All Beautiful Things Hold Poison

Odette Midbreeze - Nephilim - 22 - Twin Sister and Parabatai of Theo - Partner of Finn

[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,"

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"You're impossible," Odette noted with a bit of laughter. "And, besides, I think that sort of thing would need to wait until you were a bit better." She kissed him again, lingering a little longer this time. "Not that it isn't tempting as ever, of course." She smiled at Finn, at the way he was seeming even more like himself--albeit a little groggy. And the fact that he was feeling that way only made her breathe all the easier and thank the Angel and Cassie a little bit more too. The offer made her raise a brow though. "Are you serious?" It wasn't as if she didn't believe Finn as much as the fact that they'd yet to go on a trip together, and that it sounded a little like she might still be caught in a dream.

[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 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]

"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]

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]

"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."

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Fighting Fear

Odette hadn’t left Finn’s side in nearly 24 hours, she realized. Even after he’d woken up in the Infirmary she was there, partly for the sake of not wanting to take her eyes off of him for his safety, but mostly because she was almost too scared to be alone with her emotions. After all, Ava and Gwaine at least had been there all that time too, and then there was Finn and Angel knew that relief took hold of her in those moments more than anything else. But now as she’d given him some space for the sake of other visitors, she almost didn’t know what to do with herself. And whenever she felt that way was typically when she hid herself away.

At present she was lying down on the roof of the Institute, her eyes locked onto the stars overhead even as she felt Theo come up to her. “Why does loving someone have to be so terrifying?” She questioned softly.

Theo didn't answer immediately, instead taking the time to ease himself onto the roof beside Odette so that they were resting shoulder to shoulder. He allowed his gaze to remain on the stars when he did speak though, it seemed easier that way. "The fear means you're invested, doesn't it? It means that you know that you have something... someone to lose, Odette. And that's not an easy thing for anyone to wrestle with." He sighed a little, his breath visible in the cool autumn air. "It's not easy even with friends, or family... I'm terrified every time we go out on patrol, every time you leave my side. But I know that that's part of loving someone. And I wouldn't give that up even if it felt easier."

He nudged her shoulder a bit, turning his head to look at his twin with a sad sort of smile. "You can be scared. You can be worried. But it doesn't mean you should run, or hide any of that away either."

Odette teared up as Theo spoke. On some level she was surprised that she still had any tears left. But his words were so achingly true, and so… Theo. Like his younger self: a little bit more free, a little bit more hopeful. A glass half full. She reached over to grab his hand where it rested in between them, but kept her gaze trained skywards for now. “I thought that I could at least breathe easier for him not being on active patrol anymore, but this?” She trailed off, biting her lip a bit as those first tears fell.

“He pushed me out of the way, Teddy. I was too stupid to clue into anything being amiss, and he nearly died because of it.” She didn’t really blame herself. It was honestly the fact that he’d been so unquestionably willing to sacrifice himself that stuck with her. “I’ve never had anyone else that’s loved me as much as you do. I never really thought anyone would… and now I almost lost him because of that love. And I don’t, I-I—” Odette finally broke again then, with her crying properly coming on again as she curled up into Teddy's side. He shifted his position to pull her in closer, resting his cheek against her head and rubbing circles against her back as she cried.

She’d made a promise to herself to hold steady, first for Ava and Gwaine’s sake and then for Finn’s. And now? Now she was cut down to her very core and unable to keep up the charade. She caught her breath enough to steady her voice. “I’ve loved him for a long time. I’ve wanted a future with him for a long time… and tonight almost cost me that future. But it made them all the more important,” she explained. “They can’t just be dreams.”

Theo hadn't known the entire truth of what had happened to lead up to Finn getting injured, hadn't known the way he sacrificed his own safety for sake of his sister. It was comforting to know that, on some level. He was a protector of more than just Odette's heart. And Theo trusted him, especially in light of a moment like this. "As painful as it is, you have to accept that nobody will ever be perfectly safe. Even if we weren't nephilim, you never know what tomorrow could bring. But that doesn't mean that the fear of the unknown should keep you from living. It means you should fight for every moment, every dream. You fight for love."

Odette drew in a shaky breath that mixed into a near laugh as she tried to piece herself back together. "When did you get so soft, huh?"

Theo rolled his eyes a bit, but he didn't hold any true annoyance at her teasing comment. "You know better than anyone that that part of me is just buried, not dead... but I'll deny it to anyone else that tries to make me out to be soft," he joked. He let out a deep sort of sigh then, sobering a bit. Because even with the brief humor there was a seriousness to all of this, there were things that needed to be said. "You've always taught me that living in sadness or fear isn't the answer, Dettie. You've always fought for the life that you want, to be the person you see yourself as. And right now it may be hard, but it doesn't make it impossible, or any less worth it to try." He pressed a kiss to her forehead before wiping away some of her tears. It would never be easy to see his sister cry, but he felt better in knowing that these weren't of a true grief. "I'm glad that Finn's okay. He's a good man... the best of us, really."

Odette couldn’t help but smile a bit as Theo spoke, even though her tears continued to well and fall. He'd never approved of anyone she’d liked in the past. But then again, they weren’t in earnest, and they certainly weren’t picked for the sake of approval. But now that her heart had met its match, it was made all the sweeter in knowing that her brother approved. “I know,” she replied softly. “Finally picked the knight in shining armor, huh?” She moved forward, pulling him in for a proper sort of hug as she calmed her breathing again. “Thank you… truly.” She paused before the next words left her lips, almost shy to ask the question that had stirred up in part of those dreams. “Will you walk me down the aisle? You know, whenever I get married?” Because she’d known just as deeply that she wanted that as the fact that she wanted the one Theo gave her away to someday to be Finn.

That question hit Theo deeply. It wasn't with panic, or even pain, really, but with a deep sort of gratitude. Because even after everything they'd been through, everything they'd been raised to be, Odette had made her way to the other side of it all. And he couldn't be prouder of her... Maybe one day he would be better at voicing that sort of thing. Maybe one day he would be able to thank her for protecting his heart too. But right now he was caught up with trying not to let the tears that pricked at the corners of eyes eyes fall. "Of course I will, Dettie." He hugged her a bit tighter as a quiet laugh escaped him. "Although I would hope that's not your way of telling me that you're already engaged."

Odette laughed a bit too, tucking her head further into Theo's chest. "Not yet... but I wanted to ask anyways. Because I want you to be there with me. I couldn't do something like that without you, Teddy."

It didn't need to be explicitly said for Theo to also realize that there was an unspoken desire for his blessing. Angel knew she didn't need one, but she wanted it. She wanted to have his support in this. "You'll always have me standing with you, you know that? Through everything... I'm not going anywhere," he promised. He moved their position again until he was able to look into Odette's eyes. He needed her to see the truth of his words then. "All I've ever wanted for your future partner was someone who makes you their world, someone who would protect you even if I couldn't. Finn is that man. He's that and more for you... I know that. And I trust him." Odette's lip trembled as more tears fell, admittedly choked up in the wake of Theo's words. "You really think so?" She asked softly after a moment.

He nodded, his smile never leaving his face. "You deserve each other. You deserve all of those dreams to come true. And they will," he assured her, brushing her hair back from her face. "So cry if you need to, be scared if you need to... But don't hide from tomorrow when it could hold everything you've been waiting for."

"I really love you, Teddy."

"I really love you too."

@theo-is-no-hero

[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]

"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]

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.

[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.

[because-hayden-said-so]

Hayden smiled a little sadly as she explained what had happened. If he hadn't already approved of Finn. That certainly would have done it. Her tears though, they gutted him.

He pulled her into his arms to hold her while she cried. It was hard not to get wound up too. Their emotions had always been attuned with each other. His sister's pain, was his pain.

Sighing, he rested his head on hers. "Well...that's the point. He loves you enough to know that if there were anything he could do to keep you from getting hurt, he'd do it. No question. It was instinctual. Just...a part of his being. That's what makes Finn an amazing shadow hunter. He fights for all the right reasons."

When she broke again, he tightened the hug. He didn't bother trying to shush her. Or whisper soothing words to her. There was nothing that could soothe how she was feeling. There was nothing that ever could.

Hayden did push her back just a bit, so he could smooth her hair back from her face. "Dettie..." he said softly. "I know it hurts. And I know you are scared out of your mind right now. But...I promise you its worth it. This pain you are feeling, its worth it. To be in love and have those dreams. Angel...I've never had them before. Until now. So I know the fear of having that future ripped away in an instant. So you cry, okay? Here with me. Or with Finn. Or with Ava or with anyone you feel safe with. You are allowed to feel things, isn't that what you always tell me? Feel things...because you know that the opposite of fear is? Joy. And Finn brings you that."

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette couldn’t help but smile a bit as Hayden spoke, even though her tears continued to well and fall. Hayden had never approved of anyone she’d liked in the past. But then again, they weren’t in earnest, and they certainly weren’t picked for the sake of approval. But now that her heart had met its match, it was made all the sweeter in knowing that her brother approved. “I know,” she replied softly. “Finally picked the knight in shining armor, huh?”

She moved her hands to where she could rest them atop Hayden’s, almost freezing the pair as he spoke. Because he was bearing his soul too, as he was bound to do, in a way. Their emotions were so heavily linked, and it truly ebbed between them as one in this moment. She even found herself laughing through her tears as he spoke. “I always knew Ava could bring out the romantic in you, H,” she teased, pulling him in for a proper sort of hug as she calmed her breathing again. “Thank you… truly.” She paused before the next words left her lips, almost shy to ask the question that had stirred up in part of those dreams. “Will you walk me down the aisle? You know, whenever I get married?” Because she’d known just as deeply that she wanted that as the fact that she wanted the one Hayden gave her away to someday to be Finn.

[because-hayden-said-so]

Hayden eased himself down beside his sister with a little groan of effort. Her question made him smile sadly. “Part of the course I guess.” He murmured softly.

“If you aren’t scared shitless every time they leave your side… do you really love them? The fear Dettie…is the realization that you have something to lose. As well as something to fight for. I used to think it was because of being nephilim. We don’t tend to survive into our older years.” He nudged her. “But unfortunately it’s a universal thing. The most devastating things come from love. Also the most incredible things.”

He settled back on his elbows as he watched the night sky. “We are fucked.”

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette teared up as Hayden spoke. On some level she was surprised that she still had any tears left. But his words were so achingly true, and so… Hayden. Like his younger self: a little bit more free, a little bit more hopeful. A glass half full. She reached over to grab his hand where it rested in between them, but kept her gaze trained skywards for now. “I thought that I could at least breathe easier for him not being on active duty anymore, but this?” She trailed off, biting her lip a bit as those first tears fell.

“He pushed me out of the way, H. I was too stupid to clue into anything being amiss, and he nearly died because of it.” She didn’t really blame herself. It was honestly the fact that he’d been so unquestionably willing to sacrifice himself that stuck with her. “I’ve never had anyone else that’s loved me as much as you do. I never really thought anyone would… and now I almost lost him because of that love. And I don’t, I-I—”

Odette finally broke again then, with her crying properly coming on again as she curled up against Hayden. She’d made a promise to herself to hold steady, first for Ava and Gwaine’s sake and then for Finn’s. And now? Now she was cut down to her very core and unable to keep up the charade. She caught her breath enough to steady her voice. “I’ve loved him for a long time. I’ve wanted a future with him for a long time… and tonight almost cost me that future. But it made them all the more important,” she explained. “They can’t just be dreams.”

[sincerely-yours-odette]

Odette hadn’t left Finn’s side in nearly 24 hours, she realized. Even after he’d woken up in the Infirmary she was there, partly for the sake of not wanting to take her eyes off of him for his safety, but mostly because she was almost too scared to be alone with her emotions. After all, Ava and Gwaine at least had been there all that time too, and then there was Finn and Angel knew that relief took hold of her in those moments more than anything else. But now as she’d given him some space for the sake of other visitors, she almost didn’t know what to do with herself. And whenever she felt that way was typically when she hid herself away.

At present she was lying down on the roof of the Institute, her eyes locked onto the stars overhead even as she felt Hayden come up to her. “Why does loving someone have to be so terrifying?” She questioned softly.

@because-hayden-said-so

[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

[felix-likes-to-smile]

"Very friendly tonight it seems." He said, stretching with a sigh. Considering her question, he pursed his lips. "Well...yes. You know everyone, love." He reminded with an impish smile. Sitting up a bit with much effort, he glanced around the ballroom. He pointed out a few, rambling off names. Then his sight landed on Maxwell and Atticus. "D'you suppose he fancies him?" He asked softly. "Maxwell...with Atticus I mean."

"Being gorgeous helps immensely." He conspired. The idea of what Odette was implying, made Felix burst into delighted giggles. "You mean they have sex? I can't even imagine Hayden having sex with anyone, let alone out little Ava."

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"You're always very friendly," Odette retorted with a fond smile. The comment about her knowing everyone made her laugh. "A lot of people, maybe, but not everyone... and besides, I meant anyone I know well." She was nodding along to Felix's list, but found herself turning back to her companion at his question. It was something in his expression, some far off sadness that tugged at her heartstrings. Odette spared a glance to the pair again, her head tilting as she considered them. "I think it would be hard for many people not to be attracted to Atticus... but that's not what Maxwell's face is telling me."

"Always." Odette couldn't help but join in on Felix's laughter as he gathered her meaning, nodding as she did. "Of course I do. There's no better way to loosen up after all... and besides, Hayden may have a stick up his ass by most people's standards but he's not dead."

[because-hayden-said-so]

[sincerely-yours-odette]

"Damn. You finally get laid and suddenly you become an anarchist, huh?"