[b]Finn Loughty - Gift Shop - Nathalie Soltero [@wolverbells] [/b]



   Nicole’s ears pricked at the sound of her brother’s voice talking to someone else. Wait - someone else was here? She followed the sound of their voices and her heart pounding, not knowing what to expect. Upon reaching her destination, her eyes widened at the sight of a young woman, closer to Finn’s age than to hers. She looked like she had just woken up and was nervous to have two strangers show up unexpectedly. Nicole tilted her head and her eyes filled with compassion and could not imagine being in her shoes and going through this alone.

   Finn knew he had startled her. His eyes went down to the machete in her hands and knew she wasn’t strong enough to take him on. He had no intention of hurting her unless she posed a threat to their safety. “I’m Finn. Finn Loughty,” he said, a little more relaxed this time around. 
   She was around his sister’s height. The gift shop was still kind of dark despite the light coming through the windows but as he looked at the contours of her face, he noticed she was pretty. Her long hair reminded him of his girlfriend from a lifetime ago. Finn dared not even think about it anymore, for the thought was too painful to bear. She was gone now.

Nicole offered a small smile, sticking out her hand, despite her brother’s distrusting face. "My name is Nicole. It's nice to meet ya.”

 [b]“I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just stopped her to rest.”[/b]

Finn somehow believed her. “Not getting much rest now, huh?” He was referring to the gunshots and the bloodcurdling scream that probably reached every walker in the surrounding area.
   His gaze went back to her as she asked how they got in. He pointed behind him, towards the back of the shop. “Through the window. We came in here as soon as we heard the commotion outside. This whole mall is going to be crawling with walkers in a few minutes.” he said with frustration. 

  They had come here for food and now they were stuck in a gift shop until the whole thing blew over. But they couldn’t stay in here. He opened his pack and grabbed the little water they had and sipped a little bit of it. His whole mouth was parched. But despite his craving for more, he bit his tongue and stopped drinking. He handed it to Nicole, to which she shook her head. Nicole wanted to offer it to Nathalie but she knew her brother wouldn’t do it. She knew it took him a little while to trust people.
   
  "Are you here alone?" he said, his eyes traveling back to Nathalie. "Do you have any friends with you? Family?"  Nicole eyed her brother. Finn sure had a habit of asking a lot of questions. 

   Finn knew despite the fact they needed to stay inside, the same urgency for food and essentials cried out. He knew they couldn't stay here very long. He needed to come up with plan, and quick. They hadn't eaten in a day and half and their energy was beginning to burn out. His head was beginning to feel dizzy and he needed to find a place to rest. But, outwardly, he didn't reveal it at all, not daring to appear weak.