My wild beautiful bird, you will have flown.

Through the last few years they had shared so many ups and downs, Finn could barely keep track of them at this point. There was so much relief in just being able to talk normally with Quinn, it was all water under the bridge now that their high school days were behind them. Even if coming home for the holiday and through this week was seeing fit to put them right back into familiar territory with one another. It felt natural to be across the table from her at Breadstix on a given night even though they literally hadn’t in what felt like forever now. And as much as she seemed happy and grateful for his assessment that she seemed more self-confident than ever, it was her words that had Finn coming up speechless now. She didn’t have to be so kind or thoughtful in trying to reassure him that his path hadn’t been derailed and it didn’t seem pathetic to be right back there in the choir room barely months after graduation and with big plans that had fallen through. “You’re very welcome,” was quickly followed by “And thank you too. Maybe I’ve just been too close to it, but that really does put things into perspective for me.” It truly hit home for Finn with her declaration that he deserved to be happy too. All he really knew was that staying in the Army wasn’t going to make him happy, but neither was being in New York for the sake of others. “I guess it just might take a bit to figure out what will make me happy, you know?”

Soon it was time to leave, and after agreeing to split on the bill they got up to leave together, just as they had a million times before. Only now they didn’t have to go home and study for tests or have football games and Cheerio practices in their future. He’d offered to give her a lift home and quickly Quinn had accepted it, which was nice to at least give them a few more minutes together to reminisce. Why did it feel like nearly the whole time they were at McKinley had been stuck on fast-forward? Always so much going on, but never time to appreciate it. He mused how much cleaner his truck was than before too; High School Finn had been a bit of a slob but a part of that training regimen to get in shape before boot camp meant no more wrappers or takeout garbage around. It seemed to amuse Quinn that he had, and sweetly she gave his chin a little poke, suggesting that maybe he had actually grown up. “Uh oh, hope I didn’t lose it then,” he chuckled. Her gesture, lifting a digit to his dimple made Finn smile again, the sweet moment only cut short when he opened the passenger side door for her and helped her to slide into the seat. He joined her moments later, starting the vehicle up and buckling in before starting to make the drive to her nearby home.

“Of course. Like I could ever forget that.” He gave her a quick glancing smile again, every chance he could to steal a gaze at her features. He nodded slowly, taking a turn onto the side road near her home. “I know what you mean. When you think about it, it’s only been a few months but somehow also feels like it’s been ages.“ It blew his mind to think about how just a year earlier everything still felt normal, how he was so sure football was his future. How they’d just gotten Sam to come back for junior year and to rejoin the team for Sectionals. How he knew Rachel was the one. But now? Football was out. Sam was a senior, helping to lead the club into competition himself. And Rachel… that was done and finished for good. “I think maybe it’ll always feel like that in a way though, with such strong memories?” Finn slowed down, coming to the end of Quinn’s long driveway and turning into it to pull up to the front door of a home he was so familiar with. “Home, safe and sound,” he proclaimed, turning towards her again. Like so many other times tonight, the memories couldn’t help but flood back as the deja vu set in. As he watched her slowly unbuckle her seatbelt and begin to turn in her seat, a sudden feeling came over Finn… one he’d been fighting for a while now. “Hey, Quinn?” He spoke, and reached out to take her hand in his own. He felt his heart speeding up, knowing it was such a risk right now, but one he’d regret not taking, and leaned towards her, pressing his lips softly against her own hoping he hadn’t horribly misread everything.

.

While her love of New Haven grew, there was something about the sleepy town of Lima that Quinn would always love. The memories were good and bad, but it had been home for a good chunk of her life. The more important years. Although she would probably always be searching for who she was, a little, this was the place that had formed who she was becoming. She hoped much better than the bratty cheerleader most would remember her as. Quinn truly hoped Finn would heed her words and allow himself to figure out what he wanted to do. Perhaps his first plan wasn’t meant to work out; both had learned the hard way that life wasn’t always what you expected or wanted. They were proof of that. Quinn knew she had been a terrible girlfriend most of the time she had been with Finn. Most of it could be blamed on jealousy and anger, on hormones and her own self-hatred for cheating, but that did not excuse the way she had treated him. Relieved that they could move beyond it, Quinn hoped Finn realized all of her praise was honest. There had been a reason she wanted him to be the father of Beth-- enough to do something as destructive as try to convince him and everyone else that he was. Because he was the best guy, and even if she had met some incredibly nice people away at a college, he would always be the best in her eyes.

Quinn tried to stifle a giggle and failed at Finn’s retort, those chocolate orbs making her grin as said dimple popped across his cheek. She had missed that lazy, boyish smile, and it still made her heart do flips every time he shone it at her. “I don’t think you could lose it if you tried,” she mused back, sliding into the familiar truck, which now smelled more of Finn’s cologne and chewing gum rather than fast food. “I’m actually quite impressed. You almost managed to get my lip gloss stain out of the embroidery,” she pointed out, running her finger over the seam of the passenger seat. “I remember feeling so guilty when it melted in your truck. But, now you can look back it it and remember how I almost ruined the interior.” Quinn’s smile was cheeky, her hazel eyes brimming with happiness. She had no doubt Finn would ever forget her home on Dudley Road, but it warmed her insides when confirmed. “Strong memories is a good way to phrase it. Some good, some bad.” Her chuckle that followed up was light. “I guess we’re all tethered here in a way, no matter where we end up. I’m pretty sure my mother will stay here for the rest of her life unless she moves to an island or something.”

Just like that, Quinn was reminded how short of a ride it was from her house and Breadstix. Too short. She wasn’t ready for the evening to end, but the lights in the home were out save from the living room lamp; a signal that her mom was already asleep. In fact, most of the neighborhood already seemed to be in the dark. Quinn took her time taking off her seatbelt as she tried to think of a way to drag this out a little longer. Who knew when she’d have the chance to see Finn in person again? As their eyes met in the moonlight and warmth of his hand took over hers, Quinn inhaled sharply. His lips, ever so soft covered hers, and although she probably should be fighting it, Quinn didn’t have it in her to bat him away. It was as if he’d read her mind; that electric connection that always brought them back together. It went deeper than that, but there was no denying the chemistry still lingered. After a small gasp, Quinn sunk into the kiss, her own lips tentative, then parting to allow him entrance. She knew better than to get too attached again; despite what Finn swore about him and Rachel being over, she didn’t buy it. She had learned over the years they would never be fully over. But, just for tonight, maybe she could be the one. In another twenty-four hours she’d be back in New Haven and Finn will have refocused on fixing his relationship. Tonight, they could just have some fun. Quinn inched closer, her fingers moving to shut off the headlights of Finn’s truck as she shifted onto her knees to straddle his lap, and grateful she’d chosen to wear a skirt.

With the others having literally skipped out before the check came, Finn was happy to get a few minutes of one-on-one time with Quinn. Out of all the returning alumni, she was secretly the one he’d been most looking forward to getting reacquainted with. Or at least he’d tried to make it secretly, but given how well she knew him it was entirely possible she knew it and that was the reason she’d stayed. “Well, only because you asked nicely. And because I’m not actually getting paid by McKinley for any of this,” he added with a grin. All of this had come about because of doing a favor for Mr. Schue, none of it was actually official though. Lucky for his old teacher Finn had nothing but time on his hands these days. Catching her gaze from across the table again, he couldn’t help but remark about the difference in her level of self-confidence since she’d left for college. It brought out a smile in her, though she seemed surprised by his assessment. “I really do. It’s noticeable, at least to me anyways. And not that you really needed improvement since the last time we saw each other, but it’s working.”

Her next words blew him away though, suggesting that him pitching in with the club seemed to have a similar effect on Finn as Yale had on her. “It means a lot that you think so, Quinn. And maybe it wasn’t the plan at first, but it’s been a lot of fun. Even if I do kinda feel like I’m just overstaying my welcome back home though.” His main worry about putting in all the time with this year’s New Directions was that people would see him as just another guy who’d peaked in high school and didn’t know when to let go. “It helps that I already knew half of them, but all the new kids bring something to the team too. I hope you can get to know some of them too. Uh… and try not to let Kitty Single White Female you though, okay?” The new queen bee of the Cheerios had made no secret of how much she’d looked up to the legendary Quinn Fabray, and he felt it only fair to warn Quinn about it though overall he knew Kitty was just overly excited.

“Not at all, I’m happy to help out. He mentioned that earlier too… friends and family discount, in fact. So act surprised when he doesn’t charge you for it.” After paying the bill, Finn rose to his feet to leave and purely on instinct held out his hand to help Quinn up from her seat as well, then lightly put his hand against her back for a moment as they started to leave Breadstix; a complete recreation of most of their dates back in sophomore and later junior year and he’d done it without even thinking about it. After a few seconds he let his hand fall away, a rush of embarrassment quietly washing over Finn until they made it to the front door. Holding the heavy wooden door for her to walk through, Finn gave Quinn another quick smile. “I promise, the truck is a lot more clean than you’ll remember it being. No more empty soda bottles or bags of takeout.”

.

As wonderful as it had been to see most of her former glee club members, Quinn was happy to get a little one-on-one time with Finn. A chance that, had Rachel been around, likely would never have happened. She genuinely meant every word spoken to Finn; despite their ups and downs all Quinn wanted was the best for him, and for him to be happy. Even if his plan hadn’t been to leave the Army, there could have been a reason for it in the grand scheme of things. It had taken her a long time, but Quinn was finally understanding the belief that everything happens for a reason. She had been through hell and back, but it had made her wiser and more mature. It had brought Beth into her life, even if not by typical standards. She had learned a lot, and now knew more about what she wanted of her future. Maybe it was just Finn’s turn to figure out the same. Still, earning his praises honestly meant more than Finn knew, and Quinn’s heart was full and warm from his belief in her.

“I think there’s always room for improvement when it comes to me. But you’re incredibly sweet, Finn. What you think means a lot. Thank you.” She was glad there was no argument over paying the bill; though Finn had always been a gentleman to offer, Quinn knew this wasn’t like one of their past dates. Even if with the two of them now, there were flashes of nostalgia sharing this booth. “You’re welcome. Sometimes plans don’t pan out for a reason, but you were always meant for great things. And you are not overstaying your welcome. Home is home. It doesn’t change whether you leave or stay. It’s not always a physical place. And who cares what anyone else thinks? You deserve to be happy. And sometimes, you’re the only one that can make that happen.” She heeded his warning about Kitty with a laugh. “I promise I won’t. It might be nice having a little fangirl again though,” Quinn teased lightly. “I honestly think it’s great that you already have that kind of rapport with them. And as much as I love Journey, you being closer to their age than Mr. Schue was means you may listen to them better too.”

Quinn had actually walked to Breadstix since it was a short trek from home, but as the sun faded the chill in the air had grown, so she was grateful for the ride home. “Thank you. Well, that’s very kind of him. I’ll just have to slip extra into the tip jar then,” Quinn insisted, smiling. As they left together, his hand lingering on hers and then the small of her back, goosebumps rose along her skin. It had nothing to do with the chilly weather. Moments like this made her wish she could turn back time and never lose Finn in the first place. Her love for him then was just as strong now, even if she knew better than to go down that path again. “But those were part of your charm,” Quinn mused, reaching over to poke at his adorable dimple playfully. “Guess you really are all grown up.” As always, he helped her into the truck and Quinn buckled up, the familiarity of her riding passenger by his side stirring up even more emotions. As the truck took off, she had to fight the urge to reach over and take his hand. Not necessarily even romantically, but just because it felt right. And she’d missed him.

“You remember where to go?” She joked again, stealing glances as the moonlight danced over his profile. “It’s weird how it feels like I’ve been gone forever, but also like I never left.”

Just Know You’re Not Alone

@dramaticallyquinn​

Finn wasn’t exactly sure what he was expecting it to feel like when the rest of the McKinley graduates- most of them anyways- showed back up in Lima for the Thanksgiving break. Maybe he was figuring it would be different, now that they’d scattered to the wind and were living all across the country. He didn’t think it’d feel exactly the same as when he’d run into any of them in the hallways at school now, even if it’d only been a few months since that’d been the case. Nationals, Graduation, the summer… all of it felt so long ago already, but one impromptu group number in the auditorium and suddenly everything felt so normal. Santana was giving him shots about his weight and appearance, Puck was talking about scoping out the new waitresses at Breadstix… and Quinn was just lighting up the whole room with her smile and talking about how things had been going at Yale.

The six of them had gone out to dinner to catch up, and Finn couldn’t help but just sit back and take it all in listening to what everyone had been getting up to. Trying not to wallow in his current situation of drifting, he was just thankful they’d all agreed to help out by mentoring some of the new Glee club members. And even if Kurt and Rachel weren’t coming home for the holiday it should be more than enough help to guide the group into Sectionals. He’d already formulated a plan to pair up Santana with Marley in an effort to help give the newcomer a boost to her confidence, and knew that Mike would be able to help Ryder and Jake out with their dance moves. Kitty had also pretty much threatened him into pairing her up with Quinn.

After dinner the group began to dwindle, until it was just Finn and Quinn left seated in Breadstix, waiting for the check when Finn had offered to treat everyone. It seemed fitting since she’d been the first of the alumni he’d asked to come back to town, and without a doubt being in her presence had been a huge pick-me-up for Finn after the last few weeks of uncertainty. “I really do want to thank you again for being here, Quinn. Honestly it’s so good just to see you again, and even if you hadn’t agreed to help mentor the new guys that would’ve been okay.” Finn practically beamed at her. “Yale really suits you. You just seem so self-assured.” As the waitress approached with the final bill, he added “Did you need a ride home?”

Quinn didn’t often get nervous, but she was anxious to return to her alma mater. There was the buzz of excitement from the holidays and getting together with old friends, but there was also the reminder of the hard times high school had brought on. Would her legacy remain intact, or would she be a nobody now? Over time she had grown up and learned that it didn’t matter what others thought; that loving herself was the most important thing. These days she was stronger and more confident in who she was becoming, but that didn’t mean she was eager to listen to Santana’s pitfalls about her. Luckily they’d only had a brief tiff before the two were hugging and singing once again. Their friendship was tricky and weird, but in the end they always had the other’s back.

Puck had been his old self, and Quinn was thrilled to see Mercedes and Mike again. It had been way too long. Then of course, there was Finn. Flutters erupted within Quinn at the sound of his familiar singing voice booming through the auditorium in perfect tune. She was very happy to see him; to catch up and just simply be in his presence for a bit. Their text messages had become a little more frequent, and Quinn felt blessed that despite all the odds, their friendship had remained in tact through it all. Perhaps she should have left with the rest of the bunch, but Quinn found herself wanting a little time with just Finn. It was surreal-- almost like they were back to their sophomore year, and before it all came crashing down.

“At least let me pitch in for the tip,” Quinn insisted; not because she didn’t think Finn could handle paying, but because she just wanted to. Sipping her soda, hazel eyes peeked up across the table, meeting Finn’s warm, chocolate hues. His words brought a modest grin to the blonde’s lips; a gentle curve that had always been reserved for him. “You really think so? I’m working on that. The self assuredness, I mean. But I’d like to think I’ve improved. Thank you, Finn. For the record, this teacher thing? I think it suits you too.” She knew he had been feeling lost and maybe a bit broken, but Finn seemed like he was enjoying working at the school so far. “I know it wasn’t your first choice, but you seem happy. And you’re really good at it. Good with the kids.”

Initially Quinn had been annoyed that her car was in the shop because she didn’t like being dependent on others. However, the excuse to let Finn take her home was a pleasant surprise. “Would you mind? Burt is actually giving mine a tune-up before I have to drive back next week. If it’s no trouble.”

Finn: To be honest, I wasn't sure if that was the exception you meant.

Finn: I get that, it's been tough to keep up to date with everyone too. At least it's easier now than when I was in the Army. No of course, that's natural and maybe not. Yes, and thank you for saying that. Sometimes I forget that.

Finn: Thank you, oh good then. Yes, that's actually how it feels. Really, I have? That sounds better than Lima Loser. I really believe that. And I care too. About you I mean.

Finn: I guess no matter how much we wanted it to be, we just didn't work back then. And we did, and I'm really glad for that. Definitely friends, and that's what I'm really thankful for this year.

Quinn: I certainly didn't mean you.

Quinn: For sure. Honestly, besides Santana and Britt, I've probably spoken to you the most. I can't even imagine trying to stay in communication that way. For better or worse, I'm glad you're more accessible now. I mean, you know what I mean. You're welcome, Finn. I know you do, but I hope you'll remember now. I'll keep reminding you.

Quinn: I do know that feeling well. You were and never will be a Lima Loser, Finn. Honestly, I miss Lima. You're making something out of your life. That's totally different, even if you don't know what it is yet.

Finn: I am?

Finn: Thanks Quinn. And oh okay, I just wasn't sure how close you two were after last year. And that's okay, well that's the thing though. It wasn't her call, it was mine. I'm the one who left, and I'm not here for her to get back.

Finn: You're welcome, and I'm glad. I'd like to think the same thing too, so it's mutual. That's what I thought at first but it was more than that. It wasn't distance, it's just like a page turning, I guess? If that makes sense? And no, I don't wish I had, New York was nice to visit but it's not for me. At least not like that, without a reason of my own to be there. It's not nosy, it means you care, and thank you.

Finn: And that was just another in a long line of bad choices I've made.

Finn: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make this weird or dredge up old feelings, Quinn.

Quinn: I'd rather not say, but it starts with P.

Quinn: I mean, I'd say we're friends, we just haven't done the best job at keeping in touch. She's busy though, and I have been too. Just kind of a natural divide-- nothing spiteful. I don't see me being her first choice for relationship advice though. Oh, really? Well, whatever you feel is right, you know? You have to take care of yourself too.

Quinn: I'm happy about that then. It does make sense. Like that chapter of your life is over? I understand. You've always been the boy next door type in my opinion. More grounded than most in New York are. You're welcome. I do care, absolutely.

Quinn: Well, you are far from the only one. And I wasn't the best girlfriend anyway.

Finn: Feels pretty accurate to me.

Finn: It's okay, really. And I wasn't sure if you'd talked to her or not. But when I got back from the Army, I did go to visit her and Kurt in New York. It didn't go very well, honestly I could tell she's turned a page out there. And that's great for her, but I knew it wasn't for me.

Finn: After everything that happened between us, that's way more than I could ever ask for from you Quinn. And I hope you know I only want the best for you too, and especially for you to be happy. It doesn't? Because it does to me. I... I guess, but this time sure felt different, it wasn't because of something in glee club or around school or anything. It felt final.

Finn: I mean, you could have said the same thing about us, after all. We did go to TWO proms together.

Quinn: I think you're forgetting someone.

Quinn: Well, I'm still sorry. Not really. Randoms texts here and there but very vague check-ins, honestly. Oh, I didn't realize that, Finn. I'm sorry. I wouldn't be surprised though if she realizes her mistake soon enough and tries to get you back though.

Quinn: Thank you, Finn. I do believe you when you say that. Even through the bad, there was always caring there too. No, not at all. Maybe it's just the distance making things feel that way? I bet if she did come to Lima, it would be all the same again. Do you wish you had moved there? Sorry if that's too nosy to ask.

Finn: I'd say all.

Finn: Wow, that's true too.

Finn: No, not based on the last time I saw her anyways. And honestly no, I'm not. No, and pulling focus away from this year's team just defeats the purpose. Well, one of the purposes. The other is to see everybody, but I feel like she might pull focus there too.

Finn: Of course we are, and boy have we ever. The long and short of it is her and I are really over. For real this time, and not just because of the army before. We've just moved on, both of us. Her to New York, me back home I guess. I hope that doesn't sound too lame?

Quinn: That's generous of you.

Quinn: I'm sorry. I wasn't sure if you had worked things out since or what. I'm sorry though. Yeah, you're absolutely right about that. It would be like taking a few steps backwards.

Finn: Well, you've always had great taste.

Finn: Also true. Unfortunately I know that first hand.

Finn: That's okay, I really wasn't sure if she would so I kinda wasn't planning on her anyways. I think eventually she will, for now though it's just too soon. And yup, I was thinking that too which doesn't really help anybody.

Finn: Really? I get that, and we are but... yeah. You mean it? It wouldn't be awkward?

Quinn: Well, in most cases.

Quinn: I think we've both been in that boat before.

Quinn: Oh, you weren't. Well, so long as you aren't too bothered by her not returning. Of course, I do get that. No, she definitely isn't really a great example of teamwork.

Finn: That's definitely true, love that idea you had! You're welcome, Quinn.

Finn: And strangely it works for her.

Finn: Nah, me either honestly. Well... I think she's feeling kind of the same way Kurt is. I did ask him to at least bring up the idea to her, but I got the impression neither of them were looking for Lima time now. And no, but it might be more beneficial to the group this way too.

Finn: Just between you and I, it's kind of a relief too.

Quinn: It could also be that I'm really craving pasta right now.

Quinn: It does. Her pure hatred is much scarier.

Quinn: I didn't really think of it like that. I guess I just assumed that since some time has passed she might want to come back. But that does make sense. And, no offense, but she would have just taken the spotlight from your students.

Finn: Oh I like that idea, that sounds great! If there's one thing everyone will agree on, it's Breadstix. That'd be awesome, and I know you've got this. I'm sure they will.

Finn: That's a good point, actually. Here's hoping.

Finn: Kurt's staying in New York for the holiday actually, things are still pretty weird between him and Blaine. And I'm pretty sure she'll do the same.

Quinn: That was my thinking too. Even Santana can't turn that down. Thank you, Finn.

Quinn: It's her weird way of showing affection.

Finn: Hi! I think so too, I'm really looking forward to that. And some of the new club members could use a bit of guidance just before sectionals so the timing couldn't be better.

Finn: True, but would it really be Santana if she wasn't? I like to think she was joking.

Finn: Yup, as far as I've heard at least. So almost everybody.

Quinn: Same here! Maybe we'll have to all go to Breadstix or something for old times sake. Well, I'll try my best to offer some wisdom and encouragement. Hopefully so will the others.

Quinn: True. I'd be concerned that she'd been hacked or abducted otherwise. I'm sure she was, Finn.

Finn: Well you're very welcome then. :)

Finn: Exactly, and neither one of us really have changed that much, just matured. Thank you, that means a lot that you think so Quinn. And I'm still just trying to get through day by day and figure out what I want to do, but I'll be honest, I do kinda like the idea the more I think about it.

[24 hours later]

Finn: Hey Quinn! I heard from the others, or at least most of the others. Looks like most of us are going to be back for at least a few days. Puck and Mercedes are flying back in, Mike said he's coming home too.

Finn: And Santana said she's consider coming back if I promised not to look her directly in the eyes.

Quinn: Hey! Oh yeah? That's great news then! It will be nice to see everyone.

Quinn: Why does that not surprise me? She's such a grump.