[fin]and everything will be all right // may&jimmy

[Finn Rider]

i bet you thought that i was soft and sweet

you thought an angel swept you off your feet

Finn didn't know why he blacked out from time to time; he didn't drink or anything else unhealthy, unless smoking counted. But smoking a cigarette or two a day didn't cause blackouts, so it wasn't that. The reason didn't matter, though; all that mattered was that since he had met Maytag, he hadn't blacked out once.

These were good times.

It was easy, comfortable, being with her. Sure, he stressed out whenever she did anything that could cause her bodily harm -- which happened a lot, actually, since she wasn't the most graceful of people. And he always had to keep an eye on her, in case she got lost. He didn't mind, really. In fact, he kind of liked it. It was nice, being able to care for someone for once in his life.

The best times, though, were the times like this. It was just him and May and a nice silence, a kind of quiet that only friends could comfortably bear.

Friends. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had a friend, if ever.

[Maytag]

She wasn't his. He wasn't hers, but they could still sit, and pass the time. There was no fighting wars, or reciting tragic poetry. Just the two of them together by the lakeside keeping quiet. Staring blankly above at the white clouds with a expression of contentment painted across her features. The sound of the rippling motions of the freshwater lake ebbing, and flowing was soothing.

Thinking back of all the things they've done together, May made a silent admittance, it was nice not to be so alone. To have a hand to hold to keep her steady. Metaphorically speaking, that is~ To bare with the welcoming calm as the soft breeze grazed their faces. How long has it been since the last time she felt so at ease around somebody?

She made a point to keep her memories blurred. Especially now when it when everything was alright. She didn't need anything else, except for this quiet reprieve, and the company that came with it.

[St. Jimmy]

Jimmy took in a deep breath as he stretched his limbs out. With a loud obnoxious exhale, he looked up to the sky with a happy-go-lucky grin stamped on his mouth. Another beautiful day, another busy day out on duty and there was not a second to waste. The massive bridge came right within his sight as he approached with a care free, and cheerful stroll.

As he made his way over the bridge he stopped for a second to admire the view from up above. The landscape eroded over the years making the bridge a connection between two massive cliffs. The lake had plummeted to the depths of a crevice but it wasn't all that bad. In fact, from this view he could see everything!

And by everything, he even noticed something down below. Below, below on the very lakeside where the land formed. He squinted his eyes to get a better look, and wouldn't you have it. It was a couple spending the day together... a redhead female, and a male soldier. How cute.

Hold the phone, that was a soldier! Jimmy's eyes widen in revelation knowing very well who that soldier was. The grin on his face stretched from ear to ear as he lifted one foot up after the other. Throwing all caution to the wind, he jumped off the ledge of the bridge, and fell. Falling down, there came a bellowing voice that would fill the air.

And he said, "RRRRRRIIIIIIDDDDDEEEERRRR!!"

Followed by a massive splash into the lake.

[Finn Rider]

i bet you thought that i was soft and sweet

you thought an angel swept you off your feet

The voice that resounded from above the duo was ear-piercing. Irritating, even. His eye twitched slightly, his hand clenched for just a moment. Finn himself was unaware of the movement; he was too busy trying to figure out what the hell the blue thing was and why it was calling his name.

His jaw tightened, then loosened. The wonders of the subconscious, fighting a hidden battle inside the soldier's mind. Calm. Breathe easy. It was a nice, quiet day. Simple. Pleasant. No need to stir himself.

Still, he worried for May. What if this dude was a psychopath? She was so clumsy, she'd probably get herself killed running from the guy. It was instinct, really. Finn found something -- someone -- he wanted to protect, so he'd protect her.

He moved in front of her just before the blue thing hit the lake, taking most of the ensuing explosion of water right in the chest and face. The sound of the splash, the way his clothing clung to his skin, so wet so tight trapping him 'til he couldn't breathe ---

His fist clenched again. Great. Wonderful. Glorious day.

Finn blinked, utterly calm, completely unaware of his inner turmoil.

"The hell are you?" Not angry, not hostile. A common question asked in a casual way.

The lines around his eyes grew deeper. Darker.

These were the good times.

[Maytag]

Not once has Maytag ever complained about the series of unfortunate events. She would always take them in strides under the mentality that she probably she deserve it all somehow. That she managed to earn it one way or another even if the reason behind it didn't make any sense whatsoever. She convinced herself that someone probably had it much worse than her.

However, for the first time, she felt something similar to how a mosquito takes a bite at your skin. May was irked. A wave of discomfort washed over her once stable frame. Until that deafening voice came straight from the sky calling out Finn's name.

May reacted raising her hands up above her head to in some weak attempt to keep herself from the large splash. Her attempts were futile overall as she looked up to see her company take most of the impact. The only thing she felt was the soft spray of cool droplets against her skin. Her legs trembled softly as her tension slowly rose up in her frame. Her bright eyes staring out over to where the blue... thing splashed into the lake.

However that was the least of her problems. As she turned back over to Finn, she noticed something completely off, and it shot a needle made of ice into her heart. His voice held no tone change, but... his eyes were drawing a darkened shade.

[St. Jimmy]

This was simply magnificent! Oh, the joy that poured from his very soul. He just wanted to explode into kittens, rainbows, and cupcakes from the limitless bliss filling his heart. He found Finn Rider! Back at the base, he learned that this particular soldier went AWOL after a mission went down the toilet. When he found out the news he was sad that his buddy disappeared.

Now he was happy as a clam! There was even glitter sparkling in his eyes, but you can't see them right now because he's drowning. When he felt the lack of air constricting his lungs, he launched himself out of the water, dripping wet right in front of the bear minish deserter. His almighty bright blue eyes beamed as he flashed a childish point hearing his cold words.

"You're so cruel, Rider!" he whined. He gave him watery puppy eyes sniffling on the brink of tears. Exaggeration was an understatement. "It's me, Jimmy from the military! I've been so worried about you, man. Who's the chick? Girlfriend, I take it? She's cute." He waved over to Maytag.

He switched gears faster than a manual car in a drag race.

[Finn Rider]

i bet you thought that i was soft and sweet

you thought an angel swept you off your feet

To be honest, Finn never really thought about his stint in the military, not... deliberately. It was always there, of course; the habits and instincts the training had instilled in the soldier would never truly disappear. He dressed in camo nearly every day, and never took off his tags; his uniform was always ironed, boots always shined, weapon properly maintained. He did a basic workout routine every morning and every night, and no matter where he went, his living quarters were always immaculate, as if he was just waiting for an inspection. It was his life, but he never thought about it, because he never wanted to go back. It was too much.

And now the past had finally caught up to him, albeit in a rather annoying form.

Jimmy from the military. Blue Jimmy from the military. Finn should know this guy -- especially if he acted like that all the time -- but he didn't. It was like a giant mental block.

Traumatic experience, he supposed, eye twitching. Not even five minutes had gone by, and the usually calm minish was actually somewhat irritated.

His hand stayed clenched, balled into a tight fist as a red-hot fire burned up his neck and onto his cheeks.

"I- we- uh, friends," he managed to strangle out, "just friends."

May was cute, he thought, glancing down at her for just a moment before looking away hurriedly. But this Jimmy kid -- he was a kid, even though he looked to be about Finn's age -- had no business saying things like that.

Jaw tight, hard swallow. He remembered, sort of. Jimmy... Kenyon, he thought. Followed Finn around a lot, like a lost little puppy.

A lost little puppy with lost little puppy eyes that Finn found difficult to drag his gaze away from.

"I... leave May out of whatever it is you're here for, all right. She's got nothing to do with the military."

He couldn't help it, he was curious. "What are you here for, Kenyon?"

[Maytag]

It was funny how one person could turn the tide of the day. May watched with cautious eyes as the spot of blue turned out to be a person. The only thing going through her mind was how he didn't break a bone or two from that fall. Judging from his speech pattern, the new arrival went by the name Jimmy, and appeared to be an associate of Finn's. She had her suspicions he was a military veteran, but now this goes to show she was right on the rupee.

"Eh?" she perked up when he waved at her. She instantly hid behind Finn poking her head out from the side to see what was going on. She didn't realize it until now just how big of a man Finn was when he was right in front of her. As he turned to met her gaze briefly, she saw a look she didn't expect out of him: concern, worry, an sudden urge to protect her from this sudden appearance.

How could that guy make such an assumption? Go on, you tell him, Finn! They were just friends. However that was the least of her problems. Something strange was happening to Finn, and it was frightening the poor girl to bits, and pieces. May May was totally confused on what exactly is going here. They knew each other from the military, she got that, but what did Jimmy want with Finn?

The anxiety was killing her!

[St. Jimmy]

He absolutely adored the way Finn addressed him as Kenyon. Oh, it brought back so many memorable memories! He swore his heart skipped a beat to the sound of that velvety voice. Alas his buddy was still as cold, and mean as ever; not even a 'how've you been' or 'it's good to see you again'! He ran his gloved hands through his blue mop of hair letting out a long sigh. Such was fate, and her unfairly dealt hand...

"So mean," he flashed a content smile. Some things never change. "I wanted to chat more with you. It's been so long! We'll play it your way, I suppose." He shrugged playfully. Jimmy was uncontrollably happy it was almost creepy. Creepy as in you're staring at the face of a clown when he comes in your face shoving a balloon animal in your hands before it pops.

"Rider, you need to come back with me," he informed. "You are still in active duty, and have been reported AWOL from your last assignment. I have been designated to the search, and rescue division of missing soldiers. You're on our list to track down." Finishing up his instructions, he crossed his arms over his chest casually before quirking a brow up. That ever cheerful smile not once dissolved from his confident mouth.

"Let's make my job nice, and easy, pal. What do you say?"

[Finn Rider]

i bet you thought that i was soft and sweet

you thought an angel swept you off your feet

Didn't this guy ever stop smiling? That grin was starting to creep him out. It was like a serial killer grin, that sweet, cute smile someone used to put you off your guard then bam, you had a knife in your chest and you were either dead or dying or both.

Finn wondered if Kenyon had any knives on him.

Yeah, yeah, mean. He got that one a lot, actually, although it was usually before he even opened his mouth. He had that kind of look, the scary army guy body and the I-could-kill-you-with-a-teacup expression. Not that he had ever killed anyone with a teacup. He thought.

Musing thoughts, really. Idle distractions his mind came up with to calm him down. They might have worked, if Jimmy hadn't continued.

You need to come back with me.

At first, he was just confused. AWOL? He had been discharged, hadn't he? But no, after those three days he had his first blackout, and he woke up in an alley somewhere and had never even thought to go back.

A cloying sensation blocked his throat, his stomach twisted into knots; cold sweat trickled from his forehead and all he could think was get away, get the fuck away get away getawaygetawaygetaway and then there was nothing but fear and hate and overwhelming anger.

May was forgotten. The pleasant day, gone. It was just Finn and Kenyon and the orders given.

Two, three steps forward. His hand shot out, grabbing for the front of the blue prick's shirt in a hard fist. A sharp yank, and just like that they were close -- whether Finn had pulled Jimmy or just pulled himself closer, he didn't know and he didn't care. It didn't matter, not now.

Their noses almost touched, the hybrid's feral half-grin, half-growl revealing the white, pointed teeth behind.

"I'm not going back," he snarled, his free hand wrapping around the hilt of the knife sheathed at his hip. "I left that fucking shithole of a military for a reason, and I'll be damned if a prick like you is going to bring me back."

[Maytag]

This Jimmy guy was very cheerful given the very scary looks that Finn was giving him. It was almost as if he was used to seeing this side of the green minish being like that. Did they really go to the same military together? Soldiers were definitely much different from one person to another, she supposed. Just watching Finn tighten up was enough to send her into tears. May resisted as much as she could not allowing a single salt water droplet to fall from her cheek.

Her eyes went small, and beady as she watched Finn's expression fall deep into a sudden turmoil. Something she's never seen before until that very instant. It took all of her will power not to run away, and hide away into the closest tree or bush she could find. Her friend, that sweet-hearted awkward soldier she pulled her walls down for - no, this man who stood in front of her was no longer that same boy. It was something dangerous. Horrifying.

Her heart started racing. Adrenaline kicked into her system as she flinched at the sudden change Finn went through. Her feet were planted into the ground, no matter how hard she tried to move, she was scared out of her wits.

"P-Please," her voice was low, inaudible, "S-S-Stop. Don't..." Her throat was dry, and it was difficult to speak as her body shook violently with fright. Tears instantly streamed down her face as she watched Finn confront Jimmy viciously. "Finn..." she sniffled, "Please stop!" Her voice was lost amidst the conflict.

[St. Jimmy]

Jimmy expected retaliation, but not on a grand scale such as his fellow soldier disclosed. He did nothing to stop Finn from yanking his shirt with one of his large fists. The eternal optimist smiled that same happy-go-lucky expression throughout the venomous threats spat in his face. A chill ran down his spine as if invigorated by the very words Finn threw at him. This guy was just too cool!! Jimmy watched out of the corner of his eye as the hybrid's free hand reached over to his knife.

"Scary." A cheeky grin flashed. Obviously, Jimmy was not afraid of the sudden flipped out behavior. He's seen plenty of messed up soldiers protest against returning back to active duty on many levels. No matter how much they struggled it only made the mission to get them back most important. It was for their own good. "Com on, Rider, think about what you're doing for a minute," he explained, "You have an obligated duty to uphold, and service left unfinished. We can help you!"

Finn wasn't listening. Oh dear. Jimmy didn't want to resort to drastic measures but it would appear that his buddy wasn't going to listen to reason. That was enough to put him in tears. Oh harsh world, why did you stacked such a predicament on his shoulders? He will prevail.

Finn Rider will be saved by St. Jimmy.

"Sorry Finny-boy. This is for your own good," he apologized as his gloved hands nabbed onto Finn's clutching onto his shirt. Jimmy attempted to throw the green giant's guard off by using his strength to toss his apprehension onto the ground on his back. Time to disarm, and restrain the target.

Oh yeah, let's not forget to mention, he was totally oblivious to Maytag as well. Poor Maytag.

[Finn Rider]

i bet you thought that i was soft and sweet

you thought an angel swept you off your feet

He snorted, not entirely sure whether to be amused or even more pissed off that Kenyon just wasn't afraid of him. A creepy guy, to be sure, but brave. Or stupid. Most likely both.

He wondered how much it would take to make him scream.

Finn's wild grin widened; he pulled the knife out of its sheath, idly spinning it in his hand. He wouldn't use it just yet; he wanted to draw this out as much as he possibly could. People as annoying as Kenyon deserved it.

"Fuck your obligations, and fuck your goddamn duty," he snapped, each word as dangerously sharp as his teeth. "Oh, and don't forget your help. You wouldn't want it to get lonely. It's so fucking useless, I'm sure it's feeling pretty pitiful by now."

He wasn't expecting Jimmy to try and throw him, much less for the human to actually succeed. It didn't bother the soldier, though. It just meant he didn't have to hold back.

Finn rolled as soon as he hit the ground, the momentum carrying him back up onto his feet, his knees bent in a defensive crouch. He twitched, as if he were about to attack, but May's voice distracted him.

He was jolted out of his rage for less than a second, but it was enough to allow that little twinge of concern to grow in his gut. He ignored it, mostly. There was no real need to involve the girl, anyway. It was Kenyon's screams he wanted to hear just then, not hers.

"You might want to run, Maytag," he said, his voice deceptively sweet. "Once I'm done with this jackass, it's your turn, and you won't like what I have in store for you~"

Goddesses, he wanted her. The thought was sudden, distracting, consuming.

Later. If she was stupid enough to stay put.

[Maytag]

Oh my goddesses of the sacred realm, what's going on?! Maytag began having a panic attack. The very image of Finn was completely ruined for the gerudo. She began whimpering like a whipped dog in the corner crumbling underneath the tension of this alien entity that resided in her friend's body. Her mind caved in as her legs gave up on her as she fell on he knees.

She wanted to run.

Run as far away as she could again.

... but it was Finn. How could she turn her back of the boy who showed so much care for her? The only person who made her feel like it mattered. Tears poured from her bright eyes. The pathetic little gerudo raised her hands up to her head trying to find some solace undeneath the madness taking fold right in front of her.

Her heart sank when she saw Jimmy throw the hybrid male onto the ground. He really intended to bring Finn down even if it meant resorting the violence. "Oh no," she started to panic, "No. No... NO!! Please, I'm begging you! Just stop this now..."

[St. Jimmy]

Shit! That girl was a liability. Aware that her life was in danger in the middle of this troubled objective, Jimmy had to protect her from violence. Part of the code of being a superhero, he had to rescue the damsels in distress, and all that fine etiquette. "I'm not done with you, Rider," he tugged at his gloves. Ever so thankful for his super human strength along with his wonderful Power Gloves. "You have to actually beat me first before you can lay a hand on that cutie!"

Shaping his hand into a fist, he spun it back before charging straight for Finn. When he reached close enough to get in range, he launched his body into the air, and came down like a meteorite to knock his fist into Finn's head. Should it miss it would go straight into the ground, and create a large indent in the earth just from his brute strength alone.

Actually, there's been a change in plans. He had a few problems on his hands, and he needed a fast plan that could kill two birds with one stone. No matter how the odds came out with his previous assault, he bolted straight for the fallen maiden. "Maytag, was it?" he asked with a smile. "Pardon me. I'm taking you to safety now, ok? Ok!" He didn't even wait for the girl to respond back with an answer, which probably would have been a severe protest. Jimmy picked up the girl and cradled her bridal style...

And intended to take her with him.