room, a look of menace on her face. "Or naw. Let me tell you how this is gonna go. Since I'm the one who basically pushed your asses back together, I'm the maid of honor. Lady Hummel is just going to have to wait in line. Got it." When Finn opened his mouth to say something, Santana held up a finger. "I don't wanna hear anything out of you, Pillsbury dough turd. If it wasn't for me you wouldn't even be here, much less be back together with the midget."
Finn blinked. "I was just going to say thanks."
"Yeah, sure you were," Santana threw over her shoulder as she sashayed from the apartment.
Kurt looked crestfallen. Rachel giggled and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Oh sweetie, don't listen to her. You can be my man of honor as well as my wedding planner."
He perked right back up. "Wonderful! I'm already thinking of ideas! I gotta go." And with that, he bounded up off the couch, kissed Rachel's cheek, patted Finn on the shoulder and was gone.
Finn let out a loud laugh. "Wow, babe, I think you just made his day."
Rachel smiled contentedly and climbed on his lap. He wrapped his arms securely around her as she snuggled into his chest. "I missed this," she whispered. "I missed cuddling with my Finny Bear."
Finn kissed the top of her head. "I missed cuddling with you too, baby."
For the rest of the night, the reunited lovers sat watching some of Rachel's musicals. They talked, they laughed and they sung together. When they couldn't hold their passion in any longer, they retired to bed to show each other just how much they loved each other.
AN
Yeah so, the ending could've been better but I just wanted this to get done. So remember, if you have any ideas for a Monchele or Finchel moment I should write, feel free to tell me. Review please! And thanks for all the follows and favorites, I really appreciate them.