girlsolo | [For Finnick] I don't aim to blow your cover

William tugs at Kate's hand when they pass by the kitchen on the way from the Children's Office to home. "Hungry," he says in that quiet way he has, and Kate nods. "Okay, buddy." He's not scrawny like she imagines her and Will's son probably is at the end of the world being overrun by zombies, but she never says no when he wants to eat. "What do you want?"

The kid shrugs and gives her that soft-eyed look that pretty much means whatever since none of the stuff he usually likes to eat is here anymore.

"It's kinda rough, huh, the island changing all the time? Just when you think it's safe to go back in the water..." She quirks a little smile, and he smiles back even though he has no idea what she means. He just lifts his arms up and Kate hikes him up and sits him on her hip. "We'll find something." He rests his head on her shoulder and she kisses the top of his head. "Promise."

"Declan?" he asks suddenly. Perceptive little kid.

"Gone," she tells him.

"Like mama." He makes a sad face and says, "Sorry, Katie."

And if Kate holds him a little tighter when he calls her 'Katie', hugs him a little harder, is a little more affectionate than usual, William doesn't seem to mind.

*
Title ad cut lyrics from Dessa's Alibi.

Threaded | Flat

With Annie busy talking to Dr. Chase, Finnick decides to spend the hour collecting a few more books. He's several already and, for the most part, the advice contained within rarely varies. Be patient. Be supportive. Don't underestimate her pain. Don't presume to know what she's feeling. As logical as it all seems, Finnick still can't shake the idea that he's still flying blind, still missing valuable information.

He imagines the key has to be in a book somewhere.

After finding three that may prove worthwhile, he finds he still has a good twenty minutes to kill and wanders into the kitchen for a snack. He catches voices before he opens the door, one familiar and one, much younger, decidedly.

He stops right inside the door, looking between Kate and the little boy in her lap. "Hey, who's this?"

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