Not ready to wake up.

Maybe it wouldn’t work, and maybe they were destined to once again be at each other’s throats over this job. But Finn knew that he and Quinn both deserved this potential break in their careers and owed it to themselves to at least try and make this work somehow. He winced as she matched his level of sarcasm with her words, even after all this time had passed it was still hard to face the scorn in her voice. They’d been so close before it all had gone to hell, sometimes he had trouble letting go of the good in their past. He had dared her to come up with somewhere for them to try and get past things enough to work on their performances, away from prying eyes and set gossips that would just love to knock them out of their spots. Her eyes met him and instantly he couldn’t look away, but her suggestion of meeting in her trailer seemed like as good an idea as any. “Okay, that works for me. I’ll see you then.”

Almost twenty-four hours later, they were together again. Seated on the couch in her new trailer, Finn tried to make himself comfortable as he balanced the script on the table in front while they went over lines trying to sound anything at all like a young couple of romantic leads. He was sure Quinn would rather have been anywhere else, with anyone else, but Finn did give her credit for going through with this attempt at least. They had a lot riding on this, and it wasn’t in his nature to just give up… nor was it in hers. “You can trust me,” he huffed, reciting from the script. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” Despite his attempt, Finn still wasn’t completely able to lose himself in the role though, and sighed out loud. “I’m sorry… let me try it again.” He hated to apologize to Quinn, and leaned forward to address her. “You can trust me, Beth. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Something was still missing though, and it frustrated Finn visibly as he leaned back against the couch, hand rubbing over his forehead and through his hair. “It’s not working, is it? It doesn’t feel right…” Suddenly he stood up, and reached out his hand to Quinn. “Maybe it just feels flat because all we’re doing is reciting lines, there’s no passion in it. C’mon, let’s try and put some real feeling into it.”

It wasn’t like Quinn to be nervous. That was a word that didn’t really exist in her vocabulary. Except when she was around Finn Hudson. It wasn’t always like that. He used to be warmth and sunshine and... comfort. Now all she could think about was the way their relationship had crumbled, and that now she was about to be stuck in her trailer with him in such a confined space. They both wanted this job to work, and they needed it to, but she was stubborn as hell, and bitter feelings were not going to be so easy to cast aside. She’d try though-- to the best of her ability. Even if a small groan of annoyance slithered past her lips when she heard the knock on her trailer door. She was certain the forced smile she sent Finn’s way had been transparent, but he couldn’t say she wasn’t trying.

It wasn’t long before they dove into the script, but Quinn couldn’t disagree with Finn that it wasn’t working. Everything felt too... stiff. The lines woody and disconnected. The second time Finn declared the line about trusting him, even with her character’s name attached, Quinn slipped. “You said that before,” she hissed without realizing the statement had seeped from her internal thoughts and out-loud instead. Her cheeks fumed with a flush, which only deepened when Finn’s giant hand reached for hers. On instinct she started to close that distance, but pulled her hand back in haste-- as if it had been burned. Hazel eyes grew a bit misty, so Quinn closed them and inhaled deeply before exhaling that same shaky breath. 

“O-kay,” she relented, her voice uncharacteristically soft as of late, and a bit broken. She bit her lip before placing her hand in his, and tried her best to remember what the actual line was of Beth’s-- not the one of Quinn’s circling in her brain. “I do trust you,” she retorted timidly, just as the script directed. Her fingers fiddled with Finn’s, though it wasn’t so much in the script this time, but out of her own nerves. She met his gaze again, hers finally calm and steady. “I know we just met but...” she cracked the tiniest of tentative smiles. “There’s just something about you.”

Exchanging small pleasantries wasn’t going to smooth things over or anything at all, but it might have been the first step towards being able to work with each other. It was little comfort though, knowing how close they had been and how friendly they’d been until it all came crashing down. “I guess, that or she has a twisted sense of humor,” he agreed. Soon they didn’t have to talk, once the group introductions were beginning and the meeting was underway it was easier to sit back in his seat. Finn kept taking small glances towards the blonde seated beside him, regretting each one but unable to stop from looking at Quinn and reminding himself of how gorgeous she really was. Distance had helped him to forget, but now he didn’t have that luxury. At one point during the table read their eyes met, and both pulled away just as quickly as they could.

They managed to get through it well enough, and in reading lines with each other Finn noticed Quinn still wasn’t looking his way. Still it felt as if maybe they could make it work, at least they had some time to get more used to it before they’d start to shoot things. And that’s when the director had decided to pull the two of them aside for a nice pep talk for his two stars, giving each one compliments… but then dropped the hammer on them. He wanted them to continue to work on lines and their performances, given they’d be starting to film things within the week. Finn felt a pit in the bottom of his stomach, but credit to Quinn for speaking up first after the blindside. After she agreed to it, Finn followed it up with a nod and then added “You bet, we’ve got this. We’ll be ready.”

Once left alone, Quinn was back to being distant with him as she picked up her belongings and turned back to face him. Her face, though still angelic also managed to convey the sense of irritation she was facing now. For his part, Finn took a breath before replying and knowing what she said was all true unless they wanted to kiss another major opportunity for their careers goodbye. “I know, I was there,” he pointed out before softening his stance a little. “I’ll be just fine, Fabray. I’ll even be a nice guy and let you pick where you feel like running lines and practicing. You name the time and place, and I’ll be there.” Finn was standing by his theory of karma having a seriously twisted sense of humor on this.

The last thing Quinn wanted was to show any sign of weakness to the director that had given her the role in the first place. As angry and upset as she was at Finn for the way things had unraveled between them, she didn’t wish that he’d lose his job either. It just would have been easier and better for them both if they weren’t playing love interests, or even on the same show. She had to be the bigger person though; at least around prying eyes. Behind closed doors if she and Finn argued and couldn’t remain professional, then so be it. They were actors though, and now was the time to convey that when anyone else had their sights on them.

Relieved that Finn went along with her rather than stirring up trouble around their boss, she released a small sigh. It grew into a noise of irritation however as Finn’s tone became sarcastic once they were alone. Hazel eyes narrowed, though Finn’s attitude quickly softened, and Quinn felt herself following in suit. She didn’t want to be alone with him, especially not in privacy. That was just begging for trouble in all realms-- fighting, or even falling back into old habits. Even with the animosity and heartbreak she felt toward her ex, his charm and allure was still there. Quinn bit her lip gently as she searched for somewhere safe for them to work, but nothing came up. At least if they went to one of their trailers, someone could walk in. It was better than letting her back into his home.

“Yeah,” she chuckled, the lilt a bit bitter and sarcastic. “Such a nice guy. Thank you for reminding me what a nice guy you really are, Hudson.” Blowing hair out of her face with a frustrated huff, Quinn finally dared to meet his gaze again. She hated how warm his eyes were; like melting pools of chocolate. Suddenly her resolve diminished. “I guess my trailer, tomorrow after the table read?” 

Well, I’m kinda unpredictable sometimes. We need to figure out how to work with each other and be around one another again, why not start small? Is that a yes?

That’s putting it lightly. I suppose you’re right though. I guess public would be easier than anything else. A tentative yes.

You have? Can you already say what it’s about? Oh you know, visiting places, going to the beach, etc. Have you ever visited Hawaii?

It’s in the supernatural realm; a very intriguing concept. I play a human, but not everyone is. I think it will sit well with people who like that genre, and maybe even those that don’t. I have, but only once when I was a child. Long enough ago that I don’t remember a lot of it. Are you having a blast?

-

As soon as I’m back in town, you’re on. Would you settle for a zoom date for now? I’ll buy on my end, you buy on yours, and you can tell me all about the actors you have to deal with that are secretly evil. 

And I can tell you all about Hawaii. Is it weird to be homesick when you’re on vacation? 

Where did you sneak off to, and why wasn’t I invited? But, yes. I suppose I can drink to that. But I’m still treating you once you get back. Girl, you read my mind. I definitely have a lot to tell you. 

I’d be down for that but I’m currently on vacation. I don’t mean to brag but unless you can make it to Hawaii, it’ll have to wait until I’m back in L.A. So you’ve been busy?

You are totally bragging! Kidding. But sadly, as much as I’d love to come to Hawaii, I can’t right now. I’m in the middle of filming. I have been, actually. I’ve just begun shooting a new series. What are you u to in Hawaii? 

Guessing this offer probably doesn’t count for me, does it?

I didn’t see this coming. Why would you even want to go?

Not in a million years would Finn have expected to come face to face once again with his ex, especially not when it was rapidly becoming obvious to him that not only was she involved with the new project now… she’d been cast opposite him to play the other lead. It was an immediate sucker punch to the gut, but by the way she was looking at him it wasn’t just him that had been in the dark. Quinn Fabray at one time had been maybe the person closest to him. The first and only real relationship he’d gotten into out here in Los Angeles, one he’d also been sure would have gone the distance too. At least until his best friend, Joey, had broken the news to him that he’d seen Quinn making out with her agent… apparently it had all just been for show like everything else in Hollywood, a PR couple meant to benefit her career. And even though he’d never gotten a confession out of her mouth Finn knew it had to be true with the way she’d gone on the defensive immediately.

The argument that nearly ruined both of their careers had gotten them fired from the last television show they’d been a part of, and all of a sudden Finn wondered if history was bound to repeat itself again now. As she sat down beside him, confirming she was indeed the actress who’d been cast as Beth on the show, Finn tried to greet her with as friendly a tone as he could muster towards her. Her response was sharp and to the point, and stopped him cold. Despite it all, it still hurt to hear her talking through measured words with such an icy tone. Apparently time had not healed all, for either one of them.

“Um, yeah, I guess not.” He agreed, funny was absolutely not the best way to describe this mess that they were now in but if they weren’t careful, it really would be the end of their careers. “Thanks, and congratulations to you too. I suppose it is, and maybe in a way a bit of karma too.” He glanced back at her once more, failing to avoid the trap of brilliant hazel for a second and reminding himself just how beautiful a person Quinn was and why he fell for her so hard in the first place. Formerly his girlfriend, now to be his on-screen love interest, he swallowed hard again. This was going to be incredibly difficult. Luckily in that moment, the showrunner and director began to speak up and greet the assembled cast, introducing everybody and welcoming them to the table read for the show’s first episode. Finn made sure to listen, even as his mind was stuck on the person sitting beside him.

Quinn knew she was being cold to Finn, but it was the only way she could muster to address him in the moment. The other option was to crumble and break down-- and she wasn’t about to let him see her in that state. He’d witnessed enough when she lashed out on him the last time they were on a set together. “Thanks.” Quinn paused briefly and immediately regretted the way her gaze dipped over to him. “Karma... right. I guess she really hates us, doesn’t she?” Awkward small talk. Was this how it would be with them at all times? Quinn remembered how well she and Finn had gotten along at first meet, and all through their relationship. All of that warmth and comfort was gone. Relief flooded her when the crew began making introductions and dove into the mechanics of the show. It gave her an excuse not to talk for a while.

Hazel eyes remained trained on whomever was speaking, or the script; she tried to ignore that Finn was right beside her, despite the familiar scent of his cologne wafting in her space every now and again. At one moment while flipping a page her arm accidentally brushed against his. Quinn’s breath halted as a spark reignited, and their eyes once again met... before she quickly dodged it and buried herself into the script. The read itself had been going well enough; Quinn simply tried not to look Finn’s way even if they were the two reading off each other. She knew eventually, on camera, that wouldn’t be a luxury. Hopefully by filming time however, she would have at least had the chance to get used to the idea again. For now, she could pretend it was someone else on the other side of the script.

Once they were dismissed for the day, the director called both her and Finn over. After showering them with compliments on their script work (which Quinn had noticed Finn’s had improved-- not that she would say so), her heart dropped at the following prompt. “I want you two to stay a few hours after and run lines. Wherever you would like is fine, but we’re going to start shooting next week, and I need my stars camera ready.” The air felt thick and Quinn had to force a smile to their superior, her words barely coming out through a heavy swallow. “Of course... we can handle that.” She wondered if the guy knew of their past, but he didn’t seem too aware, or maybe he didn’t care, about the tension in the room. Nodding politely, Quinn went to snatch up her bag and script, her voice low and irritated. “We have to be professional,” she reminded through gritted teeth. “Think you can handle that, Hudson?”

It wasn’t every day that Finn was able to get started on a new project, and the entertainment business had always proven that there were no sure things either. This one in particular was something special, and something potentially that could really make his career. A lead role, the leading man in fact, it was his first real chance to make a true name for himself here in Hollywood. Until now he’d been able to pick up supporting roles, usually something with a funny one-liner or the bad boyfriend; but this time there was a a lot more pressure on him to make this work. Pressure that he relished, with the opportunity to make it big if it proved to be a hit.

With today’s first table read for the new show, Finn was a mix of anticipation and worry. It needed to go well, it was also a well known fact that actors had lost roles because of bad table reads… basically until the show had been shot and started to air, there was always the chance of things suddenly crashing down around him. Coffee in hand, he got to the studio that morning and made sure to be extra early, stopping only long enough to say hello to some of the office workers and assistants on the way. Once he made it to the room where the table read was to happen, Finn scanned the cards for his character’s name and once he found it he settled in.

Just a couple of minutes later, as a few other members of the cast began to file into the room as well, Finn smiled and made small talk with a couple of them as they took their respective spots at the table too. It was when he locked eyes with the next person to walk into the room, those unforgettable hazel eyes, when his breath caught in his throat. Quinn Fabray, his ex-girlfriend and the person more than anybody that could cause his stress levels to go into overdrive right now. His eyes widened in surprise, and as he watched Quinn’s just as visible reaction to spotting him he was pretty sure she was as blindsided as he was. Finn couldn’t decide whether to offer a polite smile towards her, to look away, or what to do at all. The shock of seeing that she was involved in the show only grew when he did end up tracking her as she not only entered the room but continued to walk towards him… taking the seat beside him. The seat of his main co-star and leading lady. Quinn seemed intent on ignoring him and the situation for as long as possible, but Finn felt a need to reach out first.

“Um, hey Quinn. Funny running into you here, huh?”

Quinn had been so exhilarated that morning; high on her recent success rather than the caffeine contained in her coffee cup. This was a huge step in a new direction of her career… but all those euphoric feelings seemed to crash down in an instant. Seeing Finn seated at the table was one thing, and internally Quinn was panicking. However, her eyes grazed the various table cards, praying hers would be in the farthest corner away from his. Sure enough though, given her luck, it was smack dab beside him. Apparently, he was the other lead. Her heart plummeted and she gripped her coffee cup tightly so as not to drop it to the floor.

She didn’t hate Finn. Quinn couldn’t even bring herself to that level. He was kind and sweet and adorable, and had been a good boyfriend. That was until one of his fellow band members (and best friend) informed her that Finn was hooking up with groupies while they were in a steady relationship. Quinn wrote him off before Finn could even explain. His buddy had no reason to lie. She was heartbroken and felt there wasn’t any way to fix things. She had fallen fast for Finn Hudson, and felt like a fool for giving him her heart. One day on the set of the show where they had met with their minor roles, tensions rose and an argument imploded behind the scenes. It was so disruptive that both of their characters were written off, and Quinn feared she might never find a job in the business again.

One thing was for certain-- she would never date a co-star again. The last thing she had anticipated was out of the thousands of aspiring actors they would wind up together again, as opposites. There was a small part of her that considered quitting right that very second, but this was her time to shine. Moonlight was second chance and she didn’t have more left to throw it away. Settling in, Quinn’s efforts to ignore her ex came up short as he greeted her. That light, carefree charm of his normally would have defrosted Quinn, but not with their past history. “I don’t know that funny is the word I would choose,” she offered smarmily through gritted teeth, immediately regretting a stolen glance in his direction. Those puppy dog eyes and dimples made her want to melt. “But, congratulations. I suppose this is the world’s way of testing us. I have always been one open to challenges.” Could she be professional with him? Quinn wasn’t sure. But she’d have to try. 

@filmingfinn​

It was nearly a new year. With a shiny fresh project under her belt, Quinn was ready to make 2021 the best yet. As much as she cherished her past projects and they were catalysts in launching her career, finally she had a major role. The past ones had all been supporting characters-- the best friend, the neighbor, and sometimes even one-off characters. For this television show though, she was the leading lady. Nervous as could be, Quinn was also elated. It was like all of her hard work through the years - the beauty pageants and toy commercials of the past - had finally paid off. She just hoped this new series would be a success, and that someone as fresh-faced as herself wouldn’t sink it. Even though she’d grown up behind the camera lens, Quinn had never really had the spotlight shone on her until now.

Quinn’s manager had suggested she maintain the All American girl-next-door image, which she was grateful for. At least when off camera, it meant she could be more herself. She wanted to stay grounded and humble, unlike so many of the rising stars she’d worked with in the past. Quinn’s parents’ push to make her a star had worked against them. Instead of following the diva like demands they’d encouraged her to, Quinn rebelled. One of the prime reasons for wanting to be in such a line of work, in her opinion, was to be a role model to others. And that required setting good examples.

Unfortunately all manners and grace were sucked from Quinn the second she walked into the room for the first table read and she met those warm brown eyes she knew way too well. Finn. Freaking. Hudson. The name card on the table read that of his character... which she knew all too well from the script meant he  was her opposite as leading man. Suddenly all of the excitement was replaced with more nerves and anxiety as she reluctantly took the seat beside her ex-boyfriend. Quinn stiffened and tried to focus on the script in front of her, letting blonde locks fall in a waterfall over her face. Anything to avoid looking at him.