Fateful Run-In ((Finn))

[Merrick Marr]

The day was young…the air warmer than it had been all year, and the sun was even peeking out of the clouds. There wasn’t even any snow on the ground…it really seemed to be the first day of spring. It made him sick. Merrick Marr stood just outside the entrance of Hogwarts, his eyes squinted and his leather jacket pulled over his shoulders. He wasn’t in the mood for sun and games…a cold bitter wind would have done him wonders. No…it was sunny and bright and the perfect day for Quidditch…the problem was he didn’t have a broom anymore. His eyes flickered over the lawn and grounds…the Whomping Willow was not high on his list right now…not after pulverizing his broom into a thousand pieces. It was a heartbreaking thought and one he really didn’t want to think about as he started down the steps of Hogwarts.

The carriages were waiting to take whatever 3rd through 7th year student wished to travel to Hogsmeade that day…Merrick was more in the mood to walk though. His feet carrying him around the carriage and down the path that he’d traveled so many times to get to Hogsmeade. There was a slight limb to his movements, making it obvious that he had just gotten out of the Hospital Wing…with only the broken bones in his ribs, which had been mended as best as possible…he would just have to be careful…or so Madam Pomfrey said. Merrick wasn’t used to having to be careful, his foolhardy ways usually getting the better of him. Now…now he was actually going to have to pretend like he was some sort of fragile doll. It was far more annoying to him than it would be to others. It didn’t look like there would be any more Quidditch matches for Merrick…at least not right away. He had every intention of denying that request made by the healer. Quidditch was his life and he would be damned if something tried to keep him from playing, especially a few weak ribs.

The thoughts escaped him as he walked…his whole frame standing tall and defiant as he made his way into the village some hour later. There were already plenty of students milling about the place…laughing and shouting at the top of their lungs. Merrick wished he could joy in the glee of the moment, but that wasn’t going to happen as he slipped through the town and down the path to the Shrieking Shack. It was his hide away when he didn’t want to deal with the working of the social environment. At the Shrieking Shack he could be quiet…calm, and reflective…though he wasn’t in the mood to be reflective either. Just to be away from everyone was what he wanted…however as he pulled around the bank he ran into a younger student…his form tumbling backward and a growl escaping his lips. “Watch where you’re going…” but he stopped short as his eyes fell on Finn Miles. “Are you stalking me or something?”

[Finn Miles H7]

Spring. Finn took in a fresh breath of air. He loved when the weather changed. Sometimes he could get so tired of the same weather day after day. Lucky for him, mother nature must have felt the same way, hence the expected shift in seasons four times a year. Gradual change, but enough to keep Finn from having to deal with the constant heat or cold. Change was always good, at least in his eyes.

With his hands stuffed in his pockets, Finn was enjoying his walk in the cool weather. He was wearing a comfortable sweatshirt and jeans- his normal attire for Hogsmeade trips. Wearing a coat was overrated, which was why he only wore one when it was deathly cold out. He did wear a scarf though, one which his grandma had made for him. It wasn't some ugly knit scarf that you might expect from a grandmother though. No, it was bright and perhaps a bit obnoxious, but Finn liked it nonetheless. It reflected his personality quite well.

Suddenly, Finn's casual stroll was interrupted by an unexpected force, followed by a harsh spray of words. Merrick Marr. Finn rolled his eyes. "Damn, you caught me." His sarcasm had to have been clearly evident, but Finn wasn't about to deny stalking because he knew that it would only evoke some smart reply from Merrick. "Wanna go get a drink?" Only Finn would avoid all sense of transition and jump into such a random offer, but he didn't think twice about it. Something about Merrick was off, something didn't add up. Finn couldn't place it, but he was able to look past Merrick's obvious lack of care and his rough exterior and realize that there was something hidden beneath it all. "It would make my stalking a lot easier."

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick just glared at the Hufflepuff before rolling his eyes at the obvious sarcastic reply. It wasn’t Merrick’s fault that he felt like he was being stalked…after all how many run-ins could a person possibly have with someone they actually loathed. Fate would be far too cruel to have devised all of them on her own. Then again, that did seem something that Fate might do just to give Merrick another reason to believe in his own ability to forge his own destiny. Merrick ran his hand over his face before he dusted himself off and eyed Miles with concern as he asked him to have a drink with him.

“You didn’t hit your head did you?” Merrick asked as he pulled up to look at the sixth year, his eyes watching for the telltale signs of a concussion. A concussion would the only way for Finn Miles to ask Merrick to have a drink with him. They weren’t friends…in fact they were so far from friends that Merrick wouldn’t have a problem cursing him right then and there. However, Merrick did not. Instead he just stared dumbfounded at the kid. With everything he had done to try to tear him down he was standing there asking to go get a drink, as if they were buddy-buddy or something.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…After everything you want to just forget about it and go have a drink? Do you have a death wish? Because all you have to do is ask Miles and I’ll grant your wish,” Merrick said with an unreadable tone…it was unreadable mostly because it was confused…thoroughly confused. He couldn’t imagine what Miles saw in him and part of him was curious to find out what that was, while the other part of him just wanted to be left alone and to never talk with the Hufflepuff again. It was all so confusing…

[Finn Miles H7]

Finn laughed. It was about all he could do as he stood in front of Merrick, watching as the tangible anger seemed to encompass their small bubble of space. He laughed because it was undeniably amusing that Merrick was angering himself when it was clear that he was trying to make Finn be the one to lash out with some bitter reply. In all honesty though, Finn wasn't trying to trap Merrick in his own game. He was just being himself, and it just so happened that Finn was a very hard person to aggravate. Merrick could push all the buttons he wanted, but Finn's wiring was just a bit different than most. Then again, Finn would say the same of Merrick.

"Ohhhh, threats. Now that seems like a good idea. Kill me because I ask you to get a drink with me." Finn shook his head. "Judging from our first encounter, I didn't think you'd turn down a drink so easily. Not that I'm judging. It just seemed clear that you liked your alcohol, that's all." Finn wasn't too upset that Merrick still seemed to want to distance himself as far as possible. If it came down to it, Finn would be perfectly fine going on his own. It was his original intention anyways. He just figured that he might as well invite Merrick along. Perhaps it would give Finn more opportunity to dig away at whatever Merrick was hiding behind that sharp tongue.

"A simple no would suffice," he said with a shrug. "You act like I'm twisting your arm here. Nobody's making you do anything, yet you still seem very quick to state your point." Finn stopped there. He realized he was toying with the notion of doing what Merrick wanted him to do. Merrick wanted him to fight back, to argue, to give him a reason to justify his bitter actions. "I can get a hint though," he finished, turning to walk away.

[Merrick Marr]

Okay, so confusing couldn’t even being to describe the situation at hand. Merrick Marr was more than willing to sit down and just not deal with anyone at the moment, but before he’d gotten a chance to enjoy his solace Finn Miles had to ruin it…but not just that was confusing. He wanted to go get a drink…with Merrick, the guy who had done nothing but try to aggravate him and rile him up over the past month or so. After all that…Miles was still interested in being friends? Merrick rubbed at his temples…he was getting a headache…this was all too confusing for him…far too confusing.

Merrick growled low at the comment about his drinking habits…yeah so what he liked to drink…that wasn’t a crime. The only crime was losing control around someone that couldn’t be trusted and right now Merrick couldn’t decide on whether or not he trusted Finn Miles. On a normal basis the answer would be no, but after the last few encounters with the sixth year Hufflepuff Merrick wasn’t going to deny that there was some force drawing them together. After all, they had just run into together…literally, but still as much as he hated to admit that Fate’s hands were in this one, he couldn’t figure out why. Why did it matter if he was friendly to Miles or not? What did he have to offer Merrick? It just didn’t make sense.

Miles finished his monologue and turned to go…how dramatic of him, thought Merrick before he half sighed, half growled. “Sometimes Miles I think you’re more dramatic than a woman,” he mumbled as he took a couple quick strides to catch up to him. There wasn’t much Merrick wanted to say, he just fell into step with Finn, a part of him wondering what the hell he was doing, while another part was actually enjoying the chance to have some company, even if he didn’t want it earlier. At least Finn wasn’t one to snap at him for not paying attention like his girlfriend…or was she his ex by now? He wasn’t sure; he hadn’t spoken to he in the last week…maybe that meant he was single again, no matter…that was a thought best left for another time. He didn’t say anything after that not feeling the need to apologize to Finn for what he had said, or really even wanting to admit that he was okay with getting a drink. He just…wanted to be silent in the company of someone he hardly knew…whether Finn would understand that or not Merrick didn’t care.

[Finn Miles H7]

More dramatic than a woman... now that was an amusing thought. Finn didn't find himself very dramatic at all. In fact, he always had thought of himself as rather anti-dramatic. Though, he could see where Merrick might have assumed the opposite. It was clear that Finn wasn't reacting in the way that Merrick had likely assumed he would. Either way, Finn was heading to get a drink, and now Merrick was beside him too.

Very little conversation was shared between the two, but no words needed spoken when so much was being said otherwise. Finn had realized that, despite Merrick's attempts to brush Finn away, the response of calmness and the lack of a dispute seemed to have the reverse affects that Merrick desired. Instead of Finn being the one who was aggravated, it was Merrick himself who seemed annoyed. And yet, despite all of that, he was no walking beside Finn, having agreed to the drink. This clearly said something, but Finn wasn't going to push the issue. The slightest budge in his approach, and he was certain Merrick would be gone faster than he could throw out a snide comment. Finn didn't want that. After all, he really did want to get to know Merrick better.

"So...... uh...... nice win against Ravenclaw." Finn realized his words sounded terribly forced and cautious, but he had to tiptoe around anything he said, for fear that Merrick would either walk away or lash out with some ridiculous remark. He just wished that Merrick would be real with him. He could tell that there was something there, but Merrick's outer nature was doing all it could to keep himself at arm's length. It seemed like it was an instinct, not just something that he did around Finn.

[Merrick Marr]

Honestly Merrick wasn’t sure why he had decided to accompany Finn Miles. He wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do, but he felt like he should…felt that it might be good for him, besides when could he really pass up a chance to drink? However at the same time he was wondering what exactly Finn was thinking about him in that moment. What was it about Finn that made Merrick care about what kind of person he was? If it was anyone else Merrick would just blow them off, not bother to try to make nice. He wouldn’t give them the time of day if they annoyed him, but Finn was different. No matter what he had done or said, or what was going on Merrick just couldn’t blow him off…didn’t want to hurt him? It was the strangest sensation and a fearful one at that. Maybe Merrick was losing his touch.

The silence was getting to Merrick now…he was tired of walking without talking…he wanted to say something, to do something but he wasn’t sure what to do or say that wouldn’t offend Miles. It seemed everything he did or talked about bored Miles or irritated him enough into leaving him alone. Really it wasn’t his intention to do that, but sometimes he just couldn’t help himself…it was just his way.

Just as Merrick was going to say something Miles spoke up first. Thank Zeus, I can add to this conversation and hopefully won’t anger him, Merrick thought to himself as he nodded his head, the smirk falling across his face. “Yeah it was a good game. Though some of the chasers could have been paying better attention or Manning for that matter. He let through way too many goals,” Merrick said with annoyance as he glanced over at Finn. “So…do you expect to beat Gryffindor in the upcoming match?”

[Finn Miles H7]

"Manning never seems to have his head in the game," Finn pointed out. "Probably has his mind on his next fling. I'm surprised Mary keeps him in. He must have done her a favour or two." Finn smirked, wondering if Merrick would find the humour in that. "Oh, we'll beat them alright. Ivy has me playing Seeker again, surprisingly. I won't let another win slip away this time. Who knows which of the trio of Gryffindor Seekers I might have to face though. It seems that Ryder, Bang-Bala, and Carter have all had their fair share of time in the position. I swear that team has a whole lineup of just Seekers." Gryffindor was a rough team, that was for sure. Lately they had shown a lot of promise. Then again, Finn knew that the Huffles were pretty passionate about the game. Actually, it seemed all of the teams had their own sort of spark. Quidditch really did matter to the majority of those who participated. He wondered if this was the case for Merrick.

"You ever consider playing professional?" He knew that Merrick hadn't went out for the Skills Cup. Though, there were a lot of people who hadn't participated. Ironically enough, Finn had decided to go with the Beater position, and it turned out that he'd be playing Seeker for Hufflepuff, and the position might be more permanent than he expected. The more experience in multiple positions, the better, he figured. Then again, if he were to ever go pro, he knew he'd have to concentrate on just one. Which one, he wasn't quite sure. "You have the muscle, and the body for it." Finn wasn't a small guy, but walking next to Merrick, one might have said that he was. "My brother's about your size, and even he comes away with injuries quite often. A brutal sport." The conversation was coming a bit easier, at least from Finn's perspective it was.

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick actually found himself laughing at Miles’s joke about Drake Manning. It was probably more than true, Drake always seemed to have some woman on his mind…so this was definitely entertaining and not only that but he had always thought that Mary and Drake had some kind of arrangement worked out. It was the only reason he figured Drake was on the team. To have someone in a completely different house thing the same thing just made Merrick laugh all the harder. “You know I’ve thought the same thing,” he smirked as he nodded his head in amusement.

Merrick nodded his head at what Miles had to say about the Gryffindor team. Merrick was still sore at them from earlier in the season when they’d beaten them so badly. It was enough to make Merrick sick. So he’d be rooting for Hufflepuff at the next match anyway. He definitely didn’t want to see Gryffindor win, getting one step closer to the Quidditch Cup. That would be unfortunate.

The conversation quickly turned from the upcoming match to the future. Merrick laughed at Miles’s question. “You do know who my father is right? William Marr, famous Kenmare Kestrels chaser?” Merrick asked with amusement, as he looked Finn over. “I have every intention of going on to play professionally, for the same team as my father. I’m guaranteed a position from them as long as I finish my schooling that is. I don’t have the physical ability to play as a chaser, but I formed my own path as a beater a long time ago as I’m sure you know through playing. It’ll be good to finally get my career as a beater off the ground.” Merrick didn’t really think about how much he was revealing about himself as he was talking. This was comfortable for him…Finn was comfortable for him. It was something he desperately need in his life right then and he was glad to find a moment of peace. “What about you? Have you ever considered of playing professionally?”

[Finn Miles H7]

"William Marr! How did I not piece that together?" Finn shook his head at the obvious oversight. "Well then I guess it's in your blood too. As for me, if all goes well I should be getting a spot on the Wanderers, the same team that's here for the Skills Cup. Though, I can't really say how promising that is looking with my performance in the first challenge. Placing dead last doesn't go to show much of my talent. I guess I'd better hope that the Seeker position works out better for me than Beater has been." Finn tried recalling Merrick's performance on the pitch. His memory was hazy at best. But, even if Merrick wasn't one of the outstanding stars who Finn recognized, it didn't mean he wasn't professional material. "So it's something you want to do then?" Finn asked. Perhaps he was transferring some of his own doubts onto Merrick. Finn loved Quidditch, but he often wondered if that was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. It worked for his father and his brother, but everyone was different. That was something Finn had realized time and time again.

The two arrived at the Three Broomsticks, and Finn opened the door to find a loud and bustling crowd of people. Spotting the only two empty seats in the corner, he made his way there, assuming Merrick was behind him the whole time. "Only one spot at the bar," he said, nodding toward the empty stool as he pulled the chair from the table and took a seat. The waitress stopped by and dropped off two menus, though Finn already knew what he wanted. He scanned the menu out of habit anyways.

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped his lips at Finn’s exclamation about his father. He was surprised he hadn’t picked up on it already. Merrick was quite proud of the fact that his father was famous and that he had taught him everything he knew, though as a chaser Merrick wasn’t as good. As a beater though he excelled. His father, disappointed in the lack of chaser abilities, was still proud of him though…helping him train during the summer with the beater. It was quite the time really for Merrick. He was rather blessed now that he thought about it. Merrick’s blue eyes flickered back to Finn as he talked about possibly having a position on the Wanderers after school was finished. He was quite impressed. “There’s a reason I didn’t do the Skills Cup…I don’t think it tests your abilities fairly. For example I was watching the seekers challenge…Josephine Bowman, the 5th year Slytherin girl…she’s got speed and talent, but like you she came in last in the first challenge, while the girl she was up against who doesn’t even play Quidditch beat her. It was all based on luck and not enough on the actual talent it took. So I’m sure you’ll do better on the second challenge if it’s based more on talent than luck.”

Merrick took a couple quick strides and turned around, walking backward so he could talk face to face with Finn. “Yeah it’s something I want to do. I’ve been dreaming about Quidditch since I watched my father play. I was offered positions on the Kenmore team last year, but my father has this stupid rule about me having to finish Hogwarts first…so that’s what I’m doing. Graduate from Hogwarts and then joining the team for the spring. Unfortunately that means I won’t be getting a lot of playing time right off the bat, but hopefully I will by the end of the summer.”

They reached the pub and Merrick turned back around, following after Finn into the crowded room. Why everyone found the place that enthralling Merrick wasn’t sure, but every time he was in there it was always packed to capacity. He slipped through the crowd and took a seat across from Finn, the menu left in front of him as he watched Finn. He was actually enjoying the day…having been lost in conversation he hadn’t really thought about the fact that he was out with a 6th year Hufflepuff. Merrick ran a hand over his face before pulling up the menu and glancing over it. He didn’t really want anything other than a drink and so when the waitress returned he smiled flirtatiously at her, his eyes flickering down to the nametag on her shirt. “Well hello there Daisy, that’s a beautiful name,” he said in a low voice as he handed her the menu, his hand deliberately sliding over hers. “Do you think you can get me some whiskey, love? Though I’m afraid I left my galleons in my other jacket…” She was taken immediately like most women were with Merrick and she nodded her head, waving off the no money comment as if it didn’t matter if he had it or not. Merrick smirked and motioned to Finn to which the girl glanced over ready to take his order.

[Finn Miles H7]

“I hope you’re right,” Finn said quickly, letting the topic of the Skills Cup fade before they had entered the bar. “So, Kenmore, yeah? Definitely a respectable team.” Finn’s mind wandered to the possibility that he and Merrick were both professional Quidditch players, playing against each other. “Ironic that your father made you finish your schooling rather than starting with the team. My father probably would have insisted that I just drop out of school if my mother wouldn’t have had a fit. Then again, I am a year younger and probably have a lot more to learn. Plus, the fact that my father seems to put all of his effort into pushing Wyatt in his career, it leaves me without the worry of living up to such high expectations.”

Watching in amusement, Finn observed as Merrick proceeded to charm the waitress as he ordered his drink. No food. Just a drink. And no galleons at that. Turning his gaze, Finn looked to Daisy. “I’ll have an orange juice. And… bring us two pieces of the chocolate frog pie. My treat.” He glanced back to Merrick. “You can’t just have a drink,” he said. “Not when their pie is as good as it is.” Finn handed his menu to Daisy and she was off to get their drinks.

“Do you always snake your way into free services?” Finn asked with a chuckle. “Guess it pays to be a charmer.” As amusing as it was, it was something Finn would never do… could never do. As charismatic as he could be, he had a hard time using his charm to win others over for his own benefit. Daisy returned rather quickly, handing both of them their drinks and pie. “Thanks,” he said, taking his fork and almost inhaling the first bite of pie. “Just like the candy itself, the chocolate frog pie sometimes has a bit of a jump to it. Eat it while you can,” he said between mouthfuls of the chocolatey cream.

[Merrick Marr]

“Yeah well my father believes that the best Quidditch players stem from the amount of knowledge they hold. I think it’s also that now that his career in Quidditch is over he finds it important that I have something to fall back on. ‘A lot of people get hurt playing Quidditch Mer. The select few that don’t are fortunate to play till old age, but don’t assume you’re good enough to be one of those few. Train hard, fly hard, and read your textbooks’,” Merrick mimicked his father’s deep voice with a smirk as he waved off the words. “I’d love not to have to worry about living up to expectations, but as it is I’m the only one left with the Marr name to continue, so of course my whole life is already planned out for me.”

Merrick waved off the thought though with his hand as Finn began to order. He hated thinking about his father’s plans for him. There was so much he wanted to do in his life…stuff that his father wouldn’t understand. Sure, Quidditch was his life and he wanted to do that first and foremost, but there was traveling he wanted to do…people he wanted to meet and his father wasn’t going to allow that, not until he had accomplished what his father wanted him to. Only then would he be able to control his own life.

Merrick quirked a brow at Finn and his comment about pie, but didn’t disagree. “I’m not in Slytherin for nothing, Miles,” Merrick said with a sly smirk. He was used to getting what he wanted for free…if he couldn’t use his charm to do it he just mentioned who his father was…soon though he wouldn’t have to use his father’s name to get what he wanted. When the pie was placed on the table he looked at it with a slight questioning smirk before taking a bite of it. Finn had a point, it was awfully good, but he was more concerned with his whiskey. Taking a long swig of his drink he grinned with satisfaction. “The drink’s better,” he grinned at Finn with amusement. “So…why do you feel you’re father doesn’t want to bother with you? Is this brother of yours that much better or is your father just blind?” The words hadn’t meant to come out the way they had, but it was an honest question and Merrick wasn’t about to retract it. He just simply took another bite of his pie and quirked a brow up at Finn as he waited for a reply.

[Finn Miles H7]

Finn simply rolled his eyes at Merrick's statement about not being in Slytherin for nothing. He would have commented, but he was busy watching Merrick's reaction to trying the pie. He liked it. Finn smiled. "I was never expecting you to like it more than your drink," he added with a laugh. "In case you don't remember, the first time we met, I was unmistakably aware how much you liked your drink." Finn hinted with some humour, but he didn't want to push the topic too much. He wasn't sure if it would irritate Merrick, and he wasn't wanting to do that. At least not purposely or for no good reason.

At Merrick's question, Finn wasn't quite sure how to answer it at first. And, he was also unsure if it was a hidden compliment in the way that Merrick said it. He wasn't expecting a compliment if that's what it was, but he didn't want to assume anything and look stupid if he was wrong. "Well, I guess Wyatt's always had his entire heart in the sport." A guiltiness lined his voice. "As for me... well, I like Quidditch, but I don't live and breath it like my father and brother. Plus, if you've seen me play for more than once or twice, you'll realize I lack a sort of consistency. I have my spurts, but it takes more than that, which is why I'm not one-hundred percent sure that I'll even make it as a professional player. Hell, I can't even fully decide on a position." He shrugged, picking at the crust of his pie with his fork.

Quickly realizing that their conversation had turned out somewhat normal despite the way it stared, Finn wondered if Merrick was up to something. Maybe he was trying to get Finn to say something he'd regret. Then again, maybe Merrick did have a civil side to him that Finn thought he might. Either way, it was still a bit awkward as he wasn't sure what Merrick was thinking, but Finn wasn't afraid of awkward. Very little scared him actually. Just things like commitment, and that horrific thing called love. Those things were scary. This.... this was just unknown, and that wasn't always so scary. "So.... we're friends now?" he asked, very out of the blue. He couldn't help but ask though. He wasn't about to waste his time actually enjoying the conversation and company if this was just some ridiculous stunt of Merrick's. He wasn't afraid to be up front about what he was thinking. "I mean, I can say that I never know with you. One minute you seem all angry and bitter, but now, you're actually civil." Finn watching him with a curious eye as he was eager to figure out Merrick's complex personality.

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick wasn’t inclined to even mention the first time they met. Maybe it was because he was so drunk he’d actually needed the help getting back to his dorm and that wasn’t acceptable to him or maybe it was because he didn’t really remember that night as much as he’d like to have. Sure he remembered Kailyn had been there, but that was about it. There was a hazy fog to his memory about what had happened after she left though. He’d remembered Miles showing up, but other than that…it was just one long hazy memory that involved falling… He brushed the thought away quickly as a smirk came to his lips at that thought and he quickly shrugged it off as he took another drink of his whiskey. There was just something comforting about drowning yourself in alcohol every now and then…or every week. Didn’t really matter to him as long as he had a cold brew or firewhiskey he was a happy man.

Merrick took another bite of his pie as he listened to Finn. Lacking dedication, huh? He could relate to that…sometimes. His father always said he lacked dedication, but it wasn’t true. He was more dedicated than a fat kid was to cake. Or so he liked to remind himself from time to time, especially when his father was at his throat with continued comments about ‘dedication’ and ‘drive’. “Well if it’s not what you want to do, then it’s not what you want to do. If you don’t find you have the right motivation then it’s probably not what you want to do,” Merrick said as his fork rattled against his plate and the table as he sat it down to take another drink of whiskey. “Really Miles, you don’t strike me as the type to not be very deciding though. You sure as hell have it out for me if you’re not.”

Merrick was oddly enjoying the conversation…enjoying Miles’ company. That was not something that happened on a regular basis…okay it didn’t happen ever, not unless he was with Tiernan torturing his little cousins for being pests. However, at the moment he didn’t have to torture anyone to feel at ease. It was scary to tell the truth…maybe his subconscious was planning something that his conscious mind was not aware of. At least that’s what he told himself to make things feel slightly less awkward. It was strange not fighting with him…or competing with him. “Friends?” Merrick said the word with awkwardness. Then the comment about being civil reached his ears. “Civil? You don’t say?” he said with sarcasm as he leaned in his pie forgotten as he downed the rest of his whiskey. There was a playful smile pulling at the corner of his lips, his eyes meeting those of Finn’s.

It was as if on cue that the waitress came by, her hand holding a bottle of firewhiskey to pour into Merrick’s empty cup. It was just enough to break the intensity of Merrick’s stare and he sat back, his shoulder’s relaxing, mind screaming at him for what had been running through it for those brief moments. As the waitress left his eyes caught sight and immediately tried to defuse the intensity. “Gotta admire that,” Merrick said as he motioned with his head toward her retreating form, his head tilting to the side a little to watch her walk. “Want some whiskey there, Francis?” He held up his glass to offer some to Miles before he took another drink, his eyes still not daring to meet Miles’.

[Finn Miles H7]

Merrick's comment on Finn decisiveness left Finn wondering what he meant by it. Perhaps he was referring to the fact that the two of them had coincidentally crossed paths at least a half a dozen times in the past few weeks. Maybe it wasn't all coincidence. Finn didn't like to believe in fate though, since that meant that he wasn't in control. That was a scary thought. "Let's just say I take life one step at a time, making decisions as I go. It's pointless to try to plan ahead. I'm surprised more people have figured that one out. Plans are meant to be ruined. It's just a general truth about life." He shrugged, hating the fact that he just spilled a whole mini philosophy in front of Merrick. As far as he was concerned, he was even too random to have a philosophy. His mind spun back to the fact that he was enjoying Merrick's company, and he hoped that they wouldn't get stuck on such deep conversation.

Merrick said little about Finn's comment on friends and civility. What was Finn supposed to expect though? A long, drawn out answer in return? No. He was thankful that Merrick seemed to let the conversation fizzle, preventing either of them from saying too much or making things awkward. To ruin the night now would be unfortunate. Merrick had so far refrained from using any sort of serious critical remarks. Their eyes caught each others' gaze for a second, and Finn felt a lump rising in his throat. The more and more he tried to figure out what their relationship really was, the more and more he became anxious. They weren't enemies, he concluded, despite some of the harsh words they had shared. And then on the friends issue, Merrick seemed hesitant to comment. Where did that leave them? Somewhere in the middle, floating between the two. Finn gave up trying to figure it out.

Merrick's voice brought Finn from his brief moment of pondering. "What...? Oh, right. Yeah," he said, very unconvincingly as Merrick commented on the waitresses retreating form, clearly ogling her as she left the table. "No, none for me," he said with an apologetic smile. "I really need to be going now. But thanks for joining me." He stood to leave the table. Thanks for joining me? What kind of pathetic goodbye was that. He threw enough money on the table to cover his food and drink and then pushed in his chair. "See you around, Merrick," he said, nodding as he turned quickly to leave. As he walked alone back to the castle, he couldn't help but wonder if Merrick thought he was an idiot. It wouldn't have surprised him, the way he was acting, but Finn couldn't help it. With Merrick around, he found himself constantly second guessing his every move, afraid that Merrick would dislike him, but yet eager to be himself. Why did some friendships have to be so complicated? And were they really friends in the first place? Finn's mind wouldn't take a break as he tried replaying their conversation over and over again in his head.