I Need You Like Water [the middle of everything]

[Keagan Gerislynn]

January 13th, 2008 7:30 P.M. (Continued directly from feast)

As brave as Keagan felt having lived up to the name of Gryffindor and retaining her wand, even when Corey was approached and it was demanded of him, Keagan now felt rather hopeless. Perhaps the adrenaline that had filled her when the threat was imminent was now gone. Regardless, as soon as she had made sure that the Gryffindors at the table were doing well enough for the time being, and that other students, mainly student officers, were getting up and moving about, the Lioness got up as well.

Only one thing was on her mind - finding Finn. Something in her was saying that finding him was the only way to keep herself sane. She needed him.

This task wouldn't be so easy, however, as she hadn't paid much attention to where he was in the Hall before the Feast was interrupted, and now, chaos and hysteria were distracting enough to the upset seventeen year old.

[Finn Kendrick]

Everything had been a bit of a blur to Finn. The first thing that flashed through his mind as he watched the door get blown off was "Where's Keagan?" He knew she had to be here somewhere, at the Gryffindor table, but from where he was he couldn't see her. When the dust had settled and people began to move, Finn noticed the top of a blond head from somewhere on the other side of the Hall. Standing up, Finn craned his neck to see over the crowd and spotted Keagan, looking around. Getting out of his seat, the Ravenclaw jogged to the end of the table so he could go get her.

"Keagan!" he called out once she was in better view. He jogged toward her, intent on being at her side as quickly as he could.
"Keag, are you alright?" he asked as he got closer, wrapping his arms around her in a big hug. Everything seemed much better now that she was safe in his arms.

[Keagan Gerislynn]

And Keagan would agree that everything seemed better now that she was enveloped in his comforting embrace. The odd thing was how she reacted to the new feeling.

As soon as Keag had heard her name called, she had whipped around to face the source and had started to move quickly toward Finn when she recognized him. It was a bit more difficult for her than for him, considering her height, but they did end up meeting somewhere in the middle. With his arms around her middle, she snaked her own between his arms and sides, gripping his back tightly and pulling herself into his chest. The moment she caught his scent, one she found incredibly comforting, the waterworks began. She really couldn't reply through her sobs.

[Finn Kendrick]

Finn heard Keagan's sobs loud and clear and it was enough to even make him a little teary. He pulled back a little, his hand reaching up to her cheeks. Finn tried to tilt Keag's head up and he kissed her on the forehead.
"Hey, hey," he tried to comfort her, letting the Gryffindor fall back into the hug and onto his chest, "Keag, it's alright. I'm here now." The Ravenclaw hugged her tightly, rocking side to side slightly. He didn't know how much of her crying he could stand. It had to be the worst feeling ever, knowing she was crying and unable to do anything to fix it. Way worse than anything these faceless goons could throw at them.

[Keagan Gerislynn]

She clutched herself to him, letting all her emotion and frustration flow out with her tears and sobs. "I know, I know," she muttered over and over into his shoulder. She swayed with him, trying to forget that they were in the middle of the Great Hall, with Deva littered throughout the building, but found herself unable to do so.

"I need you here. I need you."

[Finn Kendrick]

"I'm right here, love," he whispered back, his grip tightening a little more, "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." Finn let out a sigh, not really sure what he should do. He wanted to be there for Keagan in whatever way she needed or wanted him to be. The Ravenclaw just really didn't want to screw up, not when she was like this.

"What do you need me to do?" he asked her, backing up a little again so he could look down at his Gryffindor. He really didn't fancy seeing her tear-stained face, but he looked anyways.

[Keagan Gerislynn]

"Just...don't leave," she sniffed through her tears. She didn't really think he would, which was a surprise even to her as she held onto him. The Gryffindor knew she could defend herself come a threat, or at least make a hearty attempt, but having someone who she trusted and who cared about her as much as Finn did was comforting and strengthening.

"Don't leave, and hold me."

[Finn Kendrick]

Another sigh escaped Finn. He really hoped she didn't think he was going to leave her. It hurt a little, thinking that might be on her mind.
"I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart," he told her again, kissing her head softly and keeping her close to his body. He could feel how fast his heart was pounding in his chest and Finn knew Keag could probably feel it now too.

"I love you, I'm not going anywhere," he croaked finally, his voice getting caught for a moment.

[Keagan Gerislynn]

"I know." The proper response to his statement was on her lips, and almost slipped out as a matter of course, but Keagan bit it back as she sniffed again, sucking her tears in and calming herself somewhat. She had needed to get all of her fear and frustration out, and now she had.

"I know you do, and I know you'll stay. You're probably worried I'll get myself in trouble if you leave me be, right?" Her smile was a bit weak and crooked as she looked up at the boy, more than likely looking absolutely grotesque with the tearstreaks and smeared eye makeup that probably graced her cheeks, but none of that mattered so much as just making sure he stayed with her.

[Finn Kendrick]

Finn chuckled softly and rolled his eyes at Keagan. He looked down at her, not liking seeing her like this. No sir, he did not enjoy it one bit. Brushing his thumb across her cheek, the Ravenclaw wiped away her tears and smeared make-up. Using the other hand, he wiped her other cheek as well and leaned down, kissing her lips softly. This time, it didn't even bother him that she hadn't said it back.

Taking a look around, Finn suddenly realized how in the middle of everything they were.
"Do you want to sit down?" he asked her.

[Keagan Gerislynn]

Keagan blinked out her last few tears as Finn went to work cleaning off her face, and it only briefly occured to her that he was probably making somewhat of a bigger mess on her face. At this point, it really didn't matter.

Feeling his lips on her's, the seventh year found herself melting into him again, and she only somewhat comprehended his question before answering with a nod.

[Finn Kendrick]

Finn wrapped an arm around Keagan's waist, half-carrying her back to his table. It didn't really seem like she was in any state to walk much on her own and she really didn't mind helping her. Once they'd reached the table, Finn sat her down and squatted in front of the girl, looking back over at the Gryffindor table. Now he could see it more clearly and his eyes landed on Deryn. He really hoped she was OK but Finn wasn't about to leave Keag and find out. Maybe she already knew.
"Do you know if Deryn's OK?" Finn asked his girlfriend, watching his other friend curiously.

[Keagan Gerislynn]

As soon as she was seated on the bench, Keagan let her head fall in her hands and she slumped into them. It was so much easier to let herself go when she wasn't being watched by all the worried eyes of the younger Gryffindors.

"Deryn?" she asked, glancing up at him without recognition for a moment before remembering how close her boyfriend and her housemate were. "Once she actually made it to the table she seemed alright. She wanted to know what we're going to do about this, but I really have no idea. I hate this!" Again, she slumped into her hands.

[Finn Kendrick]

Finn just nodded as she said Deryn was alright, still looking at the Gryffindor table. She didn't look too stressed from here, but Finn couldn't really tell. Looking back at Keagan, Finn sighed once more. He stood up, climbing into the seat next to her and wrapping his arms around her once more, pulling her over onto his shoulder.
"Hey, Keagan," he said softly, "Everything's going to be fine. I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you, OK? You'll be fine. It'll all be fine."

[Keagan Gerislynn]

"I'm not worried about me," she mumbled into his shoulder once he had pulled her there. "I'm worried for my housemates, for the little ones, for the adults who seem a bit helpless without their wands. They've already attacked one of them!"

Keag shook her head, wondering how this could ever possibly happen, and hoping that every person within the castle would make it out alive and well. She looked up into Finn's face again, gazing directly into his eyes, which only made her's go a bit damp again. Her voice was quieter when she spoke again. "I'm worried about you. I can't lose you."