thinkin' how could i be so reckless

Finn Hudson; NYPD Officer; 21 I've been on the force for about a year now, and a graduate of the NYU Police Foundations program. Born in Lima, Ohio but now a resident of New York City and loving every minute of it.

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Frannie

Frannie: Seriously. I don't really know any other way to explain it, but I've been swamped. I am; overwhelmed is more accurate though since I've been doing it all myself. Really? Well that's good, right? Oh please, you could never be boring, Finn. I'd still like to catch up with you sometime.

Finn: Aw I bet, but I hope you're giving yourself a little bit of time to sit back and enjoy it too aren't you? You are, you've seriously been doing everything on your own? Sure, it makes sense anyways, work's been a little busier so it's been easy to throw myself into it. Thanks for that, Frannie but I really have. Really? I'd still like that too, a lot.

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Frannie

Frannie: Thanks, Finn! Oh for sure; not sure if it's a crazy bout of spring fever, or what. And then all the wedding stuff too. That's so great to hear! You're welcome! What's new with you?

Finn: You're welcome! Oh yeah? Maybe so, you think? Of course, and how is that all going? You must be really busy with that too right? Thank you! Oh not much honestly. I've just been focused on work. Pretty boring actually.

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Frannie

Frannie: Hey, Finn! I've been alright. Kind of busy, but not bad. how are you?

Finn: Hi there! I'm glad to hear that, lots to do for work then? I'm doing well, thank you!

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Frannie

Finn: Frannie, hey! How have you been?

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: You're welcome, and good then! Yes, but that's alright. Thanks, Finn. Okay, great the! Sure! Friday is perfect! Want to pick the place? :)

Finn: Oh, okay then. You're welcome Frannie. Really? Great then! Are you sure? Hmm, have you been to the diner down close to the police station?

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: Good then, I hope you have a nice time! Yep; awww, thanks Finn, I'll be okay though. I'm used to it honestly. Really? So would I? Well, how about sometime in the next week or so? My schedule is pretty flexible, so whenever works for you, I can do.

Finn: Thank you, I'm sure it'll be fun. You're welcome, really though? I really hope you have a good night of quiet then too. Definitely! Okay then, I'd love to! Alright, why don't we say Friday then, maybe? Does that work?

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: :) You're welcome! Well still, that sounds like a good time! And good food, right? No? I like that thinking, actually-- I'm sure you'll be happy either way then. No, but that's okay; I haven't had much time to myself in a while. I doubt that very much. But hey, maybe we can catch up over lunch or something soon?

Finn: :) I think it will be. And oh yeah, lots of good food I'm sure. Really? Well great then! And okay, well I hate to see you abandoned like that for the night, but I understand too. And I'd really like that actually, it's been so long. Lunch works great for me, when are you free?

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: You're welcome, Finn! :) I'm very glad that you are. Oh are they? That sounds like fun; who are you rooting for? I think he's hanging out with his dad and brothers for a guys' thing... so, nope, not really. Thanks! Anything new since I last saw you?

Finn: :) Thank you again! Yup, it's just a little party thing, but it should be. I really don't have a preference honestly, as long as it's a good game. Wait, really? So you don't have any plans then? You're welcome! Nah, not too much honestly. I rarely do.

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: Believe me, if it had changed I would have let you know. :) Thanks! Are you? That's wonderful to hear, I'm glad! Big Superbowl plans tomorrow? I'm doing pretty well myself, thank you.

Finn: Well I do appreciate it then, thank you! :) You're welcome, and I am. Thanks, actually some of the guys on the force are throwing a little Superbowl party. What about you? Are you and Patrick doing anything for it? I'm glad you are, that's great Frannie.

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: Finn? Hey! Of course it is. How are you?

Finn: Hi! Oh good, I'm glad! And I'm doing pretty well, how are you tonight?

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Finn: Hi Frannie... this is still your number, isn't it?

[finnocent-minded]

Hello again || Hudbray

[funandfranniefree]

Running into Finn like this stirred up a flurry of feelings; Frannie had decided for sure that she was going along with this engagement, but the minute their paths had crossed, she was suddenly second guessing the decision. It had been easy enough when she thought they’d probably never speak again– not easy in terms of their friendship… that was a loss she still was saddened by frequently, but with the chance of anything rekindling with him, the oldest Fabray assumed this was her best move. She’d missed their daily texts - and she’d yet to find anyone ever again to talk to like she did Finn. Frannie was a psychologist, so listening was her forte; when it came to expressing herself though, he was still the only person she’d ever divulged. “Yeah, I missed you, you know. I thought maybe I’d never hear from you again,” she replied honestly, and then listened as he explained his route from college and beyond. Frannie was extremely proud of him; she knew everything in Lima had rattled Finn and shaken his confidence (to put it lightly), but it made her so happy to see him successful, and doing something he seemed passionate about. He deserved it more than anyone in the world. She was really hoping Finn would leave it at that and not inquire about her recent endeavors; even if she doubted he still had any feelings toward her that way, the last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, or shatter that tiny chance. Lying wasn’t right either though, and would make her just as low as Quinn. So, tentatively she raised her hand to show off the diamond, and explained where it had come from. Finn seemed stunned for sure, and she almost thought she sensed a bit of upset at his initial reaction… until he was congratulating the blonde and pulling her into a hug. Perhaps she was just being hopeful. Frannie gently returned the embrace, more tightly than the first time. Finn then wanted to know who the ‘lucky’ guy was, and the young woman braced herself to answer him. “Well um, actually… you probably know him. Patrick Wallace? His father is the chief of your department? We um, we met about a year ago doing well… this.” As much as a part of her wanted Finn to care, maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe he was just being the nice guy that he was. Even so, she didn’t want this to be their last encounter. Reluctantly she removed from his grasp, with a fairly forced smile on her face now. “Maybe we could catch up sometime though, better? Like, not at the scene of a crime?” she asked lightheartedly, hoping to pull a laugh from him. “I’m really proud of you, Finn. I can’t say that enough.” 

[finnocent-minded]

Who knew after the rough times they’d both faced back in Lima, they’d end up both in New York here, and crossing paths in a field like police work? Finn pursed his lips, feeling guilty when she admitted to having missed him and not sure if they’d ever speak again. “I missed you too, Frannie. I just... I didn’t think you really wanted to hear from me after a while.” They’d been through a lot together, and sleeping together that one time had shaken both of them to the core. It had been amazing, but came out of nowhere thanks to a night full of alcohol that started the break. When Quinn came back from the dead and everything else exploded it just made it even more difficult to face her; the rest of the Fabray family Finn couldn’t have cared less about, but she was always the best part of the family anyway. After catching her up a little on what he’d been up to he was curious the same about her, and inquired. Frannie paused a moment, before letting him know in addition to her career as a psychologist she was also in the middle of planning a wedding... her wedding, and lifted her hand to reveal a big ring. Finn was pretty sure the color drained from his face completely at that point, but he did his best to cover his shock and even disappointment. Drawing her into a congratulatory hug, Finn fought off the sadness at realizing any chance they might have had was long gone now, and wondered who it was she was marrying. Thinking the answer couldn’t possibly have made it any worse, he was proven quite wrong when she gave the name of her fiance- Patrick Wallace. “Oh... wow. You’re engaged to Pat?” Finn knew the man quite well, he was the son of the police chief, and a fellow graduate of the academy at the same time as Finn. They’d never exactly been friends, more rivals than anything and Finn disliked the way he’d been happy to skate by with his connections half the time. He wasn’t a terrible officer, but he did cut corners and enjoy all the perks that came with being the chief’s son. Nodding as he feigned another smile, “I know him, we graduated at the same time. Congratulations to both of you. He’s a lucky man, Frannie. I hope he knows how lucky.” Slowly she pulled away from the hug, asking to catch up again some other time a little more suitable. He laughed, shrugging. “Good idea, this really isn’t my idea of a good meeting place anyways. And I’d love to catch up some time, you know for real.” Her words made him smile more genuinely now. “Thank you, I really couldn’t have done any of this if it hadn’t been for you. I’m proud of you too and all that you’ve accomplished.”

[finnocent-minded]

Hello again || Hudbray

[funandfranniefree]

It was so wonderful to see Finn again; even if things had dissipated between them, Frannie still cared about him, and was glad to see him happy. She hated how he’d felt trapped in Lima for so long, and it wasn’t just jealousy that angered her about the way Quinn had treated him. Tricking the guy into believing the child was his without so much as an apology, and convincing him that she had been murdered… it was just too much for even her to forgive. The only way the psychologist could move forward was to put the past behind her; if that included her family, and Lima, so be it. Finn had been that bright beacon through it all, and she clung to him tighter than professionally appropriate before finally releasing him from her embrace. With Finn in law enforcement and Frannie on the occasional job, perhaps they’d be crossing paths more often. “So am I… blown away is a good way to put it,” she smiled, feeling her cheeks heat up as he promised that she too had been his saving grace. “I just wanted to see you go on and live up to your potential. I always thought you deserved so much more than you got, Finn.” A shared moment between them had the blonde’s blue eyes lost in his comforting brown ones, but when he resumed speaking, Frannie was completely entranced and attentive. “Hey, nothing wrong with working for a living, so long as you’re enjoying it too, right? Wow, over a year? I’m stunned we’re just now running into each other. But, I hope it will happen more often,” she added after a gentle pause. When Finn inquired what she had been up to though, Frannie had half a mind to hide her engagement ring; she knew that was an unhealthy reflex, and that trying to keep quiet about her plans would only turn around to bite her in the end. While she was soon to be wed, and Frannie loved her fiance… the spark wasn’t there - especially in comparison to what she’d once had with Finn. She hated to admit it, but a tiny part of her knew she was settling; which hadn’t seemed so bad until this reunion. She doubted Finn had any unresolved feelings for her… he may have had a girlfriend himself. Still, Frannie didn’t want to be like her sister and hide everything from him. They were still friends, right? “Well, working of course…” she trailed before holding up her hand tentatively, the ring sparkling on her finger. “And I guess you could say the majority of my time has gone to wedding planning as well.” 

[finnocent-minded]

This sudden reunion between the two of them was filling Finn with a sense of elation, like it had given him back a piece of himself that he didn’t even know he’d been missing for so long. Yet here they were, practically falling right back into the same familiarity they had years ago back, except now he was a police officer and she was a psychologist. It was amazing how far each had come. To his delight, she was as happy to see him as he was to see her, admitting she was blown away by the chance encounter. It was bizarre to really not know what she’d been up to since they had lost touch- it wasn’t like he was back in Lima very often or in any sort of touch with the rest of the Fabray family. He hadn’t spoken to her sister since her ‘miraculous’ reapparance, as far as he was concerned she was still as gone as that year she’d pretended to be dead. Learning about her current status helping with the police on cases, Finn nodded. “I’m surprised too, but at least it finally happened.” He nodded in agreement again, “Me too, I think it’s really cool that our careers are crossing like this.” She inquired as to what he’d been up to, and Finn answered truthfully- beyond work, not all that much mostly. He’d thrown himself into college to try and erase the last year or two of high school and all the turbulent times- save for the time he’d spent with her, as awkwardly as their friendship had dwindled it was still the best part of those years. After college he’d worked to get onto the police force. But the real shock came when she lifted her hand up and showed off the glittering ring she was wearing now... Frannie was getting married. Finn’s stomach dropped; as quickly as he’d been given fresh hope that maybe the long dormant feelings between the two of them had a chance to resurface. Or for that matter, at least get past. Fighting to put a smile on his face now, his eyes focused on the ring and he struggled for them not to burn. “Wow, you’re engaged?” he offered, with as much positivity in his voice as he could muster. “That’s awesome Frannie, congratulations! I’m really happy for you.” He prayed she didn’t detect the little way his voice dropped at the end of his comment, but reaching out he gave her another hug, this one for congratulations. “Who’s the lucky guy?” he asked, not at all sure he really wanted to know.

[finnocent-minded]

Hello again || Hudbray

[funandfranniefree]

Frannie still couldn’t believe her eyes… or her fate. Finn Hudson had never been forgotten from her past, but she hadn’t expected to see him again, let alone in New York. A return to Lima would have made more sense… then again, after Quinn’s return and enough of the strained relationship with her parents, Frannie had cut herself off. It was hard, feeling like she had no family around, but despite that, she was happier in such respect. After successfully graduating and continuing her route as a psychologist, she had realized how much more damage the Fabrays had done to her, than good. Finn was the only thing good she could remember coming out of that town, and last she had heard from him, was the beginnings of college. She was so happy though to know he was doing well; hopefully they could put aside the awkward ending to the relationship they’d let go. Frannie still had a draw to Finn; he was even more handsome now as he’d grown with age, and a man in uniform she’d always found alluring. But she was taken now - getting married soon - and needed to toss away those unresolved feelings. She had always worried that Finn sought her out as a replacement for Quinn, but now that Frannie’s sister was alive and well, she wondered if Finn had gone back to her, or stuck with that promise. She knew a hug wasn’t that professional, but couldn’t resist pulling him into one anyway. Frannie wanted to hold on forever, but knew it wasn’t a wise idea. His tight squeeze had her returning it before drawing back reluctantly; bright blue eyes focused on his warm ones as the grin on her face left her glowing. “It really is, Finn - that’s incredible! I’m so proud of you,” she added softly, nodding when he pointed out her own future. “I did, and I’m still loving it. I don’t for every case or anything, but on occasion… especially when they need a psych eye, you know? It’s interesting to say the least.” Even if they’d fallen out of touch over the years, he was still important to Frannie, and the one person who had helped her hold herself together through all the tragedy. “It really is good to see you, Finn. You know, you were my saving grace. Besides work though, what are you up to these days? I knew you would accomplish great things.”

[finnocent-minded]

It was simply amazing how much better Frannie was than the rest of her family. He’d been through the wringer with her sister in high school and accused of her murder for a time, even mourned for a child that wasn’t his. The worst part of it all had been that she’d never even bothered to apologize for putting him in the midst of it all for more than a year, to someone she’d allegedly been close to. By all rights he should have been happy to cut off all ties with the family, but Frannie was simply not like the rest of them. She was sweet and kind, and there for him in a way that nobody else had been during the awful ordeal. Frannie had become his best friend in the middle of it all, and with spending so much time together with her, they’d begun to see each other in a different light. Not to say it wasn’t complicated between them, of course it was, and then one night on a trip to New York they’d crossed a line and slept together. It might not have been their smartest move but Finn in no way regretted it. What he regretted was the fallout, how it had put distance between them and eventually had taken them right out of one another’s lives. So to see her here and watch as she pulled him into a hug, Finn squeezed her right back so tightly for as long as he could. She was happy for him, Frannie acknowledging it as she let go and confirmed that she did work for the police from time to time at least. Finn’s smile wasn’t going away, and he nodded as she again commented how good it was to see him. “You too, I’m just blown away by this, Frannie. Oh, you’re welcome but you were just as much mine too. I’d never have gotten through the end of high school and everything if it wasn’t for you being there for me.” They shared a look, knowing all that they’d both gone through with the misery of that time. “Honestly, it’s mostly just been work. I’ve been on the force officially for a year or so, that’s what I’ve focused on. How about you? What are you doing these days when you’re not on the case?”

[finnocent-minded]

Hello again || Hudbray

[funandfranniefree]

Frannie knew that by means of crimes, this particular one probably wasn’t as ferocious on par with a murder or something of dangerous degree, but she couldn’t help but feel for the family whose holiday had been stolen; it seemed there was a Grinch among thieves, and she’d been called out to help with the investigation. As a psychologist, it was rare that she was called in to help analyze possible suspects, but Frannie had always enjoyed the correlation and comradery between her practice and the local police department. Anything she could do to help catch the crook, she was willing, and sometimes they needed a more delicate touch - from someone who was a professional when it came to reading people. Investigating the scene and jotting down notes for any clues, the young blonde was buried in her work when an officer accidentally bumped into her. She didn’t pay it mind really, until her name was thrown out there. Immediately, the psychologist peeped up with bright blue eyes, and they widened as she came face to face with Finn Hudson. “Finn?! Oh my gosh! Of course it is– hey, you!” Without thinking, Frannie drew him in for a friendly hug, one she forced herself to break off after a few moments, so as to not weird him out, or the other officers around them. “It’s been too long. How are you? I didn’t realize you were doing police-work around here. What a coincidence.” Frannie’s heart leaped in her chest - a sensation she tried to ignore, because despite the feelings she’d long harbored for Finn, now she was engaged. “It’s good to see you.”

[finnocent-minded]

Out in public there was always a chance of bumping into a familiar face, but Finn had never expected to come face to face with Frannie Fabray, certainly not here at a crime scene. But there she was, looking curiosly at him at first and then breaking into a wide grin as she recognized him too. It was apparent to Finn that Frannie looked even better than he remembered... the last few years had been very kind to her indeed. Finn smiled back when she reacted positively to seeing him. “Hi! It really has been, I can’t believe it. I’m good, and it’s so great to see you.” Finn wanted to put his arms around Frannie despite the estrangement of the last couple of years, but realizing they were still in a professional setting it probably wouldn’t look very good for either of them. But as he tried to sort it out, she pulled him into one instead, one that he happily returned, giving her a tight squeeze of relief. “I know, huge coincidence right? I’ve been a patrolman for about a year actually. How about you?” The hug didn’t last nearly as long as he’d wanted, but he stood in front of Frannie still smiling happily at this chance reunion. “It’s really good to see you too. I knew you got your psychology degree and were working in New York too, I just didn’t realize you were helping the police out.” Finn had always regretted how things had suddenly broken off between them; to say their history had been complicated was an understatement. All the garbage that had happened with her sister back in Lima, grieving for her and getting closer to Frannie only to have Quinn suddenly make her return... and that night in the hotel between Finn and Frannie. Mentally he was reliving it all right now, but the most important thing was how happy he was for them to be back in each other’s orbit, at least for right now. “So, how have you been?”

[finnocent-minded]

Hello again || Hudbray

Finn sighed out loud. There wasn’t much traction to be gained with this robbery case so far, and it frustrated him that despite trying to pick up a lead of some kind, there just wasn’t anything to go on. He’d promised the victims he’d do everything he could to bring the perp to justice, but everything seemed to be one dead end after another. This hadn’t been the first theft in the area, as a rash of burglaries had been hitting the city for a couple of weeks now; despite some similarities in each of the cases there just hadn’t been enough to go on to officially declare them all by the same suspect. Now here he was, on the scene of yet another break-in, and the fact that it was now in the middle of the holiday season just made it all worse. This family had returned him to find their house turned upside down, items stolen and the rest of the house trashed, it was far from the Merry Christmas they’d been expecting. Finn was the first officer on the scene, and now that detectives and others had arrived to comb over everything, he decided to take a step back and observe things a little more on his own. Stepping through the living room, careful to avoid the broken pictures and glass on the carpet, he paid attention to the scene which left him unaware to the person he was about to run into. They collided, and immediately Finn became apologetic. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-” Focusing on who it was that he was speaking to, he stopped abruptly when the familiarity of the young blonde woman hit him right away. “Frannie? Is it really you?”

[finnocent-minded]

Text || Hudbray

Frannie: You're welcome Finn, I'm very glad. That's great news then, so are you loving living in New York? That's wonderful; I told you that you would find things you like with an open mind. Ooh, interesting. Well it's certainly something to consider, right? Thank you, Finn. No? Are you going to join a fraternity or anything? Sports? Honestly that's all I've been doing. But like i said, that's okay. A busy Frannie is better one.

Finn: Thank you again for that. And I'm really starting to, it's just so different, and easy to just forget some of the stresses of last year, you know? You did, and you were absolutely right, Frannie. It's very interesting, and I definitely am considering things. You're welcome. Oh I don't know, I haven't really looked too much into frats. Maybe recreationally, but nah probably no organized sports I don't think, not with my leg. Aw really? Well I really hope you get to enjoy yourself more too, Frannie. And I miss being able to hang out with you.