We'll Fight Til It's Over

Hey, I'm Finn. I came from Michigan and I don't really know where I'm supposed to go next. It's kind of hard to have a plan when you think someone's right behind you trying to eat your face off.

[finn05huds]

04/02 [10:47]

[The familiarity that Finn had found with the wood floor of the home he and Rachel had been shaking at for the past few days was probably a little worrisome. Waking up with a backache was becoming Finn’s norm at this point, and he was actually kind of scared what that would do if he had to run any time soon.

With a groan and grunt, Finn stood, clad in his boxers and white tee, before heading for the kitchen. His sleepy state had him forgetting - again - that there hadn’t been any electricity. And when he finally notice, Finn sighed and moved for the cupboards, noticing how much faster they’d been going through supplies. He couldn’t mind it really, people eating was the reason Finn let them in. He wanted to help. He just wished it wasn’t so easy to lose track of time - and supplies.]

We’re gonna have to make a run into town if we wanna keep a good amount of food around.

[highwirenat-deactivated20150629]

3.31 | in the woods [finntana]

[highwirenat-deactivated20150629]

[Even as the man dropped his bat, Santana’s form remained tight and wary until he spoke again.]

…Drizzle? What kind of name is that? [Her shoulders relaxed, almost imperceptibly, and mirroring his actions, she let her hand fall from the hilt of her knife. Maybe it was illogical, but she couldn’t imagine a guy with bad intentions naming his dog “Drizzle”, of all things. The quiet growl coming from the dog had her hackles rising slightly, but she’d go ahead and assume that if this dude wanted to sic his pet on her, he would have done so by now.]

We. [She repeated, a suspicious eyebrow arching. Maybe the same group of people of people Blondie had talked about earlier? Seemed unlikely that multiple groups would be settled down in this particular area. Even groups of survivors, she’d noticed, seemed to like to keep to themselves. Less competition for resources that way.

Well, fuck. She was starving, maybe… maybe it wouldn’t be a completely terrible idea, even if just for a night. He didn’t seem like a threat, and hell if this turned out to be some kind of trap— she could handle herself.]

Seems like she did. [She paused.] …It’s not going to piss off your friend too badly, is it? Because seriously, one of the perks of the zombie apocalypse is not having to deal with drama from crazy bitches. [It was never a bad time for dark humor, was it?]

[finn05huds]

[Something in Finn told him that this girl was probably the less intense version of Joey Berry, which he couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, he made sure to keep his guard up, though not very high, just in case.]

I think it’s a great name. It’s nice, like when it does rain. You don’t really get wet but it still kinda smells like rain outside. [He watched as she lowered her guard as well, a faint smile painting over his features. Even Drizzle’s growl fell, though the dog still stood at Finn’s side. A silent sign in loyalty.]

Yeah, we. Me, Drizzle and Rachel have been traveling together, but this town seems to be pretty popular cus people keep walking through and running into us. [With a shrug of his shoulders, Finn moved to pat the now friendly dog. He took his eyes off Santana for the first time, looking down to his companion with a grin.]

[Her question caught him a little bit off guard, and she probably caught the small second of hesitation in thought before that same grin came flashing back.] Nah, she’ll be fine. She might try and make a threat or two about keeping an eye on you but, so far she’s been... friendly after I say it’s cool for them to hang out for a while if they want.

[blaine-the-survivor]

[3.31] morning

[blaine-the-survivor]

[Blaine hadn’t seen the other man stood at the door, so the sound of his voice made him jump, his hand darting towards his bag, his eyes wide and heart racing. It had become somewhat of an instinct recently. As soon as he realized who it was, he visibly relaxed, letting out a breathy chuckle.]

Sorry for that. You scared me.

[Slowly, he got to his feet, shrugging slightly. It hadn’t been Finn’s fault, and Joey had just been afraid. It had just been a test to see if she could trust them, and Blaine understood that. It didn’t mean that it hadn’t scared him, obviously, but it did mean that Blaine had already forgiven her.]

Don’t be. None of us were hurt, and she was just trying to protect herself, and probably also you and her twin. It’s not a big deal.

We’re both doing well, though, so thank you for letting us stay here and everything. We really appreciate it. How are you?

[finn05huds]

[Finn’s arms crossed over his chest, stance as comfortable as ever - like this wasn’t the apocalypse or anything. He’d even thought about making coffee as if there was any actual electricity.]

No, it’s cool. Don’t thank me. I don’t want to turn into one of those people that like turn into deaths helper, y’know? [His eyes fell to the girl, making him regret his words immediately. He hadn’t been used to being around someone so small before. Before today, Rachel was the shortest person he’d really been around.]

I’m good, I mean, compared to other days. [His face grew thoughtful a moment, lost somewhere in the distance trees.]

It’s nice, having people around. It feels less...lonely. Like there’s at least a little bit of home. It kinda feels like family. [The smile that grew over his features hadn’t been one he planned to show, but ever since his mother’s death, Finn had liked the thought of forming a group. Keeping people together and close and making some kind of pseudo-family through that. At least until it was safe enough to actually make his own.]

[highwirenat-deactivated20150629]

3.31 | in the woods [finntana]

[highwirenat-deactivated20150629]

[A voice — male — cut through the night and Santana stiffened further, hand closing around the hilt of her knife. She didn’t care how “friendly” this voice claimed to be— she’d learned long before any zombie outbreak that people usually weren’t to be trusted. Still, she refrained from pulling her weapon just yet. She’d give him a chance to prove he’s friendly, the right kind of friendly. She’d heard stories of the “friendliness” of other male survivors, and they weren’t pretty.

She swung her flashlight in the direction of the voice, the light flashing to reveal a tall form, and a dog at his side. She eyed the pup warily, before settling her gaze back on its master. The sight of a bat in his hand, even if lowered to his side, did nothing to relax her nerves.] 

That’s a wise decision. I can take you and your little dog out, too, if you try anything. [Fuck if she could actually back that claim up, but whatever. Dude didn’t have to know that she wasn’t sure if she could actually take out his dog.] 

So what are you doing in the middle of the woods? Are you camping out here? [She demanded next, a scowl pulling down at her lips. It could be either good or bad to have some company out here, she supposed, depending on the company.] 

[finn05huds]

[Light eyes took note of her wary form, unsure if he should grip his bat tighter or not. She seemed afraid almost, which he guessed he couldn’t blame her form. Even he had heard what men were capable of, and trying to prove he wasn’t one of those kind of ‘men’ seemed harder and harder to prove with each passing month.

Keeping as still as possible, Finn sighed, deciding to let the bat fall loosely between his fingers. Whether it was stupid or not would be seen soon enough - mostly Finn just didn’t see the point in turning in to one of those kinds of people. He’d help someone that needed help, and for a girl to be traveling the woods in the middle of the night alone? That sounded like she was in need of help to him.]

Drizzle had to pee. [Finn answered, waving his free hand to the dog that stood on guard. A low growl could be heard rumbling in his chest, detecting a threat that wasn’t standing down.]

We’re staying in a house nearby. It’s just a little bit form here. Are you hungry?

[Even he could hear how that could sound, and with a long breath Finn tried again, closing his eyes - admittedly not the brightest idea when having a knife held out his way.]

It’s me and a few other people. One of them is a little less friendly than the others and probably won’t be too happy that I’m inviting yet another person inside but - [Finn’s words drifted a little, shoulders relaxing as he thought back to his mother. And to how he came upon Rachel. If he hadn’t helped out then, who knew what would have happened. Not just with him but Rachel as well. She meant too much to him for it to even be conceivable to have done anything different.]

My mom raised me right, I guess.

[highwirenat-deactivated20150629]

3.31 | in the woods [finntana]

Damn it. [Santana cursed under her breath as she stumbled over a stick. She seriously hated nature (and night-time). If she had her way, she’d be on the open road right now, not in a damn forest. But her bike was out of fuel, and while the road was a great way to travel when you could move faster than the walkers, it wasn’t the best place to travel on foot. Not enough cover, not enough places to hide. She’d left her bike propped against a tree, before venturing into the forest. She’d try to find a place to rest, maybe do a little foraging (a brief stint in the girl scouts meant she at least knew which berries were and weren’t poisonous), and when the day brightened, she could try to find some gas for the bike. Hearing the distant and distinct sound of a branch snapping, she instantly swung her light in that direction.] 

Somebody out there?

[She called, voice harsh with disuse. Her hand went instinctively to the hunting knife that hung at her side. She had her rifle slung over her back as well, but she preferred not to waste the bullets unless she had to.]

[finn05huds]

Come on, boy. [Finn whispered to the lanky mutt that had decided to sniff about the ground with leisure. He’d managed to lure Finn deeper into the forest than he intended to go, and the night sky above only shed an even creepier feel to the already creepy world. 

He hoped that Joey was watching over Rachel, though deep down Finn knew that the two sisters wouldn’t be taking their eyes off the other. Having found someone you thought was long lost would do that to a person. Heck, if he could see his mom again, Finn wouldn’t leave her side. 

Drizzle’s sudden stop had seemed odd, and the long sniffs to the wild air told Finn all he needed to know. He wasn’t alone. The voice had only validated the dogs suspicion. 

Finn gripped his bat, bits of dried blood splattered across it from use, and inched forward.]

I’m friendly, I mean, friendlier than most people I’ve met. [His voice stayed at a loud enough tone to be heard, but not one that would give away any position to a walker nearby. He’d found that they struggled at night, tripping over twigs or their own two feet.]

I’m not going to hurt you. [He proved his point by lowering his bat, catching the moving form as he drew in closer.]

[blaine-the-survivor]

[3.31] morning

[Since arriving, Blaine had mostly been keeping to himself, not wanting he or Scarlett to get in anyone’s way. Even so, having more people around felt more normal, and until now, Blaine had felt like he was slowly going insane. Of course, he’d had Scarlett for company, but she was still only a child, and she wasn’t much of a talker anyway. Or she didn’t anymore, at least, which was understandable, given the situation. But that didn’t mean Blaine didn’t talk to her, he just tried to behave a little more light-hearted than he felt, for her sake. He didn’t want to scare her anymore than she was.]

You know, I think it’s nice having so many people around. I’m not sure when we’ll leave yet, but… the company is nice, don’t you think?

[finn05huds]

[The caw of birds had woken Finn early that mornin, and for a second before he opened his eyes, it was almost like he forgot. The world hadn’t been taken over by some virus. 

He picked himself up, forcing to put on the brave happy face that he’d been wearing for weeks now. Honestly, he hadn’t really felt brave at all. A lot of what he did was run, and with the new people around, he felt that much more weight steadily lift off his chest. He knew how foolish it could be to trust people in this day and age, but he couldn’t help but have hope.]

Gotta say, I agree with you.

[Finn hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but he did hope that convincing a few to stick around wouldn’t be so bad. Yeah they’d need to get more supplies more often, but - the company was worth it, Right?]

How are you guys? Sorry, you know with the whole machete deal. Joey doesn’t really know how not to threaten peoples lives apparently.  

[thelastchristian-deactivated201]

[3.30] Evening

[thelastchristian-deactivated201]

[Kitty snorted at Joey’s nickname as she came inside, wanting to laugh because she’d been having the same exact thought without the cursing. This guy was definitely very friendly and while that was admirable a while ago, it was far more dangerous to be so kind now.]

Like I said, I wouldn’t have come in the front door if I was planning on doing anything. I’m only staying for a little bit. I won’t even be needing a bed, but thanks for the offer. Bless you both.

[finn05huds]

[Finn nodded, understanding that need to keep moving, bbut still offered the blonde a warm smile.]

Well, the option is still there, if you change your mind.

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

3.30 || Evening

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

So basically, you’re on a slow timer.  Good to know.

The whole damned group of those things make a horde, and ch’yeah, they travel in packs.  Managed to lose a couple stragglers while walking along a rail way, things fell off of a bridge.  But you ask me, best place I wanna be is at Hoosier.  Some place off the grid.

[finn05huds]

A what?

Lucky you lost them then. I don’t know where that is, but if it’s off the grid then yeah, that sounds pretty good. I like this place though, it’s starting to feel a little normal again and for once it isn’t like I have to constantly feel like running. I mean, we’ll have to move eventually, but it’s nice to be able to stick around, y’know?

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

3.30 || Evening

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

Yeah, and you don’t know where that stuff’s flowin’ from.  But whatever dude, just if you start like…bloomin’ or something, keep your distance.

I’m headin’ toward a place with better odds of survival.  AKA away from the freakin’ horde.  

[finn05huds]

I think it takes longer for stuff to bloom, but I know I’d already be infected and one of those things if I did drink bad water. 

Hang on, you had a horde following you?

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

3.30 || Evening

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

You bein’ serious right now?  You don’t boil it first?  Those things probably drown and rot in the water.

And sittin’ around like a bunch of sitting ducks, ain’t dangerous?  Anyway I got places I camp out at, always high off the ground.

[finn05huds]

It’s just a small creek, and I didn’t see anything when I found it. 

I mean, we get to sleep and at least feel like things are more natural. Are you heading somewhere specific?

[thelastchristian-deactivated201]

[3.30] Evening

[thelastchristian-deactivated201]

[She quirked a brow at the giant who made his way out of the same place the girl had come from, slowly putting her hands down before crossing her arms over her chest. Luckily, this giant seemed gentle and way less hostile than his companion. Maybe the house being less than deserted wasn’t so bad after all, but she most definitely wasn’t staying too long.]

I just needed a place to rest for a little bit. I’ll leave once I’ve caught my second wind and you won’t even have to worry about me again.

Just pretend I’m not even here. I’m practically a ghost.

[celeb-maddoxfrye]

[Since the big goof was up to just opening the home to anyone with a pretty face, she threw her hands up in the air and rolled her eyes.] 

Since I’m apparently with the only Jolly Green Fucking Giant left in the world, come right in. Just know that if you do anything suspicious, I’ll be on you before you can blink and going after him soon after. 

[The brunette knew that they really were running low on space, so with a sigh she stepped aside to let the girl into the house.] 

You can take my bed. I’ll crash on the couch. 

[finn05huds]

[Finn tried to pay as little mind to the words that came out of Joey’s mouth. Mostly because half the time she was complimenting him and insulting him all at once. It made things even more confusing than they really needed to be.]

Don’t worry about it, and you can have my bed.

[The tall boy turned to Joey, shoving his free hand into his pocket.] 

I’m a little afraid of what you’re like without a good nights rest..

[runpuckrun-deactivated20150415]

3.30 || Evening

We don’t want no trouble.  Just lookin’ for some fresh water to refresh my own supply, then we’ll be on our way.   Willin’ to trade.  Food, info.  Whatever.  

[finn05huds]

Hey, there’s a creek down the ways a bit. I don’t know how fresh it is, but that’s where I’ve been getting our water from, and Drizzle likes to drink form it so it can’t be that bad.

You sure you want to travel at night though? I mean, I get wanting to continue moving but isn’t that a little dangerous?

[thelastchristian-deactivated201]

[3.30] Evening

[celeb-maddoxfrye]

[Joey was inside the house and managed to gaze out the window as she passed trough the living room. The moment she saw a figure outside, she grabbed her weapon and went out with a sigh. Apparently their house just had a huge welcome sign on it today.]

Let me see your hands. 

[Her voice was a harsh whisper as soon as she got close enough to be heard.] 

What the hell are you doing here? What the hell are you doing travelling at night? 

[thelastchristian-deactivated201]

[Kitty sighed as she raised her hands up, showing that she had no indication of doing anything unsavory. She just hoped this wouldn’t be where her long journey ended.]

I think the first question is obvious considering it’s a house and most people go in looking for shelter or supplies. I’m looking for the former. Night’s better. Not many people travel at night, so it’s safer.

Look, can I put my hands down? If I was looking to rob you, I wouldn’t have come in through the front door.

[finn05huds]

[Watching Drizzle start to dig at the ground, Finn had begun to lose his thoughts in just how people kept finding their group. He also had seriously worried about Joey’s mental health and had considered - not for the first time - taking away that giant knife she liked to point at everyone knew.

When he heard the soft whispers, he didn’t even bother with guessing what was going on. Finn simply grabbed his bat and whistled for his dog to follow.]

Again? 

You can put your hands down, Joey’s just... intense. We’re kind of running out of room, but if you need some water or something there’s a creek down the way a bit. 

[He offered the new blonde a sweet smile, hoping that it would help their groups first impression. While he would do everything to keep Rachel safe, he wasn’t about to just send people away that might need help.]

[blaine-the-survivor]

[The sight of the machete made Blaine stop in his tracks, silently signalling for Scarlett to stand behind him. If he’d known anyone was around here, he wouldn’t have brought them to this house; there were very few people who could be trusted these days. Slowly, he lifted his hands to show he wasn’t carrying a weapon.]

We can go! We can leave, there’s no need for… that. [Blaine’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was rushed. He waved his hand in the direction of the strange woman, referring to the blade in her hands, then returned it to its previous position.] We were just looking for somewhere to stay for the night. 

[celeb-maddoxfrye]

[Him moving the little girl behind him gave him a plus one in Joey’s mental list. He would never know that of course, but him wanting to shield the girl from danger was a good sign. He looked far too young to have a daughter, so the likelihood of him caring for a stranger was high which was another pro. Having a girl so young in a world like this was dangerous. Children were far too curious, slow, and just naive. They aren’t meant to survive something like this, and it was sad how logical the brunette was about a life now. Him thinking the girl needed to be protected from her didn’t upset her. It was a fact of life.] 

“I’ll decide if there’s a need for it or not.” 

“I’ll give you two minutes to convince me as to why I should trust you. Just a hint, if you have any weapons on you, which let’s be real, you do, revealing them will greatly help your cause.” 

[Letting her guard down wasn’t an option, but she was’t a ruthless killer. The little girl changed things dramatically.If it wasn’t for her, Joey would have sent him away without a second thought.]

[finn05huds]

[Having heard some kind of commotion while he played with Drizzle, Finn turned and rushed towards it - forgetting his weapon. Luckily - or well, unluckily for the guy Joey was now currently hreatening, there didn’t seem to be a Walker in sight.]

What’s going on?

[Light eyes travel to Joey’s hand, holding what seemed to be her version of a stuffed teddy-bear, and back to the boy in question. He caught sight of the little girl and immediately Finn stepped in front of Joey.]

Dude, there’s a little kid there, put the giant knife away.

[celeb-maddoxfrye]

Again, thank heavens for that.

Nice to meet you. I mean, you’re the first person I’ve come across who has’t tried to kill me for my stuff. Do you think I can bring my car in here somewhere? Huh. I guess it’s a good thing that he sucks as a guard dog. It wouldn’t be good if he tried to bite a walker or started barking every two seconds. How’s you train him. 

[finn05huds]

Oh, yeah totally. I mean, I’m not gonna keep Rachel’s sister out.

You know, it’s really hard to tell if you’re being nice or not. I didn’t really train him, I’ve been trying to teach him play dead but so far he just sits down. I think he’s a little smarter than people give him credit for.

[celeb-maddoxfrye]

Well, surprise I guess. We share a face. I’m just happy you didn’t assume clones were being made because I wouldn’t be able to handle talking you down from that. I’m Joey Berry. 

[finn05huds]

I hadn’t even thought about clones...

Finn Hudson. Oh, and the dog’s Drizzle.

[anotsofunnygirl-deactivated2020]

I caught a nap this afternoon. 

Why don’t you go lie down — since you clearly need it — and I’ll take over patrol for a couple of hours.

[finn05huds]

Yeah - wait - no. I’m not tired, I’m just - I wasn’t expecting two Rachel’s. I’m good. Really.