Fin

[petty_dabbler]

Fawn had given John the pass code so he could come inside without Fawn needing to be there to give permission. And so, naturally, John took advantage of it. He had his feet up, watching a video, when he heard the door.

"I brought some beer, love. And some chocolate. Come see, this is the newest bit of your sho-" he said, slowly turning to look at Fawn.

But it wasn't Fawn.

John sat bolt upright and scrambled to his feet.

"Fin," he said, his throat tight.

Comments

[petty_dabbler]

"Betcha Willy's got the credits," John muttered.

He'd bumped into the prick and was surprised he couldn't feel the magic he once had. He still couldn't stand him, but at least John didn't feel he was as dangerous...

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I don't think he's interested," Fin said with a sigh. "I suppose I could ask Goodfellow to find a way to keep me onboard."

[petty_dabbler]

"And be more indebted to him? There's got to be a better way," he said.

Slowly, he moved to sit beside him. Casually, as he'd done a hundred times, he laid a warm, heavy hand on Fin's back to reassure him.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I don't see a better way, do you?" Fin asked, not noticing the way he leaned into John's touch.

[petty_dabbler]

"I don't think there is a 'better way. Just one choice that sucks a little less," he nodded sympathetically.

John noticed. John noticed immediately when Fin moved closer. He thought maybe he should take his hand away, but he didn't want to.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Perhaps I should accept Hex's offer of marriage," Fin said softly. "It just feels selfish."

[petty_dabbler]

"Why's it selfish if he offered?" John asked, his hand slipping around him a little more.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"He barely knows me," Fin sighed. "And I... I am a complex soul. I will only hurt him."

[petty_dabbler]

"You know, he's not very bright, but I''m sure if he offered, he means it. And in good faith," he said gently.

He had opinions about the nurse, but even in his shrivelled heart he could recognize Hex loved Fin and was utterly devoted to him. He couldn't imagine that had changed much.

[prince_of_nymphs]

""His offer being genuine doesn't mean I won't hurt him," Fin argued.

[petty_dabbler]

"You haven't considered he might hurt you, have you?" John asked.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Hex wouldn't hurt a soul," Fin replied. "That man was cast from pure kindness."

[petty_dabbler]

"Anyone you're in love with can hurt you, Fin," John noted.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Perhaps, but... Not Hex," Fin said, shaking his head. "He's too sweet."

[petty_dabbler]

"You're just scared, aren't you?" he asked, cutting through the shit. "You're scared you'll get to the middle of nowhere and he'll drop you, hmm?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I'm scared I'll break his heart," Fin said softly. "I can't be tethered to a single soul."

[petty_dabbler]

"Don't you think he realizes that? Because if not, just tell him. Tell him now," he said.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"What do you care?" Fin asked, pulling away as though just realizing how close they were.

[petty_dabbler]

"Because I know fate when I see it, mate," he said, remaining perfectly still.

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin shook his head.

"Fawn will be home soon, you ought to go wait for him."

[petty_dabbler]

John hesitated, but then nodded.

"I'll leave you to it then," he said. Impulsively, John took his hand and gave him a gentle squeeze. "Maybe it'll all be better tomorrow."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin looked down at John's hand.

"Perhaps. Goodnight, John."

[petty_dabbler]

John gave one more nod and walked back to the sofa and the video and the lone, last beer.

What are your intentions with Fawn, Johnny boy?

Fucked if I know, Chas, he thought. Fucked if I know.