Finnegan Harris @finnegan-harris - Tumblr Blog

mikael-valentine:

“Tell me about it,” taking the glass bottle Mikael nearly drank half of it wanting to keep his good buzz going. Although the awkwardness between the two dissipated a few years ago when Mikael returned Asteria, there was still the oddity between them on occasion. Most of the time, it had to do when family was mentioned. Mikael always found it curious as to why his friend kept that part of his life hidden from him. Still, he tried not to dwell on it too much. “Glad to hear the boys are doing well.” Chuckling, he could only imagine how it was having little feet running around the house and causing trouble. It happened to be something Mikael longed for, but never managed in his life thus far. Bad timing, bad relationships really held him back. “Good luck on that endeavor. Still congratulations man, I’m happy for you. And if you and Liv ever need anything please let me know.” He nodded, “well I cannot blame the woman, you are huge I can only image what kind of offspring grow inside her. Gosh a whole another being growing inside someone, so weird to think about. Honestly, I am not sure why they didn’t stop at perfection aka me. But hey, it is nice knowing you have people on your side.”

A bright smile formed, “we should really have a night out or something, before the baby is born. Once the little one is here, I hardly doubt you will have the time and energy to hangout being on diaper duty and all.” He gave his friend a light nudge. “What do you say?”

Seeing Mik’s enthusiasm, Finn worked on finishing off his own beer. If the night was going where he figured it would, the extra buzz would help. It was often difficult for Finn to loosen up. He spent so much of his life carefully dictating every fact and figure. There were the things he wrote in the paper and the things he withheld, the things he told Liv and those he didn’t, the truth he sold his mother, the truth he told Keegan, and the falsehood he presented to the rest of Asteria. When he drank it became harder to maintain, but needed those moments of respite from the charade.

“Yeah, Liv is a saint.” Finn smiled. “The boys are truly a handful, but she has so much patience with them. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen someone love another person that much. Her kids are her treasures.” Finn had certainly never experienced that level of kindness and empathy as a child. It was one of the many reasons he had such high respect for his wife. She was a better person than any he’d met.

“We should have many nights out.” He agreed with a devilish grin. He plucked another beer from a nearby cooler. “I’m sure at first that will be true, but I’m hoping to hire a nanny to help Liv this time around. I don’t really have the extra time.” The line was so callous, but it left his lips while he still smiled. “We could probably go out tonight. I mean, your brothers are 24, I’m sure the party will carry on into town before the sun rises.”

#c:mikael

mikael-valentine:

An almost offended expression came across Mikael’s face as his eyes nearly popped out of his skull at the mention of being old. “Please do not use the ‘O’ word in my presence.” He scoffed playfully as his free hand landed on his chest. “Honestly, I am pretending they are turning fourteen so I can imagine myself a decade younger.” Mikael nodded, “why do you think I grabbed you big guy? It is a screw top; I’m sure with those muscles you can help me out.” He responded handing over his bottle over to Finn. “I can only imagine. How are the kids by the way?”

Since he could remember, Finnegan and he had this connection. The two were inseparable when they were younger, but when Mikael moved to New York all those years ago the two barely stayed in touch. Both were leading different lives at the time. But Mikael was glad that over the last few years they rekindle their friendship when he returned to Asteria. “What have you been up to man? How is the wifey?”

“Whatever delusion you need to keep going, man.” Finn laughed. He took the bottle from Mik and unscrewed the wine bottle with an exaggerated flourish. “Only the good stuff comes in a screw top.” He teased as he handed the alcohol back to his friend. It felt strange to be talking to Mikael about his children. Mik had been in New York for both of the births, and while he had definitely made his friends aware of the joyous news, him and Mik hadn’t really kept in touch as much as he would’ve liked. These last few years, though, felt very much like nothing had changed. The two of them caused havoc and talked late into the night like old times. But Finn also lived a whole domestic life that Mik was never really privy too. That double identity felt strained now that he was fielding questions about his family.

“The boys are great.” He responded, trying not to let his smile slip too much. “Little terrors, like we were. As you know, Liv is pregnant with another boy, so soon enough we will be giving your family some competition.” Finn laughed, but it was a sore subject. Liv had found out about his affair right after they’d found out that boy number three was on the way. He knew that Mik probably suspected something strange was going on in their marriage, but he hadn’t found the courage to be honest quite yet. “Though I’m not sure Liv wants more after this, and I don’t blame her. Two is enough of a handful. I’m not sure how your family did it.”

#c:mikael

yvessainttyler:

Hollis’s eyes got near about as big as her head with the hunkiest of all hunks entered her boutique. She’d stammered out a quick, “May I help you?” as was custom, to which he’d turned her down, as was custom. She pretended to log some inventory on the computer screen while she actually was just clicking the mouse periodically as she watched him shop, and she couldn’t help herself from offering her help again when she saw him struggling. At his acceptance, an eager Hollis goes to him and offers her arms out to hold anything and everything he needs.

She notices that one of the ties he has chosen clearly clashes with the button-down he’s chosen, and when he’s not looking she slips it back onto the shelf. “When’s the big night out?” she asks.

The young woman seemed quick to help him. Finn made a mental note to leave her a positive review or something. “Thanks.” He nodded with a quick smile before stepping into the dressing room to try on the slacks and shirt. “The big night is tonight. I know that sounds like cutting it close, but I had something picked out earlier this week and decided this morning that I hate it.”

“Alright, I need a jacket, a tie, and....” Finn walked back out, buttoning up the top few buttons of the shirt. “Maybe some other touches... a watch? A pocket square?” He looked into the mirror and ran a hand through his hair. The whole image would’ve seemed vain if he had that degree of self-awareness in that moment. Finn’s mind was elsewhere though. He was going to have dinner with his mother and some of his late father’s business partners. It was a big opportunity and he had to look exactly the way they wanted him to.

#c:hollis

mikael-valentine

WHERE: Valentine Home WHO: Closed - @finnegan-harris

At times, it astonished Mikael how many people were connected to his family. Nearly everyone in town seemed to be roaming the premises of the Valentine family home’s backyard in celebration of his two younger brothers’ birthday. Wandering around, he made small talk with numerous people while having several drinks just enjoying the evening and looking forward to the fireworks later that night. In need of another drink, he made his way towards the tables and reached down in one of the coolers for another beer. Right now, he was in that perfect place of just the right amount of alcohol in his system.

Mikael then noticed his friend getting his ear talked off by one of the guests and he figured the least he could do was save him from whatever karmic punishment was going on. Gliding through the yard, he placed his arm around Finnegan and brightly smiled. “I’ll take it from here honey,” he said flashing a smile towards the person across from his friend and dragging the larger man away. “You’re welcome by the way. Also, damn those biceps are huge. We get it, you work out.”

finnegan-harris

The Valentine family was one of those families that everyone in Asteria had some degree of connection to. Finn’s family, also being of some renown in the local community, had always had a good relationship with the Valentines. Mikael’s arm slid around Finn’s shoulders and his face bloomed into a smile at the sight of his old friend. The two of them, both 35 now, had once occupied their days by giving each other hell on the playground of the local private school. Yet somehow, Finn marveled, he felt old already.

“I’ve got to workout to stay young, Mik.” Finn laughed. “Somehow your little brothers are twenty-four already. You know what that makes us? Old.” He clapped the blonde on the shoulder. “Nice to see your face again. You need an opener for that?” He gestured at the bottle in Mik’s hand. Finn’s beer was half gone already and the condensation hadn’t even begun to run down the bottle neck. “I’ve been cutting loose a bit.” He admitted. “A night without the kids is worth the hangover.”

#c:mik

keegan--anderson:

Keegan saw Finn and his heart clenched. He was so thankful that he was okay. But he quickly composed himself. He knew that they were in front of people. They both needed to keep a low profile. “I’m fine. I’m okay. How about you? Where’s Olivia? Is she here?” He asked concern filling his vocals. When Keegan felt Finn grab his arm, he shrugged it off as the man took a step back. “Excuse us. The paramedics are over that way if you need help.” Keegan urged the other to get assistance if they needed it as he stepped closer to Finn. “I was just..trying to help people. Like you said..we should go further back. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Keegan wasn’t only worried about Olivia, but he was worried about Finn. He needed to make sure that he was safe and well. Away from all the chaos. Keegan briefly grabbed his hand as he led them to the back. He quickly let go when they were safe. “Shouldn’t you be getting home? Do the kids have a sitter tonight?” He asked curiously.

The quick string of questions ran past Finn’s ears and he furrowed his brow. His mind struggled to process everything. “I’m okay. I wasn’t near the house when it started.” He’d moved towards it to see if he could help people out, but the heat had been too much. As soon as he’d gotten Olivia to safety, he’d realized how unequipped he was to help. The smoke was already messing with his lungs. “You’re sweet to help people.” He added. Keegan was always so selfless. Finn wasn’t surprised that the second question out of Keegan’s mouth was about Liv’s safety. It was just the kind of person Keegan seemed to be. He was a better man than Finn. That was unquestionable.

Finn’s fingers gripped Keegan’s and was sad when the contact ended. This was the state of things though. Usually he was used to it and didn’t let him bother him, but here, in the heightened state of the fire, he hated the distance between him and Keegan. “Don’t try to hold me at arm’s length right now, K.” Finn murmured in a soft tone. He reached back out and his fingertips brushed against Keegan’s hand like a plea for warmth. “Liv is headed home to be with the boys and to get some rest herself. I’ll go and check on her in a little while, but for now... I want to be with you. It’ll make me feel better, knowing where you are and having you with me.” It was a tender sentiment that was fairly uncharacteristic of the older man, but the way he spoke was genuine. “We can go get a drink or something. Settle the nerves.”

#c:keegan

livharris:

Liv was relieved to see that Finn made it out unscathed. For a brief moment, she feared the absolute worst. She had been worried she lost him⁠—the love of her life, the father of her children, and most importantly her best friend. It had been a terrifying thought, and she was so glad it wasn’t a reality. “I’m fine! I was one of the first people out of the house,” she said, pulling away slightly so she could look up at him to make sure he was alright as well. “For a moment, I thought I might have lost you.”

The whole thing still felt surreal, and she didn’t think the scale of the fire set in for her yet. It was a lot to comprehend. She kept her eyes on Finn and found herself unable to look back at the house they just came from. “Okay, let’s go. All I want to do is see the boys. If they’re awake when we get home, they’re sleeping in our bed tonight,” she said, taking his hand in hers. “You’re right, there isn’t anything we can do for now…” Always generous, she was already trying to come up with how they could help those affected. “Maybe we can think of something tomorrow.”

Under the careful eyes of his wife, Finn seemed to lose the sharp edges that he usually cultivated. Her concern was mirrored in his own gaze. “I would’ve found you.” He reassured her. That would never change. Finn held her hand in his and gave it a soft squeeze. Olivia seemed to be in a bit of shock, and Finn wanted to get her home where she could lie down.

“Of course,” Finn nodded. He began to walk with her towards their car. “I’m sure the boys are tucked in and sleeping soundly.” The sitter was usually pretty good at getting the little gremlins to sleep. “We can definitely offer the Valentines some help once we have a better understanding of what they will need.” Behind him the sounds of sirens filled the air. He didn’t want to stay and watch to see if any bodies would be pulled from the building. He didn’t think Liv would be to take another ounce of tragedy. “I’ll call Mik when we get home and leave him a message.”

Finn stopped when they got to the car. “Are you okay to drive Liv, or do you want me to?” He was typically very careful about not driving after drinking, especially with Liv in the car. But the fire had been very sobering and Liv looked distraught and distracted. All of their plans were out the window now. He just wanted to be back in the safety of their home with Jack and little Finn.

#c:liv

livharris:

The moment the fire broke out, Liv panicked. She knew she shouldn’t have stayed this long, but she lost track of time while talking to an old friend. She feared most of her unborn baby, but her husband too. No matter what, she would always love him. She also feared for the two sons they had at home since both she and Finn were both at the party. She managed to make it out of the house unharmed, but was really shaken up by the whole thing and was pretty much in a daze. Then, as she heard Finn’s voice, she quickly snapped out of it and tried to move in his direction. “Finn! I’m over here!” Liv called out, continuing to navigate toward where his voice came from and eventually spotted him. “Are you alright?” She asked, immediately embracing him. Even though they hit a speed bump in their marriage, that didn’t mean she stopped caring about him.

The sound of his wife’s voice sent a feeling of relief throughout his whole body. He couldn’t see her at first, but he knew she had to be close enough that he could hear her. He moved towards her voice instinctively. No matter how many times he’d turned his back and hurt her, he loved her. She was the first thing across his mind as the fire smoke consumed the sky above them. Liv was ambitious, and strong, and the perfect mother to their boys. He needed her like plants need the sun.

Finn pulled Liv into his arms and took a breath. “Oh, thank god.” He exhaled. “Yeah, I’m alright, are you? You feel okay?” He held her a little tighter and then let go to take a look at her face. This was too much of a shock, even for him. He didn’t know what it might do to Liv. “You shouldn’t be breathing in this smoke. Come on, let’s get you home.” He urged. “I don’t think-” He glanced back at the house. The dry heat from the fire was already making his skin feel tight and uncomfortable. “I don’t think there’s anything we can do here.” He said sadly.

#c:liv

keegan--anderson

Wildin 4th of July

Where: The Valentines Backyard

With: Anyone

Keegan was very thankful that he made it out of the house before the fire broke out and that mostly everyone else was out. However, he was still very worried about the people that were trapped inside. He was pretty drunk before the fire started but once the fire broke out, he was completely sober and alert. He wanted to help comfort those who were scared and panicky. But he didn’t even know where to start. Keegan ran a shaky hand through his hair as he walked around to check on people to make sure that they were alright. He couldn’t believe that any of this was happening. It was as if all of it was a fever dream. Keegan wanted to slip away and run but he knew that he couldn’t because there were people that needed emotional support. “Are you okay?” He asked the person who seemed to be in bad shape emotionally.

finnegan-harris

Through the haze of the smoke, Finn spotted Keegan. He could tell even before he got close how on edge the younger man was. “Hey, you hurt? You okay?” Finnegan jogged up to him and grabbed a hold of his arm, looking him up and down. He realized just then that he’d interrupted Keegan speaking to someone. The very apparent intimacy of his overbearing concern was suddenly clear to him and he took a step back. “Sorry,” He turned to the stranger as well and muttered a quick apology. The wind was blowing the smoke out further from the house and was feeding the rapidly growing flames. He looked over at Keegan with urgency in his eyes. “We should get further back.” He said, glancing back at the house. A startling and deafening crack shot out across the lawn as the second floor began to cave into the inferno. Finn jumped and his eyes grew wide. “Holy shit...”

#c:keegan

Separated

Where: The Valentines Backyard

With: @livharris

The fire had grown quickly, and the crowd had turned into a mass of panic and confusion. Finn’s first instinct had been to rush in and help, butby the time he even got close to the door the size of the fire was too intimidating. It roared as it sucked in the oxygen and radiated an intense, suffocating heat. Finn shielded his face as he turned away from the house and watched the scattering figures of the party-goers. He could hear sirens in the distance. What was happening? He stared back at the house in shock. Liv had been here somewhere. The two of them had spent most of the party doing their own things, but he knew she hadn’t left yet. “Liv!” He called out, moving through the smoke towards the next yard over. Most of the people had moved that way. He coughed and his voice became rougher from the smoke. “Liv Harris!” He roared over the sounds of the fire and the sirens.

#asteriaevent #c:liv

yvessainttyler

Hollis crosses the room slowly but both surely and unsurely. “Sorry to bother you… I’ve just been watching you struggle with that for, like, ten minutes. You sure you don’t need help?”

@asteriastarters

finnegan-harris

Finn had a number of ties thrown over one arm for comparison and a pair of slacks tossed over his shoulder. Now the hangers for two shirts were balanced on his fingers while he split his attention between the ties and a row of suit jackets. The boutique had some high end, small brand names that he preferred to give his business to. He noticed the manager’s attention fall upon him and he straighten up to look in her direction. “Yes, sorry, I know I turned down your help when I came in, but I ended up finding more than I thought I would. I’m trying to put a look together for an evening out. I’d like to look my best, but not too stuffy.” He explained to her. “Here, maybe I should just at least try the slacks and shirt on and then you can help me pick a jacket and tie...” He suggested. “Could you hold these?” He offered out the arm with four differently patterned ties.

#c:hollis

aleksanderbrookes

WHERE: Valentine Family Home (Before Fire) WHO: Open

With Alex having stayed in town for a couple of months, he was getting more and more comfortable with life in Asteria. He still had no idea when he would be leaving, but it seemed that he wasn’t in a rush. Even if he had been in and out of town for over a year and a half it was still more of a fresh start then he would get if he stayed in Terrell or Pilot Point.

While he was closest to Niko he did still know the rest of the brothers at least in passing. A good portion of the town was attending anyway, so he didn’t stand out much either way. Considering now that Cass and Niko were together and serious, it was probably good for Alex to get used to spending more time with the Valentines anyway. There were a lot of people to remember and keep up with.

As Alex got another appetizer at the table, he couldn’t help but feel like there was someone watching. He looked over his shoulder to find someone being obvious while they checked out the person next to him at the table. “Dang. You’d think some people would be a little more subtle when checking someone else out,” he muttered.

finnegan-harris

Finnegan was familiar with most of the people at the Valentine’s party. Growing up in a town like Asteria meant that everyone knew everyone’s business. Running the local newpaper meant knowing, and printing, everyone’s business. But the excitement of a party like this existed within the ten percent of the crowd that was newcomers. New faces, new bodies, new stories to take in... Finn’s eyes scanned the crowd and settled on a woman who looked like she was in her late twenties. His eyebrows lifted a little, but his attention was drawn away by a man moving to stand at a nearby table. Finn’s head turned and followed the man’s stride as he went to stand next to another stranger with dark hair and angular features.

The words the stranger muttered caught Finn’s ear. Perhaps he had been a bit too transparent, but there was no taking that back now. If someone was going to talk about him, Finn couldn’t help but try to take control of the conversation. He stepped up beside the man. “Some people should mind their own business.” He warned. His expression looked serious at first but then shifted into a half smile. “No harm in checking folks out. Its a fucking party. Loosen up.”