a warrior by any other name

Finn Stormtower - nephilim - Head of the Oxford Institute - formerly of Cornwall,UK

[finnswarriorheart]

He felt Odette stir, clearly the noisy passers by had woken her too. If they really weren't trying to be quiet then it was most likely morning. The light hit to his chest surprised him, though maybe he should have expected it. He chuckled at her words. "In my defence you said I should rest, not where I should rest," he pulled her in a little closer to cuddle her. It made his body ache but already the ache was so much better than it had been the day before. "Also, good morning," he added, rolling them both over and kissing her.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette softly scowled at the words, mostly because she couldn't truly argue the logic in them. But she still was half tempted to lecture him about not rushing his recovery all the same. "You really are trying to make me follow through with the threat to tie you to the bed, aren't you?" Her tone wasn't even remotely grumpy though, just hazy with sleep. Even so, she leaned into his kiss before settling with her head against his chest. "Good morning, my love," she replied softly. "How are you feeling?"

[finnswarriorheart]

He smiled at that. "It hadn't crossed my mind, but I can't say I'd be opposed," he joked lightly, voice still a little gravely from disuse over the course of the night. Finn smiled again after the kiss. This was a million times better than waking up alone in the cold infirmary. Truly he wouldn't want to spend the first moments of his day any other way. "Already better than yesterday," he replied honestly. He paused then, debating saving this for when they were both a little more awake. The quiet excitement to share it won out though. "Definitely well enough for a little travel if you're up for it,"

[finnswarriorheart]

He wanted to fight it. Wanted to stay awake longer here with her in his arms. But he knew she'd feel she had to stay awake too and she needed rest as much as he did. "Okay," he repeated, "I love you,"

--

Finn smile softly as Odette stirred but didn't wake, moving to snuggle into him. Wrapping his arms round her he breathed a contented sigh. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, he then settled back into the pillow. He felt he'd get much better rest here like this and it didn't take long at all before he could feel himself drifting off to sleep.

The next thing he was aware of was the hush of voices, muffled by the wooden door, as they passed down the hall. Whether it was people heading out for the night patrol or if it was morning he couldn't be certain. It felt like morning but also like he'd been asleep five minuets. That's how deep and restful it had felt. One thing was for certain though, with his mind trying to puzzle things out, he was definitely awake now.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"I love you too," She whispered as she pressed a kiss to his hand before releasing it from her own, "with my whole heart."

-

Odette hummed in that sleepy sort of way that mingled on the verge of a contented sigh as Finn's arms wrapped around her. He was so warm and safe, and that allowed her to drift off again without worry.

The voices passing by her room made Odette scrunch up her face a bit, because that meant that she was awake again and that the gentle wash of light she could make out through her eyelids brought the morning. She moved to stretch before realizing that she was lightly constrained by Finn's arms around her. Finn? She opened her eyes then, blinking away her tiredness in the sun as she processed his presence in her bed. She hardly remembered Theo cuddling her to sleep, much less him leaving and being replaced with Finn. She assessed from his breathing that he was awake, or even half awake, and took the opportunity to gently bat at his chest. "You should be in the infirmary."

[finnswarriorheart]

He felt Odette stir, clearly the noisy passers by had woken her too. If they really weren't trying to be quiet then it was most likely morning. The light hit to his chest surprised him, though maybe he should have expected it. He chuckled at her words. "In my defence you said I should rest, not where I should rest," he pulled her in a little closer to cuddle her. It made his body ache but already the ache was so much better than it had been the day before. "Also, good morning," he added, rolling them both over and kissing her.

[finnswarriorheart]

"I'll know I truly deserve it if I ever drive you to being one," he joked in return. Although he supposed it was true enough. Though he hoped he wouldn't be so stubborn or oblivious for things to ever get to that point. He smiled as he felt her lips kiss his cheek. "You don't need to thank me for it," while he was at it, he thought, perhaps he'd get her signed off on holiday for a little while too. It felt right somehow for them to spend some time away together after what had happened. Though he'd make a few enquires before he brought the idea up to her.

"Ah, yes," he could still remember the glee in his brothers voice as he described his plans to him. Finn chuckled lightly at her assessment of his brother and their family. "More than you know," he commented. "I think it's inherited. Our father is just the same, our grandfather was too," a yawn interrupted him before he continued. Though he really didn't feel he had any right to be tired again already.

---

He was sure that if Bo or Ava, or Odette herself caught him sneaking out of the infirmary he'd get a scolding. It was hard not to laugh at the thought. He was the Institute Head and here he was sneaking down the corridors hoping not to bump into anyone. As it was he made it all the way to Odette's room, soon to be her wardrobe, without coming across another living soul. Letting himself in, he quietly padded over to what by habit had become his side of the bed and gingerly climbed in. His body still ached more than it ever had but that didn't seem reason enough to stay in the infirmary.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"Oh, definitely," she teased with a gentle hum accompanying her words. There was such a deep comfort in talking about the future with Finn, even in such a small or silly way like this. Odette was certainly still counting her blessings that there would be a future for them, and that her dreams wouldn't hopefully just be that and nothing more. She bit her lip to keep from getting choked up at the thought. This was a happy moment, and she could keep it together until she was alone. "I will anyways. Call it my stubbornness," she mused, gently catching one of his hands in hers and intertwining their fingers.

Odette's smile deepened at the notion of his family being full of romantic gentlemen, and even more so at the passing thought of how one day they might have a son who was much the same to carry on the pattern. Her daydream was cut short by his yawn though and she felt her heart twinge a bit. "You should get some more rest, sleepyhead." She brushed his hair back off of his forehead before leaning up to properly kiss Finn. Gentle but no less passionate than it always was. After a moment she pulled away and sat up. "I'll be back in the morning, okay?"

--

Odette had never been an extraordinarily deep sleeper, not unless she was bone tired as she was now in the wake of nearly 48 hours without it. But the gentle shifting of the duvet and mattress caught her half-awakened focus and she blindly reached her hand in the direction of the movement, meeting Finn's arm. Her mind was just hazy enough to not question his presence here instead of the infirmary, but just aware enough to recognize him all the same. She moved closer to him so that she could snuggle up against his chest.

[finnswarriorheart]

He wanted to fight it. Wanted to stay awake longer here with her in his arms. But he knew she'd feel she had to stay awake too and she needed rest as much as he did. "Okay," he repeated, "I love you,"

--

Finn smile softly as Odette stirred but didn't wake, moving to snuggle into him. Wrapping his arms round her he breathed a contented sigh. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, he then settled back into the pillow. He felt he'd get much better rest here like this and it didn't take long at all before he could feel himself drifting off to sleep.

The next thing he was aware of was the hush of voices, muffled by the wooden door, as they passed down the hall. Whether it was people heading out for the night patrol or if it was morning he couldn't be certain. It felt like morning but also like he'd been asleep five minuets. That's how deep and restful it had felt. One thing was for certain though, with his mind trying to puzzle things out, he was definitely awake now.

[finnswarriorheart]

Finn let out a light chuckle. It made torso ache but not enough to make him wince. “I don’t doubt that for a second,” with how many nephilim were he counted himself extraordinarily lucky with the ones he had in his life. His colleges, friends, family and the one who had his heart. He felt her movement, the way her chin rested on his chest, and guessed she was now looking at him. A wry smile crossed his lips as he let out a sigh. Because she was completely right. He wasn’t sure he’d take a proper holiday since accepting the post of Oxford’s Institute Head. The odd few days here or there but even then he’d always been on call. “If I told you I had I’d be lying,” he admitted. “I’ll speak to Bo about taking the reins until I’m fully recovered,” it probably wasn’t something he’d have done before. Now though he found he wanted to do as she wished where ever possible. He also didn’t want to be the cause of any stress or worry for her if it were within his control to not be.

He was glad to hear that Cece had been able to help others. To know that while he couldn’t, his people were still reaching out to help. It was the kind of Institute he’d always know he wanted to turn this one into. One that was there to help the supernatural community, to be a part of it.

His eyebrows did indeed raise in surprise. After all he only had other peoples words to go on when it came to what his room looked like. He trusted his brother of course, but to hear Odette wasn’t jumping at the opportunity to change it felt like final confirmation it wasn’t terrible. At her explanation though he understood and quelled the urge to ask if she was really sure. “Well if you even change your mind, I won’t be offended. And it might surprise you to know you have Gwaine to thank for it being lovely,” it was one of the first things his younger brother had done on joining the Institute. Apparently it really had been awful before.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"Good. Because I hate to think of myself as a nagging woman, but I could be if needed," Odette joked, slowly gaining that familiar comfort and certainty that she felt in Finn's presence. He really was a tonic to her soul, even in its shakiest state. At his words she perked up further, a beaming sort of smile creeping onto her features. "You'd really do that?" She leaned up to press a kiss to Finn's cheek before she moved back to take in his features again. A marvel. "Thank you."

The admission of Gwaine's role in decorating the space only deepened Odette's smile. "It wouldn't surprise me that much, actually. I mean, I've only heard through Andromeda about his redecoration of one of the older rooms for their date, but even that is telling. And he still managed to make the space very fitting for you," she replied, a genuine fondness filling her words. "He's a little chameleon honestly--full of talents and charms. And a romantic too, which seems to run in the family."

[finnswarriorheart]

"I'll know I truly deserve it if I ever drive you to being one," he joked in return. Although he supposed it was true enough. Though he hoped he wouldn't be so stubborn or oblivious for things to ever get to that point. He smiled as he felt her lips kiss his cheek. "You don't need to thank me for it," while he was at it, he thought, perhaps he'd get her signed off on holiday for a little while too. It felt right somehow for them to spend some time away together after what had happened. Though he'd make a few enquires before he brought the idea up to her.

"Ah, yes," he could still remember the glee in his brothers voice as he described his plans to him. Finn chuckled lightly at her assessment of his brother and their family. "More than you know," he commented. "I think it's inherited. Our father is just the same, our grandfather was too," a yawn interrupted him before he continued. Though he really didn't feel he had any right to be tired again already.

---

He was sure that if Bo or Ava, or Odette herself caught him sneaking out of the infirmary he'd get a scolding. It was hard not to laugh at the thought. He was the Institute Head and here he was sneaking down the corridors hoping not to bump into anyone. As it was he made it all the way to Odette's room, soon to be her wardrobe, without coming across another living soul. Letting himself in, he quietly padded over to what by habit had become his side of the bed and gingerly climbed in. His body still ached more than it ever had but that didn't seem reason enough to stay in the infirmary.

[finnswarriorheart]

Finn smile a little at Bo's words, turning his head towards the sound. "She's resting. At least I hope she's resting," he replied. "I hear I have yours to thank for still being here," he had meant to continue in the same joke that Bo had but he couldn't stop the gratitude towards Cassie slipping into his tone. He hesitated a brief moment then. It seemed rude to jump straight to it but there was a question he needed answered. One he hadn't wanted to ask his siblings or Odette. "How bad was it? All of it, were there many others hurt? I'm guessing since I'm the only one in here none of ours were caught in it?"

[beastly-bo]

"I think I saw Theo taking her to her room a little while ago, yeah. But I'd point out the light hypocrisy in those words," Bo mused with a subtle smirk. His expression softened into more of a gentle smile at the mention of Cassie though. "You heard correctly... A bit fascinating to witness, all in all. She's truly gifted." The question that followed had been expected, and Bo was grateful that it beheld a nice answer for once... at least for the overall outlook. "There were a lot of people caught up in the collapse of the stairs, and there was some sort of fight that caused it and carried on after the fact. Perpetrators cleared off without much issue though, as the seethe masters seemed to have things more in hand in that regard. Our lot were more focused on helping unearth people from the rubble. So barring scrapes and scuffs in that effort, we didn't suffer beyond your injuries." He paused to pass a silent thanks for such a thing. "And there were no casualties even amongst the larger numbers. A great deal of close calls, but the collective healing efforts and medical intervention of the Eld Cottage Hospital staff has gotten everyone more or less back to normal. Or at the very least on the road to recovery."

He smiled a bit again, glancing off towards the door in a passing sort of thought. "Admittedly, I ought to be honest about the fact that I've come in here to assure you that all is well enough for you to not rush back to duty. Or at the very least things are stable enough for that." Bo nudged Finn's leg, a bit of amusement slipping into his tone again. "You really should take a bit of time off for once--recover properly without worrying about the bureaucratical side of things. My reports have already been sent out to the Clave, and it's the general consensus that things are and will be quiet for at least another while yet... so, take the out, if you will."

[finnswarriorheart]

He was glad for the news of Odette going to her room to rest. If he had to guess she probably hadn’t sleep since the night before the party. “Are you saying I should be resting?” He asked with a hint of amusement. Finn nodded in agreement at the declaration about Cassie being gifted. “It felt different to any healing I’ve had before,” he admitted quietly after a moment. Something in it, in the light he felt flowing through him. It felt powerful, yet gentle. Caring like a mother, yet ancient like the stars. Finn breathed out a sigh at the report Bo delivered on the party. Given the apparent cause and the fall out of it, it really was a miracle no one had been injured beyond repair. He send a silent thanks to the Angel that he was the only one of theirs that had been hurt seriously too. It was a weight off his mind knowing they were all ok.

Finn couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “Have you been talking to Odette or my sister?” He asked in jest. Though he’d guess not. This was just the sort of person Bo was. Considerate, caring, diligent. It was why if he ever had to name an official second in command he’d pick him without a second thought. “As it happens I promised Odette I’d speak to you about this too. Thank you for already taking things in hand, for submitting your reports. And,” he sighed, “I think both you and Odette are right - it would be good to take a little time off to recover.” Part of him was still reluctant to do so but he also knew the place was in good hands. “How would you feel about running the show while I do?”

[finnswarriorheart]

"Yes," he agreed. His body still felt like he'd had a staircase dropped on him, which of course he had. However he could also feel that the real damage was healed. So she was right, he was alright and would be more alright in the coming days. It got him thinking though. Maybe a few days off to rest and process what had happened wouldn't be such a bad thing. Because he was all too aware of how close he'd come to not waking up ever again. In recent months he'd been delaying something, telling himself it was too soon. That there was no rush. But wasn't the opposite also true? If he knew what he wanted, why wait? When everything could be snatched away in the blink of an eye. For nephilim more than most that was true. If the next time something like this happened what if it really was his time? He didn't want to leave this world with things he wished he'd done.

"It has to be one of the most miraculous gifts amongst the fae and warlocks," he remembered seeing it before his accident. Even more though he felt like he could imagine what Cassie's healing looked like from the echo of how it felt in his body. Beautiful. "I sometimes wonder if that would have been Cece's gift if both her parents had been fae," he mused, drawing the conversation further away from himself. With each rotation of the circle she was tracing on his chest he could feel his body relaxing towards sleep. It was necessary for healing, he knew that, but not yet. He wanted to stay awake with her a little longer. Her laugh brought a genuine smile to his features. It was one of his favourite sounds in all the world. To here it in this moment felt like something of a relief. His smile widened at her suggestion. "No, I don't think we do. I'd love to officially share a room with you. And as long as you don't move the furniture, you can redecorate it if you like,"

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"I'm sure Ava would join in on my fussing, so we can collectively make Bo keep you honest," Odette reasoned, not because she felt the need to as much as just assuring herself and Finn that there was a need for him taking it easy. He had the support too, what with the Institute as well-manned as it was now. She tilted her head so that her chin rested on his chest and she could look up at him, a little smile tugging at her lips. "In any case, I doubt you've truly taken time off in a long time... or will you tell me I'm wrong?"

"I'd say so. But it's nice that she's still called to that even now. I remember Theo saying she was helping a lot of the wounded guests since Cassie had you in hand." It was a miracle, really, that more of their own hadn't gotten caught up in the collapse or the fight that broke out. Even more so that nobody had lost their lives in the course of the chaos. Thank the Angel.

Finn's smile and words only deepened the grin on Odette's face. She'd hoped for a reaction like that, even if she was being a bit humorous with the closet suggestion aspect of it. She leaned up to catch his lips in a gentle but passionate kiss, humming contentedly. "You might be surprised by the fact that I wouldn't really redecorate all that much. Maybe a throw blanket or a picture or two, but I'm not really fussy about it," she admitted. "My mother was a bit insufferable about that growing up so I've always sort of focused on decorating myself, like appearance wise. But my room or home?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Besides, your room is lovely as is."

[finnswarriorheart]

Finn let out a light chuckle. It made torso ache but not enough to make him wince. “I don’t doubt that for a second,” with how many nephilim were he counted himself extraordinarily lucky with the ones he had in his life. His colleges, friends, family and the one who had his heart. He felt her movement, the way her chin rested on his chest, and guessed she was now looking at him. A wry smile crossed his lips as he let out a sigh. Because she was completely right. He wasn’t sure he’d take a proper holiday since accepting the post of Oxford’s Institute Head. The odd few days here or there but even then he’d always been on call. “If I told you I had I’d be lying,” he admitted. “I’ll speak to Bo about taking the reins until I’m fully recovered,” it probably wasn’t something he’d have done before. Now though he found he wanted to do as she wished where ever possible. He also didn’t want to be the cause of any stress or worry for her if it were within his control to not be.

He was glad to hear that Cece had been able to help others. To know that while he couldn’t, his people were still reaching out to help. It was the kind of Institute he’d always know he wanted to turn this one into. One that was there to help the supernatural community, to be a part of it.

His eyebrows did indeed raise in surprise. After all he only had other peoples words to go on when it came to what his room looked like. He trusted his brother of course, but to hear Odette wasn’t jumping at the opportunity to change it felt like final confirmation it wasn’t terrible. At her explanation though he understood and quelled the urge to ask if she was really sure. “Well if you even change your mind, I won’t be offended. And it might surprise you to know you have Gwaine to thank for it being lovely,” it was one of the first things his younger brother had done on joining the Institute. Apparently it really had been awful before.

[beastly-bo]

Bo had been keeping a close monitor on Finn's condition while still maintaining a bit of distance and privacy for the sake of Ava, Gwaine, and Odette. But the news that he'd woken up did not take long to spread through the Institute, and it brought a great deal of relief along with it. Never the less, Bo waited another while before making his own way to the Infirmary to see him.

He gently knocked on the door before entering, but having just seen Ava leaving he was able to assume he wasn't interrupting anyone's reunions at present. Finn looked right as rain, although Bo knew well enough that he'd need to rest even still to fully rebound from it all. While Cassie's gifts had saved him a great deal of such trouble, they were aided with recovery beyond that. "I'm surprised I'm not interrupting you and the missus," he joked, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

@finnswarriorheart

[finnswarriorheart]

Finn smile a little at Bo's words, turning his head towards the sound. "She's resting. At least I hope she's resting," he replied. "I hear I have yours to thank for still being here," he had meant to continue in the same joke that Bo had but he couldn't stop the gratitude towards Cassie slipping into his tone. He hesitated a brief moment then. It seemed rude to jump straight to it but there was a question he needed answered. One he hadn't wanted to ask his siblings or Odette. "How bad was it? All of it, were there many others hurt? I'm guessing since I'm the only one in here none of ours were caught in it?"

[finnswarriorheart]

"No, I think it's one you wouldn't," Finn agreed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before she pulled away. He gave a small, contented sigh as she traced his features. It was a marvel really how such a small thing could bring so much comfort. But then any contact with her did that. His lips pulled into a hint of a smile. "I can at least say I'll try not to get hurt again any time soon," he agreed again. The mention of Cassie made him think it might be to her his thanks were owed. He made a mental note to do just that when he was able to get out and visit the bookshop. It was funny, in some way he had a vague memory of the healing. Of the warm feeling of it, like starlight flowing through him. With it he had the sneaking suspicion that without it he wouldn't be here to hold his love.

Her words made his heart clench. That she'd had to see that. "I'm so sorry Odette, that you had to witness that," he had to say it despite her attempts to lighten it with humour. Because he needed her to know he didn't think it was nothing that she'd had to go through that. He rubbed gentle circles on her back. Though if she did want to lighten the moment, he wouldn’t take that from her either. “If you are going to tie me to a bed though, let it be one of ours and not one in a very public infirmary,”

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"Well, I won't be a sore loser," Odette mused, her tone and expression softening all the further as she grounded herself in the present situation. Her perfect miracle now. Finn filled her thoughts from the moment she'd allowed herself to love him--and the moment he admitted he felt the same only meant that he'd become her everything. The kind of love story to tell their future children about. "Try," she repeated before letting out an exaggerated sort of sigh and allowing her head to gently rest against his chest again. It was difficult to contend with it all, really. Of course, she would die for Finn, so it was little to no surprise that he should do the same. But the potential reality made her feel nearly sick with worry. That she would dwell on later. For now, there was only Finn. And it was easier to weather it with that air of teasing and humor--to hear and see a smile from him in return. "It's a wonder I'm not going grey for loving you."

Her chest ached a bit at the apology, for the fact that it was needless in its giving. Even if he'd chosen her safety over his, of course he'd have never meant her harm in witnessing such a thing. But Odette still couldn't accept any sorrow on Finn's part for such a thing. "But you're alright now--or will be soon," she assured, because that was all that truly mattered. "And, in a way, it was lovely to watch healing so closely... I guess I'd never realized that it could be so enchanting, even with the grim reasoning for its use." She was mirroring his circular motions, though hers were with her fingertips that had now drifted beside her head where it lay against his chest. The beat of his heart was being subconsciously counted on her part, and each one made her breathe a great deal easier. His comment caught her a bit off guard though, and in her sleep-deprived and post-adrenaline crash delirium it brought about a fit of giggles as a result. Genuine, grateful laughter. And she hugged him impossibly closer even in her gentleness. "I know, I know. You're not much of an exhibitionist," she teased, referencing their past conversations on that very sort of thing. Odette lifted her head a bit again, at least to where her chin now was balanced against Finn to where she could look at him straight on. "Do you think we need two rooms? I could always just make mine my unofficial closet."

[finnswarriorheart]

"Yes," he agreed. His body still felt like he'd had a staircase dropped on him, which of course he had. However he could also feel that the real damage was healed. So she was right, he was alright and would be more alright in the coming days. It got him thinking though. Maybe a few days off to rest and process what had happened wouldn't be such a bad thing. Because he was all too aware of how close he'd come to not waking up ever again. In recent months he'd been delaying something, telling himself it was too soon. That there was no rush. But wasn't the opposite also true? If he knew what he wanted, why wait? When everything could be snatched away in the blink of an eye. For nephilim more than most that was true. If the next time something like this happened what if it really was his time? He didn't want to leave this world with things he wished he'd done.

"It has to be one of the most miraculous gifts amongst the fae and warlocks," he remembered seeing it before his accident. Even more though he felt like he could imagine what Cassie's healing looked like from the echo of how it felt in his body. Beautiful. "I sometimes wonder if that would have been Cece's gift if both her parents had been fae," he mused, drawing the conversation further away from himself. With each rotation of the circle she was tracing on his chest he could feel his body relaxing towards sleep. It was necessary for healing, he knew that, but not yet. He wanted to stay awake with her a little longer. Her laugh brought a genuine smile to his features. It was one of his favourite sounds in all the world. To here it in this moment felt like something of a relief. His smile widened at her suggestion. "No, I don't think we do. I'd love to officially share a room with you. And as long as you don't move the furniture, you can redecorate it if you like,"

[sincerely-yours-odette]

In the Institute Infirmary

Odette, Avalon, and Gwaine were the only proper constants at Finn’s bedside. Everyone else came and went, some sitting for awhile, and others merely checking in. Of course, they were all concerned, just as they’d all been concerned with Jace not so terribly long ago. And there was a great deal of solace to be found in the fact that Finn was no longer injured as much as he was recuperating from the healing. But he was still unconscious, and the knowledge that he had earlier been injured made it a little too hard to just view him as resting.

They weren’t talking all that much either, with a mutual understanding having at some stage silently passed between the three of them to keep their collective focus on Finn. And it was. Any slight movements or sounds from Finn made each of them nearly flinch as they looked him over. But it had so far been a false alarm for each such moment.

Odette’s mind drifted to Hayden again, with some of the others having said that he’d gone to the cottage hospital for the time being. Selfishly, she wanted him there. Wanted the comfort of her twin, wanted for Ava to have Hayden to lean on too. She felt like a poor substitute instead, for Hayden, but also for Finn. Here she was, holding the hands of Finn’s siblings every so often until he could do it himself. Because that was the true comfort they wanted, and she knew that well.

@avalonslife

@gwaineisactuallyloyal

@finnswarriorheart

[avalonslife]

Ava couldn't have even guessed at how long the three of them had been sat there. Others had come and gone but that didn't help her knowing how long it had been. It felt like minuets and a lifetime all at ones.

Having Odette there felt only natural. In Ava's mind she was already part of the family after all. She also knew how much Finn would want to see her the second he woke up. And he was going to wake up. He was. Because he was healed and just resting. She had to keep telling herself that. Keep pushing out the intrusive thoughts.

They'd all practically jumped, ready to swing into action, at each little move or noise from Finn. But this time the small noise was followed with his eyelids fluttering. Ava couldn't help but let go of Odette's hand, moving to sit on the edge of her brothers bed. "Finn?" she said so quietly is was almost a whisper. His head turned towards her and she found tears springing to her eyes. Gwaine was up then, moving round to the other side of his bed and taking his hand.

Finn blinked his eyes open. Not that it made a difference but it was an automatic thing. "Ava?" he questioned. Ava took his free hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm here," she replied, pure relief coursing through her. Letting go of his hand she leaned down and gave him a hug. He returned it while not letting go of Gwaine's hand.

"How are you feeling?" Gwaine asked him, unable to keep the relieved smile from his face. "You gave us all quite the scare," he added, attempting his usual lighthearted tone and not quite succeeding. But he was alive, he was awake, he was going to be ok. That's all that mattered right now.

"Umm, sore. A little groggy if I'm honest. But ok," he answered honestly, when Ava had let go of him. He knew that's what they'd need. An honest assessment. They wouldn't believe him if he tried to sugarcoat it. He didn't ask what had happened. He already had a good enough idea. The details could come later. But there was one thing he needed to know. Had to know. "Odette? Is she..." he couldn't finish the sentence but he needed to know if he'd done the right thing. If she'd been out of the impact zone.

"She's ok, she's right here," Ava replied. She turned, getting up from the bed to make room for Odette. Gwaine, too, got up and moved round to stand by Ava who had take Odette's hand to lightly tug her forward.

"Odette?" Finn held out his hand at first but then changed his mind and opened his arms. He needed to hold her.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette held her breath as Ava moved—as Finn turned his head towards her. It was as if she was waiting to find out this was too good to be true, to see if he might slip back into the inky embrace of sleep. Gwaine moving away left her on her own, standing just beside her seat as she searched for another sign.

And even when Finn opened his eyes and spoke, she held herself frozen in place, with only the faintest release of that breath to indicate she’d heard him. It was true. He was okay. Cassie had assured that much. And now he was getting to reassure his siblings as such. Thank the Angel.

She considered leaving them for the moment. Returning in a little while once they had reunited, but found herself quite unable to move—spellbound in the wonderful comfort that came from the sound of his even breathing and steady voice.

Odette hadn’t dared to cry in the many hours that they’d sat at Finn’s beside, hadn’t allowed herself to. But the sound of her name leaving his lips brought tears to her eyes that only welled up all the more so at the way Gwaine and Ava moved away for her to go to him.

The warmth of Ava’s hand startled her somewhat, as some part of her had been too caught up to even notice the other woman had moved to her, had pulled her towards the bed. She met Ava and Gwaine’s eyeline with her watery gaze, as if she were asking their permission that had wholeheartedly already been given.

Her name hung in the air again, pulling her focus back to Finn. The outstretched hand of the man that she loved. And the way he nearly immediately opened his arms to her. That sight was her breaking point—the push that sent her back into herself. She moved forward then, climbing onto the bed beside Finn and wrapping her trembling arms around him as tightly as she dared to. Her tears fell then as she tried to catch her breath again. Because the deep well of relief and comfort of being back in his arms was now crashing up against the fears she’d been trying so hard to settle. And it made her whole being ache. “I love you,” she whispered, afraid that her voice would break with much more volume. “But you don’t get to go all white knight on me for at least another little while… okay?” Her sobs mixed with a bit of relieved laughter then, nearly sounding like a hiccup at points.

[finnswarriorheart]

Relief coursed through him the second she was in his arms. His love, his Odette. She was ok. Thank the Angel for that. He held her close, despite the still dull ache in his ribs and back. This was more important than avoiding a few aches. Reassuring himself and comforting her. Lifting his head he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

At some point Ava and Gwaine left. They didn't say anything but he heard the door of the infirmary softly close behind them.

"I love you too," he replied in earnest. "I don't know that I can promise that though. I'll always try to protect you if I can, because you are the most precious and important person to me Odette. And I could never forgive myself if I didn't try," because he wouldn't lie to her, wouldn't make promises he might have to break. "Are you ok though? I didn't hurt you when I pushed you did I? I couldn't think of any other way to get you to safety in the moment," he still hadn't let go of her, couldn't bring himself to.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette steadied her breathing in not too long of a time, gathering herself so that she could keep from crying again. Because even in that relief, it mattered to her to be steady for him, to be strong. He always was for her, and now it was her turn to do the same. And with Ava and Gwaine excusing themselves for the moment it became all the more important for her to be his anchor.

“I won’t win that argument even if I tried,” she noted with a touch of laughter, brushing away her tears. Now she was leaning back slightly so she could trace his features and marvel a bit at him. “At least say you won’t find a way to get injured again before you’re fully back on your feet—I’d have to tie you to the bed here until I could find out how to keep Cassie on call if you did that.” But she didn’t resent it, not even close. It did terrify her though, of course, to realize how much she had to lose. It put things into perspective for her. And beyond that it reminded her how she held her world in her arms then, her everything. The question of her being okay nearly broke her again. How could he even worry about that when he’d been the one to be truly hurt? “I’m alright, silly. I promise. I didn’t even trip over myself fully before some shifter helped catch me… I just wish I’d noticed too. Seeing the stairs collapse on you—” She cut herself off, shaking the memory away and settling herself again. “Maybe I should tie you to the bed for all my trouble,” she teased, her voice soft in the attempted humor.

[finnswarriorheart]

"No, I think it's one you wouldn't," Finn agreed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before she pulled away. He gave a small, contented sigh as she traced his features. It was a marvel really how such a small thing could bring so much comfort. But then any contact with her did that. His lips pulled into a hint of a smile. "I can at least say I'll try not to get hurt again any time soon," he agreed again. The mention of Cassie made him think it might be to her his thanks were owed. He made a mental note to do just that when he was able to get out and visit the bookshop. It was funny, in some way he had a vague memory of the healing. Of the warm feeling of it, like starlight flowing through him. With it he had the sneaking suspicion that without it he wouldn't be here to hold his love.

Her words made his heart clench. That she'd had to see that. "I'm so sorry Odette, that you had to witness that," he had to say it despite her attempts to lighten it with humour. Because he needed her to know he didn't think it was nothing that she'd had to go through that. He rubbed gentle circles on her back. Though if she did want to lighten the moment, he wouldn’t take that from her either. “If you are going to tie me to a bed though, let it be one of ours and not one in a very public infirmary,”

[sincerely-yours-odette]

In the Institute Infirmary

Odette, Avalon, and Gwaine were the only proper constants at Finn’s bedside. Everyone else came and went, some sitting for awhile, and others merely checking in. Of course, they were all concerned, just as they’d all been concerned with Jace not so terribly long ago. And there was a great deal of solace to be found in the fact that Finn was no longer injured as much as he was recuperating from the healing. But he was still unconscious, and the knowledge that he had earlier been injured made it a little too hard to just view him as resting.

They weren’t talking all that much either, with a mutual understanding having at some stage silently passed between the three of them to keep their collective focus on Finn. And it was. Any slight movements or sounds from Finn made each of them nearly flinch as they looked him over. But it had so far been a false alarm for each such moment.

Odette’s mind drifted to Hayden again, with some of the others having said that he’d gone to the cottage hospital for the time being. Selfishly, she wanted him there. Wanted the comfort of her twin, wanted for Ava to have Hayden to lean on too. She felt like a poor substitute instead, for Hayden, but also for Finn. Here she was, holding the hands of Finn’s siblings every so often until he could do it himself. Because that was the true comfort they wanted, and she knew that well.

@avalonslife

@gwaineisactuallyloyal

@finnswarriorheart

[avalonslife]

Ava couldn't have even guessed at how long the three of them had been sat there. Others had come and gone but that didn't help her knowing how long it had been. It felt like minuets and a lifetime all at ones.

Having Odette there felt only natural. In Ava's mind she was already part of the family after all. She also knew how much Finn would want to see her the second he woke up. And he was going to wake up. He was. Because he was healed and just resting. She had to keep telling herself that. Keep pushing out the intrusive thoughts.

They'd all practically jumped, ready to swing into action, at each little move or noise from Finn. But this time the small noise was followed with his eyelids fluttering. Ava couldn't help but let go of Odette's hand, moving to sit on the edge of her brothers bed. "Finn?" she said so quietly is was almost a whisper. His head turned towards her and she found tears springing to her eyes. Gwaine was up then, moving round to the other side of his bed and taking his hand.

Finn blinked his eyes open. Not that it made a difference but it was an automatic thing. "Ava?" he questioned. Ava took his free hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm here," she replied, pure relief coursing through her. Letting go of his hand she leaned down and gave him a hug. He returned it while not letting go of Gwaine's hand.

"How are you feeling?" Gwaine asked him, unable to keep the relieved smile from his face. "You gave us all quite the scare," he added, attempting his usual lighthearted tone and not quite succeeding. But he was alive, he was awake, he was going to be ok. That's all that mattered right now.

"Umm, sore. A little groggy if I'm honest. But ok," he answered honestly, when Ava had let go of him. He knew that's what they'd need. An honest assessment. They wouldn't believe him if he tried to sugarcoat it. He didn't ask what had happened. He already had a good enough idea. The details could come later. But there was one thing he needed to know. Had to know. "Odette? Is she..." he couldn't finish the sentence but he needed to know if he'd done the right thing. If she'd been out of the impact zone.

"She's ok, she's right here," Ava replied. She turned, getting up from the bed to make room for Odette. Gwaine, too, got up and moved round to stand by Ava who had take Odette's hand to lightly tug her forward.

"Odette?" Finn held out his hand at first but then changed his mind and opened his arms. He needed to hold her.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette held her breath as Ava moved—as Finn turned his head towards her. It was as if she was waiting to find out this was too good to be true, to see if he might slip back into the inky embrace of sleep. Gwaine moving away left her on her own, standing just beside her seat as she searched for another sign.

And even when Finn opened his eyes and spoke, she held herself frozen in place, with only the faintest release of that breath to indicate she’d heard him. It was true. He was okay. Cassie had assured that much. And now he was getting to reassure his siblings as such. Thank the Angel.

She considered leaving them for the moment. Returning in a little while once they had reunited, but found herself quite unable to move—spellbound in the wonderful comfort that came from the sound of his even breathing and steady voice.

Odette hadn’t dared to cry in the many hours that they’d sat at Finn’s beside, hadn’t allowed herself to. But the sound of her name leaving his lips brought tears to her eyes that only welled up all the more so at the way Gwaine and Ava moved away for her to go to him.

The warmth of Ava’s hand startled her somewhat, as some part of her had been too caught up to even notice the other woman had moved to her, had pulled her towards the bed. She met Ava and Gwaine’s eyeline with her watery gaze, as if she were asking their permission that had wholeheartedly already been given.

Her name hung in the air again, pulling her focus back to Finn. The outstretched hand of the man that she loved. And the way he nearly immediately opened his arms to her. That sight was her breaking point—the push that sent her back into herself. She moved forward then, climbing onto the bed beside Finn and wrapping her trembling arms around him as tightly as she dared to. Her tears fell then as she tried to catch her breath again. Because the deep well of relief and comfort of being back in his arms was now crashing up against the fears she’d been trying so hard to settle. And it made her whole being ache. “I love you,” she whispered, afraid that her voice would break with much more volume. “But you don’t get to go all white knight on me for at least another little while… okay?” Her sobs mixed with a bit of relieved laughter then, nearly sounding like a hiccup at points.

[finnswarriorheart]

Relief coursed through him the second she was in his arms. His love, his Odette. She was ok. Thank the Angel for that. He held her close, despite the still dull ache in his ribs and back. This was more important than avoiding a few aches. Reassuring himself and comforting her. Lifting his head he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

At some point Ava and Gwaine left. They didn't say anything but he heard the door of the infirmary softly close behind them.

"I love you too," he replied in earnest. "I don't know that I can promise that though. I'll always try to protect you if I can, because you are the most precious and important person to me Odette. And I could never forgive myself if I didn't try," because he wouldn't lie to her, wouldn't make promises he might have to break. "Are you ok though? I didn't hurt you when I pushed you did I? I couldn't think of any other way to get you to safety in the moment," he still hadn't let go of her, couldn't bring himself to.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"The red lipstick is an absolute must if you ask me."

[finnswarriorheart]

"Does that mean I'm also now wearing red lipstick?"

[kwanny-fights-demons]

At the Institute

"I'm going stir crazy. Hayden won't let me leave the Institute much until I can walk without the cane."

[finnswarriorheart]

"I'm sure you can understand his caution,"

[finnswarriorheart]

"Good," his smile was one full of joy. Both that Odette was planning on staying right here, staying with him, and at the thought of getting to spend his life with her. It had felt like a real possibility since the day they'd realised they had feelings for each other. Had grown since then. But now in the wake of this new confession it felt like a certainty. So he smiled with love and joy at the woman he knew he'd one day get down on one knee before. Would one day stand at the alter with. Because with what she was saying he was fairly confident she'd say yes. That they'd grow old together, start a family together. Her pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Yes," he agreed, "we were definitely made for each other," because how else to explain this feeling. If they were both downworlders he knew they'd be mates, but Shadowhunters didn't have such things. "And I feel honoured, that I'll get to experience love with you for the first time," he thought he'd been in love before but honestly, the way he felt about Odette had him questioning it. He smiled again, "And I would find you, a thousand life times over,"

Finn felt the change in the kiss, felt the intensity rising and let it start to sweep him away. It wasn't the first time they'd kissed like this. In fact they'd been heading towards consummating their relationship a few times, but they'd thus far stopped short of actually doing anything. He didn't mind. However much he wanted her he'd wait for years, decades, if that's what she wanted. This kiss though, with their love out in the open, felt different. Her wandering fingers certainly added to the feeling. He moved his hands up from her hips to her waist as she pulled back a little. Her words brought another soft smile to his lips. "I want you too," he confessed, pressing a kiss to her lips. "And since I can not see you," he kissed her nose, "I would very much like," a kiss to her cheeks, "to get an impression of the woman I love," another to her jaw, "in other ways," he finished the sentence, kissing her neck.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

To say that Finn's words warmed her heart was the understatement of the century. Odette had always thought that being made for anyone was too much to hope for, much as she had, indeed, hoped for that fact since she'd met Finn. And now it was unquestionably true. How could she ever be meant to be anywhere else--in anyone else's arms? She could never love anyone else like this... an all-consuming and never ending love. The kind they wrote stories about. And she smiled at that. Like Finn had said on the day they'd confessed their feelings: it would make a good story to tell. And she wanted nothing more than to be able to shout it from the rooftops that this incredible gift of a man was her forever. She couldn't keep her tears from falling any longer, although they were accompanied with a gentle flutter of laughter too. "What did I do to deserve you?"

Odette's laughter only grew as Finn placed his kisses against her skin. It tickled a bit, but, more than that, it made her feel incredibly giddy. Because he really did love her, and that would make this moment all the sweeter. To make love to someone... she'd never done that, not in the real way. And now to do that with Finn made her feel like she couldn't even contain her happiness if she tried. But the kiss to her neck did quiet her laughter at least, in favor of a gentle gasp of sorts. "Well, I can hardly object to that," she replied, hooking her fingers just inside of his waistband to pull him closer to her. "Now that we don't have an audience, that is," she teased, turning her head just slightly to press a kiss to his head.

[finnswarriorheart]

His hand came up to cup her cheek at the question. He felt tears there and brushed them away with his thumb as he spoke. "You didn't do anything because you don't need to do anything to deserve me. You will never need to," he gave her a gentle smile. "You are wonderful Odette and you deserve love simply because you are you," And his love was something he would give her freely. Always.

The way she pulled him closer by his waistband, the slight brush of her fingers against his skin there, had his stomach muscles tightening. Reflexively his hands on her waisted tightened a fraction too. They bunched the fabric of her top a little and he suddenly needed to feel her skin under his hands instead. He smiled against her neck at her comment on not having a audience. "Thank the Angel for that," he murmured before pressing another kiss to her neck. His hands let go just long enough to run up under her top. Retaking their position on her waist without the barrier of the fabric. He turned them round and back her towards his bed.

[because-hayden-said-so]

...

Hayden had actually been hovering on the edges of sleep when someone barged into his office. "What? What?" He sat up groggily, blinking hard to focus. "What?" He said for the third time.

[finnswarriorheart]

"Oh, apologies....did I wake you?" he asked, hovering near the door.

[finnswarriorheart]

His heart felt like it was fit to burst with the love and joy he felt in that moment. He'd have loved her just the same if she hadn't said those three beautiful words. Would have even if they'd never gotten together. But there was such joy in knowing his love was reciprocated. His eyes could not show it but he hoped his face did. "Definitely not," he replied, smiling down at her. He felt a little pained that she'd had that fear, but he could understand it and it didn't dampen the joy. If anything it oddly added to it, knowing that in that moment he'd been able to dispel that worry. "Rest assured you haven't ruined anything. Couldn't by telling me you love me. And you definitely haven't lost me..." His lips tugged into a slightly teasing smile then, "If anything, now I know you love me too, you are well and truly stuck with me." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, her hand on his face giving him a good idea where they were. His heart warmed at her words, at the love expressed in them. The fact they'd both been silently falling for each other since that very first hello. "I love you so much Odette, every single bit of you and who you are," he said, echoing some of her words. His voice full of just how much he meant those words. "If you're silly for falling quickly without knowing how I felt then I am equally as silly. And would you think me a fool for thinking maybe the Angel brought me here for this? For you? Because I can't imagine I'd ever have fallen for someone else they way I've fallen for you." Apparently now that the confession was out there he couldn't stop confessing things. Maybe it went back to always wanting to be honest with her.

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Stuck with Finn. What a lovely thing to look forward to. Because it was all she'd grown to want in the time of knowing him. And at first that desire scared her, desperately, since it meant giving someone the power to hurt her... treating something as seriously as it was. But she couldn't run from it, and didn't want to. Finn was her future, and that was the greatest gift she could ask for. "I think if anyone's stuck with someone, it's you with me. Because I'm planning on staying right here." Odette laced her arms around his neck, pulling them closer together. "Just like this, for as long as I can." The kiss brought a gentle smile to her face, and his following declarations made her begin to cry. Only the happiest sort of tears. Because she'd never truly imagined being lucky enough to find a love like this, like Finn. And the reality of it was far sweeter than anything she could have dreamt. "You were made for me, and I was made for you. And I feel so sure of that. I don't know that I've ever felt so certain about something. But I know it's you." She considered her next words, the truth of them that she'd never quite had the courage to admit to herself or anyone else before. "I've never been in love with anyone before you, Finn. Not once. I could never allow myself to. But with you? It was so quick, such a leap of faith... and I really do have faith in you. I could live my life a thousand times over and it would always be you."

Odette pulled Finn in for another kiss, this one building in its intensity. She allowed her hands to travel across his bare chest, smiling against his lips as she did. Her fingertips stopped at his waistband though, hesitation taking hold for the moment. She pulled back just slightly so she could look up at Finn. "I want you. I want to know and memorize every inch of you. I want to show you just how much I love you, how much I really am yours."

[finnswarriorheart]

"Good," his smile was one full of joy. Both that Odette was planning on staying right here, staying with him, and at the thought of getting to spend his life with her. It had felt like a real possibility since the day they'd realised they had feelings for each other. Had grown since then. But now in the wake of this new confession it felt like a certainty. So he smiled with love and joy at the woman he knew he'd one day get down on one knee before. Would one day stand at the alter with. Because with what she was saying he was fairly confident she'd say yes. That they'd grow old together, start a family together. Her pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Yes," he agreed, "we were definitely made for each other," because how else to explain this feeling. If they were both downworlders he knew they'd be mates, but Shadowhunters didn't have such things. "And I feel honoured, that I'll get to experience love with you for the first time," he thought he'd been in love before but honestly, the way he felt about Odette had him questioning it. He smiled again, "And I would find you, a thousand life times over,"

Finn felt the change in the kiss, felt the intensity rising and let it start to sweep him away. It wasn't the first time they'd kissed like this. In fact they'd been heading towards consummating their relationship a few times, but they'd thus far stopped short of actually doing anything. He didn't mind. However much he wanted her he'd wait for years, decades, if that's what she wanted. This kiss though, with their love out in the open, felt different. Her wandering fingers certainly added to the feeling. He moved his hands up from her hips to her waist as she pulled back a little. Her words brought another soft smile to his lips. "I want you too," he confessed, pressing a kiss to her lips. "And since I can not see you," he kissed her nose, "I would very much like," a kiss to her cheeks, "to get an impression of the woman I love," another to her jaw, "in other ways," he finished the sentence, kissing her neck.

[finnswarriorheart]

He gave a small laugh at her words. That tolerant was happy in her brothers world. It seemed true at least on the surface. And he was truly glad, relieved even, for that news. Finn knew how important Hayden was to Odette and didn't like to think what would have happened if he'd disapproved. He should go and speak to him himself at some point soon he thought.

Finn heard her hurried steps as she came towards him, instinctively opening his arms to her. And the kiss, he knew he'd never tire of that. He sensed her pause as she pulled away though, wondering what else she was going to say. He sucked in a small breath when he heard them. Those three little words. Such simple words and yet what wonder they held. And that she should say them to him. A slow, warm, joyful smile spread over his features. Bringing his hands up he cupped her face. "I love you," he replied and it felt so good to finally tell her that. "I think I've been falling in love with you slowly every moment since we first met,"

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette was already beaming as she looked up at him, softly caressing his cheeks with her thumbs. And she knew, in some part of herself, that she would always look that way at him--with unbridled joy and adoration. But when he spoke, she almost immediately burst into tears. It was everything she wanted to hear from him, of course, and a truth she also shared. "Guess it wasn't just me then," she noted with a watery smile. "I've wanted to tell you so many times. I nearly did, but..." She trailed off, the words paining her with their inaccuracy given the current moment. "...I worried that I would ruin everything, that I would lose you. And I just couldn't forgive myself if that happened." She laughed then, the truest sort of happiness spilling forth from her soul. "But I really do love you, Finn. Every bit of you. And I feel a bit silly for how quickly I fell for you without knowing how you felt... but I couldn't help it. From the first time we spoke, I just knew you were different for me. And every day since I've fallen more and more in love with the man that you are."

[finnswarriorheart]

His heart felt like it was fit to burst with the love and joy he felt in that moment. He'd have loved her just the same if she hadn't said those three beautiful words. Would have even if they'd never gotten together. But there was such joy in knowing his love was reciprocated. His eyes could not show it but he hoped his face did. "Definitely not," he replied, smiling down at her. He felt a little pained that she'd had that fear, but he could understand it and it didn't dampen the joy. If anything it oddly added to it, knowing that in that moment he'd been able to dispel that worry. "Rest assured you haven't ruined anything. Couldn't by telling me you love me. And you definitely haven't lost me..." His lips tugged into a slightly teasing smile then, "If anything, now I know you love me too, you are well and truly stuck with me." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, her hand on his face giving him a good idea where they were. His heart warmed at her words, at the love expressed in them. The fact they'd both been silently falling for each other since that very first hello. "I love you so much Odette, every single bit of you and who you are," he said, echoing some of her words. His voice full of just how much he meant those words. "If you're silly for falling quickly without knowing how I felt then I am equally as silly. And would you think me a fool for thinking maybe the Angel brought me here for this? For you? Because I can't imagine I'd ever have fallen for someone else they way I've fallen for you." Apparently now that the confession was out there he couldn't stop confessing things. Maybe it went back to always wanting to be honest with her.

[finnswarriorheart]

Finn had headed back to his own room when Odette had gone to speak to her brother. He'd seek out his own siblings later, though both of them knew to some degree. Gwaine cause he'd caught them kissing, Ava because Odette had told her. It made him smile to think how they'd both taken the news. And of course if Gwaine knew then Asher likely did too, which he was happy about.

Back in his room he showered and had almost finished getting dressed when his door opened. He knew instantly who it was. "How'd it go?"

@sincerely-yours-odette

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette was practically skipping with giddiness on her walk back from Hayden's office. It wasn't as if her twin was jumping for joy at the idea of her relationship, but he was supportive--and happy for her in some ways, even if he wouldn't use those words. And that meant the world to Odette. Even more so was the fact that she was able to be fully honest with him, and everyone about her and Finn now. Sure, most people had gotten the idea by the end of the party the night before, but now she wanted to shout it from the rooftops. Because she truly felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

She quickly entered Finn's room, shutting the door behind her as he spoke. And then she turned around, taking in the sight of him with a budding grin. "He's happy for us--or at least tolerant, which is happy in Hayden's world. And that means..." She paused, thinking for a moment about her next action. But then she decided to go with it, nearly running forward to kiss Finn, holding him against her like he was the most precious thing in the world to her. She pulled away after a moment, biting her lip a bit before willing herself to speak the very words that'd been playing over in her mind. "I love you."

[finnswarriorheart]

He gave a small laugh at her words. That tolerant was happy in her brothers world. It seemed true at least on the surface. And he was truly glad, relieved even, for that news. Finn knew how important Hayden was to Odette and didn't like to think what would have happened if he'd disapproved. He should go and speak to him himself at some point soon he thought.

Finn heard her hurried steps as she came towards him, instinctively opening his arms to her. And the kiss, he knew he'd never tire of that. He sensed her pause as she pulled away though, wondering what else she was going to say. He sucked in a small breath when he heard them. Those three little words. Such simple words and yet what wonder they held. And that she should say them to him. A slow, warm, joyful smile spread over his features. Bringing his hands up he cupped her face. "I love you," he replied and it felt so good to finally tell her that. "I think I've been falling in love with you slowly every moment since we first met,"