So yep, this is the last chapter. But I already have drabble ideas so if you like this story keep an eye out for those! Thank you to everyone for reading, favoriting, and your really kind reviews! I appreciate it!

"Finn?"

Finn looked over from his bed, hearing his name and a soft knock accompany it. "Come in!" He called, looking back at his bed.

The door opened and Kurt walked in, a broad smile on his face. "Hey, just making sure you were almost ready." Seeing as Finn hadn't turned to look at him yet, Kurt turned his attention to what Finn was looking at. "Need some help there?"

Two outfits lay out prepared on his bed. There was his pristine army uniform with all of the golden buttons shining brilliantly. Over the left side chest there was an array of multicolor ribbons, and above the blazer, there was a beret with the U.S Army logo front and center. There were pants folded perfectly underneath it, not a wrinkle in sight.

The second outfit was simpler. A black leather jacket with a white shirt underneath and light brown pants. No bravado, no awards, no logo. Simple.

"I don't…" Finn mumbled, biting his lower lip.

Kurt understood, and walked over. "Come on, I'll help you."

Kurt was a little startled when Finn started to take his pajama shirt off, but then he remembered that undressing in front of other men was the least of a soldier's concern on the front lines. He walked over and picked a shirt up. "So are you excited?"

Finn smiled. "Yeah, I think I am."

Kurt chuckled. "You think?"

Finn nodded and slid into the shirt that Kurt handed him. "Yeah, mostly nervous. I haven't seen everyone since graduation."

Kurt nodded. "Yeah, I suppose that would be a little nerve-wracking. But it'll be okay. You have me, and mom and dad."

"And Puck." Finn added.

Kurt smiled. "And Puck." He echoed, making Finn grin.

Finn pulled his sweatpants off and tossed them into the corner of the room, making Kurt's smile widen. Well, some things never changed. Even if it was a horrid habit. He handed Finn a pair of pants. "So how are you and Puck, speaking of the devil."

Finn took the pants and slid into them, taking a little time because of his injured leg."Really good! He's really patient with me and stuff. Especially with my leg because I know he has to walk like really really slow so I don't have to rush to keep up with him."

"Well that's good. We don't want you tripping everywhere."

Finn smiled. "Yeah I know. I guess I'm never going to learn how to dance now huh?" he said, teasing.

But Kurt felt his heart ache at that. Finn had always had trouble dancing in high school. Maybe when he was older, he might have been able to learn easier and practice until he didn't stumble anymore. But he wouldn't have the chance to now.

Seeing Kurt's expression change, Finn sighed. "Kurt, I was joking."

Kurt nodded slowly, folding his arms across his chest. "I know, I just…" He trailed off, feeling a lump in his throat. He put a hand over his mouth and felt hot tears spilling over before he could even think of stopping them. Finn limped over and wrapped his arms around Kurt, holding him tight. "Please don't cry."

Kurt unfolded his arms and wrapped them around Finn's shoulders, resting his head on his chest. "I thought we were going to lose you, Finn." He whispered. "When we saw you off at boot camp I thought that was it. I thought that was the last time I was going to see you. When I got a call from my dad that you were coming home I just…" he shook his head and let out a sob.

Finn tightened his hold on Kurt. He knew that his family was worried about him. He didn't know how worried though. He never would have expected this from Kurt of all people. "Thank you, Kurt." He mumbled, pressing a kiss to Kurt's forehead. "Thank you for caring about me."

Kurt sniffled. "Of course I c-care about you. You're my brother."

Tears welled in Finn's eyes, and he squeezed them shut. "Yeah. We're brothers."

They stayed like this, crying and holding each other, for a few minutes more. Kurt then pulled away gently from Finn, wiping his eyes. "Alright, enough of that. I almost got your shirt wet."

Finn laughed, wiping his own tears away. "Wouldn't want that."

"No we wouldn't. God knows where you have another clean shirt around here."

Finn chuckled and shook his head. "Don't ask me."

"Exactly."

"It's not like we're getting married!"

The house was half full already and it was barely six in the evening. Quinn had been the first to arrive with her new boyfriend, Brad or something or other. Then Mercedes, then Sam, until all of New Directions (plus their plus ones) were in the house, eating snacks that Carole had laid out, talking and reminiscing about McKinley High. Mostly talking about how happy they were to be away from it, but also grateful for being prepared for the real world because of their experiences.

Puck had gone home to grab his nice clothes, and when he started to go upstairs to see if Finn was ready, he had been blocked by Rachel.

"You can't see him yet!"

Puck scowled. "He's not a bride, dude, its not bad luck or anything."

"Not a bride yet, and we want it to be special."

"Rachel, it's not like I haven't seen him in his uniform before."

Rachel crossed her arms. "So? It's like a family reunion!"

"What does that have anything to do-"

"Down, boy."

Both Rachel and Puck turned and looked at Kurt, who was walking down the stairs. "He's on his way down."

Rachel squealed and clapped, moving away from the stairs. Puck made a move to walk upstairs, but Kurt put a hand on his chest. "Come on." And before Puck could protest, Kurt had dragged him at the foot of the stairs by the front of his shirt.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention please!"

Everyone turned to look at Kurt, who smiled at them all. "As you all know, my brother Finn enlisted right after high school. He spent long years training and fighting overseas, and despite many fears had by myself, my family and you all, I'm sure, Finn has returned to us. So without further ado, may I present to you, Finn Hudson-Hummel!"

As everyone cheered and whooped, all Puck could do was stare.

He was expecting Finn to be in that fancy uniform of his. The one that Finn kept in a black bag in his closet. For special occasions, he said. Instead, Finn walked down the stairs slowly, cane in hand, in a black leather jacket, a white shirt, and light brown pants.

When Finn looked up, and right into Puck's eyes, there was no one else in the house but them.

Finn smiled when Puck's jaw went slack, and when he reached him, he kissed him on the cheek. "What?" Finn asked.

Puck closed his mouth slowly and shook his head. "Nothing. You, uh…you look really good."

Finn blushed lightly. "Thanks, dude."

"Finn!"

Finn turned around just in time for Brittany to hug him. The rest of New Directions crowded around him, telling them how much they had missed him, asking how he was feeling, and how he was adjusting to the "normal world" again.

As Finn tried to keep up, Puck stepped back, a smile on his face. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe Finn could handle this.

Carole, along with Kurt and Rachel's help, made a spectacular dinner for them all. Turkey, ham, salad, and some Berry-approved kosher foods for her and Puck. The dinner table wasn't enough to accommodate all of their guests, so some ate out on the couches. The house felt warm, full of holiday cheer. Everyone was talking, and occasionally there would be a burst of laughter from one side of the house.

Puck had been catching up with Quinn and her life with her advertising pro boyfriend when he took a drink of water and glanced around. He saw all of his old high school friends, talking like they had never been apart. Like it was just lunch time at McKinley again and they were talking about how amazing it was that the lunch ladies managed to ruin hot dogs. But one face was missing.

"Excuse me." He mumbled, getting up and peeking into the living room. Mike, Tina, Santana and Artie were leaned in, listening intently to Brittany talk about how Lord Tubbington had a sex change and that's how they ended up with sixteen cats in one apartment.

No Finn.

"Shit." He whispered under his breath, going upstairs. He checked Kurt's room, Finn's room, and Burt and Carole's room, but found no sign of the man. He walked to the end of the hall and tried to open the bathroom door only to find it locked. His heart jumped.

"Finn?"

No answer.

Puck knocked on the door, tapping one foot nervously. "Finn! You okay?"

"…Puck?"

The way Finn's voice sounded so small made Puck's heart ache. "Yeah, it's me. Are you okay?"

"…no."

Shit. Puck knew this whole party was a bad idea. "Hey, it's okay. It's just me. Let me in, okay?" He touched the door gently, mentally willing Finn to unlock the door.

It was silent for a moment before Puck heard the soft click of the door unlocking. He cheered in his head and walked in to find Finn leaning against the sink, head ducked and chest slightly heaving.

Puck walked over to him slowly and touched his cheek. "Hey. What is it?" He asked gently, bending his knees slightly so that he could look at Finn's face properly. Finn glanced up.

"You okay?" Puck asked, though he knew full well that Finn wasn't. Rachel was going to get an earful from him later, that was for damn sure.

Finn hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah…Yeah I think so." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I just…all those people, and…I…"

Puck saw Finn's lower lip start to tremble, and he threw his arms around the taller man. Finn stiffened, letting out a small gasp. Slowly, he relaxed into Puck's hold and wrapped his arms around Puck's waist, burying his face in Puck's shoulder.

Puck pressed a kiss to the side of Finn's head, raising a hand and stroking the sparse hairs at the back of Finn's head.

They had been doing this for weeks now. Finn had a mini-panic attack, Puck held him, and everything would be fixed. But when would that stop being enough? What if next time, Puck didn't find him in time? What if Finn did something drastic?

"I love you."

Finn lifted his head slowly, looking at Puck with wide, hopeful eyes.

"…say that again."

Puck smiled. "I love you."

Finn let out a soft sigh and pressed their foreheads together. "…Again."

Puck let his eyes flutter shut. "I love you."

The next thing he felt was Finn's lips against his.

Finn was different. He would always be different. The experiences he had, the things he endured, had forever changed him. He would never again be the simple, easy-going Finn that Puck had befriended so long ago. But he was still Finn.

His smile was still slightly crooked, and whenever he was happy about something he would have the biggest puppy eyes in the world, so full of hope and excitement. He still snored loudly in his sleep, now without the nightmares. He still had no idea how to do laundry. Whenever someone mentioned the words 'wash' and 'dishes' in the same sentence, he would still pout.

Everyone goes through changes. Finn's just happened to be a little different.

But he was still Finn.

And Puck would always be there for him.

Later on in the evening, while Rachel put on some CDs, Mike and Sam moved the couches to the side and made an impromptu dance floor. Even Burt and Carole went for a spin, smiling at each other, still so in love.

Puck and Finn had been watching from the side when Finn excused himself for some snacks. Puck thought nothing of it until three songs had gone by and Finn still hadn't come back. He walked to the kitchen and was relieved to find Finn there.

"Hey."

When Finn turned around, he looked like a little kid who'd been caught with a cookie jar. Instead of a bunch of cookies, however, it was a bowl of stuffing. Puck laughed. "What? You're allowed to eat." He said, walking over and wrapping his arms around Finn's waist.

Finn swallowed the food he had in his mouth and leaned against Puck. Putting the bowl on the counter, he put his hands on Puck's arms. "What's up?"

Puck nuzzled his neck. "Just missed you."

Finn was quiet for a moment. "…you don't have to keep checking up on me."

Damn. Busted.

"I wasn't." Puck said, trying not to sound defensive.

"Puck, I'm not stupid."

"I know you aren't."

Finn let out a deep sigh and pulled away, grabbing the bowl back up and spooning another helping into his mouth on his way to the fridge to see what else he could eat. Things changed but it seemed that Finn had his appetite back.

Puck watched him, folding his arms. "I just get worried, okay?" he admitted.

Finn looked over. "I know you do, and I'm thankful for it, but you don't have to watch me every second of every day."

"Finn I just-"

"I'M NOT A LITTLE KID!" Finn roared.

SMASH!

Both Puck and Finn stared wide-eyed at the stuffing and bits of ceramic bowl that dripped down the side of the fridge.

Finn's chest was heaving with short, gasping breaths. Puck felt his heart racing a mile a minute. But he took a breath and stepped closer to Finn, his steps slow. When he got too close, Finn whipped his head around, and Puck could see fear in his eyes.

Fear of himself.

As strong arms encircled his waist, Finn tried to protest.

"Puck, don't…"

Warm lips pressed against his neck, and Finn's cheeks turned pink.

"Puck…"

"It's okay." Puck whispered in his ear. His hand rubbed Finn's back slowly, trying to soothe him.

Finn felt the tension slowly melt out of his body, and he leaned against Puck.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

A soft knock on the doorway made both of them look up. Burt stood there, looking worried. "Everything okay boys?"

Finn bit his lip, and Puck opened his mouth.

"Yeah, just had a little accident. I got it."

Burt looked between the two before nodding. "Alright. Careful with the sharp pieces huh?"

Puck nodded, and Burt looked at him for a second more before he walked off.

Finn stayed in Puck's arms for a few minutes, letting Puck rub his back, letting Puck comfort him, letting Puck bring him back down.

"Puck?"

"Hm?"

"…what's happening to me?"

Puck hesitated. He didn't really know what to call it. PTSD he supposed. Maybe something else. Something more. "You're just…you changed, Finn. Things happened over there that changed you. You can't help that, but I can. I want to help you. I want to be there for you, if you want me to be."

Finn nodded immediately. "I want you to."

Puck smiled. "Me too. Because I love you. I love you so much its crazy."

A slow smile spread across Finn's face, and he snuggled up to Puck's chest. "I love you too."

"Well good. I was starting to feel like a jackass saying it by myself."

Finn laughed and shook his head. "I do. I love you."

"I love you too Hudson."

"…Puck?"

"Yeah?"

This time, Finn's voice was no more than a soft whisper. "…I'm scared."

Puck felt his heart start to drop, but he stopped it. He steeled away those feelings, and he tightened his hold on Finn. "Don't be. Because you're a strong guy. You already went through so much and you're still standing. And because you got me, and I got you."

Finn absorbed Puck's words, let them sink in, before he nodded slowly, and felt Puck kiss his forehead. He smiled, then pulled away slowly. "Come on."

Puck blinked, letting his arms fall away as Finn limped over to grab his cane, which had been resting by the kitchen table. "Where are we going?"

Finn grinned at him. "My party."

Puck smirked. "Oh, now it's your party huh?"

"Yep. All mine."

Puck rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Well you go ahead. I'll clean this and be right out."

"Okay wifey."

Finn snickered and walked out of the kitchen, Puck scowling behind him.

"Hey fuck you, there's no way I'm bottoming!"

"We'll see!" Finn called over his shoulder.

Puck snorted.

By the time Puck was done cleaning up, another song had come up on the CD. When he walked out into the living room, everyone else was sitting on the couches and leaning against the wall facing the small dance floor they had cleared, seeming to be waiting for someone. When he walked closer, they all turned and smiled at him. He was confused, until he looked over and saw Finn standing in the middle of the floor.

There ain't no reason you and me should be alone
Tonight, yeah baby
Tonight, yeah baby
I've got a reason that you-hoo should take me home tonight

He smiled at Puck and offered a hand. Puck didn't hesitate to reach out and squeeze Finn's hand. Finn leaned over and Rachel took his cane. His leg faltered slightly, but Puck quickly caught him by his waist. Finn looked up and him and smiled sheepishly before the two started to dance slowly, their eyes locked together.

I need a man that makes it right when it's so wrong
Tonight, yeah baby
Tonight, yeah baby
Right on the limb is where we know we both belong tonight

It's hot to feel the rush
To brush the dangerous
I'm gonna run right to, to the edge with you
Where we can both fall o'er in love

The girls squealed when the song hit a crescendo and Puck spun Finn. He pulled Finn quickly back to see the man laughing, and Puck laughed with him.

I'm on the edge of glory
And I'm hanging on a moment of truth
I'm on the edge of glory
And I'm hanging on a moment with you

When they made another turn, Finn's leg shook with a spasm. He started to fall, when Puck dipped him back, holding him tight and preventing him from falling. Carole took a step forward, but Burt held her gently by her arm. "He's okay." He said softly to her. Carole looked at him worriedly, then back to her son.

I'm on the edge, the edge
The edge, the edge
The edge, the edge
The edge!

Finn looked up wide-eyed at Puck, who was smiling at him.

I'm on the edge of glory
And I'm hanging on a moment of truth

"I got you."

I'm on the edge with you