John

[petty_dabbler]

He was trying to not be a pest, but John found himself coming round more and more frequently. With Fin off busy with Willy all the time, it gave John time to spendwith Fawn.

He didn't even need to pause, the door opened for him as if he lived there.

"You home?" he called as he stepped in.

Comments

[petty_dabbler]

"Stop."

It was a clear command, and firm.

"Did Silver do that?" John asked, ready to judge the ambassador harshly.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"What? No. No, I wasn't with Willy tonight," Fin said, confused.

[petty_dabbler]

John came closer and poked the bruising on his shoulder hard enough to hurt.

"If not him, then who?" he asked. John paused. "Hex?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin hissed in pain, drawing away defensively.

"It was one of the other ambassadors," he said quietly. "It was consensual, and I was paid- He just got a bit rougher than I expected. You can not tell Fawn, he'll get upset."

[petty_dabbler]

"I'm starting to think there's a lot of things the two of you don't tell each other," John replied.

God, he needed a cigarette.

"You do know that just because they pay you, they can't get away with this sort of thing. You should call security."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I'm not going back to security," Fin said firmly. "Absolutely not. I'm fine. I'll tell Goodfellow I don't wish to see him again and I'll move on."

[petty_dabbler]

"Fine. Have it your way. But I'll bet you a dollar either Silver or Schofield...or both...are going to look for payback when they see you."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Which is why I'll stay home tomorrow. We heal fast, I'll be fine by sundown tomorrow," Fin replied, glancing over and revealing dark marks on his neck and jawline. "I take care of myself, John. I always have."

[petty_dabbler]

"So I hear," he replied evenly. "Very resourceful."

It was obvious he knew something. Or thought he did.

[prince_of_nymphs]

"What do you mean?" Fin asked quietly, looking nervous.

[petty_dabbler]

"I can't help but notice you're here without a husband," he said. "Your brother can be so talkative. What'd you do to the Voss, Fin?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin felt his heart sink, and he took a small step back

"What do you want?" he asked finally.

In that moment he looked utterly broken, a past he'd tried so hard to leave behind now laying at his feet.

[petty_dabbler]

"I don't want anything from you," he said. "Your secret's safe with me, love. No one will know. But that's why you're here, innit? Running from it. So desperate to stay on the ship. Trying so hard to make it on your own. You can't do it on your own, Fin. You need friends. You need at least a couple people to help you out."

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin was silent for a long moment, looking down at his hands

"He was going to hurt Fawn," he said quietly. "It was one thing when he was hurting me, but Fawn... Fawn's not like me. He doesn't engage with the world the way the rest of us do. I'm not saying he's dim or anything, just... He's different. He's delicate."

[petty_dabbler]

"That he is," John nodded. "It's one of the many reasons I love him."

John reached up and scrubbed his jaw a moment.

"I've done the same. Well, no, I'd have done much worse."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I'm not a violent soul," Fin insisted softly. "But I will protect my brother at all costs."

[petty_dabbler]

"I don'tblame you a bit," John replied. "But...who's protecting you?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"I don't need protection," Fin insisted. "I look after myself."

[petty_dabbler]

"Mmhmm."

He didn't believe it.

""That might get easier. Fawn wants to chat when he wakes up and he's not going to care you've locked yourself in your room."

[prince_of_nymphs]

"John, please," Fin begged softly. "He can't see this. Please, I'm begging you."

Fin had little to offer and he knew it- But he had one thing.

Subtilty he let his robe slip off one shoulder.

"Keep him away from this mess, and I'll make certain you sleep soundly," he offered quietly.

[petty_dabbler]

"Put your kit back on," he scolded, reaching to tug the cloth back up. "Your brother is right bloody there! What are you thinking?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

Fin drew away, but refused to look scolded.

"I'm thinking you're a human man. I know why you're sniffing around Fawn. I'm not stupid. Perhaps you do care about him, love him even, but..."

His gaze drifted to the man's pants, wondering if John simply didn't realize he was nearly nude.

"Lust rules all, in my experience."

[petty_dabbler]

"Loyalty is a lot more important," he said. "I'm not sleeping with my fiance's brother, got it?"

[prince_of_nymphs]

"Fiance?" Fin asked. "You... No, no, no. Absolutely not. Fawn is pure blood and untouched. He would be a prize husband to any being. He is set to live a good life where he wants for nothing. Once we find a good planet, he can begin courting... Surely if you care for him, you want that, yes? Never hungry, never cold, never afraid or hurting. He deserves that life."

[petty_dabbler]

"I told him you'd say no," he said. "I hate to tell you, Fin, but the only people who want someone untouched don't want them to e nice to them. I love him. He loves me. We're getting married. Period."