Spin

Nineteen

[RORY]

The warmth of Finn's hand was the only thing keeping me present as we navigated the winding backstage hallways of the venue. We'd transitioned from one overwhelming scene to the next, crew members and arena staff buzzing around like worker bees. 

Framed photos of rock 'n roll icons lined the walls we passed and though I couldn't quite see myself in the reflective glass, I knew I was white as a sheet.

My chest collided abruptly with Finn's back as he came to a stop to give the crew as much space as possible to roll some bulky equipment by us. 

He glanced over his shoulder. When his eyes met mine, I forced a smile -- already knowing it was too late. I could practically see his shoulders deflating as I rushed to intervene. 

"I'm fine, don't worry."

It wasn't a lie. I was, by dictionary definition, fine. An absolutely shocking amount of bodies and cameras and screams had provided us with a less-than-warm welcome to the venue, but I was fine.

In Finn-like fashion, he denied the silent plea for dismissal. 

"That's why I wanted you dropped off on your own, Rory."

"Need a reminder why that wasn't possible, Finn? Have you forgotten?"

He cracked, smirking with boyish delight and confirming his memory was just fine. 

"We could have used those 10 minutes to coordinate another car."

"Closer to 20," he quietly corrected, pulling me along as we resumed our brisk walk. "Couldn't keep your hands off me, though."

"Not quite how I remember it."

"Jet lag will do that."

"Idiot," I snickered. "Do you know where we're going?"

Finn was lost in thought, seemingly focused on navigating the maze. We fell into a comfortable silence as I tightened my grip on his hand, blindly following just a step behind and ignoring the curious gazes of those we passed.  

He turned his head just enough that reading his lips made up for how soft he spoke, ensuring it was for my ears only. 

"I hate that look you get."

He'd already looked back forward before I could clock what he was saying, feeling my own frown returning. 

"Finn, I'm fine. Really."

When he didn't respond, I sunk my heels into the ground so he had no choice but to stop. His hardened expression softened when he looked at me, stiff posture easing as I grabbed his shoulders. 

"Smile, Fox."

His eyes lingered on my lips as he spoke.

"I'll get you another car next time, yeah?"

Rather than respond, I puckered my lips. He sighed, the right corner of his mouth quirking into a halfhearted smirk before giving me what I wanted. 

"There you are."

It seemed as though against all odds, Finn had gotten us exactly where we were supposed to be. Dylan looked at him in exasperation, hanging up her phone.

"I'm changing your contact to Waldo."

"Found me," Finn grinned, earning an eye roll. "Congratulations."

Dylan gave me a distracted smile before directing her attention back to the problem at hand.

"I'll set you free but I want to introduce you to some people first. Deal?"