Finn smiled at that thought, that this pentacle of life didn't know how to swim in the waters that brought it about. Though he could have explained that this was nothing like water, he just brushed it off all the same. "I've never been in waters on the surface, either. I have no idea if this is different or not." Though, he thinks so.
He squeezed her hand as his smile fell but didn't vanish. Instead, he looked down into the souls of the children slowly dancing around the souls of their elders. "They're usually more restless than everyone else. They don't understand death or... they understand it too well. Some of them accept it immediately, others take more time. All of them embrace peace far easier than those that are older than them... The children here are precious. I don't like that they're here, but I can't say with any honesty that I don't enjoy their company. They're so... happy."
Happy wasn't really a good word for it. Full of life seemed like it felt better but that was obviously wrong. "They're loving." That's better. "Most of them, anyway. Otherwise, their fates are the same as everyone else. Drifting down the river."
Swimming in water versus swimming in a pool--a river of souls. Rey's mind was whispering it had to be different. One flowed freely and the other were....souls. Maybe it was a bit morbid of her, but the texture of water compared to a soul had to feel a bit different, right?
Her brown eyes took in the souls of the children slowly dancing around their elders, to the children who seemingly had no one. Children who lost their parents, or were unwanted. Children who looked seemed at peace, but...she knew the emptiness and yearning they felt when they were alive. Trying to be what Demeter wanted, pushing herself to be her best, surviving in isolation...
"At least here they aren't suffering," she whispered, squeezing Finn's hand as a way to anchor herself to the present and not to the emotions swirling inside of her.
"Is there something I could do for them? To help you when you comfort them?"
"You want to help them?" For some reason, he hadn't expected that kind of reaction. In fact, he didn't think Rey would want to be near the river at all.
He looked back down to the souls and thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. I've never considered trying something different or giving them something else." But perhaps the children deserved more. Perhaps all of them did.
"I'm not sure if reminders of life would keep them more settled or upset them, but I don't think it can't hurt to try. They may like your flowers. There aren't very many... interesting things flowing down the river like this, and the children don't rest like everyone else."
They did rest to an extent, but none of the older souls weaved around each other like the children.
Finn's reaction made Rey looked down for a moment, wondering if anything she could do for them would be useful. Doubting herself and the power she had, if it was worthwhile, but she had to try right?
"If that's okay?" she replied, looking back at him. "I don't want to overstep bounds. I'd like to help though, in anyway I can." Even if it meant little flowers, or small fields for them to roam through as they made their way to the river. Something that could help the transition?
"Flowers are a start. We could figure out what would be best, try different things." Finn could give her ideas and she could bring them to life, so to speak. Something calming and tranquil. Maybe nothing bright, but soft and soothing.
Her gaze fell back to the river, looking down at the resting souls, making her wonder what sort of life they lead. What hardships they endured, and if they passed away in a peaceful manner. Mortals could be as cruel as the gods themselves, but Rey hoped in death, they experienced more kindness than fear.
"What you do...it's important, Finn. It's beautiful and important." Which made her wonder why the others would ever view him as less than them.
Finn was silent for a moment, watching the souls drift by. He knew that what he did was important to the souls and that it was beautiful to him but he didn't think anyone other than Poe would recognize that. "Thank you," he answered quietly after his moment. "I'm glad you think so.
"And I'd like to try different things with you. I think the dead would like it, too." They shouldn't be introduced to change, Finn knew, but neither of them were suggesting something jarring. All they both wanted was for the souls to find peace. They could meet those ends together.
The silence didn't bother Rey. She continued to watch the souls drift down the River Styx while holding Finn's hand. It put certain things into perspective for her. If she could help ease the transition for those souls, especially for the young, with her flowers, that would be more than enough for her. Regardless of what Demeter thought or wanted from her.
More importantly, it would allow her to visit Finn. He had quickly grown on her, and found a place in her heart. She felt so at ease with him around, and she couldn't help but want more from him. More time, more conversations, more chances to see that warm smile of his.
More time to create things for him to enjoy.
She began to lean a little against him, lost in her thoughts and budding feelings when he spoke up.
"Thank you for showing me this," she murmured softly, squeezing his hand once more. Her thumb rubbing some circles against the back of his hand.
"We could try something new tomorrow...it would give me enough time to think of a new flower or two."
"It's different....not in bad way," Rey murmured, her other hand moving to rest on top of the one she was holding.
"If I were a mortal, I think I might be afraid, but if you were there to guide me, that fear would go away." So truly, the mortals were lucky to have someone as benevolent as Finn. Someone who was kind, and thoughtful. She could see why Poe loved Finn so much.
"If you want. I wouldn't mind wandering further with you. I think....Poe would want to stay as far away from me as he can."
His heart melted at the reassurance from her. Finn did have confidence in the job he was given, confidence that he performed the task well, but it was wonderful to hear from someone from the domain of life.
But his soft smile waned when she continued, his hand squeezing hers. "Why do you think that?" Yes, things had a rocky start, but they should all be able to work it out together. He was hoping for Poe and Rey to be as close as the two of them were now. Maybe not immediately but... eventually.
A "rocky" start was probably a nice way to put off how their first interaction went. It certainly could've gone a lot better. At the very least they did not hurt each other physically. Emotionally and mentally...that was a different story. They said things that were true, but those words still stung.
"After what happened...how much trouble I caused you and him, and nearly yelling at him--he probably sees me as a nuisance more than anything. I don't blame him."
Not to mention how she (unintentionally) hurt Finn...
"I doubt that. He wouldn't have brought you here otherwise." Or maybe he would have if he thought she could give Finn some happiness and answers.
He turned and held her hands with both of his. "If you truly think that, then all he needs is to get to know you as I have. I promise he wouldn't think anything negative about you. Especially not now that we know the truth."
Rey gave Finn a tired, but pointed look. Poe brought her down here to apologize to Finn, and to explain herself. She would've done the same thing if their roles had been reversed. Or maybe Poe would've tried to...interrogate her for a more suitable answer? It was hard to tell.
There it was again...that spark. That tingle, that feeling that buzzed through her as Finn held both of her hands. A connection that made her want to be closer....something she shouldn't want, but craved?
"We spent a day together, can you say you really know me?" she asked, a hint of humor on her lips as her gaze softened and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Yes," he immediately answered. He could grow to learn more about her, but Finn still felt deeply that he knew her. "I know that you're good and the personification of life and light and beauty. Poe will know that, too, if he doesn't already."
The last thing he wanted was to scare Rey away with his blunt honesty, but he saw no reason to lie.
Then, a smile pulled at the edge of his lips. "Could you say that you know me?" Probably not. The other gods certainly didn't seem to.
Yes, the word nearly left her lips, but Rey bit her tongue. She couldn't possibly claim to know Finn. Not after a day. Not in the way that Poe knew him. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that she did know him. How, or why, she wasn't sure. Maybe the Fates, or the universe itself were messing them her, but...she wanted to answer that she did know him.
Instead of answering right away, Rey squeezed his hand for a moment, trying to ground herself in her answer.
"I'd want to know more about you..." so...somewhat yes and somewhat no? She wasn't going to lie to him, not after what happened. Especially after he was so honest with her.
"And I know you wouldn't harm me...nor would Poe. I know that.." I feel safe with you. I feel like we have a connection, but I shouldn't want that.
"I know that we're close friends. You're kind, and provide quiet strength and peace to Poe...and to me." Was it wrong of her to admit such a thing out loud? Finn was all of those things and more...
And the longer she stared at him, eyes open and honest and a pensive look on her face, the more she longed to....kiss him?
His eyes softened, hands squeezing hers in turn. They could be like this, he thought. They could all be like this, all of them together. There was no reason why it couldn't be possible.
He took a step closer, the edge of the river just barely lapping against his feet. "Rey... May I kiss you?"
"..what about Poe?" Rey found herself asking in softer tones, afraid the dead would whisper such things back to the other half of Hades.
She shouldn't be asking such things. She should've said no. She shouldn't cause a rift between Finn and Poe--but they were one being? Possibly? It was hard to wrap her head around, and was it wrong that she wanted to kiss him? To feel his soft lips against her own and cast aside the notion of being an eternal maiden.
Better yet, why was she thinking about kissing Poe too? The idea that she could be with either--or both men should have forced her to pull back, but it hadn't. No, she was playing a very dangerous game here.
What about Poe? At first, he wasn't sure what she meant. Poe knew that Finn loved him. It was practically etched into both of their souls. And Finn knew that Poe could grow to love Rey as much as Finn was starting to.
Rey had reservations, though, and that was in her right. Neither of them wanted to do something that could lead to Poe's pain.
So, instead, he brought one of her hands up to kiss her knuckles. "I'll talk with him first. You're right."
Rey did not want to come between Poe and Finn. Yes, the gods were known to take on lovers, multiples of them, but she knew how much the pair cared for each other. Aphrodite wasn't proof of love, but they were. She didn't want to ruin the relationship they had, and now...she was starting to feel guilty for having feelings for Finn.
And for Poe.
...She was getting herself more and more into trouble, wasn't she?
Better yet, why would Finn want to kiss her? More questions began to swirl around in her head, but it fell quiet once his lips kissed her knuckles.
She found herself leaning in to Finn, lightly brushing her lips to his cheek.
"...could you hold me?" she asked in a soft voice. Rey didn't want to drive a wedge between Poe and Finn, but she yearned to have a fraction of what they had. Maybe she could learn to care, and love them both from afar.
[ooc:...well, damn this was more fluff than I can handle.]
Finn hesitated a moment when Rey got closer to him, but it wasn't out of nerves really. Mostly, he was in awe that she wanted to be held by him and wondering if he could really give the comfort she was looking for.
Deciding to at least try, Finn stepped forward to wrap her in his arms. His hold was firm but not tight, just keeping her close and burying his face in her shoulder, keeping them both together.
While Finn's hug was firm, Rey's hug was tight, as though she was afraid of letting go. She felt safe in his arms, felt peace....and comfort? She felt a rush of warmth, electricity and something she couldn't describe. Something that slipped into her heart and locked on. Something that made her reluctant to let go.
If...she didn't have her mother's love, she could make peace with that. She could continue living, but if Finn wasn't around. If she could not see him, or hold him, it would be the death of her. She shouldn't have such strong feelings for him, but they were taking root, and gods, she wished she could have a sliver of what Poe had with Finn.
To feel so cherished--loved by him...by them.
It was enough to make her heart ache and cause tears to form in the corners of her eyes. She took in a deep breath and pressed her face in the crook of his neck, willing herself to not cry.
HI IM SORRY the holiday's have been wrecking my life
Oh, something had changed. He wasn't sure if it was himself or the vulnerability of the moment, though. All he really knew was that a surge of protectiveness shot through him hard enough to leave him trembling.
His hand pressed against the back of her head gently, his face falling to her shoulder. "You're okay. Everything's okay now. You can stay as long as you wish. We want you to stay as long as you wish."
Try as Rey could, the tears welled up in her eyes. They fell down her cheeks after Finn spoke those words to her. She didn't think Poe would want her around, not after their argument, but Finn. He chipped away at the walls she built up, and after coming to the realization that Demeter did not care for her in the same way, but Finn seemingly did...
She didn't want to let go of him. Not if she had to.
Rey shifted her head a little, giving a small nod, and tried her best to keep her crying as silent as could be. Finn may have her a sniffle or two...or maybe feel her heart aching. They were close enough...or maybe whatever connection they felt with one another would take a stronger hold.
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no subject
He squeezed her hand as his smile fell but didn't vanish. Instead, he looked down into the souls of the children slowly dancing around the souls of their elders. "They're usually more restless than everyone else. They don't understand death or... they understand it too well. Some of them accept it immediately, others take more time. All of them embrace peace far easier than those that are older than them... The children here are precious. I don't like that they're here, but I can't say with any honesty that I don't enjoy their company. They're so... happy."
Happy wasn't really a good word for it. Full of life seemed like it felt better but that was obviously wrong. "They're loving." That's better. "Most of them, anyway. Otherwise, their fates are the same as everyone else. Drifting down the river."
no subject
Her brown eyes took in the souls of the children slowly dancing around their elders, to the children who seemingly had no one. Children who lost their parents, or were unwanted. Children who looked seemed at peace, but...she knew the emptiness and yearning they felt when they were alive. Trying to be what Demeter wanted, pushing herself to be her best, surviving in isolation...
"At least here they aren't suffering," she whispered, squeezing Finn's hand as a way to anchor herself to the present and not to the emotions swirling inside of her.
"Is there something I could do for them? To help you when you comfort them?"
no subject
He looked back down to the souls and thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. I've never considered trying something different or giving them something else." But perhaps the children deserved more. Perhaps all of them did.
"I'm not sure if reminders of life would keep them more settled or upset them, but I don't think it can't hurt to try. They may like your flowers. There aren't very many... interesting things flowing down the river like this, and the children don't rest like everyone else."
They did rest to an extent, but none of the older souls weaved around each other like the children.
no subject
"If that's okay?" she replied, looking back at him. "I don't want to overstep bounds. I'd like to help though, in anyway I can." Even if it meant little flowers, or small fields for them to roam through as they made their way to the river. Something that could help the transition?
"Flowers are a start. We could figure out what would be best, try different things." Finn could give her ideas and she could bring them to life, so to speak. Something calming and tranquil. Maybe nothing bright, but soft and soothing.
Her gaze fell back to the river, looking down at the resting souls, making her wonder what sort of life they lead. What hardships they endured, and if they passed away in a peaceful manner. Mortals could be as cruel as the gods themselves, but Rey hoped in death, they experienced more kindness than fear.
"What you do...it's important, Finn. It's beautiful and important." Which made her wonder why the others would ever view him as less than them.
no subject
"And I'd like to try different things with you. I think the dead would like it, too." They shouldn't be introduced to change, Finn knew, but neither of them were suggesting something jarring. All they both wanted was for the souls to find peace. They could meet those ends together.
no subject
More importantly, it would allow her to visit Finn. He had quickly grown on her, and found a place in her heart. She felt so at ease with him around, and she couldn't help but want more from him. More time, more conversations, more chances to see that warm smile of his.
More time to create things for him to enjoy.
She began to lean a little against him, lost in her thoughts and budding feelings when he spoke up.
"Thank you for showing me this," she murmured softly, squeezing his hand once more. Her thumb rubbing some circles against the back of his hand.
"We could try something new tomorrow...it would give me enough time to think of a new flower or two."
no subject
Nothing about the river was scary, not to Finn and Poe. It was another part of life, one that only they could specialize in.
But with that relief settled, Finn squeezed her hand in his. "Tomorrow then. For now, I'm sure your rooms are ready."
gah, I don't know how I didn't see this reply!
"If I were a mortal, I think I might be afraid, but if you were there to guide me, that fear would go away." So truly, the mortals were lucky to have someone as benevolent as Finn. Someone who was kind, and thoughtful. She could see why Poe loved Finn so much.
"If you want. I wouldn't mind wandering further with you. I think....Poe would want to stay as far away from me as he can."
it's all good!!! ♥♥
But his soft smile waned when she continued, his hand squeezing hers. "Why do you think that?" Yes, things had a rocky start, but they should all be able to work it out together. He was hoping for Poe and Rey to be as close as the two of them were now. Maybe not immediately but... eventually.
no subject
"After what happened...how much trouble I caused you and him, and nearly yelling at him--he probably sees me as a nuisance more than anything. I don't blame him."
Not to mention how she (unintentionally) hurt Finn...
She wouldn't want to be around her either.
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He turned and held her hands with both of his. "If you truly think that, then all he needs is to get to know you as I have. I promise he wouldn't think anything negative about you. Especially not now that we know the truth."
no subject
There it was again...that spark. That tingle, that feeling that buzzed through her as Finn held both of her hands. A connection that made her want to be closer....something she shouldn't want, but craved?
"We spent a day together, can you say you really know me?" she asked, a hint of humor on her lips as her gaze softened and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
no subject
The last thing he wanted was to scare Rey away with his blunt honesty, but he saw no reason to lie.
Then, a smile pulled at the edge of his lips. "Could you say that you know me?" Probably not. The other gods certainly didn't seem to.
no subject
Instead of answering right away, Rey squeezed his hand for a moment, trying to ground herself in her answer.
"I'd want to know more about you..." so...somewhat yes and somewhat no? She wasn't going to lie to him, not after what happened. Especially after he was so honest with her.
"And I know you wouldn't harm me...nor would Poe. I know that.." I feel safe with you. I feel like we have a connection, but I shouldn't want that.
"I know that we're close friends. You're kind, and provide quiet strength and peace to Poe...and to me." Was it wrong of her to admit such a thing out loud? Finn was all of those things and more...
And the longer she stared at him, eyes open and honest and a pensive look on her face, the more she longed to....kiss him?
The day's events were truly messing with her.
no subject
His eyes softened, hands squeezing hers in turn. They could be like this, he thought. They could all be like this, all of them together. There was no reason why it couldn't be possible.
He took a step closer, the edge of the river just barely lapping against his feet. "Rey... May I kiss you?"
no subject
She shouldn't be asking such things. She should've said no. She shouldn't cause a rift between Finn and Poe--but they were one being? Possibly? It was hard to wrap her head around, and was it wrong that she wanted to kiss him? To feel his soft lips against her own and cast aside the notion of being an eternal maiden.
Better yet, why was she thinking about kissing Poe too? The idea that she could be with either--or both men should have forced her to pull back, but it hadn't. No, she was playing a very dangerous game here.
no subject
Rey had reservations, though, and that was in her right. Neither of them wanted to do something that could lead to Poe's pain.
So, instead, he brought one of her hands up to kiss her knuckles. "I'll talk with him first. You're right."
no subject
And for Poe.
...She was getting herself more and more into trouble, wasn't she?
Better yet, why would Finn want to kiss her? More questions began to swirl around in her head, but it fell quiet once his lips kissed her knuckles.
She found herself leaning in to Finn, lightly brushing her lips to his cheek.
"...could you hold me?" she asked in a soft voice. Rey didn't want to drive a wedge between Poe and Finn, but she yearned to have a fraction of what they had. Maybe she could learn to care, and love them both from afar.
[ooc:...well, damn this was more fluff than I can handle.]
no subject
Deciding to at least try, Finn stepped forward to wrap her in his arms. His hold was firm but not tight, just keeping her close and burying his face in her shoulder, keeping them both together.
no subject
If...she didn't have her mother's love, she could make peace with that. She could continue living, but if Finn wasn't around. If she could not see him, or hold him, it would be the death of her. She shouldn't have such strong feelings for him, but they were taking root, and gods, she wished she could have a sliver of what Poe had with Finn.
To feel so cherished--loved by him...by them.
It was enough to make her heart ache and cause tears to form in the corners of her eyes. She took in a deep breath and pressed her face in the crook of his neck, willing herself to not cry.
HI IM SORRY the holiday's have been wrecking my life
His hand pressed against the back of her head gently, his face falling to her shoulder. "You're okay. Everything's okay now. You can stay as long as you wish. We want you to stay as long as you wish."
*pounce* Happy Holidays!
She didn't want to let go of him. Not if she had to.
Rey shifted her head a little, giving a small nod, and tried her best to keep her crying as silent as could be. Finn may have her a sniffle or two...or maybe feel her heart aching. They were close enough...or maybe whatever connection they felt with one another would take a stronger hold.